Case Study – Chris Partridge
'How fair is a garden amid the trials and passions of existence' – Benjamin Disraeli
At Dunster House, we manufacture high-quality garden buildings because we believe everyone deserves a retreat away from the stresses and strains that populate our lives. Yet the idea of what makes a perfect garden retreat differs from person to person.
That's why we wanted to create a series of case studies showcasing some of the best garden retreats our customers have created using our garden buildings. Chris Partridge, winner of our 2014 Great British Garden Retreat Competition, has created a beautiful yet versatile space from a Dunster House Alexander office. Here is his story.
Creating a versatile and energising environment
"We wanted a separate space from the house in which to pursue creative activities and complementary therapies," said Chris on his reasons for purchasing a Dunster House garden office.
As a Holistic Therapist, Chris required space away from the house for running meditation workshops and message therapy work with clients. But because Chris and his partner, Ara Bazmi – an actor and tennis coach – also desired recreation space for their many hobbies, the versatility in use that a Dunster House office provides became vital.
Another part of Chris and Ara's motivation for creating a space away from the house was the belief that it would help them enter into an 'energetic mindset' for creativity. As Chris explains, that belief has become the reality, "the meandering pathway we laid, running from the house to the studio, is a great way to represent 'symbolically' the change of energy we feel on our journey towards the studio."
Choosing a Dunster House garden building
"We compared several log cabin companies online and found Dunster to be the best value for money, with one of the largest ranges." But for Chris and Ara, the fact that we are not just another faceless online company influenced the decision to buy their garden building from Dunster House over our competitors.
"Right from our initial visit to the Dunster House showroom in Bedford, we were well looked after by our sales representative, Ricky." And for Chris and Ara, being able to speak to someone face-to-face and talk through their various options provided the confidence to press ahead with a purchase. "Ricky was fabulous throughout the ordering, buying and installation process, which took a lot of the stress out of organising what is a big investment."
Designing the ideal environment
"A highlight for us was planning how best to adapt and lay out the interior of our garden office, so that the room could be used for multiple purposes." And having studied stage design, Ara's experience proved instrumental in creating the ideal environment for a variety of uses.
In fact, after the Dunster House installation team built Chris and Ara's garden office, it only took a further two weeks for the two to add the finishing touches. Commenting on the garden office's beautiful aesthetic, Chris says, "We now have the ideal environment for work, rest and play, as well as a great vantage point from which to admire our old apple tree in the garden!"
Keeping up with the Joneses
Chris and Ara have found that the versatile nature of their garden office has also provided a great space for entertaining guests and throwing al fresco garden parties. Having only just moved into their new home in Pinner, North West London, at the time of purchase, this proved to be a fantastic ice breaker. "Our brand new garden office has been a good way to meet several new neighbours who were intrigued about our project. One of them has since ordered a Dunster House log cabin!”
What does the future hold for Chris, Ara and their garden office?
Many believe that masterpieces are never finished; only abandoned. And to this end, Chris and Ara plan further improvements to their already gorgeous garden office. "We plan to purchase some internal room dividing screens for the interior of the cabin, to facilitate the multi-purpose uses of the space, and also some wooden Venetian type blinds for better light management."
When asked if they would buy from Dunster House again, Chris replied: "Given our experiences so far we would, and already have, recommended Dunster house to many friends and neighbours. So yes, we would definitely buy from you again!”
