Barn Life!
They say life is cyclical. In medieval times, rural homes often consisted of a single building - the origins of a future “longhouse”. Humans lived in one part and the animals in the other. It made tending the stock on cold winter days easier! Fast forward several hundred years, and converting disused barns to full human habitation became fashionable, thereby preserving buildings that might have fallen into complete disrepair. In predominantly rural counties like Devon the late 20th century and early 21st century saw significant numbers of barns being converted from single buildings to farm and estate courtyards. As farming became ever more mechanically orientated with large portal frame barns provided accessible and healthier space since old buildings proved inadequate.
Not only old and occasionally listed farm buildings proved attractive to home dwellers, but a change in planning rules included modern portal-framed buildings, creating Class Q planning. The criteria is that they are no longer required commercially with the farm. The latter is perfect for modern, eco-sustainable development that complies with all green attributes and provides an opportunity for people to live in rural areas that may otherwise not have been possible.
As always, there are downsides to any property—there is always a compromise. Barns within a farm environment that are converted for full residential or holiday letting use often prove incompatible with the lifestyle of the people occupying them—where town meets country. Choosing such a move should be carefully considered from a wider perspective.
When making the single biggest purchase of a lifetime, it seems counterintuitive to mention compromise. No property will tick every box, but the key is to ensure the location works for your lifestyle and the property fits comfortably in the budget. Tick those boxes and enjoy: “It’s all about coming home.”
Aide Memoire when buying a new home:
Identify the location to fit your requirements. Research all relevant amenities you require – schools, transport, leisure facilities etc.
Discuss funding requirements with an IFA, bank, or mortgage broker if necessary. A selling agent will ask for proof of funds when submitting an offer.
Engage a solicitor in advance enabling them to carry out all required Anti Money Laundering searches to be ready with the purchase. Ideally, use the same solicitor if selling and buying consecutively.
Going forward, you will require a building surveyor, insurance broker, architect if you want to make alterations, builders, and a project manager for larger alterations to ensure all regulations are fully met.
Removal company. It is best to have them on notice as the timing has to fit in with legal completion dates if you are selling.
Locksmith: It is advisable to change the locks on a new property and advise the insurance company so a full list of current keyholders can be provided.
Arrange for all services to be transferred. Final bills in the house you leave and new contracts for the new house.
Make sure the kettle is on hand on a moving day, as the removal men and you will regularly need tea!
A varied selection of barn conversions:
Rectory Barn, East Portlemouth: Impressive 6500 sq.ft barn converted in 2009 in a secluded setting close to the Salcombe Estuary, sitting in 1.56 acres of landscaped grounds. Sustainable and technology-orientated home in a stunning location.
The Barn House, Chagford: Award-nominated barn conversion in hidden town centre location. Immaculately presented. Fowlers Properties
Crofters, Spreyton: Spectacularly sited country house converted in 2006, set in 2.3 acres with westerly views of the northern Dartmoor National Park.
Summermoor Barn, Swimbridge: Fantastic opportunity to create a 4 bedroom home in 6 6 acres. Planning permissions approved – ready to go!
Oakhayes, Higher Blannicombe, Honiton: Beautifully presented 6-bedroom barn conversion with far-reaching rural views in established 1-acre gardens.