St Minver, North Cornwall
CANT FARM
This dwelling replaces an existing woodshed which has not been utilised effectively.
RESTORING A CORNISH BARN IN ST MINVER, NORTH CORNWALL
This barn conversion in St Minver, North Cornwall was carefully redesigned to create a welcoming holiday home while preserving the character, proportions and rural identity of the original agricultural building. Surrounded by open countryside, the project focused on balancing practical modern living with sensitive architectural restoration.
Working closely with the clients, ARCO2 developed a design that introduced contemporary comfort and improved usability while respecting the barn’s historic materials, form and connection to the surrounding landscape. The result is a warm, functional space that feels both timeless and deeply rooted in its Cornish setting.
The project reflects ARCO2’s approach as architects in Cornwall, combining thoughtful restoration, sustainable design principles and contemporary rural architecture.
We work across the county as experienced North Cornwall architects, creating sensitive barn conversions, sustainable homes and contemporary spaces designed around modern Cornish living.
WORKING WITH THE PAST
SOLVING PROBLEMS TO MAKE HOLIDAY LIVING POSSIBLE
Turning an old barn into a comfortable holiday home was full of challenges from start to finish. We had to work carefully with fragile old walls, making sure they stayed safe while bringing the building up to modern standards.
Keeping the warmth in and the cold out took extra care. We checked every wall and roof, sealing up tiny gaps and packing in insulation to meet strict rules for energy and comfort. Making the house easy for everyone to use meant planning for wide doors, level floors, and easy access all around.
There were also big practical hurdles, like setting up new drainage for the countryside location, and making sure new systems worked within an old building. Each step needed patience and plenty of teamwork, so the home could be both easy to run and built to last.
DESIGN THAT RESPECTS HISTORY
CREATING A MODERN, EFFICIENT HOME FROM OLD FOUNDATIONS
We made sure the barn kept its original shape, using strong timber, Cornish granite, and lime render, all chosen to match the local landscape and heritage. The deep walls are filled with natural insulation, making the home warm and quiet inside. Triple-glazed windows bring sunlight into every room but keep the barn snug throughout the year.
Inside feels open and easy. Living spaces flow out to a terrace in the sunshine, perfect for relaxing or gathering. Each bedroom is private, with its own bathroom, and wide doors make moving around simple and welcoming.
Carefully made oak stairs and handrails add warmth and character throughout. Gentle underfloor heating soothes every room, while solar panels and fresh air systems keep energy use low and the house comfortable, whatever the season.
A PLACE FOR PEOPLE TO GATHER
THE BARN’S JOURNEY TO COMFORT AND CONNECTION
When finished, the barn became a relaxed, welcoming space for holidays away. Nestled among trees and hedges, it feels new, but familiar. Sunlight pours in, fresh air moves nicely, and the rooms connect smoothly, making it just as inviting for lively family gatherings as for peaceful times alone. The house is simple to use and comfortable all year round. What started as an old barn is now a modern, lasting home. It holds its own history, it is open to everyone, and ready for a new chapter full of memories.
DESIGN HIGHLIGHTS
A HOME WITH MODERN COUNTRY CHARACTER
This house combines ‘modern country’ style with the farm’s landscape. The natural stone exterior reflects local buildings, while the L-shaped plan shapes sheltered corners and open places. At the centre, a large kitchen and dining area bring people together, respecting the spirit of the farm and its surroundings.
VIEWS AND NATURAL LIGHT
From the entrance foyer, views extend across fields and down to the River Camel. The living room and upstairs balcony face south, filling the house with sunlight. Tall windows frame the landscape, letting in daylight all day, while the open position always takes advantage of sunset and outlook.
BUILT FOR LONG-TERM EFFICIENCY
Well-insulated walls, thoughtful siting, and south-facing glass help lower energy use. Natural light means less need for artificial lamps. Every window, layer of insulation and decision was chosen to keep the family comfortable through the year, with a lighter footprint on the environment.
Architects Working Across North Cornwall
ARCO2 designs contemporary sustainable homes across Polzeath, Rock, Padstow, Daymer Bay, Constantine Bay, Trevone Bay, St Merryn and the wider North Cornwall coastline. North Cornwall Architects.
