CHALLENGE

This unused barn based on a working farm on the outskirts of Aldeburgh required complete transformation from an agricultural carriage house to a dwelling. Working with the client and architect, a complete barn conversion was undertaken as well as the renovation of the Country Hall on the same estate in Suffolk.

SOLUTION

The Carriage House, having never been a home and used as an agricultural building, required extensive work. Agricultural machinery that was left on site was removed and the building was stripped of the agricultural bays.

The original slate roof was removed and timbers exposed so that the true extent of repairs required could be established. All damaged rafters were repaired or replaced with reclaimed timbers. The roof was re-slated using slates salvaged from the original roof and new metal roof windows were installed to flood the accommodation with light.

SOLUTION – Carriage House cont’d

This outbuilding required substantial brick and flint restoration and this was undertaken by our team of bricklayers experienced in the renovation of period properties. Traditional cast metal guttering and downpipes were added to the property to complement the traditional style. The feature round window was retained and a new handcrafted window installed by our in-house joinery company Church and Gooderham.

A raised platform was added to the kitchen to take advantage of the view which previously couldn’t be appreciated. The Carriage House was fully insulated and heating, plumbing and electrical systems installed in this once derelict agricultural building.

SOLUTION

Fortunately, there were several architectural design features we were able to save including some handmade wooden shutters. Old boarding was repurposed to cover walls to offer a contemporary yet rustic feel, an old piece of oak was repurposed as a bannister and exposed internal brickwork was repointed and left as a feature.

OUTCOME

This beautiful two bedroom open plan property on the estate of the Country Hall has huge character and charm. The materials used have
given it a homely feel with a gentle nod to its previous life as an agricultural building. It is now a home fit for the 21st century with
stunning views over rolling fields and woodland.