Avonview House is a grade II listed manor house dating from the 17th century. It was extended in the 18th century, in the early 19th century, in the mid 19th century and finally in the late 19th century. Each time the work was done in a style reflecting that period, creating a fascinating mix of Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian motifs and styles.
Our clients David & Toci, wanted to add another layer, this time a new kitchen and entertaining space proportional to the size of the house. Another objective was improving the circulation that had become disjointed over the years - a common problem when homes are extended over and over.
We decided any addition had to be contemporary, but it had to do so without harming or compromising the significance of what had gone before.
Key to this approach was identifying and understanding the historically significant elements of the current house and gardens. We worked closely with Wiltshire Council's Conservation Officer to make sure we were all 'singing off the same hymm sheet' which reassured in a relatively smooth journey through the planning system.
The design that emerged was a folded roof clad in copper shingles over a band of vertical charred timber cladding (a timeless Japanese technique), sat on a limestone ashlar plinth. It is a clear statement of contemporary design. No pastiches here.
The grounds contained a large walled garden, originally the house’s kitchen garden. Over the years it had developed an awkward relationship with the main house and part of the brief was to try and address this.
Again a bold approach was taken, inserting a new opening in the corner of the walled garden closest to the house. This new opening reflects the frameless glass corner of the extension creating a balance and connection between the two spaces.
At the same time the walled garden was reinvented as a pleasure garden with a central circular lawn and introduction of a new diagonal axis linking the extension to a terrace on the far side. Prairie style planting inhabits the the corners and a new apiary was installed to help with pollination.
Our clients were great. David & Toci had clear and well considered ideas about what they wanted and trusted us to deliver them. We feel this trust is key when delivering projects with a strong design approach. Granted, it is not everyone’s cup of tea but that’s not the point, our clients loved it…
“The glamor and excitement of New York in the middle of Wiltshire. That is how one of our friends has described the copper and glass addition to our 500 year old rural farmhouse. We couldn’t be happier. Our brief was for something special, something as far from pastiche as possible, but still practical as a family home, and that is certainly what we’ve achieved.
From our initial meeting Jonny has listened and taken the essence of our ideas and run with them. We’ve felt involved with the project and very much part of a team creating something unique. Jonny’s approach from design, through build to completion has been inclusive, open, transparent and importantly resulted in a space and a home that lifts the soul”
David - Client
