It's our 'forever' home ...

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Dave and Carol Parker have two special reasons to celebrate 2016 – the 30th anniversary of their well-known Oxfordshire farm shop and the delivery of the very first British-made Contemporary transportable home as their ‘forever home’.

The Parkers run Wheatley Farm Shop on the outskirts of Oxford and are settling into their unique, contemporary home, the first of its kind in the UK. Nestled between the farm shop’s barns and neighbouring field, the eco-friendly solid log building fits perfectly within its semi-rural surroundings.

With an eye-catching glass frontage, the home boasts a large open plan living area with wood burning stove, modern sleek kitchen, sophisticated master bedroom with walk-in wardrobe and shower room, bathroom and utility/boot room. Large bi-fold doors lead out onto a glass-fronted deck area, a perfect spot for watching the wildlife in the surrounding fields. 

“It’s so lovely having the doors wide open, sitting there with a glass of wine in the evening,” said Carol.

Designed and constructed by Norwegian Log at its Reading manufacturing site, the contemporary building is the first in a new range of transportable homes launched by the Thames Valley firm. 

“Our farm shop is constructed from wood and so we already knew how well insulated these natural buildings are and how well they perform. We did think initially about a bricks and mortar house, but quickly realised that a log home would give us the building we wanted without having to compromise on our lifestyle, so a win, win,” said Carol. “Another reason we wanted to opt for a log building was to tie in with the other buildings on the site, our shop and barns.”

After visiting Norwegian Log’s Reading show home and deciding the contemporary design was for them, the Parkers were granted planning permission within months.  Their home was delivered to Wheatley in two ‘modular’ sections and then lifted into place by crane.  

“It was so exciting seeing it delivered,” remarked Carol. “Everybody loves it, it blends in so well and is very low key. I’m constantly showing customers around and I’ve had nothing but compliments. In fact, several of my friends have been tearful, they’ve loved it so much.”

Their home marks a new chapter in the farm shop’s history. Started by her parents, Hazel and Wally Boater, 30 years ago as a market garden selling home-grown produce, the popular business now boasts a coffee shop, garden centre, and animal feed and pet food barn. Dave and Carol are here to stay. 

“We’ve made sure our new home has been designed for the future so we’ve included a walk-in shower, no steps and we can easily install access ramps. It’s our forever home!” she added.

To view our film of the Parker's home being built and delivered, please click here.