The Split

27 June

It all begins with an idea. We wanted our family home to ‘work’ for us, creating the life of our dreams.

Like many others wandering down the path of building a new home, we too have researched what we need, want and like, ooh-ing and aah-ing over various details and pins. Starting from scratch means that we can literally build to have our dream home that will ‘work for us’.

Maybe, we can have that internal courtyard like we’ve dreamt of since staying in a riad in Marrakech? Sorry, no - the vendor chose to withdraw the sale of the perfect flat block. Maybe, we can build around a sunken lounge area which will extend to an external oasis like the place in Cyprus, but on the top of a hill? Sorry, no - due to the market, the price of the block sold for almost double the asking price. The list goes on...

But, after the two years, the universe had other plans for us to get to the point we have - a beautiful sloping block in a new development backing onto greenery with promised views of the ocean. It’s probably a good time to mention also that we originally wanted to buy in this development before it was postponed, around 8 years ago. Universe, you work in mysterious ways but are glad things are panning out.

With the naturally next step of designing our custom home, we came across other obstacles. Nothing a little bit of research, calling upon the podcasts of the Undercover Architect, and reference to our ideal lifestyle couldn’t address. We are now fast approaching the end of the design process, with the finishes undoubtedly being revisited closer to the build start date as the cost of materials is ever increasing and doesn’t appear to be slowing down any time soon. I am a firm believer that it’s the challenges that make “it” rewarding. “It” being life, the project, the baby which can self settle after countless re-entries for reassurance, and of course, our new home.

The home for us is a place to create memories, to enjoy the nights in, to be healthiest and happiest, and for it to support our ever changing and growing family. In addition to the standard “Check what side the sun rises on” types of questions, our key design checklist is as follows:

Non-negotiables

For our team - transparency, open communication, and a collaborative approach
Fit for babies, toddlers (hello stair handrails, wider corridors for pram and kid action)
Maximising the greenery around us and bringing it into the house through biophilic design
Having an interconnected kitchen/ dining/ living and outdoor living area as this is where majority memories are made with our main humans and favourite wines
Ensuring our guests have a comfortable stay with us, including extended stays
Having a space for our future young adults and their friends, yes, we spoil them
Space for our green thumb’s to flourish

As soon as our flow looked right, then we could focus on the feel of it with our finishes selections. Now, anyone who knows my husband and I knows a) we like a good glass of wine with some good food, b) our taste is expensive so those fluted glass doors may need to be replaced with solid core doors, and c) we need great internet connectivity. So in comes the non-negotiable wine cabinet, in-built speakers, increased acoustics and Cat7 ethernet cabling to every key space. No loading wheels are welcome in this house.

When it comes to the finishes, locking yourself into the one category can be dangerous, especially for me. I love opulent parisian chic, textures which are highlighted only in minimalist design, character through tapestry and knick-knacks from moroccan souks, the lazy afternoons only found in places like the algarve coast, art-driven spaces… my list goes on. I will love everything we ultimately select to create our future just that. But, there is always a chance I will be envisioning something else and will need to “change things up”.

For now, we have elected to follow our gut with the below swooning inspiration.