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.