Henley

Tony and Ara could hardly be described as a conventional couple. Ara walked away from a successful corporate career to become a physical therapist, and in his 60 years Tony has been a health and wellbeing researcher. Now the plan is to draw those passions and beliefs together to create a house that is all about health and wellbeing - all the more pressing as Ara has fragile health due to an autoimmune condition. Even though they’ll be living on site to save money, the idea is for Tony to shoulder the responsibility of managing the build, in order to shield Ara from any stress. 

The plot is a beautiful woodland clearing near Henley-on-Thames, but it’s also a site replete with potential emotional landmines. The first step is to demolish the house that Tony grew up in, built by his father, and where Ara nursed both parents in their final years. As the new structure emerges it’s not long before Ara’s desire not to get physically drawn into the build falls by the wayside. With money tight she has to join Tony labouring on site, and with their schedule stretching inexorably and stress levels rising, what was meant to be a house of healing is in danger of becoming the exact opposite.