Stonecroft, Bath, Somerset

The result of a masterful collaboration between architects Forgeworks and interior designers Richardson Studio, Stonecroft is an award-winning four-bedroom house of around 2,430 sq ft, set into a hill overlooking the city of Bath and the surrounding countryside. A simple inversion of the original mono-pitch roof now opens up breathtaking views that stretch as far as South Wales. Interconnected terraces wrap the house, offering quiet places to sit and take in the big Somerset sunsets.



The Architect



Forgeworks is a RIBA-chartered practice founded by Chris Hawkins, who has contributed to notable projects including the Olympic Velodrome. It is known for its design-led homes that balance material honesty with bold spatial moves.



At Stonecroft, the team extended and reconfigured a modest 1960s Bungalow into a light-filled, energy-efficient home. The layout was completely rationalised into a calm, flowing sequence of rooms, each carefully attuned to the landscape. For its bold, contemporary design, the house was awarded the RIBA South-West and Wessex Award in 2025.



The Tour



Clad almost entirely in western red cedar, Stonecroft’s angular form emerges amid greenery. Its pitched volumes taper gently upward, while staggered front gardens echo the slope of the hill. Corten steel, railway sleepers and stone-filled gabions shape the outside spaces, with wild meadow grasses and trees softening the edges.



A stepped path leads to a vaulted kitchen and dining area, where exposed glulam timber beams and textured wood-fibre panels lend warmth and softness. Breathable clay plaster lines the walls, and porcelain tiles run underfoot. The kitchen space feels sculptural and calm, with bespoke band-sawn oak cabinetry, seamless terrazzo worktops and integrated Smeg appliances.



An important aspect of the design was preserving the lines of sight from the kitchen to the snug, with its apple-green walls and matching bespoke storage. A large roof light above draws brightness into the room, and a French door opens to a separate section of terrace. Down three steps to the front of the building, a second living room opens west via full-height Internorm sliders to the main terrace - a space that blurs indoors and out. Engineered oak floors echo the beams above, while the reimagined fireplace is dressed in handmade tiles.



A double-height central corridor anchors the house, with yellow panelling to dado height. From this, four bedrooms unfold. The principal suite sits at the end, perfectly oriented to take in the view. A pink-panelled headboard defines the space and conceals a walk-through dressing area that leads to an en suite with Lusso Stone tub, walk-in shower and encaustic cement tiles underfoot.



The three additional bedrooms are generously proportioned, each with bespoke fitted storage and its distinct colour scheme. One also has an en suite with pink tiles and a walk-in shower. A separate shared bathroom with a skylight and large tub completes the space.



A separate entrance leads to a black-panelled boot room and utility area, ideal for storing muddy boots and laundry.



Outside, a garden studio designed by Richardson Studio is appointed with the same soft yet sturdy finish as the primary plan. Bespoke joinery carves out storage space and dual-aspect glazing faces out to greenery, making the space wonderful for working or retreating to with a good book.



The house is also fitted with an air-source heat pump, photovoltaic panels and underfloor heating that align with its environmentally conscious design.



Outdoor Space



Terraced gardens embrace the building on multiple levels. Corten and stone define the levels; grasses, cardoons, alliums, and verbena bring movement and colour throughout the seasons.



The landscaping has been carefully designed to promote biodiversity and ecological sustainability, with bee-friendly flowers, layered planting and seasonal shrubs that support pollinators year-round. A wildflower meadow and grass borders in the front garden provide a habitat for insects and birds, while seedheads are left uncut through winter to provide natural shelter. Two lawns – one to the side, one behind – offer space for play or rest, and deep planters invite edible growing.



Terraces connect to every key room, offering moments of sun and/or shade, apt for hosting or for solitude.



The Area



Stonecroft lies to the south of the historic city centre, around a 15-minute cycle or an eight-minute drive from all its cultural brilliance. Bath - the only city in the UK to receive UNESCO World Heritage Site status - has a staggering variety of things to do, from The Roman Baths, the Grade I-listed Bath Abbey, the Holburne Museum, the Francis Gallery, The Edge arts centre, 8 Holland Street, two brilliant art-house cinemas and The Royal Theatre.



It also has a thriving independent food scene. Solina Pasta and Wolf Wine are fantastic recent arrivals, while Landrace and its bakery, Colonna and Small’s, Beckford Bottleshop, Corkage have become stalwarts. A renowned weekly farmers’ market is a favourite among residents and visitors alike.



The house lies on the periphery of the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty; as a result, there is a wonderful variety of walking and cycling routes. For greenery of the more formal kind, the National Trust's Prior Park Landscape Garden is nearby, while the adjacent area of Coombe Down is abutted to the north by large areas of natural woodland, crossed with numerous public footpaths offering views overlooking the city. Nearby is the National Trust Skyline Walk, a three-mile circular walk that connects with Bath city centre, with exceptional views over miles of local meadows and ancient woodlands.



There are excellent schools nearby and in the city centre. These include St Stephen’s Primary School, King Edward’s and Prior Park College, Royal High, Royal High Junior School, Kingswood School, and Kingswood Preparatory School.



Bath Spa station is under a 15-minute drive away and runs services to London Paddington in 76 minutes, or to Bristol in as little as 12. There are also excellent road connections to the north and south.



Council Tax Band: X