SOMERSET-based property presenter Sarah Beeny has transformed a Wincanton barn into a multi-purpose studio for art events and film production.
The previously unused barn in Charlton Musgrove has been renovated to create a space that can be rented for film and music production in the South West, named Stokeford Studios.
Showing fans around the barn on her TikTok, Sarah said: "As you can see, this was a massive barn, but actually the steel frame was in pretty good order so we just reclad it in insulated steel sheet.
"Now it's going to be a community, arts, music, TV and film studio."
@sarah.beeny Moving forward with the studio and having covered the roof in solar🌞… this week I wanted to test out #infraredheating to see if the tech is as good as I hope it might be for zone heating 🤞xx . #netzero #sustainability #madeinbritain #herschelinfrared #herschelhalo @herschel_infrared #solar #heating ♬ original sound - sarah.beeny
Since the project's completion in June, Stokeford Studios has already been hired for its first project - a music video for a UK band called the Third Wheel Band.
Demonstrating the solar-powered infrared heating, Sarah added: "So this is a massive studio, and this [smaller mezzanine] is the gallery where people will sit on computers watching things being made, and of course, they're going to be still and you can't heat all of this space - it would cost an absolute fortune. So I thought I'd try infrared heating."
Testing it out, Sarah said: "I can feel it already, that's so quick. Not only a thing of beauty but also brilliant engineering."
A description of Stokeford Studios on Somerset Council's filming venue list reads: "A sustainable 6,000 sq ft studio space with overlooking gallery, suitable for filming of all kinds or use as a unit base with access for vehicles of any size.
"The studio features a large production entrance and as well as the main studio space. It offers rehearsal spaces, flexible office space, meeting rooms, toilets and kitchen facilities. A sustainable three-phase power supply is provided by rooftop solar panels."
With thousands of square footage to paint, Sarah used industrial floor solutions expert Watco, who ground and primed the floor before coating it in Mid Grey.
Speaking on the project, Sarah said: “I was thrilled with how quickly and easily the paint went down and could wholeheartedly recommend it as we now have a durable smooth floor that also looks great.”
Sarah moved to Somerset for a "simpler life" in 2018 with her husband Graham and four sons. She shared the development of her home on the Channel 4 show Sarah Beeny's New Life in the Country.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here