Our Story.
Background and History of the Limes
In the 19th century The Limes, Weeton was the home of Leeds jeweller John Dyson. It was a grand house built in the Victorian gothic style, with a ballroom, parkland, and a long sweeping drive. The house was used by the land girls during WW2 but afterwards fell into disrepair and was demolished in the 1960’s being replaced by a modest dormer bungalow.
In 2018 Sarah and Johnny Pearson jumped at the opportunity to rebuild the Limes and so began the exciting project that included a new house, garden, art school and gallery.
Sarah set about designing a house that was in keeping with the local vernacular and fit for the beautiful setting. The result is a house that combines Georgian proportions built in local stone, with eco and modern credentials. Phase two was the development of the grounds and creation of gardens that a lovely place to be and provide vegetables and flowers for the home and art school. Phase three was the conversion of the old barn and stable block to create purpose-built studios for art and other creative workshops with accommodation for artists to stay.
Sarah grew up in the Lodge house to the Limes where she spent an idyllic childhood exploring the countryside on her ponies and developing a love of nature. She was always very creative and passionate about art and design and her late teens was accepted on the BA fashion course at Central St Martin’s in London. There she immersed herself in creativity and learning, loving the galleries, museums, and inspiring buzz of 1980’s Soho and Chelsea.
Soon afterwards a spell in Paris realised a long-held dream of working for one of the ‘big houses’ and reinforced her love of French culture. As assistant to Claude Brouet, head of womenswear at Hermes, she developed her eye for quality and attention to detail, skills that have supported her throughout her career.
Over the course of the last 35 years Sarah has worked in a wide range creative roles as a designer, illustrator, stylist for many well-known brands and most recently as a lecturer and teacher. She gained QTLS (qualified to teach up to BA hons/level 6) whilst lecturing at Leeds Met in 2009. For 13 years she was Head of Art and Textiles at a well-known independent school, leaving in 2022 to pursue The Limes project.
Sarah has loved moving back to her childhood home and is enjoying being part of village life. She continues to be involved in the Northern art scene and loves working to put together the Art for Youth exhibition the North’s largest contemporary art show.
Johnny Pearson has a passion for food and wine and has worked in the wine trade for the last 20 years. Prior to that he worked organising corporate events and marketing. He is looking forward to sharing his knowledge and expertise at the Wine club which will open in April 2024.