We also have the room across the landing, which will become a beautiful master ensuite with an original fireplace, roll-top bath, and dressing area. The room was originally a small sixth bedroom, with a modern ensuite crammed in (from Hall Farm’s short life as a B&B).

Victorian Farmhouse Master Bedroom Design

The direction for this room was more of a feeling than a vision at first. I knew, unlike a lot of the rest of the house, that I wanted the space to be light and airy but with a real warmth. As with my life in general, anything for ‘us’ tends to be put off till last. We have a really good knack for prioritising everyone else first, don’t we? A bit like my ADHD/ASC assessment, which I’ve been waiting for 4 years now.

The colour palette is neutrals, linens, stone; think tonality and textures. For this room, I’ve gone with Craig & Rose 1829 Vintage Colours – Pipe Clay as the main shade, with highlights of Round Room. Fixtures and hardware will be antique brass, as with the rest of the house. A touch of opulence with a chandelier and oversized mirror. Lots of textures with soft furnishings, cushions, bolsters, throws. Chaise Longue in the window. For storage, the far wall will feature wall-to-wall wardrobes with a hidden media wall.

Master Ensuite – Continuing the Calm

The palette and feel continue into the master ensuite. Natural stone floor, antique brass taps and shower. Stunning roll-top bath which will sit diagonally across the original fireplace. The second half of the room will be a dressing area, with a dressing table, customised shelving for accessories and a small hanging area.

Panelling throughout both rooms for cohesion and a link to the traditional. Plenty of atmospheric lighting and use of natural materials, wood, stone, linen and cotton. For the windows, then we will at some point have shutters made for both, but for now, it will be a mix of voile and screening, I think.

Heritage Bedroom Interiors

As it is a listed building, we have had to reconsider a few decisions to accommodate its original structure. The large beam had to be sandblasted before we moved in (along with a lot of the original woodwork). It still needs some work before we can then bring it back to its original state. The fireplace in what will be the ensuite has quite a deep hearth, but luckily, because of the roll top bath legs, it should sit comfortably across the corner of it. With a shower neatly tucked in what was the built-in wardrobe, the end panel of this had to be kept as it was original to the house build.

For me, this room was all about feeling like a sanctuary, somewhere to retreat to when everything becomes a little much. Where, even if everything else feels out of control, it makes you feel at ease and safe. I want to take the time to get this right, not cut corners, but it will take time. We’ve got the makings of a wonderful space, and I want to ensure that I create that, whilst respecting the tradition and history that has come before.

What Comes Next

So the plans are in place, and my Pinterest board is full. Next comes the exciting bit, creating the reality! I’m hoping the carpet will be fitted next week, so we can at least build our master bed and move in there. Everything is a bit of a knock-on effect. Once we get our master bed up, we can move the bed from the spare room to our middle son’s room. Which means we can then get the bed from the temporary flat we were in, which was originally meant to go in the spare room.

It also means we might have a bit more space in the outbuildings to get to some more furniture for the spare room and master, and finally get some of our clothing out of boxes and the ‘floordrobe’, which has become our lives. The ADHD side of me loves a good floordrobe, but the autistic side of me hates the mess and disorganisation of it all.

Fay x

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We should have been finished by now; we should have been sitting in a completely refurbished farmhouse, enjoying the results. But as we all know, renovations always take longer than expected and cost more. Add to that the listed building consent, and it was never going to happen on time. So, as it stands, we have two completed bathrooms and two completed bedrooms, and that’s about it. Even then, there is still snagging and decoration to complete on them. Everywhere is covered in dust, and we can never find what we are looking for.

