Thursday 7 July 2011

A 500 year old farmhouse filled with French brocante

This is an Elizabethan farmhouse set in the glorious hills of Lincolnshire that my Husband and I were privileged to call home until November 2012.  It dates from the early 1500's and retains many of it's original features, many of which we uncovered during it's restoration.

The Entrance Hall

I adore long curtains that 'dribble' over the floor, they also help keep down the drafts in the winter! I made these from decorators dust sheets for a rustic texture (and to keep the cost down!) and lined them with a thermal lining. The curtain tiebacks are suede and pale wood. 
The candles in the hurricane lanterns are set into white stone gravel from a builders merchant - far cheaper than florists stones! The hall is painted in Farrow & Ball Pointing No: 2003
A vintage French stool helped our cat negotiate a rather high catflap in the back door! 
We used a mixture of both light and dark wood throughout the house. Vintage baskets held newspapers and magazines in the summer and logs in the winter. With 5 open fireplaces we used to get through a lot of wood! 


The Kitchen

We replaced fitted kitchen units with free standing furniture and open shelving. The walls are painted in Farrow & Ball Off White No: 3 with the larder, dresser and sink stand painted in Stony Ground 211
A carved and linenfold cupboard set into what we think was an old window or doorway
My favourite 'pineapple' chandelier light above the range cooker!

The main oak beams are of unusual length (over 20 foot) and a local buildings historian suggested that they may have been recycled from an earlier building. The painting is a portrait I painted when working as a freelance artist.

The cupboard to the left of the range cooker my husband made from old pine doors found at a local reclamation centre. The large slate top was salvaged from a Victorian dairy. The dishwasher is hidden behind the curtain and microwave is in the cupboard!

The fireplace in the kitchen is of unknown date but in constant use in the winter! The larder door to the left is made from a painted MDF panel backed with linen. The settle bench again made by my husband is also a storage box.
Some of our many brocante finds and inherited pieces!
The kitchen table was found at the Newark Antiques & Collectors Fair. The equestrian painting is a portrait I painted when working as a freelance artist. 
The Belfast sink was again a reclamation find and originally from an old dairy. It is wider and more shallow than most of this type.
The chairs are all mismatched and flea market finds collected over the years.


The dresser was also built by my husband (a hobby when he gets the time)! I painted it in Farrow & Ball Stony Ground and we fitted white porcelain and brass knobs on the doors
My favourite china collection - Asiatic Pheasant by Burleigh purchased from Lovers of Blue and White

The teal green cupboard is a French antique complete with the original paint (the inside is a deep red!) We built the cupboards and shelves to the left of it, in what we think must have been a doorway (previously blocked up). Our (enormous) cat Fingle is sitting on an old pine table that luckily withstands being scrubbed!   
We installed the flagstones throughout the kitchen and hall which make cleaning easy for a kitchen - out with the mop!
All images: The Paper Mulberry 



The rather varied History of the house:
From 1550 to 1609 the house was a 3 Bay Farmhouse
From the internal layout and construction it is thought to have been built around the mid to late C16th (although it may well have been earlier) and typical of farmhouses of that period. The indications are that it was originally thatched with the Collywestern slate roof and stone frontage, windows etc being added later possibly in 1788. Constructed of wattle and daub (see photo' below) with accommodation over 3 floors. It still retains 5 working fireplaces with examples of C18th hob grates. Of particular interest are the unusually long oak spine/main beams, each running over 20ft in one single length and almost a foot in width, perhaps recycled from an earlier building, may be from the remains of the Norman castle. Also of note are the many marks made in the plaster and carved into the beams thought to ward of evil spirits.  The graffiti on the external rear elevation of the house is dated from the period when it was used as a prison! The porch was added in the early part of the 20th century.

