Water Home
Burglars would have a thin time of it here. With not a picture on the walls, nor even a CD on show, Russell Harris’s home – a converted water tower in Lymm, Cheshire – is so achingly minimal that should someone break in, unless they snatch the fresh lilies that he has just bought for his wife’s birthday, they would leave disappointed.
Harris is one of the presenters of I Own Britain’s Best Home, the winner of which is announced on Five tonight, so it’s no surprise that he looks utterly at ease in his own remarkable abode, which he shares with Jannette and their children, James, 18, and Sophie, 13.
He does, however, readily accept that it would not suit everyone. “People do wonder how we can live in such an austere environment,” he says, as he pads barefoot across his white resin floor. “I appreciate why others prefer clutter or strong colours.” Eight years ago this place was derelict. The couple took the circular tower and added an elegant circular skirt on the lower levels. Thrillingly proportioned, this versatile add-on has a huge kitchen-living area and glass walls with views across the fields which back on to the garden.
Every detail has been scrutinised. “With a house like this you argue for weeks about a cushion,” he whispers, so as not to alert his wife’s attention.
The jury is out on two new wicker lamps that have just arrived from Gervasoni in Italy. “Have we made a big mistake? Even though they’re awesome, with a light in the base that throws amazing colours, we’re not sure because before they arrived the space was empty. It was perfect,” he murmurs.
