Designing a new home for the Edwards represents quite a challenge, considering the many individual requirements of all members of an extended family.

English rural houses historically do not tend to include a lot of glass and a blending of outside and inside spaces. These two issues proved to be the main influences on the principles of the design. Creating a front and rear to the house which were different in terms of their characteristics proved possible giving a recognisable formal front and informal rear. Given the Edwards' associations with France, the front elevation was designed with more than a hint of that country's taste - very steep pitched and hipped roofs and well defined symmetry. The rear of the house reflects the wish that the family can easily move from inside to outside and enjoy all the privacy they should expect. There is much more glass to the rear, especially to the lounge and master bedroom above, creating the minimum of obstruction for these principal rooms. The conservatory has been incorporated into the body of the house and close to the main living areas. It also connects the meditation room to the living areas whilst providing a little more privacy. Of course, the traditional masonry construction will help ensure quiet.

Grandma is obviously a contemplative person who needs to be able to isolate herself from the rest of the family from time to time to pursue her own interests. The quieter right wing of the house would be more her domain at ground floor level. Upstairs, the symmetry of the design enables bedroom 2 to 4 to share en suite bathrooms, the master bedroom enjoying its own unique character.

Victoria and Derek say... This was top of the pops with the whole family! The front elevation, with its imposing entrance, is very pretty, but it was the basement that impressed us all. It would meet all our needs including, to our surprise, a pool and garage - although we would like the Utility Room to be upstairs so that we don't have to carry linen up and down. As we have been known to have to cater for up to 30 friends at summer parties the large kitchen as very popular with all of us. The close proximity of the conservatory and the meditation room was an added bonus. Grandma is a sprightly 77 and although she won't need it yet, the ground floor suite shows forward thinking.

The layout of the lounge, dining room and kitchen suite makes a very liveable ground floor, and the upper floor works beautifully.