RIPE FOR CONVERSION
Having joined a 17th - century farmhouse with its adjacent barn, Tracy and Gary Wagstaff are enjoying the fruits of their labours.
North Yorkshire has always held a special place in Tracy and Gary WagstafFs hearts. On trips with their three children to the seaside towns of Scarborough and Whitby, the pair would often talk about leaving their home in Leeds and moving to the country.
So when Tracy and Gary found a cluster of farm buildings for sale with uninterrupted views over the Vale of Pickering, it was just the incentive the couple needed to put their plans into action. But they knew it would take years of hard work to turn the disparate properties into a single, contemporary home.
The previous owners had lived in the 17th - century farmhouse for more than three decades, so although it was well cared for. the place definitely needed updating. We wanted to keep some of the original features. says Tracy, such as the striking cast - iron fireplace and baking oven in our dining room, but the rest could all be stripped out.
After a great deal of discussion with York - based designer Simon Mitchell, the WagstatTs came up with an ambitious proposal to remodel the farmhouse - reducing its six bedrooms to four - while adding a kitchen extension and conjoining the adjacent barn, once it had been converted into living space.
Tracy had imagined that they would renovate in stages, beginning with the ground floor of the farmhouse and taking a break before tackling the first floor and barn. I didnt visualise doing it all in one go, she admits. I Iowcvcr. that was how it turned out.
The project began shortly after the family bought the farm, and for the first 10 months they were able to stay in their old home. But Garys brother, who was purchasing that place, was keen to move in. explains Tracy. So while Gary was away in Ireland, my mum and I started shifting some of our furniture into the farmhouse, despite the fact the renovation was still continuing.
When my husband came home, he had quite a shock because by then the carpet was down in the dining room, says Tracy. Even though the builders were still busy working on the barn next door, wc could just shut the door and forget about the mess and noise.
One of the couples biggest challenges was to create a sense of flow between the original farmhouse and the bam. As a result.
the ceiling beams in the period portion of the property blend seamlessly with new green - oak designs, while an oak - and - glass staircase in the barn provides a contemporary contrast.
Much as Tracy loves exposed timber and brickwork, rustic furnishings were never her first choice. Im not keen on antiques, or furniture with carved legs and spindles, she explains. 1 d prefer to buy chunky, modern pieces that are easy to live with The trick, advises Tracy, is to keep things simple 1 start with a neutral base. she says.
then add shots of colour with my accessories, which can easily be changed. I like wooden furniture because its so versatile; you can move it anywhere and it will still work.
With the main house complete. Tracy and Gary have turned their attention to revamping a cottage in the farm courtyard, so that their children and grandchildren have a place of their own to stay. Ive been surprised at how much 1 adore living in the country. says Tracy. I love the peace and quiet, and even though this is a big house, it never feels unfriendly because it all seems so very cosy.
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