A LIFE IN BALANCE
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2022 £4.95
WHAT A PEACH! Haley Bennett is a vision in pink
ARE YOU SOBER CURIOUS?
ICE ICE BABY Iceland is your next travel tonic
RUNNING RINGS Preparing for your Saturn Return
WELLNESS TRENDS 2022 All you need to know to feel your best self Cover-V4-PB.indd 2
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Recycled 18ct Gold and Diamonds 1 South Molton Street 41 Cadogan Gardens Harrods | Liberty | Harvey Nichols 0800 138 1659 Annoushka.com
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THE NEW RANGE ROVER
THE ORIGINAL INFLUENCER
Official Fuel Consumption Figures for the New Range Rover in mpg (I/100km): Combined 23.5-37.2 (12-7.6). CO2 Emissions 272-198 g/km. Real world figures may differ. CO2, fuel economy, energy consumption and range figures may vary according to factors such as
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The figures provided are as a result of official manufacturer’s tests in accordance with EU legislation. For comparison purposes only. driving styles, environmental conditions, load, wheel fitment and accessories fitted.
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Contents
JANUARY FEBRUARY 2022
COLUMNS 18 20 136
THE GOOD LIFE Alice B-B finally gets her skates on THE RURBANIST Breaking the sound barrier with Barbara Taylor-Bradford LAST WORD Michael Hayman on learning to embrace failure
STYLE 23 24 26 28 30
MOVE IT Fashion meets (high) function THE EDIT Style updates LET’S GET PHYSICAL Your good intentions just better dressed THE MAGPIE Jewellery news WELL GROOMED Men’s style
HEALTH & WELLBEING 33 34 35
36 38 40 42
44 45 46
WITH GOOD INTENT Set yourself up for a better year ahead BODY LANGUAGE There’s a new doctor in town, says Olivia Falcon GET YOUR SITTING ROOM SWEAT ON Ellie Smith on the new at-home kit worth quitting the gym for THE SCOOP Invest in your long-term health, says Charlotte Cole BODY & SOUL Your sleep routine gets a makeover SPA TREK Charlotte Metcalf finds a new lease of life at Preidlhof DARLING SABRINA Talking wild swimming and wellness with actor Sabrina Bartlett BEAUTY BUZZ Winter skin never looked so good TAKE TEN Game-changing gadgets LITTLE GREEN BOOK How to sleep soundly – and sustainably
CULTURE 49 50 55
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THE CIRCLE OF LIFE Celebrating trees at Yorkshire Sculpture Park THE CULTURAL CALENDAR What to see, read and do THE EXHIBITIONIST Ed Vaizey celebrates the Courtauld galleries’ grand reopening ARTIST’S STUDIO Design duo Fredrikson Stallard THE POSITIVE DISRUPTOR Introducing C&TH’s new conservation columnist, James Wallace ROAD TEST Jeremy Taylor pitches up in Ford’s fun new camper van SCARFES BAR British curator and gallery director Julia Peyton-Jones
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Islay
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Contents
JANUARY FEBRUARY 2022
FEATURES 64
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PORTRAIT OF A LADY Marc Abbott goes gardening with Cyrano star Haley Bennett ARE YOU BEING SERVED? Teresa Levonian Cole masters the art of waiting in a five-star hotel SLOW & STEADY These are the 2022 wellness trends we’ll all be embracing, says Alice Barraclough WHEN THE PLANETS ALIGN Why’s everyone so obsessed with their Saturn Return? Amy Wakeham asks the stars LITTLE BLACK BOOK OF WELLNESS WARRIORS The specialists to have on speed dial
INTERIORS 91 92 94
OOH LA LA Decadence is back DESIGN NOTES What’s caught Carole Annett’s interiors eye CASE STUDY An English gentleman in New York
HOTELS & TRAVEL FEELING GROOVY C&TH’s 27 destination spas to book today 104 NATURE THERAPY Lauren Ho goes in search of Iceland’s wilder side 106 ONE, TWO, THREE... AHHH Start the year right with a night or two at these cosy new hotels 97
FOOD & DRINK 111
113 115
ON THE COVER Haley Bennett wears dress by Zeynep Kartal; rings and earrings, Matilde Jewellery. Fashion Direction by Nicole Smallwood. Photography by Rachell Smith. Hair by Christian Wood @ The Wall Group. Make-up by Nathalie Eleni @ Adrenalin Photographic using skincare by Decorté Beauty and make-up by Nude by Nature. Digital cover by Tracer Ital
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PREVIOUS PAGE Dress by Alberta Ferretti; rings by Matilde Jewellery
BOWLED OVER Tuck into Dr Megan Rossi’s gut-friendly barley butternut squash risotto GASTRO GOSSIP Foodie news THE NEW TEETOTAL Sofia Tindall investigates the growing trend of sober curiosity
PROPERTY 119 120 124
PROPERTY OF THE MONTH A Gold Coast estate worthy of Gatsby LET’S MOVE TO... The Isle of Man FIVE OF THE BEST Homes for wellness
REGULARS 12 14 118
EDITOR’S LETTER CONTRIBUTORS STOCKISTS
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to our phones; the fact we don’t get enough sleep; drink too much; eat too much sugar or live in a permanent state of stress. As ever, we as individuals need to cut through the noise to try and work out what makes us feel our best selves. For me, it’s without doubt getting out into the countryside and walking. And devouring an all-consuming novel when I have the energy (I’m gearing myself up for A Little Life author Hanya Yanagihara’s latest book To Paradise), plus a cold-pressed kale juice here and a pilates class there – yes, I fall for the hype, too. Given that our global health has ruled the news agenda for the past two years, it makes sense to do everything we can to keep as mentally and physically fit as possible. It could literally mean the difference between life and death. One practical way of giving yourself peace of mind about your physical health at least is to book in for an Echelon Health Preventative Health Assessment. It costs an eye-watering £12,000 for the whole nine yards, but the extensive list of scans and tests has the best chance of picking up any internal anomalies well before you notice any symptoms, and thus intervening to prevent further decay or disease (see our review on page 36). If you know something’s wrong and are looking for an expert, Becci Vallis highlights the top doctors and therapists that the A-list heads to (p85), while Alice Barraclough picks up on the latest wellness trends that will be filling your news and Instagram feeds this year: it’s goodbye HIIT, hello stretching; the inexorable rise of femtech and collagen-infused coffee (p78), for starters. Our glorious flamehaired cover-girl Haley Bennett seems to have her wellness in check. When she’s not growing veg at home in rural Somerset, she’s working on her next acting, producing or writing project – often with her English film director husband Joe Wright (p64). And if you’re keen to support our embattled hospitality industry, get out and eat at your favourite restaurants – if they have the staff, that is. As Teresa Levonian Cole discovers on p75, the industry is being bludgeoned every which way. We must do all we can to help.
Editor’s LETTER Wellness. What does it really mean? At its most pernicious, it’s a word that’s been hijacked by marketeers to get us to buy into bitter green juices, expensive supplements that promise shiny hair, dewy skin and mental equilibrium, and hoards of pastel-coloured activewear as we search for that elusive goal of self-improvement – as if we can be better than we currently are. At its most beneficent, wellness is a realisation that a lot of our lifestyle works against us: our addiction
EDITOR’S PICKS BUY New year, new handbag – but one that can be handed down and loved by future generations. I’ll have Agneel’s Dena in orange
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WEAR Up your outside game with Wylding’s boilersuit – it’s the perfect item to fling on to warm up after your next cold-water swim, surf or run
BOOK If Uber yet again decides I’m not worth picking up, dang the expense – I’m putting my money with Wheely, a supremely reliable ride-hailing app with professional chauffeurs
BRUSH Metal-lined toothpaste tubes are notoriously difficult to recycle, so I’m loving these toothpaste tablets from Hello in natural peppermint
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CON T R I BU TOR S
2022’s health trends you need to know, p78
C&TH’s new conservation columnist on how we can heal the planet, p58
Teresa is put through her paces waiting tables in a five-star hotel, p75
Meet your Little Black Book of health experts, p85
Alice Barraclough
James Wallace
Teresa Levonian Cole
Becci Vallis
What does wellness look like for you? Getting enough sleep and balancing my physical and mental health with a mix of running and yoga. It’s not a luxury, or some magic potion you can buy in a bottle, nor is it about counting macros and taking part in 13-day cleanses. Perfect winter evening? Lighting all the candles in my flat and cooking up a comforting dinner, like shepherd’s pie or lasagne, then cosying up on the sofa under a blanket. New Year’s resolution? To properly incorporate strength training into my weekly fitness plan. Bucket list trip for 2022? I’m currently buying my first ever house, so going abroad isn’t a huge priority for 2022. That said, I recently won flights to the Cayman Islands – so I’m dreaming about sunbathing on one of the Caribbean’s most beautiful stretches of sand.
What does wellness look like for you? Striving to achieve a healthy balance between helping others solve existential problems and making time for myself to reflect, create and heal, nourished by dollops of food, exercise and culture. Perfect winter evening? Playing noisy games by the cottage fire with our teenage girls while pretending that I don’t care about losing, and hatching plans for our next camping adventure. New Year’s resolution? To help speed up the transition to regenerative agriculture and natural regeneration of our damaged land and waterways. Bucket list trip for 2022? I dream of travelling to the Carpathian Mountains in Romania to track the wild animals that lived, until recently, in Britain: bears, wolves, lynx and the amazing wisent (European bison) – and wishing I could do a Noah on the ferry home.
What does wellness look like for you? A suntan acquired while doing a job I love; feeling jelly-relaxed after a four-hand Ayurvedic massage; and not remembering my doctor’s phone number. Perfect winter evening? In the southern hemisphere, eating freshly-caught (by me) wahoo and tuna sashimi by torchlight on the beach, while sipping chilled chablis. It’s always summer somewhere! New Year’s resolution? The one I make every year, despite knowing it is doomed: declutter, declutter, declutter. My books are now threatening to take the direct route into the flat below. Bucket list trip for 2022? There’s a thrill in going places that are still off the beaten track. Socotra is one such place – a prelapsarian paradise in the Arabian Sea, famed for its biodiversity and endemic species.
What does wellness look like for you? Spending time doing things that nourish mind, body and soul: going to boxing and yoga classes; meditating when I can; and spending time with people who make me laugh. Perfect winter evening? Snuggled up with my dog, Enid, in front of the log burner and working my way through a Tony’s chocolate bar. New Year’s resolution? I used to always make them, but I tend not to anymore. Saying that, every year I say, ‘This is the year I’ll sort out my pension and get a professional headshot’, and every year it gets pushed to the bottom of my to-do list. Maybe that’s why I’ve stopped making them! Bucket list trip for 2022? Where isn’t? I’d love to go to Sri Lanka or, for a shorter stint, Copenhagen as I haven’t been to either. I’d quite happily make a return visit to LA or Ibiza too.
W E L C OM E B AC K W H AT ’ S ON We took a short winter break, but our weekly What’s On newsletter is back this month. Don’t forget to sign up! countryandtownhouse.co.uk/whats-on-newsletter @countryandtown
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E L I Z A B E T H H A R R O D & ST E V E N M C R A E , S O L O I ST & P R I N C I PA L , T H E R OYA L B A L L E T
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LUCY CLELAND EDITOR EDITOR-AT-LARGE ALICE B-B ASSOCIATE EDITOR CHARLOTTE METCALF MANAGING EDITOR AMY WAKEHAM CHIEF SUB EDITOR BELINDA BAMBER SUB EDITOR KATIE BAMBER FEATURES ASSISTANT & SUB EDITOR SOFIA TINDALL EDITORIAL ASSISTANT RUBY FEATHERSTONE FASHION DIRECTOR NICOLE SMALLWOOD BEAUTY DIRECTOR NATHALIE ELENI INTERIORS DIRECTOR CAROLE ANNETT CULTURE EDITOR ED VAIZEY EXECUTIVE RETAIL EDITOR MARIELLA TANDY SUSTAINABILITY EDITOR LISA GRAINGER PROPERTY EDITOR ANNA TYZACK MOTORING EDITOR JEREMY TAYLOR ONLINE EDITOR REBECCA COX JUNIOR ONLINE EDITOR ELLIE SMITH JUNIOR SOCIAL MEDIA EDITOR DANIELLA SAUNDERS ONLINE WRITER CHARLOTTE RICKARDS ONLINE ASSISTANT CHARLIE COLVILLE ONLINE INTERN SOPHIE BUCKNALL CREATIVE & PRODUCTION DIRECTOR PARM BHAMRA PRODUCTION DESIGNER SAMUEL THOMAS FILMMAKER TRACER ITAL ADVERTISING SALES DIRECTOR ELLIE RIX SENIOR ACCOUNT MANAGER PANDORA LEWIS ACCOUNT MANAGER KATRINA GANE DIGITAL MANAGER ADAM DEAN SALES SUPPORT & OFFICE MANAGER XA RODGER TECHNICAL MANAGER HANNAH JOHNSON TECHNICAL DIRECTOR MARK PEARSON FINANCE DIRECTOR JILL NEWEY FINANCE CONTROLLER LAUREN HARTLEY FINANCE ADMINISTRATOR RIA HARRISON PROPERTY & MARKETING ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR AND B CORP PROJECT MANAGER GEMMA COWLEY GROUP PUBLISHING DIRECTOR TIA GRAHAM MANAGING DIRECTOR JEREMY ISAAC CONTRIBUTING EDITORS STEPHEN BAYLEY, FIONA DUNCAN, OLIVIA FALCON, DAISY FINER, LYDIA GARD, AVRIL GROOM, MICHAEL HAYMAN, RICHARD HOPTON, EMMA LOVE, MARY LUSSIANA, ANNA PASTERNAK, CAROLINE PHILLIPS, HOLLY RUBENSTEIN, MARCUS SCRIVEN THE EDITOR editorial@countryandtownhouse.co.uk FASHION fashion@countryandtownhouse.co.uk ADVERTISING advertising@countryandtownhouse.co.uk
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COUNTRY & TOWN HOUSE is a bi-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, Marks & Spencer 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. Copyright © 2022 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. While 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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COLUMN
The GOOD LIFE
Alice B-B on surviving a rural winter and her childhood dream come to life
I
WONDER… how the recent émigrés to the countryside are coping with their first midwinter? Remember Lockdown One, when Mother Nature delivered the best pandemic consolation prize; a never-ending spring that had city folk reconsidering their urban jungle? What followed was a Green Rush. It was (spanking new) wellies at dawn over the best country properties as men and women who’d never lived more than a mile from Harvey Nicks fantasised about growing vegetables and pounding sourdough, while the little ’uns learned to identify woodland birdsong. But oh the reality! Winter in the sticks is harsh. It’s dark when you wake, it’s dark by tea-time and the little hours of daylight are mostly dreich. No wonder country folk are reputed to scramble for wine earlier than they should. But… hang on in there, newbies. Because that first warm spring day, that first lunch outside when the garden is budding and full of promise – in that beautiful moment – the cold, wet and mud are magically forgotten. WELLNESS + SAINT-TROPEZ… Yeah, not an obvious match – but it’s made in heaven when delivered by new hotel Lily of the Valley. A 30-year family love affair with beautiful Gigaro beach, just 20 minutes from Saint-Tropez’s nightclubs, sees father and daughter duo, Alain and Lucie Weill, create a wellbeing wonderland. Designed by Philippe Starck who fulfilled the brief ‘to make it disappear from the sea’, the hotel’s inspiration is part-monastery, part-LA home, part-Hanging Gardens of Babylon. It sounds like a dog’s dinner, but it works. And the owners’ request is fulfilled: the buildings vanish among the pines. The wellness programmes are all weight lossfocused. But there’s no starving yourself, or feeling like you’re at a medical clinic. A healthy balance is the aim, while eating delicious food and being very active; from early morning yoga on the lawn to cycling the coastal bike trails and core strengthening sessions in the pool. It’s about achieving your optimal weight – the French way. Which includes the odd croissant! lilyofthevalley.com MY CHILDHOOD DREAM… A pair of trainers that could morph into roller skates. Well, they’re here! French brand Flaneurz (the name inspired by Baudelaire’s ‘gentleman stroller of city streets’) has set out to make urban journeys a blast by allowing the wearer to ‘walk and roll’ in the very same pair of trotters. Either customise your own trainers or choose a style from their range (from Nike to Veja). My other dream was a flying car... Surely not long now? flaneurz.com n
THIS MONTH I’LL BE...
GAZING proudly at the new ‘Conch’ bowl made by my sister Florence St George (florencestgeorge.com). READING puppy and dog behaviourist Louise Glazebrook’s The Book Your Dog Wishes You Would Read (thedarlingdogcompany.co.uk). BATTLING years of sun damage by smearing my face in Sisley’s Anti-Dark spot serum (sisley-paris.com).
ILLUSTRATION BY MEI MEI, @MEIMEI_2503
‘ WINTER in the sticks is HARSH. It’s DARK when you WAKE, it’s dark by TEA-TIME and the hours of daylight are DREICH’
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INTERVIEW
The RURBANIST
Barbara Taylor Bradford on being an early riser and breaking the sound barrier
What’s bringing you joy at the moment? Being in
London, which is home for me, seeing old friends and of course promoting my new book, A Man of Honour. What’s annoying you most right now? Backache, which comes from writing at a desk for hours on end. My doctor calls it deskitis. Advice you’d give to your 15-year-old self?
