The classical option

An oak framed garden room has made a big difference to this property

Located in the small South Yorkshire village of Hooton Levitt, a short distance from Rotherham, Manor Farm was a collection of 18th century mellow stone buildings which functioned as a working farm until a little over a decade ago.

In 2009, part of the former farm was bought by Bob Armstrong and Julie Ibberson, who have since developed it into a charming, characterful home, now named Jefferson Lodge.

When they were recently looking to create some alternative living space in the property, the homeowners called upon the services of Yorkshire Oak Frames, a company with an impressive track record on such projects.

“Bob and Julie preferred to take a traditional approach to extending their home,” explains YOF director Adam Walker. “They looked at stone-built options but wanted something which would let in more light.

“However, they didn’t want to go down the aluminium or uPVC route, which may be fashionable today but could well look dated 10 years from now, preferring something which would be able to stand the test of time.

The couple commissioned an architect to draw up plans for a classic timberframed garden room, which Yorkshire Oak Frames were more than happy to bring to fruition.

“These types of project are our most regular kind of work but we still derive a great deal of pleasure from carrying them out,” says Adam.

“They can make a tremendous difference to someone’s home and I don’t think we’ll ever tire of doing them.”

The Jefferson House garden room is a gable-ended oak structure with the addition of a king post truss, sitting on a dwarf stone wall. The curved corner bracings provide an additional feature and necessary rigidity to the structure.

French doors, fully double glazed, give access to an adjoining patio, while access from the rest of the house is via an open doorway which features an oak lintel to match its surroundings.

Construction of the dwarf wall and patio, together with lighting and heating installation, was project-managed by Yorkshire Oak Frames, which meant it was only necessary for the client to deal with a single contractor.

“Mr Armstrong was a very wellinformed client who had carried out his research and had a clear idea of what he wanted,” recalls Adam. “Both the customer and ourselves are very pleased with the result.”

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

Its locally-based craftspeople are from a range of backgrounds but united by a passion for what they create.

Bob and Julie preferred to take a traditional approach to extending their home.

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

■ www.yorkshireoakframes.co.uk

■ Telephone: 01423 209035.