Two self-builders, who created their forever homes on the Graven Hill development, have opened their doors to share the joys and learning curves they found during their journey.
Published: Monday, 24th March 2025
To find out more, district councillor Rob Pattenden joined Bart Wilczynski and Jitinder Hari, who both took advantage of the opportunity to make their mark and join the UK’s biggest self-build development.
For Bart and his wife Klaudia the unique nature of Graven Hill – the architecture, its individuality and the fact that they hadn’t come across any development quite like it, sold them on building a future in Bicester.
For Jitinder it was watching Grand Designs on television that sparked his interest and passion for constructing his forever home, “I called Graven Hill the next morning and they had a tour bus planned but it was fully booked. I called three times a day after that until I got a spot and went to have a look around. Following the tour, I walked back into the GHVDC Plot Shop office afterwards and said: ‘can I have a plot please’.”
Councillor Rob Pattenden, Portfolio Holder for Healthy Communities said: "It was delightful to meet Bart and Jitinder and hear their inspiring stories of how they built their dream homes, from just a vision in their minds to a stunning reality.
“I was completely blown away by the individuality that was on display and am proud that Graven Hill can provide a space for people to truly express themselves. It was so exciting to see so many personalities on display.
“The sense of comradery and community that has been created is wonderful to see, it is so nice to see streets full of houses with their own character and identity – so reflective of the owners that designed them.”
Bart reflected on how the feel of Graven Hill reminded him of home, “I’m quite used to self-build, which is very popular in Poland, and it made me realise how much I wanted the freedom to design my own legacy.
“As a joiner and business owner of End Grain Ltd, I decided not to appoint an architect and do everything myself, from design to delivery.
“Moving to Graven Hill has been one of the best decisions we have made. It is a fantastic place to bring up a family, we are really part of a wonderful community.”
The experience of moving and building his forever home was a positive one for Jitinder, “I know more people in Graven Hill after living here a few months that I did living in Reading for 27 years.”
“Yes, doing a self-build can be daunting and you can’t be blasé about it but, whether you come here with kids, are middle-aged or on the cusp of retirement, you have a community around you that works for everyone.”
Councillor Pattenden added, “The palpable sense of belonging you can feel as you walk around Graven Hill is joyous. I am proud that in some small way we have been able to support people in achieving a lifelong dream of building a home that encapsulates who they are.”