For many buyers, the idea of creating a bespoke home is appealing, but the complexity of managing land purchase, design, and construction can feel daunting.
The Plot & Build method, pioneered locally by Butler + Duke in partnership with Savills, offers a clear and reassuring alternative. The Plot & Build approach works to a fixed guide price, but separates the purchase into two distinct halves: the land and the construction contract. Buyers first complete
on the land, then enter into a fixed-price build contract with Butler + Duke, structured with staged payments across the build period. The advantages are clear: design freedom without the stress, financial clarity, and a tailored route to home ownership that feels both modern and efficient.
For Nicola, Director of Savills New Homes Oxford, the strength of the Plot & Build model lies as much in the people behind it as in the process itself.
“In my experience over the past decade handling Plot & Build purchases, few have achieved the level of sophistication and precision that Butler + Duke deliver,”
“Their in-house expertise means nothing is outsourced, ensuring clients receive a tailored and consistent service with genuine peace of mind. For buyers, that translates into a real sense of control and ownership.” Savills’ long-standing collaboration with Butler+ Duke has created a smooth, client-focused process where transparency is paramount.
“The team are exceptional communicators, equally at ease with detail-oriented clients and those entirely new to building,” Nicola continues. “That rare quality ensures confidence at every stage. Yarnells Hill, our latest project together, is set to raise the bar for quality and design.”
Peter and Angela, who previously purchased through Butler + Duke’s Plot & Build route in Milton-under-Wychwood, are living proof of the model’s success.
“We were looking at both new-build and existing homes,” they explain, “but most of the existing properties needed significant renovation."
"The attraction of Plot & Build was the opportunity to create exactly what we wanted, at a known cost, with the support of an experienced builder.”
They describe the process as simple and transparent. “The two-stage approach is easy to manage because Butler + Duke are completely open on costs. There is a detailed and clear specification, with generous budgets for fittings. They were patient, explained everything, and made the whole process feel achievable.”
From the outset, Peter and Angela were encouraged to shape their home. “We started with a great design from Alex, then made a few minor changes to the layout. In terms of the fitting out, we had total flexibility. Gemma and the team ran with all our requests and guided us brilliantly. Their supplier network was excellent too, helping us design the kitchen, choose bathrooms, and select high-quality finishes.”
They also invested in bespoke touches, from a boot room and dressing room to a feature staircase and integrated security system.
“The Butler + Duke team always began with the question, ‘What do you want?’ That set the tone for a truly collaborative process.”
Regular site visits and WhatsApp updates kept communication easy and enjoyable. “The team are so positive and welcoming, keen to talk about progress and how to make the most of the design,” Peter and Angela add. “It meant we could focus on the fun side, like interior choices, knowing everything else was under control.”
Perhaps most importantly, the fixed-price contract gave complete financial clarity.
“We are on budget and on schedule. We know exactly what we are paying for, and when. It has been a unique building experience.”
Reflecting on the journey, Peter and Angela are clear: “You can really trust Butler + Duke to deliver. They are a family firm with superb skills, values and beliefs. We approached the build as a partnership, which made the whole
process enjoyable.”
Their advice to others is simple: “Listen to the team, make timely decisions, and then enjoy creating your home. The result is something truly bespoke, crafted with care.”