Brief:

When Mo and Lynn saw Down House come on the market, they didn’t hesitate. It wasn’t the house that attracted them—but the large, beautiful garden. With few physical limitations beyond the site’s boundaries, they approached the project with enthusiasm and a willingness to be bold. The original New England-style house sat in the centre of a generous plot with a detached double garage. Though it offered rear views, it didn’t make the most of them—something we set out to change.

The brief was to explore ways of extending the ground floor and turning the house into a striking, contemporary forever home—comfortable for everyday living and welcoming for visiting family and grandchildren. Having built before, Mo and Lynn were ready to go for something truly exciting this time, and to deliver the finished project as soon as soon as possible!

Design:

We developed three concept schemes before purchase. Once committed, Sam Cross took the design forward with 2D layouts and, through a series of collaborative meetings, brought the vision to life in 3D—a visualisation model that remained central throughout the build. Plans included linking and converting the garage into a spacious master suite with garden views and terrace access, adding a large, glazed extension at the rear, and a dramatic double-height extension at the front.

The exterior was transformed with a more prominent gabled roofline, a dramatic entrance hall, white render, and dark grey detailing for a bold, unified look. Planning was straightforward—helped by the single-storey approach—and even the innovative green recycled ‘Pretty Plastic’ tiles won approval.

Finishes added drama and coherence: green zinc trims with golden inlays framing the 10.5-metre-wide sliding glass doors and the smaller master bedroom set, blown-glass chandeliers, and a polished concrete floor flowing seamlessly from inside to out. Together, these details give Down House its distinctive wow factor and a look that perfectly reflects its enthusiastic and open-minded new owners.

Testimonial: 

Sam, I must say that you are on the same wavelength as Lynn, in particular, and myself. Even the choice of artwork and animal prints! The feature wall looks great specially in the hall. The kitchen looks great and the rooms seem to flow very well. You seem to capture our vision. Mo & Lynn, Hampshire