Heritage Barn Conversions Prove Popular In Cheshire

A redundant heritage barn on the Crewe estate in Cheshire has been successfully converted into two high quality residential homes, both of which were let and occupied within a few weeks of completion.

The brick-built barn was originally part of a farm steading located on Mill Lane on the edge of the quiet rural village of Barthomley.  After sensitively restoring the Grade II Listed farmhouse adjacent to the disused farm buildings, the Duchy took the decision to bring them back into use and redevelop the outbuildings as family homes rather than leaving them vacant.  

The new homes offer spacious, three and four-bedroomed accommodation in the heart of the Cheshire countryside with large open plan kitchen/diners with underfloor heating, log burners and bifold doors onto a private garden, as well as a downstairs sitting room/snug, utility room, downstairs cloakroom and office/guest bedroom. The upper floor includes the master bedroom with en-suite, together with two further bedrooms and a family bathroom. The properties also incorporate a number of energy efficiency measures.  It is well insulated, double glazed and benefits from off road parking and electric car charging points.

Commenting on the project, Head of Rural Development Lara Thompson said: “Our objective in developing these old buildings was to continue to provide much-needed rental accommodation for local families. Barthomley is a pretty village in the heart of the Cheshire plain with quick and convenient links to the A500 and the M6.  We received a dozen applications for the tenancies of these new properties, proving the demand for new housing that is sympathetically designed to retain the character of these traditional outbuildings and bring them back into use.”

Both Blackberry Barn and Rose Hip Barn are finished to the Duchy’s own design standard and quality specification which is continually reviewed and updated in order to mitigate the environmental impact of the building process.  Both new homes have now been let to local families.

The Mill Farm steading forms part of the Duchy of Lancaster’s historic Crewe estate which extends to 1,516 hectares. There are 11 main farms on the estate, as well as areas of woodland and a residential portfolio of 65 rural cottages. For information on other properties available to let please contact local agents Stephenson Browne on 01270 252545.