The client:

The owners of this Georgian country home run a boutique bed and breakfast, spending much of their time catering for their guests. Whenever possible, they enjoy family time with their children in their charming garden which frames their beautiful home.

Design brief:

As so much of their home is predominantly used by guests, they were seeking a quiet space they could call their own; to spend time as a family, to relax in the evenings and to sit and enjoy the fruits of their tireless labours in their picturesque gardens.

Challenges encountered:

The original, stone-built Georgian house was far from straight or square. Important to the local parish, any addition needed to meet the approval of the local authorities in both materials and design. The existing chimney, on the outside of the original house needed to be incorporated into the design. Finally, a low-level, second story window in the existing house necessitated some clever design so as not to obstruct light coming in. As the owners travel often, they also required a means of keeping the new building’s climate controlled without being present.

Solutions:

Taking into account the local authorities’ requirements to ensure continuity with the local region, we designed an oak framed building, using natural slate roof tiles and local stone to create a harmonious blend of textures. The existing building was surveyed in detail to ensure a perfect fit when installing the new oak frame and roof structure. To avoid obstructing the already present, low-level, second-storey window on the existing house, the roof has a cut out at the rear, with a bespoke, triangular oak niche designed to form a delicate feature on the inside. For the ultimate in climate control, we invented bespoke, high-level windows in the gable end and fitted them with an advanced, motorized opening system that can be programmed to open under set conditions, such as extreme temperatures or humidity.

Key features:

Face-applied glazing on all three sides, and a high-vaulted ceiling, create a very light and airy space, with two arch-collard braced trusses adding a refined character to the room. The wide, bespoke, oak patio doors open the building up to the sun- drenched patio area, and with the stunning gardens beyond, they present a perfect combination of inside and outside space just waiting to be used for wining and dining throughout the summer months.

Why we like it:

When sitting in this extension, looking out at the gardens or gazing up at the feature oak trusses, the overriding feeling is one of peace and tranquillity. It’s a wonderful place for sitting and relaxing.