Whitberry House Extension by Pend Architects: A Contemporary Renovation of a Georgian Farmhouse in East Lothian

Pend Architects have completed a sensitive and striking renovation and extension of Whitberry House, a Grade B listed Georgian farmhouse located in Tyninghame, East Lothian, United Kingdom. The project involved both restoration and contemporary design interventions to unify the fragmented rear elevation and create a modern, light-filled environment for family living. The renovation, completed in 2024, spans 408 m² and thoughtfully balances historic preservation with contemporary architecture, offering a model for sensitive home extensions in heritage contexts.

The rear elevation of Whitberry House, in contrast to its charming pink front, had evolved into a patchwork of historic additions featuring reddish sandstone and brickwork. These layered extensions reflected the masonry styles of various eras but had resulted in a cellular, fragmented interior layout. Navigating from the original house to the garden required passing through several small rooms, limiting natural light and flow. Pend Architects, in collaboration with the clients acting as project managers, addressed these spatial challenges through careful planning and architectural innovation.

A contemporary extension was introduced to consolidate the rear facade and create a visual and physical dialogue between interior and exterior spaces. The design features a fluted blush-toned precast stone wall that references the historic sandstone and brickwork, while a horizontal light-colored concrete fascia ties together the previously disjointed additions. Full-height glazing and cherry timber-framed sliding doors establish a strong connection with the garden, while a discreet glass-to-glass corner enhances natural light and spatial continuity.

The interior layout was reconfigured to support modern family life. Previously constrained, the kitchen was relocated to the new extension, becoming the central hub of the home. Dual-aspect garden views, a vaulted skylight, and wide openings to the dining area ensure abundant daylight and a sense of openness. Underfloor heating, powered by an air source heat pump, provides sustainable comfort throughout the ground floor. Practical service areas, including a laundry and boot room, now form a functional threshold between the main house and the annex, used as an Airbnb rental.

Pend Architects adopted a holistic approach, observing the daily routines of the household, which includes three young children and several dogs. The placement of openings, storage, and circulation paths reflects this understanding, ensuring the home functions efficiently while preserving its historic character. The extension enhances the usability of the home while respecting the ongoing story of Whitberry House, combining contemporary architectural language with historical context.

All photographs are works of Lorenzo Zandri