CAREFULLY CRAFTED

Onitha and Dan Jarrold’s modern barn conversion manages to respect its origins while also incorporating eco-conscious elements into the heart of its design

Honouring the history of an old Suffolk barn was a vital part of this eco-conscious conversion

Trying to honour the heritage of an old building while giving it a new lease of life always presents a challenge to a renovator. But this Suffolk barn conversion has achieved a pleasing balance between the before and after. ‘Before we started the build, I used to mentally walk through the house every night as I was falling asleep, trying to envisage how the layout would work,’ says Onitha Jarrold, who with husband Dan bought the site and outbuildings on the grounds beside her old family house. Together they have created a modern home for themselves and sons Noah, now 14, and twins Isaac and Finn, 11, plus Sunny the Cockapoo.

‘I spent a lot of time making mood boards and doing sketches,’ says Onitha, who runs a furniture refurbishment business called Rekindled. Sustainability and beautiful interiors are very close to her heart. ‘I set out with the aim of creating a personalised interior for us, but as we have quite an eclectic mix of items I took my time to plan how it would all fit into the space.’

The construction of the barn involved building a framework out of hollow polystyrene blocks, which was then filled with poured concrete. The heating and hot water are generated by a ground source heat pump, which collects energy and converts it into heat. Onitha and Dan also wanted to incorporate as much eco-conscious design as possible into the build,

as well as make the house feel warmer with salvaged and vintage furniture and floors. The parquet flooring throughout the ground level is 300 year-old reclaimed oak from a chateau in France.

‘There’s very little here that has been bought as new,’ says Onitha. ‘I like the simplicity of mid-century design and its elegant lines, and the floors give warmth both physically and aesthetically, which makes the place feel cosy and homely despite its size. Being built from mostly modern materials could have made the house feel cold and unwelcoming, but surrounding ourselves with meaningful pieces that have a story and that we have put a little extra effort and love into, helps give it a character and honesty.’

Walking into the light-drenched, double-height atrium of the living areas, you are immediately hit with the standout feature of the house – the floor-to-ceiling window, which allows uninterrupted views from both downstairs and upstairs. ‘The installation was nail-biting experience,’ says Onitha. ‘It was transported on a flatbed lorry and lifted into place using a suction crane. But we couldn’t be happier with how it has turned out. The view is like a constantly changing piece of art. We often find ourselves gazing out of the window watching the sunset, instead of the TV. It really connects us to the landscape.’

The finished project doesn’t come without an element of sadness, though. ‘Having lost both of my parents recently, the location holds even more significance and many special memories,’ says Onitha. But there will undoubtedly be many more joyful times ahead for the Jarrolds in their beautiful house.

LIVING AREA The clean, low lines of Danish mid-century furniture create a sense of calm and simplicity. Secto Octo pendant light, £690, Made In Design. Try Antiques Atlas for a haberdashery cabinet like this one, price on request. Samsung The Frame TV, £1,499, John Lewis & Partners. Bow standing lamp, £129, Made

HALLWAY Slotted windows reflect an ever-changing canvas of light and shade as the sun moves. Staircase designed by architect Peter Wells. Black round rug, £95, Vanil

SNUG AREA A chic wood burner makes this part of the open-plan room extra cosy. Wood-burning stove, £1,225, The Stove Fitters Warehouse. Afaw Berber-style rug, £399, La Redoute

KITCHEN ‘We wanted as much functional storage as possible,’ says Onitha. Shaker-style cabinetry, price on request, Manor Farm Reproductions; painted in Kigali architects matt, £55 for 2.5ltr, Paint & Paper Library

LIVING AREA Onitha upcycled a vintage rocking chair and sideboard using a selection of tester pots. Try ebay for an original Hans J Wegner J16 rocking chair, from £450. Chalk paint, £5.95 for 120ml, Annie Sloan

BOY’S BEDROOM Onitha fashioned the lamp using dowel left over from another project. Mirapocket Mia 1000 pocket memory divan bed, £542, Very. The side table was a flea-market find

EN SUITE ‘I’m quite proud of the luxurious look we’ve achieved in here,’ says Onitha. Upcycled cabinet in Amsterdam Green, £19.95 for 1ltr, Annie Sloan. Brass wall sconces, £93.50 each, Khalima Lights

LANDING Sleek contemporary additions lend style and personality to this airy walkway. Harry Bertoia-inspired Wire Diamond chair, £74, Stone Butterfly. Ludde sheepskin rug, £29, Ikea. Klum pendant lights in Cork and Red, £59 each, Made

MASTER BEDROOM Wood flooring and soft upholstery add warmth and texture to this cool blue and white palette. Roscoe super king-size bed in Aegean Blue, £499, Made. Wright bedside table (unpainted), £349, West Elm. Pink bed linen, from £8, Primark. Vagmalla throw, £13, Ikea