Chestnut Cottage II, Farnham, GU10 5BW

“Weathered Kebony timber cladding epitomises this home’s distinctly naturalistic approach”

Designed by architect Kate Stoddart, Chestnut Cottage is a remarkable reinterpretation of a modest 1960s house in the quiet village of Ewshot. This five-bedroom home has been carefully reconfigured and extended, unfolding over some 2,430 sq ft. Light and space have been prioritised throughout, lending an effortless relationship with the two surrounding gardens, one of which houses a self-contained studio annexe.

The Architect - Kate Stoddart is an award-winning architect, whose Surrey-based practice is best known for bespoke contemporary homes and thoughtful transformations of existing buildings. In 2023, the practice received the Overall Design Award at the Waverley Design Awards, alongside six further awards recognising its work across architecture, interiors and landscape.

At Chestnut Cottage, Stoddart has reimagined the original 1960s house through a clear, generous plan and a considered relationship between the building and the surrounding Hampshire landscape.

The Tour

The house is screened from the street by mature planting and approached via a generous gravelled driveway, establishing itself with a striking presence. Clean, horizontal lines of weathered timber cladding wrap around the gabled form, while textured, charcoal-grey render shapes the lower elevation. The house is arranged in an L-shape around a composed sequence of interconnected living spaces, where a creative material palette epitomises its contemporary build.

The entrance is to the side of the house to an impressive double-height entrance hall that sets the tone for the interiors throughout: solid oak floorboards and bespoke birch-ply joinery create a warm and richly textured space, and floor-to-ceiling glazing draws light deep into the plan.

To one side is a peaceful reception room with access to the rear garden, while a study, separate WC, and well-equipped utility room are just off the entrance hall. Bespoke storage has been fitted here, perfect for concealing coats and shoes.

A short set of steps descends to a spectacular open-plan kitchen-living-dining space, with dual-aspect, near-full-height glazed doors to the gardens and geometrically playful volumes. Polished concrete extends underfoot, while crisp white cabinetry sits above and below smooth Corian worktops. A vibrant orange glass splashback introduces a bold but measured counterpoint to the otherwise restrained colour scheme, with new appliances.

A handcrafted timber staircase ascends to the first floor, where three bedrooms are arranged in a horizontal strip from the landing, and the two larger bedrooms occupy their own ‘wing’. The principal sits at the back of the plan, featuring a designated dressing area and an en suite bathroom with a bath and a walk-in shower. Set under the pitched roof, both rooms are defined by soaring heights and a pared-back, composed palette.

On the opposite side, another bedroom has an en suite shower room and ample fitted storage, while three additional bedrooms share a spacious bathroom with a bath and walk-in shower. One of these could easily be used as an additional study.

Externally, a self-contained studio room sits in the internal courtyard, providing an excellent space for creative endeavours or a home office.

Outdoor Space

The house has two main garden areas, a secluded courtyard-style garden at the rear and a more open, west-facing, lawned garden to the side. There is large, off-street parking at the side of the house. Mature trees cast dappled shade across the garden, while paved, raised seating areas invite outdoor dining in the summer.

The Area

Chestnut Cottage occupies a peaceful position in the Hampshire village of Ewshot, surrounded by a network of quiet bridleways, ancient woodland and rolling countryside. Nearby is the expansive Alice Holt Forest, with its extensive walking and cycling trails, while the nearby market town of Farnham is celebrated for its Georgian architecture, independent shops and cultural scene. The historic Farnham Castle and the town's programme of arts and food festivals add to its enduring appeal.

Favourite local destinations include The Windmill, the village's much-loved pub, while Farnham has an excellent selection of independent cafés and restaurants, including Higher Ground, Hamilton's Tea House and The Gorge.

There is an excellent choice of schools nearby, including Weydon School, All Hallows Catholic School and the independent St Nicholas' School.

Rail services from Farnham and Fleet provide direct connections to London Waterloo in under an hour, while the A31 and M3 offer convenient road links to Guildford, Winchester and London.