I would advise myself to go for it, which is exactly what I did. When you see the brass ring coming, grab it. And that’s what I did when I was a young girl. I knew I wanted to be a writer so I went for it. What keeps you awake at night? Not much at all. Because I work such a lot during the day I sleep well. Best life hack you can share with us? I’ve always been an early riser, which started when I worked at an evening newspaper and had to be there at 7am. I like to get up early as you get ahead of the game. Are you a country or a city person? I like the country and going there for weekends, but basically I’m a city person, I’ve lived in London, Paris and New York. Where do you go to get away from it all? I go to Connecticut where I have a lot of friends, and also London, because I can leave a lot behind in New York. When someone says they’ve enjoyed one of my books. We all like to hear something nice about our work. The pet you most loved… We had a little Bichon Frise called Gemmy – they’re adorable dogs, they don’t shed, they’re easy to train, they’re very cuddly and they’re beautiful to look at. You wouldn’t know it but… Many years ago, when I was a journalist in Fleet Street, I wanted to do a profile of a jet pilot. I managed to talk the general in charge of the American Air Force in Britain into letting me get in an aeroplane behind the pilot and break the sound barrier. So, I broke the sound barrier in an F-100 Super Sabre jet. The general wanted to know why I wanted to do that. I said, ‘I want to know what the jet pilot experiences and then I can write a better story.’ The book you wished you’d written? I’m happy with what I wrote. Your greatest triumph? My books, all of which have been bestsellers so far. And getting my OBE from the Queen. Your epitaph would read... ‘She made her dreams come true.’ A Man of Honour is out now (HarperCollins, £16.99) n
BARBARA LOVES SCENT Miss Dior. BOX SET Bull. CHOCOLATE BAR Crunchie. SONG My Way. DISH Fish and chips. GADGET iPhone. RESTAURANT Harry’s Bar. HOLIDAY La Réserve in Beaulieu-sur-Mer.
PHOTO: © CAROLL TAVERAS / BRADFORD ENTERPRISES
What’s the best way to put a smile on your face?
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STYLE Edited by Mariella Tandy
Move It
Fashion meets (high) function Live The Process’s designs tread the line between functional activewear and beautiful loungewear. With fabrications that are long lasting and colourways that are anything but pedestrian, these standout pieces will earn their place in your gym kit this January. livetheprocess.com
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STYLE | Shopping
The
EDIT Style news to kick off the new year. By Mariella Tandy
BEAUTY BUYS
Three new beauty launches to love
No, not the film production company – Working Title is a Berlin brand well worth bookmarking for those sometimes-elusive forever pieces. Its seasonless and timeless styles encourage customers to build a wardrobe full of foundation pieces that can be worn forever. Plus, everything is made to order in Italy, Germany and Poland, to avoid waste and unnecessary transportation, and every garment is 100 per cent plastic-free. Dress, £725. workingtitlestudios.com
GREEN PINS
1 Augustinus Bader Leave in hair treatment. £38, cultbeauty.com 2 Bamford Woodland Moss eau de parfum. £95 for 50ml, bamford.com 3 Nailberry L’Oxygéné nail lacquer in Spontaneous. £15, nailberry.co.uk
Did you know that millions of pairs of tights end up in landfill every year? With that scary statistic in mind, Hedoïne has created a pair of 30 denier ladder-resistant tights that take up to five years to biodegrade. Sounds pretty clever to us. £30, hedoine.com
COSY YET COOL
Winter is here for the foreseeable, so get comfy. Rae Feather’s new winter collection of cosy loungewear is made from crisp cottons and toasty wool blends, and is just the thing for midwinter nights in front of the fire. Billy sweatpants, £85; Phoebe sweatshirt, £75; slippers, £95. raefeather.com
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With Nothing Underneath The Boyfriend shirt. £115, withnothing underneath.com
COOL TO BE KIND
Maker of wow-factor printed dresses, Borgo de Nor has now also launched a capsule collection of T-shirts called B. Cool B. Kind. Fifty per cent of its profits will be donated to The Girls Club programme at Talnique school in El Salvador, which provides support to girls aged 10 to 18 years old who face extreme challenges such as poverty and violence. £170, borgodenor.com
Skin Dressing gown. £164, netaporter.com
Elizabeth Scarlett Tiger pyjamas. £75, elizabethscarlett.com
ON THE RADAR
Pairs Scotland Cashmere bed socks. £36, pairs-scotland.com
Hunker down in these oh-so-cosy winter warmers
ALL IN ONE PLACE
Harking back to the era of Coco Chanel and Parisian fashion salons, Anna Mason has opened her new maison – boutique, studio and atelier – in the heart of Belgravia. Clients can explore the madeto-order collections, be fitted, and have private appointments with the designer herself. 32 Grosvenor Crescent Mews, London SW1; annamasonlondon.co.uk
THE NEW SLOANE RANGER Hesper Fox x Frances Costelloe Aubrey linen pyjamas. £165, hesperfox.com Horror Vacui Pauline gilet. £340, matchesfashion.com
Sleeper Shearling slippers. £220, netaporter.com
Padfield’s new Sloane bag is crafted in the UK from British-tanned full grain leather. With its comfortable handle and roomy interior it’s sure to make waves with the style set. Expect to see it sashaying down the King’s Road imminently. From £445, padfieldengland.com
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STYLE | Trend LULU LEMON Instill high rise tights, £108
ZOE JORDAN Illeta Cabana tie dye knit, £195
VERSACE Logo print cycling shorts, £275
ADIDAS X STELLA MCCARTNEY Zebra top, £75 and leggings, £90
Featuring premium Italian performance fabrics and flattering style-led cuts, Lucas Hugh’s technical gym kit looks just as good outside the gym as inside it. Technical jumper, £180, Stealth leggings, £170. lucashugh.com
EVARAE Parker one-piece swimsuit, £270
NILI LOTAN Baseball cap, £65
Let’s Get PHYSICAL Kick start your good intentions in style, says Mariella Tandy
VARLEY Sweatshirt, £125
MARYSIA Stretch halterneck dress, £324
PHOTOS: UNSPLASH. FOR STOCKISTS PLEASE SEE P118
ERNEST LEOTY Hooded jacket, £285
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THE FINEST BRITISH COUNTRY WEAR Discover the new collection in-store and online now
9 Pall Mall, London SW1Y 5NP
T: +44 (0)207 484 1000
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STYLE | Jewellery
GREEN FINGERS
Inspired by the Tivoli gardens in Rome in winter, the latest additions to Adler’s much-loved collection of the same name include these sublime earrings and necklace, both featuring a profusion of exquisite pear diamonds. Earrings and necklace, £POA. adler.ch
FIVE IS A MAGIC NUMBER
To celebrate the centenary of Chanel N°5, Patrice Leguéreau, director of the Chanel Fine Jewellery Creation Studio, has created N°5 Collection, the first high jewellery range ever to be dedicated to a perfume. From the bottle to the sillage, the collection’s 123 pieces express the many different facets of the world’s most famous perfume. Chanel High Jewellery N°5 earrings in 18ct white gold and diamonds, £POA. chanel.com
Adler Tivoli earrings in 18ct white gold set with 10 pear-shaped fusion cut diamonds, 4 oval cut diamonds, 6 marquise cut diamonds and 4 diamonds; Adler Tivoli necklace in 18ct white gold set with one pear-shaped diamond, 38 fancy cut diamonds and 281 diamonds
The Magpie Floral fantasies and olfactory inspiration. By Mariella Tandy
ROSY OUTLOOK
BEADY EYED
Beaded jewels are an instant update for your jewellery box
1 Jia Jia Arizona Light sapphire, amber and 14ct gold necklace. £1,565, matchesfashion.com 2 David Morris Asiyah earrings in red and turquoise coloured ceramic with white diamondset rondels in 18ct rose gold. £27,000, davidmorris.com 3 Minka Mermaid hoops in yellow gold, tanzanite and pearls. £2,750, minkajewels.com
Take your pick from the latest additions to Piaget’s beloved Rose collection, which includes five new creations that depict bouquets of Piaget’s iconic flowers. piaget.com Piaget Rose ring in 18ct rose gold set with 72 brilliant-cut diamonds, £8,700
BIRTHDAY BAUBLES
Sophie Bille Brahe’s anniversary collection encompasses ten unique diamond styles all handcrafted in Italy and imbued with her signature motifs inspired by astronomy and the night sky. Yellow gold and diamond ring, £POA. sophiebillebrahe.com
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Preservers of Time A true British brand built on a strong foundation of heritage. Rapport London’s horological products will help preserve and extend the life of your timepiece. Four generations later, Rapport remains a family-run business with the core values and philosophy laid down by its founder of innovation, quality and service. Throughout the years Rapport have invested in new technology, unmistakable craftmanship and sourcing the highest quality materials in order to produce world class products. Rapport strives to produce travel and lifestyle products that combine genuine leather and luxurious soft suede. Watch winders that use latest technology to keep your watch ticking when you’re not wearing it and watch boxes to store a fine watch collection. rapportlondon.com
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STYLE | Men’s
WAXING LYRICAL
British brand Aubin & Wills is back after a nine-year hiatus, promoting quality over quantity and celebrating sustainability with ‘last for a lifetime’ wardrobe staples including this Union wax jacket. £195, aubinandwills.com
TAKE A HIKE
Well Groomed
Duke + Dexter has joined forces with Fracap to produce a range of vegan leather, Vibram-soled allterrain Darwin hiking books, each pair lovingly handmade in Italy. £290, dukeanddexter.com
Matt Thomas kicks off the new year in style
Warm knits and cool clobber that take the chill out of winter…
BACKING SUSTAINABILITY
TIME TO CELEBRATE
Groundtruth’s RIKR 24L backpack is a stylish and planet-friendly option, with each bag removing 120 plastic bottles from the environment. Plus, it’s 100 per cent carbon neutral and suitable for city life, travel and the great outdoors. £290, groundtruth.global
To mark over 40 years in the business, Andersen Genève has created a luxurious, special platinum edition of its Jumping Hours watch, where the hours are shown digitally while minutes are indicated by a hand. £33,733, andersen-geneve.ch
RELAX & REJUVENATE WITH THE HELP OF THESE GREAT SOOTHERS & SPRUCERS
Floris Vert Fougère eau de parfum. £120, floris london.com
IT’S A WRAP
Martha Freud It’s Getting Hot In Here So … ceramic art candle. £280, marthafreud.com
360 Botanics Relax bath salts. £15, ethelloves.me
1 BEGG x JOHN BOOTH Arc crew jumper. £275, beggxco.com
Voya Rejuvenating moisturiser with seaweed, clove and cinnamon bark oil. £48, lookfantastic.com
2 APC Shirt. £180, apcstore.com 3 CARHARTT Short watch beanie. £20, carhartt-wip.com 4 CROCKETT & JONES Plain Albert green velvet slippers. £230, crockettandjones.com
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Cocoon yourself in indulgent comfort and warmth with this faux fur bouclé hooded coat - the perfect choice for the colder months. With its chunky, oversized style designed to seal in as much heat as possible, you’ll love its unique combination of practicality and style. Our complete collection of clothing, handmade gifts and more offers everything you need to enjoy the very best of the country lifestyle with all your family and friends.
BOUCLÉ HOODED COAT TS00315 | £175 (Avaliable in 2 colours)
To order any item or request a copy of our mail order catalogue or Handmade Gift Catalogue please call 01796 483 236 or visit our website
WWW.HOUSEOFBRUAR.COM The House of Bruar by Blair Atholl, Perthshire, PH18 5TW
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Windsor Wallpaper with Dorset Bench covered in Haven. Cushion in Hamilton Embroidery.
Canopy Collection: Wallpaper, Print and Woven Fabrics www.thibautdesign.com tel: 020 7737 6555
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HEALTH&
WELLBEING With Good Intent
Set yourself up for a better year ahead, says Camilla Hewitt
PHOTOS: © ERNEST LEOTY
Is it time to swap resolutions for intentions? Resolutions tend to focus on achieving goals at a future point in time, almost setting ourselves up for disappointment. Intentions are based on what our values are and creating an abundance of that – for example, having healthy relationships – which is likely to bring you far greater fulfilment in the coming year than rigid goals. Crop top, £70; Leggings, £100. ernestleoty.com
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HEALTH & WELLBEING | Lifestyle Dr Nyla’s luxurious Dover Street clinic
MIND & MATTER Life’s little luxuries
SCRUB Part of a new luxury body range by Tatiana Korsakova, this scrub has Himalayan pink salt, crushed jade and powdered pearl to soften and soothe skin. Scentiana Smoothing Body Scrub, £65. ila-spa.com
BODY LANGUAGE
Olivia Falcon heralds the arrival of the North’s most glam cosmetic doctor with a radiofrequency current) that works wonders at refining large pores and skin texture, it’s particularly efficient on the neck. There are body treatments too, from the latest CoolSculpting Elite fat freezing to new Profhilo body injectables that work wonders on wrinkly knees and arms but for the ultimate perk me up for those looking permanently weary, Dr Nyla’s signature Transformation Facelift is the way to go. This is a series of gentle treatments done over a few visits designed to improve the condition of the skin by boosting collagen production and reducing laxity, noticeably on jowls and around eye bags. Combining ultrasound and radiofrequency, micro needling and a sprinkle of Botox or lightly administered filler in about six weeks you can look five years younger. The clinic is also to the place to try Dr Nyla’s glossy new Smart Age skincare range. Unusual ingredients include a gold encapsulated vitamin C; a state-ofthe-art antioxidant, which is touted to have a super fast delivery system and indeed brightened up my dull winter skin in a matter of days. Also commendable is the fact that all the packaging is refillable as, believe me, you’ll be coming back for more. doctornyla.com n
SIP Low in sodium, high in alkalinity (both super important for restoring good health) and a must for Dry January, this water from the Austrian Alps is prized by world famous chefs for cooking. hallsteinwater.com
BLEND Genius all in one foundation/concealer that can be used as a base or camouflage a multitude of sins from spots to panda eyes. Monika Blunder Cover, £45. cultbeauty.com
PHOTOS: © MATTHEW SHAVE
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ant to look slimmer, perkier, prettier this year without having to sweat it? Then I know just the place for you. Dr Nyla Raja, Cheshire’s most glamorous cosmetic doctor, is headed south and will imminently be opening the doors of her new Mayfair Medispa, a super clinic to elevate the experience of being ‘tweaked’. This is a place for relaxing rather than rushing through a treatment with gritted teeth. On my visit I took notes on the head swivelling interiors, there’s lighting that makes skin look flawless from every angle (I need this in my bathroom), decadent deep-curved sofas with oyster silk cushions and statement concrete flooring with hand-poured gold veins (the only veins you’ll see in here as everyone’s skin is flawless). Even the staff uniforms (sharply cut dresses with cinched waists) are covetable. The seven treatment rooms include ‘master’ face and body suites that offer a range of technologies including some of my personal favourites such as Ultracel (a combination of ultrasound and radiofrequency for skin lifting and tightening) and Morpheus 8 (micro-needling
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Exercise | HEALTH & WELLBEING
GET YOUR SITTING ROOM SWEAT ON
Ellie Smith on the innovative new gym gadgets set to transform your home workout
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ome workouts were already gaining traction pre-2020, but the pandemic turbocharged the trend. Peloton sales soared, the world of online classes exploded and it was near-impossible to get your hands on a pair of dumbbells. After gyms re-opened, the rat race for equipment cooled down – but the at-home fitness sphere continues to grow, with innovative new product launches to keep us on our toes.
