Striking Self Build Annexe on the Cornish Coastline

Architectural Details

The charred timber cladding is a key feature of the annexe, which has been treated in the Japanese method known as Shou Sugi Ban. “It was an expensive part of the project, but crucial,” says Suzanne. “I knew that whatever I did, it would be in this wood. It looks so natural and sits beautifully against Cornish stone. In fact, I’d say it was the most important part of the design.”

Glazing also played a big part in the design for Suzanne, in particular the frameless glass balustrade, which gives sweeping views across the sea. “I love glass,” says Suzanne, who always uses Cornish glazing specialists Camel Glass. “In a dream world, I would just build the whole thing from glass. It makes a massive difference here, as the view out to the coast, which would otherwise only have been seen from the balcony, is unbelievable.”

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Suzanne chose Uni-Blinds for the windows and doors, a built-in blind system recommended and installed by Camel Glass. Its integrated nature helps create a clean, simple finish

A zinc roof completes the exterior’s wow-factor finish. The soft charcoal grey colour works perfectly with the rest of the design and although the zinc proved expensive, it’s ideally suited to its coastal location, being weather and corrosion resistant. Eventually it develops a beautiful patina, changing to a blue-grey hue over time. The roof was installed using a standing seam, which resulted in clean lines to complement the overall contemporary aesthetic.

Practical Choices

Suzanne’s approach to the interior finishes was fairly experimental. In the living area and the bedroom, she chose a pale plywood finish over paint or wallpaper, opting for shadow gaps over skirting board for a minimal finish.

The same plywood was also used for the stairway for a seamless, cohesive transition between the spaces. With the exception of the carpeted bedroom, Suzanne chose ceramic tiles for the rest of the annexe. Not only is it practical and hard-wearing, but it works effectively with her underfloor heating system, which is powered by an air source heat pump.

The interior features a range of stylish light fixtures, such as the Etch pendant from Tom Dixon in the living room and the surface-mounted lights in the kitchen from Astro Hashira

Her practical choices extend to the kitchen, where the only luxury element is the marble quartz worktop. In the bathroom, she had planned to use green tiles for more colour but, in the end, opted for light grey. Finishing touches include Arezzo matt black fittings from Victorian Plumbing and gold tile trims and mirror frame to fit in with the colour scheme around the rest of the home.

Overcoming Problems

Few projects will complete without a hiccup or two along the way and, despite Suzanne’s experience, her biggest challenge was the issue of new access to the lane from the annexe. Planning restrictions prevented Suzanne from creating a new driveway, but she was able to add a footpath to the road leading down to the beach.

The woodburning stove from Morso, supplied by Kernow Fires, creates a cosy cabin feel during winter

However, Suzanne made the mistake of not having a survey carried out early in the project. As a result, when she cleared the shrubbery, she found that not only did she have more space than she first thought, but the annexe sat much higher than the road, which created a headache.

“I hadn’t budgeted for it, but I had to shore up the land with lots of steps,” says Suzanne. This was particularly difficult as it came at the end of the project, when funds inevitably run low. Suzanne also wanted to carry out some substantial landscaping work around the annexe, but had not allocated money in her budget.

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The understated plywood staircase ties in with the ceiling in the living area. The matt black handrail and nosing on the treads echo the same finish throughout the entire annexe

Nevertheless, she pressed ahead, putting up fencing for privacy, a rockery and installing outdoor lighting. She also decked a large area around the annexe, using the composite product from Millboard. “I had to finish it off and it wouldn’t have felt right without contemporary finishes in the garden too,” says Suzanne.

A Lifelong Investment

While these final hurdles were a challenge, there were also plenty of high points, especially when Suzanne went upstairs for the first time and saw the sea view. “Even I hadn’t understood how amazing the view would be, and how different it is from the main house,” says Suzanne. “I’m so glad I came up with the idea of a sloped roof and balcony.”

Suzanne opted for budget-friendly products for the bathroom tiles. The Gemini Polesden Art Cream wall tiles are from CTD and the porcelain floor tiles are from Tile Mountain’s Maddox range

Having the annexe hidden from immediate view also adds to its wow factor. “Upon approaching, you can’t see it at all. Then you go behind the trees, and there it is. I love it when people react. It takes your breath away,” she says. The real benefit of the annexe, however, has been the added space and flexibility for Suzanne’s multigenerational family.

“The extra beds are fantastic,” says Suzanne, whose three children are in their late teens and early 20s. “We have the annexe either as a quiet area for older relatives, or as a party zone for the kids. Everything works more smoothly. I wouldn’t have built it if it wasn’t going to add value to our lives.”

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