Renovated Farmhouse

Bucks County, Pennsylvania

Earlier this week I wrote about a superb barn renovation in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, that was featured in the June 2010 issue of Architectural Digest. The barn, designed by Penny Drue Baird, is located on a larger property with a farmhouse that had previously been renovated by Ms. Baird. While researching this barn conversion, I found myself wishing that Architectural Digest had shown at least one picture of the farmhouse on the property, which I knew had to be just as fabulous as the barn. After doing a little digging, I think I may have found it. Architectural Digest  ran an article from February 2007 featuring a circa 1810 farmhouse in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, designed by -- you guessed it -- Penny Drue Baird.

Renovated barn on farmhouse property

Though neither article links these two renovations as being on the same property, they are both in Bucks County, both designed by the same person, and the barn article mentions a farmhouse that was previously renovated by the same designer. Are they on the same property? Who cares! Let's see some before and after photos!

Below is the living room, which, by all appearances, looks like it has great bones. But in the Architectural Digest article, the Ms. Baird described as a "designer’s nightmare. It’s a large room with doors on opposite sides, small windows on two sides, a dark, low ceiling and an off-center fireplace."

Below is the 'after' photo. What a gorgeous room! The designer created two separate seating areas, centered by a two-sided setee. I just love the blue Mora clock in this room, and in this precise spot. The blue in the clock is subtly echoed in the blue English pottery collection and the ceramic elephant side table. Just the right amount of blue color to pull the room together without looking matchy-matchy.

The dining room, a later addition to the house, 'before.' At least the room has great floors, good natural light, and good proportions.

Wow! The addition of vintage hand-cut beams and brick facade makes this dining room look like it's been part of the house all along. The antique French wrought-iron chandelier and antique 19th century copper fountain are from a Paris flea market.

Below is the family room which, like the dining room, is a later addition to the farmhouse. You just know those metal sliding doors can't stay!

And this is why people hire interior designers. This room is simply stunning! The sliding doors, along with the windows, were indeed replaced and updated. Room additions include a limestone fireplace, reclaimed-wood panelled walls and ceiling, reclaimed wood beams, and French terra cotta floor tiles. The antique wrought iron chandelier is from Paris. That chaise longue is stunning!

The owner's suite bedroom 'before.'

Rustic elegance! I just love the look of the ceiling beams coupled with the French chandelier. The larger, freestanding upholstered headboard nestling the bed frame, the circa 1880 painted screens, and the simple-yet-sumptuous window treatment make for a cozy and sophisticated space. The larger headboard fabric is from Schumacher. The smaller headboard fabric and pinstripe is from Nobilis.

A farmhouse-elegant bedroom.

The rear of the property.