Head for heights? Then this gravity-defying guest house could be right up your street (or make that hillside – teetering on the edge)
It looks as though it's about to topple down the hillside, but the owners of the mind-boggling Balancing Barn in Suffolk insist it's safe as houses...
Booking a holiday cottage for the summer hols this year - on the Suffolk coast, perhaps? You'll get more than you bargained for if you choose to stay at The Balancing Barn in Suffolk. If you're expecting a roses-round-the-door cottage, think again...
This amazing 100ft-long holiday home has been designed by Dutch architects MVRDV, and is perched precariously over the edge of a mound near the Suffolk coast.
The contemporary house sleeps up to eight people and is available as a holiday let through Living Architecture, a non-profit rental firm 'set up to revolutionise architecture and UK holiday rentals', according to its website.
The company is owned by writer and philosopher Alain de Botton. 'We want to allow people to experience what it is like to live, eat and sleep in a space designed by an outstanding architectural practice,' he say
Think it looks like a bit of a balancing act? Never fear, the
building is cleverly designed, with lighter materials used for the part
of the building that hovers above ground, while there is a concrete core
to keep it safe and sturdy.
If you want to put it to the test, there's
even a swing from one end of the house.
The striking interiors have been designed by Studio Makkink & Bey and the furniture, wall hangings, rugs and lighting were all chosen to create a strong Dutch theme, with occasional pictorial references to the English countryside.
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For those tempted to
explore the local area, Walberswick and Aldeburgh are near the holiday
home.
But with its stunning contemporary interior and enviable location in a nature
reserve
owned by the Suffolk Wildlife Trust, we don't think we'd want to leave!
Would you?
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