Old Police House

A modern intervention for a home with history.

The Old Police House, once the village Police station, is a striking turn-of-the-century home full of character and charm. Solidly built and rich in period detail, it offered a strong foundation for our clients’ next chapter, but the layout needed rethinking for modern family life.

Our task was to create more usable space, improve flow, and bring in natural light — all while preserving the soul of the original building. It called for a design that was both inventive and respectful, contemporary yet considered.

The brief

From our earliest conversations, our clients shared our passion for blending old with new. They were keen to maintain the home’s character but knew it needed more from a practical perspective, especially in terms of layout, lighting and connection to the garden.

The existing conservatory, while generous in footprint, had become a space that no longer worked. Too cold in winter, too hot in summer, and permanently shaded, it disconnected the house from the outdoors rather than celebrating it. It had to go.

The design

In its place, we designed a bold, contemporary extension that transformed how the family lives in and moves through the home. A staggered single-storey form was introduced to the rear and side, carefully balanced in both plan and height to maximise natural light and garden access, while respecting neighbouring boundaries.

The new space houses a bright kitchen and dining area with large-format glazing on three sides and a generous rooflight above. The configuration also introduced a new private breakfast courtyard — a quiet spot with morning sun and garden views.

Rather than creating a fully open-plan interior, we worked with the existing layout, making soft connections between kitchen, dining and lounge that preserved the home’s sense of intimacy while allowing for better flow.

Materials and details

Every material was chosen for purpose and feeling. Dark grey Aluminium frames define the modern forms with a crisp edge and a strikingly thin profile, while timber-lined reveals and soffits introduce softness and warmth.

To the front and side elevations, we used reclaimed brick to mirror the existing house and soften the extension’s impact — an intentional nod to its heritage. A smaller secondary extension to the rear, finished entirely in Aluminium, complements the larger form while offering its own identity.

The result is a series of thoughtful contrasts — light against solid, new against old, bold against quiet — unified by a consistent architectural language.

The outcome

Throughout the process, we remained committed to the values of the home and the aspirations of the family who live in it. This is a house that has evolved gracefully, with clarity, integrity and a renewed sense of purpose.

The Old Police House is no longer just a piece of local history. It’s a modern family home with a proud past, and a bright, beautifully designed future.

“Hobden Butler were excellent in providing intuitive ways to make best of our space in a modern way whilst being considerate of the property’s older style. We were particularly impressed with their suggested use of materials with a mix of wood and metal for external finishes, their design also introduced a lot of light into the property which was previously lacking. We found them to be very professional throughout the project.”