Reside britains best

At Home in Britain’s Best Home Sharon Kilby talks to Property Consultant Amanda Barrington

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Resting magically amongst the heavily scented and lush woodland of the Hargham Estate in Norfolk stands a shining example of modern architecture at its most inspiring. Breathtakingly in appearance Woods End is a striking

exterior projects. Commissions have

combination of contemporary and traditional design that captures the very

where architectural designer Michael Homes and interior consultant Melissa Porter and property journalist Russell

essence of modern living. It is no great surprise therefore that property boasts the impressive accolade of ‘Britain’s Best Home’ and has received praise from numerous respected architects and designers. Woods End was voted the winner of Channel 5 series “I own Britain’s Best Home” by public vote beating 27 other houses in the series all vying for the revered title and the £20,000 prize money which owner Amanda Barrington donated to 3 Charities.

Woods End was created by renowned designer and property developer Amanda Barrington and offers state of the art contemporary living in a natural and ecologically sensitive environment. Having painstakingly researched the very best environmentally efficient construction techniques, the completed house now blends in harmoniously with the landscape. With a natural eye for good design Amanda has a wealth of experience in bringing buildings to life and her work as a consultant has lead to her involvement in many exciting interior and

included lifestyle offices and apartments in London, period properties in the country and even a very swanky seaside beach-hut.

The award for Britain’s Best Home was confirmed following the course of 8 heats

Harris put 24 of the U.K. homes through their paces as 24 hour “live in guests”.

Their task was to interview owners who were passionate about their homes and have toiled over build, design and renovation, leaving their own personal stamp on their buildings. Michael Homes Architect and Property Designer said of Woods End “This is truly a remarkable piece of Architecture which has taken full consideration of eco credentials”.

The location of Woods End was pivotal to its creation and the natural undulation of the landscape and the gentle sweeping curves of the river are all mirrored in the shape and style of the building. Property Consultant and owner of Woods End Amanda Barrington explains how her ideas started to become realty “The moment I visited the plot I could visualize clearly how the house would look and feel, the flow of the river and the gentleness of the surroundings all called for a property that sat comfortably in its natural environment. I had spent two years g

trying to find the perfect plot whilst also researching responsible building techniques. One of the most important factors for me was to make the most of the fantastic light that fills the area.”

Sitting within 2 acres of landscaped and natural gardens, the surrounding countryside provides a harmonious backdrop to the rich hues of the timber clad building. Having bought the plot in 2001 Amanda enlisted the services of award winning architects Roderick James who interpreted Amanda’s ideas into a workable design. Encompassing many ecologically sound elements the finished house goes that extra mile when it comes to achieving a perfect balance between luxury living and responsible building.

Utilising traditional construction methods alongside contemporary technology and natural materials Woods End embodies the very best of both classic and modern design. An innovative fusion of styles the house maximises on the bright Norfolk light which floods the interior of the building creating a calm and tranquil space.

The exterior has a timeless quality and is easy on the eye; it enjoys gently curving roofs topped with flowering sedum which provide a pretty display of white and pink flowers during the summer. Built on stilts the house is able to ‘breathe’ and the air

sustainable UK source at Longleat, which have been crafted to form the frame, whilst the exterior of the building has been enveloped in Redwood Cedar.

Woods End enjoys exquisite views of the garden designed by Amanda which includes a Japanese style water feature, bridges, decks and terraces all designed to complement the location and provide space for relaxation. The stream that flows through the grounds brings a Zen like quality to the space and adds a sense of tranquility and calm.

Having really studied the landscape and its intrinsic character Amanda had a very clear vision of how the house should be built. “I felt that the house needed to look and feel as if it had naturally evolved from the land. The building needed to be exceptional in order to do justice to its location and we have kept true to this vision without compromise. The house even changes naturally with the seasons, the sedums on the roof take on a lavender hue in the autumn and the cedar cladding becomes darker and more intense during

can circulate around the building eliminating any stale air and potential damp areas. Woods End is healthy on so many levels providing clear light, unpolluted air and the use of natural materials also means that no harmful toxins have been used in the construction process.

Organic materials have also been throughout the house including majestic Douglas Firs grown and supplied from a

round thanks to the thoroughly efficient thermal and sound insulation together with state of the art windows which cut out harmful ultra violet rays whilst also ensuring against heat loss.

With function and form being adhered to in each space the building has been thoughtfully designed to allow a natural flow from room to room. Floor to ceiling windows have been introduced in many

the winter. In the summer months the roof enjoys a sprinkling of white flowers and the timber walls of the house become a lighter”.

The interior of the house is equally breathtaking with open plan living spaces and the temperature is ambient all year areas and high quality contemporary fittings add to the overall feeling of understated luxury. The four bedrooms all enjoy views across the gardens and bathrooms have limestone floors, walls and surfaces and are fitted with Boffi and Fantini sanitary ware.

The floors are predominately oak in the living areas and limestone in the bathrooms and are laid over a sophisticated underfloor heating system, the matt kitchen has been designed by BOC Design of Chelsea using white cabinetry by Hacker.

Designed to be both comfortable and stylish Amanda’s eye for detail is clearly evident and the living space has an air of relaxed sophistication. Using local craftsmen and suppliers to create a unique and restful interior, fittings are all of the very highest specifications. Doors have been handmade in Ash, movement sensitive lighting is fitted throughout, electric Lutron blinds can be activated remotely and the whole house enjoys wi-fi and satellite links.

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Drawing much inspiration from the Far East Amanda’s style is unique and whilst recognising the requirements of a contemporary lifestyle she has successfully achieved a harmonious balance between exterior and interior living. “This house has its own sense of calm and serenity which I am sure reflects the fact that it has been respectfully built taking the landscape into consideration from the very beginning. It is a wonderful place in which to live and has a positive effect on everyone that visits”.

Amanda Barrington is available for exterior and interior design consultancy, Woods End is currently for sale for more information please visit www.woodsendnorfolk.co.uk or call Amanda Barrington on 07740411710. autumn/winter collection | 83