The transformation of Rockabye

When we first encountered this traditional Cornish barn nestled in the countryside near Wadebridge, we saw beyond its weathered exterior to the potential for something truly extraordinary. What emerged from our collaboration with Gems Interiors is Rockabye – a showstopping restored barn that seamlessly marries Cornwall’s agricultural heritage with contemporary luxury, creating a unique retreat that honours the past while embracing the future. Rockabye interprets the nurturing surroundings through the textural language of natural woven linens, velvets and intricacies embroideries; weaving a historical tapestry of festival luxury for all to revel in and enjoy creating lasting memories with family and friends.

Our design philosophy for Rockabye centered on one key principle: respect the bones of the building while breathing new life into every corner. This wasn’t about imposing a modern aesthetic onto a historic structure, but rather about understanding the barn’s DNA and amplifying its inherent character through thoughtful, contemporary interventions. Rockabye had evolved over its lifetime, being increased in size in two phases over the intervening years. The task was to join up the historical architectural differences to create one cohesive homestead embracing history and continuing the story through evolution.

The property’s setting – surrounded by the lush greens of Cornish countryside with glimpses of the rugged north coast’s vibrant blues – became our primary colour palette inspiration. Every design decision was filtered through this lens of place, ensuring the interior would feel authentically rooted in its environment.

The most dramatic transformation occurred in what is now the home’s beating heart – a soaring, light-filled open-plan kitchen, dining, and living space. Previously compartmentalised rooms were opened up to create a natural flow that reflects how modern families actually live and gather.

The centerpiece of this transformation is the dual-aspect glass-encapsulated fireplace, a striking contemporary element that serves as both a functional feature and a sculptural statement. Rather than dividing spaces, it creates a visual connection between the main living area and the more intimate snug and garden room beyond.

Working with Cornish kitchen designer Torben Schmid, we created a kitchen that feels both grand and welcoming. Wrapped in rich, deep green – a nod to the surrounding countryside – the space centres around a generous island that naturally draws people together.

The integration of an Everhot range, Quooker tap, and concealed breakfast cabinet demonstrates our approach throughout the project: combining the best of traditional and contemporary elements. The original beam overhead was carefully preserved and celebrated, reminding inhabitants of the building’s agricultural heritage even as they enjoy thoroughly modern conveniences.

One of our most successful interventions was the creation of a gracefully curved oak staircase, custom-crafted by skilled Cornish artisans. This element exemplifies our design philosophy – it’s thoroughly contemporary in its elegant simplicity, yet crafted using traditional techniques and local materials.

The staircase doesn’t just connect floors; it creates a sense of arrival and anticipation, with its organic tactile curves drawing the eye upward while the craftsmanship pays homage to Cornwall’s rich tradition of skilled making.

Throughout Rockabye, lighting serves as both functional necessity and artistic statement. The bespoke Tom Raffield installation in the hallway casts sculptural shadows that change throughout the day, while in the dining room, we created a dramatic focal point using one of the property’s original reclaimed beams as the design foundation for a custom lighting array.

These installations demonstrate how original architectural elements can be celebrated and given new life through contemporary design thinking.

Our colour story for Rockabye draws directly from Cornwall’s distinctive landscape. Forest greens echo the rolling countryside, while sea glass blues reflect the nearby coastal estuary. These aren’t arbitrary choices – they create a visual connection between interior and exterior that makes the house feel like a natural extension of its setting.

In the primary suite, juniper greens and soft embroideries create a cocoon-like atmosphere, while the dramatic turquoise tiles in the ensuite bathroom evoke rock pools and coastal waters. Each bedroom tells its own colour story while contributing to the overall narrative of the place.

Working with Gems Interiors, we layered slate, limestone, and wood with bespoke furnishings, bold palettes, and exquisite embroidered textures. This layering creates depth and interest while maintaining a cohesive aesthetic throughout the seven-bedroom property.

The mix of textures – from forest green velvet sofas to Kit Kemp collection footstools, Christopher Farr upholstered armchairs, and sustainable oak herringbone flooring – creates spaces that feel both luxurious and lived-in.

The transformation of Rockabye extends far beyond its interior walls. The garden room, with its panoramic glass and French antique-style furniture, creates a transitional space that brings the outside in. From here, vast glass doors open onto generous terraces, creating a seamless flow between interior and exterior spaces.

The positioning of the XL Big Green Egg barbecue on the main terrace isn’t accidental – it creates a focal point for outdoor entertaining while maintaining visual connections to the interior dining space.

The extensive grounds – featuring a heated outdoor pool, private tennis court, and firepit areas – were designed to feel like outdoor rooms, each with its own character and purpose. The pool area, surrounded by flowering borders and loungers, creates a sun-drenched haven, while the fire pit offers an intimate gathering space for evening conversations.

Rockabye‘s transformation wasn’t just about aesthetics – it was about creating a property fit for the future. As part of our Eco-Conscious Collection, every decision was filtered through the lens of environmental responsibility.

The integration of energy-efficient appliances, sustainable building materials, and thoughtful water and energy-saving measures demonstrates that luxury and sustainability aren’t mutually exclusive. Solar panels, EV charging, and air source heat pump technology ensure the property treads lightly on its environment while delivering exceptional comfort.

Wherever possible, we prioritised locally sourced materials and Cornish craftsmanship. This approach not only reduced environmental impact but also ensured the finished property feels authentically of its place. From the bespoke oak staircase to the Tom Raffield lighting installations, local makers contributed their skills to create something uniquely Cornish.

The seventh bedroom, housed in a private annexe, demonstrates our understanding of how extended families and groups actually use holiday properties. This space offers independence while remaining connected to the main house – perfect for teenagers, grandparents, new parents or friends who want their own retreat.

The games room, with its full-size pool/billiard table and attractive bar area, creates opportunities for both lively entertainment and quiet moments. The 55″ TV and comfortable seating mean this space can adapt to whatever the moment requires.

Rockabye represents more than just a luxury holiday property – it’s a model for how we can thoughtfully restore and adapt historic buildings for contemporary use while honouring their heritage and environmental context.

The property’s success lies not in any single dramatic gesture, but in the accumulation of thoughtful decisions: the way original beams frame contemporary art, how traditional materials support modern comforts, and how the building’s agricultural past informs its luxurious present.

Projects like Rockabye demonstrate the potential for restoration to contribute positively to local communities. By prioritising local craftspeople, materials, and suppliers, the project supports the very community it now serves as a destination for visitors.

The transformation of Rockabye proves that heritage and modernity need not be opposing forces. Instead, they can work together to create something richer and more meaningful than either could achieve alone.

As guests begin to discover this exceptional property from August 2025, they’ll experience not just luxurious accommodation, but a thoughtful meditation on place, craft, and the evolution of traditional buildings for contemporary life. Rockabye stands as testament to what’s possible when design thinking, environmental consciousness, and respect for heritage combine in service of creating truly extraordinary places.

In an age of increasing homogenisation, properties like Rockabye offer something precious: a deep sense of place, a connection to craft and tradition, and a vision of how we might live more thoughtfully in the buildings we inherit and create.