The following tells you the history of St. John's View since Amanda and Steve bought the plot back in 2004. If you want to contact the builder, Andrew Jones please visit his website : www.finnishwoodproducts.com

St. John's View Build Blog

A Pipe Dream - It all started on Paddington Station. I had hankered after the idea of a second property for quite a while and we had looked in France before deciding that Devon or Cornwall was the ideal location (distant memories of family holidays as a kid plus recent experiences of sunny summer days). The prices were scary so the only way it seemed possible was to find a plot and then build when finances were available. The plot had to be near the sea - gold dust seemed more common in Cornwall!! Web searches had turned up nothing, but one evening waiting for a train browsing through the latest edition of "Grand Designs" I came across an advert for an estate agent I hadn't tried. That evening a browse of the Stags website led me to an advert for two plots already with outline planning permission in Crackington Haven, "Cracky" is a little off the beaten track between Padstow and Bude and I had never been there but it was Cornwall, it was near the beach and it was inside my budget. Definitely worth a drive. A week or so later, the 8th October to be precise I set off map in hand to find the plots. I met Denzil, the then owner and soon to be our neighbour and fell in love with the spot, the images were taken on that day and in my minds eye I could already see folding doors opening up to a deck where I could soak up those fantastic views. "I only meant one!" - The auction date was early November 2004 in Launceston. In hindsight I think I was a little lucky as there was a general drop in confidence in the housing market at the time and I expected to find a packed auction room. It was busy but not as busy as we expected. My preference was for plot 2 and I was a little taken a back when the auctioneer explained that plot 1 would be sold to the highest bidder after which they would have the option to purchase plot 2 at the same price. The auction happened quickly in lots of ways too quickly!! My budget was quickly exceeded and then the auctioneer brought the proceeds to a halt. The plot hadn't reached its reserve? The auctioneer asked any interested parties to stay behind if they wished. I was left with Alex, a Doctor from Exeter. Alice was only a few months old at the time and Amanda had decided that the best place for the two of them was in the adjoining hall. What followed was a regular exchange of communication between me and the auctioneer and then me and Amanda... I explained that I would be happy to spend a certain amount of money for plot 2 OR a slightly smaller amount for plot 1. the auctioneer came out after liaising with Denzil and Vera and said that I had been successful. Fantastic!! however he then went on to pass his commiserations to Alex who duly walked out. "Hold on.... does he think I want both of them!" A quick exchange clarified my intentions and then the auctioneer was running down the street to catch the Doctor. What followed was a couple of further exchanges but we were the owners of a pocket handkerchief of land in North Cornwall. On the way back to Worcester I took Alice and Amanda to see our new purchase. More to follow .......