The Brief 

Our client came to us with a clear vision. They wanted to expand and improve their forever home by adding additional living spaces while respecting the historic character of the main building.

The plans involved demolishing an old existing one-bedroom annex and replacing it with a new, purpose-built structure. This new annex included a bedroom, a plant room, a storage room, and a dedicated entertainment space. An outdoor heated swimming pool was also part of the plan. Additionally, we aimed to convert two of the three existing garage bays into an entertainment area with a kitchen, add a new first-floor home office with balcony, upgrade the site’s infrastructure, and address ongoing drainage issues.

The Challenge 

Working around a listed building required careful planning to make sure all new additions complemented the existing architecture. Several planning and listed building applications were submitted to achieve all the elements our client wanted on the site. Each addition needed to feel intentional and harmonious, finding a balance between respecting the heritage and incorporating modern design.

The site’s remote location posed a challenge for infrastructure. We had to bring in a new three-phase electrical supply from a nearby village to support the updated features. The garage conversion required reinforcing the existing roof joists to create a safe and compliant office space above.

Other complexities included relocating the septic tank in the garden and upgrading the existing oil tank to comply with current Building Regulations . The property had also faced surface water flooding problems, which needed us to implement a carefully designed overflow drainage system to safely divert excess water away from the home. A Quantity Surveyor was involved throughout the project to keep costs in check and ensure high standards of delivery at every stage.

The Design Solution 

We demolished the derelict annex and built a new structure that included a spacious bedroom, a plant room, and a high-quality entertainment space. The design fits in with its listed setting while adding modern comfort.

We also added an outdoor swimming pool, which is sustainably heated using an air source heat pump, allowing for energy-efficient use year-round. A custom designed dog shower was also included, meeting the needs of countryside living.

We transformed two of the three garage bays into a ground-floor entertainment area, with a new office above. A frameless glass balcony extends from the office, positioned to maximise the stunning views of the surrounding countryside. This feature marks a significant architectural moment in the design, enhancing the connection between indoor spaces and the landscape.

We used high-quality materials throughout, with a strong focus on hardwood finishes to boost both durability and aesthetic appeal. The new surface water drainage system, including overflow drainage pipes, effectively resolves the site’s previous flooding issues.

The Result 

This home has been completely transformed to offer a better lifestyle, leisure, and workspace features within a historic setting. This project shows how thoughtful architectural changes can introduce modern amenities while still preserving the character of a listed property.

Delivered to an exceptional standard, the project provides the family with beautifully designed spaces for entertaining, relaxing, and working. This ensures that their countryside home can be enjoyed to its fullest potential for many years to come.