A split-level extension has created extra space to transform the existing master suite into a luxurious open-plan befroom, dressing room and bathroom with a view
Finding design solutions
‘William completed the revamp of the main family bathroom, and I liked it so much that I asked him to help me create the next part of the extension, which was turning what used to be the master bedroom into the large dressing area, bedroom and en suite.’ Unfortunately for Sarah, the project wasn’t all plain sailing, as in order to gain extra space, a two-storey extension was required, creating a double garage on the ground floor at the same time. However, the local planning officer restricted Sarah’s initial plans.
‘He insisted that the new roof was subservient to the existing one, meaning that the original plans were compromised, with a lack of ceiling height upstairs,’ she recalls. ‘However, what was initially a stumbling block worked to my advantage.’
Sarah’s forward-thinking builders worked with her to set the garage slightly lower than it had originally been designed, retaining the much-needed ceiling height in the first-floor extension. ‘It just meant that there was always going to be a step down in the master suite,’ she explains.
Bedlinen from
John Lewis
adds a pop of colour to the space, which features glossy cream built-in furniture and walnut drawers, all designed by Cymru Kitchens
Working with two levels
The creation of a split-level room then became the focus of the interior scheme, and Sarah set about using the two levels to create defined areas for sleeping, dressing and bathing. ‘The dressing room now finishes where the exterior wall of the house used to be,’ describes Sarah. ‘My daughter Megan’s en suite was originally wardrobe space, and what was a bedroom is now large floor-to-ceiling wardrobes.’
The addition of strategically placed windows and rooflights within the extension not only helped to create a flow of natural light through the space, but also dictated the placement of key elements in the new bathroom area.
‘It isn’t such an issue in the countryside to be overlooked by neighbours, so it seemed logical that the bath would be positioned in front of a window, where I can relax in the tub while taking in the views. A walk-in shower was installed in a more private corner of the room with a window looking out over the rolling fields.’
