The Old Barn, Chelsworth

Overview

One of a kind barn conversion for large group getaways. A stunning combination of old and ultra-contemporary. Eleven guests have the space to play in playful surroundings at this pet-friendly Suffolk holiday home.

It’s ok to lift your jaw from the floor as you cross the threshold. This is no ordinary barn conversion. Inviting you to play and to party, to be at one with yourself and loved ones.

Lofty opulence

If you’ve made it to ancient Chelsworth, you’re on to a great thing. One of England’s oldest settlements, a serenity of time gone by hangs longingly over the place. Yet this calm is smattered, cleverly, with punches of modern flair. Few are as striking at The Old Barn. Under the cover of this historic carcass is a magically modern barn conversion with superbly styled contemporary interiors twisting and turning the imagination from room to room.

Clever architecture and edgy interiors combine exquisitely from the moment you cross the threshold. Sprawling outwards and upwards, this is a wow house in every respect. Exposed wall struts and rafters lend an achingly luxurious sense of space to this ultimately cavernous home. Contrasts of crisp white, industrial steel and suddenly soothing soft furnishings will catch your breath with every step.

The living spaces sweep, one after the other, through the main barn. Dominant is the stainless steel set piece that is a chef’s kitchen dream. Although we imagine the rest of your party will make themselves at home around the wine fridge and espresso machine.

Pull up a stool, wander a step or two to the breakfast table and chairs. Or pass platters along the line to your formal dining space for 14+ guests perfectly positioned between floor to apex windows. The light can do nothing but pour in and you needn’t leave the barn to gaze at the stars either.

At the far end of the barn settle up to 12 of you in soft, welcoming sofas and armchairs. Catch glimpses of your lush surroundings through the slit windows or hunker down in front of the unsurprisingly large television. There is underfloor heating throughout.

Beyond the cathedral-like living space that was once a Napoleonic munition store, there are six superbly individual bedrooms here. Perhaps the most unique is the Airclad pod on the side of the house. Architecturally innovative - created by the owners using an inflatable based construction model - it is en pointe design-wise too. This en suite basement bedroom with its super king bed, spa bath and door to the garden is certainly the one you’ll scramble over most. There are five more yawningly large bedrooms spread across the ground floor, first and second floors.
The Old Barn is at the heart of a farm and farm life, yet hedging around the property ensures ultimate privacy. Accessed via a byway and five bar gate, you’ll very much suss the sense of privacy and remoteness within seconds of arriving. There’s parking for at least five cars.
The acre or so of garden calls the party to continue outside. Day or night, the barbecue beckons and table tennis tournaments often ensue. As the sun goes down the fire pit welcomes a crowd.
Whether you’re here with family or friends, to party or to celebrate, The Old Barn is a creatively inspired space loved by all.

Bedrooms and bathrooms

The basement bedroom can be set as either a super king or twin room and has a sofa bed too. A circular spa bath is separated from the bedroom by a curtain and there’s an en suite cloakroom. The ground floor bedroom has a super king and en suite (no separating door) and has French doors onto a small balcony with field views. Two of the three first floor bedrooms can be arranged as a super king or twin rooms. The third is a single. On the second floor, a super king bedroom has an en suite walk-in wet room (no separating door).

Please note that the main staircase is open to one side.