Open Lightbox: (new)  Collection contains 61 images

The Barnes

Refurbished barns of a 12th century castle near Oxford

Although a lifetime city dweller he wanted a country weekend retreat and decided a barn would be most likely to provide the space and proportions he was looking for. He found the perfect project, a group of old barns adjacent to a 12th century ruined castle outside Oxford. He could create a one bedroom house in the main barn which had never been lived in and use the adjacent old stables as a guest wing. Making the buildings habitable was a long proceedure requiring a steel supporting structure, digging down 1.5 meters and high quality insulation. Reclaimed stone and wood was found for floors while the hall is made of limestone and Belgian black stone. The main living space features a deep blue open plan kitchen, dining area and raised up a step is a more intimate and cosy seating area centred on an antique fireplace. The only bedroom and bathroom is housed above the hall. He chose metal Crittal windows which, provide a graphic and simple grid within the old stone walls. The guest wing, which is linked to the house by a glass, lead roof connecting box, is just as detailed at the main barn with 2 bedrooms, an upstairs library, living room and dining space. John chooses his fabrics and lighting carefully, mixing his own designs with antiques and always with an eye to texture and patina. The garden comprises almost entirely calm, green box balls and hedging but layered and of differing heights while a stone paved terrace provides a private and sheltered outdoor dining and seating space.