The Heart Of The House
The Kitchen: Once relegated to the lower ground floor or north facing rear of the house with little natural light the kitchen is now the focal centre of the modern home – often in what was once a principal reception room. Incorporating both kitchen, dining and sitting area (the family room) it will be the very heart of the home. Whether the occupants are serious cooks or rely on ready meals that are easily warmed in many cases the capital investment of this room is significant and becomes the feature of a sale value when the time comes to move. Hence the vast number of kitchen companies. Many an estate agent’s sales brochure proudly displays the kitchen as the focus of the house sale.
It is true our lives revolve around the kitchen whether it is family meals, homework evenings or party time – where do you always end up? The place of discussion or dispute, relax or plan - the heart of 21st century home is the kitchen.
As a Buying Agent when asking a new client what they want in their new home it often starts - “a large kitchen/family room”. Priorities of both family and indeed couples with busy lives looking to entertain. 21st Century living – never time to stand back and relax.
The extension to the modern living style is outdoor kitchens. Increasingly popular evidenced by the amazing kit available with every facility including pizza ovens! Whilst eating out becomes ever more expensive (sadly) greater investment is made in homes where friends and family gather.
When renovating a house for modern indoor/outdoor living make sure the whole picture is considered ensuring a seamless blend where the garden really is an extension of the house and the outdoor kitchen an integral unit to the indoor one.
Whilst formal dining rooms are relegated to Christmas and special occasions the importance of the kitchen has become paramount. Inevitably with serious competition in the kitchen suppliers’ world the choices are infinite in all budgets. Personal taste is often dictated by style rather than functionality. It is advisable to watch the budget when installing a new kitchen to ensure it remains compatible with the value of the house.
Who doesn’t enjoy a home cooked meal? Cooking itself is a creative art that should be embraced and doesn’t necessarily need a state of the art kitchen. Many a feast has been prepared on simple cookers- or maybe that outdoor Bar-B-Que! Its enjoying and sharing your home that’s important: “It’s all about coming home”.
A varied selection of homes with great kitchens:
Barnhill House. Brampforde Speke: Unique river frontage country house just five miles from Exeter on edge of favoured village: Jackson-Stops
Ravenswood Lodge. Stoodleigh. Impressive former coach house with extensive secondary accommodation. Perfect multi generational living with income potential.
Stockwood Barn. Germansweek: Stunning contemporary house in 9 acres delightful rural West Devon setting with large range of multi purpose outbuildings.
Ashcombe Farm. Stoodleigh: Impressive A rated contemporary house in 3.4 acres set high above the Exe valley with outstanding views.