Standing proud along the Suffolk Coast, Dune House is another Living Architecture property. This one is the brainchild of Norwegian firm Jarmund/Vigsnæs Architects, whose Scandinavian style is unmistakable upon the English beachfront.
Like all Living Architecture properties, the painstaking care and creative genius behind the work make this an unforgettable place to stay. While aspects of Secular Retreat were imposing, Dune House is characterised by its warmth. Warm wood, soft light coming through the windows, low seating in the open living space, and beautiful bedrooms with gabled rooves created a cosy and familial atmosphere.
It’s not just the striking architecture that makes Dune House incredibly special, but also the beautiful landscape in which it’s situated. The 360-degree panoramas afforded by large windows all around the ground floor make the sea, wildflowers, and rocky sand dunes as much a part of the aesthetic experience as the clean lines, warm concrete, and muted colour palette. This consideration of the natural surroundings has even been extended to the roof, which is made of polished chrome to reflect the changing mood of the sky above.
- Large open-plan living area and kitchen, with full height retractable sliding windows
- Freshly caught local fish and shellfish to buy (when in season)
- Aldeburgh’s revered local pubs and restaurants a short walk away
- Village shop nearby
- For up to ten guests of all ages; dog friendly
- Five bedrooms, each with en-suite bathroom and in-room bath
- Beach on door step
The ground floor is almost entirely open plan (the exception being one-bedroom and a loo), connecting the kitchen, dining, and living areas. This lends itself well to family dynamics and large groups of friends, appropriate for exuberant mealtimes,
Straight away you can see the architects and designers of the house really wanted a simplistic living room area and kept the tv small. A few books on the shelf were great for lounging around during those calm, tranquil days sitting by the fire, drinking tea, and reading.
The unconventional style of the house divided opinion when it was first commissioned, and there are definitely some who still view it as an eyesore, breaking the convention of the more traditional style of buildings in the surrounding area.
Aldeburgh is a 20-minute walk away from Dune House and is famous for its fish and chips with the traditional family-run (Cooney Family) Aldeburgh fish and chip shop here.
HOW TO BOOK
Living Architecture was established by Alain de Botton to provide greater access to beautiful buildings. Some of the world’s greatest architects have designed houses across the British countryside, which are available for the public to rent for short-term holiday lets. You can book Dune House here.
WHAT ALEJANDRO LIKED
- Architecture
- Peaceful
- Great place to work from
- Easy access from London
WHAT SEBASTIAN LIKED
- Beach walks
- Sea views
- Aldeburgh Fish & Chips
- Dog-friendly