INKSPACE delivered the full architectural refurbishment and interior reconfiguration of Beaulieu Cottage, a detached family home nestled within the New Forest National Park. The project transformed an outdated layout into a cohesive, light-filled residence that celebrates craftmanship, materiality and its woodland setting.
Designed for a young couple relocating from London, the brief sought a serene, permanent family home that would harmoniously integrate with the surrounding landscape while supporting a relaxed lifestyle shared with their two dogs.
Our approach focused on reimagining spatial flow, maximising natural light, and strengthening the relationship between interior and landscape. The new plan establishes an open, flexible living environment defined by clear sightlines and a calm, natural palette that connects the home visually and physically to the garden and forest beyond.
Externally, the cottage’s traditional character was retained, complemented by subtle architectural interventions. Windows were sensitively replaced, and the main entrance relocated to the side, opening into a dramatic doubleheight hallway featuring a sweeping timber staircase, statement pendant lighting, and a central roof light that draws daylight deep into the heart of the home.
On the ground floor, spaces were reconfigured to form a continuous living, kitchen, dining and snug area that encourages fluid, indoor-outdoor living. Expansive bi-fold doors frame woodland views and extend the interior outward, blurring the boundaries between house and landscape. A formal study at the front of the home provides a tranquil workspace with inspiring forest vistas.
Upstairs, the previously fragmented layout of landings and corridors was reimagined to create a more open and functional arrangement. The master suite now occupies the front of the house, complete with en-suite bathroom, dressing area, and preserved curved Arts & Crafts window surrounds framing the forest beyond. Two additional bedrooms and a family bathroom provide practical yet cosy accommodation for family life.
The interior character is defined by materiality and crafted detailing. Natural timber, considered joinery, and a restrained tonal palette create warmth, tactility and continuity throughout. Sustainability is integral to the home’s design. An air source heat pump draws renewable heat from the surrounding air, providing year-round comfort while significantly reducing energy bills and carbon emissions.
Construction began in Summer 2024 and concluded in Autumn 2025. INKSPACE guided the project from concept and feasibility, navigated through permitted development, detailed design, procurement and on-site delivery, ensuring the design intent was realised with precision. The result is a quietly confident home that unites modern living with the enduring beauty and craft of its forest setting.
Having joined the INKSPACE team in Summer 2024, Andrea is responsible for the smooth running of our busy design studio. She supports Lauren and the INKSPACE team with the day-to-day operations of the practice and is always on hand to chat with potential new clients about their project.
Andrea has always had a love for design and over her 30-year career has gained experience as a Personal Assistant and Office Manager to Senior Management within the industry.
Andrea studied and gained the London Chamber of Commerce Private Secretary’s Certificate at Poole Technical College as well as A Level Business studies. She brings her diverse commercial experience to the studio, along with her exceptional organisational skills to aid the steady growth and evolution of INKSPACE.
When she is not in the studio, Andrea sings with a Poole based choir and has a passion for charity work. She also has a love for classic cars and motorbikes!
Tensi as she likes to be called, joined the team as a Senior Architectural Designer in Spring 2024. She has worked in the UK for the last 17 years.
Tensi’s home country is Venezuela. Graduating and qualifying as an Architect from The University Central of Venezuela and furthering her education, here in the UK, achieving a Masters Degree in Interiors at Bournemouth University.
With her Architectural qualification and Masters in Interior Design, she has a wealth of technical knowledge, and a sound grasp of architectural space, form and aesthetics.
Her multicultural background has broadened her understanding of universal design, styles and influences her outlook in design, adding another dimension to her skills.
Her passion for architecture is clear to see and she loves the whole design process, from briefings with the client to following through with the technical and interior stages.
When Tensi is out of the office, she loves salsa dance, food and friends.
With over 15 years post qualification experience, William has worked across a variety of sectors at all job stages. During his time in practice, he has worked on a broad selection of complex projects, working with extensive design teams.
He is familiar with developing and responding to multifaceted briefs, and has delivered masterplans, new buildings and challenging refurbishments, at a variety of scales, from large multimillion pound schemes through to modest domestic extensions. William also has experience working with historic listed properties.
William is a strong communicator, recognising that good design comes from a collaborative approach. Able and proven as a thoughtful team player, he will always listen carefully and aims to be considered and enabling. He enjoys greatly building the positive relationships that enable a successful architectural process and outcome.
Outside of practice, William is a keen gardener, enjoys being in the kitchen and travelling with his young family. Having always been keen on drawing, he regularly adds to his sketchbooks.
Joining INKSPACE in Spring 2024, Charlotte is a natural creative who combines her artistic talents, model making skills and keen eye for detail to craft meticulously designed architectural moments. These creations are centred on materiality, rich in narrative and infused with purpose.
Charlotte considers herself to be an aspiring multi-faceted architect with experience in a range of architectural sectors namely residential, commercial, urban lighting and community-based projects. She thrives on collaborative work and, with her diverse experiences, can influence and enhance project briefs, design concepts and proposals. Always keen to progress and seek new challenges, Charlotte is soon to begin her Part 3 studies.
Outside the studio, Charlotte enjoys gardening, crafting and visiting galleries or the theatre. She is a marvellous baker of cakes which, she balances with her love for spin classes, coastal walks and trail running.
Neil Burton is a qualified and experienced architect who has worked with a wide range of clients and consultants across all work stages. His project experience includes commercial & industrial, healthcare, education, retail & leisure, housing, conservation, domestic conversions and extensions.
Neil is passionate about architecture that combines innovative design with intelligent use of natural resources, supported by a second Diploma in Energy Efficient Building from Oxford Brookes University.
Neil approaches all client projects with creative flair and sound technical expertise. He prides himself on his ability to listen carefully and design thoughtfully throughout the whole process. His open-minded and approachable character enables him to develop positive working relationships, which are critical in delivering successful projects.
Neil juggles his spare time between home renovations and enjoying the great outdoors with his family. He is currently pursuing a personal goal to become a self-taught guitarist (trying to keep up with his talented musical son!).
Lauren graduated from the Welsh School of Architecture, Cardiff University and later studied at the School of the Built Environment, University of Westminster. Lauren soon established herself working as a Chartered Architect specialising in educational building design, before working on residential developments in London. In recent years, Lauren has developed a wealth of knowledge in the private residential sector, and has designed and delivered numerous bespoke properties across the South Coast of England and the New Forest National Park.
Lauren has a flair and passion for her work, placing the client’s needs and dreams at the forefront of the design process and has become known for her creative and empathetic building solutions. She believes that the most successful projects are those where careful and detailed development of the brief enables a simple, yet effective design concept to be realised throughout the design and construction process.
When not in the studio or out on site, Lauren can be found running along the coast path, swimming in the sea or drinking white wine at the beach hut! Lauren also has a love for ceramics and enjoys collecting bespoke pieces of art.
