The Cottages | Noto Architects

The Cottages is a sensitive, contemporary extension to a historic stone cottage located within the Charlbury Conservation Area, West Oxfordshire. The project set out to transform a compact and dark interior into a light-filled, flexible family space, while carefully respecting the character and scale of the existing building. To achieve this, the new addition was conceived as a modest, single-storey volume, positioned discreetly at the rear to preserve the cottage’s traditional street presence. By sinking the extension slightly into the garden, its impact on neighbouring views and the surrounding heritage setting was carefully considered and further reduced.

A refined palette of slim steel framing, large-format glazing, and Cotswold stone establishes a clear yet harmonious dialogue between old and new. Inside, the open-plan arrangement connects directly to the garden, allowing natural light to animate the space throughout the day. During excavation, a historic well was uncovered and retained as a feature beneath a glass floor panel, subtly illuminated to celebrate the site’s layered history.

The result is a project that balances contemporary living with heritage sensitivity—demonstrating how thoughtful, restrained design can enhance the life of an existing building while preserving its unique character and the integrity of its conservation area setting.

Photography: French + Tye