Matthew Knott

This lowly slab of concrete represents so much to us as a family, and I think it's saved my marriage.

I've never been so in love with a piece of concrete before. Not because of any grand design that is coming together but because this is everything to us, literally. We (Lisa and I) have been slowly falling apart in our current house. Arguing more, getting more distant, and all because of the shit we've had from next door, and now that darn rat.

This place is so serene, so quite and surrounded by mighty oak trees. When I went up on site Saturday I could feel the peace settling in. We're both happier in ourselves as well, I think we both know what this means for our future.

The house is detached so the creepy noises will be a thing of the past. By creepy noises I mean being able to take a bath or sit on the toilet without hearing them shouting at each other.

There's less room, less character but none of that matters. It's warm and cosy, and safe for the kids, and it has a garage! I've never had my own garage before, but chances of getting some project car to work on are slim.