Dating from the 13th century this manor house sits in beautiful grounds of more than 40 acres adjacent to the River Thames in Oxfordshire.
RPA Architects were appointed to devise a design solution and planning strategy which would secure consent for a new entrance hall and a stunning contemporary kitchen befitting the house, together with a utility room and garden room.
The building is Grade II* listed - an exceptionally high status applied to just 5% of all listed buildings in the United Kingdom. As a consequence, infilling to create addiional floorspace beneath a loggia to one side of the northern wing, and replacing timber framed panelling with extensive glazing overlooking and giving access to an enclosed courtyard on the other side, were closely examined by a number of authorities including HIstoric England.
Our approach and rationale were supported and Planning Permission and Listed Building Consent were secured. Our detailed technical design, careful selection of materials and the skilled work of speciailst tradesmen have together resulterd a remarkably sympathetic fusion of new and old with many previously hidden features now exposed.
“Our project was to redevelop a line of old domestic offices in a grade II* Manor House into a new large kitchen/ open plan dining room with large sliding glass doors overlooking a logia and courtyard.
RPA worked with us from a very early stage and helped develop the design which included widening the building. We found them easy to work with. They brought great ideas, a sensitivity to the history of the building and a real wish to understand our requirements and views.”