Cottage in the Country

COTTAGE IN THE COUNTRY

This project involved a thoughtful extension to a countryside cottage in Surrey’s Green Belt, designed to enhance the property’s functionality while preserving its inherent character and cosy charm. The client’s primary goals were to future-proof the home and create a more practical kitchen that better connected with the existing dining area, while also incorporating additional living space to accommodate modern needs.

The extension features a ground-floor bedroom with an en-suite bathroom, providing flexibility and comfort for future living arrangements. The enlarged kitchen, which includes a cleverly concealed utility room, enhances the home’s everyday functionality, ensuring that the space is both practical and aesthetically pleasing. The design focused on improving the connection between the kitchen, dining area, and the outdoors, offering a seamless flow and better integration between these spaces.

Maintaining the cottage’s original character was a central consideration throughout the project. The client was deeply invested in preserving the home’s cosy, welcoming atmosphere, and as such, great care was taken to ensure that the extension remained in harmony with the existing building. Traditional materials were used, and new details were carefully designed to complement the cottage’s original features. This resulted in a design that feels both timeless and contemporary, blending seamlessly with the established charm of the property.

A standout feature of the extension is the improved connection to the outside. New French doors open from the enlarged kitchen and dining area directly onto the garden, allowing for easy outdoor access and enhancing the flow of natural light throughout the home. Additionally, the internal split-level design offers stunning views from the front of the property through to the rear, creating a sense of openness while maintaining the intimate, cosy feel that the client cherished.

A new patio area was also created between the artist’s studio and the extension, providing an inviting outdoor space for relaxation and entertaining. The addition of a covered porch into the new utility room adds an extra layer of practicality, creating a sheltered entrance while further enhancing the overall connection to the garden.

Brought to life by a skilled local builder, this extension successfully balances the need for increased functionality with a deep respect for the existing building’s character and warmth. It’s a harmonious blend of modern design and traditional craftsmanship, ensuring the property remains a beautiful, comfortable home for years to come in this picturesque setting.

Photo credits: Limelight Interiors Photography

“We were completely satisfied by the architectural services provided by Turner & Hoskins Architects. The project was to design an extension to an 18th century cottage on a sloping site. The extension incorporated an expanded kitchen and dining room, new utility room and pantry, new bedroom and bathroom.
Turner & Hoskins Architects’ solution met all our requirements. We appreciated their creativity in optimising the space, plus the advice about planning and building regulations, insurance and the critical process of selecting a suitable builder. During the time we spent together, they were at all times warm, friendly and skilled in helping us arrive at a mutually agreed decisions. Altogether architects ‘par excellence’!”

2024 update: “Four years on and we are still appreciating the extra living space and amenities which it provides, both from an aesthetic and practical point of view. We wonder how we managed previously. We have had many admiring visitors with whom we are happy to share the experience of designing and building the extension.”

David and Lois

RESIDENTIAL PROJECTS