My Houzz: An Elegant Georgian farmhouse with natural light - Located in the picturesque village of Abbots Bromley, Staffordshire, this stately Georgian farmhouse remained neglected for years before it drew attention Kara and her husband, Jerry, there are three and a half years. They were attracted by the traditional character of the property and its enormous potential. Although the interior needed a lot of work, the couple fell in love with red brick exterior of the building, elegant shape and a large garden.
So Kara and Jerry get to work. They hired CHS Construction, a local contractor, and began stripping and patching walls, restoring the original moldings, already brightening the dark rooms and adding a spacious and elegant extension to the house a kitchen-dining eat brand new, which, thanks to its abundant natural light and welcoming mood, became the heart of the house.
So Kara and Jerry get to work. They hired CHS Construction, a local contractor, and began stripping and patching walls, restoring the original moldings, already brightening the dark rooms and adding a spacious and elegant extension to the house a kitchen-dining eat brand new, which, thanks to its abundant natural light and welcoming mood, became the heart of the house.
Amelia Hallsworth Photography
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here Kara, a buyer for a supermarket chain, husband Jerry, their 2-year-old son James, and Buster the beagle
Location Abbots Bromley, Staffordshire
Size 6 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms
built 1835 though Kara believes that some parts of the house, such as 'pin that held the original kitchen, are actually older
the traditional red brick facade was the initial draw for this property to Kara and Jerry, but the interior needed a complete overhaul. "The biggest challenge was how to change the house to modern life," says Kara.
The kitchen has been squeezed into a tiny lower house to the rear of the house, creating a space of narrow dark cooking. "It was really impossible, says Kara. However, they were wary of changing the character of the house too drastic, and instead have sought to implement a smooth and consistent style.
Who lives here Kara, a buyer for a supermarket chain, husband Jerry, their 2-year-old son James, and Buster the beagle
Location Abbots Bromley, Staffordshire
Size 6 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms
built 1835 though Kara believes that some parts of the house, such as 'pin that held the original kitchen, are actually older
the traditional red brick facade was the initial draw for this property to Kara and Jerry, but the interior needed a complete overhaul. "The biggest challenge was how to change the house to modern life," says Kara.
The kitchen has been squeezed into a tiny lower house to the rear of the house, creating a space of narrow dark cooking. "It was really impossible, says Kara. However, they were wary of changing the character of the house too drastic, and instead have sought to implement a smooth and consistent style.
Amelia Hallsworth Photography
Many original details discovered during the renovation process were selected. Under the floor of the hall, the couple found calcareous Hopton Wood. "It is very flat and very smooth, and it comes from the region," said Kara.
Amelia Hallsworth Photography
to bring more light into the property, Kara and Jerry decided to add a generous extension to the rear to accommodate a large kitchen-dining room. "We have a large extended family, and we wanted the space," says Kara.
They tracked down a nearby quarry that could provide floor tiles similar to those found in limestone corridor, as a nod to the original materials of the building.
The dresser; d ining table; chairs, all Neptune.
They tracked down a nearby quarry that could provide floor tiles similar to those found in limestone corridor, as a nod to the original materials of the building.
The dresser; d ining table; chairs, all Neptune.
Amelia Hallsworth Photography
the massive skylight is especially effective in the bath space with natural light. Installation, however, proved difficult. "You can have so many windows, said Kara lantern 5m x 3m roof. "There is a vast expanse of glass and needed additional insulation.
The small and cozy comforter, which housed the original kitchen of the building and retain its old beams, is visible on the left side of the extension.
Walls painted Jabot, Dulux.
Learn why you should choose skylights
The small and cozy comforter, which housed the original kitchen of the building and retain its old beams, is visible on the left side of the extension.
Walls painted Jabot, Dulux.
Learn why you should choose skylights
Amelia Hallsworth Photography
open kitchen-dining room opens onto a terrace through French windows, increasing the natural light of the room.
Amelia Hallsworth Photography
When Kara and Jerry first purchased the property, the cook was tucked in the corner of the tab, under the large wooden beams. However, even if it looks like a function of the period, this space originally contained a fireplace, a single log-burner. The couple decided to add focus and improve the red brick wall to create a warm and comfortable atmosphere.
The impressive wooden beams that had been painted black, were stripped and restored to their former glory. 'This is the oldest bit of the house, "says Kara. "We deliberately made to look older and more cottagey. It is a bit of a contrast to the light, bright, clean kitchen.
