Country Houses

Specialist conservation and creative reuse

Introduction

As one of few practices dedicated both to the care and development of historic places and the creation of innovative new buildings in sensitive contexts, we understand that heritage assets must adapt and change to meet contemporary lifestyles and to remain sustainable.

Our specialist teams have extensive knowledge and experience of maximising opportunities to renew and redevelop heritage assets of all scales and complexities from internationally important World Heritage Sites and Grade I-listed historic houses to country houses and rural estates in private ownership.

Design quality at all scales

Whether our clients wish to refurbish their country house to meet contemporary lifestyle requirements, extend existing buildings to create new accommodation, or obtain consent for significant new buildings, we are highly experienced in negotiating with local planning authorities, Historic England and other heritage organisations to secure planning permission and listed building consent for proposed changes.

We are passionate about design quality at all scales, whether developing masterplan for a rural estate, remodelling a country house or farm buildings to suit family needs, we strive to create beautiful homes that celebrate great design, craftsmanship, and detail while being practical for everyday life.

Purcell are among the best heritage architects in the industry. We’ve had the pleasure of working with them over the past four years on a complex Grade II-listed site in Hampshire, including a registered park and garden. Their creative design work and deep historical insight were pivotal in securing planning permission, balancing landscape response with heritage sensitivity.

Throughout delivery, they’ve collaborated seamlessly and harmoniously with a world class consultant team—unafraid to challenge where needed. For any future project of historical significance and complexity, we would involve Purcell without hesitation. They’re a credit to the profession and a genuine pleasure to work with.

– Outland

All of our projects start with gaining a deep understanding of the place and context alongside understanding our clients’ preferences, needs and aspirations for their home. We are confident and experienced with both traditional and contemporary design solutions, our proposals are always bespoke, unique and tailored.

Our Residential Sector

Our portfolio for private clients includes new-build swimming pool buildings and garden pavilions within the grounds of Grade I, II*, and II-listed properties; the conversion of Grade II-listed former agricultural buildings into leisure spaces with gyms, wellness areas, and entertainment rooms; extensions to listed buildings; large subterranean developments for car collections, pools, and spas; and bespoke new homes in parkland and rural settings.

In the South East, we were commissioned to convert a group of brick and timber frame farm buildings to provide residential accommodation for a gamekeeper and his family, including a shooting lodge, a dining room, and cooking facilities.

A 20th century concrete framed barn adjacent to the site was also converted to provide a gamekeepers’ mess.