Architect Barbara Weiss Invites Us To Her Inside-Out House, A Transformed Cottage In Wiltshire

Architect Barbara Weiss likes to do things a little differently. Indeed, the last time we caught up with her was at her upside-down house: a converted pub in Westminster, central London, where she lives on the secluded top floors and sleeps on the lower floors (yes, it’s as brilliant as it sounds). This time, she’s giving us a tour of her latest self-designed home, which she’s aptly titled the inside-out house.
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[@ciganyweaverandherperiwink6293]

Oh wow, that enormous light-filled bedroom with those huge doors flung out to open into a terrace garden...upstairs! Gorgeous, just wonderful. Thank you for sharing this.

[@kathleensmith644]

Whilst cutting off the light to the sweet little cottages.

[@ciganyweaverandherperiwink6293]

@@kathleensmith644 I'm unsure what you mean by this comment but I would like to understand you, could you elaborate please?

[@fluffyunicorn57]

@@ciganyweaverandherperiwink6293 Maybe they mean that this architect took a lovely old house and added a non-period accurate extension to it that takes away the charm of the original house?

[@jcpendleton992]

Wish there was a whole house tour. Simply beautiful.

[@TermiteVideo]

British cottages have thick walls and small windows because most of the year the weather is cold and they were built when there was no central heating.

[@SpiralMystic]

Yes. Houses this roomy cost a small fortune to heat.

[@omygod9062]

In past times you were taxed on your windows so it made sense to keep them small

[@maginot2u]

@@omygod9062 I am originally from New York which has very harsh winters. Floor to Ceiling windows will be freezing in winter and will cost you a fortune in heating costs. The presentor in this video remarks on her need for light. As a very successful architect she surely has the income to pay for this luxury. Most people don't.

[@RocketRocket-ce3ke]

@@maginot2u Double glazing is standard in Europe though. And American homes generally use inefficient heating systems

[@AlOne-xg6dv]

I think that she only describes a fact, and says what she likes. It is not a judgment nor a criticism.

[@lina987]

This is literally my dream house & garden. Beautiful mix of light, colours, plants, textures, warmth and cosiness. Simply beautiful!

[@AlOne-xg6dv]

I really appreciate what i see in her creation. Modern and clear but not cold, nice space and flow. Let the outside mix with the inside is a breath. Of course these houses are large and expensive, but the architectural concept would make sense even for smaller homes. I did not know Barbara Weiss but her work is interesting and coherent.

[@Ati422]

In my opinion she created a modern, calm and clean space with lots of historic charm - i LOVE it!

[@jelliebombshell2159]

I live in an old cottage. As much as I love yours, it's a prison in as much as I would be a prisoner there keeping it clean. In my cottage, small windows, a bit of dust and the odd spider are part of its charm.

[@milkshake3350]

I agree. I also love my old cottage which has not been tampered with too much other than to bring it gentley into the 21st C. I totally disagree with Barbara's comment that we in the UK have a bad relationship with the inside/outside of our homes. We have a totally different climate to her native home and have adapted our houses to suit. Our cottages, gardens and history are envied round the world, which I for one are proud of.

[@andreatthenight3052]

I’m wondering why she needs such a huge house, though.

[@justinamusyoka4986]

@@andreatthenight3052 Her assets.

[@nalandaland1293]

Exactly

[@kenhunt5153]

I have learned that smaller is better. As noted cleaning is easier. Less for heating, cooling and less stuff. Just like having four boxes on the porch each day so many just add to cart for their lives.

[@Grimzoid]

Can't imagine why someone would want to overshadow those two charming worker's cottages like that .

[@jamesmcinnis208]

Same here. It's an unimaginative architectural cliche. The nerve-wracking music makes it important though.

[@r8chlletters]

Actually I think given they were already joined and redesigned it made it perfectly ok. I wish they had done a full walk through and lay out so you could see how things are allocated.

[@jospeakman7943]

I agree. If they wanted large, open and light-filled interiors why buy a charming cottage and add on a large extension? I imagine the cottage is redundant as a living space and they wanted the views.

[@CattyMcMeow]

Especially with that generic, modern, luxe look. Those cottages have so much character, but they've been stripped bare. Hurts to see imo.

[@elgee6202]

That's an extraordinarily large dwelling to have not simply as a main home, but as a second home - an odd choice for an ageing couple. Aside from that, I can't help but think practically about such things - imagine all the dusting and cleaning to do in a place like that!

