GOING FULL CIRCLE
One family found their forever home in the road where they first began their property journey
As owners of a property company, Teresa and Anthony Ralph are no strangers to moving home, as they have developed houses together many times over the years. ‘We’ve relocated from one renovation to another on a regular basis,’ says Teresa. ‘It’s always exciting to complete a project, but after so many moves we both decided it was time to put down some roots.’
Finding a forever home was never going to be easy, but an unexpected call from an old friend brought the couple back to familiar ground. ‘Fourteen years ago we bought a house to renovate in a lovely street close to beautiful Botany Bay near Broadstairs. A couple bought the plot next door and we have been firm friends since,’ Teresa explains. ‘They’d kept an eye open for any other local renovation projects, as they wanted me and Anthony to move back to the area, and called to let us know that a building plot had just come on the market.’
Acting on their friends’ tip-off, the Ralphs visited their old road to view the plot. Finding it surrounded by a high wall, the couple were curious as to what lay behind. ‘Anthony lifted me up so I could peer over the top and I was surprised to see a beautifully maintained croquet lawn,’ Teresa says. ‘The land was surrounded by trees and we could hear the sea. It was the flattest plot we’d ever seen and just magical.’
Having made an offer through a sealed bid, the couple received a phone call the day before they were due to go on holiday informing them that their bid had been successful. ‘Although we were thrilled, it threw us completely, as we were in holiday mode and had to start thinking about planning permission, builders and everything else that goes with a house build,’ Teresa laughs. ‘Fortunately, we had a great team of builders that we’ve worked with for years and were able to design the house ourselves – we used architects On Architecture to draw up formal plans for the planning stage.’
Inspired by modern structures with clean lines and the iconic buildings by Swiss-French architect Le Corbusier, the Ralphs
designed a striking contemporary structure made up of a series of pods. ‘Large glazing panels link the pods within the property, but also allow you to feel connected with the outside, which is quite special,’ Teresa explains. ‘Each building has a timber frame and is clad in planks, with a sandblasted larch wood exterior. The sandblasting gives the larch a scorched effect that adds interest and texture.’
With the plot being located in the middle of a quiet residential street, the couple’s plans came up against concerns from neighbours, who were worried about a potentially lengthy and disruptive build. ‘With this in mind, Anthony aimed to complete the project within 16 weeks,’ says Teresa. ‘The site was cleared at the end of 2015 and the builders arrived on 11 January 2016 to dig the foundations. The pace of the construction was incredibly fast and we moved into the completed house on 7 May, which was a total build time of just 17 weeks.’
In contrast to the blackened exterior, the open-plan interior has a light and airy feel with neutral walls throughout. ‘We wanted industrial-style durability, but to also add texture and warmth. Functional is fine, but a home has to have heart and soul,’ Teresa says. ‘The polished concrete floor in the open-plan family space is tough enough to withstand my son’s skateboard, but the look has been softened by the inclusion of oak cabinets throughout.’ To avoid a cavernous feel, the kitchen was located in the centre of the space and a pod was built behind it. ‘The pod introduces a natural divide and houses our utility room,’ Teresa says. ‘Another trick to making a large space feel cosy is to include oversized furniture. Pendant lights also help to define each zone, as well as adding texture and character.’
Entertaining spaces – both inside and out – were high on the family’s wishlist when designing their home. In addition to the large
interior dining space, there are outdoor dining and seating areas, and a sunken firepit. Also in the garden is a playhouse for Zac and Scarlet. ‘The children got involved with the concept and design,’ says Teresa, ‘as it was important for them to have some input.’
The Ralphs are now fully settled into their family home and are adamant that they’ll never move again. ‘Having spent so many years renovating and building properties to sell to other people, I feel this house is the culmination of all our wishlists and design influences,’ Teresa explains. ‘Our children revel in having friends to stay and they’ve spent many happy evenings toasting marshmallows around the firepit or hanging out in the playhouse. The sea is just a few minutes walk away and we’ve all taken up paddleboarding. We pinch ourselves every day to check we’re not dreaming.’
FOR STORE DETAILS SEE WHERE TO BUY PAGE