Miami-Chic Comes to Cornwall

Cornwall is full of hidden gems and forgotten corners. L-J Andrew spoke to Helen and Paul Stephens of Developers Stephens + Stephens, about bringing a touch of art-deco chic, inspired by Miami’s stunning coastal properties, to one such space

15 years ago, Helen and Paul Stephens created a cohesive collaboration which combined Life and Style, mirroring the very best of their marriage and creating the unique combination of architectural building and multi-award-winning Cornish lifestyle and interior design capabilities. Today, Stephens + Stephens is well-known for its team’s skills, vision, and new-wave approach to creating design-led, luxury and quality properties in awe-inspiring locations within the county’s beautiful, elemental, multi-faceted landscape. Its latest development, Southshore, which will feature a unique collection of 10 detached four-bedroom houses, is no different.  

Just a short walk from the beach, with mesmerising views of the surrounding countryside, the homes – which will be finished in 2023 – are perfect for those seeking a more tranquil lifestyle.  

Helen Stephens, Creative Director of Stephens + Stephens and sister graphics & interior studio Absolute, comments: “Cornwall is our home – it is where Paul and I were born and raised, and where our families still live today. Through our creations, we want to show off and encourage people to branch out and discover the parts of Cornwall which are mesmerisingly beautiful, but which haven’t yet had the spotlight shined on them yet.”  

Working with and taking inspiration from the local environment, the 10 new Southshore properties will feel as though they have been carved into the hillsides themselves, connected by a sloping, curved driveway.  

Helen Stephens continues “With Southshore, we wanted to ensure we’re enhancing the natural beauty. Seaton is located on the quieter south coast of Cornwall and is surrounded by both the rolling countryside on one side and a pristine shoreline on the other. We wanted to surround the properties with trees and scrubs, including traditional Cornish hedge, as well as wildflower meadow planting with a conservation seed mix for coastal habitats, containing 26 UK native wildflowers and 9 grasses to make sure we’re maintaining and helping the local wildlife flourish. Even the ornamental planting has been designed with the wildlife in mind, incorporating fruits and flowers.”  

Striking square, clean lined architecture gives the buildings a second phase art deco feel, known as the streamline modern. Crafted using a modern, sustainable timber frame method, the properties will feature the best-quality insulation within the walls and roofs. The external cladding will be a mixture of aesthetic timber from accredited sustainable forests, and traditional natural stone in order to allow the houses to blend in seamlessly with the biodiverse surroundings.  

The vast floor to ceiling windows will allow occupants to take full advantage of the breathtaking views, as well as enabling natural light to stream into the vast, open plan living spaces. All will be aluminum double glazed, offering low u values.  

Inside, each property will have a carefully designed interior scheme, featuring a palette of clean neutral shades. The deliberate décor will intertwine modern coastal abode with countryside chic. Soft down lighting adds a soft glow throughout, while the minimal, light, and bright base is perfect for new owners incorporate their own personal style. 

The Southshore homes have not been designed to just look good – sustainability is a key component of how Stephens + Stephens approach designs, creating not only the most efficient systems for the new owners, but ensuring properties have the least environmental impact too. From the heating system which uses the industry leader in low carbon heating, to underfloor heating run by air sourced heat pump units, and low-rating electrical appliances which can be fully controlled via a Smart system for economy and efficiency.  

What’s more, each of the houses will incorporate green sedum roofs which come with their own biodiversity benefits, including capturing airborne pollutants and CO2, as well as acting as an additional layer of insulation for the home. 

Helen Stephens finishes, “We hope our uniquely situated Southshore properties will make inviting and welcoming homes for people who want to be part of the local community. It is a perfect spot for those who want a more tranquil life and enjoy some of the pleasures Cornwall has to offer on the south coast, from sailing to swimming and – a personal favourite – paddle boarding.”  

www.stephensandstephens.com