VAHA X
Smart mirrors are big news in the US, and now they’re beginning to make waves this side of the pond – spearheaded by a new launch from German company VAHA. The first of its kind to land on UK soil, the VAHA X is a large wall-mounted or floor standing mirror that doubles up as a digital training portal complete with over 100 on-demand classes. £1,950, uk.vaha.com
BALA BEAM
Bala’s chunky ‘bangles’ – wrist and ankle weights – became Instagram-famous during lockdown. But if you’re looking for something a little heavier, check out the brand’s newer launch, Bala Beam. Weighing in at 15lb and available in a range of colours, this cleverly-designed piece of kit can be used for everything from presses to squats. £87.36, shopbala.com
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CAROL BIKE
Low exercise attention span? Saddle up on the CAROL: an AI-powered stationary bike that promises the benefits of a 45-minute jog in under nine minutes. It’s based around a new technique called Reduced Exertion High Intensity Training, involving maximum effort sprints followed by rest periods. Perfect for time-poor spin lovers. From £2,195, carolbike.com
PARAGON STUDIO DELUXE LEATHER PUNCH BAG Give your home gym a retro twist with Paragon’s chic leather punch bag. Inspired by vintage boxing equipment from the early 1900s, it’s handcrafted using cowhide leather – a durable material that will withstand the most powerful of punches. Willing to go the extra mile? Have your bag customised with a bespoke embossed design. From £330, paragonstudio.co.uk
TECHNOGYM MY RUN FOR DIOR
Boutique fitness gets a whole new meaning in a new partnership between Dior and Technogym. The limited-edition collection includes a logoed treadmill, which offers a range of on-demand workouts. Cardio, but make it fashion. technogym.com
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If an apple a day doesn’t keep the doctor away, maybe Echelon Health will
The SCOOP
GETTING A FULL BILL OF HEALTH
Tripping lightly in a snuggly white robe up the stairs to my room at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel after an insomnia-obliterating Oskia warm oil massage isn’t a bad way to end a day. But this has been quite the day; not one, however, that you’re likely to regret – welcome to The Echelon Optimum, quite possibly the most thorough and comprehensive preventative medical health check on the market. From when we’re children, it’s drummed into us that our health is the most important thing there is. And while we’re relatively fit and young, we may be tempted to kick the internal consequences of our lifestyle choices (excessive trans fats and sugar intake, alcohol, drugs…), not to mention lack of sleep and stress (probably the two most important
factors when it comes to future ill health), squarely down the line. But as one of the preeminent pioneers in trauma research and treatment, Bessel van der Kolk, told us in his seminal work, The Body Keeps the Score, while we may not be able to see or feel the effects of our lifestyles, our internal system is certainly clocking our choices with a beady eye, a sharp pen and a notepad. In an ideal world, from the age of around 40, says Echelon’s founder, endocrinologist Dr Jenkins, who trained at The Royal London Hospital before joining St Barts for 20 years and setting up Echelon in 2006, we’d all be offered more preventative health checks. It goes without saying that the earlier you can pick up an anomaly or an internal change, the easier (and cheaper) it is to treat. Sadly, said Utopia does not exist, but
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PHOTOS: UNSPLASH
Is this the year to invest in prevention rather than cure? asks Charlotte Cole
Notes | HEALTH & WELLBEING if you have the money, you can get as close as possible to gaining a real understanding of your current health and its future trajectory. Once you’ve decided to invest in yourself, you’ll be in good hands. Echelon’s competent (and kind) client liaison, Hannah, instantly puts you at ease and talks you through the upcoming day of tests. You’ll have some prep to do (questionnaires, online tests, a short fast); but once you’ve been picked up from the hotel (yes, you get to stay there the day before too), your day will pass like an evening of speed dating, except with machines. And these machines are the very best on the market. No lymph node will be left unturned; from all-over body mole examinations to heart scans (you’ll be shown cross section photos of your arteries to see if they are furred up or not, which tells you the likelihood of a heart attack); from ultrasounds and mammograms to a rather uncomfortable colon scan (where your stomach is blown up with gas to reveal your innards to the scanner and you feel like you might just explode) and a CT scan of your brain, you’ll go from scan to scan in what can feel like a bit of a route march – but actually the day has been cleverly designed to get the all the tests done in as short a time as possible (such a service is not offered elsewhere). And of course, there’s Hannah to perk you up with coffees and lunch – and that Oskia massage to look forward to. Results are delivered in a face to face (or Zoom) meeting with Dr Jenkins a few days later. If the tests have picked up anything suspect and you require immediate attention, they’ll arrange everything by connecting you with the best doctors in the business and liaising with your insurance company, to take the administrative sting out of any potentially upsetting news. Ideally, something pernicious will have been caught early enough to be able to deal with it swiftly to prevent the condition becoming chronic or terminal. There’s no guarantee, of course. Should you have a clean bill of health, Dr Jenkins advises that ideally you repeat the process every two years or so. Totting it up, that’s an eye-watering investment but, at what price health? The Echelon Optimum (full assessment with a two-night stay at the Mandarin Oriental and chauffeur) is £14,000 per person. echelon.health
BLISS OUT AT CLIVEDEN
There’s no doubt about it. CBD is going mainstream. It’s now even hit Cliveden, that most high end of hotels, nestled in 376 acres of bucolic National Trust land. British CBD brand OTO, which rather poetically means the space between sound and silence, has a four-month residency at the spa, where you can go full immersion with body and face treatments, all conducted with sound as an integral part of the experience. Education and ethics are critical to this mission-led brand (CBD is constantly misunderstood, and no, the products won’t get you high). The team are evangelistic about the power of CBD to bring back balance to the body; calm nervous systems; quell nagging monkey minds and, best of all, promote deep and nourishing sleep. Their point of difference is that while most spa treatments may add a few drops of CBD oil to other products, OTO’s have been conceived with CBD as the main star: it’s pure and unadulterated. CBD will soon become part of your daily routine, like taking a vitamin, but why not try it first somewhere that is definitely not the everyday. OTO Invest in Yourself Experience, from £823. clivedenhouse.co.uk
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WINTER WARMER
I know sparse and sanctimonious Januarys aren’t the real key to a balanced life but, in reality, they can help (me, at least), especially since I ditch any dietary rules and fully embrace everything from the cocktail sausage dipped in cold bread sauce to, yes, ok, another glass of something sparkling. One day of Purearth’s Winter Warmer Cleanse, a set of cold-press juices and broths and my favourite chai spiced nut mylk, can help me kick the Quality Street habit and ease me into Dry January, shaking off yet another booze and bacon-soaked week. Needs must. From £74.99. purearth.co.uk n January/February 2022 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.CO.UK | 37
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HEALTH & WELLBEING | Wellness
Body & SOUL Camilla Hewitt on how to get a great night’s sleep
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he quality of our sleep, or lack of, is directly linked to the quality of our energy, mood and performance. Most of us go from busy daytimes and drop straight into bed, leading to disturbed nights and unsatisfactory sleeping patterns. Here are four ideas that might help.
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1 ROLL INTO BED
Foam rolling, which releases tension and deepens your bodily awareness, is the perfect way to prepare for a good night’s sleep. Adopting evening rolling gives you a moment to wind down before bed. The restorative, rhythmical movements connect the mind and body, acting as a form of meditative practice.
2 APPETITE FOR SLEEP
Diet can have a big impact on our quality of sleep. ‘As well as avoiding stimulants [sugar and caffeine], try to increase your intake of sleep-inducing micronutrients,’ advises Lily Simpson, founder of Detox Kitchen. ‘These include: vitamin C, found in vegetables such as red peppers; tryptophan, found in fish, eggs, nuts and seeds; potassium, found in spinach and avocado; melatonin, found in tomatoes and oats; and vitamin B6, found in salmon and sweet potato.’ detoxkitchen.co.uk
3 SUPPLEMENT YOUR SLEEP
Rhian Stephenson, founder of Artah retreats, tells us ‘lack of sleep can lead to increased cortisol levels, especially later in the day when levels should be tapering off to prepare the body for sleep.’ Artah’s Deep Sleep sedative formula has been designed to help you switch off and sleep through, without the next day drowsiness. £32, artah.co
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4 A CALMING COVER
Research shows that weighted blanket therapy forms a type of physical connection that has an abundance of positive effects on hormones governing the nervous system, affecting both mood and stress level. If you find yourself tossing and turning throughout the night this could be the remedy for you. Mela weighted blanket, £260. melacomfort.co.uk
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The five-star Puente Romano Beach Resort in Marbella has partnered with bedmakers Hogo to offer sleep coaching services at its private Villa La Pereza. Following over 30 years of scientific research and clinical studies, Hogo has created a bed that encourages the body to regenerate naturally during sleep to reduce our biological age, increase the production of melatonin and improve blood circulation. Also on offer is an in-room sleep series, a Six Senses massage, yoga, meditation and energy boosting meals. BOOK IT: Hogo Sleep Experience starts from €8,000 per night. puenteromano.com
PHOTOS: GETTY IMAGES
« CHECK IN: Puente Romano, Marbella
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P R O M OT I O N
A FRESH START
Trying an anti-inflammatory lifestyle in 2022 is a helpful antidote to the last few years, says Nutritional Therapist Georgina Robertson
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he past couple of years have been tough for all of us. Whether you’ve suffered from Covid and Long Covid or not, stress and anxiety, mental health ups and downs, weight gain, tiredness and an undernourishing diet due to less motivation, money and time have all challenged our immune systems. These environmental and lifestyle factors can increase inflammation that, if uncontrolled, can become chronic and damage tissues. This can play a part in the development of conditions such as Type 2 diabetes, arthritis, heart disease, obesity and Alzheimer’s. ‘I am seeing more stressed and exhausted clients often also with “new” inflammatoryrelated issues affecting skin, gut, nervous or cardiovascular systems together with a rise in female hormone imbalances and autoimmunity,’ says Nutritional Therapist Georgina Robertson. ‘Some of these could be in part related to Long Covid but an underlying driver is often inflammation.’ Incidences of autoimmunity, which include psoriasis, endometriosis Crohn’s disease, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, rheumatoid arthritis and coeliac disease, affect approximately four million people in the UK. This is increasing by a reported nine per cent a year, with 80 per cent of these cases being women. ‘More of my clients are suffering from worsening autoimmune conditions or being aware of these inflammatory conditions for the first time,’ continues Georgina. ‘Inflammation weakens the
Georgina Robertson has seen a rise in the number of clients with inflammatory issues
gut wall lining, allowing toxins to recirculate around the body and leading to an immune response. Over time the immune system can become overwhelmed and start to attack itself. This is how autoimmune conditions can start to develop, and it’s more important than ever to be aware of this worrying process.’ An anti-inflammatory approach, with a particular focus on gut health (around 70 per cent of our immune system resides there) helps to achieve optimum long term wellbeing, and a personalised programme is key. Georgina uses a functional medicine approach. ‘I aim to get to the root cause of health issues by restoring the balance of internal and external factors through bespoke plans that focus on diet, lifestyle and supplement recommendations,’ Georgina says. ‘Addressing nutrients and food groups is essential but factoring in character traits, budget and living situations with plenty of pleasure and reward is also key to a sustainable and successful outcome.’ Book a consultation at grnutrition.co.uk gr_nutrition
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HEALTH & WELLBEING | Wellness ‘The Preidlhof Way’ comprises transformational rituals and retreats
SPA Trek
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here are moments when we all become overwhelmed. In mid-October, still grieving the death of a best friend plus a long, difficult work project and mortgage worries combined to create the perfect storm. I was functioning – just – but robotically and joylessly. Preidlhof lies in the Italian South Tyrol on the sunny slope of a spectacular valley. It was already a beautiful, luxury hotel, when the Transformational Wellness Coach Patrizia Bortolin arrived in 2019 and entirely transformed the spa, earning it numerous awards. She has devised ‘The Preidlhof Way’, which now comprises transformational rituals and retreats, and for the first time, trauma is included in its wellness programmes. The South Tyrolean mix of Italian and German culture is reflected in Preidlhof itself. First, Dr Angerer assessed my heart rate variability using the latest technology. With reassuring German precision, he diagnosed me as run down and desperately lacking sleep. Patrizia and her team then scooped me up with empathetic Italian warmth and designed my personal programme. I experienced many of Preidlhof’s healing treatments, like Chinese acupuncture and massage and an astonishingly invigorating ‘Kneipp Experience’. My nerves were soothed by a Zen Shiatsu master, and I practised sleep and laughing yoga in a glass pavilion in a tranquil
Japanese garden. I was taken on a long, glorious forest hike high in the mountains for a fire and herb ritual. Meanwhile, my generous balcony, furnished with heaters and comfortable sun bed, was constantly bathed in warm sunlight. The food (and wine) is outstanding. Preidlhof boasts saunas, several pools, a rooftop Jacuzzi overlooking the mountains, and numerous sumptuously comfortable relaxation areas with roaring fires and glorious views. Your spirits will rise. I had two ‘Golden Flow’ sessions with renowned healer Stefano Battaglia. Patrizia calls him ‘the Shaman’ and his combination of no-nonsense common sense and eerily accurate intuition, made me succumb to a state of euphoric, restorative stillness. Patrizia’s ethos is ‘nourish to flourish’, and she ensures her entire team makes you feel cherished and nurtured so you keep the constant fizz of anxiety and sense of dread at bay. After five nights I was glimpsing joy again and resolving to make some significant changes. Like most resolutions, mine have inevitably loosened, but I have come to terms with my friend’s death and am no longer scared of what’s ahead. In a word, Preidlhof was transformational. BOOK IT: Healing Holidays offers a five-day Integrated Healing Retreat, from £2,419 per person sharing, including flights. healingholidays.com n
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The mantra at Preidlhof is nourish to flourish – and it works, finds Charlotte Metcalf
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P R O M OT I O N
‘ENSURE A STRONGER IMMUNE SYSTEM WITH THIS BRILLIANT SUPPLEMENT’ Olivia Falcon – Country & Town House
HOW ARE YOUR LACTOFERRIN LEVELS? Support your body’s natural immune system with Leapfrog
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our body is brilliant. Every day your immune system protects you against a multitude of bacteria and viruses. You touch and breathe them in, and yet you don’t fall ill. Lactoferrin is a vital part of your body’s immune response. It works inside you all the time to defend you, but it can become depleted. If you’re stressed, not sleeping, run-down, or simply ageing, your body’s lactoferrin can fall into decline. This is when Leapfrog springs into action. Leapfrog IMMUNE is the first supplement of its kind in the UK. The science-backed formula of natural lactoferrin, zinc and vitamin C is a powerful trio of immune-supporting heroes. Take Leapfrog at the first sign of a sniffle or a scratchy throat and feel how differently the cold plays out.
NATURE’S REMEDY Lactoferrin is a key component of mother’s milk that builds a baby’s immunity. An anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory protein, it’s celebrated by scientists as the Swiss Army Knife of the human defence system. Lactoferrin extracted from
WHAT IS LACTOFERRIN? LACTO – MILK; FERRIN – IRON Lactoferrin is a protein found at all the entry points of our bodies and within neutrophils, a type of white blood cell. Randomised controlled trials have proven lactoferrin can reduce the risk of respiratory tract infections. One of lactoferrin’s clever roles within the body is that it binds iron to itself. How does that help defend us against viruses and bacteria? Iron is an essential nutrient for pathogens, allowing them to survive, thrive and proliferate in the body. Take that iron food source away – by binding it to lactoferrin – and the germs struggle to spread. This gives the body the time it needs to mobilise against the infection.
cow’s milk is biologically similar, allowing adults to take advantage of its immune-enhancing benefits. Leapfrog’s lactoferrin is sourced from grass-fed cow’s milk and blended into a delicious citrusflavoured chewable tablet with cold-busting zinc and vitamin C. Created by a crack team of scientists and experts in the fields of immunomodulation, nutrition, pharmacy and formulation, Leapfrog is breaking new ground in wellness.
YOUR BODY, BETTER Lactoferrin stands guard in your eyes, nose and mouth ready to attack invading germs, and is also stored in infection-fighting white blood cells. With every easy-to-take chewable tablet, Leapfrog works in sync with your natural immune system. So while you get on with the daily grind, let Leapfrog level up your lactoferrin. Discover more at leapfrogremedies.com
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Photo: Fifi Newbery Makeup: Nathalie Eleni using Guerlain Hair: Michaela Galvin @ Jo Hansford Salon using Jo Hansford Voluminous Spray and Illuminoil
Darling SABRINA
Favourite make-up look? I just love any colours
that bring out the green in my eyes. Chocolate or cappuccino tones in particular. How do you stay in shape? I discovered the most amazing yoga teacher, Emily Hughes, Star of The Larkins and Bridgerton, Sabrina Bartlett shares during the first lockdown, who has completely transformed my strength and tone. Emily has her beauty secrets and wellness tips with Nathalie Eleni an online platform where people can come and take live classes and time out for themselves. How do you stay feeling healthy and looking good? I try be outside I religiously attend her sessions. I’d highly recommend checking her as much as I can – fresh air and switching off my phone are key. Even out (emilyhughesyoga.cloudstudios.com). if it’s windy or cold I love escaping to the mud and the green for a bit. What’s your go-to treat? I can never resist pizza and red wine. Or a big bowl of fresh pasta with lots of parmesan and black pepper. What’s your skincare regime? I tend to stick to a really simple routine to keep my skin clean and I don’t use multiple products. I actually had Where do you go to escape? I am a big fan of wild swimming. Whatever dermatitis this year and had to really strip back everything I was using the weather or time of year I just love the experience of plunging into to the bare minimum. Luckily, my skin is behaving itself these days! the water. It’s the best remedy for any mood. And any tips and tricks for fab hair? If I want volume, I’m a big believer What do you do to relax? I love to cook. Just a gentle way of switching in sea salt spray to encourage wave and texture. Or if I’m on the go I off and taking my time making something. And, of course, the pleasure usually whack a little Moroccan oil in my hair and swirl it into a low bun. of tucking in afterwards. 42 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.CO.UK | January/February 2022
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Interview | HEALTH & WELLBEING What does wellness mean to you? To me, wellness is about
GET THE LOOK
Guerlain Rouge G Luxurious Velvet lipstick in 555 Brick Red, £26
Guerlain Terracotta The Bronzing Powder in 03, £39
Guerlain Abeille Royale Advanced Youth Watery Oil, £108 for 50ml
perspective. How we choose to take care of ourselves mentally as well as physically and our approach in life. Happiness doesn’t have to be based on counting calories or sit ups. What’s your worst habit? Falling asleep with a full face of make-up after a night out. Are you an early bird or a night owl? I’d say an early bird. But it totally depends on my filming schedule. On a really hectic shoot I love having a duvet day. What keeps you up at night? Mentally drafting out emails in my head. Where do you see yourself in five years’ time? I love to imagine living or working somewhere totally different, a country or city I’ve never been to before. Favourite project you’ve worked on recently? I loved working with the students at the National Film and Television School. I was inspired by their talent and creativity as the future generation of filmmakers. What’s an upcoming project you’re excited about? It’s all under wraps at the moment...