[@yasminmant2666]

Thinking the same, professional people have cleaners I think 🤔 lovely house and garden though

[@elgee6202]

@Zorba Apollo, everything. People who are getting old generally downsize, not upsize, let alone upsize to a sprawling mansion.

[@webcore2]

not an odd choice for an ageing couple................they can enjoy it while they live and others can enjoy it afterwards. it is a built asset that has value to be passed on. all that cleaning can be done by local cleaners.

[@elgee6202]

@@webcore2, it is indeed an odd choice for an ageing couple by definition because it is not the norm. They don't need anything close to a mansion as a second home.

[@webcore2]

@@elgee6202 i guess we disagree , though clearly it is not the norm. how do you know what they need?

[@maurakennedy5952]

We have the problem in Dublin young people cannot afford to buy a house the prices are over the top then you see these houses so large what's the world coming to no matter what people have they want more good night

[@antoniafoster8264]

Come to America. So much worse. This house actually looks small in comparison. Younger generations do not want the huge houses. Ones that have them, cannot sell. And, the people that have them may use four of the rooms. Simply ridiculous.

[@UnaRose]

What a beautiful home and garden. Unfussy and uncluttered and still traditional. I really love the mix of old and new.

[@vickimaiorano5763]

I wish it was longer. So perfect

[@TeresaNanjala]

Such beautiful spaces. One of my favourite homes I’ve seen so far. Charming and warm. The garden is spectacular

[@4ArcticFox]

Thick walls and small windows keep the house cool in summer and warm in winter.

[@ajeet490]

How much space do you really need to be content?

[@paulajf4205]

Are there a lot of adult kids and grandkids involved with going to the country house? Cause that house seems gigantic. Also, I got no sense of the original house interior to compare. All I saw was sleek and modern. Is that how both look inside now?

[@milkshake3350]

@PaulaJF Yes, probably, it definitely needs those houseplants to soften the edges a little. I'm afraid to me the extension looks like a modern council building where as the cottages are beautiful! It's more than likely a bit of an advert to showcase her architectural style/skill. Each to their own but not for me.

[@OliviaChoong]

She mentioned in the interview that it wasn't functional, I wonder what that meant, maybe she didn't feel that the layout was practical after living in it for a while. She might also be working from home and needed extra space, perhaps she didn't wish to alter the cottages much, therefore an extension. Also she said that the windows were too small, and perhaps she is one who likes open space. They did show a small sitting area and I'm not sure if that's from the new wing or the old house. This type of modern home seems to be her style, I felt that when I looked up her architecture practice. I do like the spaciousness of the new wing and what a beautiful garden.

[@AlexOfCR]

I've only seen the exterior so far and already I'm pausing to write how breathtakingly beautiful this house is. Holy cow!

[@alessandrabellucci9534]

Stunning, just like the upside down house in London. In her company profile I read "The architecture of BWA is simple, elegant and timeless. It belies the effort that has gone into its making, and the complexities of the processes by which it is designed and built: it looks as if was always meant to be there. It belongs." Indeed.

[@julieryan1616]

Barbara your home is 2 words amazing and beautiful thank you for sharing with us,x

[@CuddleyKawaiiLuver]

I love this so much. This is something I wish to accomplish in my architectural journey and wish to combine nature, vernacular architecture and yet a modern feel to it without losing the cosy home-feel to it!

[@Kiwiwanderer]

The woman is as calm and intelligent as the design.

[@josepha133]

Literally my dream house.

[@ciganyweaverandherperiwink6293]

Oh god, I know. That last drone shot around the 2:52 mark...wow...what a location. That garden, those trees. Heaven.

[@ibislife]

Absolutely beautiful country house. I do love those old charm cottages too. 🙂

[@bernadettehooper4318]

Such a calm environment. Must be lovely to live in it and in the gardens.

[@indemne3302]

wow..... her house is so beautiful.

[@jtruss317]

Such a good eye for design. It’s minimal but still has personality - like minimal eclectic. I feel like that combo makes it very comfortable. A place you can relax and not be overwhelmed.

[@angelaberni8873]

Beautiful. I would so love to see more of this property.

[@Filmaniacs]

One of the best house that I've ever seen!! Much better than many 10million dollars house! Thinking about the fact that the house previously was a worker's cottage!

[@P8Dealer]

In the rainy and cloudy UK, the sun is always shining for Barbara Weiss.

