North Farm
Northamptonshire, Paragraph 79
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This dramatic modern residence, designed under NPPF Paragraph 79 (now Paragraph 80), was granted Planning Permission in September 2020.
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The house features a striking contemporary form, consisting of two interlocking blocks positioned at right angles to each other, nestled within a picturesque and dramatic landscape. Key design highlights include:
A 7m-long cantilevered dining room overhang with a fully glazed sliding window, offering breathtaking views of Pitsford Water.
A discreetly integrated design, with much of the structure hunkered into the landscape to minimize its visible scale.
Garages and support accommodation concealed at a lower level, with an elevated feature garden above the entrance area.
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The house is designed with an inverted layout, placing:
Bedrooms, a gym, and entertainment areas on the lower level.
Living spaces on the upper level, maximizing the spectacular surrounding views.
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The unique design creates two levels of gardens:
A visitor entrance garden at ground level.
A private upper-level formal garden, seamlessly connected to the kitchen and living areas.
The upper garden is further enhanced by a dramatic heated outdoor pool, complete with:
Feature fountains and waterfalls.
An outdoor kitchen and fire pit, designed for summertime entertainment.
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The design met the strict criteria of Paragraph 55 of the National Planning Policy Framework (now Paragraph 80e), which governs new homes in the countryside. Achieving approval required:
A design team with experience in similar projects.
Perseverance through challenges.
“If you read it [Paragraph 55], you think there is no way we are going to be able to comply with any of that,” says Elizabeth. “But actually, with a lot of care, research, and help from professionals, it is possible.”
