A Thoughtful Revival of Victorian Elegance

Positioned on one of Low Fell’s most desirable streets, this property stands as a fine example of late-Victorian architecture: a home defined by its graceful proportions, traditional detailing, and timeless character. Set within a leafy neighbourhood that balances village charm with easy access to Gateshead and Newcastle, this residence offers the perfect canvas for this refined architectural enhancement by Acre Design.

The proposed design seeks to both preserve and elevate the home’s historic identity. Works include the sensitive refurbishment of the existing front dormer and the introduction of a new rear dormer, designed with a deep respect for the property’s original form. Every element – from the scale and symmetry to the choice of materials – has been carefully considered to ensure seamless integration with the existing architecture and the rhythm of the surrounding terrace.

While the interventions are subtle, their impact will be significant. The new dormer transforms the upper floor with an influx of natural light and improved spatial quality, enhancing the everyday experience of the home without compromising its period charm. The result is a design that quietly redefines the balance between heritage and modernity: a celebration of continuity, craftsmanship, and understated architectural refinement.

Nestled just seconds from the beach on Sunderland’s stunning coastline, this exceptional residence has been reimagined by Acre Design through a sophisticated two-storey side extension, a seamless single-storey rear addition, and a bespoke loft conversion. The design celebrates its enviable seaside setting, embracing light, views, and the tranquil rhythm of coastal living.

At ground level, a grand open-plan “super room” forms the heart of the home. This is an expansive, light-filled space uniting kitchen, dining, and living areas with effortless flow. Large-format glazing invites in the ever-changing coastal light, blurring the boundaries between interior comfort and the natural beauty beyond. Complementary spaces include an enviable yet discreet utility, guest cloakroom, and a flexible garage-gym, all carefully considered for modern family living.

On the first floor, elegant new bedrooms offer generous accommodation, while the loft is transformed into a luxurious master suite. This is now a serene, private retreat where the bed is oriented to capture uninterrupted sea views. Every element has been meticulously crafted to combine coastal elegance with contemporary comfort.

Developed through a close and collaborative design process, this project embodies refined seaside living. This is now a bespoke home that harmonises architecture, landscape, and lifestyle on Sunderland’s breath-taking shoreline.

At Acre Design, we specialise in helping clients achieve their dream homes, even when faced with the unique challenges of renovating historic properties. Carlton Terrace, located in the heart of Newcastle, is a prime example of how careful planning, collaboration, and attention to detail can breathe new life into a beautiful yet dated building.

The Client’s Vision

Our clients approached us with a clear goal: to transform their historic property into a home that preserved its character while incorporating modern functionality and style. They wanted a space that celebrated the building’s heritage but adapted to the needs of contemporary living.
We began the journey by exploring the full potential of the property, presenting detailed options that ranged from floor plan layouts to aesthetic considerations. Every aspect of the design was tailored to reflect the client’s aspirations while respecting the building’s listed status.

Our Process

Expertise in Planning & Listed Building Consent

Working with listed buildings means navigating a complex web of regulations. From obtaining listed building consent to crafting fire escape strategies, every decision required precision and sensitivity. Our extensive experience with historic properties ensured the process was smooth, and the outcome met both regulatory requirements and the client’s expectations.

Seamless Collaboration with Contractors

The success of Carlton Terrace wouldn’t have been possible without the skilled craftsmanship of Mount Fair Homes. By carefully selecting the right contractor, we guaranteed the exceptional quality this project demanded. Regular site visits, combined with thorough checks by our Quantity Surveyor, ensured the construction met our high standards while staying on schedule and within budget.

Hands-On Project Management

We believe great results come from continuous involvement. Throughout the project, we managed every detail, from coordinating with suppliers to overseeing the finishing touches. Our role extended beyond design and approvals—we ensured seamless communication between all stakeholders to deliver a truly extraordinary outcome.

The Transformation

Today, Carlton Terrace stands as a beacon of architectural elegance in Newcastle. The completed home perfectly balances the historic charm of its past with the sleek sophistication of modern design. Spacious, functional, and filled with character, the home is a true reflection of the client’s vision.
You can’t always buy a property that meets every need perfectly—sometimes, it takes a creative transformation to unlock its true potential. Carlton Terrace is a testament to what’s possible when expertise and passion come together.

Your Dream Home Awaits

Whether you’re looking to transform a historic property or customise a new-build to meet your family’s needs, Acre Design is here to guide you every step of the way. From initial design concepts to the final touches, we’re committed to creating homes that are not just functional but inspiring.

Click the link below to book a call with Karl, and take the first step toward realising your dream home. Explore how we can help you bring your vision to life—just as we did with Carlton Terrace.

Most of our clients come to us looking to achieve one of two goals: creating more bedroom space or designing an open-plan family room. This often involves a combined kitchen, dining, and living area, providing a space where the family can gather together.

After carefully exploring all options—including multiple floor plan layouts, mood boards, and presentations of architectural elements and interior design—the client chose to convert their attic space and extend the rear of their new build property. The quality achieved by My Fair Homes was exceptional, with the project completed on time and within budget.

