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The original homeowners purchased The Beehive with the intention of dividing the large site in two, sympathetically restoring the listed property for resale, and then building a new family home for themselves on the remaining portion of land.
The 17th Century, Grade ll listed former public house located within the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty had fallen into a state of disrepair and the design involved extensive demolition of the unsympathetic 1970s additions, with new extensions to enhance its character and comfort plus a new detached garage.
We collaborated on the design for The Beehive, making suggestions on how best to add value to this neglected 17th century listed property while ensuring it was developed in line with its beautiful AONB location and listed status, and with emphasis on improving the environmental performance of the house.
After the sale, the new owners then asked us to incorporate further design changes part-way through construction, so we brought them and the original owners together to complete the project, which required some quick and clever thinking given its listed status.
Environmental upgrades included a new air source heating system, full roof insulation, replacement of the external pebbledash render and interior plaster with a breathable lime plaster finish, new cavity insulation, double-glazing units meeting heritage requirements, and a new sedum roof on the flat roof extension.
We used traditional construction methods and materials, bringing together modern comfort and heritage character, enhancing some of the original features uncovered during the project, and finishing it all off with landscaping for a traditional cottage garden.
By lovingly restoring and extending the house in keeping with its age and setting, it’s become a wonderful family home full of light and charm.
See the Contemporary Farmhouse for the new-build property we designed on the same site.
Photos by Nick Smith Photography. Aerial view by Press Play Online.
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