ABOUT US

Enriching lives with design & craft

A family-run business

Elegant Homes is a family-run property developer, specialising in bespoke residential homes across Berkshire and South Oxfordshire. Founded in 1998 by Chartered Surveyor Peter Neville, the company has built a strong reputation for creating beautifully designed developments that stand the test of time.

As a business built on family values, we're passionate not just about the homes we build, but the communities they sit within. Each development is carefully considered to create places that feel lived in, loved, and long-lasting.

We’re meticulous in our approach

From the materials we choose to the way we plan and build, we partner with trusted brands and uphold the highest standards of design and craftsmanship. Because to us, it’s the little details that make a home feel special.

Our homeowners often stay in touch long after they’ve moved in. It’s something we’re incredibly proud of – and a sign we’re doing something right.

Red brick house with a front door, large bay window, and gabled roof, with a clear blue sky in the background.

“We have enjoyed living in this house and really appreciate the design that went into it. We particularly like the style and quality of bathroom and bedroom fittings, as well as the tiling. We wouldn’t have any reservations on recommending you to others.”   

Eamon Holliday, 8 Ash Hurst Homeowner, July 2023

Meet The Team

  • A smiling man with curly brown hair wearing a light blue dress shirt standing indoors.

    John Neville

    PLANNING DIRECTOR

    John leads on planning strategy, managing applications and overseeing development appraisals. With an MSc in Spatial Planning and Development (Distinction) from the University of Reading, he also advises on planning policy and identifies new land opportunities. Alongside this, John heads up our sales strategy – working closely with estate agents and managing the handover process. If you buy one of our homes, chances are you’ll get to know John well.

  • A woman with dark hair and blue eyes wearing a white polo shirt, standing in a kitchen.

    Joanna Kolenda

    FINANCE & OPERATIONS MANAGER

    Joanna has been part of the team for over a decade and manages the financial side of the business – from accounts and salaries to supplier and subcontractor payments. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for organisation, she also supports our marketing efforts, looking after the website, social media, and the occasional staff party.

  • Smiling man in light blue button-up shirt standing indoors, smiling at camera.

    Nick Goodson

    CONSTRUCTION DIRECTOR

    Nick oversees the construction side of the business, managing project planning and resourcing from start to finish. A Chartered Construction Manager (MCIOB) with hands-on site experience and a First-Class BSc in Design & Construction Management, he brings both practical insight and technical expertise to every build. Nick works closely with clients, consultants, and subcontractors to deliver efficient, well-run projects – on time and on budget.

  • A man with a beard and a shaved head, smiling, wearing a yellow safety vest, light blue dress shirt, and a black wristwatch, standing indoors.

    Archie Dubrovskis

    SITE MANAGER

    Archie spent over a decade working with Elegant Homes as a trusted subcontractor before officially joining the team. With an exceptional eye for detail, he plays a key role in delivering the high-quality finishes we’re known for. As site manager, he oversees the internal fit-out of our homes, ensuring every element is completed to the highest standard.

  • An elderly man with gray hair wearing a bright yellow safety vest standing indoors.

    Twain Lyden

    SITE OPERATIONS DIRECTOR

    Twain is approaching his 25 year anniversary with the company and has 45 years experience in construction. He directs operations on-site and ensures our projects are built safely and to a high standard. He also liaises with neighbours to minimise the impact of building operations on other people’s lives.

  • A man with short, light brown hair wearing a white and pink striped shirt, standing against a plain light background.

    Peter Neville

    FOUNDER & STRATEGIC ADVISOR

    With over 40 years of experience in property development and planning, Peter brings a wealth of knowledge and insight to the business. A graduate of the University of Reading and a Chartered Surveyor (MRICS), he provides strategic guidance, sources new development sites, and helps keep everything running smoothly – when he’s not catching the cricket, that is.

Whether you’re interested in buying one of our homes, partnering on a project, or simply want to learn more about what we do - we’re always happy to talk

Rooted In Community

At Elegant Homes, we don’t just build houses, we create places people are proud to call home. From day one, community has been at the heart of everything we do. As a family-run business, we understand how important it is to feel part of something – to know your neighbours, to belong.

We take the time to get to know the areas we build in, working closely with local residents, planners, and partners to make sure our developments enhance the existing community. Whether it’s supporting local schools and sports clubs, preserving green spaces, or building homes that complement the local character, we always think long term.

Because to us, success isn’t just about what we build – it’s about enriching lives with design and craft

Aerial view of a new residential neighborhood under construction with several completed brick houses, some with landscaped yards, and a row of houses still being built with scaffolding and construction equipment. In the background, there are green fields with grazing sheep and a distant train passing through the countryside.

Supporting Local Charities

Green logo for Camp Mohawk by Woodland Centre Trust, featuring two children with disabilities holding hands, surrounded by trees.

As part of our commitment to giving back, Elegant Homes proudly supports local charities that make a real difference in the communities we build in.

One such organisation is Camp Mohawk – a much-loved day centre for children with special needs. Set in a peaceful woodland location, the centre offers a safe and enriching environment where children can play, learn, and connect through a wide range of activities.

We’re proud to have supported Camp Mohawk by assisting with the planning application for their new swimming pool and offering guidance on build costs – helping to bring an important project one step closer to reality.

Supporting Local Community Groups

Two men smiling and shaking hands, one is handing a check to the other, with a background of house designs and architecture photos.

We believe in building more than homes – we want to support the people and places that bring our communities to life. That’s why we’re proud to back grassroots organisations doing vital work at a local level.

One of these is Caversham GLOBE (Go Local On a Better Environment) – a volunteer-led group dedicated to protecting and improving green spaces for the benefit of wildlife and residents alike. Their recent efforts include maintaining street planters, graffiti removal, and regular litter picking around central Caversham.

Here’s our founder, Peter Neville, handing over a donation to Richard Denney of Caversham GLOBE – a small gesture towards a greener, cleaner community we’re proud to be part of.

Classroom with students attending a lecture, a teacher standing near a whiteboard, and presentation slides projected on the walls.

Education & Personal Development

At Elegant Homes, we’re firm believers in lifelong learning. We actively encourage our team to pursue personal development, professional training, and continuing education, because the better we grow as individuals, the stronger we are as a business.

Our Construction Director, Nick Goodson, leads by example. A passionate advocate for ongoing learning, Nick was recently invited back to his university to deliver a voluntary lecture on building services, offering students practical insights and real-world scenarios from life on site.

We’re proud to foster a culture where knowledge is shared, curiosity is encouraged, and the next generation of construction professionals is supported.

Construction is a very practical industry. The more exposure to real-life scenarios students get alongside academic learning, the better equipped they’ll be for the workplace. It’s nice to have opportunities to make a small contribution.

Nick Goodson

Pattern of intricately detailed silver leaves arranged in horizontal rows on a black background.