The best country house specialists in Britain, from stonemasons and joiners to builders and paint specialists

This article highlights 21 exceptional craftspeople in Britain, as recommended by leading designers and architects featured in Country Life's Top 100 list. The selection emphasizes the critical role of collaboration and specialized skills in successful architectural and interior design projects, showcasing experts whose breadth and depth of experience significantly contribute to outstanding outcomes. The featured craftspeople span a wide array of disciplines. Tom Rennie, a carpenter and joiner, is lauded for his skill, particularly in working with ash. Ceramicists Katrin Moye and George Bronwin are praised for their exceptional and beautiful pieces, while Martha Freud's delicate and intricately inscribed porcelain ceramics are noted for their unique beauty and the joy they bring to special commissions. Edward Bulmer recommends Tom Kennedy for his mastery of scagliola, a 17th-century plasterwork technique. Fretton Handley's Clunie Fretton is recognized as a highly accomplished and versatile sculptor, carver, and gilder, celebrated for both new creations and exemplary restoration work. The Weald & Downland Living Museum is commended for its efforts in preserving traditional crafts, serving as a vital resource for knowledge and inspiration. Hot Metal Toby, known for Hot Metal Engineering, is the go-to expert for steel fabrication, capable of transforming vague concepts into practical designs, with a portfolio that includes significant work at RHS Wisley and Hyde Hall. Kevin Smith of Conservation Leadwork is recommended for his expertise in decorative and architectural lead pieces. Torc Pots is highlighted for its niche in grand-scale, contemporary planters that can complement even period homes, while Marshall Brass is presented as a reliable source for traditional ironmongery. Soane Britain receives accolades for its beautifully crafted, UK-made pieces that achieve a rare balance of uniqueness and timelessness. For joinery and cabinetry, Alex Cottrell of Llangollen Joinery is noted for immaculate work, with Lopen Joinery and Scope Joinery recommended for larger projects. Robert George, a wood artist and arborist, creates incredible one-off vessels and expressive furniture from carefully sourced timber. The Garden Trellis Co. is recognized for its passionate craftspeople and top-end products. Rupert Bevan and his team of furniture-makers are celebrated for their talent and their ability to inspire new material experimentation. Libby Russell recommends Jay Davey for woven willow work and Oxford Planters for superior wooden planters and garden furniture. Cotswold Decorative Ironworkers are long-standing collaborators, creating bespoke garden gates and railings. Darek Dziedzic of Unique Construction (London) is highlighted as an expert cabinet maker. Barley Studio in York is praised for its exquisite artistry and skill in stained glass. Francis Stacey is a master of finishing, excelling in perfectionist plastering and decorative effects using traditional methods. Johanna Welsh, a third-generation Suffolk pargetter, brings freshness and vigor to freehand ornamental plasterwork, often inspired by nature to bring ceilings and wall friezes to life. Lastly, decorative artist Tess Newall is recognized for her beautiful murals and folk art-inspired furniture, which often become standout elements in projects. #Craftspeople #BritishCraft #InteriorDesign #Architecture #Collaborations #SkilledArtisans #HomeDecor #Renovation #CustomFurniture

This article highlights some of the leading interior designers in Britain who excel in blending the classic English Country House style with modern living requirements. The designers featured are known for their distinct approaches, ranging from opulent traditional designs to fresh, contemporary interpretations. Alidad Mahloudji, known professionally as Alidad, specializes in grand country-house aesthetics, as showcased in his Legend Room at WOW!house, which featured richly layered and inviting styles. Eadie & Crole, founded by Sophie Eadie and Fi Crole, create elegant interiors using subtle hues, natural textures, antiques, and contemporary art, also offering a collection of furniture, fabrics, and wallpapers. Edward Bulmer, an interior designer and architectural historian, focuses on heritage building restoration and environmental sustainability, using his own natural paint line. His projects include his Queen Anne home and work at Pitshill and Althorp. Nels Crosthwaite Eyre of Eyre Interiors is praised for her light and bright interpretation of English country-house style, suitable for new generations. She integrates practicality for family life with vintage textiles, art, and antique furniture. Guy Goodfellow, with over two decades of experience, designs classic interiors by combining heritage architecture knowledge with an eye for color and comfort, now collaborating with creative director Steven Rodel. His collection of fabrics and wallpapers is inspired by historic textiles. Isabella Worsley, based in London, runs a studio known for its confident use of color and pattern, celebrating British artists and craftspeople in both residential and commercial projects. Janine Stone & Co. offers a comprehensive service encompassing architecture, interior design, construction, and project management for private residences, focusing on timeless designs tailored to client lifestyles. Kit Kemp, co-founder of Firmdale Hotels, is admired for her colorful and inviting interiors. Her design studio, which includes her daughters, undertakes residential projects globally and collaborates with various design brands. Lonika Chande specializes in multi-faceted interiors for young families, blending color, texture, and pattern with practicality, often incorporating antiques and modern elements. Lucy Cunningham brings new life to classic English country-house style through pattern, color, interesting textiles, and antiques. Lucy Elworthy, a former decoration editor, designs timeless rooms that appear to have evolved over time, often collaborating with architect John Comparelli. Max Rollitt, an interior designer, furniture-maker, and antiques dealer, is recognized for his distinctive style that combines antique originals with his bespoke furniture. Nina Campbell, an OBE recipient, is involved in diverse projects including care homes and pubs, and has ongoing collaborations for rugs, tiles, fabrics, and homewares. Her eponymous shop offers chic tableware and accessories. Oliver Laws, led by Guy Oliver, focuses on elegant and timeless interiors that highlight bespoke craftsmanship, with projects including the Connaught hotel renovation. Bee Osborn of Osborn Interiors creates restful interiors that emphasize natural materials and an 'organic luxury' aesthetic. Pippa Paton Design is known for transforming historic properties in the Cotswolds into inviting modern spaces by combining spatial planning with natural beauty. Rita Konig blends traditional decoration with a fresh, modern verve, working in the UK and US, and has launched a fabric and wallpaper collection. The practice of Robert Kime, now headed by Orlando Atty, continues to create traditional yet unstuffy interiors filled with antiques and colorful textiles. Sean Symington, a rising designer, blends a building's character with elegant style, often mixing antiques with modern pieces. Sibyl Colefax & John Fowler, a venerable firm founded in the 1930s, is known for quintessentially English style and undertakes diverse projects worldwide. Sims Hilditch offers a fresh take on English country-house style, working on projects including show apartments and country estates. Lady Henrietta Spencer-Churchill of Spencer-Churchill Designs specializes in grand English country-house style, drawing inspiration from Blenheim Palace. Susie Atkinson of Studio Atkinson creates contemporary interiors with understated luxury for private houses and boutique hotels. Thorp, celebrating its 40th anniversary, provides full architecture, interior design, and project management services for an international clientele. James Thurstan Waterworth of Thurstan brings history to life through antique finds and aged materials, creating atmospheric interiors. Todhunter Earle Interiors, led by Emily Todhunter and Kate Earle, is highly regarded for imaginative designs that balance contemporary living with historic houses. Turner Pocock, led by Bunny Turner and Emma Pocock, is admired for its creativity and confident use of color and pattern in various residential projects. Veere Grenney Associates' interiors are rooted in classical tradition, with projects spanning the UK, Switzerland, Italy, and the Middle East. Henriette von Stockhausen of VSP Interiors is known for designing large country properties with a classic, colorfully eclectic style. #InteriorDesign #BritishDesigners #CountryHouseStyle #LuxuryInteriors #ArchitecturalDesign #HomeDecoration #TimelessDesign #Renovation #SustainableDesign

