Contemporary extension to a restored 19th century hunting lodge in North Devon, with timber cladding framing a view through to a garden terrace

A restored 19th-century hunting lodge set within a wooded coastal in North Devon.

Location

Type

Size

Status

North Devon

Deep Retrofit & Restoration

450 m²

Under construction

Location

Cornwall

Size

280 m²

The house sits deep within a wooded coastal valley in Exmoor National Park, enclosed by steep slopes of oak woodland and shaped by a sheltered, dramatic landscape. Approached through the trees, it appears gradually, held within the valley and closely connected to its surroundings.

Originally built as a hunting lodge, the building was extended during the nineteenth century and later divided into a series of holiday apartments. Over time, the clarity of the original house was lost, with layers of subdivision and alteration obscuring its underlying structure.

The project restores the building as a single family home, removing later interventions to recover a sense of order and coherence. The aim is not to alter the character of the house, but to reveal it.

Site plan of restored hunting lodge and new extension set within a wooded coastal valley in North Devon

Externally, the principal elevation remains largely unchanged, preserving its presence within the landscape. Repair takes precedence over replacement, retaining the weight and texture of the original masonry while ensuring the building is robust and weather-tight.

Internally, the house is opened up to re-establish the rhythm of the original bay structure. Spaces are reconnected to form a clear sequence of rooms, allowing movement through the house while maintaining a sense of enclosure and proportion. The result is a plan that supports both everyday living and quieter moments, shaped by the character of the existing building.

Alongside the spatial transformation, the project undertakes a deep fabric-first retrofit. Insulation is introduced using natural materials, including sheep’s wool at roof level and wood fibre to the internal walls, alongside an insulated ground floor and new windows. A heat pump provides low-energy heating, creating a stable and comfortable internal environment while allowing the building to remain breathable.

Interior of restored hunting lodge with timber-lined walls, stone flooring and central stair connecting old and new spaces

Contemporary kitchen within a restored country house in North Devon, combining timber joinery, stone flooring and views to the garden

Living room in restored hunting lodge with timber panelling, stone fireplace and built-in shelving

Dining space with timber-lined walls and large windows overlooking the surrounding woodland landscape in North Devon

To the rear, within the existing walled garden, a new pool and pool house are introduced. The pavilion is conceived as a simple timber structure with a flat roof, positioned carefully so that it remains sheltered from coastal winds and largely hidden within the surrounding woodland.

Materials are deliberately restrained. Timber, stone and lime-based finishes are used throughout, allowing the building to age well and sit comfortably within its setting.

The result is a careful restoration that brings clarity to a building that had become fragmented, creating a calm and durable home that is prepared for its next century of life

Timber-clad extension to a historic hunting lodge, with sliding glass opening onto a paved courtyard and garden beyond

Garden and natural swimming pool beside a restored hunting lodge in North Devon, with wild planting and stone boundary walls

If you are considering a new home or a sensitive project of your own, we would be delighted to hear from you.

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