A new lease of life

I was lucky enough to be invited along to the launch of gorgeous new venue The Oak Barn recently and was swept away with how the sleek modern restoration beautifully complements the rural charm of the original 17th-century barn. An exclusive-use event venue located in the heart of Kent's High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, it's undergone an extensive restoration, taking no less than three-and-a-half years. Tim and Deana Maw have transformed the Grade II listed farm into a breathtaking venue featuring two function barns, a terrace and a courtyard, complemented by stylish modern accommodation in five cottages beside a wildlife pond and waterfall.

Tim told us: “Our vision was to restore these redundant farm buildings and give them a new purpose to safeguard their future. We wanted to preserve their history and character but hide new technology in the design, all to be done in an environmentally positive way.”

Deana says: “We upcycled and reused building materials and items we found abandoned around the farm. The greatest gift came from nature in the form of a dead oak tree we felled in 2016, which has been used to restore the building with plenty left over to make our bar, 20 benches and signing tables for the ceremony room, plus sink tops and cupboards.” To find out more check out www.the-oak-barn.co.uk

Image courtesy of www.matildadelvesweddingphotography.com