Plans by Newcastle architects Pod for a stunning £2.5m walled garden house in Northumberland have moved a step closer to completion, as the first phase of construction work gets under way.
The move is the latest phase of an ambitious project to create a five-bedroomed property that will revitalise and safeguard the Grade II listed walled garden in Newton-on-the-Moor, north of Morpeth, under plans already approved by Northumberland County Council.
The 1771 built walled garden originally supplied fresh produce for Newton Hall but had fallen into decline following years of neglect.
Now, proposals will see a sympathetic restoration of the site, which will include a modern sunken living space folded under the garden landscape. This will enhance the structure’s many original features while adding a new dimension without any visual impact on the external appearance.
The news is the culmination of more than three years of hard work by Toffee Factory-based Pod, which has worked closely with client Paul Hindhaugh on designs for the 6,000 sq. ft. innovative property.
Construction of the some of the outbuildings and garages is under way and will be followed by plans to build a modern entertainment wing and convert the disused potting sheds and greenhouses into luxury living accommodation.
Featuring a sauna, bar, gym and a spiral staircase leading via a retractable glass roof to a restored walled garden that wraps over the new build element, the scheme has been designed to be sensitive and reflect the gardens original purpose.
It was essential the project preserves and respects the heritage of the Walled Garden and its surroundings, said Pod’s project architect and director Martin Clay.
Working closely with Northumberland County Council and its conservation officers to get the scheme of the ground, he said: “As architects, you always want to work on challenging projects and for clients with ambition.
“Working with Hindhaugh Homes, we have designed a highly creative home that respects the sites heritage and provides an outstanding vision of modern living.
“On the back of a growing client base and an impressive portfolio of work, we are going from strength-to-strength. The opportunity to work for high-profile individuals is always one that we would welcome as a creatively-driven practice.”
Pod was established by Craig and Ruth Van Bedaf in 2007 and provides a range of architectural and design services. It currently employs 12 staff at its office in the Toffee Factory, Newcastle, and undertakes residential work, primarily with large regional housebuilders across the North of England. These include national housebuilders Bellway and Storey Homes, as well as Northumberland Estates.
