An 18th century cottage refurbishment project in Oxfordshire

At The Nook, Islip, Lynch Brother Homes and Nine Ten Architects were appointed to reimagine an existing property into a warm, inviting and light-filled home.

The ambition was to transform the layout while remaining sensitive to the building’s character and its setting within a historic conservation area.

The brief focused on:

• Creating a functional, open-plan heart of the home
• Improving flow and usability across all floors
• Introducing a refined material palette
• Enhancing natural light and connection to the garden

The design proposals were developed through a detailed Stage 04 package, including layouts, demolition plans, and construction information , alongside structural calculations to support internal alterations and openings .

• High-end painting and decoration by Noble Painting and Decorating.
• Kitchen by deVol 
• Internal and external doors by Fabco
• Plastering and clay-works by J and H Lynch

This project required a careful balance of structural intervention, architectural sensitivity, and high-end finish.

Reconfiguration & Structural Works

A significant part of the scheme involved opening up and restructuring the internal layout:

• Load-bearing walls removed to create a larger kitchen / dining / living space
• Structural steelwork introduced to support new openings, including UC beams installed within existing stone walls
• Internal layouts reworked to improve circulation and usability across all levels

The ground floor was transformed to create:

• A central open-plan kitchen and snug area
• A redefined entrance sequence with new boot room
• Improved integration between utility, living, and garden-facing spaces

Upstairs, the layout was carefully reconfigured to deliver:

• A large family bathroom
• Additional en-suites to bedrooms
• Improved flow and spatial efficiency throughout

Kitchen & Joinery Design

At the core of the project is a bespoke kitchen by deVOL, designed as the social and functional heart of the home.

Key features include:

• A large central island (approx. 2950mm x 1200mm) anchoring the space
• Classic shaker cabinetry with integrated appliances and brass detailing
• Open dresser units, fitted larders, and bespoke storage solutions
• Seamless integration with adjacent snug and boot room joinery

The layout carefully connects:

• Kitchen
• Snug
• Boot room
• Utility

…creating a cohesive and highly functional ground floor arrangement.

Craftsmanship & Finishes

A strong emphasis was placed on materials, detailing, and craftsmanship throughout:

• Clay plaster finishes to key internal walls, providing texture and breathability
• Bespoke joinery elements integrated into snug and entrance areas
• Retention and reuse of original materials, including existing flagstone flooring where possible

Specialist trades included:

• High-end decoration by Noble Painting & Decorating
• Clay plastering and traditional finishes by J & H Lynch
• Internal and external glazing systems by Fabco

Design Sensitivity & Conservation

Given the property’s setting, careful consideration was given to:

• Preserving the character of the existing Cotswold stone structure
• Matching new materials—such as timber windows and lintels—to the existing fabric
• Ensuring all interventions were sympathetic and proportionate

This ensured the project enhanced the property without compromising its heritage value.

The completed project delivers a refined, contemporary family home, while remaining deeply connected to its historic context.

Through a series of careful and considered interventions, the property has been transformed to offer:

• A bright, open and highly functional living environment
• A strong connection between internal spaces and the garden
• High-quality craftsmanship and bespoke detailing throughout

The result is a cohesive, elegant and highly liveable home, successfully delivering the client’s vision of a warm and welcoming retreat. A carefully crafted renovation that balances modern living with heritage sensitivity, delivering a light-filled and beautifully detailed family home.