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Elmet – An 18th century farmhouse full of design delights

‘Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful.’  (William Morris, designer, writer and socialist, 1834-1896)

Dating from the early 18th century, Elmet Farmhouse is a Grade II Listed Yeoman Clothier’s farmstead, lovingly restored to reveal the distinctive vernacular architecture unique to this corner of Yorkshire. Built of honey-coloured sandstone, its carved fireplaces and stone mullion windows embody the rugged character of the surrounding landscape.

Decorated and ‘curated’ by design historian Lesley Jackson, the interiors are full of design delights. Delicate cut-paper lamps by local designer Hannah Nunn are one of Elmet’s most captivating features. Dotted all over the house, they cast a warm glow, their patterns echoing the flowers and grasses in the garden and meadows outside. Similar motifs adorn Hannah’s wallpapers and cushions upstairs.

Complementing these contemporary furnishings are choice pieces of Mid-Century Design, including Scandinavian Modern furniture and vintage Ercol chairs. The stunning curtains and textile hangings also date from the post-war period, including rare fabrics by Edinburgh Weavers, Hull Traders, Tibor and Sanderson.

Colour is a distinctive feature of the decor, including mellow Farrow and Ball paints and zingy lime green linoleum. Original paintings and prints and quirky ceramics and glass add to the aesthetic pleasures at Elmet. Every object is carefully chosen, right down to the tableware and tea towels.

A treasure trove for design lovers and Mid-Century Modern enthusiasts, Elmet Farmhouse offers a unique holiday experience. Comfortable and atmospheric, Elmet is truly inspiring , a place you’ll never forget.

‘I’ve thoroughly enjoyed restoring and decorating Elmet Farmhouse. It’s a handsome 18th century building with wonderful features and a lovely atmosphere. The furnishings I’ve chosen complement the colour of the stone and the simple purity of the house.’ (Lesley Jackson, writer, curator and design historian)                                                                                                                                                                    

Elmet Room by Room                                                                          

Living Room                                                                        

• Large elegant living room with panoramic views of Heptonstall and Stoodley Pike

• 18th century stone mullion windows with window seats

• Huge 18th century carved stone fireplace with woodburning stove

• Decorated in Farrow and Ball Sudbury Yellow emulsion with Dulux Satinwood woodwork

• Beautiful cut-paper lamps by Hannah Nunn decorated with flowers and grasses

• Curtains and cushions made from 1960s Edinburgh Weavers screen-printed linen Kalabu fabric

• Stylish Scandinavian furniture, including beech sofa by Skipper, cabinet by Ib Kofod-Larsen and teak sideboard by Troeds

• Classic 1950s Ercol Windsor easy chair

• Original 1950s textile design and screen-printed fabric by Joan Charnley

• Vintage midcentury glasswareby Kosta, Dartington, Mdina and Stuart

• Television with DVD player, hifi with radio and retro cassette player

• Bagatelle and a treasure trove of vintage games

Kitchen Dining Room                                                                        

• Spacious well-equipped farmhouse kitchen with large Danish oak dining table seating 8

• Scandinavian birch and beech cabinets with ample storage space

• Vintage Midwinter tableware and Finnish glassware

• Pretty wall lanterns and groovy floor lamp with vintage fabric made by Sam Esssex at Hotcakes in Hebden Bridge

• Forbo linoleum flooring and quirky bicycle wallpaper by Rasch

• Hand-printed tea towels by Joanna Kinnersly-Taylor, Jane Atfield and Robert Shepherd; apron and mats by Lana MacKinnon

• 18th century stone mullion windows with Buchan Pottery and glass by Mdina, Isle of Wight, Whitefriars and Caithness

• Prints by John F. Greenwood and Jill Aldersley

• Gas hob, electric oven, dishwasher, fridge freezer, microwave and toasters

• Washing machine, iron and ironing board in adjoining utility room

Bedrooms                                                                       

 

• Three light airy bedrooms with Danish beech cabinets

• 19th century rocker, Danish paper cord stool, Frank Guille chest of drawers and Ercol chairs

• Comfortable wooden beds with attractive bedding

• Lamps and wallpaper frieze by Hannah Nunn

• 18th century fireplace, stone mullion windows and window seat

• Midcentury textiles by Hull Traders, David Whitehead, Tibor and Textra

• Ceramics by Hella Jongerius, Jitka Palmer and Dominic Crinson

• Attic bedroom with lanterns hanging from the beams

Bathrooms                                                                       

• Two airy bathrooms with white tiles and lime-green linoleum flooring

• First floor bathroom has toilet, basin and bath with shower

• Attic bathroom has toilet, basin and large walk-in shower

• Hannah Nunn wallpaper alcove with Ercol chairs

• Vintage postwar textiles by Sanderson and Tibor and railway poster by Ronald Lampitt

© Text and photographs copyright Lesley Jackson unless otherwise indicated