Country & Town House - November 2017

THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS

NOVEMBER 2017 £3.90

Hero of Our Time Sebastian Coe

LITERARY LEGEND 60 years at John Sandoe Books

LEVISON WOOD

The

MEN’S

ISSUE

Walks on the wild side

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MODERN CLASSIC The Musto country jacket collection.

Cutting-edge technologies, exclusive to Musto. Anatomical fits for unprecedented freedom of movement. And an exceptional country aesthetic. Experience styled substance that lasts.

www.musto.com

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C ON T E N T S N O V E M B E R

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Columns 20 22

THE GOOD LIFE Alice B-B brushes up on her swimming pool etiquette THE RURBANIST Armando Iannucci

Up Front 25 26 28 32 34 36 40 42 45 48

SHARPEN UP Dress your best AUTUMN LEAVES Browns, yellows, reds and oranges for stylish men STYLE NOTES Claudia Schiffer’s shoe collection for Aquazzura LUCIA LOVES Blending fine whisky GOING IN CIRCLES How one jeweller is giving back WHAT WOMEN WANT Picking the gems to woo your woman MY BEAUTIFUL LIFE Actor Tim Downie BODY AND SOUL A healthy hangover cure WELL GROOMED Dressing for the new season STYLE AND THE CITY Man about town Carl Thompson gives us his lowdown on cool capital hangouts

The Guide 53 58 60

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THE DIARY Where’s Wally on a grand scale ARTS AGENDA Men in tights ROYAL CONNECTIONS Why George Pragnell will be celebrating this year’s Royal Platinum anniversary ROAD TEST Abigail Butcher puts the Aston Martin DB11 V8 through its paces BOOK CLUB The Russian Revolution SEEDER’S DIGEST What to do in the garden this month CONVERSATIONS AT SCARFES BAR All-round Olympian Sebastian Coe joins Matthew Bell at the bar

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WILD THING Our cover star, Levison Wood, is shy of his heart-throb status THE POWER OF WORDS Celebrating 60 years of London’s best bookshop, John Sandoe in Chelsea

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Elegance is an attitude Kate Winslet

Longines Symphonette

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Fashion & Features 81

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HOUSE OF CORRECTION Industries helping prisoners to prepare for life on the outside in creative ways A VERY MALTON GENTLEMAN How Tom Naylor-Leyland’s food crusade is changing the face of a Yorkshire town

The Insider 87

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MATCH THE CURTAINS With Soane Britain’s Lotus Palmette, you won’t stop at the walls DESIGN NOTES News, views and inspiration THE MEN’S ROOM Creations to appeal to the male of the species LAST ORDERS Run the best home bar in town Q&A Jayne Everett of Naked Kitchens

Food & Travel 97

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MINDFULNESS IN THE MOUNTAINS Abigail Butcher puts her mind and body to the test in Verbier THE HOTEL WIZARD Walking holidays THE WEEKENDER Harriet Hirschler spends 48 hours in Corsica ICE AGE Book your ski trip now with Felix Miln’s guide to the best hotels and chalets GASTRO GOSSIP Traditional sweets and a Cornish food crawl NAUGHTY NATAS Custard tarts the Portuguese way FORK AND FIELD New Forest nosh and Chinese goes posh

On The Move

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ON THE COVER Fashion direction by Nicole Smallwood. Photography by Dan Kennedy. Makeup by Lica Fensome using MAC Cosmetics. Levison wears jacket by Oliver Sweeney, roll neck jumper by Sunspel @ Matches and Trousers by Gieves & Hawkes

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PROPERTY OF THE MONTH LET’S MOVE TO... Castle Combe MY HOUSE Jean Queen Donna Ida FIVE OF THE BEST HOMES FOR BACHELORS Chosen by Anna Tyzack

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EDITOR’S LETTER CONTRIBUTORS HIGH SOCIETY

Regulars

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AQUASCUTUM.COM

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EDITOR’S LETTER

Y

EDITOR’S PICKS

SLEEP by watching Baa Baa Land, an eighthour long film of sheep in slo-mo, shot in Essex

WEAR Longstaff silk PJs, perfect for activity above

DAZZLE in Morv London’s Eva metallic wrap dress

PREPARE for Christmas with Harrods’ beauty advent calender.

This one’s all mine

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ou have to admire people who go against the grain. Disenchanted with the army and the lack of decision-making power he felt he had within it, our cover star Levison Wood is now master of his own destiny. This usually means encountering various perilous situations as he sets out on his epic adventures that turn into compelling TV documentaries with sky-high ratings. His latest – from Russia to Iran – saw him followed by the Russian Secret Service, coming face to face with armed – sometimes drunk – men and sleeping on old graves. With all this ruggedness, together with the looks to match, it’s no wonder he has attained heart-throb status, even if he’s too shy to admit it (p70).

Talking of great achievements, Sebastian Coe should be up there in the pantheon of ‘Men who’ve done Great Things’. With four Olympic Golds under his belt and recognition as one of the world’s greatest middle distance runners, he then turned to politics and became MP for Falmouth and Camborne in Cornwall. Later he led a successful bid for the 2012 London Olympics and his most recent post saw him take up his seat as Chancellor of Loughborough University earlier this year. An all-round Olympian in the true Greek sense of the word, you might say. Matthew Bell certainly would, having interviewed him for the second in our Conversations at Scarfes Bar series (p68) What happens though when men do not have fulfillment and achievement, mostly through a lack of education, and turn in the wrong direction? They can often end up behind bars. As a civilised

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society we should believe that people can come out of prison in better shape than when they went in, but the reoffending rates tell a different story. This is where some creative and luxury industries are stepping in and giving prisoners a sense of purpose, a focus and, most crucially, a transferable skill that can be employed when they leave prison.

Anastasia Bernhardt talks to the people behind Prison Choir Project, Fine Cell Work and The Clink to find out how their projects have dramatic effects on reoffending rates. Surely, there’s a lesson there for everyone? (p81) John Sandoe Books is a Chelsea institution, a name that garners respect and praise whenever it is uttered. Even its carrier bag confers a status of cool. As it celebrates 60 years in business, Matthew Bell looks back over its fascinating history and celebrates its success in a book world dominated by Amazon, Kindle and Waterstones (p78). I know which bag I’d rather be seen with...

@countryandtown /countryandtownhousemagazine /countryandtownhouse

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CONTRIBUTORS

MATTHEW BELL

What has been your greatest adventure so far? Driving to The Gambia in a Ford Escort. We had to dig ourselves out of sand drifts in the Sahara, but the car never let us down.

Man you’d most like to sit next to on a plane? Giles of ‘Giles and Mary’ from Gogglebox. I’ve known him for years and he’s even funnier in real life.

Fashion trend that never should have been invented? I hate anything made of plastic, so I never understood Crocs, which are actually made of foam resin and will probably survive the apocalypse.

Where do you go to retreat from the world? I’m very lucky to have a cottage in Wiltshire where there’s no mobile phone reception. Estate agents always talk up ‘connectivity’, but for some rural properties they should do the opposite. It’s bliss.

ABI BUTCHER MADE IN ENGLAND | SINCE 1879

TAN SCOTCH COUNTRY GRAIN CROCKETTANDJONES.COM

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What has been your greatest adventure so far? I did a quadrathlon (four marathons in four days) in Norway, camping in yurts. Without doing any training I won the women’s division.

Man you’d most like to sit next to on a plane? My dad, on the way to India. Because it’s my favourite country and I’ve been trying for years to get my parents to go and experience it.

Fashion trend that never should have been invented? Skinny jeans – they weren’t designed for sporty girls with muscly legs!

Where do you go to retreat from the world? My sofa at home in the New Forest, curled up in front of the wood burner with my Rhodesian Ridgeback dog, Thala.

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Coniston, made on last 325, a mainstay for 20 years Still made in Northampton, England using the finest Scotch Grain

BY APPOINTMENT TO HRH THE PRINCE OF WALES MANUFACTURER AND SUPPLIER OF FOOTWEAR CROCKETT & JONES LIMITED, NORTHAMPTON

MADE IN ENGLAND | SINCE 1879

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JERMYN STREET BURLINGTON ARCADE KNIGHTSBRIDGE ROYAL EXCHANGE CANARY WHARF

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CARL THOMPSON

What has been your greatest adventure so far? The decision to find out more about my family took me to Rio, along the coast to the Brazil/Guyana border before reaching the capital George Town.

It was then that I decided to take a leap of faith and set up my business.

Man you’d most like to sit next to on a plane? I’m very much into photography, so Henri Cartier-Bresson. I’d love to ask him about his work, the stories behind some of his pictures and how he trained his eye to capture those moments.

Fashion trend that never should have been invented?

You’d never catch me wearing flares or bell-bottoms.

Where do you go to retreat from the world? One of the most incredible unknown places I love is Los Roques in Venezuela, an untouched paradise, which will hopefully remain that way as development and tourism are controlled.

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What has been your greatest adventure so far? Crossing the Altiplano from Chile into Bolivia. We rode horses through lunar landscapes, watched lakes change colour before our eyes, and feasted in the middle of the Salar de Uyuni, the world’s largest salt flats.

Man you’d most like to sit next to on a plane? Gabriel García Márquez, I am totally captivated by his magic realism.

Fashion trend that never should have been invented? I should probably say the onesie ski suit, but I am loving the eighties revival.

Where do you go to retreat from the world? Ski touring on a deserted mountain, far from the madding crowd.

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CO U NTRYA N DTOW N H O U S E .CO.U K

EDITOR Lucy Cleland EDITOR-AT-LARGE Alice B-B FASHION DIRECTOR Lucy Bond CONTRIBUTING FASHION EDITOR Nicole Smallwood FEATURES & FOOD EDITOR Anastasia Bernhardt LUXURY EDITOR Lucia van der Post INTERIORS EDITOR Carole Annett JEWELLERY EDITOR Annabel Davidson BEAUTY EDITOR Nathalie Eleni PROPERTY EDITOR Anna Tyzack LUXURY SALES DIRECTOR Maya Monro-Somerville PROPERTY MARKETING MANAGER Gemma Cowley RETAIL EDITOR Rosalyn Wikeley SALES EXECUTIVE Olivia Milligan CREATIVE DIRECTION & PRODUCTION Parm Bhamra PRODUCTION COORDINATOR Chloe Smith ONLINE EDITOR Rebecca Cox DIGITAL ASSISTANT Clementina Jackson IT MANAGER Mark Pearson CREDIT CONTROLLER Penny Burles OPERATIONS & ACCOUNTS MANAGER Millie Mountain ACCOUNTS CONTROLLER Jane Todd FINANCE DIRECTOR Jill Newey PUBLISHER Julia Carrick MANAGING DIRECTOR Jeremy Isaac CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Stephen Bayley, Simon de Burton, Fiona Duncan, Daisy Finer, Lydia Gard, Avril Groom, Richard Hopton, Emma Love, Mary Lussiana, Anna Pasternak, Caroline Phillips, Charlotte Metcalf, Marcus Scriven THE EDITOR editorial@countryandtownhouse.co.uk FASHION fashion@countryandtownhouse.co.uk ADVERTISING advertising@countryandtownhouse.co.uk PROPERTY ADVERTISING property@countryandtownhouse.co.uk ACCOUNTS accounts@countryandtownhouse.co.uk SUBSCRIPTIONS subscribe@countryandtownhouse.co.uk COUNTRY & TOWN HOUSE is a monthly magazine distributed to AB homes in Barnes, Battersea, Bayswater, Belgravia, Brook Green, Chelsea, Chiswick, Clapham, Coombe, Fulham, Holland Park, Kensington, Knightsbridge, Marylebone, Mayfair, Notting Hill, Pimlico, South Kensington, Wandsworth and Wimbledon, as well as being available from leading country and London estate agents. It is also on sale at selected WHSmith, Waitrose and Sainsbury’s stores and independent newsagents nationwide. It has an estimated readership of 150,000. It is available on subscription in the UK for £29.99 per annum.

To subscribe online, iPad, iPhone and android all for only £24.99 visit: exacteditions.com/ read/countrytownhouse. For subscription enquiries, please call 020 7384 9011 or email subscribe@countryandtownhouse.co.uk. It is published by Country & Town House Ltd, Studio 2, Chelsea Gate Studios, 115 Harwood Road, London SW6 4QL (tel: 020 7384 9011).

Registered number 576850 England and Wales. Printed in the UK by William Gibbons and Sons Ltd, West Midlands. Paper supplied by Gerald Judd. Distribution by Letterbox.

THE PERFECT GIFT THIS SEASON Give them something that won’t be forgotten.

Gift Vouchers available now!

Copyright © 2017 Country & Town House Ltd. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is strictly prohibited. Materials are accepted on the understanding that no liability is incurred for safe custody. The publisher cannot be responsible for unsolicited material. All prices are correct at the time of going to press but are subject to change. Whilst every care is taken to ensure information is correct at time of going to press, it is subject to change, and C&TH Ltd. takes no responsibility for omissions or errors.

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6 6 ⁄ 6 8 L E D B U R Y R O A D ⁄ LO N D O N D O R O T H E E-S C H U M A C H E R .C O M

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COLUMN

THE GOOD LIFE Alice B-B on plucking, plumbing and pool etiquette Getting back in the saddle

T

HERE ARE TWO TYPES OF PERSON when it comes to waxing. The first is in denial about being in a position usually reserved for a lover or a gynaecologist. She gives a perfunctory smile at the beginning, delivers an icy thank you at the end, and deals with emails for the bits in between. The second type is mortified at paying someone to deal with sun-don’tshine areas, so overcompensates dramatically. She chats like she’s on speed, and treats the ‘nekid’ situation as a reason for intimate overshare, attempting to kill the awkwardness with a machine gun of kindness.

I fall into the latter. But last month I wished I’d kept my trap shut. It was just before a holiday with a cluster of my most nubile friends, and just as the Brazilian performing a Brazilian whipped away the last, most painful strip she announced, ‘You know... they would lubbbb you in Brazeeeeelll!

You with your big butt and your booobeeesh’. It’s then I realised

there’s a third type when it comes to waxing... the person who lasers.

SURE I KNOW MY RENOIR FROM MY ROUSSEAU, but what I really wish I’d learnt at school is accounting, how to put up shelves or deal with a dodgy stop cock.

Too often I’ve sat shivering on a Saturday night in the country because the boiler’s on the blink. And all the plumbers are in the pub. But the miraculous WPJ Heating firm (wpjheating.co.uk) has had a brilliant idea; The Live Plumber in your Pocket.

Just show the WPJ guys what the issue is via videoline – they’ll either tell you how to fix it yourself or give you an estimate and make an appointment there and then.

They’re brilliant plumbers anyway – but this new concept has them shooting up the genius ladder. Nice one, lads.

Heading SWIMMING POOL to new gym ETIQUETTE? A couple of KXU in Chelsea for stolen hours while on a work Power Yoga and trip in Malta, where the newly U-Cycle. kxu.co.uk revamped Phoenicia hotel pool Devastated butts up against the capital that I’ve Valetta’s fortified walls. Always inhaled self-conscious dashing from Narcos season three – the sunbathing to submerging but, flip side, I have once in, I made for the infinitytime to read The edge overlooking the port.

Burning Girl by Claire Messud I’m not a quick dip girl, so I motored up and down doing Getting my bike fixed lengths. Soon an old boy just so also got in to do his laps.

I can wear We stuck to our invisible a new Dashel cycle helmet. lanes, but each time we dashel.cc passed or I overtook him, there was an awkward moment. The only people in the pool, swapping furtive glances as we both clearly wondered what the deal was; a smile or a highfive? I needn’t have worried, as later when he passed my table at lunch, he stopped, doffed his cap and said, ‘Hello my swimming friend,’ adding, like the perfect gentleman, ‘Lovely breaststroke!’

LUXURY & NECESSITY GREEN DREAM Falling hard for this beauty by alessandrarich.com

THIS MONTH I’LL BE

1 2 3

TOP CLASS Produce great work at a desk by roseuniacke.com

TRIPLE WHAMMY Tri-Balm – the traveller’s dream; cleanse, moisturise, exfoliate, all in one. francesprescott.com

TOASTY TOES The originals, but with a furry update. birkenstock.com

MALTESE STROKE The Phoenicia; best pool in Malta from campbellgrayhotels.com

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INTERVIEW

THE RURBANIST You lost the game, says Armando Iannucci

Which historic house would you most like to snap up?

Sir John Soane’s Museum, which has a room where they house Hogarth’s Rake’s Progress paintings, hidden behind a wall

Have you done something naughtier than run through a field of wheat? I broke into the state department in Washington by flashing my BBC ID and saying I was there for the 12.30. When we were stopped we repeated our claim and were shown through to Condoleezza Rice’s press conference.

Where do you go when you don’t want anyone to get hold of you? I switch my phone off and go for a walk.

I used to associate it with flying. When I was shooting Veep for HBO I loved being in a cocoon where no one

Which book would you take to your desert island? A book of Wallace Stevens poems

could get hold of you for eight hours.

Post-Brexit Britain... I hope it will be better than people will think but I worry it will be a lot worse.

What’s your favourite game? We have a family game called You Lost the Game.

All it involves is saying ‘You lost the game’ in unexpected circumstances, usually public places.

What would really improve your life? Perfect sleep. I’ve always been a terrible sleeper. I have to listen to a lot of podcasts throughout the night.

Where was the last place you ‘discovered’? I went to Kiev. It was the first time I’d been to Eastern Europe and it was about 40 degrees.

I found it fascinating how some places were really modern, whereas other buildings looked like they were straight from the 1940s.

Armando will be at the Cheltenham Literature Festival (6–15 Oct; cheltenham festivals.com) talking about his new book Hear Me Out (Little, Brown, £14.99)

PHOTOS: MATT CROCKETT; GETTY IMAGES

Where’s home to you? Being both Scottish and Italian, but living in England, I don’t feel like I quite fit in anywhere, so I don’t see myself in terms of nationality, just in terms of where I live – outside of London.

Where do you go to escape the city? Instead of escaping, I like to find quiet pockets in the city, like a bookshop or the British Museum, where it feels like you’ve entered a completely different world.

Most memorable night out in London? While we were shooting In The Loop, James Gandolfini decided he wanted to see Soho after a meal out, and Tom What would you change Hollander knew of some out-of-the-way nightclub. about yourself? I must learn It was weird following James around and watching not to press send when I’ve how the crowd parted for him. He had a very cool written an angry email. way of just nodding to people.

Best thing a cabbie has ever said to you? The other day my cab driver launched into a pro-EU speech, it was the flip side of what you’d expect.

Last film you saw? We went to watch Dunkirk. I was really overwhelmed by it and my son went straight back the next day to watch it at the Imax.

What would you do as mayor for the day? The number of homeless people has soared in the last few years and I don’t understand how – being one of the top ten economies in the world – we can let that happen.

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TIMELESS ELEGANCE www.henrypoole.com • T: 020 7734 5985 • E: office@henrypoole.com

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C&TH

U P F RON T ST YLE · B E AUT Y · J E WELLERY · PARTIES

SHARPEN UP

BY MARTHA WARD Not that it really even went anywhere, but snappy dressing should still be firmly on your agenda.

Black tie, white tie... For all your dress wear needs, Budd has the answer, and if you’re hazy on the finer points, their dress wear etiquette specialists will steer you. buddshirts.co.uk

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UP FRONT

STYLE

AUTUMN LEAVES Embrace the change of season, says Martha Ward

Caruso Corduroy jacket, POA. carusomenswear.com

Hardy Amies Woven tie, £85. hardyamies.com Last of England Shetland jumper, £110. lastofengland.co.uk

Kingsman Trimmed Donegal wool blazer, £995. mrporter.com

Oliver Brown Silk sporting scarf, £49. oliverbrown.org.uk

corneliani.com

Saturdays NYC Corduroy trousers, £165. matchesfashion.com

TOWN

COUNTRY Connolly Shearling hoodie, £2,150. connollyengland.com

E Tautz Wool trousers, £350. etautz.com

Ermenegildo Zegna Blue cotton shirt, £250. zegna.co.uk

Want Les Essentiels Leather case, £280. matchesfashion.com

Dubarry Belturbet jacket, £349. dubarry.com Brooks Brothers Herringbone scarf, £220. brooksbrothers.com

Alexander McQueen Coat with velvet collar, £2,345. brownsfashion.com

Crockett & Jones Jane Derby boots, £425. crockettandjones.com

Gucci Embroidered loafers, £645. brownsfashion.com

Tumi Alpha Bravo Knox backpack, £595. uk.tumi.com

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UP FRONT Claudia Schiffer models her designs for Aquazzura

FA S H I O N N E W S

STYLE NOTEBOOK

TA K E T H R E E

WINTER JUMPERS

Schiffer’s shoes and hats away

A SHOE IN

Want a slice of Claudia Schiffer’s stylish life? Snag a pair of the supermodel’s gorgeous limited-edition designs in collaboration with Italian shoe brand Aquazzura, launching globally in October. aquazzura.com

IPHORIA Lemon, £316.90. iphoria.com

Globe-Trotter

Vivienne Westwood

LOWIE Green, £169. ilovelowie.com

Lulu Guinness

ONE IN THE HAND We love a heritage brand at C&TH, so happy anniversary to embroidery company Hand & Lock which celebrates 250 years this November. To mark the occasion they are collaborating with 13 accessory makers – from Vivienne Westwood and House of Holland to Asprey and GlobeTrotter, to produce a collection of uniquely embroidered handbags, which will then be auctioned off at Grosvenor House in aid of The Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust and the Hand & Lock Prize for Embroidery. handembroidery.com/ the-embellished-handbag

ERIC BOMPARD, Swan, £480. eric-bompard.com

HATS OFF

Speaking of history, Lock & Co is the world’s oldest hat shop, founded in 1662, but its latest couture collection designed

by Prudence Millinery is far from fusty. Taking inspiration from the Duchess of Devonshire, you’ll find fashion-forward headpieces that will take you from the moors of Scotland to the side streets of Sloane Square in exquisite style. lockhatters.co.uk Lock & Co’s Lady of Longleat, £1,850

MICRO TREND

SEVENTIES GROOVE

1 Chloé wool-twill jacket, £1,885. matches fashion.com 2 TCN skirt, £532. tcnbarcelona.com 3 RI2K Norah bag, £125. ri2k.london 4 Isabel Marant Étoile Crisi suede ankle boots, £415. harveynichols.com

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UP FRONT LUXURY

LUCIA LOVES

ADDED EXTRAS

CHIN CHIN

Lucia van der Post pays suitable homage to whisky brand Royal Salute

GLASS Part of the pleasure of drinking fine whisky is the glass that you drink it from. Dartington Crystal’s Exmoor Old-Fashioned whisky glasses, £48 a pair. dartington.co.uk

I

t’s a curious fact that while there are many British whisky connoisseurs, on the whole it is foreigners – Russian oligarchs, Japanese businessman, Africa’s emerging middle-classes – for whom it has an almost mystical prestige. A fine premium blend or niche single malt is far more of a status symbol for them than a bottle of fizz, and it seems they are far more willing than we Brits to pay the extraordinary sums that premium whiskies command today.

