Monkton Farleigh

Timber framed extension to Listed Cottage

Project Information

Location

: Bath


Client

: Private


Status

: Completed 2015


Key Materials

: Douglas Fir, Natural Slates, Cotswold Stone, Cedar cladding, Aluminium Framed Sliding Glass Doors.
The project involved the refurbishment and extension of a grade II listed cottage in the picturesque village of Monkton Farleigh (Green Belt and AONB). One of a row of two, formally three cottages, the building had been extensively remodelled and was badly in need of modernisation. Challenges included a flying freehold over the neighbouring cottage. Designscape were appointed as having the knowledge and experience best suited to the owner’s needs and objectives. The brief was to undertake a sympathetic renovation of the house, strip out modern alterations, make minor modifications to the layout, upgrade building services, and where feasible, upgrade the building fabric. The attic became a main bedroom suite and a poorly constructed C20th extension replaced with a new design built to a high standard and making the most of the garden and views across the fields beyond. The result is a series of high quality, light, airy, warm and healthy living spaces which retain and enhance much of the old character, whilst adding a new layer which will age sympathetically with the dwelling. The project stands out in achieving a successful marriage of thoughtful design, an understanding client, and some conscientious workmanship from the builder which in our experience is a rare commodity in projects of this scale and complexity.

Designscape’s contribution at each stage of our renovation project was essential to its success. During the selection interviews we held with architects, Chris stood out for understanding our aim to retain the character and feel of the period house we were renovating. Using his experience it was possible for us to integrate modern systems into the existing building whilst preserving as much as possible of the original structure. We are very glad that Chris encouraged us to move away from our original ideas that the new kitchen extension should be as traditional as the rest of the house. The light, airy contemporary solution he proposed with its wide sliding doors leading onto a new terrace has become our favourite room and gets a “wow” from everyone seeing it. This has become the living space where we now spend most of our time. The support and imagination of the team at Designscape during the project enabled us to complete a challenging renovation and create a home that combines the best of the old and new.

The Client

Scrapbook

The project involved the refurbishment and extension of a grade II listed cottage in the picturesque village of Monkton Farleigh (Green Belt and AONB). One of a row of two, formally three cottages, the building had been extensively remodelled and was badly in need of modernisation. Challenges included a flying freehold over the neighbouring cottage. Designscape were appointed as having the knowledge and experience best suited to the owner’s needs and objectives. The brief was to undertake a sympathetic renovation of the house, strip out modern alterations, make minor modifications to the layout, upgrade building services, and where feasible, upgrade the building fabric. The attic became a main bedroom suite and a poorly constructed C20th extension replaced with a new design built to a high standard and making the most of the garden and views across the fields beyond. The result is a series of high quality, light, airy, warm and healthy living spaces which retain and enhance much of the old character, whilst adding a new layer which will age sympathetically with the dwelling. The project stands out in achieving a successful marriage of thoughtful design, an understanding client, and some conscientious workmanship from the builder which in our experience is a rare commodity in projects of this scale and complexity.