Great thought and attention to detail has been poured into every element of this stunning barn conversion. Externally, the honey and golden tones of the sandstone glows and seems to reflect the sun, window cills and lintels are dressed sandstone and the roof is slated which is echoed in the choice of dark anthracite grey paint for the joiner made hardwood windows and doors.
Cool, calm and contemporary, this is one sleek and stylish interior. Internally, the main draw is the fabulous open plan living area, the space transitioning seamlessly for cooking, eating and relaxing. Also on the ground floor is a wet room and utility room. To the first floor is a luxuriously appointed principle bedroom with bath and shower room, two further double bedrooms and a shower room.
There is a vast amount of untapped potential in the outside space with an exceptionally generous garden and a huge amount of parking and a modern barn (available by separate negotiation).
Location
The Forest of Bowland, also known as the Bowland Fells covers 32 sq miles and is an area of fells, deep valleys, ancient woodlands, sprawling heather and peat moorland mostly in north-east Lancashire (but there’s also a small part in Yorkshire) and it covers a large area of the Ribble Valley.
Designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in 1964 it offers multiple opportunities for fresh air and fun with excellent lanes, footpaths and bridle paths for walking, running and cycling and for those intent on more leisurely pursuits then the wildlife flourishes and the lack of street lighting means that you get some wonderful dark and starry nights. If ever you wanted an opportunity to buy a telescope, this is it! As well as the unspoiled countryside, the Forest of Bowland offers quiet lanes, distinctive and attractive villages and a wealth of local culture and heritage. This is a lovely and sought after place to live.
If you need a fix of city life, you’re easily into either Lancaster or Preston. Nearest is thriving Lancaster which offers a full range of commercial and recreational facilities including cuisine from around the world, a great shopping experience, a choice of theatres and cinemas and a growing cultural and music scene. There are also two universities and both private and NHS hospitals. Garstang is good on a daily basis for everyday needs; there are branches of Booths, Sainsbury’s and Aldi.
Step inside
A stylish and glamorous conversion, there’s nothing rustic about Stone Top Barn. Sophisticated clean lines, polished surfaces and bespoke light fittings that sparkle. The combination of a host of on trend and contemporary design choices positively shines.
The individual LED light fittings verge on works of art in their own right, they demand attention and are an absolute treat to behold. Tiling throughout is from Roccia of Preston and sockets are black as are the sleek soft touch light switches.
The main attraction is the wonderful open plan living space; a breathtaking achievement possessing an absolute WOW factor.
Kitchen at one end, punctuated from the dining area by an island unit which is then slightly distinct from the seating area by the stairs and subtle change in floor level with a step down. The effect is one big space, but in reality there are defined areas. To the front elevation is a wooden pivot door, graceful in its opening to the front seating terrace with steps down to the drive and front garden. On the opposite wall is a tall picture window including French windows leading to the rear yard. This central space is double height with a glass walkway crossing above and providing access to the bedrooms.
The kitchen is a vision of mainly monochrome, black and white fronted units complemented by large grey floor tiles (which continue throughout). The island unit includes a breakfast bar and houses an induction hob, the extractor fan above it is a piece of sculptural. Appliances comprise two Fagar fan ovens, two Fagar combination microwave/ovens, DeDietrich dishwasher, larder fridge and tall freezer.
The steel central spine staircase has oak treads and a glass and chrome balustrade which enables the room to retain its open plan aesthetics. A substantial oak step leads down to the seating area which enjoys windows to three sides where a futuristic suspended fire hangs, powered by ethanol it emits 3kw and provides a great central focal point for the whole room.
Supporting the open plan living space is a utility room with navy blue painted cabinet doors, Silestone worktops in white with a grey vein, integral Samsung Quick Drive Ecobubble washing machine. A pocket sliding door opens to the wet room, itself a haven of stylish monochrome with a loo, wash basin and shower area.
