Property showcase


Clockwise from above left: the stunning exterior featuring that fabulous staircase; the kitchen, dining and living areas are all open plan creating a wonderful feeling of space; triple doors open onto the private courtyard garden; Billy hard at work renovating this property


Barc Architects in Exeter’s Castle Street Studios last year, specialising in contemporary houses, extensions and renovations, and Billy is a self- employed carpenter and builder. “Billy and I had always talked about doing a


project together,” says Caroline. “The property was originally a coach house, and when we bought it the ground floor was a dark, damp garage and storage area, and upstairs had been converted into a two-bedroom bungalow that was in desperate need of updating.” Holcombe is a pretty village mid-way between


Dawlish and Teignmouth, and the detached 19th-century property is just minutes’ walk from the beach and coastal footpath. “We fell in love with the location,” says Caroline, “being on a headland so close to the sea and picturesque Holcombe village.”


Her priorities while working on the design


were to get as much natural light into the property as possible, connecting to the courtyard garden and creating an open-plan contemporary home. “I love how Scandinavian design combines


natural materials with sleek minimalism,” she says, “and this was definitely an influence when deciding on the interior style and materials.” Despite their tight budget, the couple refused


to compromise on quality or the finish. Billy’s a perfectionist with a serious eye for detail, and Caroline has been designing luxury homes for the past five years, so she has an appreciation for high-quality finishes and fittings. “We did a lot of the work ourselves,” says


Caroline, “Billy doing the skilled work and me as labourer and chief tea-maker. We also worked


www.mediaclash.co.uk Exeter Living 69


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