Jules at play
At heart, Jules is by his own admission just a big kid. Never happier than when he’s making things, his workshop is his own escape. Designing, upcycling and renovation are lifelong interests that are now much employed as he and his family continue the restoration of their 16th century farmhouse and garden on the Welsh Borders. From furniture to buildings and landscape design, Jules is at heart a creative bloke with an infectious enthusiasm for the projects he undertakes.
Four legged friends
Jules’ interest in property goes back to his childhood, growing up in East Anglia and being immersed in the rich vernacular architecture of the Essex/Suffolk borders. From the great Churches of the wool trade such as Kersey and Lavenham, to the Timber Framed merchants houses, Guild halls and cottages that define much of the regions timeless appeal, Jules has long been inspired not just by buildings of pedigree, but importantly by how they were built. As an archeologist, investigating the often sketchy remains of structures required a forensic understanding of how they were made, and set in motion a lifelong fascination with the material and social history of buildings. For the best part of a decade, his knowledge has informed series such as Escape to the Country, Britain’s Empty Homes and Britain’s Heritage Heroes, and he’s increasingly asked to comment on current property issues for TV, Radio and in the Press.
Renovation Game
Jules loves the business of building and re-building, and has long been a champion of up-cycling, finding inventive ways to re-use and re-purpose redundant everyday items. From his days as an archaeologist and historic surveyor, to a lifetime spent immersed in his own renovation projects, his fascination, enthusiasm, and knowledge of what it takes to transform a wreck into a beautiful home is rarely lost on those he regularly meets through his work on TV and beyond.
Jules the Collector
Jules’ love of history has not surprisingly expanded over the years into a love of antiques and collectibles and the social history that surrounds them. A stint on the BBC hit Cash in the Attic both indulged and expanded his love of collecting. These days, militaria is top of the list, and Jules is often found seeking out yet more bits and pieces to add to his growing array of items relating to his love of social and military history. From a Jeep and various arms and munitions to the every day minutia of a soldier’s life, every object tells a story to a man who’s sense of the past is founded on the material things that history and our forbears have created and left behind.
The Accidental Gardner
Jules and his family are keen gardeners, and are lucky enough to have some two acres of lawns, woodland and borders in which to develop their gardening vision and experience.
When not writing, filming or busy in the workshop, a perfect day is grafting in the garden, designing, building and planting an increasingly enchanted outdoor space within a classic framework of outdoor rooms. A self confessed professional amateur, Jules has spoken to various clubs and conferences on one of his favourite subjects, entitled ‘The Accidental Gardener’. His first book Walled Gardens explores the fascinating history of Britain’s walled kitchen gardens and is published by National Trust Books.
Buy a signed copy of Walled Gardens here.