The man behind a starfish, 21st century house

With his innovative properties ranging in price from £1.5million to £20 million, Mel Hood is used to expensive and ambitious projects.

The internationally-acclaimed designer and developer is the driving force behind Ferrario Burns Hood, the Cheshire-based company that has established a worldwide reputation for pushing architectural boundaries.

Mel's most radical and groundbreaking design project is the development of Grafton New Hall, set in 115 acres of greenbelt land neighbouring the Duke of Westminster's estate in Stretton near Chester.

The company needed government approval to obtain planning permission and set up a competition with the Royal Institute of British Architects to create an English country house of the 21st century.

The winning entry was a conceptual "starfish" design by Kathryn Findlay of Ushida Findlay architects, chosen by Mel and Spencer de Grey, the business partner of Sir Norman Foster.

Hailed as "a remarkable attempt to redefine a form of domestic architecture", the intention is for the house to blend effortlessly into its surroundings and be as "ecologically responsible" as possible.

A computer will run this state-of-the-art house, so that everything can be accessed at the touch of a button, even if you are sitting on a beach thousands of miles away.

Committed

All this comes at an unbelievably high price - an estimated £20 million. Committed to the realisation of his vision Mel has decided that he will start work on the project next year and build it as his own home.

"Grafton New Hall will be the most important residential building of its time," states Mel. "This design is one of the first country houses to be given planning permission since a Department of Environment edict issued in 1997 that insists only houses of `outstanding architectural quality' can be built in the countryside."

Quality is a word that is often banded about over developments but Mel has created his own specialist niche market that is committed to an ethos of innovation and exclusivity.

"With an FBH home you can expect the best and rarest materials, the most considered design and the highest possible build quality," Mel adds. "You can also expect the most spectacular locations and above all, a home that is truly rare."

Four years ago, Mel bought the Grade II-listed Brick House Farm set in 50 acres of beautiful countryside between Alderley Edge and Congleton. The main house is Georgian and dates back to 1735 with two adjacent barns, one of which Mel has already converted into his own family home.

"This estate was a real find," reveals Mel. "The property was ideally positioned in the middle of the land and the architecture was stunning. The presence of Venetian arches in the barns are very rare, something that I'd never seen before in all my years as a developer."

Initially Mel bought Brick House Farm as his own family home but with plans for Grafton New Hall moving ahead, he now wants to find a buyer for the whole estate.

The main house is currently under construction with new wings being added at either side and four floors being developed to provide six bedroom suites.

State-of-the-art

The barn he has renovated will be used as guest accommodation and the opposite barn is being turned into a state-of-the-art leisure suite with swimming pool.

In his own home, Mel has created a blueprint for the design of the estate using the best materials that money can buy. The main reception room is vast with a vaulted ceiling and light flooding in from porthole windows and skylights in the sloping part of the roof.

The converted barn is home to Mel, his partner Jilly and their three children Megan, 10, Ella, nine and Alfie, five, proving that open-plan living is conducive to family life.

The open area is seamlessly divided up into room zones with a stunning kitchen. "I always use tried and trusted people and for the kitchen I worked closely with Tracey from Diane Berry Kitchens," says Mel. "I didn't want a conventional kitchen layout with units on the walls so I designed an island that stretches six and a half metres long and incorporates lots of cupboard space and a breakfast bar. Jilly loves to cook and its ideal for food preparation, having tea with the kids or relaxing drinking wine. The Aga is in a central position and it's a standard feature in all my houses."

Throughout the barn, there are many examples of Mel's distinctive design details such as recessed skirting boards and solid oak and walnut doors with modern lattice work design and hand-stitched leather handles.

The oak balcony on the landing also reflects the door design and creates a dramatic statement against the subtle walls.

"As a developer, we're always reliant on our last piece of work," concludes Mel. "Often what we do is more demanding than building from scratch. Here we have taken a listed building, stayed true to it externally but brought in total modern living.

"We want people to discover us through the quality of our work."

Brick House Farm Estate is for sale through Jackson Stops in Wilmslow, Tel: 01625 540340

Ferrario Burns Hood can be contacted on 01625 860543 www.ferrarioburnshood.com