This traditional new home in central Sherborne is a replacement dwelling for a two storey family home and outbuildings. The previous building was in poor condition, with outdated internal services, and in need of extensive repairs. The new owners decided it would be best to demolish it and start again. They wanted something that met their future needs and that was in keeping with the local vernacular.

RBA proposed building a new Dorset townhouse on the plot that would lie further west than the original, creating greater distance from the neighbours. The house wraps around a central courtyard at the rear, which has a large pergola to create a shaded terrace. A single storey to the east contains a ground floor master bedroom suite and an open plan kitchen/dining/living space opens onto the north of the courtyard. The sitting room is situated in a single storey to the west of the courtyard that adjoins the hall, boot room and cloakroom in the main house.

When considering the layout of the first floor, RBA carefully took into account the building’s impact on neighbouring properties. The windows face down the length of the garden and the number of them have been reduced. The first floor houses a further three bedrooms and two bathrooms, one of which is en-suite.

Design

The design uses local materials similar to other buildings in Sherborne. This, combined with classical, symmetrical windows and traditional stone detailing, ensures that the building enhances the historical character of the site and local area. Timber sash windows and a timber and lead porch also contribute to the traditional feel. The single storey brick wing housing the sitting room reduces the overall scale of the building and contrasts the yellow Sherbourne brick.  Solar panels in the roof at the rear provide a renewable energy source.

Dorset Council granted planning permission for the new Dorset townhouse in July 2018, with work completed in 2021.