Guerlain Mad Eyes mascara in black, £29
GET THE LOOK Guerlain Angélique Noire eau de parfum, £280 for 100ml
Guerlain Météorites Gold Pearls, £46
All products from guerlain.com January/February 2022 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.CO.UK | 43
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HEALTH & WELLBEING | News
Beauty BUZZ
Nathalie Eleni has all the latest tips and trips from the world of beauty WINTER SKIN SAVIOUR
A multitasking moisturiser for all seasons and situations, this hydrates, soothes and smoothes, making it a beautiful base under make-up. One powerful cream that packs a punch and delivers what your skin needs and loves. Spectacle Performance crème, £76. spectacleskincare.com
SHAPE & SCULPT
GLOW UP
Give your skin a glow-up with this ten-day treatment. Infused with 50 clever components, it delivers similar face firming and plumping results as an injectable mesotherapy facial. You’ll be hooked! Filorga NCEF-Shot Supreme Polyrevitalising concentrate, £62. lookfantastic.com
HOW TO… KEEP WINTER SKIN HYDRATED WITH FACIAL AESTHETICIAN AND COSMETIC DENTIST DR KRYSTYNA WILCZYNSKI
‘Hyaluronic acid is key for healthy, hydrated skin during the winter. I recommend my Dr K injectable vitamin facial, which can help prevent premature aging and boost your skin’s radiance. It contains a high concentration of hyaluronic acid, as well as a combination of antioxidants, amino acids, minerals and vitamins, all of which are found naturally in your skin. They help compensate for the natural loss of these key ingredients as we age and stimulates the production of collagen as well. Win-win!’ From £300, drkrystyna.com
PHOTOS: PEXELS; GETTY IMAGES
BOOST FROM WITHIN
Fortify your immune system and help to detoxify your liver with a Rejuvenation IV drip at the BelleCell Clinic that contains a premium dose of glutathione. This powerful antioxidant helps to revitalise your cells to give you that much-needed January body boost. £390, bellecellclinic.com
Conscious of your under-chin area? ‘What is often referred to as a ‘double chin’ can be due to a genetic disposition and can be resistant to diet or exercise,’ explains Dr Sophie Shotter. ‘Even bad posture can cause a double chin. It’s possible to be a very normal, healthy weight and yet hold a little submental fat on the face.’ The solution? Dr Sophie’s signature Slim & Sculpt treatment slims and contours heavy pockets of fat around the jawline, reducing or eliminating any double chins, jowls or sagging skin. First, she injects deoxycholic acid under the chin to emulsify the fat in the area. Then, she applies a Meder Beauty Lipo-Oval mask under an LED light for 20 minutes to reduce fluid build-up – it’s clinically proven to reduce facial puffiness, malar bags and double chins. You’ll head home with four more Lipo-Oval masks to apply over consecutive weeks, in conjunction with the Lipo-Oval concentrate for daily use. Downtime is between four days and two weeks, and patients can expect to see a reduction of about 25 per cent after the first treatment. £900 per session (includes at-home products), illuminateskinclinic.co.uk
44 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.CO.UK | January/February 2022
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Take Ten | HEALTH & WELLBEING
GO-GO GADGETS
Take your beauty regime to the next level with the latest tech, says Nathalie Eleni
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PHOTOS: PEXELS
Réduit One Haircare Device This futuristic haircare device will keep your locks glossy and voluminous. Up to 20 times less wasteful than traditional spray products, it delivers salonworthy results. From £189, reduit.com
Decorté Gua Sha Plate Inspired by ancient eastern beauty practices, this curved Gua Sha plate aids lymphatic drainage and reduces tension in your face and neck. £25, harrods.com
Cloud Nine Evergreen Iron The iron’s ceramic plates are infused with Cloud Nine’s signature healing minerals Sericite and Tourmaline, which seal cuticles and lock in moisture for shinier hair. £199, cloudninehair.com JOVS Venus Pro This kills hair follicles with flashes of light, while a skin rejuvenation attachment helps to firm skin and increase collagen production. £319, currentbody.com
Trophy Skin MicrodermMD This diamond-tipped gadget smooths and brightens skin, reduces the appearance of sun damage and age spots, and prevents the build up of dead skin – all in just five minutes. £249, trophyskin.co.uk Sensica Sensismooth Cleanse, pedicure, exfoliate: this professional-quality multi-treatment device will keep your skin soft and radiant from top to toe. £149, sensica.com
Stylpro Squeeze Dirty makeup sponges are responsible for all kinds of skin breakouts and blemishes. Ensure your kit is squeaky clean with this clever gadget, which cleans sponges in one minute and leaves them ready to use. £39.99, boots.com Higherdose Infrared PEMF Mat One quick session on this sauna mat will ease chronic pain, help workout recovery, and aid total-body relaxation. £890, higherdose.com
Currentbody Skin LED Neck and Dec Perfector Targeting a key area that often gets forgotten about, this light therapy collar combines red and near infra-red light energy for powerful wrinkle reduction. £250, currentbody.com T3 Whirl Trio Convertible Styling Wand Create all manner of curls with great ease and no fuss using the three barrels of this curling wand. £260, lookfantastic.com
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HEALTH & WELLBEING | Sustainability
MY LITTLE GREEN BOOK Lisa Grainger shares an expert’s tips on how to sleep with a sound conscience
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ark Tremlett began to think about manufacturing natural mattresses while he noticed yacht-lovers ‘spending half a million pounds building a boat, and then sleeping on cheap, harmful foam inside it’. Today his Devon-based Naturalmat company – which is about to receive B Corp accreditation – makes 10,000 natural mattresses a year. Here, he helps unpick what to consider when buying a new mattress.
DOES IT ALLOW YOUR BODY TO BREATHE?
Plastic and polyurethane foam mattresses are popular because they are inexpensive. But man-made materials don’t wick moisture away from the body or circulate air as well as wool, cotton, latex and coir, so are never as cool or as hygienic. Because they get hot and soak up perspiration, mattresses made from man-made fibres don’t last as long as natural ones either – contributing to the 7.5 million dumped in UK landfills each year.
IS IT SAFE?
Wool, bamboo, mohair, alpaca and hemp are naturally antibacterial – and cotton and wool coverings are naturally fire-resistant. Whereas man-made fibres often have to be sprayed or embedded with chemicals to kill bed-bugs and bacteria, then coated with fire retardant. Synthetic-mattress manufacturers that use the least harmful chemicals – ie those not known to cause cancer, birth defects or breathing difficulties – can be found on CertiPUR-US. The best mattresses, made using natural and organic materials, should be accredited by the Global Organic Textile Standard, the Soil Association or, if they contain latex fillings, the Global Organic Latex Standard. A mattress with an Oeko-Tex Standard 100 or Greenguard stamp will contain nothing that’s harmful to humans.
HOW LONG WILL IT LAST?
A foam mattress can’t be recycled; when you’ve finished with it, it’s ground up and burnt or taken to landfill. A traditional mattress, however, can be taken apart – its springs recycled, its wool, coir, alpaca,
Naturalmat’s founders Mark Tremlett and Peter Tindall (left) only use natural materials in their products
cashmere and horsehair fillings cleaned and re-used, and its old cotton and wool covers recycled and replaced with new ones. The most respected British manufacturers of natural-filled mattresses include Vispring, Savoir, Hypnos, Una, Snoozel Green, Abaca, Ely and Naturalmat.
WHAT’S ITS CARBON FOOTPRINT?
A company manufacturing man-made mattresses might re-utilise plastic that would end up in a dump, operate in a sustainable way and offset its carbon. Whereas a company producing natural mattresses might have to import much of its fillings from abroad, but employ local people and use local wool. What’s important to you might be different from someone else. Treat buying a mattress in the same way as you would food: investigate who made it, how it was made, what’s in it and how it’s packaged and delivered – then treat it with care. n
46 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.CO.UK | January/February 2022
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BESPOKE FIT TED WARDROBES, STUDIES & LIVING ROOM UNITS
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CULTURE
PHOTO: RED TREE, (2021) BY DAVID NASH. PHOTO © JONTY WILDE
Circle of Life ‘Trees take just enough and give back more,’ says artist David Nash, who has dedicated his artistic life to studying the natural environment. His observations are being explored in a new exhibition at Yorkshire Sculpture Park, which features a range of drawings inspired by trees, created over four decades. 19 February to 5 June 2022, ysp.org.uk
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CULTURE | What’s On
THE CULTURAL CALENDAR Start the new year with a cultural kick, says Ellie Smith
GET THE GLOW THROWING SHAPES
Body Vessel Clay at Two Temple Place explores how ceramics have been recast and reimagined by Black women over the last 70 years. It includes work by renowned Nigerian potter Ladi Kwali (above) – who is on the 20 Naira note – alongside pieces by Dame Magdalene Odundo, Phoebe Collings-James and Jade Montserrat. 29 January to 24 April, twotempleplace.org
Playwright Alistair McDowall returns to the Royal Court with The Glow, a Victorian thriller. It follows a young nameless woman who wakes up in an asylum with no memory. She’s recruited as an assistant by a spiritualist medium – but it’s not long before unexpected powers rear their heads. Until 5 March, royalcourttheatre.com
HEAD OVER HEELS
Discover the real story of the Titanic at a new immersive show that recreates the ship’s interiors. Titanic: The Exhibition, tells the human side to the tragic story, beyond fictional Jack and Rose. Until 20 March. titanicexhibitionlondon.com
The first-ever stage adaptation of Dan Brown’s international book phenomenon, The Da Vinci Code, will tour the UK this year. Olivier-award winning Nigel Harman stars as Robert Langdon alongside Danny John-Jules and Hannah Rose Caton, with the premiere taking place at Bromley’s Churchill Theatre in January. Touring now, davincicodeonstage.com
DRAWN TO NATURE
As well as creating some of the best-loved children’s characters of all time, Beatrix Potter was a natural scientist with an interest in farming and conservation. All this and more are explored in a new exhibition at the V&A. From 12 Feb, vam.ac.uk
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PHOTOS: MICHAEL SHELFORD
BACK IN TIME
CODE BREAKERS
PHOTOS: CANDIDA STEPHENS GALLERY
Following a two-year intermission, Cirque du Soleil returns to London’s Royal Albert Hall this January for a production of Luzia. One of the most technically demanding shows ever to be staged there, the show invites audiences to an imaginary Mexico – think visual surprises and mesmerising acrobatics. Until 27 Feb, royalalberthall.com
The Critical LIST
Big releases to bookmark
How will the Byrde family’s saga end? You’re close to finding out as the first half of Ozark’s two-part final chapter, in the seven-episode fourth series, is poised to drop on Netflix. 21 January
TV
Honor Swinton Byrne returns as film student Julie Harte in the sequel to Joanna Hogg’s semiautobiographical 2019 film The Souvenir, which picks up in the aftermath of her tumultuous relationship. The Souvenir Part II, 21 Jan
FILM
ONE TO WATCH
Bethany Antonia, star of new must-watch thriller Stay Close
PHOTOS: MICHAEL SHELFORD
PHOTOS: CANDIDA STEPHENS GALLERY
B
irmingham-born Bethany Antonia always knew she wanted to act. As a child she’d watch TV and mimic actors, writing out the scripts and performing them – soon realising she wanted to do what they were doing. She researched how to become an actor, joined a drama school – and never looked back. Following a series of theatrical roles, at the age of 20 Bethany landed her first on-screen part in Deborah Haywood’s Pin Cushion (2017), a moving mother-daughter drama. She turned her hand to comedy in Channel 4’s award-winning Stath Lets Flats, but she’s best known for Get Even, a ten-part Netflix series that’s based on the novel by Gretchen McNeil, and follows four teenage girls in private education, who set out to expose bullies at school.
For her next project, Bethany gives the thriller genre a whirl, starring in Harlan Coben’s gripping new thriller Stay Close. The Netflix series follows the lives of three people who all live comfortably, but conceal dark secrets, with an all-star cast featuring Cush Jumbo, James Nesbitt and Richard Armitage. ‘I had the most incredible time filming Stay Close,’ says Bethany. ‘We were blessed with such wonderful cast and crew, who made my time in Manchester really special. I adore Harlan Coben’s work, so it was such a privilege to be a part of bringing this story to the screen, and even more so getting to do it during the pandemic. My character, Kayleigh, is so much fun. I hope people love her and her mischief as such as much as I do.’ Ellie Smith Stay Close has just launched on Netflix
The fourth album from Bastille, Give Me The Future, reflects on living through the tech age, featuring a spoken-word track from Riz Ahmed alongside a tribute to Thelma & Louise on its 20th anniversary. Out on 4 February, EMI £10.99
MUSIC
The 2022 literary calendar kicks off with one of the year’s most anticipated novels: a new release from A Little Life author Hanya Yanagihara, titled To Paradise. If it’s anything like her previous book, you’ll need your tissues. Pan Macmillan, £20
BOOK
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CULTURE | What’s On
PREVIEW
Ellie Smith looks forward to Wuthering Heights at the National Theatre
L
ike many of us, director Emma Rice read Emily Brontë’s brooding novel, Wuthering Heights, during adolescence. A turbulent tale of love and revenge, it had a lasting effect – and, years on, she has adapted her own version for the stage. Created with Rice’s production company Wise Children, the show premiered at Bristol’s Old Vic before heading to York Theatre Royal – and in February it arrives at the National Theatre for a six-week run. Set in the wild Yorkshire moors, Wuthering Heights follows the love affair between Heathcliff and Catherine, who are forced to hide their feelings for one another to conform to social protocols. The epic story has been
adapted numerous times, but Rice’s version offers something entirely new, featuring her kooky trademarks like puppetry, live music and dancing, and peppered with pockets of humour amid the undeniably gloomy storyline. Ash Hunter (Light Shining in Buckinghamshire) and Lucy McCormick (Post Popular) take on the lead roles, alongside some of the Wise Children regulars: Katy Owen as both Isabella Linton and Linton Heathcliff, and Sam Archer as Lockwood and Edgar Linton. Expect to embark on a rollercoaster of emotions in this wild, nearly three-hour theatrical experience, which showcases Brontë like never before. 3 Feb to 19 March, nationaltheatre.org.uk
Photographer: Joseph Sinclair Make-up: Justine Jenkins Hair: Shukeel Murtaza
MY Cultural Life
Look out for Taj in the film, Memory, directed by Martin Campbell, and Channel 4’s Hullraisers, both due to hit our screens soon 52 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.CO.UK | January/February 2022
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PHOTOS: UNSPLASH
Emma Rice’s stage adaptation of Wuthering Heights will showcase the timeless tale of love and obsession in a new light
I’m tuning into… Abraham Hicks Daily. She helps me live life in alignment! I’m reading… The White Tiger by Aravind Adiga. I loved the film and was recently recommended the book. I’m watching… The Schumacher documentary on Netflix. So moving and inspiring. Rocks by Fable Pictures (I recommend everyone watch this film!) and I’m rewatching Breaking Bad at the moment. It’s even better the second time around. I’m most looking forward to… going back to the theatre. I can’t wait to see Jodie Comer in Prima Facie and I’m hoping to see Get Up, Stand Up! the Bob Marley musical at the The Lyric. I saw Arinzé Kene [who plays the musician] in One Night in Miami at The Donmar and his voice is unreal. My favourite painting is… A Woman Worshipping the Rising Sun, by Surya Puja, c. 1810. I have never resonated with an image more. An Indian woman, alone in the wilderness with her clothes off worshipping the sun! I’m hoping to get a tattoo of it! My favourite film is… Curly Sue! I watched this so much growing up. I hit repeat for… Brian Crain. He’s a composer and his album Piano and Violin Duet is beautiful. I can drive, walk and write to any of those songs. My ultimate cultural recommendation is… the Natural History Museum. I’ve been there more times than I can remember. My cultural guilty pleasure is… watching the Lakeside World Darts Championship on TV every year. I would love to be there in person one day.
