High-End Barn Conversion in Kent: 3 Architect-Led Modern Homes

Luxury property developer Cooper & Cole approached us to convert a barn in Ash into a high-end rural development with a distinct architectural character.

Guided by their brief, we transformed the building into three generous dwellings, retaining the existing structure while reorganising the interiors.

The outcome is a refined contemporary development that respects the barn’s history and supports modern living.

The Barnyard, A Luxury Barn Conversion in Kent

The Barnyard sits on the edge of Ash, a village in the Dover district with open views across open countryside.

Positioned between Wingham and Sandwich, it lies on a private byway off East Street with only a handful of neighbouring properties nearby.

The site, previously used as an agricultural storage bar, was acquired by the client with the intention of transforming it into a small, high-quality residential scheme.

The Brief: Converting An Agricultural Barn Into A Modern Rural Development

Cooper & Cole had a clear vision. They aimed to create three spacious, design-led homes that would appeal to professionals and families seeking contemporary rural living.

Rather than replicating a conventional residential layout, the brief focused on making the most of the barn’s generous proportions.

The dwellings needed to feel bright and carefully detailed, with a material palette that delivered a refined, high-end aesthetic.

The layout had to include practical elements such as utility space, ample storage, and parking for several vehicles.

The Design: Reimagining an Agricultural Barn as Three Modern Homes

The Barnyard’s design retains the barn’s linear form and introduces a refined contemporary aesthetic.

Working with the existing structure, we formed three dwellings around its generous internal volumes. We incorporated double-height spaces and extensive glazing to express the original building’s full height.

These volumes form the heart of each home, with a mezzanine gallery overlooking the main living area. Full-height south-facing windows bring in abundant natural light and uninterrupted views of the surrounding fields.

The Layout

Each of the three homes provides 212.7m² (2,290 ft²) of internal living space, arranged to maximise openness and day-to-day usability.

Key features include:

• A double-height entrance hall with feature pendant lighting, creating an immediate sense of scale and forming the central point from which the home is organised
• A large open-plan kitchen, living, and dining space with direct access to the south-facing terrace and garden
• A mezzanine study gallery above the main living area, offering a flexible workspace with views across the interior and the landscape
• Four generously-sized bedrooms, including a double-height master bedroom with a dressing area and a spacious en-suite bathroom
• A dedicated utility room and ground-floor WC, providing functional space separate from the main living areas
• Built-in storage, including an under-stair wine cellar positioned off the entrance hall, which allows the main rooms to remain uncluttered.

Together, these elements create a flowing layout that supports modern family living and makes the most of the barn’s distinctive proportions.

The Materials

We developed a material palette that draws on the barn’s agricultural character while giving the development a crisp, contemporary identity. 

We retained the existing metal roof sheets and introduced vertical black timber cladding with a shadow-gap detail. The timber sits on a weathered buff brick plinth that anchors the building in its setting and adds texture to the façades.

We used full-height aluminium-framed windows with a black powder-coat finish, which sit cohesively with the cladding and stand out against the lighter interiors.

Inside, exposed powder-coated steel beams and polished concrete floors give each home a clean, minimal backdrop.

For the bathrooms and en-suites, we chose matt-white Corian basins, textured black brassware, and high-quality porcelain finishes to maintain the scheme’s refined feel.

Together, these materials create a cohesive, premium finish that transforms the barn into three modern, luxury homes.

The Landscaping

We shaped the landscaping to establish clear boundaries and provide privacy between the dwellings.

Across the site, we introduced a combination of close-boarded fencing, post-and-rail sections, and low mounding to define each plot while maintaining a countryside character. 

Each home includes a south-facing patio directly off the main living space, together with a generous lawned area and a shed.

New gates and defined parking spaces keep the development accessible and well-integrated into its rural setting.

Sustainability

We specified air source heat pumps for all three homes, providing an efficient, low-carbon heating and hot water system. 

To improve comfort and energy efficiency, we introduced underfloor heating and solar glass to reduce summer heat.

Smart controls allow the heating to be adjusted from a mobile or tablet, making it easy to use energy efficiently.

The Client’s Feedback

The client was very pleased with the outcome of the scheme, particularly how the design balanced high-quality residential accommodation with the character and setting of the original barn. 

Planning a Barn Conversion or Rural Development?

James Clague Architects is part of Latchmere House, an architecture and engineering collective bringing architects, structural engineers, interior designers, surveyors, and property specialists together under one roof.

From our Canterbury and Tunbridge Wells studios, we work across Kent, Sussex, Surrey, and the South East.

Whether you’re looking to convert an existing barn, extend a period or listed property, or create a modern home in the countryside, we can guide you through the full process - from early concept and planning strategy to technical design and coordination with trusted contractors.

To discuss your project, book an initial consultation or call 01227 649073.