Over a period of 4 years we developed a series of improvements to this Victorian house with significant 1970's extension to the rear (south). Completed projects vary in scale and style. A more traditional approach was adopted in the front of the house within the stone building while at the rear a modern light feel is incorporated between the spaces detailed to bring the modern and traditional together.

Combining two under-used public rooms into one large drawing room and opening this new space to the rear of the house formed the first phase of the project. Bespoke oak furniture, multi panel folding doors and flooring, new leaded glass panelling and a sophisticated picture hanging system were integral to this part of the design.

To the rear within the 1970's extension refitting the kitchen/breakfasting area and re-roofing were essential parts of the second phase. Re-roofing offered the chance to introduce a new waterfall cascade and pool at one end of the roof collecting all surface water from a concealed gutter. At the other end a large new metal-framed conservatory was added to finish the composition of the rear elevation, replacing a polycarbonate carport. The conservatory extends the summer use of the garden by several weeks into spring and autumn.

The third phase of work included removing an old dilapidated glasshouse and replacing this with a new bespoke cedar shed. Handmade glass panels, copper edge detailing and timber shingle roof tiles are incorporated into the design that takes its form from the scale of the adjacent evergreen bushes to one-side and fruit bushes to the other.

Some photographs by Douglas Gibb of Douglas Gibb Photography