The Dutch Barn

Why you'll love staying here

The Dutch Barn is an outstanding contemporary barn conversion set on an arable farm in the village of Ashdon. Beautifully renovated and thoughtfully furnished, the barn offers spacious accommodation for extended families or groups of friends seeking a relaxing rural retreat in the heart of the Essex countryside.

While retaining its original barrel-vaulted roof and steel frame, the barn has been equipped with modern comforts throughout. Underfloor heating keeps the space warm and cosy in cooler months, a Bluetooth sound system with speakers in every room allows music to flow through the house, and subtle mood lighting creates a wonderful atmosphere.

Downstairs is a stunning open-plan living space, cleverly zoned into a series of sociable areas. A beautiful natural stone floor runs throughout, while a calming blue and white colour scheme contrasts elegantly with wooden furniture and rustic touches.

Guests enter through a spacious reception hall with plenty of room for coats and boots, immediately setting the tone for the house. The modern shaker-style kitchen offers ample storage and a full range of appliances, ensuring the designated chef has everything needed to prepare delicious home-cooked meals. A central island with a sunken hob provides the perfect spot for guests to gather with a drink and chat while the cooking gets underway. Adjacent is a large farmhouse dining table with plenty of space for everyone to enjoy meals together and share stories from the day’s adventures.

The seating area has a choice of comfortable sofas arranged around a wood-burning stove set within a large red brick fireplace. Floor-to-ceiling patio doors flood the space with natural light and frame wonderful views across the garden and surrounding farmland. It’s a lovely place to unwind in the evenings, feet up with a glass of wine while enjoying a film together. Over Christmas, the barn is decorated with a festive tree and twinkling lights, adding a magical touch, especially if the fields are dusted with snow.

Completing the ground floor is a bedroom with an en-suite shower room, ideal for guests with limited mobility, as well as a separate cloakroom.

Upstairs are four further bedrooms, where curved ceilings and exposed framework showcase the building’s heritage. Each room has been designed with comfort in mind, with comfortable beds, deep mattresses, crisp white Egyptian cotton linens, and soft blankets for cooler nights. Three bedrooms have their own en-suite shower rooms, and there is also a beautiful spa-style family bathroom with a deep freestanding bath, perfect for a relaxing soak, as well as a refreshing rainfall shower.

Outside, a terrace is bordered with old cattle troughs from the farm now filled with plants, along with outdoor dining furniture and a barbecue for leisurely al fresco meals. There is also a swim spa hot tub, a perfect spot to relax in the bubbles while stargazing. Beyond, a spacious lawn provides plenty of room for children to play.

The farm itself offers acres of land to explore, including wildflower meadows buzzing with bees and butterflies. Guests can also try their hand at coarse fishing, and a tennis court is available during the summer months for those feeling active. Footpaths lead through the surrounding countryside to the village pub.