The Balancing Barn | Visit East of England

The Balancing Barn sits, or balances, on a stunning site beside a Suffolk wildlife nature reserve, and overlooking a small lake.

From the road, the barn is almost invisible, with a pitched roof that faces the long straight driveway and suggests a property with a small and traditional shape. However, the whole house is in fact 30 metres long, extending right over the grounds it occupies. At its midpoint, the house starts to cantilever over the descending slope; The exterior is covered in reflective steel tiles, resulting in the barn changing its exterior with every new season.

Within the interior and closest to the driveway are a kitchen and dining area. A series of four double bedrooms follows, each with separate bathroom and WC. In the very centre of the barn, the bedroom sequence is interrupted by a hidden staircase providing access to the garden beneath. In the far, cantilevered end of the barn, a large living space is created. Throughout all the rooms, full height sliding windows, roof lights and a glass floor give wonderful views and access into the garden and surrounding landscape, allowing visitors the opportunity to reconnect with the rhythms of nature.

This RIBA award winning building is situated three miles from the ancient village of Walberswick on the Suffolk Heritage Coast. It is an area rich in opportunities for all ages, including walking, birdwatching, cycling, swimming and sailing – as well as for the exploration of castles, restaurants, pubs and teashops. Southwold is 15 minutes’ drive away.