Adding an extension on top of a former Victorian hotel was a challenge this couple were more than willing to take on

Long seen as a genteel holiday destination for retirees, Bournemouth has been trying to shake off its lacklustre image for a number of years. The town must be doing something right because it’s recently been voted the happiest place to live in Britain*, and with its seven miles of sandy beaches, award-winning gardens and a glorious south-coast location, it’s easy to see why. James and Katrin Gray are two such people who have been quick to cotton on to Bournemouth’s charms, although as we saw on the recent programme charting the progress of their grand design, creating their rooftop home has been a much longer (and far more arduous) process.

Their fabulous penthouse apartment benefits from magnificent views along the golden sands to the town of Poole and beyond. It was this captivating view that inspired the couple to ‘The new roof terrace made me realise it had all been worth it’ embark on their ambitious project. James bought the apartment three years ago while he was living in another flat in the building – a former Victorian hotel which sits directly above the  beach. In the hotel’s heyday, the penthouse was used as a solarium where guests could retreat to enjoy the scenery and sunshine – a pastime James was keen to continue. ‘I’d always wanted to move to the top floor to benefit from the best views,’ he says.

Having bought the penthouse, the couple soon realised that there just wasn’t enough space to make it their home. ‘It felt very small and cramped,’ explains Katrin, ‘so we started to think about how we could expand the flat.’ Katrin was then offered the opportunity to work in Geneva for an extended period, so James took on the task of planning the extension that would almost double the size of their home.

Getting these plans approved took James and his building surveyor, Rod Mathieson, more than two years. Not only did they have to appease a conservation officer and the local council, they also had to get permission from the other residents in the block. To complicate matters further, the design for the new extension would have to take into account the existing water tanks and lightwells on the roof, so creating one fluid space was going to be problematic. And all of this was to be achieved without the help of an architect. James remains adamant that the finished designs are the best possible solution. ‘I think it’s contentious that an architect would have gotten more out of the design,’ he says. ‘Our original plans were more open plan, but getting them approved by the planners was almost impossible. Due to fire regulations we had to close off spaces, such as the lobby, meaning we had to re-think our ideas several times.’

The project was effectively split into two parts: the addition of the new extension and the renovation of the old solarium with its spectacular copper-clad dome, which would be completely opened up the octagonal living room below. Katrin was now back from Geneva, and with James frequently away on business it was left to her to take on the management of the project. It wasn’t long before her skills were put to the test when the already tight schedule was thrown into chaos. The steelwork holding up the water tanks that service the majority of flats below was badly corroded, and James and Katrin had little choice but to take on the extra cost of replacing the steel so that it was safe for them to proceed with the project.

The next stage of the build centred on the steel frame for the extension, which was designed and manufactured off site, then craned in place. This was a critical phase, and one where James and Katrin were faced with a difficult decision. In order for the steel frame to be attached to the roof, the builders had to cut holes in the existing roof, add load-bearing walls underneath and then build back up through the holes to create concrete bases, which would take the weight of the frame. This meant that until the extension was watertight, the flats below would be vulnerable during any periods of heavy rain. Faced with a cost of £30,000 for a temporary structure, James and Katrin decided to take a gamble on the weather. Unfortunately, the gamble didn’t pay off and the ensuing rain damaged the flats below as well as the couple’s already fraught relationship with their neighbours. ‘It was a very stressful time for everyone,’ admits Katrin. ‘But there’s no guarantee a temporary structure (meaning a plastic tent) would have given any more protection. The wind would have just driven the rain in at the side openings instead.’

With the schedule now running weeks behind, it was far from ideal for Katrin to start making changes to the design. But now she’d become more involved in the project she had her own ideas: ‘As the project progressed I started to question the plans,’ she says. ‘In particular, I thought we could make more of the views and the dome.’ Her changes involved switching the location of the kitchen and living area in the extension to maximise the views (meaning the rooflights also had to move), and adding an aquarium in between the lobby and the living room. As for the dome, Katrin’s plans would see it turned into a room in its own right, thanks to a bespoke spiral staircase, internal balcony and state-of-the-art lighting.

