A replacement family home on the north coast of Cornwall.

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Harlequin

The background to the existence of the site and the development of the locality is that a former relative of the client, Mr Cavendish was Mrs Dawson Scott who owned much of Constantine Bay prior to it becoming developed (see Ursula’s Garden). She separated the land into strips where alternative strips were divided up by service access way and the strips eventually became separated into more than the initial dwelling and generally two or three. This manner of development has brought about the present loose but linear arrangement of Constantine Bay which has provided for generally quite good houses set in fairly large plots in a relatively well treed situation. Harlequin was built as a summer home for Mrs Dawson Scott’s daughter, as were Holt and Lynx for her two sons. Two storey Wastehills, the neighbouring property to Harlequin, was built by Mrs Dawson Scott building and is a more substantial structure. A study of the local vernacular provides that the most exciting house in Constantine Bay is that of Trethias Cottage at Treyarnon Bay designed by Charles Voysey and commissioned by Mr Cavendish’s great aunt.

Given this background and the intention to provide an appropriate family house for Harlequin, a design has been developed which follows the principles of Voysey’s treatment of simple rectangular buildings with fragmented elevational treatments, particularly good chimney stacks and all covered by a well pitched natural slate roof. The design of new Harlequin reflects this concept whilst not in any way being a pastiche of other designs of Mr Voysey.

The accommodation provided comprises a vestibule, kitchen, cloakroom, utility room, w.c. and cloaks, dining, living room and study on the ground floor and master bedroom, en suite and closet, 3 guests bedrooms, bathroom and landing at first floor level.