CONVERT TO LIFE IN A BARN

OLD barns are now among the most popular buildings to transform into dream homes.

Each one is unique, with its own history, original character and features, and usually a stunning rural location.

The best barn conversions embrace the vast spaces that once housed farmyard animals or heavy machinery and transform them into stunning living spaces.

Whatever the interior design, the most successful conversions ensure that original features such as stone walls and solid wood beams are not only preserved but are integral to the design of the new home.

And among the impressive barn conversions on the market in Wales right now is this beauty in Talbot Green, priced at £850,000.

Said to have once been owned by Rod Stewart’s manager, surely most potential buyers will think this barn is definitely, well, “sexy”.

Called The Barns, one of the most unique features of this Grade II listed building is its multiple arched windows stretching across the front of the building.

This inevitably allows light to flood in and also frames pretty views of the garden from within each room.

The main reception room is a stunning space.

The double height room is open to the rafters with the original ceiling beams an imposing original feature.

But the vast space does not feel cold or cavernous.

The exposed stone feature walls, substantial log burner in the fireplace, honey-toned wood flooring and layers of sumptuous soft furnishings create a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere.

The internal design of this barn has been successful in creating zoned spaces and unique areas while keeping the size and spacious feel of the original building.

For example, there is a minstrels’ gallery overlooking the space, so anyone who knows any minstrels can certainly accommodate them in this home.

The kitchen is, as expected, a very spacious area featuring doors out to the garden, exposed stone walls and underfloor heating hidden under the stripped wooden floorboards.

The very definition of the heart of the home, the room has a large central kitchen island with integrated breakfast bar plus plenty of space for a separate, more formal, dining area.

The country-style kitchen is all modern, with polished marble worktops and all the integrated appliances any contemporary cook could hope for.

Upstairs there are four bedrooms, each with its own en suite.

Each bedroom features characterful exposed ceiling and roof beams and the first floor study includes stonework alcoves retained from the original barn, which were once the little front doors for the local birds.

The master suite has a generous en suite shower room and a walk in wardrobe/dressing room. No local birds welcome in this particular sanctuary though.

If you can drag yourself away from this super stylish internal space, outside the property has a spacious walled garden with multiple stone patio areas for alfresco dining, lawned areas and a separate herb garden.

There is also a courtyard which contains a useful restored outbuilding, plus a double garage.

And as a nod to the past, the current owners have kept some of the original farm machinery as garden features.

Maggie may (ahem) like this home with a loose connection to rock star Rod Stewart, but if she doesn’t want to buy it, you can secure it as your dream barn conversion for £850,000.