We want the neighbours to love our new home

Unfortunately, the combination of bad weather and site traffic has trashed the lane that runs past us.

We’re going to put this right, but it looks dreadful at the moment. The farmer down the road has helpfully put up two large signs outside saying ‘MUD’.

Although we have no close neighbours, large delivery trucks with jobsworth drivers have, at various points, blocked the road for some of the larger agricultural kit that sometimes comes down it.

The resulting traffic jams haven’t improved tempers, but the folk in the village up the hill have generally been OK about it all.

We get people slowing down as they drive past, or even sometimes stopping for a good look. Is that a good or a bad sign? Do we care?

Yes we do, very much. I hope the quality of the design will win converts among the more conservative parishioners as it emerges and the landscaping embraces it.

I’m sure it will, if they have open minds. The house’s practical attractions – including warmth – can’t be lost on them in this weather. Although I can understand that it won’t be to everyone’s taste, I’ve found myself getting rather protective of the design recently. I want everybody to love our new home.