This house is a masterclass in how to create a stylish home from an unlikely property

It's hard to believe this incredible home was once a barn, originally built in 1850, with a triple garage tacked on. Today, it's a characterful home with views over the surrounding Hampshire countryside, not to mention an open-plan kitchen-sitting room, breakfast room, utility room, main bedroom with ensuite, five other bedrooms, two bathrooms, a vaulted living-dining room, study and dressing room.

‘It was a little bit like a first date,' says owner Nicky Boothright, about her first viewing of the property. 'I just had a really good feeling about this property and could instantly visualise myself living here.'

A striking renovation project

The former agricultural building had been converted in the 1990s, but Nicky realised the triple garage presented another opportunity to transform the property. ‘While strolling around the barn, I realised there was scope to integrate the garage and link the two buildings,’ she reveals.

Nicky applied for planning permission to convert the garage into a yoga studio, utility room, two bedrooms, bathroom and a linking breakfast room with floor-to-ceiling Crittall-style windows.

While waiting, she forged ahead with other alterations in the main barn. The first phase of the renovation included modernising the existing bathrooms and building a wall to partition an area in the main bedroom to create a dressing room. She also asked interior designer Charlotte Stuart to help create beautiful schemes for her new home.

‘From the outset, I wanted the barn to be somewhere you could walk in, drop your bags and slump on a comfy sofa,’ Nicky explains. ‘I am so grateful that the mission has been accomplished. I’m now living in a home I adore in a lovely village that’s made me feel incredibly welcome.’

Exterior

The barn, down a rural lane in Hampshire, was originally converted in the 1990s, but owner Nicky integrated the property's triple garage into the building. Reclaimed roof tiles and Crittall-style windows and doors were chosen to create a seamless link between the existing barn and garage.

Dining room

This dining area is found at one end of the large, open-plan living space, and was decorated with the help of interior designer Charlotte Stuart.

‘Charlotte was brilliant at coming up with beautiful schemes to introduce a playful, contemporary twist into every room and inject plenty of wow factor,’ says Nicky. ‘She suggested so many ideas that I would never have thought of, such as lovely trims for cushions, gorgeous paint colours.'

Living area

This incredible vaulted space is a showstopping feature of the converted barn. The original beams enclose the living area, creating a comfortable seating zone in the heart of the open-plan space, centred around the fireplace. The brickwork of the chimney was rendered to give a less agricultural look.

‘I was very mindful of Nicky’s taste and knew that the existing barn and converted garage needed to flow into one another and have a cohesive feel,' says interior designer Charlotte Stuart. 'As Nicky has travelled extensively and collected many treasures and artworks over the years, it was important that the barn reflected her adventures and upbeat, positive personality. She never shied away from my bolder suggestions for fabrics, soft furnishings or paints.’

Kitchen

After deciding to remove a wall and reconfigure the old kitchen and snug to create an open-plan kitchen-seating area, Nicky commissioned Dave Roberts from Ardent Kitchens to fit a new bespoke kitchen. The bespoke Shaker-style kitchen cabinets were painted in an off-white shade as a contrast to the blue chosen for the island.

‘Charlotte’s idea of painting the kitchen island in a punchy blue, and the other cabinets in a more muted tone, works extremely well, anchoring this scheme,’ says Nicky.

Breakfast room

The breakfast room is a bright, sunny space to start the day. Nicky and interior designer Charlotte Stuart sourced new floor tiles to link the kitchen with this airy space.

Staircase

A wooden circular mirror adds interest beside the staircase which is a combination of oak and toughened glass panels.

Main bedroom

Gentle tones of blue and taupe run throughout this space, creating a soothing retreat.

Guest bedroom

A throw that matches the upholstered headboard injects extra impact.

Twin bedroom

Striped headboards are a striking feature in this space with its muted pink tones.

This feature first appeared in Country Homes & Interiors magazine

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