A palace in wonderland

THE vision of James Hull and his painstaking attention to detail has turned a tumble-down stable block into a stunning piece of architectural excellence.

Set in the grounds of Huntsham Court, near Tiverton, the five properties are an imaginative fusion of traditional exterior and liberating contemporary interior.

Such thoughtful transformation from rustic wilderness to wonderland of desirable residences is a key to the name of James’s company, Own Cocoon Developments.

“A caterpillar turns into a cocoon and comes out as a butterfly. We take something that’s falling down and regenerate it so that it comes out a beautiful thing,” said James.

“A cocoon is also a warm safe place, signifying that we are creating strong, well-built places– your own cocoon.”

In seeking a brand that projected a mission statement he wanted to stand out from other developers.

“I wouldn’t want to ‘bang up’ a load of houses for a quick turnaround. I couldn’t do it to this specification and that wouldn’t interest me. It is all about the finish for me,” he said.

Huntsham Court Stables is a homage to quality, with each bespoke property a celebration of open-plan sophistication. Staircases in oak, glass and brushed stainless steel; sunken lights set at skirting level, or floating like a mini-galaxy where there are high ceilings. Varnished wooden floors, recreated sash windows, and limestone tiles in the bathrooms. Even a showpiece rotary woodburner, both functional and focal point.

The rooms have a harmonious blend of warm wood and cool white walls, all pervaded by a contemporary airiness.

On the outside the properties, which all face out from a communal courtyard, have a pleasing authority about them. The roof, which was collapsed when the builders moved in, is now a picture with its original rosemary clay tiles, set off by new ventilation towers because the original ones were rotten.

The repointed stonework gives the walls a crisp clean look, as does the inviting red windows and cast-iron guttering.

Although he has an agricultural background, having been raised on his father’s farm, 36-year-old James became more attracted to the potential of bricks and mortar than the fruits of the soil.

Paradoxically, his grandfather in Surrey had been a successful developer in the 1940s, and decided to come to Devon to buy a farm and escape to the country, much as Londoners do today.

James launched his own career as a developer seven years ago, when he sold his agricultural contracting business and put his money into doing up a cottage.

Since then he has worked himself up in size and scale, launching the Huntsham Court Stables project – creating five houses from the Victorian stable block – two years ago. He has his own gang of eight regular men plus sub-contractors who can take the work force up to anything from 20 to 30.

“I put my heart and soul into getting things as perfect as I can. To get something to this quality there is a lot of time, love, and a great deal of hard work. But I have a good team that know I want the highest standard.”

To this end he has chosen carefully every step of the way, bringing in specialists to ensure the very best in every department.

“I have very detailed ideas of how I want it to turn out. I worked with the architect very closely. We have also worked very hard with the planners.

This is a listed building and they really like what we have done,” said James.

One corner has been tweaked with a contemporary oak frame with cedar panels, creating a focal counterpoint to the opposite traditional end. This maverick move injects a pleasing dash of panache without detracting from the traditional spirit of the property. Also outside is his ‘trademark’ red-brick circular end to the approach path, bordered by wrought-iron fences which echo the estate style.

“I didn’t want it to fit the mould of a building that is bland. Some people convert a barn, put down a load of turf and it goes on the market.”

Not James. He is boss, businessman, digger driver, innovator and perfectionist. “

Attention to detail is everything. It causes a lot of stress because I’m so fussy. I want to make money, but a big part of what we do is to turn out something that I can be proud of and that the company can be proud of.”

Huntsham Court Stables comprises one two-bedroom, one four-bedroom and three three-bedroom properties with a price range from £335,000 to £595,000. The development is being marketed jointly by Savills (contact Chris Taylor on 01392 455721) and Greenslade Taylor Hunt (01884 243000).

Savills The Forum, Barnfield, Exeter, EX1 1QR
01392 455755
www.savills.com

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