The Downton

Preserving Heritage, Creating Space for Living.

A beautiful listed thatched cottage, largely unchanged for many years, had fallen short of meeting the demands of modern living.

The client’s brief called for a sensitive approach that would restore the building’s vitality while safeguarding its historic fabric and character. The project focused on carefully revitalising the original cottage, preserving and enhancing its inherent qualities while addressing the limitations of its existing layout.

Working within the constraints of a listed structure presented particular challenges, requiring a considered balance between conservation and intervention. Alterations were approached with restraint, ensuring that key features were retained and that any new elements respected the scale, form, and materiality of the original building.

Alongside this, a substantial double-storey extension was introduced, designed to integrate seamlessly with the existing cottage. The addition provides much-needed bedrooms and a contemporary open-plan living space, creating a clearer and more functional arrangement for everyday family life.

The relationship between old and new has been carefully managed. It allows the extension to complement rather than compete with the historic structure. The result is a cohesive and enduring home that successfully balances heritage with modern living.

TYPE: Private Residential (Listed Building)
CLIENT: Private
COMPLETION: 2024
LOCATION: Wiltshire, UK