Little Eastbury Farm dates to around 1850. Constructed from brick with a render finish, the house nestles against a bank in rural Worcestershire. One of the last houses in the village it faces south, out across the garden to the panoramic views beyond.
Owners, Paul and Pam Halliday purchased the property in 2015 from Pam’s parents who had lived there since 1975. The first task was to rewire the entire house. The couple then simply lived in it for a year or two. This gave them time to better understand how the space functioned, what worked for them as a family, and what improvements were needed.
We knew we wanted to extend. We wanted a big sociable space and to make the most of the views from the south elevation. The kitchen was already big enough, so we didn’t need a large kitchen/diner. It was about creating a space for us to enjoy with family and friends
Paul Halliday, homeowner
The couple appointed Taylor & Co Architects to design a single storey rear extension. The scheme uses glass to connect the living space with the outdoors and to maximise the enviable views while decorative oak beams draw the eye upwards to the vaulted ceiling and add warmth and interest to the interior.
2 Counties Construction was chosen to manage and complete the build.
We contacted Mark Davies following a recommendation. Fortunately, Mark was also familiar with Taylor & Co, so the planets aligned, and the project and relationship grew from there.
Site access was particularly challenging, with a steep, narrow driveway leading from the road down to the house. 2 Counties Construction used several fields at the rear of the property to get the concrete in for the footings and oversite.
The levels also proved challenging internally and at the roofline.
There were various floor levels in the existing home, and these led into the new extension. To alleviate this and enhance the property, 2 Counties Construction utilised an area of the existing building that was due to be demolished and created a ground-floor pantry and shower room instead.
Working with a structural engineer, 2 Counties Construction also built the steelwork for the decking area. This was necessary due to the house’s hillside location. The decking now sits on large, long steels some four metres below ground level. After many years in the flooring industry, homeowner Paul laid the decking.
In addition to the extension, the couple wanted to incorporate some wasted space in the hallway into the lounge. 2 Counties Construction knocked through, installed structural steel supports, and completed the area to a plaster finish. This change has improved the flow in the central portion of the farmhouse.
The south facing elevation is completed with aluminium bi-folding doors which open full-width to encourage indoor/outdoor living. For complete flexibility, a sliding aluminium door is installed overlooking the paddock and stream. The doors open out onto decking and a large, paved terrace, perfect for al fresco dining and admiring that spectacular view.
A large picture window, triangular gable glazing and three aluminium rooflights were also installed to maximise daylighting and reduce dependency on electric lights.
“2 Counties Construction did a brilliant job. They were professional, tidy, very helpful, and above all, safe. My elderly father-in-law lived with us at the time and the 2CC team were extremely sensitive to his needs, ensuring he had safe and clear access in and out of the house. Throughout the build they respected the age of the building and dealt with the challenges this presented. The 2 Counties Construction team were great, and I would always recommend them.”
Quality living space
Since completing the extension, the homeowners have enjoyed many dinner parties in the new living space.
It has transformed how we socialise and relax. It is also a wonderfully bright and positive space for home working. We tend to use it more in the summer when we can pull the doors back letting fresh air and sunlight flood the room.
concludes, Paul.
2 Counties Construction built this lovely extension out so quickly and efficiently. The homeowners were so pleased. We all drop in for coffee anytime we are passing!
The project was a great success, and the house looks amazing. We enjoyed working with the Hallidays and we remain good friends
Mark Davies, managing director, 2 Counties Construction