Nestled within the North Cornwall countryside near Crackington Haven, Cranno Barn began life as two separate agricultural buildings that had fallen into disrepair. With sections of the original structures deteriorated and partially collapsed, the site presented both a challenge and an opportunity: to preserve the character of the historic barns while creating a practical and beautiful home for modern living.
Our clients approached us with a clear vision—to combine the two buildings into a single dwelling that respected the site’s agricultural heritage while providing a comfortable long-term home. The design carefully restores and celebrates the original stone barns, introducing a contemporary connecting element that unifies the buildings and creates a clear distinction between old and new.
The completed design retains the robust character of the traditional structures, with natural stone walls, slate roofs and carefully positioned openings preserving the appearance of the original barns. A modern timber-clad addition forms the heart of the home, providing generous open-plan living spaces and framing views across the surrounding countryside. Large areas of glazing bring natural light deep into the building and strengthen the connection between the home and its rural setting.
The sloping site offered the opportunity to create accommodation across different levels, with the design working sympathetically with the natural topography rather than against it. The result is a home that feels rooted in the landscape, balancing contemporary architecture with the enduring character of the original barns.
Now complete, Crannow Barn provides a distinctive new home for a local couple, demonstrating how sensitive design can give redundant rural buildings a new purpose while preserving an important part of Cornwall’s built heritage.
