Tour this luxurious eight-bedroom house with its own infinity pool in Berkshire

The article details a new residential project by John Pardey Architects in Leamington Spa, a contemporary home designed to navigate complex site challenges. Located on a flood plain and within a conservation area along the River Leam, the project required a nuanced approach to both planning and architectural design. The architects, in close collaboration with the homeowners and a team of specialists, successfully delivered a lush, modern dwelling set within a walled garden on a quarter-acre plot. A significant challenge was addressing the flood risk. The architects devised an L-shaped home with a mono-pitched roof, elevated on brick piers, a strategy that effectively protects the structure from potential flooding while integrating it discreetly into the landscape. The design ensures the single-storey structure maintains a low profile, harmonizing with the surrounding environment and adhering to the conservation area’s aesthetic guidelines. This careful consideration extended to the material palette, including an off-white timber stain, which contributes to the home’s light-filled interior and its subtle integration into the Regency-style neighborhood. Sustainability was also a key factor in the design, with air source heat pumps installed to efficiently power both the house and its swimming pool. Inside, the house is thoughtfully organized into two distinct wings. These wings house three bedrooms and are connected by an entrance lobby. A steel staircase within this lobby provides access to the main living and sleeping areas, which are distributed across both sections of the house, ensuring a fluid spatial experience. The outdoor spaces were designed with equal precision. The south-facing garden features a new outdoor pool and kitchen area, elements chosen to evoke memories of the owner's childhood in Brisbane. Landscape architect Nick Dexter was instrumental in developing the garden’s planting scheme, which combines wildflowers and productive garden elements, creating a rich and biodiverse environment that complements the home's contemporary aesthetic. The thoughtful integration of indoor and outdoor spaces, coupled with the resolution of significant site constraints, defines this house as a domestic oasis that successfully blends modern living with a respect for its historical and natural context. The project underscores John Pardey Architects' ability to tackle challenging sites, demonstrating expertise in balancing modern architectural principles with environmental and historical sensitivities. The collaboration with various specialists, including landscape architects, was crucial in achieving the desired outcome, resulting in a residence that is not only visually appealing but also highly functional and sustainable. The home represents a successful example of contemporary residential architecture that responds intelligently to its specific site conditions. #ResidentialArchitecture #JohnPardeyArchitects #LeamingtonSpa #FloodPlainDesign #ConservationArea #ContemporaryHome #SustainableDesign #WalledGarden #ArchitecturalInnovation

This article showcases Gwentland, a magnificent semi-detached property located on Marine Parade in Penarth, widely considered one of South Wales' most prestigious addresses. The house, on the market for £1.65 million, combines period grandeur with modern amenities, offering a blend of historical character and contemporary comfort across four substantial floors. The property's design emphasizes its original features, including marble fireplaces, intricate decorative plasterwork, panelled doors, wooden floors, wall mouldings, and leaded windows, all meticulously restored and preserved. Upon entering, the spacious hall immediately conveys the home's grandeur, functioning as a room in itself, complete with a fireplace and ample space for a grand piano. The ground floor features three substantial rooms rich in period details, a stunning kitchen, and an impressive orangery. The kitchen is equipped with high-specification finishes, including granite worktops, a large island with seating, an induction hob, an AGA range, and dual sinks, with French doors opening to the side garden. The conservatory, accessible from both the kitchen and dining room, boasts a tiled floor, pitched roof, exposed brick feature wall, and a wood-burning stove, with bi-fold doors leading to a raised seating area and garden access. The formal dining room, a highlight of the ground floor, showcases high ceilings, incredible plasterwork, remarkable cornicing, an intricately carved fireplace, deep skirtings, and a wood-block floor, embodying the house's opulent character. The drawing room continues this theme with decorative mouldings, panelling, coving, and an original fireplace, complemented by a bay window offering stunning views, ideal for a reading nook. A grand staircase, illuminated by a large window with garden views, leads to the upper floors. The first floor houses the principal suite, a luxurious sanctuary featuring sea views from a sizable bay window. This suite includes a spacious ensuite bathroom and a private dressing room with extensive built-in wardrobes, which could potentially serve as a sixth bedroom. Additionally, the first floor offers two more substantial bedrooms, each with a large window or dual aspect and a period fireplace. The top floor adds two further bedrooms, bringing the total to five, with the option for six. One of the loft bedrooms includes an ensuite with a statement roll-top bath, offering views of the night sky. Beyond the interior, Gwentland provides practical spaces such as a utility room and a double garage. The property's front garden is privately enclosed by mature hedgerows and trees, featuring a generous lawn, a cascading water feature, a pond, a fountain, ample seating and entertaining areas, and a private driveway. The location offers daily views of the seafront and a landmark Art Deco building, with easy access to a pier, pebble beach, promenade, and coastal paths. Penarth, frequently listed among Wales' best places to live, provides a variety of restaurants, bars, and cafes within walking distance, as well as numerous parks, sports clubs, and social events. Its reputation for good schools makes it appealing to families and commuters, with Cardiff approximately 20 minutes away. #Penarth #MarineParade #LuxuryHome #PeriodProperty #WelshHomes #PropertyForSale #HomeDesign #CoastalLiving

