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“Jackie and I have always searched for unusual properties and were in the market to start a new project when a friend told us about a really special plot located in Wood Barton. We took a drive down to the site and from the moment we turned into the tree covered drive, I just knew it was going to be something really magnificent and I wasn’t disappointed –before us stood an imposing 19th century monastery and chapel in need of complete renovation.”

“Seeing such a magnificent building, barely touched for what looked like decades, sent my pulse racing. Anyone in property development will understand the feeling you get when you stumble across little gems like the Monastery; your heart starts pounding, palms get sweaty and all you want to do is find out if it is available.”
“In our twenty years developing rural property, we had never seen anything so enchanting and instantly recognised its potential. We started putting together plans to turn it into eight unique, luxury apartments, the first of which is now complete.”

Steve continues: “We worked closely with the architect to create a layout sympathetic to its 19th century structure and took great care to leave as many original features as possible. The development boasts original granite staircases, which not only look and feel fantastic, but add a special something to the project. As well as taking time to restore a lot of original features, high quality products have been seamlessly integrated to ensure the apartments benefit from the latest in sophisticated home systems, including: Nu-Heat warm water underfloor heating, heat recovery systems and SMART Home Technology. All of which allow straightforward control over lighting, heating, audio visual, telephones and computers.”

“Sophisticated home systems allow far greater control over energy management as homeowners can tailor a solution specific to their requirements. This can lead to a reduction in the amount of energy used which is not only a great sales tool, but good news for the environment.”

“We feel our latest development is a great example of how new technology and period buildings can work together in harmony. As all of the wiring and heating is neatly tucked out of sight, homeowners can focus on the beauty of the architecture, opposed to looking at big metal radiators on the wall. As well as aesthetics, a lot of the technology used improves energy efficiency, so homeowners can do their bit for the environment as well as enjoy lower running costs. We chose Nu-Heat’s underfloor heating because of their reputation and experience of working with housebuilders. Nu-Heat offered invaluable advice concerning the installation, which made the whole process straightforward and trouble free. The fact that I already live with a Nu-Heat system helped, as I had complete faith in their advice over design and implementation and would not hesitate to use them in future projects.”

It is not just the architecture that makes this project so special; it is the surroundings in which the residence lies. Wood Barton is within a private country estate of approximately 80 acres, bordered by native woods that stretch down to the banks of the River Avon. Owners will even be able to enjoy fishing for trout and salmon on a one mile stretch of the River Avon.

“Attention to detail is something Jackie and I strongly believe in. We always specify the highest quality materials and products; Wood Barton is of no exception. We feel this project shows how a little imagination, good advice from the architect, builder and key suppliers such as Nu-Heat Underfloor, can turn a sleepy estate into an innovative and highly sought after property development.”

Altogether, this probably makes Wood Barton one of the most exclusive developments in the West Country and has all the makings of a time-less renovation project – something which both Jackie and Steve Buckle can be proud of.