Before you pick up the phone merely at the sight of the images on this page – and we wouldn't blame you if you did – we'd best warn you of one thing: these are architect's computer-generated renderings rather than photographs of a house which has already been built. After looking long and hard, we've become convinced that the reason they look so real isn't just a testament to digital wizardry: it's also a measure of just how right these plans look for this slice of woodland.
The woodland in question is a seven-and-a-half acre plot in the Gloucestershire village of Ewen, just under four miles from Cirencester. And those plans absolutely have to be right, for this is no ordinary plot with planning permission: what has been granted here is what's known as 'Paragraph 55' planning permission.
Paragraph 55 allows building in rural spots where otherwise no development would be allowed. It's generally only given for three of the four permissible reasons: the saving of a 'heritage asset', the re-use of an existing farm building, or the creation of a home for an agricultural worker.
The fourth category, as you might guess, is the one that this home falls into: permission for newly-proposed buildings of such exceptional merit that an exception is made. The building has to both fit into and enhance its surroundings, meet the highest architectural standards and seek to push forward the state of the art in rural home building – in terms of practicality, sustainability and design.
Needless to say, that's quite a high bar, and Paragraph 55 permission is notoriously difficult to obtain. Here, however, the plans by Hawkes Architecture have gone through safely, and approval has been granted for a 4,200 sq ft home raised above the woodland floor, with floor-to-ceiling windows framed in wood that blends into the surroundings.
The planned house has five bedrooms – including a master bedroom in one of the curved ends of the house – as well as a lounge, dining room and study. There's also a small downstairs area at the entrance, which includes a boot room and plant room as well as a lift to the main floor above.
Credit: Knight Frank
A Scottish castle for sale that comes with amazing history, a pub and Europe's largest treehouse
Ackergill Tower is a fascinating place in a beautiful spot, where 15th century architecture and 21st century entertaining meet a
The Berkshire home with the ultimate treehouse in the garden
Springdale boasts a garden ideal for keeping the whole family entertained.
The £1,000 cat treehouse, and other extraordinary animal homes
The world's most pampered chickens are living in more style than you ever thought possible.
-
An utterly charming island home in Scotland with gardens so beautiful they made the cover of Country LifeAn Cala on the Isle of Seil has a fascinating history that is only enhanced by its amazing setting.
-
The legacy od Dad's ArmyKate Green takes a look at Dad’s Army, the iconic BBC sitcom written by David Croft and Jimmy Perry.
-
An utterly charming island home in Scotland with gardens so beautiful they made the cover of Country Life
An Cala on the Isle of Seil has a fascinating history that is only enhanced by its amazing setting.
-
Soft tones and a sense of place: A Mayfair duplex that breaks the modern mouldA new designer-led residence at 60 Curzon in Mayfair reminds us that everything new doesn't necessarily have to look it.
-
'The very best North Yorkshire has to offer': The £25 million Kirkham EstateWith 1,103 acres and on the market for the first time in a century, we've got a new frontrunner for the sale of the year.
-
The reality of 20 years of house price rises in Britain, from the places that have had a charmed life to the spots where it's a struggle to move back homeAt first glance the ups and downs of the property market seem to even out over time — but dig in to the numbers and you'll see wild regional variations which paint a very difference picture. Annabel Dixon analyses new research which tells the story.
-
A historic Yorkshire hall, meticulously restored to its former 18th-century magnificenceWomersley Park is a masterpiece and one of Yorkshire's great historic houses. And it could be yours.
-
Rowing past dreams: An idyllic riverside home with a boathouse, croquet pitch and Olympic pedigreeThe Manor in Long Wittenham is a perfect Thames-side getaway. Comes with a free boat.
-
A bucolic Sussex home that's 'like stepping into a fairytale', yet just 30 minutes from central LondonFelmere House is a playground for nature and only 30 minutes from London.
-
Magnificent mansions across the Home Counties, from £3 million to £14 million, as seen in Country LifeA waterside dream home and a house and estate with over 1,100 years of history make our round-up this week.
