If you are looking to add to, expand or replace your equestrian buildings, there is no better place to start your project than The Classic Barn Company This very experienced team of expert designers, craftsmen and builders can create bespoke oak framed multi-functional stable complex buildings to suit all equestrian needs.

 

Award Winning Oak Builders

The Classic Barn Company has an extensive repertoire, as they are highly qualified and experienced specialists in the creation of oak-framed buildings, each of which is unique and designed specifically to suit particular needs and purposes. The Classic Barn Company provides one contractor accountability, supported by architectural design and planning, to offer a complete end to end service. These award-winning builders are accredited members of The Guild of Master Craftsmen, with many years of traditional carpentry and construction skills under their belts! The Classic Barn Company has also been chosen to feature on popular television programmes and their projects, which include room above garage buildings and traditional oak-framed stable complexes, have often been featured in prestigious specialist home and interior magazines. Director Andrew Guppy says ‘One of our proudest moments was being asked to design a new equestrian and barn project for the Riding for the Disabled Association. The facility was later honoured by a visit by HRH The Princess Royal, President of the RDA’.

‘Our award-winning team designs and builds oak-framed structures to suit a vast range of needs and obligations …

we offer architectural design and planning services as well as construction, build and landscaping’

Complete Project Services

As each Classic Barn Company project is completely bespoke, the designers can accommodate every equestrian design need imaginable. The process can begin with a call or email to set up an appointment and initial discussion of the type and scale of project. The team is used to providing wide-ranging solutions to an eclectic range of projects, which can include classically proportioned and traditionally structured oak-framed garage complexes or creating outbuildings with living space. Classic car collectors often want a sympathetically-styled and secure outbuilding to house their collection, and the project may also go on to include office and guest accommodation, additional leisure rooms, stabling and equestrian facilities. These building schemes can vary greatly in scale and requirements, but each turnkey project is a step-by-step journey, starting with the original design discussion and consultation and finishing with the implementation of the build to the completion of the very final touches. Andrew Guppy explains ‘We are very experienced in accommodating and incorporating a wide variety of uses within one building or a single overall project’.

 

Architectural Oak Designs

The team can work on projects for listed buildings and those of historical importance. Design details can be included to reference and link the new project with existing features of the current buildings. The designers are aware that their thought processes have to extend past the proposed and existing buildings and consider the surrounding land too. Andrew Guppy adds ‘The natural features of the surrounding land are always carefully considered so we can make sure the resulting structures and buildings sit well in their surroundings’. The team can advise on all other aspects too, such as landscaping, paving and other surfaces, lighting and power supplies. The approach is architectural, creative and practical – which is clearly a winning combination.

 Equestrian Priorities

Every new stabling project is unique, and it’s often useful for prospective clients to visit other yards or premises to gain a sense of size, scale, craftsmanship and detail. For example, the team can arrange a visit to one of their projects. Andrew Guppy explains, ‘There are so many considerations, from the position of the building and the direction it faces, to what the impact will be on the landscape. Noise, the direction of approach and whether the new buildings will need to be screened will come under discussion. The number of stalls, head height, ventilation, storage, office and admin space, tack rooms and ease of access for riders and vehicles are all vital points too’. With years of background experience, The Classic Barn Company has created stabling and outbuilding designs that function perfectly for equestrian needs at the rear of the project – leading directly into paddock space – yet at the front view have a more habitable presentation that can be designed to reflect the architectural features and qualities of the main estate.

 

Planning & Building Regulations For Outbuildings

Needless to say, the hurdles of Planning Permission, Buildings Regulations and Permitted Development all have to be fully considered for each and every equestrian and outbuildings project that The Classic Barn Company gets involved with. Sometimes Planning Permission isn’t required, as the development may come under the umbrella of Permitted Development. However it is also often the case that these type of buildings are within protected areas where Permitted Development rights don’t apply. One of the first tasks is to establish the type of classification of the plot in question – planning requirements may vary according to whether the project is within the curtilage of the main house or within an adjoining paddock area. The design team will advise and investigate as necessary, looking after the relevant applications and liaising with the appropriate planning officers.  Further planning and building control information can be found on county council websites.

Viewing Existing Projects

As individual equestrian projects can vary so greatly in size and design, The Classic Barn Company team can arrange for potential clients to view completed projects – which could perhaps include barns, garages, rooms above and other outbuildings so clients can gain a flavour and insight of what is achievable. And of course, viewing the craftsmanship up close and in person is inspirational too! Many projects are within the southern counties of the UK, and there is a new regional office in Ascot, Berkshire. For further information, design appointment or brochure, visit the website and submit an enquiry.