Festive Cotswold Soul – A harmonious barn

Full of joy, meaning and provenance, Jane Malloy and Jonny West transformed a once derelict barn into an eclectic dwelling packed to the rafters with soul and sociability.

Consisting of three Grade II listed barns nestled around a central courtyard, the main barn functions as Jane and Jonny’s home with the other two purely for guests. With so much thought attributed to visitor’s, family and friends, this should tell you all you need to know about the warmth and social focus of the design, perfect for festive entertaining.

Much of the full ceiling height has been maintained preserving the architectural integrity of the building. Exposed beams and rafters, accentuate the character of the broad apex ceilings, whilst the wood panelled walls in a delicate grey creates a wonderful oxymoron of cosiness and space. There is even room for a full height Christmas tree, and the 12ft spruce creates a magical centrepiece adorned with old family pictures, and a mix of vintage and modern decorations.

It is this eclectic mix of traditional and contemporary that permeates the whole house anchored by the continuous theme of joy and emotional connection. Collecting key pieces and details that ‘nourish the soul’ enjoyment is clearly key. Jonny’s record collection takes pride of place on the ground floor with a mezzanine above for the decks, stunning original artworks disguise the televisions encouraging conversation and connection, and the expansive open plan ground floor complete with velvet chesterfields, Asian inspired rugs and contemporary touches is an inviting social haven.

The entire interior is quirky, eclectic, and above all personal, a mixture of inherited pieces, bespoke items and elements sourced from local artists and artisans place craftsmanship and heritage at the heart of every carefully selected element. Vintage French wood burning stoves, a handmade rare La Cornue Chateau cooker inherited from a beloved Aunt and a basin previously owned by rock star Nick cave, are just some of the gems to be found.

Amongst the classic country style, and modern rustic designs, metallics are used to provide an industrial and contemporary edge to the Cotswold stone and pine interior. Blue raw steel cabinetry adorns the kitchen, copper pendant lights illuminate the dining space and a stunning freestanding rolltop copper bath creates a magnificent central feature within the main bathroom.

Made of pure copper and hand finished in tin using traditional artisan techniques, the William Holland Bateau bath combines classic romantic styling with a contemporary twist. Full of rustic charm with just a hint of the industrial, the luxurious copper baths’ subtle silver hued finish is the perfect winter inspired companion to this warm and homely residence.

At this time of year with festivities nearly in full swing, Jonny and Jane have created a perfect home with which to share some yuletide magic. Social, warm and inviting, the interior echoes the very sentiments of the season, and if this wasn’t enough… with the bedroom situated in the former lambing barn, this Christmas they literally will be sleeping in a manger, albeit a very glamorous one!

The full article can be read in Decembers edition of Living Etc Magazine.