Wray common road
The Brief
Our client’s appointed us to extend and modernise the internal layout of an 1880s four-bedroom Victorian detached house within the Wray Common Conservation Area in Reigate.
Although full of character, the existing layout constrained natural light and disrupted circulation, particularly at ground floor level. Therefore, our client sought a carefully considered Victorian renovation that would enhance flow and functionality for modern living. At the same time, they wanted to retain the property’s period character and meet conservation area planning requirements.
Our Response
The ground and first floor layouts were carefully reconfigured, alongside the introduction of sensitively designed front and rear dormer extensions. Together, these interventions created space for a new master bedroom and en-suite while improving overall functionality.
At ground floor level, the staircase was relocated and a new window introduced. As a result, the reception area feels more open and welcoming, while the landing above benefits from increased natural light. The removal of the wall between the original kitchen and dining room formed a generous open-plan kitchen and dining space. In addition, wider glazed doors and new windows draw daylight deeper into the plan and strengthen visual connections between rooms. The former ground floor shower room was re-planned to provide a separate WC and a dedicated laundry room with discreet access from the kitchen. The guest bedroom suite was retained, ensuring continued flexibility for visitors.
At first floor level, new dormers were carefully detailed to match the existing brickwork and roof tiles. Consequently, the extensions sit comfortably within the conservation area setting. Underused eaves space was transformed into a spacious master bedroom suite. The distinctive cruciform roof form remains expressed as an architectural feature, with integrated storage incorporated within the structure. This approach preserves the character of the Victorian home while enhancing usability for modern living.
THE RESULT
This light-filled Victorian home renovation in Reigate balances conservation sensitivity with modern living requirements. By carefully reconfiguring the internal layout and adding dormer extensions, we improved natural light, circulation and functionality – while respecting the Wray Common Conservation Area context.
OUR CLIENT'S COMMENTS
“We used Reigate Architects to design/draw/get planning approval for our 100+ year old house in a conservation area.
We had a great experience, and Reigate Architects offered design suggestions that we would never have thought of ourselves. They also listened to our requirements and produced the design we wanted – it didn’t feel like a cookie cutter response and balanced or desire to keep the personality of the house while improving it! Their familiarity with the local planning office in terms of knowing what options were even plausible was also invaluable. Thoroughly pleasant and successful experience – happy to recommend!”
– Fergus B
