- Location: Dorchester-on-Thames, Oxfordshire
- Architect: NCA Architecture, Woodstock
- Project: Extension and refurbishment
- Practical Completion: October 2024
Case Study
Swanacre, Dorchester-on-Thames
Extending and refurbishing a family home with light-filled interiors and a closer connection to the garden
A fresh chapter for Swanacre
Heritage Construction delivered the extension and refurbishment of Swanacre in Dorchester-on-Thames, with NCA Architecture of Woodstock as architect.
Completed in October 2024, the project combines a contemporary rear extension with refurbished interiors, creating welcoming spaces for family life while complementing the character of the existing house.
Bringing the garden into view
The rear extension creates a generous opening onto the terrace and garden. Broad glazed doors draw natural light into the kitchen and provide a direct connection between the indoor living space and outdoor seating area.
A roof lantern introduces additional daylight from above. Set beneath the upper-storey windows, the extension sits comfortably within the rear elevation, with dark glazing frames providing a contemporary contrast to the pale walls and tiled roof.
A kitchen at the heart of the home
The completed kitchen centres on a substantial island with seating, providing space for food preparation and informal gathering. Panelled cabinetry, integrated appliances and pendant lighting combine practical features with a carefully coordinated finish.
Light tones and herringbone-pattern flooring give the room a welcoming feel, while views across the terrace and lawn keep the garden part of everyday life.
Considered details throughout
The refurbished interiors continue the same attention to proportion, colour and finish. In the entrance hall, fitted cabinetry incorporates a bench and drawers, creating useful storage within a welcoming arrival space.
A separate sitting room offers a comfortable retreat, with soft green walls, window shutters and decorative detailing. Together, the completed spaces give Swanacre a balance of open, sociable living and quieter rooms, suited to the changing needs of family life.