Situated within Lancashire’s Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty lies Rachael and Scott’s barn conversion located on a rural dairy farm looking out to surrounding moorland. The remote and peaceful farm also boasts spectacular vast views out to the sea and has become a haven for Rachael, Scott and their three dogs.
The barn was originally used as a cattle shed followed by workshop, dating back to 1830 as a dairy farm that has been in the same family for decades. Purchased by Rachael and Scott in 2020, and after waiting a year to secure planning, Rachael described the project as “a huge undertaking and incredibly stressful and very testing at times. However, I wouldn’t change a thing and we have learnt so much. It’s the best thing we have ever done and incredibly rewarding. We did most of the work ourselves and are super proud of that.”
Now three years later, the main barn is complete with a beautiful bespoke kitchen and the Dijon tumbled limestone flooring. When renovating it was important they kept as many of the barns original features as possible, restoring and exposing original stone walls, as well as wooden lintels; “we wanted a ‘farmhouse’ style – clean but rustic, and we always knew we wanted a natural stone floor to complement the stone throughout the barn”.
They chose the Dijon limestone tiles for its tumbled edge, neutral beige tones and durability. Staying cooler in summer months and warm in the winter (thanks to the underfloor heating) all three dogs have also taken a particular liking to the stone flooring!
The kitchen space that Rachael and Scott have created carries an effortless and timeless farmhouse feel, with plenty of natural light flooding in and authentic use of natural materials. The kitchen was made bespoke to their requirements and painted in Farrow & Ball ‘Hardwick White’ – a traditional grey with pale hints of blue, originally created to touch up the old limewash at Hardwick Hall. This soft, cooler neutral complements perfectly with the warmth of exposed stone walls and Dijon tumbled limestone tiles. The oak island stools are from Wayfair, tying together its enduring country kitchen look, alongside antique brass taps and hardware.
Life in their new kitchen
What is your favourite thing to do in your new space?
“I’d love to be able to say host, but now after all our work I can’t stand people being in the kitchen in case they make a mess! It is my happy place and every morning when I come down to have my coffee at the kitchen island, it makes me feel very grateful.”
What three words would you use to summarise your style?
“Farmhouse, antique, simple.”
What was the most difficult part of your renovation?
“The dust! We lived on site, which really takes its toll. After a full day of work, it takes just as long to tidy up before making loads of mess again the next day. It was relentless and it was doubly hard in winter as we didn’t have electricity at times – working with head torches on in the wet, dark and cold is a test!”
Where do you like to shop for your interior pieces?
“Antique houses! I love having furniture that feels like it had a previous life, and we can love it again. I’d also say there are some amazing bargain finds on eBay and marketplace or for those special pieces, I love Soho Home, Oka, CharlesTed Interiors and Neptune.”
Are you planning any future projects (this house or next!)?
“Yes! Phase two, (the joining farmhouse) begins next year with a new roof. We will then convert above the garage into a 4th bedroom and long term we would like to add a car port, some outbuildings and pave the outside with matching tiles – we could work on this property forever!”
The Dijon tumbled limestone tiles are an ever-popular choice for family homes that need a durable natural stone to withstand the test of time. This neutral toned limestone floor complements an array of colour schemes with its soft beige and light grey hues. The minerals, fossils and calcite veining evident in the Dijon tumbled limestone flooring make it a forgiving and classic choice for both interior and exterior applications.