AuDHD & Perimenopause Brain

Up until now, I’ve been okay. The organising and trying to manage everything have been manageable, but over the last few weeks, it’s started to become a bit much. The constant noise whilst trying to work. The interruptions to sort an issue/answer a question whilst trying to focus on another task are so difficult for my brain. The fact that everything has taken longer than planned means jobs are no longer all working together in order. I’m finding it hard to remember decisions I made several months ago. Whilst also having to make quick decisions to ensure you don’t hold something up. My brain feels scattered and foggy, and this morning I couldn’t do anything. The paralysis was real…

I’m trying to find my new normal. Living in a farmhouse mid-renovation is not normal. Part of me craves company, and I have amazing friends and family who’ve come to see me. But I also need space and quiet. Generally, you’d get this through the week when you’re at work, and your kids are at school. But of course, I’m living in a house full of workmen, and Sam hasn’t been at school full-time since term 1 of Year 7. He’s due to go into Year 10 in Sept…

I’m trying to balance my social side with the need for quiet all over each weekend. Thankfully, the village gives me just the right amount of social time and quiet time; it really is the perfect tonic. A lovely morning walk with Daisy along the river and through duck pond, is enough to clear my head and remove the paralysis. A quick cuppa or glass of bubbles at one of the cafes, or in the pub, to catch up with the locals.

Gotta Love a Deadline!

So, this week, it’s all about continuing with the Kitchen and Boot Room. Making some decisions in regard to the Dining Room and Master Bedroom. With our eldest coming back from Uni at the end of the month, it’s also given us a deadline for getting the next two bedrooms at least furnished! Whilst I couldn’t sleep last night with everything whirring around in my head, this morning I took time to write everything down and make a list. If there is one thing an AuDHD brain loves, it’s a tight deadline. And if there’s one thing my husband needs, it’s a boot up his bum and a list of jobs to do!

Time to knuckle down, pull up my big girl pants and get on with this. But there is one thing I know, when it all gets too much, a walk in this beautiful village is enough to sort my head out. How do you get yourself out of that decision paralysis?

Fay x

The post Six months in: what the farmhouse, the village, and an AuDHD brain in perimenopause have taught me appeared first on How Felicity Finds.

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I’d planned the kitchen renovation down to the tee. Spent hours/days (yep, really!) measuring, re-measuring and planning the kitchen by myself. We’d known for over a month what week it would arrive. So, of course, sods law we had no workmen here the week before. My husband was away playing in a squash tournament. The kitchen floor hadn’t been prepped, and it arrived a day early!

When we bought the house, the kitchen was still quite intact. However, it was quite modern, and not at all what would be found in a Victorian farmhouse. We were able to remove all the units, but there is a small cupboard at work surface height, which was located in the corner of the kitchen. This cupboard is listed, so has to remain. It has been the hardest part of the kitchen renovation to design around, and I’m still worried it may throw us a curveball.

Victorian Farmhouse Kitchen Renovation

We’ve gone for a shaker style kitchen, with range cooker (from our previous house), kitchen island and integrated appliances. It is more of a simple modern shaker style than our previous kitchen. But still in keeping with the farmhouse. There will be some open shelving in the utility and boot room, but we’ve yet to decide on worktops… and flooring…

We were obviously hoping to have the flooring ready so could have put the floor units ‘in place’ as they arrived. But, that wasn’t to be. The delivery guys were great and so accommodating. They kept the three deliveries (Kitchen, Boot Room & Utility) separated when storing in the dining room. This should hopefully help the kitchen fitter as he starts on the kitchen next week.

On weeks like this one, I’m especially grateful for Rebel Rituals — the hormonal chaos of perimenopause and ADHD, on top of renovation stress is its own particular kind of overwhelming. Having something that takes the edge off the symptoms makes the rest slightly more manageable.

Next Steps…

So finally this week, the kitchen was cleared, the underfloor heating matting went down and the screed went down to level the floor. Ready for the kitchen fitter on Tuesday. Floor tiles will go down after the units are in place. We also have to choose our worktop which I’m really undecided about. I really wanted wooden worktop, but I understand the hubby’s concern about burn/scorch marks from hot pans etc.

So make sure you save this post and come back for Farmhouse Friday #3 — the kitchen goes in. This next week is going to bring such a big change in the house. If you are new here, then check out what’s happened so far with our Victorian Farmhouse renovation journey. And follow me on Instagram for real-time updates.

Fay x

The post Farmhouse Friday #2 — the kitchen arrived. We were not ready. appeared first on How Felicity Finds.