PHOTOS: STEVE TANNER
Actor Taj Atwal shares what’s she’s reading, watching and playing
Books | CULTURE
NEW YEAR READING Richard Hopton reviews three novels by long-established authors
1 PHOTOS: UNSPLASH
PHOTOS: STEVE TANNER
VIOLETA Isabel Allende
In Violeta, the much-garlanded Isabel Allende has written the epic story of life and times of Violeta del Valle, who lived for a hundred years, from 1920 to 2020. Set against Chile’s troubled 20th-century history, revolution, dictatorship, violent political repression, and organised crime all have their part to play. Chile itself has a starring role in the novel, the beauty and variety of its landscapes and countryside menaced by the ever-present threat of earthquake. Violeta’s life is not an easy one – darkened by her difficult relationships her own children and with the sexy, unscrupulous, manipulative Julian Bravo – but she is a determined woman who never loses heart or gives up. This is an enjoyable novel, gripping, moving and convincing, by a master storyteller, about a long life, well lived. Bloomsbury, £16.99
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MAKING NICE Ferdinand Mount
Political satire in the age of Trump is a rich seam for any author to mine and Ferdinand Mount’s new novel digs deep into the substrata on the fault lines between politics, journalism and public relations, with amusing results. Dickie Pentecost, having been sacked as diplomatic correspondent of a struggling national newspaper, takes a job with Making Nice, an ambitious and amoral PR agency. The hapless Dickie is sent to America to run an election campaign before returning home to an appointment as a special advisor in Whitehall. When not being put upon at work, Dickie has to contend with the varying demands of his wife and two teenage daughters. Ferdinand Mount’s worldly eye and graceful pen are witty guides to the trials, indignities and idiocies of modern life. Bloomsbury, £16.99
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LILY: A TALE OF REVENGE Rose Tremain
Rose Tremain’s new novel is set in the smog, filth, and freezing lodgings of Dickensian London. It is a tale of innocence corrupted, which addresses head-on the cruel neglect and outright abuse of children in the Victorian age. Lily, abandoned as baby, was taken to the Thomas Coram Foundling Hospital whence she was lovingly fostered on a farm in deepest Suffolk before returning to London. It is a more entertaining novel than its subject matter might suggest; Tremain brilliantly conjures up the atmosphere of Victorian London while the story is cleverly structured to keep the reader guessing to the end. Lily is a morality tale: Good rewarded and Evil punished with a healthy dose of equivocation between the two. Listen to our Breakout Culture podcast episode with her for extra insight. Chatto & Windus, £18.99
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CULTURE | Books
BIBLIO FILE
Belinda Bamber reviews two vivid coming-of-age stories
UNDER THE COVER WITH…
Osman Yousefzada The artist, designer and author of The Go-Between
since forged a multi-disciplinary career as a writer, artist and fashion designer, whose creations are worn by the likes of Beyoncé. Perhaps that childhood of migrating between different worlds helped forge the remarkable, creatively-fluid adult he is today, but this unmissable memoir sheds light on a largely unseen part of our shared cultural history, told with warmth and insight. The Love Songs of W.E.B. Du Bois (HarperCollins, £18.99 ) is a fictional comingof-age story, in an 816-page multi-generational epic by Honorée Fannone Jefferson that has stormed the New York Times bestseller list. Its huge cast of characters and intersecting stories going back two centuries will vanquish the long, dark evenings.
FEEL-GOOD READS THRILL to the swashbuckling adventures of Goody Brown in Alex Preston’s Winchelsea, based on a real-life female pirate (Canongate, £14.99, 3 Feb); SPILL the bath bubbles as you revel in Marian Keyes’ sequel to Rachel’s Holiday, Again, Rachel (Penguin, £20, 17 Feb); CHILL in the Manhattan whirl of Cleopatra and Frankenstein by Coco Mellors (Fourth Estate, £14.99, 17 Feb); TRILL like a skylark to Anna Fleming’s Time on Rock (Canongate, £16.99).
The power of the introvert is to observe. I was told never to show off, but
to let others have space. This suits me. It’s a book about not fitting in, told through a child’s eyes, who just accepts what he sees. My parents were both illiterate. My father came from a deeply conservative Afghan background to a country he didn’t understand. He was a pioneer and his sacrifice allows me to be who I am today. I don’t like to be hemmed in. I paint, draw, make and write. But I’ve had to compartmentalise for different audiences. I’ve not shown my complete self until now. I’m still a Muslim, albeit more of a Sufi. I go to the mosque and find solace in ritual and the search for understanding. It’s incredible that we talk about rights in Afghanistan when the geo-political dynamics are so duplicitous. The USA abandons ship in Kabul, people are hanging off planes – life in the Third World is so cheap. It’s a complete mess. I live in hope that women in Afghanistan are stronger this time around now they’ve seen the world through a different lens. We must all support them! The more inward we look in post-Brexit Britain, the more problems we have. We can’t survive, Empire-style, without our neighbours: the layering of society is what enriches us. The Go-Between (Canongate, £14.99, is published on 27 January) n
PHOTOS: UNSPLASH
A
s a young boy growing up on the wrong side of the tracks in Birmingham’s red-light district in the 1970s-80s, Osman Yousefzada looked forward to the daily greeting of a beautiful streetwalker, Jameela, on his way to school – but never mentioned her to his Muslim parents, who kept his sisters cloistered at home, in keeping with the strict traditions of their Afghan-Pakistani background. Osman’s memoir, The Go-Between (see right), vividly describes how he was caught in the female/ male divide between his mother’s domestic sphere and the freer but sometimes brutal life of men in their ’hood of multi-ethnic migrants. A dutiful son and student, Osman eventually broke away to London, where he’s
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Column | CULTURE
The EXHIBITIONIST Ed Vaizey discovers much to admire in the reopened Courtauld galleries
PHOTOS: © JIM WINSLET; © HUFTON+CROW; © BENEDICT JOHNSON
FROM TOP: Somerset House in all its Georgian glory; the Blavatnik Fine Rooms; Van Gogh’s Self-Portrait with Bandaged Ear, part of a new exhibition
T
he other day I got sent a pitch deck for a tech start-up called Ikono TV. The idea behind this company is very simple: it ‘streams’ paintings to your TV. The purpose is to provide a sense of calm and wellbeing, as your customers or patients stare at the wall, waiting for their appointment, watching a succession of masterpieces. As Ikono’s pitch deck makes clear, there is no shortage of evidence that visual art calms you down and provides relaxation. There is even evidence, provided by the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, that staring at art can reduce your labour by two hours! So instead of screaming for an epidural, you might want to shout at your partner, ‘Show me the Monet!’ Which is a nice way for me to segue to what I really want to talk about – the Courtauld galleries, which have just re-opened after a major refurbishment. The Courtauld Institute of Art, to give it its proper title, was established in 1930 by three men: Viscount Lee of Fareham, Samuel Courtauld, and Sir Robert Witt. Lee is better known these days as the man who donated his house, Chequers, to the prime minister. Courtauld was a textile millionaire, who provided not only the money and the Courtauld’s first home, but also many of the Impressionist paintings that make up the bulk of its excellent collection. The Courtauld spent the first 60 years of its life at Home House in Portman Square but moved to Somerset House when Margaret Thatcher worked out Somerset House was quite expensive real estate for the Inland Revenue, and they should be turfed out. The Courtauld moved into space that had once been the first home of the Royal Academy, and thus is housed in London’s oldest purpose-built exhibition space. For the last three years the galleries
have been modernised, and they have just re-opened to spectacular acclaim. The Great Room is now known as the LVMH Great Room, which is a nice bit of post-Brexit colonisation by the French, and houses the amazing Impressionist collection. The Blavatnik Fine Rooms provide the setting for works from the Renaissance to the 18th century. New rooms are devoted to 20th-century art and the Bloomsbury Group. There are some smashing exhibitions to look forward to, to help entice the public to the all-new galleries. These include an inaugural exhibition in the newly named Denise Coates Exhibition Galleries called Modern Drawings: The Karshan Gift, featuring work by European and American masters including Georg Baselitz, Joseph Beuys, Wassily Kandinsky, Paul Klee, Gerhard Richter, Louis Soutter and Cy Twombly. February sees a real spectacular, the first exhibition devoted to Van Gogh’s self-portraits across his entire career. The exhibition takes as its springboard Van Gogh’s SelfPortrait with Bandaged Ear, one of the most iconic works in the Courtauld’s collection and will bring together an outstanding selection of over 15 selfportraits from collections around the world. All of this has been realised by the generous support of the Lottery, and the ubiquitous philanthropist Len Blavatnik – true contributors to the wellbeing of Londoners and tourists alike as we slide into 2022. courtauld.ac.uk n January/February 2022 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.CO.UK | 55
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CULTURE | Art Patrik Fredrikson and Ian Stallard blur the lines between art and design
FREDRIKSON STALLARD
P
atrik Fredrikson gestures towards a sculptured bust on a sideboard in the flat above the joint studio he shares with Ian Stallard. The face is smeared into a gloopy mess, the head now an anonymous everyman. A couple first and for many years a design duo, Ian and Patrik make furniture, art and ceramics together as Fredrikson Stallard. Their work walks a blurred line between art and design. Two lamps bookend a big grey sofa, both conceived in clay; they’re huge and ornate, yet messy too, as if someone has just gouged them with hurried, impatient fingers. ‘You just want to freeze that moment,’ Ian insists. ‘That’s why we want clay because it is so immediate.’ In the middle of their studio, a dark purple rock glistens with a velvet sheen. It is sculptural and mysterious, like a meteor or a piece of set from a Sci-Fi film. But it’s not a sculpture, or rather not just a sculpture – it’s an unexpectedly squishy sofa, too. Other creations include a coffee table with legs that unscrew, its top so intriguing it can hang as a piece of art. On the wall, an enormous piece of cardboard folds into a sculptural knot, painted with a dark red veneer. ‘It’s one of the materials we like using,’ Ian explains. ‘It is beautifully expressive; cardboards are like different brush strokes; dense cardboards fold in a very angular, masculine way, then other cards have a softer fluidity. We like the dichotomy between a material that you see lying on the street and then we cast it in bronze
or cover it in these rich enamels to add a permanence and a value – the relationship between preciousness and disposability.’ ‘We trained to create for the masses,’ Patrik says, recalling their art education at Central Saint Martins. ‘Everything had to be based around cost, democratic prices were really important. But we felt that it wasn’t us – we were prostituting ourselves to a cause that was taught to us.’ These days, Patrik and Ian are bold about their work that will be unaffordable for some. ‘We use expensive techniques and crafts people, but our pieces are built to last, and can be repaired. Because it has value, it’s not going to be thrown away – they can be handed down and have a resale value.’ The artistic duo met in 1995, while Ian was studying ceramics and Patrik industrial design. After graduating, they maintained separate studios for several years. An opportunity arose to present a show together. ‘It was still very much Ian and me as separate entities,’ Patrik says, ‘but the moment we took a step back, we realised it worked.’ A few years later they joined forces. ‘It’s a cyclical thing,’ says Patrik of the merging of art and design. ‘If you look at 18th-century fine art and furniture, we’re on a par. We admire modernism greatly, but it created a cleft between art and design.’ Together, these artists have crossed that chasm with spectacular – and lasting – results. redriksonstallard.com n
PHOTO: © CAITI GROVE
Caiti Grove visits the design duo at their Farringdon studio
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ORIGINAL, LIMITED-EDITION ART DECO POSTERS
97 x 65 cm. Priced at £420 each (inc. UK sales tax).
Private commissions are also welcome.
@pullmaneditionsposters
Our central London gallery All images and text copyright © Pullman Editions Ltd. 2022
View and buy online at w w w.pullmaneditions.com Pullman Editions.indd 1
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CULTURE | Conservation
The Positive Disruptor Collapse or co-exist? Environmentalist James Wallace starts his new column with a bang, asking us to think differently… are you ready?
THINK DIFFERENTLY, ACT NOW Tangible ways to usher in a more hopeful future for planet Earth
I
’ve been asked to write a column for C&TH that ruffles feathers, but equally forces us into flight towards a thriving future in this hothouse world. Humanity is staring down the barrel of economic, social and environmental collapse. This isn’t doom-mongering from a lunatic fringe, it’s the clarion call from The Economist, the Bank of England, our ‘Build Back Beaver’ PM and from Mother Earth herself. So in each edition. we will dive into an environmental crisis and offer solutions to yank heads from sand and provoke action. Millions already face food, water, energy and displacement insecurity. Our answer so far? Double down. Squeeze the last drops of blood from the planet. Talk the green talk but walk the same old walk. Emissions soar while we build walls with the same machinery that denudes once-verdant land. We offshore our tax, colonial guilt and polluting gunk. We import our food and energy, and count financial services gold. This superficial wealth cannot feed our nation as the planet sweats us out like a virus. The breakdown of natural systems that sustain us already hurts Britain. The floods in 2015 cost the country £5 billion. In 2019, when temperatures topped 38.7C in Cambridge, heat waves led to almost 900 extra deaths. We live in denial. Rather than a green and pleasant land, Britain is one of the most nature-depleted countries in Europe, richly cloaked in industrial landscapes with tiny pockets of wildlife. Every river is polluted and only 40 years of soil fertility remain. Our massive ecological footprint has stamped out half our wildlife since my birth in 1972. Today, memories of butterfly clouds flitter while I join an orderly queue for fuel. Our island is literally sinking. But there is hope and myriad ways of avoiding collapse. Nothing less than a radical transition in how we live and
work, a total paradigm shift, is enough. Firstly, we need to think like nature. To resolve a complex problem like human-induced environmental breakdown, we need to think holistically like the complex natural systems we have disrupted. Life works in regenerative, self-regulating cycles. Every part is simultaneously whole and part of a greater whole. Economies and cultures must follow the same rules and ditch the linear extractive industries killing our one and only planet. Secondly, we must journey from individual ‘I’ to collective ‘we’. Everyone and everything under the sun is interconnected and interdependent. We beings that run, slide, swim and fly need each other. Your life is my food. My waste is your resource. Like the underground mycorrhizal networks passing nutrients and water in a forest, together we can avert famine and drought. Thirdly, we have everything we need to heal our planetary life support system. Money, brains and brawn abound. Anything is possible. We are not alone and like other apes we can mimic. We are ready to replicate and join up recent experiments: financial markets that value ecosystem services and reinvest in stakeholders; agriculture that restores nature and feeds communities; clean and cheap energy that powers low-carbon development; government agencies resourced to regulate and protect. As COP26 reminded us, time is up and enough is enough. Finally, like the Blitz raining down bombs that aligned a slumbering population, Covid has reminded us what can be achieved when we pull together. I wonder what can we do now that we all face a hot, wet, hungry future? The readership of C&TH alone could rapidly transform our land, finances and businesses if we woke up and coughed up. n
HOLD... Our government accountable for achieving UK commitments from COP26. ukcop26.org/the-conference/ cop26-outcomes
RETHINK... The global financial system with The Economics of Biodiversity, The Dasgupta Review. gov.uk/government/ publications/final-report-theeconomics-of-biodiversitythe-dasgupta-review LEARN... How complex natural systems can help us solve global problems through ecological courses at Schumacher College. campus.dartington. org/schumacher-college
EXPERIENCE... The interconnectivity of life by getting to know your local ancient woodland and making a donation to the Woodland Trust. woodlandtrust.org.uk INVEST... Your money responsibly in a green future with Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) investing. ft.com/esg-investing
PHOTOS: GETTY IMAGES
James Wallace wants us to think and act differently to help us safeguard our future
DOWNLOAD... The State of Nature report by the RSPB to learn more about the extinction crisis in Britain. rspb.org.uk/our-work/stateof-nature-report
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The Winter Sale is now on. www.cphart.co.uk | 0345 600 1950
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Ford Transit Custom Nugget PRICE from £61,533 ENGINE 2.0-litre turbo diesel POWER 182 bhp SLEEPS 4 ECONOMY 40mpg (combined) STREAMING Jesus In A Camper Van – Robbie Williams
Road Test
Is this the coolest Ford Transit ever? The Nugget has everything – apart from a chic name, says Jeremy Taylor
TOWN My lovely 1963 Volkswagen camper was known as Van
COUNTRY The Nugget offers excellent space for a family to enjoy a
Morrison. Together we toured the country, winning admirers of all ages at car shows and surf festivals. A sought-after splitscreen model, Van may have been named after a grumpy Ulsterman but his blue and white paintwork made people smile. After all, what’s in a name, provided the product is a good one? Normally I’d agree, but for some reason Ford has dug deep into the dictionary and come up with the Nugget. Fortunately, the blue oval’s new home on wheels is considerably better than the name. Independent companies have been remodelling the Transit van for years to create a roomy camper. Now Ford is doing it their way via conversion gurus Westfalia – albeit at a price. Trying to ignore the name (difficult when my test van sports the registration NU63GET), the standard-length Nugget will sleep four, offers a well-equipped kitchen (sink, fridge, two gas hobs) and a pop-up roof for extra headroom. A long-wheelbase version adds a toilet cubicle. Like its rivals, the Ford can be used as an everyday family-mover around town. It’s a cinch to drive and, as every Transit delivery man will tell you, remains light and manoeuvrable to park, despite the vanlike dimensions.
weekend away. Even so, the Ford works best for two travellers. One of the double beds is in the pop-up roof, while the other involves flattening out the rear bench seat. Consequently, with four people on board, the Nugget is decidedly snug – especially if somebody in your party snores! The bench mechanism is also tricky to operate and, unlike key rivals, the pop-top doesn’t raise electronically. It’s annoyingly easy to trap the roof fabric during the lowering process, too. In the Nugget, the kitchenette has been shifted to an L-shaped arrangement in the rear. This separates the living and cooking areas, although the design restricts luggage space. There’s also an outdoor table and two chairs for al fresco dining. The Nugget comes with a range of 2.0-litre diesel engines that provide adequate performance. Ride comfort is very good – just what you’d expect from Britain’s favourite van – and standard additions include an infotainment system and camping kit. However, the Nugget simply doesn’t work as well as other camper vans costing the same money. Some of the equipment and features are awkward to use – just what you don’t need at a campsite after a long drive.
