David Dickinson: a study in mahogany

There is something very rewarding about the experience of creating your own home, watching its development. First, it is just a vision but, in the end, things come together and it's a marvellous feeling. My wife and I ended up converting this barn purely by accident.

Previously, we had an 18th-century cottage nearby, which we decided to sell nine years ago, as we had found ourselves in a bit of a situation involving the local church. Cars visiting the vicinity were swamping our house and blocking our driveway, so we decided to pack up and leave.

We decided to rent for a year, whilst we found a new place to buy. An estate agent suggested another barn nearby, which we took up for 12 months. The farmer from whom we rented it suggested that we take on another barn in the grounds, which was a complete wreck. I said, "You must be joking!" I'd heard stories about such things and knew it could be an absolute bloody nightmare! But then we kept looking for property and couldn't find anything we liked. So we eventually warmed to the idea of fixing up the derelict barn.

Apart from the physical labour, my wife and I did everything to make this place what it is. There were between eight and 12 men on site at any time, so we wanted to make sure there were always enough supplies. We spent seven months surrounded by cement and tools. There were a few teething problems. As you go along, you realise that the vision you had in your mind's eye doesn't work, in reality. So you adapt. We were living in the barn opposite while the work was taking place, so we kept up with changes at each stage.

The lower section of the house is totally open-plan. A large lounge leads into what would be a traditional entrance hallway. Above it, there are huge beams in a triangular shape, and on either side there is a dining room and a lounge, and above that, an arch supports three bedrooms and two en-suite bathrooms. Two staircases lead up from the ground floor to the floors above. We've extended two areas of the house since the great renovation.

On the ground floor, there is an area that appears to be a large library, with a major bookcase and a smaller one. The latter is, in fact, stocked with fake books and conceals a doorway. Once you step through here, you find a fold-down bed and an elaborate bathroom. This is a great space for guests, as it is completely separate from our bedroom upstairs. Instead of having the bed down all the time, we just pull it down when visitors come to stay.

The second extension is at the back of the house, which is airy and light – almost like a conservatory. Here, there are two sets of French windows which join the house to the garden. In the summer, we leave this open and it's just like being outside.

Being in a barn is very nice. Because of the high ceilings, you are able to buy things with scale and height, which looks in keeping. The beams I acquired were not actually original features. They needed to be very large, so I found a local reclamation dealer who had a huge number of beams taken from a Victorian mill nearby. Obviously, this had to support looms and all sorts, so they are very strong.

I like adding architectural features. We've built in an inglenook and a grand entrance, with two large handmade pine doors, with tinted black glass. And I acquired all manner of things, including an original 18th-century cast-iron and stone water trough, all sorts of fireplaces, staircases and chimneys. Having 25 years' experience in the [antiques] business, I know people who deal in all areas and I can get hold of anything. There are hay racks hanging on the walls inside, gas lamp-heads and old door knockers. Plus an 18th-century weather vane outdoors – I had to build a tower in order to get it on to the side of the building!

There is a certain degree of the rustic here, but there is also a townie interior. Of course I have lots of antique pieces, but I particularly enjoy the quirky bits. Some people might think I'm crazy, but the other day I found an old diver's boot and knife made of brass and leather. It may be "just an object" but I put it up in a corner of the barn and it brought that corner to life.

I like different things to highlight and decorate a property while creating an atmosphere. The whole effect, I suppose, is smart, decorative and very individual. Whatever you call it, it's a vision that we created. Every time my wife and I go away, we come back and marvel at what we have. We are besotted with the place.

David Dickinson, 67, lives in a converted barn in Cheshire with his wife, Lorne. He is an antiques expert and television personality who became a household name as the host of the BBC show 'Bargain Hunt'. He now presents 'Dickinson's Real Deal' on ITV1.

Interview by Charlotte Philby