Catherine Hayward and her family live in a charming Grade II listed thatched cottage in Hook Norton, North Oxfordshire. Alongside their home, they own a barn that was used as a recreational space and home office.

But the barn was always bitterly cold and difficult to heat, making it almost unusable for much of the year.

Despite the challenges of retrofitting an older building, they successfully transformed the barn into a warmer, more comfortable extension of their home – all while preserving its cherished character.

“If you want to create a space that you can use, has low impact on the environment; but is still in keeping with the age and style of the building, there is nothing stopping you from doing it. And we have ended up with a fantastic building.” – Catherine Hayward, Hook Norton

Watch their story. See how Catherine and her family worked with our team to retrofit their barn, creating a cosy and functional space that now feels part of the home.

Why an extension is the perfect time for energy-saving upgrades

When you’re planning to refurbish an extension, or add a new one, it’s the perfect chance to improve your whole home.

Rather than focusing only on the new space, you have a rare opportunity to boost comfort, cut energy bills, and reduce your carbon footprint across the board.

Extensions often involve major construction – extending roofs, altering walls, or upgrading heating. This is the ideal moment to improve insulation, glazing, and ventilation throughout the house. By planning ahead with a Whole House Plan, you can make sure all the upgrades work together for lasting results.