Refurbishment and Restore Issue 27 2021 | Page 20

“ The team and I work quite regularly on listed buildings , which meant drawing out the specifications and dealing with local conservation and listed building authorities was a straightforward process .
“ Usually , roof windows can pose an issue for listed buildings , as they sit higher than the roof tiles and therefore cause compliancy issues , as well as being an eyesore . However , another huge selling point for Keylite is that the windows are recessed as standard – meaning they sit lower in the roof , enhancing the overall appearance , and improving the thermal performance of the window .”
We ’ ve kept many of the old original beams uncovered , particularly downstairs , and tried to incorporate as many of the inside stone walls as we can without plastering or covering them up .
Two years on , the Barn at Elms Farm has been transformed into a beautiful rural home . Having stayed true to the building ’ s long history , homeowner Fiona has worked to ensure as much of
the original structure is incorporated into her home as possible .
“ The barn has such a long heritage , and having grown up on the farm , it ’ s been such a huge part of my own history too . We ’ ve kept many of the old original beams uncovered , particularly downstairs , and tried to incorporate as many of the inside stone walls as we can without plastering or covering them up .
“ The stone floor that you can see has always been here and was actually what used to cover my old horse ’ s stable ! We took the stone up , installed underfloor heating throughout the property , cleaned it up and laid them all down again .”
The L shaped building consists of a lounge , three bedrooms with en-suites , and a sunroom , which used to be an old pigsty , looking out into the garden . The sunroom , true to its name , invites a plethora of natural daylight and warmth thanks to the bifold doors and two Keylite roof windows .
“ There is no attic in the barn , meaning the second floor is literally in the roof . Skylights or roof windows were the obvious choice to help bring natural light into the upstairs rooms .
“ Four of our hard-to-reach Keylite windows are electric , which definitely saves us from having to reach with a pole every time we want some fresh air , or when it rains .
“ The three bedrooms all boast two Keylite roof windows , and each en-suite has an added one . The light that the windows bring in is wonderful and really helps to enhance the beauty of the property . We were only saying the other day just how much we love it here .”
For more information about Keylite Roof Windows , please visit www . keyliteroofwindows . com , call 01283 200 158 or email info @ keyliteuk . com .
20 - www . refurbandrestore . co . uk