the first thing you see driving up Ed and Rowena Waghorn's bumpy and riveted track at their home near Ross is the cathedral-like window. It dominates their unique, sustainable house-build. Presenter Kevin McCloud, who has been following their project since its inception nearly five years ago with the Grand Designs team, likened it to 'something built by hobbits'. It really is quite astonishing - and pleasing.

The Waghorn's live on their smallholding with their four children and a menagerie of animals. Their lifestyle is, as much as possible, a self-sustaining and organic one and this approach is demonstrated in the house they are building. While not quite finished – "we will be in by next year," said Rowena – it is easy to see why McCloud was so taken by it. It sits in the fold of the hill, very much part of the landscape. There are no straight lines here, but many curves, quirkiness and loving attention to detail and craftsmanship. Use of natural materials add to the tactile-like experience. Ed, with a background in design, has always been happy making things, so building his own family home has been just an extension of this. He described the very personal build to the Gazette as: "Advanced construction with a rustic feel."

While many dream of building their perfect home, the Waghorn's have made their vision into a reality. They bought the land seven years ago and demolished a small bungalow and thence began the frugal handmade build. Of course, while this project continued, the family have had to live somewhere. Within sight of what will eventually become their home, they live happily in a cluster of makeshift homespun outbuildings; a caravan and the hobby house which Ed constructed over the course of one weekend.

The length of the project has meant the grand designs team and the Waghorn's have got to know each other very well and the filming had became a relaxed affair. "Oh, they're filming today – oh well," said Rowena. "we just had a laugh together. They were really professional and genuinely cared. They captured a true representation of ourselves and the project, which says much about the production team. Good on them to get it right. It was a real pleasure to get to know and work with them." Feedback since the programme's broadcast has been positive with lots of interest in not just the main house build, but also the hobby house, which is something Ed is interested in offering as an alternative to the outside spaces like the shed or caravan.

Next up on the project is the roof. "At the moment we are trying to source sweet chestnut in the round for roof shingles," said Ed. "If anyone is clearing some from a wood we would be interested in hearing from them." They have sourced many of their materials locally, and a curious byproduct of the house build is the sense of goodwill and community is has engendered. "People have been really supportive, and it's been a nice way of being in the community."

Never one to waste his words or praise, Kevin McCloud said the Waghorn's home will, when finished, become a landmark. And he's right – not just because of the structural and aesthetic integrity, but also the gentle and sustainable way in which the Waghorn's have managed the project. For more information see http://www.inthehills.org.uk">www.inthehills.org.uk.