SUSD recently completed construction of ‘The Longhouse’ developement in the beautiful Cotswolds in Gloucestershire, and the building has been sold to a local family. The original Jovial Foresters Public House has also recently been refurbished as local shop with living accommodation, and sold to a young couple.
SUSD acquired the freehold interest in the Jovial Foresters Public House, Star Hill, Nailsworth, Gloucestershire in 2010. Planning permission was granted for erection of a new single dwelling, The Longhouse, on the land of the public house to the rear of the garden.
The site is located within the Settlement Policy Boundary and outside of the conservation area of Stroud District Council and is approximately 1 kilometer north west of the town centre in beautiful surroundings making it a popular and sought-after place to live.
The view from the front garden of The Longhouse.
The Longhouse design is influenced by the existing pattern and density of the traditional buildings in the surrounding area. The Jovial Foresters Public House and its attached buildings were retained with sufficient rear garden. The new house provides a four bedroom single house within the rear unused part of the former Jovial Foresters Pub and occupies approximately 140sqm with 150sqm of private garden.
Elevation of The Longhouse and The Jovial Foresters Pub.
Garden elevation of former Pub
The existing mixture of housing forms, sizes and appearances emphasizes a village-like atmosphere and leaves space between the buildings to preserve the vernacular character of the site. The idea was to enhance the family friendly atmosphere in-line with the character of Nailsworth and its surroundings. The new house forms a unity through its external appearance in similar form, size and materials, while blending contemporary design with traditional forms.
The Longhouse entrance and carport.
The spatial concept came in direct response to the elevated location in order to take full advantage of views to the east of the site. Various leveling of the outdoor spaces maximise the use of sunlight. By adapting the landscape and placing the living area on a lower level to the east of the site, the visual impact of the house is minimised from neighbouring buildings. Working with the natural slope of the land on a west-east axis, enabled single and two storey spaces to be brought under a unifying roofline.
Front Elevation of The Longhouse.
An additional garden strip between the new house and the garden of the former public house reduces the visual impact and creates a buffer against any potential noise. Smooth transitions between interior and exterior are achieved through full height openings. The sizes of the rooms are shallow enough to achieve good daylight penetration for each room.
Master bedroom and ensuite – natural daylight and views over the valley.
The materials used are in keeping with the near environment and the former public house. The walls are rough and random coursed Bath Stone in hydraulic lime mortar with solid stone lintels. The pitched roof is finished in slate tiles and galvanized gutters and downpipes. Garden walls are Cotswold dry stone walls with traditional upright top row.
Material detailing.
The internal design of the house is reflected in the elevations. Generous fenestration offers full-height openings. Good size timber framed double glazed openings provide good daylight to the interior as well as outstanding views to the outside.
Living room – full height double glazed openings.
The natural characteristics of the selected materials; oak, Bath stone, slate and well designed detailing define the appearance of the house, blending contemporary design with traditional form.
SUSD has now begun working on the final phase of the project – more information to follow shortly.
