Jobe Burns Breathes Life Back Into a 300-Year-Old Farmhouse

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Summary

  • Jobe Burns, known for his collaboration with Samuel Ross on the homeware label “Concrete Objects,” has now restored a historic English farmhouse.
  • The project’s design was shaped by Burns’ discovery of hidden rooms, inspiring him to focus on revealing the home’s original character.
  • The restoration combines the farmhouse’s preserved original elements with new, modern additions, showcasing Burns’ adaptive design approach.

You may recognize Jobe Burns from his collaborations with Samuel Ross, starting way back in 2017. That’s when they jointly established the home goods brand “Concrete Objects”.

Due to Burns’ continuous endeavor to delve into various aspects of his artistic craft, he has created small artifacts, grand signages, and soft furnishings. His recent project unveils – the renovation of an ancient farmhouse nestled in the picturesque English countryside.

The project unexpectedly landed on Burns during a discussion at his spatial design graduation exhibition held at London’s Chelsea College of Art. New proprietors had recently acquired a countryside property that required some attention and care.



In his newly found home, which functioned somewhat like an artist’s studio (since Burns had just completed a sculpture degree at the Royal College of Art), he began exploring the property thoroughly. As he wandered around, intriguing details emerged – one of them being a hidden doorway concealed behind a cupboard, among other discoveries.

He stated that he dismantled a cupboard, removed the flooring, broke through some cinder blocks, and discovered two concealed, brick-vaulted rooms beneath it. It felt as though the house was hiding something, biding its time until the perfect opportunity for discovery arose.

It seems this particular instance played a crucial role in shaping the overall design approach. In essence, it underscored the fact that the process wasn’t so much about reshaping but rather revealing what was inherent all along.

Throughout the entire premises, softer contours have been restored to evoke a tangible feel. Rooms are distinctively defined through gentle changes in color and texture – ranging from the light and breezy pastel kitchen walls to the warm and earthy terracotta bathrooms.

The original elements have been preserved and revitalized in some instances, such as turning decaying trees into furniture and roof tiles into fireplace components. Modern touches have been added through the incorporation of contemporary furniture. In the living room, the Andu Masebo Tubular Chair is matched with a table from Burns’ Orbe label.

Burns, much like a chameleon adapting across various fields, has the knack for tailoring his aesthetic endeavors to suit each unique project. Initially, it may not be apparent that these projects are part of a larger body of work by him. However, upon closer examination of the creative process, you’ll discern his distinctive style: investing time to grasp the nature of the medium he’s working with, and consistently employing a humanistic approach throughout the entire process.

Burns explains that you should adjust your behavior according to the building, as it represents a change from the fast-paced external world. This farmhouse seems to transport you back to a period when life was more leisurely, allowing thoughts to linger. The structure embodies a sense of tranquility and patience, and in turn, invites the same from its visitors.

Take a look around the house above.

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2025-08-07 12:56