[@cmkg-xt6ih]

Great house, amazing nature and beautiful ppl here♡

[@Sweep7000]

Beautiful house. Embodies a lot of the philosophies of Gaston Bachelard when it comes to breaking the hard boundaries between indoor and outdoor space. Love it.

[@carmengomez-munoz4723]

Beautiful, functional, comfortable and it seems like a relaxing place to be at.

[@MoreniKtheArtist]

I personally think that although there could be a bit of a brighter colour scheme inside, the home is absolutely beautiful. The floor-plan and the amount of light inside is perfect in my opinion, and things like the colour and layout are easily changed to ones liking.

[@daisycocoa2557]

Love the garden and outdoor rooms

[@John3v8]

Best example of working with what you've got that I've ever seen! Congratulations, it's gorgeous!!! Easy to be mindful there!

[@Austin-dd5je]

Ann, good afternoon

[@melaniamonicacraciun9900]

Lovely inspirations, fans, hoping this will help a lot to switch the point of view about old buildings and recycle as much possible, the architect experience is more than important indeed, now more than ever, getting new cyber friends contacts and having the chance to rent a house is a great new economy opportunity for anyone

[@Gwen-joyful-light]

Who doesn't love a cottage, but a cottage that is large but still cozy....sigh, I would love to live here with all that direct sunlight and beautiful greenery, thank you for the tour, btw, I am a new subscriber :)

[@m.n4417]

Well conceived and designed.thank you.

[@cristinefulchini1065]

This house is a real dream. Absolutelly beautiful.

[@Ursaminor31]

Beautifully executed, though out of touch. As a 47 yr old professional interior architect in c@n@d@, I seem not to be able to afford my own home. I do not live like my clients do. Self employed is limited for financing, and thus not wanting to live in a vertical prison box I’m going to have to leave this nation where the Country side is as expensive as the city. The gouging, greed and corruption have infiltrated every aspect of design and architecture here. Not to be negative, not my intent, just the reality that living off credit and financing is no better way forward. I dream of affordable fair and equitable beautiful housing for all. Th am you for sharing this beautiful project.

[@madwhitehare3635]

Why did you write c@n@d@?

[@ralphbourke5473]

Ha, ha well said!

[@Tomas-ml9nv]

How can you not afford a house at 47? Lol

[@bonbonS1969]

Canada's real estate prices are very low... wdym

[@pamelabartlett6352]

I love the outdoors too. I also would love coming in from the outdoors into a cozy cottage with original windows , so this design wouldn’t be my choice. Why not just build or buy a modern house in the first place?

[@Austin-dd5je]

Pamela.. Good afternoon how are you?

[@drzavahercegbosnaponosna5974]

pamela, you don't understand it, you are a slave of bad english design, aren't you?

[@pamelabartlett6352]

@@drzavahercegbosnaponosna5974 that's a matter of opinion

[@torilea8104]

Stunning

[@doratiscareno5856]

Interior...💕 such clean lines... a bit of a modern touch...in some of yr furniture choices Not Cluttered ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL 👏👏👍🇺🇸

[@birgitgunia9216]

It's so emazing. Wonderful House and Nature. So lovely.

[@whitrobinson]

Wow! Nice job, Barbara!

[@mrsreal5665]

A wonderful place❤️

[@fionamaclean7948]

The exterior is lovely.

[@AD-kv9kj]

It's all nice if you're really rich and can live in a big house in a gorgeous, fairy-tale-gardened hunk of land in the countryside... Do that with a normally waged person's home in the city and you'd be getting spied on and robbed constantly with close views of the road, your neighbours, an alleyway and some over-spilling bins wafting their aroma in every morning.

[@indysmith4437]

Beautiful!

[@gettingthingsdone]

wow.. what a place! What a luxury and gift to have such a place .

[@lwitt8448]

Simply beautiful

[@glgardener4972]

Wonderful....I would never want to leave......

[@donnaboucher7]

This is very lovely. Those chimneys are spectacular.

[@jamesmcinnis208]

Give her another year and maybe she'll manage to ruin those too.

[@Tabisam]

Love this place! I just left nyc for upstate and I know what you mean by craving the natural life!

[@lilyichirauli]

It's so Amazing! ❤️

[@robertedwards9055]

I wish these videos were longer. I could watch for hours.

[@JaQuym]

this property speaks to my soul

[@freedafischer9866]

Wow, just stunning!

