The Lake View House is a comprehensive renovation and reconfiguration of a large detached post-war dwelling, located within a village conservation area and set opposite a picturesque lake. Despite its exceptional setting, the original house was poorly planned, inadequately insulated and lacking in character. The brief was clear: to transform an uninspiring structure into a refined, light-filled and highly functional family home that fully embraces its landscape.

The design approach focused on creating a hierarchy of spaces at ground floor level. Generous, uplifting principal living, cooking and dining areas are balanced by a series of more intimate, quieter rooms, allowing the house to support both family life and retreat. A strong emphasis was placed on strengthening the relationship between inside and out, achieved through carefully positioned apertures, framed views across the gardens and lake, and a sequence of thresholds that encourage movement into the landscape.

A dramatic double-height entrance hall forms the heart of the home, centred around a new curved staircase that provides both sculptural presence and spatial clarity. Natural light floods the space through a full-height glazed entrance feature, immediately establishing a sense of arrival. To one side, a re-imagined living room enjoys long views across the garden, while to the other, a large open-plan kitchen, dining and family space extends into a series of glazed bay and link extensions, delivering the seamless indoor–outdoor connection so often sought by clients. More secluded spaces, including a cinema room and home study, provide contrast and flexibility within the plan.

At first floor level, the existing bedroom accommodation has been significantly enhanced, with all bedrooms benefitting from new ensuite facilities. A striking full-height window terminates the long landing, drawing daylight deep into the plan and reinforcing visual connections with the surrounding landscape.

Externally, the house has been unified and modernised through the application of an insulated render system over the existing brickwork, dramatically improving both performance and appearance. All windows have been replaced with new timber frames, and the roof has been renewed using mottled handmade clay tiles, responding sensitively to the conservation area context.

The project includes a complete upgrade of services, with new heating, cooling and ventilation systems integrated throughout to deliver comfort, efficiency and longevity.

The Water View House was completed on site in Winter 2024, resulting in a calm, elegant and highly crafted family home that is deeply connected to its setting.