Country cottage extension and alteration

Having completed work for the previous owner of this countryside home Dwell was delighted to be invited back to take a macro view on design possibilities by the new owners.

The original cottage forms the core of the house which has grown organically over time, having been extended at several distinct points historically.  The ad-hoc development had resulted in the quirky and attractive granular external ‘chocolate box’ aesthetic which the clients loved about the house.  The charm came with constraints however, with all the rooms being small in size and lending themselves to a cosy, bordering on claustrophobic, feeling.

Dwell worked with the clients to define their brief and requirements, presenting a substantial but sensitively-conceived two-storey extension to replace an earlier single-storey Edwardian wing. The new extension provides a relocated grand entrance to the dwelling which rationalises the awkward circulation routes through the existing floor plan, adding a second feature staircase appropriate for the size of the house, and so forth.

Addressing the external landscaping including removing and reworking the garaging and groundscare buildings on site which cramped the house, repositioned it as an island and enabled the garden to flow freely around all sides. The new kitchen wing makes the most of views and access into the beautiful mature garden and provides the large and voluminous spaces required for entertaining at scale.

At first floor a new master suite was incorporated, again capturing the views across the garden and woodland parkland. A giant games room housing a cinema, ten pin bowling alley and bar was included in a new basement below the extension to provide the ultimate socialising space.

Planning consent for the scheme was granted without objection, testament to the considered design approach and thorough application materials prepared by Dwell and its partners.