A Medieval Moated Farmhouse
Ashwell, Hertfordshire / Completed 2023
A series of contemporary additions and sensitive internal alterations to an historic farmhouse and gardens 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 and dressing area 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 provides visual connection to the existing exposed timber structural 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.
“Atelier Brown have provided us with a full architectural service between 2020 and 2023. During this time they have expertly guided us through lengthy, complex preplanning and full planning applications for our project on a site of historic interest, progressing to the tender process and subsequent hire of a principal contractor as well as many subcontractors. They have diligently overseen the build of our significant extension though to its successful completion and sign off in December 2023. They have an exacting eye for detail and a comprehensive first hand knowledge of all aspects of the building industry, meaning they always had workable solutions to the few problems encountered on site ready to hand, and they have consistently gone above and beyond to deliver a superb result for us. Their artistic flair has helped us evolve and achieve the look internally that we were wishing for also. We found this company by chance, and consider ourselves extremely fortunate, as they have been responsible for the execution of such a smooth project. We cannot recommend them highly enough, for any project big or small.”
“At Seako Construction we have worked with Atelier Brown across a number of projects and the service and support provided by Tom and his team has been consistently excellent - we would highly recommend working with them. They have a fantastic attention to detail and work with great care and precision.”