STRONG CONNECTIONS

This east Devon new build was designed to sit comfortably in its glorious green setting

Having decided to move from London to the West Country, Chris and Laura Mead spent months house-hunting without success. The comfortable period property they sought, in a tranquil spot, close to Laura’s family in Devon just seemed to keep eluding them.

‘Eventually we saw a decrepit bungalow for sale,’ says Laura. ‘It wasn’t salvageable, but the plot of land was perfect, with a lovely garden and gorgeous views. We’d never thought of self-building before, but we both have backgrounds in architecture and we couldn’t pass up the chance to live in such a special location.’

They were not the only ones to recognise the site’s potential and, having set their hearts on buying it, they initially found themselves outbid. Their search resumed, until they learned that the original sale had fallen through. This time they were lucky, and with their relocation plans suddenly back on track, the couple decided to continue working and living in London and manage their build project from there.

While the purchase went through, they devoted every spare evening and weekend to refining a design that would sit comfortably in the rural landscape and capture the stunning views. Their contemporary split-level property comprises a two-storey, three-bedroom house and an adjacent, single-storey reception room which are connected by a stylish glass link. ‘We wanted the feel of a cluster of rural buildings, a bit like a farm,’ says Chris. ‘We also incorporated traditional elements such as pitched roofs, oak, slate, brickwork

and white render, which is the customary exterior finish for a Devon longhouse.’

Once the build was underway, Chris and Laura made regular weekend trips to Devon to monitor progress. ‘We were always excited on the Friday night drive down,’ says Laura. ‘As we weren’t here all the time, we could really appreciate the difference from one visit to the next.’

The house was designed to take advantage of the far-reaching country views, and glass is a key element, bringing in natural light and framing scenes inside and out. There are floor-to-ceiling glass doors and windows throughout, and light floods through the centre of the house, thanks to a glass wall between the upstairs snug and landing. A simple palette of whites and greys, punctuated with splashes of vivid colour, runs through the house, enhancing the bright feel. At ground level, the modern, plant-filled glass link connects the two living areas. ‘I love greenery, so this is one of my favourite features,’ says Laura. ‘We often have breakfast there, and even the sound of rain on the roof is lovely.’

Brick and oak also feature among the materials that give the open-plan layout a sense of cohesion. Carefully laid Dutch bricks blur the boundary between house and garden, while inside a hefty chimney of white-painted brick runs up through the heart of the house, creating drama and helping to zone separate living spaces.

‘It’s amazing to watch the house you’ve designed evolve,’ says Laura. ‘I’d never say we wouldn’t do it again, but I can’t see us moving from here for many years, if ever. We feel very lucky to have found such a special spot.’

lesson learnt Ôour very inexpensive bath taps and shower fittings soon developed problems so we had to replace them – with quality brands’

Find similar mid-century furniture at Vinterior. Oslo bar stools in White, £143.99 for two, Simply Bar Stools KITCHEN-DINER The breakfast bar separates this space into two distinct areas, while the kitchen’s industrial vibe works well with the mid-century dining furniture. ‘We got the table on ebay and, amazingly, our friends had matching chairs,’ says Chris.

SITTING ROOM Huge windows draw the eye to the green outlook from this space. Similar Layla sofa, from £1,500; cuddler seat, £599, both DFS. Hektar pendant lights, £29 each, Ikea

DINING AREA Laura’s old architect’s drawing board acts as a dining table in this sophisticated deep-blue scheme. Walls painted in Valspar Zephyr V300 emulsion, £16 for 2.5ltr, B&Q

STAIRS The open-tread oak staircase was built to Chris’ design. Try Luxury Vanilla parquet, £99.99sq m, Direct Wood Flooring

MASTER BEDROOM A vintage G Plan headboard neatly incorporates bedside tables in this scheme featuring dark greys energised by yellow hues. Sherborne duvet cover set, from £17.99, Wayfair. Frea table lamps in Ochre, £15 each, Dunelm

SNUG/GUEST ROOM A wall of glazing ensures light floods into the hall. Bespoke glass wall, price on request, Fabco

BATHROOM Here, glass features, brickformat tiles and oak echo the decor of the house. Sol round counter top basin, £69.95, Victorian Plumbing, has this look. Gloss White tiles, £15sq m, Tiles Direct