Cotswolds House by Oliver Leech Architects – A Contemporary Countryside Retreat Rooted in Tradition

Cotswolds House, designed by Oliver Leech Architects, is a striking new five-bedroom residence set on a gently sloping 1.1-acre site overlooking a picturesque rural village in the English countryside. Completed in 2021, the 267 m² home blends modern architectural design, local craftsmanship, and low-energy construction, offering a refined retreat deeply connected to its surroundings.

A Modern Replacement Honoring Local Context

The project replaces an outdated bungalow originally used as a weekend home. After the Covid-19 pandemic, clients Alan Moug and Andrew White decided to relocate permanently from London, seeking serenity and a closer connection to their hometown community.

Oliver Leech Architects recognized the site’s potential immediately. By reorienting the home from an east–west layout to a north–south axis, the design captures sweeping valley views and strengthens the relationship between the new house and the natural landscape.

Masterplan Focused on Lifestyle, Wellness, and Nature

The architect developed a cohesive masterplan that responds to the clients' active lifestyle and social habits. The plan integrates:

• A lawn tennis court
• Large garden beds and a walled kitchen garden
• Multiple outdoor zones for dining and relaxation

This layout ensures the home remains intimately tied to nature while supporting daily rituals and gatherings.

L-Shaped Form with Local Stone and Timber Craftsmanship

Cotswolds House is composed of two pitched volumes—“the barn” and “the wing”—that intersect at a 100-degree angle, forming an L-shaped plan that fits naturally within the triangular site. The design features:

• Local Cotswold stone and larch cladding
• Zinc and slate roofing inspired by regional agricultural buildings
• Subtle massing to maintain privacy while enhancing views

The barn-shaped volume faces the street with a single large window, giving the home a sense of intrigue, while the wing is partially embedded into the hillside to hide semi-basement guest rooms.

A Carefully Crafted Spatial Journey

The arrival sequence is intentionally choreographed. Visitors encounter curated glimpses of the landscape that build anticipation before revealing full panoramic views inside.

At ground level, the social heart of the home includes:

• A spacious living room for entertaining
• A cozy snug library with a double-sided fireplace
• Custom red elm bookcases with a concealed bar
• Elevated views of the valley from the library

The kitchen and dining area open seamlessly onto a northwest-facing patio, sheltered by a cantilevered overhang and adjoining a productive kitchen garden ideal for farm-to-table living.

Private Zones Designed for Comfort and Calm

The main bedroom suite occupies the first floor of the barn and serves as a secluded sanctuary exclusively for the homeowners. The guest wing is positioned at the opposite end of the house, embedded within the hillside for discreet privacy and thermal comfort.

Material Palette: A Harmony of Traditional and Contemporary

The materials selected reinforce the home’s delicate balance between rural tradition and modern design. The palette includes:

• Natural Cotswold stone and larch timber
• Clay plaster walls
• Limestone floors
• Warm timber accents
• Rich textures such as textured marble and linen

This restrained yet warm combination grounds the architecture in its historical setting while embracing a modern aesthetic.

Prefabricated Timber Frame for Low-Energy Living

Cotswolds House is built using a highly insulated prefabricated timber frame, designed in collaboration with specialist technicians. The prefabrication ensured:

• A fast, precise construction timeline (panels erected in under two weeks)
• Minimized site errors
• Reduced energy consumption

The home operates with sustainable systems, including:

• Air-source heat pump
• Solar panels
• An airtight building envelope for exceptional energy efficiency

A Milestone for Oliver Leech Architects

As Oliver Leech’s first new-build commission, awarded in his late twenties, Cotswolds House represents a key milestone for the practice. The project exemplifies the success of a close client–architect collaboration and stands as a timeless, contemporary retreat in the Cotswolds countryside.

All the photographs are works of Jim Stephenson