Hidden deep within an Exmoor valley, this charming Grade II listed home began its life as a farmworker’s cottage about four hundred years ago. Since then it has been extended and altered, with the last known works being a major modernisation in the 1960’s. The interior had become dated, lacking in natural light, and our brief was to create more space and light and to enhance the relationship between the cottage and the garden, whilst retaining the charm and integrity of the original cottage. The scheme required a sensitive and considered approach and by extending up to the bank at the side of the house and to the rear, the cramped kitchen was turned into a light spacious kitchen dining room with views out into the garden through glazed folding doors that open up, extending the living space through into the garden. The rest of the interior was also modernised creating fresh bright spaces. In order to create guest accommodation and a study, the two small outbuildings were also renovated and extended. By retaining most of the existing stone walls and combining these with timber and full length glazing these two buildings now provide delightful light living spaces away from the main house.