August 26, 2026 / By rachel
For one Gloucestershire farming family, converting farm buildings offered a way to prevent their historic farmstead from falling into decay, diversify the business and create a lasting asset for future generations. Once the cows had moved out, the old sheds and barns still had plenty of life left in them for a new chapter.
One Farmstead, Seven Homes
RRA’s first task was to carry out a full feasibility study to establish what could be achieved, compare options, investigate how to maximise the potential value and work out what the entire site could become.
A large, modern, yet rundown, steel shed filled the centre of the farmstead, obscuring the traditional buildings and making access difficult. Removing this structure unlocked the site, revealing the original C-shaped arrangement and creating space for generous parking, landscaping and individual outside areas.
Six homes were created within the connected ranges, varying in sizes to cater to different rental and holiday markets. The detached granary became a seventh dwelling of generous proportions. Additionally, the single storey units were specially designed to incorporate accessible features to attract people with limited mobility.
Rather than simply squeezing in as many properties as possible to maximise value, the scheme focused on considered masterplanning, interesting design and quality during construction, thus making the whole site work and giving each home its own identity.
Straight Buildings, Curved Thinking
Agricultural buildings are by their very nature extremely good at simply being long, rectangular buildings. This long, linear shape can be a little dull when converted, and our client was keen to explore a design that, whilst complementing the barn structure, would also provide a more interesting interior style. For this RRA suggested the introduction of curved walls, circular halls, sweeping balconies over double height spaces and helical staircases. The client loved the idea and the contractor ensured this continued into the smaller details, including bespoke curved doors and door frames. The result was a confident contrast between the old agricultural shell and the contemporary insertions.
The two-storey properties were designed as upside-down houses, placing the open-plan living spaces beneath the impressive, original vaulted roofs. This kept the timber trusses visible and made the most of views across the Gloucestershire countryside towards the Malverns.
Old Details, New Jobs
Some of the most interesting features came directly from the buildings’ farming past, such as the original roof louvres that had once ventilated the cattle sheds, bringing in fresh air and allowing heat and smells to escape. Rather than remove them, the structures and louvres were restored and then glazed to become unusual rooflights bringing natural light into the plan. The large threshing door openings were replaced with full-height contemporary glazing, flooding light through the homes while respecting the original agricultural form.
The project benefited from an excellent project team, including an open-minded client and a contractor who was prepared to go the extra mile, together with a very constructive working relationship with the Conservation Officer at Tewkesbury Borough Council, Sarah Lewis. Ms Lewis appreciated the value in bringing these beautiful buildings up to date without compromising their heritage. That collaborative approach helped turn a collection of redundant buildings into a coherent development with real architectural character.
See the completed agricultural barn conversion and project details.
This project is Week 25 of our #40Projects40Weeks series, celebrating 40 years of RRA Architects and the people, ideas and occasional cows that have shaped our work. Follow the series on our News page.
About RRA Architects
Established in 1986, RRA Architects works across all sectors and provides architectural services from initial feasibility and masterplanning through to completion. We work nationally, with projects primarily across Gloucestershire, Herefordshire, Shropshire, Worcestershire, the Cotswolds, the West Midlands, the South West and South Wales.