Old Rectory Farm

The view looking north showing the painted flint wall Alexander Hills Architects

The view from Phase 1 extension overlooking the family swimming pool Alexander Hills Architects

The junction of phase 1 and phase 2 extensions Alexander Hills Architects

Phase 2 extension in construction Alexander Hills Architects

Visual of phase 1 Alexander Hills Architects

Proposed internal view of phase 2 Alexander Hills Architects

Category:
Residential

Status:
Completed

Year:
2021-2025

Area:
412sqm

Contractor:
Big Sky Construction

Engineers:
Ruben Wood Structures

Located on the North Norfolk coast, Old Rectory Farm sits within a working agricultural landcape overlooking the Glaven Valley. The project has grown organically over time, evolving from a modest fit-out into a full reorganisation of the site - a process of unstitching and re-stitching the historic farmstead to restore its coherence and connection to the landscape.

Long view of Old Rectory Farm from across the fields Alexander Hills Architects

A long view of the farmhouse over the fields up the Glaven Valley

A visual of the proposed extension interior

The Existing Arrangement

The farm comprises a loose collection of accretions: barns, stables and lean-tos gathered incrementally around the main house. While full of character, the architecture had become fragmented - circulation was confused, levels uneven, and views to the landscape largely obscured. Our design began with a careful site analysis, tracing the historic grain of use and movement across the yard, and mapping how sunlight and sight lines animated the buildings. This study formed the basis of a new 'backbone' of access - a clear axis running westward from the main entrance towards the garden and the distant valley beyond.

The view from phase 1 [former stables] overlooking the swimming pool and Glaven Valley beyond

Flow and Accessibility

This primary route links directly into a north-south connection through the converted stables, now reconfigured as level, fully accessible accommodation for the client's wheelchair-bound father. Wide doorways, gentle thresholds and continuous sight lines establish a sense of universal flow, ensuring the entire home can be navigated with ease and dignity.

Phase 1 extension view looking north

Interior view of the phase 1 extension with the hidden toplight

A view of Old Rectory Farm with phase 1 (stables) and phase 2 (kitchen) meeting Alexander Hills Architects

The junction between phase 1 and phase 2 in construction

The Main House

The second phase re-centred the house around a new kitchen and living space, expressed as a curved-roof pavilion clad in zinc. Its form - sculptural yet understated - draws in light from above while opening long, horizontal views to the west. The curve is echoed, at smaller scale, in the adjoining stables roof, establishing a familial rhythm that unites the ensemble across the garden frontage.

View of phase 2 (kitchen extension) Alexander Hills Architects

The elevation of the phase 2 extension in construction May 2025

Phase 3 Axoonometric view of the proposed utility block Alexander Hills Architects

An axonometric view of the proposed volume

The Utility and Courtyard

The final phase addressed the service wing and approach. A series of disjointed lean-tos were unstitched, rationalised and refashioned into a calm, continuous elevation. A new colonnade now connects the main house and stables, providig shelter and a subtle formality to the arrival sequence of this working farm yard.

Conclusion

Throughout, the project emphasises simple flow, natural materials and connection to place. Brick, lime plaster, zinc and timber tie the architecture back to its rural origins, while light, movement and access weave a new coherence across the site - a contemporary farmstead that is sculptural in form and deeply humane.

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