This article outlines a comprehensive list of 21 common services that a handyman can offer, serving as a guide for both handymen to advertise their skills and for homeowners to understand the breadth of services available. It emphasizes the value of a reliable handyman as a knowledgeable resource for various home repairs and maintenance tasks, highlighting that handymen often understand how different home systems interoperate, offering a convenient 'one-stop shopping' solution. The initial section categorizes general handyman services into plumbing, electrical, small repairs and installations, home maintenance, and moving services. It also touches upon pricing, noting that independent handymen typically charge between $60 and $70 per hour, while companies may charge around $125 per hour, with rates varying based on location, experience, and specialization. The article then delves into specific services, starting with minor plumbing tasks like fixing leaky faucets, unclogging drains, and repairing toilets. It specifies that these services should not require a plumbing license and details the typical costs for such repairs, like faucet replacement. Minor electrical services are also covered, including the installation of light fixtures, ceiling fans, and dimmer switches, all of which typically do not require a licensed electrician's expertise. The importance of a handyman possessing a proven track record and appropriate business licenses for such tasks is underscored. Drywall installation and repair, including patching holes, repairing water-damaged walls, popcorn ceiling removal, and texture matching, are presented as common and often sought-after services. Fixture replacement, covering light fixtures, plumbing fixtures, cabinet hardware, and door and window fixtures, is identified as a way to modernize and improve home functionality. Interior and exterior house painting services are detailed, from surface preparation to achieving a professional finish, along with cost estimates for interior rooms. Deck repairs, including fixing loose boards, stairs, handrails, and cleaning/maintenance, are also discussed as essential for outdoor spaces. Further services include flooring installation and repair for various materials, door installation and repair (both interior and exterior), and furniture assembly for flat-pack items. Art, photos, and decor installation, including picture hanging, mirror mounting, and shelving unit installation, are highlighted as tasks where homeowners often seek professional help. Babyproofing services, such as installing safety gates, cabinet locks, outlet covers, furniture anchors, and corner protectors, are presented as crucial for creating a safer environment for children. Pressure washing for exteriors, decks, driveways, fences, gutters, and outdoor furniture is included as a key maintenance service. Appliance installation and basic repair for washers, dryers, dishwashers, refrigerators, ovens, microwaves, and garbage disposals are mentioned, with a note that complex repairs may require specialized technicians. Smart-home upgrades, such as installing smart thermostats, lighting, doorbells, locks, and home hubs, are also identified as growing areas of demand. Tiling for backsplashes, floors, and walls, along with grout repair and sealing, is another service a skilled handyman can provide. Basic HVAC services like filter replacement, thermostat installation, ductwork inspection, and ventilation fan installation are discussed, with a caveat that licensed HVAC technicians are needed for more complex issues. Window covering installation, encompassing curtains, blinds, shades, and shutters, as well as window film and motorized options, is listed. Fence maintenance and repair, including cleaning, staining, board replacement, and gate repair, are also covered. Carpentry services, such as custom shelving, trim installation, door and window frame repairs, deck work, and staircase repair, are outlined. Lastly, gutter and window cleaning are presented as regular maintenance tasks that handymen can offer. Moving services, including furniture disassembly/assembly, appliance handling, and minor repairs, are also included, with a recommendation to use specialized movers for delicate items. The article concludes by emphasizing the importance of handymen carrying insurance from reputable companies to assure homeowners of their reliability and trustworthiness. #HandymanServices #HomeMaintenance #HomeRepair #PlumbingServices #ElectricalServices #DrywallRepair #FixtureReplacement #HousePainting #DeckRepair #FlooringInstallation #DoorInstallation #FurnitureAssembly #SmartHomeUpgrades #GutterCleaning #Carpentry

This article, part of a series on 'experts' experts,' compiles a list of 23 antique dealers highly recommended by leading British interior designers, architects, and garden designers. Author Giles Kime highlights the significance of sourcing unique antique pieces to infuse character and soul into interior and exterior design projects. The article underscores that these recommendations stem from a survey of two dozen members of the 'Country Life Top 100,' who were asked to identify the artisans, dealers, and writers most influential in their careers. This particular installment focuses on antique dealers, building upon previous parts that recognized exceptional craftspeople and influential design books. The featured dealers are located across the UK and in Paris, offering a diverse range of antiques from furniture and garden decor to ceramics and metalwork. Christian Fleming of Fleming Architects expresses his enjoyment of exploring reclamation yards, specifically mentioning English Salvage in Herefordshire for its rustic appeal. Kit Kemp praises Brownrigg for its extensive collection of desirable objects. Edward Bulmer emphasizes the importance of a dealer's knowledge and honesty, citing Anthony Fell in Norfolk as a preferred contact for his expertise and rare finds. James Alexander-Sinclair appreciates well-stocked salvage yards like Lichen Antiques in Oxfordshire, known for its constantly changing selection of unique garden elements. Angela Collins of Angela Collins Garden Design recommends Archie Mackie of Original House Interiors for his distinctive furniture and discerning eye. Sean Symington consistently turns to Lorfords Antiques for special pieces, commending their curated collection of statement furniture, antique blue and white ceramics, and aged oil paintings that add essential character to any space. Will Green in Northamptonshire, a fourth-generation antique dealer, is celebrated by James Thurstan Waterworth for his beautiful pieces that balance grandeur with humility, and tradition with a fresh perspective. Repton & Co in Cumbria is highlighted by Craftspeople for its eclectic collection, noting its connection to the eminent landscape designer Humphry Repton. Libby Russell of Mazzullo + Russell and Rupert Golby both endorse Lichen Antiques and Garden & Wood, respectively, for garden-specific antiques, including tools, cloches, and pots. Christopher Lawler of Johnston Cave points to Benjamin Steinitz of Galerie Steinitz in Paris for his profound knowledge and exceptional eye for outstanding pieces, emphasizing his collaborative spirit. Bunny Turner of Turner Pocock shares her recent positive experiences with Barney James at The Home Bothy in West Sussex, admiring his talent for selecting items with rich patinas that introduce a magical 'old' layer to rooms. Guy Oliver of Oliver Laws respects Simon Phillips of Ronald Phillips in London for his deep understanding of fine English furniture and art spanning the Queen Anne, Georgian, and Regency periods. Butter Wakefield recommends Max Rollitt in Hampshire and Brownrigg in Gloucestershire for their carefully selected pieces by masters in their field. Tom Turner expresses his affection for the country furniture from John Cornall Antiques in Warwickshire and the early Heal’s and Edwardian pieces from Miles Griffiths Antiques in North Yorkshire. Mungo Adam-Smith of Ian Adam-Smith Architects advises consulting Tim Corfield of Daniel Morris Art Advisory in London for fine furniture and Dorian Caffot de Fawes for his fantastic eye. Sherborne in Dorset is identified as an antique hub, with Molecula Modern and Macintosh Antiques offering interesting stock, as noted by Tom Balch of Rose of Jericho. Rupert Cunningham of Ben Pentreath Studio lists Guy Tobin, Repton & Co, McBain & Byrne, and Max Rollitt as his go-to dealers for their ability to unearth unique items from various periods. Finally, Isabella Worsley recommends Lorfords and Susan Deliss for her beautiful antique fabrics. #AntiqueDealers #InteriorDesign #GardenDesign #BritishDesigners #ArchitecturalAntiques #HomeDecor #CountryLife #ExpertsRecommendations

