I would say that sanding them back, may not be an option. You can only do this if they have actually been painted. If they have been stained or anything used on them that penetrates the wood, then you will have no option but to paint them. You will not be able to sand the stain out. Unless you really want to take days and days and days attempting to get it off, presuming it's paint and that you are prepared to have to do a lot by hand getting the paint out of every little crack, don't start. Even if it is paint, it will have gone in to every little nook and cranny and I can't think it will be easy to get it out. After all, it's not planed timber. So you won't be working on a smooth surface. Thus, the sand blasting may be your only sensible choice.

This 18th century New Forest cottage has been sympathetically renovated, retaining much of its original character including exposed beams and stunning fireplaces. The centre piece of the property is the barn, which boasts two open planned mezzanine floors. The high vaulted ceilings give a sense of space and grandeur. The contemporary solid wood benches give ample seating capacity, while imparting a rustic countryside feel. What do you think? Before After Please see more pictures here: https://www.infocusinteriors.com/projects 

So your suggesting wall lights and lamps only. No recessed spots or led strips along beams? We will be having tv unit in alcove furthest from window and a sofa facing fireplace just placed in front of doors on either side. The other half of the room will be a dining area temporarily. Will wall lights be enough and how many? I prefer symmetry in my rooms also. The ceiling to floor is approx 7ft. I’ve read to make a room look higher than it is uplighters are best is this so? If our plans work out the dining area will eventually turn into a quiet area with comfy chairs bookcase etc. My husband is not a fan of wall lights says it restricts you if u want to change furniture around. I love them but with a low ceiling I am unsure how high up they should be not just for best lighting but for furniture arrangement and if they are on a wall where u walk could be an obstacle? I have also posted about my spiral staircase but I put it in the topic design dilemmas but it is about lighting also.

Hi. I agree with Sonia, I would paint the beams in an off white or similar. It will lighten the hall and make the room feel so much taller. This is another arts and crafts house where they’ve done the same. The panelling in this one has been done in farrow and ball shaded white. I’d look at something like that with a complementary “white” for the ceiling.Is the fire original to the house given its proximity to the window? Id probably paint it in the wall colour so it doesn’t stand out as much against the window. I’d consider Parquet or oak planks as they were very typical for A&C houses I believe. Good luck, looks a great house :)