WHO LIVES HERE?
Shell and Grant live here with their three children, plus Percy the English bull terrier, Treacle the cat, rabbits Bagel and Brioche, and Indian Runner ducks Waffle, Maple, Popcorn, Pretzel and Waddle.
When Shell and Grant first moved into their Cornish barn conversion, the garden was a vast, open space that was completely untouched, but packed with potential.
‘One of the biggest selling points when we bought the barn was the amount of land that came with it,' says Shell. ‘But that's exactly what it was… land.'
Formerly a farmer's field, the plot had poor soil and no structure or landscaping. ‘It felt incredibly exciting, but also a bit daunting.'
Their previous home, a three-bedroom country cottage, had a small, shaded garden, so the openness of the new plot immediately captured their imagination.
‘We loved the sense of space,' says Shell. ‘There was room for the children to run around, room to grow our own food, and the chance to make outdoor living a part of everyday life.'
From the outset, the couple wanted a garden that would support family life. ‘Having so much space to work with, we were able to divide the garden into clear areas, each with its own purpose,' says Shell.
It's wildlife-friendly, with planting chosen to support bees, birds and insects
A large patio close to the barn was top of the list, designed for relaxed entertaining and complete with an outdoor kitchen, alongside plans for a dedicated vegetable garden.
The children also had their say, with a pool that has become a favourite spot from spring through summer.
With the overall layout in place, attention turned to the patio by the barn, thoughtfully arranged around olive trees that now act as a soft focal point within the space.
‘I fell in love with them instantly,' says Shell. ‘They give the space a relaxed, Mediterranean feel.'
The vegetable garden, designed entirely by Shell, was carefully planned around the location of the septic tank.
Working with a local landscaper, they created raised decking with a discreet, removable hatch, turning a practical challenge into a usable dining space. ‘It was about finding a solution that worked and still looked beautiful,' says Shell.
Decorative obelisks, £16 for two, Argos are a good match.
Cornish stone raised beds were chosen for longevity and to echo the barn's rustic charm. The family grows everything from tomatoes and courgettes to onions and potatoes, with layers of alliums, grasses and flowering perennials bringing colour and texture to the space.
A similar Vintage Greenhouse can be sourced from Burgess Reclamation, prices start at £1,500.
At the heart of the growing area sits Shell's reclaimed greenhouse, sourced from the Netherlands after years of searching. ‘I'd been looking for one for so long,' she says. ‘I absolutely love it – the rusty steel and old glass panes are so full of character, and it's completely transformed how we grow food.'
A gravel path leads up to the greenhouse, edged with raised beds and generous planting, and an old tin bath outside collects rainwater for the garden. ‘The children love dipping in their watering cans and getting to work sprinkling the beds,’ says Shell.
Now, the garden is where the family spends most of their time, whatever the season. ‘It's so beautiful, and to think we created all of this from nothing feels quite emotional.'
This article first appeared in Ideal Home, May 2026 issue. Subscribe and save here.
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