It has been popular to convert agricultural barns to dwellings for many years although the quality of the resulting homes can vary considerably. This 1980s conversion had an awkward internal arrangement, no thermal insulation, a plastic conservatory and was finished externally with a veneer of black and white half-timbering.

In re-working the conversion, the property was stripped back to the original structure and the ground, first floor and roof were removed. The building envelope was insulated to modern standards and underfloor heating and solar hot water systems were installed. The internal arrangement was rationalised and part of the existing stable wing was converted to habitable accommodation.

Together with the client’s efforts in re-landscaping the grounds, the upgraded property now has a new lease of life and provides a much more attractive and sustainable home than was previously the case.