Architect Oliver Leitch designs the Cotswolds house

The Cotswolds House replaces the existing bungalow on the large 1.1 acre site, which was originally purchased as a weekend property.

Clients enjoy a close connection with the local community where Andrew grew up and made the permanent move from London to the Cotswolds after the Covid-19 pandemic to enjoy village life.

Oliver Leech was recommended to the couple and they quickly formed a connection with the clients and the site.

On his first visit, Oliver noticed many opportunities, most importantly the benefits of changing the orientation of the house from east to west to north to south to engage the new home with sweeping views of the valley beyond.

Oliver developed a master plan for the site that included a new low-energy home that would support an active lifestyle and a busy social calendar while incorporating quiet spaces for work and rest.

Plus a lawn tennis court, spacious garden beds, and zoning for a walled garden were high on the clients’ external wish list,

resulting in a home that prioritizes connection to nature throughout.

The Cotswolds house consists of two intersecting volumes forming an L-shaped plan, clad in local Cotswold stone and pine, and capped with a zinc and slate roof.

The two volumes, the “Barn” and the “Pavilion”, meet at 100 degrees and are designed to capture the perfect view and sit comfortably within the triangular site.

The taller building has access to the street while the lower wing rests on the hillside, concealing the sunken semi-basement bedrooms.

Oliver designed a gradual and deliberate reveal of the home, handcrafted drywall stonework punctuating one large window, providing a sense of excitement from the first approach, while protecting the clients’ privacy.

Upon entering, only glimpses of the surrounding countryside are visible through partially framed views,

creating a slow and deliberate reveal of both the house and its surrounding landscape.

Social spaces are arranged at ground level throughout the property, which includes a large central living room for dinner parties and entertaining.

The cozy small library also provides space to sit quietly and watch TV.

The two rooms are visually connected by a double-sided log burner, however, the library is raised from the garden to provide elevated views of the garden and valley beyond.

Lined with red ash bookcases that camouflage a bar hidden behind a secret door, the room is the perfect setting for after-dinner drinks.

The well-equipped kitchen is surrounded by hidden storage, making clever use of the space under the stairs.

The kitchen opens to a sheltered, overhanging courtyard on the first floor, where owners can enjoy al fresco dining whatever the weather.

The patio also faces northwest for enjoying summer sunsets and backs onto a walled kitchen garden where the couple plans to grow their own food.

Oliver Leach designed the Cotswolds home as a place for clients to socialize with their friends, tempering expansive views and large entertaining spaces with layers of privacy throughout.

The master bedroom suite is spread across the first floor of the ‘barn’, a private retreat accessible only to Alan and Andrew.

The guest suite is located at the opposite end of the house, on the lower level in the hills below the library.

The living spaces and outdoor areas are oriented northwest, away from the view of the main road of the village and neighboring houses.