“Sam and his team were the most polite and courteous builders I have ever had the privilege to work with.”
Pentumpkin Cottage lies in an area of woodland near to Symonds Yat, in Herefordshire. Once a simple one-up, one-down stone-built cottage, it has had only one other incarnation before being transformed into the architectural gem it is today, with an innovative design that is both functional and beautifully blends with its woodland backdrop.
When the owners, Roger and Nadia, inherited the cottage over 40 years ago, it was derelict, and the roof was falling in, but it was nestled deep in stunning woodlands, which they loved. The couple made some initial changes to the cottage to make it a home for them and their son, but it was still very narrow at only three and a half yards wide. They lived in the property for over 30 years, but they dreamed of extending it and integrating it more closely to the woodlands surrounding them.
Their search for an architect led them to Garry Thomas from Thomas Studio Architects, who came up with some drawings for maximising the space and making the most of the beautiful natural surroundings.
Garry introduced us to Sam at Acorn Construction, and we instantly took a liking to him. We didn’t hesitate in asking him to do the work, his enthusiasm giving us confidence that he could bring our vision alive.
Sam and his team set about bringing the design to life. The small, dark and narrow cottage slowly transformed into a stunning natural-light filled home with a glass box extension that not only brought some much-needed light into the property but enabled Roger and Nadia’s son to move around more easily in his wheelchair. The property is also seamlessly integrated with its natural surroundings.
The team’s skill and craftsmanship are evident throughout the construction with high quality finishes throughout. The extension is built on a lightweight steel frame, but it was no easy construction – Sam and the team had to remove the front wall to create the roof canopy – a major task.
The result is a bright, airy, open living space that provides shelter from the sun and rain but also connects the property to the surrounding woodland with a terraced deck, floor to ceiling glazing and a large glass rooflight.
No major renovation project is without its hiccups. How was the build, and were there any occasions when things didn’t go to plan?
The build was much better than we anticipated. I honestly cannot praise Sam high enough. I used to build so I know that things don’t always go to plan but nothing phases Sam. He’s very inventive and creative in solving problems. In fact, problems get his creative juices flowing – he’s a great problem solver. We were terribly impressed.
Despite the occasional setback, nothing seems too much trouble for Sam and the team…
The team was very reliable; bad weather didn’t stop them. On one occasion there was a storm and Sam drove for over an hour, at 8p.m., one night to adjust the slipped plastic sheeting that he’d put in place while we waited for a skylight to be delivered.
The work that Sam and the team have done on Pentumpkin cottage has been nothing short of transformational. Before, it was dark and cramped, and the couple’s son, who is in a wheelchair, would have to be lifted through doorways. Now, with all the space the family enjoys, he can move freely around the spacious living area.
It has been a superb change to the building, all our furniture used to make the house feel cramped, now everything is spaced out and looks right – Sam and his team have transformed the house.
Sam and the team transformed the modest Pentumpkin Cottage into an extraordinary light-infused home that the family could enjoy. But, it’s a very disruptive process, having builders in to transform your home, and this ambitious project took the team almost a year to complete. How did it feel once they’d finished?
We missed them terribly when they finished. Sam became like part of the family.
If there were anything you’d do differently, what would it be?
If I could do anything differently, it would be to have Sam involved from the start. Some of the ideas that the architect Garry had were great but not practical for our house. Sam was able to adapt them from a practical aspect – in fact, he had some brilliant design ideas.
Where the architect’s plans were a little too ‘adventurous’, Sam was always able to suggest an intelligent and suitable alternative.
Sam and the team at Acorn are experts in various construction projects; extensions, alterations, conversions, new builds, and full house refurbishments are their bag, so why not turn your home into so much more than just a living space?