Design Buy Build Issue 74 2025 | Page 4

CASE STUDY

FARMSTEAD HOUSE: A TIMELESS HARMONY BETWEEN MODERN LIVING AND AGRICULTURAL LEGACY

AR Design Studio is pleased to unveil Farmstead House, a striking three-bedroom replacement dwelling nestled on a secluded hill in Portsmouth, within the heart of the South Downs National Park.
The house draws its name from the original farmstead that once graced this site, a collection of quaint agricultural structures that, over time, had fallen into disrepair and no longer met modern standards.
Having acquired the land for its awe-inspiring vistas over the rolling hills of the South Downs, our clients sought a design that would not only serve their family ' s needs but also accommodate future requirements as they age. By replacing the dilapidated farmstead with a visionary new home, AR Design Studio has created a bespoke residence that intertwines the aesthetic of the original farm structures, blending seamlessly with the tranquil beauty of its rural surroundings.
A VISION ROOTED IN TRADITION, CRAFTED FOR THE FUTURE
The design of Farmstead House is informed by the essence of traditional agricultural buildings. Comprised of four pitched roof volumes of varying heights, the house evokes a collection of familiar, vernacular farm structures, set against a backdrop of towering yew trees. To the east and west, the volumes resemble low, single-storey cowsheds— one housing the garage and utility spaces, while the other shelters two ensuite bedrooms, a gym, and a study.
At the heart of the design, the central volumes consist of a two-storey living area with a snug and master bedroom, and a tall, single-storey barn that
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