Client: Paul and Josephine Smith
Project: Adaptation of standard Welsh Oak Frame Design
Size: 1900 sq. ft.

“Creating a rural retreat” was the aim of our clients Paul and Josephine Smith. After months of searching, their dream plot was found; a derelict and burnt-down farmhouse with no running water, drainage or planning permission. Not easily deterred, the Smiths persevered as they were smitten with the secluded location and outstanding views the plot offered. Their determination was rewarded as only a few months down the line, planning permission was granted to demolish and rebuild a new dwelling. The drainage and water problems were set to be resolved after a specialist company guaranteed that a bore hole could be sunk providing 1,000 gallons of water a day.

The Smiths chose to work with Welsh Oak Frame as they wanted to ensure that the final design looked authentically rural, with in-keeping features such as an inglenook fireplace, stone chimney gables and weatherboarding. It was imperative that the house looked as though it had always been there. Taking inspiration from the ‘Angharad’ design, the Smiths worked in close partnership with Welsh Oak Frame to adapt this traditional 3 bay design which retains the warmth and character of a traditional cottage whilst offering spacious and light filled accommodation throughout. To accommodate the Smiths new outdoors lifestyle, a big farmhouse kitchen and a larger than average utility room (a home for messy boots and the like) was also requested.

The whole build took just eight months to be completed, and the Smiths were impressed with how hard the Welsh Oak Frame team worked – even in the worst of weather. The finished cottage has an authentic feel both inside and out. The stone used to build the gable end is local, recycled from a crumbling barn. The oak and standstone render outside typifies the older cottages in the area whilst the weatherboarding clad utility room is reminiscent of an old barn while open beams inside complete the traditional style.