35 Hartopp Road

Extension, internal remodelling and external face-lift of an existing 1960’s detached house.

The Challenge

The clients acquired the property with the intention of carrying out its extension and modernisation. The house had limited, dated and compromised accommodation comprising four bedrooms, one having en suite and a separate bathroom and WC. On the ground floor the drawing and dining rooms were of good proportion, but the kitchen was small with many adjoining cupboards and store rooms taking up potentially useful space. There was also a prior two storey extension to the side to create a small study with the en suite bathroom above.

The brief was to create a large family kitchen adjoining both the dining room and a new utility room, enlarge the study to make home office space for two. Provide five bedrooms on the first floor, three with en suite bathrooms, a separate family bathroom and a games / cinema room in the loft. In addition the dated and plain 1960’s appearance was to be replaced with an early 1900’s traditional look with new windows and external materials throughout.

The Solution

A scheme was produced comprising small extensions to each side and to the front gable, a new orangery garden room to provide light and airy living space adjoining the kitchen and overlooking the garden, and the reworking of the roof structure to enhance the appearance and to create the additional loft space required.

Externally the new roof was re clad in plain clay tiles with new soffit and fascia, the majority of the residual existing brickwork was clad in traditional rough cast render, a new brick was used for the front and rear extensions to provide contrast, and new white painted timber framed windows were specified with brick and tile detailing to the openings. The new front gable was given a ‘statement’ brickwork splayed bay window at first floor level supported by stone columns to either side of the new recessed front door. The driveway and rear terrace was also re planned to provide additional turning / parking space and better connection of the house with the rear grounds.

The internal accommodation was extensively re worked in layout to provide all of the required accommodation and the property was completely re-wired, plumbed, plastered, fitted out and finished to provide a completely ‘New Home’ feel.

The clients were delighted with the result and increase in value added to the property!

Clients View

In 2004 we purchased 35 Hartopp Road. It was a house that was in need of a drastic overhaul. We were keen to get an architect who had flair, a sense of creativity, and the ability to translate our ideas and concepts into something that looked stunning both inside and outside, in short, a unique and personalised property.

Simon’s personal attention to detail was first class and his ability to put us at the heart of the process and guide us positively and confidently through each stage, made us feel that we were part of a real partnership.

The final product was a stunning, bespoke, elegant and stylishly with an arts and craft feel to it. We were thrilled with the outcome and the additional value that had been added to what was a sad dilapidated property.

We can recommend Simon’s work without reservation. He is a first rate architect who relishes the challenge of interpreting a client’s brief and requirements and creating something which will be memorable and special for them.

Ken & Lorna Morris