What Executive Dysfunction Actually Looks Like

Executive dysfunction in the ND brain is when your mind knows what needs to be done, but struggles to start, prioritise, or follow through—often feeling like an invisible block between intention and action. It is one of the biggest struggles with those on the ADHD spectrum. So while I can plan a kitchen down to the mm., or create a colour-coded spreadsheet for all six bathrooms, costed to the penny. I can become completely frozen when something unexpected happens. Or have a huge emotional response to something seemingly minor.

For example, the hubby couldn’t understand why I was, let’s say, a little annoyed when we had no workmen the week before the kitchen came. Oh, and the fact that he wouldn’t be here when it was delivered, either! He was able to see logically that there was nothing we could do, and that it would be what it would be. However, for me, all those carefully laid plans had gone completely to pot, and to top it off, I wasn’t even sure all the units would fit in the house.

But for us, it lands a little harder. The mental load of dealing with a school transfer with a new Local Authority, including an EHCP, school refusal and balancing work alongside is a lot. There were tears.

The Things That Actually Help

When everything feels like too much, I’ve learned that my body needs anchoring before my brain can catch up.

For an immediate fix, my Rebel Rituals ‘ADHD as Fuck’ scent, which, while it won’t make me a focused machine, does help give me a hit of clarity when my brain’s gone rogue. SallyAnne is an absolute genius and so relatable in how life as a Neurodivergent peri-menoapusal woman affects us.

Another product I couldn’t be without is NuMind Menopausal Support, a daily supplement which has transformed my sleep and anxiety. While HRT seemed to help those common symptoms, it had no impact at all on, for me, what were the more impactful symptoms. NuMind Menopause Support has given me back a full night’s sleep and reduced anxiety through those brain-busy moments. Life-changing…

I use both of these products myself daily, I shout about them and love the companies behind them. I have affiliate links for both — use code FAY for 10% OFF at Rebel Rituals (AFF Link) and code FAYS20 for 20% OFF at NuMind (AFF Link)

Where We’re At Now…

Of course, by the time it arrived, with a little help from my sis (moral support and dog distracting duties) and my essentials, it all went smoothly. The delivery drivers couldn’t have been more helpful, and the units all fit into the dining room… just!

The flooring should be completed by the end of the week, pipes that needed moving have been moved, and the kitchen fitter will arrive next week.

Follow along on Instagram for updates, and come back Friday for Farmhouse Friday #2 — where I’ll be showing you exactly where the kitchen is.

Fay x

The post Renovation chaos, an ADHD brain, and two things that have genuinely helped. appeared first on How Felicity Finds.

Introducing my brand new series of Farmhouse Friday, where I’ll share a specific room within the house, and what’s happened this last week. The first room of the series is the family bathroom, which is pretty much done. It’s not been without its challenges; a Victorian farmhouse bathroom isn’t always straightforward. So check out the before and after, and how we managed to do this for less than £2.5k! I will caveat from the outset that the wall panels we used were kindly #gifted from Multipanel.

Small Victorian Bathroom Renovation

The room itself isn’t small as such, but does come with some limitations. It was originally part of a much larger room, hence the stunning, large window. However, this doesn’t immediately lend itself to a bathroom. Not only that, but it is long and thin, making it difficult to change any layout with great effect. And let’s not mention the 70’s pine cladding…

Originally, there had been a bath, basin and toilet, and the layout wasn’t going to change. However, with 3 boys, we wanted to go for a large shower, rather than a bath. I also knew this would probably be the most used bathroom, so it needed to be easy to keep clean, too!

A monochrome bathroom to me is timeless, and perfect to pick up/refresh with simple highlights if wanted. I did feel it would be very stark on its own, and so wanted to ensure some greenery was added to soften the look. The renovation itself was fairly straightforward, although we did come across a few hiccups.

What Worked

• The layout was already there, so no major work was required.
• The window added a fantastic amount of natural light.
• The panelling was pretty easy to install and went up in a day.

What Didn’t Work

• There was a small misunderstanding around the wall-hung basin, which means the plumber had to cut out the panelling once it had been installed. He very kindly cut out along the ‘grout’ of the tiles, so once back in place, it should be unnoticeable.
• The window gives no privacy at all.

