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external view of garden and terrace in front of modern extension

Houses Farm

A beautiful contemporary rear extension and remodeling project in Melbury Abbas.
Location Melbury Abbas
Status Built
Use Residential
Client Tamsin Jacson and James Richards

Our clients bought an old stone farm house in rural Melbury Abbas. The existing house was in a decent condition boasting a wealth of period features, including window seats, shutters, exposed beams, and flagstone floors, with parts thought to date back to the seventeenth century. However they wanted to extend and make some internal changes to the property.

Project Awards & Recognition

Publication
SelfBuild & Design
August 2022
contemporary extension on traditional stone house at dusk
front view of traditional stone house at dusk
side view of modern extension with large glass panels leading onto garden terrace

A stylish extension that allows light to penetrate the centre of the house

On the rear of the house a new contemporary extension clad in standing seam zinc, accommodates a wonderful open plan kitchen/dining/living space.

The extension has a flat roof, pierced with rooflights to allow natural light into the middle of the house. Full height glazing and aluminium doors form one end of the new structure – embracing views across the new terrace and the valley beyond.

modern dining area extension looking outside to a terrace garden area

Our architects suggested that, instead of structural corner posts, the extension could be cantilevered and supporting steel posts concealed in front of the framework for the sliding doors….now when we sit at the kitchen table, the unobstructed view is stunning all year round.

James, Client

large freestanding copper bath in front of window

A redesigned internal layout improved for modern family life

The lean-to porch was demolished, the main entrance was relocated and a new stone porch was added. The new entrance leads onto a larger remodelled hallway leading to kitchen and study and is more suited to greeting guests. The original entrance was turned into a window.

The first and second floor originally consisted of many rooms, a small bathroom and no grand master bedroom that one would expect for a house of this size. The reconfigured house now features a luxurious principal bedroom suite. To the rear of the house a new dormer window was added at the top of the stairs, improving the headroom and allowing natural light to flood the stairwell.

interior living room with exposed wooden beam and large windows
external view of garden and terrace in front of modern extension

We were extremely happy with WDA, the practice came up with some brilliant designs and ideas…There were no issues with the planning at all – they just dealt with everything.

James, Client

modern extension of traditional stone house with large patio area taken at dusk with lights on
interior of dining room extension looking out to terrace patio

A collaborative relationship between client and architect

We worked closely with our clients to gain both planning and building regulations approvals. After we got them some initial quotes, the clients managed the build themselves and have created a stunning family home suited to their needs.

In addition to the main house, Western Design Architects also obtained three other planning consents for outbuildings, one of which was a large portal frame barn which has been converted to a workshop for a local carpenter. One of the stone barns on the site was converted to a holiday cottage providing accommodation for the family while works to the farmhouse were carried out. An old stable block has become both a games room and a workshop for the clients furniture-making business.

outdoor living dining area on patio with modern extension to house

Completion Date 2021
Cost £400,000 Farmhouse only
Photographer Peter Booton

Project Manager and bespoke items Melbury Furniture
Builder S Crosse construction
Garden Design John Rose
Ecologist Darwin Ecology
Structural Engineer Thorpe Engineering Consultants Ltd
Zinc Cladding Tailored metal Roofing

 

 

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