This traditional Guernsey farmhouse and barn has been rebuilt from the ground up to provide a functional yet stylish space tailored for our client’s multigenerational needs.
Originally dating back to the early 1800s, Rocque a L’Or is a landmark property in a prominent location in the southwest of the island. The building has been given a new lease of life, with the house completely rebuilt, including a brand-new wing and landscaped gardens.
JGA was appointed as the lead planning and technical designer, responsible for both the design and the overall management of the build. For JGA, this project was a great opportunity to create something exceptional while respecting the traditional surroundings.
“We considered design options with our clients, initially trying to re-configure and extend the existing property. However, it became more viable and sustainable to demolish the property and therefore the project evolved into a new build design.”– James Gavey, Director of JGA.
“We chose a design that retained a roadside gable to complement the local surroundings. It was also important to retain a traditional facade of a quality to work alongside the character of the buildings in close proximity. The west elevation, however, presents contemporary features, takes advantage of the greater privacy and adds a great contrast to the property.”
While receiving Planning and Building Control permissions was relatively straightforward, the build presented some technical challenges that had to be solved throughout the project. During demolition, it was discovered that the south elevation of the property was acting as a structural prop for the road of Rue de la Rocque a L’Or. As a result, liaison with structural and waterproofing consultants was essential to ensure the details were robust.
“We had a great team of consultants throughout the project who worked seamlessly to bring everything together, including engineers, damp-proof specialists and window and door experts. Engaging the right people from the outset was crucial in preventing issues down the line, ensuring the project’s success.” – Lewis Oliver, Lead Designer for the project.
A standout feature of the project is the external pocket door system to the west elevation. This innovative addition allows our clients to blend their open-plan kitchen and dining area with the covered terrace, promoting an indoor-outdoor lifestyle that can be enjoyed all year round.
The kitchen, designed and installed by Cucine, enhances the luxury and contemporary feel to the rear of the property, creating a true heart of the home. These spaces link directly to the new wing, which was a key part of our clients brief – to provide their elderly relatives with comfortable, modern facilities that enable them to grow old gracefully while remaining close to family.
On the first floor of the main house, double-height spaces create a relaxing retreat for our clients, enhanced by gable windows that flood the interior with natural light. A partly covered balcony offers direct access to stunning valley views.
Finally, a new outbuilding has been constructed to serve as an on-site office for our client’s business, designed to mirror the architectural style of the rear of the main property. Now that the project is complete, both our client and contractors are delighted with how the build has come together.
The client said – “We contacted JGA to work with us on a building project for our property and from the start James was a pleasure to deal with. Our plans for the project took many different turns along the way, starting as a renovation and extension and ultimately ending up being a complete demolition and rebuild! Throughout the whole process, James and Lewis demonstrated patience and flexibility, which ultimately culminated in a beautiful house design blending both traditional and contemporary styles, and with which we couldn’t be happier. Furthermore, JGA’s excellent reputation and industry relationships not only assisted us during the planning process but also gave us the opportunity to contract with our preferred builders. We are delighted with the result!”
For James and the JGA team, it was a challenging yet rewarding project all round. “Our clients were incredible to work with throughout the build. They had a clear vision of what they wanted but were also open to the suggestions proposed by us and the contractors. It has been a great project to be involved with, and fantastic to see our clients now enjoying their new home.” – James Gavey.
