The Warren
Set within the open countryside of Wiltshire, this contemporary four-bedroom home replaces an existing single-storey bungalow that has seen little investment over the past 30 years.
Positioned within the Cranborne Chase and West Wiltshire Downs National Landscape, the site occupies an elevated location approximately 2km south of Warminster, offering expansive views north towards Sutton Veny. The design responds carefully to this exceptional setting, balancing modern living with sensitivity to the surrounding landscape.
Contemporary materials – rural living
The house adopts a contemporary interpretation of the local vernacular, combining clean architectural lines with a high-quality, natural material palette. Timber cladding, powder-coated aluminium windows, a standing seam metal roof, and natural stone create a refined yet understated aesthetic.
The detailing is intentionally simple and modern, with a restrained colour palette that complements the rural context. Stone retaining walls are integrated into the design, helping to anchor the building within both the site and its wider landscape.
The scheme has been carefully developed to work with the site’s natural slope, maximising views and ensuring the house sits comfortably within its surroundings.
A carefully considered selection of materials enhances both the visual quality and longevity of the design. Timber cladding is designed to weather naturally to a soft silver tone, creating a calm and cohesive appearance over time. Narrow board detailing and contemporary joinery contribute to a crisp, modern finish.
Natural stone is used across the ground floor and in the landscaping, helping the building feel grounded within the sloping terrain. The combination of timber and stone establishes a harmonious relationship with the surrounding environment.
To the rear, a terraced landscape improves access to natural light within the lower levels. A perforated decking system above allows daylight to filter through, ensuring these spaces remain bright and inviting. The layout of openings has been carefully considered, with primary accommodation benefitting from north and east-facing windows, reducing reliance on the south elevation.
Wiltshire Council case officer comments
“The design is modern but makes good use of the particular topography of the site and would not look out of place within the context of existing neighbouring development. Utilising a similar footprint to the existing dwelling, the use of a modern stepped design to the two floors has the effect of setting the building back into the hill, so reducing the potential for visual impact on the National Landscape.
Whilst the design is modern it is considered to be of high quality in accordance with CP57, where consideration has been given to the particular constraints and opportunities of the site in order to provide most effective use”.
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A sustainable home
Generous glazing to the south-facing first-floor living spaces connects the interior with the garden, while carefully positioned corner windows to the living area and principal bedroom capture long-distance views and emphasise the home’s elevated position.
A substantial south-facing roof area also allows for approximately 65sqm of photovoltaic panels, supporting the home’s sustainability ambitions.
The overall form is a clean, contemporary interpretation of a pitched roof dwelling, drawing on materials and forms found within Sutton Veny. Timber and stone help the building sit naturally within its rural setting, framed by mature hedgerows and the existing tree line.