Take Royal Salute, the crowning glory of Pernod Ricard’s clutch of whisky brands, generally agreed to be one of the finest whiskies anywhere. It’s distinguished by the fact that it is blended using only whiskies that are more than 21 years old – age being the process that mellows the whisky, making it smoother, richer, more honeyed. It is easy enough to sip it without realising just what has gone into creating it, or what skills its master blender, Sandy Hyslop, has developed to keep up the standards set by its first master

blender Charles Julian. It was he who created the first Royal Salute blend in tribute to the British crown and the young queen in particular.

But the blending is a true art. Talk to Hyslop and you soon realise what a task he has. Aged whiskies are complex and powerful and creating a distinguished blend, tasting and sniffing from hundreds of aged liquids in different casks, takes years of experience and an exceptional nose.

There is no technology to help – the blender is alone with only his ‘nose’ to guide him.

So next time you try a fine premium whisky, remember all that has gone into creating it and why it is that a bottle of 21-year-old Royal Salute sells for as much as £99.50.

As for how to drink it – Hyslop says he usually adds a little water as he firmly believe that it opens up the myriad flavours in the blend.

COCKTAIL SHAKER For those who love nothing more than a whisky-based cocktail, Linley’s cocktail shaker in polished steel has a splendid air of New York glamour about it. In polished steel, its lines echo the skyscrapers of Manhattan. £110. davidlinley.com

DECANTER And for those who like to decant their whisky, Purdey has a beautiful crystal decanter with a gun scroll engraving. £295. purdey.com

FROM TOP: Master blender Sandy Hyslop; Royal Salute festive gift box; Strathisla distillery; Royal Salute barrels

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UP FRONT

JEWELLERY

GOING IN CIRCLES Designer Vania Leles is giving something back, says Annabel Davidson

G

rowing up in Guinea-Bissau in West Africa, jeweller Vania Leles witnessed first hand the transformative effect women could have on other women’s lives. ‘My mother supported our cook’s daughters,’ she recalls. ‘She paid for them to stay in school and not have to get married until they actually wanted to, rather than because they had to.’ It makes sense, then, that the Londonbased jeweller should choose global non-profit organisation Women for Women International to partner with on a new collection.

‘I’ve been sponsoring one of the women through the organisation for years,’ Leles tells me. ‘But that was just on a personal level. Now I’m finally in a position to help the charity through my business.’

And so, the new VanLeles Sahara collection has been created specifically to support Women for Women, with a proportion of proceeds going to them. Utilising responsibly traded gold and ethically sourced diamonds, Sahara is, like all Leles’ work, inspired

by Africa. ‘My mother always goes to the local tailors at home to have traditional clothing made for me,’ she says. ‘She sent me a picture of some fabric, and in the background was a traditional African-style house with a round, pointed roof. That’s where the inspiration for the circular motif came from.’

With this as her starting point, the designer began poring over her resource materials – everything from

FROM TOP: Vania Leles, who is supporting global, non-profit organisation Women for Women International through her jewellery; necklace, earrings, bangle and ring, all from VanLeles’ Sahara collection

childhood books to pictures from magazines – to develop the designs. Her mood board for the collection is a harmonious jumble of imagery, scraps of fabric, illustrations from books and photographs of traditional African architecture. One book in particular, Mufaro’s Beautiful Daughters – An African Tale, features prominently. ‘This book has always been a huge inspiration to me,’ she says. The whimsical illustrations show beautiful girls in traditional costume, sometimes adorned with jewellery with a circular motif, and in the background, those conical roofs.

There’s nothing rustic, however, about the resulting collection. Leles has taken that pointed shape and repeated it across various pieces, from a wide, bold cuff to delicate drop earrings and a double-finger ring. The concentric circles are at times delicately scattered with diamonds, at times left unadorned, creating the effect of ripples in still water. It’s feminine and utterly wearable like all her work, but there’s a pleasing heft to some of the pieces – the cuff in particular – which is in contrast to the very delicate, gemstone-encrusted nature of her high jewellery pieces.

‘I needed to do something more commercial, and also scalable in order to support the charity on a regular basis,’ she says. For Leles, helping women in Africa isn’t a token attempt at charity. ‘If you grow up in Africa, and see what happens to women in conflict-hit areas first hand, it’s very close to your skin – you can’t just wash it off.’ And so another collection is already in the works, in partnership with Women for Women of course.

This too will be a more commercial collection, but that doesn’t mean Leles isn’t still designing high jewellery resplendent with precious gems. Her new Out of Africa collection of seven pieces, all one-of-a-kind or limited edition, is rich with rubies, mostly sourced from mines managed by Gemfields, and mostly from Africa.

Combined with pink-hued rubellites and a scattering of diamonds, the collection consists of major earrings, a sensual choker and a large cocktail ring. ‘I’ve called the collection Out of Africa because most of the materials are from Africa, and so am I,’ Leles says with pride for her home continent. And for her work – both creative and charitable – it’s a pride that is deservedly reciprocated.

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EMMAWILLIS.COM

emma willis made in england

bespoke and ready to wear shirtmaker for men and women

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UP FRONT

JEWELLERY

WHAT WOMEN WANT Far from undermining romance, a little guidance can guarantee it. Gentlemen, listen in, as Rosalyn Wikeley picks the jewellery to win her over with

TO CONVERT 7 Take your loved one to Emerald City with GRAFF this Christmas.

Emerald and diamond earrings.

POA. graffdiamonds.com 8 Top of the rocks. ORTAEA’s hypnotic diamond bracelet will leave its recipient powerless. £27,900. harveynichols.com 9 Sapphires are a girl’s best friend too. Daisy ring by JESSICA MCCORMACK, £45,000. jessicamccormack.com

TO INTRIGUE 1 APRIATI’s 18kt rose gold drop earrings designed by the Athenian duo are as playful as they are elegant. €720. apriati.com 2 From a distance, TESSA PACKARD’s statement Positano earrings scream refined. Up close, they whisper fun. £675. tessapackard.com 3 CHOPARD’s Happy Hearts bracelet in rose gold and mother of pearl is a delicate addition to any wrist. £2,320. chopard.com

TO IMPRESS 4 Twist her around your little finger with a DINA KAMAL twin diamond pinky ring. £4,280. doverstreetmarket.com 5 Bug her into submission with GARRARD’s jewelled bug bracelet in diamond and turquoise. POA. garrard.com 6 Bedew and bejewel with DE BEERS’ diamond earrings set in white gold. £2,600. debeers.co.uk

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TAGLI ATELLE Diamond, gold and silver rings Cassandra Goad 147 Sloane Street London SW1X 9BZ Tel: 020 7730 2202

cassandragoad.com

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Handmade in England Chelsea 84 Fulham Road SW3 6HR T: 020 7584 5736 Notting Hill 102 Westbourne Grove W2 5RU T: 020 7243 2315 Wiltshire Clackersbrook Farm Bromham SN15 2JJ T: 01380 859299 E-mail: enq@mccarronandco.com www.mccarronandco.com

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UP FRONT BEAUT Y

MY BEAUTIFUL LIFE Actor Tim Downie shares his grooming tales with Nathalie Eleni

Have you had to follow any intense diet or fitness programmes for a role? My most extreme dieting for a role was when I was actually playing a heroin addict for a play many years ago. I lost a lot of weight, grew an enormous beard and I looked absolutely awful.

The hardest part was actually keeping it off as it was a two-month run and, afterwards, all you want to do is eat.

How do you keep fit? I’m a big walker. I walked the foothills of the Himalayas and I did a charity walk earlier this year across the Isle of Wight for Blue Sky Autism, for whom I’m an ambassador.

What skin tips have you learned from the film set makeup trailer? Moisturise.

My skin can be like sandpaper after a day on set and my wife and every makeup artist ever has drummed it into me the importance of moisturising and drinking water.

What aftershave do you wear? Penhaligon’s Castile. I wore it on my wedding day and have done so ever since.

How do you relax? I gave up relaxing when I had kids. But, if I do have a moment, reading is one of my great pleasures.

What is your guilty grooming pleasure? Indian head massage or, in fact, any head massage you care to mention. If it’s offered, I’ll take it.

Tim Downie can be seen in The Mercy, alongside Colin Firth and Rachel Weisz, which will be released in cinemas early next year.

FIVE OF THE BEST GYM BAG GROOMING ESSENTIALS

1 KJAER WEIS MEN’S LIP BALM Keep your lips and any dry patches smooth and hydrated with this sleek lip balm that fits easily into your top pocket. £42 for the lip balm, £23 for the refill. net-a-porter.com

ME TIME

AQ Hair Treatment For Men Worried about thinning hair or hair loss or perhaps you just want to give your scalp a little TLC? This new hair treatment from AQ Skin Solutions might have a few treats in store. Special technology effectively addresses hair loss at the source by repairing damaged hair follicles and stimulating regeneration of new hair follicles, allowing for normal, healthy hair growth. With a weekly clinic visit over two, five-week cycles, you’ll see a marked improvement in volume, thickness and the overall health of your hair. The complete two cycles cost £2,500. aqskinsolutions.co.uk

3 CREED VIKING FRAGRANCE A valiant new scent from Creed. Fiery and fearless with a fruity floral fragrance that contains citrus accords such as bergamot, a middle note of peppermint and a base of Indian sandalwood, vetiver and patchouli.

A definite head turner. £185 for 50ml, 020 7495 1795 4 CELLMEN WASH N’ SHAVE A perfect multitasker to pop into your gym bag. It contains phyto-marine complexes for a smooth shave and deep cleanse, leaving your skin feeling fresh and fabulous. £97. harrods.com 5 GATINEAU FACE CLEAR & PERFECT S.O.S. STICK Treat spots in an instant with this nifty little treatment, which targets bacteria, soothes redness and shrinks zits. It is also great for treating infected ingrown hairs. £26. feelunique.com

PHOTOS: GETTY IMAGES; © PAUL BLACK IMAGES

2 BJÖRK & BERRIES PERFECTING EYE CREAM Rejuvenate tired eyes with this neutral-scented cream that is great for those staring at computer screens all day. £45. bjorkandberries.com

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UP FRONT

UP

WELLNESS

BODY & SOUL

PAINTING Picking up a paintbrush offers an outlet to express your emotions

Boost your confidence, creativity and productivity, says Camilla Hewitt

DO GOOD, FEEL GOOD

A RECIPE FOR WELLNESS

Volunteering makes an immeasurable difference to those less fortunate, but did you know helping others is actually beneficial for your own mental health and wellbeing? Giving up time to engage in a meaningful activity can give you a sense of purpose and appreciation, as well as encourage a more positive outlook on the things that may be causing you stress. Not only that, it is also an opportunity be a part of a new network of people, which can boost your social skills and open doors to career possibilities. Volunteering Matters organise 180 projects throughout the country, visit their website to search for opportunities in your area. Sign up today for the feelgood factor for yourself and others. volunteeringmatters.org.uk

The Hangover Sandwich Here’s the perfect ‘day-after’ recipe to help you recover after a little overindulgence.

INGREDIENTS » 2 slices of Biona buckwheat or millet bread, toasted » 1/2 an avocado, sliced with lemon juice drizzled over » 1 organic egg, whisked with salt and pepper » 2 tbsp of broccoli sprouts, rinsed and dried » 1 tbsp of sauerkraut or kimchi » Watercress and spinach » 1 tsp of artichoke paste » Coconut oil/butter

Recipe by Amelia Freer author of Nourish and Glow: The Ten Day Plan

ESCAPE THE COUNTRY

ESCAPE THE CITY

FINISTERRE Built-to-last clothing made from sustainablysourced fabrics

STRESS TEST AFTER WORK DRINKS Swap your beerfuelled Fridays for sober social gatherings FOOD WASTE Designate one dinner each week for eating up those leftovers

Wildfitness, Zanzibar Forget the gym and get outside amid Zanzibar’s palm groves and golden beaches. Wildfitness is all about natural movements like climbing trees and swimming in the sea. Rediscover your natural athleticism and, after a day full of activity, relax in a bath of essential oils before a seafood supper. Seven nights, from £3,395pp. redsavannah.com

Kudhva, Cornwall Kudhva, Cornish for ‘hideout’, is just that. A chance to unwind in a unique treetop haven. By day you can wallow under the waterfall, go in search of surf or climb the coastal paths, while evenings are filled with campfire cooking and stargazing from your secluded cabin. From £45.60 per night in a tree tent. kudhva.com

HITT A lower intensity workout allows you to be more mindful of proper form, reducing the risk of injury

DOWN

PHOTOS: GETTY IMAGES

METHOD Toast the bread and spread with coconut butter and artichoke paste. Scramble the egg with a little coconut oil. Peel and slice the avocado and put into a bowl. Mix in a tablespoon of sauerkraut or kimchi.

Put a layer of spinach and watercress on one slice of toast. Next, add on the avocado and sauerkraut, spoon the scrambled egg over the top. Then, add the broccoli sprouts and finish with a pinch of salt and pepper. Put the other slice on top, push down and let the food do its magic.

WILD FOOD CAFE, COVENT GARDEN Serving freshly foraged food to nourish your body and mind

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SPECIALISTS IN SOAPS, SKINCARE AND SHAVING SINCE 1790 29 St. James’s Street London SW1A 1HB www.drharris.co.uk 020 7930 3915

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Festival of Light OUR SHOWCASE OF THE WORLD’S FINEST LIGHTING BRANDS

17th O C T O B E R – 6th N O V E M B E R 2 017

Full collection on display at Heal’s, Tottenham Court Road

www.heals.com

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UP FRONT

MEN’S STYLE

WELL GROOMED

CONNECT WITH THE CABLE

That chunky, rustic cable knit is a great winter weekend staple, teamed with jeans, classic trousers or cords. Drake’s has got it all knitted up. Shetland cable knit crewneck jumper, £175. drakes.com

Matt Thomas on updating for autumn

LOAFER LOVE

Loafers are those essential shoes that can transition perfectly from the working week to the smarter side of the weekend. New & Lingwood has a great pair in classic burgundy. Butterfly loafers, £445. newandlingwood.com

ET IN ELYSIUM EGO The sultan of scent Roja Dove presents Elysium – an entirely addictive, long-lasting yet light men’s fragrance with an abundance of harmoniously blended notes from baies rose and blackcurrant to patchouli, ambergris, musk and leather. £225. harrods.com

LOUNGE LOVER As the nights draw in and that box-set marathon beckons, time to invest in some luxe loungerwear.

Look no further than underwear and loaf-aboutthe-house meisters Zimmerli for contemporary jimjams you can wear all lazy-day long... Pureness 700 T shirt, £100. mrporter.com

WORLD CLASS

Made in Global was brought to life by an international team who struggled to find stylish, unfussy backpacks and work bags at affordable prices. Made

by Italian artisans, their instant classics deliver on both style and accessibility factors and span the work/leisure axis too. From £395. madeinglobal.co

WEAR IT AGAIN, SAM...

The man who made the trench a star in its own right, Humphrey Bogart, names Aquascutum’s updated collection of famous belted coats with the permission of the Bogart Estate. This season, it comes in a supersmart navy. £850. aquascutum.co.uk

MUSIC MAESTRO Automatic for the People by REM is one of those albums that should be in everyone’s music library. To pay homage to its 25-year anniversary, Paul Smith has created a limited-edition range of products, from silk scarves to T-shirts, available from 10 November. paulsmith.co.uk

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SPORTING GENTS Barbour and Land Rover go together like love and marriage... The two iconic British brands have officially joined forces to launch the Defender collection, a new menswear range that goes beautifully with a rugged outdoor lifestyle. Details include double zips, tweed back jackets so the wax doesn’t rub off on your car seats, spacious pockets and hem detailing. Exclusive to John Lewis. johnlewis.com

MICRO TREND

IN THE ARMY NOW

KENT & CURWEN Greatcoat, £1,200. kentand curwen.com

OFFICINE GENERALE Zach trousers, £160. mrporter.com

VALENTINO Camouflage wool sweater, £895. valentino.com

A DOLCE & GABBANA CHRISTMAS

From November, Harrods will see a Dolce & Gabbana takeover, with pop-ups, a Christmas tree, an Italian market and, of course, some exclusive men’s, women’s and childrenswear ready just in time for the festive season. Buon natale! harrods.com

SPORT SAVILE ROW An unexpected pairing of Savile Row stalwart Henry Poole with footwear brand Adidas brought to market custom-crafted fabric trainers.

Now they’ve gone further to create a 9oz flannel, made

by Fox Brothers in ‘bluebird blue’, one of Adidas’s iconic colours. Only 50 suits will be made, so head to the Row for your fitting now. henrypoole.com

BRUNELLO CUCINELLI Oxford western shirt, £530. brunello cucinelli.com

THE EYES HAVE IT

Bespoke eyewear is certainly having its moment. Not only has Tom Davies opened his fifth store in a Grade IIlisted building in Covent Garden along with a new area-specific range of glasses (pictured) starting at £195 (tdtomdavies. com), but Jermyn Street now welcomes Cubitts. Like Tom Davies, this new eye atelier offers a fully bespoke sunglass and spectacle collection, as well as an on-site optician (cubitts.co.uk). Rumour has it that Finlay & Co – famed for their wooden frames – will also be opening in the West End soon. Watch this space.

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UP FRONT

MR BENN TURNS FIFTY!

Who didn’t want to walk into the wardrobe and come out as someone completely different? Cartoon character Mr Benn is an unbelievable 50 years old this year and to mark the occasion Turnbull & Asser asked his creator, David McKee, to design a set BRAND of silk pocket TO WATCH handkerchiefs.

THE LOST EXPLORER Each one is limited David de Rothschild’s eco-clothing range launched last year but for to 100 pieces, which are a man who has sailed 8,000 miles in a boat made from recycled now available in store plastic bottles and paddled down Brazil’s Xingu River, this was never going to be an ordinary collection. Yes, you’ll get technically proficient and online for £75 each. gear, but you’ll also enter a world of adventure, with a big dose of turnbullandasser.co.uk social conscience. Available from Mr Porter. thelostexplorer.com

ANY WAY WILL DO With non-gender specific clothes the height of fashion, we’ve got our eye on Kayamo Lab Project 001’s collection of kimono jackets.

A classic for everyone in a range of colours and styles.

From £500. kayomolab.com

FIVE OF THE BEST

ROSE GOLD WATCHES 1 AUDEMARS PIGUET Royal Oak Tourbillon ExtraThin Open Worked, POA. audemarspiguet.com 2 BREITLING Navitimer Rattrapante limited edition 250, £29,070. breitling.com 3 ORIS Classic Date, £950. oris.ch 4 PATEK PHILIPPE Ultra-thin self-winding Skeleton Calatrava, £75,530. mappinandwebb.com 5 LONGINES Column Wheel chronograph, £2,160. longines.com

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UP FRONT

OUT AND ABOUT

STYLE AND THE CITY Carl Thompson, founder of Pin Collar Shirts and allround man about town, gives us the lowdown on the coolest places in the city

B E S T P L A C E F O R A C O C K TA I L

CALLOOH CALLAY, EC2

Tucked away down Hoxton’s side streets is this little gem. The barmen will walk you through the menu and are happy to go off-piste if you fancy something special. The music is edgy but not so imposing that you can’t hear yourself think, but the best thing is the secret speakeasy accessed through a wardrobe door. The hidden room is intimate but made to look expansive as it’s lined with mirrors. The word is out on this place now but it is truly worth the hype. Make sure to book ahead. calloohcallaybar.com

B E S T P L A C E F O R A F I R S T D AT E

REGENT’S PARK, NW1 BEST FOR GROOMING

DRAKES OF LONDON, SW6

Drakes of London not only offers a great breadth of services such as barbering, skincare and massages, but each shop will give you a different flavour of London. The Fulham flagship is good if you’re heading out in Chelsea or Kensington later on. Further east, in Tower Hill, the other branch is situated inside of Trade Union, a hybrid concept bar that hosts gin masterclasses, a coffee shop, an industrial slide (of all things) and, of course, a barber shop. It has been coined the grown-up playground for discerning Londoners and is well worth checking out. drakesoflondon.com

Personally I’m not all that wild about dinners on a first date, bars have been done to death and with the likes of Bumble and Tinder changing the landscape for dating in the city, it makes it even more important for a first date to stand out. More often than not you can usually get a good feel for whether you’re compatible over a cup of coffee somewhere.

So I’d therefore recommend a nice walk around Regent’s Park. You’re guaranteed to see some lovely wildlife including the famous black swans. There’s boat and pedalo hire and a place to stop off for a coffee after you’ve done a lap or two.

THE GATE, W1

This vegetarian restaurant is one of my best-kept secrets.

The Gate has three outposts in Islington, Hammersmith and the recently opened Seymour Place in W1, which is my favourite. The décor is beautiful with authentic brickwork painted white and uniformed green suede seats. I normally start with the couscous fritters followed by the aubergine schnitzel but all the dishes are dynamite. thegaterestaurants.com

PHOTOS: REX FEATURES; ADDIE CHINN

BEST FOR CASUAL DINING

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BEST FOR CLOTHES SHOPPING

ST JAMES’S, SW1

Tucked around the corner from Savile Row is St James’s, home to some real heavyweights in men’s fashion.

Look no further than Turnbull & Asser – where you can stand in the exact spot that Sean Connery was tailored for the Bond films – N Peal and many more.

If you time it right, they host a catwalk every year on the main street where the ateliers all show off their latest ready-to-wear capsule collections.

BEST HOTEL BAR

THE CONNAUGHT, W1

I’m dearly drawn to a couple of great hotel bars. The Dorchester is stunning and if you ask the head barman nicely he’ll take you to a secret room where they store Liberace’s mirror mosaic piano, while the Beaufort Bar at The Savoy is the epitome of opulent art deco. However, if I have to pick just one it’s the Coburg Bar at The Connaught. Head barman Walter Pintus puts on quite a show when he wheels out the martini trolley. You pick which miniature bitters to put with the Tanqueray gin. I’d recommend the bergamot, which is a variety of sour orange with a fragrant oil.

Prepare to be treated like a film star. the-connaught.co.uk

BEST FOR GIFT SHOPPING

WATERSTONES, W1

In London you have the juggernauts for gift shopping: Harrods, Selfridges, Harvey Nichols and Liberty London to name but a few. That said, I’m gunning for Waterstones.

The book store has recently been bailed out by a huge Russian consortium, so they’re in no danger of going bust despite everyone telling us that print is dead. A book is a great gift and shows you know someone well if you can pick a title by their favourite author or subject. I’d recommend the Waterstones in Piccadilly, which comes with a lovely bar on the fi fth floor that gives you a view over London’s rooftops. waterstones.com

PHOTOS: REX FEATURES; ADDIE CHINN

BEST PL ACE TO SEE AND BE SEEN

CHILTERN FIREHOUSE, W1

One of the classier celeb haunts in London is Chiltern Firehouse in Marylebone, a five-star hotel and restaurant. Originally one of London’s first purpose-built fire stations, the Grade II-listed gothic Victorian building is immaculate, with enough going on to entice the likes of Orlando Bloom, Rihanna (right) and Leonardo DiCaprio. chilternfirehouse.com November 2017 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.CO.UK | 49

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UP FRONT Duncan Campbell and Luke Edward Hall

Justin Horne and Yasmin Mills

DRESS LIKE A KINGSMAN

In case you hadn’t heard, Colin Firth has returned to our screens as agent Harry Hart.

