Cotswold stone, Chiltern flint, Kentish weatherboard and Suffolk pink. Four classic English styles, designed today with sustainable materials and low energy bills.

One month in at Woburn Sands, the foundations, drainage and services are all in with no hold-ups and even the weather behaving! Next up: the block-and-beam floor before the walls start to rise. Watch this space… 👀

Woburn Sands Site Diary — Entry One From a Piece of Land to the Foundations of a Family Home Every self-build has its own story, and our new project in Woburn Sands began with an interesting change of direction. Our clients approached us after finding a beautiful piece of land in an area they already knew and loved. The site had previously received planning permission for a particular house, but the approved design didn’t feel right for them or reflect how they wanted to live

It's the question we're asked more than any other , and the honest answer is more interesting than a simple yes or no. Here's what actually determines whether self-build saves you money, and why so many of our clients say the numbers were never really the point.

What if your home was designed not just to look beautiful, but to help you feel better every day? This letter explores how thoughtful orientation, natural light, biophilic design and intentional spaces create homes that support wellbeing, longevity and the way modern families truly live.

What looked like a straightforward brownfield development became a five-year planning journey through changing environmental legislation, evolving policy and plenty of perseverance. Here’s the story behind our Pond Park project in Chesham.

Before you fall in love with a plot, there's groundwork to do. Here are the 10 things we always check first, from planning permission to the true cost of building.

Self-build shouldn't mean spiralling budgets and planning battles. Here's why We Are Millen is bringing more planning-ready plots to market, and how much (or little) support you choose along the way.

The Team at Millen believe sustainability isn't just about what a home is made from. It's about creating somewhere people never want to leave. If someone asked us what sustainability means, they might expect us to talk about solar panels, heat pumps, insulation values or renewable technologies. Those things are undoubtedly important, and they all have a role to play in reducing the environmental impact of our homes. But we don't believe that's where sustainability begins. For

Planning a self-build? Discover why considering your lifestyle, family, location, layout and interiors from the very beginning leads to more thoughtful, sustainable homes.

Sometimes the greatest opportunities are closer than we think. If you’ve ever stood at the bottom of a generous garden and sensed there might be untapped potential, you’re not alone. For many homeowners across Hertfordshire and the South of England, that extra land represents far more than lawn and flowerbeds. It’s an opportunity to create a beautiful new home, unlock hidden value, and make a positive contribution to the communities around us. But where do you start? And more

Three Households offers a rare opportunity to create a bespoke home in the heart of Chalfont St Giles. With three self-build plots available, buyers can become involved early in the design process, helping shape everything from materials and layout to the finer architectural details. Guided by Millen’s expertise in planning, design and sustainable construction, it’s a chance to build a home that feels uniquely yours.

Tips to navigating your way to a Planning permission!

Thinking about building your own home in the UK? At Millen Homes, we specialise in helping clients design and build beautifully crafted homes that reflect their lifestyle, needs and ambitions, starting with the most important step: finding the right plot. Whether you’re just beginning to explore the idea or already searching for land, we’re here to make the journey of self building your dream home both achievable and inspiring. The Team at Millen secured and won planning perm

A guide on understanding and overcoming the regulatory challenges posed by local councils when developing sustainable housing projects. As the demand for sustainable housing grows, developers and homeowners alike are discovering that navigating local council regulations can be one of the most challenging steps in bringing environmentally friendly homes to life. While local authorities play a vital role in protecting communities and the environment, the complexity and variatio

Navigating the complex world of land valuation is a critical task for any property developer in the UK. Understanding how to effectively appraise land not only helps in acquiring assets at the right price, but it also plays a vital role in shaping the success of future projects. This blog post will explore effective land valuation strategies and provide insights into various property appraisal methods. Overview of Property Appraisal Methods UK Land valuation serves multiple p

Sustainable construction is no longer a niche concept, it’s the future of responsible building. From eco-friendly materials to smarter construction methods, every decision made during a build can reduce environmental impact and enhance long-term performance. In this post, we explore how thoughtful design, innovative technologies, and low-impact choices come together to create homes that are better for people and the planet.

unlocking potential equity of your garden land.

Self-build homes are becoming a popular choice for many home owners. Read to see if it's right for you and to understand where to start.

In this article, we will discuss about our site Orchard Road, in Essex, which is a true representation of designing and building for rental.