A Cotswolds Barn Conversion for Contemporary Living
This iconic barn conversion is set within acres of countryside near Stow on the Wold, in the heart of the Cotswolds. The project was undertaken as a weekend retreat for a busy family of six, requiring interiors that balanced comfort, durability and quiet luxury within a strong architectural envelope.
Photographer Richard Seymour
Architect McLean Quinlan
Styled by Giselle De Hasse
The living space furnishings were developed to sit comfortably within the scale and character of the converted barn. Furniture layouts were carefully considered to support family use while maintaining openness and connection to the surrounding landscape. The interior design responds to the architecture rather than competing with it, allowing volume, light and structure to lead.
Furniture configuration, fabric selection and finishes were central to the success of the project. Pieces were chosen for comfort, longevity and visual restraint, combining contemporary design with tactile materials suited to a rural setting and young family use.
A curated mix of contemporary furniture, antiques and reclaimed elements introduced depth and texture, balancing the clients’ preference for refined modern design with the honesty and robustness of the barn’s architecture.
Private spaces were resolved with the same emphasis on comfort, proportion and material balance. Bedrooms were designed to feel calm and restorative, offering a contrast to the scale of the main living areas while maintaining a consistent architectural language throughout the house.
The completed project is a relaxed yet considered retreat, where contemporary interiors sit naturally within a historic rural structure. The result is a home that feels grounded, comfortable and quietly luxurious, designed to support family life without compromising architectural integrity.