Set amidst a peaceful nature reserve, rustic wood and leafy prints look right at home here

In the middle of a nature reserve in north Kent, Georgina and Gareth Fulton have turned a neglected farmhouse into a warm, welcoming home

Returning to the land that her father had once nurtured marked a life change for Georgina Fulton, and her husband Gareth and their two children. The family had recently moved back to the UK after living in Cyprus, so the flat, big-sky views of the Isle of Sheppey felt like a particularly wild landscape. ‘This is a relatively unknown part of Kent, but there’s a unique beauty to the place,’ says Georgina.

When her father came to Elmley in the 1970s, he was in the business of arable and sheep farming, but the land was designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest by the government. Georgina’s father embraced the change, positively encouraging wildlife to flourish and returning the arable land to extensive grazing for cattle. ‘He had quite a pioneering approach for his time,’ she says.

Today, Elmley is a nature reserve and an important breeding ground for migratory birds that flit through the marshlands and grasses, undisturbed by the small herds of free-roaming cattle.

Georgina and Gareth returned here in 2013, first building a set of shepherd’s huts as accommodation on the nature reserve. Next came the barn, a cottage and, finally, they turned their attention to Kingshill Farmhouse. ‘It is the hub of the whole farm,’ says Georgina.

It had fallen into disrepair, so along with some structural repairs (the 18th-century building is Grade II listed), the house also needed plumbing and power upgrades. ‘We are off grid and create all our own electricity,’ explains Georgina. ‘We now have a reliable battery-pack generator as well as solar power, but when we first moved here the only source was a noisy old-school generator.’ At the time she was expecting their first baby. ‘Not a very reassuring set-up when you’re six months pregnant!’ she says.

Their children Eleni and Barnaby love spending time here.

‘At weekends we’ll all go out on our bikes, pack up a picnic and head for one of the local Blue Flag beaches,’ she says.

Georgina wanted the house to feel luxurious and homely, and brought in interior designer Francesca Rowan Plowden. ‘Francesca understood our vision and kept us involved at every stage,’ she says.

From the spacious, light-filled kitchen extension to the cosier snug with its woodburner stove, the emphasis is on luxurious textures and colours that subtly link with the landscape. ‘The bedrooms, in particular, were designed to make the most of these views, seen from an armchair, the bed and even a roll-top bath,’ says Georgina.

Georgina and Francesca needed to furnish the farmhouse from scratch, so made many trips to nearby Ardingly Antiques Fair.

‘Each piece was bought because it felt like Elmley to us – eclectic, individual and much loved,’ says Georgina. ‘Using vintage and antique pieces also reflects our commitment to sustainability.’

Even in the more modern kitchen, earthenware pots, a vintage cabinet and industrial lighting link to the farm’s working past. In the living spaces, deep paint colours, well-worn leather and woven fabrics add to the country mood. ‘We wanted to reflect the unique character of the farmhouse while creating a loved home,’ explains Georgina. ‘It feels as if we’ve put the soul back into the place.’

To book a stay, visit elmleynaturereserve.co.uk

Exterior

A contemporary extension finished in traditional local brick houses a large kitchen-diner that has extensive views.

Kitchen

Bare brickwork, the original exterior wall of the farmhouse, adds an authentic texture to the extension. Mugs, The Silver Sheep Dining area

The worn textures of an antique table and a vintage cabinet complement the brick wall and bring character to the space. Dining chairs, similar at Perch & Parrow. Cabinet, Ardingly Antiques Fair. Table lamp, similar at Lights.co.uk Living room

Georgina has introduced personality with eclectic finds such as the vintage chandelier. Curtain fabric, Romo. Sofa, Made.com. Artwork, John Bartlett

❝THE ISLE OF SHEPPEY IS A RELATIVELY UNKNOWN PART OF KENT, BUT THERE’S A UNIQUE BEAUTY TO THE PLACE❞

Dining room A flat-weave rug anchors the dining area. Bespoke table, Henley and Kille. Rug, The Oriental Rug Merchant

Living room Butter-soft vintage leather and rich blues make this a cosy retreat at the end of the day. Walls painted in Inchyra Blue by Farrow & Ball. Sofa, Ardingly Antiques Fair. Cushions and lamp shades, all Rowan Plowden Design. Vintage coffee table, @the_club_chair_studio. Artwork, Andrew Viner

Kitchen-diner A long antique table provides plenty of space for informal dining. Cabinetry, Portrait Kitchens. Table, Ardingly Antiques Fair. Bespoke light pendants and tiles, all Rowan Plowden Design

Landscape The 18th-century farmhouse is surrounded by protected wetlands where wildlife flourishes

Main bedroom Chairs are placed by windows to drink in the views. Halabala armchair covered in Rooksmore velvet by Lewis & Wood, Rowan Plowden Design