Vicarage Hill.
A thoughtful refurbishment for sustainable, low-maintenance living.
When our clients first discovered the house on Vicarage Hill, they were drawn not by the building itself, but by its setting, a secluded, sunken plot on the edge of the Bourne Valley.
Paul and Di were keen to move closer to their daughter and grandchildren. Although the site benefitted from consent to demolish the existing house and replace it with a contemporary new build, they chose a different path. They didn’t want more space, they wanted the right space. The existing house had lost its way; it was dark, disjointed, and thermally inefficient. Our challenge was to radically improve light, flow, and energy performance while preserving the mature gardens and calm character that made the site so special.
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Type
Private Residential
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Scope
Refurbishment with sustainable upgrade of the buildings walls and roof.
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Location
Vicarage Hill, Farnham
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Client
Paul and Di
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Completion
2024
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Services
Full architectural services:
Discovery, Design, Detail and Delivery
One clear idea, carefully applied: the house was stripped back entirely to be re-planned as a coherent whole rather than a collection of compromises.
Structurally, we removed the heavy, compromising roof and internal walls to unlock the plan. Two strong visual axes now pierce the home, ensuring constant connection to the gardens and drawing natural light deep into the centre. At the heart of the house sits a generous day room where daily life unfolds, while a separate living room provides a quieter retreat. We approached sustainability pragmatically, not with bolt-on gadgets, but with a fabric-first philosophy. By externally insulating the building, installing high-performance glazing, and introducing an MVHR system, we ensured the home is as efficient as it is beautiful.
George & James transformed our dark, cellular property into an open forever home. Beyond their invaluable design vision, we selected them for their clear process and transparent costs. We genuinely enjoyed their honest, reassuring communication and highly recommend them for their comprehensive end-to-end support.”
Paul and Di
For us, this project is a confident alternative to demolition, demonstrating what is possible when an existing home is carefully rethought rather than replaced.
This project was about more than just architectural vision; it was about delivery and trust. By managing the process from the first sketch to the final tactile finishes, we ensured that every decision reflected the client’s values. The result is a home that feels generous, functional, and deeply rooted in its landscape. From the boot room designed for muddy walks with grandchildren to the dedicated art room, the house now supports the rhythm of everyday life, proof that sustainability, quality, and clarity of design do not require a fresh start, only thoughtful decisions.
Could this be the start of your story?
Every home we build is a response to a specific life and a specific landscape or context. If this project has inspired you, let’s discuss how we can bring the same level of craft, clarity, and character to your vision.
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