What do you do with a derelict out-building in your garden? A barn conversion could transform it into a studio, office or granny flat. But if you live in the beautiful Shropshire countryside, it could make an attractive holiday home.
Oliver Gibbs Carpentry and Joinery was commissioned to help convert an old stone Blacksmiths into a holiday home in the autumn of 2011.
Dilapidated barn
The building was a dilapidated stone shell with rafters and a corrugated iron roof. It was ideal for conversion into a holiday home being close to the client’s home with great views over the Shrewsbury hills. After planning permission was granted, work began to reconstruct the outbuilding into a one bedroom cottage with living room, kitchen and bathroom.
Barn conversion
Oliver Gibbs was brought in initially to do the first-fix carpentry work. This involved replacing three large purlins to support the roof. The roof was tied-in with collars and the rotten rafters and plates were replaced. An extension with timber frame and waney-edged cladding gave the building more space. A skylight and window provided light. Stud walls and doorways were built inside creating the rooms. Oliver was then asked back to finish the second fixing work, including fitting the architrave, a wooden floor and kitchen.
Barn conversions are rarely straight forward. As Oliver Gibbs explains, ‘The difficult thing about working with an old building is that nothing is straight or square. The walls may have sunk and the beams maybe twisted. So with every new timber piece you have to decide how to adjust the plans to the original structure’
Stunning cottage
However, despite working from very basic architect and structural engineer’s drawings, the first-fix carpentry work was completed successfully in about 4 weeks. The finished result is an inviting holiday cottage set in the stunning Shropshire countryside. See cottage hire page >>
For more information about our Shrewsbury carpenters, barn conversions, renovations, extensions or roofing, do contact Oliver Gibbs Carpentry and Joinery for an informal discussion or free estimate.
Gallery
Click photos to enlarge. See cottage holiday website for more photos
Related pages:
Building an eco-office from straw
Bespoke office desk
How to get the best from your carpenter
Great post, nothing matches a nice barn conversion. Did you use any heat recovery in this?
Thanks for your question, John. The client used 100mm Celotex and foil faced insulation quilt for insulation, aluminium foil on the floor and walls to reflect heating. He had a stove in the living room and radiator in the bathroom.