Originally built in the late 90’s, this detached three bedroom thatched cottage, designed by G.M.Saunders Ltd of Bridport, to reflect the local vernacular, is located in the Piddle Valley, Dorset. Constructed in a traditional manor with externally rendered cavity walls, reed and straw thatched roof and timber casement windows, set into thatched dormers. The ground floor arrangement consisted of a central hallway with stairs and ground floor WC, which separates the lounge from the kitchen / dinner and utility. At first floor three bedrooms and a family bathroom could be found. The primary bedroom had two small walk in walk-in wardrobes, one occupying the loft space of the lean to roof, over the ground floor utility.

The current custodians of the property, had a desire to add a dressing room and en-suite to the primary bedroom, review the facility bathroom layout, while also increasing the size of the utility and altering the kitchen layout.

The designs which developed, interpreted the Client's brief and resulted in a two storey extension. At ground floor, the footprint of the utility was increased, while retaining a subservient nature to the main house. A new kitchen/utility was fitted and a rear covered porch area was formed. At first floor, the redesign of the family bathroom, provided the separate shower the Client's desired, while retaining the bath and airing cupboard. The space gained from the family bathroom allowed for an increase in the size of the primary bedroom. Off the bedroom the walking wardrobe over the utility was increased in size, to form a dressing room with fitted wardrobes. The lean too roof was removed and the main roof was extended over the space, resulting in a new gable end. An ensuite shower room off the dressing room was added which over sailed and formed the covered porch area at ground floor.

JMP Architecture worked closely with the Client to develop the brief and designs to facilitate their requirements, submitting planning and building regulation applications and undertaking contract administration activities through the constructIon period.

The Clients latterly invited JMP Architecture to review the external landscaping and design an outdoor dinning area. Cut into the terraced rear garden, a crescent shaped dinning area was formed, bounded by a curved white rendered retaining wall with integrated planters. The space delivered a more open welcoming space adjacent to the back door and approach from the front of the house.