Acre Design managed contract administration above and beyond our usual design and approval duties. We coordinated with building control and planning departments, organised structural calculations, and communicated with all other stakeholders throughout the design and build process, ensuring a seamless outcome.

The result is an extraordinary home. You can’t always buy a house that meets every need perfectly; sometimes, you need to extend and customise to create a place where your family can grow and thrive. For many of our clients, these projects create their “forever home” in a neighbourhood they love. Acre Design helps transform these houses into spaces that fulfil every wish, resulting in an outcome that’s greater than the sum of its parts.

If you live in a new-build property and feel limited by cramped spaces, pinch points, or a lack of accommodation for your family’s needs, get in touch with us today. Use the link below to book a call with Karl, who can guide you through our process.

You don’t need to invest in costly design services just to understand your options. We offer a preliminary service designed for maximum value. Check out our Google reviews to see how we’ve helped clients take the first step toward creating their dream homes.

Nestled just outside Rowlands Gill, in a picturesque hamlet known as Hamsterly Mill, stood a timeworn bungalow that didn’t do justice to its breathtaking surroundings. Positioned on a magnificent plot adorned with mature trees and expansive lawns, the home was originally designed and built for a bygone era. Despite its enviable setting, the property had undergone a series of disjointed additions over the past century, leaving it aesthetically dated and functionally disjointed. None of its existing windows took advantage of the stunning panoramic views, and the layout was far from ideal for modern living.

Our challenge was to reinvigorate this tired structure, transforming it into a vibrant family home that embraced the landscape’s natural beauty while preserving the character of the original property. At the heart of the project was a complete overhaul of the kitchen and patio area—a design that would not only enhance the home’s usability but also create a seamless flow between the indoor and outdoor spaces, allowing the homeowners to fully appreciate their scenic setting.

The result? A spacious, light-filled kitchen that opens onto an elegant patio, perfectly framing the lush green vistas. The new kitchen layout has been designed to meet the client’s needs for style and functionality, incorporating modern features that maintain a timeless elegance in keeping with the existing structure. Large bi-fold doors and well-positioned windows maximize natural light and ensure the home now truly makes the most of its spectacular surroundings.

As with many of our projects, this journey began with our Needs and Options Review, a service that allows us to work closely with our clients to explore a variety of floor plan options and styles through an in-depth mood board process. By taking the time to understand our client’s vision and practical needs, we were able to create a tailored design that aligned perfectly with their tastes and budget.

Now nearing completion, with only the kitchen worktops and minor snagging left to address, the clients are thrilled with the outcome. They’ve commended our team at Acre Design for delivering a well-organized and smoothly run project, and they’ve also praised Tynesight Construction, the excellent contractor we partnered with, for their exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail.

If you’re considering a renovation or extension and want to explore design possibilities before committing to a full-service architectural package, our Needs and Options Review might be the perfect starting point. We have successfully guided over 1,000 clients through this process since our establishment in 2014, transforming dated properties into dream homes with personalized designs that cater to each unique vision.

Get in touch with Acre Design to learn more about how we can help you realize your dream home, no matter the scale or scope of your project.

Nestled in the heart of Tynemouth, this charming terraced property has been lovingly transformed through a collaborative effort between the clients and our talented team at Acre Design. When we first stepped into the house, it was clear the space had potential, though it felt a bit tired. The small kitchen at the rear of the home didn’t suit the needs of the growing family, leaving the ground floor disconnected and fragmented. Despite these challenges, the location, just a stone’s throw from the sea, was ideal, providing the perfect backdrop for a rejuvenation.

After exploring a range of zoning options and carefully considering the best floor plan, we worked closely with the clients to develop a design that would truly serve their needs. The end result is an open-plan kitchen and dining space that feels light, spacious, and perfect for both family living and entertaining. Whether enjoying a cozy family meal or hosting a lively gathering with friends, the new space offers flexibility and comfort in equal measure.

This project highlights how thoughtful design can completely transform a space, even when it feels restricted by size. If you’ve been dreaming of extending your home or breathing new life into a property but don’t know where to begin, a quick call with Acre Design is a great place to start. Whether you’ve been planning an extension for years or have just purchased a fixer-upper, we’re here to help bring your vision to life. Book in for a chat, and let’s explore the possibilities together!

Set within the rolling countryside of Northumberland, this thoughtfully designed two-storey extension transforms a traditional stone home into a light-filled retreat. Warm natural materials, expansive glazing, and flowing open-plan spaces create a seamless dialogue between contemporary living and rural tranquillity.

To the ground floor, the two storey side extension will add a generously sized kitchen, living and dining space which is delightfully open-plan and modern. Four panel bifold doors will draw the eye out to the stunning garden and countryside views and give that feeling of tranquillity that our clients love. One panel will open independently for quick outdoor access. The downstairs space will have sumptuous underfloor heating throughout. In the kitchen there will be an inset range cooker and American fridge freezer, a very large kitchen island with breakfast bar and plenty of high seating and preparation space as well as a stair leading to a glazed wine cellar. In the lounge area the built-in TV, media and display unit with gas fire below will be visible from kitchen so that whoever is cooking can be a part of family life in the lounge too. The comfort and fluidity this space will offer is so exciting.

