19th CENTURY COTTAGE REFURB & EXTENSION

View 1, view from road.

View 2, view of rear elevation from road

View 3, view of extension and patio area from dining area under pergola

View 4, view of front elevation

View 5, view of rear elevation from back garden

View 6, view of existing cottage on the left with the extension and patio area on the right including a dining area under a pergola

View 7, view of bedoom extension. The bedroom external glazed door can be shuttered with a sliding door, that echos the style of traditional out building doors, adding weather protection and security to the design.

View 8, view of front entrance

View 9, view from garden including view of patio seating area and dining space under a timber pergola

This house presents an exemplary case of how to sympathetically extend a 19th-century cottage, preserving its historical essence while introducing modern comforts. The design of the extension integrates seamlessly with the original structure, reflecting a thoughtful approach that prioritizes harmony and utiliy above all.
 
Blending Old and New
The first impression of this extension is its respectful nod to the past. Unlike many contemporary extensions that make a bold architectural statement, this design focuses on subtlety and coherence. The extension mirrors the original cottage’s proportions and materials, creating a visual continuity that is both appealing and historically sensitive. The use of similar whitewashed walls and traditional slate roofing ensures that the new addition does not overpower the original cottage but instead enhances its character. And while the extension windows and doors are larger than those of the original cottage, their scale and proportion respects thosee in the original.
 
Materials and Craftsmanship
The choice of materials is particularly noteworthy. By utilizing traditional materials such as stone, lime render and mortar, and timber, the extension maintains the aesthetic language of the original building. The craftsmanship is evident in the attention to detail, from the exteral renderwork to the choice of guttering and slate.
 
Architectural Details
One of the defining features of this extension is its architectural restraint. The design does not seek to create contrast but rather to continue the narrative of the original structure. The similarity of rooflines, eaves and ridge heights gives the impression that the extension could have always been part of the cottage grounding the building in its rural setting.
 
Interior Design Considerations
While the exterior is conservative, the interior offers a modern contrast, juxtaposition of old and new. The traditional exterior gives way to a more contemporary interior, where modern amenities meet the charm of the past. Large windows in the extension allow for light-filled spaces, while the original multiroom interior has been opened up significantly to form essentially one living, dining kitchen space that is flooded with light from windows in both front and rear elevations plus rooflights. Yet, this modernity is kept discreet, ensuring that the essence of the 19th-century cottage is not lost.
 
Landscaping and Context
The surrounding landscaping plays a crucial role in the success of this extension. The simplicity of the garden, with its modest plantings and local flora, complements the cottage’s rural context. The use of natural materials for pathways and garden beds enhances the connection between the building and its environment. This respect for the landscape is evident in how the extension sits within the site, not dominating but rather blending into the existing natural setting. The simple garden beds, low walls, and minimalistic approach to landscaping ensure that the focus remains on the building and its historical significance.
 
Conclusion
In conclusion, this house extension is a demonstration in how to add space and functionality to a historic building without losing its soul. The design respects the original 19th-century cottage, using materials, proportions, and craftsmanship that echo the past. It is a testament to the power of sympathetic design, where the goal is not to overshadow the old with the new but to allow them to coexist in harmony. This extension does not shout for attention; instead, it invites the viewer to appreciate the subtlety of its design, the care in its execution, and the respect for the building’s history.