Victorian stables restoration
Phase II of a historic Oxfordshire country estate renovation provides luxury facilities for horses and riders alike.
As part of a large-scale Oxfordshire estate renovation, a redbrick Victorian stables courtyard, built in the early 1900s, was fully refurbished to include state-of-the-art equine facilities, ample staff accommodation, and guest amenities.
When our clients acquired the estate two years ago, their brief for Barr Build was for light-touch refurbishment works to the entire main house.
The team started on site just days after instruction, carrying out repairs and redecoration, across the 13,000 sq. ft of grand living space, set over three floors. Completion of works within the requisite lightning speed allowed our clients to take up residence quickly in a property suited to their lifestyle.
Amongst the many elements integral to giving the property a new lease of life were the repair and restoration of innumerable architectural features, including original timber and tiled floors, as well as the replacement of bathrooms and the main kitchen and redecoration of all 40 rooms. Swedish stoves and elegant Jamb light fittings were amongst the many exquisite additions, aligning the renovated residence with our client’s visual and functional requirements. Amongst other joinery commissions was a bespoke tea cupboard. Positioned on the mid landing, this unique and glorious little hideaway contains a milk fridge, tea caddy and cup storage, and just enough workspace to make the perfect cup of tea!
Having completed works on the main house, there was a brief pause before phase two, the repair and refurbishment of the estate’s Victorian redbrick stable courtyard and the gardener's cottage.
The equine accommodation, of course, received as much carefully planned attention as the main house. Each stable was lined with specialist rubber wall and floor coverings by Quantum, alongside a dedicated equine shower and separate tack and feed rooms — every inch was perfectly equipped and renovated.
The old tack room, with its statement arched windows, was restored and repurposed as a visitor’s lounge. All features were carefully preserved, including the tongue and groove panelling, oak herringbone floor and the original stove with matched hearth.
As with every ongoing country estate project, Barr Group would like to thank our clients and their representatives for trusting us with the restoration of this wonderful historic residence and its ancillary buildings.