Creating a new building in a garden offers a wealth of opportunities, from extra space for work and leisure to providing guest rooms and holiday accommodation that generates an income.
For two Oakwrights clients, Mark and Sarah Firth, it provided an exciting chance to generate a new source of revenue by using the company’s Winchester garage design as the basis to build a highly desirable holiday let.
A collaborative project
At the heart of the projects success is the harmonious working relationship between the couple and Oakwrights.
‘After visiting Oakwrights and seeing the quality of their operation, we were blown away,’ says Mark.
‘It also helped that they were really good to deal with and were friendly and helpful. In effect, we were self-builders and their hand-holding was greatly appreciated.’
The first step was for Mark and Sarah to meet one of Oakwrights’ design consultants, Zoe Grey. Together, they discussed ideas that would shape the initial design of their oak-frame garden barn.
‘Mark and Sarah had a vision of what they wanted to create and I was delighted to work with them to achieve this,’ explains Zoe.
Light, height and luxury
The space-efficient envelope of the popular oak-framed building is the loftiest model in Oakwright’s ‘Room Over’ garage range and creates a light, airy feel both upstairs and downstairs.
The accommodation comprises an open-plan kitchen, dining and living space, plus four ensuite bedrooms, one of which is on the ground floor. The compact proportions ensure that it can be easily incorporated into the garden without compromising anyone’s privacy.
The beauty of oak ‘Oak-framed buildings seem to have a visual warmth you just don’t get with other materials,’ says Mark. He also values the timelessness of oak: ‘It looks as though it might have been an old, converted building, but works really well with the space.’
Inside, the succession of smart, comfortable spaces has significant wow factor, thanks to the oak frame, which guests love. Externally, the oak has blended seamlessly into the beautifully landscaped garden and the Leicestershire countryside beyond.
For more information on Oakwrights call 01432 353353 or visit www.oakwrights.co.uk
How an oak-frame extension can transform your home
Oakwrights’ oak-frame garden rooms, sunrooms, orangeries and conservatories are tailored to suit clients’ needs and blend seamlessly with their homes.
Credit: Richard Frew/Oakwrights
Go with the grain: How Oakwrights are using oak that's powerful, beautiful and sustainable
For centuries, oak has been used to create beautiful, characterful buildings that last for centuries. Tim Crump, founder of Herefordshire-based
Why oak-framed buildings are enjoying a renaissance
Tim Crump, one of the UK’s leading authorities on timber-framed buildings explains why oak is enjoying a revival.
-
Nature and nurture in the gardens of Bramham ParkTim Richardson looks at the innovative and superbly maintained 18th-century landscape garden of Bramham Park in West Yorkshire, home of Nick and Rachel Lane Fox. Photographs by Paul Highnam.
-
If the future of Ferrari is electric vehicles, then it is our future tooIt's widely believed that Ferrari will unveil its first electric car this year. It's the signal that the internal combustion era is coming to an end.
-
Code8: Beauty on Burlington ArcadeCome along Burlington Arcade with Hetty Lintell to visit beauty gurus Code8, and try their new Day To Night Foundation.
-
The gift of growingEntirely built to suit your needs, a bespoke Alitex greenhouse not only helps you nurture flowers and vegetables, but also offers a tranquil retreat from the pressures of daily life.
-
The ultimate Canadian train journeyExperience the spectacular scenery of the Canadian Rockies onboard the luxury and top-tier service of Rocky Mountaineer.
-
The Art of Lighting: Four of Britain's top designers share their best tips for choosing lightingAt a recent panel discussion hosted at Vaughan’s London showroom during Focus/24, interior designers Emma Pocock and Sarah Peake, lighting designer Jo Mann of Lighthouse Designs and Richard Smith of Vaughan shared their top 10 tips on choosing lighting.
-
The beauty of bespoke: A journey with Julia Lloyd GeorgeGoing bespoke with Julia Lloyd George means getting not just a piece of jewellery, but a lifelong treasure.
-
Hancocks: Sparkle of geniusHistoric jewellery firm Hancocks, now in its new St James’s home, specialises in old-cut diamonds pieces that gleam and turn heads even in low light.
-
The timeless appeal of Vaughan and the secrets of good lighting to be unpacked by four of Britain's top designersFor more than four decades, Vaughan has combined inspiration from past and present to create beautifully crafted lighting, furniture and textiles that will stand the test of time.
-
The glittering new home of Hancocks London, the jeweller that makes the Victoria CrossThe new home of Hancocks London celebrates the historic brand’s history of making exquisite jewellery and providing the bespoke service that befits them.
