St James Cottage
St James Cottage is a charming characterful 300 year old thatched cottage in the iconic Georgian village of Milton Abbas in Dorset. The original cob cottage had become tired, damp, and starved of natural light. It needed a thoughtful, sensitive design approach to bring it back to life.
Working closely with our clients, we reimagined and extended the property to create a warm, uplifting four-bedroom home. The design enhances day-to-day living with brighter spaces, improved comfort, and a stronger connection to the character that makes the cottage so special.
A biodiverse subterranean extension
To create a more spacious home for our clients it was clear an extension would be essential. We removed the tired single storey lean-to at the rear and introduced a new L-shaped extension that now provides a spacious, light-filled kitchen, dining room and lounge.
The extension settles comfortably into the site’s sloping topography, with the far end partially set into the hillside. A green sedum roof above the kitchen, combined with its careful positioning, allows the structure to read as part of the garden rather than a building when viewed from the footpath leading from the adjoining Grade II * St James Church to the graveyard.
To bring light into the deep floor plan of the new extension, two new roof lights are concealed within timber planting beds set into the green roof, so as to appear part of the garden.
The existing garage has been refurbished and connected to the extension, giving the clients practical, easily accessible storage.
Exterior works
When the new owners purchased St James Cottage, the fabric and structure of the house were in very poor condition. Restoring this iconic heritage property and ensuring its longevity was a priority.
Dating from the late 18th century, the cottage was originally built as a pair of dwellings, like most on the street. Over time it was converted into a single home, with both original staircases removed and openings created within the party wall. The original doorway onto The Street, which would have served both cottages, was replaced with a window, and the main entrance now sits to the side.
The planning process was complex and demanding. WDA worked closely with the Local Authority over three years to secure Listed Building Consent for the alterations and full Planning Permission for the extension, navigating the intricacies of protecting a building of such historic significance.
The building contractors brought the vision to life with exceptional craftsmanship, repairing historic materials wherever possible rather than replacing them.
Failed cob on the external walls was carefully investigated and repaired. Cement render was removed and replaced with lime render over the brick plinth, finished with a protective lime wash shelter coat.
The roof was completely re-thatched, with failed structural members replaced. During the work a mummified cat was discovered, a centuries-old tradition believed to ward off evil spirits. Honouring this folklore, the cat was returned to the thatch, adding a curious chapter to the cottage’s long history.
The original porch was replaced with oak posts set on staddle stones, enhancing the cottage’s character. Additional works included renewing all railings, rebuilding the garage roof, discreetly concealing the oil tanks, and constructing a staircase from the courtyard to the garage room terrace.
Interior alterations and design
Internally, the building was fully restored, with longstanding damp issues carefully addressed. The work included the installation of underfloor heating, the creation and adaptation of internal openings and the removal of a chimney breast in the sitting room.
Working alongside interior designer Nykke Jones, the owners have transformed the cottage into a boutique-style home full of character and personality. Bold decorating and design choices have brought fresh energy to the once tired interiors. A palette of deep blues and earthy greens is paired with tactile materials and finishes, including stone, brushed oak, glazed tiles, and sumptuous soft furnishings, create spaces that are both welcoming and visually striking.
We wanted a little chaos, a sense of humour, and warmth, …. Michelle & I have had a lot of fun with this project!’’
Before
After
The owners dedicated considerable time, care, and effort to restoring and extending this historic property, transforming it into a truly exceptional home.
This project stands as a strong example of Conservation Architecture, thoughtfully balancing the preservation of historic fabric with the demands of modern living.
Building Contractor CPC Building Contractors
Structural Engineer Julia Sanders Consulting
Ecology KP Ecology
Building Control Spire Building Control Services Ltd
Interior Design Nykke Jones Interiors
Completion Date 2025
Photography Ellis Belk Associates Ltd & Stallion Property Management
