AHEAD OF ITS TIME

Julie Ashworth’s versatile home succeeds thanks to forward thinking and imaginative design

History meets modernity in a Grade-ii listed Bradford barn

Clutter doesn’t feature in artist Julie Ashworth’s vocabulary – or in her minimalist home. Apart from books, there is very little in the way of day-to-day paraphernalia. It’s there, of course, but hidden behind walls and design-led storage solutions.

‘I like clean lines, open spaces and attention to detail,’ says Julie. Hence her converted Yorkshire barn in which huge oak beams, steel girders and exposed stone are given more emphasis than decor. And the little furniture she has was either chosen for its functional design or was made by Julie, who did a college course in cabinet-making as a mature student.

After living in a barn conversion in France for several years with her former husband, Julie came back to the UK to find a property to renovate. ‘I loved the barn as soon as I saw it,’ she recalls. ‘The stone was solid and honest, and inside I could see huge potential in the vast open space.’ The listed barn came with an adjoining cottage, where she lived while the barn was renovated. It was architect Andrew Brown from Architecture519 who created Julie’s wish for a three-bedroom cathedral-like space with masses of hidden storage.

‘Andrew was the moving force behind it,’ says Julie. ‘He came up with many of the extraordinary design ideas.’ One of which is a large sliding door that can be pushed across the ground-floor room to separate Julie’s study, from where she runs her company Yoojoo, specialising in handmade illustrated paper products, and the kitchen, which is in a ‘pod’ extension to the rear of the barn. ‘I love the flexibility of the house,’ says Julie. ‘There are so many beautiful architectural details that it still feels very warm and welcoming. I love the sitting area by the big windows because it links me directly to the outdoors, although it did take three goes to get the window right.’

Yet the ups and downs of the project were soon forgotten after Julie moved into the barn and sold the cottage. ‘When we renovated in France I vowed “never again”, then we did this and I realised I’d got the bug again,’ says Julie.

‘I’m planning to build something smaller, not too far from here, specifically to suit my lifestyle. It will be challenging, but I think you can achieve most things if you are determined enough.’

KITCHEN AREA A first-floor glass mezzanine links the two storeys and creates a spacious atrium. Similar floor tiles are Amadeus black stone-effect floor tile, £58.81sq m, Victoria Plum

DINING AREA Julie is an accomplished furniture maker and many of the pieces in her home – including this dining table – were made by her. The sliding opaque doors along the back wall hide a huge storage area. Arne Jacobsen Series 7 dining chairs, £150 each, The Home

SITTING AREA The boarded walls and ceiling were slotted into place to minimise damage to the original stone walls. Balzac chair and footstool, £4,230, by Matthew Hilton for Scp at Heal’s

LANDING Exposed beams, stone walls and skylights have transformed the dark old barn into a home full of texture and natural light.

BATHROOM The long, narrow bathroom cleverly utilises space. Bath, sink and shower, Hansgrohe at Morlands Bathrooms

MASTER BEDROOM The compact bedroom includes a half wall which hides an en suite area on one side and storage on the other, while the height of the room creates a sense of space. Double bed, from £375, Muji. Saltort quilt cover set, £13, Ikea. The plain wool throw in Claret is similar, £75, John Lewis & Partners