Located on the historic Aynhoe Park Estate, straddling the boundary between Oxfordshire and Northamptonshire, DEDRAFT's newly completed family residence blends contemporary design with the natural beauty of its surroundings. Set within the Grade II listed estate, known for its landscape by Capability Brown and architectural touches by John Soane and Humphrey Repton, this home represents a rare union of modernity and heritage.
This 450 sq.m property, one of three new houses approved on the estate, occupies the central plot and offers breathtaking views across the Cherwell Valley, marking the divide between Northamptonshire and Oxfordshire. Tasked with creating a residence that complements this rural landscape, DEDRAFT, having collaborated with the client on a previous London home, designed a house that would make the most of its serene location and expansive views.
The home's layout features three distinct wings oriented to maximise views of the surrounding countryside. Positioned at the highest point on its plot, the house incorporates panoramic and narrow windows set within deep, chamfered reveals, framing the greenery and mature trees that envelop the estate. Roof terraces on the upper floor invite inhabitants to immerse themselves in the natural surroundings and offer potential for future expansion.
The design and construction of the home were carefully managed to minimise environmental impact, with particular sensitivity to the site’s archaeological heritage, protected ancient trees, and the presence of local wildlife, including badger setts, bats, and migratory birds.
The exterior combines Cotswold Stone and black-stained Thermopine to ground the house within its landscape. Cotswold Stone is dry-laid to eliminate visible mortar, while overhanging first-floor elements cast shade over the entrance and kitchen/dining area. Black-stained Thermopine cladding on the upper floor, framed by black render bands, helps the structure harmonise with its woodland surroundings, visually softening the home as it recedes into the mature tree cover.
Entering the house through a full-height oak pivot door, visitors are greeted by a sweeping black steel staircase and expansive views across the gardens and valley beyond. The ground floor hosts a reception room, family living area with a double-sided wood burner, kitchen, dining room, home office, and a separate garage/gym. Upstairs, the first floor divides the parents’ suite from the children and guest rooms, with all areas enjoying access to secluded roof terraces. An adaptable external games terrace overlooks the driveway, with options for future internal integration.
Interiors feature a warm, tactile aesthetic, with oak and Douglas fir flooring, natural clay plaster, custom oak joinery, and floor-to-ceiling doors. Low-key lighting maintains a cosy ambiance, with select feature lighting in key areas. Classic, contemporary furnishings and custom-built pieces define a sophisticated yet inviting interior design, with soft furnishings and window treatments subtly accenting large windows and framing views.
The home was constructed using a sustainable approach, employing a mix of steel framing, lightweight materials, and natural finishes. Roof-mounted solar panels, two air-source heat pumps, and a central MVHR system enhance energy efficiency and ensure comfort throughout the year.
Surrounding the residence, a private landscape extends into future plans for rewilding. Since completion, the neighbouring parkland has been frequented by a growing herd of deer, adding to the natural charm of the property. Looking ahead, DEDRAFT has recently secured approval for an outdoor swimming pool, which will be set between two of the home’s splayed wings with views across the valley.
