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Book here!When James and Emma set out to build their dream home in the Leicestershire countryside, they knew they wanted something that felt both contemporary and full of character. Their vision: a modern farmhouse that blended clean lines with traditional materials. Central to their design was the use of reclaimed bricks — giving their new-build home an immediate sense of history and warmth.
After months of sourcing, they found a batch of soft, weathered bricks salvaged from a Victorian warehouse. The bricks’ natural tones — rich reds, soft oranges, and occasional flashes of deep brown — became a defining feature of the exterior. Paired with timber cladding and clay pan tiles, the house strikes a perfect balance between old-world charm and modern simplicity.
Inside, the couple used exposed reclaimed brick to create a stunning double-height feature wall in their open-plan living space. Combined with polished concrete floors, oak beams, and a neutral colour scheme, the home feels both rustic and contemporary — exactly what they had hoped to achieve.
Choosing reclaimed materials was also an environmentally conscious decision. “We loved the idea of giving these beautiful old bricks a second life,” says Emma. “It makes the house feel like it’s always been here, but with all the comforts of a modern build.”
Working closely with their architect and builder, James and Emma ensured the reclaimed bricks met modern Building Regulations. Careful planning was key to matching batches and achieving a consistent look across the project.
Their modern farmhouse now sits seamlessly in the landscape, offering a perfect example of how reclaimed materials can bring soul, sustainability, and timeless style to a self-build home.