19th century converted barn with a cruciform plan of 'cathedral-like proportions' goes on the market for £1.7million
- Five-bedroom home is near Assington, a village next to Dedham Vale on Essex-Suffolk border
- It's in an area of outstanding natural beauty which was made famous by the paintings of John Constable
- Originally owned by Sir John Gurdon, a progressive landowner who set up his farm as a co-operative
- Unusual cruciform plan is derived from idea that it was beneficial to keep a number of different farming activities under one roof
Homebuyers who want the grandeur of a church might be interested in this heavenly converted barn of 'cathedral-like proportions', which is on the market for £1.7million.
The stunning home is near Assington, a pretty rural village next to Dedham Vale, on the Essex-Suffolk border - an area of outstanding natural beauty which was made famous by the paintings of John Constable.
The central reception room has a cruciform design and soaring ceilings with exposed original timbers - one of which was carved by one of the original carpenters and bears the year of construction, 1836.
Despite its ecclesiastical proportions, inside the converted barn is quite minimalist in style - perfect for quiet contemplation among the rolling fields.
The central reception room has a cruciform design and soaring ceilings with exposed original timbers - one of which was carved by one of the original carpenters and bears the year of construction, 1836
Homebuyers who want the grandeur of a church might be interested in this heavenly converted barn of 'cathedral-like proportions', which is on the market for £1.7m
The stunning home is near Assington, a pretty rural village next to Dedham Vale, on the Essex-Suffolk border - an area of outstanding natural beauty which was made famous by the paintings of John Constable
The barn was once part of the home farm for the nearby estate, Assington Hall.
In the mid-19th century, it was owned by Sir John Gurdon, a progressive landowner who set up his farm as a co-operative. He experimented with radical ideas as part of the Model Farm movement.
The unusual cruciform plan is derived from the idea that it was beneficial to keep a number of different farming activities under one roof.
The house extends to over 5,500 sq ft with five bedrooms, a bathroom, a living room and dining room arranged around the central reception hall, which the kitchen occupies part of.
The master bedroom goes over two levels with a dressing area, en suite and seating area overlooking the adjacent fields.
There is also a former stable block that has planning permission to be converted into a home office/studio and it has a walled garden with areas of terrace and lawn.
In the mid-19th century, it was owned by Sir John Gurdon, a progressive landowner who set up his farm as a co-operative. He experimented with radical ideas as part of the Model Farm movement
The house extends to over 5,500 sq ft with five bedrooms, a bathroom, a living room and dining room arranged around the central reception hall, which the kitchen occupies part of
Beyond the walled garden, on the road side, is another area that has been planted as a wildflower meadow and the adjacent field is protected against development.
Celebrated London-based architect David Nossiter said of the project: 'The centre-piece of the site with views over the the rural landscape is a large barn of cathedral-like proportions.
'Cruciform in plan with a collection of smaller spaces surrounding it, the arrangement sought to provide shelter for different farming activities under a single roof.
'The barn complex is the legacy of the model farm movement.'
Because the barn is listed, the contemporary refurbishment meant lengthy agreements had to be made with local planning authorities.
Roofing slates and timber materials were salvaged from the other agricultural structures on the site.
In order that the existing structure could be viewed from inside - but still conform to modern thermal performance standards - a warm roof construction was used, meaning all the insulation is on the exterior of the roof above a new timber deck.
The unusual cruciform plan is derived from the idea that it was beneficial to keep a number of different farming activities under one roof
The walls are insulated with sheep's wool and clad with larch timber and the house is heated by a biomass boiler assisted by a mechanical ventilation and heat recovery system that recirculates warm air stacking in the taller spaces.
Serving as a reminder to the barn's agricultural past, the lighting is operated using existing switch boxes and the brick paving in the garden was also salvaged from the existing barn complex.
A spokesman for the Modern House, which is marketing the property, said: 'This is an incredible barn conversion. It is hard to describe what is a truly extraordinary space, the scale of which is very rarely experienced in a private residence and is more often seen, as the architect suggests, in ecclesiastical or public buildings.
'The bespoke joinery, which can be seen throughout the house, is one of the most appealing aspects of the conversion.
'Large expanses of glazing throughout give views of the surrounding agricultural land - and the adjacent field, home to a herd of rare breed cattle, is protected against development.'
Beyond the walled garden, on the road side, is another area that has been planted as a wildflower meadow and the adjacent field is protected against development
Stunning $2.2million medieval-themed Texas mansion looks like something out of Game of Thrones
- Stunning home in Austin, Texas, was bought in 1992 by two artists who have been working on it ever since
- Pair decorated in a medieval theme with stunning interiors that including paintings, swords and stonework
- The garden is even more stunning, and won Good Morning America's national backyard competition in 2012
They say that a man's home is his castle - and with stained-glass windows, artwork on the ceilings, lion statues and a gothic interior, this abode certainly fits the bill.
The 5,500-square-foot home is located in Austin, Texas, and comes with a whopping $2.2million price tag.
Featuring four bedrooms and four bathrooms, the home's Medieval-style does not stop inside - there is also a 14th century stone cottage away from the main residence, and the garden is perhaps the most spectacular part.
Game of Clones: This stunning Texas mansion, which is owned by two artists, looks like something out of the television show
Work of art: The artists bought the home back in 1992 and have been working on it ever since, but have now put it up for sale
The ceiling of the main bedroom is covered in intricate art, which was worked on by the owners of the property
The bedroom also has stunning stained glass windows around the door, as well as intricate stonework detailing
Fit for a king: The home's stunning medieval theme and bespoke touches mean it has been valued at $2.2million
The devil is in the detail: Even the doors of the home have been intricately carved, while the windows in this nook make it appear like a medieval chapel
While the house is heavily influenced by medieval architecture, it also contains nods to eastern themes, such as the large Buddha statue in the kitchen (right)
The listing agent said most requests so far have been from people who want to take a tour of the stunning property
That exterior won second prize in Good Morning America's national backyard competition in 2012, and features a swimming pool that is surrounded by trees and columns that look like they could have come from ancient Greece.
According to reports, the current owners, both artists, bought the property in 1992, and have since worked on the intricate details of the home - from the paintings to the carpeting.
Stephanie Nick, the listing agent for Sotheby's International Realty, said: 'Artistically created, the king of this castle shows his labor of love for his wife and family as if he was living in another era.
'It's a very unique property, and most requests have been from individuals who want to explore the grounds.
'Obviously, we can't open the doors to the public, but we just started to market this special home to someone who hopefully will share the same desire and passion as the current owners.
'When the sun goes down, the magic starts to happen. It's amazing!'
This guest bedroom appears to have a more eastern theme, judging by the wooden screen tucked behind the bed
Another bedroom takes on a few Arabic touches, with the geometrically decorated lamps hanging either side of the bed
This bathroom, one of four in the property, returns to the medieval theme with a knight and princess adoring the wall
A Buddha's head, wooden screen, dark woodwork and what appear to be orchids give this bathroom an Asian vibe
The house also comes with a large entertaining space, with disco lights and even a glitterball suspended above a dancefloor
The rather odd-looking room, coated in purple suede, features another of the home's stunning artworks
Princely touches: While the home is undoubtedly stunning, the garden is even more impressive - which is no small feat
Award-winning: The property's garden won Good Morning America's national backyard competition in 2012
All the extras: As well as four bedrooms and bathrooms, a guest house and a large garden, the property also has a pool
While the property is all medieval inside, the exterior is a more toned down, which is perhaps a good thing for the neighbors
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