Barn conversion in the Lake District

What started as a crumbling shell in the Lakes became a dream holiday home – and the story of how we brought a beautiful, ambitious vision to life.

The Challenge

We’d already completed a house renovation for this family, so when it came to transforming their barn, they trusted us with the project.

The brief was to preserve its old-world charm while creating a fully modern, liveable space. What we found was a disused shell, and to add to the challenge, we were working during the winter, with snow on the ground and only a few daylight hours to work safely. The biggest hurdles were the weather, the building’s condition, and the need to bring more light into such a dark space.

Our Approach

We worked closely with our clients to make sure we were creating what they envisioned in their mind’s eye. With the planning requirements approved, we liaised with building control throughout the project due to the large structural changes that were made.

We made the structure watertight and safe by replacing the roof and insulating the walls, making the building habitable. We coordinated with inspectors and brought in plumbers and electricians where needed, always keeping the project on track. We added a mezzanine floor to maximise the use of space and natural light.

From the flooring to the fitted kitchen, every detail was built from scratch. The clients played an active role in selecting the fixtures, including the gorgeous wooden floor and the striking blue bath. The clients chose them – we ordered and stored them at our depot, then fitted them with care.
Even the finishes required a little creativity. Plaster was made smooth, then deliberately chipped back to reveal character, striking the right balance between modern craftsmanship and historic charm.

The Transformation

After eight months of work, the barn was transformed into a beautiful home: light-filled, practical, and full of character. Old stone walls meet modern comforts; a once-derelict shell is now a luxurious holiday let.

By carefully blending original materials with modern craftsmanship, we created a home that will be enjoyed for many years to come.

The owners were delighted and still call on us year after year for new projects.

More Than Building

We managed the structural build – and just as importantly, we guided our clients through the process, keeping their vision alive and ensuring they felt reassured at every stage. We were able to give them confidence in the journey, through the messy middle, and excitement for what came next.

That’s the difference we bring to every project.

In Their Own Words:

“We have used this business for a number of years, jobs ranging from small DIY bits and pieces to a new kitchen and bathroom.

Last year we gave Tony and his team their biggest challenge yet – converting a derelict barn into a luxury holiday let. Their commitment, enthusiasm and hard work were outstanding, from installing new roof joists in below zero temperatures to liaising constantly with building inspectors and co-ordinating the work of specialist trades such as plumbers and electricians.

Over the 6 months I was kept constantly informed of progress, both practically and in terms of the budget.

It was also the little things – like making sure the site was kept tidy and that the neighbours weren’t disrupted by noise etc.

I can’t recommend them enough; they are trustworthy, professional, and quite simply, the best builders out there!”

Thinking about your own barn conversion? Let’s talk about bringing your vision to life.