The Wainhouse and The Winnows  are two of eight beautifully crafted houses outside Hereford, designed by Stolon Studio. Working with the original bones of these substantial agricultural buildings, the practice has peeled the forms back to reveal intricate beam structures and double-height volumes. These distinctive spaces are each characterised by their different quality of light and inventive layouts. Each house has a private garden and access to a communal two-acre pasture. Hereford is conveniently located just a 10-minute drive away, with a variety of amenities close at hand, including a diverse selection of eateries, an independent theatre, a railway station, and well-regarded schools.

The Architect

Stolon Studio Architects was established by Robert and Jessica Barker. Drawing from their own experience of living in meticulously designed mews in Forest Hill with their neighbouring families, they have embarked on a mission to craft thoughtfully designed living spaces that prioritise wellbeing. Their commitment extends beyond individual homes, as they aspire to foster socially conscious communities through innovative developments.

Environmental Performance

Great care has been taken in the designs not only to ensure that the houses are energy efficient but that their construction is rooted in local vernacular and materials. Using painstakingly preserved oak and elm beams, the structures have been straightened, restored and reset rather than rebuilt. Clay paint has been thoughtfully applied, allowing these remarkable architectural elements to retain their charm while allowing the buildings to breathe.

The beautiful red Hereford brick harmoniously coexists with locally sourced new bricks, seamlessly blending the old and the new. Reflecting a commitment to local craftsmanship, the oak-framed windows are all lovingly crafted by nearby artisans. These conservation efforts speak volumes to the architects’ unwavering dedication to executing the project with utmost care. A varied planting scheme throughout the site will work in tandem with the newly created pond to boost bio-diversity and create beautiful shared spaces for the residents.

The complete retrofit of these historic buildings has included replumbing, new electrics, the introduction of air source heat pumps, underfloor heating, insulation and double glazing to create a collection of highly efficient homes with low running costs. There is private parking with several charging points for electric vehicles. Fibre-broadband runs throughout the site to enable efficient home working.

The Tour

The Wainhouse and The Winnows form the western flank of the old farmyard. Warm red Herefordshire brick and tiled roofs establish a wonderfully tactile palette, which sits in striking contrast to the luscious greens of the surrounding treetops.

The layout of each house takes its cues from the shape of the existing building, meaning the houses harmonise perfectly with their surroundings. Both are dual aspect with views both inwards over the landscaped communal parts and outwards to the next-door meadow. The architects have worked carefully around the existing bones of the building, incorporating beams and the original window openings and utilising these to create truly singular plans for each house. Inside, the exposed 16th and 17th-century beams have been revealed and carefully preserved with clay paints. Skylights have been thoughtfully placed in the pitched ceilings to maximise the natural light that tracks across the walls over the course of the day.

The finishes throughout The Parks are of a notably high standard; the kitchens are formed of warm terracotta or sage cabinetry and marble effect worktops. Bathrooms use the same tones. New woodwork, external shutters and windows echo the deep red tone of the external bricks, and this contrasts with the light clay paint on the old beams and walls.

When standing in the communal courtyard, The Winnows is on the left of the large farm building. On the ground floor is a utility room, study, and open-plan living and kitchen space, with soaring ceilings. This impressive space has tremendous volume and doors that open to the garden at each aspect. Upstairs are three bedrooms, a family bathroom and an en suite shower room. This house also has access to a loft.

The Wainhouse is the middle of the three and, like its neighbour, has impressive double-height spaces. On the ground floor is a large kitchen, dining and living space, and a bedroom with an en suite. The spaces are dominated by a large patchwork of impressive original timber frame that has been lovingly restored and incorporated into the new form. Up one set of stairs is a mezzanine living space, while up the other is a bedroom, bathroom, and a further bedroom lies on the second floor.

Each house has a truly individual feel, and while all three are laid out in the vein of a traditional floorplan, this has been dictated by the form of the building, resulting in some truly original spaces.

Outdoor Space

Residents will also have shared access to the expansive two-acre pasture at the rear of the development, with picturesque views. This open space can be used for many activities – the architects envisioned residents cultivating a vibrant vegetable garden, further enhancing the sense of community and sustainability within the scheme.

The Area

Just outside Hereford, this beautiful collection of houses is wonderfully poised between historic market towns and some of the country’s most popular Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Hereford itself is a 10-minute drive away. The River Wye wraps around this striking Cathedral town characterised by its eclectic mix of half-timbered houses, Georgian architecture and thriving restaurant scene. The Independent Quarter, centred on Church Street and East Street, is a hive of thriving independent shops and galleries, including Printer + Tailor,  Lūna,The Butter Market, and refills shop Fodder Basics.

The thriving restaurant scene includes local favourites such as Sensory & Rye, No.9 The Balcony, The Bookshop, and Cotto. The Courtyard is a local theatre and cinema with a constantly changing programme of events and screenings.

Well known for its striking architecture and lively gastronomic scene, the bi-annual Ludlow Food Festival is not to be missed. Leominster, a delightful market town with two supermarkets, a primary school, and an array of independent restaurants and cafes, is a 15-minute drive to the south. For those keen to explore the local fare, Monkland Cheese Dairy is just outside of Leominster and stocks a range of artisanal British cheese, the dairy’s own Little Hereford remains a firm favourite. The independent food scene in the area has long been gaining traction, with annual festivals at Ludlow and Hereford.

Hay-on-Wye is around 40 minutes drive away. Host to a renowned literature festival, Hay has over 30 bookstores, many specialising in out-of-print or hard-to-locate titles. Chapters is a celebrated local restaurant with serious foodie credentials. The beloved sheep’s milk ice cream maker, Shepherds Parlour, can also be found in Hay.

The surrounding landscape is peppered with excellent walking and cycling routes. For particularly striking scenery, the nearby Malvern Hills and Wye Valley AONB offer a density of beautiful routes and outdoor activities.

Service Charge: estimated approx. £300-400 per annum
Council Tax Band: Awaiting assessment

Please note that all areas, measurements and distances given in these particulars are approximate and rounded. The text, photographs and floor plans are for general guidance only. The Modern House has not tested any services, appliances or specific fittings — prospective purchasers are advised to inspect the property themselves. All fixtures, fittings and furniture not specifically itemised within these particulars are deemed removable by the vendor.