New heights reached for barn conversions

A significant milestone in the conversion of four barns in Craven Arms, Shropshire was cause for celebration as the highest point in the project was reached.

To mark the occasion, the construction team, client, and architect gathered to celebrate with breakfast pastries and refreshments at the Upper Norton Barns site.

Shropshire-based Morris Property is transforming the barns into 15 holiday units for The Holiday Property Bond (HPB). The development is an addition to existing cottages and apartments on a neighbouring site, which originally opened in 2008.

Designed as a rural retreat for walkers and nature lovers, Upper Norton Barns will offer scenic holiday accommodation in the Shropshire Hills, alongside an indoor pool and sauna/steam room.

Sustainability is a key focus of the conversion. Recycled stone from existing buildings is being used by the construction team alongside solar panels and a unique Biomass sewage system. HPB is undertaking a comprehensive landscaping scheme to ensure the development seamlessly complements its rural surroundings.

The traditional topping-out ceremony concluded with the symbolic signing of the staircase in the Dutch barn, which is being transformed into four of the 15 final holiday lets on site. Completion of the development is on schedule for early March 2025.

Paul Johnson, contracts manager at Morris Property, said: “It's fantastic to see Upper Norton Barns taking shape. This project has been a unique challenge for our team, and it's incredibly rewarding to witness all the pieces of the jigsaw coming together.”

Oliver Peacock, development manager at HPB, said: “We're delighted with the progress Morris Property has made on converting the barns at our Upper Norton site into additional holiday units lets. They've impressed us with their professionalism and attention to detail throughout the project. It's been exciting to see the transformation taking place, and we can't wait to welcome guests and share the beautiful setting with them.”

HPB allows individuals to invest in holidays for life. Through their Holiday Points system, investors gain access to a portfolio of villas, cottages, and apartments across the UK and abroad,and  the Bond can be handed down through the generations.

Pictured: from left, Graham Smith (site manager) Paul Johnson (contracts manager), Andrew Hood (PQS . Thorne and Walker), Steve Flavell (construction manager), Graham Carter (M and E consultant Con – Serv), Ian Nicholson  (architect . JMP), Oliver Peacock (HPB), and Jason Postans (procurement manager)