PC Channel Islands

Rose Farm

Rose Farm, Jersey
Written by Roma Publications

Rose Farm, Jersey

The development of six high end residential units at Rose Farm in Jersey is progressing well.

The project is set to complete this year; so we caught up with project architect Aston Roberts from Godel Architects to find out more about the scheme.

Rose Farm, now owned by Roxy Properties, used to be a commercial campsite and after being closed down for a lack of tourist demand has been transformed into a stunning residential development. The previous owner applied for planning permission to change the use of the site, from commercial to residential, as well as redevelop the sites main house and barn.

Works began on site at the end of 2013 with the demolition of the existing campsite buildings and the stripping of the site. A series of environmental precautions and mitigation measures were undertaken on site to ensure that no bats were harmed during the demolition or construction process. The site was also managed to accommodate slow worms, lizards and other environmentally sensitive species; this process was undertaken by the client’s environmental consultant Nurture Ecology.

The site’s old WC and shower blocks were demolished, as were the catering buildings and the swimming pool. Over the course of the last year four new houses have been built with the foundations being laid and the structures being erected.

Rose Farm, Jersey

Now that the structures are up significant landscaping works are being undertaken. Aston Roberts commented:

“The team on the site are currently progressing with the planting of trees around the border of the site to obscure the houses from view. Part of the old campsite has been handed over to become a natural meadow including a pond for environmentally sensitive species. One of the main reasons the site gained planning approval was because it provides a great habitat for local wildlife, as well acting as a link between two of Jersey’s most sensitive environmental areas, Ouaisne Common and the Railway Walk.

“So far four of the six units on site have been erected and house four is almost complete. The four brand new developments comprise five bedrooms all with en suite bathrooms, large kitchens, cinema rooms, studies and living rooms.”

Aston added that the high end, detached properties also boast impressive views of the valley below as well as large gardens. The layout of the new build units are upside down with the bedrooms located on the ground floor and the living accommodation situated on the first floor to maximise views over the surrounding gardens and wooded valley of the Railway Walk whilst the houses are able to sit comfortably within their surroundings. The houses also comprise large open roof terraces to maximise amenity space for all living areas.

Rose Farm, Jersey

The properties boast impressive staircases with laminated oak timber treads and open risers which are a feature when entering the house. All of the units’ terraced areas comprise frameless glazed balustrading and double height vaulted kitchen areas contain a large glazed screen which maximises views out from the properties and brings large amounts of natural light into the living spaces.

The main house and barn on the site have been demolished and reconstructed using modern building methods but retain their traditional character and appearance. The main house has been converted into a large five bed dwelling and has been finished in a traditional rendered Jersey farm house style. The building next to the main house, the barn which was previously used as a storage area, has also been demolished and rebuilt as a stand alone two bed unit.

Aston said that the project has been challenging, he commented:

“The most challenging aspect was obtaining planning; it was a sensitive site and was the first campsite to be given approval for residential development following the adoption of The 2011 Island Plan so there were quite a few planning policy issues we had to overcome to satisfy the Planning Department’s requirements. Despite this we believe we have delivered an impressive scheme from an environmental and development point of view.

Rose Farm, Jersey

“It has been great to be involved in this exciting project. Godel Architects enjoyed working with our client and the construction team and it will be fantastic to see the units completed.

 

 

 

 

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Roma Publications