Coulton Mill

Coulton Mill Coulton Mill represents almost one thousand years of Yorkshire history. It is a working farm with Ra

THE COMPLETE LEAN-TO - newly lime washed, the lean-to is now ready to begin its new life as the Coulton Mill Cider House...
28/08/2026

THE COMPLETE LEAN-TO - newly lime washed, the lean-to is now ready to begin its new life as the Coulton Mill Cider House.

THE SHELTER COAT - the surface of the newly applied lime is smoothed by the application of a mix of iron sulphate, Ham s...
27/08/2026

THE SHELTER COAT - the surface of the newly applied lime is smoothed by the application of a mix of iron sulphate, Ham stone dust from Somerset and water, with a brush.

The mixture goes on with a green colour but quickly oxidises to an ochre or 'rust'.

The final coat will be a lime wash.

MORE LIME...
26/08/2026

MORE LIME...

26/08/2026

LIME FINISHES - Nigel Copsey has returned to continue the lime render of the Cider House lean-to. What today is often interpreted as purely decorative was originally functional.

Nigel has a theory that the lime finish applied to a building depended on the type of material used. Course rubble stone was left unpainted and was always rendered with lime, requiring the lime to be thrown against the stone to fill the joints and leave a rough cast finish. Dressed and coursed stone would have been pointed beyond the joint to give a smooth finish with he stone, then limewashed. Carved ashlar blocks, with tight joints were simply limewashed onto the stone.

Part of the aim of restoring Coulton Mill has been to demonstrate these finishs, put them back into local consciousness and renew an otherwise forgotten local vernacular.

THE RAISED WALKWAY - all farms in this part of Yorkshire had raised platforms next to the buildings surrounding the yard...
25/08/2026

THE RAISED WALKWAY - all farms in this part of Yorkshire had raised platforms next to the buildings surrounding the yard. The space inbetween was full of muck, so it made sense to keep your feet clean and dry.

When I bought Coulton Mill, the old walkway was still there, made of rough hewn limestone slabs. Most of it was removed for the restoration of the building but I have longed to restore it.

That dream is now coming true.

RUM CASK - new for Autumn 2026. 100% Dabinett matured for two years in oak casks from Appleton's Rum in Jamaica.
20/08/2026

RUM CASK - new for Autumn 2026. 100% Dabinett matured for two years in oak casks from Appleton's Rum in Jamaica.

THE CIDER HOUSE - the brick lean-to is now restored, with a new coat of lime render. I was taken beyond my comfort zone ...
16/08/2026

THE CIDER HOUSE - the brick lean-to is now restored, with a new coat of lime render. I was taken beyond my comfort zone by lime expert, Nigel Copsey, but I am so happy with the result. This technique blends hot lime with gravel which is them thrown against the wall. The surface is then rubbed down with natural pigments . The uneven texture increases the surface area of the lime, which improves the capillary action.

When I stand back, see traditional techniques preserved, and used to stunning visual effect, I know the long, hard journey of restoration has been worth it.

HOME TO ROOST - these curious opennings in the wall of the byre are a feature of small farms in the Howardian Hills and ...
13/08/2026

HOME TO ROOST - these curious opennings in the wall of the byre are a feature of small farms in the Howardian Hills and surrounding areas. They are roosting boxes for poultry.

It makes sense. The birds keep warm, safe and snug away from winter weather and dangerous hooves. The cattle and horses have all the irritating bugs eaten for them. The perfect symbiotic relationship.

I would.like the whole world to know that I wish a very Happy 19th Birthday to my most treasured daughter, Sibylla.
12/08/2026

I would.like the whole world to know that I wish a very Happy 19th Birthday to my most treasured daughter, Sibylla.

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Hovingham
YO624ND

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