The House of Garnett is a project conceived of by a celebrated Oxford artist and businesswoman to convert and extend one of Iffley Road’s unique Victorian villas. Brick-built over four storeys, the building exudes the ambition of its era and is complete with original stonework, joinery and metalwork. Its position geographically has evolved over the century since its construction; this area of Oxford although suburban when first built is now more characterised by the institutions that mark the start of the city’s centre. Used as an office for many decades, layers of decoration and alteration will be stripped back to reveal the building’s original finishes and layout. At ground floor and basement level the building will be extended to provide generous living spaces with views to a garden reclaimed from car parking, while painting and photography studios are provided above.