Ty Bhojwani, an Indian-born Canadian businessman, embarked on a decade-long journey to create his dream getaway home in Alibag, near Mumbai, India. After exploring numerous plots, he finally settled on a 1.8-hectare (4.4-acre) patch of land in 2012, drawn by its breathtaking vistas of the sea, hills, and verdant valleys. Despite initial challenges such as the absence of water, electricity, and roads, Bhojwani remained committed to his vision. Construction of the five-bedroom house, named The Ray after the manta rays found in the Arabian Sea, began in 2017 and took four years to complete, rather than the initial 18-month estimate. The Ray consists of two distinct two-storey pavilions: one is light and airy, while the other is substantial and monumental. Interestingly, neither pavilion primarily focuses on maximizing sea views; instead, they offer diverse vistas, including a central courtyard featuring boulders set in gravel. This design approach, advocated by Robert Verrijt and Shefali Balwani, co-founders of Architecture BRIO, aimed to give the house more dimension. Their design was a thoughtful response to Bhojwani's request for a modern plantation-style home reminiscent of grand mansions in Barbados and the Bahamas. The white pavilion incorporates traditional plantation elements such as shuttered expanses and high ceilings to promote natural airflow, ensuring the structure felt integrated with its environment rather than alien. To further blend the house with its surroundings, landscape architect Kunal Maniar collaborated with Architecture BRIO to enhance the undulating site. They designed a dense screen at the entrance to build anticipation for visitors. The arrival sequence leads guests through a crushed stone path to a cave-like lobby featuring a manta-ray floor mosaic. From there, a spiral staircase descends into a bright, open living area with steel-framed windows on three sides, offering views of an infinity pool and green paddy fields, with the bay visible in the distance. The stone pavilion, housing the bedrooms, is accessible from the double-height living room, including a "secret" passage at the rear. The master bedroom, located on the upper level, connects to an outdoor staircase resembling stepped pyramids. Gardens surrounding the two top-floor bedrooms help to maintain cooler temperatures in the rooms below. The wraparound infinity pool and an adjacent louvred outdoor lounge, extending from the living room, contribute to the home's inviting atmosphere. Esha, Bhojwani’s wife, chose the hand-fired turquoise blue tiles for the pool, preferring them over popular black-bottom or cement pools for their welcoming aesthetic. The furniture and furnishings, both indoors and outdoors, were either custom-designed, selected from existing collections, or sourced primarily from Indonesia by Timothy Oulton Studio, emphasizing comfort with washed linens. Unique natural basalt boulders on the property were either retained as features or carved by Rajasthani artisans into distinctive bathroom basins, adding to the home's remarkable character. Despite the lengthy development process, Bhojwani finds moments by the pool surreal, fulfilling a vision he held for a decade. #Architecture #LuxuryHome #InteriorDesign #AlibagIndia #ModernPlantationHouse #InfinityPool #TimothyOulton #ArchitectureBRIO #LandscapeDesign

The article details how designer Lauren Liess and her husband transformed a 740-square-foot, two-bedroom, one-bath surf shack in Corolla, North Carolina, into a functional and charming beach getaway for their family of five children and three dogs. Despite the initial spatial limitations, the couple was drawn to the cottage's character and location, leading them to undertake a thoughtful renovation focused on maximizing space and promoting a relaxed, beach-centric lifestyle. The renovation began with strategic structural changes. The 8-foot ceiling in the main living area was replaced with a vaulted one, creating a sense of spaciousness. The original front entry was removed and replaced with wall-to-wall sliding glass doors, which not only allowed ample natural light to flood the interior but also visually expanded the living space. The existing shared bath and primary closet were reconfigured, and their square footage was repurposed to create snug bunk beds in the second bedroom, accommodating all five children. This creative use of existing space was crucial for fitting a large family into a small footprint. To align with their beach lifestyle, the family opted out of a formal indoor dining area. Instead, a 10-foot-long picnic table was installed on the newly built back deck, providing an outdoor dining solution perfect for sandy feet and casual meals. The kitchen was designed with a peninsula offering seating on both sides to accommodate the entire family. Additionally, windows above the sink were made to swing open, facilitating easy counter service to a bar outside, enhancing the indoor-outdoor living experience. Beneath the house, a concrete pad was poured, creating a covered area for hammocks, swings, a laundry room, and an outdoor shower, serving as an extended living space, especially during rainy weather. The interior design ethos was centered around laid-back living and minimalism. Lauren Liess emphasized that nothing in the home was meant to be fussy, drawing inspiration from the unpretentious nature of an oyster shack. Flexible furnishings, such as butterfly chairs in the living room, can be easily moved to adapt to different needs. Vintage kilim rugs from Liess's shop add warmth and softness, while a collection of seascapes from flea markets and antique stores brings color to the cypress-paneled walls. The cottage embodies a philosophy of "beach minimalism," demonstrating that contentment can be found with fewer material possessions. Liess also paid homage to the cottage's original character by selecting vintage-inspired cabinets for the kitchen. Though the original cabinets couldn't be salvaged due to the kitchen's rearrangement, the new ones were designed to evoke the antique style found in old farmhouses. French crab traps were ingeniously repurposed as pendant lights, and Caesarstone countertops along with a Big Chill fridge completed the kitchen's aesthetic. In the living area, an oversized coffee table was used to create a sense of expansiveness in the small room, a counterintuitive but effective design choice. The existing brick fireplace was updated with a concrete finish, and a slipcovered sofa from Liess's collection provided a durable and comfortable spot for relaxation. The primary bedroom also underwent a transformation, with a raised ceiling and a sliding glass door installed to invite nature indoors, creating a peaceful space connected to the ocean. The children's bunk room featured custom-built bunks that fit precisely, with each child having a drawer and a wall niche for their belongings. The bathroom incorporated pebble tile on the floors and shower walls for a tactile and natural feel, complemented by a new vanity designed to look antique and exterior lights for a warm ambiance. #HomeDesign #SmallSpaceLiving #BeachHouse #CorollaNorthCarolina #InteriorDesign #FamilyHome #Renovation #CoastalLiving #LaurenLiess

