“Before and After: A Fruitful Conversion”

A redundant apple-pressing barn is given new purpose – stripped back and rebuilt, it has become a stunning home.

“It was derelict, difficult to access and the doors we hanging off”, says Andy Miles of the barn he and wife Joanna would go on to conert into a home.  The Grade II listed barn, built in 1780, was originally used for apple pressing, but after falling into disuse, it fulfilled the humble purpose of storing farm machinery.

As head of AM Architectural Design, Andy would see the potential.  He altered the existing approved plans to create a design which would be faithful to the original struture – which stands within a Warwickshire Conservation Area – but also serve as a 21st century home, with three bedrooms and an impressive open plan living space.

The first task was to strip the barn back to its oak frame.  “It was quite frightening – at one point the frame was suspended in mid air whist we added the sole plate,” Andy explains.  Rotten timbers were replaced, and steel framework – now concealed behind plasterboard and brickwork – introduced to provide additional support. 

The couple originally planned to create a subterranean spiral staircase to act as  wine cellar.  However, funds set aside for this luxury were soon used elsewhere.  “We had to commission a bat survey as a condition of the planning approval.  This revealed no evidence of bats.  However, before stripping the roof we were advised to take a second survey – which suggested it was a potential habitat.  We had to apply for a European Protected Species Licence and our engineer had to redesign the detached garage roof to house a bat loft.  This delayed us by four months and cost around £20,000.

Another condition tied into the planning consent was the use of timber cladding on the exterior.  After thorough research the couple opted for high-end cedar cladding with no obvious knots.  A brick skin is also visable.  “There were very few bricks available on site to reuse, so I spent considerable time searching relcamation yards,” Andy explains.  He eventually landed upon an adequate quantity to complete the external skim and internal brickwork, and to also build garden walls.  “I tried to follow through – using the same brick for the exterior, interiors and garden”, says Andy.  Inside, a brick-clad column (far left) conceals the steel framework and the first floor bathroom waste pipes, whilst acting as a divide between the dining area and kitchen.

European oak windows, by Orchard Joinery (01869 350008), and folding sliding doors from Traditional Conservatories, (0121 706 0102), complete the exterior.  The same floor tiles laid inside have been utilised for the patio – allowing the well-designed garden to feel integral to the living space when the couple fold back the doors.

Andy Miles is MD of AM Architectural Design Ltd (amad.co.uk 01789 765367)