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OUR PROJECTS | SPRING WATER BARN
Set in the rolling countryside of Groombridge, Tunbridge Wells, Spring Water Barn is a beautiful barn conversion project unlike any other. When the homeowners embarked on this ambitious transformation, they knew they needed a joinery specialist who could realise their unique and highly personal vision — which led them directly to Gardiner of England.
The brief was anything but ordinary: a rich palette of natural textures, unconventional materials like cork and brass, and a level of precision and craftsmanship that would respect the barn’s rustic character while creating a truly contemporary home.
UNDERSTANDING THE VISION
The project first came to Gardiner of England after the homeowner, with a professional background in interior design, began looking for a partner who could handle non-standard specifications. From the very first conversation, it was clear that this would be a true collaboration.
The client's initial ideas outlined a bold use of plywood, MFC, and MDF for all joinery, with distinctive touches such as cork inserts in kitchen cabinets, a brushed brass island, cast-iron grill inserts in the larder doors, and a bright yellow annex kitchen accented with ply-faced tall cabinets and coloured glass splashbacks. Throughout the design phase, the final specifications naturally evolved, but the commitment to material authenticity and individuality remained at the heart of the project.
DESIGNING SEVEN DISTINCT SPACES
Rather than focusing solely on the kitchen, Gardiner of England was entrusted to design, supply, and install joinery across seven different rooms within the property — including the main kitchen, utility, boot room, annex kitchen, and ensuite bathroom. Each space needed to function seamlessly while maintaining the material and design language unique to Spring Water Barn.
Close collaboration with the homeowner allowed every detail to be meticulously refined. Frequent site visits by our Project Managers, Site Managers, and Designers ensured that the final product matched both the original vision and the evolving needs of the build.
THE KITCHEN | A MASTERPIECE OF MATERIALS
At the heart of Spring Water Barn lies the main kitchen — a bold, tactile space that fuses modern craftsmanship with organic warmth.
The kitchen cabinetry is constructed from Natural Halifax Oak vertical grain wood, chosen for its rich texture and contemporary grain pattern. The standout feature, however, is the unique cork-faced units, which bring an unexpected softness and natural depth to the space.
The central island was another key feature, crafted with a Berkshire Bronzed Brass worktop and waterfall gables. As a clever nod to energy efficiency and practicality, the brass was used selectively — wrapping the top and visible sides, but leaving the back in a coordinating material finish.
Completing the kitchen's high-end specification is the Perrin & Rowe aged brass pull-out spray tap paired with an Abode undermount single bowl sink, both selected for their quality and timeless design.
THE ANNEX KITCHEN | BRIGHT, PLAYFUL CONTRAST
The annex kitchen presented a unique opportunity to inject colour and vibrancy into the project. The client’s brief called for something bold yet refined, leading to the selection of Curry Yellow paint-to-order Imola doors for the central base cabinets.
These were complemented by ply-faced tall cabinets, a Corian worktop, and a neutral backsplash — resulting in a playful, bright space that balances perfectly with the more neutral tones elsewhere in the home.
THE UTILITY, BOOTROOM AND MULTI-USE SPACES
Elsewhere in the property, the same care and attention to detail were carried through. The utility room, boot room, and ensuite joinery were all crafted with the same clean lines, durable materials, and understated elegance that define the main kitchen — ensuring that even the most practical spaces felt as high-end and considered as the heart of the home.
A particular highlight was the creation of a bespoke, handcrafted Murphy bed for one of the multi-use rooms. With the client needing the space to double as both a home office and a guest bedroom, a traditional fixed bed wasn’t practical. Our team designed and built a fold-down, wall-mounted Murphy bed, hinged to store vertically against the wall when not in use. Crafted in complementary materials to the rest of the home, the Murphy bed not only maximises floor space but does so with style and seamless integration, allowing the room to transition effortlessly between work and hospitality whenever needed.
HIGH SPEC, INDUSTRY-LEADING APPLIANCES
In keeping with the project's premium finish, the kitchen and utility spaces were fitted with a carefully curated range of appliances from industry-leading brands. Each was chosen not just for performance, but for its synergy with the design ethos of the barn.
The appliances used within this unique project include:
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BOSCH Series 4 Induction Hob
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BOSCH Series 4 Built-In Oven
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BOSCH Series 2 Fully-Integrated Dishwasher
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Novy Panorama Power 1841 Venting Hob
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Fisher & Paykel Series 7 French Door Fridge Freezer
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Haier Series 4 Washer Dryer
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Haier I-Pro Series 7 Washing Machine
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Haier I-Pro Series 7 Tumble Dryer
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Bertazzoni Built-In Refrigerator
These appliances not only ensure effortless functionality but also help define the sleek, contemporary aesthetic of the project.
A COLLABORATION THAT BROUGHT A VISION TO LIFE
The Spring Water Barn project stands as a testament to the power of true collaboration. Working closely with a highly creative client, Gardiner of England was able to turn an ambitious, detail-driven brief into a home that feels rich in character, texture, and craftsmanship.
From concept sketches to final fitting, every element was handled with care, passion, and precision. The result is a bold, timeless home that reflects not only the original spirit of the barn, but also the adventurous spirit of its owners.
If you're planning a renovation or looking to create a truly bespoke kitchen or living space, Gardiner of England would be delighted to help bring your vision to life. With a commitment to craftsmanship, attention to detail, and a collaborative approach, we work closely with every client to design and deliver beautiful, functional spaces that stand the test of time.
Visit our Headcorn, Kent showroom Monday-Friday 8am-4pm to wander through our handcrafted selection of kitchens for yourself. Or, book either a 15 minute call or 1 hour Design Appointment with one of our experienced Designers to start discussing your dream home today.