From 1609 until 1808 the house became The First House of Correction (prison)! 
Extracts from a book about the history of our village features an account of our home when it was a prison (Addresses have been removed for security reasons):-
"The next place of confinement was that of a large house, on the east side of the square. In 1609 it was used more as a workhouse, its purpose to hold able-bodied vagrants. Persons, male or female, traveling through the area without a relevant pass obtained from the parish constable, could be apprehended on sight and detained until bought to the courts. They could be then sentenced and perhaps suffer other punishment for, from the Poor Act, wardens had to provide stocks and a whipping post for each parish. These were given over to the care of the constable.
On the eastern side of the square was an exercise yard for the 1609 Prison which extended outwards.
The prison was really contained beneath the gaoler’s house and consisted of four cells and a day room for the males and two for the females. The former were about 10 feet square and were provided with straw for bedding. Three of the wooden doors had iron gratings for light and air but the fourth, a veritable dungeon, had only four small holes some 1/2” in diameter in the door. To further its loathsome task, it had the walls painted black. All four opened out on to the living room which was about the same width as the cells but was twice their length. It was provided with a glazed, but bared window, looking out on the rear wall. Its other amenity was a small fireplace for which wood was supplied. The separate quarters for women were of small size only 8 feet square, one containing a window and fireplace.
Early references speak of it (our house) as the House of Correction but with its “black hole” it was more of a prison. “On 6 January 1626, Christopher Marsh, a lunatic, was buried here (within the gardens!) in ye House of Correction as was Elizabeth Cartnell, committed for bastardy, on 18 March 1639.” Joan Varley wrote that in 1758, a soldier’s widow, her eldest daughter and two other children, were summoned as vagrants.  At the Magistrates Court for mid summer 1680, Daniel Douglas preferred a bill to prosecute Ann Dover and Dorothy Carrel for 'stealing lynnen clothes if him.' The first named was said to be a servant of John Redshaw. Earlier, Christopher March had been confined here as a crazy person in 1627.
Howard, who conducted a Midland Court Circuit of Prisons in the 1700’s, called it a Bridewell. In this prison under the Keeper’s house, he said, were five damp rooms, two of which were used for a lunatic, confined here for some years. A trapdoor in the floor of one room leads to a dungeon down eight steps (we may have discovered the entrance but it has been filled in). The prison had a small courtyard but no pump or sewer yet a woman with child at her breast was sent hither for a year and a day; the child died.
Conveyance to the Quarter Sessions was at the Keeper’s expense. His salary being then £36 per annum, out of which he also had to allow each prisoner six penny worth of bread a week. In October 1774 there were four inmates but by May 1779 only two prisoners plus the lunatic.
The Parish Poor Book contained many items concerning the Prison. Book No.2 said that in 1765 on January 9th, 6s 0d was spent chasing a highwayman.
The prison fare was sparse and monotonous, consisting of 10 pounds of bread a week for each prisoner with 2 shillings’ worth of oatmeal. The latter was boiled in water and the whole meal made into a thick porridge with some of the bread. This was served twice daily in tin pans holding around two pints. The records for 1802 showed five prisoners there, two men and three women."
In 1808 the prison moved to the newly built House of Correction within the remains of the Norman castle. It was perhaps at this time that the house returned to its former use as a farmhouse.
From 1919 the house then became the village Post Office and the first telephone Switchboard in the area. In 1966 the post office moved and once again it became a private dwelling. The outline of the postbox can be clearly seen on the far left of the front elevation and there is a niche indicating its location in the sitting room!
As you can imagine with such a history we have found many artefacts such as old bottles, smoking pipes, many pieces of pottery as well as a small dagger to name but a few! This picture below shows the modern electrics within the original wattle and daub of the walls, yes a previous owner had set within a toilet roll! The yellow paint is an early distemper found beneath the wallpaper which also covered the beams. This restoration has so far taken us 12 years as we are completing as much of it ourselves during weekends and holidays. It is an adventure we are thoroughly enjoying and hope to post more updates again soon!



To be continued.....in the meantime a few more pictures can be found here:

85 comments:

Yvonne - Frl. Klein said...

Wonderful! I like this style very much!
Hugs,
Yvonne

The Paper Mulberry - Glenda Steel said...

Thank you so much Yvonne! I must admit I've been very nervous about posting photo's of my own home! I'm so pleased you like it! Warmest wishes - Glenda xxx

Foxanddahlia said...

Wow, what a gorgeous home, your talents shine through, and how I love the painting of the terrier.

I love the colours you have used, i am currently addicted to Annie Sloan paints for revamping bits of furniture, i have never used such brilliant paint. As always, another inspirational post from you.

xx

The Paper Mulberry - Glenda Steel said...

