Renovations & Conversions

Chidingly

Renovation at Woodside Cottage, Chidingly, East Sussex

“Darryl created a splendid property when asked to design our total renovation and extension. We were very precise in what we wanted. The builders found the plans easy to follow. He also has some good contacts such as structural engineers and project managers.”

01. The Brief

Our aim was to completely rejuvenate a neglected cottage and create a beautiful family home with four bedrooms. The design needed to maximise the breathtaking views of the South Downs, include plenty of storage, make the most of natural light, and offer a flowing, open-plan layout. The goal was to strike the right balance between modern architectural design and the original character of the building, delivering a warm and functional space where new memories could be made.

Key Requests

Our client had a clear vision for their dream home, with a keen focus on four essential aspects that would come together to create a space that’s both inviting and functional.

Captivating views: They wanted the spectacular landscape visible from every window, allowing nature to be part of everyday life.
Spacious bedrooms: All four bedrooms needed to be generously sized doubles, each with plenty of storage and a layout that ensured both comfort and privacy.
Honouring heritage: It was important to preserve elements of the original cottage to maintain its charm and history.
Open-plan living: The living areas were to be open and connected, encouraging togetherness while still feeling airy and inviting.

02. Challenges & Considerations

This project came with a fair share of surprises. The existing cottage was in a very poor condition, and once work began, it became clear that underpinning was essential to ensure structural stability.

While this presented an unexpected challenge, it also opened the door to creativity. We were able to salvage and repurpose some of the existing roof timbers, giving them a second life as unique design features within the new space. This approach not only added character but also contributed to a more sustainable build, allowing the history of the home to live on in a meaningful way.

Every decision was made with the aim of maintaining a connection to the original structure, while pushing the design forward in a way that worked for modern living.

03. The Outcome

Woodside Cottage is now an elegant and modern two-storey home, surrounded on three sides by landscaped gardens. The property includes private outdoor areas such as courtyards, decked terraces, and a generous lawn – ideal for both entertaining and quiet moments.

Ground Floor Features

A large open-plan family room designed for connection and comfort
A welcoming living room perfect for cosy evenings
A dual-aspect dining space that brings in light from two directions
A high-spec kitchen with underfloor heating and contemporary fittings

Upstairs

A bespoke oak and glass staircase leads to a wide gallery landing, complete with a seating area and access to the south-facing rear garden.

Key Design Elements

Exposed beams: Preserved and displayed to celebrate the home’s history
Sympathetic design: A carefully considered blend of modern features with original character
Functional layout: Every space designed with family life in mind

Woodside Cottage is a shining example of how old and new can work together in harmony, resulting in a home that feels both timeless and personal.