The Moated Farmhouse

Ashwell, Hertfordshire / Completed 2023

A series of contemporary single-storey additions and sensitive internal alterations to an historic farmhouse in rural Hertfordshire.

We were approached to create a series of complementary but modern extensions to this beautiful farmhouse; aiming to deliver new kitchen and dining spaces as well as a luxurious master bedroom suite for this growing family.

The site is positioned outside of the village of Ashwell, set amongst a sprawling landscape of farmland and characterful countryside. The site itself is bound by a beautiful medieval moat, protected under Scheduled Ancient Monument status.

Our role has been to work sensitively alongside various stakeholders (including Historic England and the Conservation Team within the Local Authority) to develop proposals that deliver upon the client’s ambitions, but doing so in a way that is respectful of context, of place and of the site’s designation as an important heritage asset.

Our proposals include a new pitched roof barn form (replacing the existing detached ‘bothy’ and now housing the master bedroom suite) connected to the main house via a frameless glass link. The kitchen is then also extended at the rear. Wide-ranging views are framed across the client’s beautiful garden. The moated landscape can now be fully enjoyed from the new spaces.

The design focuses on a simple palette of materials (that are appropriate and connected to the agricultural setting in which the site is found) detailed to reflect some of the charm and character of the farmhouse itself. The beautiful curved forms of the original ‘eyebrow’ dormers have influenced the inclusion of the curved ridge to the new barn. An expressed timber frame internally will provide visual connection to the existing exposed timber members within the farmhouse. Brickwork spines positioned at key elevations provide a link to the existing brickwork plinth and chimney stack.

The project received planning permission and Scheduled Ancient Monument consent in Spring 2022 and commenced on site in October of that year, subsequently completed August 2023.