We were  approached by Gill and Alice Meller in May 2023 to help them explore ideas to improve the internal layout of their Beautiful cliff-side home nestled into the woodland setting within the Rousdon Estate in East Devon  

The Grade II Listed building is barely visible from the approach, as it is almost entirely built below ground, with only the southern and western elevation being visible from the  steeply sloping cliff edges.

The remarkable setting enjoys expansive panoramic views out to sea .There were various aspects to the brief and the listing presented many challenges, central to the client vision, was to find a sensitive way of opening up the internal, cave-like spaces, so that these spaces also enjoy the view. The design also reconfigured the kitchen  providing discreet back of house spaces in the form of further below ground structures which  create a much needed pantry and utility space.

We worked closely with conservation and heritage officers within East Devon Planning to find a solution which could fulfil the brief and be supported by the heritage lobby.

Gill's use of fire is a recurring theme throughout his beautifully written cookery books. We developed the idea of repurposing the tiny original fireplace within the space, by lifting  and rotating  the hearth up to the worktop level so that Gill could incorporate the open wood fire into his cooking within the kitchen itself. 

Gill Meller's Kitchen - The Summerhouse, Rousdon , East Devon

We were  approached by Gill and Alice Meller in May 2023 to help them explore ideas to improve the internal layout of their Beautiful cliff-side home nestled into the woodland setting within the Rousdon Estate in East Devon  

The Grade II Listed building is barely visible from the approach, as it is almost entirely built below ground, with only the southern and western elevation being visible from the  steeply sloping cliff edges.

The remarkable setting enjoys expansive panoramic  views out to sea .There were various aspects to the brief and the listing presented many challenges, central to the client vision, was to find a sensitive way of opening up the internal, cave-like spaces, so that these spaces also enjoy the view. The design also reconfigured the kitchen  providing discreet back of house spaces in the form of further below ground structures which  create a much needed pantry and utility space.

We worked closely with conservation and heritage officers within East Devon Planning to find a solution which could fulfil the brief and be supported by the heritage lobby.

Gill's use of fire is a recurring theme throughout his beautifully written cookery books. We developed the idea of repurposing the tiny original fireplace within the space, by lifting  and rotating  the hearth up to the worktop level so that Gill could incorporate the open wood fire into his cooking within the kitchen itself.