A sensitive renovation and refurbishment of a 45sqm cottage in the South Hams, Devon.
“Thus the dream house must possess every virtue.
How ever spacious, it must also be a cottage,
a dove-cote, a nest, a chrysalis.
Intimacy needs the heart of a nest.“
Gaston Bachelard, The Poetics of Space
“What if a building were more like a nest?
If it were, it would be made out of local materials.
It would be specific to its site and climate.
It would use minimal energy but maintain comfort.
It would last just long enough and then would leave no
trace. It would be just what it needed to be.“
Jeanne Gang, Architect, USA
“The design of buildings in natural settings,
whether urban or rural, must be responsive
to the earth out of which they arise
and the sky against which they are seen.“
J Polsheck, Architect, USA
“Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful.“ William Morris, Textile Designer
British Arts and Crafts Movement, UK (1834-96)
“In pure architecture the smallest detail should have a meaning or serve a purpose.“
A. W. N. Pugin, Architect, UK (1812-52)
Dove Cottage, Harberton, Totnes.
A sensitive renovation and refurbishment of a 45sqm cottage in the South Hams, Devon. The reconfigured layout restores the domestic atmosphere in the 18th Century house, originally part of what was the Dundridge House Estate into contemporary holiday accommodation for the discerning traveller. There is no division between the front and back of the house, bringing space, life and light to the south facing open plan living areas. A warm palette of natural materials adds character. Exposed wooden beams are maintained and new oak floor boards installed. The stone fireplace with wood burning stove becomes the centerpiece of the space. The handcrafted kitchen has a large ceramic belfast sink and birch worktops. All walls are painted white with environmentally friendly mineral paint, allowing them to breathe and making the most of the natural light. Upstairs, the elegant bedroom has a double bed, dressing area and window with rural views across the hills. The bathroom has a generous walk in shower, finished with vintage porcelain tiles and a traditional large Victorian shower head. Eclectic lighting, artworks and accessories are carefully curated to enhance but not overwhelm the spaces. The cottage is powered from 100% sustainable energy sources.
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