Dean Cottage

Dean Cottage sits in heavily wooded surroundings and was extended to create a large family home. At an early stage it was decided that as much as possible of the existing fabric of the cottage should be retained, the relationship of original core of the cottage, with the formal garden to the south forming a key component of the character of the site.

Discernibly contemporary, with a simple clarity of form, the new highly insulated timber framed two-storey element containing the majority of the accommodation is set apart from the original cottage.  The north-south orientation reduces its impact on the principal south elevation and forms a strong relationship with the reinstated mill pond. 

The millpond will provide hydro electric power and the surrounding woodland managed to provide fuel for a biomass boiler. Sycamore felled on the grounds has been used to provide flooring for much of the property, as well as a bespoke staircase fabricated by local craftsmen from Real Wood Studios. 

The landscape, topography and historical setting provided direct inspiration for the remodeling of this family house, the sustainability of which is intrinsically linked with the husbandry of the site and its resources..