Cotswolds Poolhouse & Studio

Our recently-completed project in the North Cotswolds includes four new stone barn-like outbuildings around an entrance courtyard.

Two of these 'barns', on the S & E sides, house the Poolhouse and Studio; the other two, on the N & W sides, house staff, garaging, plant and a gym.

This concept, originally by the landscape designer Jinny Blom, has involved extensive ground works and the relocation of the swimming pool.

From the outset, it was felt the Poolhouse should easily connect with and relate to the house. This is not only for aesthetic, but also practical reasons, especially on a rainy or windy day.

The W-E enfilade, running from the kitchen/ dining room to the Drawing Room French windows, has been extended outwards.

This aligns with a wide flight of steps down to the Poolhouse terrace and continues into the fields via an archway in the end wall.

The south-facing Poolhouse terrace is a good spot to sunbathe and enjoy the panoramic views of the rolling fields beyond the walled gardens.

A second generous set of stone steps leads down to the lawned pool area and Crittall doors afford access to the Poolhouse accommodation.

The first Crittall door one reaches at the west (house) end of the Poolhouse terrace accesses an open-plan changing room/spa.

This is clad with vertical rustic timber boarding incorporating 'secret' jib doors to a WC, plant room, and the principal Poolhouse areas beyond.

A tiled recess on the other side of the changing room houses two shower cubicles and glass doors to a sauna and steam room. Additional plant is located in the attic space above.

The changing room connects with the principal Poolhouse areas beyond: a central sitting area with a raised stone fireplace on the inner side, and a secondary kitchen/dining room beyond.

Generous Crittall glazing affords excellent views of the swimming pool, walled gardens and rolling countryside.

A second terrace, formed of hardwood decking, is located beyond the Crittall doors at the end.

As in the changing room, the walls are clad with vertical rustic timber boarding, the ceilings with painted T+G boards, and the floor is cobbled.

This view shows how the indoor-outdoor 'flow' has been maximised, with cobbled flooring running from the sitting area to the terrace.

Beyond, one can see the summer kitchen and dining area nestling beneath a corrugated iron lean-to roof to one side of the swimming pool.

Looking back from the kitchen/dining area, one can see the 'secret' jib door in the distance to the changing room, and the raised stone fireplace on the inside.

At the far end of the kitchen/dining area, discreet double doors open onto steps up to the Studio. This is housed within a separate stone 'barn' structure, positioned at right angles to the Poolhouse, and with a 'kink' in the middle.

The original Studio design was narrower, with separate access from the courtyard. However, soon after construction started, planning permission was granted to sufficiently widen the building to allow for a connection in the 'overlap'.

The Studio is a luxurious and up-to-the-minute games/media room. The AV installation, by Homeplay Ltd, recently won "Best Media Room, 2022" in the CEDIA awards.

Walls are clad with vertical rustic timber boarding and the ceiling with acoustic fabric, all sourced by Rose+George Design.

A bar counter and stools are located in the 'kink' at the centre of the space, with a cinema screen-cum-golf driving range beyond. The projector and subwoofer loudspeaker are fixed to a structural beam above.

Looking back from the central bar area to the lower section with a central snooker table.

A sitting area is located by the structural glass corner window which affords magnificent views of the rolling countryside. The steps down to the Poolhouse are located to the right hand side.

Finally, here is an external view of the Poolhouse and Studio from the adjacent field.