April 2, 2026 / By rachel
As part of our 40 projects for 40 years series, this is a project that began not with a design, but with a decision.
This is Week 4 of our 40 projects celebrating 40 years of RRA Architects.
This project began with a conversation and a question: is this the right house for us?
Our clients were looking to downsize and had found a property they loved, one that would suit them not just now, but for the years ahead; somewhere manageable, well considered and capable of adapting as their needs changed over time. A curtilage listed coach house in the Cotswolds, full of character and potential.
However, there was one problem – a significant one. An unauthorised extension had already been added, raising questions about what could stay, what might need to change and whether the building could really become the home they desired.
Before committing to the purchase, they came to RRA for advice.
Working as a residential architect in the Cotswolds, our role at this stage was not to design straight away, but to help them understand the risks, the opportunities and what might be possible within the constraints of a curtilage Grade II* listed setting.
With careful consideration of the existing structure and its historic context, we were able to develop a strategy that would allow the building to evolve into a comfortable and functional home, while respecting its heritage. This included the removal of the entire unauthorised extension and the replacement of inappropriate plastic windows throughout, reinstating a more appropriate and coherent architectural approach.
The new extension was deliberately designed to sit quietly alongside the original coach house. Kept to a single storey, it avoids competing with the existing building, while materials such as Ashlar Cotswold stone, sourced from the same quarry, help it feel naturally connected. A copper roof allows a shallow pitch and will weather beautifully over time, while a frameless glass link clearly distinguishes old from new, allowing the original form of the coach house to remain legible.
The design focused on gently future-proofing the house for the years ahead. Internally, this involved resolving three differing floor levels at first floor to create a more coherent layout, alongside the introduction of a large lift and a carefully designed new staircase. A number of additional features were also integrated, including a laundry chute, generous natural daylight and spacious, airy rooms that remain easy to navigate, ensuring the house would be practical and enjoyable to live in for many years to come.
The result is a home that feels calm, balanced and quietly contemporary, while still rooted in its history.
According to our client “We wanted a home that would work for us long term, and the advice we received at the outset gave us the confidence to move forward. The result has exceeded our expectations.”
The success of the project was supported by close collaboration throughout, with invaluable input from the Cotswold District Council Conservation Officer, and excellent delivery on site by the contractor, Cover Construction.
Want to see more photos of this project? Visit Curtilage Listed Coach House in our projects section.
Projects like this are a reminder that architecture is not just about buildings, but about helping people make the right decisions at the right time.
As our 40 projects for 40 years series continues, we will be sharing more projects that reflect the people and stories behind the work.
Search #40Projects40Weeks and #RRAat40 on social media to see our posts.