Expensive and time-consuming these changes may have been, but there’s no doubt that they’ve contributed to the success of this top-spec home. As Kevin said, ‘other than its views, where this project really scores is in its quality.’ From the moment you step out of the lift straight into James and Katrin’s hallway, you’re greeted by an uninterrupted expanse of the English Channel, seen though the large aquarium set in the wall in front of you – one of Katrin’s favourite features.

Entering the fabulous octagonal living room at the front of the flat, with its comfy seating and contemporary fireplace, your eyes are drawn upwards to the dome, which towers above. And yet it’s only when you climb the bespoke staircase and stand on the mezzanine level that you appreciate just how impressive it is – even if the couple’s plans for a built-in library have been somewhat scaled down. And the living area below may have a widescreen TV, but the telescope next to the window hints at more interesting sights out to sea.

Wandering back through the hallway into the new extension, it becomes apparent what a fabulous position this flat occupies. There seems to be a view to suit every mood, whether it’s looking out to sea, across the quirky architectural mix of Bournemouth rooftops, or taking in the sublime slice of coastline. Making sure these vistas can be enjoyed whatever the weather has been one of the most successful elements of the project. Initial plans for PVC windows were thankfully swapped for less obtrusive aluminium-framed designs, and the folding doors leading from the open-plan kitchen/dining/living space create a seamless link between indoors and out. ‘The first time we stepped out onto the roof terrace made me realise it had all been worth it,’ says Katrin.

The roof terrace continues along the side of the flat, and at the front corner sliding doors lead directly into the master bedroom. ‘It’s amazing to wake up in here and be able to step straight outside,’ enthuses Katrin. Even the en suite is a room with a view. From the shower, the beach is perfectly framed by the picture window above the matching sinks.

With the scaffolding down and the project finally finished, life for James and Katrin seems to be getting back on an even keel. So what valuable nuggets of information have they learned? ‘Make sure you spend as much time as possible on the planning and design,’ says James. ‘I think I’d question the layout more and play around with all the possible options,’ adds Katrin.

Basking in the sunshine on their terrace with only the sound of breaking waves for company, they must feel proud of what they’ve achieved. ‘We think we’ve done a great job,’ says Katrin. ‘When you’re sitting here watching the sunset, you feel as if you’re on holiday.’ It’s clear that James and Katrin have already joined the ranks of people who are more than happy to call Bournemouth home.

Top tip

‘Work together on the design to make sure you’re both happy with the plans,’ advises Katrin.

The postmortem

Would you do it again? ‘Yes, but I’d choose a time when work wasn’t as busy so I could be involved more,’ says James.

Useful contacts

Chartered building surveyor: Rod Mathieson www.ellisbelk.com
Building contractor: Spetisbury Construction www.spetisburyconstruction.co.uk
Structural engineers: Richard Coleman and Partners www.richardcoleman.co.uk
Specialist steelwork: Southern Fabrication 01202 749 077
General metalwork: Fabrication 2000, 01202 892 333
Windows: Peter Johnson Security Windows 01202 547 437
Skylights: Sunfold Systems www.sunfoldsystems.co.uk
Electrical contractors: N&S Electrical 01202 895 587
Kitchen and bedroom design: Contour Home Design www.contourhomedesign.co.uk
Timber doors: Kershaws doors www.doorwarehouse.co.uk
Furniture: Natuzzi www.natuzzi.co.uk
Bathroom fittings: Bathrooms Plus www.bathrooms-plus.co.uk
Specialist lighting suppliers: Electrical Supplies England www.lighting-elegance.co.uk
Sound and lighting fitting: Martin Barker Electrical www.mbelectrical.co.uk
Aquarium: The Aquarium & Pond Design Company www.theapdc.co.uk
Fireplaces: The Fireplace Room www.thefireplaceroom.co.uk

Words Beth Myers  Photography Elizabeth Zeschin