A project that started almost 35 years ago is now drawing to a close – and with it comes the sale of a beautiful barn conversion at East Ruston.

As Russell and Cossette Hart stroll around their grounds at Moat Farm Barn, looking out across their wildflower meadow and paddock, they must be filled with an immense sense of pride. Here, in the tranquil countryside close to East Ruston, they have created something of a sanctuary: a beautiful home and immaculate gardens where an old barn once stood in fields.

But in many ways, their story began long before work first started on the property they are now selling through Chewton Rose, at a guide price of £750,000. It began back in 1982 with the purchase of an old farmhouse and the collection of agricultural buildings around it.

Restoration and rebuilding work on the shell of Moat Farm Barn began in 1997, with the major conversion taking place between 2002 and 2004. The annexe was completed after the barn shell so the couple where able to move in there from the farmhouse while their next home came together. The annexe, Barn End, is included with house and could be ideal for anyone seeking to run a small holiday let close to home. Equally, it could be perfect or relatives or guests.

The ground floor of the annexe comprises an open-plan sitting room and kitchen. Stairs then rise up to the first floor landing, where there are built-in wardrobes and which leads on to the family bathroom. There is also a good-sized double bedroom at this level.

At the heart of the home is an exquisite entrance hall, with a vaulted ceiling and galleried landing above. Here a great window in the old barn entrance space brings the light streaming in. Below the mezzanine, there is an inviting dining hall, where the Harts have created a formal space, which has something of a Gothic feel to it. This sense of drama is echoed above in the black metal chandelier hanging down from the vaulted ceiling. Beyond the entrance hall is the beamed kitchen breakfast room, which has an Aga, contributing to a distinctly country feel. The kitchen now opens into the garden room, a fantastic, light space, with views out over the grounds to the front of the barn.

At the far end of the house is a lobby, utility room and cloakroom, as well as access to the annexe. The main drawing room is accessed from the other side of the entrance hall. This has an attractive, red brick inglenook fireplace, with a wood-burning stove. The ceiling is beamed and sunlight comes streaming through French windows, which open on to a covered veranda.

A beautifully finished oak staircase leads up to the mezzanine level, which is currently arranged as a seating area but could quite easily become a fourth bedroom. To the left a generous guest room takes in far-reaching vistas and is bathed in sunlight.

The family bathroom has a lovely chalky blue finish, and features a walk-in shower and free-standing, claw-foot bath. There is another charming guest bedroom and then the generous master bedroom.

The outdoor areas to Moat Farm Barn are as exciting as the house itself. In addition to the wildflower meadow and paddock, which between them stretch to about two acres, there are carefully landscaped, mature gardens and a pretty courtyard garden, with beautiful flint walls. To one side of these is a length of single storey workshop space, which could (subject to the relevant planning permissions) be converted into even more accommodation – and could certainly house another whole annexe.

Russell and Cossette, however, are now converting the last of the barns in the collection and plan to downsize and move in once Moat Farm Barn is sold. Overseeing the transformation of so many wonderful old buildings really has been a labour of love for the Harts. They have enjoyed the privacy, space and incredible rural setting Moat Farm Barn and its 3.3 acres of grounds have offered them and now they look forward to experiencing many of the same attractions within their next country home.

• Moat Farm Barn, East Ruston, is on the market with Chewton Rose, at a guide price of £750,000. For more information call Chewton Rose on 01603 622017