Lower Ponthendre

Lower Ponthendre is the rescue and refurbishment of a series of ancient stone barns in Herefordshire, creating a home for photographer Tif Hunter and his wife Leanne. The Grade II listed complex, comprising a stable, cow byre and threshing barn dating from the early 17th century, had stood empty for decades and was close to dereliction when Tif purchased the property in 2017.

The buildings have been repurposed to provide flexible living accommodation while preserving their historic agricultural character. Original features such as the stable’s timber divisions and cobbled floors have been carefully conserved and reinstated, while new interventions – from contemporary cladding to a long rooflight framing views of the Black Mountains – are clearly expressed yet sympathetic to the site’s heritage.

The plan is split into two parts, allowing the house to expand or contract depending on whether Tif and Leanne are alone or hosting guests. A new building, Black Barn, was introduced to manage bat mitigation and provide utility spaces, garage and a guest studio.

Completed in 2023 after two years on site, Lower Ponthendre reflects a close collaboration between the client and the design team, and stands as a testament to craftsmanship, conservation and adaptive reuse.