A Couple's Self-Build House In The Woods

In 2013 Jeff Morehen and Nela Willis, an architect and project manager respectively, bought a plot on which sat an unloved 1920s bungalow in Forest Row, East Sussex. Knocking it down, the couple sought to design a sustainably minded house with open, light-filled living spaces and beautiful views of the garden in its place – and they delivered. “I’m a real outdoor person,” says Nela. “This is the first house where when I’m inside, I’m not itching to get out,” due to its seamless connection to the verdant landscape. “I can see it and I can hear it,” she adds. Watch now to discover why.

Filming and Editing: Edmund Cook
Production: Hannah Phillips
Graphic Design: Tom Young

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[sarahmartin]

Im blown away and cant put into words yet on what an amazing change i cane to today . The whole wood feel and nature, inside and out. Thanks Nela and Jeff. My son was 15 years old when I last worked with you both. I'm just blown away and congratulations. Btw HM sent me the link 😂❤🎉

[thehoneyeffect]

What I really appreciate about the design of this home is The serenity, relaxed, warm, worn in yet contemporary feel. It has a darkened Scandi hygge vibe. not quite my style but I like

[esikazemese]

This house is so beautiful, it makes me cry

[cd]

Love the kitchen family room. I could live in just those spaces and be perfectly happy.

[jamesetal]

My fav house. I finished a small home with a similar philosophy. I too strived for natural light, minimal energy usage and an ability to generate solar power. I have no training as an architect but have mad skills as a wooden boat builder and so applied them to the interior. Many wonderful and unique things did arise. I was handed the keys with an interior of bare drywall, toilets and tubs. Nothing else. From there I have spent, pushing three years, creating. Curves, softness and cubbies have been carefully thought of and installed, inside and out. Im getting there. Its a fun, slow march toward peace.

[ohthechitchat]

The stair bannister is at of pure genius.

[peaceu]

I'm a sucker for all things wood and vegetation and it is because of this that I love their home and their vibe.🏵️🙏🏾🏵️

[bredlo]

Gorgeous home, love the interviews too. My favorite detail is the mitered balustrades at the top of the staircase... just beautiful.

[talloolahmoon]

Beautiful windows/views out. Super special

[MsCottonSun]

Wow, house is a dream… it’s beautiful to look out and only see greenery

[tiffanycurtis]

This video relaxed me beautiful home from the beautiful doggies🤎 to the home everything is amazing 🔥

[savitriwijesinghe]

Such a beautiful house. Good architecture. Such a nice couple.❤️❤️❤️

[mariabanholzer]

Such a beautiful house! And garden!🥰😍💖
Much love and ☀️☀️☀️ from Marseilles

[ms.aineec.beland]

Thank you for sharing your ideal home!

[aaronharris]

A lovely property, design and nicely described by the owners who are very lucky! I was hoping to see how the property fits into its landscape from further away and see the surroundings/woods. Also a layout plan and how it looked before, Maybe I missed something is it was also quite a short clip. Thanks for sharing though!

[IngerMorris]

I would love to know how anyone with these beautiful modern houses with lots of glass manage smears on the windows. It drives me mad in our old cottage when the winter sun shines and there are smears on our windows even though the window cleaner has been. Also our skylights in some parts of the roof too.

[willsmm]

Love this - beautiful capture of an inspirational project

[tejsandeep]

What a beautiful home. Inspiring stuff.

[kattihatt]

In what way did they build the house themselves?

[heleneac]

Absolutely gorgeous! Does anyone know what kind of wood was used inside? Oak?