Orchard House: a contemporary arts & crafts-inspired home in the Huntingdonshire countryside 22.01.26

Orchard House, a new build private dwelling in Huntingdonshire, is designed to feel as though it belongs in its rural English landscape.  The external design draws on the spirit of the Arts and Crafts movement, blending traditional forms and materials with a fresh, modern way of living.

From the outside, the house has a calm, grounded presence. The use of natural brick, timber and lime-based finishes gives the building a warmth and texture that feels at home among the trees and open fields. These are materials that weather well and improve with time, echoing the Arts and Crafts idea that buildings should be honest, well-made and built to last.

The overall form of Orchard House is simple and carefully balanced. A pitched roof, generous eaves and deep window openings give the elevations depth and character. There’s nothing fussy or over-detailed, just well-judged proportions and a sense of craftsmanship in how everything fits together.

View out from the upper landing through the study

Windows and doors are placed to frame views of the orchard and garden, helping the house sit naturally within its surroundings. From the outside, this creates a gentle rhythm across the façades, while also hinting at the strong connection between inside and out. Just as the Arts and Crafts movement valued the relationship between home and garden, Orchard House is designed so that the landscape is always part of the experience.

Although inspired by traditional architecture, the house is very much a modern building. Behind its solid, tactile exterior is a highly efficient structure designed to be comfortable, low-energy and future-proof. The thickness of the walls, the depth of the openings and the careful orientation of the building all contribute to its performance, but they also give the exterior its distinctive, robust feel.

Side elevation and formal garden space

Orchard House shows how a new home can respect the past without copying it. By taking cues from Arts and Crafts principles: quality materials, good proportions and a close connection to nature, the exterior has a quiet confidence that will only grow stronger as the building settles into its orchard setting over time.

Rear elevation