Cool Spaces: Black Barn by Rigby & Rigby

WORDS Cheri Morris IMAGES Handover

Black Barn by Rigby & Rigby is an agricultural grain store turned residence in the Cotswolds featuring Nordic-style interiors, a Dutch Barn and a Japanese-inspired courtyard.

Designed with utilitarianism and preservation of old in mind, Black Barn is a 600 sqm development situated just north of the United Kingdom’s quaint Cotswolds. It’s design is at once an ode to it’s former life as a grain store and exceedingly functional. The building comprises a main house with a Dutch Barn running parallel.

The Dutch Barn is the outstanding feature, one that creates an inner shelter adjacent to the Japanese-inspired courtyard space alongside the main house. Inside, it boasts an annexe with a mezzanine bedroom, bathroom, kitchen an living facilities. Outside, a vegetable and herb garden with an orchard to the rear nestles a wild meadow outside.

In the main house, a central staircase and fireplace run along the length to reflect the scale and depth within the airy double-height space. In the mezzanine seating area, a glass walkway provides access to private bedrooms with en-suites. The southernmost part of the upper storey houses a library that boasts uninterrupted views of the undulating countryside.

Inside, Nordic design influence sees a minimalist background dressed in monochromatic hues make way for a multi-functional and open-plan living area for entertaining, dining and living. A media room with pool table and bar overlooking the scenic courtyard makes the ideal place for relaxation.

Design classics from Flexform and Poltrona Frau, as well as the new Rimedesio range of coffee tables, make interiors tastefully comfortable. A custom ‘Skyfall’ rug designed by Rigby & Rigby in collaboration with Colbourns is the perfect accompaniment to the beckoning fireplace.