As the name suggests, the original building was used for stabling horses for the farm, and upstairs there was a hayloft with large gaps in the floor to allow mangers to be filled from above. The site was derelict when Blake Architects first visited, its main function a place to store village fête paraphanalia! The main stables now exist as a living room; the original windows and doors bring ample light into the room and provide generous views into the garden.
The L-shaped barn was designed to allow two families to stay, with bedrooms accessible from separate staircases, but shared use of the kitchen and living spaces.
We revived the timber frame of the roof. Initially we had to scarf in timber repairs by locally cutting and chiselling out rotten timber and replacing with new timber. Finishing the timber with a light wax left their quirks of twists and grain to shine through, making each space unique.
The positioning of the many existing doors and windows in these stables informed the layout of the barn. Our approach was to minimise new openings, allowing guests to experience the space in a way that would have been close to the original layout and feel of the stables.