This article details the transformation of a 100-year-old American Craftsman home in the foothills of Colorado’s Rocky Mountains by the design firm Salvesen Graham. The project was initiated when a young couple, one American and one British, relocated from California and sought a home that blended their cultural traditions, offering both relaxation and elegance without being overly formal. The designers, Mary Graham and Nicole Salvesen, aimed to create a comfortable yet sophisticated living space. The house, part of a community of heritage homes dating back to the early 20th century, presented a unique opportunity for Salvesen Graham, a firm more accustomed to working with buildings over 100 years old in the UK. The designers meticulously preserved and enhanced the home's period features, such as its brick and shiplap exterior and expansive veranda. Their approach balanced respect for the original architecture with a desire to update it for modern living, rather than creating a "living museum" of a 1900s mining town house. In the entryway, a small-scale patterned wallpaper contributes to a Victorian aesthetic, complemented by an Arts and Crafts lantern. The designers made a conscious decision to paint some of the original pine woodwork a sage green to neutralize its overwhelming orange tones, allowing the unpainted sections of craftsmanship to be appreciated more easily. This thoughtful intervention highlights the delicate balance between preservation and contemporary adaptation. The drawing room was designed as a sophisticated space for entertaining, with the clients actively participating in sourcing art, including an abstract floral piece. The living room, in contrast, serves as a more casual gathering area. The project was significantly impacted by the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to initial client-designer interactions via Zoom. This period also amplified the British client's desire to infuse English design elements into the American architectural style. A central pass-through space in the house was transformed into a hallway-cum-library, offering an intentional quiet zone that connects different rooms. The kitchen, designed in a Shaker style, bridges functional utilitarianism with English charm. Its formal layout was maintained, rejecting the trend of open-plan spaces, and features fitted units and a large island painted in various shades of blue. The dining room, referred to as the "hearth room," provides an informal dining experience with windows on three sides, creating a sense of dining among treetops. The space incorporates a striped floral fabric for curtains and Roman shades, aligning with painted tongue-and-groove paneling on the ceiling. Upholstered dining chairs, vintage rattan chairs, and a vibrant green built-in window seat contribute to a layered aesthetic. The bedrooms, particularly the master suite, are characterized by a rich interplay of color and pattern, featuring florals, stripes, paisleys, and soft geometrics in a cheerful palette of pinks and greens. Salvesen Graham, founded in London in 2013 by Mary Graham and Nicole Salvesen, is known for its layered aesthetic and timeless approach, aiming to create warm and soft interiors inspired by Georgian England and 18th- and 19th-century Indian textiles, while bringing an edge to quintessential British charm. #HomeDesign #InteriorDesign #AmericanCraftsman #BritishCharm #SalvesenGraham #ColoradoHomes #HistoricRenovation #TraditionalModern #LayeredAesthetic

Nestled off the prestigious Church Road in Holywood, Plas Merdyn, specifically Number 6, stands as a distinguished detached residence originally constructed in 1890. This property, spanning approximately 3,700 square feet, offers breathtaking views across Belfast Lough and maintains a sense of privacy within one of Holywood's most sought-after locations. The house has undergone a meticulous modernization process in recent years, successfully preserving numerous original architectural elements such as high cornice ceilings, intricate decorative plasterwork, the original grand staircase, and period fireplaces. These preserved features contribute significantly to the home's historical character and elegance while integrating contemporary living standards. The residence is arranged over three floors, encompassing a total of five bedrooms and five reception rooms, all characterized by a consistently beautiful presentation. The entrance features a charming hallway that immediately conveys the historical grandeur of the property, retaining its original strip flooring and panel doors. This area also includes a convenient cloakroom with a WC. The drawing room is a significant space, illuminated by two large windows, one a prominent feature bay window and the other offering direct views of Belfast Lough. This room is further enhanced by an elegant painted carved wooden fireplace, complete with a brick inset and a gas stove, alongside attractive paneled walls and decorative plasterwork, all contributing to an atmosphere of refined comfort. Adjoining the drawing room, the sitting room mirrors its delightful aesthetic with similar paneling, a large bay window, and an attractive painted wooden fireplace, providing another inviting space for relaxation. The kitchen area is designed with a luxury feel, featuring bespoke Robinson's units, a matching central island, and high-quality granite worktops. It is fully equipped with a range of Neff appliances, including a four-ring induction hob, an oven, an AEG dishwasher, and a built-in refrigerator. The kitchen seamlessly opens into a spacious dining room and, through an elegant archway, connects to a cozy family area. This family room serves as a comfortable retreat, highlighted by a rustic sandstone fireplace and a wood-burning stove, complemented by solid oak strip flooring. Beyond these main living areas, the extensive accommodation further comprises two studies, both strategically positioned to enjoy the scenic Lough views, providing serene spaces for work or contemplation. A formal dining room also benefits from the picturesque water views, offering an elegant setting for meals. Practical amenities include a utility room, an additional cloakroom with a WC, and a substantial, contemporary gym/games room, catering to various leisure and functional needs. The upper floors house five elegantly appointed bedrooms, each presented with careful attention to detail. The master bedroom is particularly notable, featuring a generously sized en suite shower room. A luxurious family bathroom serves the other bedrooms, designed as a modern spa-like space with designer tiling, a Jacuzzi Whirlpool bath equipped with body jets and mixer taps, and a separate free-standing shower cubicle featuring a rainforest drencher and a hand-held body shower. Externally, the gardens of Plas Merdyn are a significant feature, extending around the front, side, and rear of the house. These outdoor spaces are distinguished by an old decorative wall that encloses a 'secret garden' style doorway, alongside expansive lawns and mature planting that contribute to the property's serene and private ambiance. Practical outdoor elements include a garage and a log store. A raised timber deck is thoughtfully situated to maximize enjoyment of the fabulous setting and the panoramic views of Belfast Lough, offering an ideal spot for outdoor relaxation and entertaining. Overall, Plas Merdyn represents a blend of historical charm and modern luxury, set within a desirable location with captivating natural scenery. #LuxuryHome #HolywoodProperty #BelfastLoughViews #PeriodFeatures #HomeModernization #ElegantInteriors #GardenDesign #EstateListing

