BBC One Countryfile presenter, Helen Skelton, has opened up about renovating her beautiful 1850s countryside cottage in the heart of Yorkshire.
The former Blue Peter host, who is currently filming Channel 5's This Week On The Farm, purchased the dilapidated property with her husband, Richie Myler, back in January this year.
It was clear from the start that the property needed a lot of work, but there was one main reason Helen and Richie put an offer in: "We bought it for the garden — that was the main pull," Helen tells Country Living. "We found a tiny broken house with a two acre garden. My dad saw it and said 'it's a terrible idea', but then he saw the garden and said 'you can't not live here.' She's an old house that someone put a lot of love into, especially in the garden."
And, as it turns out, there couldn't have been a better time for Helen and her family to choose a house for its garden, as many of us have turned to our outdoor spaces for some much-needed solace and stillness during lockdown. Helen tells us it's something she'll never take for granted again. "I feel so lucky that we have one [a garden] as the kids have been outside everyday the whole time. They've been able to burn-off steam and enjoy lockdown in that sense. I haven't got walls or windows but I have a garden!"
Helen, who grew up on a dairy farm in the deep folds of Cumbria, is no stranger to rural living. "I lived in the countryside until I was around 23/24 and never had neighbours. I just looked at rolling fields, front, side and back. I underestimated how much I found joy in rolling fields until I moved to London. The fresh air, sunsets, and watching the sun rise just makes me feel good."
That love of the outdoors has been passed on to Helen's children, Ernie and Louis, who also love to get hands-on outside. "The kids are outside a lot, even when it's raining. We've been doing lots of campfires outside in the garden recently, too," she tells us.
Helen is also currently working with Smart Energy GB to help parents create sustainable activities for their children during the summer holidays, as well as encouraging them to get a smart meter installed to help monitor household energy consumption. Speaking about the importance of educating children on environmental issues, Helen explains that it begins with teaching them simple yet valuable lessons, such as riding a bike to school.
"I'm not going to be naive and say that they'll never be near devices or watch TV again, but I'm trying to encourage them to make energy-free activities part of their life. Whether it's going for a bike ride or riding to school, I want them to do these things as a habit."
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22 stylish, sustainable homewares pieces
Hemming & Wills Zig Zag Square Recycled Wool Cushion
Forget what you thought about scratchy, recycled fabrics – these wool cushions are really comfy to snuggle up with. Choose from a denim blue or ochre tone, but we'd recommend the yellow as it really draws your eye. Your sofa will look much more cheerful as a result.
Why's it eco? The cover is made from recycled wool clothing and the cushion pad is filled with an eco-friendly polyester made completely from post-consumer recycled plastic bottles.
The Tartan Blanket Co. Recycled Wool Blanket
Every home needs a good wooly blanket – use it to wrap up in on your armchair on a winter's evening, as a picnic blanket in the summer or as a decorative throw for your sofa. You don't even have to faff about with hand-washing either, as these go straight in the machine – impressive.
Why's it eco? Each blanket is made from material that would otherwise go into landfill, with at least 70% being wool.
Soak & Sleep ReDown Recycled Feather & Down Duvet
Forget stuffy polyester or commercially farmed down duvets – this is a far more sustainable choice. Stock up on two or three so you're sorted for all seasons; they're available in a light and airy 4.5 tog up to a thick and luxurious 13. We know it's still chilly outside, but if you're savvy and invest now, you can get the lightest version for 25% off.
Why's it eco? It's filled with GRS-certified recycled feather and down.
Sheridan Eden organic cotton towel collection
When your current towels have reached the end of their life, recycle or donate them and then replace them with a set of these quality organic cotton ones instead. They're super soft and fluffy; we tried the bath sheet and it's a real treat. Even better, they're currently on sale, so now's the time to stock up. Choose from dusky pink, black, grey or ivory.
Why's it eco? These towels are made from GOTS-certified (that's the highest standard possible) organic cotton. Among other credentials, that means that no nasty chemical fertilisers or pesticides were used to grow it.
Dunelm Thea Recycled Knitted Throw
We love this Dunelm throw. Not only is it completely affordable, but it comes in a choice of eight different colours. We opted for the Mink shade, which is a lovely warm neutral that works well with the pastel pink tones in my bedroom.
Why's it eco? It's made entirely from recycled materials – 51% upcycled cotton and 49% recycled polyester
Cottage In The Hills Autumn Skies Dried Flower Posy
Adding a bunch of flowers to your dining table, chest of drawers or console table is such an easy way to boost the mood of a room, but the cost of your weekly bouquets can soon add up. Opt for an (equally lovely) dried version instead and enjoy them for far longer.
Why's it eco? Rather than buying a fresh bunch every week (and all the plastic wrapping and intensive farming that involves) these should last for at least a year, so long as they're well cared for. A worthy investment.
Garden Trading Wells Bubble Vase, Wide
This elegant vase has a pale blue tone that will make for a soothing addition to your dining table or dresser top.
Why's it eco? It's made from 100% recycled glass.
Panda Vintage Pink Bamboo Bedding Set, Double
This cosy bedding set comprises a sheet, duvet cover, two pillow cases in a matching dust bag. Our favourite is this dusky pink set but it's available in four other colours too.