Thank you so, so much!!!! I will look into the Annie Sloan paints too, thank you so much for the tip! Hugs - Glenda xxx

Sarah @ Modern Country Style said...

Your house is completely and utterly gorgeous!! Really, really lovely. Your husband is terrifically talented to make such beautiful furniture. And what an awesome history!!

The quality and beauty of your renovation shines through from every photo.

Thank you SO much for sharing it with us!!

Sarahx

Robynne's Nest said...

Glenda, thankyou for the tour, your house is beautiful and you have really captured that French country feel with the rustic finishes and brocante throughout...it must be a real labour of love. I'm off now to re-style my little English rental!!! Robx

Rasa said...

Oh, that is fantastic!!! I can only dream about! I like that house has history and spirit. All design around is wonderfull!

The Paper Mulberry - Glenda Steel said...

Thank you so much!

Greet Lefèvre said...

Glenda,
I don't know where to begin! I am speechless!!! Can we exchange homes please???!!!!
Your entrance hall with the long curtains is gorgeous and oh so inviting!! The catflap is awesone!! The floor,I love everything! Your kitchen,your.....entire house! So interesting to hear that it was a prison once!! I wouldn't mind to be locked up in your house now!! Oh my!! And these paintings of you!!! I didn't know you are a painter!! Oh Glenda, I hope to meet you in future and to be able to visit you and yous most charming house!!! I just love it! To die for!I am going back to drool over the pictures!!
Thank you so much for sharing dear!
xx
Greet

Greet Lefèvre said...

Hi Glenda,
It is me again! I have just sent the link to my husband! As me,he adores English homes and cottages!Can't wait to hear what he has to say!!! Ooohhhh's and aaahhhh's for sure!!
xx
Greet

jade said...

Ooooooohhh, i can´t belive it, your house is soooooo wonderful, it´s really magical!!!!! Everything is sooooo full of beauty and love........would like to sit in your lovely kitchen and have a cup of tea ;).......dreaming of castles and cottages!!!!!!! The last picture is great ;))!!! Have a wonderful summerday,

Hugs Jade

The Paper Mulberry - Glenda Steel said...

Thank you so much Jade and you would be welcome for a pot of tea!

The Paper Mulberry - Glenda Steel said...

Greet your comments mean such a lot to me, I am honoured!

Susan T said...

Glenda

I echo Greet. WHERE do I start, your home is divine. I know if I walked into your hallway it would be love, the beautifully polished dark furniture with a rich patina, gorgeous, the F&B paints. All the things you have chosen with love and care over the years just adding to the atmosphere in that lovely home.

Your kitchen is ultra stupendously wonderful. The history you have shared is fascinating.

Your paintings are so lovely, do you still paint?

There is nothing I can really say to convey just how beautiful I think your home is it is sheer perfection. You are such a lovely talented lady, even Fingle looks like he was chosen to add to the colour scheme. I am sure a F&B paint named Fingle would be a best seller.

I am going to sit here with a coffee and re - scroll up and down taking in every detail.

Suede and pale wood tie backs ooh bliss. I had better stop I will drive you silly.

Lovely to see you too. You are just as pretty as I thought you would be. Very talented husband you have there too, lucky lady.

Unknown said...

OMG, I llllllllove your house! We live in a 100 yr old Tudor that needs a lot and your kitchen is just the inspiration I need to start working on mine. Thanks so much to sharing your beautiful home!

The Paper Mulberry - Glenda Steel said...

I don't know how to thank you all for your very generous comments! I love the idea of a 'Fingle' shade of Farrow and Ball paint Susan! As a rescue cat it would probably give him delusions of grandeur! I don't really paint as much now, most were commissions I thoroughly enjoyed, but other work ventures now take up my time. One of which is a new exciting project soon to be revealed! Thank you so so much once again! Hugs - Glenda xxx

The Paper Mulberry - Glenda Steel said...

Thank you so much Penny! I haven't seen your blog yet so I am heading there right away! Thank you so much for leaving me a message!

Unknown said...

Glenda, what an amazing home you have, It's pure eye candy... thank you for sharing....I am so in love with your kitchen...

