Andrew and Claire Jeffrey loved their Cornish home, but they needed a more practical space that embraced the stunning surroundings

WORDS ALEXANDRA PRATT

The new porch gives this substantial family home a suitable front entrance and the vaulted ceiling enhances the feeling of spaciousness

Andrew and Claire Jeffrey adored their beautiful house on the north coast of Cornwall, but they had frustrations in terms of its usability and lack of relationship with the picturesque surroundings. The 20th century home is positioned in an area known for endless beaches and superb surf. Andrew’s relationship with the property goes back to when, as a boy, he camped on the surrounding National Trust-owned fields. Years later, he bought the house as a part-time home for his young family.

Although a spacious four-bedroom dwelling with large gardens, as it stood, the layout failed to make the most of the setting. “Having lived in the house, we knew it was fabulous, but you couldn’t appreciate the 270° sea views. We wanted to open up the property to that vista,” says Andrew.

Property revision

With a renovation in mind that would make the most of the setting, and allow them to better share their home with their wider family and friends, Andrew and Claire tested the waters with their local council with an initial planning application. That proposal, however, didn’t really make the most of the house’s potential. So, after some research, Andrew and Claire engaged local architect Adam Raspison of Atelier 3. “He listened and tried to understand us as a family,” says Claire. “He brought a pragmatic view.” Andrew agrees, saying: “Adam pointed out we would throw a lot of costs at just remodelling, but we could get more for our money by extending. He felt this would be the most effective way to optimise the layout for the views.”