The couple had to maintain specific heritage requirements in the renovation of the house, however, so they are from bricks specific period Cawarden Brick & Tile Co, specializing in reclaimed building materials. "The massive slabs from home are behind a pub in Birmingham," reveals Kara.
Sofa; chair, two Ikea. Cushions, Laura Ashley and John Lewis. Carpets, John Lewis. Poufs, ottomans Fidgety.
The impressive wooden beams that had been painted black, were stripped and restored to their former glory. 'This is the oldest bit of the house, "says Kara. "We deliberately made to look older and more cottagey. It is a bit of a contrast to the light, bright, clean kitchen.
The couple had to maintain specific heritage requirements in the renovation of the house, however, so they are from bricks specific period Cawarden Brick & Tile Co, specializing in reclaimed building materials. "The massive slabs from home are behind a pub in Birmingham," reveals Kara.
Sofa; chair, two Ikea. Cushions, Laura Ashley and John Lewis. Carpets, John Lewis. Poufs, ottomans Fidgety.
Amelia Hallsworth Photography
extension was built in the bank of large, sloping garden of the property, which is why the space for natural light whenever possible. Kara said it was like "building a bunker" and that space could easily feel closed if they had not added the skylight.
The Shaker style kitchen perfectly matches the sleek Kara and Jerry -back style. A classic black, the Aga gas adds a modern rustic feel. Although the large kitchen island with a granite worktop provides great storage and workspace, Kara said the family still prefer to eat at the dining table, because it is more convenient with a small child.
design kitchen, Tippers. kitchen cabinets and island, Neptune. Worktops, Just Granite. Bar stools; luminaires all Wayfair.
The Shaker style kitchen perfectly matches the sleek Kara and Jerry -back style. A classic black, the Aga gas adds a modern rustic feel. Although the large kitchen island with a granite worktop provides great storage and workspace, Kara said the family still prefer to eat at the dining table, because it is more convenient with a small child.
design kitchen, Tippers. kitchen cabinets and island, Neptune. Worktops, Just Granite. Bar stools; luminaires all Wayfair.
Amelia Hallsworth Photography
living room and lounge are both in front of the house, with the drawing room on the left and the living room on the right.
The original plaster moldings in the living room is elegantly enhanced by heat, own system. Originally, this area featured a gas fireplace, but the couple knocked out and replaced by a wood stove. They also installed a new limestone fire surround and lined inside with red bricks.
Sofas and footrest, Laura Ashley. Shaded white painted walls, Farrow & Ball. Sconces, John Lewis. Carpet Crucial trading. wood stove; Surround fire Chesney.
The original plaster moldings in the living room is elegantly enhanced by heat, own system. Originally, this area featured a gas fireplace, but the couple knocked out and replaced by a wood stove. They also installed a new limestone fire surround and lined inside with red bricks.
Sofas and footrest, Laura Ashley. Shaded white painted walls, Farrow & Ball. Sconces, John Lewis. Carpet Crucial trading. wood stove; Surround fire Chesney.
Amelia Hallsworth Photography
the fatty elegant lounge, with its wallpaper black stripes, is distinguished from the more restricted diet elsewhere. "We wanted something a little darker, richer in this room, Kara said. "It was never going to be a room every day. They use it for fun and large formal gatherings.
Kara added that the room has a theme of deer. "The village has a hunting tradition, she says, which is why some of his cushions have deer, and paintings evoke pastoral village scenes. In fact, Abbots Bromley is the annual dance Horn site, an English folk dance from the Middle Ages. Alcoves feature original vintage photographs of dance that takes place in the village.
The fireplace is original here. Kara said the only change they had to do was to install a new stone medallion, which corresponds to that of limestone in the lounge.
Wallpaper, Thibaut. Leather couch; Ottoman; chair, all Laura Ashley. Sconces, John Lewis.
Browse 10 smart ways with walls striped
Kara added that the room has a theme of deer. "The village has a hunting tradition, she says, which is why some of his cushions have deer, and paintings evoke pastoral village scenes. In fact, Abbots Bromley is the annual dance Horn site, an English folk dance from the Middle Ages. Alcoves feature original vintage photographs of dance that takes place in the village.
The fireplace is original here. Kara said the only change they had to do was to install a new stone medallion, which corresponds to that of limestone in the lounge.
Wallpaper, Thibaut. Leather couch; Ottoman; chair, all Laura Ashley. Sconces, John Lewis.
