In your stated dilemma you say you want to use the space efficiently- I suspect that if you were really after efficiency you wouldn’t be building a double height room. Perhaps you are just not sure that the planned layout works for your lifestyle in which case you need to think about what you are unhappy with for Houzzers to suggest a solution.

If it were my house I think I would probably to things differently because it does seem like most guests would enter the front door and then go downstairs to the largest room. If it were my house I wouldn’t excavate as you are planning- instead I would have two basement guest rooms and shower. I would take advantage of the height and grandness of the entrance level with a dining room with the front bay a kitchen one storey up from your planned kitchen position and a new large reception with direct access to the garden. I think I might also want to try and keep side access unless you also have rear access.

Thank you Jonathan. I agree double height isn't efficient use of space at all but I think it would truly be a stand out feature of the house. I guess I believe having the entire extension double height maybe too much (15ftx15ft), if we were to just have the dining table area double height.I wasn't sure if it'd have the same captivating effect.

Secondly I had no idea how to organise/structure the space in the basement so it'd tie in seamlessly. So personal suggestions on that would really help.

If you want impact then I would have a high ceiling in a larger area rather than a smaller dining area only. And I have no doubt it will look amazing and being dug down also helps with privacy.

For me though the impact of a double height space is reduced when it is attached to the less grand lower ground floor space, when you have to go downstairs to get to it and when a lot of it is dug into the garden. Instead consider having a ground level extension- you could still have it two storey although I think 1 1/2 will still have impact

Looks like a great house. 👌

Out of pure curiosity, any chance of a pic from the frontage? 😊

Here you go E D 😀

Hi, i like the vaulted ceiling height as its something I've seen in a previous london victorian and it worked well. I wouldn't know how to draw it out but looks like you're on the right tracks.

I'm in need of more suggestions please

I guess the solution will depend upon what

Budget you have in mind

I have quite a extensive budget with this house as we got it at a great price.

It would suit a very modern solution , would you consider changing the heating system ?

Yes! I look to gut the entire property, new electrics, plumbing, windows almost everything.

Is

Is the house in a conservation area ?

No it isn't

Hi Raj, congratulations on your new home! Once you have decided on a layout, we can provide you with a budget cost estimate. If this is something of interest please send the plans and photos to hello@nestestimating.co.uk and we can provide you with a quote. The budget cost estimate provides a detailed breakdown of works and expenses as well as highlighting potential areas where you can save money

What is the orientation of the house ?

What is the depth of the house ?

Thank you very much for your support.The house is west facing and the orginal depth of the house is 32ft into the bay window, however that does not include the back extension we are looking to put in which would be an additional 18ft in depth and 24ft in width.

Raj,

I would say, don't start compromising at the design stage. You could perhaps re-arrange the double height living area / kitchen and lounge so that both the lounge and kitchen are light . I would make the kitchen more of a feature and perhaps have an island linking the cooking area of the kitchen and the eating area in the living space.

Look at getting more light down through the stair case/ landing.

Perahps there culd be two ceiling levels over the Living area, one 'vaulted' and the other flat.

I hin the proportions of the extension could be devised to work better with the exiting plan and rear elevation

A great project which will indeed be stunning when complete !

thank you sooo much for your advice, sounds great. could I please ask for a little sketch of what you have said. Just In case I missed interpreted it.

Hi Raj,
I think a double height over the living room would be great. Not sure if you have already, but since you have an extensive budget I would recommend employing a reputable architect to do your house justice.

Hi Raj,

Huge congratulations on your purchase! Half way done I suppose towards the final dream home:)

If it's the whole house that you are considering gutting and remodelling, a holistic approach would be needed to make the best use of the full footprint and then you can decide having that dramatic space is worth it or not. It feels like you may consider getting help from a designer just to do a feasibility study with some internal massing models/views for you to fully understand the volumes better and assess what exactly matters the most to you.

Hope this makes sense. If you need to speak to a professional, feel free to call me. No commitment, just a chat.

Cheers,

Tuba

Congratulations on the new home Raj. Have a look at this thread (the first of several) by Resh about his renovation. What he did is absolutely stunning. If the link doesn’t work just search for Resh on Houzz and you’ll find his threads. Well worth the read for inspiration.

https://www.houzz.co.uk/discussions/4802325/victorian-house-inspiration-please

thank you all your help.. keep them coming

This caught my eye just yesterday:

https://www.3144architects.com/project/corner-house/