The Story
Basking in the sunshine in the pretty courtyard or gathering apples, plums and cherries by the basketful, life at Manor Barn today often revolves around the magnificent courtyard garden.
Indeed it was the beautiful outdoor space that caught the eye of owners Janet and Jeff Richley when they first went to visit the exquisite barn more than 11 years ago.
"We were looking for a home that was a bit different but didn't have any preconceived ideas about exactly what it was we wanted," explained Janet. "The barn was unique and something about it just felt right.
"It was a lovely, lovely building with lots of space and light but it was the garden that first caught my eye. As soon as I saw it I fell in love with it and knew that this was where I wanted to live."
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Royal connections
Dating back in parts to the 15th century, the Grade II listed home still displays much of its original character. As well as its attractive arrow slit windows, long windows now grace the former barn entrances and beautiful expanses of stonework can still be seen throughout the airy, open spaces.
"Huge solid oak beams that were part of the original barn are also still there. These now look wonderful alongside the newer oak that has been brought in elsewhere, in the staircase, for example," said Janet.
The barn was once attached to a large manor that was thought to have been visited by King Charles I in 1645. "So the king's horse could well have been stabled in here!" she added.
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Country kitchen
The high, vaulted ceilings and open ambience of the great barn were also retained when the building was first converted.
"This is what I love about the main living area. There's such a feeling of space, as well as calm in here," she continued.
"I also love the kitchen. This is where we spend time with friends and family if we have anyone here. Everyone always ends up round the big oak table."
The kitchen has a relaxed, farmhouse look. With a brick alcove, storage baskets, bottles of olive oil and fresh coffee pots on display, it has an almost Mediterranean style.
"There's also a room we call the garden room that could be used as a dining room. There's a big oak door in there that can be opened up so it really becomes an extension of the garden," she said. "The grandchildren enjoy playing here when they come to visit."
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Exquisite windows
Manor Barn has three bedrooms and Janet and Jeff's own room is their favourite.
"We picked this one because there is a long window that echoes the one we have in the hallway. This one is at the back of the building and extends upstairs, and the length of the bedroom. It is wonderful and means the bedroom is filled with light," she said.
Janet added: "The other place I just love in the barn is the minstrel's gallery. I like to stand up there for a moment or two sometimes, and to look down through the huge window into the courtyard garden."
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Unique home
As often as possible, Janet and Jeff spend time in their pretty garden. They entertain friends and family here and often take five minutes to sit and relax quietly in the sunshine.
"It is just gorgeous sitting out there. It is a real suntrap but you can still find corners of shade," she said. "In the morning we'll have breakfast out there and in the evening we might have a gin and tonic as the sun goes down. I think the garden is probably what I will miss most when we leave."
The Richleys love their home but have recently made the decision to move closer to their children and grandchildren.
"It will be a dreadful wrench to leave because we love the place to bits," she said. "It is very hard to put our feelings into words - we just love the character, the space and the garden - and the fact Manor Barn is just unique."
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GARDEN
"It was a lovely, lovely building with lots of space and light but it was the garden that first caught my eye."
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BEDROOM
"We picked this one because there is a long window that echoes the one we have in the hallway."
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GALLERY
"I like to stand up there for a moment or two sometimes, and to look down through the huge window into the courtyard garden."
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COURTYARD
"It is just gorgeous sitting out there. It is a real suntrap but you can still find corners of shade."
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PERFECT
"It is very hard to put our feelings into words - we just love the character, the space and the garden."
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