Georgian Farmhouse

Artichoke, the luxury designers and makers for the world’s finest homes, have recently unveiled their newest project, this Flemish-inspired Georgian farmhouse. Traditional Flemish farmhouses of the time evoked a simplicity and were often made using natural, unfinished oak with carved details. Artichoke was invited to create a kitchen and adjoining back kitchen, the hall with a sweeping oak staircase, a fully panelled pine library, a dressing room as well as all architectural joinery for the house in Northern Ireland.

Coming from a lineage of makers and with a polymathic interest in design and architecture, the private client envisioned the house to be a tribute to craftsmanship – employing only the very best natural materials and skilled craftspeople. For over thirty years Artichoke has designed and made furniture rooted in the principles of classical architecture for exceptional historic and contemporary homes all over the world.

The nature of Artichoke’s work is entirely bespoke – reading the unique language of a house as well responding to their clients’ personal philosophies, aspirations and way of living. With a reputation for creating enduring beauty that is designed and built to last, Artichoke was an ideal match to realise the client’s vision.

The original part of the house is 19th century which the client meticulously restored and extended using authentic techniques, collecting materials over decades for the build. The interior architecture and outstanding joinery, set within a neutral and uncluttered backdrop, were to be the aesthetic backbone to the house.

The design and make are both highly ambitious but understated, allowing the natural timbers and considered details to be the focal point. Artichoke brought a visual rhythm to the house through the joinery including the handmade, bespoke selection of doors, wainscot panelling, skirtings, mouldings, architraves and window shutters – even designing the large Serpentine window that floods the staircase with natural light and frames the vista into the grounds beyond.

Artichoke has brought to life a remarkable house that attests to modern day Lutyens quality, connecting the past, present and future.

The kitchen is a contemporary take on a 19th century Flemish farmhouse style. Pared back, quietly luxurious with square, hard-edged details, it honours the finest natural materials through exceptional craftsmanship. Quality starts with raw materials and like all projects, Artichoke works exclusively with solid timbers.

The substantial oak planks on the island façade started their journey in the maker’s humidity-controlled timber store that sits alongside their state-of-the-art workshops and design studio in Somerset, UK. Pieces are hand-selected by the master cabinetmakers when they are an ideal moisture content and prime to be worked.