The Mill House: a Stunning 17th Century Farmhouse
Renovating a converted barn is a massive undertaking. Not only are there numerous considerations regarding retaining the character of the building, there are many challenges both structurally and aesthetically to overcome.
Our client, Amanda, the owner of the Mill House – a beautiful Yorkshire stone 17th-century barn in Masham, North Yorkshire – has impeccable taste and an excellent eye for design and detail. However, there’s nothing like a global pandemic to make the process of renovation supremely difficult. Sophie at Lapicida gave her all the help and support she could when it came to making the project come alive.
| MAKING A HOME
Where do we start? Well, it makes sense to begin with the kitchen, the heart of the home. Amanda had selected fabulous bespoke dark blue kitchen units with natural wood worksurfaces. These contrast with the white walls and tie in with the exposed roof timbers. When Amanda visited our 20,000 sq ft showroom in Harrogate, she instantly fell in love with our Genuine Antique English Reclaimed English flags. Inspired by these beautiful tiles, Amanda made the right decision – especially when you also factor in her energetic dogs, Betty and Margot, and elderly cats Vic and Bob. That is when Sophie introduced Amanda to our Empire Collection. For the main kitchen, Amanda selected large format Empire Heritage Gris Fonce tiles, which is a slightly darker variant with really attractive colouration. The effect is stunning and works perfectly with the blue kitchen and white walls.
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REAL STONE REPLICATED
The Lapicida Empire Collection perfectly reimagines real stone with an aged effect. This range of Italian stone-effect porcelain is of the finest quality and is designed to precisely replicate our Barr de Montpellier, which is an 18th – 19th century reclaimed limestone floor tile unique to the French town of Montpellier.
These tiles are incredibly realistic. The surface has an antique texture and a hand-chipped ‘heritage’ edge. This gives them the appearance of natural stone, especially when light plays across the surface.
This authentic look also means they pair perfectly with natural stone and other natural materials, meaning they never look out of place in properties that are centuries old.
REAL STONE REPLICATED
The Lapicida Empire Collection perfectly reimagines real stone with an aged effect. This range of Italian stone-effect porcelain is of the finest quality and is designed to precisely replicate our Barr de Montpellier, which is an 18th – 19th century reclaimed limestone floor tile unique to the French town of Montpellier.
These tiles are incredibly realistic. The surface has an antique texture and a hand-chipped ‘heritage’ edge. This gives them the appearance of natural stone, especially when light plays across the surface.
This authentic look also means they pair perfectly with natural stone and other natural materials, meaning they never look out of place in properties that are centuries old.
BATHED IN BEAUTY
Moving through to the guest bathroom, Amanda subtly switches it up by opting for our large format Empire Heritage Blanc. This has a lighter, warmer and more expansive sensibility which tones beautifully with the freestanding bath, wood and linen, and creates the feel of a simple, yet decadent, French-style bathroom.
Porcelain is the perfect choice for a bathroom as it does not need sealing, is impervious to water and so easy to clean.
DINING ON A GRAND SCALE
The dining room at Mill House is equally impressive. It is a large room that mixes exposed brickwork and white plastered walls with timber rafters and wooden dining furniture. The floor needed to complement these materials, yet make a statement in itself.
Empire Heritage Gris Fonce porcelain in a large format brought continuity, beauty and practicality to the room and was the ideal choice for a busy and functional dining area.
DINING ON A GRAND SCALE
The dining room at Mill House is equally impressive. It is a large room that mixes exposed brickwork and white plastered walls with timber rafters and wooden dining furniture. The floor needed to complement these materials, yet make a statement in itself.
Empire Heritage Gris Fonce porcelain in a large format brought continuity, beauty and practicality to the room and was the ideal choice for a busy and functional dining area.
“Renovating a property at any time is a challenge but ours was even more so as we commenced work during COVID. From first meeting Sophie to discuss our plans, to the final delivery, the service we received during these very difficult times, was excellent.“
“The range of product is fabulous, we simply didn’t need to look elsewhere! Although, whilst vast choice is exciting, actually making the right decision did become slightly overwhelming! Sophie’s endless patience and in-depth knowledge helped us find the perfect surfaces throughout our home and we couldn’t be more delighted with the final finish. Thank you, Lapicida.”
Amanda
OBEDIENT AND NO TROUBLE
Porcelain is the ideal choice for families with busy lives and a plethora of pets. Amanda’s two spaniels make the most of living in the North Yorkshire countryside and, whilst they are extremely well-trained, they can’t help bounding through the door in excitement of being home. Muddy paws are not a problem though with Empire Collection porcelain floors. A quick clean and they are back to their best. Plus, they are tough as old boots and can take whatever life throws at them.
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TIME TO REFLECT
Looking back on this project, Amanda and her relationship with Sophie were paramount in terms of the success of this project. Working closely together resulted in the right choices being made the perfect large format porcelain tiles being installed. The pandemic didn’t help things but the end result is a stunning, historic home that functions as well as it looks.
TIME TO REFLECT
Looking back on this project, Amanda and her relationship with Sophie were paramount in terms of the success of this project. Working closely together resulted in the right choices being made the perfect large format porcelain tiles being installed. The pandemic didn’t help things but the end result is a stunning, historic home that functions as well as it looks.
DO YOU HAVE A PROJECT?
If you have a forthcoming project, however challenging, the expert team at Lapicida – the large format tile specialist – are here to help and advise. Call 01423 400 100 or email or email our sales team to make an appointment, or simply pop in whenever you are passing.