Why's it eco? It's made from 100% bamboo (yes, even the buttons), which is a highly sustainable resource as it's one of the fastest growing plants on the planet. It also only needs a third of the amount of water needed to grow thirsty cotton plants.
Vektra Vacuum Eco Kettle
We all know not to overfill the kettle when we use it, but still, we often find ourselves with a couple of mugs of water leftover after making our morning cuppa. This innovative kettle keeps water hotter for longer after boiling, preventing the need to reboil for your next top-up.
Why's it eco? This kettle has vacuum flask technology that boils water efficiently then keep it hot for up to four hours – so you're not continuously re-boiling, saving money, time and energy.
Natural Collection Black & Natural Ekuri Seagrass Basket, Large
Use these decorative baskets to store blankets and other bits and bobs in, or use them as a pot cover for your favourite house plants. Do remember to use a normal pot inside, as well though, to avoid them getting grubby or water leaking through!
Why's it eco? They're handmade to Fairtrade standards from sustainably-sourced seagrass (which is totally biodegradable).
Living Nostalgia Vintage Blue Compost Bin
This powder-blue composter is much prettier than your standard-issue council brown food waste bin, so it won't look unsightly in your kitchen. There's also an in-built filter to help keep bad smells to a minimum.
Why's it eco? So the materials themselves may not have any extra-special sustainability credentials, but being able to pop all of your food waste in here rather than your rubbish bin helps to reduce the amount of waste going into landfill and put it back into your garden instead.
Nkuku Ruri Recycled Glass Jug
This ornate jug will serve you well throughout the summer months for many glasses of Pimms. Snap it up now, as it's currently on sale.
Why's it eco? Recycled glass, on average, uses 30% less energy to make then virgin glass – and this is 100% recycled.
John Lewis & Partners Recycled Cotton Chindi Rug
Add a splash of colour to your living space with this vibrant rag rug – we think they'd look good in a dining or hallway area.
Why's it eco? The cotton in the rug is recycled.
Trouva Indian Recycled Paper Saucer
So it's a bit unusual, but this paper lampshade is a guaranteed talking point – it's certainly a far cry from the dusty paper globe shades that adorned your student digs.
Why's it eco? It's made from 100% recycled paper and there's no plastic bulb holder
Soak & Sleep's all-white bedlinen will create a hotel-style sanctuary in your own home – and you can sleep even more soundly knowing it's made from planet-friendly organic cotton.
Why's it eco? The cotton is organic, so no chemical pesticides were used throughout the production process
British Colour Standard Set of 6 Recycled Glass Tumblers
If you've accidentally dropped one too many glasses and your selection is looking a bit thin, replenish your stash with this bright and beautiful set of six.
Why's it eco? They're made from 100% recycled glass.
Nkuku Recycled Glass Cake Dome
Keep cakes, cheese and other treats safely away from flies under this glass cake dome, which makes for a beautiful decorative piece in its own right.
Why's it eco? The glass is completely recycled and the base has been made from sustainably-sourced mango wood.
La Redoute Scenario Organic Cotton Duvet Cover
If the all-white look isn't for you, go for this organic bedding set from La Redoute instead, which is available in an array of bold and more neutral tones.
Why's it eco? The cotton is organic, so no chemical pesticides were used throughout the production process.
Viners Organic Natural 5 Piece Knife Block
This minimal block is available in a sage green or calming oatmeal and contains all the knives you should need – a chef’s knife, carving knife, bread knife, utility knife and a paring knife.
Why's it eco? The knives have been made from at least 85% recycled steel and the block and handles are part-made with wheat fibre; a natural by-product from the wheat farming industry that's usually burned. The bamboo lid on the block can also be recycled or composted.
Viners Organic Knife Set with Board
Want to complete your set? Add this matching organic knife and chopping board set to your Viners collection. The knives are super-sharp and the board is great quality, too.
Why's it eco? Like the knife set above, this set has been made from wheat fibre, which will break down under normal composting conditions within three to 36 months.
Black + Blum Stainless Steel Lunch Box
We love this steel lunchbox and fork combo. It's got a removable metal divider inside so you can keep salad away from grains, for example, or leftover curry separate from rice. It can also be used as an oven dish or a freezer container, making it really great value for money.
Why's it eco? With care, this lunchbox should last you a lifetime – so you'll never have to buy another. It's made from BPA-free, quality steel under ethical conditions in China.
Brook + Wilde The Lux Mattress
Obviously, a new mattress is a serious investment – so sleep guilt-free by checking the eco-credentials of your new mattress company. Brook + Wilde are a premium British mattress-in-a-box company with a focus on quality – and sustainability. I have the medium Lux mattress and would say it's on the firmer side, which personally, I prefer – my back feels much better in the mornings since switching.
Why's it eco? For every mattress sold, B+W will plant a tree – and operates a zero-waste policy throughout production. Impressive.
Lisa Joyner is the Deputy Daily Editor at House Beautiful UK and Country Living UK, where she's busy writing about home and interiors, gardening, dog breeds, pets, health and wellbeing, countryside news, small space inspiration, and the hottest properties on the market. Previously, she has written for Conde Nast Traveller, House & Garden and Marie Claire magazine. Lisa studied at University For The Creative Arts, where she completed a BA in Fashion Journalism.
