German couple Peter and Margaret dreamed of owning a traditional English country house. The challenge was how to transform an ugly 1950s mock period property with beautiful gardens and separate annex into an elegant and traditional home.

The property had been extended a number of times since construction and lacked any design continuity.

The task was to greatly improve the exterior and interior of the existing house and annex by bringing authenticity to the design whilst adhering to Conservation Area restrictions

Dyer Grimes Architects introduced a number of traditional features which greatly enhanced the main house without requiring its demolition.

A grand entrance was created by adding a traditional stone portico leading to a triple height entrance hall. Existing brickwork was over-clad with beautiful reclaimed brick slips along with period detailing such as brick quoins and chimneys. New conservation double-glazed windows were installed in the late Georgian style to further enhance the façade and bring in extra light.

To meet the needs of the large family and to achieve more symmetry, a two storey Orangery was added to back of the house to create a wonderful light family living space with bedrooms above.

The interiors were finished to the highest standards with bespoke joinery and traditional detailing such as cornicing, architraves and splayed window reveals.

The existing annex, which was an unappealing addition to the property, was enhanced with natural stone cladding and gables to the front and side to compliment the elegance of the main house.