Choose the architect The process can begin from some desktop research—and the annual COUNTRY LIFE 100 (March 8) is a good place to start. Look through the work of architect practices that appeal. ‘You want to play to their strengths, so there’s little point commissioning a modern masterpiece from a practice that usually works with traditional designs,’ recommends Rupert Cunningham, a director at architectural practice Ben Pentreath. ‘Then meet the principal or one of the directors to see if they are a good fit.’ If there’s a plan to sell the house in the future, be cautious about designing something too outlandish, adds Ross Sharpe of Yiangou Architects. ‘Highly architectural projects that we as architects like may only have a limited number of admirers within the buying public, so it’s worth seeking advice about the layout and design from estate agents.’
The right location Although the temptation is to focus on the needs of today, a certain amount of crystal-ball gazing needs to be factored into the process of building a new family house. For example, consider the location carefully, recommends Jonathan Dinnewell of Smallwood Architects. ‘Does it allow easy access to infrastructure and nearby facilities? A secluded spot might seem perfect to raise young children, but be prepared to have to ferry them miles to and from school or extra activities.’
Esta historia es de la edición March 15, 2023 de Country Life UK.
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Esta historia es de la edición March 15, 2023 de Country Life UK.
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Kitchen garden cook - Apples
'Sweet and crisp, apples are the epitome of autumn flavour'
The original Mr Rochester
Three classic houses in North Yorkshire have come to the market; the owner of one inspired Charlotte Brontë to write Jane Eyre
Get it write
Desks, once akin to instruments of torture for scribes, have become cherished repositories of memories and secrets. Matthew Dennison charts their evolution
'Sloes hath ben my food'
A possible paint for the Picts and a definite culprit in tea fraud, the cheek-suckingly sour sloe's spiritual home is indisputably in gin, says John Wright
Souvenirs of greatness
FOR many years, some large boxes have been stored and forgotten in the dark recesses of the garage. Unpacked last week, the contents turned out to be pots: some, perhaps, nearing a century old—dense terracotta, of interesting provenance.
Plants for plants' sake
The garden at Hergest Croft, Herefordshire The home of Edward Banks The Banks family is synonymous with an extraordinary collection of trees and shrubs, many of which are presents from distinguished friends, garnered over two centuries. Be prepared to be amazed, says Charles Quest-Ritson
Capturing the castle
Seventy years after Christian Dior’s last fashion show in Scotland, the brand returned under creative director Maria Grazia Chiuri for a celebratory event honouring local craftsmanship, the beauty of the land and the Auld Alliance, explains Kim Parker
Nature's own cathedral
Our tallest native tree 'most lovely of all', the stately beech creates a shaded environment that few plants can survive. John Lewis-Stempel ventures into the enchanted woods
All that money could buy
A new book explores the lost riches of London's grand houses. Its author, Steven Brindle, looks at the residences of plutocrats built by the nouveaux riches of the late-Victorian and Edwardian ages
In with the old
Diamonds are meant to sparkle in candlelight, but many now gather dust in jewellery boxes. To wear them today, we may need to reimagine them, as Hetty Lintell discovers with her grandmother's jewellery
