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Lark’s Barn, Oxfordshire

A Barn With Timeless Character

This Grade II listed barn has been meticulously restored to honour its historic architecture while introducing a modern, functional home. The design celebrates original features, including the exposed wooden beams that run throughout, preserving their texture and structural presence as a defining element of the interiors. Careful attention to materials, proportions, and detailing ensures that the barn’s heritage is maintained, while subtle contemporary interventions enhance comfort, light, and flow.

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A key challenge with any historic barn is introducing natural light without disrupting its traditional form. Our solution was to integrate elegant Crittall-style windows, doors, and internal walls. This was a considered architectural choice that invites light to flow through the spaces, enhancing the sense of openness while respecting the building’s integrity.

The design celebrates the home’s original structure by retaining key structural beams, creating a striking dialogue between heritage and modernity. The interplay between the solid, historic beams and the clean lines of the modern glazing creates a considered balance of character and contemporary design. It is a clear expression of strength and simplicity, where new elements enhance the home’s architectural character rather than compete with it.

The result is a home where the barn’s architectural integrity is beautifully balanced with the needs of modern living.

A Barn Reimagined

This Grade II listed barn has been renovated to honour its agricultural heritage while introducing a modern and vibrant aesthetic. Inspired by Belgian Farmhouse design, the interiors layer contemporary finishes, bespoke detailing and confident colour onto the barn’s historic architecture, creating spaces that are full of personality.

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Original exposed wooden beams run throughout the home, serving as a grounding feature in every room. This sense of history provides a timeless backdrop for the home’s more contemporary design elements.

The clients wanted to embrace colour, but were concerned it might overwhelm the home’s historic character. Our solution was to create a balanced palette; the principal rooms use softer, neutral tones whilst transitional and back-of-house spaces become pockets of joyful, saturated colour.

This approach is perfectly captured in the pantry. Though a functional space, it was designed with the same care as the main living areas, with its bright yellow cabinetry and classic black-and-white tiled floor creating a distinct and uplifting character.

A key challenge was to bring light into the heart of the barn, which was naturally dark and compartmentalised. Our solution was to introduce Crittall-style doors and internal screens. This allows natural light to flow between spaces, creating a bright and connected atmosphere while maintaining a degree of separation. The clean lines of the steel frames form a striking interplay with the original timber structure.

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Curated items

Build Category

Listed & Heritage

Design Disciplines

Architecture

Interior Design

Location

Oxfordshire

Status

Delivered

Contractor

HNB Construction