Our brief was to create a countryside house that prioritised privacy whilst maxmising the views across the rolling hills of Hertfordshire. The result was a contemporary take on the traditional farmhouse that closes itself off from the main road and opens wide to the south, embracing the sun and the surrounding environement. We set the house slightly further away from the road, and at a slightly lower level than the existing property. Combined with a new boundary wall and deep planting, the impression from street level is that of a modest traditional two storey farmhouse. Traditional materials have been used, including handmade tiles and bricks from locally-produced clay, to embed the property into its surroundings. But it is the careful contemporary detailing that sets the house apart. Moving round to the south, the pitched roofs have gone and instead there is a bold expanse of brickwork punching towards the views. Omitting the pitched roofs allowed us to create dramatic internal spaces, with triple a height atrium and double height bedroom suites. The contemporary detailing continues, utilising concrete at ground floor level to create large spans allowing the spaces to flow freely into the gardens and out into the fields beyond. Set in 13 acres, the property benefits from five en suite bedrooms, cinema room, gym, spa, indoor and outdoor pools, wild meadows and formal gardens. The perfect countryside home. -- Hertfordshire - Architects - Architecture - Interior Design - Landscape Design - Sustainable Design - New Build - Private House