Reader home renovated farmhouse

Reader home renovated farmhouse

After a dramatic beginning to life in their new house, this couple have created an inviting place to live.

By Juliet Bawden, photographs, Johnny Boucher 

Property details

Type of house
\r\n19th-century four-bedroom farmhouse

Location
\r\nNear Holmfirth, West Yorkshire

Purchase price £700,000

Money spent £30,000

What it\'s worth now Over £850,000

Country charm

Jenny Oates, 56, and her partner, Nigel Hibbert, 49, a policeman, live in a farmhouse renovated by a developer. Jenny, who owns a curtain-making company, tells of the difficult start to their move.

Oak touches

A huge, unpolished, oak lintel sits across the brick fireplace, which houses the Aga. The music stand, stools and copper pot were bought from antiques shops and the clock is from a local garden centre.

Yorkshire flagstones

The wall units and Yorkshire flagstone floor came with the house, but Jenny and Nigel added two island units placed back to back, from House of Oak. The original A-frame beams lend the kitchen a wonderful sense of character.

Characterful beams

Original beams and split-level rooms add to the character of Jenny and Nigel\'s home. These steps lead to an ensuite off the main bedroom. Magnolia walls contrast with the rich tones of the wooden banisters, doors and a blanket box, which was bought in an antique shop.

Highlight the focal point

Reupholstered sofas from Marks and Spencer and Websters Interiors in Brighouse add to the stylish, comfortable look of the snug. The chair in the corner is from an antique shop and was re-covered in fabric from The Isle Mill. Jenny painted the stove wall red to highlight the room\'s focal point.

Stone\'s throw

Stone steps from the original farmhouse lead from the snug to an office area. The picture was bought in Gambia, while the lamp is from Bhs and was decorated with feather trim by Jenny.

Handmade headboard

Jenny made the bed\'s headboard using Romo fabric. Bright cushions from Sash Curtain Makers add a splash of colour to bedding from The White Company.

Reuse and restore

The antique bed in this guest room had a huge footboard, which Jenny removed and used as a headboard in another bedroom. Bedding from The White Company is teamed with cushions from Sash Curtain Makers.

Modern makeover

Jenny and Nigel have big ideas for the bathroom, which hasn\'t been touched since they moved in. In time, they plan to create an ultra-modern look.