The original cottage had become unviable to continue carrying out maintenance, it was clear a total overhaul was required. The plans started out as a refurbishment and extension, design work showed that the cost involved to bring the house up to modern standards was prohibitive, allied with less than satisfactory rooms once the walls were insulated. This new home was proposed incorporating many of the original features, plus the use of oak frames and stonework. The majority of the home’s electricity is provided by a PV array to the rear.