The Hide: Class Q Barn Conversion in South Gloucestershire
Project overview
The Hide is a contemporary barn conversion in Bagstone, near Wotton-under-Edge.
Wall Architecture developed the design and worked with the client to secure Class Q prior approval to transform a redundant agricultural building into an exceptional rural property.
-
Location: Bagstone, Wotton-under-Edge, South Gloucestershire
-
Project type: Class Q barn conversion
-
Existing building: 1990s steel-framed Dutch barn
-
Planning route: Class Q prior approval
-
Services: Survey, design options and planning drawings
-
Planning status: Prior approval granted in early 2015
From cattle barn to contemporary accommodation
The original barn was constructed during the 1990s. It had previously been used to house cattle but became surplus to the needs of the farm. The building had a traditional steel frame with timber-boarded external walls. Its agricultural structure and generous proportions offered considerable potential for conversion.
The client’s brief
The client wanted to create a high-quality conversion with a distinctive identity. The design needed to retain the character of an agricultural building. At the same time, it needed to feel contemporary, comfortable and carefully considered. Traditional agricultural materials were therefore used in a modern and design-led way.
Designing within the existing barn
The proposal followed the Class Q permitted development process. This meant that the design needed to work within the established form and dimensions of the existing agricultural building.
One of the main challenges was creating sufficient headroom at first-floor level. Ten bedrooms and their en-suite bathrooms also needed to be carefully arranged around the existing structural frame. The layout was developed to make efficient use of both floors without losing the open character of the original barn.
Flexible and sociable living spaces
A large open-plan kitchen, living and dining area forms the heart of the building. Generous glazing at one end opens the interior towards the surrounding countryside. This brings natural light into the main living space and takes advantage of the extensive rural views.
Ten individually designed en-suite bedrooms are arranged across the ground and first floors. A separate snug provides an additional space for games and a surround-sound cinema experience.
A contemporary agricultural character
The external materials reflect the building’s rural setting and its agricultural origins. A standing-seam metal roof gives the conversion a crisp, contemporary profile. It also creates a strong architectural feature.
Stone and timber cladding introduce warmth and connect the building with the traditional materials found throughout the surrounding area. Together, these materials give The Hide a distinctive identity while respecting its countryside setting.
Securing Class Q prior approval
The project was submitted as a prior approval application for the change of use of an agricultural building to a single residential dwelling. Prior approval was granted in early 2015. Using Class Q provided the client with a proportionate route for converting the redundant barn without requiring a full planning application.
Our architectural services
Wall Architecture provided:
-
Survey work
-
Initial design options
-
Development of the preferred design
-
Planning drawings
The completed conversion demonstrates how a practical agricultural structure can be transformed through careful planning and contemporary architectural design.
Visit The Hide
The completed property now operates as a large luxury holiday house.
Visit The Hide House website: https://thehidehouse.co.uk/
Considering a barn conversion?
Every agricultural building presents different planning and design opportunities. Wall Architecture can assess your building and advise whether Class Q permitted development or a full planning application may provide the most appropriate route.
Contact us to discuss your barn conversion project.
