Planning permission has been received from the South Hams District Council for a new cliff-top property in Bigbury on Sea. The new 5 bedroom two storey dwelling replaces a 6 bedroom bungalow, which no longer met the aspirations of the owners.
The site is located to the east of Bigbury on Sea, above the cliffs and beach. It was therefore a very sensitive site when considering the visual impact placed upon the surrounding area. How the new dwelling sat within the built context when seen from the beach and from Burgh Island was an important consideration for the planning department, and the successful design met their requirements to allow them to give planning permission under delegated powers – avoiding the lengthy process of entering into the planning committee.
The house has been designed to respect the white rendered, pitched slate roofed housing stock within Bigbury, but interprets this style in a contemporary manner. The key design driver was to exploit the panoramic views from Bantham right over to Burgh Island Causeway.
The large open plan kitchen and living space has wall-to-wall glazing to give an unobstructed connection with this view, as well as the garden and terrace.
Upstairs, the two master bedrooms enjoy a vaulted roof space and large floor to ceiling windows that open up onto a balcony looking over the cliff and beach.
The floor plan is simple in its layout with a central spine providing transition between the front door and the main rooms facing towards the coast. Thick masonry walls provide shelter against strong coastal winds and stormy winter weather.
When the owners do not have their family staying, the two main bedrooms at the front of the house can be converted into one large suite via a sliding partition.