Perched on an elevated south-facing hillside with far-reaching views across the River Torridge, Fleet is a distinctive early-20th-century home influenced by Arts & Crafts principles. This project delivers a carefully considered contemporary enhancement that responds directly to the site’s topography, landscape and outlook.
The approved scheme includes a single-storey rear extension to the main house, a partial conversion of the existing detached garage to form ancillary accommodation, and the sensitive upgrading of the existing pool house to create a year-round studio. Each intervention has been designed to remain visually subordinate to the original house, allowing old and new to read clearly as separate architectural elements.
Rather than replicating the existing style, the new rear extension is expressed as a contemporary pavilion sitting quietly beneath the original form. A projecting flat roof provides passive solar shading, while recessed glazing maximises natural light and long views without increasing visual impact. A restrained palette of standing-seam metal cladding and natural timber creates contrast while remaining recessive within the wider landscape.
The steeply sloping garden played a key role in shaping the design. New external levels, planting and circulation routes improve connections between the house, garage and pool house, creating sheltered outdoor spaces that are usable throughout the year.
All existing mature trees are retained, the street scene remains entirely unchanged, and distant views across the estuary are carefully considered. The result is a calm, confident and well-resolved scheme that enhances both the house and its setting while providing flexible accommodation for modern, multi-generational living.
