In the late-1960s the idea of living in a converted barn had not really occurred to many people — and the notion of making a home out of a building designed for storing grain, machinery and even livestock still seemed faintly ludicrous.

So when in 1968 Basil and Viola Crowe first saw The Old Barn at Brightwell-cum-Sotwell, friends and family wondered how they were going to settle into what, until recently, had been used as an argricultural store.

“It was in a fairly basic state when we first saw it, even though it had been recently converted by building a completely new house within the original barn structure.” said Viola.

“We were, however, very impressed with its spaciousness, and quality of construction, and saw the potential, even though it was an unusual type of property to buy in those days.”

Now, 40 years later, the Crowes are moving on and The Old Barn is on the market.

“The Barn had been one of many apple stores as the area around here was largely orchards in those days. It is unusual as it is two storeys, so we have full height bedrooms on the first floor,” she explained The main part of the house with its slate roof is believed to date back to 1865 whereas the wing, which has a tiled roof, is older.

“We did very little to the house except upgrade it, although the garden had to be created from scratch,” Mrs Crowe said.

In the early 1990s, the Crowes purchased an adjacent piece of land, which is included in the sale. They planted it with fruit trees, and a vegetable garden, and Viola, a beekeeper for 60 years, kept her beehives on it until two years ago. The Old Barn is certainly roomy, with three large reception rooms, five bedrooms — including a master suite with dressing room and en suite bathroom — and a three-bay timber barn and workshop. The gardens are beautifully maintained with a curved drive of granite setts, and a pond, as well as the orchard.

“Nowadays barn conversions are completely normal,” concludes Mrs Crowe. “Although you will have to go a long way to find one as special as this.”

The Old Barn, Brightwell-cum-Sotwell is on the market through Carter Jonas in Oxford at a guide price of £895,000. To arrange a viewing contact Mark Charter on 01865 511444.