An English Farmhouse Blends Heritage and Modern Comfort
Max Rollitt redesigns a 16th-century farmhouse with a focus on authenticity and connection to nature.
1A Historic Farmhouse Reimagined
Originally built in the 1500s, this English farmhouse underwent numerous additions and repairs over centuries, resulting in a charming but disjointed layout. The current owners, a financier and his family, moved from New York in 2018 to be closer to extended family. They commissioned Max Rollitt and Simon Morray-Jones to renovate the 7,300-square-foot property while preserving its authentic character. The design honors the home's history while adapting it for modern living.
2Design Philosophy Rooted in Authenticity
Max Rollitt's approach focused on creating a home that reflected the owners' personalities and the surrounding landscape. 'Being human and bringing humanity to design is critical,' Rollitt explains. The renovation maintained the farmhouse's quirks, which contribute to its unique charm. The owner insisted on preserving the home's inherent character, rejecting elements that would make it feel artificial. This philosophy extended to material choices, with antique pieces and custom upholstery throughout.
3Strategic Layout for Connection to Nature
The renovation reoriented spaces to maximize views of the 92-acre property and ancient woodlands. The kitchen was relocated from the east to west side of the house, offering panoramic valley views. A 20th-century pig sty was demolished to open up the landscape. Windows in the primary bathroom shower face east and west, creating 'a lovely way to start the day,' according to the owner. Deep window seats throughout provide cozy reading nooks with wildlife views.
4Thoughtful Material Palette
Rollitt used a cohesive color and texture scheme to visually connect spaces. Walls feature heritage paints like Edward Bulmer's Sang de Boeuf and Farrow Ball's Wet Sand. Custom fabrics from House of Hackney and Schumacher adorn furniture, while rush matting covers most floors. Antique rugs and pieces from Rollitt's own collection add historical depth. The material choices reflect both the home's agricultural roots and the owners' contemporary lifestyle.
5Multifunctional Spaces with Character
Each room serves multiple purposes while maintaining distinct personalities. A hallway transforms into a theatrical space with red striped walls. The library doubles as a music room for piano practice. Built-in bookshelves in grey-green echo wainscoting elsewhere in the house. Under the eaves, Rollitt incorporated French antique box beds that appear as built-ins. These design choices create a home that's both functional and full of character.
6Seasonal Living Considerations
As the family's primary residence, the house needed to function beautifully year-round. The design accounts for England's changing seasons, with spaces that remain comfortable in all weather. Deep window seats provide cozy winter retreats, while the west-facing kitchen captures summer evening light. The connection to nature remains strong throughout the year, with views of wildlife including birds, foxes, and deer from multiple vantage points.
7Preserving the Spirit of Place
The owners were drawn more to the property's natural setting than the house itself. 'It was the spirit of the place we bought rather than the house,' the owner explains. This inspired Rollitt's focus on framing the landscape through strategic window placement. The ancient woodlands, already old in Henry VIII's time, became integral to the home's identity. The renovation enhances rather than competes with this natural heritage.
8Custom Details Tell a Story
Every element contributes to the home's narrative. A Charles II chest from Rollitt's antiques collection holds pride of place. The dining chairs feature Claremont's Toile Chevron upholstery, while the library boasts clip-on lights designed by Rollitt. Even functional spaces like the mudroom receive careful attention, with wainscoting that ties into the library's color scheme. These details create layers of history and personality throughout the home.
9A Blueprint for Authentic Renovation
This project demonstrates how to honor a historic property's essence while adapting it for contemporary life. By preserving quirks and focusing on authentic materials, Rollitt created a home that feels both timeless and personal. The successful integration of landscape, architecture, and interior design offers inspiration for similar heritage projects. Most importantly, the house now fully supports the family's daily life while maintaining its centuries-old character.
Original article: Architectural Digest — An English Farmhouse Blends Heritage and Modern Comfort