The Hide, Nr Great Wolford GL56

The project architect, Seymour-Smith Architects, is a Cotswolds based design-led architectural practice that delivers considered, contemporary and sustainable buildings. The landscape consultant, SEED Landscape Design Ltd, are renowned for the creation of dynamic landscapes, with a particular emphasis on planting and the natural environment.

The site is rectangular in shape, and is bounded to the north by Great Wolford Road, with Wolford Wood, which is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), extending to the east. Open views looks out westward over the expanse of the landscape and historic oak trees. The adjacent woodland to the east of the house, is drawn into the site with the planting of new trees. The open heathland inspired landscape to the west will be a mosaic of grassland, meadow, scrub and cover crops with a particular focus on providing habitat for farmland birds.

The driveway winds its way through this new woodland with curated views out across the open landscape prior to arrival at the house. A family terrace and domestic garden are proposed to the south-east of the house, and seasonal wetland pond to the south.

Architecture & Sustainability:
The grouping of the built elements creates a courtyard space, taking their cue from farm buildings in the area. The main section of the house has five en suite bedrooms, and the annexe provides separate living accommodation with two bedrooms for guests or staff. A path connects to the pool house and further amenities.

The buildings, with large panoramic windows, have been designed to capture the best of the views across the site, to provide inside–outside spaces, and to immerse you in the rich landscape.

The use of Cotswolds stone root the buildings to their location. Thatch has been used for the upper levels, which is a renewable and naturally insulating material that results in a richly textured surface. The timber cladding references the woodland setting and echoes the parallel lines of the site.

Sustainability is paramount, and through the application of PV, PV-T, and a water source heat pump, the house will be energy positive; it will generate more energy than it will use. The adjacent woodland will be brought into the site with the creation of a new mixed native woodland.

The house has been positioned on the western edge of the new woodland and forms the divide between the domestic landscape within the woodland to the east and the open ecological focused landscape to the west. The drive winds its way through the new woodland with views out across the open landscape being revealed upon arrival at the house before it turns into the entrance courtyard.

The family terrace and lawn have a strong relationship with the kitchen and dining room with informal paths leading off to the east into the woodland. The open heathland inspired landscape to the west of the house is primarily focused on ecological betterment. It takes inspiration from the existing linear landscape and will be a matrix of grassland, meadow, scrub and cover crops with a particular focus on providing habitat for farmland birds.

From Stow-on-the-Wold take the A436 towards Chipping Norton, turn left onto the A44 and continue until you reach the right hand turn to Great Wolford at the Four Shires Stone. The site can be found on your right hand side about a mile down the lane. The entrance will be marked by a for-sale board.

Moreton-in-Marsh 2.2 miles, Stow-on-the-Wold 6.5 miles and Oxford 32.5 miles

WHAT3WORDS:
shopper.passenger.tallest

TRAIN STATIONS:
Moreton in Marsh 2.5 miles
Kingham 8.6 miles

SCHOOLS:
Kitebrook School 1.7 miles
Sibford School 11.6 miles
Tudor Hall School 16.6 miles

PUBS:
The Fox, Broadwell 4.8 miles
The Fox, Oddington 7 miles
The Chequers, Churchill 8.3 miles

MEMBERS CLUBS:
Daylesford Organic Shop & Spa 6.6 miles
Soho Farmhouse 15 miles
Estelle Manor 21 miles