Rising to the first floor the landing forms a bridge across the double height central section of the barn. Well lit from the skylights above, it is a vast, open, light filled space, further enhanced by the glass balustrade, the only hint that we’re in a barn conversion being the one wall of exposed stonework.
The principle bedroom is the epitome of style and glamour. With a far reaching view reaching the coast. the ceiling rises dramatically to the apex, the floor is tiled and there’s a built in wardrobe. But that’s not the story. The story is the free standing elliptical bath in the bedroom, the half height partition that forms a headboard which divides room in two. Behind the partition are two separate WCs, no arguing, there’s one each! A fabulous, double ended twin shower each side having both rainfall and hand held headsssss and a vanity consul with twin wash basins. Black and gold fittings add a touch of opulence.
The principle bedroom suite is supported by two double bedrooms which have laminate flooring with a grey colour washed floorboard design. These bedrooms have use of the house shower room. Blue rectangular tiles made a strong statement as does the teardrop design shower head and matching mixer tap over the wash bowl on the cabinet.
All three bedrooms and the sitting room have concealed cables, power and wall hung brackets for TVs. As well as traditional windows all three bedrooms also have conservation style skylights ensuring the rooms are light filled.
Step outside
Set into stone pillars topped with stone finials with sections of walling either side, electric gates open to a private gravel drive, edged by stone sets and kerb stones. The drive swings round the house and leads to the former farm yard which offers a huge amount of parking; cars, vans, boats, campers or caravans, you will not be short of space.
There is a garage, stone built under a sheeted roof with light. Attached an open car port, block and stone built, also under a sheeted roof.
The large level lawn has hedging to the north, west and south and is open to the parking area. It would be great for children – ball games, trampolines, climbing frames and camping parties, it’s all ready. It would also easily accommodate a marquee for life’s celebrations.
Externally, there is lighting and taps installed to both the front and rear elevations for convenient watering of the garden.
Offered as as an additional extra at £500 pcm is the large modern barn (a former cattle shed), with double opening doors for vehicular access and a pedestrian door, there is easy access. Steel framed, block built lower elevations with slatted wooden planks above to allow natural ventilation, all with a concrete floor and under a sheeted roof with transparent panels for natural light. There is power, electric light and water. A corner is partitioned off to form a cloakroom with loo, wash basin and plumbing for a washing machine. This barn has been of constant value to the vendors. Whilst they were in the process of converting their home it was the centre of operations and now provides excellent hobbies space with a workshop and garaging.
Further Information
Tenure –Rent £1,800 pcm, deposit £2,000……………. Available on an Assured Shorthold Tenancy for an initial 12-month term, subject to an annual review. A holding deposit, no more than 1 week's rent is payable per tenancy. Please ask agent for further details.
Services
Mains electricity (the barn has an independent supply). Air source central heating to an underfloor system throughout. Private drainage to a Harlequin treatment plant located in the front garden. Mains water shared with the farmhouse next door and then metered for Stone Top Barn’s consumption.
Broadband
Full fibre broadband provided by B4RN (Broadband for the Rural North) B4RN customers receive gigabit (1,000Mbps) speed.
Local Authority charges
Lancaster City – Council Tax band E
EPC Rating - C
Additional Information -Stone Top Barn is attached to a farmhouse and to the rear is a working farm (sheep and beef cattle). There is a public footpath off Trough Road through the small pedestrian gate and crosses the garden to the south west of the house.
Directions
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Use Sat Nav LA2 9DL with reference to the directions below:
Exit the M6 at J33 and take the A6 in a southerly direction. Almost immediately off the roundabout, turn left onto Hampson Lane, proceed over the motorway and at the T junction, turn right onto Chipping Road. At the crossroads (The Fleece Inn is ahead of you) procced straight over, cross over the River Wyre and as the road bears right, carry straight on, signposted Trough of Bowland onto Trough Road. Stone Top Barn is further long on the left; it’s a shared entrance, turn in and then immediately left, round the side of the barn to the extensive parking area to the rear.