Project description

When they bought “The Laurels”, a farm in rural South Lincolnshire in 2015 there was a lot of work to be done on the farm house, grounds and outbuildings. The owners both love old buildings so wanted to preserve the red brick barns. A few years on and they decided to convert the barn into living accommodation. Plans were drawn up, with the brief that the original character of the building be maintained as far as possible. Work didn’t begin on site until 2022, but just a year later, the old ram shackled barns have been sympathetically converted to two gorgeous light and airy properties – “The Roost” and “The Nook”. 

Kitchen of "The Nook" with arch top timber french doors and upcycled furniture

The owner, Lindsey, describes the properties as cosy and homely and she is right. This, coupled with the far-reaching views over the countryside, make it an ideal retreat, somewhere perfect to come home “to roost” after a day out exploring the local area!

Speaking of views, these are beautifully framed by George Barnsdale’s timber windows and doors. Across the two properties, there are timber flush casement windows in a range of sizes and one that is pentagon shaped! There are also four sets of hardwood timber french doors and a hardwood entrance door.

dual aspect timber french doors in a living room with lots of natural light pouring in
Dual aspect French doors allow the light to flood into the room
a cream painted timber french door set with arch top fillet to fit the original arched opening of the barn

Finished in a soft cream (RAL 9001) with Original Collection gold hardware, they set off the reclaimed bricks perfectly.

Why choose timber windows?

In order to maintain the traditional aesthetic, the owners decided that timber was their preferred option.

Timber made sense due to the nature of the building. We like the look of timber and think it gives the property more of a luxury feel and look. The cream colour contrasts beautifully with the colour of the old bricks.

Lindsey, owner

In an attempt to source products as locally as possible, the couple were pleased when their builder, Tony recommended George Barnsdale. He advised them to visit the factory which is just a few miles from site but time ran away with them so they haven’t managed a visit just yet.

Whilst they had quotes from other timber window suppliers, the couple opted for George Barnsdale, the family company that has been operating since 1884 in the next village.

Although George Barnsdale pricing is high end, we were happy to pay a bit more for high quality luxury products.

Lindsey, homeowner

Lindsey appreciates good quality workmanship and is a fan of recycling old furniture. She has repurposed a lot of items for both properties and has achieved a beautiful, relaxed country-style aesthetic.

view from lounge through to kitchen french doors with original oak beams and hardwood floors.
Oak beams and open brickwork set off the arched top french doors beautifully

“We are very happy with the windows and doors, we love the bespoke arch on the smaller set of French Doors.”

Lindsey, homeowner

The pentagon shaped window in the bathroom is a lovely addition

One of the bathrooms has a lovely pentagon-shaped window with a fixed pane of obscure glass. This is a quirky feature that lends further individuality to the property.

pointed top window with a fixed glazed obscure glass pattern.

Maximising the views from the upstairs bedroom, the simple casement window provides a picture perfect scene.

small flush casement window in a bedroom overlooking open farm land
cream entrance door with multipoint locking and gold hardware and a small vision panel window

The cream entrance door with multipoint locking has a stained hardwood cill to enhance durability. Like all the other windows and doors in the property, the door is secured by design.