RATING: 3/5 HANDBAGS
RATING: 3/5 WELLIES
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Driving | CULTURE
THE DRIVE
DESTINATION: THE LANGHAM, LONDON
In 1865, the Prince of Wales arrived by horse and carriage to open Europe’s first ‘grand hotel’ at the top of London’s Regent Street. The Langham has been welcoming high society guests and celebrities ever since. Charles Dickens, Angelina Jolie, Oscar Wilde and Lady Gaga have all passed the imposing pillars and chandeliers in the lobby. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle was a regular visitor, including the hotel in some of his classic Sherlock Holmes mysteries. These days, The Langham’s customers can enjoy one of the world’s finest drinking holes – Artesian was voted best bar four years in a row – or afternoon tea in the glorious Palm Court restaurant. For something more substantial, try the exquisite Roux at the Landau restaurant. The Langham is simply style and elegance personified. Even with London’s best attractions and shopping on its doorstep, the gloriously understated bedrooms are difficult to leave. At least I managed to get up in time to enjoy a memorable breakfast in the highceilinged dining room. My carriage for the weekend was the new McLaren 765 LT – with less gilt-edged trim than an HRH might be used to but a lot more horsepower. Hand-built in Surrey, this is one of the fastest supercars on the road, escaping the paparazzi with a surge of 60mph in 2.7 ferociously fast seconds. Loaded with expensive options such as carbon-fibre body panels, spoilers and interior trim, a 765 LT won’t afford much change out of £350,000. It competes head-on with the best of Ferrari and Lamborghini, with the added bonus of being made in Britain. I put the car in Comfort mode, which ensures the explosive quad exhaust pipes are
The Langham’s grand façade
toned down to avoid a breach of the peace. There’s decent-sized boot space under the bonnet and, while the seats are firm-to-hard for sporty driving, the two-seater cabin is surprisingly comfortable. Sport and Track settings take the 765 LT to a different level of performance – modes best saved for the open road or a racetrack. There is huge acceleration and grip, while handling is as close to Formula One as most of us will ever experience. The LT has a party piece up its sleeve too. The enormous rear wing spoiler not only provides tremendous downforce but also, under hard braking, swings vertically upwards in dramatic fashion to act as an air brake. My particular car is painted Smoked White and stands out from a crowd of black Mercedes parked outside The Langham. If you can’t turn heads in a McLaren then there’s no hope.
IN THE BOOT MUSK READ Compulsive bedtime reading – the gripping inside story of how Tesla boss Elon Musk changed the way we drive forever. Power Play: Elon Musk, Tesla and the Bet of the Century by Tim Higgins. (£20, WH Allen)
BOOK IT: From £450, langhamhotels.com
COMPOSTABLE SPONGE This sponge is made from cellulose wood pulp and can eventually be disposed of in a garden compost bin. Perfect for a Sunday morning car wash. £6.50 for two, theseepcompany.com
McLaren 765 LT PRICE from £280,000 ENGINE 4.0-litre twin turbo V8 POWER 755 bhp 0-60MPH 2.7 seconds ECONOMY 232mpg (combined) STREAMING Stupid Love – Lady Gaga
BOXING CLEVER Pitch up anywhere in the Tentbox – a two-person tent that fits to the roof of your car. Pops open in 30 seconds and is easy to fit to roof bags. Cheaper than a camper van too! From £995, tentbox.com
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CULTURE | Interview
Julia Peyton-Jones talks to Charlotte Metcalf about life after the Serpentine, the joys of late motherhood, returning to her roots as an artist and Princess Diana PORTRAIT BY ALEXANDRA DAO
T IN BRIEF PENTHOUSE OR COTTAGE?
I know it’s not cool, but I love a penthouse MICHELIN STAR OR COUNTRY PUB?
Neither, as I don’t drink. I’d rather go to a simple local café KILLER HEELS OR FLATS?
Trainers
COUTURE OR COUNTRY CASUALS?
Zara every time. I never go anywhere else DOG OR CAT?
We’re getting a tiny, cuddly Maltipoo for Pia’s birthday
he day before we’re due to meet, Julia contracts Covid so we resort to Zoom. Though sounding fragile, she insists she’s not someone to renege on a commitment and that I am doing her a favour by wanting to talk about her book. Julia’s modesty, good manners and determined lack of pretentiousness define her, despite her dizzying rise to the zenith of the art world as director of the Serpentine Gallery, a position she held for 25 years, earning her a DBE. Julia insists she was ‘the worst-qualified candidate for the job,’ but that, having landed it in 1991, she relished setting about transforming the tiny gallery into a global player, inspired by what Nicholas Serota had done at the Whitechapel Gallery and Charles Saatchi at Boundary Road. Early on Julia mounted two breakthrough shows, Objects for the Ideal Home and Broken English, exhibiting work by YBAs, including Damien Hirst’s cabinet of fish. ‘It was thrilling beyond measure to be doing all this with so few resources, as there was every reason to fail,’ says Julia. Of course she didn’t and the art world was agog watching Julia put the Serpentine on the map, increasing visitor numbers six-fold to over a million a year. She also commissioned renowned architects, who’d not yet built in the UK, to design a pop-up pavilion next to the gallery every summer. Julia masterminded the glamorous Serpentine Summer Party, which became London’s hottest social ticket, especially after Princess Diana was photographed emerging from her car, hand outstretched. ‘She was insanely beautiful in an incredible dress,’ remembers Julia, ‘and her patronage for the renovation of the building did absolute wonders. Back then people were coming in, looking at the art and saying, “My child could have painted that,” so by associating with us Princess Diana changed attitudes to contemporary art.’ Although Julia had to spend time in the public eye, she admits to a dislike of parties: ‘I am by no means a party animal and though it all looked glamorous, we were a tiny team, and everything was unpretentious. The Serpentine grew as we built a circle of supporters, and I kept pushing this beautiful little building and what we were doing up and up.’ Then, in 2016, Julia surprised the art world by stepping down to become a mother at 64. ‘It’s like smoking or drinking, eventually you have to give them up,’ she laughs (she long ago gave up both, decisions she ranks as among the best she’s ever made). ‘I’d done 25 years and I knew
I couldn’t be the mother I wanted to be while fulfilling my role the way the Serpentine deserved. Letting go was hard but today I’m the luckiest person on the planet.’ People were so intrigued by her late motherhood that few realised she was also giving birth of sorts to her rediscovered creative talents, attending artists’ workshops in Italy. Long before she became a curator, Julia won scholarships to the Byam Shaw School of Art and the Painting School of the Royal College of Art in London, and completed a master’s degree. Every new year Julia sets herself a challenge, and three years ago that was to sketch every day. Every night after Pia’s bedtime, Julia created a visual diary of their day together, then posted it on Instagram. ‘At the beginning my sketches were terrible and no one took any notice of my posts,’ Julia asserts, ‘but you just have to keep going and you can’t ever look down. I’d draw 12 little scenes in a grid – ranging from Pia in the park or me making the bed – I needed that discipline of a simple structure. If you repeat something you get better and better, and I was also documenting an extraordinary time during lockdown.’ Friends suggested the diary would make a beautiful gift for Pia, so Julia sent her drawings to a publisher friend, Franz König (to whom she’d given his first job, running the Serpentine bookshop). ‘Although friends suggested self-publishing the book, I didn’t see this as an option and thankfully Franz eventually agreed to publish.’ The result was Pia’s World, which is a delightful, moving testament to the simple, daily joys of being a mother to a three-year-old. Pia’s World was published last summer when, after enduring months of tabloid speculation, Julia told her story to Vogue. ‘It was very difficult writing about becoming a mother so late,’ she says. ‘But my book was published and for all the people who worked so hard on it I was determined to publicise it, so as not to let them down. I’m thrilled it’s now out there, in Waterstones and WH Smith and elsewhere, and perhaps I’ll have a big launch to coincide with my 70th birthday this year.’ Now the book’s clearly a success, I ask what this new year’s challenge will be. ‘Ah! Well, I’m just finalising an idea actually,’ she says mysteriously. No doubt she’ll attack it with her usual determination and vigour, only ever looking upwards, just like her life. Pia’s World by Julia Peyton-Jones (Hurtwood Press, £9.95) n
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Julia Peyton-Jones led the team at the Serpentine Gallery for 25 years and is photographed here at the ‘Miquel Barceló: Ceramics’ exhibition at Thaddaeus Ropac, London
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Portrait
Lady of a
Haley Bennett on the allure of rural Somerset, the power of change, and why working with your other half isn’t such a bad idea, after all. By MARC ABBOTT
FASHION DIRECTOR NICOLE SMALLWOOD PHOTOGRAPHER RACHELL SMITH
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Dress, AADNEVIK. rings, Matilde Jewellery
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Dress, AADNEVIK
inutes after we’ve fed handfuls of mealworms to her small brood of bantams, Haley Bennett proudly unearths and holds aloft a bunch of her homegrown heritage carrots, still hung with the rich soil of the Somerset countryside in which the American actress has made her home. In this moment, on a hillside near the small town of Bruton, she’s a picture of contentment. ‘When we found this place, we were living in New York,’ she says, explaining the way in which Haley and her partner, the film director Joe Wright, came to reside in this rustic spot. ‘I’d never been in the UK for more than seven days at a time, but we knew we wanted to live in the south-west of England. We saw the house online, Joe made an offer on it, but they didn’t think he was serious. So he just said to them: “OK, I’ll be on a flight this evening.” Now, I can’t bear to leave. I’ve had many lives, lived in a lot of different homes, but I’ve never
felt like I’ve found my beginning and my end. So, knock on wood, I think I’ll die here…’ What helps make this part of the world so special for Haley is its community of shopkeepers, makers and restaurateurs. ‘I’m at The Old Pharmacy deli and wine bar on Bruton High Street probably every day of the week,’ she says. ‘Our daughter Virginia loves their sticky buns, I love the coffee. It’s next door to Osip, which is another amazing restaurant. ‘At The Chapel is a staple, too – Catherine Butler there has an amazing wine selection that helped me survive the pandemic, and we love their pizzas. And I adore Hive at Bruton’s West End, it’s casual and serves comfort food made with beautiful ingredients.’ She recommends Swan Vintage for unique, pre-loved clothes. ‘Jacqueline at the Make gallery on Bruton High Street is always curating incredible shows and brings people together,’ she adds. ‘And we frequently visit the Oudolf Gardens at Hauser & Wirth.’ We talk while touring her house and gardens, pausing to discuss tomato cultivation (‘no one enjoys anything more than a good chutney’), appreciate the size of Haley’s chilli pepper plants, and reflect upon her admiration for the local community’s artists and craftspeople. ‘People here are really taking care of nature, cultivating, and creating for the next generation,’ she explains with civic (or should that be ‘agrarian’?) pride. We’re accompanied by her two dogs, River (‘a rescue terrier I’ve had since I was 21’) and the delightfully named Early Pippin, a Bedlington Terrier puppy (‘a very classically English dog, and suitably named since we’re living in the land of apples, the great Avalon’). The knees of Haley’s denim jeans are muddied from tending her plants; they’re matched with a thrifted blouse and Gucci loafers speckled with morning dew and grass clippings. As she slides open the door to a filmgoer’s dream barn conversion, she explains that: ‘This door is actually in the same aspect ratio as a cinema screen, so when you look out through it, it’s like a moving picture of nature, of the seasons changing,’ as she gestures admiringly to the rolling views beyond. Encompassing its own actual cinema screen, the expansive outhouse became the editing suite for Haley’s newest film, Cyrano, which not only features her as the female lead, Roxanne, but was also directed by Joe. Given that few of us possess the inclination to share a place
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Dress, Alberta Ferretti. Rings, Matilde Jewellery
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Dress, Aje. Earrings and necklace, Matilde Jewellery
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of work with our other halves, I ask whether domestic harmony was preserved on location? ‘Some couples work together and it doesn’t work [out], but it seems to bring us even closer,’ she says. ‘It’s an intimate process, but you do need to have boundaries and respect each other’s roles on set.’ The result of the couple’s most recent venture is a film that’s made for our times – a story of the search for self-worth, the craving for acceptance, and the pressure of expectation. ‘At its core, Cyrano is about self-doubt,’ Haley explains. ‘And every character is on that journey. Society projects that we have to be all things to everyone, and that’s such a fallacy. It holds us back from attaining the things we truly want and deserve. Each of these characters, Cyrano, Roxanne and Christian, would be on the “outsiders” lunch table at high school. Roxanne looks like she belongs in high society, but inside she’s this quirky
intellectual who’s held back by her outward appearance, much like Cyrano himself. And for Christian, when Roxanne sees him and falls instantly in love with him, there’s something terrifying and limiting about that. To think that you’ll never live up to what someone thinks of you or sees in you. That triggers this fear of intimacy to the point where he can’t approach her, which I can relate to.’ When it premiered at 2021’s Telluride Film Festival in Colorado, she says, members of the audience wept into their face masks. ‘Every time we’ve screened it, there’s been this incredible outpouring of emotion.’ So what’s next? Haley hefts a pile of A4 paper onto the table. ‘I’m developing a couple of projects. This one is Brood – I’ve written the screenplay, which is based on a debut novel by Jackie Polzin. I’m producing that with Joe and Mollye Asher who did Nomadland and Swallow’. [Swallow is a 2019 film for which Haley won multiple awards in her lead role of Hunter, a pregnant woman with Pica, a disorder that causes her to swallow unusual objects]. ‘It’s not as repulsive as it seems,’ she reassures. ‘It’s a really beautiful portrait of an isolated woman. ‘Filming Swallow, I felt like I shed so much, and I gained an enormous amount of power from that portrayal. It’s a film about finding your voice, and breaking Dress, Aje. free from the things that hold you, Earrings and necklace, and I feel that in a way that was Matilde Jewellery a very parallel trajectory for me. It was like a point of metamorphosis in my life.’ As she stands over a kitchen sink, vigorously scrubbing the dirt from her carrots, I ask what plans remain for the metamorphosis of her rural acreage. ‘Well, down here, I want to make this a walled garden,’ she gestures. ‘Plant more vines perhaps; make champagne… I’d like a herb garden, a fernery. We’ll be fully sustainable – all set!’ she laughs. Abandoning Haley to her horticulture, my abiding memory is that of a woman at peace, kneeling in her cutting garden and bunching together dahlias. Someone not just at one with her environment, but thriving in it. ‘Being on a film set is like being in a cocoon; I always come out changed,’ she’d told me earlier. Time spent with Haley Bennett is its own transformative experience. She’s living the good life. Couldn’t we all use some of that? Cyrano is in cinemas 25 February n
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Swimsuit, Alexandra Miro. Blazer, Bite Studios. Rings and earrings, Matilde Studios TEAM Hair: Christian Wood @ The Wall Group Make-up: Nathalie Eleni @ Adrenalin Photographic using skincare by Decorté Beauty and make-up by Nude by Nature Film: Tracer Ital Photographer’s assistants: April McCarthy and Kate Whelan Fashion assistant: April McCarthy Shot on location at The Londoner Hotel. thelondoner.com STOCKISTS: PAGE 118
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On Location
C&TH chose The Londoner’s subterranean spa as the perfect place to capture Hollywood star Haley Bennett
W
hen it was launched in September 2021, T he L ondoner became the world’s first ‘super boutique hotel’ – so-called because of its impressive size (comprising over 350 rooms and 16 floors), personalised service and world-leading food offer that encompasses six concept eateries. The hotel’s aim is to transform Leicester Square from a tourist trap into the West End’s number one destination for luxury hospitality, whether you’re a local or flying in from overseas. It was The Londoner’s dedicated subterranean wellness floor where C&TH’s Fashion Director, Nicole Smallwood, and photographer Rachell Smith found inspiration for their aquatic shoot with Hollywood star Haley Bennett, who has now made Somerset her home. The Retreat is the hotel’s space for wellness, physical fitness, and results-driven therapies, featuring a spa, private training gym, fitness studios with daily classes, 25m pool, barber, blow dry bar, nail bar and other amenities that offer a holistic approach to wellbeing. Open to guests and members of The Retreat, it’s an oasis of peace and relaxation in the heart of the capital. Here, the C&TH team shot Haley in frothy tulle dresses by AADNEVIK, Alberta Ferretti and Aje, layered with diamond pieces by Matilde Jewellery – Rachell was even in the pool for some of the shots. The result is evocative images worthy of any classic star of the silver screen.
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Some furniture is made for the here and now. Some is built to stand the test of time. At Neptune, we believe that the best can do both. Good design never grows old.
