Reclaim & rejoice

Set amid fields and fruit plantations, this rural retreat is a masterclass in elegant country style

Passing through the rooms of Maria and Leo Kessels’ home, it’s hard to believe that it was built only six years ago. The smell of wood and stone lightly scents the air, along with pine and eucalyptus permeating from the seasonal decorations. Built specifically for their retirement, the house stands on one of Leo’s family’s old fruit plantations deep in rural Holland. Dotted around the house are jugs filled with the winter branches of pear and apple trees, a testimony to the family’s proud heritage as fruit growers.

‘I’d envisaged a country home in Limburg for many years,’ says Maria. ‘Working in interior design, I’d helped plenty of clients achieve their dreams, and I was eager to do the same for myself.’ The couple had a clear idea of what they wanted to build: a new house that is imbued with a deep sense of belonging, one that would fit in with its rural setting and be constructed of reclaimed, aged materials. ‘The building materials have mostly come from Belgium and Holland,’ says Maria. ‘It took us seven years to collect it all.’

Hearth and Home

Wanting to achieve an atmosphere of ‘days gone by’, the couple knew that a large hearth would enhance the sense of countryside authenticity. Positioned in the chimney column at the centre of the ground floor, the antique reclaimed fireplace is a much-admired, warming focal point for the sitting room and kitchen. The freeflowing space around this central point gives the house an informal and socially connected feel. A second fireplace in the dining room cheers supper guests. ‘These two fireplaces warm the entire house, so the heating is hardly ever on,’ says Maria.

Another striking aspect of the Kessels’ home is the stone flooring. Inspired by Flemish and French castles of the Renaissance, each stone flag is handmade and individual, some featuring elaborate carvings. ‘A good floor is so important. That’s why we chose two shades for ours – brown-grey and evening shadow – to add interest and make it more nuanced,’ explains Maria. Elsewhere, smaller, tightly packed tiles resemble a medieval screed floor.

Perfect setting

Having passed their interiors business, Hoeve Hofackers, on to their son Hans, the couple intend to spend their new-found time in the house and extensive garden, where Maria tends to the borders and fruit trees. Leo’s horses are kept in the surrounding fields and the church of Baarlo can be seen in the distance. ‘Most people in Holland move to an apartment when they retire, but we are outdoor people,’ says Maria. Anticipating reduced mobility as they get older, the couple have placed the main bedroom and bathroom on the ground floor.

Maria’s take on Christmas decorating is similar to that of her interior scheme. ‘I like things to be natural and simple,’ she says. ‘We don’t have a Christmas tree with shiny baubles, but put up the pollard trunk of a catalpa that was uprooted near here.’ Opting for wooden baubles, candles and fronds of eucalyptus and pine, Maria embellishes her rustic retreat with a touch of seasonal wonder.