June 4, 2026 / By rachel

Our clients were looking for a new property and asked RRA Architects to view potential houses with them.

 

They had a clear idea of what they wanted, but nothing was quite right. The search was proving fruitless. Then, over a cup of tea at the clients’ kitchen table, RRA’s Mark Powles asked the obvious question: why were they looking to move when their existing house already ticked so many of the boxes?

It had the location, the space and the setting. Yes, the layout was awkward and the house needed work, but it had huge potential. It just needed someone to look at it differently.

So, rather than continuing the search for something that was only nearly right, RRA suggested an initial feasibility study to explore what their existing Cotswolds country house could become.

 

 

Cotswolds architects with a fresh pair of eyes

This is one of the things architects can be very useful for, applying their knowledge and experience, stepping back and asking whether the question itself is the right one.

The feasibility work showed there was real potential to remodel and extend the property, improving how it worked, how it looked and how it connected with its Cotswolds setting.

A tired country house could become a generous, light-filled family property without the clients having to leave the place that already suited so much of what they wanted.

 

 

Making the existing house work harder

One of the key moves was removing the original staircase, which had been tucked awkwardly into the corner of the living room. This meant the space worked more like a route through the house than somewhere to properly sit, relax and enjoy.

 

 

Replacing it with a new bespoke oak staircase at the centre of the house completely changed the way the building worked. The entrance now opens into a glazed hallway and atrium, with open treads and glass balustrades allowing views through the house and out towards the Cotswolds countryside.

It is one of those design decisions that looks effortless when finished, which usually means a great deal of thinking happened before anyone picked up a tool.

The project was completed in 2022, although construction took longer than usual thanks to Covid restrictions and the small matter of ‘global supply chain chaos’ critically affecting building materials. Other changes included new extensions, additional space, improved bedrooms and bathrooms, better views and new materials including Cotswold stone, oak and zinc.

We will not list every detail here, but you can visit the project page if you would like more information on the remodelling.

The important part of the story is that RRA listened to what the clients really wanted, asked the right questions and explored the potential that was already there.

 

 

A positive next chapter

Roll on four years and our clients decided it was the right time to move after all, but this time the circumstances were very different.

The remodelled house had given them several more years in a place they loved. It allowed them to avoid a compromised move and helped unlock the full potential of the property.

When the right next step came along, the clients were able to realise the increased value of the house after making the most of what they already had.

That feels like a good result. They did not settle, they improved.

The house has now been sold STC and is ready for a new chapter with new owners to enjoy it.

You can still see a fabulous video tour of the property by Reece Greenhill of Aventus Media Creative for agents Stowhill Estates here.

 

 

Regional architecture with local understanding

Four years, one major remodel and one much more valuable country house later; it is fair to say the feasibility study earned its keep.

Whether RRA Architects is helping clients assess a potential purchase, explore a feasibility study or remodel the property they already own, the aim is the same: to make good decisions before the expensive ones begin.

As Cotswolds architects working across the wider region, we understand the balance between rural character, planning, materials, views and practical family living. This Cotswolds country house project is a good reminder that an architect’s role is often about unlocking the potential that has been sitting there all along.

You can see the full Cotswolds Country House project page here.

As our 40 projects for 40 years series continues, we will be sharing more projects that reflect the people and stories behind the work.

 

 

 

About RRA Architects

Currently celebrating its 40th year, RRA Architects is an award-winning architectural practice established in 1986, supporting clients across residential, commercial, retail, development, heritage, education, community and conservation projects.

We work nationally, but are mostly focused across Gloucestershire, Herefordshire, Shropshire, Worcestershire, the Cotswolds, the West Midlands, South West and South Wales, helping clients create thoughtful, practical and well-designed buildings.