I have long been interested in architecture and design, and although I am at best an enthusiastic amateur, my interest is in marrying old and new to create dynamic contemporary spaces. Of course, I am not claiming we have got it right all the time but the combination of traditional materials and craftsmanship with a contemporary design ethos works for us. I hope that the clean style enables the building's unique characteristics to come to the fore.
The colour palette of the decoration is simple and traditional being painted in buttermilk limewash on traditional lime-plastered walls. Furnishing is a mix of traditional and contemporary design, many of the pieces have been carefully sourced from individual makers and (I hope) will defy changing fashion. Lighting is simple halogen down-lighters with some notable exceptions – in particular the 1.5m contemporary wire chandelier in the kitchen. The result is a bright and streamlined house that adapts well to the requirements of a growing family.
All joinery is in oak with solid floors and doors and ironmongery is hand-forged in the traditional way. Wherever possible the oak beams (some almost 1000 years old) have been left on show, simply scrubbed with a coating of beeswax to bring out the colour. We have departed from the norm in the use of curves in the kitchen and hall as well as the design and construction of the American Walnut staircase.
