Tucked away in Chislehurst, South East London, this Victorian home has been transformed with a timber kitchen extension that embraces nature.
Instead of opting for a traditional brick addition, the homeowners chose an oak-framed design that seamlessly connected to the outdoors.
With thoughtful details like a skylight dining nook, a hidden wine cellar and a timber pergola that extends the living space, the result is both functional and atmospheric.
A defined layout that moves away from open plan
While many London home extensions lean toward open-plan kitchen extensions, this one takes a different approach.
Rather than merging spaces into one, the design carefully separates the kitchen and dining area from the living room, creating two distinct zones.
One of the most striking features is the dining nook, a cosy alcove set apart from the kitchen and framed by a large skylight and picture window.
Sunlight pours in from above, creating an ever-changing interplay of light and shadow throughout the day. A bold red pendant light adds a pop of colour, contrasting with the warm oak beams.
A hidden wine cellar beneath the floors
A surprising feature lies just beneath the surface – a three-metre-deep spiral wine cellar crafted from engineered limestone concrete.
Neatly concealed within the floor, it offers a space-efficient way to store an extensive wine collection while keeping the overall design minimal and uncluttered.
Bringing the outdoors in with a timber pergola
At the rear of the extension, full-width bi-folding doors open the living area completely to the garden.
A bay window seat provides a spot to relax while looking out at the lush greenery, reinforcing the connection between inside and out. The exposed oak beams extend beyond the doors, forming a timber pergola that will eventually be enveloped by climbing plants.
Over time, this living canopy will provide both shade and privacy, making the outdoor dining space feel enclosed and intimate.
A roof that becomes a meadow
The extension doesn’t just look out onto nature – it actively contributes to it. A wildflower green roof sits above, softening the structure and blending it into the landscape.
From the upper floors of the house, it creates the effect of a private meadow, adding colour and biodiversity while also improving insulation.
Solar panels were also added to the main house’s roof, discreetly hidden from view, reducing energy costs without altering the home’s historic character.
With its hidden cellar, sunlit dining nook, and seamless transition to the garden, this home has become a retreat – a place to slow down, gather and enjoy the changing light of the seasons.
