A traditional cottage meets high performance living in rural Surrey
Sam and Jeremy’s one-and-a-half storey home looks every inch the timeless Surrey cottage on the outside. Inside however, is a home that delivers exceptional performance, architectural drama and thoughtful details at every turn. Inspired by our Pipenwood design, their bespoke energy efficient home blends traditional oak craftsmanship with advanced timber building technology to create a future-ready forever home.
Project Details
- Surrey
- 2024
- Bespoke Pipenwood
- 382m2
- +£4000m2
- Cottage
Finding the perfect plot
For Sam and Jeremy, finding the perfect site wasn’t a typical journey. In 2018, they bought two neighbouring plots and sold one on - a bold decision that set the stage for their dream self-build. ‘When we sold our previous house, I was driving down the road and saw a for sale sign up,’ explains Jeremy. ‘The plot was previously a paddock and it was owned by the two houses on either side.
The original owners of these properties agreed back in the 1950s that it could only be sold together, not separately.” It was an opportunity too good to miss. By purchasing both plots, Sam and Jeremy could shape the wider setting and future outlook of their new home. When the time came to sell the neighbouring plot, we supported them in the process. They even had the rare privilege of choosing their own neighbours. “We’re very lucky,” smiles Sam. “They’re great.” With Jeremy’s long-standing love of oak framing and Sam’s background as an interior designer, the couple knew they wanted a home rich in craftsmanship and rooted in modern living. Turning to our team was the natural next step.
The planning permission process
The site already had planning permission in place, secured by a previous owner’s relation. However “the designs were boxy and just not what we wanted,” says Jeremy. “So I took a punt! Then we selected Oakwrights and the rest is history.” Inspired by the charm and proportions of our Pippenwood design, the pair worked closely with our design team to reconfigure the concept into something entirely personal to them.
The home was reimagined and extended with integrated single-storey sections and vaulted oak-framed living spaces designed for everyday impact and comfort. Structural timber framing works alongside exposed oak features, allowing Sam and Jeremy to introduce drama in key spaces whilst maintaining balance and clean internal lines elsewhere. “We stretched it, flipped it, kept elements of the oak frame and took others away until we got what we wanted,” explains Sam.
Key external design features
Externally, the house sits beautifully within its rural Surrey village setting. Red brick walls, red clay tiles, black timber and an oak framed veranda combine to create a timeless vernacular aesthetic. At the rear however, the home reveals a luxurious sense of occasion. A magnificent full-height oak arch-braced trussed loggia stretches across the back of the house, framing views of the garden and sitting above a towering outdoor brick fireplace. This sheltered outdoor living space is both an architectural centrepiece and a social hub that’s perfect for entertaining in every season.
Internal design features
Inside, Sam and Jeremy’s three-bedroomed home is a masterclass in considered detailing. A covered porch leads into a double-height entrance hall where a feature staircase immediately sets the tone. The curved tread of the bottom stair mirrors a reverse curve in the skirting board - a small but delicate gesture that nods to the great care and attention to detail throughout. Although the ground floor follows a more traditional, largely closed-plan layout, internal glazing creates a strong sense of connection between spaces.
Black metal framed sliding glass doors allow light to travel through the ground floor and draw the eye from the hallway to the kitchen beyond. “We have three dogs, so we needed to be practical,” says Sam. “We wanted to be able to close the kitchen off, especially overnight.” This practicality extends to a handy dog shower near the boot room, a must-have for country living.
A design vision with lifestyle at its heart
Sam’s eye for interiors has shaped a country-contemporary look, combining rustic oak features with pared-back spaces, bespoke detailing and everyday luxury - from a home spa with a resistance pool to carefully curated finishes. "We really wanted a calm, family-friendly space in which we could spend time with our six grandchildren but with a little formality to it,” says Sam. The kitchen is one of the home’s defining spaces. Beneath a dramatic vaulted oak ceiling, the exposed oak frame delivers a beautiful ‘wow’ moment. “This room really needed to be one of the showpieces,” says Sam. “I wanted the elm island to feel like a piece of antique furniture.”
A cleverly designed pantry keeps everyday appliances - from an extra dishwasher and a large freezer as well as a coffee machine - all tucked away, leaving the kitchen clutter-free. Throughout their home, Sam and Jeremy thought carefully about where to celebrate or conceal the oak frame. The lounge and study sit outside the oak frame, creating clean internal lines. They intentionally designed the master bedroom without any exposed oak for a calm and restful atmosphere.
An eco high performance home
Behind the cottage charm lies a very efficient building. Sam and Jeremy were determined to build a home that would be economical to run, environmentally responsible and ready for retirement. “We wanted to keep our running costs down as we get older,” says Jeremy.
“Whilst we weren’t prepared to go full Passivhaus certified, we wanted to get as close to it as possible.” Renewable technologies - including an air source heat pump, solar panels and MVHR - work in harmony with our advanced WrightWall Natural and WrightRoof Natural pre-insulated panel systems to deliver a healthy home with exceptional thermal performance. Triple-glazed Rationel windows further enhance energy efficiency, ensuring minimal heat loss and maximum comfort. “It’s important to us to do our bit for the environment,” says Jeremy.
A future-proofed forever home
Future-proofing was central to Sam and Jeremy’s design. Subtly positioned off the living room behind a discrete set of doors is a compact modern lift - a practical feature that ensures their home can adapt with them over time. “If we were going to move, we weren’t going to move again,” explains Jeremy. “this was going to be the last time.” Sam and Jeremy’s cottage is not only a beautiful oak framed home, it’s also a carefully designed new chapter of life. Blending timeless character with contemporary comfort and exceptional performance, it’s proof that with a vision and the right team, a traditional home can become a modern masterpiece, built not just for today but for generations to come.
