Style UK: 10 Historic British Homes With Ultra-Modern Extensions
These stunning properties mix period architecture with the very best modern design has to offer
The UK has a fantastic architectural heritage and some seriously historic buildings. But old doesn’t have to mean traditional, as these amazing homes prove. From glass box extensions to water tower renovations, these adventurous homeowners and designers have proved a period home can be brought right up to date. Imagination, creativity and flair essential…
2. Cotswolds cottage with a twist
Who knew a gem like this was tucked away in the English countryside? Designed by Found Associates, this house is a unique blend of old and new. But the most surprising thing about the renovation is the way the sleek, modern extension nestles unobtrusively into the landscape, its glass facade reflecting the surrounding trees and fields.
Who knew a gem like this was tucked away in the English countryside? Designed by Found Associates, this house is a unique blend of old and new. But the most surprising thing about the renovation is the way the sleek, modern extension nestles unobtrusively into the landscape, its glass facade reflecting the surrounding trees and fields.
3. Grand designs
I love a bold and brave home design and this water-tower extension is certainly eye-catching. The entire glass wall of the new section folds back, while a glass-enclosed roof terrace affords the owners amazing views of the local area. The vistas from the top of the tower across south London must be spectacular.
I love a bold and brave home design and this water-tower extension is certainly eye-catching. The entire glass wall of the new section folds back, while a glass-enclosed roof terrace affords the owners amazing views of the local area. The vistas from the top of the tower across south London must be spectacular.
4. Let the sunshine in
This period home has been totally transformed with the addition of large glazed sliding doors that flood the space with light. Using the same pale flooring inside and out has created a seamless flow between the garden and kitchen, resulting in an amazing indoor-outdoor space.
This period home has been totally transformed with the addition of large glazed sliding doors that flood the space with light. Using the same pale flooring inside and out has created a seamless flow between the garden and kitchen, resulting in an amazing indoor-outdoor space.
6. East London style
Bestowing a dash of ‘Dalston Cool’, this extension in Hackney makes a strong style statement. With large glazed panels and striking black cladding offering an industrial-style juxtaposition with the original Victorian brickwork, it’s the perfect home for east London hipsters.
Bestowing a dash of ‘Dalston Cool’, this extension in Hackney makes a strong style statement. With large glazed panels and striking black cladding offering an industrial-style juxtaposition with the original Victorian brickwork, it’s the perfect home for east London hipsters.
7. Underground hideaway
A bold subterranean extension adds a completely different layer to this period home. The clean lines and large glass facade of the partially underground building add an eye-catching contrast to the architectural style of the original house.
A bold subterranean extension adds a completely different layer to this period home. The clean lines and large glass facade of the partially underground building add an eye-catching contrast to the architectural style of the original house.
8. Cool white box
This award-winning extension offers a dramatic, ultra-modern addition to this 1930s north London home. The smart decking outside complements the contemporary style indoors, and the light, open-plan space makes the perfect setting for entertaining family and friends.
This award-winning extension offers a dramatic, ultra-modern addition to this 1930s north London home. The smart decking outside complements the contemporary style indoors, and the light, open-plan space makes the perfect setting for entertaining family and friends.
9. Quirky kitchen
How great is this modern west London extension? It’s a bright and cosy little oasis right in the heart of the city, tucked away behind a traditional terraced house. The glazed pitched roof and bi-fold doors pull in lots of light, while the clean white scheme makes the space feel fresh and inviting.
How great is this modern west London extension? It’s a bright and cosy little oasis right in the heart of the city, tucked away behind a traditional terraced house. The glazed pitched roof and bi-fold doors pull in lots of light, while the clean white scheme makes the space feel fresh and inviting.
10. Glass jewel boxes
Three glittering glass boxes add a futuristic feel to this west London home. The stacked structures really come into their own at night when lit from within, and bring urban sophistication to a traditional terraced home.
Three glittering glass boxes add a futuristic feel to this west London home. The stacked structures really come into their own at night when lit from within, and bring urban sophistication to a traditional terraced home.
This postcard-pretty, red-brick cottage in deepest West Sussex has a totally unexpected glass and wood extension on the back that’s the polar opposite of the cottage out front – proof that period architecture needn’t hold you back in the style stakes. Just imagine what you could do with all that extra space.