What better way to read a blog than with a nice cup of tea? So put the kettle on and don’t worry if you get too engrossed in this story of innovation and the pursuit of excellence, the chances are it won’t boil dry, thanks to the owner and designer of Arragon Mooar in Santon, Isle of Man.
This spectacular and intriguing country estate, arguably the finest on the island, is home to Dr John Crawshaw Taylor OBE, distinguished inventor, entrepreneur and philanthropist, best known for a thermostat control that switches off an electric kettle once it starts boiling – a device estimated to be in use more than one billion times a day worldwide.
Evidence of inventiveness abounds at Arragon Mooar, named after the 5,000-year-old Neolithic quartz circle that stands majestically on a hill on the estate. At the core of the estate is the stunning 23,000 sq ft country house built in red sandstone, its classical English Palladian architecture reimagined in a modern, elliptical form by Dr Taylor. In his words: 'I never like to do what other people have done before … a round house would have been too easy.'
The house has six bedroom suites and was completed in 2014 after a seven year build costing £23 million. A magnificent three metre tall clock – the Dragon Chronophage designed by Dr Taylor – occupies pride of place in the galleried atrium. It represents the ticking heart of an architectural masterpiece where every detail has been meticulously thought through including a computer-controlled LED chandelier and wall light fittings – designed by Dr Taylor, who else? – in which each fuchsia and hibiscus flower is unique.
The approximately 280-acre estate, which has about a kilometre of sea frontage and includes a farm and three cottages, is for sale for offers in excess of £30 million as a whole or in two lots.
Features at the main house include a roof terrace offering panoramic views over the Manx countryside and the Irish Sea, wonderful entertaining areas, a library, orangery, four office suites, a lift and minimum Cat 5 cabling throughout. There’s also secure exhibition space, a photographic studio, and a function room and lecture suite.
Oh and the kitchen has a cold storage room and breakfast room – and plenty of space for a kettle, of course.
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