Contenders clashed with developers to seal agreement for constructing a rustic, DIY barn
Transforming a Barn into a Home: Clive and Sue's Journey
In the heart of the countryside, a charming barn conversion tells a tale of love, family, and a dream come true. The story begins forty years ago when Clive and Sue purchased a nine-acre plot of land to keep their daughter's horse.
Planning and Preparation
Years passed, and planning rules evolved. With the new regulations, Clive and Sue were granted permission to convert their Victorian stable block and cowshed into a home. The process involved several key steps, including securing planning permission, preparing the structure, choosing materials, and completing construction and finishing.
Obtaining Planning Permission
Before any work could begin, Clive and Sue had to navigate the local planning regulations. For their barn conversion, a formal application was necessary, followed by a 56-day prior approval process. Minor amendments to the original plans could be made through a section 73 application, while major redesigns required a new full application.
Preparing the Structure
The barn's foundation was reinforced with a concrete slab foundation, suitable for the increased weight from residential use. Cracks, gaps, and openings were sealed to prevent drafts, pests, and water intrusion.
Utilities and Insulation
Essential utilities, including plumbing, electrical, and heating systems, were connected, and insulation was added to maintain comfort and moisture control.
Choosing Materials and Interior Finishes
To create a modern yet rustic living space, Clive and Sue selected materials that blended seamlessly with the barn's character. The exterior of the new house was clad in materials such as rustic bricks, black-stained weatherboarding, slates, peg tiles, and pantiles. Inside, they opted for wood-effect porcelain tiles over underfloor heating for a hard-wearing finish with a warm feel.
Custom Features
The interior spaces were designed with multi-functionality in mind, accommodating living, dining, and workspace areas. A feature brick chimney acts as a divider in the open-plan space, while a mezzanine office offers views across the surrounding fields. A lower ceiling height creates a cosy feel in the family room, and a walk-in larder and separate utility room were incorporated into the design.
Sustainable Solutions
To reduce their environmental impact, Clive and Sue installed a biodigester as a more sustainable alternative to a standard septic tank. Two air source heat pumps were purchased to power underfloor heating, and a water storage and pressurization system was installed to address poor water pressure from their private supply.
A Home with a View
The elevated site enjoys breathtaking country views for miles around, and an existing natural pond draws birds and wildlife to the peaceful setting. A designated dog shower was installed to help keep the house clean after muddy country walks.
A Legacy of Love
Clive and Sue's barn conversion serves as a testament to their love for the countryside and their family. Their previous barn conversion idea served as a starting point for creating a characterful home that sits beautifully in its surroundings. After selling their barn conversion with two acres of land, they now have seven acres on which to keep ducks, pygmy goats, and alpacas. Their journey is a reminder that with patience, determination, and a little creativity, dreams can become a reality.
- Clive and Sue's barn conversion, a testament to their love and family, is a result of their dream forty years ago to keep their daughter's horse on a nine-acre plot.
- The transformation of the Victorian stable block and cowshed into a home involved key steps like securing planning permission and choosing materials.
- Before construction could begin, Clive and Sue had to navigate local planning regulations, requiring a formal application and a 56-day prior approval process.
- The barn's foundation was reinforced with a concrete slab foundation for increased weight when used as a home, and drafts, pests, and water intrusion were prevented by sealing cracks and openings.
- Essential utilities like plumbing, electrical, and heating systems were connected, and insulation was added to maintain comfort and moisture control.
- Clive and Sue opted for materials that blended seamlessly with the barn's character, such as rustic bricks, weatherboarding, slates, peg tiles, pantiles, and wood-effect porcelain tiles for underfloor heating.
- The interior spaces were multi-functional, designed for living, dining, workspace areas, with a feature brick chimney acting as a divider in the open-plan space.
- The project also incorporated custom features like a mezzanine office, lower ceiling height for a cozy feel in the family room, and a walk-in larder with a separate utility room.
- To reduce their environmental impact, sustainable solutions were employed, such as installing a biodigester, two air source heat pumps, and a water storage and pressurization system.
- With breathtaking views of the countryside, a natural pond for wildlife, and a designated dog shower, their barn conversion serves as a reminder that with patience, determination, and a little creativity, dreams can become a reality within the realm of home-and-garden ideas.
