Architecture & Interior Design – Hutch Design
Styling – Sarah Birks
Photography – Helen Cathcart

Nestled amidst the serene countryside just outside of London, The Maker’s Barn presents an escape into nature, transforming abandoned agricultural pig sheds into a charming holiday retreat. 

Crafted by architecture studio Hutch Design, this rustic yet refined haven offers a perfect escape from the city, enveloping guests in an atmosphere of stillness and calm.

Seamlessly blending with the natural landscape, The Maker’s Barn sits low on its site, designed as a single, open, and interconnected dwelling boasting dramatic, light-filled interiors that welcome guests with warmth. Unique vantage points across the floor plan provide glimpses between the kitchen, living, and bedroom areas, offering framed views of the surrounding hills and fields of wildflowers through glazed timber sliding doors. Custom-designed timber cabinetry cleverly delineates different zones while preserving the sense of openness and flow within the barn. 

Key design elements pay homage to the local architectural style, drawing inspiration from traditional Tudor cottages with their heavy roofs, pronounced chimneys, and distinct timber structures. Thick plastered walls, timber columns, and a larch timber-clad roof blend harmoniously with the surrounding landscape, while crafted, organic materials such as clay-plastered walls, end grain flooring, and English elm joinery infuse the interior with a sense of rustic elegance — taking cues from the quaint location. 

Set among wild grassland bordered by a forest, The Maker’s Barn seamlessly integrates with its natural surroundings. An organic material palette, borrowed from nature, has been chosen to weather gracefully over time — grounding the barn further on its site. This clever use of natural materials, including bespoke fittings and handmade furniture, only adds to the home’s charm and authenticity, harnessing nature to lend the space a calming quality.

Sitting across a single storey, The Maker’s Barn offers a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor spaces, with full-height glazing and sliding doors opening onto the lush landscape. 

Spaces blend seamlessly, anchored by a central wall housing a concrete fireplace which both unites and divides the space. Earthy tones and textures, paired with carefully curated furniture from skilled artisans and makers, enhance the barn’s rustic charm. 

With its harmonious blend of traditional craftsmanship and contemporary design, The Maker’s Barn offers a tranquil retreat where guests can reconnect with nature and unwind in serenity.