Office barn conversion on Cromwell’s old stamping ground

Companies looking for a rural location with a slice of history need look no further than a barn conversion near Balsall Common – where Oliver Cromwell camped before his assault on Kenilworth Castle.

Pheasant Oak Barn in Hob Lane is on land once known as Camp Farm, named after Cromwell rested his army there before attacking the Royalist stronghold during the Civil War.

Rod Adlington, who owns the farm, converted the historic two-storey barn in 2004, retaining some of the original features and putting in double glazing, underfloor heating, air conditioning and a kitchen with electric hob, dishwasher and refrigerators.

“It used to be a hay barn and there’s a real olde worlde feel to it. It has exposed brickwork and timber beams and trusses and just oozes history,” said Mr Adlington, who bought the 30-acre farm in 2000. “Previous tenants have included Fisher & Paykel, a major manufacturer of home and kitchen appliances, and a mobile phone company who enjoyed the peace and serenity of the location, looking out over the green fields and grazing cows.”

Scott Blake, a director of Leamington property consultants ehB Commercial, said the two ground floor offices totalled 737 sq ft (68.43 sq m) and could be let separately from the first floor, which totals 816 sq ft (75.89 sq m).

“The building was finished to a very high specification, whilst retaining its exceptional historic exterior,” he said. “An added attraction for any company nowadays must be the 14 parking spaces.”