If you’ve got designs on Taron Egerton’s character’s soon-to-be iconic, orange crushed velvet suit (as modelled by Claudia Schiffer below), get yourself down to the Kingsman and Mr Porter shop in St James’s, which opened with a star-studded party.

It would appear that Bond has got competition...

Ryan Barrett

Marissa Montgomery

Eve Delf David Montgomery Lee Broom XXX

Toby Bateman and Mark Strong

Robert Tateossian

SOCIAL SCENE

Matthew Vaughn and Claudia Schiffer

HIGH SOCIETY People, parties, places

Alex Lambrechts and Ben Charles Edwards

Jacobi Anstruther-GoughCalthorpe and Earl George Percy Will Wells and Martha Ward

Lady Melissa Percy launched her British fashion label Mistamina at Linley.

Her camo bombers and suede effect shirts will look just as good with muddy boots as they would with jeans and a killer set of heels.

The country and town set certainly seemed to approve.

Otis Ferry, Lady Melissa Percy and Lady Alice Manners

Helen McCrory

AFTER HOURS

Davina Catt

Oliver Proudlock and Emma Louise Connolly

Mia Ellis and Maddie Chesterton

How to launch a perfume named After Hours? With breakfast at Quo Vadis, of course... where Harrods launched The Perfumer’s Story’s latest fragrance, hosted by the brand’s founder Azzi Glasser.

Azzi Glasser and Victoria Grant

PHOTOS: GETTY IMAGES

COUNTRY COOL

Camilla Rutherford

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Cushions and Darien Chair in Laos.

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C&TH

THE GU IDE A R T · C U LT U R E · B O O K S · P E O P L E

PHOTO: PROUD WHITE TANG BY SUSAN LEYLAND

HOLD YOUR HORSES Looking at her equine statues, it will come as no surprise that a small collection of white Chinese porcelain horses spurred Susan Leyland to become a sculptor. Catch her work in a joint exhibition with painter Patsy McArthur at the Osborne Studio Gallery in Belgravia.

Christmas present for horsey types sorted.

7–25 Nov. osg.uk.com

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THE GUIDE EVENTS

COUNTRY LIFE How much would you fork out for a family of woolly mammoths?

DRINK

The Cambridge Distillery started out in William and Lucy Lowe’s living room. Today they make an array of gins and a gin ‘tailoring’ service. They have just opened a gin laboratory in Cambridge where you can blend your own bottle, learn to taste and enjoy the odd snifter.

A must for ginthusiasts. cambridgeginlab.co.uk

AUCTION

MAMMOTH TASK

Summers Place Auctions in Billingshurst is no stranger to selling unimaginable lots – to date it has sold a giant woolly mammoth, an allosaurus and a sabre-toothed cat. At this year’s Evolution sale a family of ice-age woolly mammoth skeletons is going under the hammer for a cool £250,000 to £400,000. 21 Nov. summersplaceauctions.com

ART

OPEN FOR BUSINESS Distill your own gin in Cambridge

POETRY

RHYME OR REASON

Rebecca Warren, Let’s All Chant (2017)

If poetry is food for the soul, Allie Esiri will keep you well fed with her new book, A Poem for Every Day of the Year. Revisit old favourites and discover some of our best modern poets. Don’t miss the live reading at the National Theatre, with actors including Joanna Lumley. 10 Nov. nationaltheatre.org.uk

Twelfth Night

T H E AT R E

PLAY ON

Unrequited love, a shipwreck and heartbreak, it could only be Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night. Christopher Luscombe returns to the Royal Shakespeare Company to direct the playwright’s greatest comedy at the troupe’s Stratford-upon-Avon theatre.

2 Nov to 24 Feb. rsc.org.uk

NIGHT OUT Dinner with critic Matthew Fort at Hawkyns in Amersham (17 Jan)

BOOK NOW Or forever hold your peace

Tate St Ives officially reopens this month with Rebecca Warren’s first major UK solo exhibition, connecting her precious body of work to the rich artistic legacy of the Cornish seaside town.

14 Oct to 7 Jan. tate.org.uk

EXHIBITION Sofia Stevi at the Baltic (15 Dec to 22 April)

THEATRE A Christmas Carol staged at Windsor Castle (16–30 Dec)

PHOTO: © REBECCA WARREN, COURTESY MAUREEN PALEY, LONDON, PHOTO BY MATTHEW MARKS GALLERY, LOS ANGELES; SOFIA STEVI JUST LIKE HONEY (2016), COURTESY THE BREEDER, ATHENS; © HM QUEEN ELIZABETH II (2017), PHOTO BY MARK FIENNES, COURTESY THE ROYAL COLLECTION TRUST

CHILL AND DISTILL

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THE GUIDE EVENTS

TOWN LIFE

Solo Antiques, Phaenomen 773

by Loetz

Haute couture chairs and West End scares FA I R

GUESS WHO?

To mark 50 years of Gilbert & George’s works, White Cube presents a thoroughly modern game of Where’s Wally. Can you spot the duo among the 4,000 pronouncements and mottoes, disguised behind beards, as sex workers or in newspaper advertisements?

Great fun. 22 Nov to 28 Jan. whitecube.com

NO-PANIC PRESENTS

Don’t leave the Christmas shopping till 24 December again this year, instead go hunting for one-off pieces at the Winter Art Antiques Fair Olympia. Though everything is strictly vetted by industry experts, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the price of some of the more affordable pieces on offer. 31 Oct to 5 Nov. olympia-antiques.com

EXHIBITION

PEN PALS

Better known for his scathing political cartoons, Gerald Scarfe has another string to his bow. The House of Illustration presents his stage and screen designs, which range from the The Nutcracker to Pink Floyd’s 1982 film adaption of The Wall. Until 21 Jan. houseofillustration.org.uk

Gilbert & George, Beardout (2016)

The Exorcist comes to the West End

Scarfe’s set design for Orpheus in the Underworld

Armand-Albert Rateau chairs

SALE

SAVOIR-FAIRE CHAIRS

T H E AT R E

KILLER THRILLER

Thought The Woman in Black was the scariest thing on in the West End? William Peter Blatty’s bestselling novel, The Exorcist, takes to the stage for the first time at the Phoenix Theatre. They are coining it a ‘unique theatrical experience’, so we assume there is some element of audience participation. 20 Oct to 10 March. atgtickets.com

BOOK NOW

Armand-Albert Rateau, the only interior designer trusted to decorate Jeanne-Marie Lanvin’s apartment, was ‘the most eminent of ensemblers’. Bonhams is offering a set of six art deco mahogany chairs by the designer in its Important Design sale. A very worthy investment. 25 Oct. bonhams.com

THEATRE The Divide, Alan Ayckbourn’s new two-part play at the Old Vic (30 Jan to 10 Feb)

Or forever hold your peace

EXHIBITION Winnie-the-Pooh: Exploring a Classic at the V&A (9 Dec to 8 April)

BALLET Matthew Bourne’s Cinderella at Sadler’s Wells (9 Dec to 27 Jan)

PHOTOS: © GILBERT & GEORGE, COURTESY WHITE CUBE; © BONHAMS; © GERALD SCARFE; PHOTO BY HUGO GLENDINNING; CHRISTOPHER ROBIN CERAMIC TEASET PRESENTED TO PRINCESS ELIZABETH, ASHTEAD POTTERY, 1928 PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY ROYAL COLLECTION TRUST © HM QUEEN ELIZABETH II 2017

ART

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PROMOTION

CHRISTMAS AT KEW Light up your life in the world’s most famous gardens between 22 November and 1 January

N

ow in its fifth year, the new 2017 Christmas at Kew trail boasts over one million twinkling lights, welcoming you to an enchanting world festooned with seasonal cheer.

Follow the path lit by hundreds of illuminated globes, towards glittering trees dripping with silvery shards of light, snowflakes and stars.

LIGHT UP YOUR NIGHT There is no better time to experience all that Kew Gardens has to offer than at Christmas. There’s something for everyone at this festive time of year as the one-mile sparkling path winds its way through

READER OFFER We have FOUR family tickets – each for four people – to attend the exclusive preview event on 21 November at 6pm. It will be your chance to experience the illuminated trail before Christmas at Kew opens to the public. Winners will also receive a C&TH goody bag.

TO ENTER See countryand townhouse.co.uk/ competition for details.

Entries close on 3 November 2017.

Entrants will be notified by 7 November 2017.

the world-famous gardens in a magical after-dark experience. This year, the Palm House Pond springs to life with brightly coloured laser beams, jumping jets of light that dance in time to much loved Christmas classics, and new for 2017, kaleidoscopic projections play across a giant water screen.

DELICIOUS TREATS You’ll be sure to find something you love at one of the many places to eat and drink throughout the gardens. Take a moment to sip on some spiced cider, mulled wine or hot chocolate, while the aroma of roasting chestnuts fills the air. And don’t forget to gather around to toast your own marshmallows.

AND MUCH MORE… White Peaks welcomes you with a Victorian carousel, helter skelter and other family rides, and don’t forget to look out for Santa and his elves at the North Pole village along the way.

Enjoy Kew’s well-stocked gift shops and other traditional fare at Victoria Plaza and White Peaks.

For more information on the trail please visit kew.org/christmas

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THE GUIDE ARTS

ARTS AGENDA Three exhibitions celebrate avant-garde artists who are famous for their Paris connection

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Arriving from Russia in 1913, Chaïm Soutine became one of Paris’s many broke and overlooked artists until an American collector bought 50 of his works. One of his obsessions was the working men of the restaurant trade. The Courtauld in London showcases his bright and fleshy portraits of these neglected characters.

19 Oct to 21 Jan. courtauld.ac.uk

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Amedeo Modigliani, Jeanne Hébuterne (1919)

MODIGLIANI

The 20th century’s most strikingly original painter of nudes, Modigliani’s works were banned in his lifetime. Contemporaries were shocked by his brazen approach to the female form. Paintings of his friends and lovers are to be assembled from across the globe this winter at Tate Modern to display his unique talent.

23 Nov to 2 April. tate.org.uk

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FIVE M I N UTE S WITH

DR BARNABY WRIGHT Curator of Soutine’s Portraits Soutine has left very little writing about his work. Some of his impulses are clear – his fascination with the monochrome colours of aristocratic household uniforms, the battle between the type of attendant in the uniform and the individual wearing it.

DEGAS: A PASSION FOR PERFECTION

This is a real coup for Cambridge’s Fitzwilliam museum.

Covering Degas’ pastels, drawings and sculpture, it will reveal his fascination with experimentation and drive to paint all kinds of scenes – cafés, dancers, nudes and landscapes. The exhibition’s finishing flourish examines his legacy and who he inspired. Until 14 Jan. fitzmuseum.cam.ac.uk

He hated Van Gogh and resented the constant comparison between them – after all, Van Gogh is sculptural while Soutine is more instinctive, less structured.

His story is remarkable, he was more or less discovered overnight. Dr Albert Barnes saw his work and demanded to see others, and then bought 50 to 55 canvases on the spot.

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Edgar Degas, Three Dancers in Salmon Skirts (1904-06)

His work is raw and truthful – and he is said to have flown into rages as he was painting.

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SOUTINE’S PORTRAITS

PHOTOS: ©COURTAULD GALLERY, MUSEUM OF AVANT-GARDE MASTERY OF EUROPE (MAGMA OF EUROPE; THE METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART, NEW YORK; MUSEE DES BEAUX-ARTS DE LYON

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Chaïm Soutine, Pastry Cook of Cagnes (1922)

FIVE O F TH E B E ST

POLITICAL PLAYS

IN THE SPOTLIGHT Reviews, previews and political plays

CELL MATES Two prisoners make friends: a notorious double agent and a petty criminal. Together they plot their escape – but once outside feel pressure from MI5 and the KGB – and each other. 30 Nov to 20 Jan. hampstead theatre.com

CORIOLANUS After he wins the right to bid for leadership, Shakespeare’s Coriolanus cannot hide his contempt for the electorate, and so meets his ultimate downfall. 6–18 Nov. barbican.org.uk

PR E VI E W

MEN IN MOTION PHOTOS: COURTESY RACHEL WHITEREAD AND GAGOSIAN © RACHEL WHITEREAD, PHOTO BY © TATE (SERAPHINA NEVILLE AND MARK HEATHCOTE)

PHOTOS: ©COURTAULD GALLERY, MUSEUM OF AVANT-GARDE MASTERY OF EUROPE (MAGMA OF EUROPE; THE METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART, NEW YORK; MUSEE DES BEAUX-ARTS DE LYON

Men in Motion

R E VI E W

RACHEL WHITEREAD

London Coliseum Ivan Putrov, the former Principal dancer for the Royal Ballet, puts men in the ballet spotlight. Putrov himself will recreate the famous role of Nijinsky in Le Spectre de la Rose, where he danced en pointe and appeared to defy gravity as he soared through the air in his dramatic leaps. The show also uses Royal Ballet stars and gives principal dancer Edward Watson the chance to delight audiences again, with Volver in all its tempestuous comic strength. A crammed confection, bound to be a sell out. 22–23 Nov. londoncoliseum.org

INK This play chronicles the birth of The Sun and analyses Rupert Murdoch’s motives for the new red top.

Until 6 Jan. dukeofyorks theatre.co.uk

Tate Britain

ABOVE: Rachel Whiteread, Pink Torso (1995) BELOW: Rachel Whiteread, Stairs (1995)

In 1993, Rachel Whiteread procured a house in Mile End that was ready for demolition. After sealing its weak walls, she instructed for it to be filled with concrete and the original house demolished around it. House was demolished three months later but it won the Turner Prize. In her retrospective at Tate Britain, she has created cement casts of the space under tables, in toilet roll tubes, in cupboards and stairs. Before long, you are under her spell. Gold stars to Tate for celebrating today’s pioneers. Until 21 Jan. tate.org.uk

LABOUR OF LOVE A cracking comedy that spans the Kinnock years through to Blair’s reign with Martin Freeman and Tamsin Greig. Until 2 Dec. labouroflovetheplay.co.uk OSLO Rogers’ vexing intrigue of peace politics comes to the West End after its run at The National. Until 30 Dec. atgtickets.com

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THE GUIDE

JEWELLERY

ROYAL CONNECTIONS Is there a jeweller better associated with this year’s royal platinum anniversary than George Pragnell, asks Rosalyn Wikeley FROM TOP: The Antrobus bracelet commissioned by Prince Philip for Princess Elizabeth; platinum heart shaped and baguette cut diamond ring, POA; natural pearl and diamond necklace, £23,000; Colombian emerald and diamond ring, POA; coronation of King George VI

Philip Antrobus of Bond Street, whom Prince Philip commissioned in 1946 to design and create both a wedding ring and bracelet for the young Princess Elizabeth to wear at the royal wedding. The tiara of Prince Philip’s mother, Princess Alice of Battenberg, was dismantled to create a striking engagement ring, sparkling with three-carat brilliant round diamonds, flanked by four smaller pavé-set diamonds on either side.

To commemorate this royal legacy, George Pragnell designed a modern interpretation of the Queen’s wedding ring using the platinum ‘Antrobus setting’ with four diamonds set on either side of a dazzling central gemstone. A re-imagined Antrobus bracelet soon followed, featuring over 320 brilliant cut diamonds, with three identical 2.5-carat diamond centrepieces, referencing the geometric style of the original but with a more modern take. ‘The whole country is going to be celebrating this anniversary,’ says Charlie, ‘and we are communicating our heritage and history within the British jewellery trade.’

For Charlie, the company’s history is woven into his childhood: ‘You grow up with it all around you and develop a natural affinity with jewellery’.

He hinges the company’s success on the mantra that ‘trust is everything’ and, most importantly, on the knowledge and traditional techniques of their staff, ‘our most valuable asset’.

The jeweller’s association with The Royal Shakespeare Company, at the behest of their Stratford-upon-Avon setting, serves to only strengthen these British establishment ties. Designing the Pragnell Shakespeare Birthday Award, the company plays its part in rewarding theatrical luminaries such as Judi Dench and Kenneth Branagh for their passion for and commitment to the Bard’s work.

Amidst the platinum anniversary euphoria, there is a character Charlie deems worthy of recognition.

‘Queen Mary is greatly under-celebrated. She treated the monarchy with the same sense of duty to serve her people that Queen Elizabeth has – through her husband’s death, her eldest son’s abdication, the second son’s death and overseeing the ascension and coronation of the Queen – someone needs to tell her story.’

PHOTOS: REX FEATURES

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rom designing Queen Elizabeth’s engagement ring to Queen Mary’s visits to the old shop in Berkshire with Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret in tow as children, there are few jewellers who can claim a royal connection as strong as that of George Pragnell, the fine jeweller founded in 1954. And with the Queen and Prince Philip celebrating their platinum anniversary this year, third generation co-owner Charlie Pragnell felt it an appropriate moment to delve into this royal heritage, as they ‘haven’t really told that story before’.

The link began in the 1930s, at Biggs of Maidenhead where George Pragnell (who would later come to run the jeweller) had the fortune of looking after Queen Mary.

‘My grandfather would tell us stories of Queen Mary’s visits, instructed as a young apprentice to play with and entertain [then Princesses] Elizabeth and Margaret as children,’ says Charlie.

George Pragnell saw it his duty to remain at the Maidenhead store until Queen Mary died in 1953, opening the Stratford-upon-Avon store the following year.

The success of the business saw the acquisition of other jewellery companies, notably

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THE GUIDE

CARS

Abigail Butcher puts the Aston Martin DB11 V8 through its paces in the Pyrenees

‘O

h, blimey, my phone thinks I’m out running,’ giggles my passenger and co-driver, Jonathan Bell (editor of Aston Martin magazine), pulling his mobile from his pocket and switching it off.

I take my foot off the gas for a minute as he does so, realising I might have been hitting it a bit hard – but who isn’t going to, test-driving the brand new Aston Martin DB11 V8 in the foothills of the Pyrenees in Spain?

The iconic car maker is launching its hotly anticipated 4.0-litre V8, an absolute beast of a machine and the first Aston Martin with an AMG-sourced engine. The DB11 was launched in May with a 5.8-litre V12 engine, a direct replacement for the well-loved DB9 and the new V8, which arrives six months later, incorporates V12 user feedback into a new, improved version of the flagship grand tourer.

‘We’ve taken note of the comments such as parts of the interior reflected on the windscreen; that the trunk couldn’t be opened from the outside,’ says chief creative officer Marek Reichman. The hand-sewn roof and seats remain the same – each car incorporates six hides of leather from cows on the west coast of Scotland.

But aside from the V8’s looks – how does it drive?

With 0–62mph in four seconds, 503bhp and 498lb of torque, being behind the wheel is never going

to be a bad experience.

The V8 is lighter than the V12, with more rear vertical support, which, combined with a sportier feel to the brakes, provides phenomenal handling in all three settings. Use the paddles on the steering column to switch to tiptronic mode or flick between GT (open road) Sport, or Sport Plus (if you’re not paying the fuel bill) modes to spice up the ride.

In opinion polls, customers say their favourite thing about an Aston Martin is the sound – and while the V8 uses an AMG engine, it has Aston’s own intake and mounting system, as well as exhaust system – engineers wanted it to sound every bit an Aston Martin. And it does.

I set off Jonathan’s phone GPS tracking system while driving this beauty in Spain over a selection of roads from single-track hairpin mountain bends to motorways, and everything in between. The V8 car handles as well around corners at 80mph as well as it does at 40mph – and eats up the miles. We drove 350km over the course of a day, and at the end I got out feeling the same as I do after half an hour in my Skoda Octavia estate.

Some 2,500 DB11 V12s have been built and delivered so far this year – the third biggest volume car in Aston Martin’s history – and I suspect the V8 model, described by Martin CEO Dr Andy Palmer as ‘the agile fighter, a driver’s car’, will outstrip that in spades.

PHOTO: © MAX EAREY & DEAN SMITH

ROAD TEST

Abi Butcher behind the wheel of the Aston Martin DB11 V8

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THE GUIDE OCTOBER: THE STORY OF THE RUSSIAN REVOLUTION

BOOKS

RED OCTOBER Richard Hopton reviews four books about the Russian Revolution of 1917

THE RUSSIAN REVOLUTION: A NEW HISTORY Sean McMeekin

This historian’s interpretation of the Russian Revolution presents the tumultuous events of 1917 in a new light. For McMeekin, far from being a class struggle ‘borne along irresistibly by the Marxist dialectic, the events of 1917 were filled with mighthave-beens and missed chances’. There was nothing preordained about the collapse of the Romanov regime or the rise of the Bolsheviks. For example, he stresses the Bolsheviks’ weakness in July 1917 and Kerensky’s failure to crush them when he had the chance.

In McMeekin’s view, the Tsarist government’s ‘most critical mistake’ was going to war in 1914, which then determined the course of events in 1917–18. He emphasises the extent to which the Bolsheviks were financed and supported by the German government as a deliberate act of war. Lenin’s return to Russia through Germany by train is only the best-known aspect of this. German money allowed the Bolsheviks to print and disseminate propaganda on a huge scale, pay fellow travelling protesters and establish a strong-arm Red militia. McMeekin also asserts that during 1917, the Germans deliberately ‘stood down’ on the Eastern front so as not to provoke a ‘patriotic Russian counter-revolution against Lenin’.

This is a bracing view of the Russian Revolution, one which will appeal to those who prefer human actions and omissions, in all their uncertainty and imperfection, to the supposedly inexorable forces of ideology as the determining impulse of history. McMeekin’s research is impressive and he writes well. He is good on the Bolsheviks’ kleptomania and the economic disaster that the revolution inflicted on Russia. This and the horrors of Stalinism should, in McMeekin’s view, act as a warning against any dewy-eyed nostalgia for socialist utopia. We should, he warns, ‘stiffen our defences and resist armed prophets promising social perfection.’ History may not repeat itself, but he who fails to learn its lessons is condemned to repeat its mistakes. Profile Books, £25

China Miéville

Though best known for his prize-winning fantasy fiction, here China Miéville turns his eye on the Russian Revolution.

He is an unashamed apologist for the revolution and its ideals: ‘I am partisan... I have my heroes and my villains.’ This is not history as it is generally encountered.

