In the heart of Kent’s rolling countryside, Hartdene Barns offers something refreshingly different: homes that feel deeply connected to their agricultural past yet built for the way we want to live today. Once a working dairy farm, this small collection of nine contemporary barn conversions blends rural character with cutting‑edge sustainability – proving that living responsibly doesn’t mean sacrificing comfort, style, or cost‑effectiveness.
Designed by award‑winning Nissen Richards Studio, Hartdene Barns meets the ambitious RIBA Climate Challenge standards – going far beyond typical building regulations. These homes are crafted to dramatically reduce both embodied carbon (from construction and materials) and operational energy (the energy used day‑to‑day). The result isn’t just something that looks impressive on paper – it transforms how you live, every day.
Step inside and you’ll notice it immediately: warm, light‑filled interiors framed by striking glulam beams that celebrate the barns’ history while delivering modern comfort. Even the original concrete from the dairy buildings has been crushed and reused on site – a simple, thoughtful choice that cuts waste and carbon footprint.
Built for the Future – and for Daily Life
- Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) create exceptionally well‑insulated, airtight homes, helping them stay naturally warm in winter and cool in summer – without relying on costly heating or cooling.
- Glulam beams replace traditional steel, reducing embodied carbon by around 40% while adding texture and character.
- Solar PV panels and air‑source heat pumps work together to supply clean, low‑cost energy that keeps running costs virtually off grid
- Mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR) ensures fresh air circulates while extracting stale air, without letting warmth escape.
- Bioethanol fireplaces bring a cosy, flickering centrepiece to every living space – without a chimney, soot or mess.
All of this means homes that aren’t just carbon net‑zero in operation – they’re incredibly cost‑effective to live in, too.
Lower Bills, Lower Carbon
An independent assessment found Hartdene Barns to be 10 – 15 years ahead of today’s new‑build standards for whole‑life carbon, future‑proofing every home and protecting the environment. With SAP ratings up to 114 – far exceeding most UK homes – residents enjoy spacious, design‑led living while keeping energy bills surprisingly low.
In short: these are homes where thoughtful design means buyers don’t have to choose between character, comfort, and cost.
Connected to Nature, Crafted for Living
Beyond the walls, Hartdene Barns is shaped to be somewhere you genuinely want to spend time: native planting supports local wildlife; private garden allotments invite you to grow your own produce; and natural materials like charred larch cladding keep maintenance low while preserving a timeless rural character. Open‑plan layouts and generous glazing keep interiors bright and connected to the landscape through every season.
Where Sustainability Meets Lifestyle
Perhaps most remarkable is how quietly it all works. There’s no sense of compromise: residents enjoy warm, spacious homes filled with character – yet pay far less to run them and live with a lighter environmental footprint.
In an age where energy bills and climate concerns matter more than ever, Hartdene Barns proves that sustainable design can deliver a truly better quality of life: rooted in history, ready for the future, and wonderfully cost‑effective to call home.
Come and see Hartdene Barns for yourself
Come and see for yourself. Walk the grounds. Breathe the fresh air. Feel the difference. Step inside these thoughtfully crafted homes, take in the sweeping countryside views, and imagine life in this exceptional setting. Prices from £1.25 million.
Discover why Hartdene Barns isn’t just a place to live, but a place to truly belong.
