IT HAS been interesting over the last few months watching the progress of a small development of barn conversions at Low Farm, Towthorpe.

As I use the back road from Strensall to Haxby on a regular basis, it’s provided the opportunity to see the work progressing – everyone got a particularly good look this week when temporary traffic lights were set up opposite the new homes.

This, presumably, was to allow for installation of utilities as the properties are now well on their way to completion.

We took another look at the artist’s impressions this week and could feel ourselves coming over all giddy, both at the handsome exteriors and the delightful-looking light and bright interiors.

The designers have produced a plan which has sought to retain as much of the traditional agricultural character of the Grade II-listed barns while providing contemporary living styles; traditional beams, heavy trusses and exposed brickwork will be contrasted by minimalist modern interior designs.

If the developers manage to come anywhere near the computer- generated illustrations they will certainly produce a very unique, characterful and stunning finish.

We were particularly taken by the look of the facade to plot one, where a high pitched roof reaches upwards to a deep angle, while below a set of French doors and deep floorto- ceiling windows provides an early glimpse of a super-looking, spacious kitchen, living and dining room with an open staircase to the first floor.

But then there is a lot of space here with the house also having a formal dining room or second living room, a TV lounge and a study, as well as utility room and cloakroom.

And just for good measure there is a studio/workshop outside...

Upstairs, meanwhile, there is a master bedroom with ensuite shower room, four further bedrooms and a house bathroom and a second shower room. This house, like the others, is designed to provide maximum privacy despite having close neighbours, all of the barn designs put together with a private aspect over their own garden and paddock land.

Plot two is equally stylish, equally spacious. Its ground floor boasts an open-plan dining kitchen, a huge sitting room and a hugely-impressive second living room in the shape of a long garden room that runs to some 25ft in length. And there’s more... a TV room, a snug/study and utility and cloak rooms.

On the first floor there is a fantastic master bedroom with dressing room and en-suite bathroom, five more bedrooms and a bathroom and shower room. Both of these homes, as well as gardens and paddock, have a range of stores and a garage.

Barn-storming, as it were, these are not cheap properties (in any sense of the word). Plot one is on the market at £775,000 and plot two at £850,000.

If you fancy owning a remarkable, iconic home, then contact the marketing agents Stephensons on 01904 625533.