Back to life

Fiona and Iain Lindsay have converted a 500-year-old barn creating warm, contemporary interiors that let the character shine through

- Karen Wilson

Despite her derelict barn's dilapidated state with its corrugated iron roof and pigeons living inside, Fiona Lindsay wasn't daunted by the task of transforming it into her dream home. After 25 years of living in London, she was lured by the 4.5 acre plot near the Wiltshire village where she grew up, and relished starting from scratch. "It was an abandoned shell but the amazing views clinched it," she says.

REVISING THE PLANS

As planning permission was already granted, architect Mike Fowler adapted the plans, foregoing the basement and adding an extra bedroom. "It's essentially a giant bungalow-the total opposite to the tall skinny Victorian terrace we had before," says Fiona, who lives with husband Iain and their children Honey, 18, and Angus, 16, plus dog Wolfie.

As the couple wanted to preserve the character of the beams, there are only two first-floor rooms at each end - Iain's office and a guest suite. In addition, there's a side wing for the children's bedrooms. "This meant we could retain a full height ceiling in the open-plan kitchen diner and living space in between," explains Fiona.

The design also makes the principal bedroom feel like a quiet retreat, as it's separated from the main living space by a dressing room and en-suite bathroom. "It's a long way from the children's rooms in the side wing, so you don't hear a thing, which works well with a houseful of teenagers," says Fiona.

HOMEOWNERS Fiona and Iain Lindsay

LOCATION Ham, Wiltshire

PROJECT Conversion of 500-year-old barn

SIZE 372m²

BUILD ROUTE Self-managed with main contractor

CONSTRUCTION Timber frame barn with steel and masonry extension