VESP Architects has renovated this 19th-century stone farmhouse in the middle of Dartmoor National Park, Devon, a glorious county in the heart of South West England, United Kingdom. This 4,300-square-foot farmhouse and its associated barns were in much need of refurbishment and renovation. The brief was to create a new large family home, combining the farmhouse and the attached barn with a contemporary glass extension between. Ancillary accommodation for guests and parties would be provided within the former milking parlor barn.

Partial demolition removed the 1950’s extensions and attached garage. The farmhouse now boasts 4 large bedrooms with ensuites, a sitting room, a dining room, and a generous kitchen/living area within the ‘Glass box’. This lightweight metal and glass extension utilizes glazing systems of the highest quality and technology, allowing panoramic views of the surrounding grounds and the park beyond, and creates an axis of movement and light through the existing buildings. Each sliding glass panel, supplied and installed by Cantifix that forms this extension is 3.8m high and 2m wide; at the time the upper limits of what was achievable.

The old milking parlor has been converted to ancillary accommodation. Half of the existing structure was demolished and replaced with a contemporary green oak timber frame, seemingly ‘emerging’ out of the monolithic barn. A new zinc roof unifies the structure. The design was well received by the Dartmoor National Park Planning Authority and was seen as both a sympathetic and progressive design solution to bring life back to a historic building within a sensitive context.

Above: The new glazed entrance link between the two old granite buildings. The original stone facades can be seen to continue inside.

Above: Stunning bookmatch walnut veneer panels in the entrance hall of this old stone farmhouse.

What We Love: This old stone farmhouse is a beautiful example of blending the old with the new. We love the wood-burning stove in the dining area and the views are spectacular. The curved kitchen countertop is also an incredible detail. We also appreciate the mix of organic elements that bring warmth to this design. Overall, the bright interiors mixed with the old and original farmhouse create a wonderful space that will be enjoyed by this home’s inhabitants for years to come.

Tell Us: What elements in this renovation and addition project do you find most appealing? Let us know in the Comments below!

Note: Be sure to check out a couple of other incredible home tours that we have featured here on One Kindesign in the United Kingdom: A charming ivy-clad stone cottage offers tranquility in Worcestershire and An old barn gets a stunning conversion into cozy living in Buckinghamshire.

Above: The modern kitchen where the feature panels of black walnut line the curved island bar.

Internally a palette of existing granite walls has been paired with Jerusalem limestone stone flooring from Mandarin Stone and wide-plank oak flooring. Existing timber ceiling and roof structures have been retained where possible – retaining the character of the property. Feature panels of black walnut line the kitchen and entrance hall joinery, adding warmth to the calm color palette. Wood burners were supplied by Kernow Fires.

Above: The original stone fireplace with decorative brick arch has been restored with a new wood burning stove inside.

Above: Existing timber ceiling and roof structures have been retained where possible – retaining the character of the property.

There are four bedrooms and three bathrooms in this old stone farmhouse.

Above: The Milking Parlor — Green-oak framed extension to the disused milking parlor.

Above: Beautiful open plan timber framed extension hand crafted by Carpenter Oak Ltd.

PHOTOGRAPHER Richard Downer Photography