NVDC Architects worked closely with both the client and the council planning department over an extended period to develop a design that would realise all the components of the substantial and varied brief, whilst also complying with the council’s strict guidelines on both development to listed buildings and houses within a countryside setting.
NVDC proposed to revitalise the historic property by respectfully extending the house and rationalising the grounds to achieve a design that would not only fulfill the client's brief but enhance the natural surroundings. A contemporary, highly glazed extension to the rear provides generous open-plan living space, a home office, and a substantial master suite, all with scenic views across to Balgray Reservoir. Partially dug into the hillside, a single outbuilding takes the place of several dilapidated buildings and contains the enormous garage required with staff quarters and a spacious guest apartment above. A new swimming pool with a spa area, gymnasium, and wine cellar forms an underground leisure suite connecting the main house to the new outbuilding. Finally, the extension of the garden grounds to the North and the use of structural planting form a more appropriate setting for the house and reinforce the relationship between the extension, the outbuilding, and the main house.