The sparkling prose and the novelist’s eye for dialogue and the telling detail make this a compelling read, but the narrative remains sound. Miéville is exceptionally good, for example, on the competing centres for power in Russia in 1917. Verso, £18.99

TEN DAYS THAT SHOOK THE WORLD John Reed

This contemporary account of the October Revolution, first published in 1919, was written by a young American journalist of fervent socialist convictions. It is unabashed propaganda for the revolution; indeed, Reed was paid by the Bolsheviks to write the book and Lenin himself contributed to the introduction. It offers a day-by-day account of the October Revolution in St Petersburg, packed with eye-witness descriptions of people and places achieving an immediacy no retrospective account can hope to equal. This is a youthful, optimistic book full of the danger, unpredictability and excitement of the revolution. Penguin, £6.99

RUSSIA IN REVOLUTION: AN EMPIRE IN CRISIS S.A. Smith

This worthy history is intended primarily for ‘the reader coming new to the subject’. It is written as ‘dispassionately’ as possible, seeking ‘to avoid moralising’. Indeed, it feels like a text book. It provides a full, balanced account of the revolution, its causes and its longer-term results. Smith acknowledges that the ‘Russian Revolution of 1917 ended in tyranny,’ but is adamant that this should not blind us to the fundamental questions it raised, when millions embraced it ‘as a chance to create a new world of justice, equality, and freedom’.

OUP, £25

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THE GUIDE

GARDENING

SEEDER’S DIGEST

WINTER ESSENTIALS

Planning for year-round colour and changing climates

Keep the chill at bay BURGON & BALL Seed spacing rule, £19.99. burgonandball.com NIWAKI Hori hori soil knife, from £23. niwaki.com

GARDEN FROM YOUR POCKET

Kill every plant you’ve ever owned? Load your plants into the SmartPlant app for advice on how to care for them, with custom calendar notifications from experts on your regime, plus plant and pest identification. smartplantapp.com

CRABTREE & EVELYN Gardeners hand therapy, £18. crabtree-evelyn.co.uk

GARDEN TRADING Coal bucket, £18. gardentrading.co.uk

TREND

PLANT FOR CLIMATE CHANGE

THIS MONTH TOP TIP Avoid waterlogging by raising containers onto pot feet.

GARDEN OF THE MONTH

MOTTISFONT, HAMPSHIRE

Find inspiration for year-round colour at Mottisfont’s winter garden. Though it measures just one acre, it is chock-full of winter-flowering shrubs and late and early-flowering perennials, from sweetscented daphnes and winter-flowering honeysuckles to striking red ornamental willow. nationaltrust.org.uk

PLANT Sow sweet peas in a cool greenhouse for an early display in 2018.

HARVEST Don’t reap your celeriac crop in one go, these roots are best plucked as needed.

SKAGERAK BOLLARD Oil light, £125. houseology.com ANNABEL JAMES Hand rake, £15.95. annabeljames.co.uk

INDIAN OCEAN Teak storage box, £1,675. indian-ocean.co.uk

PHOTOS: GETTY IMAGES

With our volatile weather patterns we need to rethink our approach.

Landscape gardener Tom Stuart-Smith recommends using alternatives to lawns, such as less water dependent meadow-style planting. On the plus side, exotic plants previously kept inside can now thrive outside, try evergreen shrubs like Schefflera Taiwaniana and Melianthus Major. tomstuartsmith.co.uk

HIGHGROVE Prince of Wales Hunter flask, £74.95. highgrovegardens.com

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CLASSIC RANGES FROM ÂŁ15 PER M2 mandarinstone.com

Order online at: mandarinstone.com or visit one of our inspirational showrooms: Bath Bristol Cambridge Cardiff Cheltenham Exeter Marlow Monmouth Weybridge Wilmslow

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THE GUIDE INTERVIEW

CONVERSATIONS AT SCARFES BAR

SEBASTIAN COE Matthew Bell meets the man of many talents Portrait by ALEXANDRA DAO

I

Hague, for whom he was private secretary during his disastrous n Ancient Greece, the ideal man was expected to be fit in mind leadership of the party, Coe had wanted to go into politics since he and body. Exercise and sport were not considered inferior to was a teenager. But you get the sense he has preferred life since he left. intellectualism, they were equal. The philosopher Aristotle even Would he ever go back? ‘No!’ he cries. He finds the lack of his party’s penned a training manual for athletes. Today, we tend to think leadership ‘dismal’, and the calling of the last election disastrous: of ourselves as either sporty or brainy, but rarely both, and you begin That aside, he feels he can achieve much more outside of politics, to see why the Greeks were once the most civilised people on earth. which is demonstrably true: Coe won the bid for London to host After all, they gave us the Olympic Games. the 2012 Olympics, despite much scepticism from the public and Sebastian Coe – or the Right Honourable Lord Coe CH KBE – politicians. He is passionate about the need to build upon the would have fitted right into ancient Athens. He is one of those rare Olympic buzz through continued funding in schools. ‘You don’t get public figures who has achieved highly in two spheres – sport and excellence on the cheap.’ Coe believes the litmus test for any nation politics. Perhaps the pinnacle of both was his delivery of the 2012 is how much it is prepared to invest and that it shouldn’t be ashamed London Olympics, which saw ‘the Queen’ leap out of a helicopter and of it. ‘Excellence is a really important thing in national life – to be Britain come third in the medals table, our best result since 1908. able to say: “We do this better than anywhere else in the world”.’

Five years on, he is still at the top of his game, having just become His ‘survival of the fittest’ philosophy wasn’t always well received Chancellor of Loughborough University, in addition to his day jobs as in politics. He recalls once addressing a town hall meeting in Kent president of the International Association of Athletics Federations and and being asked why they had the Channel Tunnel but chairman of CSM, a subsidiary of Chime Communications. not a synthetic track. ‘I said, “Maybe the people who Being busy pays off – he looks much younger than 61. wanted the tunnel wanted it more than the people who But why Loughborough? It’s where he went to university, want the track.” It didn’t go down well!’ But he still believes but more significantly, where he evolved from a littlethat if you want something, you have to fight for it. known athlete to a world record-holder. ‘I look back at my He hates making sporting metaphors, but there is time there and so much of what I went on to do came from clearly an analogy between the two professions. ‘I do think there,’ he says. In the space of just 42 days in 1979, he broke there are some transferable skills: focus, having long-term the world record for the 800m, the 1500m and the mile.

Country or town? ambitions. What are the bite-size chinks that are going to Five weeks after graduating, in 1980, he broke the world Country get you there? As an athlete you work in four-year cycles. record for the 1,000 metres, sealing his position as one Politics is the same. I remember coming out of Moscow, of the great middle-distance runners of all time.

Pub lunch or Michelin stars? having lost the 800m record, which was a fairly bruising Lord Coe grew up in Sheffield, where his father, Pub lunch experience. I started the lap of honour thinking I don’t an engineer and ex-racing cyclist, became his coach.

Cosy knits want to do this again. Then by half way round I was already Peter Coe became so obsessed with his son’s training or sharp suits? thinking about Los Angeles four years later.’ that he translated training manuals from Russian and later Sharp suits When he’s not flying round the world, Coe lives in wrote the definitive guide to middle-distance running. ‘The Gardening or Hampshire, with his wife Carole [this magazine’s Interiors practicality of technique was a bit of a voodoo science back theatre? Theatre Editor]. To relax, he likes to watch Chelsea play at Stamford then,’ he recalls. ‘I spent time doing gait analysis, weight Glass of wine or Bridge, ideally preceded by a dish of penne alla arrabbiata transfer, that sort of thing, long before it became the norm.’ cup of green tea? at L’Antico on the King’s Road, followed by jazz at the 606 So what does it take to become a record-breaking Glass of wine Club. He still works out, going every morning to the gym athlete? ‘The great ability to choose your parents.’

Power breakfast in his garden that he designed. ‘It was my Olympic legacy,’ He is joking, but not entirely: ‘I suppose it’s better or languorous he explains bashfully. He’s in there at 5:30am, doing to win the genetic lottery in life. Certain shapes and lunch?

Languorous lunch weights, or an hour on the exercise bike. ‘It makes you feel sizes are not going to be middle-distance runners. so much better during the day,’ he confides, as if I would But there are things you can augment and supplement.’

Dog or cat? Dog know. Just the thought of it makes me feel exhausted, Peaks have included winning gold medals at the 1980 Seaside or rolling but then I’m not Seb Coe – runner, politician, Olympian, and 1984 Olympics, before he went into politics in 1990, hills? Rolling hills winner – nothing short of an all-round Greek hero. as a Tory MP for Falmouth and Camborne. Like William

IN BRIEF

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Jacket, roll neck jumper and trousers, all New & Lingwood

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Wild

THING The television adventurer Levison Wood tells JEREMY TAYLOR about his ‘baffling’ heart-throb status, a new adventure in the Middle East and why he just sometimes longs for some quiet time Fashion director NICOLE SMALLWOOD Photography DAN KENNEDY

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T

he explorer Levison Wood is accustomed to escaping a tricky situation. There was the time militiamen pressed a gun to the back of his head in South Sudan – or when he was left badly injured after a terrifying car crash in Nepal.

The 35-year-old presenter has confronted real danger on his global adventures and has always survived to tell the tale. A distinguished career in the Army taught him to be prepared for every eventuality but any mention of girlfriends and the words dry up. ‘I’m a little bit baffled by the heart-throb status. It’s very flattering but during the rare moments I get to relax at home, I’m usually curled up with a book. I definitely don’t have plans to tie the knot, even if I was seeing someone,’ he says.

The dashing Major genuinely can’t understand how he has amassed such a legion of female fans.

‘I’m not around enough to enjoy a normal relationship – travelling has a real impact on my personal life.

That makes it very tough to be with anyone in the conventional sense,’ he says with a bashful smile.

That’s not to say Levison isn’t a romantic. He once bought a girlfriend a second-edition collection of the complete works of Oscar Wilde. Who wouldn’t prefer a book to a diamond ring? ‘It was a brilliant present – and it cost a small fortune,’ he recalls.

It’s late summer in London and we are sat on the roof terrace of a luxurious suite at Batty Langley’s hotel on Folgate Street. Levison looks relaxed in an open neck blue shirt and chinos as he tucks into a plate of fresh pasta and ponders his next adventure.

He’s about to set off on a 5,000km trek across the Middle East for a series that will be screened early in 2018. The exact location is still a bit hush-hush because programme makers are worried another explorer could steal the ideal. ‘There’s no secret society between myself, Bear Grylls, Sir Ranulph Fiennes and Ben Fogle. We are all highly competitive people and are always looking for the next exciting idea.’

Despite his rugged TV appearance, it’s obvious Levison is careful about his image too – a fact not lost

‘I’m a little bit baffled by the heart-throb status.

It’s very flattering but during the rare moments I get to relax at home, I’m usually curled up with a book’

on advertisers. He might get low down and dirty on his travels but Levison is also a brand ambassador for Belstaff clothing, the beard is kept in trim with a Braun shaver and his skin is pampered with Clinique.

It’s not quite the résumé you would expect for a ruffy-tuffy type who grew up in Staffordshire and spent his spare time exploring the hills of the Peak District. ‘I wasn’t into girls or music as a child. Every weekend I was out doing something.

Dad was a geology teacher. He would take me and my brother Peter on proper camping weekends, with very few comforts.

We had to grasp how to skin rabbits and learn survival skills.

It was tough sometimes but I loved the challenge.’

Family holidays were usually in a hired caravan as the family set off on tours around Scotland and Europe. However, one trip to Cornwall ended in a ditch by the M5 motorway.

‘Dad was towing a tiny caravan and there was a strong crosswind. One minute I was fast asleep in the back, the next both the car and the caravan had tumbled down the embankment. Luckily, we all escaped unharmed.’

The young Levison’s bookshelf reflected his interest in the great outdoors too. His childhood heroes were explorers like Livingstone and Shackleton rather than pop stars. He later joined the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, before progressing to the Officers’ Training Corps at Nottingham University, where he studied history.

After Sandhurst, Levison saw service in hotspots like Burundi and Malawi. Later, he escaped serious injury when a vehicle he had just stepped out of hit a mine in Afghanistan.

‘I eventually left the Army because I didn’t feel like I was contributing to the decision-making process.’

After setting up his own expedition company, he embarked on a 4,250-mile trek along the length of the River Nile in 2013.

Walking The River Nile was compulsive TV viewing and a book of the same name made the Sunday Times’ bestseller list.

However, Levison almost quit the walk when an American journalist, sent to cover part of the adventure died of heatstroke. ‘Obviously, I did question my motives.

But this is a risky business and that’s the price you can pay for not sitting in an office.’

Levison’s next adventure was Walking The Himalayas, travelling the entire length of the world’s highest mountain range. He met religious extremists, avalanches and even the Dalai Lama but was lucky to escape with his life after a car crash. ‘We were in a taxi that careered off the road and fell 150 metres down a hillside. It rolled over four or fives times and I broke my arm badly.’ Just how badly is revealed when he rolls up a sleeve and shows

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me an eight-inch scar on his bicep.

There have been other life-threating moments too – including the moment he and his film crew were arrested by armed militiamen in South Sudan. ‘They lined us up on the beach and put Kalashnikovs to the back of our heads. That was scary.

‘I don’t smoke but I always carry a packet of cigarettes with me for situations like that.

You need something to break the ice – to show them that you are human. The moment they see you as just an object, you’re dead.’

Levison says he can lose up to 12 kilos during his expeditions and sometimes the food is less than inspiring. ‘I’ve had to eat all kinds of terrible stuff. The worst was boiled bush rat, or possibly beans and maggots in Africa.

‘It’s a great honour to be given meat in some villages. But the tribesmen aren’t stupid – they give you the eyeballs or brain of a goat and keep the decent pieces for themselves. They give you a sob story and so I usually end up paying for the animal too.’

So how does a famous explorer relax when he gets home – now a Grade II-listed Tudor house in Hampton Court? ‘Last year I treated myself to an Aston Martin convertible but I’m just not around enough to drive it, so the car’s up for sale.

‘I like to catch up with my mates and go to the pub for a few beers. I don’t follow any teams or sports because you can’t have a vested interest in anything when you are away so long.

‘It’s easier if I live in London for the next few years because it’s a constant round of talks and meetings when I’m here. I’d love to be in a position one day when I can buy a little cottage in Devon or Dorset. After this new adventure I plan to spend a year at home sorting my life out.

‘People think I’m all derring-do but actually I just want a quiet room sometimes where I can sit and read my collection of adventure books.’ n

TEAM Grooming: Lica Fensome at Stella Creative Artists using MAC Cosmetics Photographer’s assistant: Anthony Yates Fashion assistant: Rochelle Stevens

Jacket, Oliver Sweeney. Roll neck jumper, Sunspel @ Matches Fashion

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STOCKISTS: Canali: canali.com Gieves & Hawkes: gievesandhawkes.com New & Lingwood: newandlingwood.com Oliver Sweeney: oliversweeney.com Sunspel: @matchesfashion.com

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The Power of

John Sandoe in Chelsea defies the digital trend with its brilliant selection of books and its well-read staff

Famed in Chelsea and beyond, John Sandoe celebrates its 60th year as the best bookshop in London.

Matthew Bell raises a glass

T

ake a stroll down the King’s Road, and you will struggle to catch even a whiff of what Chelsea was like in the 1950s. Gone are the fruitsellers, the haberdasheries, the cheap but not particularly cheerful cafés that sold tea and rock buns. In their place are shiny boutiques selling beautiful clothes with terrifying price tags.

But there is one street where you can still get a sense of Chelsea’s Bohemian past. It’s Blacklands Terrace, that short stretch off to the right just after Peter Jones. It’s the home of John Sandoe Books, the labyrinthine independent bookshop that defies all trends by going from strength to strength. On 11 November, the shop will celebrate 60 years since opening for business.

In 1957, the three units that now comprise Sandoe’s were home

Elton John is a fan of John Sandoe

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PHOTOS: REX FEATURES

WORDS

to several businesses. Upstairs was a secretarial agency and downstairs a poodle parlour, called Chloe of Chelsea.

Next door at number 11 was a dressmaker, and at number 12 was Anthony O’Neill, the vet, who looked after Winston Churchill’s dogs and vaccinated a stray cat I once found while living in Wellington Square. Going into his surgery (in 2010) felt like stepping back into the 1950s: there were so many books and papers that it felt more like an Oxford don’s study than a 21st-century veterinary practice. Still, he was a fine vet and the cat thrives to this day.

In the 1930s, number ten was a ‘seedy little newsagent and tobacconist’, according to Dirk Bogarde, who would later frequent the bookshop.

According to rumour, when he was hard up he would come to sell review copies of books. During the war, the shop was occupied by an antiques dealer, and then, in the 1950s, Tom and Ros Chatto opened a second-hand bookshop on the ground floor. Tom had taken over the family business of antiquarian booksellers, Pickering & Chatto, though he later became an actor, performing in My Fair Lady in the West End and in various films in the ’60s and ’70s.

Ros Chatto went on to become a well-known theatre agent, representing Alan Bennett, Ronnie Barker and Alan Bates. Their younger son, Daniel, married Sarah Armstrong-Jones, daughter of Princess Margaret.

PHOTOS: REX FEATURES

It was the birth of this second son, Daniel, in April 1957, that prompted the Chattos to give up the bookshop.

Which is where John Sandoe enters the story. Sandoe, who died in 2007, was just 26 and had very little experience of the book trade. After his education at St Edward’s School, Oxford and McGill University in Canada, he tried to become a writer, but abandoned that in favour of a spell in the City. He then decided to go into the bookselling business, much to the displeasure of his stockbroker father, who said, ‘Books? You might as well sell boots.’

He persevered, taking advice from Heywood Hill, the Mayfair booksellers where Nancy Mitford once worked, and getting a job at Bumpus, the then famous bookshop on Oxford Street.

Sandoe was friends with Felicité Gwynn, the sister of cookery writer Elizabeth David, and through her he found his premises at 10 Blacklands Terrace. Gwynn, who lived in a flat in her sister’s house at 24 Halsey Street, used to take her dog to O’Neill the vet. She spotted the vacancy at number ten and told Sandoe. At the time she was working at J A Allen, the specialist horse bookshop, but Sandoe persuaded her to join him. Gwynn worked at the shop for 26 years until retiring in 1984, a few years before she died. She was apparently a formidable presence, with a passion for literature and little patience for tiresome customers, at whom she sometimes threw the books.

Gwyneth Paltrow and Manolo Early patrons included literary figures like Blahnik are not Frances and Ralph Partridge and the novelist above popping Rosamond Lehmann. The shop quickly established in for a browse a reputation not only for its good selection but also for its intelligent ethos, the staff always able and willing to make a recommendation based on their own reading and the customer’s tastes. Even today, if you ask one of the sales assistants about a book, they will probably have read it or know someone who has, or are able to give you a useful alternative suggestion.

From the start, regular customers were able to set up accounts, a service still offered to this day. This could prove dangerous: Kathleen Tynan, the journalist and wife of Kenneth Tynan, once said she wished Father Christmas would pay off her account.

When the Sixties got swinging, a new cooler crowd started to drop in; Mary Quant, Lucian Freud, Keith Richards and Chips Channon, the Tory minister and prolific diarist, were all customers.

In the early days, you could also buy cigarettes from a vending machine in the shop, a hangover from its days as a tobacconist. The only recorded incident of a break-in was for cigarettes, which maybe says something about the urges of smokers compared to book-lovers.

In time, the shop expanded. The poodle parlour shut down and the secretaries upstairs clattered off. A clever system of sliding bookcases was built upstairs, allowing thousands more books

If you haven’t been, pay a visit to 10 Blacklands Terrace

to be offered. This design is thought to have inspired the spacesaving bookcases of Cambridge’s law library, which was built in the 1990s by Norman Foster, though he denies it. When the dressmaker next door closed down, the shop knocked through and grew horizontally; and when, in 2013, Anthony O’Neill retired, they kept going into number 12, completing their takeover of all the trading space available on Blacklands Terrace.

John Sandoe retired due to ill health in 1989, and moved to Dorset. He died at the end of 2007. Happily, he was able to sell the business to three friends – two colleagues and a customer. They were Sean Wyse Jackson, John de Falbe and Stewart Grimshaw.

De Falbe continues to run the shop very much in the Sandoe mould, scouring publishers’ lists for interesting titles which he thinks his customers might like. One of the great skills of the staff at Sandoe’s is to fill the windows with juicy looking books. The books inside are then arranged in such a way as to make you want to buy every single one. Though seemingly chaotic, the stock of 30,000 books is meticulously catalogued and any title can easily be found.

Now entering its seventh decade, John Sandoe appears to have defied the downward trend in publishing, and has seen off the threats posed by Waterstones, Amazon and the Kindle. Its lettering and distinctive black and white bags have quietly strengthened the brand, and loyal customers often send in photos of themselves with a Sandoe bag in whatever far-flung corner of the earth they find themselves. Patrons now come from far beyond SW3, and one of the charms of a visit to Sandoe is that you never know who you might bump into (though, given the cramped conditions, you’re always going to bump into someone). The Chelsea that surrounded Sandoe’s in 1957 may have gone, but inside that terrace of rickety Regency shops, the old Bohemian spirit survives. As Chelsea resident Alain De Botton puts it quite simply: ‘John Sandoe is, and always will be, the best bookshop in London’. n November 2017 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.CO.UK | 79

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The Cell quilt took a year for a group of Fine Cell Work stitchers to make

House of

CORRECTION Prisoners are singing, sewing and sautèing for their supper, says ANASTASIA BERNHARDT

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‘W

here the flame of civilisation burns low, you have the means to blow it into life.’ It’s a beautifully poetic sentence; just perhaps not one that you would expect to find scrawled in biro on a prisoner feedback form. Its author was Nicholas, an 80-yearold prisoner in Dartmoor, reflecting on his time spent with the Prison Choir Project alongside 16 fellow inmates.

Founded in January this year, the programme’s architect is Adam Green, a baritone who has sung for companies including the English, Scottish and Welsh National Operas, and who started out with the straightforward idea of bringing music to prisons to offer a little relief from the oppressive monotony of the daily prison grind.

The idea is not a new one – Grange Park Opera’s Wasfi Kani has been running the Pimlico Opera in prisons annually since 1987, but it’s the scale and frequency of Adam’s ambition that impresses. Earlier this year, he took a professional orchestra and full cast into Dartmoor Prison to perform Bizet’s Carmen with a prison choir he had personally trained over the course of a few weeks.

‘We started rehearsing on a Monday and by Thursday of the first week they had learned all six choruses from Carmen by memory and were ready to perform,’ says Adam. Which, if anything, is more a crushing indictment of the levels of boredom experienced in prison than of virtuosic ability.

With around 84,000 people currently incarcerated in the UK (a number that’s doubled since 1993) and a reoffending rate of 46 per cent, something is clearly terribly wrong.

The prison system has been overcrowded every year since 1994 yet the number of staff in the public prison estate has fallen by 29 per cent in the last four – it’s no wonder that the rate of self-harm in prisons has proliferated and is up by 40 per cent in just two years. Alarm bells should be ringing.

