Equestrian Modern Farmhouse

BERKSHIRE

This international showjumper’s yard is immaculate – now she has a home to match. The brief was clear, yet complex: a contemporary minimalist home, that is practical and easy to maintain a place; somewhere perfect for entertaining friends and family, but also offers a haven of tranquility when she comes back from competing across Europe. That led to a design that offered real flexibility: a living room with a cosy log fire and rich wood flooring for the winter, but which has the option to fling open the doors to the pool in the summer. The cinema room in the basement feels homely when curled up with the dogs, but offers the space to host friends and watch the international equestrian action. The colour palette throughout emphasises calm and contemporary taupes and greys – which have the added advantage of not showing the dirt – and there’s loads of cleverly built-in storage. And crucially, there’s plenty of space to add the ornaments, souvenirs and trophies of my client’s sporting career.