Hillside House

Hillside House is a typical late 17th / early 18th century Cotswolds farmstead, which has been extended and in-filled to create a unified family home. The building is Grade II listed and is situated within the Cotswolds AONB.

 The earliest part of Hillside House was constructed in the mid-17th century as a small three-bay linear house parallel to Bull Hill. The barn, to the north west, was built in two phases (probably in the 18th century): the north-western three bays came first, and subsequently a two bay store or stable to the south-east. The gap between was later infilled with a Victorian two bay arrangement. More recently a number of less successful 20th century additions were added that link the buildings together at rear of the property.

Freehaus are commissioned to restore the historic elements of the house and barn. Peeling away harmful 20th century additions and detailing improvements that are sympathetic to the vernacular fabric and setting. The result is cohesive design that is legible, appropriate, honest and energy efficient.

Contemporary timber interventions complement the existing fabric and mediate between old and new. The property is now approached via a family courtyard, that connects the house to an external dining area, pool and orchard beyond. A charred timber entrance hall with biodiverse roof connects the barn to the original elements of the house. Internally, we have returned the barn to its original double-height volume which will house a new open plan kitchen, dining area and wine room; adjoined by a family snug, mezzanine workspace and traversed by a steel bridge that leads to a contemporary master suite.

Watch this space as works on site are due to commence soon!

 

Tags: Heritage, Housing

 
 
 
 
 
 

Client
Private

Architect and Lead Designer
Freehaus

Structural / Civil Engineer
Solid

Ecologist
Nicholson Lockhart Garratt

Heritage Consultant
Donald Insall Associates

Local Authority
West Oxfordshire District Council

Status
Concept Design

 

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