J
ust opposite Occombe Farm in a leafy clearing stands perfect,” Helen revealed. Helen brought in a team of builders overseen by The Cwtch Barn, named after the Welsh word for Sam’s husband Simon Knapman who is from local cuddle or a hug. I am meeting designer Helen Avoth company R.J. Knapman and Son. Helen told me, “The in a few moments of quiet time before her guests start result was exactly as I wanted it. It has become my checking in for a family get together. And yes, I get a sanctuary.” Neil adds, “You close the door and you’re in friendly hug or a ‘cwtch’ from Helen who tells me that a different world.” she and her partner Neil divide their time between Once the structural work was complete, Helen arranged Caerleon in Wales, Marbella in Spain and The Cwtch for the beams, walls and ceiling all to be painted white. Barn. Bamboo floors were fitted (which feel blissful underfoot) “I’ve been coming to the English Riviera for 24 years,” says Helen. Initially, the main draw was my best and opening up the whole space allowed the vaulted, beamed ceiling to come into its friend Sam Knapman but over the years I fell in love with the Helen had a vision to uplift its own as a feature with real ‘wow’ place and decided to buy my tired interior and open up the factor. Add to this the existing floor own holiday home.” myriad ‘odd’ little rooms to ceiling gable end window and It was Sam who found the there emerged a dramatic space property, then called The Old that is beautifully spacious and airy. Helen then went on Poundhouse (originally part of the Occombe Estate to create a cosy feel that makes it appealing summer or where the apples were crushed). It had already been winter. She put in three large comfy sofas around a huge converted but Helen had a vision to uplift its tired coffee table and then added a toasty wood burner. For interior and open up the myriad ‘odd’ little rooms entertainment she’s installed a wall-mounted flatscreen into a wonderful open-plan space that is so perfect for TV with Sky, DVD, CD, radio and Bose surround sound. holiday and weekend visits. The family loves entertaining so Helen has also made sure Helen had been a property developer for around 13 that the attractive kitchen area is brilliantly well equipped years but interior design is her passion now and she and the large dining table seats eight comfortably. wanted to create a modern, fresh New England style Downstairs, the bedrooms feature a master en-suite with the property. “It was well over budget but it was 30
February/March 2014
englishrivieramagazine.co.uk