Enhancing a historic home with contemporary family living
Belmont in Langley, Kent, is a characterful former Dower House with architectural roots stretching back to the Elizabethan era. Having evolved through several centuries of extensions and remodelling, the property combines historic charm with layers of architectural history, including significant additions from 1898, the 1920s, and the 1970s. Arts Architecture International was commissioned to design a sensitive residential extension that would improve the home’s functionality while respecting its historic identity. The project introduced a spacious new kitchen and a bright family playroom opening directly onto the garden, alongside carefully considered alterations to the existing ground floor to improve circulation, optimise space, and enhance the appearance of the later 1970s additions. The extension was designed with white stucco to complement the adjacent kitchen wing, while expansive glazing maximises views across the south- and west-facing gardens. Vertical mullion detailing was incorporated to subtly reference the original half-timbered façade that has defined the house for more than 400 years, creating a seamless blend of heritage character and contemporary living. This methodology mirrors our interventions at Elm Hill House and Castle Acre, where structural configurations successfully reconcile heritage characteristics with contemporary residential functions. ​Contract Value: Approx. £230k Project Status: Completed in 2021
