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12 Cottage Extension Design Ideas
Traditional cottages are often unsuitable for modern life. These cottage extension design ideas have not only added space and light to the existing property, but also maintained their traditional character
If you’re considering extending a historic home, but not sure how to go about it, then take a look at these great examples of cottage extension design.
There’s an interesting mix of design ideas, from harmonious stone extensions to striking, avant-garde additions — all adding much-needed space and light to the traditional cottages.
1. Timber-Clad Extension to an Old Cottage
The distinctive extension features vertical cedar cladding and a zinc roof, with a covered outdoor space that was an important aspect for the couple
Andrew and Lucy Thompson doubled the size of their cottage in Wiltshire with a gable-ended, contemporary-style extension designed by CaSA Architects. A narrow ‘spine’, located between the two gable structures, clearly defines the different zones within the property.
- Build cost: £375,000 (£1,666/m²)
- Build time: 2 years 11 months
- Location: Wiltshire
2. Renovated Cottages Extended for Modern Life
The original cottage walls have been left exposed and the new cedar-clad extension is built in blockwork and houses kitchen diners for both cottages
Lydia Robinson and Lawrence Grigg restored two adjoining cottages and added complimentary extensions to the rear.
- Build cost: £210,000
- Build time: 2 years
- Location: Oxfordshire
3. Bold Design for this Cottage Extension
Devon architect Stan Bolt took on the challenge of creating a totally new element that would connect with the original property, adding space and light
Sue and Roderic O’Sullivan extended their quaint thatched cottage in Salcombe, Devon, to create an avant-garde waterside retreat. The couple thought that building a pastiche of the existing building would be a poor solution, so opted for a bold mix of old and new.
4. Sympathetic Extension to Stone Cottage
Built on a hillside, the pretty farmhouse looks down over the World Heritage coastline of Robin Hood’s Bay and is surrounded by rolling countryside
This coastal cottage in the North York Moors National Park benefitted from meticulous remodelling and extension by Dawn and Steven Totty, who used local tradespeople and a palette of natural materials to add to its charm.
- Build cost: £90,000
- Build time: 4 months
- Location: Yorkshire
5. Barn-Style Extension to Farmhouse Cottage
The floorplan now comprises three distinct ‘wings’: the original cottage, a contemporary kitchen diner, and a comfortable ‘barn-style’ extension for further accommodation
Over the course of 10 years the Grants reimagined their home in Inverness-shire with the help of their architect daughter, Mhairi (Paper Igloo). The Cor-ten steel cladding echoes the agricultural past of the original farmhouse while the timber cladding provides a warmer, more modern finish.
- Build cost: £355,800 (£1,190/m²)
- Build time: 10 years
- Location: Inverness-shire
6. Old Cottage Gets a New Addition
Simon and Sally bought an old village smithy and filling station in the Yorkshire Dales and dedicated their own time to restoring it
Simon and Sally Robinson transformed their 300-year-old property – on a DIY basis – into a charming period home that’s also perfect for modern living. While stripping away the fixtures and fittings of a 1970s overhaul, they found a whole host of original features.
7. A Listed Cottage with a Twisted Extension
By using local traditional materials, the new additions echoes the construction of the original cottage
Stand-out architectural and design features have been incorporated into this extension to a Grade-II listed cottage.
- Build cost: £125,000
- Build time: 7 Months
- Location: North Norfolk
8. A Listed Cottage Renovated
The new steel-framed conservatory is glazed on three sides, with oak frame doors opening from the garden room onto a deck
Liz Kingston sensitively renovated the dated interiors of her Grade II-listed stone property in Somerset, adding a contemporary extension to take best advantage of the light and the rural views.
9. Harmonious Extension to a Listed Cottage
The kitchen extension sits in complete harmony to the original house, with the reclaimed roof and timber cladding echoing original materials
Charlie and Rosie Thomas worked with designer Charlie Luxton to transform their Grade II-listed 18th-century cottage in Wiltshire, adding a contemporary kitchen extension.
- Build cost: £258,600
- Build time: 1 year
- Location: Wiltshire
10. A Restored Stone Cottage
Inside, the property has been sensitively restored and now boasts light-filled, contemporary-style interiors
Tim and Janet Brown fell in love with a typical old Derbyshire stone cottage in the Peak District and employed a local architect to create a more practical layout and to open up the small rooms.
- Build cost: £160,000 (£2,961/m²)
- Build time: 1 year 1 month
- Location: Derbyshire
11. Three Listed Cottages Become One
Since the property had been three houses, the floors were at differing heights, meaning the whole floor area had to be dug out. “We recast the floors with 120mm of insulation and underfloor heating,” explains Sean
Sean Peel and Alice Shread renovated and extended three Grade II, 17th-century farmworkers’ cottages, transforming them to make a forever home. The couple opted to use traditional techniques wherever possible.
- Build cost: £250,000 (£1,666/m²)
- Build time: 1 year 2 months
- Location: Nottingham
12. Listed Stone Cottage Extension
The house had been converted in the 1990s from two semi-detached farmworkers’ cottages, and the Hortons applied to have the single storey extension to the rear of the house
In a picturesque village near Bath, Rob and Grace Horton remodelled their listed home, adding a new extension in oak frame and glass. Glazing to two sides of the property opens up a view onto the garden and countryside.