Original featurePrest Vale Architects extends historic stone rectory in the CotswoldsDezeen · 22 October 2026 →

Context and Heritage Integration

Located in Oxfordshire close to the Blenheim Estate, the historic rectory dates back to the 17th century. The property is accompanied by a mid-18th-century stone barn, creating an established architectural vernacular defined by local traditions and vernacular materials.

Rather than mimicking the historic fabric directly, Prest Vale Architects chose to complement the existing structures through proportion and material continuity. The extension extends the established gabled roofline, creating a coherent silhouette against the Oxfordshire landscape.

Materiality and Craftsmanship

The primary material for the new volume is pale stone, carefully selected to harmonise with the weathered surfaces of the original rectory and the adjacent 18th-century barn. This rigorous approach to masonry ensures the addition reads as a natural evolution of the site.

A notable focal point of the new facade is a bespoke sundial integrated into the stonework. This traditional detail anchors the contemporary addition in centuries-old architectural customs, bridging historical timekeeping with modern residential design.

Spatial Performance for Modern Living

Historic rural properties frequently require reconfiguration to meet contemporary demands for light, volume, and connection to the garden. This intervention reorganises domestic flow while respecting the compartmentalised nature of the 17th-century core.

The resulting spaces provide improved thermal performance and functional flexibility, offering international buyers a template for how heritage assets can be updated without compromising their statutory protections or architectural integrity.

Related reads

• Prest Vale Architects extends historic stone rectory in the Cotswolds (Dezeen, 22 Oct 2026)
• Cotswolds Rectory Gains Striking Stone Extension with Sundial by Prest Vale Architects (freeyork, 22 Oct 2026)

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• Feature: Prest Vale Architects extends historic stone rectory in the Cotswolds — Dezeen. Linked, not reproduced.
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