After we altered their London house, a couple sought our comments on a side extension that had been drawn up for their idyllically-set Welsh hillside farmhouse. We advised that the proposed extension would be inconvenient and not achieve the spacious, open feel they wanted for their family. With them, we developed a substantial two-storey wing combining the rough stone vernacular (mainly hidden in the existing building) with large glazed areas framing the best views. Although excited by the detail, our clients were typically anxious that 'modern architecture' would be resisted by the planners in this rural location. In fact, planning permission was granted without the planners requesting any revisions.