Bringing light and space into a traditional Cotswolds home.
“Architecture is about trust. As architects, we walk away at the end of the project, but the client will be living in that space every day. Trust and collaboration need to be there right from the beginning.”
Ashleigh Clarke, Founder and Senior Architect
“His designs were both beautiful but also very practical as we worked through the detail of what living in the new space would look like. “
Sarah, Rooks Nest
Our brief
Rook’s Nest is a classic example of the elegant Georgian Cotswolds architecture that we love. Sarah and Les approached Ashleigh Clarke Architects with a design conundrum that many owners of characterful, Cotswolds properties face. How to introduce light and space into these traditional homes, without sacrificing any of the charm of the original building’s features.
Both Sarah and Les were desperate to enlarge the existing kitchen at Rook’s Nest, which was small and lacking in natural light. They were also keen to explore ways of opening up the whole ground floor, particularly the other main living room, which gave only a tantalising glimpse of the gorgeous garden just outside.
Backing onto the living room was a conservatory that had seen better days, and which could only be reached by going outside – not ideal in the winter months. But right from the first site visit, we could see the enormous potential to create a unique living space for the family.
“Ash really helped us think about what we needed and what would work with the house,” says Sarah. “He was patience itself as we explored a whole range of alternative options and a range of costs, before getting to the right answer.”
“Can you create a masterplan concept for us?”
At Ashleigh Clarke Associates, we believe the strongest creative solutions come from listening to clients, sharing ideas and collaborating at every stage.
“Together with Sarah and Les, I produced a range of masterplan concepts of varying scale; including one that also included first floor alterations,” Ash explains.
“I never mind taking the time to come up with alternative designs and creative solutions, and I’ll never pressure clients to choose until they’re absolutely happy, and truly excited by the possibilities.“
Where ambitious aesthetic meets practical design
Sarah and Les had strong visions and aspirations of what they wanted to achieve. But they’re also practical. With that in mind, Ashleigh suggested sharing both the larger and the more modest schemes with a local estate agent to compare exactly how much value each scheme would add to the property, should Sarah and Les decide to move.
Ultimately, the decision was to focus on the ground floor extension and renovation, with an innovative twist.
The solution – switching the kitchen and the living space
The game-changing solution was to move the kitchen sideways, re-site the living room area, take out the existing back wall and convert the tired conservatory into a spacious contemporary extension, with panoramic views of the garden.
“The switch transformed the design” says Ash. “The living space feels luxurious and relaxing, and the extensive full floor to ceiling glazing is flooded with natural daylight, and breathtaking views of the mature garden. To me, it’s like living inside a picture window, with access to the garden and patio. And by swapping the two rooms, we’ve been able to create a much larger kitchen, with plenty of natural light.”
“It’s become the heart of the house, especially for Sarah who works from home.“
Design in action
Moving the kitchen had a domino effect on the design possibilities. The original kitchen was re-purposed as a brand new utility space, re-housing the boiler, and utilising existing drainage, and kitchen worktops, which was both efficient, sustainable and cost effective.
The original boiler room – hidden deep in the house – received its own makeover. “Since the old boiler room was very dark, and quite snug anyway, we re-imagined it as a cinema room – perfect for teenagers to hole up and hang out,” Ash says.
“It’s got the wow factor!”
It’s clear from the video that Rook’s Nest is a perfect example of marrying contemporary and classic period design. “You walk through the original front door, into that classic Cotswolds hallway,” Ash says. “But the big reveal is, as you move towards the back of the house, you discover this stunning contemporary designer kitchen and living area.”
“It’s got that wow factor and it’s such a pleasure to create design that delivers.”
Ashleigh Clarke Associates has a proven track record in stunning architectural designs for period properties such as The Maltings, and Bobble House.
“Our approach to designing for historic or heritage homes is always to complement, never to compete,” says Ashleigh. “Contemporary and classic can co-exist, and create a new harmony that’s designed for modern living.“
“That’s what I love about being a Cotswolds architect.
“We’re delighted with the outcome, and we love our new space. It’s exactly what we hoped it would be. We would highly recommend Ash – who as well as a being an excellent architect, is also a lovely person – and great to work with.”
Sarah, Rooks Nest
Thinking of extending, rather than moving? Browse our portfolio of extension case studies and get in touch.
