Barn Owl Farm: A Thoughtful Blend of Rural Character and Contemporary Design

Stone + Partners Architecture is proud to announce the completion of the Barn Owl Farm project — a carefully crafted rural development that brings together modern functionality, sustainable detailing, and the timeless character of Somerset’s agricultural landscape.

Working closely with the client and contractor Wrencon Ltd, our team developed a design that respects the site’s heritage while introducing a clean, contemporary architectural language. The scheme includes a series of sensitively scaled structures, natural material palettes, and a layout shaped around views, daylight, and the rhythms of farm life.

Key features of the completed project include:

• A refined barn‑inspired form with high‑performance timber cladding

• Thoughtful integration of agricultural operations with residential and landscape elements

• Energy‑efficient detailing and modern building systems

• A landscape strategy that enhances biodiversity and celebrates the site’s rural setting

Barn Owl Farm stands as a great example of how rural architecture can be both practical and beautifully expressive. We’re delighted to see the project come to life and support the ongoing evolution of Somerset’s countryside.

Recently completed conversion of an existing agricultural barn to a 1-bedroom residential dwelling under Class Q permitted development legislation.

Recently completed conversion of the first and second floors above an art gallery in the High Street, Taunton into 4 flats for Summerfield Developments.

As the building is located on the edge of a conservation area and shares a common party wall with an adjacent listed building, the planning process involved a combination of Class G permitted development for the two flats above the art gallery and full planning for the two flats on the second floor.

Existing external rear access stair provided a useful fire escape route from the two rear flats.

S+P were further commissioned to provide building regs/working drawings for the contractor.

Stone + Partners Architecture is proud to present its involvement in the transformation of Chilton Trivett Farm, a landmark site nestled in the heart of Cannington, Somerset. This exciting project blends heritage conservation with contemporary rural living, offering a unique opportunity to shape a vibrant residential community in a historically rich setting.

A Site Steeped in History and Potential

Set within three acres of mature gardens, orchards, and open countryside, Chilton Trivett Farm features a Grade II listed farmhouse, a traditional barn with planning consent for a one-bedroom annexe, and extensive development land. The site has full planning permission for seven open market homes, including:

• Four detached dwellings
• Two homes under Class Q consent (conversion of agricultural buildings)
• One substantial three-bedroom barn conversion with space for a home office, gym, playroom, and car port.

Designing for the Future, Respecting the Past

Stone + Partners’ approach to this project is rooted in their philosophy of contextual design—creating spaces that respond to the local vernacular while embracing modern lifestyles. The proposed homes will reflect the character of the Somerset countryside, using materials and forms that harmonize with the existing farmhouse and barns.

The development will offer:

• Sustainable design principles
• Flexible living spaces for families, professionals, and multi-generational households
• Enhanced landscaping to preserve the rural charm and biodiversity of the site

Strategic Location

Located near the Quantock Hills and close to Hinkley Point, Chilton Trivett Farm benefits from both natural beauty and economic opportunity. With thousands of jobs being created nearby, the site is ideally positioned for those seeking a peaceful lifestyle with excellent connectivity.

Extension to a property in Broadway near Ilminster nearing completion and due to feature in an upcoming episode of ‘Homes under the Hammer’ on BBC1.

Stone + Partners gained planning consent for the 2-storey extension to the rear and new porch to the front of the property, together with working drawing package for construction.

Single storey extension to the side of an existing dormer bungalow, providing much needed additional storage space for client’s online specialist book business and roof mounted solar PV panels.

The timber frame was selected in favour of traditional construction following appointment of the contractor who had their own timber workshop, and savings were identified in terms of labour and speed on erection on site, as well as reduction in wet trades during the winter period.

Worked in close collaboration with Karesa Timber Frame to achieve high levels of insulation and airtightness with the timber frame construction.