How Star Photographer Julian Broad Lives: A Look Inside His Home in Wales

Celebrity portrait photographer Julian Broad, known for his work in glossy magazines, left London to move into a historic home in Wales that is 580 years old. He removed modern additions, restored the authentic interiors, and filled them with various curiosities.

Previously, the house's façade was painted white with black windows and red doors. Julian stripped the exterior walls and repainted the windows and trim in a soft green shade.

"I was drawn to this house by romantic dreams of a slow-paced life on a misty hilltop, with music playing from the house, a glass of wine in hand, and a cigarette in the spirit of Robert Plant from Led Zeppelin," laughs British photographer Julian Broad, recalling his move from a two-story London loft to an ancient (580-year-old!) barn on a hillside in Wales.

Julian photographs portraits of global celebrities and their homes for major publications, including The Face, Arena, Vogue, and Vanity Fair. His work is collected by the National Portrait Gallery, and his portfolio includes nearly every star—from Bruce Springsteen to Radiohead.

After several viewings, Julian arrived at this house in pouring rain. Despite the weather, he was struck by the extraordinary views and vast sky. "I immediately had the feeling that this would be a place to recharge."

The long house was in relatively good condition. Originally a barn, a small section at one end was designated for living quarters. The ground floor consists of a kitchen, living room, music room, and Julian’s studio. At either end of the house, staircases lead upstairs: one to the master bedroom and bathroom, the other to two guest rooms, another bathroom, and a photo lab for developing film.

A red armchair, designed by Lord Snowdon for the investiture of the Prince of Wales (now King Charles) in 1969, sits prominently in the house. Above the staircase hang photographs by Martín Chambi and Mario Testino.

Julian’s goal was to remove modern additions, stripping away drywall and laminate flooring to reveal the home’s original materials. "It was about bringing it all back," he says. His happiest discovery? 700-year-old oak paneling in the living room. One of the few concessions to modern comfort was the installation of central heating.

Whitewashed stone walls and dark beams complement black-and-white photographic portraits: Lucian Freud with Rose Boyt and Terence Stamp, shot by Julian; Holiday with Picasso by Eileen Agar; Twiggy by Barry Lategan; Chet Baker by William Claxton; and Lucian Freud by Bruce Bernard. Over a rocking chair and a leather armchair with a Picasso-print cushion, pendant lights cast a warm glow. Ancient oak paneling and original slate flooring serve as a backdrop for a modern sofa and coffee table.

In the living room, a model depicting Cecil Beaton and the royal family stands on display. This piece was gifted to Julian when he was commissioned by the creators of Netflix’s The Crown to recreate a series of 1950s portraits originally taken by his former mentor, Lord Snowdon.

The interior is simple and, like every other aspect of Julian’s life, comes from the heart. "Everything in my home has meaning," he says. Above the stove in the kitchen, a wooden board that once served as a countertop is now carved with the names of everyone who visits the house. In the bathroom, a red fire bucket—rescued from the old Condé Nast headquarters—sits as an unexpected relic. "I spotted it in the parking lot while working on a shoot documenting the final months of Vogue House, and I loved it," Julian recalls. "The bucket was destined for the trash, so I hooked it onto my bike and took it with me on the train to Wales. It’s a beautiful memory of Vogue House, which played such a big role in my life."

In the master bedroom, a delicate mobile in the style of Alexander Calder frames a Tracy Emin print titled Birds. A massive steel bed was crafted by curator Neville Wakefield.

Even the yellow walls of the kitchen—one of the few rooms with color—were inspired by a photo shoot at Charlie McCormick’s home in Dorset for Upstate Diary. "I thought it was the perfect color for my own kitchen," says Julian.

On the wall, four plates designed by artist duo Gilbert & George were created in support of the charitable initiative The Canvas Café. At the center hangs a striking red pendant light.

Julian built the dining table himself. Photographs by Jim Marshall, the wooden name-carved panel above the stove, and a velvet sofa—used in a Vanity Fair shoot with actress Andrea Riseborough—add to the kitchen’s bohemian charm.

The homeowners love the deep green color of the exterior window frames: "We spent a long time finding the right shade, and in the end, we found the perfect one in a 1940s paint palette. It’s a cozy tone for winter."

The house gives Julian and his wife, Caroline, a profound sense of peace—something they struggled to find in London. This tranquility is largely influenced by the garden, which Caroline designed in a naturalistic style, blending seamlessly into the surrounding landscape.

Julian even built a shed for still-life photography, inspired by an Argentinian cabin he once saw in a film.