To the first floor of this home, the two storey extension will enable them to have plenty of new storage, a large family bathroom with walk-in shower, large bath and twin sinks, a stunning master suite with walk-in wardrobe and dressing area and lots more new space upstairs. We designed in a stunning ‘longlight’ window over the stairs to capture that glorious sunshine to the new space and give an open, airy feel. We designed raised timber collar ties, multiple rooflights and plenty of storage for the whole family.

To the exterior, the extension will be set back from face of front elevation, as per current planning guidance. The walls of the extension will be natural larch ‘board & batten’ timber cladding to the first floor and matching new stone to ground floor. The stone building offered our lead architectural designer and design team a real treat to develop a scheme which compliments this stunning finish. The roof will be a natural slate as per existing home, with velux low-profile conservation rooflights.

The windows and doors will be made from natural timber (or timber-effect) frames to match the timber cladding and the rainwater goods will be striking black aluminium.

Nestled in the vibrant heart of Sandyford, Chelmsford Lofts is a striking example of adaptive reuse, transforming a classic terraced property into a modern, stylish aparthotel. The project marries contemporary design with thoughtful spatial planning, delivering a series of light-filled lofts that offer comfort, elegance, and a sophisticated city-living experience.

Project Description:

Chelmsford Lofts began as an ambitious vision: to transform an end-of-terrace property into a modern aparthotel capable of offering high-quality, flexible accommodation. The project involved a complete strip-out and extensive reconfiguration, including a bold three-storey rear extension that doubles the building’s footprint and maximises usable space.

The redesign introduces modern, open-plan lofts, each meticulously curated with high-end furnishings, bespoke interior design, and a suite of contemporary amenities. Expansive glazing and carefully considered layouts ensure that each apartment is flooded with natural light, creating a welcoming and airy environment for residents and visitors alike.

Strategically located less than a mile from Jesmond and within easy reach of Newcastle city centre, Chelmsford Lofts combines style, comfort, and convenience. The project exemplifies the transformation of a traditional terraced property into a contemporary urban retreat, offering guests a luxurious, design-led experience in one of the city’s most desirable locations.

Check out Chelmsofrd Lofts here and book a stay!

Set within one of Gateshead’s most historic streets, this end-of-terrace home has been transformed with a striking rear extension that balances contemporary living with the character of its 19th-century origins. Thoughtfully designed to complement the existing sandstone walls and the nearby Grade II listed former home of Sir Joseph Swan, the project creates a luminous, modern family space without compromising the property’s historic charm.

Project Description:

Built before the 1890s, the property boasts thick sandstone walls and a rich architectural history. The new rear extension, spanning 65sqm, introduces a generous, open-plan kitchen, dining, and living area that redefines everyday family life. Designed with careful attention to proportion, light, and materiality, the extension delivers a sense of calm and spaciousness while respecting the home’s heritage context.

A contemporary flat roof and vertical charred larch cladding contrast elegantly with the deep tones of the sandstone, creating a striking dialogue between old and new. Expansive Atlas rooflights, paired with a series of smaller rooflights, flood the interior with natural light, bathing the space in warmth throughout the day.

The design also incorporates sensitive adaptations to the original footprint. The former scullery has been converted into a practical utility and downstairs WC, ensuring that the new living spaces remain uncluttered and fluid. The resulting home is a seamless combination of historic charm and modern elegance – a space that is both visually arresting and perfectly suited to contemporary family life.

In the heart of Monkseaton’s prestigious conservation area, this historic period property has been transformed into a luminous, contemporary family home that celebrates its architectural heritage. Combining sensitive restoration with bold, modern interventions, the redesign seamlessly fuses timeless character with effortless modern living.

Project Description:

Untouched for over half a century, the home presented a rare opportunity to create a residence where history and contemporary design coexist in perfect harmony. Collaborating closely with the clients, the team at Acre Design crafted a vision that honours the property’s original charm while introducing expansive, light-filled spaces designed for modern family life.

On the ground floor, a striking apex-glazed kitchen, dining, and living space now forms the heart of the home. The generous glazing floods interiors with natural light, framing views of the garden and creating a fluid connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. Attention to detail extends throughout – from bespoke joinery to carefully considered circulation – ensuring that every moment in the home feels intuitive, elegant, and welcoming.

The Coach House, converted into a self-contained gîte, provided temporary sanctuary for the family during construction while retaining its period character, subtly nodding to the property’s storied past.

Above, the loft has been transformed into a sumptuous master suite, a serene retreat where light pours through carefully positioned glazing to highlight exquisite walk-in wardrobes and a luxurious ensuite. The suite marries architectural drama with comfort, creating a space that feels both indulgent and intimately personal.

Every corner of the home has been curated with equal care: original features restored, period furnishings integrated, and striking artworks installed to complement the architecture. The result is a home that exudes timeless elegance, a residence where heritage and contemporary luxury coexist effortlessly.