Oxford, Oxfordshire.
A bold and yet sympathetic addition to a Grade II Listed Farmhouse that starts a new chapter for our clients and their home.
What was the clients’ brief?
Our clients had a great feel for the potential of this Grade II Listed farmhouse and dreamed of enjoying their retirement in a unique space that could be shared with their children and grandchildren too. Although Stone Farm had survived for hundreds of years relatively intact, its owners wanted to sympathetically renovate the original footprint of the building, stripping away the scars of the unsuccessful 1970s additions and adding a bold twenty-first-century chapter to its history by planning an extension that reflected the building’s integrity, while capturing its spirit in a modern form.
What did we do?
The excitement of this project lay not just in the act of restoring a handsome Grade-II-listed farmhouse to its former glory but in exploring how it could be imaginatively adapted for its new purpose. This open approach was a crucial part of the design process. By collaborating closely from the start we were able to create a striking glass-and-copper extension that provided a light-and-bright contemporary kitchen-dining-living space but also complemented – and accentuated – the existing materials.
The quality of materials is a recurring theme: for instance, the exquisite stonework that defines the original building’s elevations is reflected in the home’s stylish interior and is a continuing refrain outside too, in the paving that runs through the garden.
What challenges did we overcome?
Because the building was of special historical interest, it was critical that we work in close partnership with planners and heritage consultants to log and preserve key features of the original structure, while integrating the essential elements of the new design. However, we also made effective use of cutting-edge tech: 3D modelling allowed us to demonstrate – in a hyper-realistic way – just how our choice of materials (in this case, glass and copper) would enhance the finish in both the short and long-term. We were able to detail how the glass would blend into the stone – thanks to the seamless link we specified – and how the copper would age into its Verdigris patina over time.
What was the final result?
The contemporary extension seamlessly flows into the stonework of the home, allowing light to flood the open-plan kitchen and living space. The extension can be completely opened to the garden allowing a fresh breeze and the murmur of the fountain in. But more than anything, Stone Farm is a home that’s made to be lived in and loved by the entire family. We look forward to our clients making cherished memories in their new home.
Status: Completed
Renovations.
We’ve helped transform many wonderful living spaces through renovations and extensions over the years.
Whether you’re looking for a contemporary glass addition, a complete makeover for a period Victorian or Edwardian property, internal remodelling options for houses built more recently, or a complete restoration of a derelict building, we’ll be able to help.
Using our 3D design process, you can explore a range of alterations before embarking on the more detailed phase of your renovation or extension.
Listed Properties.
With our wealth of experience working on listed and heritage properties across London and the South East, HollandGreen has successfully negotiated consents with Local Authority Conservation Officers and with Historic England for a wide range of renovation and extension planning requests.
We work with Specialist Heritage Consultants, and Archaeologists to provide detailed assessments of historic buildings, and have gained approval for ambitious, but sympathetic alterations to properties of historic interest, including those Grade ii* which fall within the top 3% of protected properties in the UK.
New Builds.
For many people the prospect of building their own home is the ultimate dream. At HollandGreen, we’re proud of the fact that we have helped a number of people achieve this dream.
If you are fortunate enough to have a plot of land that has the potential to be built on, or a house that you would like to knock down and start again with a blank piece of paper, we’d love to help.
We can advise on likely planning implications to help establish the feasibility of your project. Our exciting design journey will help you navigate through planning, choosing your builder, and delivering your dream new home.
Barn Conversions.
Barn conversions offer the perfect opportunity to create a unique countryside home, packed with character. At HollandGreen, we’ve had extensive experience in converting existing agricultural buildings into residential dwellings, in accordance to the recent changes to ‘Class Q’ Permitted Development Rights.
From traditional listed stone walled buildings with slate roofing, to more modern metal clad farm sheds for the modern, industrial look, you can create luxurious country living perfect for you. What a great opportunity to create a characterful family home that’s sympathetic to its rural setting, and generally larger in volume and scale than a modern build.
Conservation Areas.
Many properties fall within locations specified as a Conservation Area or Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and we have specific experience working with planning departments across London, Surrey, Buckinghamshire, Berkshire and Oxfordshire.
Please do get in touch if you have any specific questions around what can be possible within a Conservation Area, even if you are just at the early stage of purchasing the property.
Luxury Basements & Pools.
If you’re battling to add space to your property, creating a basement storey can provide the perfect option to add significant living space, without having to move.
With basements closer to the main living areas than lofts, there is greater flexibility in terms of use, from home cinemas, wine cellars and playrooms, to office spaces, personal gyms and swimming pools.
To find out whether adding a basement to your property will add value to your house, we recommend seeking advice from your local estate agents. Talk to us about Permitted Development Rights, as basement extensions are often possible, if a cellar space already exists.
Luxury Kitchens & Lofts.
The way people use their living space is changing. We find that for most of our clients, the kitchen is now the hub of the modern home, and we’re proud that we’ve become known for our inventive and aspirational kitchen extensions.
We’ve helped hundreds of home owners across London and the South East create open, bright and contemporary kitchen living spaces that combine cooking, dining and living within one social and inviting area.
We’re also known for our carefully considered, aesthetically pleasing loft extensions that both increase living space and add a wonderful new aspect to your home.
- Renovations
- Listed Properties
- New Builds
- Barn Conversions
- Conservation Areas
- Luxury Basements & Pools
- Luxury Kitchens & Lofts
