No.3
Alice and Rob Lancastle’s dream of countryside living came true when they found a rural farmhouse to call home – and they’re loving their new slower pace of life
FEATURE LAURA EWART
STYLING MARISHA TAYLOR
HOME TRUTHS
THE PROPERTY 280-year-old farmhouse
ROOMS Sitting room, kitchen-diner, playroom, snug, boot room, five bedrooms, three bathrooms
LOCATION Somerset
SITTING ROOM
In what was once a milking barn, a new timber frame and beams follow the angles of the ceiling, creating a chapel-like effect that draws the eye up. Walls in Pampas, Bauwerk Colour. Bianca beaded chandelier, Graham and Green. Boho sofa, Loaf. Armchairs, Nkuku. Wooden console, Three Angels. Artwork (leaning against the wall), Coach House. Parquet flooring, Broadleaf Timber
Four years after they started their search, Alice and Rob Lancastle walked into the house of their dreams. Their charming farmhouse is surrounded by lush Somerset countryside, so it’s hard to believe they didn’t notice the incredible sweeping views until their second visit. ‘It just felt like home the minute we stepped through the door,’ Alice explains.
The couple were living in London but found themselves escaping the capital at every opportunity, especially after their first son Rufus was born. They realised they wanted the benefits of city life but the peace of the countryside, and the rural outskirts of Bath seemed to be the perfect fit. ‘We were looking for a change of pace in life,’ says Alice. ‘This house has given us so much more than we ever hoped for. It has brought us happiness and a better balance with family, friends and work.’
The young family were handed the keys in the summer of 2018 and renovations began in earnest. ‘The previous owners had done lots of the heavy renovating for us,’ says Alice. ‘But each room needed a complete overhaul, from skirtings, plastering, doors and radiators to the usual cosmetic updates. We’ve restored beams and original features, but also tried to future-proof the house, packing it full of insulation and installing efficient windows.’
KITCHEN
Ornamental touches such as the oversized clock and rustic shelves add character. Units, in Strong White, Farrow & Ball. Similar vintage clock, Newgate World. Similar dining table, Country Life Furniture
The playroom was top of the to-do list for two reasons – it didn’t require much work and would keep the rest of the house toy free. Next up were the snug and the boot room. ‘We spend huge amounts of time in the snug,’ says Alice. ‘It’s cosy and near the kitchen. They both
