09/08/2023
Sometimes doing a little, does a lot.
We were approached to help with a charming cottage in a fantastic, jaw dropping location on the edge of The Peak District. The property had fabulous views across to Kinder Scout but you couldn't really see them from inside. It suffered from the usual issue with old cottages, a tiny kitchen space, being expensive to heat and a rather chaotic layout. Some past additions and alterations had left a detrimental impact. The staircase was within a reception room which heightened issues with draughts, isn't great in a fire, and simply got in the way visually and physically, reducing its use to a hall.
Our solution involved a few small but important changes.
Firstly to replace a canopy enclosure with a small single storey extension off the existing kitchen dining room. This allowed space for a larger kitchen and dining space with views out towards the peaks. An internal wall was removed to allow room for a lounge and the whole space is large enough for entertaining. A feature oriel window seat cantilevered out provides a tranquil spot to sit and enjoy the view perhaps with a book, whether the weather is good or bad. The extension was clad in natural stone reclaimed from the alterations of the existing house, saving carbon and money. A green roof provides an attractive finish and improves habitat for biodiversity.
Secondly we removed the staircase and created a new one in an entrance hall from the main door. This makes more sense of a previously under used entrance and you are now welcomed with a double height top lit space. To facilitate this, we had to create a small first floor extension for which we used a glass box. It’s a small addition but makes a huge difference. The second bedroom was enlarged to a good sized double but as importantly moving through the house becomes a pleasure and the views from the upper landing across to Kinder Scout are simply fantastic. In honesty it wasn’t our main intention, but our client reports they find the night time use of this as pleasurable as the day because as you ascend the stair you are gifted a view of the stars. The removal of the old stair declutters the lounge and allows it to feel cosy as a cottage should with space to arrange the seating around the wood stove.
Thirdly we removed a conservatory off the south side. This unsympathetic addition was often unusable anyway and reduced daylight in the cottage itself. Its removal also created valuable south facing outdoor space sheltered from the wind.
We also reorganised the rooms to make a logical layout that allowed spaces to capitalise on the most suited position for them.
As well as the additions several improvements to the building were made. Floor insulation and underfloor heating was added where viable. The old oil-fired boiler was replaced with a new heating system powered by a new air source heat pump and solar array. Insulation was added elsewhere where feasible and old windows replaced. Being situated high up and exposed to the elements these upgrades become even more valuable to creating a comfortable and healthy home. The sedum for the green roofs were grown from seed and hardened on site, then planted all by the client themselves, proving green roofs don’t have to add cost.
We were really pleased with the results but more importantly our client was delighted.
If you are looking for someone to see the potential in your home, maybe we can help.
