B
uilding in the grounds of a 16th century Grade II listed house was always going to bring its challenges, but Glen Bacon and his wife, Jane Healy, were determined to overcome these obstacles to create an annexe in their garden. “As Jane’s parents grew older it seemed an ideal solution to build a bungalow for them close by,” explains Glen, who planned to tackle as much of the work as possible after a lifetime spent renovating houses in both the UK and Australia.
Glen and Jane have lived in their listed home for the past 23 years and had already converted a barn on the site in 2013, creating a guest room above a garage and store. At fi rst, the couple considered building an annexe on another part of the garden, but a planning consultant and their chosen architect, Sophie Bates, believed that replacing a dilapidated greenhouse beside the converted barn would prove more acceptable to the planners. Nestling the annexe in one corner of the
generous garden, tucked behind the two storey black weatherboard-clad barn, would enable garden views from the new property while minimising its presence onsite and providing privacy. The location also allows living spaces to open onto the shared garden and maintains views from the living room of the main house. “Working with the family proved a true
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collaboration,” explains architect Sophie Bates, whose practice is based in Surrey. “They asked for a bungalow, with two bedrooms and two bathrooms, but gave me a free hand on the overall design. Glen’s building experience meant that he already understood the process, and we all got along extremely well.” Pre-application advice from the local council was sought by Sophie, and feedback was positive regarding the proposed location and scale of the new annexe. The response stated: ‘there is no objection to the general massing of the proposal or its siting within the grounds.’ The planners also stressed the importance of attention to detail when it came to the choice of materials. ‘If a more contemporary approach is favoured by the applicants, then a slate roof is most likely to be acceptable. It is considered that local stone/brick or wood walling would be acceptable for the annexe.’ Sophie prepared a small selection of
proposals, and the chosen single storey design is made up of three distinct forms which echo the appearance of the neighbouring barn. One pitch-roofed wing contains bedrooms and bathrooms, the other an open plan vaulted living/dining/kitchen, with the two elements connected by a fl atroofed link accommodating the entrance hall, utility and plant room, which require less natural light.
The main house stands on an acre of land, backing onto a railway line in an urban and
HIGH POINT
“Working hands-on to bring our architect Sophie’s design to life.”
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