Bringing country living to life

Whether it is the entire delivery of a new country home, remodelling an existing house, or converting farm buildings - the design, planning and execution of a project can be one of the most interesting and rewarding developments to undertake.

From concept to creation, we approach individual country home projects with a philosophy rooted in a deep respect for our natural environment, effective communication, and excellent client care.

Here is a glimpse into the philosophy that guides us in what we do best.

Homes rooted in their surroundings

We interpret the client’s vision to deliver a home that reflects their personal taste, lifestyle, and aspirations. We work with clients who have ambitious ideas and translate these into deliverable projects that respond to practical constraints - whether budgetary, environmental, planning or regulatory, as well as the opportunities afforded by rural settings.

Every country house we create is individual, and our designs are not dictated by a particular style or template. We respond to the context of each location - the setting, materials, and vernacular influences - ensuring the final design is as distinctive as the landscape itself.

We work alongside our clients and other professionals to find creative solutions that balance these constraints, ensuring every project is both beautiful and deliverable.

Planning for success

Whilst the design process is an opportunity for creative thinking, so too is obtaining planning consent for country homes. In England, we have a very urban-centric planning policy system with strict development management controls. A carefully considered planning strategy is therefore a critical ingredient in the success of a project.

We work through every aspect of the process – from critically selecting the right site, to defining the design vision and the planning strategy for its delivery. We provide planning, architectural and landscape design services, and project management services throughout every stage of the development, from concept to completion.

Each site comes with its own set of planning considerations, from protected landscapes and heritage buildings to its relationship to and with existing settlements, public and private access, infrastructure, habitats, and views. By considering the planning strategy from the beginning and critically responding to the characteristics of the site, we have been able to obtain consent for homes of varying styles and scales in some beautiful, but tricky locations.

Landscape-led philosophy

We know a building cannot be considered in isolation; it must respond to its setting. We seek to blur the boundaries between architecture and landscape, creating a powerful and harmonious relationship between the two.

Rural landscapes have inspired some of the most iconic country houses in history. Our designs draw on this long tradition of the English country house, yet we approach each project with a modern sensibility.

Before we even begin to sketch a design, we immerse ourselves in understanding the place where the property will stand, to create a home that will complement and enhance the environments in which it sits.

As well as the aesthetics of landscape, we prioritise nature – protecting, improving, and creating habitats as part of our approach to both garden design and enhancements to the wider landscape setting.

Authenticity in design, at any scale

Every home we design is crafted with a deep commitment to quality and timelessness. A country home project might be a mansion house in scale or something more modest in size, but equally ambitious. It could be contemporary or traditional, or a blend of both – the point is, we focus on creating homes that resonate emotionally with their owners.

We understand a beautiful home must also be practical. It is not always simply about visual appeal – it must be functional, comfortable, and a true reflection of the people who live in it.

Resilient and regenerative thinking

As well as design that delivers impact aesthetically, we aim to maximise energy and water efficiency and minimise environmental impact. We make sure every project is both environmentally responsible and in harmony with its surroundings.

We design to enrich the land, reduce energy consumption, and create homes that are future proof for generations to come. From Passivhaus standards and careful selection of materials, we apply innovative principles, so these homes deliver optimum environmental standards.

Commitment to client care and team working

We listen closely to our clients, draw out their ideas and vision, and translate them into a design, with professionalism and care.

Our approach is centred around collaboration – with the client, as a multi-disciplinary service provider, and with the wider project team. Some of these projects can be years in the making, so a good working relationship and information flow throughout the entire project team is crucial.

Seamless service delivery

If you have an aspiration for an individual country home, we can help – from selecting the right site, to shaping the design concept and planning strategy. We provide full planning, architecture, landscape architecture, consultancy and client management.

With proven expertise in the delivery of landmark developments in outstanding settings, and the ability to offer all the core services required for the delivery of an individual country home in-house, our offer is exclusive.

Get in touch

To discuss a project or request a copy of our Individual Country Homes portfolio please email info@ruralsolutions.co.uk or call us on 01756 797501.

View our projects to see examples pf country homes on which we have worked.