The space to create

Eastfield is a classic mid-19th century gentleman’s residence in Horsforth, to the north of Leeds, which now serves as a desirable home to a local businessman and his family.

He bought the stone-built detached property in 2014 and embarked upon a comprehensive renovation scheme, the aim of which was to equip the house with 21st century facilities which would still be sympathetic to its existing fabric.

The works on Eastfield provided Yorkshire Oak Frames with an opportunity to employ their expertise and experience on a project affording more creative freedom than that typically offered by commissions on smaller rural properties.

Working with regular partners LT Designs and architect Paul Swinney, Yorkshire Oak Frames’ involvement fell into two distinct phases.

The first, in 2014, was a rearward extension to the house to provide an open-plan living space; this incorporates a full-height oak glazing frame with doors opening on to a patio and, in conjunction with a series of roof lights, floods the kitchen and dining area with natural light as well as creating a stunning focal point.

In 2019 the company was once again invited to collaborate with LT Designs at Eastfield, this time to create an L-shaped stone and timber structure providing a link between the house and its former coach house, the latter now converted to a garage.

Incorporating a wide corridor with full-height glazed sections, car port, bar area and bedrooms, the design is based around substantial gable frames with king post trusses, hand-finished and oiled both inside and out for looks and durability.

“This was a rewarding project to work on,” says director Adam Walker. “The scale of it allowed us plenty of scope to create something special and was one of an increasing number of commissions we are undertaking in more urban areas.

“Because we regularly collaborate with

Paul at LT Designs, he is aware of how we work and can take this into account when drawing up plans.”

Based at Sicklinghall, in the lower Wharfe valley near Wetherby, Yorkshire Oak Frames is the region’s leading oak frame and structural carpentry business, using quality timber from sustainablymanaged sources.

It can build in traditional or highly contemporary style and, because each installation is bespoke, can be tailored to match the setting or adjoining building.

The farm headquarters of the company is home to a team of locally-based craftspeople from an eclectic range of backgrounds but united by a passion for what they create.

Oak speaks of tradition and timeless values; a timber with centuries of history yet capable of meeting the most demanding contemporary architectural requirements – and this, too, is the philosophy of Yorkshire Oak Frames.

A Leeds house renovation was a great opportunity for Yorkshire Oak Frames

■ Carlshead Farms, Paddock House Lane, Sicklinghall, Wetherby LS22 4BJ.

■ www.yorkshireoakframes.co.uk

■ Telephone: 01423 209035.

This was a rewarding project … it allowed us plenty of scope to create something special