The site of this classical country home sits within a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a Conservation Area, and an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

We prioritised developing a design that would be sympathetic to the fascinating historic surroundings of which the new house would become a part.

A limited selection of local precedent studies helped to inform particular details of the design, ensuring that the new building would be firmly rooted in its locality, as well as helping to gain the support of the planning and conservation officers.

For the extension to this Grade II* Listed country house, we focused on creating a design that was complimentary to the existing building.

Drawing on traditional design principles, the new structure features timber sash windows and timber French doors.

Handmade roof tiles add character and the carefully selected mix of bricks match those of the house.

As a result, this new addition blends seamlessly with the original house.

Our task was to transform this Grade II Listed barn into additional residential accommodation comprising a family room, playroom, cloakroom, and a self-contained guest annexe.

We prioritised preserving the historic character and integrity of the barn, sympathetically adapting the space for modern living.

Key historic features were left exposed, including the structural timber frame, trusses, plates, studs, and diagonal tiles.

The existing windows were replaced with bespoke timber windows designed to complement the original character of the barn.

For this project in Marlborough, we transformed a pair of Grade II Listed buildings which had previously been used as a car dealership.

We treated the buildings as separate, and replaced the awkward 1970s single frontage with two distinct timber shopfronts.

The new shopfronts were carefully designed to be both visually appealing and more in keeping with the individual styles of these historic buildings.

This bespoke modern family home offers a thoughtful take on local vernacular, blending contemporary design with the character of its rural surroundings.

Balancing modern functionality with sensitivity to its context, the home integrates sustainable materials and energy-efficient technologies for long-term practicality.

This project represents a modern interpretation of rural living, grounded in heritage yet designed for the future.

Designed for a private client, this innovative passive house is carefully positioned within the unique setting of a disused lime quarry.

The building’s form was meticulously planned to respond to the sun’s path, allowing southern light to flood the interior while the highly insulated northern façade, with minimal glazing, reduced heat loss. The curved, linear design followed the natural contours of the quarry, stepping gracefully into the landscape.

Traditional handmade clay bricks offer a richness and authenticity that modern mass-produced bricks often lack. Their subtle variations in tone and texture add depth and warmth, making them ideal for conservation work or new classical homes.

Set within idyllic gardens and woodland, this elegant country house in Berkshire was designed to replace a modest 1960s home.

This ‘Queen Anne’ style residence is a modern interpretation of the English country house, and features:

• Grand but welcoming entrance halls

• High ceilings & generous natural light

• Meticulously detailed façades

At Alex Oliver Associates, we use high-quality, handcrafted timber sash windows for our projects.

Why choose timber sash windows?

• Period-accurate detailing for heritage properties

• Sustainable & repairable—unlike uPVC alternatives

• Beautiful proportions that enhance natural light

This country home was built using a mixture of flint, brick and stone to create character and visual appeal.

Flint, which has long been a staple of British vernacular architecture, remains a popular choice for the following reasons:

•  Naturally strong & weather-resistant—ideal for British climates

•  Low-carbon material, sourced directly from local quarries

•  Distinctive visual appeal, especially in contrast with brick & stone

Timber sash windows are a defining feature of Britain’s architectural history, from elegant Georgian townhouses to Victorian terraces.

At Alex Oliver Associates, we prioritise high-quality, handcrafted timber sashes to maintain authenticity in restoration projects and traditional-style new builds.

The English country house is a symbol of timeless elegance, and we take great pride in continuing this tradition through thoughtful, well-proportioned designs.

Our work at this house in the South Downs is a modern interpretation of this classic style.

Flint has been a staple of British vernacular architecture for centuries, particularly in the South of England. Whether used in traditional flint-knapped walls or as a striking feature in contemporary builds, this locally sourced, highly durable material adds character and texture.

This Arts and Crafts style home demonstrates the distinctive visual appeal of flint, especially when placed in contrast with brick and stone.

This cottage in Wiltshire is in its final stages, having been transformed from a small outbuilding.

We designed the main house on this estate a few years ago and were excited to be invited back for this project.

The result is a picturesque cottage which perfectly compliments the main house, using the same combination of red brick and white accents.

This Georgian style country house was designed to have a formal character, reflecting the gentrification and rising affluence which led to the introduction of more formal and varied living accommodation to traditional farm holdings.

Widely used in Ancient Greece the idea of a portico on classical buildings has influenced many design cultures since.

The addition of a portico to this award winning house in Wiltshire adds depth and interest to what could otherwise be a ‘flat’ elevation. The signification of the entrance helps draw the eye visually and practically provides a covered place to stand while the door is opened. Simple, elegant and effective.

Breathing new uses into redundant structures is an important part of ensuring they remain for future generations.

We restored this listed barn and transformed it into additional accommodation for our clients. Key elements of the historic fabric were retained, with new fenestration to replace inappropriate modern glazing, with a new vertical emphasis more in keeping with the barns character.

It is very important to us that the buildings we create have character. This character stems from the character of the place where it is, but also the character of the client.

In 2015 a country house we designed in Wiltshire won Best Traditional House in the The Daily Telegraph Homebuilding & Renovating Awards. The design was strongly influenced by the character of the client and it is apt then that in cover article by Jason Orme in Homebuilding and Renovating Magazine about the project was entitled ‘Character Building’.