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Houzz Tour: Linda Barker’s Converted Country Cottage in Yorkshire
A sympathetic extension has transformed this characterful cottage, adding light and space
It can be a challenge to extend and convert a traditional home for modern living while still retaining the charm of the original space, but interior designer Linda Barker’s Yorkshire cottage is a masterclass in how to combine contemporary and traditional.
When Linda discovered the 1890s property, she loved its location and charm and was inspired to build on the existing space to equip it for modern life. Thanks to a sympathetic extension and a clever redesign, she’s enhanced the cottage and increased the ground floor living space while retaining the home’s period charm.
When Linda discovered the 1890s property, she loved its location and charm and was inspired to build on the existing space to equip it for modern life. Thanks to a sympathetic extension and a clever redesign, she’s enhanced the cottage and increased the ground floor living space while retaining the home’s period charm.
When Linda and her husband moved in, the property was characterful and tidy. “I loved the house,” says Linda, “but it didn’t have the space I needed to feel completely relaxed and ‘at home’.”
Sofas, Multiyork. Walls painted in Storm Grey, Zoffany.
Sofas, Multiyork. Walls painted in Storm Grey, Zoffany.
Keen to combine the best of period charm with contemporary design, Linda planned a sympathetic extension to the ground floor living space.
“We wanted to create a comfortable family home that was easy to maintain, while blending the rural cottage feel with a contemporary vibe,” she says.
“We wanted to create a comfortable family home that was easy to maintain, while blending the rural cottage feel with a contemporary vibe,” she says.
A sympathetic extension created this dining space on the ground floor, with a large bathroom on the first floor directly above it. A separate kitchen extension was also added.
Opening up the living space has transformed the way the rooms are used. “I love how easily people occupy the rooms, and move through the different spaces both inside and out,” Linda says.
“A large family gathering sees all the ground floor rooms being used for different activities. The house is full of conversation and it promotes a sociable atmosphere, with youngsters occupying certain spaces and adults using others.”
Opening up the living space has transformed the way the rooms are used. “I love how easily people occupy the rooms, and move through the different spaces both inside and out,” Linda says.
“A large family gathering sees all the ground floor rooms being used for different activities. The house is full of conversation and it promotes a sociable atmosphere, with youngsters occupying certain spaces and adults using others.”
Squeezing a large kitchen into a cottage with a low ceiling was a challenge, but the new extension has created a beautifully light and contemporary space.
See what you need to know when planning a rear extension
See what you need to know when planning a rear extension
“The kitchen was an important space to get right, as it was a complete rebuild, intended to make the most of the stunning views at the back of the cottage,” Linda explains.
Kitchen, Wren Kitchens. Ceiling painted in Architects White, Zoffany.
Kitchen, Wren Kitchens. Ceiling painted in Architects White, Zoffany.
“It was a joy to see the potential of the house unfolding as we opened up the space,” Linda adds.
Upstairs, the spacious new bathroom with a freestanding tub positioned in front of a large window and skylight is one of Linda’s favourite rooms in the house.
Bathroom, Wren Bathrooms.
Bathroom, Wren Bathrooms.
A walk-in shower adds practicality and luxury to the space, while a soothing and unobtrusive palette of white and grey is sophisticated without detracting from the incredible views beyond.
Walls painted in Architects White, Zoffany.
Walls painted in Architects White, Zoffany.
Leading off the bathroom is a smart and relaxing master bedroom. Linda reupholstered the tall grey headboard, which adds visual interest and a sense of luxury. Caged light bulbs bring in a hint of industrial style.
Long Tube cage and Long Tube Filament light bulb, Urban Cottage Industries.
Long Tube cage and Long Tube Filament light bulb, Urban Cottage Industries.
“It’s wonderful and peaceful here,” says Linda of the beautiful rural location. “It’s the perfect antidote to our working week in London.”
Walls painted in Smoke, Zoffany.
Discover 11 essential elements for creating a calm bedroom
Walls painted in Smoke, Zoffany.
Discover 11 essential elements for creating a calm bedroom
The redesign wasn’t without its challenges, however, including
an exotic woodworm that ate its way through a solid oak floor. “Now long gone, thankfully,” says Linda.
an exotic woodworm that ate its way through a solid oak floor. “Now long gone, thankfully,” says Linda.
An upholstered, French-style bed creates an elegant statement in the guest bedroom, while wooden window shutters and a vintage-style chandelier create an elegant country feel. The bed was sourced new from a trade supplier in Lancashire, but, as Linda says, it has a ‘that looks old’ antique feel to it.
Cow Parsley wallpaper in a charcoal shade behind the bed adds subtle pattern and interest.
Cow Parsley wallpaper, Cole & Son.
Cow Parsley wallpaper, Cole & Son.
A vintage chandelier was a find from the Kempton antiques market.
A carved wooden bed, rescued from a salvage yard and tucked under the eaves, creates a cottage feel in this bedroom. Linda brought it back to life with a coat of off-white paint.
Vintage pieces, such as this rustic blanket box, nod to the history of the house, and there are creative and unusual decorative elements throughout, such as this birdcage light, made from an old parrot cage found on the street.
Linda describes her style as “contemporary, informal and elegant”, and pretty decorative touches and vignettes create areas of interest in every room.
A roll-top bath and traditional-style towel rail in the first floor bathroom celebrate the period charm of the original cottage.
The garden was also a carefully considered part of the scheme.
“It was important to us to create lots of different areas where we could enjoy either the sunrise or sunset, and appreciate the far-reaching views,” says Linda.
“It was important to us to create lots of different areas where we could enjoy either the sunrise or sunset, and appreciate the far-reaching views,” says Linda.
To tie in with the extension, raised beds, a pergola and ipe timber decking for outside dining were added to the rear of the house.
Decking, The Outdoor Deck Company.
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What do you think of this Yorkshire home? Share your thoughts in the Comments below.
Decking, The Outdoor Deck Company.
TELL US…
What do you think of this Yorkshire home? Share your thoughts in the Comments below.
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Who lives here Interior designer and creative director of Wren Kitchens Linda Barker, her husband, Chris, their daughter, Jessica, and their new lurcher puppy, Stanley
Location East Riding of Yorkshire
Property A detached house built in 1890
Size 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms