Windermere Family Home
Ben Cunliffe Architects were engaged to consider and evaluate the refurbishment potential of this property close to the shores of Windermere. Taking into account costs and environmental factors, it was decided that an extensive renovation was the correct path to take as the property was structurally sound and held great potential. Ben Cunliffe Architects embarked on the design of this 400sqm, two storey home, trusted with all elements of the design down to the very last detail.
Already boasting a generous floor plan, the requirement to extend on the ground floor was not necessary but there was potential to add additional bedrooms upstairs over the existing garage and conservatory.
The ground floor was transformed into an extensive open plan living arrangement where the kitchen and lounge were brought to the front of the house, maximising the beautiful views of Lake Windermere.
The house is centred on a statement double height entrance which was formed with an up and over window, providing views out from the landing. A glazed balcony from the upper floor looks down into the hallway below where the walls were clad internally with traditional Lakeland stone and carefully lit to enhance the texture.
A central staircase provided a focal point from the entrance and was thoughtfully designed in steel, wood and glass by Ben Cunliffe Architects, giving this home an immediate wow factor.
The hallway branches off on one side to the kitchen diner and to the other the lounge, where Ben Cunliffe Architects worked with local joiners to design and make several pieces of bespoke furniture.
The open plan living room has been designed with a ski lodge feel, setting the tone for the rest of the house. A large three-sided glass log burner is mounted on bespoke cabinetry, concealing hidden drawers filled with logs. A feature bookcase was carefully designed to fill a whole wall and conceal a sound system providing the ability to turn the room into a cinema room when required.
The light and bright open plan kitchen features an oriel window and a cosy, intimate dining room behind. Beyond the kitchen, in a peaceful corner of the house is the study with a frameless glass corner window which commands amazing views of the Lake and fells beyond. Pocket sliding doors reveal a children’s playroom with more bespoke fitted joinery and an adult’s games room containing a pool table and banquette seating.
The upper storey is room in roof providing five generous bedrooms and ensuite bathrooms. The roofscape was adjusted and raised as far as practically possible to gain useable room height and maximise the Lake District views.
Details were carefully followed through on all of the joinery items. Flush fitted skirting boards with shadow gaps flow into oak door casings and bespoke doors with the same detailing. Beautiful Havwoods engineered wood flooring coordinates with the bespoke joinery and furniture designed by Ben Cunliffe Architects. Every tiny detail has been considered.
Externally the white rendered building was clad in traditional Lakeland stone and vertical cedar cladding which is repeated at the entry gates.
The landscaping, terracing, BBQ and hot tub area were all considered as part of the overall design to create a wholistic scheme inside and out.
