Hertfordshire House was built in the 18^th century and designated a Grade II listed building in 1958. Proposals served by three separate applications focused upon a new access and hardstanding; repairs to the main house; and the creation of a ‘secret’ garden.

Therefore the site’s recent planning history evidences numerous, ultimately successful efforts to preserve the historic built form of the site and enhance its setting, principally by means of appropriate design approaches that support usage of a contemporary standard.

These include the development of a new driveway, roadways, path, and grass grid system to the north of the site to allow and aid the easier access of vehicles. The application concerning the site’s access and hardstanding was approved on the 11^th October 2023.

The existing windows and French doors of the main house were also considerably deteriorated, and proposals sought to replace these elements whilst reusing original surviving glass where possible. This application was approved on the 11^th January 2024.

A garden with raised fountain, ponds, waterways and walks was then proposed for the residential, non-working parts of the grounds, utilising materials intentionally reflecting the colours, tones and textures of the listed building.