MORE than 20 years ago Julie and Les Fenton bought a derelict barn which was home to a family of owls and a favourite haunt for their cat. As SUSAN GOODSON found out, over a period of years it has been transformed into a fabulous and much loved home for their son, Adam, who took it off their hands

TO create a home that is totally modern, has masses of space but is also warm and welcoming is no easy task.

But that is exactly what the Fenton family, with the expert help of John Coward Architects, have done.

It is also in a superb location, close to all facilities, but perfect for those who enjoy being outside.

The house - Owl Barn, Holbeck Park Avenue, Barrow - is in popular Holbeck, and over three floors. The ground floor living area is laid out in what could be regarded as a “loft-style’ arrangement with the size of the room allowing for a fully integrated living, dining and kitchen space. The room is well connected with the gardens as there are multiple external doors. Adjacent to the kitchen is a cloakroom/WC and a separate utility room. The first floor landing is an inviting reading area alongside the front window and has a further lounge/sitting room, master bedroom with en-suite bathroom and a full three-piece shower room.

The three remaining bedrooms on the second floor can all easily take double beds and one of the rooms has a built-in cupboard over the stairs. The main family bathroom gives a real feel of luxury with a large circular-shaped bath with a whirlpool/spa function and shower fitted above.

Outside is paved off-road parking for several vehicles with a raised lawn alongside, semi enclosed by banked flower beds. A central arch leads through to the main area of garden, providing a great patio space. The remaining garden has been landscaped to provide several uses, including a small fruit/vegetable growing bed, lawn and further natural stone paving to the back.

Adam may have only been a young boy when the barn came into the family, but even now at 31 he remembers that the floor was soil and tehre were no beams, with the room open up to the corrugated roof. The Fentons were happy to wait for the owl family to grow up and leave the nest before they started the conversion.

Mum Julie said while creating a modern home, they have maintained features of the original building. They are things that Adam, who has lived in the house since 2009, and visitors enjoy while appreciating all the conveniences of a modern home.

Adam said: “There is so much space, it is great when you have friends around.

“I do enjoy cooking and when you have guests everyone can sit in the living area or at the dining table and talk while you cook.

“It is a really relaxing part of the house to be in and we have had some great parties here.

"While very up-to-date, it feels and is a family home.

“There is underfloor heating and lighting which can be adjusted up or down.

“We did work with the architect to keep the character so you find walking through the house small alcoves in the walls with little 'owls' in them and slit windows which show how thick the walls are.”

They have used reclaimed slates for the roof and the outside is all natural stone.

Adam, his friends and the family have enjoyed get-togethers in the gardens outside.

Julie points out that even the paving area outside the front door is private and a good place to have a morning coffee or breakfast. It is cut off from the off-road parking area by a fence and shrubbery.

Adam said: “We do get loads of birds in the garden but even though we created a nesting area outside for the owls they have never come back, which is really disappointing.”

The sitting room on the first floor is another relaxing light space and handy for anyone looking to get some time on their own.

Adam’s big master bedroom has views over the countryside and, in the distance, the sea. The en-suite is always handy but there is also the separate three-piece shower room for guests.

Walking through the three floors of the house, it is all very light, quiet and there is a lovely tranquil feel.

Adam says you can come inside and have a quiet night in after work or else you are handy to town or the several popular pubs which also serve food.

He added: “I find the location so good as I like the outdoors and you are minutes from Furness Abbey and plenty of walks and bike rides in the country. We are close to the railway station, schools and the supermarket.

"I have loved living here apart from periods of being away due to work and travel."

This beautiful and immaculate home is now on the market only because Adam’s career is taking him to Manchester.

The house - Owl Barn, Holbeck Park Avenue, Barrow - is on the market with Poole Townsend Estate Agents for £330,000. For further details or to arrange a viewing please call into the offices on 01229 811811 or drop into the Barrow branch on 69-75 Duke Street.