Written by Carly Freestone | 2nd December 2021
With their idyllic country settings, high vaulted ceilings and plenty of space, a good barn conversion ticks all the boxes for modern family life. At Michael Graham we have some of the most spectacular barn conversions for sale on the market, including three at an exclusive gated development in Hogshaw, Buckinghamshire.
During this exceptional year of demand for country homes, the number of buyers looking for a barn conversion has soared. Here are some of the reasons why:
The climate crisis has made it more important than ever that we invest in building low-energy and sustainable homes, which respect the landscape and where you can recycle and source your building materials locally. Cherry Tree Barn in Leighton Buzzard is an energy positive barn conversion that generates more energy than it consumes.
With their exposed stone and brick work, beams and trusses, barn conversions offer all the character and charm of a period building but without the creaks, draughts and enormous heating bills that often come hand-in-hand with owning one. Modern design techniques that focus on environment and sustainability have made large and draughty spaces in the colder months a thing of the past.
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.
Just because you’re in the country there’s no rule saying that you must adopt country style. In fact, contemporary furniture and fittings will both contrast and complement the exposed wood floors and high vaulted ceilings of your converted barn.
Where planning consent is required, a home based on local farm buildings is more likely to find favour with local authorities than something more space age. Most councils will allow a self-builder or developer to replace an agricultural barn or shed with a new home, as long as it is considered an improvement on the original, and the new design sticks roughly to the same footprint and height and doesn’t adversely impact the countryside.
Bi-fold doors that open onto the garden are another common feature of barn conversions. Since the pandemic outside spaces have become more highly prized than ever and barn conversions are the ultimate property for maximising the indoor/outdoor flow.
If your dream property is a barn conversion, we would love to invite you to an open day for Hogshaw Farm Barns, an exclusive gated development of three converted farm buildings now available for sale with Michael Graham. Each of these contemporary barn conversions has 5 bedrooms and 5 reception rooms and has been designed to the highest of specifications.
Our team would be delighted to give you more details about the properties at our exclusive open house event on Sunday 5 December - call us on 01280 821100 to register your interest. To view and read details about the Hogshaw Farm Barns development, click here.