Songbirds, Poundstock, Cornwall

Set in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, with magnificent views across rolling countryside to the sea, this redundant and dilapidated barn was carefully and sympathetically converted into a three bedroom house. Once part of a small, working farmstead, the barn was restored to retain much of its original appearance and character. Existing door and window openings were retained and established conservation methods and techniques were used in the restoration, including rubble stone pointed in lime mortar, cob block repairs and lime render with a lime wash finish. The roof was constructed of salvaged natural rag slate, with matching clay ridge tiles, laid over a traditional principle truss roofing system. The contemporary replacement of an adjoining barn is vertically clad with timber to create a distinct but complementary addition that integrates with the existing building and surrounding elements, respecting the sensitivity of the location in terms of scale and massing. Locally-sourced, traditional vernacular materials were used throughout and any existing site materials were re-used where possible. Photograph: Aspects Holidays Cornwall