A strong CONNECTION

A small extension and clever redesign achieved a seamless transition between James Lockwood's Edwardian villa and his exquisite garden

- ALEXANDRA PRATT

Searching for more living space, James Lockwood and his partner Matt were considering self-building when they noticed an elegant villa for sale. This Edwardian home in Lincolnshire overlooked a Grade II-listed park and James realised it could be a better option for them. The house needed some TLC, but ticked every box. 'You can see trees from every window, and we fell in love with it,' says James.

As is often the case, the period charms of the home's formal rooms, including high ceilings and cornicing, were absent at the back of the house. Here, a warren of small rooms clustered around a 1970s north-facing kitchen made the home feel disconnected from its stunning two/three-acre garden. James, who owns ID Architecture, immediately saw the villa's potential. His plan to knock those rooms into one open-plan area and add a small extension has created a spacious new kitchen, dining and living area, which transforms their home's connection to the outside.