This article delves into the quintessential English country style, drawing on personal experience of growing up in the Cotswolds and insights from British interior designers. The author, having a deep connection to the Cotswolds' aesthetic, is now applying these principles to her own home and shares a comprehensive guide to achieving this characterful rural scheme. The core tenets of English country style revolve around embracing nature, utilizing high-quality natural materials, and respecting the architectural heritage of a property. Interior designer Lauren Gilberthorpe emphasizes the importance of natural materials like stone, wood, and woven textures, along with layering textiles such as wool, linen, and cotton to create warmth and comfort. Emma Sims Hilditch echoes this sentiment, advocating for color palettes inspired by the natural landscape, particularly various shades of green. A significant aspect of this design approach involves celebrating and restoring a home's existing characterful features. Exposed beams, original fireplaces, and flagstone flooring are not merely background elements but integral parts of the design. The author recounts her own experience of sanding back original wooden floors and applying untinted Osmo oil to highlight their natural beauty, demonstrating a commitment to preserving authenticity. Chloe Cutts from Sims Hilditch highlights the practice of identifying a focal point—be it an architectural element, a piece of art, or furniture—at the outset of a design project to maintain cohesion. The article further details specific strategies for integrating English country style. Choosing high-quality furnishings made from solid wood is presented as an investment that ensures functionality and timelessness. Bespoke joinery is recommended for making the most of unique spaces, and handcrafted pieces, like dining tables, are valued for their uniqueness. Lauren Gilberthorpe illustrates this with a project featuring a handcrafted oak dining table, contemporary wingback armchairs in linen, and bespoke shelving. Introducing vintage pieces is another hallmark of the relaxed country style. These items, with their aged marks and worn patinas, add a charm that modern pieces cannot replicate, especially in kitchens. Lisa Mehydene's kitchen, featuring timeless shaker cabinets blended with carefully selected vintage elements like a Belgian shop counter and a florists' table from a local farm shop, exemplifies this blend of old and new, creating a layered and cozy atmosphere. Softening spaces with an abundance of fabric is crucial for achieving a warm and welcoming ambiance. Linens with slubby textural weaves, gingham, checks, chintzy florals, and stripes are characteristic. Fabric designer Tori Murphy underscores the nostalgic and practical appeal of these materials. For window treatments, cottage pleats are suggested, and sink curtains are noted for their return as a charming way to conceal plumbing. Filling the home with pattern and personal treasures, rather than adhering strictly to one style, is encouraged. The example of Vanessa Arbuthnott's Cotswold home, filled with paintings, handcrafted ceramics, and vibrant ditsy fabrics, illustrates how a home should reflect personal taste and evoke happy memories. This approach allows for a mix of fabric designs, artworks, and furniture styles, from antique French to mid-century. Embracing tongue and groove paneling is another effective way to inject country style, particularly in new additions or for practical purposes like backsplashes, as demonstrated by Laura Stephens. Lastly, decorating with Arts & Crafts prints and nature-inspired patterns from companies like Lewis & Wood, which have strong ties to the Cotswolds' crafting heritage, serves to celebrate local craftsmanship and the natural environment. #EnglishCountryStyle #CotswoldsDecor #NaturalMaterials #VintageDecor #ArchitecturalFeatures #InteriorDesignTips #FabricLayering #PatternMixing #ArtsAndCrafts #NatureInspiredPrints

This article details the transformation of a 100-year-old Craftsman home in Los Angeles by Anna and Doug Lodder, who sought to create a more expansive and family-friendly retreat. The house, initially overlooked on the market, possessed solid construction and a converted attic with a turret offering distant views of palm trees, alongside a large, unkempt backyard. The family, including children Lucy and Winston, had previously resided in a smaller bungalow, which became strained when accommodating extended family and rescue dogs. Their previous solution, converting a one-car garage into a multi-use guesthouse, proved insufficient for their desire for a more open and communal living space. The remodel aimed to infuse the Craftsman with elements of Anna's English heritage, drawing inspiration from her childhood memories of relaxed, well-tended gardens in the south of England and photographs of her family's kitchens in the U.K. This approach resulted in a unique California-British blend, evident in subtle details throughout the home. Examples include a pulley-operated wooden laundry drying rack in the children's bathroom and a scaled-up scullery featuring her grandmother’s antique copper tea kettle. The cabinetry was designed to emulate the bespoke look of Plain English built-ins, achieving a sophisticated aesthetic without the associated premium cost. This intentional design choice ensured that the British influence was present without being overly decorative or sentimental. The most significant changes were made to the backyard, which became a focal point for both nostalgia and modern Los Angeles living. A swimming pool was installed, alongside a new guest house equipped with a kitchen and a sleeping loft, designed to comfortably accommodate more visitors. For the landscaping, Anna collaborated with English-born designer Nick Dean, envisioning a garden that combined the charm of her aunt's British garden with the sun-drenched ambiance of the south of France. This vision materialized in features like lavender-ringed benches around the pool, designed to attract pollinators and provide fragrant seating. The home’s transformation was timely, as the family found themselves relying on its expanded spaces during the pandemic-induced lockdowns. For two years prior, the house had been a hub for exchange students, parents, and friends. During quarantine, the added amenities, such as the outdoor spaces and the converted turret office, facilitated remote work and homeschooling, with the sound of a babbling fountain harmonizing with children's play in the pool. The remodel successfully created a vibrant living environment that accommodated a bustling family life, offering a peaceful retreat amidst the city's backdrop, blending century-old craftsmanship with a personalized, Anglo-Californian aesthetic. #CraftsmanRemodel #EnglishAccents #FamilyFriendlyDesign #HomeRenovation #CaliforniaBritishStyle #OutdoorLiving #GuestHouse #InteriorDesign

