Barn Conversions
Discussion
Look everyone!!!!Jasandjules said:
jamesuk28 said:
Does anybody have a barn conversion or barn for conversion they wish to sell, or anybody looking to buy one?
I love the idea of living in a barn conversion but the practicalities of it seem to be less attractive.bogie said:
what practicalities are you worried about?
I have some fairly large fishtanks, which means I need good strong concrete floors and good ventilation. Most of my stuff is fairly modern so I don't think it would go well in a barn (and I love a modern kitchen, I hate AGAs and the "farm" kitchen). Then I have a couple of elderly animals who couldn't really do stairs well. well I have good ventilation, proper concrete floors (with oak on top) ...and fully built to modern building regs, so heating is no problem either (50 x 19 x 18ft living room)
none of those are really "downsides" to living in a barn IMO ....our place is 150 yr old shell of a barn+cart sheds, but converted once in the early 90's then redone/extended in 2006 to latest regs
real practical downsides Ive noticed (lived here for 3 years now) would be:
1. open plan - theres only 1 door between our bedroom and the living room - you need to build with this in mind (use better internal wall structures), especially for a family, where some may want to sleep whilst others use the living room
2. storage space ...build plenty of cupboards/wardrobes etc ...more than usual ....remember, you are living in "the loft" so dont have that space any more
re "modern" - thats up to you...not all barns have agas and "old" look n feel - we have a mix in ours...I guess this all depends on whether you are looking to buy one finished, or converting/finishing yourself
heating isnt a problem, with a properly designed system/insulation ...just small things like wireless room stats in different areas really help - you soon get the hang of keeping it nice n cosy,without outragous bills ...I think ours avg about £80 a month for 3000sqft @ 20 deg and someone at home all the time..
I love living in "a barn" compared to a 5 bed barrett lego house of the same price, its much more interesting
none of those are really "downsides" to living in a barn IMO ....our place is 150 yr old shell of a barn+cart sheds, but converted once in the early 90's then redone/extended in 2006 to latest regs
real practical downsides Ive noticed (lived here for 3 years now) would be:
1. open plan - theres only 1 door between our bedroom and the living room - you need to build with this in mind (use better internal wall structures), especially for a family, where some may want to sleep whilst others use the living room
2. storage space ...build plenty of cupboards/wardrobes etc ...more than usual ....remember, you are living in "the loft" so dont have that space any more
re "modern" - thats up to you...not all barns have agas and "old" look n feel - we have a mix in ours...I guess this all depends on whether you are looking to buy one finished, or converting/finishing yourself
heating isnt a problem, with a properly designed system/insulation ...just small things like wireless room stats in different areas really help - you soon get the hang of keeping it nice n cosy,without outragous bills ...I think ours avg about £80 a month for 3000sqft @ 20 deg and someone at home all the time..
I love living in "a barn" compared to a 5 bed barrett lego house of the same price, its much more interesting
Edited by bogie on Sunday 25th April 11:49
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