Period Bathroom Restoration Costs

Here is the breakdown of exactly how much the restoration cost and where we sourced everything from.

Wall Panels – Multipanel UK – Alpine White Metro Collection (Very kindly #gifted) – P.O.A

Floor Tiles – Amazon #Aff – £127.60

Traditional Concealed Shower – Victorian Plumbing – £249.95

Shower Tray & Screen – Victorian Plumbing – £539.95

Wall Hung Basin – Victorian Plumbing – £129.95

Traditional Wall Mounted Taps – Victorian Plumbing – £139.95

Traditional Low Level Toilet – Victorian Plumbing – £299.95

Soft Close Toilet Seat – Victorian Plumbing – £79.95

Traditional Style Radiator – Victorian Plumbing – £419.95

Wall Lights – Dunlem – £64 (£32 each)

Mirror – B&M – £8

Shelf – B&M – £5 (have linked longer size for online, but shorter length available in store)

Japanese Screen – Amazon #Aff – £89.99 The perfect solution to the privacy issue!

Plants – My own

Wooden Storage Unit – My own

The bits you don’t think about…

Shower Waste – Victorian Plumbing – £37.95

Basin Waste & Bottle Trap – Victorian Plumbing – £89.95

Total Cost: £2,282.14

So, there we have it. The first of our Farmhouse Friday series, and a deep dive into our Victorian farmhouse bathroom before and after. If you have any questions, then please just ask, and I’d love to know if you like?!

Would you consider using wall panels instead of tiles?!

Fay x

The post Farmhouse Friday – Family Bathroom appeared first on How Felicity Finds.

The community I built with ADHD Menopause and Me has been amazing. My account was initially set up to support me and my kids through some pretty tough years. We went from a ‘typical’ family to an ND family with diagnoses of Dyslexia, Delayed Processing, ADHD and now Autism. All in the space of 5 years. I was trying to navigate menopause and raise awareness, but I couldn’t understand why I found it so hard. Walking alongside my boys through their diagnosis journeys taught me something unexpected. I was neurodivergent too. Suddenly, a lifetime of feelings I couldn’t explain began to make sense.

My journey looks different now. The boys are older, and life has shifted. But you are still here — and that means everything. I can’t wait to share this next chapter with you.

How We Got Here

Our youngest’s move to secondary school was, in a word, hard. What we’d hoped would be a fresh start quickly revealed itself to be something more significant. His struggles were deeper and more complex than any of us had fully understood.

Over the years that followed, getting him into school at all became the daily battle. Alongside the dyslexia and ADHD we already knew about, it became increasingly clear that he was also autistic with a PDA profile. Once we understand that, so much of what had felt confusing suddenly makes sense. But his difficulties at school were almost secondary to what was happening socially. Too trusting, too easily led, and younger than his years in ways that weren’t always visible on the surface. I watched him begin to form friendships that worried me. Find himself in situations I couldn’t always protect him from.

It was a lot. For him, and for all of us.

At the same time, life was shifting in other ways. Our two eldest had flown the nest, and for the first time in years, there was space. Space to breathe, to think, and to ask what came next. More than a decade earlier, we had built our first home from the ground up, and that itch had never really gone away.

So we made a decision. A deliberate, wholehearted one. We would move somewhere rural, somewhere slower, somewhere that might give Sam a genuine fresh start in an environment that actually suited him — and give us a new project to pour ourselves into, while still being a home our boys could always come back to.

What How Felicity Finds is now

If you’d asked me a year ago what this space was going to become, I’m not sure I could have told you. But standing in the middle of a half-finished Victorian farmhouse in North Yorkshire, covered in renovation dust with an ADHD brain running at full speed and a body doing its best impression of a malfunctioning thermostat, it became pretty clear.

How Felicity Finds is the honest version of this chapter.

It’s the farmhouse — Hall Farm, Victorian, Grade II listed, full of original features and full of renovation challenges I absolutely did not anticipate. I’ll be sharing every step of the restoration here, the wins, the disasters, the moments where we question every decision we’ve ever made. And of course, the ones where we look at an original sash window and remember exactly why we did this.