‘It should seem obvious that people who are in prison need to come out better than when they went in. It’s a knackered system,’ says Adam, ‘however, public perception is a very difficult thing to swing in favour of people who are

ABOVE: Restaurant quality food at The Clink BELOW: Exterior of The Clink restaurant at HMP Brixton

in prisons, especially for the families of victims. But if you believe in a fairer society, then you’ve got to give them that support.’

And as nearly half of all prisoners say they have no qualifications, it comes as no surprise that reoffending rates are so high.

While there is no hard and fast solution, the creative and luxury industries are stepping in to fill the gap with initiatives that give inmates genuinely useful skills to help them to find employment after release – and keep whirring minds occupied behind bars.

‘They find talents in prison that they would never have thought they had, from beautiful calligraphy to woodwork and drawing,’ says Adam, who shows me a Rudyard Kipling poem a prisoner sent to him in a colourful curling script.

‘But that’s not to give the impression that it’s a rather nice place for an artisan-style education. It’s just not.’

Keeping idle hands busy was the adage that spurred Lady Anne Tree 20 years ago to found Fine Cell Work, a social enterprise that trains prisoners in paid, skilled and creative needlework. Though she died in 2010, her work is continued by Katy Emck, Lady Tree’s first employee and who tells me, ‘We started with £2,000 in my bedroom.

It sounded ridiculous at first, people just don’t imagine fine embroidery to come out of prisons.’

Just as you wouldn’t expect prisoners to be absorbed by needlework (96 per cent of their stitchers are men), the pieces Fine Cell Work produce are equally extraordinary, working with artists and designers including Kit Kemp, Ai Weiwei and Stella McCartney. Bestsellers include a geometric cushion using leftover pieces of wool and a pineapple motif by interior designer Melissa Wyndham.

These are not rough about the edges pieces to buy ‘for charity’ but seriously desirable homewares. At around £100 per cushion they certainly have the luxury price tag but when you consider that each piece takes around 150 hours to complete, it feels a bit like – well – daylight robbery.

As it marks its 20th anniversary this year, Fine Cell Work celebrates training over 4,600 inmates and producing

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FROM ABOVE: Pentreath & Hall cushions at Fine Cell Work; Carmen at Dartmoor prison; Fine Cell Work stitcher; Melissa Wyndham Shell cushion at Fine Cell Work

bespoke commissions for institutions like the V&A. It currently commands the largest workforce of handstitchers in Europe – 290 and counting.

‘Prisons are essentially deserts of contact and creativity, and a lot of people want to fill their time with something productive,’ says Katy. Fine Cell Work stitchers can spend around 20 hours a week working, earning up to £15 a week to put aside for their release, amounting to as much as a few thousand pounds.

The effectiveness of the programme is staggering. Only eight per cent of their postprison trainees reoffend. ‘Sewing helps them to pass the time and feel a sense of pride,’ says Katy. ‘Prisons are such sad places that when you put something as trivial sounding as embroidery in that context it can be a very powerful thing.’

One initiative that has been really effective at giving inmates employable skills is The Clink charity, which aims to break the cycle of crime by training prisoners in hospitality through its in-prison restaurants open to the public at Brixton, Cardiff, High Down and Styal. Inmates taking part in the programme are 41 per cent less likely to reoffend as a result.

Prisoners with six to 18 months of their sentence left to serve work a 40hour week in The Clink restaurants, gaining City & Guilds NVQs in food preparation and front-of-house service in a simulated working environment, with allocated mentors to help graduates find employment upon release.

Ex-inmate Grant says, ‘The Clink gave me the opportunity to have a life once released from prison. I discovered my passion for cooking and thanks to the training I received I could forge a career once I was released.’

While prisoners can use the scheme to secure their futures, diners benefit from the one-off opportunity to sup within the walls of a prison – and leave at the end of the night. Don’t think you’re getting any old slop, this is serious and imaginative British cooking. They even grow their own veg. The Clink Gardens also earn inmates qualifications in horticulture.

And it is perhaps this sense of normality that has been the most important part of any of these projects.

Kate Symonds-Joy, who played Carmen in the Prison Choir Project, reflects, ‘In some ways there was an idea that we were doing something extraordinary but in fact it is the ordinariness of it which I’m told appeals to one prisoner.

Sometimes I was able to forget that we were in a prison.

We could have been rehearsing for an am dram production in a village hall.’ n

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A VERY

MALTON GENTLEMAN

I

f you happen upon the market town of Malton, in North Yorkshire, you might bump into Tom Naylor-Leyland, who is, by all accounts, a bit of a local celebrity. The softly spoken father of two collects me from the train station for my whistlestop tour of Malton, in which he is recognised all over the shop. Literally. He whisks me from the coffee roastery, down winding lanes full of suitably crammed antiques shops, into gelato makers Groovy Moo (suppliers of the best ice-cream I’ve ever had, so get yourself up to Malton, pronto.)

Naylor-Leyland is not only a bit of a celebrity around these parts, he’s also the landlord.

Naylor-Leyland, 35, is the eldest son of Lady Isabella Lambton and Sir Philip Naylor-Leyland Bt, himself grandson of the tenth, and last, Earl Fitzwilliam, whose family lived at Wentworth Woodhouse near Rotherham, the country’s largest stately home. The family still own Wentworth’s 15,000acre estate, along with the three others: Nantclwyd in Wales

(‘mostly sheep’); Milton Hall, near Peterborough, where Sir Philip and Lady Isabella live; and this one, Malton, which has been in the family since 1713 and where Naylor-Leyland is standing in a gin shop, encouraging me to sup local botanicals before lunch. Uh-oh.

It turns out that Naylor-Leyland is the perfect host – the sort of gentleman who makes sure he walks on the outside of the pavement. Malton is his baby. For the last nine years he has been quietly rejuvenating the town, which is 20 miles from tourist-tastic York. It hasn’t been easy. Like many market towns, Malton had suffered from low morale – ‘this feeling that nothing would ever change. People would say, “We tried stuff, but no one ever came”.’ But now it is Yorkshire’s food capital, with a monthly food market, harvest festival, spring festival, summer Sunday street food stalls, plus a popular cookery school, where classes offered include seafood, game and, naturally, Yorkshire meat.

Educated at Eton College, Naylor-Leyland tried a few jobs out before he settled on food – working for Christie’s,

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PHOTOS: REX FEATURES; VISIT ENGLAND; VISIT RYEDALE

Even though he was born with a silver spoon, Tom Naylor-Leyland has single-handedly preserved a Yorkshire town’s fortunes and it’s all thanks to food, says ELEANOR DOUGHTY

PHOTOS: REX FEATURES; VISIT ENGLAND; VISIT RYEDALE

different places. for Labour MP Kate Hoey, and as a breakfast ‘Alice ends up boy at Dukes Hotel in Mayfair. But then came an being in London, apprenticeship of sorts with the ‘great’ Sally Clarke I am in Yorkshire, on Kensington Church Street, who opened his eyes and our kids are in to food. ‘I knew you could do wine tastings but Cambridgeshire with I had no idea that you could do olive oil tastings, the nanny.’ or balsamic vinegar tastings,’ he remembers.

Banging the drum ‘I suddenly realised that there was a universe of food.’ for Malton needs He lived in London for a decade before deciding constant attention. to move back to the country to improve Malton’s Earlier this year, the prospects. With his father, and inspired by the local estate opened up produce already on offer, they started the food festival 300-year-old York in 2009. ‘One of the things I noticed in London – I was House for weddings, very greedy and was always going to Borough Market – Nancy, Tom, and next up is is that people on the stalls would be selling, say, a brace Billy and Alice a plan to improve of Yorkshire grouse,’ he says. ‘Malton sits in a range the restaurant of farmland, and it occurred to us that food was already Malton Food Lovers Festival scene, introducing being done up here rather well, but it was being sent gourmet eateries away. The whole concept was to celebrate Yorkshire at affordable prices. food in Yorkshire.’ There’s nothing wrong with ‘It’s the London exporting food, he smiles, ‘but it seemed thing of taking silly that it wasn’t being celebrated in its ‘Malton sits in a range something like home environment. We thought, that’s a burger and then it, we want Malton to be a food town.’ of farmland and its food taking it to a level Ten years later, and his dream has become was already being done up where it’s off-thea reality. Now, 30,000 people attend the here rather well, but it was scale delicious, food festivals over two days. but affordable to Naylor-Leyland admits that there being sent away. The whole everybody,’ Naylor-Leyland grins. ‘Foodie minibreaks’ is some element of pre-destiny to his concept was to celebrate are another thing he’d like to offer – a night’s stay returning home, being the eldest child in Yorkshire food in Yorkshire’ at the Talbot, the estate’s hotel, and then a weekend a family structure ruled by primogeniture. of eating out, cookery lessons and excursions around ‘You know where you’re going to live, what the local area, onto the moors, to the coast, or to the job you’re going to do. Your life is planned out for neighbouring estate of Castle Howard. The ultimate you, which to some people, I can imagine, would be ambition, he says, is to establish the town as a foodie rather gloomy.’ Not to him. ‘When I was a teenager destination for the UK – like ‘Padstein’ in Cornwall. my parents talked to me about it, saying: “You are the When he’s not working, he shoots ‘a little bit’, and eldest, but if this [responsibility] is going hunts with the Fitzwilliam Milton near Peterborough, to horrify you, it doesn’t have to”.’ Over time, sometimes with the Manners girls, who live up the road he got used to the idea. ‘It allowed me to come at Belvoir Castle. He’s musical too. ‘I have my man cave to it naturally, to feel less pressure.’ In 2011, at home, where I sit and obsessively write songs, just for he married fashion blogger-cum-influencer me and my friends,’ he chuckles. Naturally, cooking Alice Dawson, a regular fixture in the society is high on the agenda, fish especially. ‘One of my pages, with whom he has two children – Billy, favourite things is Italian fish stew, made with white five, and Nancy, two. They are, without fish, mussels and clams. I love making stock out of question, an adorable pair, regular stars of shells, lobster shells, even prawn shells.’ Alice, he says, both their parents’ Instagram feeds. The is horrified by the whole thing. ‘She’s not into that.’ four estates will probably be Billy’s one day, Tom and his wife Alice The best advice he has been given on his road to Naylor-Leyland says. ‘But I will say to him, if Malton was from a lady working in the estate office. ‘She you want to come back [home] at some point said, “Be ambitious – remember the man who shot too then great, but there’s no pressure.’ This truly is low, and missed.” We are going to try and keep to that.’ But the modern aristocracy.

Naylor-Leyland is no show-off. ‘A few years ago, “Yorkshire’s The Naylor-Leylands are busy bees, and food capital” did seem almost crazy. But now it’s on the live between Malton, Chelsea and Stibbington, Welcome to Malton signs.’ their colourful, grand Regency house in Naylor-Leyland is puppyish in his enthusiasm for Cambridgeshire, stuffed full of traditional chintz, his job. ‘The thing that makes me emotional sometimes,’ and decorated by Alice. The children fly up and he says, catching his breath, ‘is when people say, “we’re proud down the motorways with them. Sometimes, of Malton”.’ And so they should be.

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We believe in a different perspective.

Matilda armchair, £770 Brompton lamp, £140.

neptune.com/adifferentperspective

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C&TH

THE INSIDER INTERIORS · LIVING · DESIGN

MATCH THE CURTAINS When a pattern is as fabulous as Soane Britain’s Lotus Palmette, why would you stop short of the ceiling? Instead of feeling claustrophobic, a few added Indian flourishes make this space feel warm and cosseting. While you’re at it, the sofa may as well tie in to the scheme too.

Fabric from £158 p/m. soane.co.uk

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THE INSIDER DON’T BE S.A.D. CoeLux ®, from The Caulfield Company, is an extraordinary hi-tech Italian system bringing a realistic impression of sunlight into basements and other dark areas. From £22,000. caulfieldcompany.co.uk

INTERIORS

DESIGN NOTES News and inspiration from the world of interiors,

by Carole Annett

SMOKEY STYLE

The simplicity of these cylinder lampshades in smoked glass caught my eye. They cost from £168, with filament bulbs from £10.80. urbancottageindustries.com

PETAL POWER Botanicals are strewn across the catwalks this autumn and Mulberry Home’s Vintage Floral linen perfectly captures the mood at home. £98 per sq/m. gpjbaker.com

SCOTCH ON THE RUN

The black lacquer, leather and burl wood interior of Ralph Lauren’s Mixologist box was inspired by his classic cars. Paired with four Broughton crystal tumblers, it’s the classiest drinks’ capsule whatever your marque. £4,995. ralphlauren.co.uk WALL TO WALL Vinyl on the walls sounds very ’70s but Lizzo’s version looks contemporary and understated. Karaba vinyl wallcovering, £151 per 10m roll. lizzo.net

HEARTY DRINKING

I can see this on Johnny Depp’s sideboard. The Jack champagne bucket in bronze and nickel from Giovanni Raspini’s Bronzobianco collection, £1,190. giovanniraspini.com

ALL IN A GOOD CAUSE

Don’t miss Holiday House London, an exhibition in situ featuring renowned interior designers from around the world including Taylor Howes and Fiona Barratt-Campbell.

Opening on 8 November, all proceeds will go to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

Tickets from Event Brite. eventbrite.co.uk

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USE AND KEEP

FOCUS

RUGS

Look out for Farrow & Ball’s limitededition tins of Wimborne White estate emulsion which features Hegemone, a new wallpaper design. Fill with flowers when empty. £43 for 2.5l. farrow-ball.com

DARK AND STORMY Designed by Karolina Kroon and inspired by her evening drive home in rural Sweden just as darkness falls, Midnatt wall mural costs £192 per panel. sandbergwallpaper.com

FRINGE THEATRE

The easiest way to update a cushion or curtain is with a new border.

These Inca collection designs are fabulous quality and cost from £29. samuelandsons.com

ITALIAN GLAMOUR Emulate the palaces which Rubelli’s fabric and furniture often grace with a Palazzo sofa in olive Velours Décontracté, £7,725 (ex VAT). rubelli.com

1 SONYA WINNER The Rockpool hand-knotted rug, made to order, £952 per sq/m. sonyawinner.com 2 CHRISTOPHER FARR Portal rug, 300mm x 400mm, £13,000. christopherfarr.com 3 LUKE IRWIN Saffron Klimt rug from the Sari Silk collection, 1.82m x 2.74m, £7,346. lukeirwin.com 4 ALEXANDER MCQUEEN Chiaroscuro Aubusson rug, limited edition of 50, £2,860 per sq/m. therugcompany.com 5 STEPEVI Pixel Wings rug, 170cm x 240cm, from £475 per sq/m. stepevi.com

ALL SQUARED

Neat and tidy desk, neat and tidy mind. Capri desk set, from £55 at Jonathan Adler. uk.jonathanadler.com November 2017 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.CO.UK | 89

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THE INSIDER

FOCUS

THE MEN’S ROOM Four gorgeously created rooms for the male of the species

F

1

rom vintage glamour and vivacious violet to a traditional country room designed for log fires and books, this is how the experts create interiors with a masculine edge – for work, rest and play.

TIME! 2DRINKS

1PLAY ON

A dedicated wine room in a palette of silver, grey and glass designed

by Hetherington Newman. One for serious oenophiles. handesign.co.uk

A Rat Pack photographic wallcovering creates a glamorous ambience in a games room and bar

by Hill House Interiors. hillhouseinteriors.com 2 4

3 LIBRARY LAD

English country-house style from Emma Burns, Design Director for Sibyl Colefax & John Fowler. Chartreuse cushions add a touch of drama. sibylcolefax.com

4 THE ART OF IT

Shalini Misra designed this house around the client’s art collection and the dark colours of the banquette ensure your eye goes directly to the image above. shalinimisra.com

PHOTO: © SIBYL COLEFAX & JOHN FOWLER

3

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HANDCRAFTED FURNITURE, LIGHTING AND ACCESSORIES

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THE INSIDER Neptune Mayfair collection glassware, from £23. neptune.com

TREND

LAST ORDERS The bar crawl need never leave the comfort of home

David Hunt Lighting Hyde single pendant, £175. davidhuntlighting.co.uk

Patrick Mavros Monkey and Palm swizzle stick, £280. patrickmavros.com

Swoon Editions Belvedere bar trolley, £349. swooneditions.com

House of Bruar Leather cocktail shaker, £89.95. houseofbruar.com

Georg Jensen Indulgence champagne sabre, £140. georgjensen.com

Asprey Diving Duck bottle stopper, £850. asprey.com

Nina Campbell Large ring deco bottle, £44. ninacampbell.com Heal’s Brunel bar stool, £149. heals.com

Waterworks Chamberlain corkscrew, £38. waterworks.com

Royal Brierley Barra tumbler, £45. dartington.co.uk William & Son Beau Han Xu Splash decanter, £1,500. williamandson.com

Oro Bianco Maritime bar, POA. orobiancointeriordesign.com

Guinevere Drinks mixer, £450. guinevere.co.uk David Linley Ebury tray, £275. davidlinley.com

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SEE THE NEW BUTLER DESIGN IN OUR ISLINGTON SHOWROOM

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08/09/2017 09:45 13:57 12/09/2017

THE INSIDER DESIGN Q&A

JAYNE EVERETT The co-founder of Naked Kitchens won’t be serving you homemade pasta Most recent ‘find’? The Cooper Hewitt

What ‘look’ are you hoping will fall out of favour?

Shabby chic has surely had its day with pastel touches and distressed paint effects. I may not be popular for saying this, but we want customers to look beyond stark black granite worktops and explore beautiful wood grains and more exciting surface textures in their kitchens.

Biggest extravagance? I need a good night’s sleep so we bought a very indulgent mattress. It was worth every penny.

Who is your unsung hero? Kenneth Grange is a real hero of design. He was working when Britain had a thriving manufacturing base that supported design innovation. Not only did he design the High-Speed InterCity 125 train but familiar household appliances too, such as kettles, irons and food mixers, all for well-known brands.

Which object should never have seen the light of day? The Sinclair C5, a one-person battery electric vehicle from the ’80s.

It was totally pointless and not very attractive.

Last piece of art you bought? A painting of Cley Marshes by Jane Hodgson. It is just beautiful. The marshes are a really special place for us.

I also love looking at the beautiful oil paintings at Christie’s auction house.

TILES Balineum. balineum.co.uk

LITTLE BLACK BOOK ART Jane Hodgson at Pink Foot Gallery. pinkfoot gallery.co.uk PLATES Canvas Home. canvashomestore.co.uk

FABRICS St Jude’s. stjudesfabrics. co.uk POTTERY Made in Cley. madeincley.co.uk TABLES AND CHAIRS Norfolk Oak. norfolkoak.com CUSHIONS Margo Selby. margo selby.com

What gadget have you never taken out of the box?

Our pasta maker. I’m sure I’m not the only one.

In fact, a girlfriend did warn me that I would never use it... I still went ahead and bought it.

What’s your garden like? We have created a manicured lawn that we are proud of, and love creating the stripes. We also have York stone terraces that spill out into the garden and lots of box balls and alliums.

What would you never chuck away? Our beautiful aged leather club chairs. They follow us wherever we go.

Whose home would you most like to nose around? Roman Abramovich’s, because I would love to see what happens when money is no object... can it still be tasteful?

Which designers do you have your eye on? The lighting designers Hector Finch, and I have my eye on one of Margo Selby’s hand-woven artworks.

How can we all live more self-sufficiently? We are so lucky to live in Norfolk where we can be fairly self-sufficient with our stocked gardens. We grow lots of fruit and vegetables and even have chickens at work for eggs, and I always look forward to jammaking season.

BED LINEN The White Company. thewhite company.com CURTAINS Anta. anta.co.uk

Mark Hearld, Cirque d’Hiver wallpaper for StJude’s

ABOVE: Jayne Everett LEFT: Cley kitchen

by Naked Kitchens

LIGHTING Hector Finch. hectorfinch.com

Cushions by Margo Selby

PHOTO: OUTBOARD GIVING BY JANE HODGSON

Smithsonian Museum of Design was a fabulous find on my most recent trip to New York. Closer to home, however, would be The Hilltop restaurant along the coast in West Runcton. Fish is delivered straight off the beach every day by the fishermen; it’s a fresh as it gets.

What would you take as a house warming present? A stunning piece of pottery from Made in Cley, a beautiful gallery and studio housed in a Regency shop in Cley, North Norfolk.

I love browsing and chatting to the potters. Their creations are timeless, always look fabulous and they have a loyal local and London following.

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BRING YOUR

WITH BRINTONS CARPETS

At Brintons, we believe that a carpet is never just a carpet. For over 200 years we’ve seen it as a way to bring your home to life, helping you to express yourself, in ways that you never thought possible.

To discover how we can help you bring life to your home, either visit your local stockist or order samples direct to your door by visiting brintons.co.uk

Š Brintons Carpets Limited 2017

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08/08/2017 11:56 12:54 27/09/2017

Making magic happen with flowers 020 7738 8506 www.elizabethmarsh.co.uk

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C&TH

FOOD & TRAVEL E AT · D R I N K · E S C A P E

SKIING

MINDFULNESS IN THE MOUNTAINS The wellbeing ski holiday is a no brainer, says Abigail Butcher

Emma Cairns freeriding

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FOOD & TRAVEL

CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: Emma Cairns on the slopes; Spa at Cordée des Alpes; Abi swaps après at Le Rouge for laps of the pool; Cordée des Alpes

I

’m swimming slow, purposeful strokes while watching the snow fall outside, thinking about my day, and how I have tried – but failed – to combat my competitive streak. Length after length of the pristine pool melt away behind me along with the fatigue in my legs after a long day in the mountains, and so does my anxiety.

I’m in the Swiss ski resort of Verbier, lapping the pool at the gorgeously rustic Cordeé des Alpes hotel, my home for the week while I attend a women’s ski camp with Element Concept. The camp is one of many in a new wave of mindful ski holidays that are less about fondue and vin chaud, and more about self-improvement and self-awareness.

Our appetite for exquisite spa hotels in the mountains appears unabated – no sooner is the paint dry on Andermatt’s enormous Chedi than Four Seasons will open a new ski-in, ski-out property with 2,000sq/m spa in the French resort of Megève this winter. Six Senses has also announced two new spa hotels in Austria’s Kitzbühel and Switzerland’s Crans-Montana that will open in 2020.

I live and breathe the mountains, so this surge in wellbeing retreats is no surprise – with clear air, spectacular scenery and an unrivalled proximity to nature, the mountains are perhaps one of the most obvious places to rejuvenate mind and body.

Among the leading offerings are those from Chalet Rosière (chaletrosiere.fr), ‘the world’s first wellbeing chalet’, which opened last December in the small French resort of La Rosière, offering healthy ski

holidays and yoga retreats in the Tarentaise valley.

Even former British freeride skier Jamie Strachan is getting in on the act with his mindful skiing breaks at HiP Chalets in Chamonix. Combining Qigong, yoga, massages and craniosacral therapy, buddhist Jamie is helping guests connect mind to movement and fully experience the privilege of being in the mountains.