Located on a tight, narrow strip of land in Cove, Scotland, this 2,690-square-foot residence was designed by Cameron Webster Architects to maximize living space while taking full advantage of its wild coastal setting. The primary goal was to create flexible and accessible accommodations for an owner nearing retirement age, which significantly influenced the design decisions. The architects embraced the site's constraints as a core design driver, resulting in a distinctive linear, single-story structure. The home features four bedrooms that face a garden, leading to an expansive, open-plan living area at the front. This living space is characterized by floor-to-ceiling glazing, offering uninterrupted views of the North Sea and the sky. A decking area extends from this living space, sheltered beneath a timber soffit, further blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor living. A notable architectural feature is that approximately half of the house rests on land, while the other half projects into the air, anchored securely to the rocks below by two V-shaped steel legs, creating the striking illusion of the residence hovering above the water. Sustainability was a key consideration, with a fabric-first approach employed in its construction. The external material palette was carefully selected for both its aesthetic appeal and its ability to withstand the harsh coastal environment. Kebony, a robust timber cladding known for its use in marine settings, was chosen for its durability and its ability to weather to a silvery finish, complementing the triple-glazed windows in the main living areas. The design also incorporates locally sourced, rough basalt/quartz stone cladding, which visually connects the home to the craggy rocks of the surrounding landscape. Internally, the design focuses on creating a welcoming and seamless flow. A generous linear roof light in the wide corridor provides ample natural light, guiding residents from the main entrance through the bedroom wing to the vibrant living area. Sapele, a sustainable hardwood, was used for interior ceiling finishes, imparting a nautical or maritime feel to the space. This material extends seamlessly to form the timber soffit over the exterior terraces, unifying the indoor and outdoor design elements. The overall execution reflects a thoughtful integration of architectural form, material selection, and site-specific considerations, delivering a contemporary and accessible home with dramatic waterfront views. #ScottishArchitecture #WaterfrontHome #RetirementHome #CoastalDesign #CameronWebsterArchitects #SustainableDesign #ModernArchitecture #KebonyCladding #OpenPlanLiving

This blog post offers a tour of a four-bedroom detached property in Hampshire, owned by Gillian, who blogs at 'Tales From a Happy House.' Gillian and her family moved from Leeds in spring 2015 to be closer to relatives. The house, built in the 1960s, features characteristic elements such as an asymmetric chimney breast, large windows, and slanting, wood-clad ceilings. Despite its initial appeal due to a spacious garden and bright rooms, the property was in a state of disrepair upon purchase, with disconnected utilities, jarring wall patterns, a leaking patio door, and faulty boiler and electrics. The owners undertook significant renovations to transform the house into a light and bright home. They opted for white walls, wood floors, and incorporated printed fabrics and handmade items. A new woodburner became a central feature in the living room, which was their first major decorating project. They opened up a boxed-in fireplace, creating a focal point with the slope-sided chimney breast, and carefully selected a simple woodburner design to complement the room's clean lines. While the dark laminate flooring was not their original choice, its practicality and good condition led them to keep it. Throughout the home, neutral shades are used as a base, with bold colors introduced on feature walls, such as a vibrant green in the hallway. This vibrant entrance is intended to be inspiring. The hallway also showcases a display of floral prints and white frames. The dining area features furniture brought from their previous home in Leeds. They replaced their oversized dining table with a smaller circular G-Plan table, embracing a retro aesthetic, and paired it with replica Eames chairs. A 'family wall' in the dining area serves as a gallery for cherished items, including holiday finds and children's artwork, adding color and personalization and allowing for easy updates. The kitchen, though worn, is spacious and bright, with a neutral backdrop. While the owners plan to eventually redo it, they made temporary fixes to wobbly cabinets and applied a fresh coat of paint. The main bedroom features a deep-blue feature wall and yellow bed linen, adding a bold touch to an otherwise plain white room. A slim picture shelf provides a display area. In the child's bedroom, the walls remain pale and simple, allowing colorful bed linen, lighting, and accessories to provide visual interest. Under-bed storage and reversible bed linen are highlighted as practical features, along with bauble lights for a playful touch. The bathroom, like the kitchen, is an inherited space that the owners eventually intend to replace. For now, its neutral decor is enhanced by well-chosen accessories like blue towels. The owners have embraced the 1960s style of the house rather than attempting to conceal it, believing this approach has been successful. They also acknowledge the potential for future extensions to the kitchen and upstairs areas. The article demonstrates how thoughtful renovation and decorating choices can transform a neglected property into a personalized and comfortable family home, blending original architectural features with modern and retro design elements. #ChaletStyleHome #HampshireHome #TalesFromAHouse #HomeRenovation #1960sArchitecture #InteriorDesign #RetroVibe #FamilyHome #HomeDecor

