After viewing the Thealby Grange Barns for the first time we realised that these buildings were far too beautiful to be left to ruin. There had already been victims to the elements: the 6 arches connected to the Dovecote had already collapsed and the old Barn to the North of the Dairy Annexe was also a pile of rubble.

We decided to research into the viability of purchasing such a development and realised that we would have to obtain planning permission to convert the three barns (as there was only planning permission to convert into two dwelling): The Dovecote, The Barn, The Dairy before we could consider such a project.

Thankfully the vendors of the property were very understanding whilst we underwent the lengthy and laborious task of preliminary planning permission, and then full planning permission. It is amazing how many different reports are needed to support the planning application- one could make a career solely writing these supporting documentations (you can count me out on this one!!). With the help of the local community and the North Lincolnshire Council Conservation officer, every one understood the importance of saving these beautiful buildings and finally in May we obtained Full Planning Permission.

With Full Planning Approval we purchased the Barns in May (and after a night of too many wines celebrating with the vendors) we were proud owners of Three Barns, a pile of rubble, a Landrover (which by the look of it must have been on the front line in the Second World War - my husband assures me it is a good work horse!!), and a grotty caravan which acts as site office/home to husband and grumpy dog Clyde.

It is bizarre to start with a fully waterproof Dairy, see it stripped back just to the four walls & then having it transforming into a more beautiful version ( a bit like a caterpillar into a butterfly – trying to sound poetic was never my strong point so I will give it a rest!). The builders started to create the detail around each of the window and door openings (you certainly do not get this with a Stepford Wife House New Build) The rebuilding of the new or existing openings were of course after they inserted the “more than substantial” lintels. As with everything on the project we want to ensure that all the materials used on the barns are the best quality & quantity and not solely applied to satisfy the powers that be ( that is the Local Authority Building Control – dum, dum, dir!!!)