‘Bringing mindfulness in to your skiing will not only improve your techniques and mental strength on the slopes – it will also ground you and lift up your spirits,’ he says. And it’s this mindfulness that I’m chasing with Element Concept in Verbier. The women’s camps were borne out of ski school co-founder Emma Cairns’s observation that men and women ski, and learn, differently.

‘Women and men have three major physical differences when it comes to skiing,’ says ski instructor and former ski racer Emma Cairns, as we head up the La Pasay chairlift in Bruson – a wooded section of Verbier that’s perfect for the heavy snow we’re experiencing.

‘Men are stronger in the core and torso, they have 20 per cent more muscle than women and their pelvis is a different shape – women hold their spines in a more concave position, and this all affects how we ski.’

It makes utter sense – I’m a ski instructor myself and without making excuses or sounding like a raging feminist, I’ve been aware for many years how differently women and men ski.

The camps – run over a weekend or week – integrate life coaching

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THE KIT BORN NOULI Leggings, £65 a pair. bornnouli.com

CANADA GOOSE Perley 3-in-1 parka, £1,300. canadagoose.com

It surprises me how easy it is to live cleanly in a ski resort even when you’re not cocooned in a wellness retreat. Every restaurant and café we visit has über-healthy options

PATAGONIA Women’s allweather zip-neck with Polygiene, £54. patagonia.com

QMS MEDICOSMETICS Sport active cream SPF15, £66 for 30ml. qmsmedicosmetics.com

DRAGON ALLIANCE NFX transition goggles, £185. dragonalliance.com

with skiing, yoga and nutritional talks, and focus specifically on the physical and psychological ways in which women ski differently to men.

Verbier-based life coach Elaine France (womenwhomovemountains. com) not only gives two group sessions but also skis with the camp when she can, so is on hand for one-to-one chairlift chats or over a coffee.

The other women on the course – who range in age from 20s to 40s – are all high-achievers: successful, entrepreneurial self-starters who don’t want to go to an anonymous ski school to learn like penguins one after the other but improve their skiing in an adult, mindful way.

They’re an inspiring group to be around.

‘All of us are trying to build a solid foundation that will allow us to adapt to a constantly changing environment,’ explains Elaine. ‘When we change and start to learn something – a new technique while skiing – it puts us into a vulnerable place and ideas start to ping around us like popcorn as we have multiple focus points. It’s hard going.’

The most typical reaction, says Elaine, is that we get frustrated with our progress and that we can’t pick it up instantly, and that frustration will be replicated by our bodies. ‘You need to recognise that and remind yourself that you’re in the early stages of skill acquisition – and not be too hard on yourself,’ says Elaine.

And because of this recognition, I’m processing my learning over the day while doing laps of the pool while waiting for a massage, rather than drinking rosé in Le Rouge, Verbier’s popular après-ski haunt.

In fact, it surprises me how easy it is to live cleanly in a ski resort even when you’re not cocooned in a wellness retreat. La Cordée has its own juicer that I use each breakfast time rather than hit the croissant buffet, and every restaurant and café we visit has über-healthy options – from Le Rouge to Le Bec, the brasserie near the main Medran lift in which we meet daily. I chose fish, veg and salad rather than spag bol – choices made easier by the inspiring nutrition talk we have one evening from Verbier-based functional medicine doctor Mirthe Elk. At the start of the week, Elaine had asked us to set an intention.

Mine was to not be competitive – with myself as much as others. Emma had worked on getting me to ski more smoothly and less aggressively – my default – and six months later I’m still working on that, but I think I’m getting there. Thanks to their recipe for mindful learning, I was able to recognise that I was getting to grips with new skills and that it is ok to not be perfect each and every time.

But most of all, I succeeded in arriving fresh and energetic for each day on the slopes — and that, in Verbier, is quite an achievement. n BOOK IT: Element Concepts runs weekend (350CHF) and week-long (750CHF) camps (elementconcept.com). Return flights with SWISS start from £65 (swiss.com); return train transfers cost 141CHF (myswitzerland. com). Rooms at La Cordée des Alpes, from 200CHF pp (hotelcordee.com).

For more information on Verbier, visit verbier.ch

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FOOD & TRAVEL THE TOUR DU MONT BLANC

The heavenly Auberge de la Maison was our last stop on a three-day, fournight hike on part of the TMB, the 110-mile long trail that circles the mountain and takes in France, Italy and Switzerland. We didn’t complete the whole route (that’s for serious fitties), but walked from Champex Lac to Courmayeur, staying in simple mountain auberges along the way. If the hiking is strenuous, the alpine scenery, the incredible flowers and the freedom of travelling by foot, with nothing but essentials on your back, make every puff and groan worthwhile.

TEN REASONS WHY I LOVE

AUBERGE DE LA MAISON, COURMAYEUR

1

It’s as perfect in summer (spa, indoor/outdoor pool, yoga in the wildflower meadow) as it is in winter (beams, open fires, shuttle to ski lifts).

2

The combination of stylish and authentic – genuine Alpine character imbued with Italian chic.

T R AV E L N E W S

THE HOTEL WIZARD Fiona Duncan puts on her hiking boots

THREE GREAT EUROPEAN HIKES

GR20 Crossing Corsica diagonally, the most demanding of all France’s Grand Randonnée routes: as stunning as it is tough. gr20.co.uk Cinque Terre Coastal Trail A 7.5mile route links the five picturesque Ligurian towns of Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterosso. Take two days and spend time enjoying their architecture, sea views and seafood. incinqueterre.com Retezat Mountains A little known Romanian mountain range, part of the Southern Carpathians and perfect for great hiking but without the crowds. travelguideromania.com

Sweden’s stylish Steam Hotel

3

The generosity – so many lovely things, from vintage posters to finest table linens.

4

The transported walls and front door of an old mountain hut that cleverly forms a snug sitting room...

5

... and the two tiny chalets in the garden – perfect for romantic dinners à deux.

6

The delightful staff, headed by Silvana, who all lunch together in the restaurant before service.

7

The balcony views of Grandes Jurasses and Mont Blanc from all the lovely rooms.

8 9 10

The bathroom bins that don’t have annoying lids.

The delicious help-yourself canapés with drinks. ... and the elegant restaurant that makes diners feel special.

Doubles from £132. +39 0165 869811; aubergemaison.it

ON THE TRAVEL RADAR A century-old power plant has been transformed into Sweden’s most spectacular hotel. Overlooking Lake Mälaren close to Stockholm, the Steam Hotel is the last word in industrial chic. steamhotel.se Make a date for the Marchioness of Lansdowne’s Bowood House Christmas Extravaganza in Robert Adam’s Orangery.

Be one of the first 20 shoppers to book an allinclusive overnight stay at Bowood Hotel & Spa and receive a private tour of the extravaganza

by Lady Landsdowne, your purchases giftwrapped and a gift wrapping masterclass.

22–24 Nov, from £199 per room. bowood.org

Retezat Mountains

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FOOD & TRAVEL

THE ESSENTIALS

STAY If the coast calls, sail into the Grand Hôtel de Cala Rossa & Spa in the Gulf of Porto-Vecchio. This beachfront grand dame is set in a private peninsula shaded by ancient pine trees – a haven for those seeking seclusion as well as seafood.

View from Porto, southern Corsica

THE WEEKENDER

CORSICA Variety is the spice of life on this Mediterranean island, says Harriet Hirschler

SEE

D

Wild pigs roam the mountains

View of Calvi from the water

EAT

BOOK IT Grand Hôtel de Cala Rossa & Spa Doubles from £135 per room per night Hôtel La Villa Doubles from £238 per room per night relais chateaux.com

mega-yacht armada on the horizon and rugged mountains undisturbed by flashy modern developments.

The region’s compelling geographical variety is mirrored in its gastronomical offerings too.

An irresistible mix of both mountain and coast, as well as French and Italian influences, the cuisine is distinct in its flavours and steeped in a proud tradition of using locally produced ingredients. Corsican wine, once a remarkably wellkept secret, is also gradually gaining respect, even if the French may sneer... Is this the island with it all?

Good Corsican food ranges from the rustic to the refined. For the latter, head for the hills of Calvi where Michelin-starred La Table

by La Villa serves the island’s best assets up on a silver plate with panoramic views over the moonshaped bay and pink cliffs below.

BUY Corsica’s mountains are quite simply littered with half-wild pigs feasting on chestnuts and acorns. Needless to say, the island’s charcuterie is some of the best in the world and worth smuggling home.

PHOTOS: GETTY IMAGES

espite two centuries of French rule, Corsica’s independent spirit is as fierce as the island’s most famous son, Napoleon, with its own language, culture and distinct personality.

Locals will tell you that they are from the mountains, not the coast, but that’s not to say visitors must choose either/or. The short distance between the island’s white sands and dramatic rock formations means you can enjoy the best of both worlds with ease. What’s more, these varied landscapes remain wild and unspoiled. Think of Corsica as Sardinia’s modest little sister: pristine beaches without the

Calvi’s massive fortified citadel has had to fend off invaders over the centuries and is best viewed having a well-earned rest, basking quietly in the sun right before it sets.

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Leighton House Museum

VISIT A PRIVATE #PALACEOF ART | 12 Holland Park Road W14 8LZ | Closed Tuesdays | www.leightonhouse.co.uk Leighton House.indd 1

21/09/2017 10:12

ICE AGE Your guide to the best chalets and hotels for your winter sporting holiday. By Felix Milns

HUUS, Gstaad

Rather than compete with the many five-star hotels in glamorous Gstaad, Huus has carved out its own effortlessly stylish four-star niche, dialling up on personality, colour and character with a side of all-inclusive extras that really make it stand out. Every day there are free mountain guiding services, from off-piste skiing to snowshoe hikes, and there are Mammut backpacks and Zeiss binoculars to borrow in the rooms. The whole feel is that you are staying in a friend’s mountain retreat, albeit a particularly stylish one. Designed by multi award-winning design house Stylt, the main lounge and bar area is a monumental maximalist triumph. Think rich organic colours, beaten velvet bucket chairs, dramatically oversized joinery units and artfully curated apothecary jars, books, games and musical instruments. Incredibly stylish yet somewhere you are as comfortable in your ski boots as your party frock.

High on a hill above the valley floor it really is a Huus with a view. The 50m-long south-facing terrace is the perfect spot from which to watch the sunset. Rooms come with on-trend Stiffkey Blue spray paint panelling and coppertrimmed joinery, and kids will love the family rooms with a mezzanine level sleeping area. Go for the rooms on the fourth floor to be near the main restaurant and excellent supervised kids’ club. There’s also a large swimming pool with dedicated kids’ spa area, leaving the adults free to enjoy their own spa. Perfect for sporty couples or a family stay.

BOOK IT: Seven nights B&B, from £630pp (two sharing). huusgstaad.com 104 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.CO.UK | November 2017

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FOOD & TRAVEL

LA MOURRA, Val d’Isère

New sister hotel to the totemic Le Blizzard, La Mourra is quieter and more demure, set out on the road to Le Fornet on the outer fringes of the historic old village centre. Styled as a self-contained mountain hamlet, the hotel is a collection of four chalets and a main building with nine junior and two-bed suites, all interlinked by the underground car park. Externally they are classic Val, all local stone and aged wood, yet internally there is a very different feel. Each of the extremely luxurious chalets has different yet confidently contemporary interior design styles and comes with home cinema, dramatic fireplaces and private spa and pool. While the main lounge and restaurant successfully echo the ‘je ne sais quoi’ of the famed Blizzard bar but in a more elegant refrain. The menu is Japanese with a Gallic twist, and the 12ft-high floor-to-ceiling doors and deep red timber ceiling in the lobby give a warm, oriental hint of things to come. The main area is beautifully lit with low-hanging drum lights, filament bulb sputniks and retro coloured glass Bocci ball lights hanging over a candle-lit bar. You can choose to eat on low sofas in the bar area – perfect for sharing with friends – the more formal Japanese banquet tables or intimate marble-topped tables. The main hotel building also has its own Clarins spa and pool for hotel guests.

BOOK IT: Seven nights half board, from £2,560pp (two sharing), including flights and transfers. oxfordski.com

CHALET ARTEMIS, St Anton

Scott Dunn’s flagship Arlberg chalet, Artemis, is a modern urban-style chalet set over four floors with octagonal walls and a contemporary city-centre feel.

The top floor is the open-plan living space, with a matching pair of wraparound sofas, an entire wine cellar wall and cut-out balcony with a splendid aged copper life-size statue of Artemis enjoying a sensational view out across the village to the foot of the slopes. The rooms may be named after Greek gods and goddesses, yet are positively high-tech, with large TVs and Sonos speakers throughout. Why watch TV in your room, however, when you have your own home cinema room, with red velvet cinema seats and vintage popcorn machine? Swap out the very delectable four-course dinner one evening and ask the staff for a movie night in with hot dogs, burgers and shakes. On another night don’t miss the opportunity to plump for the Malaysian tapas menu, designed by exec chef and former masterchef winner Ping Coombes.

Her sticky ribs and fried chicken gyoza are to die for, and perfect after some legendary St Anton après and a week of Austrian mountain lunches. There’s also a jet pool, sauna and outdoor hot tub, so you can sit back and enjoy the bubbles with a glass of the house LaurentPerrier and lap up the five-star Scott Dunn service.

BOOK IT: Seven nights chalet board, from £2,200pp (two sharing), including BA flights and private transfers. scottdunn.com November 2017 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.CO.UK | 105

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FOOD & TRAVEL

DAS CENTRAL, Solden

Since Spectre hit our screens Solden has been enjoying a bombastic Bond bounce, and Das Central is the perfect base. First opened in 1969, it was fully refurbished in 2015 in a modern Austrian aesthetic, while still retaining traditional Tyrolean touches like the wonderfully cocooning Stuben-style gastro restaurant. Book in here for one of the regular wine tasting evenings hosted by some of Austria’s finest winemakers. Austrian wine is a big deal here, the hotel has the world’s largest cellar of Austrian wines; who knew their sauvignon blancs and pinots were so good? Renowned for good food and wine, the hotel is one of only nine in Austria that have had a Gault Millau toque every year since the guide’s inception. The 125 rooms and suites come in various styles, our pick is the chalet ötztal rooms, with their sophisticated timber panelling, padded headboards and balconies with mountain views.

Being Austria, the spa is pretty monumental, with three different saunas, two steams, elemental black heated stone beds, tepidarium and ice grotto, even if the quirky Venice-themed chill out area is a bit eye-opening. Service throughout is exceptional. The hotel also runs the Ice Q mountain restaurant that featured so prominently in the movie, with priority booking for hotel guests. So dig out your inner Daniel Craig and dive into Das Central.

BOOK IT: Seven nights half board, from £1,140pp, including flights and transfers. skisolutions.com

With unbroken wilderness views of the Manchet valley, this is quite possibly the most private chalet in the resort. Quietly unassuming at the very top of the road and bordered by unseen smaller chalets owned by the same operator, the rear elevation is simply stunning. Large walls of glass, local stone and reclaimed pine balconies overlook a large terrace with hot tub, swim spa pool and fire pit, and nothing but the mountains for company. Inside the interiors are done with an unashamedly timeless feel that makes you feel instantly at ease. The large stone flags, rugged timber floors and ceiling rafters made from whole tree trunks feel weighty and comfortable, while the sophisticated colour scheme blends traditional mountain colours without feeling in the least dated. The two-tiered living room has sofas you can’t help but sink into – and feel completely comfortable putting your feet up on – with double-height apex windows overlooking the valley and separate mezzanine level perfect for kids; if you can get them out of the cinema room. A wood burning stove in a six-foot-high fireplace stands sentinel in a dining room that comfortably sits 20. Food is excellent.

Chardon translates as thistle, and small nods to the owners’ Scottish heritage are everywhere, from the thistle floral arrangements to Scottish Fine Soaps cosmetics. All the warmth and hospitality of the best Scottish country house in the most private spot in the resort, what’s not to like?

BOOK IT: Seven nights chalet board, from £1,395pp (based on exclusive hire for 20 people). lechardonvaldisere.com 106 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.CO.UK | November 2017

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PHOTOS: © FRÉDERIC DUCOUT; © BRUNO PRESCHESMISKY

LE CHARDON, Val d’Isère

L’APOGÉE, Courchevel

The new flagship of the Oetker collection, one of the world’s most prestigious hotel groups, L’Apogée is perfectly pitched at a design-savvy clientele who want the style and exclusivity of prime Courchevel without being too outré.

Lady Bamford liked it so much she now stocks her products here. Out goes ostentation and in comes pared-down sophistication at the trusted hands of Parisian designers India Mahdavi and Joseph Dirand. All the clean-lined furniture is custom-made. Antique mirrors, walnut furniture and the heavily striated Fior di Bosco marble bar in the centre of the restaurant lend a grown-up cocooning feel. Unlike most of the five-star hotels here, there is no desire for a Michelin star, yet you can still order Dom P by the glass. A grand two-sided sweeping staircase leads down into the dining room – turn right for Japanese in Koori, and left for classic French in Le Comptoir de L’Apogée – but don’t forget to look up at the double height oval ceiling, cleverly mimicked in the black-tiled pool and spa. Situated on the site of the old ski jump right in the heart of the exclusive Jardin Alpin above Courchevel 1850, the views over the Croisette to Champagny are superb, and you can’t help but love the little huts outside the ski room where your skis and instructors await you. At the end of your skiing day a private magic carpet brings you right back to the door.

BOOK IT: Seven nights half board, from £4,000pp (two sharing). lapogeecourchevel.com

PHOTOS: © FRÉDERIC DUCOUT; © BRUNO PRESCHESMISKY

ULTIMA, Gstaad

The aptly-named Ultima is said to be the last new hotel that will be granted planning permission in Gstaad, while simultaneously setting out to be the ultimate in luxury.

Designed by the property magnate owners to resemble a ‘superyacht in the snow’, no opportunity for high-end detailing is overlooked. Fabulously striking book-marked striated marble walls line the spa, while a great glass elevator overlooks a lobby with a cascading Swarovski chandelier and Perspex grand piano – customised by famed graffiti artist Alec Monopoly in a live art installation last winter. Yet the hotel retains a boutique feel, with only 11 suites and six larger residences, plus of course La Prairie spa and pool, signature La Duchessa Italian restaurant, separate shisha bar and, more unusually, an in-house Aesthetics Clinic. Paired with larger surgical facilities in Geneva, the clinic offers state-of-the-art radio frequency facials, lifestyle and dietary advice, DNA testing and traditional cosmetic and dental surgery. In the suites and residences silk carpets are inset into oak floors, bronzed architraves and bathrooms are clad in opulent wall-to-wall Emperador marble. All the furniture is Italian custom-made, be sure to reserve one of the Curved velvet banquettes in La Duchessa for dinner, or just relax on the white leather day beds by the pool. The spa also comes with its own juice bar, try the signature detox juice, or design your own smoothie, your wish is their command.

BOOK IT: Seven nights room only, from £2,590pp (two sharing). ultimagstaad.com November 2017 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.CO.UK | 107

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FOOD & TRAVEL

LA COEUR DU VILLAGE, La Clusaz

The hotel boasts the village square and atmospheric medieval church to one side and main base of the lifts to the other, which this winter also includes a new chairlift.

Balconies overlook the kids’ nursery area, so the hotel could not be better positioned, especially for families with young children. And it’s not just for the location, the hotel itself is also ideal for families, with large supervised play area and cinema room off the main lobby, excellent kids’ menu and large child-friendly pool, complete with bubble pool and hydrojets. Owned by a local family, the onus is on substance over style, with imaginative French food and laid-back friendly service at the heart of their offering. The main restaurant comes complete with a glass-walled cheese cave where you select your cuts, and there’s a more intimate gastronomic restaurant on the first floor with a Michelin star in its sights. The family also own a neighbouring bistro and Savoyard restaurant you can eat in. The comfortable rooms are a traditional rough-cast plaster and aged pine look, with large double doors that open up into adjoining rooms for families. Only one hour from Geneva, La Clusaz is one of France’s most charming mountain villages and a real alternative to the traditional big French resorts.

BOOK IT: Seven nights half board, from £1,378pp (four sharing a junior suite), including Eurotunnel crossing with FlexiPlus upgrade. peakretreats.com

ASPEN, Grindelwald

Grindelwald and lift-linked Wengen have long been held in high esteem by the British military ski set, and with good reason. The stunning UNESCO world heritage setting of the Jungfrau and Eiger peaks are among the most dramatic in the Alps. Hotels here have largely tended to the traditional, so the Aspen, with its log-cabin style architecture, black steel chimney breasts, Tom Dixon lighting, dramatic wine cellar, beaten leather sofas and upcyled antiques is a welcome exception. The Aspen styles itself as an Alpine lifestyle hotel, aimed at sporty couples who will ski hard by day then came back to lap up the outdoor hot tub pool, glass-walled sauna and lighter, more modern, European food. There’s a simple bar menu serving burgers and healthy takes on local dishes plus a more refined à la carte menu served in the contemporary stuben, try the local rabbit with savoy cabbage and tagliatelle or the local trout risotto. Rooms are unfussy and chintz-free with elemental touches like bedside tables carved from one piece of pine. Be sure to book a room with a view of the north face of the Eiger, the great wall seems to stretch up forever before you, and feels so close you can almost reach out and touch it. Cushions advise to keep calm and drink champagne, which appears to be sound advice.

BOOK IT: Seven nights B&B, from £675pp (two sharing). hotel-aspen.ch/en n 108 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.CO.UK | November 2017

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FOOD & TRAVEL

NEWS

GASTRO GOSSIP

THIS MONTH Which breed wins the battle of the cattle?

Hair of the dog gets a restyle

SWEET TALK

Remember Callard & Bowser’s brightly wrapped treats? Champion & Reeves is reviving traditional sweets, like butterscotch, nougat and toffee, inspired by the British brand. Rumour has it there’s the odd box floating round the House of Commons. championreeves.com

MAGIC EIGHT

The trend for fewer covers shows no signs of slowing, and Simon Rogan’s newly launched Aulis London must be London’s smallest restaurant, serving just eight guests a night. Acting as an amuse bouche for his next project, the secret location chef’s table will serve as the development kitchen for Roganic, opening later this year in Marylebone. £250pp. simonrogan.co.uk

CORNISH FOOD CRAWL

FRENCH FANCIES Did you know that the French were drinking tea at least two decades before the English? It is only fitting then that Hotel Café Royal has partnered with French perfumer Diptyque to bring you a distinctly Parisian answer to afternoon tea in its Oscar Wilde bar. From £60pp. hotelcaferoyal.com

INGREDIENTS » 50ml Patrón Silver tequila » 120ml tomato juice » 15ml fresh lemon juice » Dash each of Worcestershire sauce and Tabasco » 1tsp horseradish

Speaking of Simon Rogan, Nathan Outlaw has nudged his Lake District restaurant L’Enclume into second place with his own eponymous Cornish restaurant, to take the title of Best UK Restaurant in the Good Food Guide. To celebrate, the St Moritz hotel is offering Outlaw’s Foodie Getaway – a three-night stay with dinner at each of Outlaw’s eateries. From £725. stmoritzhotel.co.uk

1 DRINK Don’t live for the weekend, Corney & Barrow has paired up with five experts to revive the midweek glass of wine. corneyandbarrow.com 2 EAT Forget Hereford and Aberdeen Angus, it’s grass fed Red Ruby Devon on London’s top menus. redrubydevon-beef.co.uk 3 READ Reinventing the Wheel: Milk, Microbes and the Fight for Real Cheese by Bronwen and Francis Percival, £16.99 (16 Nov, Bloomsbury) 4 BUY The Garden of Beauty print was made exclusively for 34 Mayfair by Liberty and is now available to take home as a cushion, £125. libertylondon.com

THE NEW BLOODY MARY Meet Mary’s punchier younger sister, the tequila-spiked Bloody Maria. Mix the ingredients together, strain onto ice, rim the glass with salt and pepper, then garnish with a lemon wedge and celery stalk.

