Historic listed courtyard of brick stables buildings with double roman tile roofs and timber windows and doors and brick arches to openings

Grade II Listed Manor House Barn Conversion

About: Conversion & Change Of Use From Former Stables To Holiday Let Cottages

Location: Dorset

Project type: Private residential

Status: Listed Building Consent Approved

Positioned within the grounds of an important Grade II listed Manor House of C17 origin, the Stables are set within the picturesque Piddle Valley, with open countryside to the north and forming part of a courtyard of attractive agricultural outbuildings.

Having been largely modified in the early C20 as part of wider works to the Bladen Estate which are noted for their significant contribution to the history of farmsteads across the UK, the Stables command historic importance and are considered to hold value from a social and economic perspective, and therefore require careful consideration.

The design references the original use as a stable building. Carefully integrated vaulted spaces, exposed timber roof trusses infilled with ‘switchable glazing’ and the reinstatement of the former hay loft at first floor reflect original volumes whilst providing interesting interior spaces.

New elements are proposed in contrasting materials ‘of this time’ allowing the evolution of the building to be clearly understood, whilst providing two high specification energy efficient holiday let cottages. Listed Building Consent Approved 2025.

Brick barn in a conservation area with an arched window heads, tiled roof, surrounded by green trees, a wooden fence, and a pile of firewood on the left, under a clear blue sky.

Interior of a listed historic barn conversion building with visible wooden roof trusses, exposed timber rafters, vaulted ceilings, brick walls, timber doors and windows.

Brickwork barn with single storey roof, timber doors and windows in the countryside

Open grassy field in conservation area and ANOB with trees at the edges and a hilly landscape in the background under a blue sky with scattered clouds.

A brick walled barn in rural countryside with a pitched roof, surrounded by green trees and a grassy yard, under a bright sun in a blue sky with some clouds and birds.

Old traditional timber truss joints with exposed wooden beams and vaulted ceilings.

Architectural illustration of a listed barn conversion, including bedrooms, living spaces, and a central stairway connecting floors, with exposed timber trusses and vaulted ceilings.

Architectural concept drawing plans of a stables conversion to two houses, structural glass balustrades, floating stairs, rooflights, open plan kitchens and living area.