It’s the village — Thornton-le-Dale is the kind of place you move to and immediately wonder why you didn’t do it sooner. The beck, the countryside, the slower pace of it all. I want to share what rural life actually looks like when you swap a village just outside the busy city of York for somewhere with a slower pace, woodland in your back garden and the North Yorks Moors on your doorstep.

It’s the ND life — I’m AuDHD and menopausal and a mum to three boys who each come with their own version of complex, and I’m not going to pretend any of that is straightforward. The real talk about neurodivergence, perimenopause, and parenting ND kids stays, because it’s part of every single day here, and it deserves to be spoken about honestly.

And it’s the finds — the things that actually help. Products, tools, places, services that make life in this particular messy, beautiful chaos a little more manageable. Always honest, never just because I’ve been asked.

If you’re a woman in your forties navigating a big life change — or dreaming of one — and you want company that doesn’t pretend it’s easy, you are absolutely in the right place.

What’s coming…

I have a lot planned, and for once, the ADHD hyperfocus is working entirely in our favour.

Every Friday, I’ll be posting a Farmhouse Friday update — one room, one decision, one honest account of where we are with the restoration. We’re starting with the bathroom, which is the one space we’ve actually finished, and working our way through the rest of the house in real time. No staged reveals, no waiting until it’s perfect. You’re getting it as it happens.

I’m also putting together a proper guide to Thornton-le-Dale — the walks, the places to eat, the things the locals know that don’t make it onto any tourist website. If you’ve ever thought about making a move like this, I want that guide to be the thing that helps you imagine it for yourself.

And the AuDHD and menopause content isn’t going anywhere. In fact, I’ve got a post coming that I’ve been wanting to write for months about what executive dysfunction actually looks like when you’re also trying to manage a renovation, a family, and a rebrand simultaneously. Spoiler: it looks exactly as chaotic as you’d imagine.

The best way to keep up is to follow along on Instagram at @how_felicity_finds, or subscribe below to get new posts straight to your inbox. No spam, no schedules — just a new post when it’s ready.

This is a new chapter. The walls are old, the floors are (mostly) original, and I am very much a work in progress — but that’s rather the point.

I’m glad you’re here. I hope you stay.

Fay x

The post A new chapter, old walls, and why I started over: welcome to How Felicity Finds appeared first on How Felicity Finds.

From the beginning, I knew I wanted this suite to feel timeless and fresh. Classic and gently layered rather than overly fussy. A space that feels like it’s always been there.

The Overall Vision

The direction for this room came together quite quickly. I kept coming back to the same feeling: soft blue tones, traditional patterns, and that slightly nostalgic, French-inspired aesthetic that never really dates.

It’s a look that sits somewhere between:

• relaxed country house
• understated elegance
• and a touch of coastal calm

Nothing too polished. Nothing too perfect.

Fabric & Pattern: Bringing in Toile & Texture

Pattern plays a really important role in this room, through not only the fabrics, but also the decor.

With the fabric, toile is the obvious hero here — it brings that classic French feel instantly, but in soft blue it feels fresh rather than overly traditional.

Alongside this, I’ll add in:

• ticking stripe for structure
• soft, textured neutrals to balance things out

The key is contrast without chaos — mixing patterns, but keeping everything within the same tonal family so it never feels busy.

Furniture: Classic Shapes with an Edge

The furniture choices lean towards the traditional, but with just enough contrast to keep it looking fresh and modern.

The metal bed frame adds a slight edge and stops the room from feeling too delicate or overly “pretty”. It anchors the space and gives a bit of definition against the softer palette.

Painted wood pieces in soft blue tones tie everything back to the scheme, keeping the look cohesive without feeling overly matched.

Lighting & Decor: Understated and Thoughtful

Lighting and accessories are where the room really softens.

Wooden lamp bases, simple white shades, and subtle blue & white decorative pieces help build that layered, lived-in feel. Nothing is too styled or overly curated — it’s more about creating a space that feels comfortable and natural.

Small details, like books, china, florals, and soft textures, help the room feel finished without trying too hard.

Creating a Space That Feels Considered

For me this room was all about feeling fresh and inviting.

