Farm Renovation: A Retreat in the Cotswolds

Nestled in the picturesque Cotswolds, a Grade II listed barn has been thoughtfully transformed into a serene, contemporary retreat. Designed by Design Storey, this renovation marries historic charm with modern comfort, offering a peaceful escape for a Liverpool-based couple seeking respite from city life. By embracing the barn’s original character and integrating sustainable materials, the project breathes new life into the structure while preserving its agricultural heritage.

The Architectural Challenge: Blending Old and New

The barn originally comprised two disconnected sections:

A single-storey cowshed
A two-storey bull-pen with a hayloft above

These sections sat at different levels, presenting a unique design challenge. Instead of forcing a conventional layout, Design Storey introduced an innovative solution: a central timber pod that bridges the two volumes. This insertion not only connects the spaces but also serves as a functional divider, housing a staircase and circulation pathways.

Restoring Structural Integrity

Years of wear had caused the front elevation of the cowshed to sag due to missing pad stones (the foundational blocks supporting timber posts). To rectify this, the team:
✔ Collaborated with structural engineers and a conservation officer
✔ Carefully lifted and reset the roof trusses
✔ Repaired the original elm timber posts
✔ Replaced missing stones to restore stability

The approach was minimally invasive, ensuring the barn’s historical silhouette remained intact.

This cowshed was transformed into a two bedroom home that kept some of the original features.

A Sustainable Retrofit Approach

Rather than a full demolition and rebuild, the project embraced retrofitting—prioritizing repair, retention, and reinterpretation. Sustainable materials were key:

Sheep’s wool insulation for energy efficiency
Wood fiberboard for breathable walls
Lime plaster to complement the original stonework

Windows: Balancing Light and Legacy

The team preserved the original window openings, maintaining the barn’s rhythm and proportions. However, they also introduced full-height glazing and sliding doors to:

Flood the interior with natural light
Create a seamless connection to the surrounding landscape
Enhance the sense of openness without losing rustic charm

Interior Design: A Harmony of Texture and Simplicity

Living Spaces: Warm and Unfussy

The main living area is deliberately understated, focusing on texture over ornamentation. Key features include:

Exposed timber beams (left intentionally weathered for authenticity)
Raw lime plaster walls for a soft, organic feel
A simple stone fireplace as a subtle focal point

The main living space of this renovated cowshed is understated and relaxed, with a focus on texture rather than decoration. Exposed timber beams run across the living area, adding depth and authenticity to the otherwise minimal interior. Their weathered texture contrasts gently with the raw lime plaster and clean lines of the new insertions. Rather than conceal or restore them too much, the beams were left largely untouched, allowing the marks of time to remain visible and grounding the space in its agricultural past.

Kitchen & Dining: Functional Yet Refined

The kitchen blends practicality with minimalist aesthetics:

Timber cabinetry reinforces warmth
Durable surfaces withstand daily use
An open layout encourages social cooking

The dining area acts as a natural transition between the kitchen and living room, fostering a fluid, connected space.

In this renovated cowshed, the dining area separates the living room and kitchen, which is designed to feel both functional and unfussy. Materials were kept simple and durable, aligning with the overall aesthetic. Timber detailing continues here, reinforcing the warm tones that run throughout the home. The layout allows for social cooking, without drawing attention away from the structure itself.

Practical Touches: The Boot Room

A country home must handle mess, so the boot room was designed to be:

Discreetly integrated
Hardwearing yet stylish
A functional drop zone for muddy boots and outdoor gear

This boot room is quietly integrated into the plan, providing a spot to shake off muddy boots and stash outdoor gear. It reflects the same minimalist approach, with surfaces that can withstand daily wear while blending seamlessly into the house.

Upstairs: Clever Use of Compact Spaces

Guest Bedroom & Bathroom

Neutral palette for a calming retreat
Herringbone stone tiles in the bathroom for subtle texture
Freestanding basin & brass accents for a modern touch

The guest bedroom is nestled into one side of the renovated barn, and is a simple, quiet space with a neutral palette, designed to feel both welcoming and private. Raw finishes and restrained styling keep the attention on the beautiful old structure.

Primary Suite: A Cozy Hayloft Escape

The former hayloft now houses the primary bedroom, where space is maximized with:

A freestanding bathtub beside the bed (a luxurious yet space-saving choice)
A shower suspended over the stair void (showcasing inventive design)
Eaves storage to optimize every inch

A timber staircase pod is central to the entire layout of this barn conversion. It links the two volumes of the barn, creating a passageway between rooms and housing the new staircase to the first floor. The pod also mediates the level change, helping the house feel cohesive despite the barn’s split levels. Its presence is bold but natural, blending new with old without overwhelming the original structure.

Conclusion: A Thoughtful Fusion of Past and Present

This Cotswolds barn conversion is a masterclass in sensitive restoration and modern design. By honoring the building’s history while introducing sustainable materials and smart spatial solutions, Design Storey has created a home that feels both timeless and contemporary.

For those considering a barn conversion or rural retrofit, this project proves that constraints can inspire creativity—and that the best designs emerge when we work with a building’s quirks, not against them.

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