Dorstone, Herefordshire

The starting point was an 18th C stone barn, unsympathetically converted to a dwelling in the 1960s, surrounded by listed buildings in the historic core of the picturesque village of Dorstone in the Golden Valley. Our client wanted to create comfortable a family house, which felt at home in its natural setting. Through researching and understanding the history of the building, we were able to sensitively re-emphasise the barn’s authentic agrarian roots. Through pre-application discussions with the planning authority, a link detached two storey wing of additional accommodation was added, set at right angles to the original range, creating a south-facing sheltered garden which retained the best views of the garden and beyond. Honest, natural materials create the sense of a modest, grounded building, at home in its context and filled with natural light internally. The clients have become great friends.

© Adam Tatton-Reid Photography / Smith Builders Ltd.

Project undertaken at OHA Ltd