Award-winning home and countryside views; Alison Jones reports on a countryside home with a large extension that delighted planners in the Malvern Hills.

Byline: Alison Jones

Most extensions usually go uncelebrated by anyone other that then house owner that requested them, the builder responsible, who can feel proud of a job well done and potential house buyers who are looking for a little extra space in their new home.

In the case of Ayngstree House in Clifton-upon-Teme, the Malvern Hills District Council were so impressed by the addition to the original stone house that they gave it a "Built in Quality" award in 2007, to the delighted surprise of the Tromans family who were living there.

"It wasn't something I was aware that they did," said Steve Tromans. "The planning authority had been very co-operative and it was the building control people who put us forward for the award.

"I think they gave them for various categories and we fell into the category of large extension."

Large it certainly is, adding another "wing" to the existing house, but whereas that is a solid stone structure with - in comparison to the extension - smallish windows, the enhancement was oak framed doors wrapping round most of the ground "We realised we couldn't match it so it is a contrast," said Steve. "It actually marries in with the Dutch barn that is on the site as well."

The reasons the Tromans embarked on such an ambitious scheme after buying the house in the early Noughties was because they felt the stone house, which dates back to the 1850s, was oriented the wrong way.

"The living accommodation was on the north side. We wanted to make the most of the views which are to the south side of the property. The Teme Valley really is fantastic."

Russ Overs, an architect based in Great Barr just outside Walsall, was appointed to come up with the design.

"I have known Russ for many years," said Steve, who trained as a chartered surveyor.

"He is very creative and was happy to get involved. We had lots of ideas that we threw at him. We got inspiration from cycling round the Worcestershire countryside and seeing other properties that'd had extensions done."

There was also some modernisation work necessary in the original house.

"I think the previous owners had done it in the early 70s and it hadn't changed since then. It was all avocado suites and that sort of thing.

"We also took the roof off because it had concrete tiles, which were completely inappropriate, and replaced them with handmade clay tiles."

The kitchen/family room and the drawing room/dining room straddle the old and new parts of the house.

Both are wonderfully open spaces. The former has a high spec kitchen with black coloured units with granite work surfaces over. There is a central island as well as a breakfast bar. Integrated appliances include fridges, a dishwasher and a microwave as well as a two oven Aga with two hot plates and three sinks.

An exposed timber frame runs partly through the centre of the room dividing the kitchen from the family area. This has an French double doors that open out into the terrace.

adds a feeling of warmth while the large a raised stone hearth produces it. This also has return glazed windows with French doors and single doors that lead out to the terrace.

All the windows, including the Iroko hard wood sash windows in the original part of the house, are argon gas double glazed, ensuring the interior remains snug.

room, study, boot room, utility and guest master bedroom one can wake up to views across the valley through the French double doors out to the Juliet balcony. The suite has a shower room.

There is a second bedroom in the extension which is similar in style, its French double doors offering west facing views of the countryside.

There are three further double bedrooms, -has a free-standing claw foot roll top bath and a separate shower, while the other has a cast iron bath with shower over.

In the grounds further accommodation is included in the form of Mill Cottage. This is a redundant cider mill that has been converted into a two-bedroom cottage, ideal as self-contained guest accommodation or for letting.

The stone base of the old mill wheel has been retained and turned into a feature in the open plan living space, with the kitchen constructed round it. It includes an integrated oven and grill, sinks and an unusual three ring ceramic hob.

and the galleried landing above the lower with a door leading to a stone staircase outside, and a bathroom.

The traditional barn has a workshop at with phone and broadband connections.

There is also a triple garage.

Terracing wraps round most of the house and there is a heated outdoor swimming pool with Flovo counter current. The gardens and grounds cover 1.55 acres and include gently sloping lawns and fruit trees in the south western part of the garden.

The Tromans have decided to move to be closer to their children's senior schools and sporting commitments.

"It will break my heart to sell," said Steve, "It is very comfortable here."

Ayngstree House is just two miles from Clifton village centre and 11 from Worcester. It has a guide price of pounds 1,250,000 and is being sold by Knight Frank. For details call 01905 723438.