HISTORY OF LAINS BARN

Lains Barn was originally used to store corn. During the harvest, wagons would enter through the large doors. The sheaves were unloaded and stored at either end of the barn. In Victorian times, the barn was extended with the addition of an L-shaped cow byre enclosing a fold yard. In 1970 the barn was no longer useful for the modern farming methods, planning permission for residential use had been refused and its future was threatened by demolition.

In 1977 the Vale and Downland Museum Trust acquired the property to restore it for the community. As a pioneer project in restoration it created great interest in architectural circles. The Montague Report "A Policy for the re-use of Britain's Historic Buildings" states

"Lains Barn, a classic timber framed barn dating in part from 1750 is now used for community and educational functions. The low key conversion scheme using mainly voluntary labour and old materials it is recognised as one of the most successful barn conversions in the country"