It would be easy to add more — more pattern, more colour, more “moments” — but the intention is to hold back. To let each element breathe.

Because ultimately, the goal isn’t just to create a beautiful room.

It’s to create a space that feels calm the moment you walk into it. Somewhere that feels quietly put together, without needing to shout about it.

What Comes Next

With the design direction now in place, the next step is to bring everything together — and see how it translates from moodboard to real life.

Because if there’s one thing I’ve learned already, it’s that no matter how carefully you plan…

Something always changes along the way.

Fay x

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Planning a home renovation can feel overwhelming — especially when you’re renovating a character property or listed building, where every decision matters and changes can be costly. One of the simplest ways to bring clarity to your ideas before the dust, disruption and design decisions begin is to create a moodboard.

Using Pinterest to gather inspiration and Canva to pull it all together, you can create a clear, visual direction for your renovation or room trannformation — without needing a designer or expensive software.

I love a good moodboard, here’s how I easily get my ideas out of my head and onto paper.

Why Moodboards Are Essential for Renovations (Especially Older Homes)

When renovating a period or listed property, it’s easy to fall into one of two traps:

• Playing it too safe and losing character
• Mixing too many styles and ending up with a confused space

I find a moodboard helps ensure you strike a balance.

It allows you to:

• Visualise the finished space before committing
• Keep character and history front of mind
• Make confident decisions on paint, materials and finishes
• Communicate your vision clearly to trades and suppliers

Think of it as your renovation compass — something to return to whenever decisions feel hard. I quite often find I’m still updating/tweaking as the journey moves on and I learn more about the building.

Step 1: Create a Focused Pinterest Board

Pinterest is your starting point for exploration.

Name Your Board Clearly

Instead of something vague, be specific:

• Victorian Farmhouse Living Room Moodboard
• Listed Building Kitchen Renovation
• Neutral Country Bedroom Ideas

This helps Pinterest serve you better suggestions — and keeps your ideas cohesive. You can then break it down into sections within that board. I did this to keep all the bathrooms together, but then had a section for each specific bathroom. You could also use to split out flooring from lighting etc. Whatever works best for you.

Pin Generously (At First)

At this stage, don’t analyse too much. Pin anything that:

• Stops you scrolling
• Feels like the atmosphere you want
• Includes colours, textures or layouts you’re drawn to

Look for:

• Whole rooms
• Close-ups of finishes
• Architectural details
• Lighting styles
• Flooring Styles

Aim for 25–40 pins initially.

Step 2: Edit Ruthlessly

This is where the magic happens.

Go back through your board and remove anything that:

• Feels trendy rather than timeless
• Doesn’t suit the age or character of your home
• Clashes with the overall mood

Patterns will start to emerge — similar tones, materials, layouts or styles. That’s your direction revealing itself.

Step 3: Identify Your Core Renovation Style

Before you open Canva, take a moment to get clear on the big picture.

Ask yourself:

• Is this space warm or light?
• Rustic or refined?
• Traditional with modern touches?

Most renovation moodboards come down to:

• 2–4 core colours
• 1–2 dominant materials
• One clear overall feeling

You’re not choosing exact products yet — you’re defining the vibe.

Step 4: Build Your Moodboard in Canva

Canva is perfect for turning inspiration into something tangible.

Choose a Simple Layout

Search Canva for:

• “Interior moodboard”
• “Collage”
• Or use a blank A4 or square canvas

Simple layouts work best, especially for renovation planning.

Add Your Pinterest Images

Download your favourite pins and upload them to Canva.

Tips for arranging:

• Mix wide shots with close-up details
• Group similar tones together
• Leave breathing space — less is more

Your board should feel calm and intentional, not busy.

Step 5: Add Colour Swatches and Materials

This is what transforms a moodboard from inspiration to a working tool.

Include Colour Blocks

Use Canva’s shapes to add swatches representing:

• Wall colours
• Wood tones
• Accent shades

You can sample colours directly from images using Canva’s colour picker.

