Rutland Barn Conversion Eco Retreat

The former sheep wash barn is in an isolated position, around one mile from the village of Stoke Dry in Rutland and has panoramic views to the south of Eye Brook Reservoir and the Rutland countryside. (Eye Brook Reservoir is where the Dambusters perfected the bouncing bomb, as it doubled for the Möhne Reservoir in Germany!)

GHA were approached by the owner to convert a derelict barn in Rutland into a holiday home. The aspiration is that it will be self-sufficient in terms of utilities, and of a high thermal performance to reduce the likelihood of requiring connection to mains electric. GHA are collaborating with Mesh Energy a renewable energy consultant to define the building’s thermal performance and renewable energy strategy.

The South elevation is largely glazed, existing openings are ideally situated to take advantage of the views. Feeding troughs have been retained as a feature in the open plan living space alongside a bioethanol burner fireplace to provide a centre piece. Adjacent to the kitchen a study niche has been created. Both bedrooms at either end of the barn are en suite, the master bedroom also has a dressing room area. New openings provide the bedrooms with full-height windows.