The Brief
A couple whose children had recently left home wanted to reclaim their New Forest property for themselves. The three-bedroom house had served the family well, but with bedrooms no longer needed for children, they saw an opportunity to create something special: a luxurious master suite in the loft, freeing up the first floor for a guest room and home office.
The challenge was achieving this within the New Forest National Park, where external alterations are scrutinised carefully and dormer windows visible from public viewpoints face particular resistance.
Our Design Approach
We designed a 32m² loft conversion using a rear dormer that is not visible from the street or any public viewpoint. The dormer creates the headroom needed for a generous bedroom, walk-in wardrobe and en-suite bathroom, whilst Velux rooflights on the front slope provide additional natural light without altering the property's appearance from the road.
The en-suite features a freestanding bath positioned beneath the rear dormer window — our clients' specific request was to be able to lie in the bath and watch the sunset over the forest. A separate walk-in shower, twin basins and heated towel rails complete the bathroom.
Planning and Approvals
In the New Forest National Park, loft conversions involving dormer windows typically require planning permission (Permitted Development rights are restricted). We prepared a detailed application demonstrating that the rear dormer would not be visible from any public viewpoint and would not affect the character of the conservation area. The application was approved by the New Forest National Park Authority in 7 weeks.
Key Design Features
- Master bedroom: King-size bedroom with forest views through the dormer window
- Walk-in wardrobe: Full-height storage utilising the eaves space that would otherwise be wasted
- Luxury en-suite: Freestanding bath, walk-in shower, twin basins and heated towel rails
- Velux windows: Front-facing rooflights providing cross-ventilation and morning light
- Eaves storage: Access panels to deep eaves storage for luggage and seasonal items
The Result
This loft conversion has given our clients the retreat they dreamed of. The master suite feels like a boutique hotel room — spacious, light and completely private from the rest of the house. The walk-in wardrobe has eliminated bedroom clutter, and the freestanding bath with its forest view has become their favourite spot in the house. It is a perfect example of how a loft conversion can add luxury as well as space.
Cost and Package Guidance
For a 32m² loft conversion in New Forest, the biggest budget variables are usually structural steelwork, glazing specification, drainage changes, foundation conditions and final kitchen, bathroom or joinery choices. Hampshire Build's fixed-fee design packages give homeowners clear design-cost certainty before construction begins, with Essential, Pre-Build and Premium options depending on how much technical documentation and contractor support is needed. The design fee is separate from builder costs, planning fees, Building Control fees and any third-party specialist reports, so clients can make informed decisions without confusing design work with the wider construction budget.
Local Context and Practical Considerations
Projects in New Forest benefit from early attention to neighbouring amenity, overlooking, daylight, access for builders and material choices that sit comfortably with the existing street scene. On this project, the drawings needed to communicate not only the look of the extension but also how it would work technically: roof drainage, insulation build-ups, structural openings, floor levels and practical circulation through the home. That level of detail helps planning officers, Building Control and builders understand the proposal clearly, reducing avoidable questions and giving the homeowner a stronger basis for the next stage of their extension journey.
Planning Approval Rate
Projects Completed
Years Experience
+ VAT Fixed-Fee Packages
Want Something Similar for Your Home?
Book a complimentary consultation to discuss your extension project. We will assess your property, explain your options and provide a clear fixed-fee price — no obligation, no hidden costs.