advice • renovations
04
A W E L L- D E S I G N E D H O M E CA N I M P R OV E Q UA L I TY O F L I F E A N D O F F E R F U N CT I O N A L S O LU T I O N S you’re unlucky. And while a beautiful barn conversion that makes good use of light and space can offer huge appeal to buyers, they are not universally popular. Drawbacks can include impractical layouts and high heating costs, but new technologies can result in great thermal efficiency, making sensitively converted barns more energy efficient than you might think. Jo Dyson, serial renovator and guest speaker at the recent National Homebuilding & Renovating Show explains: “I’d encourage people to design for longevity by creating a home full of items they love and are drawn towards; to be inspired by trends, but ultimately choose what they like. This will stand the test of time and also make it more
personal, creating your own design narrative. Instead of being wedded to trends, think about how you’d like to feel in a space and create these emotions through light, materials, textures, but most importantly, special items which are either family heirlooms, acquired pieces that are evocative of a specific time and place or even their own artwork. Furnish your home with pieces that tell a story and stand the test of time.” Sympathetically renovated period properties offer the highest returns, according to Winkworth’s experts, and their advice is to maintain a house’s history and character while incorporating contemporary elements and beautiful finishes.
04 HIGHCLIFFE, DORSET
£775,000 Freehold
– This stunning family house embraces the structural elements of the original barn, restored to create an impressive space with soaring ceilings. – Winkworth Highcliffe 01425 270 055 winkworth.co.uk/highcliffe
THE WM ∙ 2020
WM_SS20_05_RENOVATIONS_CountryV2.indd 53
53
30/03/2020 16:43:18