
OXFORDSHIRE
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The sensitive renovation of a listed 17th century stone farmhouse and outbuildings in rural Oxfordshire, responding to the history of the site while creating a family home full or personality.
Our clients had acquired the site with the intention of making it their family home and needed help understanding how to use, repair and modernise the different buildings. Through careful investigation and testing of strategies, we developed a sensitive approach allowing the existing buildings to be fully renovated: repairing elements where required, adding insulation and carefully threading plumbing and ventilation through the 300 year old structure. We prioritised using low-carbon, natural and breathable materials such as new limecrete floor slabs, wood fibre and sheep’s wool insulations, lime plasters and mineral paints.
A new extension has been added to the listed building, linking to an old garden wall to form the final side of the original working courtyard of the farm. The new extension provides the opportunity to move away from the constraints of the historic structure and create a much more modern space: instead of small 300 year-old openings there are large areas of sliding glazing overlooking the newly landscaped grounds.




In the extension, the large expanse of glass is balanced with a sculptural solidity, including irregular alcoves, ledges and fireplace built into the walls. Creating a space that is both modern and still in keeping with the character of the historic farmhouse. The ceiling is divided into two gentle vaults, subtly demarcating a dining area and a living area within the open plan room. The vaults are held up by a large singular granite monolith, from the same quarry that provided the granite for Tower Bridge. Kept weathered on 3 sides, with the fourth a smooth cut surface complete with hand carved display alcove.
The interiors have been masterly designed by Turner Pocock and are full of warmth and personality.
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Interior design - Turner Pocock
Main contractor - Stonewood Builders
Stone column - Caradon Stone
Landscape design - Sherborne Gardens
Photos coming soon.