CORNISH NEW BUILD
Building a new home on her granny’s plot has rekindled happy childhood memories for Jess Alken-theasby and created a wonderful place for her own family to grow up in Cornwall
Childhood memories are rekindled in this elegantly spacious family home overlooking the sea
An amazing opportunity allowed Jess Alken-theasby and her husband Ash to move into their forever home by the sea. ‘We were on the fence about buying an old property or creating something new,’ says Jess, ‘Then the bungalow that had been my granny’s came back on the market and it felt like it was meant to be.’
With experience of building and renovating their own homes before they met – Ash had already built his dream property, while Jess’s beautiful house was sold to boutique hotel group The Pig – the couple were at the right point to create a unique home.
‘Knowing the plot already really helped with the design process. On paper there was lots of potential but understanding the setting meant we could plan for everyday living and the local climate,’ explains Jess. ‘For example, traditional sash windows meant the views would take a back seat internally so that the house felt cosier, especially in the winter months. Then we could open onto the terrace and garden for the summer. We also have sheltered spaces outside to shield from the cool sea breeze.’
The house itself is an airy and breathtaking new build with a nod to New England style, yet packed to the rafters with original details and reclaimed finds. ‘We worked with local architect Harrison Sutton who understood that we were building a family home, not a show home. It was really important that the house had soul and a lived-in feel,’ says Jess. ‘When I was on site and walking around the unfinished, echoing building, I was worried it was going to look and feel like a village hall, so I had to remind myself that it’s the finishing touches and details that make a house cohesive and considered.’
Jess brought this attention to detail to the property build, reusing the old red bricks from her granny’s original bungalow, and also to the interior styling. After meeting founder of The Pig and now friend Judy Hutson, her style influence is evident to see. ‘Judy is amazing,’ says Jess. ‘How she mixes old and new and makes something feel lived-in yet sophisticated is incredible.
That and my need to make things “just so” means my home is a balance of real-world living, authentically sourced materials and carefully considered design features.’
Jess has made the open-plan house feel cosy and inviting. Gone are the wide empty thoroughfares, and by using differing levels, paint shades, sliding doorways, textures and lighting, she and Ash have created a very hospitable and easily adaptable scheme. The house also works extremely well in accommodating all the family, with different spaces that can open out to one another. A room now used as a play area can be screened off or opened out onto a lookout living area, while the dining table placement acts as a bridge between living and kitchen settings.
‘The house is designed to grow with us,’ says Jess. ‘We’ve filled the rooms with new and old family treasures, and we’ve sourced and installed timeworn materials. It already feels our own story is beginning to evolve here.’