Carpenter Oak are a family of inventors, visionaries and exemplary makers. They are aware winning specialists in the design, construction and raising of timber framed structures. Constructing timber framed buildings all across the UK, they approached me to shoot a beautiful example of their master craftsmanship in The Meon Valley, Hampshire.

This Roderick James Architects designed oak framed home that Carpenter Oak had built and raised the frame for in 2004 was purchased in 2019 and the new owner instructed Carpenter Oak to add a Pergola and also replace a disused barn with a new Annex.

THE BRIEF: To document the overall build in its glorious rural surroundings of the South Downs National Park, and all the details of the timber framed craftmanship which contributed to this incredible home across the years.

THE SHOOT: It was the perfect June day. I was 6 months pregnant and with chillout tunes accompanying the sunshine, and the glazed doors of both the main house and annex wide open, the temptation to while away the day in one of the many seating areas amongst the abundant gardens was hard to resist! But alas, I was there to work!

I’d like to claim all the glory for these photos but admittedly, it’s made so much easier by the exquisite beams, immaculate gardens and homely interiors I was shooting.