We were commissioned by a private client to renovate a Grade II listed 16th century Mill and Eel House set within the substantial grounds of a private residence in Hampshire. The Mill has been converted into the client’s private gym and office, while the separate Eel House has been converted into a reading room, featuring a bespoke cantilevered deck over the river. The Mill is naturally split into three distinct volumes - a central entrance space with a mezzanine office floor and cantilevered staircase, a changing/shower area and a double-height gymnasium space. Working closely with conservation officers, Design ACB removed elements of first floor level creating volume and drawing attention to the carefully restored timber roof structure. The mill turbine was also completely stripped and restored by an industrial archeological engineer. The project has restored a former industrial mill providing a dynamic new space organised by the insertion of a series of crisp timber elements. The precisely engineered and finished timber insertions contrast with the Grade II listed timber frames and trusses, creating an interesting dialogue between old and new. As well as being a listed building, the site contains protected trees and is located within a SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest) and SAC (Special Area of Conservation). This made planning and obtaining consents difficult and required working very closely with the Environment Agency, Natural England and local Conservation Officers to obtain permissions for many of the works.