A thoughtful agricultural conversion repurposed redundant farm buildings into high-quality, light-filled accommodation while honouring historic fabric and rural character.
A thoughtful agricultural conversion repurposed redundant farm buildings into high-quality, light-filled accommodation while honouring historic fabric and rural character.
Location: Sherfield English, Hampshire
Architect: Studio Four Architects
Contractor: Stoodley Builders
Gambledown Farm is a family-run mixed farm set within the rolling chalk hills of Test Valley in Hampshire, blending sustainable agriculture with hospitality and rural tourism. Having been working land for over 50 years, the farm’s owners sought to bring under-utilised agricultural buildings back into productive use as holiday accommodation, while respecting the original materials and structural character of the buildings.
Working alongside Studio Four Architects and Stoodley Building Contractors on an £800k project, our role was to assess and engineer interventions that enabled modern, open-plan living spaces while preserving the integrity and charm of the existing rural fabric, particularly masonry walls and timber trusses. This involved careful adaptation of traditional structures to support new uses and expansive floor-to-ceiling windows that maximise natural light, whilst maintaining structural stability throughout.
The conversions have contributed to the farm’s growing hospitality offer, complementing glamping tents and event space with high-quality barn accommodation for couples, families, and retreat guests. These sensitively converted spaces enhance the farm’s rural tourism appeal and support local economic activity within Test Valley, while maintaining the heritage and environmental ethos of the site. The project was shortlisted for two RICS awards in the Commercial and Tourism & Leisure categories.
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