The kitchen in this cozy 19th century stone farmhouse was once a barn – you can rent the whole house on Airbnb |
The 19th century stone farmhouse is located a short distance from the Jurassic Coast, in a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and with stunning views of the rolling Dorset countryside in South West England.
The property had been in the same family for over 60 years and was in desperate need of love and attention. But with its attached barn and series of dilapidated outbuildings, plus 16 acres of wild gardens and meadows, it was a project that needed heart and soul.
The 19th century farmhouse has been restored to its former glory and linked to the converted barn
(Image credit: Matt and Alice Cobon)
“We both have a passion for interior design and wanted to modernize the property in a way that bridges the gap between contemporary and traditional living,” says owner Alice Cobon. Convert the barn was at the top of their list.
“We quickly designated the large adjoining barn as the new kitchen/living room, and made plans to maximize the upstairs space by reconfiguring the maze of small rooms connected by a narrow, winding hallway.
“Restoring the period character in the property was also high on the list. With London as our main base and a team of trusted builders on site, we were able to embark on a complete refurbishment without worrying about the impact on our daily lives.
The kitchen island makes the most of the large dimensions of the barn. “It’s the social center of the house and we like to get together while preparing meals”
(Image credit: Matt and Alice Cobon)
Over the next six months, the farm was transformed. A mezzanine has been removed in the barn, revealing the stunning vaulted ceiling (seen above in the kitchen), while full-height doors and new windows flood the space with light.
“Alice and I love to cook, so it only seemed fitting that the biggest and brightest room would be the kitchen,” Matt says.
A glazed side addition has been constructed, connecting the barn to the main house and outdoor space, with a hidden pocket door leading into the cramped area (below).
(Image credit: Matt and Alice Cobon)
“The rest of the ground floor layout has remained the same, but we have worked hard to restore the original features, including the cantous and flagstone floors which had been painted or covered.
“The three reception rooms are all comfortable spaces without an enormous amount of natural light, so we embraced the darkness by decorating and furnishing them in rich, opulent colors and textures.”
(Image credit: Matt and Alice Cobon)
The living room (above) takes on its full meaning over the nights. “We wanted the room to have a speakeasy feel, so we opted for black painted walls with maximalist decor and furnishings,” says Alice.
Vintage signage, haberdashery drawers and movie theater seats add the couple’s sense of fun and personality to the room
(Image credit: Matt and Alice Cobon)
Upstairs, four rooms have been joined together to create a master bedroom with stunning views and a bathroom, where there is now a large copper tub. There are also three other bedrooms and two bathrooms.
The freestanding copper bathtub, which looks striking against the royal blue tiles, was the first thing the couple bought for the home, adding that all-important touch of luxury.
(Image credit: Matt and Alice Cobon)
Now a family of four, the Cobons have continued to develop the house over the years, but with a more family-oriented approach. The old kitchen is now a games room and in the gardens you will find a playground, a large Mediterranean seating area and an outdoor kitchen with a pizza oven.
‘Our home is comfortable and stylish in equal measure. Bringing her walls back to life was such a fun and creative process,” says Alice.
Find the farm on Airbnb at Reinvent the farm (opens in a new tab).
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