A fabulous setting, up above the border town of Presteigne, this site held a few challenges for our client – not least the fact it is ‘off-grid’ (with no mains power, water or drainage).  In fact, with an existing water supply, and an established system of solar and wind electricity generation at their adjacent property, the chance to create a linked arrangement, with shared use of the renewabe and battery stored power, was an opportunity they were happy to grasp. Some planning negotiation was required to achieve a design that was felt to be suitably ‘barn-style’ for the isolated setting.  The use of the oak-frame throughout internally creates a warm, inviting property, with an eye-catching appearance, which along with the outstanding position, makes the house a successful holiday rental on the Welsh border.

Services: Design and planning negotiation

3 bedrooms, 1,795f²

Oak-frame by Castle Ring Oak Frame

Photography c/o client

Client testimonial: “We worked with John from the early stages of the project to build an oak framed cottage for holiday rentals, on the site of a derelict cottage overlooking Presteigne and the Lugg valley.

John not only designed the house to our concept, and the frame – twice, when our first proposal was rejected by the planning authority – but also managed the whole process. He also worked closely with Castle Ring Oak Frame on the design and build of the frame. John played a big part in the fact that we gained approval and now have a very successful rental business, but also that the whole process was enjoyable.”

Peter