The architects at Studio Mark Ruthven were responsible for the conversion of a barn into a beautiful contemporary haven for a family in the Cotswolds, a rural area of south-central England. Since any kind of extension of this historic agricultural property was prohibited at the ground level, the solution was what lay beneath. The architects had to present their architectural plans and negotiate with the Planning Authority to extend the home below grade, adding an additional 3,013 square feet (280 square meters).

Part of the extension was added under the existing barn while the rest extended out into the landscape. The brand-new design of the lower-ground floor level offers a view out onto a sunken courtyard garden, creating a seamless indoor-outdoor connection. This level encompasses two bedroom suites, a gym, a sauna, and a playroom. The existing barn went through a complete transformation of the interiors, including the installation of a bespoke kitchen, a master bedroom suite that is spread out over two levels, and state-of-the-art management systems as well as energy-efficient lighting.

The exterior of the barn has been beautifully preserved, offering extensive windows on both sides of the house to bring in natural light and help to blur the boundaries between indoors and out. London-based interior design studio Clifton Interiors was responsible for the interior design scheme of the project, selecting the beautiful furnishings, finishes and fixtures that you see throughout the interiors.

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What We Love: Barn conversions are one of our personal favorites, the historical preservation, the rustic architecture on the outside of the structure and the unique ways that they get changed on the inside to make them comfortable for family living. This home in the Cotswolds does not disappoint, with its exposed wood beams, soaring ceilings, beautiful light fixtures and elegant furnishings. What are your thoughts, are you a fan of barn conversions? Could you live in a barn?

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Photos: Graham Gaunt