Meadow Cottage

The site was originally occupied by an older cottage and sat on a leafy Surrey lane, overlooking meadows and long country views. The owners had lived in the village for a long time and purchased additional land to stitch together a wonderful plot in the perfect location hoping to build a two storey Border Oak barn. However planning restrictions meant that a single storey design was their only option.

Rather than let the initial disappointment ruin their project, and thanks to their creative backgrounds, our clients adopted a positive approach to compromise, knowing that the site was exceptional.

Working closely with the Border Oak designers a new scheme was developed, incorporating all the features they had hoped to include – vaulted ceilings, large contemporary windows, semi open plan living, weatherboarding and oak framing. Fortunately the planners also liked the new design and approval followed.

The H shaped layout creates a modern, informal but highly practical home – with bedrooms in one wing but all the rooms overlooking the garden. The cross wing from blurs the boundary between indoor and outside, with bi fold doors in the centre of the house steps directly onto a beautifully landscaped patio which acts as another living space.

Externally, the building is predominantly clad in painted weatherboard over a deep brick plinth with a slate roof. Internally the oak frame provides architectural interest and continuity as the spaces flow from the more public to private and work perfectly as the back drop to our clients wonderful collection of artefacts and furniture.

Project Specifics

LOCATION: Surrey

SIZE: 157m2

FEATURES: Vaulted Ceilings, Border Oak Front Porch, Large Open Plan Spaces

BORDER OAK SCOPE OF WORKS: Design, Planning and Full Build