My Life in Cheshire - Annabelle Tugby
Annabelle Tugby , Founder of Annabelle Tugby Architects
Where is home? And work?
Home is at Norcliffe an 18th Century crook frame house surrounded by open countryside on the edge of the North Woods in Styal, which we have just finished renovating. It is accessed through a setting of parkland and particularly tranquil at the moment whilst C19 stifles Manchester Airport. Work too is here, just a short walk from home β the very best kind of commute. It was previously a tired overgrown joinerβs workshop which we have converted into a light open-plan architects drawing office with a huge new rooflight along the ridge.
What did you want to be when you were younger?
My father is an engineer with a family business and we worked through all the ideas of mechanical engineering, to civil engineering until I very happily grasped the notion of becoming an Architect at 12 years old. So, I did architectural work experience at 15 and selected my A levels (Art, Maths & Physics) for entrance to one of the top architecture schools β which Iβm proud to say was in Manchester. Iβm truly grateful to my parents for this guidance.
Name a few of your favourite places to be...
At home with my family or in the studio with my team. I didnβt buy a house when I bought Norcliffe, I bought a story. The previous owners had shared forty happy and homely years here and the feeling of ever-lasting happiness hit you as you walked through the door. If I could erase C19 right now a great place to get away from it all is Paris! La Tour dβArgent for dinner and Hotel Costes for a night or two with long days of walking around the city and enjoying the atmosphere and culture.
What or who inspires you?
Prior to starting Annabelle Tugby Architects I enjoyed nine very happy years working at Stephenson Bell. On various projects, I worked closely with Roger Stephenson and I learnt a great deal from him - in my opinion, he is a living legend and really inspires me. His portfolio is a sight to behold, just visit stephenson-studio.com. and his latest piece is the new home he has created for Manchester Halle β another real gem!
What was the last gift you gave someone?
I had worked on one of my best friends new home, and we were delighted with the results, but the garden was looking so sad after all the building work. Just before lockdown, with summer approaching I wanted to give her something that would make an impact, so I filled the beautiful willow tree next to the large areas of glazing in the kitchen with fairy lights β at dusk, it looks stunning.
Tell us a secret/fun fact?
I used to be in the army! Okay, not the regulars, but the territorial army where I was recruited during fresherβs week in my first year at University.
Who or what would you place in Room 101?
Double yellow lines!
Whatβs been your biggest life lesson?
Be kind! I honestly feel that being kind might sound so simple, basic even, but itβs not and it will always come back to you eventually whichever way you take the advice. Or for something a little darker one of my friends who is a little more Machiavellian says βconsistency is keyβ. She always hosts the least, helps the least and the last to leave and thatβs fine because we know that!
Annabelle Tugby Architects
The Workshop, Norcliffe Estate, Styal, Cheshire, SK9 LH
t: 01625 528925
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