From Conservatory to Kitchen: Transforming a 450-Year-Old Listed Home

Bespoke Stella rooflights bring light and space to Grade II Listed property.

When homeowner Helen Vollmer set out to replace an ageing conservatory at Rooks Orchard in Little Wittenham, Oxfordshire, her ambition was to create a stunning new kitchen that would become the heart of her 450-year-old Grade II listed home. Like many conservatories, the existing structure was uncomfortable for much of the year – too hot during the summer and too cold throughout the winter. Despite occupying a prominent position within the property, it was rarely used to its full potential.

Working alongside her project team, Helen secured Listed Building Consent to remove the conservatory and replace it with a beautifully crafted oak-framed extension featuring a zinc roof. A key objective was to maximise natural daylight while creating a space that remained sympathetic to the character and heritage of the historic building. To achieve this, the new extension incorporates two bespoke electrically opening Stella Conservation Rooflights.

 

A Truly Bespoke Solution

Finding the right rooflights proved challenging.

Helen wanted rooflights that would complement the traditional character of the property while integrating perfectly with the structure of the new oak frame. In particular, the glazing bars needed to align precisely with the oak rafters to create a balanced and harmonious appearance. After exploring the options available, she found that Stella Rooflight was the only manufacturer able to deliver the bespoke design she required.

“We wanted a bespoke solution and Stella were the only company that could make exactly what we wanted. The glazing bars needed to be positioned in line with the rafters and that level of customisation was really important to us.”

Each rooflight was manufactured to the exact dimensions and specification required for the project, ensuring a seamless fit within the extension’s striking zinc roof.

 

Same Footprint. Completely Different Space.

Today, the extension serves as a stunning kitchen and family living space, flooded with natural daylight from above. One of the most remarkable aspects of the project is that the new extension occupies exactly the same footprint as the conservatory it replaced. Despite this, visitors regularly assume the room has been enlarged.

The reason is simple: light.

The rooflights, along with large pair of wrap around bifold doors, draw daylight deep into the interior, creating a bright, open atmosphere that makes the room feel significantly larger than before. According to Helen, the transformation has been dramatic.

“People always ask how much bigger the extension is, but the footprint is exactly the same as the old conservatory. It simply feels much bigger because of the amount of light coming into the room through the rooflights.”

The result is a spacious, welcoming kitchen that can be enjoyed throughout the year and has become a central part of family life.

 

Designed for Heritage Properties

As with all Stella Rooflights, the units supplied to Rooks Orchard were manufactured from marine-grade 316L stainless steel and finished in a textured RAL7037 Dusty Grey powder coating to complement the zinc roof covering. Internally, bespoke Tulipwood liners along with a client specified paint finish that works beautifully alongside the exposed oak frame,.

The concealed electric opening mechanism allows effortless ventilation while preserving the clean lines of the rooflight design. Integrated rain sensors automatically close the rooflights during adverse weather, providing additional peace of mind.

The project demonstrates how carefully designed conservation rooflights can successfully bridge the gap between historic architecture and modern living, delivering exceptional levels of natural light while respecting the character of a listed building.

 

Service Beyond Installation

Reflecting on the project, Helen was equally complimentary about the support provided by Stella throughout the process. “Paul and Arthur were incredibly helpful throughout the whole project. From the initial enquiry through to completion, the service was excellent and they were always on hand to answer questions and offer advice.” Helen added: “We’re absolutely delighted with the finished result and would definitely recommend Stella Rooflight to anyone looking for a bespoke rooflight solution.”

 

Project Specification

Property: Rooks Orchard, Little Wittenham, Abingdon, Oxfordshire

Building Type: Grade II Listed House (circa 450 years old)

Project: Replacement of existing conservatory with bespoke oak-framed kitchen extension

Roof Covering: Zinc

Rooflight Type: Stella Conservation Rooflight (Metal Roof Design)

Quantity: 2

Construction

• 316L Marine Grade Stainless Steel

• Single Outer Frame

• Single Opening Casement

• Concealed Electric Actuation

Dimensions

• Clear Viewable Size: 1555mm (w) x 800mm (h)

• Internal Rafter Size: 1705mm (w) x 1080mm (h)

Glazing Configuration

• 2 Genuine Glazing Bars

• 3 Double Glazed Units

Finish

• Textured RAL7037 Dusty Grey Powder Coat

Glazing Specification

• 4mm Toughened BioClean Natura Self-Clean Solar Control Glass

• 16mm Black Warm Edge Spacer with Argon Gas Fill

• 6.8mm Laminated Inner Pane

Internal Finish

• Tulipwood Liner, painted in Little Greene Shirting (129)

Ventilation

• KA66 TW1 Cill Mounted Chain Drives

• 350mm Opening Stroke

• Control Panel

• Wall Switches

• Automatic Rain Sensor

The Result

By replacing an outdated conservatory with a beautifully crafted oak-framed kitchen extension, Helen has transformed an underused space into the centrepiece of her home. The two bespoke Stella Conservation Rooflights flood the room with natural daylight, creating a bright and welcoming environment that feels far larger than its footprint would suggest.

For Helen, the result is exactly what she hoped to achieve: a beautiful new kitchen that combines contemporary comfort with the timeless character of a 450-year-old listed property. https://stellarooflight.co.uk