[@arosea123]

this house is sublime

[@Calcifurr]

absolutely stunning. I dream to build a vegetable garden around my house filled with flowers and herbs and seasonal veggies. Some chickens and an aesthetically pleasing inside as well.

[@marshallsmith750]

This home is simply beautiful and effortless chic-very Margaret Howell!!!

[@heybear7271]

wow ! perfect house and a very nice grandma!!!! i wanttttt

[@louisarros1037]

Wonderful !

[@franchettabeckford6753]

Love!

[@anirudratanwar]

reallly really stunning love the windows and the brick

[@elenafoleyfoley168]

Absolutely beautiful 💙🌳🌱🌿🍃🌳💙

[@nancyglassman9979]

Absolutely gorgeous 🥰

[@rowselljenn1]

Beautiful ❣️

[@srinivasam3638]

👍👍Thank you very much 🙏🙏

[@brigittesiegenthaler-ritsc3516]

Dear Barbara Sooo beautiful, ist touches my heart, many greetings from switzerland, Brigitte

[@ModernARQ]

So beautiful!

[@irenaloklok]

Wspaniale rozwiazania...spokojne

[@SomewhereInIndiana1816]

beautiful! really enjoyed your video

[@emanuelaboiardi9041]

Beautiful and really good taste everywhere.Congratulations

[@leaf4267]

WOW, she is a serious designer!

[@bessycorrales6405]

Indoors is totally unexpected. A bit sterile in my opinion. I think I would be disappointed walking into such a space for the first time considering the exterior of the home.

[@nalandaland1293]

True. Inside interior looks just like any modern home. No culture. No heritage. No feeling.

[@drzavahercegbosnaponosna5974]

@@nalandaland1293 no bad english taste at all, unforgivable!

[@user-ye3ds5jn6g]

Am sick of white walls.

[@evie3148]

The sitting area (1:10) looks very cozy. I think it's nice to show how you can have a modern home in a house with character. I think it might feel less warm because there isn't a lot on the walls, they do use this as a cottage though, not their full time house. If I was someone who filmed my house or cottage for the world to see I would almost take down personal photos because that is personal and not meant for everyone to see.

[@sylviadrummond7293]

@@drzavahercegbosnaponosna5974 The English country house style and the English country cottage style are copied throughout the world.

[@PamelaMattz]

I Love your homes, beautiful.

[@christinawatkinsyoutube]

this is stunning!

[@ralphbourke5473]

As well done as this stone, brick and shingle is my only question is when is enough.

[@user-ht2yq3ir5p]

This is cozy grandma’s house taken to an another level

[@lynnegunn3478]

Just superb

[@Austin-dd5je]

Lynne Gunn, good afternoon how are you doing?

[@KS-vg4jo]

I left the middle of Dorset countryside, where i was brought up, because it's become a divided society - those that have and those that serve. Is this commodification of the natural living world/countryside? Moved to a city. We need to re-think what we really need. All of us.

[@cooglerHere]

Everybody serves somebody.

[@nelanigoonawardena9149]

Beautiful.

[@maddscientist3170]

FABULOUS

[@lilios8266]

Wow!

[@liongrose1173]

You are very blessed, to live in a comfortable house of your choice 🏡🌹👍🙏🙏

[@LomasLifestyle]

What a stunning house.

[@raine681]

Beautiful

[@eliakimjosephsophia4542]

love it

[@ninaelsbethgustavsen2131]

What a lovely house. 🏡 Beautifully done extention ! The roof details are brilliant. The interior looks quite Scandinavian, I think. 🤗 (Light. Space. Simplicity). Stay well and safe. Love from Norway 💖

[@SpiralMystic]

😂 this perfect weather, to enjoy this house at its best, happens for about 3 weeks a year in the U.K. …. If it’s a particularly hot summer 😂

[@littlelotta2010]

So beautiful 😍😍

[@diannehalliday2165]

Absolutely beautiful

[@Austin-dd5je]

Dianne Halliday, good afternoon how are you

[@crisolveni]

Felicidades amiga un gusto en la arquitectura esquisito arte

[@sqquiddy]

Definitely gonna make this in Sims

[@seescafedeu]

beautiful

[@snj6669]

Beautiful 😍

[@wesatche]

Very nice.

[@Terophy]

As much as I love this concept for my future home in Indonesia, I could not imagine such huge openings and gigantic windows for a house in the English countryside tho.

[@elizabeths4371]

I have mixed feelings about this project. I love it and yet feel dismayed by it.