10 Inspiring Home Extension Ideas for Wiltshire Homes
Thinking about extending your home but not quite sure what’s possible?
Whether you’re craving a bigger kitchen, dreaming of a sun-soaked living space, or finally wanting that peaceful home office at the end of the garden - there are loads of clever ways to add space without losing the character of your home.
And here in Wiltshire - with everything from cosy stone cottages to modern countryside builds - there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. The best extensions feel like they’ve always been there.
So, here are 10 idea-starters to get your imagination going.
1. The Glazed Kitchen-Diner
Probably the number one request I hear: “Can we make the kitchen feel bigger and brighter?”
A simple rear extension with big sliding or bifold doors instantly transforms a dark room into a sociable, all-day living space. Perfect if you love hosting… or just like pretending your garden is part of your house.
2. A Stone Side Return (That Looks Like It Was Always There)
If you’ve got a period home - especially one in beautiful Cotswold stone - a side return built in the same material can give you useful space without spoiling the charm.
Think: utility room, pantry, or even a secret breakfast nook.
3. Traditional Front, Modern Back
One of my favourite contrasts: keep the front of the house classic, and let the extension at the back go bold - maybe with timber cladding, zinc, or sleek black aluminium.
It looks intentional, not mismatched.
4. Sunroom / Garden Living Space
Halfway between an extension and a conservatory - but usable all year round. Lots of glazing, maybe a roof lantern, and some plants… and suddenly you’ve got the most relaxing spot in the house.
5. Extend Upwards with a Loft-to-Gable
No space outwards? Go upwards.
A loft conversion with a gable end or dormer can add a proper bedroom or office without stealing garden space. Often much simpler planning-wise too.
6. Wraparound Extension for Full Ground-Floor Flow
If your downstairs layout feels chopped up, a wraparound extension can completely change the way you live in your home. Suddenly the kitchen, dining and living room just flow, instead of being three separate boxes.
7. Classic Orangery
Less glass than a conservatory, more substance than a standard room. An orangery with a roof lantern brings in loads of light but still feels cosy and connected to the rest of the house.
8. Garden Office / Studio
If you work from home (or just want to escape the noise!), a self-contained office at the end of the garden is a dream. No commute — but also no laptop on the kitchen table.
9. Two-Storey Extension
If you’re already extending downstairs… why not build up too? It’s usually more cost-effective than doing them separately, and gives you a new bedroom or bathroom almost for free.
10. Glazed Link to an Outbuilding
Got an old garage, barn or forgotten lean-to? Instead of knocking it down - connect it with a glazed walkway. Suddenly you’ve got extra usable space and a stunning architectural feature.
Ready to Explore Your Own Options?
Every house is different - and every homeowner has different “must-haves”. That’s why I don’t start with drawings… I start with a conversation.
If you’re based in Wiltshire, Gloucestershire or the Cotswolds and thinking about extending, I’d love to chat through ideas - no pressure, just possibility.
