Who lives here?
Nicky Keane, an interior designer who runs Pleasure internalHer husband and their three children.
Nicky Keane realized it was time to move when, at six feet seven inches tall, her eldest son struggled to stand properly in their much-loved cottage.
‘My husband and I are both tall and our two other boys were following in George’s footsteps and shooting fast, so I knew that, at six feet, I was soon to be the youngest member of the family,’ says Nicky. ‘We were, quite literally, outgrowing our house and needed to find a more viable property.’
At the time, the Keynes lived in a 400-year-old cottage in Appleby Magna, Derbyshire, which they owned. Renovated and expanded.
(Image credit: Future plc / Rachel Smith)
Nicky explains, ‘When we started house hunting in 2020, it was the time of Covid and the property market was crazy. With a buyer for their cottage on board, but unable to find anything suitable for themselves, the Keynes decided to rent while they kept looking. After a frustrating nine months, Nicky received an email from an estate agent.
‘ She told me that a Georgian farmhouse in a reasonably nearby village was to go on the right move. I actually got goosebumps because it looked so perfect,’ says Nicky. Within hours, she and her husband were landing inside the property. ‘The house was ideal,’ says Nicky. ‘It had high ceilings, a super layout, lots of character and it was in a good location.’
(Image credit: Rachel Smith)
When she called the estate agent to make an offer, Nicky was surprised to hear that a cash buyer had already made a higher bid that was accepted. However, the hopeless situation took an unexpected turn when a few days later, Nicky returned from an outing with a friend. ‘I deliberately left my phone behind to switch off from the stress of house hunting. When I got home I had five missed calls from the estate agent,’ she explains. It appeared that the previous offer had fallen through, giving the couple an opportunity to buy.
In March 2022, the family moved into their new home. ‘The house was in good condition and the garden very well maintained,’ says Nicky.
(Image credit: Rachel Smith)
As well as a new roof, boiler and woodburner, all windows were recently replaced. ‘Delighted to see a family breathing new life into a house they love, the owner kindly left us items including a beautiful chandelier, which I wanted to put my own stamp on the farmhouse.’
That summer, Nicki, with whom he frequently collaborates Tim Wilson Bespoke Kitchens To design and build kitchens for his Joy Interiors clients, approached Tim to realize his vision for his own timeless kitchen.
‘The house includes other changes Painting the whole, and Adding wall paneling In two living rooms,’ she says. ‘I wanted to introduce a peaceful tone by combining off-whites with blush pinks, pale blues, grays and greens, as well as some black accents that I pulled from the color of the front door.’
We all feel incredibly proud, privileged and grateful to be the current custodians of this historic asset.
Upholstered by her trusted team of artisan tradesmen Furniture and made curtains And blinds for many rooms. Later, in 2024, the Family bathroom was updated and, last year, the couple’s en-suite shower room was modernised. ‘Our house is full of furniture and treasures we’ve collected over the years,’ says Nicky.
‘We love this house, which I often describe as a more “grown-up” version of our cottage.’ And the couple is happy that, despite the setback, they finally found a nicer – and more practical – place to live.
‘It is ideal for us and a very special home where we have plenty of space to make memories. We are all incredibly proud and grateful to be the current custodians of this historic farmhouse.’
Living room
By adding Georgian-style paneling, Nicky has hinted at her home’s origins.
(Image credit: Rachel Smith)
A soft-teal sofa adds another dimension to the calm neutral backdrop.
kitchen
Cabinet in Shaded White, Farrow and Ball. Flooring, Quorn Stone.
(Image credit: Rachel Smith)
The family’s beloved antique table fits well in this vaulted space, while the chandelier was left behind by the previous owner.
(Image credit: Rachel Smith)
When remodeling this space, Nicky decided that a false chimney breast with a mirror behind the cooker would add a sense of depth and symmetry to these units.
Sitting room
A chair (left) and a rug, Pleasure internal. lampshade, Kate Forman Designs.
(Image credit: Rachel Smith)
Soft-green tiles in a herringbone pattern make an attractive feature behind the fireplace in this more formal room.
Children’s bedroom
Find similar cushions at Inner yard. Salinas Square Mirror, John Lewis.
(Image credit: Rachel Smith)
Shades of muted gray and taupe create a calm look in this bedroom, while vintage trunks add character.
Family bathroom
(Image credit: Rachel Smith)
Floor tiles introduce subtle patterns in this newly revised scheme.
Master bedroom
(Image credit: Rachel Smith)
The storage is designed to be practical and organised, and the muted William Morris wallpaper works well above the panelling.
Nicky used the color of the upholstered headboard as inspiration for this scheme.
‘The farmhouse was ideal for us,’ says Nicky. ‘It’s a very special home where we have plenty of space to make memories.’
Get the look
Alpen Home
Accent Trunk, Old Wood
B&Q
Persian Chenille Red Traditional Medium Rug
H&M
Large hand glazed stoneware vase
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