This locally listed Arts and Crafts home in the Chilterns had character and exceptional views, but its layout did little to connect everyday life with the landscape. Our architecture and landscape design studios worked together to reconfigure the interior and create a rear extension that makes the most of its setting.
A key challenge was the disconnected floorplan. We reconfigured it to create a generous, open kitchen and dining space, oriented towards the far-reaching views. It gives the home a new centre for daily life and a stronger relationship with the garden.
The rear extension had to add living space while respecting the character of the locally listed house. Our solution takes its cues from the original Arts and Crafts form, allowing the contemporary addition to sit comfortably alongside it.
The extension also makes the garden more usable. A covered dining area below offers a place to eat outdoors in changeable weather, while a new first-floor bedroom above takes full advantage of the views. Architecture and landscape were considered together so that each space strengthens the connection between the house and its surroundings.
The garden and far-reaching views were among the greatest assets of this locally listed Arts and Crafts home in the Chilterns. Our landscape and architecture studios worked together to bring the setting into everyday life, reshaping how the house opens towards the outdoors.
A key challenge was to make the garden feel like a natural continuation of the home, rather than a separate space. Hand-crafted planters carry its Arts and Crafts character outdoors, while soft grasses and rambling roses give the planting a relaxed feel. Asymmetric yew topiary and multistem amelanchier trees provide shape and height, bringing balance to the looser planting.
Our material choices reflect the same care for the setting. Locally sourced paving and reclaimed brickwork reduce the need for new materials while giving the garden a finish that sits comfortably alongside the house.
The covered dining area brings these ideas together. It offers a sheltered place to gather outdoors, allowing meals and everyday life to extend into the garden in a new way.
Country Homes & Estates
Architecture
Landscape Design
Buckinghamshire
In-Design