Welcome to “The World at Home: 31 Real House Tours Around the Globe.” Check out where else we’ve visited this month here.

We were seeking a second build project as we just sold our first self build home, which was a smaller lime rendered two-bedroom cottage. We knew this time that we wanted a larger plot with a barn style home in a lovely village and we cannot believe the stars aligned in the way that they did! We absolutely love this house, because not only do we know every single inch of it from self building, but we are surrounded by mature trees, owls hooting at night, foxes in our garden, and families of deer in the woods above us. We feel very private and secluded which we are grateful for as if we are in our own hidden forest. We hosted twelve people at Christmas, as family were here visiting from California, and our favorite thing to do was to open all the french doors at night that lead out onto the decking, light a fire in our Indian metal fire pit, and everyone sit around listening to music enjoying the night sky.

As I am a native Southern Californian, taking on all the interiors in a British weather-boarded barn could have seemed challenging, however I treat each space as it deserves, taking in the natural world around it, the culture, and the lifestyle. In this home I used elements like wood, wool, and aged metals and hints of the classic British look, a shaker kitchen, rustic oak flooring, heritage colors and tones throughout.  I have also cleverly filled my home with meaningful pieces: a striped linen hand towel I picked up from a girls trip to NYC,  a print of the Beatles holding an American flag, indigo cushions for a bit of Cali beach chic. These things not only blend naturally in our home, but pay homage to our story and resonate happy memories for all.

My Style: Pared back, easy British country with clean lines.

Inspiration: Traditional eclectic meets modern day family home.

Favorite Element: The oak frame of course! This robust wood has been used for centuries in home building, and it is our pride and joy. Our builder Border Oak used traditional methods of erecting the frame, which makes you feel like you are living in a bygone era, but with modern-day efficiency.   

Biggest Challenge: Keeping the dog from getting his muddy paws everywhere, as we do get a lot of rain in England! I use our utility sink to clean him off before he sets foot in the house ready to leave his mark!

Proudest DIY: The entire home, as we self built the majority of it! It was a real family affair and we absolutely got our hands dirty!

Biggest Indulgence: All of the taps in the house from kitchen to bathroom taps; these are what I call  “the jewelry of the home”. They get used by many people and it is a worthy tactile experience when your tap is not only functional but beautiful and substantial to the touch.

Best Advice: Hard work does pay off! You will get to the finish line, just embrace problem solving and always know you can make something your own and just as lovely even if your budget does not allow, there are always alternative options! Tell your story within your home!

What’s your best home secret? With kids in tow, having a lot of pretty baskets around for storage is a great tip! We store wooden blocks, multiple toy items, dress-up clothes all in hand woven baskets that add to the interiors, not take away from them. Plus they make tidying up at the end of the day much easier!

PAINT & COLORS

• Dulux — Pure Brilliant White

ENTRY

• Mirror — ​Camperdown Lane   
• Shoe locker — Garden Trading Co 
• Oak peg rail — Baileys     
• Storage basket — Oli Ella   

LIVING ROOM

• Linen sofa — OKA                       
• Indigo cushions — Baileys           
• Recycled elm coffee table — OKA    
• Moroccan pouffes — Graham and Green   

DINING ROOM

• Recycled elm dining table and chairs — OKA    
• Aged copper pendant ceiling lights — Baileys  

KITCHEN

• Cabinetry — deVOL                             
• Aged copper pendants — Baileys         
• Farmhoue sink — Villeroy and Boch     
• Taps — Perrin & Rowe                    
• Cooker — Rangemaster 90   
• Handmade  white Mexican backsplash tiles — Milagros    

UTILITY ROOM

• Cabinetry — deVOL                                
• FarmhouSe sink — Villeroy and Boch       
• Taps — Perrin & Rowe                    
• Oak worktop — deVOL     

MASTER BEDROOM

• Bed linens — Loaf      
• Welsh wool throw blanket — Fforest     
• French linen pendant shade — Baileys     

CHILDREN’S BEDROOM

• Bed linen — Numero 74    
• Bunting — Numero 74      
•  French paper print — Antoinette Poisson    

MASTER ENSUITE BATHROOM

• Lead colour Washstand — deVOL        
• Taps — Grohe        
• Wall light — Urban Cottage Industries    
• Mirror — Ines Cole         

FAMILY BATHROOM

• Village green colour Washstand — deVOL        
• Taps — Barber Wilson     
• White wall tiles — Mandarin Stone    
• Window Sill mirror — Camperdown Lane      

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