New Cottage, Glapthorn

Our client purchased a garden plot from the adjacent Church Cottage in the picturesque village of Glapthorn, with the intention of building a new cottage that would complement the surrounding architecture. The site, located directly opposite the village church, occupies a sensitive position along the main street. This unique context presented several challenges that required careful consideration in the design process.

The design brief called for a modest-sized dwelling that would fit seamlessly into the character of the village while respecting the architectural style of the existing buildings. A key consideration was the location of the adjacent garden, which featured a protected Corsican Pine tree, subject to a Tree Preservation Order. The positioning of the new cottage was carefully planned to ensure that the tree’s roots and canopy were preserved, and the house was sited in a way that avoided any disruption to this natural feature.

In addition to the tree protection requirements, the proposal also had to be sensitive to the heritage of the adjacent Church Cottage, a listed property with strong historical connections to the church. The design incorporated elements that would respect the setting of the listed building, ensuring the new cottage did not overpower or clash with its surroundings.

To maintain the continuity of the street scene, the dwelling was constructed to the back of the pavement, ensuring the building line was consistent with neighbouring properties. Vehicular access and parking were discreetly positioned to the rear of the property, minimising any impact on the streetscape.

For the construction of the new cottage, locally sourced Stamford stone was used to blend with the vernacular architecture, complemented by timber sash windows and a traditional slate roof, ensuring a timeless appearance that respects the village’s character while offering a modern living space for the client.