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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