An Essex mum is saving thousands by transforming a £100 second-hand log cabin into a cosy garden retreat using Facebook Marketplace.
Jamie Ambrose, 33, bought the cabin on the app, and has spent just £355 so far on her DIY renovation.
The project includes upgrades using discounted and free materials, such as UPVC doors and windows, and insulation – most of which she found through Facebook.
Jamie said: "I kind of get mum guilt spending lots of money on myself.
"I can spend money on my kids but when it comes to me I think, 'I’d better not'.
"This time it came it up randomly.
"I wasn’t even looking and it popped up on my newsfeed and it had only been posted an hour ago so I thought, 'I’m going to message, it’s a good price'.
"I actually think my husband looked online and it’s kind of between £3,000 and £4,000 for similar log cabins to buy new."
She is turning the cabin into a 'girly' escape from her male-dominated household, which includes husband Jason, 39, and their two sons, aged eight and one.
As an admin assistant who has completed holistic therapy courses, Jamie hopes the cabin will one day become a peaceful spot to practise healing.
She said: "But it is ideally a little space away from the boys.
"I’ve got a husband and two boys so I’m the only girl in the house.
"It’s just me and the dog and she doesn’t talk much.
"I wanted a space for my friends, sisters and cousins, a girly space where we can all hang out."
So far, she has spent £100 on the cabin itself, £35 on exterior paint, £200 on electric cabling, and £20 on lanterns and windchimes.
Read more
She also received free windows, doors, insulation, and some decorations through product testing and Facebook listings.
The next and likely most expensive step is installing electrics, after which she'll begin work on the interior.
Jamie said: "I think people wanting to do this on a budget should be patient and shop around.
"Don’t spend all your money and get yourself into debt, just wait a little longer."