Angelica and Richard Squire, cofounders of the U.K.-based design firm Studio Squire, undertook a significant transformation of an 1820s English cottage located in South Downs National Park. The clients, based in London, sought a weekend retreat to escape their demanding city lives. Upon their initial visit, the designers observed that despite its age, the cottage had lost much of its original character over the last 40 to 50 years. However, the property boasted exceptional natural surroundings, including a mile-long driveway through woodlands, rolling hills, and a series of lakes, offering an ideal setting for a secluded getaway. The clients presented Studio Squire with a completely blank canvas, requiring everything from furniture to dinner plates and art. Their primary constraint was a desire to utilize the house as quickly as possible. This led to an intensive renovation and furnishing period of approximately six months, during which the designers meticulously selected every item to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere. The project deliberately avoided recreating a historically accurate 200-year-old aesthetic, instead focusing on integrating materials, colors, and finishes that harmonized with the magical woodland environment. A key design decision involved replacing the ground-level flooring with old stone, which significantly altered the home's overall feel. While major construction was limited by time and budget, the designers reconfigured several awkward spaces. They added an extra bathroom upstairs in one of the guest bedrooms and downstairs, converted a small, oddly shaped boot room, a purposeless office, and a tiny windowless lavatory into a more functional and spacious boot room, essential for a home in the woods. This new boot room features a glazed door connecting it to the kitchen, tongue-and-groove paneling, Shaker pegs for coats, and wallpapered upper walls and ceiling. One of the project's biggest cost savings came from retaining the existing, well-built kitchen. The designers updated it by replacing worn countertops with tumbled granite, adding new wood to the island, repainting the cabinets, installing new hardware, and incorporating a hot water and filter tap. The first item purchased for the project was a chunky oak farmhouse table from a local dealer, Sussex Antiques, emphasizing a connection to the local community. The designers expressed enthusiasm for using tumbled granite again, noting its durability and resistance to marks, making it a practical alternative to less resilient materials like slate. The living room showcases an eclectic mix of seating, achieved by re-upholstering and re-springing secondhand chairs, giving the space a comfortable, inherited feel. A creative solution for concealing a large television involved hanging a Suzani tapestry on a curtain rail, allowing it to be pulled back to reveal the screen. An inventive transformation saw a non-working fireplace in the living room converted into a bar, complete with a slightly raised lintel arch. Additionally, a new door was installed to provide direct access to the garden from this area, enhancing convenience for entertaining. In the bathrooms, functionality met unique design. An added window in the shower, sourced affordably from eBay, was a key detail that prevented the space from feeling like a narrow tunnel. The main downstairs lavatory, visible to most guests, received a splurge with Thomas Crapper fittings, along with a window and a long console table. Upstairs, an interior curtain was installed at the top of the stairs, allowing residents to section off unused bedrooms during quieter weekends. The smallest bedroom features a bold "India Yellow" paint from Farrow & Ball and tongue-and-groove paneling to create a cabin-like atmosphere. In the primary bedroom, a fabric bed canopy was chosen over a grand four-poster, striking a balance between creating a focal point and maintaining the cottage's relaxed aesthetic, particularly in a large room where a walk-in wardrobe was removed to avoid clutter. #EnglishCottage #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #StudioSquire #WeekendRetreat #CountryLiving #EclecticDecor #KitchenDesign #BathroomRenovation

This article, presented by The Barn Yard, offers insights into selecting a skilled builder for outdoor living structures such as post and beam barns, garages, and timber frame pavilions. It emphasizes the importance of hiring craftspeople with significant industry experience, originality in design, and a commitment to customer service. The article highlights that experienced teams, like The Barn Yard, distinguish themselves through comprehensive turnkey services, ensuring efficient project completion and cohesive aesthetic outcomes. Such teams typically offer meticulous planning, including impressive 3D renderings that visualize the final structure, from detailed timber frame pavilions to fully realized barns and custom garages. Furthermore, they integrate advanced engineering capabilities, utilizing heavy timber roof rafters, concealed steel beams, and robust joinery methods to guarantee structural integrity and long-term safety. This focus on both aesthetic detail and structural soundness ensures that the built structures are not only visually appealing but also durable and reliable over time. Originality in design is another crucial element discussed. The piece suggests that a truly masterful builder can elevate a home's property value and enhance the homeowner's satisfaction. True artisans aim to create structures that stand out, exemplified by projects like eye-catching post and beam barns. They achieve this by employing state-of-the-art CNC machinery to precisely craft each timber to exact specifications, resulting in highly detailed and remarkable finishes. This level of craftsmanship extends to all their projects, whether it’s an Alpine timber frame pavilion or a custom 'man cave,' consistently exceeding client expectations. The goal is to painstakingly design ornate and well-crafted spaces that uphold the integrity and character of the existing home. Finally, the article underscores the value of neighborly service, advocating for builders who involve clients throughout the planning process. Reputable craftspeople actively listen to client needs to fully grasp and help achieve their distinct visions. They provide customized solutions tailored to individual requests and maintain transparent communication about the project's status. This includes keeping clients informed about the build progress to ensure that timelines and budgets are met. Having a builder conveniently located close to home is also presented as an added benefit, facilitating easier communication and project oversight. This client-centric approach ensures that the entire building process is collaborative and that the final outdoor living space perfectly aligns with the homeowner's desires. #OutdoorLiving #HomeDesign #BarnConstruction #GarageBuilding #PavilionDesign #TimberFrame #PostAndBeam #Craftsmanship #CustomStructures

