The client grew up in the area riding ponies in the fields that surround his Georgian house near Belfast, Ireland. He returned after many years in London and purchased a farmstead in disrepair. Wanting to turn his place into “a tribute to craftsmanship,” he worked with Artichoke, a UK design-build firm specializing in bespoke, top-drawer historic renovations.
In addition to an all-around upgrade, swooping oak staircase and pine-paneled library included, the structure received a new wing “built,” notes Artichoke, “in an entirely traditional way, using wooden formers, lime foundations, and brick rather than concrete.”
What caught our eye is the minimalist kitchen, a modernist tribute to 19th century Flemish designs of unfinished oak with carved details. Artichoke describes the project as “highly ambitious but understated.” Join us for a look.
Photography by Emma Lewis, courtesy of Artichoke.
Above: The kitchen is situated in the new addition and features an island of solid oak. The Bellingdon Bar Stools are an Ercol design for John Lewis.
Above: The stone floor is composed of reclaimed limestone flags from Burgundy. A Gaggenau double oven is flanked by a concealed fridge and freezer.
The overhead oak and reeded-glass canopy houses the stove vent.
Above: The lower half of the island and sink countertops are Santafiora Venata sandstone from Stone Age “designed and made” to Artichoke’s specs. The faucet is by Hansgrohe.
Above: In response to our query about the island’s inset metal medallions, Artichoke responded: “The butcher block countertop, made from solid oak, butts up against a stainless steel upstand that meets the countertop on the other side of the island. To allow for seasonal shifts, this substantial oak counter is engineered with adjustable metal ties running through its core so it can always sit perfectly against the upstand. It is tightened as necessary using a matching oak ratchet that is set flush into a drawer side panel.”
The brass electrical outlets and light switch plates are by Forbes & Lomax.
Above: The walls are painted Farrow & Ball’s Strong White and the paneled cabinetry is delicately whitewashed to allow the wood grain to show through. Custom-designed brass knuckle pivot hinges allow “a reassuring solid close and seamless alignment.”
Note the slim vertical window, a modernist element that lights an otherwise dark corner. The brick wall next to it is part of the back kitchen.
Above: Useful storage beneath the Gaggenau cooktop.
Above: The back kitchen or butler’s pantry has a wall of reclaimed brick. Used as an extra space to prep and clear, it “supports the main space to retain a minimal, uncluttered design.”
