In 2017, Mr. and Mrs. Sharpley set out to enhance their property in Swanmore by creating a functional yet aesthetically pleasing car barn and an extension to their main house.
Their vision included a guest room above the car barn, an extra bedroom in the house, and a utility room on the ground floor.
This ambitious project aimed not only to increase living space but also to improve the overall usability of their sloping garden. By strategically using the soil excavated during construction, the Sharpleys hoped to create a more level outdoor area.
Below are details of the creative solutions implemented to meet the family's needs.
Designing the Car Barn and Guest Room
The design process began with careful planning to ensure the new car barn complemented the existing architecture of Oak House.
The Sharpleys envisioned a structure that would not only serve as a garage but also provide a comfortable guest room above. The car barn was designed with a traditional oak frame, featuring a pitched roof and large openings to allow for easy access and ample natural light. The guest room above was thoughtfully designed to ensure privacy while still being easily accessible from the main house.
With large windows offering picturesque views of the surrounding garden, the space was intended to be a welcoming retreat for visitors. This dual-purpose structure not only met the practical needs of the Sharpley family but also added charm and character to the property as a whole.
Extending the Oak House: New Spaces for Family Living
As well as the car barn, the project also included a significant extension to the main house, which provided the Sharpleys with an extra bedroom and a utility room on the ground floor.
The extension was designed to seamlessly integrate with the existing structure, maintaining the architectural style while enhancing functionality. Natural materials were chosen to ensure consistency with the oak framing of the original house, and large windows were incorporated to maximize natural light.
The utility room was strategically located for easy access from both the kitchen and the outdoor spaces, creating an efficient workflow for household tasks. This extension not only increased the overall living space but also improved the home's usability, allowing the Sharpleys to comfortably accommodate their family.
Maximising Usable Space and Aesthetic Appeal
The completion of the Oak House and Oak Car Barn project marked a significant transformation for the Sharpley family. By utilising the soil removed from the foundations, the sloping garden was levelled, creating a more usable outdoor area for leisure and play.
This thoughtful landscaping solution greatly enhanced the overall functionality of the property, providing the family with a beautiful and accessible garden space.
The combination of the car barn with its guest room and the main house extension successfully fulfilled the Sharpleys’ vision for a practical and welcoming home. The Sharpleys now enjoy a beautifully expanded home that reflects their lifestyle and accommodates their family for years to come.
Testimonials
What our clients are saying
“‘We are very pleased with both the build and quality of the finished barn. Given the difficulties of our access to the site, across farmland with no track, the Green Oak Building Company organised and executed their build programme efficiently leaving a tidy site. Well done James and his team.” Mr. and Mrs. Sharpley
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