A distinctive octagon-shaped residence situated on Fire Island, Long Island, has been listed for sale at $1.775 million. This unique property, constructed with a cedar exterior, offers expansive 180-degree panoramas of the Great South Bay, complemented by two levels of wraparound decking. Located at 95 West Lighthouse Walk in Kismet, a community known for its tranquil atmosphere on the western edge of Fire Island, the home is conveniently positioned near the iconic Fire Island Lighthouse. While presently configured as a single-family dwelling, the property offers the flexibility to be divided into three distinct units. The ground floor features an octagon-shaped room currently serving as an art studio, complete with sliding glass doors that provide direct access to the outdoor deck. An external hallway leads to additional sections of this level, which include a functional workshop equipped with laundry facilities, two bedrooms, and a combined eat-in kitchen and living area. The second level houses an elegant great room that integrates an eat-in kitchen and an alcove dining space, alongside direct access to the upper deck. This room is characterized by a wood-beamed ceiling, a fireplace encased in marble, and warm wood flooring, contributing to a refined aesthetic. The master bedroom, designed with an angled layout, includes two windows and sliding glass doors that open onto an outdoor balcony. A notable architectural feature in this room is the rising ceiling, which culminates in an octagon shape, allowing natural light to filter through strategically placed small windows. The master bathroom is brightly lit and appointed with both a bathtub and a standing shower. This floor also accommodates three additional bedrooms, one of which is currently utilized as a home office. These rooms are distinguished by light wood-paneled ceilings and integrated lighting. Furthermore, this level contains two full bathrooms and an additional laundry room, enhancing the home's functionality and convenience. The property's location offers prime access to both the Great South Bay and the Kismet beachfront, as well as the Fire Island Ferry. Kismet is recognized for its family-friendly environment and relative tranquility compared to other areas of Fire Island. Residents and visitors can enjoy local amenities such as the beach, a playground, tennis courts, and dining options including The Kismet Inn and Surf’s Out, both located on the bayside. The listing for 95 West Lighthouse Walk is managed by Irene Rallis of Douglas Elliman, presenting an opportunity for a unique coastal living experience. #FireIsland #OctagonHome #BayViews #LuxuryRealEstate #LongIsland #CoastalLiving #Kismet #DouglasElliman #UniqueArchitecture

This article highlights the architectural significance and current market availability of Northbury Farm, a Grade II-listed timber-framed manor house situated in Ruscombe, Berkshire. Timber-framing, a construction method dating back to Neolithic times, was a prominent building technique in Britain, especially for high-status homes, until the mid-17th century. While relatively few pre-15th-century examples survive, Northbury Farm stands as a notable instance of this enduring art. The property, currently for sale through Knight Frank at a guide price of £4.95 million, is located roughly halfway between Reading and Maidenhead, nestled within over nine acres of meticulously maintained gardens and grounds, approximately a mile from the historic village of Twyford. Northbury Farm offers exceptional privacy, approached via a gated, tree-lined drive. The current owners, Sir Colin Southgate and his wife, Sally, are credited with creating the impeccably landscaped gardens and grounds from scratch. They have also sympathetically refurbished and extended the main house, which now provides 5,126 sq ft of elegant living space. The interior features three principal reception rooms, a study/library, and a splendid kitchen/family room. The first floor is organized around a galleried landing, comprising a master suite, three additional bedroom suites, and a fifth bedroom. Beyond the main residence, the estate includes two separate two-bedroom cottages, offering further accommodation. Useful additional space is found within the impressive, listed tithe barn and granary, alongside an extensive range of outbuildings. The formal gardens are a picturesque blend of stone terraces, rose gardens, herbaceous borders, and shrubbery. More informal areas encompass a pond, a lake, and a hidden tennis court. Sir Colin notes that the recent removal of the last of the leylandii, remnants from a previous owner, has significantly enhanced the property's aesthetics. The historical lineage of Northbury Farm traces back to the manor of Ruscombe, which was under the ownership of the bishops of Salisbury Cathedral until the Dissolution. The estate was subsequently divided into Ruscombe Northbury and Ruscombe Southbury. In 1650, Ruscombe Northbury was acquired by local landowner William Barker from the trustees selling Church lands but reverted to the cathedral post-Restoration. During the 17th century, the manor was leased to William Strowde, later passing to the Knight family through marriage. The property continued to change hands among various land-owning families, including the Leveson-Gowers. General John Leveson-Gower, lord of the manors of Ruscombe Northbury and Southbury by 1829, held his family seat at Bill Hill. Consequently, the manor at Southbury was demolished in 1830, and the old Northbury manor house was converted into two cottages, renamed Northbury Farm. Historical accounts from 1923 describe it as a "much modernised half-timber and brick building of the early 17th century." The property continued as two cottages under the ownership of the Waterer gardening family in the 20th century, but by the 1980s, it had fallen into disrepair. It was then rescued by a developer known for restoring timber-frame buildings. Sir Colin and Lady Sally Southgate acquired Northgate Farm in 1990 and have since continued the meticulous work of their predecessors, further extending and renovating the historic manor. #TimberFramedHouse #BerkshireProperty #ManorHouse #HistoricHome #CountryEstate #LuxuryRealEstate #PeriodProperty #LandscapedGardens