Optional Notes

Light, minimal text works well:

• “Warm neutral walls”
• “Natural timber throughout”
• “Soft aged brass finishes”

This is especially helpful if you’ll be sharing the moodboard with trades or suppliers. You can also play around with Canva’s elements if you want to add graphics such as arrows, or in my case, a paint ‘splodge’ to help really bring the paint colours to life.

Step 6: Sense Check Before You Commit

Step away and come back later.

Ask yourself:

• Does this feel cohesive?
• Does it suit the age of the property?
• Will I still love this in five years?

If something feels off, tweak it. Moodboards are meant to evolve — just like renovations. Quite a few of mine are still being tweaked now, as my ideas develop.

Final Thoughts: Progress Over Perfection

A renovation moodboard isn’t about having all the answers — it’s about creating confidence.

Using Pinterest and Canva together gives you:

• Direction without pressure
• Inspiration without overwhelm
• A clear vision to guide every decision

If you’re renovating a home with history, this step is invaluable. It keeps the soul of the house intact while making it work for modern life.

Fay x

If you’re mid-renovation, you’ll find more moodboards, real-life decisions and honest progress over on my renovation playlists on YouTube — don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss what’s next.

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Before we bought our Grade II listed Victorian farmhouse, we had just 10 minutes to look around.

No second viewing.
No measuring.
No time to fully process what we were taking on.

That short window became the moment we decided whether to buy the house that’s now our biggest project yet.

I’ve shared a walkthrough in my latest YouTube video in roughly the same amount of time, to give you an idea of just how little time we had! It’s a little raw in places (all my proper filming equipment is currently in boxes somewhere), but it captures the reality — the unknowns, the nerves, and the spark that made us say yes anyway.

Almost there….

Since then, the progress over the last few weeks has been incredible — and we’re now just weeks away from finally moving in.

If you’re interested in property, renovation, heritage buildings, or the reality of taking on a long-term project alongside full-time work and family life in video, then subscribe to the YouTube channel. It will give you a great insight as our journey progresses!

Watch the video above

Sometimes the biggest decisions really do happen in the smallest windows of time.

Fay x

The post Hall Farm Come Inside Our Grade II Listed Farmhouse appeared first on How Felicity Finds.

As a new year begins, we’ve found ourselves looking back at just how much has changed at Hall Farm over the past three months. Owning a listed building in the heart of Thornton-Le-Dale, Yorkshire, has always felt like a privilege, and these last few months truly marked a turning point in our renovation journey. What once felt like an endless to-do list has slowly transformed into real, tangible progress.

Much of the work completed so far hasn’t been the glamorous, Instagram-ready kind — but it has been essential. We began by completely rewiring and replumbing the house, carefully threading modern infrastructure through centuries-old walls. These upgrades were designed to future-proof Hall Farm. Ensuring it remains safe, efficient, and comfortable, while respecting its historic fabric.

Alongside this, we installed a brand-new boiler — a small miracle for anyone who has lived through a Yorkshire winter in a draughty old farmhouse. The chimneys have been inspected, made safe and will be restored fully this year. It has made an enormous difference to daily life here.

Listed Building Renovation

Some of the most satisfying moments came from restoring what was already here. We have spent weeks dipping, sanding and waxing the original doors and windows, bringing their character back to life. The last of the windows will be refitted this month. The same goes for the original beams, which were carefully sandblasted to reveal their age, texture and history — a reminder of just how many stories these timbers have held.

The kitchen, once dark and impractical, was completely ripped out. While it’s still very much a work in progress, clearing the space felt symbolic — making room for something new while honouring what came before.

Traditional Methods & Craftsmanship

Perhaps the most traditional craft we embraced this year was lime plastering. Messy, slow and incredibly rewarding, it has helped the house breathe again. As well as reinforced our commitment to sympathetic restoration rather than quick fixes.

When we stand back now, Hall Farm feels healthier, stronger and more itself than it has in decades. There’s still plenty to do, but this year laid the foundations — literally and figuratively — for everything to come.

If you’d like to follow along as we continue restoring this little piece of Yorkshire heritage, we’d love you to subscribe and join us for the next chapter.

Fay x

P.S. I will now be sharing new renovation and design inspiration videos most weeks on YouTube – subscribing there is the easiest way to follow along in real time.

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