Who lives here?
Shell and Grant live here with their three children, plus Percy the English bull terrier, Treacle the cat, the rabbit Bagel and Brioche and the Indian runner ducks Waffle, Maple, Popcorn, Pretzel and Waddle.
When Shell and Grant first converted their Cornish barn, then the garden There was a vast, open space that was completely untouched, but full of potential.
‘The biggest selling point when we bought the barn was the amount of land that came with it,’ says Schell. ‘But it was just that… land.’
(Image credit: Future/James French)
Formerly a farmer’s field, the plot had poor soil and no structure or Landscaping. ‘It felt incredibly exciting, but also a bit daunting.’
His previous home, a three-bedroom country cottage, had a small, shady garden, so the openness of the new plot immediately captured his imagination.
(Image credit: Future/James French)
‘We loved the sense of space,’ says Schell. ‘There was room for the children to run around Our own development Food, and the chance to make the outdoors a part of everyday life.’
From the beginning, the couple wanted a garden that would support family life. ‘With so much space to work with, we were able to divide the garden into clear areas, each with its own purpose,’ says Schell.
It is wildlife friendly with plantings selected to support bees, birds and insects
(Image credit: Future/James French)
A large patio near the barn topped the list, designed for comfortable entertaining and Outdoor kitchenWith plans for dedicated vegetables the garden
The kids had their say too, with a pool that became a favorite spot from spring to summer.
(Image credit: Future/James French)
Along with the overall layout, attention turned to the patio by the barn, thoughtfully arranged around Olive trees Which now acts as a soft focal point in the space.
‘I immediately fell in love with them,’ says Shell. ‘They give the space a relaxed, Mediterranean feel.’
(Image credit: Future/James French)
(Image credit: Future/James French)
This vegetable gardenDesigned entirely by Shell, the location of the septic tank was carefully planned around.
Working with a local landscaper, they created a discreet, raised decking with a removable hatch, turning a practical challenge into a useful dining space. ‘It was about finding a solution that worked and still looked good,’ says Schell.
Decorative obelisk, £16 for two, Argos A good match.
(Image credit: Future/James French)
Cornish stone standing the bed were chosen for longevity and to echo the rustic charm of the barn. The family grows everything from tomatoes and courgettes to onions and potatoes. Alliumsgrass and Flowering perennials Brings color and texture to a space.
A similar vintage can be obtained from greenhouses Burgess ReclamationPrices start from £1,500.
(Image credit: Future/James French)
At the center of the growing area sits the recovery of the shell GreenhouseAcquired from the Netherlands after years of searching. She says, ‘I was looking for one for a long time. ‘I love it – the rusted steel and old glass panels are so full of character, and it’s completely transformed how we grow food.’
A gravel path leads to the greenhouse, which has raised beds and generous plantings, and an old tin bath outside collects rainwater for the garden. ‘Kids love to dip into their water canisters and go to work splashing the bed,’ says Schell.
(Image credit: Future/James French)
Now, the garden is where the family spends most of their time, whatever the season. ‘It’s so beautiful, and it’s so emotional to think that we’ve made it all out of nothing.’
(Image credit: Future/James French)
This article first appeared in the May 2026 issue of Ideal Home. Subscribe and save here.
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