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Simply Transformed

A circa 1740s Tiverton farmhouse is treated to a mindful makeover

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“No one seemed to want to take on such a large project, so we decided to,” says Blair Moore with resolve, describing the ramshackle saltbox on a patch of farmland in Tiverton. “We craved the space we once owned in Australia, and had driven by this farm many times.” The “we” is her family, an industrious clan originally from the land Down Under who relocated to the US back in 2009. Based in Tiverton and doing business as Moore House, they specialize in transforming neglected properties – including a rag-tag architectural assortment ranging from cottages to a Quonset hut – each carefully restored and then decorated into boutique lodgings for others; but this time it’s personal.

Currently, the Moores are working their way through what they’ve labeled the MHFarmhouse. Moore has been told that the modest structure dates back to the 1740s and is an early King’s Grant property. “We have been watching this building deteriorate for many years,” she says. “We purchased ‘her’ a little over two years ago and have been planning and slowly working on her restoration.”

Endeavors like the farmhouse require time and patience. Moore notes that they are still at the beginning, but that doesn’t mean daily life can’t be pleasing at each stage. “If you are in the middle of a renovation phase, create some zen zones within the space. Something that is cohesive and tonal in color will help relax your senses from the chaos of renovation,” she advises. “We are moving on to the long barn next that will house a giant kitchen and living space, with large windows and doors to really take in that beautiful view.”

An interior designer, Moore has a vision for each dwelling and her signature aesthetic of farmcoast simplicity runs through the family’s myriad properties. “Each has its own story and style. It is up to the designer and homeowner to pay attention to what the architecture is telling you,” she offers.

Describing her vision as tonal and textural with a sustainable vibe, Moore looks for reclaimed wood and salvage, uses mixes of leftover paints from projects, and seeks furnishings at antique shops as much as possible, then layers with modern shapes and decor.

“We usually live in a space for about a year or two before we deep dive into the land of renovation,” explains Moore of the process. “Time tells you a lot about a home and your wants and dreams about what it can become. I believe it is our duty to pay attention to these aspects in every home to help tell the home’s story for generations to come.”

 

Editor’s Note: Follow the progress on Instagram @moore.house and @moorehousedesign

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