Every English Country House feels more welcoming with a garden that enhances its character and beckons you outdoors. Whether your plot boasts expansive lawns or a compact village space, classic English garden design can transform your outdoors into a seamless extension of your home and identity.

As architects with a passion for country homes, we know that a garden is just as essential as the home itself. Here are some insights to help you design a garden you’ll cherish, no matter the size of your plot.

There is a certain magic to the names of English country houses. They blend history, landscape, and personality, making each one a story in its own right. The tradition of naming rural homes in England dates back centuries. These names reflect the architecture or grandeur of the property, as well as the social fabric and history of the land.

There’s a unique romance to owning a historic Cotswold country house, but with every listed property comes a fascinating set of responsibilities, challenges, and opportunities. As Cotswolds-based architects with decades of experience guiding clients through these journeys, we’re here to demystify the process and help you unlock your home’s full potential while safeguarding its heritage.

As the long, golden light of late August spills across the Cotswold hills, there is no better time to appreciate the unique relationship between our homes and the landscape they inhabit. We find that this time of year brings a common theme to the forefront of our conversations with clients: the desire for a seamless flow between the inside and outside.

Life in the Cotswolds revolves around a deep appreciation for heritage, stunning landscapes, and a unique quality of life. The historic country houses, characterised by their rich history, are a significant part of this charm. However, the demands of modern living often expose a spatial dilemma that these lovely properties weren't originally designed to address: finding a place for our vehicles, hobbies, and guests without disrupting the main home's essence.

Modern extensions offer transformative solutions to the traditional layouts of many historic country homes. To complement the charming, smaller, compartmentalised rooms of traditional homes, a well-designed modern extension can introduce spacious, light-filled open-plan kitchen, dining, and living areas, creating a central hub for family interaction and daily life.

As architects working on listed buildings in the Cotswolds and surrounding counties, we understand that a careful and informed approach is essential.

Working with listed buildings in the UK is both a privilege and a significant responsibility. These remarkable structures, recognised for their special architectural or historic importance, create a tangible connection to our past. However, anyone looking to alter, extend, or even repair these buildings must first understand the strict regulations involved. Not following these rules can lead to unexpected delays, costly errors, or even legal issues.