Home prices have consistently risen over the past few decades, prompting many homeowners to consider renovating their current residences rather than purchasing new ones that might not meet their needs or fit their budget. Renovations encompass a broad spectrum of projects, from simple room updates to extensive remodels like converting a nursery into a preteen's bedroom or transforming an adjacent room into an en suite. While DIY renovations can seem appealing for cost savings, they often result in unsatisfactory or even unsafe outcomes due to a lack of construction expertise. This is where professional home renovation contractors become essential, as they can translate a homeowner's vision into reality while adhering to local building codes and budgetary constraints. Selecting the right contractor is crucial for a successful renovation. This article identifies six top home renovation contractors in America, evaluating them based on their service areas, types of services offered, warranty provisions, use of subcontractors, and financing options. The contractors highlighted include Mr. Handyman for overall services, Granite and TREND Transformations for kitchens, Re-Bath for bathrooms, Power Home Remodeling Group for exteriors, Belfor Property Restoration for disaster recovery, and The Home Depot as an additional consideration. Mr. Handyman is recognized as the best overall due to its extensive service coverage across 38 states and Washington, D.C., its transparent process from scheduling to payment, and a 1-year satisfaction guarantee. The company employs professionals with an average of 10 years of experience and offers convenient booking through the Neighborly app. Granite and TREND Transformations excels in kitchen renovations, particularly for granite countertop installations, with eco-friendly practices and a limited lifetime warranty on countertops. They also provide a free virtual design tool to assist customers with planning. Re-Bath specializes in bathroom remodeling, offering a lifetime warranty on its proprietary DuraBath acrylic products and a dedicated line of accessibility products for aging-in-place solutions. For exterior home improvements, Power Home Remodeling Group is recommended, focusing on services such as siding, window, and roof replacements. They offer a lifetime labor warranty and facilitate project management through their Project Pulse mobile app. Belfor Property Restoration is the top choice for restoration services, especially after natural disasters like floods or fires, providing specialized remediation and cleanup services. Finally, The Home Depot is noted for its nationwide availability and wide array of renovation services, offering an extensive selection of custom and off-the-shelf products, although it relies on licensed and insured subcontractors. When choosing a contractor, homeowners should consider several factors: the contractor's coverage area, their renovation budget, available warranties, the use of subcontractors, and their licensure and credentials. It is advisable to obtain estimates from at least three licensed contractors and to research their reputations and customer feedback. Financing options are also an important consideration, with some national companies offering direct financing or homeowners exploring home equity loans or other improvement loans. Reputable contractors typically provide quality work, are fully insured, and assign a single project manager to oversee the entire job, offering advantages over self-managing a renovation. The average cost for a whole-house renovation typically falls between $19,504 and $86,917, with specific room remodels varying in price. Most contractors offer free estimates, though these are ballpark figures and final costs may differ. Contracts are almost always signed before work begins to protect both parties. #HomeRenovation #ContractorSelection #HomeImprovement #KitchenRemodel #BathroomRemodel #ExteriorRenovation #DisasterRestoration #HomeMaintenance #DIYvsPro

Alice and Rob Hue, a farming couple in Wiltshire, England, transformed unused 100-year-old horse stables on their 2,500-acre farm into six vibrant vacation rentals. Rob, a fourth-generation farmer, and Alice, who met him in university, took over the family business, now known as The Farm at Avebury. The farm, situated in Long Barrow, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is believed to be one of Europe's oldest farmed lands. Facing changes in the agricultural industry, including the withdrawal of subsidies accelerated by Brexit, the couple decided to diversify their income streams. This led to the development of the vacation rentals and event spaces, ensuring the farm's future for their three daughters. The renovation project faced an unexpected setback when the Environment Agency halted their plans, claiming the stables were in a floodplain. The couple had to hire a fluvial engineer to prove the river was 50 meters away, delaying the project by 15 months. Despite this, with architect Kris Eley, they completed the conversion of 12 stables into six colorful vacation rentals in just eight months. Eley's expertise was crucial in fitting furniture into the small rooms, with the largest three-bedroom unit being 600 square feet and the smallest two-bedroom half that size. He successfully blended the historical structure with modern finishes. Designer Polly Ashman collaborated with Alice to create a homey interior inspired by the natural surroundings of the farm, incorporating greens, reds, and blues into the color palette. Despite the luxurious appearance, Ashman and Alice prioritized affordable, low-maintenance materials and furnishings, sourcing items from retailers and second-hand markets like eBay and Etsy to achieve a lived-in aesthetic. The design emphasized textures from fabrics by Christopher Farr Cloth, Sanderson, and Linwood. The renovation preserved the exterior's historic appearance, a testament to the stables' age, which predates Rob's 95-year-old great-grandmother. Inside, original brickwork and stone were exposed, complemented by hand-tufted headboards and a strategic use of paint and classic English cottage patterns. Ashman highlighted the importance of layered lighting, utilizing spotlights on wood beams to illuminate artwork, mirrors, and kitchen areas, contributing significantly to the cozy ambiance. Beyond the vacation rentals, the Hues expanded their hospitality venture by opening two event spaces, the Barn and the Granary, hosting yoga classes and pop-up restaurants. Rob is particularly keen on developing cooking workshops. This ongoing diversification not only provides stability for the family's income but also offers a unique experience for visitors, allowing them to engage with farm life, including tractors, sheep, and pigs. Alice, who once couldn't imagine living in Wiltshire, now finds herself deeply rooted in the farm, recognizing its potential for continued growth and opportunity. #EnglishCountryside #FarmConversion #VacationRentals #HistoricStables #InteriorDesign #RuralTourism #SustainableLiving #FamilyBusiness #ArchitecturalRenovation

The evolution of architectural and interior design philosophies for residential spaces demonstrates a significant shift from strict historical preservation to a more integrated approach that respects the past while embracing modern living requirements. Early movements like the heritage movement, championed by figures such as Sir John Betjeman and Gavin Stamp, instigated a radical change in how historic buildings were treated. This era saw passionate conservationists investing heavily in restoring historic houses to their original states, as exemplified by the work in Spitalfields where structures were meticulously restored and furnished to reflect their 18th-century inhabitants. However, contemporary restoration efforts have moved beyond mere historicism. The current trend is to create comfortable homes that, while sympathetic to their historical context, acknowledge the modernist ideal of a house as a 'machine for living in.' This involves a nuanced blending of styles, the incorporation of open-plan layouts, and the strategic use of modern materials such as steel and glass. These advancements facilitate improved natural light, enhanced thermal efficiency, and designs that cater to contemporary lifestyles, often with reduced domestic help requirements. This approach ensures that a house evolves with its occupants and reflects the era in which modifications are made, much like how Regency, Victorian, and Edwardian additions historically enhanced older properties. A growing number of British architects, interior designers, and builders are at the forefront of this movement. Their collective expertise, deep understanding of historic buildings, and commitment to sustainable practices are ushering in what is described as a 'golden age of restoration.' These professionals are adept at balancing the preservation of historical integrity with the integration of modern functionality. Their work includes using natural, breathable, and durable materials, alongside the installation of renewable energy technologies such as solar panels and biomass systems. This not only ensures the longevity and sustainability of the renovated properties but also addresses contemporary environmental concerns. The article highlights the importance of these innovative practitioners and their clients, whose dedication is crucial to the continued success and evolution of this thoughtful approach to home design and restoration. The philosophy extends to viewing the home not just as a static historical artifact but as a dynamic space that adapts to current needs while carrying forward its legacy. This contemporary perspective allows for a conversation between different eras, where each addition or renovation contributes to the building's ongoing story rather than freezing it in a single moment. The skilled professionals in this field are celebrated for their ability to navigate this complex interplay, creating residences that are both historically rich and perfectly suited for modern life. Their efforts underscore a critical understanding that true restoration involves intelligent adaptation, ensuring that homes remain relevant, comfortable, and sustainable for generations to come, moving beyond a purely academic exercise to a practical application of evolving design principles. #HomeRestoration #InteriorDesign #Architecture #HistoricBuildings #SustainableDesign #ModernLiving #BritishDesigners #CountryLife

