Client: Paul Swann
Builder: Croft Farm Construction
Architect: Peter Roberts, LHL Group Ltd
Bishopsbarn is the family home built in 1905 of the distinguished Edwardian architect Walter Brierly whose many distinguished buildings are an important part of York’s architectural heritage. The house is a perfect object lesson in the principles and pleasures of the Arts and Crafts movement – with its comfortable homely atmosphere enhanced by beautiful design not only of the building itself but also in the fittings and furniture – and the Gertrude Jekyll garden. After a couple of generations of relative decline, this ideal has been meticulously restored, the fabric repaired, the exquisite joinery and metalwork refurbished, re-polished and redecorated to a museum quality – including the acquisition of suitable furniture, fabrics and wallpapers.
It is a truly remarkable achievement and represents a notably positive collaboration between a generous client, a wonderful team of professionals and craftsmen, and the Historic Buildings Officials – all of whom deserve warm congratulation for their various contributions
