
The Cottages started as a compact, dimly lit historic house in Charlbury, England. The purpose was easy, create a shiny, versatile household house with out compromising the cottage’s heritage. The answer got here via a delicate single storey addition that stays visually quiet whereas opening the inside to sunlight and the backyard.
From the road, the standard stone facade stays intact. That was intentional. The group at NOTO Architects prioritised preserving the unique presence going through the Charlbury lanes, protecting the cottage because the dominant type inside the conservation space.


The extension sits on the rear as a low, single storey quantity. By sinking it barely into the backyard, its profile stays delicate, lowering its visibility to neighbours and defending views inside the Charlbury Conservation Space. Slim metal framing, massive glazing, and Cotswold stone create a mild dialogue between previous and new.




Inside, the brand new plan opens on to the backyard. The eating space advantages most from this shift, gaining pure mild that strikes throughout the house all through the day. A historic properly was uncovered throughout excavation. As an alternative of eradicating it, the group preserved it beneath a glass ground panel with delicate lighting. It now acts as a quiet point of interest and a reminder of the location’s layered previous.



The kitchen sits inside the open plan association, utilizing the brand new glazing and metal particulars so as to add readability and ease whereas protecting the palette restrained. The darkish kitchen cupboards complement the window frames and provide distinction to the sunshine inside, whereas a skylight provides pure mild.






A personality stuffed front room is anchored by a historic stone fire that’s paired with a wooden burning range and mid century furnishings. Deep wall tones, velvet upholstery, and pure textures create a heat, layered environment that feels timeless and fashionable directly.




A peaceful bed room painted in wealthy olive tones opens to a marble floored rest room with a traditional tub and darkish tiled bathe, whereas a heat walk-in wardrobe glows softly to the aspect. The format feels intentional and serene, with every house linked by delicate mild and considerate detailing.



The Cottages demonstrates how modest scale, cautious materials selections, and considerate detailing can convey fashionable household dwelling to a historic house with out diminishing its character. The result’s each contemporary and deeply linked to its setting.












