The total restoration of a Grade II listed cottage originally built around 1700 from local Dorset stone under a terracotta tiled roof.
This small building - just 750 square feet (70 square meters) - had been neglected over the years. Sitting in its own walled garden next to the 13th century church it is reached by a grassy pathway from the road.
Low ceilinged and dark - with only one window facing north - the painstaking restoration was designed to fulfill the criteria of creating a small, warm, inviting get-away about 2 hours from London within the confines of a historical building listing.
Stour Provost is one the oldest and most picturesque villages in Dorset, England. Originally called Stower-Provost it was founded in the time of King John when a nunnery was founded. Subsequently the entire parish was given to King's College, Cambridge who owned it until 1925. The result is that the village is totally without any form of unsightly development.
The restoration required strict adherence to original building technique regulations and code. Dormer windows were introduced to the upper level and two further new windows to the lower level designed to replicate the original windows elsewhere.
An unattractive extension was demolished and a new slightly larger extension constructed out of matching Dorset stone under a slate roof. This extension contained the main refurbishment of the house with a custom designed kitchen constructed by local workmen and the introduction of a terracotta tiled floor.
The entire house was painted white including all beams and ceiling. The original fireplace opening was re-opened and a steel fire hood and fire dogs made by a local blacksmith.
The kitchen and dining area was opened up to the small living room that featured a large wood burning fireplace as the focal point. Decorations were minimal - a sofa, a rug from Conran and subtle free standing light sources.
The kitchen was designed as the hub of the house with a very tactile but efficient working chef's kitchen with a large butcher's block for preparing food.
The exterior areas were paved with York stone to create an outside dining area under an ancient apple tree.
The garden was re-stocked with traditional English country garden plants - Hollyhocks, Delphiniums, Phlox, Daisies and Poppies.
Architectural Design: Nick Heath
Interior Design: Nick Heath
Landscape/Garden Design: Nick Heath