For a weekend trip to an architectural gem on the countryside, pack minimalistic basics inspired by a modernist farm-girl.

When packing for a weekend at the Stealth Barn in Norfolk, England, bring cozy basics that call to mind a modern day farm-girl who embodies a homespun yet contemporary aesthetic.

Rugged Flat Buckle Boot
With a one-inch stacked wood heel and super-treaded outsoles, these vegan boots from Hearts of Darkness are perfect for a walk through muddy farm fields. But, they also work just as well when you get back to the city. Pair with knit-tights and you’ll be dressed for chilly spring days.
$120, Cri de Coeur

Nau m2 Scarf
A great scarf is a must-have for any weekend getaway. This one from Nau is made from supple merino wool, which offers warmth and comfort in a remarkably lightweight package.
On sale for $42, Nau

Kebab Round Neck Sweater by Risto
Risto Bimbiloski’s Fall 2011 collection created a “strange and timeless beauty” with a hint of a “mysterious dark side,” all inspired by outer space. This handmade luxurious knit sweater is so cozy you’ll want to wear it all weekend. Layer it over a dress or pair it with a long skirt for spring.
On sale for $234, Founders & Followers

Beatrice Check Shirt Dress
Put a new spin on farm girl chic, with this handwoven pink and blue check shirt dress with vintage style collar, side pockets and a tie waist. For colder days, layer a long-sleeve tee underneath and a cozy neutral knit on top.
Approx. $120, <a title="People Tree" href="http://www.peopletree.co.uk/women/dres

The post Weekend Bag: Stealth Barn appeared first on EcoSalon.

The Stealth Barn is a beautifully simple structure, both inside and out, located in rural windswept Norfolk.

Designed to look “like it is there and not there,” the Stealth Barn in the Norfolk Fens (coastal flatlands) was remarkably inexpensive to build, costing under $50,000 – although, of course, the budget is helped when the owner can design it too. The architect, Carl Turner, who built it for his own personal use, bought the black-stained timber shell, and fitted the windows and interior himself.

It may look like the inside of a packing crate, but this interior is continuous wall-to-wall OSB (oriented strand board, which is compressed wood stuck together with wax and resin). It’s a low-priced material, durable and resistant. Against the neutral but interesting background, the owner-architects have used clean, unfussy furniture, in monochrome, wood and metal, such as Arne Jacobsen and Bertoia chairs.

The colour and coverall nature of the chipboard (affixed to the walls, floor and ceilings) is designed to mimic straw bales, which often divide spaces in barns on working farms nearby.

The barn can be used as a guest wing, or as a studio and meeting space. Just what everyone needs attached to their house, for the in-laws to stay in, noisy children to play in, or work projects to be pondered on in peace.

Stealth Barn was designed as an extension to a (more conventional) larger brick barn conversion, Ochre Barn, situated next door.

Photos: Carl Turner, Tim Crocker and Jeremy Phillips.

Places & Spaces is a travel guide that will inspire you to carve out a vacation on your calendar. All of the gorgeous locations and accommodations in our guide share our concern for the environment. From tent glamping to lavish built environments, fair warning, you’ll feel compelled to pack your suitcase.

The post Places & Spaces: Stealth Barn, Norfolk, England appeared first on EcoSalon.