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FOOD & TRAVEL RECIPE

NAUGHTY NATAS Nuno Mendes has the ultimate recipe for Portuguese custard tarts

Q&A

NUNO MENDES Founder of Taberna Do Mercado

PASTÉIS DE NATA

METHOD

INGREDIENTS MAKES SIX

» 1 x 320g sheet all-butter puff pastry

» Melted butter, for greasing » Sugar and ground cinnamon, for dusting FOR THE CUSTARD » 250ml whole milk » 1 cinnamon stick » A few strips of lemon zest » 20g butter » 2 tablespoons plain white flour » 1 teaspoon cornflour » 2 egg yolks FOR THE SUGAR SYRUP

» 225g caster sugar » 1 cinnamon stick » A few strips of lemon zest

Brush six individual muffin tins or a 12-hole tin with butter. Chill in the fridge. Roll the pastry into a 2–3mm-thick rectangle and roll lengthways into a tight sausage, about 5cm in diameter. Slice into six discs, 1–2cm thick. Press discs into the tins, and chill them while you make the custard.

Heat 150ml of the milk in a pan with the cinnamon, lemon zest and half the butter, heat to just below boiling point and leave to infuse for ten minutes.

Remove the cinnamon and lemon zest. In a bowl, mix the flour and cornflour to a thin paste, gradually adding the remaining milk. Pour the warm milk over the paste, stirring well, then pour it back into the pan. Cook, stirring gently, over a low heat for a few minutes until it thickens to a double cream consistency. Whisk in the remaining butter and remove from the heat.

To make the sugar syrup, put the ingredients in a pan with 75ml water and cook over a medium heat for five minutes, until the sugar dissolves. Cook over a low heat, swirling the pan occasionally, until you have a light brown caramel. Add 75ml water and return the pan to a gentle heat to dissolve any solid caramel. Strain it into a heatproof bowl. Pour half the syrup into the custard and whisk well.

Preheat the oven to its highest setting and put a baking sheet on the top shelf. Just before cooking the tarts, pour the custard into a measuring jug and stir in the egg yolks. Add a splash of milk to bring the quantity up to 300ml. Pour the custard into the pastrylined muffin tins and bake on the hot baking sheet for 9–13 minutes, until the tops are dark.

Brush the tarts with the remaining sugar syrup, leave to cool on a wire rack. Sprinkle with sugar and cinnamon to serve.

Food philosophy? Working with the seasons and using quality products.

For me, special occasions are always led by the food offering. I always get emotionally attached to what I’m cooking, so I like to be focused on what I’m doing.

What is distinctive about Portuguese cooking? A lot of the dishes are fiercely local to a particular area in Portugal and you will find a lot of interesting ingredients from eastern Asia or China that are steeped in the country’s trading history.

What’s the key to a good restaurant?

Storytelling is such an important part of it. I would really love to have a destination restaurant in the Portuguese countryside that tells a tale about my country, its ingredients, the people and its rich history.

Where did you find inspiration for your new cookbook? The book is about Lisbon and it’s a cross between my memories of growing up there and the city as it is today.

What is the secret to making a good pastéis de nata? There are a lot of secrets. There is a little less sugar in mine than most and there’s also no pork fat on it, which would traditionally be used.

What’s in your fridge right now?

Lots of fermented stuff, a few unique cheeses and some nice wine.

Most memorable meal? Noma.

It’s so small, and the food… the flavours! Everything is so different but still very tasty.

Guilty food pleasure?

I eat too much bread… and ham. I love the acornfed variety you find in Portugal.

RECIPE EXTRACTED FROM LISBOETA: RECIPES FROM PORTUGAL’S CITY OF LIGHT, £26 (BLOOMSBURY)

Our glorious custard tarts became popular in the mid-19th century when monks at the Mosteiro dos Jerónimos in Belém began selling them to help make a living. My grandmother used to take me to Pastéis de Belém, where the original versions are still sold.

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FOOD & TRAVEL

R E S TA U R A N T R E V I E W S

OUT TO IMPRESS

FORK & FIELD

Central London date spots to get you through the night

Made in Taiwan doesn’t mean mass produced in Chinatown, says Anastasia Bernhardt

TOWN

XU LONDON, W1

If you’re still going out for ‘Chinese’, you need to get with the programme – London’s restaurants are homing in on distinctive regions. For Taiwanese, it has to be the latest opening from the team behind Lexington Street’s Bao. Where Bao was elbows on the table and queues snaking around the corner, Xu is refined and – hallelujah! – you can book. Inside drips with bygone charm, something of a cross between a 1930s Taipei teahouse and the Orient Express, including handbag stowage in your seat. Riding solo? They have booths made especially for one. The adventurous will love the ‘numbing’ beef tendon – served cold in thin slithers, a bit like ceviche, with a strong chilli hit – but if you’re feeling out of sorts, the shou pa chicken with devilish crispy skin will sort you right out. Dinner for two with wine, around £100. xulondon.com

COUNTRY

LATE NIGHT TEA ROOM AT BUN HOUSE, W1 Below the daytime Bun House café on Greek Street you’ll find some of the most inventive cocktails in Soho, like sour plum shaken with haw liquor and chrysanthemum wine. The food is top-notch too, served in a Hong Kongstyle speakeasy where you can put on your own tunes at the vinyl turntables.

Only go if the date is going well – it’s open till 3am. bun.house

HARTNETT HOLDER & CO, Hampshire

What could be better than a long lunch in the country with friends? Languorous lunches are vastly improved when Angela Hartnett and Lime Wood’s Luke Holder are behind the stove (and there’s no washing up at the end). Though the plush country house setting feels special, don’t feel you have to put on airs and graces; this is proper chefs’ food and by that I don’t mean ‘restaurant kitchen’ grub but dishes that the chefs would choose to cook for themselves. We’re in the New Forest here, so of course the produce is locally sourced but plated with Angela’s signature Italian flair; sharing style to add to the bonhomie. While the double agnolotti might induce angina, the guineafowl and burrata stuffing with lashings of parmesan cream is well worth the risk.

Sharing menu, £75pp. limewoodhotel.co.uk

DISHES OF THE MONTH…

Nieves Barragán Mohacho and José Etura at Sabor

DINNER MAGPIE, W1 Nothing says ‘I love you’ like flagging down the starters trolley for your date as it’s wheeled around the restaurant, laden with rotating dishes like mackerel crudo and mustardy steak tartare. If you loved their pint-sized Michelin-starred Pidgin in Hackney, you’ll love James Ramsden and Sam Herlihy’s new Heddon Street hotspot. magpie-london.com

1 Buttery Cacio e pepe (black pepper spaghetti) at Stevie Parle’s Carnaby Street pasta place. pastaio.london 2 Crispy breakfast pancake bowls at Hoppers’ second site at Christopher’s Place. hopperslondon.com 3 Galician-style octopus at Sabor, launched by an ex-Barrafina duo. sabor.co.uk

MORNING AFTER PAPILLON, W1 Sarah Barber’s rainbow-coloured croissants are not to be missed but for those that don’t have a sweet tooth first thing, there’s Ibérico ham Benedict or London cured salmon.

This flower-filled Parisian café can’t fail to leave you with butterflies in your stomach. papillonlondon.com

November 2017 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.CO.UK | 113

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THE ST ENODOC HOTEL

THREE NIGHTS FOR THE PRICE OF TWO Enjoy a short break by the seaside in the heart of Rock, Cornwall.

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C&TH EDITED BY ANNA TYZACK

PROPERTY HOUSE OF THE MONTH Who used to live here? Legendary Formula One driver James Hunt.

Who would like living here? At the moment it’s home to a successful businessman, living between LA and London. Set behind private gates, it will appeal to those who will appreciate the security of being able to ‘lock-up and leave’ when travelling.

What’s its style? Stylish and modern, but functional. The large windows, bi-folding doors and sky lights in the kitchen mean there’s plenty of light.

Expect bespoke touches, like the kitchen and some of the furniture, which, if you ask nicely, the vendor is prepared to sell with the property (alongside his amazing art collection and Bang & Olufsen TVs), at an additional cost, of course.

What’s the garden like? There is a tiled patio area set upstairs off the reception room, designed to sit above the groundfloor bedrooms. It too has a very clever extra feature; a ladder to a secluded turfed sun deck.

Normand Mews, London W14 £2.7m 4 bedrooms 4 bathrooms 2,204 sq/ft

Best nearby shops? For high-end boutique shops then Brompton Road and High Street Kensington are the places to go. If it is for food and drink then there is an excellent greengrocer, wine merchant, butcher and Italian deli just outside Barons Court tube station, which is less than half a mile away.

Any good schools in the area? There are several really good schools in the area, particularly Kensington Prep, an awardwinning girls’ school in Fulham, Thomas’s and St Paul’s.

So, what’s the downside? The compromise is not being in Kensington or Chelsea.

Buyers might not automatically think of buying in Fulham, but it is a lovely quiet residential London location where you can get extra space and spec for your money.

The current owner says… ‘I was amazed when I first entered the house, the fact that it was previously owned by James Hunt just adds to the overall enjoyment but sadly relocating for work means a reluctant sale.’

Chestertons, 020 7731 4448

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LOCATION CHECK LIST

BEST FOR COFFEE The Old Stables Deli, Castle Combe. oldstablesdeli.co.uk A PUB LUNCH The Old House at Home, Burton near Castle Combe. ohhpubs.co.uk ME TIME A spa session at the Thermae Bath Spa in Bath (thermaebathspa.com) or at Lucknam Park near Chippenham (lucknampark.co.uk) DAYS OUT WITH THE KIDS Canoeing and picnics in the Cotswold Water Park (waterpark. org) or den building and woodland games at Woodland Adventurers in Corsham (woodlandadventurers.org)

CASTLE COMBE Who wouldn’t want to live in this quintessential Cotswolds village, with good links to London and great coffee to boot, asks Anna Tyzack

S

uch is the cachet of Castle Combe, a honeydevelopment. A scarcity of TV aerials coloured Cotswolds village, that houses here and telegraph poles ensure it regularly features seldom come on the market. Since 2000 on TV and film – Dr Dolittle, Poirot, Stardust there have been fewer than 120 property and War Horse, to name but a few. transactions and those that do come up for sale Yet for all its chocolate-box charm, Caste Combe tend to be snaffled by locals. ‘Not only has is a lively and close-knit community, with plenty it been voted the prettiest village in England but to offer all ages. ‘It’s a lovely place to bring up it’s conveniently located close to Bath, Bristol a family in the traditional way,’ explains Fiona and Chippenham,’ explains Neal Wood Butterfield, who moved to the area from Yorkshire of Hamptons International in Bath. six years ago and now runs a bed and breakfast ‘We’re seeing an increase in buyers on her farm (carriersfarm.co.uk). ‘From the moment from London and overseas looking we moved here I felt as if we belonged.’ to buy here – if only there were This was also the case for Anna and Mike more properties for sale.’

Roberts who bought the Old Rectory in Castle Before it was auctioned off after the Second World War, Castle Combe belonged to a large private estate, which is why it is so well preserved. The low-beamed cottages, church and market cross are from another era, and the village is likely to retain its charm, given that it is a conservation ABOVE: Nicolas Cage is said to be house hunting in the area area, excluded from RIGHT: Walking The Cross Cotswolds pathway Wiltshire council’s plan for

AN EVENING OUT The Bybrook restaurant in the Manor Hotel, Castle Combe. exclusive.co.uk/the-manor-house A BRACING WALK The Cross Cotswolds pathway passes through Castle Combe. walkingpages.co.uk AFTERNOON TEA The Old Rectory Tea Rooms in Castle Combe, although you will have to book in advance. castlecombetearooms.co.uk SOMETHING DIFFERENT A race day at Castle Combe Circuit. castlecombecircuit.co.uk

FACT FILE MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT James Gray, conservative member of parliament for North Wiltshire POPULATION 344 CLAIM TO FAME It’s recently starred in films The Wolf Man, Stardust and War Horse FACILITIES St Andrew’s Church, two pubs, a golf course and a five-star hotel USP The Church’s faceless clock is thought to be one of the oldest working clocks of its kind in Britain

PHOTOS: REX FEATURES; GETTY IMAGES

The typically Cotswold village of Castle Combe

L E T ’ S M O V E T O...

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PROPERTY Combe 14 years ago after selling up in Clapham, South West London. ‘On the first afternoon our neighbours came over with a tray of tea and biscuits which set the tone,’ she says. ‘Within a very short time we knew everyone and by the time we had our two children, I knew I could rely on any of the locals in an emergency.’

Along with good local state schools there is a wealth of independent prep and senior schools nearby, such as Beaudesert Park and Westonbirt, as well as schools in Chippenham, Bath and Bristol. Families moving to the area enjoy living deep in the countryside – the historic Cross Cotswold Pathway passes through Castle Combe – yet with Waitrose just five miles away in Chippenham and the boutiques and restaurants of Bath and Bristol within half an hour. Many are horsey – Badminton Horse Trials takes place nearby and there’s a racecourse at Bath – or looking to get involved with country sports such as shooting or fishing.

Given its location just 75 minutes by train from London Paddington, second homers also target Castle Combe – a fact not wholly cherished by the locals. Londoners and overseas buyers regard the village as an idyllic holiday spot – the actor, Nicolas Cage, was recently seen house hunting in the area. ‘We’ve sold to four American buyers this year who wanted a base in the English countryside and there is interest from Hong Kong,’ says

FOR SALE

Manor House Hotel

PHOTOS: REX FEATURES; GETTY IMAGES

Wood. According to Caroline Ferris of Humberts in Chippenham, Castle Combe has good short-term rental potential. ‘People don’t just buy for their own second home usage but to Airbnb,’ she explains.

In the drawing room of the Old Rectory, Anna runs a reservation-only tearoom serving her own home-baked scones and cakes. It’s one of a number of small businesses in the village – there’s a coffee shop and two pubs, one of which, the White Hart, is more than 600 years old.

The other, the Castle Inn, has recently been purchased by the Manor House Hotel, a five-star hotel in the house which was formerly the manor of Castle Combe.

‘It’s great to have somewhere so civilised to go for lunch if my husband wants to treat me,’ Anna continues.

Due to the diminutive proportions of the cottages within the village, larger families must look to the surrounding hamlets such as Burton or Nettleton or the villages of Little Badminton or Luckington, where houses invariably cost more than a million.

It’s a lot of money but if you manage to buy within a few miles of Castle Combe you can feel smug about your investment: the average price in the village is currently £445,000 compared to £291,000 for the rest of the county and year on year growth stands at 11 per cent – almost double the West Country average.

‘It’s a little enclave with prices head and shoulders above the surrounding areas,’ confirms Wood.

The only possible downside to the village is the stream of tourists who pass through it in summer, peering into the cottage windows and photographing the brook. According to Anna, however, most villagers are more flattered than infuriated by the intrusion; they see it as a small price to pay for living somewhere The Badminton Horse Trials take place nearby so historic and picturesque.

Castle Combe £550,000 The Gables is a charming Grade IIlisted, three-bedroom semi detached property with a boot room, a kitchen with a Rangemaster, utility area, bathroom with underfloor heating and master bedroom with a walkin dressing room. 01249 652717; strakers.co.uk

Corsham £950,000 A substantial village house, with a sweeping driveway. There’s a laundry room, four bedrooms, plus a separate annexe with its own access.

The gardens include formal lawns and a productive vegetable garden.

01225 220180; hamptons.co.uk

Luckington £7.75m Luckington Court was originally owned by King Harold II with Tudor features and a Queen Anne façade, which featured in the BBC’s Pride and Prejudice. It features extensive accommodation in the main house and five further dwellings plus river frontage, farm buildings and 15 acres.

01285 653334; jackson-stops.co.uk

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PROPERTY

DONNA’S PERFECT HOMES

MY HOUSE

DONNA IDA The jean queen has smart advice for first-time buyers Where was your first home? A onebedroom flat on a leafy street in Shepherd’s Bush.

Best thing about it? It being all mine, the feeling of closing the door and being in your own universe.

Where do you live now? In a converted pub in Berkshire. Before we bought it, it was an Indian restaurant and I thought we would never get the smell out but once we started refurbishments it disappeared.

What do you love most about it? I love that you walk in the door and see right through to the back of the house and out to the hills in the distance. It’s such an open, light and airy home.

Favourite room? Probably the kitchen. I spend a lot of time in it, even though I have an office (painted in glossy pink Farrow & Ball).

THE STARTER HOME £550,000 Once the home of British telly, Television Centre in Shepherd’s Bush, has been converted into luxury flats.

This one-bed on the fifth floor will have access to a health club and spa along with the newest branch of Soho House. 0203 618 3777; savills.com

Donna Ida

Where do you see yourself living in the future? I would Lounge Lizard silk pyjama top

If you could buy a second home where would it be?

like to move deeper into the English countryside, to Devon or the Cotswolds.

If my husband wasn’t such a sun worshipper, the Scottish Highlands would also appeal.

If money were no object, where would you live in London? The world?

I am anti second homes as I think they tie you down so much and end up just being more work – and then you never travel to new places.

Cheshire House, 66a Eaton Square, London or I’d buy a fat pad in LA. Pierre Koenig’s Case Study #21 house. It really is the dream.

What do you look for when you’re house hunting? Great location, high ceilings, windows and an open floor plan. I don’t like poky rooms.

THE COUNTRY IDYLL £4.25m A grade II-listed manor house near Tetbury in Gloucestershire, surrounded by 50 acres of rolling parkland and fields. The house, which has been in same family for more than 60 years, has spacious reception rooms and seven bedrooms, plus a three-bedroom cottage, stables and barns. 01285 659771; knightfrank.com

What has been your most extravagant home purchase?

What advice would you give to a first-time buyer?

Buy the smallest box you can just to get on the ladder.

Donna’s office

Donna Ida’s s new lifestyle collection is out now featuring the I’ve Got My Eye On You candle and Nightwear range. donnaida.com

THE BANK BREAKER £12.3m No expense has been spared in creating this oceanfront Malibu estate. There are floor-to-ceiling slider doors in every room leading to private decks with outdoor fireplaces; Crestron controlled sound and heated limestone floor. All this and direct access to Malibu’s best beach, Latigo. sothebyshomes.com

PHOTOS: GETTY IMAGES

Upper Slaughter in the Cotswolds

A Poltrona Frau coffee table for about £2,500, which I won’t let anyone near. And a Terry O’Neill which was £15k at the time but has since gone up a lot in value.

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PROPERTY

1BATTERSEA

Designed by Foster + Partners, Albion Riverside is a landmark building on the south side of the Thames with views up and down the river from floor-to-ceiling windows.

Three apartments have been knocked together to make this 6,003 sq/ft lateral residence, perfect for a man about town thanks to its 71ft reception room, state of the art sound and lighting technology and parking for four cars. £10m. hbarnes.london; knightfrank.com

3NINE ELMS

All Saints Close is a quiet gated mews development of five houses on the fringes of the Nine Elms development, near Battersea, poised to enjoy everything London’s newest village has to offer. This particular property has an abundance of character with exposed beams and vaulted ceilings, a private courtyard and roof terrace. The kitchen is part of the open-plan living space and there are three double bedrooms and a mezzanine cinema. £1.275m. 020 3369 2354; hamptons.co.uk

2PIMLICO FIVE OF THE BEST

BACHELOR PADS As it’s our gentleman’s issue, we’ve scoured the capital to find the most stylish abodes for bachelors – and bachelorettes, of course

4 SOUTHWARK

Set within an artfully restored Georgian townhouse, this one-bedroom pied à terre just off the South Bank is reached by a direct lift. Accommodation includes an open-plan reception room with contemporary kitchen and a double bedroom with hand-built fitted wardrobes and an ensuite bathroom. The lighting, heating and sound can all be controlled by iPad. Westminster Bridge and Waterloo Station are a short walk away. £620,000.

