“Angela and Jeremy were very helpful. From the very first meeting they understood the considerations and priorities of working with a property developer, and I was confident that they’d be able to deliver a quality kitchen on time, on budget, and alongside the various building works and trades who were on site at the time.”

Our experience in designing kitchens helped us to create a versatile layout that would work for the majority of families, and select popular features that people usually ask for.

And being located in the same building as project architect, Hayward Smart, the arrangement was convenient for both the client and professionals who were easily able to liaise with a detailed understanding of the needs of the project.

“The kitchen that Angela and Jeremy created for me was stunning, but slightly over budget. So we made a few small tweaks without compromising on the quality of the materials or appliances, and were soon able to confirm the design. They were very accommodating.”

Keen to uphold the heritage of the barn, which was built in the early 1800s and belonged to the Compton Verney estate, Anthony unearthed stone mantels, timbers and tiles found on the plot and repurposed them in the new building. The combination of old materials and new fixtures and fittings balance each other perfectly to enrich the fabric of the barn, which fits the original footprint of the old barn. The ancient outbuildings have been rebuilt as a garage, workshop and home office.

The barn conversion is a horseshoe shaped property wrapped around a sheltered courtyard, accessible from all three sides of the home, making it a sociable yet private space for the family. The courtyard garden overlooks the quintessential duck pond, whereas the wider gardens enjoy sweeping views of the local landscape.

Located in a village setting, Anthony was conscious to include neighbours and local residents who had been so supportive during the build. “People were excited to see what we were doing, and how we’d taken an old derelict building and given it new life. We invited people to an open day and were blown away by the stories they shared. One lady in the village explained that her ancestor was an original stonemason of the barn, so it was lovely for her to see the original stonework being reused, and to know that the barn will still be here for future generations too. Neighbours shared their memories of the land, and remembered what parts of the buildings had been used for animals and hay over the years.”

“I have been so happy with the kitchen that Bower WIllis Designs created, that I have asked Angela and Jeremy to design a new kitchen in my own home. And as far as my property developments go, I’ll certainly be working with them again.”