A stunning modern conversion of a gorgeous old Hertfordshire barn, with gardens by a Chelsea gold medallist
A stunning modern conversion of a beautiful old barn is up for sale, set within gardens designed by a multiple Chelsea Flower Show gold medallist. James Fisher takes a look.


For those looking for a garden sanctuary in a more modern setting, the Grade II-listed Barn House in Hertfordshire might be the perfect landing spot. This house — in the village of Caldicote, not far off the A1 north of Welwyn Garden City and St Albans, is currently on the books of Savills, priced at £4.25 million.
This was a rural barn until redevelopment began, some 20 years ago. The architects responsible for the change were Brooks Murray, who created a modern home under the skin of this barn.
The property is set around a central courtyard in almost a complete square, with a topiary garden and koi pond at the centre.
Four of the seven bedrooms are in the main part of the house, with three more in the self-contained Coach House.
Sensibly, both halves have at least one ground floor bedroom to make things easier for less-mobile visitors. The bedrooms on the first floor are the pick, however, with huge windows and fine views.
Inside the house there are several open-plan areas, including the kitchen and a double-height drawing room which has a wonderful feeling of space — not surprising, considering that there's more than 7,000 sq ft in total.
There are Scandinavian wood burners for heat, smart home gizmos installed and a fresh, modern look.
Exquisite houses, the beauty of Nature, and how to get the most from your life, straight to your inbox.
While the house itself is rather extraordinary, the gardens beyond are just as much of a draw. They were designed by seven-time Chelsea Gold Medal winner Julie Toll, and offer complete privacy for enjoying the changing seasons, as well as places for both reflection and entertaining.
Part of that entertainment is sporting: there is a tennis court, outdoor swimming pool, plus a snooker room for rainy days.
Those with a desire for less-strenuous outdoor activities will be happy to hear that this is a fine place for the green-fingered: there's a sunken fragrance garden (we're not even quite sure what that is, but it sounds marvellous), a parterre with ornamental box and fruit espaliers, and spaces to grow vegetables and soft fruit in an ornamental setting.
Credit: Strutt and Parker
Best country houses for sale this week
An irresistible West Country cottage and a magnificent Cumbrian country house make our pick of the finest country houses for

James Fisher is the Deputy Digital Editor of Country Life. He writes about property, travel, motoring and things that upset him. He lives in London.
-
The Hollywood garden designers who turned their hand to a magical corner of Somerset
Caisson House's fifteen abandoned locks were part of the draw for Amanda and Phil Honey, who have created this astonishing garden in the grounds of the former headquarters of the Somersetshire Coal Canal Company just outside Bath. Caroline Donald discovers more; photography by Jason Ingram.
By Caroline Donald Published
-
The majestic New Forest estate formerly owned by a billionaire adventurer — famous for driving 'the world's fastest kettle' — has come up for sale
Great estates in the unspoilt setting of the New Forest are always a welcome sight on the market, and Newton Park is a wonderful example with a sad story to tell. Anna White tells more.
By Anna White Published
-
The majestic New Forest estate formerly owned by a billionaire adventurer — famous for driving 'the world's fastest kettle' — has come up for sale
Great estates in the unspoilt setting of the New Forest are always a welcome sight on the market, and Newton Park is a wonderful example with a sad story to tell. Anna White tells more.
By Anna White Published
-
A Hampshire Manor for sale that dates back to the days of Alfred the Great, with the most beautiful staircase we've seen in years
The ten bedroom property features an indoor swimming pool, jacuzzi, spa complex and stables, and it was restored by the same architect who worked on Downing Street.
By Lotte Brundle Published
-
The new property hotspots where you can have it all: Beautiful houses, great schools and idyllic lifestyle
Across the country people are selling up and heading to the towns where there's no compromise on dream homes, outstanding schooling and the good life, according to analysis from two of Britain's top estate agents. Anna White explains.
By Anna White Published
-
Where Venice once ruled: The roving Venetians left handsome imprints across the Greek world, from its religion to its rambling villas
Matthew Dennison explores the lingering traces of Venice's vanished empire — and the best places to buy where it once stood.
By Matthew Dennison Last updated
-
A delightful 16th century home with some of Kent's most beautiful gardens has come on to the market
The Grange puts the 'garden' into the Garden of England.
By Penny Churchill Published
-
A pristine Scottish island for sale at the price of a garage in Fulham
A dot on the map of the west coast of Scotland has come on to the market, where you'll be surrounded by sea, living off grid and be neighbours with the local seal colony.
By Toby Keel Published
-
18 beautiful homes, from charming cottages to a Highland mansion with unbeatable views, as seen in Country Life
Our look at some of the best homes to come to the market via Country Life in the past week includes Georgian manor houses, charming commutable homes and the grandest home in Newcastle.
By Toby Keel Published
-
The gorgeous Somerset home of the designer behind one of Glastonbury's chicest spots
The Manor in Hinton Blewitt is a glorious Georgian home that ticks every box.
By Toby Keel Published