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A Farmhouse Restoration Rooted in Discovery

Designer Jobe Burns, best known for his collaborations with Samuel Ross and the homeware label Concrete Objects, has unveiled his latest creative venture: the revival of a 300-year-old farmhouse in the rural West Country of England. The project emerged unexpectedly after a conversation at Burns’ graduate show at London’s Chelsea College of Art, leading him to work with the property’s new owners on a design that was less about reinvention and more about revealing what history had concealed.

While exploring the structure, Burns made a striking discovery: a blocked-up doorway hidden behind a cupboard, which led to two brick-arched rooms that had been sealed away. “It was like the house had been holding something back, waiting for the right moment to be seen,” he reflects. This moment became the guiding principle for the entire project.

Blending Heritage with Modern Craft

The restored interiors celebrate tactility and subtle transitions. Soft curves were reintroduced to create a sense of flow, while shifts in color and material distinguish different areas: off-white tones brighten the kitchen, and rich terracotta hues warm the bathrooms. Original elements were preserved where possible, while other salvaged materials were reimagined — dead trees became bespoke furniture, and reclaimed roof tiles found new life in the fireplace.

Modern design touches punctuate the historical setting, such as Andu Masebo’s Tubular Chair paired with a table from Burns’ own label, Orbe. This blend of old and new underscores Burns’ adaptable design philosophy, which prioritizes understanding the essence of his medium before shaping it.

A Space That Invites Stillness

For Burns, the farmhouse offers more than visual appeal; it embodies a slower pace of life. “You choose the building to adapt your behaviour to it – it’s a shift from the external world,” he says. The home’s architecture invites patience and contemplation, encouraging residents to let their thoughts linger as they connect with a space that has endured centuries of change.