Set within the Buckinghamshire hills, this project brings together an 1880s threshing barn, piggery and stables to create a single, five-bedroom family home. The design extends the life of these well-preserved agricultural buildings, retaining key historic elements while creating a thoughtful interior that reflects the rural setting and supports modern family life.
A central challenge was to unite the three separate agricultural buildings into one cohesive home. Our solution was to organise the new layout around a generous open-plan kitchen, dining and living space, creating a natural hub that connects the previously distinct structures. This primary area is supported by a snug and a library for more contained family use, providing a balance of social and private spaces.
The interior scheme is intentionally restrained and purposeful. Rather than imposing a purely contemporary aesthetic, the design allows the character of the original buildings to lead. A limited material palette, bespoke joinery and carefully selected furnishings create a calm and highly functional environment. To provide long-term flexibility, two of the five bedrooms are located within the former stables, creating an adaptable space for family, guests, or independent accommodation.
Sustainability underpins the entire scheme, addressing the challenge of transforming historic, inefficient structures into a high-performing modern home. The design upgrades the existing buildings with a fully insulated external envelope and an air source heat pump, while reusing original materials where viable. The landscape strategy supports this approach, introducing native planting and a small orchard to improve biodiversity and establish the new home in its rural context.
Country Homes & Estates
Architecture
Buckinghamshire
In-Design