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Perfecting the balance of beauty and utility with a timeless collection of bespoke, British furniture. Home is a feeling; make a lasting impression. Dormy House.indd 1
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ARE YOU BEING
PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES
SERVED? The hospitality industry is suffering. The double bludgeon of Covid and Brexit has seen restaurants, hotels and entertainment venues struggling to get staff. High-end establishments are having to turn away wealthy patrons because they’d rather keep up standards than damage their reputations. The assumption is that a waiter is a lowskilled worker, but try telling that to TERESA LEVONIAN COLE, who spends a day trying to master VIP waiting skills at London’s The Stafford Hotel…
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ow difficult could it be? I asked myself. After all, I was practically weaned in the Mirabelle, at a time when London was still a gastronomic desert. I could tell my Château Beychevelle from my Aloxe-Corton (administered in baby doses, of course, as part of a régime of palate training) by the time I’d reached double figures. Waiters and sommeliers hovered throughout the background of my formative years. I was sure I, too, could appear discreetly behind a diner’s shoulder bearing boeuf en croûte. So I picked up the gauntlet thrown down in the course of a lunch at The Game Bird. The challenge – to serve as a waiter for a day – would be fun, I thought, even though it was born of a serious concern, reflected in the uncharacteristically empty tables in the fine dining restaurant of London’s venerable Stafford Hotel. ‘We are having to turn guests away,’ Cassie Delaney-Brown, the hotel’s PR explains, over a dish of Orkney scallops tempura and a rather good Chablis. ‘The demand is there, but we just can’t get the staff to run the hotel properly, at capacity.’ The upshot of the twin-pronged curse of Brexit and Covid, this staff shortage lament, (including 11,000 chefs needed in 2022, according to Occupop) has been echoing through the upper echelons of the hospitality market over the last months. It culminated in a letter to the Financial Times in September, in which Jeremy King and 68 fellow restaurateurs sign a petition for the Government to redress the situation afflicting this £133 billion industry. ‘Hospitality is not a low-skill career,’ writes King. ‘There are many roles both in the kitchen and on the floor that require a high level of training and extensive experience. […] Many roles within hospitality need to be included on the skills shortage list – this is crucial in order to save the industry under Brexit rules.’ Indeed, the first hint that my mission might not be as simple as I’d imagined lands in my inbox with 76 pages of attachments to memorise. Among these is the menu: 33 dishes (excluding desserts), that change seasonally. Piece of cake, I think. But no: each dish is accompanied by a description of ingredients, provenance and preparation… I have to memorise that, too. Three pages, just for oysters nature! This is nothing compared to the next hurdle – that most fashionable of Anglo-Saxon afflictions,: allergies. No fewer than 14 ‘common’ allergens are listed. And no culinary delight goes unpunished. Take my scallop dish, accompanied by crustaceans, fish, eggs, soy, milk, nuts, mustard, sulphites and gluten – any one of which might set off a testy immune system. Luca Gaeta, the Stafford’s delightful maître d’, greets me as I arrive for training, but he’s round-eyed with exhaustion after a 15-hour shift. ‘I usually have 12 to 14 waiters,’ he explains, ‘but we’re currently down to just six.’ So everyone has to pitch in everywhere, ricocheting between the restaurant, the bar and room service: distinctions between the five categories of waiterly seniority are necessarily blurred. ‘Following a recent advertisement for a Number Two,’ says Luca, ‘we received 12 replies. Not one applicant was English. And not one had the necessary experience.’ He explains that as
soon as waiters are engaged he tests them on their knowledge of the menu. Three strikes and they’re temporarily demoted to the realm of commis – a role that combines the endurance of Hercules with the fates of Persephone and Sysiphus – as the commis’ lot is to emerge from the underworld of the kitchens into the earthly paradise of the dining room, bearing an endlessly rotating cycle of full and empty trays. Happily, as Luca’s shadow, I am on the restaurant floor. But first I’m given a back-ofhouse tour of the underground labyrinth, which includes a staff canteen and relaxation room; the latter, in the circumstances, is as populated as the Marie Celeste. The kitchens, smaller than I’d imagined, are hot, busy and remarkably good-natured. If I was secretly hoping to witness copy-friendly Ramsay-esque tantrums, it is not to be. Even the recent appointment of starry TV chef, Lisa Goodwin-Allen (from Michelinstarred sister-restaurant, Northcote), to oversee operations and work alongside head chef Josef Rogulski, doesn’t put collegiate noses out of joint. Master sommelier, Gino Nardella, provides the highlight of the tour: the hotel’s 17th-century cellars, where some 8,000 bottles lie behind elegant wrought-iron grilles, secured with
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CLOCKWISE FROM FAR LEFT: Teresa in training takes an order from a willing ‘stooge’ guest; knowledge of food allergies is vital; she carves a side of salmon under supervision of maître d, Luca Gaeta; the hotel is turning guests away for lack of waiting staff
padlocks. Gino’s chores include tasting big-name wines that are expensively gathering dust, to ensure they’re still drinkable. But even a humble waiter must have a basic knowledge of wines available by the glass. So far, so good… After the daily Food & Beverage meeting, which scans lunch reservations (‘always refer to guests by name’) and VIP preferences, my training begins. I am initiated into the secrets of napkin origami, and instructed in the order of service (as formulaic as its religious equivalent), down to the angle at which to place the glasses (‘The engraving on the foot must be at 60° to the knife.’) I must study guests’ body language and return at the right moment to take their orders, which mercifully I may write down, starting with the ladies and proceeding in a clockwise direction. Each table position is assigned a code number, since asking: ‘Who’s having the burger and chips?’ is as non-U as offering your spectacles to the guest who asks what’s served with the steak. What defeats me is having to feed constantly updated orders to an information-hungry machine that spews them out to each station in the kitchens, so chefs to know exactly what stage each table is at. A copy is kept in the pantry, marked up with hieroglyphics denoting which cutlery is required by which person for which course. Luckily, for the sake of everyone’s sanity, I am spared this part of my education, leap-frogging to serve the starters.
I enjoy learning how to carve a side of salmon – a skill requiring a subtle wrist action comparable to that of a violinist with a bow. Inevitably, it results in my table receiving more fish than they bargained for, until I finally achieve the perfect slice, legato e tenuto. This I serve, ‘Italian style’, from the right – an easy task, but for the need to negotiate an enormous flower arrangement, the toppling of which doesn’t bear thinking about. My star turn comes with the dessert order: crêpes Suzette, which I flambé in a copper frying pan at the table, under Luca’s strict supervision. Butter, sugar, orange, Grand Marnier, and… whoosh! In an improvisational flourish, I pluck a rose from the table, and sprinkled its surprisingly resistant petals over the crêpes. Luca looks alarmed. ‘Please don’t eat the flowers,’ he implores the guests. They’ve been pickled in formaldehyde. These are not ‘real’ guests, of course, but stooges planted by the hotel to protect the innocent. ‘Excellent!’ exclaims Luca after my performance, with charming mendacity. ‘I’d hire you any day.’ I have to say it’s no doddle. The job requires sustained concentration, engagement with guests, communication with colleagues, anti-social hours, knowledge… and immense stamina. ‘I find it highly offensive when people think that anyone could do the job of a waiter,’ Gino, a veteran of 45 years’ experience, tells me. ‘This is a skilled profession.’ I can only agree. n
‘The job requires SUSTAINED concentration, engagement with GUESTS, communication with colleagues, ANTISOCIAL hours, knowledge… and immense STAMINA’
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SLOW& STEADY ALICE BARRACLOUGH uncovers this year’s new wellness trends
Glowing Jennifer Aniston takes daily collagen for her hair and skin health
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As we emerge from the biggest health crisis in human history, ‘wellness’ has never been so ingrained in our minds, and gym fanatics are paying attention to the fact their body also needs rest. So in 2022 expect to see a shift back to the ‘health’ aspect of ‘health and fitness’. Goodbye burpees, mountain climbers and jumping squats – we weren’t that fond of you anyway. Hello, low intensity – the wellness trend that puts stretching, yoga and walking ahead of sweaty, adrenalinefilled HIIT. This year brings a shift in mindset: we don’t just want to be shown how to be healthy, we want to take ownership of our bodies, and understand what the benefits really are – and why. It’s out with the fads, and in with the science.
FEMTECH IS THE NEXT BIG THING IN HEALTHCARE
Women are more in tune with their menstrual cycles than ever before thanks to apps such as Natural Cycles and FitrWoman; now we’re even structuring our workouts around our ‘time of the month’, with many trainers educating women on the importance of knowing when to push for PBs and when to take it easy. This year will bring new FemTech to the masses, allowing women not just to track their periods with a few taps on their smartphone, but also to embrace smart-tech such as wearable breast pumps and pelvic floor exercise trainers from the likes of Elvie. fitrwoman. com; natural cycles.com; elvie.com
COLLAGEN IN OUR COFFEE
Collagen has been a hero ingredient in the skincare industry for a while, but now it’s breaking into the food supplement industry and bridging the wellness-beauty gap. Given collagen is the main protein in our bodies, it’s no surprise that it has a huge effect on the way we look and feel. Collagen provides moisture, structure and elasticity to our bodies, helping to provide us with glowing skin, shiny hair and healthy nails. It also supports our bones, muscles, joints, tendons and ligaments, making it an important protein for an active life. Keen to try? Add a scoop of Vital Proteins Collagen powder to your morning coffee (just like Jennifer Aniston does) or try leading nutrition brand Innermost’s first-ever collagen product, The Glow Booster. vitalproteins.co.uk January/February 2022 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.CO.UK | 79
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SLEEP CARE IS THE ULTIMATE SELF-CARE
We all know sleep is essential for our health and wellbeing, yet with so many of us lying awake at night tossing and turning (insomnia was one of the top Google searches last year), more of us are tracking our slumber to find out exactly how much light, deep and REM sleep we’re getting. With a quieter social life, we’ve left behind the ‘I’ll sleep when I’m dead’ mentality and become obsessed with investing in rest. Expect Fitbit and Garmin sales to rise in 2022, and bedtime routines to become more luxurious – everything from lavender pillow sprays to sleep diffuser blends, sleep yoga, night-time teas, silk PJs and meditation apps with sleep stories will continue to grow.
INTIMACY IS REDEFINED
Intimacy products from massage oils to vibrators have gone mainstream and become part of the wellness and self-care sphere – with brands like UK’s Smile Makers paving the way for a new generation of innovative sex toys. Fun, bold and female-friendly, Smile Makers is on a mission to normalise women’s sexuality by reframing it as part of their overall wellbeing. And we’re here for it. smilemakerscollection.com
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GLUCOSE LEVELS ARE THE NEW TRACK AND TRACE
First, we counted steps. Then, we tracked how stressed we were. Now, we’re measuring our sugar levels. Continuous glucose monitors (CGM) were originally developed to help people with diabetes manage their blood sugar. But now digital health companies are using the devices to tap into the growing demand for personalised nutrition. Measuring real-time blood glucose levels, this technology is ideal for the health-conscious individual as it allows you to see the effects of what you eat and exactly how much sugar is hiding in our foods. Intrigued? One of the most luxurious gyms in London, KX in Chelsea, offers CGM in their wellness assessments for new members when they join the club. kxlife.co.uk
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CORPORATE WELLNESS STEPS UP
It’s not so long since ‘corporate wellness’ simply meant a free fruit bowl in the office kitchen. But wellbeing initiatives in the workplace aren’t just a tick-box exercise. So, as more employees return to offices full-time, we’ll also be demanding more from our employers. Gympass – a health and fitness app that gives you unlimited access to top gyms, studios, and wellbeing apps all in one membership – revealed that 77 per cent of employees believe it’s ‘important that their employer provides affordable wellness options,’ and many said it affects their decision about whether or not to join a company. A survey by the American Psychological Association found that an overwhelming 91 per cent of employees working in companies that support wellbeing say this motivates them to deliver their best. gympass.com
MUSCLE RECOVERY
The pandemic made us all reassess our lives and change the way we exercise, helping us realise there’s so much more to fitness than chasing soreness and sweat. So, while yoga, pilates and functional training won’t change per se, the way we approach them – and recover – will. Places like Stretch Inc began taking off as people became conscious of new muscle tightness caused by working from home at makeshift desks. And we’ll likely be seeing more post-exercise skin products to reduce muscle soreness, as well as massage therapy devices such as Therabody. CBD will continue to be big news next year – with brands such as Puresport leading the UK CBD market. Our favourite? The muscle and joint balm that helps to soothe inflammation and expedite gentle muscle repair. puresportcbd.com n January/February 2022 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.CO.UK | 81
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WHEN THE
PLANETS PHOTOS: GETTY IMAGES; ITV PICTURES
A L IGN
From jewellery to podcasts, everyone’s obsessed with their Saturn Return – Adele even credits it for her latest album. But what is it, and why does it resonate with us in 2022? By AMY WAKEHAM t all started late last year during a coffee with jeweller Roxanne Rajcoomar-Hadden, who was showing me a bespoke necklace she’d made for a client to symbolise her Saturn Return. Hold up, I said. What’s a Saturn Return? Roxanne explained: it’s when Saturn returns from its 28-year orbit of the sun to the position it was in at the time of your birth. Astrologers believe its return acts as a catalyst for dramatic change and unforeseen upheaval; a sort of grand karmic life reset. You’ll experience three throughout your life: in your late twenties, late fifties, and (if you’re lucky) late eighties. ‘I wanted to make a piece that showed how different it can be for everybody and symbolised that you’re not quite there yet – it’s like a transitory period,’ explained Roxanne. At this point I should say that I’m not a big believer in astrology; on the rare occasion I read my horoscope, it’s with one eyebrow raised. But I’m fascinated by how popular this ancient belief system has become in recent years; searches for ‘birth chart’ and ‘astrology’ both hit five-year peaks in 2020, according to Google Trends. And when Roxanne explained the idea behind Saturn Return, something resonated. 82 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.CO.UK | January/February 2022
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I’m 29, prime Saturn Return territory, and although I haven’t experienced any dramatic upheavals yet (global pandemic aside – and I don’t think I can blame that on my personal horoscope) there’s something about this end-ofa-decade age that feels like a cosmic shift might be rumbling. And it’s not just me: countless friends, acquaintances and celebrities have experienced lifechanging events in their late twenties, too. Adele even mentioned it in her interview with Vogue last autumn. ‘Then I hit my Saturn return,’ she said. ‘It’s where I lost the plot. When that comes, it can rock your life. It shakes you up a bit: Who am I? What do I want to do? What makes me truly happy?’ She credited her new album, 30, as her ‘ride or die throughout the most turbulent period of my life.’ The singer now has a tattoo of the planet on her forearm. Another person whose Saturn Return was life-changing was Caggie Dunlop, the Made In Chelsea star whose experience led to her creating a podcast of the same name. ‘It felt like everything was being turned upside down,’ she says of her late 20s, which were spent in LA, where she felt lost and lonely. ‘I’ve always been quite introspective, and I became aware that coping mechanisms, or things that had held me together before, were suddenly not working any more. And they were causing me quite a lot of pain.’
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Many people believe Saturn’s return brings unforeseen changes; Saturn Return necklace by Roxanne Rajcoomar-Hadden, £POA, rrhjewellery.com; Caggie Dunlop; Adele on ITV’s An Audience with Adele, with Saturn tattoo on her forearm
It was during her own Saturn Return that she became more interested in astrology. ‘I really started to lean into it because I felt like I was at such a transitional period myself and trying to make sense of things that didn’t make sense.’ Now her podcast Saturn Return is dedicated to delving into other people’s stories. Her most memorable interview was with lifestyle influencer Niomi Smart, who on the first recording was engaged, planning her wedding, and said she hadn’t experienced her Saturn Return yet. A week later, she left Caggie a voice note. She and her fiancé had broken up, and her life was spiralling out of control. ‘My Saturn Return has begun,’ she declared. However, astrologers insist that even though Saturn’s arrival can send things spinning out of control, by the time it’s over you’ll have gained more self-knowledge and confidence as a result. It’s a threshold you must cross before you enter the next stage of adulthood. Saturn Return seems to be a phenomenon that affects a lot of people – but is there a more tangible reason for this, grounded in our biology rather than the skies above us? In a paper published in Nature Medicine in 2019, a trial based on over 4,000 blood tests revealed that our bodies age in three distinct shifts, with 34 years, 60 years and 78 years the key thresholds. ‘By deep mining the ageing plasma proteome, we identified undulating changes during the human lifespan,’ wrote the researchers. ‘These changes were the result of clusters of proteins moving in distinct patterns, culminating in the emergence of three waves of ageing.’ Of course, there’s another biological shift that happens for women around the time of their second Saturn Return: the menopause, which can have a dramatic effect on women, with mood swings, hot flushes and even personality changes. However, maybe the answer for why Saturn Return – and astrology more widely – is resonating with so many people can be found in the fertile ground somewhere between hard science and horoscopes. Life, especially in your late 20s or during or after menopause, can be a hard, confusing and lonely place. For those of us in the first age group, the traditional milestones of adulthood – home ownership, marriage, children, job stability – feel increasingly unattainable. Meanwhile, women during and after the menopause often feel invisible and ignored. All of that, combined with a post-religious social landscape (about a quarter of US adults now say they think of themselves as spiritual but not religious) means that astrology is reaching a new generation of advocates who, even though they don’t believe in a god per se, are searching for a belief system that gives their lives more meaning. ‘At times of uncertainty, we want to focus on things that are fixed and stable,’ explains psychotherapist Lucy Beresford. ‘The increased appeal of astrology suggests that many people long for the certainty or direction that religion can provide. It could be that they like to be part of a community of like-minded souls, or they like the idea of focusing on a body of knowledge that has existed for millions of years. Having the routine of astrology can create purpose and meaning in one’s life.’ So if believing that the unpleasant upheavals in your life are caused by your Saturn Return brings you a sense of comfort and hope when you’re going through a tangibly difficult time… why on earth not? n
HOW TO SURVIVE YOUR SATURN RETURN ASTROLOGER NOURA BOURNI ON HOW TO GET THE BEST OUT OF THIS CHALLENGING TIME
27-30 It’s time to completely recalibrate and celebrate your free will and divinity. Be a fool in love with your SELF - recognise your right to be here, to live according to your own will and to become the authority, the sovereignty that leads your life. 55-60 Prepare yourself to answer the question: what is my legacy on earth? How can I further fulfil this legacy and what needs to shift in order for my life to align with it?
