Bindloss Dawes has restored and extended a Grade II-listed farmhouse near Bruton in Somerset, pairing a carefully conserved historic building with a striking charred-timber addition designed for family life and the display of contemporary art.

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Emma Lewis

Bindloss Dawes has completed the restoration and extension of an 18th-century Grade II-listed farmhouse near Bruton in Somerset. Commissioned by gallerist Jemma Hickman, founder of Bo Lee Gallery, the project combines sensitive conservation with a distinctly modern addition that creates new living spaces and a sympathetic setting for the family’s collection of contemporary art.

When the property was acquired, the farmhouse had fallen into disrepair and suffered from a fragmented internal arrangement that offered little relationship with the surrounding landscape. The brief called for the careful restoration of the historic structure alongside the creation of a generous family room connected to the garden. Equally important was the need for spaces capable of accommodating and displaying contemporary artworks within a domestic environment.

Early proposals explored contextual forms inspired by local building traditions, incorporating pitched roofs and contemporary interpretations of vernacular materials. As the design developed, however, the architect pursued a more contrasting architectural response. Supported by the local conservation team, it adopted a strategy that clearly distinguishes old from new, allowing each element to retain its own identity. “Our aim was for the extension to be restrained, tactile and contemporary, and to sit unapologetically alongside the farmhouse,” explains George Dawes, Director at Bindloss Dawes.

The extension is clad in charred timber and positioned alongside the original farmhouse as a dark, sculptural volume. Deliberately contemporary in character, its restrained form allows the historic stone and brick building to remain the dominant presence within the site. Inside, the new spaces are defined by a simple and carefully considered palette of natural materials. Oak beams, plastered walls and polished concrete floors create a calm backdrop for everyday life and the display of artwork. Large sliding glazed doors open directly onto the garden, strengthening the connection between house and landscape and drawing daylight deep into the interior. “The interior spaces are intentionally understated, allowing light, proportion and texture to take precedence, while setting up strong visual connections to the garden and the countryside beyond,” says Dawes.

The project extends beyond the architecture itself, reflecting the client’s desire to engage local designers, makers and craftspeople throughout the process. Every principal contributor to the scheme is based in or around nearby Bruton, creating a collaborative approach rooted in the local creative community.

Landscape designer Caroline Clayton of Viriditas reimagined the grounds with a sequence of distinct outdoor spaces, including a farmyard-inspired courtyard, a boulder garden and a wildflower meadow. Interior colour schemes were developed with design consultancy Ette, while local builder Andrew Balls delivered the construction works. The bespoke kitchen was designed and made by the client’s brother, Tommy Hickman, reinforcing the project’s emphasis on craftsmanship and personal connection.

“Bruton is rich in creativity, and this house became a way to draw on that – an extension of the values I hold as a gallerist,” says Jemma Hickman. “Each collaborator brought something distinct, but the vision was always shared. The transformation has completely changed how we live. The new extension feels incredibly open and connected to the garden, while the restored farmhouse retains all of its warmth and character. We wanted a home that felt inspiring but also comfortable and practical for family life, and the team has achieved this beautifully.”

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