The Gasworks, Upper Slaughter, Gloucestershire

Designed by celebrated practice Chris Dyson Architects, this exceptional house sits nestled in the rolling Cotswolds National Landscape. A tale of two halves, it comprises a late 19th-century converted gasworks and a remarkable CorTen steel-wrapped extension that is at once strikingly contemporary and an homage to the building’s industrial origins. Spanning just shy of 2,950 sq ft, the house has a series of open, interconnected living spaces and four/five peaceful bedrooms, its two ‘wings’ connected by an arresting glazing corridor with views across the garden and the nearby landscape.



The House



Chris Dyson Architects is a celebrated London-based practice known for its sensitive modern treatment of historic buildings. Its design here is audacious, one that teases out the site’s rich history in a dynamic, refreshing way. The practice won the Sunday Times’ British Home Awards in 2016, and was shortlisted for a RIBA London Regional Award.



The house was also written about in both the RIBA Journal and Dezeen. Of the house, the practice writes: “This material and the outline of the extension expressed a variant of the Cotswold Barn typology – and pays homage to the site’s industrial past.”



The Tour



Set back from the quiet country road in front, the first impression of the house is its oldest part, built in a golden-hued Cotswolds stone and with dove-grey-painted windows. A stable-style door on one side opens to the kitchen, where the home’s rustic feel continues, offset by skylights and playful sky-blue cabinetry. Large flagstones run underfoot, and a cream Everhot range takes pride of place.



A large opening creates a seamlessness between the kitchen and the adjacent living space, a spectacular pitched room with a soaring roofline and plenty of glazing. A log-burning stove lends a visual anchoring here, and doors on both sides open to the garden. At the far end, a set of sage-green doors opens to a snug, a delightful space with a pitched roof, tactile stone walls and built-in storage.



The first of the home’s bedrooms can be accessed from here: it has charming white-painted panelled walls, another pitched ceiling, and French doors to the garden. A sublime en suite with marble, stone walls, and a walk-in shower adjoins.



From the other side of the kitchen, the wonderful glazed corridor extends, its striking, idiosyncratic form making it a pause-worthy space in its own right. Here, a series of curved glazed doors open directly to the garden. There are three bedrooms here, all with immaculate en suites. The principal is especially distinguished, with a colossal rooflight, a substantial built-in wardrobe, and a serene en suite with a freestanding bathtub.



There is also a utility room in this part of the house. Occupying the ground floor of the arresting cylindrical tower is a versatile snug - apt for use as a study, studio or additional bedroom - while upstairs is a private bedroom with far-reaching views.



Outdoor Space



The house is arranged around a central courtyard, perfect for dining and/or hosting, with areas of lawn on the other side of the house. The gardens overlook open farmland and woodland, immersing the house in its beautiful rural setting. Mature oak trees stud the grounds.



At the front of the house is a gravel drive accessed via timber gates, providing ample parking space. A self-contained timber studio/office building, with its own log burner and superb views, sits slightly apart from the house, making it a peaceful reading nook.



The Area



Upper Slaughter is often described as a quintessential Cotswolds village, thanks to its handsome stock of vernacular stone buildings. It sits surrounded by picturesque countryside, and the pretty River Eye runs through the village. Upper Slaughter is also home to the Lords of the Manor Hotel, which has a Michelin-starred restaurant.



Other popular destinations include Daylesford Organic and Bamford Wellness Spa, renowned dining and accommodation at The Wild Rabbit in Kingham, and at Great Tew, Soho Farmhouse. Further facilities are available at Stow-on-the-Wold, Bourton-on-the-Water and Moreton-in-Marsh.



The house is around a half-hour drive from Cheltenham, a town known for its festivals of literature, jazz, film, folk music, comedy and science. It also has a busy racing calendar, including the Gold Cup. Oxford can be reached in around an hour, while Stratford-upon-Avon is around 45 minutes’ drive away.



Schooling options are excellent: Dean Close School, Rendcomb College and Cheltenham Ladies College are easily reached by car. Pate's Grammar School, Balcarras Academy and The Cotswold School are stand-out options in the state sector.



The closest train station can be found at Kingham, which runs services to Oxford in 30 minutes and London Paddington in 90 minutes.



Council Tax Band: G