A modest stone outbuilding in Somerset, England, has been reworked into a calm contemporary holiday stay. The value is clear from the first step inside. London Atelier keeps every part of the Grade II listed structure legible while adding a crafted plywood core that delivers comfort, clarity and warmth. The result is a small home shaped by restraint, precision and a careful respect for the past.
The Old Sty sits within a wider historic estate and keeps its agricultural character intact. Rubble stone walls, a simple gabled roof and deep-set openings were repaired with a light touch. New oak framed doors and discreet frameless windows give the facade a refined look. Oak reveals and slim window profiles sit cleanly against the stone, forming a clear contemporary layer that still defers to the original envelope, while scrubs and bushes frame views toward the building, grounding it within the rural estate.
A projecting feature window brings extra daylight into the interior. It also doubles as seating, giving the compact plan another useful corner. The picture framed opening forms a quiet moment that links the inside to the wider landscape.
Inside, the rugged stone walls remain exposed, wrapping the space with texture and history. The new plywood volume sits clearly within the shell, holding key functions while allowing the perimeter walls to stay untouched. Built-in seating and shelving add practical comfort without increasing visual weight.
Polished concrete runs through the home, bringing a soft pink tone drawn from the local red earth. The color anchors the interior and creates warm continuity from one space to the next.
The kitchen sits within the plywood carcass that forms the core of the interior. This controlled insertion integrates storage, paneling and key services in a single gesture. The approach keeps the small footprint open and calm while giving the space its own crafted identity.
The main bedroom sits within the restored stone shell. A deep reveal forms a gentle alcove for sitting and reflection, and perfectly frames the garden view.
The bathroom, with its shower, is fully contained within the plywood core. Penny tile walls, warm timber surfaces and the continuous pink concrete floor create a calm and intimate space.
A finely detailed timber ladder stair leads to the mezzanine. It is both a functional route and a crafted joinery piece that fits the scale of the interior.
The mezzanine doubles as a reading nook and an extra place for sleeping. Built-in plywood elements keep the zone light and useful without adding bulk.
The drawings reveal the clarity behind the project. They show how the plywood core sits lightly within the historic shell, how daylight is brought deep into the plan and how each opening, junction and volume supports the building’s renewed purpose.
The Old Sty shows how a modest pig sty can become a calm contemporary holiday stay through a mix of restraint and careful craft. London Atelier strengthens the original structure, enriches it with light and material clarity, and sets the tone for future phases across the estate.
Photography by Ralf Eikelberg | Design: London Atelier | Main contractor: John Flanagan
