An extended Victorian house with clever kids study space and a covetable spa retreat

THE PROPERTY

(Image credit: Image credit: Neil Dusheiko Architects / Photography: Edmund Sumner)

A semi-detached Victorian house in a South Cambridge conservation area, with a modern rear and loft extension. The modern home has an open kitchen/dining area, sitting room, study, kids study area, 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, plus a gym, sauna and spa area at the end of the garden.

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As if they could see into the future, high on the agenda for the owners of this home was a home working space for each of them, plus a home schooling area for their three children.

Next up was to build an outdoor leisure space at the end of their garden to house a gym, sauna and spa area.

Neil Dusheiko Architects designed the extension, which envelopes the existing house, and features a series of skylights creating an abundance of natural light inside the home.

Outside, the new garden, designed by landscape designer, Jane Brockbank, links the house with the ‘Dark Spa’ a secluded retreat at the foot of the garden.

KITCHEN AND DINING AREA

(Image credit: Image credit: Neil Dusheiko Architects / Photography: Edmund Sumner)

The north facing rear extension is naturally illuminated by two huge skylights and a bank of floor-to-ceiling glass doors.

Slim handcrafted Petersen Kolumba brick complements the original yellow stock brick of the original structure and is combined with warm parquet timber flooring. 

(Image credit: Image credit: Neil Dusheiko Architects / Photography: Edmund Sumner)

Sleek white surfaces and pale Scandinavian style timber cabinetry make for a thoroughly modern and minimal kitchen yet the texture keeps it warm.

(Image credit: Image credit: Neil Dusheiko Architects / Photography: Edmund Sumner)

Rows of directional spot lights provide extra illumination in the evenings.

Views of the garden provide a worthwhile distraction.

(Image credit: Image credit: Neil Dusheiko Architects / Photography: Edmund Sumner)

See Also: The 15 best modern kitchen ideas - stylish, smart and chic

KIDS STUDY ZONE

(Image credit: Image credit: Neil Dusheiko Architects / Photography: Edmund Sumner)

Discreetly hidden behind doors is this fabulous childrens' study area. Each of the couple's three kids has their own desk and storage area that can be customised as they grow.   

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(Image credit: Image credit: Neil Dusheiko Architects / Photography: Edmund Sumner)

Once they've finished their school work, the doors can be closed and class dismissed.

There's even a cute kids' cloakroom area for their coats, bags and shoes.

(Image credit: Image credit: Neil Dusheiko Architects / Photography: Edmund Sumner)

LIVING ROOM

(Image credit: Image credit: Neil Dusheiko Architects / Photography: Edmund Sumner)

The pale timber parquet flooring continues through to the original part of the property, where beautiful original architectural features abound. Soothing green paintwork and vintage leather chairs exude a relaxed air.

GARDEN SPA

(Image credit: Image: Neil Dusheiko Architects/ Photography: Edmund Sumner)

When all the home working and home schooling is done, the couple like to retreat to the spa garden room. Surrounded by trees and dappled light, the Sapele timber clad space is complete with gym, sauna, Japanese soaking tub, meditation room, shower and changing room. 

We'd say this is the perfect lockdown lair.

(Image credit: Image: Neil Dusheiko Architects/ Photography: Edmund Sumner)

See Also: 20 Garden Room Ideas - From Chic Sheds To Garden Offices & Garden Spas

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