How is it done?

When creating a bespoke home the designer has to carefully consider all the relevant factors, not least the client's needs and aspirations. However, balanced against these are the limitations of the site, the demands of the planners and the constraints of the budget. Satisfying these criteria, which are sometimes at odds with each other, requires considerable skill, flair, experience and a degree of patience from both the client and the designer.

Replacement House

To give you a flavour of how this is done, let's look at what we were able to create for a couple who wanted to remain where they were but also wanted a bigger family house.

These clients lived in a bungalow set on a very large plot within a conservation area. But with large family houses, building land and property values generally very high and in short supply in this area, they made the considered decision to demolish their existing house and build a new home to their own specification. (An increasingly popular option that many are taking).

The plot itself has some lovely views and mature gardens. So our designers had plenty of scope. However because off the conservation area there were restrictions on the size and position of the property as well as ridge height in relation to other dwellings in the area and working around the many mature trees on the plot.

So Beverley and our team got to work on designing the house including a partial basement. Once all the restrictions and likely sensitive planning issues has been taken into account the result was a property that sits side on to the access road leaving plenty of room for the driveway and separate garage and office which were part of the brief.

The traditional windows and broken roof ridge combined with the brick and render finish give the property an established and homely feel especially set carefully amongst the mature trees and hedges.

Wish list

Below is our clients 'wish list' which we have taken from the original brief agreed at the site meeting and which combined with the clients comprehensive scrapbook of magazine cuttings gave Beverley and the team a clear starting point for their design solution.

• Large through hall with French doors out to terrace and the garden
• Impressive front entrance with large open gallery and feature staircase
• Big open feel with lots of natural light
• Basement for wine store, utility and games room with both internal and external access
• South facing to take advantage of views over the garden
• Parking for 5 cars
• Triple garage to take an off road vehicle and 2 big estate cars
• 4 bedrooms with 2 en-suite and a family bathroom
• Open fireplace and chimney
• Large kitchen linked to family room
• Master bedroom to have a dressing area and views over the garden
• Must look established and blend into the area
• Downstairs cloaks and cupboard for coats
• Through lounge and dining room
• Target floor area 300m2 (3230 sq ft)
• Large loft space for storage and possible future conversion

    

The plans and photographs at the top show how Beverley and the team sucessfully interperated the brief and what we achieved for this family. Why not give our talented designers the opportunity to do the same for you?