Step inside this Grade II listed barn conversion in Hertfordshire
After homes and interiors decorating ideas? Be inspired by this Christmas themed Grade II listed barn conversion in Hertfordshire
Take a look at this idyllic series of barn conversions from the owners of Osprey London. Following 15 years of painstaking work, a series of rural buildings has become a relaxed, versatile home, perfect for entertaining and as a haven from busy life. It has taken 15 years to slowly refurbish a series of rural buildings into a relaxed and versatile home.
The grade II listed building now suits the busy life of owners, the couple behind luxury leather goods and homewares company, Osprey London, and their three children. Inspired by the chance to give new life to old or tired structures, they have sensitively created a home to share together as a family full of organic materials and earthy colours.
1/9 Hallway
Comfort is clearly a key theme from the moment you step into the entrance hall. A classic sofa is updated with rich inviting cushions that reference the shades of the Persian rug, which warms the oak flooring.
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2/9 Exterior
The owners developed the buildings in phases and found slowing down and living with space before making decisions was the best way to tackle a project of such scale. It allowed them to work out what they needed as a family. They love enclosed courtyards that you find in countries such as Morocco, where water features and plants are linked in the interiors of the home. The arrangement of the buildings gave them the rare opportunity to create an English version. 'There are lots of timber-framed buildings in this part of the world, but our barn is unusual as it also has brickwork,' says the owner.
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Not On The High Street
3/9 Living room
Cut-out windows overlooking the living room from the stairwell area are a clever architectural detail that breaks up the double-height wall. The chalky backdrop and pale sanded beams lightens the atmosphere, giving the many pieces of artwork and unique pieces of furniture room to breathe and exhibit themselves. Oversized lamps teamed with white sofas and reddish-orange soft furnishing give the room an exotic vibe.
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4/9 Dining room
Draw on an outdoor palette by painting panelling in a soft blue and pair with vibrant turquoise and fuchsia for a contemporary take on classic country style. A quad of buttoned, cushioned mini banquettes and a well stocked walnut bar suggest this room lends itself well to entertaining. Festive decorations in autumn shades glow in the candlelight with a glorious bell garland and a pumpkin table setting.
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5/9 Kitchen
Keep hold of a building's history by designing a kitchen that is a pleasure to use. The owners have put a lot of thought into the kitchen as they both adore cooking. Exposing the pitched roof and adding a window floods the large traditional-style kitchen with light while a traditional monochrome scheme is classic and refined. An impressive gleaming - milk churn - style pendant light nods to the barn's original heritage.
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John Lewis
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Made
6/9 Sitting room
Create a modern yet refined vibe. Find your individual character with the perfect mix of old and new. Classic panelling painted in a rich truffle shade warms the couples substantial living room and sets the homely tone. Stylish white sofas dressed with velvet cushions in autumnal shades balances oversized antique furniture. The impressive Christmas tree fills the double height space and is decorative with gold and russet decorations that match the earthy scheme. A single cow print stands out as a spot of humour.
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7/9 Master bedroom
The owners have decorated the main bedroom in a palette of silver, mink and cream combined with tactile fur. An oversized, buttoned headboard takes centre stage with its glamorous appeal. The wintery cushions and bedspread reflect the tones of the impressive oak beams overhead while, on the floor, a large storage trunk-cum-bedside table marries the scheme together.
8/9 Attic room
Enjoy a room with a view and blur the boundaries between lounging and bathing with a stylish and therapeutic space. A contemporary freestanding bath is situated by next to an impressive window to make the most of idyllic views. Set within the pitched eaves, a neat pelmet and swept-back curtains frame the picture window while a sophisticated sofa completes this relaxing scheme.
9/9 Drawing room
The owners have streamlined a smart den to cosy up for winter work. An integrated woodburning stove, soft upholstered seating and a trunk coffee table make this luxurious home office cosy and social. As in the living room, the truffle-toned panelling is inviting and intimate creating a study space that is sleek and tailored.
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Heather Young has been Ideal Home’s Editor since late 2020, and Editor-In-Chief since 2023. She is an interiors journalist and editor who’s been working for some of the UK’s leading interiors magazines for over 20 years, both in-house and as a freelancer.
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