ROUGH luxe

The house that Sarah and Andy built may be made of concrete and reclaimed wood, but it’s also full of inspiring ideas, plush materials and back-to-nature textures

Sarah and andy’s home may be a concrete new build, but its sensitive design means it’s at one with nature

Deep in the Cornish countryside, encased in nature, lies an unexpected home. In these parts – Poldark territory – you might expect an archetypal chocolate-box thatch or sprawling red-brick farmhouse. So this modern build, with its concrete casing, gaping terrace and impressive stargazing windows, is a bit of an anomaly.

The owner, Sarah Stanley, who escapes to this bolthole when in need of peace, agrees it’s not a typical home. ‘But it does have so many great things,’ she says.

‘The light is incredible. In the summer, it pours in from every angle and gives a gorgeous dappled effect as it filters through the trees. And I love the fact you can open the doors and feel you are alongside nature.

I’m a keen gardener and it’s so sheltered here, plants just flourish. I’ve put together a wellbeing garden

– rosemary and thyme borders, and then a mix of agapanthus, lavender and euphorbia. Gorgeous!’

Just over a year ago, when Sarah was first looking for land to build on, this plot housed a crumbling car port – and plenty of weeds! The potential for a compact new build was apparent, but it needed an inventive eye to design something small but perfectly formed. Sarah turned to Jess

Clark, an interior designer, who has worked in

Sarah’s business for 11 years.

‘I trust her expertise. I knew she could come up with something original,’ says Sarah. ‘When we first decided on the concept, we wondered if there would be local objections, as there is nothing like it in the area. But we got planning permission straightaway. The design works because it isn’t intrusive and merges with the natural surroundings.

The muted grey of the concrete walls combined with the cedarwood shingles will age gracefully and soften the overall look. And while the house feels isolated and is surrounded by greenery, you can easily drive to the beach and nearby towns. It’s the perfect combination.’

The outline for the house was inspired by traditional bird hides (camouflaged shelters used to watch birds without disturbing them). Here, there is definitely a sense of observing the natural world from the inside. The distinctive overhanging

main windows mean you can actually sit (or lay your head, in the bedroom) in their expansive sills for complete immersion in the outdoors. ‘From being in bed and looking up at the stars on a clear night to relaxing on the sofa and taking in the views from the picture window, it’s so relaxing just being here,’ says Sarah. ‘People often make the assumption that a concrete home will be cold and uninviting, but it’s actually a very cosy space. We’ve got underfloor heating, but on a summer’s day it’s toasty in here.’ It’s obvious that natural light is an intrinsic part of the design and Sarah admits that translating the design of the signature windows into a reality wasn’t a straightforward process. ‘The local companies had never created anything like this before. We gave them basic drawings, but we had to work closely with specialist engineers to develop the finished product. Then when the large kitchen window cracked during delivery, we all had to take a deep breath. But there are always going to be difficulties when you’re looking to create something alternative and it was important for us to remain focused on the end result and not compromise.’ With a demanding home and work life, it’s vital that Sarah has a get-out-ofthe-mayhem haven. ‘I live in the hamlet I grew up in and my home is next door to our offices,’ she explains. ‘That means I can get very caught up in both personal and professional commitments. I reach a point when I know I need to step back and take some time out. When I can escape to this place, the simplicity of it really clears my head and I get the opportunity to properly think and slow down. It really is totally restorative.’

Find out about renting this house, The Hide, and other inspirational properties at uniquehomestays.com

living area DetailA display of vintage finds – wood blocks, books and an aluminium jug filled with delphiniums – creates a sense of home. Sarah is a big believer that unique finds add a distinct personality to your interior. ‘They don’t need to be expensive. Just choose what you love,’ she says, ‘and it will work.’

living areaA view this good definitely calms the mind. The angled window means you can sit alongside nature, totally immersing yourself in its glory. Get the look The cushions and sheepskin are from a selection at Cox & Cox.KitchenA rustic feel has been created with reclaimed scaffold boards, concrete work surfaces and plenty of wood and aluminium accessories: utilitarian, practical and beautiful.