Reimagining a Classic Darras Hall Home for Modern Living
Reimagining a Classic Darras Hall Home for Modern Living
Architectural Design Portfolio | Acre Design
Set within the leafy surroundings of Darras Hall, Northumberland, this exciting project is a complete internal reimagining of a large family home that had long fallen behind the times. When our clients, a young family returning to the North East, first bought the property, it hadn’t been updated in decades. The layout was awkward, with some rooms far too big, others far too small, and a huge portion of the ground floor taken up by an old pool house that had been covered over and left cold and unused.
As with every Acre Design project, we began with a Needs and Options Review, taking the time to understand the family’s lifestyle, priorities, and budget before developing a series of design options tailored to how they actually live. This early clarity ensured the design investment was focused and efficient, avoiding the risk of wasted space or unnecessary cost.
The proposed transformation will completely revolutionise the home. The former pool area is being converted into a series of warm, functional spaces including an expansive open-plan kitchen, living and dining area designed for modern family life, plus a bar and lounge zone anchored by a striking double-sided fireplace. A newly designed entrance porch with softly lit steps will elevate the property’s curb appeal, creating a more welcoming and elegant façade in keeping with the prestige of Darras Hall.
The reconfiguration continues with a part garage conversion to form a spacious boot room, utility and downstairs cloakroom, ideal for family living. Upstairs, the design introduces a dedicated home office, cinema room and an impressive master suite that blends luxury with comfort. Every element has been carefully considered to make the home feel connected, balanced and full of light.
Construction is scheduled to begin in 2026, and we can’t wait to see this remarkable transformation come to life.
If you’re based in Darras Hall or nearby and are considering transforming your home, start your journey the same way: book an Ask the Expert call with Alistair and discover what’s possible with Acre Design.
Exposed beam ceiling shown on our 3D render of our redesign for this Darras Hall home. Plenty of glazing floor to ceiling and minimalist furnishings. Acre Design architectural designs Newcastle.
Bar and lounge space created from a former pool area in a Darras Hall home redesign
A 3D visual for our project in Darras Hall, Northumberland showing their proposed home cinema room with critall glass doors and large comfortable movie seating
A 3D render of a view through critall doors of a home cinema we designed for our home renovation project in Darras Hall, Northumberland
A modern and clean design for a utility room for our project in Darras Hall
This project is located in Darras Hall, Northumberland, a highly sought-after residential area known for large family homes and generous plots. The design focuses on modernising and reconfiguring the internal layout to better suit contemporary family living while enhancing the home’s overall quality and flow.
This is a complete internal reimagining and reconfiguration of an existing family home. The property had not been updated in decades, with an awkward layout and underused spaces. Acre Design’s proposal transforms the home through strategic spatial planning, improved connectivity between rooms, and the creation of warm, functional living spaces designed around the needs of a modern family.
Acre Design begins each project with a Needs and Options Review, a structured early-stage process that explores the client’s lifestyle, priorities, and budget. This ensures the design is tailored to how the family actually lives, helping avoid wasted space, unnecessary construction costs, and poor layout decisions – leading to a more efficient and successful renovation.
The old covered pool area, previously cold and unused, is being transformed into a series of high-value living spaces. The new design introduces:
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a large open-plan kitchen, living and dining space
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a bar and lounge area
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a striking double-sided fireplace to anchor the layout
This conversion unlocks a significant portion of the ground floor and creates a welcoming hub for family life and entertaining.
Yes – Acre Design specialises in high-end residential renovations, extensions and internal reconfigurations across Darras Hall, Ponteland and wider Northumberland. If you’re planning to modernise a dated home or improve how your space works, you can start with an Ask the Expert call with Alistair to discuss options, feasibility, budget and next steps.
Our residential architectural portfolio
Explore how Acre Design has transformed homes across Newcastle, Northumberland, and North Tyneside. From elegant Victorian extensions to contemporary reconfigurations and countryside loft conversions.
Contact Acre Design
CAI Building, Royal Quays,
North Shields, NE29 6DE