I commissioned Charles Barclay Architects to build me a new house, which was completed in the year 2012. They had previously totally refurbished a 1960s terraced house for me in Marylebone, London W1 in 2000-2001.
Both of these projects were imaginatively conceived as architecture and wonderfully usable as homes; they have given me enormous pleasure and satisfaction. The fact that I returned to Charles Barclay Architects to design and oversee the construction of the new house is testimony to their approach as architects and that I find them very easy to work with. I would recommend them without hesitation.
The new build was a challenging site near the coast in Suffolk: a 19 acre field that had been a pig farm on which remained a broken-down 60s/70s house alongside approximately 2 acres of concrete, which had housed pig sties & silos, all leading out into a large area of uncultivated field.
The house was limited in size by costs, but had to be able to accommodate varyingly a couple, or expand to house a large family. Charles Barclay imaginatively decided to treat this enormous field as a 'prairie' and celebrate its expansive nature with a house that truly embraces the site. It is single storey and has three wings extending out in to the field, each framing a different view. The plan form of two conjoined 'L' shapes allows me to occupy the house as a private apartment, or open it up for a full family gathering.
The house is an absolute triumph and has won many accolades. More importantly, it was an exciting project to undertake and continues to be a delight to live in. I have found Charles Barclay Architects a pleasure to work with and adept at interpreting and bringing to fruition my requirements in an imaginative and sympathetic way. We remain good friends!
