Gloucestershire craftsman James Ford just wants “to help people have a little bit of real magic in their own lives.” After he was hit by a drunk driver and left in a wheelchair, told he would never be able to walk on his own again, he pushed through with the help of his girlfriend. He is now following his dream of creating whimsical structures called My Shire Houses.
“I am a true success story of someone who had a house and a career, then lost it all when I was hit by a drunk driver in Thailand,” explained James. “When I came back to the UK, my girlfriend, Magdelena, had to give up her job to take care of me. I had to spend the best part of a year bedridden after having my leg rebuilt.
“While in bed, I used to pass the time away by making all types of scale models out of balsa wood.” He was inspired by the work of John Howe, Alan Lee, and Ted Nasmith, as well as all types of fantasy stories, but the designs he created were entirely his own.
James designed and built this castle while recuperating.
The balsa wood shavings would get everywhere, and Magdalena “used to hoover [vacuum] the bed every night. She looked at one model, and said, ‘When you’re better, you should save up the money to make that one in full size. People would love it.’
“So I spent the next two years in the pool and the gym every day, plus intensive physiotherapy, to get back on my feet and out of a wheelchair. I had to go onto disability benefits, as I did not receive a penny in compensation, and I was told I would not walk without a stick again, but I did.”
He didn’t want to “take advantage of the benefit system, and was more driven to get off of it and make good from a negative situation.”
When he got back to full health, James saved up the money to build his first My Shire House. He said, “I am a very passionate about making my shire house wheelchair accessible, so that all ages and abilities can enjoy them.”
He and fellow craftsman Gary worked long hours and late nights to finished the project in time for opening day at Treefest at Westonbirt Arboretum on August 25. “I could not believe the reaction I got. It has blown me away how much people loved it, and I keep getting emails asking me where people can stay in one.”
Photo by John S Silk © 2012
While there were some visitors at the show who owned campsites and were interested in My Shire Houses as holiday rentals, others were more interested in using them as guest rooms, offices, studios, and playhouses.
Eventually, James would like to establish his own campsite. “I am looking into getting hold of some land when I get this off the ground,” he said. “All I want out of life is to build the best future for my partner Magdalena and myself, to set us up and start a family. I am hoping that I can show it is possible to make it in this recession.”
With beautiful handcrafted designs, countless uses, and unlimited customization, My Shire Houses are a fantasy come to life! Make sure to visit My Shire Houses on Facebook and at MyShireHouses.co.uk for photos and purchasing information. And finally, enjoy this guided tour of the first My Shire House by James himself!
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