020 7664 6644; jackson-stops.co.uk

A city bachelor could move straight in to this interior designed, one-bedroom pad in the heart of Pimlico. The apartment is kitted out with everything a city bachelor might need: a stylish kitchen with marble splashback, a drinks cabinet, sitting room, study and a bedroom with ensuite bathroom. Even the Italian-style décor, furniture and chandeliers are included in the sale. £825,000. 020 7828 4050; jackson-stops.co.uk

5 SOUTH KENSINGTON

Roof terraces don’t get much more decadent than this one above a freehold mews house on Stanhope Mews East – there’s an open fire, seating area, barbecue and Jacuzzi. Inside, the indulgence continues, with a bespoke kitchen, cinema, large sitting room and master bedroom with dressing room. There are also two further guest bedrooms. The shops, restaurants and bars of South Kensington are a stroll away as is the Tube at Gloucester Road. £4.95m. 020 7590 9955; lurotbrand.co.uk

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savills.co.uk

1 HISTORIC SPORTING ESTATE ON THE RIVER TEST

longparish, hampshire

Grade II* listed house ø 9 bedrooms ø annexe ø outbuildings including garages and stables ø gardens with river frontage ø swimming pool and tennis court ø farmland, water meadows and woodland ø extensive fishing on the River Test and carriers ø lake fishing ø 3 further cottages ø The Dairy Cottage: EPC=E ø about 177 acres Excess £15 million

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Savills Winchester

Savills Country Department

George Syrett gsyrett@savills.com

Alex Lawson alawson@savills.com

01962 834 052

020 7409 8882

26/09/2017 11:14

savills.co.uk

1 EXQUISITE APARTMENT SET IN A PICTURESQUE GATED PARK IN OVER 10 ACRES cobham, surrey Scenic apartment with far-reaching views ø 3 bedrooms ø 2 bathrooms ø garage ø access to communal gardens and gated park ø quiet location with direct access to 300 acres of protected woodland ø 17 miles from Heathrow Airport ø 27 miles from central London ø EPC=C ø 257 sq m (2,776 sq ft)

Savills Cobham Louise Kerr lkerr@savills.com

01932 808584

Guide £1.25 million Freehold

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1 IMPOSING GRADE II LISTED COUNTRY HOUSE ockley, surrey Grade II listed house with Lutyens additions ø 4 reception rooms ø 8 bedrooms ø 7 bathrooms ø Gertrude Jekyll inspired formal gardens ø Dorking 9 miles ø Gatwick Airport 15 miles ø London 35 miles ø about 85 acres

National Farms & Estates

Savills Haywards Heath

Alex Lawson alawson@savills.com

Chris Spofforth cspofforth@savills.com

02074 098882

01444 446066

Guide £3.5 million

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1 AN IDYLLIC ESTATE IN THE NADDER VALLEY

tisbury, wiltshire

Grade II* listed manor house ø 2 bedroom garden cottage ø Grade II listed 4 bedroom cottage ø formal garden overlooking the River Nadder ø attractive farmland and woodland ø fishing ø traditional and modern farm buildings in 2 farmyards ø in all about 237 acres ø available as a whole or in 4 principal lots Guide £4.5 million

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Savills London

Savills Salisbury

Alex Lawson alawson@savills.com

Lucinda Prince lucinda.prince@savills.com

020 7409 882

01722 426820

26/09/2017 11:14

savills.co.uk

1 BEAUTIFULLY REFURBISHED FARM HOUSE rettendon common, chelmsford, essex Detached family home within a private gated development in a village location ø 7.5 miles from Chelmsford ø Battlesbridge station 2.5 miles (London Liverpool Street 46 mins) ø 4 reception rooms ø 5 bedrooms (3 en suite) ø 1 further bathroom ø parking and garage ø stable block ø paddock ø 249.2 sq m (2,685 sq ft) ø about 6.9 acres

Savills Chelmsford Emma South emma.south@savills.com

01245 293261

Guide £1.095 million Freehold

Prices correct at time of going to print

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FRENSHAM, surrey

FARNHAM, surrey

Handsome 3 bedroom period cottage ø 2 reception rooms ø kitchen ø utility room ø garage with workshop area and overhead storage ø detached brick outbuilding with scope for conversion ø landscaped garden ø EPC=D

Wonderful 4 bedroom family house ø sitting room with fireplace ø dining room ø kitchen/breakfast room ø study ø utility room ø cloakroom ø garage ø EPC=C

Guide £870,000 Freehold

Guide £1.195 million Freehold

Savills Farnham

Savills Farnham

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RUSHMOOR, surrey

THURSLEY, surrey

Delightful 5 bedroom family house ø 2 reception rooms ø kitchen/ breakfast room ø study ø utility ø detached converted double garage ø outbuildings including stables ø gardens and grounds: 0.95 acre ø EPC=D

Stunning 4 bedroom family home ø 3 reception rooms ø kitchen/ breakfast room with aga ø garden, paddocks, stables and outbuildings ø about 4 acres ø EPC=E

Guide £1.295 million Freehold

Guide £1.75 million Freehold

Savills Farnham

Savills Farnham

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WINDSOR, berkshire

WINDSOR, berkshire

Contemporary home with outstanding views of the Long Walk ø 3 reception rooms ø kitchen/breakfast room ø 4 bedrooms with en suites ø 1 further bedroom ø utility room ø 2 cloakrooms ø garage ø 314 sq m (3,383 sq ft) ø EPC=C

Grade II* listed home with stunning castle views ø 4 reception rooms ø kitchen/breakfast room ø 5 bedrooms (1 en suite) ø 2 further bathrooms ø utility room ø garden ø 335 sq m (3,611 sq ft) ø EPC exempt

Guide £2.699 million Freehold

Guide £2.495 million Freehold

Savills Windsor cewickens@savills.com 01753 834600

Savills Windsor jchadwick@savills.com 01753 834600

OLD WINDSOR, berkshire

WINDSOR, berkshire

Semi-rural location ø 4 reception rooms ø 2 bedrooms with dressing rooms (en suites) ø 3 further bedrooms ø cinema/games room ø landscaped gardens ø integral garage ø 377.3 sq m (4,016 sq ft) ø EPC=B

A development of 3 Grade II listed luxury town houses which have been completely renovated and refurbished in a prime location ø 4 bedrooms ø 4 bathrooms ø reception room/rooms ø high specification kitchens ø EPC exempt

Guide £2.15 million Freehold

Guide £1.495 million - £1.895 million Freehold

Savills Windsor slambert@savills.com 01753 834600

Savills Windsor cewickens@savills.com 01753 834600

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WINDSOR, berkshire

DATCHET, berkshire

Luxury duplex apartment ø reception room ø kitchen/breakfast room ø 3 bedrooms (2 en suite) ø 1 further family bathroom ø 2 courtyards ø 2 parking spaces ø central Windsor location ø 178.7 sq m (1,923 sq ft) ø EPC=C

Contemporary family home in prime location ø 4 reception rooms ø 5 bedrooms (3 en suite) ø 1 further family bathroom ø garden ø integrated garage ø off-street parking ø 316 sq m (3,410 sq ft) ø EPC=C

Guide £1.275 million Leasehold

Guide £1.295 million Freehold

Savills Windsor jchadwick@savills.com 01753 834600

Savills Windsor cewickens@savills.com 01753 834600

DATCHET, berkshire

WINDSOR, berkshire

Modernisation or development opportunity in a secluded location ø 5 reception rooms ø 3 bedrooms (1 en suite) ø 1 further bathroom ø garden ø garaging ø 357 sq m (3,018 sq ft) ø EPC=G

Beautiful river front location ø 2 reception rooms ø 3 bedrooms (1 en suite) ø 1 further bathroom ø garage ø off-street parking ø 202.8 sq m (2,183 sq ft) ø EPC=E

Guide £1.275 million Freehold

Guide £1.195 million Freehold

Savills Windsor slambert@savills.com 01753 834600

Savills Windsor cewickens@savills.com 01753 834600

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“Why do so many buyers look to

Windsor

over other commuter towns?”

“Properties vary from townhouses and cottages, to substantial villas and riverside homes with houses overlooking the castle commanding a premium.”

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Move to Windsor for a lifestyle like no other Charles Elsmore-Wickens Savills Windsor Head of Office cewickens@savills.com 01753 834656 There is plenty of choice for Londoners looking to move out of town but remain close-by, with frequent and fast rail links and road networks meaning a faster commute. So why do so many buyers look to Windsor over other commuter towns?

As a Windsor local and former Londoner, it’s easy for me to understand. Of course travel plays a big part, with two train stations and quick access to the M4 and Heathrow. However, for many, it’s the overall lifestyle. How many towns have a daily changing of the guard, castle and more listed buildings than you can count?

Properties vary from townhouses and cottages, to substantial villas and riverside homes, with houses overlooking the castle commanding a premium. Prices start at around £375,000 for a one-bed with castle views, while larger houses on Park Street can fetch up to £5m. Nearby villages such as Bray, Datchet and Englefield Green are also highly desirable.

The schooling in the area is world-renowned. Aside from Eton College, independent schools include Brigidine School and St George’s, while Windsor Girls’ and Boys’ schools are both highly regarded state schools.

Crossing over the Thames into Eton provides the most outstanding views, and it’s why so many buyers focus their search close to the water. And, you never know, it might spark a new hobby.

“Savills research has found that buyers are increasingly favouring the buzz and convenience of urban life, leading to townhouses outperforming manor houses in terms of growth.”

The greenery here is unrivalled: The Long Walk in Windsor Great Park runs from the castle for three miles through the park, which is surrounded by over 4,800 acres of land. Don’t miss the Savill Garden, named after our founder’s grandson.

As Windsor is a tourist town, it has all the facilities that entails – restaurants, cafés and coffee shops – plus a mixture of independent and chain shops. The regular weekend polo at the Guards Polo Club, the Monday night races at Windsor Race Course and the annual Windsor Horse Show are all firm favourites.

Savills is global but our focus is local, with all our agents living in the area, as such, we are ideally suited to help you make your move. Our residential sales team of eight are here to help you every step of the way, whether you are looking to buy or sell.

So why move now?

The prime country markets have seen static levels of growth over the past few months and Savills research expects subdued levels of growth over the next two years. The ongoing effects of stamp duty changes and political uncertainty will suppress growth before buyers and sellers begin to adjust to the market.

The price gap between London and the rest of the country remains, so committed buyers looking to move to commuter zones can take advantage of this. This in turn will help to drive a flow of buyers out of London, restarting a ripple effect.

Buyers are increasingly favouring the buzz and convenience of urban life, leading to townhouses outperforming manor houses in terms of growth.

Contact us today for information or advice on making your next move to Windsor.

Savills Windsor The Gallery, 3 High Street Windsor SL4 1LD 01753 834600 windsor@savills.com

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Frognal, Hampstead NW3 An exceptional lateral house in the heart of Hampstead Village ocated on a sought after road ithin alking distance of ampstead illage is this spacious detached home that extends to , 00 sq ft. aster bedroom ith dressing rooms and bathrooms, further bedrooms (4 en suite), bathrooms, kitchen/breakfast room, dining room, dra ing room, family room, sitting room, media room, gymnasium, plant room, pool room ith spa, further li ing room kitchen, guest Cs, laundry room, utility room, terrace, garden and pri ate parking. EPC: C. Approximately . sq m ( , 00 sq ft excluding garage).

Freehold

KnightFrank.co.uk/hampstead hampstead@knightfrank.com 020 3589 4040

@KnightFrank KnightFrank.co.uk

Guide price: £9,995,000 night rank.co.uk/ A 100 14

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Onslow Square, South Kensington SW7 Exceptional two bedroom first floor lateral flat in Onslow Square The flat provides a bright reception room with French doors onto a south facing balcony overlooking the garden square and an impressive master bedroom suite with direct access onto the same balcony with garden views.

Master bedroom suite, bedroom 2, family bathroom, reception room, kitchen, 2 balconies, lift, resident caretaker, access to the communal gardens, basement store room. EPC: C. Approximately 145 sq m (1,562 sq ft).

Share of freehold

KnightFrank.co.uk/knightsbridge knightsbridge@knightfrank.com 020 3641 5930

@KnightFrank KnightFrank.co.uk

Guide price: £5,250,000 KnightFrank.co.uk/SLA170112

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Stratford Studios, Kensington W8 A former artist's studio transformed into a home A truly amazing former artist's studio which is now a wonderful home with phenomenal volume and natural light.

The house is situated in a secluded spot just off Stratford Road which has excellent local facilities and good transport connections. 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 reception rooms, open plan kitchen, roof terrace and ample storage throughout. EPC: C. Approximately 241.5 sq m (2,600 sq ft).

Freehold

Guide price: £4,500,000

KnightFrank.co.uk/kensington kens@knightfrank.com 020 3589 2698

@KnightFrank KnightFrank.co.uk

KnightFrank.co.uk/KEN170077

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Dymock Street, Fulham SW6 The perfect family home with exceptional living space Set over three floors, this stunning family house has been extended and refurbished to the highest standard by the current owners, and is situated moments from South Park. 4 bedrooms (2 en suite), further family bathroom, double reception room, kitchen/breakfast room and patio garden. EPC: D. Approximately 144 sq m (1,550 sq ft).

Freehold

Guide price: £1,425,000

KnightFrank.co.uk/fulham fulham@knightfrank.com 020 3544 0635

@KnightFrank KnightFrank.co.uk

KnightFrank.co.uk/FLH170144

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- Country & Townhouse - November 2017 issue

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country house town house period house modern house dream house moving house?

Estate agency has moved on. house. is different We know people are starting to consider online only estate agents, but still want the reassurance of face-to-face help from local experts.

You get both with us, because we provide that personal service without expensive high street locations that customers have to pay for.

We also go further to ensure your property and the lifestyle it enables is shown in the best possible light.

Sumptuous photography and video, and a contemporary web experience not only shows buyers how your home looks, but how it feels to live there. It’s the new, innovative way to add value when selling your house.

The premium online estate agency.

London, Surrey and Sussex 0800 917 0447 info@housepartnership.co.uk

housepartnership.co.uk

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Bramley | Surrey | Guide £6.95m country house town house period house modern house dream house moving house?

The premium online estate agency

Weybridge | Surrey | Guide £1.5m | EPC: E

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Headley | Surrey | Guide £1.5m | EPC: E Estate agency has moved on.

0800 917 0447 info@housepartnership.co.uk housepartnership.co.uk

Dunsfold | Surrey | Guide £695,000

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Proof that selling online is now the smart move.

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

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SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

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SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

country house town house period house modern house dream house moving house?

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

Estate agency has moved on.

0800 917 0447 info@housepartneship.co.uk housepartnership.co.uk

The premium online estate agency

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Part of the Chestertons Group

WortonWiltshire Guide Price: ÂŁ1,495,000

A handsome and imposing house, recently constructed in the Georgian style and arranged over 3 floors.

Far reaching views, with gardens and grounds extending to approximately 5.75 acres. Further land by separate negotiation. EPC: B.

Marlborough 01672 519 222 marlborough@humberts.com

London Country House Department 020 7594 4746 countrydepartment@humberts.com

23

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offices across the country

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Country House Department

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London and International offices as part of the Chestertons Group

Available 7 days a week

19/09/2017 19:23 19/09/2017 16:46

Blandford St Mary Dorset Guide Price: ÂŁ1,250,000

An elegant late 18th Century Grade II listed house with superb accommodation, set in an attractive setting. EPC: Exempt.

Blandford 01258 452 343 blandford@humberts.com

London Country House Department 020 7594 4746 countrydepartment@humberts.com

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Spectacular and stylish living behind a delightful period faรงade.

Matching people and property in London for over 160 years.

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22/09/2017 12:48:31 22/09/2017 14:04

The Old School, Park Lane, TW9 from £750,000 An exceptional collection of two and three-bedroom homes in the heart of Richmond, situated within a beautiful converted school house on Park Lane. Leasehold.

• Off-street parking • Newly renovated • Exceptional specification Richmond Sales: 020 8033 9032 sales.ric@marshandparsons.co.uk

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A fabulous two-bedroom, second floor apartment in this period building Hans Place, Knightsbridge SW3 • Large spacious reception • Two double bedrooms • Beautifully refurbished

GUIDE PRICE £2,950,000 LEASEHOLD APPROXIMATELY 984 YEARS EPC RATING C

• KNX Lighting and heating system • Bespoke carpentry in specialist timbers • Access to Hans Place gardens

CONTACT KNIGHTSBRIDGE OFFICE +44 (0)20 7225 6509 michael.harte@harrodsestates.com

H A R R O D S E S TAT E S . C O M

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L A E C N A H Y C BU ST O T

EYSTON HOUSE GEORGE EYSTON DRIVE, SLEEPERS HILL, WINCHESTER

Last opportunity to buy at this prestigious location A fabulous four bedroom home with wonderful features: an impressive triple height gallery; first floor drawing room; outstanding kitchen, dining and family room opening onto a delightful garden; separate study; truly luxurious bathrooms and beautifully appointed dressing rooms. All finished to the exactingly high standards for which we are renowned.

Guide Price: £1,800,000

01962 834045 J K E N N E R L E Y @ S AV I L L S . C O M

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Derbyshire’s dedicated sales, acquisition and letting agents

BELMONT HALL AND GRANGE Nr Ipstones, Staffordshire

An impressive Grade II listed period house presented in good order throughout dating from the eighteenth century set within a secluded location on the edge of the Peak District National Park between the Manifold and Churnet Valleys. Adjacent is the immaculate Belmont Grange set within beautiful gardens.

Belmont Hall: Four reception rooms; kitchen/breakfast room; seven bedrooms; four bath/shower rooms; two bedroom annexe; gardens and grounds extending to approximately 14.7 acres; vegetable garden; woodland; pastureland; large single garage.

Belmont Grange: Three reception rooms; kitchen/breakfast room; study/library; four bedrooms; two bathrooms; large workshop; off road parking; garage; terrace; gardens.

Guide price: £2,500,000 (subject to contract).

Viewing: By appointment with Caudwell & Co on 01629 810018.

ROSE HILL

Baslow, Derbyshire A fine period house dating from the mid seventeenth century which has been the subject of a complete renovation and now offers excellent family accommodation all set in beautiful, large gardens in the heart of this popular Peak District village.

Entrance hall; three reception rooms; two studies; conservatory kitchen/dining/sitting room; four bedrooms; four bath/shower rooms; The Barn comprising: two large garages, wine store, boiler room and large guest suite above; two large terraces; rear garden; golf putting green; vegetable garden; off road parking. EPC rating - C. Guide price: £1,695,000 (subject to contract).

Viewing: By appointment with Caudwell & Co on 01629 810018.

Rutland Square, Buxton Road, Bakewell DE45 1BZ •Tel: 01629 810018 •Fax: 01629 810044 Email: info@caudwellandco.com • www.caudwellandco.com

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COMMONWEAL LODGE T H E

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T H E G A R D E N A PA R T M E N T S Only two of our four luxurious apartments are now available.

Both in excess of 2,200sqft with impressive master suites plus two further double bedrooms, surrounded by landscaped gardens and set within the exclusive Webb Estate, just 15 miles from central London.

Guide Prices from: £1,350,000

S H O W H O M E O P E N T H U R S D AY T O M O N D AY, 1 0 . 3 0 A M T O 4 P M To find out more please contact:

WALTER AND M A I R 0 2 0 8 6 6 0 6 6 7 4 SALES@ WALTER ANDM AI R. CO. UK

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Unquestionably Alfred Homes

WWW. A L F R E D H O ME S . C O . U K

A LF RED H O M ES : 01628 534900 I N F O @A LF RED H O M ES .CO .U K

18/09/2017 11:18 16:34 26/09/2017

BURNHAM SHORES

Burnham-on-Crouch A premium collection of highly refined and 5 bedroom homes, urnham hores exceeds all expectations in style, finish and location with many having stunning southerly views across the iver Crouch to open fields beyond. ituated in the historic, unspoilt town of urnham on Crouch, each of the fourteen properties incorporate contemporary architectural design, high quality finish and enviable surroundings. ften referred to as the Cowes of the East urnham is one of ritain s leading yachting centres with the internationally

acclaimed urnham eek taking place annually at the end of August. ocated close to all the yachting activities of urnham ailing Club, but if you want to take things easy you can relax in your own private garden and en oy the calm of waterside living.

distance to an abundance of amenities, and with Chelmsford only being miles away, urnham hores meets all the requirements and expectations of moderm day living and more.

Prices from £440,000

urnham on Crouch train station is located a fifteen minute walk away from the development allowing you to easily commute into ondon iverpool treet in ust over an hour.

The unrivalled combination of the town s historic character and the contemporary nature of these homes set within this stylish new development, blend seamlessly. ocated in a waterfront position and conveniently placed within walking

For further information or to book a viewing contact Beresfords on: 01621 853111 or visit www.beresfords.co.uk

ONLY REMAINING

Maldon Ideally located to take in breathtaking views across ullbridge uay. The oorings development is a luxury selection of nine one and two bedroom apartments as well as five, three, four and five bedroom townhouses. et on the picturesque lackwater estuary as well as the renowned countryside backdrop of aldon, the oorings is proudly positioned as a prime waterside destination with views over the charming ullbridge uay and The ythe, with its collection of picture postcard Thames style barges and other craft tied up by the quayside. ullbridge uay is located a short walk up arket

ill to the historical aldon igh treet, Commuters and first time buyers benefit from fast connections to ondon via the easy to reach train stations at atfield Peverel and itham, which is ust over a 30 minute commute into ondon iverpool treet tation.

Prices from £699,995

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For further information or to book a viewing contact Beresfords on: 01621 853111 or visit www.beresfords.co.uk

26/09/2017 11:20

Fryerning Ferrers Essex • Chelmsford Woodham Guide Price Guide Price £3,850,000 £2,450,000 A striking five double bedroom, reception Grade This important and historic eightfour bedroom Grade II* II listed residence period property thought to date 500 years. listed dates back to the 16th back Century, This charming residence is originally to1577. be 3 renovated

by Edwin Sandys betweenthought 1570 and cottages, nowisproviding fantasticposition flow of interesting The property set on anaelevated with and extensive family living space over two floors. outstanding views towards Crouch Valley.

The 10 The acre 7.5 acre plota comprises formal grounds mixed and plot enjoys mix of landscaped formal grounds sympathetically withfacilities paddocks (benefitting a premium equestrian with adjoiningfrom paddocks, secondinto separate access), ponds and aand substantial lake. linking extensive off road hacking bridleways.

Numerous outbuildings, tennis court, Indoor swimming pool complex, tennisdouble court garage and and detached bedroom annexe. Equestrian garaging.

EPC one Exempt. potential. EPC Exempt

Country & Village Office 01245 397475

Country & Village Office 01245 397475

Fryerning Mill Green •Essex Ingatestone Guide Price £3,850,000 Guide Price £3,500,000 A striking five double bedroom, four reception Grade This striking four bedroom detached house benefi ts II listedfour period property thought date back set 500well years. from reception rooms, fourto bathrooms, This charming residence originally thoughtestablished to be 3 back from Mill Green Roadiswithin a beautiful, cottages, fantastic interesting and privatenow plotproviding of circa 5aacres (stls).flow Theof property and extensive from familyone living overpositions two floors. is approached of space the prime in The 7.5 acre plot formal grounds mixed which Fryerning via comprises an extensive shingle banjo driveway sympathetically with paddocks (benefitting from a main dissects the substantial front lawns, leading up to the secondand separate pondstriple and agarage. substantial lake. house indeedaccess), the detached EPC TBC. Numerous outbuildings, tennis court, double garage

Country & Village Office annexe.

01245 Equestrian 397475 and detached one bedroom potential. EPC Exempt

Be part of our success in 2017 Country & Village Office 01245 397475

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hamptons.co.uk

Ashdown Forest, East Sussex Enjoying a tucked away position in the heart of the Ashdown Forest is an immaculate five bedroom country house renovated to an exceptional standard reminiscent of the New England Style. EPC: E

£1,850,000 Freehold • Stylishly refurbished and extended • Impressive drawing room with antique limestone fireplace and double height ceiling • Well fitted kitchen/breakfast room • Outdoor swimming pool with pool house • Landscaped gardens and grounds just under an acre

Hamptons Tunbridge Wells 01892 598 022 | tunbridgewells@hamptons-int.com

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IN CINEMAS SEPTEMBER 29

HELLO

HOM E I N T H E COU N T RY For centuries Londoners have been escaping to greener pastures. AA Milne did so in the 1920s, introducing his son, Christopher Robin, to the countryside for the very first time.

The world they discovered there, inspired a tale for all time.

If you’re thinking about joining them, join us at our Country Roadshow on Saturday 14th October, 11am - 3pm for a real insight into where to move outside the capital.

Regional experts | A wealth of locations and properties to see Entertainment for the children | Refreshments Balham | Fulham | Kingston-upon-Thames | Putney RSVP: hamptons.co.uk/thelondonroadshow | 0203 620 7393

THE

Roadshow SATURDAY 14TH OCTOBER

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CALIBER RM 07-01

RICHARD MILLE BOUTIQUES LONDON 90 MOUNT STREET, MAYFAIR 0207 1234 155 • HARRODS 87-135 BROMPTON RD, KNIGHTSBRIDGE 0203 036 6264 www.richardmille.com

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