The Craftsman style home, a favorite among Country Living enthusiasts, emerged as a direct counterpoint to the elaborate and mass-produced Victorian and Art Nouveau styles prevalent at the turn of the 20th century. Historic preservationist Elizabeth Finkelstein notes that Craftsman homes prioritize intentional, handcrafted design and a strong connection to nature. This aesthetic, rooted in the Arts & Crafts Movement, emphasizes clean lines, natural materials, and hand construction. The movement arose from a frustration with the perceived low quality of factory-produced items during the Industrial Revolution. While Wisconsin-born furniture designer Gustav Stickley is often credited with popularizing the Craftsman name through his magazine, 'The Craftsman,' the architectural style itself gained traction on the West Coast. Architects Charles Sumner Greene and Henry Mather Greene, practicing in Pasadena from 1893 to 1914, were key figures in its development. Their iconic 1908 Gamble House stands as a prominent example, but it was their more modest single-family bungalows that inspired the widespread Craftsman house plans of the 1920s. Craftsman homes are typically characterized by their horizontal orientation, low-pitched gable roofs, and minimal ornamentation, contrasting sharply with the verticality of Victorians or the elaborate accents of Tudors. A defining feature is the spacious front porch, often supported by thick, tapering beams that may rest on brick or stone columns extending to the house's foundation. Other exterior elements commonly include overhanging roof eaves with exposed brackets or rafter tails, earth-toned paint colors (such as sage green, dusty brown, and golden yellow), large bay or picture windows, and a humble one to one-and-a-half-story frame, though larger variations exist. Exteriors are often finished with clapboard, stucco, or shingles, with brick being a common material in the Midwest. Inside, Craftsman homes offer cozy, distinct rooms rather than open floor plans, aiming to integrate the outdoors. Key interior features include lower slung coffered ceilings, thick, unpainted wood trim around doors and windows, and built-in elements like cabinets, bookshelves, and window seats. A focal fireplace, often adorned with decorative clay tiles, is a common centerpiece in the living or dining room. It's important to distinguish that 'Craftsman' refers to an architectural style, while 'bungalow' denotes a type of small house. Thus, a Craftsman bungalow is a specific subtype, but not all Craftsman homes are bungalows, and not all bungalows are Craftsman style. The term 'Craftsman' is capitalized when referring to the architectural style to honor the skilled labor involved in its construction. #CraftsmanStyleHomes #HomeDesign #ArtsAndCraftsMovement #ArchitecturalHistory #InteriorDesign #GustavStickley #GambleHouse #Bungalow #HomeDecor #HistoricPreservation

The Old House, located in the Dorset village of Milton-on-Stour, is a historic building recently enhanced by a series of new decorative plaster ceilings. These ceilings, commissioned by the current owners, Charles and Jane Montanaro, are not ancient but rather a contemporary addition designed to complement the house's character and natural surroundings. The inspiration for this undertaking stemmed partly from Jane Montanaro's work on documentaries about 'Country Life' magazine, which led her to Wardington Manor and its Arts-and-Crafts plasterwork by Molly Wells. Concurrently, she learned about the work of Geoffrey Preston, a renowned architectural sculptor known for his traditional plasterwork techniques, including his restoration efforts at Uppark and his award-winning ceiling at Great Fulford. Upon purchasing The Old House in 2011, the Montanaros embarked on a historical research journey, discovering that the property had been re-shaped by successive owners since the late 17th century. This realization prompted them to add their own enduring contribution, one that would honor the house's legacy while celebrating their personal connection to it. The house's origins trace back to the 1690s, with a central block from the late 17th century, featuring a pedimented door and a stone chimneypiece. In the early 19th century, the house was significantly extended and refronted in a Picturesque style, and further minor alterations were made in the 1920s, including the addition of oak paneling. The existing plain 20th-century ceilings provided an ideal canvas for the Montanaros' vision for decorative plasterwork. In 2015, Mrs. Montanaro commissioned Geoffrey Preston and Jenny Lawrence for the project. The first ceilings were installed in the drawing and sitting rooms in 2016. The North Dorset Council's conservation team supported the project, only requesting that the main ceilings be signed and dated. The drawing-room ceiling features a geometric strapwork pattern, drawing inspiration from traditional 17th-century plasterwork and Leonard Shuffrey's designs at Wightwick Manor. This intricate design incorporates elements reflecting the Montanaros' garden and local wildlife, such as foliage, local birds like blackbirds, owls, swans, and a kingfisher, as well as various flowers from their garden, including tulips, narcissi, roses, and poppies. This complex ceiling, composed of 40 individually cast sections, was meticulously crafted through a process involving drawing, clay modeling, and hand-sculpting by Mr. Preston and his team. The sitting room features a bold, densely patterned ceiling depicting oak leaves and branches, concealing a wren and mice, further emphasizing the connection to nature. This central roundel, 6 feet in diameter, was cast in four sections and reassembled in situ, showcasing the traditional techniques Mr. Preston employed to achieve a handmade, lively, and fluid quality. The Montanaros' appreciation for these new ceilings led to further commissions. In 2017, a 'cosmic ceiling' was created for the master bedroom, featuring a lunar eclipse motif surrounded by radiating flames. In 2021, the narrow hall received a ceiling extending the drawing-room's tendril design and incorporating imagery of fish, ducks, and family pets. A 'sun' ceiling was added to the main porch during lockdown. Most recently, in 2024, the study, with its Marthe Armitage wallpapers, received a new plasterwork ceiling inspired by 20th-century artistic movements, specifically Paul Klee's 'Park bei Lu'. This decade-long project at The Old House demonstrates how traditional plasterwork, infused with both ancient and modern themes and drawing on the inspiration of nature, can beautifully enhance existing architectural spaces, creating interiors that are both new and historically resonant. #ArchitecturalSculpture #HistoricHomeRenovation #PlasterworkCeilings #DorsetArchitecture #InteriorDesign #TraditionalCraftsmanship #GeoffreyPreston #CountryLife

