Designing within the South Downs National Park — especially with Grade II listed buildings — demands sensitivity, collaboration and a deep respect for context. At REAFE STUDIO, our recent projects in Lewes and the surrounding landscape, including 29 Friars Walk, No.1 Windover Crescent, Bluebell Cottage and No.1A Mount Place, demonstrate how thoughtful design can preserve heritage while enabling contemporary living. By working closely with conservation officers, engaging early in the planning process, and using a landscape-led approach, we create architecture that sits comfortably within its setting. Each project balances history, craftsmanship and modern functionality to enhance both home and place.

Bluebell Cottage is a uniquely characterful woodland home on a historic green lane north of Lewes. Once a small woodsman’s cottage, it evolved into a patchwork of four mismatched extensions with poor light and flow. REAFE STUDIO’s redesign retains the original horseshoe footprint while replacing a low-quality infill with a light-filled modern structure centred around an internal picture garden. The exterior will be reclad in black Viroc boards, creating subtle “shadow architecture” that blends into the woodland. A new Craig Ellwood–inspired garden-facing extension introduces warm materials, exposed timber and expansive glazing to frame the surrounding landscape.