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Making Room...

Choosing a derelict barn that was ripe for renovation was the grand finale to Simon Francis' lifelong plans. "Simon has always been interested in doing up properties. Each time we moved, we improved before moving on," explains Caroline. "We've even built our own house, but it was renovating a barn that was always Simon's real ambition."

They snapped up the property in February 2006, but it was October 2007 - the months in between filled with planning issues and building work - when the family moved in. The entire barn was stripped back to bare brick to bring the structure up to a habitable standard, closely overseen by planning officers keen to ensure its Grade II Listed status.

"Early on, it was obvious that the oldest part of the barn would be perfect for the kitchen, but everything we took out or added had to have permission granted," says Caroline. Having kept as much of the original building as possible, the couple says the richly coloured beams adorning the ceiling were the inspiration behind the kitchen. "We had a completely blank canvas to work from, which was wonderful, but we felt that the kitchen needed to be traditional to reflect the barn's character, and something that would wear and improve with time," she recalls. "Wood is prominent throughout this property, and that was a theme we wanted to continue."

Hand painted, solid wood cabinetry and rich natural wood have been combined with a wealth of natural materials such as travertine and swathes of stunning Venetian Gold granite on the worktops. Caroline says: "Our choice of colour was twofold. Cream is a very traditional shade, but we also wanted to make the room as light as possible. We chose the travertine floor for the same reason but, as it wears through time, the colour becomes warmer and works beautifully with the richness of the wood."

Whilst the room was to be both family-orientated and suitable for entertaining, it also had to be practical, and it was down to designer Roger Stone to bring all these elements together to create a warm and welcoming kitchen.

The vast island offers copious workspace whilst the fitted dresser gives the appearance of a freestanding piece of furniture, and even the chimney breast has been thoughtfully constructed to allow the range-style cooker to nestle discreetly into the wall.

Discretion is a key feature in the design as all the modern amenities have been included, but so carefully that they are inconspicuous within the traditional theme that has evolved. "There were times when we were pulling our hair out with frustration over the project. It was only the kitchen that went without a hitch. Even then, we had to put the installation on hold because of other contractors," Caroline remembers.

"Simon has agreed that this was his last project, so we can really sit back and enjoy the house for a long time to come!"