Dream House | A quirky architectural marvel in Mount Airy, Westmoreland

Incomprehensible and strange as it may seem, many weird-looking homes have grabbed international media attention, leaving onlookers in an awestruck state.

This quirky abode, unseen by the great majority of us, is located in Mount Airy, nestled in the hills of Westmoreland. Camouflaged by thick, green wooded slopes, the journey to this place involves navigating less-than-ideal road conditions.

It’s up here, with seashore panoramas, that we come to the stark realisation that the possibilities of architecture are only limited by our imagination. Design rules have been thrown out the window in this informal, hand-sculptured, hillside home, as it revels in pushing the limits of the astonishing.

Check out the wooden, walkway bridge crossing the scented garden of flowers. Scrutinise the two circular outdoor showers, created strikingly from stone, coloured glass, and seashells, embraced by lush greenery. The mangrove nearby encourages the adventure of kayaking, provided by the owner.

In all its quietude, the rustic charm of the two-floor, all-wood structure (partly on stilts) prides itself on double balconies and a verandah situated on a nature lover’s one-acre site. The eye-opening interior sings the praises of the natural outdoors, with every window offering sea and forest bird’s-eye views. Various odd, decorative carvings and sculptures, made from twigs, driftwood, and bamboo, make their presence felt, alongside locally produced unconventional wood furniture.

Accommodations include two bedrooms upstairs, along with an open-plan living, dining, and kitchen area. The colour coordination reflects natural wood, varnished surfaces, and white painted walls and ceilings, enhancing the illumination.

The lady of the house was born just outside Munich, Germany, 66 years ago. From the age of 15, she set her sights on escaping to a warmer and less rainy climate. For years, she worked as the office manager in an architectural-construction company. One day, she acquired this property and began building in 2016, after becoming infatuated with the country on a previous visit.

The home she built has been fashioned around her independent, outgoing personality, not repressed by unnecessary rules. Her freedom reigns here.

Barry Rattray is a dream house designer and builder. Email feedback to barryrattray1@hotmail.com and lifestyle@gleanerjm.com