A room for all reasons

Party barns were once little more than useful venues for large social gatherings, but now, former agricultural buildings are being converted into multifunctional spaces that are transforming rural properties, finds Arabella Youens

THE name party barn is bandied around with gay abandon, but it has recently become a misnomer. ‘Twenty years ago, it had a very different look and feel,’ says Lindsay Cuthill, head of the country-house department at Savills. ‘Back then, it was much more basic and faithful to its name—it was a barn where you might host the occasional party. In preparation, little more was required than sweeping the floor, hanging some fairy lights and renting a few air heaters for events. Once it was over, the space would revert to being used as overflow storage from the main house. That was about it.’

As a new generation has migrated to the country, these spaces have become more ambitious in size and scope; many are now fitted with underfloor heating courtesy of a ground-source heat pump, professional sound systems, mirrorballs and full-service kitchens. Having a small bar and a large television screen or projector is almost a given; a gym, yoga studio, sauna or a steam room also appear on wish lists. A large proportion include guest suites.