Private House, New Forest, Hampshire

This highly unusual residence is situated on a large private estate in southern Hampshire.

The sprawling three-storey house dates back to the mid-18th century. It has developed piecemeal over the past 250 years, and although not listed, it retains a charm and character that owes much to its dramatic location by the seashore and river Navigation.

The gradual onslaught of the elements and changing needs of the family necessitated a comprehensive programme of repair, upgrades and alterations, which spanned four years. The works were carefully considered to minimise impact and have been carried out to the highest possible standard.

Although the repairs and alterations are far too numerous and complex to mention here in detail, we have attempted to summarise the main works to give an overall flavour of the project.

Internally, the spaces were taken back to their original finishes and comprehensively restored, which included structural, Joinery and plaster repairs, repair and modification of the staircases, installation of new flooring, installation of all new mechanical and electrical systems, and, where possible, upgrade of the building fabric to improve its thermal and acoustic performance. The layout was also improved, enabling the creation of a modest second-floor extension, new bathrooms and, at the heart of the house, a new kitchen and pantry. The design and fit-out of these last two spaces were by specialist joinery firm Artichoke. Each room was subsequently re-decorated in a scheme developed with the client.

Externally, The most noticeable alteration is also completely concealed from outside view. Within the enclosed courtyard, Radley House has designed a bespoke glazed canopy to entirely enclose the space for use as an atrium. The canopy replaces a makeshift polycarbonate roof and is elevated on columns just above the first-floor level. Additionally, the existing timber steps within the courtyard have been removed and replaced with a matching spiral staircase and a new first-floor balcony. The atrium acts as a centralised circulation space to connect the internal spaces and improve the flow of the house. Elsewhere, alterations and repairs were discrete to preserve the building’s character and unusual appearance. Here, works included repairs to external masonry and joinery, installation of new parapet guarding, new roof terrace decking and replacement rooflights.