DESIGNER Tim Cooksey has proved how grand designs can successfully blend the very old and ultra contemporary under one roof.

Mr Cooksey, who is based in Kingsclere, has created a stunning state-of-the-art home from a derelict barn close to Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber's Sydmonton Estate, in the heart of Watership Down country in Old Burghclere.

Wergs Farm is part of a complex of old agricultural buildings that Mr Cooksey bought in 2005. He renovated the farmhouse, which sold two years ago, and Wergs Farm is now on the market with agent Knight Frank with a price guide of £2.5million.

His design for Wergs Barn, which originates from the 17th century, was to complement the old, but contrast with a contemporary interior without losing the character of the open nature of the structure and its wealth of beamed and vaulted ceilings.

Mr Cooksey said: "You can stand down one end of the building and see to the other end. We have retained the feeling of space."

Bill Fergie, the former director of development at Basingstoke council, was at the launch of Wergs Farm and said: "I like the contrast between the rustic and modern. You have a feel of what the place was originally."

Wergs Farm has a range of old stables that have been converted into an annexe offering a sitting room, open-plan kitchen and living area, and a glass, steel and ash staircase to two en suite bedrooms.

Wergs Farm itself has a stunning vaulted reception room and its rosewood and sycamore kitchen is completely glass-fronted. There is no need for a kettle as it has boiling water on tap - and even a wine store has been incorporated into the accommodation.

The master bedroom and two guest bedrooms have stunning bathrooms, and there are two further bedrooms and a family bathroom.

Wergs Farm stands in more than an acre of landscaped and terraced grounds, which include a paddock.

Another barn is under conversion and will be ready in October.