Jane Gosnell

Having been uninhabited and untouched for the last 60 years or so with a wealth of historic features, but no plumbing or services, this traditional hill-top farmhouse had been locked in a ‘time warp’. The client wanted to retain the magic of the location and interior but upgrade all essential services. The roof was replaced with traditional canal tiles; all cement based finishes were removed and the external walls restored with traditional materials such as hemp, lime and a badigeon finish with natural pigments. New electrics, plumbing and a septic tank were installed as the house had no running water or drainage. Internally, a local joiner repaired timber floors and the oak staircase. In the entrance hall, traditional tomettes were laid in lime and sand. The rooms were redecorated with limewash.