Pattie

The enchanted home said...

This is just out of this world amazing!! So magazine worthy...and dreamy! I love everything about it and so many of the elements in your old home or what we are trying to do in our new home! SO BEAUTIFUL!! Thanks for sharing!

helen tilston said...

Glenda, you home captures your personality right from the front hallway. You have such a keen eye for attention to detail and an keen eye that deciphers the slightest gradation of colour. Truly beautiful historic pieces and the newer items gently live in harmony with the occupants and antiques and Fingle Back (new F&B colour as they already have Cats Paw- I worked with F&B for a time)
I covet your dishes and I would live in your kitchen.
Your paintings are stunning. I would love to see more. What is your medium? I understand that design and other art forms can take away from painting and sometimes it is a needed break.

The history of your home,I really do not know of another with such an interesting past. I am returning to your post to read it again.

Your blog is truly inspiring and most interesting, I'm hooked.
Helenxx

Beautiful House said...

Hi, thank you for your lovely message. Your home is beautiful, so much history. Thank you for sharing it with us.

The Paper Mulberry - Glenda Steel said...

Oh I love it Helen - 'Fingle's Back' the new Farrow and Ball shade!!!!! I work in watercolours for the portraits and a mixture of watercolour and computer for my illustrations as both dry quickly!!! Thank you so much once again for such generous comments!

lisaroy said...

wow wow wow! your home is something I could only dream about - stun.ning. Your kitchen is gorgeous with those amazing beams and cookware displayed. Your cupboards and built-in areas are perfection. LOVE!

Lisa @ Fern Creek Cottage said...

Thank you so much for the tour of your amazing home!! What a treat! Such a rustic yummy place you get to call home! I love how you've decorated it. It is perfect. And your paintings are wonderful! You are one very talented lady!

Notes From ABroad said...

How lovely to have a Handy Husband around the house ! and what a wonderful home ! I am enjoying this very much ! and getting such a longing to move to a new country and do this again :)

Pamela said...

Glenda your home is gorgeous!!! What a delight to tour it! You must show more!
I love the paint colours and love the curtains!
Everything is beautiful..even your cat!!
You are a talented painted as well!

Thank you for sharing your lovely home!
Pamela xo

Jacqueline~Cabin and Cottage said...

Wonderful that you should share your exquisite home! A home like this is only a fantasy for us in the states. So much character and beauty. You have done an astonishing job. So so very lovely!

Marie Lost Bird Studio said...

Hi Glenda,
nice to meet you! Oh, I loved the tour of your beautiful,beautiful home Thank you so much.I just became a follower and will be back soon.Love your style.Have a wonderful evening.
Hugs,
Marie

The Paper Mulberry - Glenda Steel said...

Hi Marie and thank you so much! I'm popping right over to visit your blog! Warmest of welcomes - Glenda xxx

Anonymous said...

Bonsoir,
I LOVE!!! The kitchen is very very beautiful!
J'adore toute la décoration!
C'est vraiment MAGNIFIQUE!!!
Bises,
Dentelline

letrecivette said...

Hi Glenda..I haven't any words..I think is one of the most beautiful house that I can see!
Gorgeous and elegant whit charme!
Thank you so much for sharing this whit us!
Hugs from Italy!
Monica

Rachel Noelle Pallas said...

Thanks so much for stopping by my blog and following~ I love your blog and your beautiful home~ Im your newest follower! :) Rachel

French Farmhouse 425

The Paper Mulberry - Glenda Steel said...

Thank you so, so much I shall pop by your blogs to thank you in person later! I'm so grateful for your kind comments!

Old Paper Roses said...

I just found your blog because you became a follower on mine.
WOW, why didn't I found your blog sooner!
What a beautiful home you have, I am in love!!!!
I'm going to read some more on your blog.

Thank you for being a follower, I'll visit again very soon!

Hugs from Holland
♥Michelle

Sharon Lee Johnson said...

I had a picture in my head of what your home would look like, and to my immense relief, it not only lives up to, but surpasses my expectations. I love its character and quirks and your decor is just perfect. I can't wait to see more. You are so priviledged to live in a house with such a history. We don't have any houses in South Africa that are that old! Just amazing! x Sharon

Donna, The Decorated House said...

