Southborough Cottage
Location: Tunbridge Wells, Kent
Property type: Double-fronted period cottage
Scope: Ground floor remodelling and extension
Size / area: Approx. 40m² refurbishment and extension
Budget band: £150k–£200k
Completed: 2025
A thoughtful extension that transforms a dark, narrow kitchen into a generous family hub.
The owners of this charming, double-fronted cottage wanted to remedy their awkward ground-floor layout. A previous extension had created a large living area, but at the cost of making the kitchen feel narrow, dark and disconnected. The existing conservatory aggravated the problem — it overheated in summer and became chilly in winter, making it an unreliable social space. The brief was to create a fluid, spacious family area that would combine kitchen, dining, and informal living, all while keeping sustainability front of mind and future-proofing for climate change.
Sharpe Architecture led the project from feasibility through to completion. We developed and tested multiple design options, guided the clients through decision‑making, and oversaw the construction process. We also integrated sustainability-focused solutions — both in the choice of materials and in systems like rainwater harvesting — to ensure that the new space would serve the family efficiently and responsibly over time.
Rather than push the building out further, we extended over the footprint of the existing conservatory. This allowed us to consolidate and enlarge the space in a way that feels natural and proportionate. The new layout merges the kitchen, dining, and social zones into one generous space — crafted to feel open yet warm and practical.
We chose a palette of natural materials to bring texture and warmth - including an internal buff brick wall, timber flooring and reclaimed scaffold boards used for the joinery. Externally we selected a natural lime render, reducing embodied energy and ensuring the building can “breathe.”
The reconfigured ground floor now offers a sequence of bright, balanced spaces that feel intuitive and harmonious. Movement through the home is more legible, the connection to the garden is markedly stronger and the quality of natural light has been transformed. The project elevates the character of the original house while providing the clients with a contemporary, calm and generous setting for everyday living.
“Their knowledge gave us peace of mind, and for any problem that arose they instantly provided solutions to help keep the project on time and close to budget. We have loved working with them and can’t recommend them highly enough”
