Nestled behind a high wall on a historic country estate in Devon, the home of Nigel and Eileen Dutt is a masterpiece of discreet design. Designed by architecture firm McLean Quinlan, the house is cleverly disguised behind a red-brick veil that extends from the original garden wall. This ultra-discreet facade, along with the black render and floor-to-ceiling windows of the contemporary, sustainable house, creates a seamless blend of old and new.
The layout of the home was carefully crafted to follow the path that once led from the walled garden to the gardener’s cottage. At the heart of the four-bedroom space is a winter garden, flooded with sunlight from a large roof light overhead. The rooms are arranged around this central space, offering views of the surrounding woods and orchard. Fiona McLean, co-founder of McLean Quinlan, explains that the aesthetic game played both inside and outside the home was crucial to its design.
One of the standout features of this property is its eco-friendly footprint. Meeting tough Passivhaus standards for energy efficiency, the home produces 40% more energy than it consumes. With air-source heating, a heat recovery system, solar panels, top-notch insulation, and air-tight triple glazing, the house is a model of sustainability. Nigel jokes that they can feel virtuous about their eco-friendly choices.
The interior of the home reflects the natural, neutral, and minimalist design ethos of the exterior. Iconic Scandinavian furniture designs are showcased alongside Nigel and Eileen’s collection of ceramics, with bespoke storage solutions integrated into the design. Eileen notes the consistency and integrity of the design, creating spaces for different moods throughout the home. The courtyard, in particular, is a favorite spot for pre-dinner cocktails.
Eileen mentions that visitors often comment on the calming atmosphere of the home, with its ability to make shoulders drop upon entering. The sense of calmness and tranquility is a testament to the thoughtful design and sustainable practices that went into creating this unique residence. With its blend of old and new, respect for nature, and commitment to sustainable living, the Dutt’s home is a true sanctuary in the British countryside.