Many hold dear the memories of their home, whether from the past or where they currently live. Meet Ele Grafton, an artist who brings these personal stories to life using old books and other materials to recreate model homes for clients.
We all have particular homes that mean the world to us. For some, it is the childhood home with all its precious memories, or maybe it’s the house you’re living in now that’s become a big part of who you are. It’s this deep bond with our homes that motivates Ele Grafton. She crafts detailed models of country homes using old books, sheet music, and maps, each connected to her client’s history. Her framed creations, with tiny lit-up windows, spark a sense of amazement in viewers.
Grafton is captivated by the role buildings play in our daily lives, particularly our homes. She believes each person’s story with their home is unique, and she strives to capture that narrative. Working from her studio in Somerset, Grafton dedicates her time to designing and constructing these miniaturized homesteads of properties from all over the UK, and other places. Earlier, she studied fine art and worked in London, securing art for museums and as an art consultant. After the birth of her children, she decided to pursue a more creative path and began accepting illustration commissions.

Artist Ele Grafton meticulously re-creates the essence and scale of each country house she models. Grafton’s husband wished to relocate to the countryside, while she wasn’t ready to leave London. To compromise, she made him a model of a cottage, hoping to extend their stay in the city. A friend of theirs saw this model and requested a replica of his pub in Hampshire. Following its display at the pub, people began requesting custom models of their own homes. Grafton had conversations with clients about their dear memories and explored the materials that could best capture those stories.
For example, one client’s wife loved ‘Biggles’ novels and, as a pilot, wanted her house model crafted solely from its pages. Another client chose Thelwell cartoons, and a family used a grandfather’s WWII logbooks and maps to honour his memory.
Grafton begins her process by either visiting the properties to take photos and discuss with the client or, for distant homes, relies on pictures, realtors’ photos, and drone footage sent by the client. She examines all materials closely to create accurate plans. She then designs ‘nets’ or flattened shapes, which are crafted into building sections. Original documents provided by clients are scanned and printed on high-quality paper to avoid using the original materials directly. These print-outs are used to construct the model on a base, which is an old book featuring other meaningful personal documents.
The artist also pays attention to the surrounding landscape, like trees, that hold special memories for clients. She aims to recreate their specific shapes next to the completed models. The final piece is set into a box frame with light wiring to illuminate the windows at night, adding a magical touch.

Grafton views the finished works as simple yet significant keepsakes. Often gifted, these models trigger emotional responses in recipients, given their highly personalized nature. She recounts stories of clients who sought to capture family memories, such as those returning to live with parents during lockdown or looking to downsize with a memento of their beloved home. It’s no surprise that these intricate paper houses are on their way to become valued heirlooms.
Commissions start at £1,400. For more, visit Ele Grafton Studio (www.elegrafton.com).