Located on an outlying former portion of the Sarsden Estate, we looked to breathe new life into this old but handsome farmstead and model dairy located above a bend in the River Evenlode, north of Wychwood Forest. The existing buildings were unoccupied for some years and had begun to fall into a state of disrepair. The designs aimed to restore the original fabric where possible and work with the existing structures to create a new house with ancillary service accommodation.

Modern interventions serve to link the existing internal spaces whilst preserving the original volumes and proportions. The design detailing takes the fine agricultural aesthetic of the historic stone barns as its cue, using large format steel-framed glazing and new roof elements formed of zinc as a contemporary overlay to the host buildings.

Woldon collaborating with Max Askew of Askew Nelson on the landscape design helped manage the sloping topography to establish vehicular access form the north to ensure cars are kept to the periphery and affords un interrupted views from the gardens areas over the rolling countryside to the south with a new porch gable introduced to announce the point of arrival.  Three sheltered south-facing courtyards are formed by the projecting ranges, in contrast to the expansive views across the Evenlode valley. The finished project is testament to the value of a clear vision and the commitment of a great client.

Client: Private Client
Construction Value: Undisclosed
Location: Oxfordshire, UK