On the hunt for a remote and unspoilt location, James and Raffaella were determined to find a spot where "the wilderness was both the frame and the view; somewhere to celebrate the old and the new, to put natural materials in the foreground, and do so with as little impact on the planet as possible".
Then, after a widespread, lengthy search, they finally came across Tincture and immediately fell in love with its "off-grid potential and remoteness" in Wales. Living a career-based life in London in the branding and design industry (James is a typographer and creative director, while Raffaella consults for creative agencies as an account director) and with busy daily lives, they knew instinctively that they "didn´t want to see another property, pylons, or other man-made obstructions. Essentially, Tincture would be our antidote to city life; a place to recharge, get creative again and become one with nature". And where better to do just that, than at the foot of the Cambrian Mountains, said to be one of the last great wildernesses.
The farmhouse is estimated to have been built around the 17th century, sitting at an altitude on the hillside where biodiverse and wildlife-filled arable and stock land join. When the renovation work began, the vision was simple: "we wanted to stay true to the property that had sat there for centuries while incorporating some modern touches, so we deliberately kept the interior style clean to celebrate the views, artwork and artisan objects, while remaining sensitive to the original bones of the house".
It was important to both James and Raffaella that natural materials do as much of the talking as possible at Tincture. "Throughout the house, you’ll spot original artwork done by us, upcycled items and curious objects we’ve found, along with botanicals we’ve collected from the surrounding landscape dotted about in vases and frames".
Speaking warmly about their property, the couple wanted it to be "a close representation of what we believe in and how we strive to live day-to-day".
A keen sailor, James has brought his sea-faring philosophies onto land. Namely, working with what you have and being resourceful, taking the time things need, only using what is necessary and not fighting the tide. Raffaella loves yoga and meditation, so it should be no surprise that guests can find several places to ground themselves, whether that’s inside or out, at one with the landscape.
