
Exmoor Lodge — Exmoor National Park Barn Conversion Somerset
This barn conversion in rural Somerset began life as a set of run down farm buildings within Exmoor National Park, and our brief was to create a comfortable guest lodge, where winter sun was invited in to brighten up crisp winter days but, come sunset, the building offered a warm and welcoming interior. The additional challenge was to design, obtain the necessary permissions and implement conversion of the buildings in advance of the commencement of the field sports season within 9 months!


Using an oak frame construction, oak trusses for the roof, oak weatherboarding and traditional lead or slate roofs, relaxing accommodation with a luxurious feel was created that included an open plan dining room, bar and sitting area, along with changing room facilities, a separate, secure room for storing outdoor equipment, and a staff flat.




In order to maintain the barn aesthetic and create the impression of solid stone walls inside and out, and to also meet thermal insulation standards, the interior walls were constructed by sandwiching insulation between the external stone skin and the internal stone cladding, thus appearing to be a traditional barn wall, but in fact being a well-insulated double skin keeping the interior warm and dry. The facilities were also backed up by modern services to support a professional kitchen as well as business requirements not usually available in such picturesque locations.
The practice approach of a well established network of professionals, contractors and craftspeople came together to deliver the conversion on time. Local knowledge and experience of rural planning and design also assisted in swift resolution of planning approvals as a key part of offering the confidence to commence with the development.

Throughout the construction phase our role is to administer the building contract between the client and the contractor carrying out the work. This work includes carrying out regular inspections of the work underway, reconciling queries, working through and instructing changes or variations to the work, monitoring progress of the construction and, supported by the quantity surveyor, keeping track of costs and the value of work executed.
