The White House

Transforming a Former Post Office into a Contemporary Family Home

This project transformed a former village post office into a spacious, light-filled family home through a carefully designed rear extension and complete internal reconfiguration. Situated within a conservation area and neighbouring a Grade II Listed cottage, the design balances contemporary architecture with a deep respect for its historic surroundings.

The Brief

Our clients wanted to modernise their home while retaining the character of the original building and its village setting.

The existing layout no longer suited modern family life, with a linear arrangement of rooms limiting how the house functioned. The challenge was to create additional living space, improve circulation and introduce a contemporary design that complemented both the conservation area and the neighbouring listed building.

Maximising Space

The solution began with rethinking the way the house worked.

By removing the existing garage and lean-to entrance, we created space for a two-storey extension that transformed both the appearance and functionality of the home. The redesigned layout provides a welcoming entrance, generous new living accommodation and additional bedroom space, creating a home that feels both larger and better connected.

Every element of the design was carefully considered to make the most of the available footprint while improving the flow between old and new.

Contemporary Design with Traditional Character

The extension was designed to respond differently to its public and private elevations.

From the street, the architecture respects the traditional character of the conservation area through the use of lime render, an oak porch and traditional casement windows, allowing the extension to sit comfortably within its historic setting.

To the rear, the design becomes confidently contemporary. Expansive glazing floods the interior with natural light and strengthens the connection between the home and its garden, while carefully framing views across the surrounding countryside.

A distinctive angled wall and raking gable were introduced to minimise the visual impact on the neighbouring Grade II Listed cottage, demonstrating how contemporary architecture can respond sensitively to historic contexts.

The Result

This project demonstrates how thoughtful architectural design can successfully combine contemporary living with heritage-sensitive design.

By reconfiguring the existing house and introducing a carefully considered extension, Allan Joyce Architects created a home that is brighter, more spacious and better suited to modern family life while enhancing the character of its conservation village setting.

We were so please with the service provided by AJA. The original plans brought our ideas to life and ... helped shape them into a wonderful and practical family home.

Client