Chris and Rachel’s home, a converted Victorian pub dating back to 1875, had plenty of character but lacked functionality, particularly in the kitchen. Originally a dark, narrow outrigger, the kitchen was difficult to navigate, with limited natural light and visibility. Although the home held mid-century charm, the kitchen felt isolated and poorly planned, making it challenging for Chris and Rachel to cook, entertain, or keep an eye on their young child.
Chris and Rachel reached out to Pride Road Architects to transform their outdated kitchen into a functional, inviting space. Initially, the couple considered a two-storey extension to increase usable space, but the unique layout of the divided Victorian building required a more creative and efficient solution.
Through a comprehensive design workshop, Pride Road helped Chris and Rachel explore practical options within their budget, ultimately deciding on a single-storey extension to maintain the home’s character while delivering the light-filled, open space they envisioned. The design incorporated high-level glazing and a skylight, allowing for abundant natural light, maximising visual impact without compromising privacy. A large bifold window was also added to create an open view of the garden and the natural beauty beyond.
This planning phase included concept workshops where Pride Road provided architectural expertise to help Chris and Rachel visualise feasible layouts. Bespoke lighting solutions were introduced with high-level glazing, skylights, and clerestory windows to address the lack of natural light. Finally, Pride Road embraced Chris and Rachel’s love for mid-century style, adding unique elements that aligned with this aesthetic while enhancing functionality.
The completed single-storey extension exceeded expectations, delivering a light-filled, open-plan kitchen that embraced both functionality and mid-century design. High-level glazing and a spacious skylight flood the kitchen with natural light, while the bifold window offers tranquil views of the surrounding woodland, connecting the home with its natural setting.
With customised lighting and a spacious design, the kitchen has become a dream space where Chris and Rachel can cook, entertain, and enjoy family time. Pride Road’s collaborative approach ensured every detail—from bespoke storage to the layout itself—reflected the couple’s vision.
Chris and Rachel now enjoy a beautiful, unique home that blends historical character with a light-filled, mid-century aesthetic, creating the perfect kitchen for their family.
The final outcome has gone beyond what we thought possible, visually and with light and space. It’s like our home dream come true. We’ve built something that isn’t your everyday extension. Working with Pride Road has been the perfect partnership—they listened to us, we listened to them, and together we achieved something truly unique.
Rachel and Chris
The site was tricky, with boundary issues, however the clerestory glazing, the roof lights and the bifold rear windows really do bring the outside in, whilst giving privacy to neighbouring properties.
Pride Road
