A tranquil timber frame home overlooking the River Thames

Andrew’s 1.75 acre plot in Henley was more substantial in size and had more character in comparison to the other site. He loved the undulating land and the mature trees which also gave the plot a considerable amount of privacy. In addition to this, its positioning on the weir pool takes Andrew off the main thoroughfare of the Thames.

“I wanted to have movement and privacy,” says Andrew. “These two factors combined, alongside the maturity of the surrounding trees, meant it was a no brainer that I would develop this particular plot on the basis it would become my long-term home, and I developed and sold the other.”

Residing on Andrew’s plot in Henley was an old bungalow which he lived in for nearly three years prior to and during the construction of his timber frame home.

“You only really appreciate a plot of land by living there through all of the seasons, so you understand where the light falls at first light and sunset,” explains Andrew. “I thought it was important to get a real lens on those aspects before deciding on the positioning of the house, and in turn, how its internal configuration would take in those lighting considerations as well as the available views.”

“The meeting I had with the team in Hereford was extremely valuable,” explains Andrew. “We really drilled down into the design configuration and went into a high level of detail. Small but important adjustments were made which produced a superior end result. I would say this is a prerequisite for anyone looking to undergo a project of this magnitude and would thoroughly recommend going to Herefordshire to get close to Oakwrights’ whole process and have a design review meeting.”

Andrew’s interior vision for his home was based on a glue laminated post and beam timber frame structure. Our Frame Design team worked with him to create clear, solid lines throughout which naturally accentuates the property’s internal spaces, while the colour exudes charm and has a welcoming warmth.

“I wanted the new house to blend into its landscape and I like the character of green oak,” says Andrew. “So, we incorporated it into certain features such as the main front door porch, the elevated balcony which serves the master bedroom, as well as the whole decking structure outside. I believe that if you build a home of your own design in such a terrific, natural setting, you are morally obliged to be sympathetic to the surroundings and be careful with the materials you use.”

“What I love about the natural materials we used is that everything was prepared offsite and there were virtually no spoils,” explains Andrew.

An important design consideration for Andrew was having the ability to see his structure both upstairs and downstairs.

“I love the undulations in the ceiling and the different angles,” says Andrew. “From the ground floor, you can see right through to the apex of the room upstairs. It absolutely floats my boat!”

Such angles are enhanced during the day by the natural light cascading through the handcrafted, oak joinery. At night, carefully positioned uplighters augment the warmth and homeliness of the oak beams which Andrew was eager for his home to exude.

Two large en-suite bedrooms are located on the first floor; both of which benefit from bifold doors. The master bedroom is positioned to the north of the property, where the bifolds lead you out onto Andrew’s elevated oak balcony, providing a covered, secondary viewpoint of the meandering river. This aspect also takes advantage of the afternoon sunlight, lending itself perfectly for sociable events taking place on the decking beneath.