GHK were commissioned to design a new country house to replace an existing log cabin which had been built at the head of a formal canal, within the western grounds of Bulstrode, a Grade II listed building. The historic nature of the site has involved complex planning negotiations with the Local Authority, the Garden History Society, and English Heritage who suggested that a Georgian or Regency style house would be appropriate. Whilst the design is classically inspired, the plan form and spatial relationships are contemporary. The layout is axial with rooms opening off to both sides making the house appear more spacious than planning restrictions permitted. A vista is created from entry, through the house and continued by the canal beyond. Main reception rooms are accommodated within a Pavilion which relates in scale to the canal with the main bulk of the house building up behind. Walls are stuccoed to resemble ashlar with architectural dressings in Bath stone. Roofs are natural slate or lead covered. Interiors are given a contemporary feel by the extensive use of large glazed areas, natural stone floors and limed oak joinery.