readers’ homes

INSPIRED BY NATURE

Stunning natural surroundings and far-reaching views gave rise to the design of Esther Horwood’s new home – a striking modern abode nestled on the bank of the River Avon

Above: The external materials palette features treated larch cladding, long format bricks and powder coated aluminium frame windows, finished in a RAL colour that blends with the rest of the property

WORDS REBECCA FOSTER PHOTOS MARTIN GARDNER

Perched on a sloping site on the bank of the River Avon, it’s fair to say that Esther Horwood’s sleek new home truly makes the most of its picturesque location. The design evolved out of the plot’s elevated position overlooking the water, with distant views of Salisbury Cathedral spire adding to the inspirational feel as soon as you step inside the property.

The Horwood family had lived in the area for almost two decades when they purchased the site where the new house stands. “We lived next door. At that point, there was a little cottage on this plot that the owners used as a weekend home,” says Esther. Though the brick-built property was a little rundown, it benefitted from unbeatable views thanks to its elevated position on the river bank. When Esther and her husband Chris bought the cottage in 2015, their goal was to build a small new home that’d provide a good base for retirement, while having space for visiting family to stay over. “As well as the main cottage there was a summer house with two bedrooms, a bathroom and a kitchen – and it was on the best bit of the plot in terms of the view,” she says. “We wanted to replace that and keep the cottage as ancillary accommodation for when our kids came to stay.” However, when the local planning department stipulated that the plot could only host a single dwelling, Esther and Chris put their plans on ice for a few years. “Eventually, we decided to crack on and build one larger, modern new home,” says Esther.