Explore a modern, open-plan concrete house in Cornwall with back-to-nature textures

THE PROPERTY

A new-build modern home close to Perranporth, north Cornwall. It comprises an open-plan living and dining area, kitchen, bathroom, bedroom and outside terrace, all on one level.

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TERRACE

The outdoors is a significant part of the overall design, so the terrace (pictured above) acts as another expansive ‘room’. With a fire pit, barbecue and hot tub in the garden, relaxation is an enticing prospect.

LIVING AREA

Deep in the Cornish countryside, encased in nature, lies an unexpected home. In these parts – Poldark territory – you might expect an archetypal chocolate-box thatch or sprawling red-brick farmhouse. So this modern build, with its concrete casing, gaping terrace and impressive stargazing windows, is a bit of an anomaly.

In the summer, light pours in from every angle and gives a gorgeous dappled effect as it filters through the trees.

Simply beautiful and flooded with light, this space combines loose practicality with a unique aesthetic style. The concrete surface and reclaimed scaffold boards used on the unit doors provide a functional feel, while the pops of green furnishings mimic the luxuriant natural growth outside.

A view this good definitely calms the mind. The angled window means you can sit alongside nature, totally immersing yourself in its glory.

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This plot used to house a crumbling car port – complete with plenty of weeds. The potential for a compact new build was apparent, but it needed an inventive eye to design something small but perfectly formed. Step in Jess Clark, an interior designer, who came on board for the project.

Despite there being nothing like it in the area, there were no local objections and planning permission was approved straightaway.

The design works because it isn’t intrusive and merges with the natural surroundings. The muted grey of the concrete walls combined with the cedarwood shingles will age gracefully and soften the overall look. And while the house feels isolated and is surrounded by greenery, you can easily drive to the beach and nearby towns. It’s the perfect combination.

DINING AREA

This snug corner is where you can enjoy the best garden views.

The outline for the house was inspired by traditional bird hides (camouflaged shelters used to watch birds without disturbing them). Here, there is definitely a sense of observing the natural world from the inside.

The distinctive overhanging main windows mean you can actually sit (or lay your head, in the bedroom) in their expansive sills for complete immersion in the outdoors.

A display of vintage finds – wood blocks, books and an aluminium jug filled with delphiniums – creates a sense of home.

KITCHEN

A rustic feel has been created in the kitchen with reclaimed scaffold boards, concrete work surfaces and plenty of wood and aluminium accessories: utilitarian, practical and beautiful.

People often make the assumption that a concrete home will be cold and uninviting, but this home is actually a very cosy space – and for colder months there's underfloor heating.

EXTERIOR

The exterior is a simple, but striking example of modern design at one with nature.

BEDROOM

Nature feels like it’s just an arm’s reach away with these huge windows overlooking the garden. The owner wanted a place to sleep where she could look up at the stars on a clear night.

BATHROOM

The oversized bathtub was originally created for use as an animal trough, but it works great as a bath. The trough itself cost under £200 - though it took five men to get it in place. It could have cost four times that amount to have it made.

GARDEN

From the garden there are green views as far as the eye can see.

Find out about renting this house, The Hide, and other inspirational properties at uniquehomestays.com

Photography ⁄ Paul Massey

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