What to do with old stables

Friday 25th March, 2022

Stable with lights hung up

Want to know what to do with old stables? Even if your stable has seen better days,  the good news is there are still plenty of things you can do with it. So, if you can’t bear the thought of your old stable collecting dust, here are our top ideas on what to do with old stables.

Using a barn for business

In a perfect world, everyone would have a peaceful space dedicated to the sanctity of work. However, the reality is that many of us are glued to office desks in cramped cubicles. And even if you’re fortunate enough to have a generous office space, you may still have to contend with the hustle and bustle of city life. But don’t worry! If you’re looking to escape the commotion, or perhaps you’re struggling to find a dedicated office space in your home, you can convert your old stable into an office.

Whether you’re a team of one or a small hive of worker bees, stables provide enough space to work without feeling like the walls are closing in on you. Plus, you can add home comforts to your stable, such as a seating area or a small kitchen. That way, you have a space to sit back, relax and take a much needed break (or two) from your screen. We all know the pain of leaving your desk to grab a coffee. So, having everything you need close to hand will boost productivity and make your stable, well, feel more like an office.

Person working at a laptop on a timber desk

But remember, you don’t need to spend a fortune when using a barn for business. At the very least, you’ll need a desk, a chair, broadband and electricity. Provided you’re kitted out with all the basic office essentials, everything else  – whether it’s shelves, plants, fancy lighting, a kitchen area or bathroom – you can sort out later down the line if there’s a need for them. 

Though if you do decide to go full out when it comes to converting your stable, you may want to consider letting it out to local business owners. This would be a good way to potentially generate some extra income. 

Use your stable as a garage

If you own classic or vintage cars, then you probably know how expensive it can be to store your prized collection. However, you don’t have to break the bank to store your vehicles. Stables are dry and secure, making them the perfect place to store classic cars. If you don’t have concrete flooring, you can place carpet under tires to make moving cars easier. 

Just make sure you cover your cars to keep them dust-free and out of sight from wandering eyes. Whilst your old stable will be the last place thieves expect you to store your horseless carriage, it’s better to be safe than sorry. After all, no place is safe from thieves! With this in mind, it’s wise to invest in strong, heavy locks. This will make it difficult for thieves to make quick work of doors and windows, and get away with your valuables. Another top tip: light your stable! Motion detector outdoor security lights are the perfect deterrent for intruders.

However, you don’t need to be a massive petrol head or own a fleet of fancy cars to convert your stable into a garage. You can pretty much store whatever you desire – whether it’s car supplies, gardening tools, a caravan or camper, or even a boat. On top of that, your converted garage can double as a space for storage and a place to carry out repairs or any other projects.

Set up an art studio

Got an empty barn that doesn’t get used as much as it should? Having a dedicated space where you can jam out without disruption or go crazy with a paintbrush is a faraway dream for many. 

But we’ve got an idea on what to do with an empty barn? Set up your own art or music studio! Plus, you never know, you may even find some inspiration for your art whilst jamming out in the stable.

Run a retail shop

Our next idea on what to do with old stables? Convert your stable into a retail space! Perhaps you’re an avid gardener or maybe you make jewellery in your free time. Whatever the case, you can turn your stable into your own mini retail shop.

Vegetables

Turn your old stable into an event space

Every year, thousands of couples hunt for the perfect venue to tie the knot. Surprisingly, many are ditching traditional wedding venues, such as hotel reception rooms and banquet halls in favour of farms and stables. So, if you need ideas on what to do with an empty barn and have enough space to host a large number of people, why not jump on the bandwagon and turn your old stable into a wedding venue?

Of course, turning your stable into an event space is not without its challenges. You may need planning permission before you can begin converting your old stable. So, it’s a good idea to get a detailed specification of what your venue will look like and how it will operate before applying for planning permission. 

Barn wedding venue

Make a house stable

Converting a barn to a house is actually a lot simpler than you may think. You may be wondering: do you need planning permission to convert stables?  

If you plan on converting a barn to a house, you usually do not need planning permission. Having said that, it’s advisable to check with the local authority whether you can make certain changes first. It’s likely that you will need planning permission if your plans will cause noise pollution, or pose a contamination or flooding risk.
We hope our tips on what to do with old stables come in handy! If you need advice on how to convert your old stable, get in touch today and see why we are experts when it comes to stabling solutions. We look forward to chatting with you soon!

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