A former cowshed which has also been a saddler’s premises and even housed a swimming pool is being transformed again – this time into a hair salon.

Hair By Leon Cole will open at New Stone Barn in Medstead on October 5 after an extensive refurbishment of the historic building.

The new salon is being opened by Leon Cole, who has worked in the hairdressing industry for more than 25 years and is now setting up on his own.

He said: “This is something I have wanted to do for a long time. After more than 25 years in hairdressing, I felt ready to take everything I have learned and use it to create the kind of experience I have always wanted to offer.”

New Stone Barn has already undergone several transformations over the years. Originally a cowshed, it later became a saddler’s premises before being converted to house a swimming pool.

Leon said: “The history of the barn really appealed to me. It is not a featureless commercial unit - it is a building that has already had several completely different lives. Becoming a salon is another unexpected chapter in that story.”

Leon is now overseeing another major transformation, with work including a new entrance and frontage, electrical installation, plumbing, flooring and decoration.

The salon will have a 1920s speakeasy theme, with dark panelling, walnut tones, antique gold details, statement lighting and Art Deco touches.

And even the toilet is getting an unusual makeover – its floor will be covered with 4,500 pennies.

Leon concluded: “This is not about becoming a different hairdresser. It is about creating an environment where I can give clients the very best of what I have learned over the last 25 years.”