A classic revival

This sizable family home has been given an all round upgrade, with bags of new glazing and a rear extension and remodel

Project inspiration: Light-filled kitchen extension & refurb

This spacious family home in Godalming has been cleverly modernised and revived to suit the owners’ requirements. e traditional detached property was already packed with plenty of character and charm, but needed some improvement works to maximise comfort and efficiency. e owners employed local practice, Goodall Design, to assist with the home’s upgrade scheme, which included removing an old conservatory and replacing it with a pitched roof extension.

is has created an open-plan kitchen and dining area that better connects the property with its large rear garden. A key aspect of the modernisation of this dwelling was the glazing, which was replaced throughout to provide a uniform style that perfectly suits the home’s aesthetic. e existing timber windows and doors were coming to the end of their life and were laborious in their upkeep.

e renovations started by ripping out the old wooden windows and replacing them with sleek new aluminium units from Express Bi-folding Doors. e Scenic range of casement windows were chosen for their slim and equal sightlines, both at the front and rear. Due to the size of the home, a variety of single and French doors have been used throughout. In addition, the home’s rear elevation has three runs of bifolding doors used to stunning effect.

e kitchen extension contains full-height glazing on its three elevations. A six panel bifold door runs across the entire width of the space, while the larger return can be completely opened with a three panel bifold. ere’s also an everyday access door, which is mirrored on the smaller return by a matching leaf to the side. e doors meet on two corners, fixed to two structural steel posts, which creates the

wow-factor illusion of an openable corner. ere are a number of Velux rooflights in the pitched roof, too, adding to the swathes of natural light that flood the zone from all angles.

e kitchen and dining area are housed in an enviable space. e kitchen itself has a cottage-style feel, with a mix of full-height, floor and wall hung units in pale grey, with linear silver handles. e large island unit is in a rich aubergine tone, and features a breakfast bar to one side, with plenty of drawers for extra storage.

In front of this zone is the dining area, which is directly next to the glass doors. ese can be thrown open in the summer for a truly al fresco style eating experience. e dining table has been finished in the same purple hue, tying the areas together. However, the flooring in each zone is different to help to define the separate spaces – stone tiles in the culinary area and timber boards in the dining setting. ere is a level threshold between the wood floor and the exterior patio, providing a really chic and accessible finish.

Adjacent to the kitchen is a separate snug. It has plush carpets, a cosy sofa and is completed with a gorgeous stove and drape curtains, with two sets of French doors that flank a four-panel bifold – all of which lead out to the patio space. Elsewhere in the house, electronically operated integral blinds have been fitted, so there’s no need for curtains in the other rooms.

e new patio is used as an extension of the home, especially in the summer months.

ere is a relaxing area with sun loungers and umbrellas, a built-in barbeque, a large outdoor dining table, and another separate table and chairs.

To further enhance the home’s new uniform appearance, a smart grey front door has been matched to the rest of the glazing. e style gives the traditional dwelling a modern twist, which hints towards the renewed and fresh interiors beyond. e homeowners are delighted with the finished results. e property has kept its warmth, charm and character, but feels modern and secure.