This project rescued and converted a roof-less grade II listed ruin, gutted by fire over twenty years earlier. The site is part of a Scheduled Ancient Monument of Iron works within the flood plain, home to a colony of rare Horseshoe Bats and the even rarer 'Somerset Cap' plant. Despite the complex planning hurdles and practical difficulties presented by the site, our design united Natural England, Historic England, Environment Agency and local Council in fully supporting the scheme.
Our approach fully restores the main building, while treating flanking ruins 'as found', with contemporary extensions overlooking the river and approach. The house has an upside down arrangement of open plan first floor living spaces, making the most of the daylight and views in the steep sided wooded valley.