A Japanese-Inspired Timber Home with Views of a Lush Valley

Perched above the treetops on slender steel columns, this bold black-timber home commands sweeping views across a lush valley, reaching all the way to the Jurassic Coast.

Designed to harmonize with its natural surroundings, the house enjoys a deep connection to the outdoors—every room is oriented towards the sea, while a generous south-facing terrace spans the full length of the building, inviting light and landscape in.

A contemporary take on Japanese-inspired design, the house replaces a former worker’s cottage on the same site. Architecture studio CDMS has crafted a retreat that feels both grounded and elevated, defined by its quiet elegance and masterful material palette.

From smooth micro-cement floors and exposed timber rafters to sealed bare plaster walls, every detail has been thoughtfully composed to enhance a sense of calm and cohesion.

open plan living space timber ceiling blue devol kitchen

A long corridor leads you to the heart of the home: this open-plan living, kitchen, and dining room.

dark blue devol kitchen brass backsplash butler sink

At one end sits a beautifully crafted Shaker-style kitchen by deVol, painted in the brand’s rich ‘Pantry Blue’ and complemented by a striking copper backsplash.

open plan living space pitched timber roof devol kitchen

A wood-burning stove adds warmth and character, while expansive windows frame lush green views beyond. Overhead, skylights set within exposed timber rafters and a steel roof beam allow daylight to pour in from above, heightening the sense of calm and openness.

stairs A Japanese-Inspired Timber Home with Views of a Lush Valley

Just off the hallway, a thoughtfully designed utility room offers both function and charm. Lined with tongue-and-groove paneling and fitted with classic Shaker cabinetry and pegs—all painted in Farrow & Ball’s inky ‘Railings.’

The master en-suite features a walk-in shower clad in rich emerald-green tiles by Bert & May, bringing a touch of jewel-toned luxury.

The two other bedrooms share this family bathroom with marble tiles, black fittings, and pink-hued walls.

A short flight of steps leads to the second and third bedrooms at the opposite end of the living space. Here, micro-cement flooring continues seamlessly up the walls, creating a tactile and visually unified aesthetic. One of the rooms includes cleverly integrated bunk beds with built-in shelving that is perfect for children.