A new country house that sits at the centre of an agricultural estate. The design explores the heritage of Palladianism, drawing particularly on the villa-farms created in the Veneto and the villa tradition developed in England in the eighteenth century. The plan is based on an unbuilt design for the Villa Ragona at Le Ghizzole by Palladio and incorporates various sustainable building technologies. Inside there is a cantilevered stone staircase overlooked by vaulted landings and decorated with a pair of specially sculpted monkeys. The project forms part of a wider series of works to the estate including the construction of new farm buildings. Winner of Best Craftsmanship Award, 2008 Brick Awards. Designed by George Saumarez Smith