The picturesque village of Weston Underwood in North Buckinghamshire provides an idyllic setting for this Grade II listed barn, which was part of a nearby Grade II listed farmhouse steading, and dates back to the 17th Century.  Having purchased the barn and attached stable block buildings, our clients aspired to create a four bedroom family home for themselves in this historic setting, which would encompass all the facets of modern living.

Listed building consent was secured to convert the two storey granary barn and adjacent single storey stable block to a home of 2500 square feet.  The primary consideration in the design process was to maximise the potential space in the two buildings, whilst retaining the existing fabric and external openings.  The design of the internal layout has successfully achieved this, providing a large open plan kitchen, dining and living space, a utility room, three bedrooms, two bathrooms and associated storage on the ground floor, together with a further bedroom, bathroom and study on the mezzanine.  The interiors of the barns have been completed to the highest specification throughout and the contemporary feel inside complements the traditional exterior.  The external materials have been selected carefully to ensure that the converted barns reflect the local vernacular and remain sensitive to their surroundings.  The 'L' shaped configuration of the barns has also lent itself perfectly to the creation of a secluded south east facing courtyard garden.

Due to the sensitivity of the buildings' location, the number of possible sustainable and renewable energy sources were limited.  However, the design has incorporated an air source heat pump to provide underfloor heating throughout, as well as a high efficiency boiler, improved thermal performing materials to minimise heat loss, flow reducing taps and rainwater collection.

Our clients are delighted with the finished result 'a beautiful home in an historic setting, fit for 21st century living' and within easy reach of Milton Keynes, Bedford and Northampton!

Visit our project page:  https://colesarchitects.co.uk/...