Middledown, Marshfield, Chippenham

Springs Barn is a Grade II Listed 19th-century barn in the small hamlet of Middledown, surrounded by open countryside on the edge of the Cotswolds.

Recently converted, the house retains the heavy stone walls, traditional roof form and exposed timbers of the original agricultural building, while introducing a much more architectural contemporary interior. Dark grey Crittall glazing, stone and oak have been used throughout, with large areas of glazing bringing an unusual amount of light into what remains, externally, a very traditional Cotswold stone building.

The result is particularly successful because the old and new parts of the building have not been disguised. Original timbers, sections of exposed stone and the proportions of the former barn remain clearly visible alongside the new galleries, staircase and contemporary glazing.

The House

At the centre of Springs Barn is a remarkable double-height kitchen, dining and living space, extending to almost 48ft and framed by exposed roof timbers, galleries and large areas of Crittall glazing. Four bedrooms, three bathrooms, a separate sitting room, garaging and further farm buildings complete the property, with gardens and a paddock surrounded by far-reaching rural views.

Open to the roof and crossed by the original timber structure, the room has galleries above and a full-height glazed opening onto the courtyard. The scale is impressive, but so is the amount of natural light, with the glazing throwing light right across the pale stone floor and giving the room a very different feel throughout the day.

The kitchen occupies one end of the room, with a large central island and dark contemporary cabinetry set against the original stonework. Appliances include a double oven, wine fridge, two integrated fridge freezers, boiling-water tap, Lusso workstation sink and dishwasher.

A separate sitting room provides a more contained second reception room and would also make an amazing cinema/snug.

Two bedrooms and a bathroom are positioned on the ground floor. Upstairs, the galleries overlooking the main living space lead to two further bedrooms, both with en suite bathrooms. The combination of old timber, glass balustrading and contemporary detailing continues through this part of the house, while one of the bathrooms places a freestanding bath directly in front of a large Crittall window looking out across the countryside.

Throughout the house, the flooring and bathroom tiles are Beswick stone.

Outside

The house is approached through one of two vehicular entrances and sits behind traditional Cotswold stone walls.

Immediately around the barn, the landscaping has deliberately been kept simple. A rectangular lawn sits within a sheltered courtyard formed by the main barn and its lower stone wing, bordered by broad paved terraces and a line of pleached trees. The simplicity works particularly well against the stone elevations and dark grey Crittall glazing.

Beyond the more formal area around the house is a large level paddock, with the property extending to approximately 2.57 acres in all. The wider setting is one of Springs Barn's greatest strengths, with open farmland and long rural views surrounding the property.

There is a three-bay open-fronted garage together with two further modern agricultural buildings, comprising a Dutch barn and former milking parlour. These may offer scope for alternative uses, subject to the necessary planning consents.

Setting

Springs Barn stands at Middledown, a tiny rural hamlet approximately two miles from Marshfield, surrounded by open countryside.

Marshfield is one of the area's best-known historic villages, with a traditional High Street, village shop and post office, primary school and several pubs. Despite the rural position, the house is exceptionally well placed for Bath, Bristol and the M4.

Bath is approximately 9 miles, Chippenham 11 miles, Bristol 16 miles and Junction 18 of the M4 approximately 3 miles away. Mainline rail services are available from Chippenham, approximately 11 miles, with Bristol Parkway approximately 13 miles.

Schools within reach include Marshfield Primary School, Royal High School Bath and Kingswood School.

Springs Barn is freehold. The property has mains water and electricity, private drainage and an air-source heat pump, with underfloor heating to the ground floor and radiators on the first floor. EPC Band C.