Shepherds Hill House, Berkshire
Location: Boxford, Berkshire
Client: Private Individual
Status: Planning
Shepherds Hill House is a sensitively designed extension to a late 20th-century dwelling, providing an expansive and light-filled family living space, additional bedroom accommodation, and integrated equestrian facilities, all while respecting its location within the North Wessex Downs National Landscape.
The client sought to transform their existing family home into a more functional and spacious property, incorporating four double bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, an open-plan kitchen and family area, a basement entertainment suite with direct garden access, and a home office within an extended garage. Given its location within a protected landscape, the project required a considered approach to scale, massing, and materials to ensure sensitivity to the surroundings.
Situated on the northern edge of the Boxford Conservation Area, the site presented several planning challenges. While the proposal aligned with the principles of sustainable development within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), an initial concern was raised regarding the home office above the garage, which was deemed inconsistent with local planning policies. In response, the design was revised to remove this element, ensuring compliance with the West Berkshire Core Strategy and the North Wessex Downs AONB guidelines. The scheme was ultimately deemed acceptable, receiving no public objections.
A thorough site analysis was undertaken to understand the topography, existing structures, and surrounding architectural language. The design response prioritised subservience to the original dwelling while enhancing its functionality and aesthetic appeal. The extension follows the existing L-shaped form of the house, replacing an outdated conservatory with a more practical and visually harmonious addition.
The three-storey rear extension introduces a contemporary yet contextually respectful form, featuring two parallel double-pitched roofs that echo the existing architectural style. The fully glazed ground floor kitchen and family room open seamlessly onto the landscaped garden, while the principal bedroom suite on the first floor enjoys uninterrupted views of the countryside. The basement media suite offers a secluded entertainment space with direct access to the outdoors.
The extension integrates high-quality materials that complement the rural character of the site. Black-stained timber cladding is used for the first-floor elevation, minimising visual impact and ensuring the design remains sympathetic to its natural setting. Oak-framed bifold doors and aluminium composite windows introduce a contemporary element while maintaining a warm and natural aesthetic.
The project embraces sustainable principles, incorporating high-performance glazing for optimal thermal efficiency, a ground-source heat pump for renewable energy, and responsibly sourced timber. The use of free-draining chalk within the paddocks ensures minimal impact on the local water table, aligning with the area's nutrient neutrality requirements.
The transformation of Shepherds Hill House enhances the daily life of its residents, providing flexible living spaces tailored to a modern family’s needs. The integration of equestrian facilities fosters a strong connection to the surrounding landscape, reinforcing the rural character of the area. More broadly, the project exemplifies how contemporary interventions can coexist harmoniously within protected landscapes.