When there is a quiet moment this weekend, I am going to have the best treat.... a cold cup of cocoa with a dash of Kahlua and I will take my time to savor each and every picture and every tiny element of your stunning pictures.

History, character, quirks, and treasures ... I agree with all of those statements. And Love. This is such a statement of loving your Home. Looks like lots of sweat went into it as well, but the Love is what shines through along with your stunning talent for decorating.

Thanks so much for sharing your home with us!

The Paper Mulberry - Glenda Steel said...

Words cannot begin to express my gratitude for all your kind and thoughtful comments! With love - Glenda xxx

Cindy said...

What an amazing home! And your paintings are absolutely wonderful...

Cindy

flowers on my table said...

Glenda your home is absolutely gorgeous- your kitchen is the last word! What a very talented couple you are, and you paint as well, unbelievable. Thankyou for letting us have a little peek inside, it was heavenly. I love the little stool for Fingle. Have a great weekend, love Linda x

Ann said...

Wow! That was fascinating and a wonderful read.

I echo everyone- your home is cozy and charming and you should be proud. Renovating is no easy task and to do it on weekends and nights makes it even more challenging.

Bravo!

Unknown said...

Pretty, elegant and functional too what more could could a person want ITS BEAUTIFUL Glenda Love the flagstones and beams especially ,the history was fascinating to read Lucky you to have a husband to convert reclamation pieces so skillfully I miss my Belfast sink and taps so Ive enjoyed yours ENORMOUSLY I like the melange of woods and texturesand naturally all your brocante .Completely delightful experience Grazie mille fay xx

Wendy Paula said...

Glenda your home is truly beautiful and a credit to the talent and hard work of yourself and your husband.
It has been a real treat to see the beautiful photographs of your home and learn of its history.
I do love your pineapple chandelier in the kitchen:)
Wendy xoxo

Jedbel @ The Pear Tree Cottage said...

Oh my, your home is drop dead gorgeous! I love the way you have it decorated. I am so glad I visited your blog today and I look forward to keeping up with your posts..

manon 21 said...

Quelle belle maison,ta cuisine est un lieu ou il fait bon vivre.
Une rénovation qui fait plaisir à voir.

Belle journée
Manon

Velvet and Linen said...

Wow, Glenda!
Your home is beautiful. Just magical...
Thank you for sharing the history of your home. You must feel like the caretakers of a very special home.
I love all the colors and fabrics that you selected. Oh, and the image of your cat door with the little French stool...so charming!
I've been looking over the images for way too long. I can't seem to leave.
Beautiful!!!

xo
Brooke

Calli said...

500 year old? Still looks great! It looks vintage but well-polished. :)

DomCurieuse said...

What a fantastic house !!! And with a Aga cooker in the kitchen !
I will get one in september and will became english in a way ...
I really enjoy visiting your blog. Bye for now, Dom

Catherine said...

Wow what a fabulous history...I would love to dig in your garden to see what I would find (preferably however not the bones of some lunatic!)

Your paintings are BEAUTIFUL!! I can only gush over your beautiful beams, textures and colour selections - honey, you are truly blessed with a stunning home and I am SO glad you have shared it with us!! I can't wait for the next update!

Hugs

Cath

deb mills said...

i've so enjoyed seeing your stunning home and reading it's fascinating history. i'm always thankful when an important part of our heritage has been entrusted to someone who respects and makes the most of it as you have. it is truly a feast for the eyes and so warm and welcoming. thanks for sharing it.

The Paper Mulberry - Glenda Steel said...

Thank you so much for such lovely, lovely compliments! We do feel that we are just caretakers and make sure that any work we do is gentle and respects the fabric of this old girl! When ever possible we always use traditional materials (lime plaster, distemper etc) as a house such as this needs to breath. My greatest wish is that it will be around for another 500 years!

MODERN COUNTRY said...

Ooooooh, I have absolutely no words!! I LOVE YOUR HOME!!! This is like watching my dream house right in front of me, seriousely. With a great mix of all the things I love. The furnitures, the colors and the materials. Yes I love everything about it. The beams, the cooker, the curtains, the floors... What a talent you have! Absolutely fantastic. And thank you for sharing your story with all these beautiful images. I will come back again and again.

