Reviving rural stables - a Hampshire farmhouse renovation
At Alexandra Young, we thrive on rewarding collaborations—blending traditional and modern building techniques, partnering with trusted craftspeople, and creating timeless designs for our long-standing clients, makes for one of our favourite projects.
A Thoughtful Redesign: Merging Tradition with Modernity
Our brief was to transform a neglected single storey stable block into a light and multi-use modern space for the whole family that complemented the adjacent beautiful farmhouse. The property is set in the idyllic and peaceful Hampshire countryside with beautiful views and we really wanted to reflect this in the building design and the interiors.
Working alongside the Hartwood Oak Buildings, we designed a new double-storey space that preserved the barn's rustic charm while incorporating modern elements. Traditional building techniques were paired with sleek steel doors and windows from Fabco Sanctuary, creating a seamless blend of old and new.
The beautiful herringbone terracotta brickwork floor from Artisans of Devizes creates an earthy tone to the entrance hall with an oversized solid English oak bench, and leads through to a sisal-wrapped cloakroom complete with beautiful bespoke limestone trough style vanity.
The family wanted a room that could serve as both a home office, gym and a social space for their teenagers to hangout. We incorporated herringbone oak flooring, from Element 7, plenty of discreet flexible storage, and a bar area ideal for relaxing with a juice after a workout or for entertaining guests. The shiplap boarded ceiling and exposed beams contrasted beautifully with the full height steel glazing.
Social space encompassing home office, gym and hangout for teenagers
Upstairs a warm and inviting self-contained flat offers privacy and comfort for guests. The hand-built kitchen, bespoke upholstery and hand-sourced finishes combined with decorative wallpaper to create a welcoming home away from home for guests.
The home office and boardroom were designed as a quiet retreat from the main house. The space is wrapped in abaca wallpaper hand-woven in the Philippines. This cocooning, sustainable material creates a calm, private space for work and meetings. The huge window allows natural light to pour in, highlighting the vaulted ceiling and the mix of contemporary office furniture and exposed beams, and frames the views of peaceful Hampshire countryside. It’s a perfect balance of high-end design and functionality.
Finishing Touches: Ready for Christmas Celebrations
We were proud to complete the barn in time for the family’s Christmas gathering. The space was ready to host with crisp new bed linens, beautiful glassware, and a fully stocked gym bar for a touch of festive luxury. The attention to detail ensured that this renovation not only met the family’s practical needs but also created a place for relaxation and celebration.
A Team Effort: Collaboration with Skilled Craftspeople
The project came together thanks to a talented team of builders, electricians, plumbers, and cabinet makers, who helped bring our design and the client’s vision to life. Having worked for the owners on several previous projects, we worked closely to source unique antiques and commission bespoke soft furnishings that perfectly complement the main house and the space’s traditional-modern fusion.
The End Result: A Modern Barn for Family Life
It’s a perfect example of how a timeless structure can be reimagined for the future.
We’re incredibly proud of this project and are excited to continue exploring projects that marry traditional design with modern function. If you're embarking on your own renovation journey, we'd love to help you bring your vision to life.
Photography: Tom St Aubyn Photography