Binh and Thomas Allen, a couple with no prior property development experience, embarked on an ambitious three-year renovation of an untouched Victorian terrace in West Dulwich, South London. They discovered a property built in the early 1900s with many original features still intact, a rarity in today's market, and were captivated by its inherent charm. Their vision for the home was to blend its historical Victorian elements with modern mid-century furniture and contemporary furnishings, a reflection of their diverse backgrounds—Binh from Vietnam and Thomas from Switzerland. The renovation was not without significant challenges. The couple chose to live in the house throughout the process, even enduring a period where their roof was removed for a loft conversion. This meant sharing their living space with builders six days a week and contending with constant dust and exposure to the elements, including birds flying into their bedroom through the open roof. Despite these difficulties, their belief in their dream home never wavered. They meticulously managed the project themselves, from sourcing all materials and furnishings to keeping a strict handle on the budget, a task at which Thomas excelled with his detailed spreadsheets. A key motivation for purchasing a "doer-upper" was to maximize their investment. They began with essential upgrades, such as installing a new boiler and removing outdated carpeting. The renovation was phased over three years due to budget constraints. In the second year, they tackled bathroom renovations, and by the third year, they undertook the two most significant projects: the loft conversion and the kitchen remodeling. They gathered ideas by attending local open house sales, which also helped them understand the precedents for loft conversions and extensions in their area, aiding in the planning permission process. For the loft conversion, they hired a builder with the understanding that they would procure all materials themselves. This hands-on approach resulted in a 20 percent saving on the overall cost, and they learned to negotiate prices effectively. Although the work fell under permitted development, they enlisted an architect specializing in period properties to creatively maximize the space and ensure a premium finish. The architect designed a master suite without compromising ceiling height by strengthening existing joists and adding new ones, avoiding the need for steel beams that would have reduced headroom. They also used the opportunity of scaffolding to repaint windows, repoint, install solar panels, and repair exterior damage. The kitchen renovation involved removing a chimney breast to create space for units, taking out the back wall, and installing Crittall doors. They opted for long and wide timber floorboards to enhance the sense of space and a Shaker-style kitchen with brass details for an urban country aesthetic. Cost savings were achieved by selecting a marble-inspired matte worktop made from natural, recyclable materials, with an offcut used to create a feature shelf. Their patio design was inspired by travertine tiles seen on holiday in Israel, chosen for their creamy, warm appearance and minimalist, Mediterranean feel. They also installed a home office/cinema room in the garden, a multifunctional retreat surrounded by greenery. Inside, they maintained a consistent blue and white color palette, restored original Victorian cornices and ceiling roses, and chose a mix of modern and antique furnishings to create a unique character without being overly traditional. The entrance hall's original Victorian tiles were preserved, with broken ones replaced by matching imitation tiles, and the front door's frosted glass was replaced with stained glass inspired by the floor tiles. The bathroom features reclaimed period tiles from Spain, contrasted with white wall tiles and paint, accommodating a large shower and freestanding bath. #VictorianHome #HomeRenovation #LoftConversion #KitchenRemodel #InteriorDesign #DIYProject #PeriodProperty #HomeImprovement #LondonRealEstate

NFL star Russell Wilson and his wife, singer Ciara, have acquired a new mansion in the Denver area for $25 million, following the listing of their previous Bellevue, Washington, estate for $36 million. This new Colorado residence, despite its lower price point, is considerably larger than their former home, spanning a massive 20,060 square feet. It holds the distinction of being the most expensive home ever sold in Colorado's history, surpassing the previous record of $15.7 million set by ex-Denver Broncos coach Mike Shanahan. The property is situated in Colorado's Cherry Hill Village, a neighborhood that is also home to other notable NFL figures such as Peyton Manning and John Elway. The two-story estate is designed to accommodate the couple and their three children: Future, Sienna, and Win. Although the mansion features only four bedrooms, it dedicates extensive space to various recreational activities and entertainment facilities. These amenities include a game room, a private home theater, a basketball court, and a yoga room. A notable feature is the 2,590-square-foot indoor swimming pool, which comes with its own pool house. The pool house offers ample seating and large windows that provide natural light, complemented by vaulted ceilings with exposed wood detailing that contrasts with the white walls. The grounds also encompass a hot tub and a spa. Adjacent to each other, the basketball gym and yoga room offer convenient access for pre-workout stretching. The yoga room is characterized by sleek white floors and walls, creating a clean aesthetic, and features a wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling mirror for form monitoring. A large window, made of sports damage-resistant glass, overlooks the two-story basketball gym, which includes one standard hoop and lined hardwood flooring. These spaces highlight the mansion's emphasis on both active and leisurely pursuits. The residence boasts an impressive twelve bathrooms in total, comprising five half-bathrooms, six full bathrooms, and one three-fourths bathroom, resulting in a three-to-one bathroom-to-bedroom ratio. According to a 2018 real estate listing, several bathrooms are elegantly appointed with natural stone countertops and flooring, effective lighting, and generous storage solutions. The primary bathroom further features a large jet-action tub. The dominant interior design scheme for most of the home consists of white walls paired with black accents, creating a contemporary feel. However, the presence of six fireplaces, exposed beams, and integrated smart storage systems contributes to a sense of warmth and coziness throughout the expansive property. A distinctive room within the mansion is the blue wood-paneled dining room, which also incorporates black accents. One half of this dining room is equipped with floor-to-ceiling shelves, which were shown filled with books in the original listing. Other walls in the dining room feature large paneled windows and glass doors that open onto one of the home's porches. The estate is set on a 5.34-acre lot, characterized by meticulously landscaped lawns and gardens visible from all angles. An outdoor stone fireplace is centrally located within a dedicated section of the garden, providing an additional leisure area. The extensive outdoor space includes a kitchen, multiple seating areas, and dining tables, offering numerous options for outdoor activities during Colorado's summer months. The European-inspired exterior of the home is clad in light brown stones, a material also utilized for some of the indoor fireplaces. The detached garage, which provides four of the nine total parking spaces, mirrors the main house's exterior and includes a guest apartment complete with one bedroom, one bathroom, and a full kitchen. This comprehensive array of features ensures a luxurious and comfortable living environment for the Wilson family. #celebrityHome #luxuryMansion #ColoradoRealEstate #homeDesign #interiorDesign #sportsStarsHomes #entertainmentRooms #EuropeanDesign #expansiveEstate

