Magor, Caldicot, NP26

This inspired conversion of an historic cart house provides characterful, contemporary living space in a convenient rural environment, offering easy access to the M4 and major towns and cities.

It was the combination of the peaceful, pastoral surroundings and the proximity to the motorway network, for commuting and for visiting family nearby, that drew the vendors to this lovely spot. Taking on a run-down farm building, in 2005, they have completed a stylish transformation, which retains charming reminders of the property's former use. They have made particular features of the four large arched openings along one side, which would have been the doorways for the carts. "We wanted to keep the atmosphere of the barn, which is 200 to 250 years old,"

As a result of their efforts, the traditional stone-built barn is now a stunning, three-bedroom family home, with a farmhouse-style kitchen and two light-filled reception rooms. The immaculately-presented property has a warm and welcoming ambience and features oak double glazed windows, high standards of insulation and underfloor heating throughout, powered by an energy-efficient Geo Thermal ground source heat pump. "Everybody remarks on how cosy and warm the barn is and yet it also has a contemporary feel. Also, thanks to my favourite features, those lovely big windows, it is very, very light. It is lovely to come home to."

The property also benefits from ample parking, a large double garage (with potential for conversion, subject to necessary consents), well-planned, enclosed gardens and a peaceful, rural outlook, over neighbouring paddocks towards the River Severn. It is situated among a small cluster of three converted barns, once used as a dairy farm. "It is totally private, but part of a small community, so you don't feel alone. But when you open the front door the first thing you see is the horses in the neighbouring fields and that's gorgeous."

The property sits in delightful, landscaped, private gardens and enjoys lovely, rural surroundings, overlooking fields and paddocks belonging to a neighbouring livery.

A large gravel driveway, providing parking for up to six cars, gives access to an oversized double garage, a block-built building faced with wood to give an agricultural appearance. The garage has loft space above and is used for storage as well as for cars. Subject to planning, it could be converted into annexe accommodation.

The gardens include a level area of lawn divided from the neighbouring paddocks by post and rail fencing. The remainder of the garden is fully enclosed and comprises a further lawn, with shrub and flower borders retained by reclaimed stone from the site. There is a large patio area and a gate in a lovely old stone wall leads round to the decking and lawn at the back of the house. Two original stone sheds (one of them once an outside WC) provide garden storage. A wooden structure attached to the property houses the Geo Thermal heating unit.

To take full advantage of the long distance views, they vendors have built a raised decking in one corner of their garden. "It has the best view in the whole place. You can see across to the Severn Estuary and the two Severn bridges."