The brief to the architect was to completely change the old house and create something very new and contemporary in terms of a living space.  It was such a dark house before – caused by the orientation facing north where you most wanted light (at the back).  He was also asked to tackle the light within the property and get light admitted everywhere possible – so now there are seven roof windows from Velux, and three large Bifolds at the back. In fact, we have also slightly reduced the light on the south side (front) which roasts in summer.  You have to have lived on this site to know the challenges that the sunlight brings.

The house is now clad on the whole upper storey (insulation behind the cladding), and the driveway much enlarged.  The garage is also a metre longer (modern cars are bigger) and the property is wired ready for the issue that electric car charging will bring. It is also ready for fibre optic cable when it arrives this decade.

It’ll obviously look a bit less stark when the garden beds at the front of the property are planted up!!

The plot is still very private and largely concealed from view at the road, and well secluded on other boundaries.

The new driveway is 2-3 times the size of the old one.  Parking restrictions around neighbourhoods like this mean you have accommodate your own guests cars.

It is laid in three layers – a hardcore laser levelled part goes in first, then tarmac layer goes on next, then finally a multi-coloured gravel layer goes in and is bonded in place with a resin and left to dry.  It took three chaps on their hands and knees two days to trowel in the gravel by hand. Looks lovely though and is probably the most commented on feature of the whole house.  It really strikes you the minute you enter the gates.

They have also managed to have a bonded finish on the manhole covers to make them almost disappear.  The drive also has a car washing drain, a car charging point and beneath it lies a big cable duct to take fibre optic cable when it arrives in the next decade.

The front door – porch yet to be added!