A timber and brick extension to a cottage in rural West Berkshire. A two storey building replaces a single storey garage on the boundary of the site, directly alongside a historic Bridleway. At first floor level a new master suite opens up far-reaching views over the River Thames and North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. At ground floor level a new kitchen and dining room open up onto a kitchen garden. The original cottage is also reconfigured, refurbished and insulated. The site occupies a prominent location within a Thameside village and the design of the extension was carefully developed to reflect the rural nature of the surroundings, whilst reflecting our Clients’ desire to make an architectural contribution to the village. Finished with horizontal strips of Siberian Larch, these continue as louvres across windows and rooflights on the bridleway side to provide privacy. The master bedroom has sliding larch shutters to allow views and privacy to be varied.