The article presents a curated collection of 20 modern country houses, emphasizing their diverse approaches to achieving rest and relaxation through design. These homes, characterized by rustic charm, natural light, indoor-outdoor living, and exposed wood beams, blend traditional accents with contemporary aesthetics. The selection highlights various architectural styles and regional influences, ranging from a transformed English-style manor in Connecticut to a Brazilian modular home nestled in nature, and a minimalist guesthouse in Sonoma Valley, California. Each featured property showcases unique design solutions tailored to its environment and the homeowners' preferences. Key examples include a Connecticut manor updated by Sanchez+Coleman Studio with a sophisticated black, white, and green palette, and a Brittany-style château in Westchester, New York, renovated by Amy Courtney Design to incorporate Japandi aesthetics and Scandinavian minimalism while preserving its 1930s craftsmanship. Rodrigo Ohtake's Brazilian modular home demonstrates an innovative use of steel prisms arranged around a central open-plan living space, connecting seamlessly with the surrounding forest. In Aspen, Rowland+Broughton reimagined a 1990s stone-and-glass retreat, enhancing views and integrating contemporary furnishings with existing oak millwork. Studio Arthur Casas designed a recreational complex for a horse farm in Brazil, featuring indoor and outdoor spaces for entertainment and accommodation, while Olson Kundig and Erica Colpitts Interior Design transformed a mid-century home in North Vancouver, British Columbia, drawing inspiration from the peaceful landscape and British aesthetic. Further explorations include Richard Shemtov’s Southampton retreat designed by Sawyer|Berson, modeled after traditional gable-roof barns with a rigorously pared-down style. Amalia Graziani's Hudson Valley farm restoration honors the property's past, focusing on preserving its natural beauty. In Jackson, Wyoming, Messana O’Rorke and Ankeny Architecture and Design created a mountain retreat blending the American West's past and present through stained cedar and stone volumes connected by glass-enclosed bridges. Aidlin Darling Design crafted a single-story modern country house with hilltop views in Northern California, prioritizing efficiency and accessibility. Other notable designs include Jan Henrik Jansen's unconventional round house in Denmark, SPG Architects' modern update of a Cape Cod residence, and Andreas Martin-Löf's playful weekend home near Stockholm featuring an infinity pool as a reflective element. The compilation also showcases a Michigan lake house by Desai Chia Architecture, noted for its glassy pavilion design that interacts with a cherry orchard and a bluff. Atelier Carvalho Araújo's minimalist yet rustic home in Portugal effectively masters a tricky site with a meandering stream. Nathanael Dorent and Lily Jencks conceived a stone-clad modern rustic country house in Scotland, known for its unexpected design. Nani Marquina's Costa Brava retreat serves as a collector’s paradise, with a whitewashed simplicity providing a backdrop for various collected ephemera. Architect Mathias Klotz designed a pair of cottages in Chile, characterized by clean-lined modernism and archetypal forms. Mork Ulnes Architects and Office of Charles de Lisle created a minimalist guesthouse in Sonoma Valley, California, comprising three stepped volumes. Finally, Hawk & Co., in collaboration with Brandon Architects, designed an indoor-outdoor oasis along the California Coast, blending rustic charm with industrial edge and naturalistic materials. The article provides a comprehensive overview of how modern country houses leverage design to offer tranquil and inspiring escapes. #ModernCountryHouses #ArchitecturalDesign #InteriorDesign #RusticCharm #IndoorOutdoorLiving #SustainableDesign #WeekendRetreats #ResidentialArchitecture #HomeRenovation

English cottages evoke a sense of quaintness and tranquility, often associated with the idyllic countryside. This design aesthetic is characterized by a blend of traditional architectural elements, natural materials, and lush gardens, creating a comforting and romantic ambiance. Key features that define an English cottage include a country kitchen, a garden, a traditional drawing room, antique furnishings, floral decor, and wall paneling. Additional hallmarks often include low-beam ceilings and fireplaces, contributing to the cozy and inviting atmosphere. There are numerous ways to incorporate English cottage charm into a home's exterior and surroundings. A typical cottage might feature a mix of brick and stone or concrete painted in neutral tones for the exterior, ensuring durability and a classic look. Traditional British manors often utilize stone with perfectly painted window trim that harmonizes with other structural elements, such as a detached garage, and are complemented by meticulously maintained landscaping. Cottages nestled in areas like Dartmoor National Park offer spectacular, uninterrupted views, emphasizing a connection to nature and a retreat from urban life. Stone exteriors are particularly iconic, reminiscent of cottages seen in films. These homes can be enhanced with outdoor seating areas and fire pits to maximize relaxation. Focusing on details like a brightly painted front door and trimmed potted shrubs can elevate the curb appeal. The traditional thatched roof, a feature with historical roots dating back 10,000 years, is a quintessential element that immediately identifies a home as an English cottage. Allowing floral vines, such as wisteria, to grow up the sides of a stone house adds to the romantic ambiance, though diligent pruning is necessary to prevent overgrowth. Inspiration for English cottage design can be drawn from various sources, including picturesque villages like those in East Sussex, which feature connected houses with timber-framed slate roofs. Modern farmhouses, while distinct, can also incorporate elements that evoke a similar dreamy escape, especially when paired with natural beauty like pinkish sunsets. Gardens are integral to the English cottage aesthetic, with vibrant and fragrant blooms like purple and pink flowers adding color and sensory pleasure. Wisteria-covered cottages, while beautiful, highlight the importance of maintaining vegetation to preserve the home's charm. Cottages located near natural features like winding rivers or on prominent corners offer unique visual appeal. The choice of exterior color can also contribute to charm; while natural stone is common, traditional homes can be enlivened with bright hues like mustard yellow, peach, light pink, or light purple, especially when paired with rust-colored roofs. Simplicity often underpins the beauty of these homes, with a focus on natural materials and surrounding greenery. Autumnal settings in regions like Gloucestershire further accentuate the cozy allure of traditional cottages, ideal for quiet relaxation. Courtyards with pebbles instead of grass offer a low-maintenance alternative that still provides an inviting outdoor space, accessible through French doors. Traditional English gardens, filled with roses, lavender, and foxgloves, are essential for creating a truly authentic cottage feel, providing fresh flowers for indoor enjoyment. Even tiny rural cottages, painted in subtle shades like faint yellow and featuring interesting rooflines, can exude significant charm when surrounded by lush plants. Well-maintained brick cottages nestled among trees, with classic brown shingled roofs and white-trimmed windows, uphold tradition. For larger properties, creating floral mazes or garden paths with honeysuckle arches enhances the outdoor experience. The archetypal English cottage often combines a thatched roof, brick exterior, abundant flowers, and a white picket fence. Homes designed by garden lovers frequently feature flowers cascading alongside the exterior, sometimes with a thatched roof and a dormer over the front door. Traditional abodes with architectural details like arched entryways and lush greenery create a welcoming atmosphere. Scenic stone cottages in rural settings, even small ones, offer fantastic getaways. The timeless quality of traditional English cottages is evident in designs that retain medieval-style doors and natural stone exteriors. Large front yards of classic brick cottages can serve as ideal spaces for outdoor gatherings. Unique cottages painted in vibrant blues, complemented by green roofs and pink flowers, demonstrate how color can be used creatively. Finally, woodsy gothic cottages, with exquisite architecture and stone bench seating, add a unique historical dimension to the English cottage style. The use of varied stones and textures, along with classic elements like thatched roofs, shutters, and flowers, collectively contributes to the enduring charm of these homes. #EnglishCottage #HomeDesign #RuralLiving #ThatchRoof #Gardening #ArchitecturalStyle #CountryHome #ExteriorDesign #TraditionalDecor