Browse 10 smart ways with walls striped
Amelia Hallsworth Photography
the cloakroom on the ground floor is a new creation. Tongue and groove paneling and vintage mirror Italy create an elegant space. This is one of the few rooms that have more choice of bold colors. "We have not used a lot of color in the home," said Kara. "We did not know how the light would fall, so we thought that we keep pretty simple.
paneling painted Oval Blue Room, Farrow & Ball.
paneling painted Oval Blue Room, Farrow & Ball.
Amelia Hallsworth Photography
the guest room has a beautiful wooden beam that had been packed in, but was discovered during the renovation. The other rooms contained all similar hidden beams, which have now all been exposed.
bed, Bensons for Beds. Wallpaper, Laura Ashley. Jeter; c handelier , both John Lewis. Bed linen, Sainsbury.
bed, Bensons for Beds. Wallpaper, Laura Ashley. Jeter; c handelier , both John Lewis. Bed linen, Sainsbury.
Amelia Hallsworth Photography
the main, family bathroom on the first floor has a beautiful vintage-style bathroom, the moody dark gray color contrasts with the bright white of the rest of the space. A walk-in wet room also went straight to the left. Kara has used a marble slab to create a small vanity ledge behind the toilet at the same time hide the plumbing.
Bath, The Cast Iron Company Bath. Toilet, Villeroy & Boch.
Bath, The Cast Iron Company Bath. Toilet, Villeroy & Boch.
Amelia Hallsworth Photography
the nursery is especially comfortable thanks to its former role as the apple store building, "just above the current peg," or what was once the kitchen, Kara said. The low ceiling and the two beams create the feeling of a little hideaway, tucked away from the rest of the house
During light. day bed; unit, all Marks & Spencer change. President Aldi. Bed linen, Cath Kidston. Jeter, Laura Ashley.
During light. day bed; unit, all Marks & Spencer change. President Aldi. Bed linen, Cath Kidston. Jeter, Laura Ashley.
Amelia Hallsworth Photography
When Kara and Jerry first purchased the property, the second floor was virtually uninhabitable. Since the building was a loft, the first floor was used to store wheat and other grains, and had a heavy stone flooring. As they are not allowed to remove the stones, the couple added a rug to soften the look.
On the top floor, an unusual arcade leads to the landing connecting the master bedroom, the bathroom on the top floor, and an additional amount & B.
On the top floor, an unusual arcade leads to the landing connecting the master bedroom, the bathroom on the top floor, and an additional amount & B.
Amelia Hallsworth Photography
The main room needed a major overhaul, too. "There was no heating and no outlets," says Kara. Although the room is comfortably nestled in the attic, two generous skylights sure it feels big and bright.
The couple has exposed red brick chimney on the existing and expanded using the brick of the original fireplace. But instead of opening it, they closed with a piece of wood to make it more of a feature
Chandelier. curtains, while John Lewis. Linen, The White Company. TV cabinet, eBay. The bedside tables, Neptune.
The couple has exposed red brick chimney on the existing and expanded using the brick of the original fireplace. But instead of opening it, they closed with a piece of wood to make it more of a feature
Chandelier. curtains, while John Lewis. Linen, The White Company. TV cabinet, eBay. The bedside tables, Neptune.
Amelia Hallsworth Photography
the master bathroom has also proved difficult to design because of its location in the attic. Kara bought a Roman shower shower, but when the unit arrived, she found the door would not open because of the beam. Fortunately, the team has adapted Roman showers. "They made a door and cut to size before they harden it, said Kara. "It was the best of luck story. I thought we would have to tear the whole room!
Toilet, Villeroy & Boch. Tile shower cubicles, Alicante Matt O & M Tile. floor tiles, Snow Flake by O & M Tile.
Toilet, Villeroy & Boch. Tile shower cubicles, Alicante Matt O & M Tile. floor tiles, Snow Flake by O & M Tile.
Amelia Hallsworth Photography
cabinet, Chichester Neptune.
Tell us ...
What do you like about this house? Please share your thoughts in the comments below.
My Houzz is a series in which we visit and photograph, personality filled houses and creative people who inhabit them. If you want your home to be featured, please send information and photos to ukeditor@houzz.com.
Tell us ...
What do you like about this house? Please share your thoughts in the comments below.
My Houzz is a series in which we visit and photograph, personality filled houses and creative people who inhabit them. If you want your home to be featured, please send information and photos to ukeditor@houzz.com.