Drellingore Barn Conversion
Drellingore Barn Conversion represents a considered and sympathetic conversion of a historic farmstead, located in the picturesque Kent Downs. The design enhances the site’s unique setting through careful restoration and sensitive adaptation, aligning with the Kent Downs National Landscape Guide.
Sustainability
The project embraces a fabric-first approach to significantly improve thermal performance by EnerPHit standards, reducing ongoing energy consumption. Renewable energy sources, including solar PV panels and an air source heat pump, ensure the development is energy-efficient, achieving net energy export. Retaining and repurposing existing structures minimises embodied carbon, while rainwater harvesting and a green roof on the car barn further enhance environmental sustainability.
Conservation Design in a Historic Landscape
With a rich history dating back to 1801, Drellingore Farmstead is a non-designated heritage asset. Our approach respects the existing form, preserving and restoring as much historic fabric as possible while clearly distinguishing new additions. The conversion of the 18th-century aisled threshing barn into a residential dwelling celebrates its open structure, maintaining a double-height central aisle with mezzanine-level walls set back to retain a sense of volume and light. The Atcost barn, a 1960s concrete structure, will be transformed into a residential annexe, offering flexible accommodation for extended family or as a holiday let. A new car barn, positioned on the historic footprint of the original farmhouse, will incorporate cycle storage and high-power electric vehicle charging stations, seamlessly integrating modern needs with historical context.
A Sustainable Barn Conversion
Our design embraces a low-impact, sustainable approach by retaining existing structures and minimising demolition, reducing embodied carbon emissions. The barn conversions will meet the EnerPHit standards, using a fabric-first approach to significantly lower energy consumption. Solar PV Panels will ensure the development remains energy self-sufficient year-round, even exporting excess energy back to the grid. Rainwater harvesting and robust drainage strategies further enhance environmental performance, supporting local biodiversity and groundwater protection. Thoughtful landscape design, including a 51% biodiversity net gain through wildlife ponds, hedgerow planting, and habitat provisions, will reinforce the site’s ecological value.
Context & Place
The design carefully integrates with the Kent Downs National Landscape by respecting the historic farmstead’s character and using materials that reference the local vernacular. Natural timber, flint, and corten steel create a cohesive aesthetic that blends with the surrounding countryside while preserving the historic agricultural setting
Enhancing the Rural Character
Drellingore Barns has been carefully designed to reflect and enhance the surrounding countryside. Traditional materials such as flint, brick, and timber will be restored and complemented with natural larch cladding and corten steel roofing, referencing the site’s existing red corrugated metal sheeting. The new car barn, featuring flint and masonry walls, will harmonise with the historic farmhouse vernacular and neighbouring Drellingore Cottage, while its green roof will blend seamlessly into the landscape
People & Communities
The conversion preserves a key non-designated heritage asset, ensuring its longevity for future generations while providing a young family their forever home. The annexe enables intergenerational living, creating family connections and eliminating the need for dependent relatives social care. Enhancements to biodiversity, such as new wildlife habitats and green infrastructure, contribute to a healthier environment for both residents and the wider community.
Balancing Historic Preservation with Modern Living
By sensitively integrating energy-efficient upgrades with traditional craftsmanship, this conversion retains the farmstead’s agricultural character while creating a comfortable and functional home. The interior layout maximises the historic timber structure, with living spaces positioned for optimal solar gain and privacy. The granary will be repurposed into a flexible studio space, ensuring continued use and longevity.
Drellingore Barn Conversion has received planning approval. We look forward to sharing updates as the this barn conversion progresses. You can read our Barn Conversion Guide here.
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