South Hale

West Oxfordshire

Location: West Oxfordshire

Project Type: Country Estate

South Hale is a neo-classical country residence, designed in the early 2000s by Stuart Martin Architects, specialists in the classical architectural tradition.

The refurbishment included works to the main house, guest cottage, and outbuildings, addressing sustainable energy optimisation, as well as the realisation of the functional and aesthetic requirements of its current custodians.

The project demonstrated sensitive repair and reuse, the deployment of sustainable technology and expert craftsmanship throughout.

Launch the Gallery

“It has been a pleasure and a privilege to align this wonderful property with our clients’ aesthetic and functional requirements. Every inch of South Hale has been considered and attended to with the utmost attention to detail.”

Ashley Stuart, Senior Contracts Manager, Barr Build.

In focus

The renovation and refurbishment of a 21st-century English country home, with all the majesty and tradition of its centuries-old, listed counterparts.

South Hale reflects classical Georgian architecture in both style and proportions. Set on the edge of 180 acres of woodland, it is approached by a sweeping, tree-lined driveway. The main house is built from Cotswolds stone, flanked by distinctive timber-clad single-storey structures running from front to back.

Barr Build were commissioned to sensitively refurbish the property and its ancillary buildings, celebrating and enhancing its unique design. Throughout the property, carefully considered structural modifications and high-specification finishes were implemented.

Engineered oak flooring was laid throughout the property in wide-plank and herringbone formats, balancing traditional style with material longevity. Mechanical and engineering modifications include sustainable energy installation in the form of a PVP array and battery storage, an audiovisual systems update and state-of-the-art Rako lighting control.

Design Elements of Note

Refurbishment through the considered reimagining of interior finishes, without distracting from the property’s unique character, was pivotal to the project scope.

Making an entrance

Oak herringbone parquet flooring, in a deep brown finish, links the double-height entrance hall with the property’s adjoining formal reception rooms.

Artisan murals

In the formal dining room, wide oak planks were hand-painted with a bespoke artisan mural and specialist sealed for preservation and longevity.

Over and above

On the first and second floors, the curation of unique fixtures and finishes continues, including bespoke panelling and hand-painted wall murals.

Structural Interventions

In the wings

Across the single-storey outer sections, housing the snug and studies, breathable lime plaster over deep insulation is set between new solid oak beams.

Expert craftsmanship

New morticed and tenoned solid oak rafters and timber beams were overlaid with a breathable membrane system beneath new classic slate tiles.

Rooms with a view

Timber single-storey sections realigned to sit lower and at an adjusted pitch, facilitating sightlines across the formal gardens and countryside.

Up close

Design and Construction Detailing

Low-carbon considerations

Sustainable infrastructure
The main barn boasts a new roof with an extensive solar array and energy storage battery.
Reused and embellished
Original kitchen cabinetry was removed, restored and reinstalled before enhancement through the addition of curved walnut worktops and antique brass ironmongery.
Restored and enhanced
Fireplaces were retained and celebrated through stone surround restoration, chimney airflow optimisation systems and gas fire basket additions.

Further Country Estates Information

Whether for a single works phase, or to discuss an ongoing partnership, we would be pleased to discuss an appropriate, individualised approach.