Double Storey Extension in a Conservation Area, York

A Timeless Double Storey Extension in a Conservation Area, York

This riverside property in Nether Poppleton is one of our most enduring projects—a double storey extension in a conservation area that received full planning approval from the City of York Council and has stood the test of time for over twenty years.

Originally two separate cottages, our brief was to create a single, generous family home that could grow with its owners. By carefully designing this double storey extension, we unlocked the full potential of its riverside setting while seamlessly blending the architecture with strict local heritage guidelines.

Navigating York Conservation Area & Grade II Listed Constraints

The site presented two significant architectural and planning constraints:

The property sits within the highly protected Nether Poppleton Conservation Area.
The site is located immediately adjacent to a Grade II listed building.

Gaining planning approval required an architectural design that was demonstrably sympathetic to the historic character of the street and its listed neighbour. We achieved this through careful material selection and a highly considered approach to scale and massing.

Sympathetic Material Selection & Structural Honesty

Externally, western red cedar cladding was chosen as the primary finish. This natural material beautifully complements the reclaimed brickwork of the original period property without competing with it. To preserve the heritage of the home, original features—including traditional mosaic flooring and bespoke sash windows—were meticulously retained and restored throughout.

Internally, exposed laminated Glulam beams give the extension a warm, structural honesty that bridges the old and new fabric of the building.

Maximising River Ouse Views & Natural Light

Large, natural timber-framed glazing across the rear elevation of the extension maximises the remarkable views over the River Ouse. This design choice ensures the home makes the most of the westerly evening sun from every living area, merging indoor comfort with the surrounding natural beauty.

Expert Architects for York Conservation Area Projects

This project attracted widespread coverage from the Yorkshire Post and remains one of our favourite examples of what patient, well-argued architectural design can achieve in sensitive historic settings.

If you are considering a double storey extension in a York conservation area—or planning a project adjacent to a listed building—we have the architectural expertise and proven planning track record to bring your vision to life.

Get in touch with our team today to discuss your project.

Front elevation of Georgian cottage on Main Street, Nether Poppleton conservation area York, showing original brick facade, sash windows and wrought iron railings

Aerial view showing River Ouse, full plot and double storey extension in Nether Poppleton conservation area York, with natural pool and riverside garden

Cedar-clad double storey extension with full-height glazed gable and sliding doors, Nether Poppleton conservation area, York

View from the River Ouse of double storey extension in Nether Poppleton conservation area York, with private mooring and riverside setting

Rear elevation of double storey extension in conservation area, Nether Poppleton York, with natural swimming pool, cedar cladding and full-height glazed gable

Double storey extension in Nether Poppleton conservation area York at dusk, with cedar cladding, glazed gable, natural swimming pool and lily pond in foreground

Landscaped rear garden with herbaceous borders and double storey glazed extension, Nether Poppleton conservation area York

Rear terrace of double storey extension in Nether Poppleton conservation area York, with glazed gable, balcony, outdoor dining and landscaped garden

Principal bedroom in period property extension York with floor-to-ceiling glazing, balcony and views over natural swimming pool and open countryside

Principal bedroom inside double storey extension in York with vaulted timber ceiling, full-height glazed gable and countryside views, Nether Poppleton

En suite bathroom in period property extension York with marble twin basins, geometric tiling and brass fittings

Double bedroom in converted period property in Nether Poppleton York with vaulted ceiling, skylights and original sash window

View from first floor balcony of double storey extension over landscaped garden and natural pool, Nether Poppleton conservation area York

Landscaped riverside garden with natural swimming pool viewed from double storey extension balcony, Nether Poppleton York

Riverside decking with sun loungers beside natural swimming pool, period property extension in Nether Poppleton York with open countryside beyond

Bespoke timber kitchen with marble island in period property extension, Nether Poppleton York, with herringbone brick floor and garden beyond

Dining room in period property extension in York with floor-to-ceiling glazed wall framing open countryside and natural pool views, Nether Poppleton conservation area

Open plan dining room inside period property extension in York, with full-width sliding glazed doors opening to the garden and herringbone brick floor

Open plan kitchen and dining room in double storey extension, Nether Poppleton York, with marble island, herringbone brick floor and full-width glazing to rear garden

Outdoor loggia with open fireplace and York stone terrace adjacent to period property extension, Nether Poppleton York

Glazed gable double storey extension adjoining original Victorian brick cottage in Nether Poppleton conservation area, York, with village roofscape beyond

Glazed gable of double storey extension in York conservation area reflected in natural pool, original Georgian brick cottage behind, Nether Poppleton

Double storey extension in Nether Poppleton conservation area York shortly after completion, showing glazed gable, cedar cladding and slate roof alongside original brick outbuilding