Hilltop Home in the Cotswolds

What was once a modest farmhouse cottage has witnessed substantial alterations, extensions, and additions throughout its storied past, though many areas were in desperate need of upgrade, prompting the requirement for new, harmonious enhancements to unify the house, holistically reconfigure its internal layout, and develop the surrounding outdoor spaces - a comprehensive effort that was essential to maximise the full potential of the site.

A new front infill extension now serves as a distinct entrance to the property on approach, supporting the creation of a double-height vaulted hall at the heart of the house. To the rear, a sympathetic single-storey Cotswold & Ironstone extension with exposed oak framing has internally doubled the kitchen and family space, and pleasingly opens out onto a sun terrace and historic walled garden. Given its location adjacent to the original cottage, the kitchen was carefully designed to act as a transitional space between the ‘old’ and ‘new’ and varying architectural languages.

While the extensions at Hilltop House are relatively small in scale, they were meticulously planned to optimise and unlock the existing internal floor area, offering our client the flexibility for new and essential spaces. These additions eliminated a convoluted maze of original corridors, resulting in larger, well-proportioned hallways and lobbies, while new reception rooms and ancillary spaces have been created in both the existing house and the extensions. The improved layout and expanded spaces seamlessly merge with the natural beauty of the rural surroundings, creating an environment where form and function work in perfect unison.

The enhanced proportions of the house, coupled with the rural country aesthetic, are further complemented by a stunning, traditional interior design scheme curated by Kate Arbuthnott, who delivers a harmonious balance between aesthetics and practicality. Bespoke joinery – including a captivating feature kitchen – stands as a testament to the meticulous craftsmanship and attention to detail of Langstaff Ellis, while RC Spencer's considerate approach to construction ensured that the project was executed with precision and care.

Project Name	Hilltop House
Project Reference	21025
Planning Consultant	JPPC
Main Contractor	RC Spencer
Structural Engineer	OMK Design Consultancy
Interior Design	Kate Arbuthnott
Photography	© Andrew Beasley

Project Details