This article highlights a 150-acre estate located at 313 Taylor Road, Peacham, VT, described as a rustic-chic farmhouse and family compound. The property offers an expansive living space of 5,500 square feet, featuring eight bedrooms and nine bathrooms. A central theme of the interior design is the artful use of worn wood, incorporating salvaged barn board walls, reclaimed pine flooring, and exposed hand-hewn timbers along the cathedral ceilings. This design choice contributes to a treehouse-esque ambiance, particularly appealing to younger residents for activities such as homeschooling. One of the estate's most notable features is its indoor pool, situated within a 40-by-60-foot solarium. This pool area is designed to resemble a waterpark, complete with faux and real rock and tree accents, waterfalls, and underwater lighting, offering both recreational and fitness opportunities. Beyond the main residence, the 150-acre grounds provide extensive outdoor amenities, including multiple porches, five ponds, miles of carriage roads, and natural trails. For equestrian enthusiasts, the property boasts paddocks and barn space capable of accommodating up to 20 horses, along with an indoor riding arena. In addition to the primary farmhouse, the estate includes three guest houses, one of which is a modernist cabin uniquely positioned above Ewell Pond. While the overall aesthetic leans towards rustic, the property also incorporates refined elements, such as mahogany entryways, cedar walk-in closets, French doors, and marble countertops. The interiors are further enhanced by hand-painted ceramic tiles in bathrooms and kitchens, contributing a Spanish farmhouse appeal, and a mix of modern glass globe light fixtures alongside antique pendant lights. The main house offers several inviting spaces for relaxation and gathering, including a double-sided fireplace, a completely skylit dining room, and a cozy reading nook. The generous expanse of the property allows for extensive outdoor activities, whether on horseback or on foot, providing a sense of seclusion and ample room to explore without needing to leave the premises. The article provides contact information for Wade Weathers at LandVest for further inquiries about the property. #VermontRealEstate #FarmhouseStyle #LuxuryProperty #RusticChic #IndoorPool #EquestrianProperty #FamilyCompound #HomeDesign #EstateLiving

Lonni Paul, a prominent Los Angeles-based interior designer known for her work with celebrities, undertook the extensive project of decorating real estate developer Ted Foxman's 20,000-square-foot Bel Air family home. Foxman, who retired early and built a multi-million dollar company, decided to move his family from Chicago to Los Angeles and sought Paul's expertise to create a fashionable and comfortable home for his wife and four children. The family desired a "family compound" that would allow them to enjoy the California sunshine year-round, serving as a well-designed respite from Chicago's harsh winters. The Foxmans acquired the unique property in 2016, and over two and a half years, Paul meticulously infused their aesthetic throughout the colossal residence. Foxman emphasized a vision of light, airy, and positive energy pervading every space, with large rooms feeling cozy and widely appealing. The property spans four acres and boasts impressive features, including an expansive Pacific Ocean view, eight bedrooms, and twelve bathrooms. Beyond the living spaces, the estate is equipped with an array of amenities designed for both family life and grand entertaining, such as a screening room, wine room, game room, and two formal living rooms. Outdoor facilities include an Olympic-size pool, a basketball court, a tennis court, a batting cage, two fire pits, an outdoor barbecue with a bar, a dining area seating twenty, and even a helicopter pad. This comprehensive setup makes the property suitable for children's activities and large social gatherings. Despite the immense scale of the property, Paul noted that the square footage itself was not the primary challenge. Instead, certain existing elements presented difficulties, such as the "garish" black and white checkered tiles in the entry, which were replaced with hardwood floors. Paul also expanded the property by adding a new family room and converting a former balcony into a master bedroom. These structural changes were made to capitalize on the home's most beautiful views, offering a spectacular vantage point from both new spaces. Following these renovations, Paul exercised her creative freedom by introducing unique and surprising design elements. Examples include a powder room adorned with bird-motif wallpaper and a dining room saturated in rich navy hues, intentionally designed to be slightly more unconventional yet elegantly integrated. The dining room features custom chairs by Tytek upholstered in Kravet velvet and a J. Alexander credenza. The eat-in kitchen incorporates sophisticated blue accents, with Walker Zanger tiles providing contrast to the predominantly white decor and Romo for Thomas Lavin mohair velvet upholstery adding a luxurious touch to the seating. A notable highlight in the spacious living room, which is divided into two seating areas, is a neon sign proclaiming, “You are amazing just the way you are,” discovered at an art gallery. This piece is encased in an acrylic box with a mirrored metal plate, creating an infinite reflection effect. Paul also encouraged Foxman's playful side, culminating in the bold decision to park a vintage Porsche in the middle of the entry, after considering other "crazy ideas" like a metal ferris wheel or a merry-go-round. Understanding the family's connections to the music industry, with celebrity friends like Seal and Babyface, a dedicated music room was essential. This space allows guests to jam on guitars and serves as a display area for Foxman's extensive guitar collection. To balance these more eccentric elements, Paul incorporated calming designs in other areas. The master bedroom, for instance, features a neutral palette that enhances the outdoor views. Automated curtains reveal a spectacular forty-mile vista to the ocean and Catalina Island, creating a serene and relaxing environment, which Foxman cites as one of his favorite aspects of the home. Paul expressed her satisfaction with the varied aesthetics throughout the residence, noting that each room offers a distinct experience, akin to visiting a different destination within the home, making the project particularly enjoyable. #BelAirEstate #LuxuryDesign #LonniPaul #TedFoxman #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #FamilyHome #CaliforniaLiving #ArchitecturalRenovation

