Jan Burroughs and Kate Sutherland found the right plot at the right time to self build a low-impact, low-energy home that invokes classic beach house style

WORDS ALEXAN DRA PRATT PHOTOS JONATHAN WIGMORE

Designing the building to a simple rectangle shape helped to keep project costs down, but didn’t impact on the ability to create a stylish home full of wow factor inside

After a lifetime spent working in the construction industry, Jan Burroughs began to think he would never find the right opportunity to self build a home for himself and partner, Kate. Then, in 2019, they relocated from Brighton to West Cornwall, moving into a house with a large unused back garden. “The move was a once-in-alifetime thing,” says Jan. “It is a beautiful place and a fantastic opportunity.” Their new property was situated close to the stunning north coast of Cornwall, and Jan, who is a keen surfer, loves the miles of sandy beach with its dream surfer’s break. Their garden backed onto a nature reserve, containing some ruins from Cornwall’s industrial heritage, including buildings formerly used to manufacture dynamite.

The spacious grounds presented the perfect opportunity to self build a new house – and to enable Jan to channel his years of experience in the construction industry into a project of his own. They sought inspiration for their design brief from the location’s surrounding nature, seascape and industrial roots. “We didn’t want a beach house, but were keen on a similar feeling. Something sympathetic to the area’s history, but modern, sustainable and low-impact,” says Jan. They approached Julian Mills of Studio Gather – a Cornish-based architectural practice specialising in sustainable builds. “Julian was always on our side and a breath of fresh air,” says Jan.