The refurbishment reconfigures the country mansion to provide a more contemporary and flexible family home. New living spaces are connected to the existing accommodation, while large glazed openings establish a direct relationship with the gardens and terraces.

Extensive external terraces provide areas for dining, entertaining and relaxation, while the inclusion of a swimming pool and gym creates dedicated spaces for leisure and wellbeing.

The result is a substantial family home that combines the character and craftsmanship of a period country mansion with the openness, comfort and functionality of contemporary residential architecture.

Heritage Architecture and Contemporary Design

A central consideration of the project was ensuring that the new architecture complemented rather than overwhelmed the existing mansion.

The traditional stone walls, slate roofs, gables and chimney features provide the architectural identity of the original house. The contemporary extension responds through a contrasting palette of copper, glass and carefully detailed modern materials.

This approach creates a clear architectural dialogue between the historic and contemporary elements, demonstrating how a period property can be transformed for modern living without losing its original character.

Respecting the Existing Stone Architecture

A key consideration in the design was the relationship between the new extension and the existing stone mansion.

The original building has a strong architectural character, with natural stone walls, slate roofs, projecting gables, substantial chimney stacks and carefully composed openings. Rather than competing with these features, the contemporary extension is deliberately more restrained.

The contrast between traditional stone and slate and the contemporary copper and glass intervention establishes a clear architectural dialogue between the two periods of construction.

This distinction is important when extending historic and period properties. A successful extension does not necessarily need to replicate the existing building. Instead, contemporary architecture can complement an older property when its scale, proportions, materials and position are carefully considered.

Creating a Strong Connection With the Landscape

The rural setting is an important part of the design.

The extension opens directly onto the surrounding gardens through extensive glazing and a series of generous terraces. The outdoor spaces are designed as an extension of the living accommodation, providing areas for dining, entertaining and relaxation.

The large glazed openings also allow the mature landscape to become part of the interior experience. Views towards the surrounding trees and grounds are framed from the main living spaces, creating a strong connection between the architecture and its setting.

This relationship between house and landscape is particularly important for country properties, where the gardens, mature trees and wider rural setting can be as important to the character of the home as the building itself.

Contemporary Interior Refurbishment

The refurbishment extends beyond the external architecture to create a cohesive contemporary interior.

The interior spaces are characterised by clean architectural lines, natural materials, generous glazing and a restrained palette. Large open-plan areas provide flexibility for family life and entertaining, while carefully framed views connect the rooms with the gardens beyond.

A dramatic glazed circulation space provides a new focal point within the house, with natural light entering from above and through full-height glazing. The staircase and upper-level gallery overlook this central space, creating a sense of openness and connection between different parts of the house.

The result is a contemporary interior that remains appropriate to the scale and character of the original country mansion.

Natural Light and Glazed Connections

Natural light is central to the architectural approach.

The new extension incorporates extensive floor-to-ceiling glazing, while rooflights and high-level glazing introduce additional daylight into the deeper areas of the plan.

The central glazed element creates a particularly strong architectural moment, drawing daylight into the circulation spaces and providing views through the house towards the landscape.

Internally, glazed screens and doors allow light to move between adjoining spaces while maintaining a sense of separation where required.

This combination of natural light, transparency and carefully framed views gives the refurbished country house a contemporary character without relying on unnecessary architectural complexity.

Country House Architecture in Lanarkshire

This project demonstrates our approach to country house architecture and period property refurbishment in Lanarkshire, where the character of an existing building and its setting can provide the starting point for a highly individual home.

Every historic property presents different opportunities and constraints. The design process therefore begins with understanding the existing architecture, the landscape and how the owners want to use their home.

For period country houses, this can involve a combination of refurbishment, reconfiguration and carefully designed extensions. The objective is to improve the way the property works for contemporary life while respecting the qualities that make the original building special.

Allison Architects work with clients across Lanarkshire, Glasgow and the wider West of Scotland on bespoke residential projects, including period properties, country houses, heritage homes, extensions and substantial refurbishments.

A Considered Approach to Heritage and Contemporary Architecture

The project reflects our belief that contemporary architecture can sit comfortably alongside historic buildings when the relationship between the two is carefully considered.

The original mansion provides the architectural identity and historic character, while the new extension introduces light, openness and contemporary living spaces. Materials including natural stone, slate, copper, timber and glass allow the different elements to relate to one another without becoming visually identical.

This balance between heritage architecture and contemporary design is particularly relevant to owners of substantial period properties who want to create a modern family home while retaining the character, scale and sense of place of the original building.

Glasgow Architects Designing Country Homes Across Lanarkshire

Although based in Glasgow, Allison Architects work on residential projects throughout Lanarkshire and the wider West of Scotland, bringing experience in new build homes, period properties, extensions and complex residential refurbishments.

Our work includes house extensions, heritage homes, country houses and new build homes, with each project developed around the architecture of the property, its setting and the needs of the client.

For homeowners considering an extension or refurbishment of a period country house near Lesmahagow, Lanarkshire or elsewhere in the West of Scotland, this project demonstrates how a carefully designed contemporary intervention can transform an existing property while respecting its architectural character.