Hay barns typically feature one or two large central openings originally designed for carts. In this project, these openings were fully glazed to form a dramatic, light-filled living room, with a b ridge above linking the third bedroom to the vertical circulation. This approach allows natural light to filter through to the upper floor, creating a striking interior that clearly reflects the building’s agricultural origins. From the exterior, however, the house still reads as a single-storey structure, preserving its traditional silhouette.
Exterior photo - as built
Swanmoor Barn
The ground floor also accommodates a spacious kitchen and dining area in the main part of the barn. A lean-to at the front has been converted into a guest bedroom suite with a utility, while a smaller structure at the rear provides a boot room and study.
Throughout the interior, oak joinery is used extensively, simply detailed to deliver a high-quality, clean-lined aesthetic. Rooflights are fitted flush with the roof slope to minimise visual impact, maintaining the barn’s character. The result is a superb family home that combines modern comfort with a strong sense of rural heritage.
LOCATION: Devon
GIA: 190 sqm
STATUS: Completed
STAGE OF INVOLVEMENT: Full Architects’ Services
Exterior photo - as built
Exterior photo - as built
Exterior photo - as built
Interior photo - as built
Interior photo - as built