the project

This project involved alterations and extensions to an attractive Edwardian stone mansion. The existing house had a formal dining room and a workable kitchen, but our clients are keen gardeners and wanted to feel more in touch with their outside space. They also wanted a larger kitchen so that they could entertain more friends together than previously.

In light of their love of gardening, we were also tasked with building a substantial brick garden shed.

How we worked

After various ideas, a very sensitive solution was proposed and quickly accepted by the clients. The existing kitchen would stay in its original location and the dining part of the original kitchen would be relocated into a light-filled garden-view extension.

The extension includes a strong feature semi-circular stone bay in which there is a large window seat - perfect for informal gathering. This bay window is a feature often seen in houses of this period, and our design is in-keeping with this. It has an element of orangeries with curved window bays, which our clients are particularly pleased with. The stonework is intricately detailed, as are the eaves, which replicate the stones and eaves detailing of the main house.

The new garden shed became labour of love by all, using high-level materials and detailing in a style that complements the house design.

Success of the project

This new room is very much loved. It connects physically much better with the garden, with extensive glazing and a new doorway and steps outside. The internal open flow of the extension is very successful, and this is now the room which people gravitate towards, with lovely garden views and an appealing natural light-filled atmosphere. The clever arrangement of the extension has also created a sheltered external dining space.

From the extension, our clients now have a much better view of their existing garden and of their new sculptured gardening project which is reminiscent of a mini version of the gardens of Versailles.

The new shed is also a great success, and feels like it has always been there. It has become its own highlight in the garden, making this small section of the project a joy to behold.

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