The aim of the design was to integrate a new oak-framed extension with the existing buildings. This was achieved by creating the sense of a cloistered courtyard enclosed on three sides, while on the open side taking advantage of the open vista of fields, trees and sky.

The buildings cluster round and focus on the water at the centre. Understated planting divides the garden from the farmland beyond, and the boundary is marked by a simple line of rusted estate fencing - barely apparent to the eye.