Annie Sullivan Cobb discovered Shelter Island, New York, in her early 20s and immediately felt a connection to its lush environment and historic Heights neighborhood. This sentiment was shared by her British husband, Oliver. Over the years, during their visits, they consistently admired a particular Victorian house, especially its sprawling hydrangeas visible from the side garden. This circa-1880 property, which Annie described as enchanted, eventually came on the market, and the couple purchased it in 2012, just before their first daughter's birthday. They continue to reside in Brooklyn full-time. Initially, they rented out the Shelter Island house due to the demands of raising two young children in Brooklyn. Building a local community also took time, a process aided by their children's summer camps on the island. A decade after their purchase, the couple embarked on an extensive renovation. This included installing central air-conditioning, adding a new patio, and constructing a mudroom and breakfast nook adjacent to the galley kitchen. Annie, who had recently co-founded an interior design business, Sullivan Matthews, with Saara Matthews, oversaw the design. She aimed to maintain the home's original gingerbread Victorian details, such as the intricate gable trim and existing floors, while incorporating modern elements and wallpaper in certain areas. The design approach for the house leaned towards an English country aesthetic, influenced by a friend's London home and featuring products from British brands. They integrated classic Shaker cabinetry and unlacquered brass accessories from DeVol. The kitchen floors were painted with Farrow & Ball’s Sardine, a blue hue, color-matched by Kirby’s Paints, a company known for durable marine-grade finishes. The renovation included a playful design decision: a closet between the kitchen and dining room was transformed into a secret bar. This idea originated from a designer friend, Starrett Hoyt Ringbom, during a visit. Annie initially painted the nook blue-green but ultimately chose Farrow & Ball’s Sulking Room Pink, complete with a wine fridge/ice maker and a bow handle from Beata Heuman. Oliver, Annie's husband, took charge of transforming a nearby closet into his own domain, painting it in Farrow & Ball’s Churlish Green. This closet now houses his record collection and a vintage turntable set into a soapstone counter. His passion for hi-fi extends to the living room, where 1960s KLH Model 6 speakers enhance the atmosphere for social gatherings. During the quieter winter months, the family retreats to the island, enjoying stews, fires, and games indoors, now made more comfortable with central air. Addressing the lack of built-in storage typical of 1880s homes, Annie found creative solutions. She repurposed an antique decorative trunk from Cape Cod for linens and customized a basic IKEA headboard by wrapping it in foam and a Moroccan wedding blanket. When their bedside tables were upgraded to sleek Componibili storage units, the old Victorian tables were moved to the porch to serve as pedestals for potted ferns. The family's plant collection grew significantly during COVID-19, becoming a noticeable feature of the home. The dining table was relocated to the new garden patio for privacy, a response to passersby who often mistook their porch-side meals for a restaurant. Despite the public nature of their home, the Sullivans embrace the community feel, often inviting neighbors and their children inside, fostering an old-fashioned sense of hospitality. #HomeTour #VictorianHome #ShelterIsland #InteriorDesign #Renovation #EnglishCountryStyle #DesignInspiration #DIY #FamilyHome

This article details the sensitive renovation and traditional furnishing of a 16th-century farmhouse, built around 1520, making it approximately 500 years old. The owners, inspired by period dramas and history books, transformed the former dairy farm back to its Tudor origins. The renovation process involved preserving historic features while creating a rustic and cozy living space in South Wales. The tour begins in the impressive double-height dining room, which showcases the ancient roof structure and a galleried mezzanine. The design emphasizes Tudor-inspired aesthetics, incorporating tapestry-style fabrics, richly colored rugs, and dark wood furniture. The walls throughout the house are limewashed, a natural finish that allows the ancient stones to breathe and provides a textured backdrop to the original beams and dark wood pieces like farmhouse chairs and an old dresser. The kitchen, located at the back of the house, exudes cottage charm with its simple green and white wall tiles, pine cabinets, and curtains that conceal under-counter appliances. Personal touches include a collection of copper kettles and pans inherited from an owner's grandmother, displayed on a rustic wooden shelf. In the living room, traditional elements like velvet sofas, tapestry-stitched cushions, and Welsh blanket designs are used to create a cozy atmosphere. Dark wood coffee and side tables contribute to the historic feel, especially when the wood-burner is lit. A notable feature of the living room is the inglenook fireplace, which still retains its original bread oven and centuries-old 'witch marks' carved into the beam, believed to protect the property from evil. These marks, along with whimsical faces and characters crafted from lime plaster, are hidden throughout the house, adding to its unique charm. Steep stairs behind an old oak door in the living room lead to the upper level, where a mezzanine serves as a guest bedroom, furnished with antique pieces like an old bed adorned with a Welsh blanket. The main bedroom also continues the Tudor theme, featuring a baronial-style bed sourced from an online auction and dressed with William Morris' Strawberry Thief bedlinen, complemented by antique sideboards and mirrors. The hallway offers an immediate sense of history with its original doors and uneven flagstone floors, contributing to the house’s character. Accessories such as antique rugs and William Morris velvet curtains enhance the medieval aesthetic. Outside, the steeply sloped terraced garden at the back of the house, overlooking the valleys of South Wales, was completely redesigned and replanted by the owners. The farmhouse's two-feet-thick walls are limewashed both inside and out, a process that is reapplied annually to maintain their freshness and allow the stone to breathe. The owners are committed to preserving this historic property, ensuring its beauty and integrity for future generations. #FarmhouseDecor #HistoricHomes #TudorRevival #TraditionalInteriors #CountryLiving #HomeRenovation #ArchitecturalPreservation #SouthWales