Bisley Road, Stroud, Gloucestershire

With an impressive modern extension by USE Architects, this creatively reimagined Victorian townhouse is located in Stroud, a popular and pretty Gloucestershire town within the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It spans some 2,040 sq ft across four storeys, with the addition of a home-working study or creative studio in the private rear gardens. The town's pretty centre and train station can be easily reached on foot in around 10 minutes; from the latter, services run to London Paddington in around an hour and a half.



The Architect



USE Architects is an award-winning London-based architecture practice led by Johannes Hagan. Perhaps their most published and prominent project is Clerkenwell House, also known as the 'Gap House', a seven-storey building on Golden Lane in London, slotted into a narrow gap between existing buildings.



The Tour



The house is set back from Bisley Road by a smart front garden, where steps and a path lead up to the front door and into a bright hallway. From here, the open-plan living spaces unfold; loosely delineated between living, dining and cooking, they present versatile and light-filled accommodation, with considered material accents and cheerful pops of colour.



Bespoke cabinetry defines the kitchen, which lies at the far end of the space. Sliding glass doors open the entire space directly to the rear terrace - a lovely spot for an outdoor evening meal in the late afternoon sun. A roof light works in tandem with clerestory windows to draw in plenty of natural light over the course of the day. The room also provides access to the cellar, which serves as a useful pantry and wine store.



Set on the southerly side of the plan, the lounge is lit by a large triple-aspect window. Its white scheme enhances the painterly northern light ushered in from the front. Underfloor heating warms from beneath engineered oak boards; in the winter, a log-burning stove enhances the cosy feel. Open bookshelves have been fitted and provide space for a generous book collection.



The house has four bedrooms across its uppermost levels. The principal lies on the first floor and is a soothing space with plenty of built-in storage. It has original floorboards, along with a period fireplace. There is also a neat and bright shower room on this level.



Two further bedrooms are on the second floor. A spiral staircase leads to the fourth bedroom/study, where a mid-century-style bank of windows captures restoratively green views.



Outside Space



Delineated over separate levels, the garden at the rear is a brilliantly designed space. At the lowest part, which adjoins the kitchen, is a wonderful dining area, with slate tiles and seating made from reclaimed oak sleepers. Lawn largely extends above, with herbaceous perennials planted along one side.



Nestled at the foot of the garden is a timber-clad studio, a private space to work in or to hone artistic skills.



The Area



Stroud stands at the meeting point of the Five Valleys and is surrounded by the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in all directions. Bisley Road is a quiet residential area of the town, ideally located for easy access to the town centre, around half a mile away.



The town has long attracted artists, designers and makers and is characterised by a creative spirit, reflected in the numerous independently run businesses which shape the town centre. Among the many cafés and places to eat, Woodruffs and The Woolpack rank highly among residents. An award-winning farmers' market also takes place every Saturday.



Cheltenham is a 30-minute drive away, a Regency town renowned for its festivals of literature, jazz, film, folk music, comedy and science, as well as a busy racing calendar, including the Gold Cup.



Stroud is home to grammar schools, along with Stroud High School for girls. Local private options include Wycliffe College.



Transport links from the house are excellent. The train station is a 10-minute walk away, providing direct links to London Paddington in around an hour and a half.



Council Tax Band: E