54 homebuilding.co.uk
including the placement of some of the windows,
and creating additional accommodation in the first
floor kitchen area. “It’s built in timber frame but
there was no timber kit company involved. Every
panel was built on site. This allowed us to make
important changes along the way,” explains Alan.
Following the highly collaborative build, the
Glasshouse finally emerged as a two-storey villa
featuring slate cladding and Wetherby silicone
render finishes, designed to withstand the coastal
elements. Marley Edgemere tiles were chosen for
the hard-wearing roof, with the same tiles also being
used for the sills, which creates a continuity across
the external design.
Large areas of glazing to the open-plan upper-
level kitchen, dining and lounge area take advantage
of the dramatic sea views. “Lucy particularly wanted
large feature windows,” says Alan. A double-height
feature staircase connects the upper floor living area
with the main entrance level accommodation, which
features four bedrooms, three en suites, and a large
utility area opening onto the private woodland-
facing courtyard.
“The budget grew from £370,000 to £470,000
due to ‘up-speccing’ to make the house exactly
what we wanted and top quality. This included
landscaping, The Wee Glasshouse (accommodation
above the detached garage which we are currently
renting out as a guesthouse), electrics, technology,
kitchen, bathrooms, flooring, Velux features and
more. All these additions were worth it as it’s a
forever family home that won’t be sold. We always
had it in mind that the extra we were spending
wouldn’t put us in negative equity. In any event
the house was valued at £1million on completion,”
concludes Alan.
“We really stretched ourselves with this build but
when we got to the end of the project I canhonestly
say we said we wouldn’t change a thing.”theLIvIngsPaCe
the living area features
blackout blinds and
screen projector on
thewallabovethe
fireplace(notshown).
the house has a whole-
house music system,
wired back to a plant
room in the ground
floor utility.“Iwanted
everythingin one
room,” saysalan.thekItChen
tms designed the
bespokekitchen
incollaboration
withalanandLucy.
“theLed lighting is
everywhere — the
kitchen has uplights,
andlightthroughthe
splashbacks,”says
alan.the kitchen island
provides an informal
spot to dine.