Stokesheath Road, Oxshott, Leatherhead, Surrey

The proposed design retains the U-shaped layout of the existing agricultural buildings and reflects the local agricultural vernacular in its choice of materials. The new house is made up of three interlocking forms: the Grade II-listed timber barn and two contemporary wings, creating a partially enclosed, south-facing central garden. The single-storey extensions are intended to minimise the impact of the house on the surrounding countryside while enhancing the significant volume of the existing structure.

The entrance hall leads into a family room and in turn to the kitchen, which opens to the garden at two aspects through glazed sliding doors. The scale and volume of the barn are celebrated by offering a single open-plan reception with dining and seating areas, a mezzanine at one end and masses of pivoting glass that opens to the central garden space. The principal rooms are designed to flow seamlessly from one to another, offering dramatic views along the entire length of the wing through pocket doors.

Five bedrooms are proposed for the western wing, all with en suite shower or bathrooms. Three of the bedrooms will look out over a pond in the enclosed garden and are linked by a gallery space along the westerly wall.

On the lower-ground level, the design proposes a 25-metre indoor pool with excellent spa facilities, naturally lit from above by roof lights in the ground-level terrace. There is also a sixth bedroom on this level.

The Crown Estate in Oxshott is one of the most sought-after estates in the country and lies less than 20 miles south-west of central London. Like many of Elmbridge’s exclusive locations, the estate is surrounded by beautiful Surrey countryside for bucolic country walks, yet is within easy reach of the boutique shopping, leisure and dining opportunities of surrounding towns and villages such as Esher, Cobham and Weybridge.

The area is very well known for the variety and quality of its schools. ACS International, Danes Hill, Charterhouse, Reeds and King’s College Wimbledon are within easy reach, with schools such as Eton, Harrow, Wellington only a little further.