A Storm-Proof Masterpiece Featured on BBC Wales’ Home of the Year
Newton Barnes is proud to have undertaken the remarkable Eastcliff project in Gower, a home that recently featured on BBC Wales’ Home of the Year. In the penultimate episode, presenter Owain Wyn Evans, alongside judges Mandy Watkins (interior designer) and Glen Thomas (award-winning architect), visited this exceptional property during their search for Wales’ most extraordinary home. Scoring criteria focused on design, interior appeal, and the essential “sense of home,” and Eastcliff left a lasting impression.
Innovative Design for a Unique Plot
The Eastcliff home, located on a narrow site, embraces innovative architectural solutions to make the most of its layout. The design includes a series of built forms: a two-storey front section with guest suites and utility spaces on the ground floor; a sunken, single-storey ‘snug’ with an adjacent courtyard; and a single-storey vaulted master suite leading out to a garden. This clever configuration creates a dynamic and multi-level flow throughout the home, maximizing both space and light.
A striking staircase, crafted from steel, glass, and ash, ascends from a microcement plinth to the vaulted upper level. Here, a modern kitchen with a separate pantry overlooks scenic fields to the rear, while panoramic windows in the dining and living areas frame sweeping views of the coastline. A cantilevered front terrace offers a stunning outdoor seating area, perfectly positioned to take in the sea views—one of the standout features that captivated the judges.
Natural Materials and Cohesive Design
The home’s interior showcases a warm, natural material palette that harmonizes with its coastal surroundings. Linear clay bricks appear both externally on the ground floor and internally as feature walls, complemented by larch, ash timbers, oak veneer, and birch plywood. These elements create a sense of continuity and organic beauty throughout the space.
During construction, the owners acquired an adjacent plot, expanding the property with a new driveway and additional garden area. This strategic addition further enhanced the property’s functionality and appeal, ensuring it meets both present and future needs.
The Eastcliff home is a shining example of Newton Barnes’ commitment to delivering innovative, sustainable, and stunning residential projects. With breathtaking views and thoughtful design, this home stands as a true architectural gem on the Gower Peninsula.
