Iceberg, right below!

Chances are, if you have a cellar, that it's used for storage; wine perhaps, or no longer used toys. It's probably got a damp problem. Few of us are lucky enough to have one of these at the bottom of the stairs.

The current fashion for building downwards, so called iceberg houses (more below ground than above), has created huge creative opportunities for architects such as TP Bennett. The textured stone walls give the impression of the pool being dug from London's bedrock.

Alongside the pool and jacuzzi, are the mosaic tiled steam room, shower and WC.

Mood Indigo

Asking how long it takes to photograph a house, is a bit like asking 'how long is a piece of string?' Is a single wide angle shot of each room all that's required? Or does everything down to joinery details and fabrics need to be recorded? For some clients it's important to capture a space in different lighting conditions, to show different moods, which will naturally extend the time spent on a shoot. Anyway, it's rare that I spend more than 2 days covering one house, so to spend 4 days on one project is exceptional. But then this Holland Park house designed by Studio Indigo, is just that: exceptional. The house is arranged on 5 floors, 2 of them below ground floor level, and in addition there is a dining and guest pavillion in the garden, so it would be a shame to squash them all into one post. For now, we'll concentrate on the subterranean level, which, save for a sliver of glazed ceiling above the spectacular indoor swimming pool, has no natural light, giving the designers lots of opportunity for mood creation. 

After a dip in the pool, there is the option of either the steam room or sauna...

As lovely as the spa facilities are, my luxury of choice would be the home cinema. Let the credits roll.

INTERMISSION 

Barnsley House Hotel

I don't need any excuse to go to the Cotswolds, so it's always a treat to be asked to shoot a country house hotel there. The village of Barnsley is everything one would expect from a Cotswold village: picturesque stone cottages huddled around a pretty church, and the imposing manor house looking on from behind its stone walls. The manor house was converted into a hotel only a few years ago, and has the added bonus of sitting in exquisite gardens designed by Rosemary Verey.

One of the pleasures of shooting hotels is the range of subject matter to focus on. While bedroom and restaurant shots are important, they are only part of the story. In addition there is the spa, the cinema, the food, the grounds, the location, and all those incidental images that make somewhere appealing. So my day started in the estate's greenhouses photographing the home grown produce served in the restaurant.

Then to the kitchens for the action shot.

The attraction of Barnsley House is summed up in these images as the mix of cosy Cotswold charm, and sophisticated, contemporary facilities. The ideal combination.