North Mains Hill | West Lothian
Rural Home Extension
Homes
Private Client
North Mains Hill: A Thoughtful Rural Home Extension in West Lothian
Nestled in the gentle countryside just south of Linlithgow, the North Mains Hill residence stands as a beautiful example of how architecture can enhance connection — between home, garden and landscape. Set against rolling views toward the south and west, this project was conceived as a modest and highly sensitive extension to a converted steading previously altered by well known architects Pollock Hammond. The challenge: to expand and improve while preserving the character and tonal palette of the original stone buildings.
The Pollock Hammond additions to the original stone steadings shared a tonal pallet with the existing context and their architectural style, whilst contemporary was modest and in keeping with the original buildings.
A subtle blend of heritage and contemporary design.
The existing property already had a strong sense of place. The Pollock Hammond additions matched the traditional stonework’s texture and colour, creating harmony across the building. Our task was not to overhaul, but to evolve — to design new spaces that felt both distinct and deeply rooted in their context. The result is an extension that is contemporary yet modest, complementing without competing.
Reimagining living spaces for modern life.
At the heart of the brief was a desire to reconfigure the kitchen and living areas: to make them more open, more connected, more alive. Inside, the new layout embraces the slope of the roof, with generous pitched ceilings that give a sense of volume and airiness. Clerestory glazing wraps the space in natural light, drawing the eye upward and outwards, and flooding the interior with daylight from multiple angles. These windows not only bring in light, but frame views of the surrounding greenery, making the garden feel like an extension of the home.
View of refurbished property from the street.
View of completed elevation to rear garden.
Strengthening the bond between interior and garden.
One of the most significant aspects of the design is the improved connection to the outdoor space. Through carefully considered glazing and access points, the new architecture dissolves the barrier between inside and out. Whether viewed from the street or from the garden, the extension strikes a considered balance: outward-facing elegance, inward-facing warmth. The reimagined rear elevation now celebrates the landscape, transforming how the home is experienced.
Designed with care, crafted with integrity.
Our approach with this rural home extension was grounded in care: care for the site, care for the existing buildings and care for the lives of the people who inhabit it. By respecting the materiality and architectural language of the original steading, we were able to reinforce its historic character while bringing in a light, modern intervention.
Every detail was considered to ensure the extension feels both timeless and forward-looking.
Internally the new spaces are arranged open to the pitch of the roof with clerestory glazing helping to provide natural light from all sides.
Why North Mains Hill matters.
This project is a little reminder of what thoughtful architecture can do: it can elevate everyday living, deepen our relationship with nature, and balance innovation with respect for tradition. It demonstrates 125Architects’ experience in working sensitively in rural and heritage settings, blending conservation awareness with contemporary clarity.
Create your own with 125Architects.
Are you imagining a home that whispers of tradition yet lives in the here and now? Whether you're thinking of a rural extension, a garden room, or a full-scale remodel, we’d love to hear about your vision.