The Wallis family, consisting of Jenna, an internationally acclaimed interior designer and owner of Jenna Wallis Interior Design, and her husband Ed, purchased a 1940s English cottage in the Hedgemoor neighborhood of Memphis with a vision to transform it into a serene and classic retreat for their family, including their two boys. Despite its charming exterior, the cottage required extensive renovation to accommodate a modern family while preserving its original character. After living in the house for about four years, the Wallises engaged Ryan Anderson of RKA Investments, a Memphis builder known for restoring older homes, and architect Charles Shipp to lead the renovation. Jenna's design philosophy centered on blending the old with the new, maintaining the home's classic charm while introducing contemporary elements. A significant challenge involved literally lifting the existing structure to create an open, airy space. The renovation team, including Ryan Anderson's business partner Chris Clark, worked collaboratively to achieve Jenna's vision, which included raising the living area's 9-foot ceilings to 11 feet to enhance natural light and spaciousness. Eight-foot windows were installed, flanking a custom fireplace, above which a vibrant painting by Atlanta artist Sally King Benedict became a focal point. Key areas of the home were meticulously redesigned. The kitchen was transformed with custom cabinetry extending to the ceiling for maximum storage, a beveled subway tile backsplash, and honed Carrara marble countertops. Jenna opted for unlacquered brass hardware, which develops a natural patina over time, to align with the home's original aesthetic. A breakfast nook, connecting the living area and kitchen, features sleek white walls, a streamlined banquette, and a rustic farmhouse table complemented by a brass globe chandelier. A framed 1966 Andy Warhol-designed Campbell's Soup dress, inherited from Ed's grandmother, adds a whimsical touch to this space. Throughout the living areas, white walls serve as a gallery for the Wallises' extensive art collection, which includes pieces by Memphis artist Megan Hurdle. In the parlor, a soft mint green ceiling, inspired by one of Hurdle's mixed-media works, adds a subtle color accent. Jenna's favorite space, her downstairs study, is distinguished by pale, high-gloss blue lacquered walls, a French pedestal desk, whimsical peacock figurines, and a modern brass starburst chandelier. Custom-built bookshelves by RKA Investments house the family's book collection, while art consultant Anna Wunderlich assisted in curating and displaying the family's diverse artwork, including a collection of oils and watercolors from Paris. The guest bedroom features a bold coral lattice wallpaper on an accent wall, framing an upholstered headboard, alongside French dressers and draperies made from Jim Thompson silk. The master bath was conceived as a spa-like retreat, with gray and white marble, built-in mirrors, millwork surrounding a white vanity, and elegant brass hardware. Antique light fixtures were incorporated to maintain the home's period charm. The renovation extended to the exterior, with Ryan Anderson and his team salvaging stone to create a cozy fireplace on a spacious, screened-in porch, which has become an ideal gathering spot for the Wallis family and friends. The project culminated in a home that perfectly blends classic charm with modern functionality, fulfilling Jenna's five-year vision. #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #HistoricPreservation #MemphisHomes #CottageRenovation #JennaWallisDesign #RKAInvestments #LuxuryInteriors #ArtCollection

Shutterstock founder Jon Oringer and his wife Talia embarked on a search for a home in Miami Beach that would align with their vision of a welcoming oasis, distinct from the prevailing aesthetic characterized by aggressive geometrics and glossy surfaces. Their quest led them to a property overlooking Biscayne Bay, which, despite requiring significant renovation, offered an exceptional location and views. To transform this property into their dream home, they enlisted the expertise of AD100 interior designer Kelly Behun, who had previously worked on their Bridgehampton residence. Behun is recognized for her ability to create interiors that blend fanciful elements with refined sophistication, resulting in spaces that are both imaginative and serene. The home’s architectural transformation was initiated by Blaze Makoid of BMA Architects, who softened the exterior’s angularity with bronze and wood accents and introduced a sculptural staircase to enhance the interior’s dynamism. This established a visual language emphasizing fluidity and warmth, a quality the homeowners desired. Behun further collaborated with To Better Days Building, another AD PRO Directory firm, to realize the couple's vision. Within this architectural framework, Behun curated a vibrant collection of pieces from a global network of artisans, combining them with striking art and vintage items. Each room's design is often anchored by a central element, such as a unique lighting fixture or a captivating artwork, which harmonizes the color, pattern, and scale. Contemporary materials like white oak, plush fabrics, and muted metals are employed in sculptural forms, grounding the whimsical elements in an atmosphere of elegance and luxury. The entryway, for instance, features a custom stained glass light fixture by Greek artist Kostas Lambridis, whose design reflects the client's personal narrative. This piece hangs above a Mimi table by Garcé & Dimofski, complemented by Martino Gamper circus stools and a woven chair from Space Available Studio, all echoing the fixture's colors. Similarly, a stained glass fixture by Maarten de Ceulaer commands attention in the dining room, balancing a substantial table by Yabu Pushelberg. In the double-height library, four ceiling pendants by Bennet Schlesinger, inspired by cumulus clouds, playfully disrupt the room's formal upholstered seating arrangements. The lounge is enlivened by a cut-paper collage of dancing women by Heidi Lanino, set against curvaceous furniture by designers like Achille Salvagni and Chris Wolston. For the children’s playroom, a Nuage fixture by Wout Wessemius creates an ethereal ambiance. Beyond individual pieces, foliage plays a crucial role in animating the spaces. Large Alocasia Calidora leaves at the second-floor atrium window add drama to the primary bedroom. Landscape architect Raymond Jungles collaborated on the home's vegetation, including an immense American oil palm at the entryway that helps scale down the property, contributing to a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere despite its grandeur. The overall design achieves a ravishing and rejuvenating effect, perceived as both sublime and sensual by the homeowners. Jon Oringer praised Behun’s capacity to translate their identity into the living space, affirming that the designer successfully delivered a home that is uniquely theirs. #HomeDesign #InteriorDesign #LuxuryHomes #MiamiArchitecture #ContemporaryDesign #CustomFurniture #ArtCollection #LandscapeDesign #ArchitecturalDigest