Written by Carly Freestone | 31st May 2023
Often boasting an idyllic rural setting, high vaulted ceilings and plenty of space, barn conversions offer all the character and charm of an English country house but without the maintenance costs and sky-high heating bills that used to go along with owning a period property. Online searches for converted barns have jumped in recent months and demand for them has soared. Here's why:
Buyer’s priorities have shifted and there has been an increase in demand for countryside properties with outside spaces. Bi-fold doors that open onto the garden are a common feature of barn conversions, making them the ultimate property for indoor/outdoor flow. 1 Cedar Barns is one of a pair of individually designed barns that has bifold doors to the rear garden and front, which looks over open countryside views. This coupled with a stylish, open-plan interior makes for a light-filled living space.
The climate crisis has made building low-energy and sustainable homes more important than ever. Advances in modern design techniques mean that barn conversions are far more energy efficient than in the past. The Warren is a newly built detached barn-style property in Upper Caldecote which has Smart Home heating by Heatmiser, allowing every room to be controlled via a tablet and room control panel. The property has been constructed to an individual design and has 2,231 sq. ft. of light and bright contemporary living space.
Some of the finest examples of barn conversions are still recognisable as farm buildings and because of their former use often have an idyllic rural location with open countryside views. The Barn is one of four in an exceptional development surrounding a farmhouse in open countryside in Hillesden.
Where planning permission is required, a home based on local farm buildings has a very strong chance of being approved by the Local Planning Authorities (LPAs). Most councils will allow a self-builder or developer to replace an agricultural barn or shed with a new home, as long as the new design is considered an improvement on the original, sticks roughly to the same footprint and height, and doesn’t adversely impact the countryside.
128 Hay Street in Steeple Morden was built on the site of an original barn and was completed to a high specification including a full MRHI heat exchange and recycled ventilation system. It also comes with a Build Zone 10 year warranty.
Conversions carried out to a high standard that are sympathetic to the original building’s history tend to hold their value well. The Warren in Stagsden perfectly proves the point that you can have it all when you choose a barn conversion. Dating from the 17th century, this property is Grade II listed and was created by converting a series of barns and piggeries. Extensive glazing maximises natural light and countryside views, and the original timbers have been retained throughout, whilst blending well with the new wood used in the doors, window frames, and bespoke staircase.
Another beauty of living in a barn conversion is that these types of properties can effortlessly combine traditional features like exposed beams and timbers with the practicality and comfort of a new build. They make perfect family homes for this reason and Bradfield Barn is one such example - a Grade II listed four bedroom barn conversion which is part of a development of five barns around Gannock Farm House.
The barns were developed around 26 years ago and have an idyllic rural location with far reaching countryside views. They also offer the best of both worlds as whilst being rural, the A505 is just two miles away with links to Baldock, Royston and Cambridge.
Weedon Hill Farm Barns is another collection of barn conversions with views over open countryside. The barns were formerly Rothchild Barns and are set in a beautiful rural location in Aylesbury. Please keep an eye on our website as these newly converted barns, plus a new build detached house, are due to be listed for sale this summer.
If these properties have inspired you to carry out your own barn conversion, why not take a look at this agricultural barn in Thornborough? It already has class Q planning granted for 5 units.
Please contact Stephen Fairfax to find out more - our Land and New Homes team would be delighted to give you more details about all of the spectacular barn conversions we have for sale, as well as others we have in the pipeline.
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