What a wonderful start to the weekend :))

Have a lovely summer,
Aina

Lynda @ Happenstance Home said...

Your home is beautiful and looks so loved and warm!

The Willows said...

love love your home. Let me know when I can visit. You have amazing taste. Thanks for enjoying our blog.

Le Style said...

Wonderful!
Gorgeous, elegant, authentic & artistic style!
And your paintings are absolutely wonderful...
I love your Style;-)
Thank you for sharing it.

Have a nice weekend, xxx

flowers on my table said...

Hi Glenda, many thanks for the visit and lovely comments. Re. feeding your floor, I have several suggestions. You could wax it with a clear or liquid beeswax, which would slightly accentuate the colour, but wouldn't alter it. If you want it richer, without going orange, then use a walnut coloured wax (my favourite is the French' Liberon' wax. Alternatively, if you don't want to use wax you could use a clear oil, available from most DIY stores. Hope this is helpful Glenda, don't fail to ask if you need to know more. Have a wonderful weekend, love Linda x

Room Seventeen said...

Hi Linda, your house is gorgeous! Very authentic, warm, and cozy! Love the colors! It's a beautiful home for a Country Homes magazine or Country Living photo shoot!

designchic said...

A privilege indeed - your home is fabulous!! It oozes charm and character and just love the relaxed and serene feel of every room - the floors...gorgeous!!

Silver Strands said...

Wow - the home itself is gorgeous - but beyond that, your decorating skills have really made it amazing!

d e l i g h t said...

A marvelous home! I adore the paint colors you have chosen and the personality of your home that is inviting and warm. you have great decorating skills! Your husband does very nice work as well in the things he builds.

Anonymous said...

oh my, would you consider adopting me?!! Just for one day? That kitchen looks g.o.r.g.e.o.u.s!

Enjoy your Sunday ;-)

Oliveaux said...

what more can is say....Amazing!! Ax

Just White said...

Hi Glenda!!!!
I love your farmhouse!!!!
You are so talented!!! I love how your husband and you have been restoring the house!!! Makes me feel much better about myself and my husband, 2 years restoring an 1800 year old house, still not finish!!! I guess good things take time...If we can obtain 10 % of the beauty of yours, I would be extremelly pleased!!! On top you are a painter!!! An artist with many skills!!! Wonderfull .-) CONGRATULATIONS!!! You been doing an excuisite job!!!

The Paper Mulberry - Glenda Steel said...

Thank you so much for such lovely words - so kind of you!

Unknown said...

Thank you for visiting my blog, and leaving such a lovely comment on my picnic table. Yes, it will be groaning with food...and grandchildren all summer!
I am so knocked out by your extraordinay home. It is my dream home, really since childhood. I am a confirmed anglophile and I have loved everything British forever!
Your site is now a favorite...Would you mind if I did a post on it in the future?

The Paper Mulberry - Glenda Steel said...

Oh Roseanna thank you so much and how kind of you I would be honoured to be featured on your blog! Thank you so much!

Sarah said...

What a truly fabulous house you have!! Are you able to share any pics of the outside?

Love your paintings, are they of family animals? We have 2 x cats; 2 x Jack Russells; 1 x parrot and 4 x horses!!

S x

The Paper Mulberry - Glenda Steel said...

Thank you so much Sarah! I will eventually add more photo's as we complete each room and the outside too! The paintings are all copies of commissions. What a brilliant family of animals you have!

Monica said...

Hi Glenda,
I popped by to see if you posted pics of your home. And WOW WOW WOW WOW! 4 wows surely aren't enough!! It looks like I jumped into the glossy pages of a wondrous home magazine!
You live in such a dreamy place, and the care and love you and your husband put into restoring it show off. I love the materials you used, the furniture and decor, and also the color scheme you chose.
Many many thanks for taking the time to show us.
Monica x.

Bravehearted Beauty {formerly LLH Designs} said...

I love that your home has such a rich history! And of course I LOVE your images. The floors are fabulous!

Xo,
Linsey

the fishermans cottage said...

