The existing building consisted of the original farmhouse and barn which were constructed in the early 19th century. The barn had previously been converted with a link added to connect it to the original farmhouse. There had also been a series of extensions and additions to the property resulting in a number of self-contained flats. The new owners were keen to return the property to being a family home with the removal of many of the kitchens and bathrooms which had been added over the years. Since the building was now to be used as a single residence many of the internal partitions needed to be rationalised. The extension linking the original farmhouse to the barn was constructed in 1962 with a new entrance to the property created in the process. The new owners wished to open up and improve the link from the farmhouse to the barn and also to greatly improve the entrance area.
As this building was Grade II listed the new extension had to be sensitively designed to fit in harmoniously but we were also keen to make it obvious that the extension was a newer addition. It was important to open up this side of the house not only to increase the amount of daylight into the entrance area but also to provide views of the garden at the rear.
Our proposals included the construction of a new oak-framed conservatory with a contemporary feel but constructed using traditional materials. It was necessary to use kiln-dried oak as we were keen for the glass to be directly glazed into the oak frames. The oak-framed conservatory linked the existing kitchen through to the already converted barn. The kitchen area was completely refurbished and opened up and the existing back stairs removed. In addition to these works the original farmhouse was completely upgraded with new bathrooms, en-suite showers and a re-positioned staircase which dramatically improved the size of the rooms on the first floor and the spaces leading up to them. This work also included the conversion of a loft space with a new en-suite bathroom. This included the addition of two oak-framed dormer windows which we designed with glazed cheeks and a glazed top panel to maximise the light coming into the loft room.