Oh my word, what a beautiful kitchen and hallway you have and what a very clever husband. I love the muted colours you use, in fact after visiting your blog I always have the urge to paint everything grey :) x

The Paper Mulberry - Glenda Steel said...

Thank you so much for such kind compliments!

stina sæm said...

whow!!
Your kitchen is just fab.
and what a history your house has, I honestly got butterflies in my stomach browsing trhough your blog and looking at your kitchen.
I live in Iceland and our oldest houses are from late 1800. And I´m lucky to live in one from 1930.we think that is old! So I cant believe someone has a home like yours.

Thank you for shearing the joy with us

rachel@Acts of Life said...

Your home is wonderful, so rich in history..that kind of thing thrills me! I would love to be in a place like that...so old, to feel the history in it. You have done a lovely job renovating it with your own style yet staying so true to the time period of the home. The beams are fabulous, and I love all the pieces your husband has built. Thanks so much for sharing your home...it is beautiful!

Many Blessings
Rachel~

Ivy Clad said...

Glenda, I am joining the chorus of other's compliments on your most impressive home. The photos of it are as lovely as all of the other images you post. I am so enjoying going through your old posts and gathering inspiration for my own home! This is one of the best blogs I have found!

-Keri

The Paper Mulberry - Glenda Steel said...

Keri I don't know what to say!!! Thank you so, so much! Warmest wishes - Glenda

Tatiana Doria said...

Glenda I am just amazed by your home, the history behind it which I find sooo interesting, the exquisit decoration and desing, how you are getting the best out of the original stucture, the pictures you post....Ohmygod!!! I can´t stop reading!!! I´m impressed and so grateful to have found you. Excellent post.
Now I wonder how this house has come to you.

LB said...

My Dear Glenda,
Where have I been?! I am just seeing these images of your enchanting home today. Love all the history and your artful display of simple everyday objects. Wonderful! All my best~LeAnn

LA VIE EN ROSE said...

Hi Glenda, I can't believe I've only found your blog now! Your home is so beautiful - everything! Your kitchen looks like such a warm, quiet place to be. Your whole house is so full of character and warmth. I will be back many times to look at these beautiful images.

Sharon

LA VIE EN ROSE said...

Glenda, I was sooo happy to find your blog today! Your recent post is totally gorgeous but when I saw your home - I was blown away - it is really beautiful! I am over the moon you came and left such glowing comments!! You really are tooooo kind - but thank you, I really appreciate them. You've made my day!

Sharon

janzi said...

Hi, I've just discovered your blog and follow all the others in their praise for the beauty of your decoration and design. YOur husband is extremely talented too, what an amazing pair you make.. This decorating lark is hard work, and with a large house like yours it takes forever to get it done. I live in a georgian rectory in between derby and nottingham, so not too far away from your beautiful home. We have been here 14 years and its still evolving!!
I shall look forward to seeing more of your changes and wonderful ideas in your home!! Thank you for sharing, its true bliss to see how well it can turn out!!

The Paper Mulberry - Glenda Steel said...

Thank you so much for such kind and thoughtful comments! Welcome to new followers, I look forward to 'popping across' and seeing your blogs too! Warmest wishes - Glenda

Barbwire Pretty said...

Wow! I am so envious of you. First you live in England and if that is not enough you live in a wonderful old house that you have created a masterpiece of.I will visit your site over and over just for inspiration.I live in a lovely new house, north of Toronto Canada with my great husband Cliff, so I have no real need to complain "BUT".
Bernice

Amye To The Rescue said...

So brilliantly stunning! And you post exquisitely.I love that you kept and show artifacts. I did that in the office of a 1920's Emery Roth Manhattan building when they were fixing the foundation. There were tons of old glass bottles I rescued. (Plus more)I must visit more often!
Thank you.

Janette said...

Hello, I am new to your blog and was excited to find this posting. We too lived in a Grade 11* listed Elizabethan farmhouse in Lincolnshire before we moved to France in 2004. We spent 10 years carefully restoring it and I have wonderful memories of that fabulous old house. I love yours!

Anonymous said...

Oh My God, wiring in a toilet paper roll. I live where the county inspectors would have a stroke over that! What a great picture. Ann