85-90 Start to wonder: how can I further inspire those around me? Who can I teach through my
experience? Who is willing to listen and learn? Look around – your wisdom is worth its weight in gold. January/February 2022 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.CO.UK | 83
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An innovative approach to Nutrition, Weight Loss and Women’s Health Tailored diet programmes and personalised nutrition coaching packages nordicnutritionist.com
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LITTLE
BLACK
BOOK OF
PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES
WELLNESS WARRIORS
From the royals’ go-to acupuncturist to an A-list osteopath, these are the specialists you need on speed dial when looking for help with your health. By BECCI VALLIS January/February 2022 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.CO.UK | 85
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It’s a minefield out there when it comes to trusting who to sort your stress levels, nail your nutrition or tweak your teeth for a more radiant smile – which is why we’ve compiled a graband-go guide to the best in the business. Meet some of the most results-driven practitioners on the planet...
DR RHONA ESKANDER DENTIST
DR MARTIN GALY HORMONE-BALANCING PHYSICIAN
Recognised as one of the UK’s leading prescribers of BHRT (bio-identical hormone treatments), you couldn’t get a more tailored-to-you experience. Using blood tests to measure your hormone levels, Dr Galy rebalances them using bio-identical versions of hormones like progesterone, testosterone and oestrogen, restoring optimum levels so you’ll be firing on all cylinders. It’s like pressing a reset button, in which hormone-related impacts such as weight gain, ageing skin, poor brain function and low immunity are reduced. An in-depth consultation ticking everything from medical conditions to family history means Dr Galy leaves no stone unturned in creating your final prescription. As well as alleviating menopause and perimenopause symptoms the treatment can help with mood disorders, anxiety, water retention and low libido. BOOK IN: Dr Martin Galy is based at his clinic, 23MD in London. Consultations cost £380. 23md.co.uk
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Dentistry services have transitioned from tooth care and mouth maintenance to focusing on youthful appearance and improving general wellbeing. A pioneer of this approach is Dr Rhona, who favours natural cosmetic dentistry – treatments like composite bonding, laser gum lifts, Invisalign and teeth whitening. Her ‘Icon Smooth’ treatment gently tackles white spots on teeth, to balance out discolourations. She’s dedicated to giving you the confidence of your smile, whether you love or hate the gap in your teeth, or want your pearly whites to brighten without going ‘Tippex teeth’. Her empathetic approach and high-tech toolkit always meet the brief. BOOK IN: Initial dentistry consultation, from £150. chelseadentalclinic.co.uk
DR AMIN GORGY FERTILITY SPECIALIST
DR LINDSAY BROWNING
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SLEEP EXPERT
Lack of sleep causes myriad complaints – from skin to mood to aches and pains, which is where Dr Browning, a chartered psychologist, neuroscientist, sleep expert and author of Navigating Sleeplessness swoops in with her sleep therapy. Offering a specially designed CBT for Insomnia (CBT-I) package that takes place over five sessions for the duration of eight weeks (either online or face to face at her clinic in Berkshire), your sleep patterns will be tracked and analysed. A personalised plan is then refined especially for you that focuses on changing your thoughts and behaviours to allow you to improve your bedtime habits and help you sleep soundly. A drug-free intervention that takes you from desperation to sweet dreams, all her techniques are based on psychological principles and holistic values, so any sleeping medication is a no-go. BOOK IN: After a free 15-minute consultation, Dr Browning will decide which of her three packages is for you – basic, £99; standard, £199 or CBT-I, £399. troublesleeping.co.uk
When it comes to fertility treatment, it’s all about connecting with your doctor to ensure they treat you as a human and not just a statistic (apparently a more common problem than you might think, when paying for treatment). Dr Gorgy is highly regarded not only for his results but also for the exceptional lengths of care he goes to in order to create a boutique, personalised and effective fertility treatment for each individual. As a lead in developing new techniques such as microsurgical sperm retrieval, assisted hatching, blastocyst transfer and reproductive immunology, he remains at the forefront of innovations in IVF, but combines this with holistic tips and advice on how to improve fertility naturally and bolster your success rate. BOOK IN: An initial consultation costs £230. fertility-academy.co.uk
EVE KALINIK NUTRITIONAL THERAPIST
Everyone knows the importance of good nutrition but sometimes an overhaul can seem daunting. Luckily Eve educates without forcing gruelling, unachievable food plans on you. Starting out in fashion PR, it was when her gut gave up on her that she pivoted into nutritional therapy and functional medicine. With a deep-rooted interest in the gut microbiome and the issues that arise when it’s out of kilter (IBS, auto-immune diseases, mood swings and skin issues), her approach is to get the gut in balance via your food so that the rest will follow. Alongside what you’re currently eating, Eve delves deep into emotional factors and lifestyle behaviours as well as incorporating stool analysis, saliva and blood tests, to ensure she can prescribe a 360-degree approach that will tickle your taste buds, heal your gut and boost your relationship with food. BOOK IN: From £275 for an initial consultation. Based at Cloud Twelve in Notting Hill, Eve also offers virtual appointments from £260. evekalinik.com
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ANISHA JOSHI OSTEOPATH
TRICHOLOGIST
ADA OOI SKIN EXPERT, FACIALIST AND TCM PRACTITIONER
Combining techniques from eastern and western practices, Ada Ooi can treat you from top to toe. A highly regarded facialist and traditional Chinese medicine practitioner, her repertoire of expertise includes acupuncture, aromatherapy, modern Gua Sha, lymphatic drainage, cross-friction massage, cupping, radio frequency, LED therapy and oxygen restoration. Deciding on the modality once she’s examined your tongue, pulse and temperature and chatted to you about your lifestyle, emotions and concerns, whether it’s a collagen-stimulating facial, a Meri-Lymph Active Circuit Massage or Womb Warming and Hormones Nurture Treatment, the variety of techniques she uses will stimulate the meridian networks in your body to promote organ health, regulate chi (energy flow), release fascia tension and deliver collagen and elastin to the skin. With her own cosmeceutical skincare range, popular Insta demos @adaooi, and a clientele that includes royalty and celebs, it’s no wonder she’s in high demand. BOOK IN: Treatments from £500. 001skincare.com
After suffering hair loss and scalp issues for years, Stephanie took matters into her own hands and trained in trichology to get a diagnosis. Now aiming to pinpoint the exact causes of her clients’ hair and scalp disorders, she signposts you to specialists in stress or diet alongside her own treatments. These include scalp micropigmentation treatment (SMP), where natural pigments are implanted into the epidermal layer of the skin to replicate hair follicles and give the appearance of density – ideal for patchy hair loss, traction alopecia and thinning areas. Expert in treating patients of all ethnicities and hair types, Stephanie is particularly interested in afro and mix-textured hair, which can often be more prone to breakage and genetic hair loss. BOOK IN: Virtual hair care Q&A from £55; an in-person consultation at her London clinic is £145. stephaniesey.com
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STEPHANIE SEY
A recipient of the prestigious Principal of the Year from the Institute of Osteopathy, Anisha is a multidisciplinary osteopath who doesn’t just move, stretch and click your joints, but also combines ultrasound, shockwave therapy (it feels like little pulses on your muscles) and exercise rehabilitation to get results. Counting A-listers like Rita Ora among her clients, she has a passion for fixing sports injuries, headaches and postural issues stemming from back and neck problems. And since Anisha explains everything, you’ll leave with a better understanding your of your body. Her mission is to create the quickest healing time possible – so whether you’ve been sitting awkwardly at your desk, are plagued with a persistent running injury or suffer tension headaches, the idea is you’ll be pain-free, pronto. BOOK IN: With clinics in London, Herts and Surrey, prices from £45-£129. osteoallies.co.uk
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NICOLA DUNN PSYCHOTHERAPIST
KATIE LIGHT
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BREATHWORK, ENERGY HEALING AND TOUCH THERAPY EXPERT
Based between Brighton and London, Katie Light is a master in neurolinguistic programming, reiki, breathwork and energy healing, as well as a fully-fledged facialist. Alongside her signature treatment, the Light Technique, which combines talking therapy with reiki, massage or reflexology, depending on what your mind and body need most, the newest addition to her menu is the Rest and Digest therapy. Counteracting symptoms of overwhelm, fatigue and anxiety with a combination of breathwork, bodywork, touch therapy and visualisation, it instils a sense of calm and draws out any tension and trauma that could be leaving you depleted. Each session is tailored to the individual and lasts around 90 minutes, with a course of four to six sessions recommended for maximum benefit. BOOK IN: Offering online and in-person consultations, Katie offers a free 15-30 minute initial consult to diagnose what you need. From £75. thelighttechnique.com
So many of our underlying psychological issues develop when we’re growing up, and Nicola, a systemic psychotherapist and coach for over 25 years, advocates ‘ constellation therapy to help get to the root of the problem. Constellation work involves positioning yourself and family members on a board according to your feelings in relation to each person; this can uncover unconscious behaviours that have contributed to inner fears and stress. With support techniques that help understand and resolve the issues holding you back, it’s like completing a personal family Rubik cube, enabling you to see where you fit into the family dynamic and how to create space to move on. BOOK IN: From £100 a session, with around three recommended for best results, Nicola practises out of Triyoga London. nicoladunnconstellations.com
ROSS BARR ACUPUNCTURIST
First off, be prepared for Ross’s dashing good looks and charming personality. Warm and welcoming, the acupuncturist renowned for treating the Duchess of Sussex (and being invited to her wedding), specialises in women’s health and fertility and is something of a Chinese medicine mixologist. Creating a bespoke treatment for everyone who walks through his door, he specialises in Five Element acupuncture, which focuses on balancing the energies of the five elements of wood, fire, earth, metal and water, so you can achieve the ultimate state of wellbeing inside and out. Whether that’s recalibrating the body in preparation for IVF or clearing blockages in the mind to reverse burnout, as well as using needles to manage your chi (energy flow), he’s also known for using oxibustion, which is the burning of moxa (mugwort) on certain acupuncture points to invigorate their application. BOOK IN: Prices start at £100. Start by downloading Ross’s own app, Ross J. Barr. rossbarr.com n
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Largest selection of Vispring beds nationwide Vispring construct beds using the finest natural materials paired with craftsmanship skilled through generations, creating a sleeping experience that is unparalleled. Vispring De Luxe Divan High with Iris Headboard, upholstered in Bottle Green
ANDSOTOBED.CO.UK | 0808 144 4343
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INTERIORS Edited by Carole Annett
Ooh La La Decadence is back and booming. Whether embracing the spirit of Versailles by dressing up to the nines for dinner at home or breaking out the head-turning tableware, it’s time to add a sprinkle of magic to your everyday. Summerill & Bishop Marble linen, from £25. summerillandbishop.com
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INTERIORS | News OUT OF THIS WORLD
TUBULAR BELLS Palermo Seventies-inspired chandelier hexagonal glass tubes hung from a chrome-plate iron frame. £1,485, purewhite lines.com
Christian Lacroix unveils Atlantis, eye-popping new designs for Designers Guild. Nature Games cushion, from £90; Jardin des Hespérides multicolour throw, £250. christian-lacroix.com; designersguild.com
MAKE IT BETTER Ouch wool blend hot water bottle and cover. £175, anyahindmarch.com
Design NOTES
TAKE HOLD Digby mortice door handle in bronze. £55.20, corston.com
All the latest news from the interiors world. By Carole Annett
Handcrafted and engraved In The Clouds crystal collection by New York-based designer Jonathan Hansen. Tumbler, £259; stemless wine glass, £275. brownsfashion.com
FIRM FRIENDS
Two industry favourites have joined forces: Emma Sims-Hilditch of Sims Hilditch design studio and George Smith furniture. Emma chair, £4,554 (£3,258 without fabric). georgesmith.com
WATCH AND LEARN
Interior designer Alidad is the latest in a starry line-up (including Rita Konig, garden designer Dan Pearson and Willow Crossley), on digital learning platform Create Academy, which offers online video courses in all things interiors. With no fixed start date or time, you’re able to watch – and rewatch – your chosen course whenever, wherever and on whatever device you choose. £127, createacademy.com
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PHOTOS: THE NEW CRAFTSMEN © GARETH HACKER
CELESTIAL CHIC
ONE-PIECE WONDER
Aurora folding screen with pastel resin lenses, by British design duo McCollin Bryan. From £41,500, hollyhunt.com
ROUND UP Tom Dixon has applied his brilliant mind to bathrooms with the Liquid collection for Vitra. Illuminated mirror with ceramic frame, £850; double washbasin, £638; pedestals, £450 each. vitra.co.uk
SEEK AND FIND
PHOTOS: THE NEW CRAFTSMEN © GARETH HACKER
Arran bolster in Sage, a handcrafted linen cushion by textile artist, Rosemary Milner, exclusive to The New Craftsmen, inspired by Rosemary’s foraging for seaweed along the West Scottish coastline. £480, thenewcraftsmen.com
HIGHLAND FLING Todd and Duncan cashmere jacquard blanket, spun, designed and knitted in Scotland. £1,400, toddandduncan.com
OLDIE AWARD Craven Dunnill Jackfield heritage tiles grace hotels, bars and historic buildings, from Keble college, Oxford, to London’s Fitzroy Tavern. The Artisan Collection includes Acanthus (Aquamarine), £19.95 each and Harrogate (Tangerine), £14.95 each. cdjackfield.com
SPEED MERCHANT Swyft sofas land on your doorstep within 24 hours, boxed-up so they fit easily through doors and up narrow stairs. Model 05 sofa in mustard: two-seater, £1,095; three-seater; £1,195; love seat, £895. swyfthome.com January/February 2022 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.CO.UK | 93
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INTERIORS | Case Study
‘I wanted it to FEEL like an ENGLISH GENTLEMAN’S apartment in the 1930s, REIMAGINED for modern living. It was a time of great ROMANCE – but also of great change through SOCIAL REFORM, literature and art’
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BEST IN SHOW Oliver Thornton left the footlights but he’s still stealing the show, finds Sofia Tindall
T
o go from treading the boards to crafting interior scenery is quite the career pivot. But for Oliver Thornton (whose West End credits include Les Misérables and Phantom of The Opera to name just a couple), the world of interior design has always called. Having designed on the side for several years and penned an interiors blog, Design for Living, he found that moving away from the stage and towards interior design was a logical progression. ‘I had such an amazing response to the blog that I knew it was the seed of something,’ explains Oliver. ‘When I moved to New York in 2014 my focus shifted away from performance and towards design in a more substantive way.’ Fast forward seven years (through a retraining at the New York School of Design and several successful commissions), and Oliver has come full circle, launching his first studio in London. Fittingly, it coincides with the completion of this handsome apartment in New York, heavily influenced by English style. ‘I wanted it to feel like an English gentleman’s New York apartment in the 1930s, reimagined for modern living,’ Oliver elaborates. ‘It was a time of great romance – but also of great change through social reform, literature and art.’ A finely-tuned dialogue runs throughout: modern shapes versus masculine lines and leathers; slick materials and lighting conversing with brash New Yorker shades; and a curation of antiques that could have been plucked straight from the set of Downton. Moving to the bedroom, cues are taken from club rooms, with walls adorned in original 1930s oars and vintage polo prints, Mulberry Home tartan drapes hanging from the four-poster, and an original Mark Beard painting surveying it all. Baker House velvet, from GP & J Baker is draped sumptuously throughout, giving way in the bathroom to Carrara marble and William Morris wallpaper (‘Claridge’s was a big inspiration’). But in true thespian tradition, Oliver knows it’s the props that bring it all to life. Meticulous attention to detail went into sourcing vintage barware, leather-bound books, antique artefacts and pieces made by local artisans. ‘I like to create a character for my client,’ reflects Oliver. ‘This one is all tuxedos and tweeds, country estates, and cocktails, in a dazzling club with the Bright Young Things.’ oliverthornton.com n January/February 2022 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.CO.UK | 95
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E X P E R I E N C E T H E P E R F E C T V I L L A H O L I DAY
Choosing the perfect house for your important holiday is not easy, which is why we are here to help at every step, from our Villa Specialists in the UK to our Destination Experts on hand in location. And with 50 years of experience, we know what makes the perfect villa holiday. What’s more, this year we are increasing the number of experiences we can offer, making your holiday that extra bit special. Plus, booking with us means booking with confidence. We are members of ABTA, are fully bonded with the CAA and have an ATOL license, ensuring full protection and complete peace of mind. To secure your perfect villa, get in touch with one of our Villa Specialists today.
020 3991 2633 | cvvillas.com GREECE • ITALY • FRANCE • SPAIN • PORTUGAL • CARIBBEAN • MOROCCO • TURKEY • CROATIA • SRI LANKA
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HOTELS&
TR AVEL FEELING GROOVY Kick back and unwind in one of these destination spas
Cayo Exclusive Resort & Spa, Crete, Greece
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HOTELS & TRAVEL | Spas
Perched on a steep hill on the northern coast of Crete you’ll find one of the island’s most peaceful pockets, Cayo Exclusive Resort & Spa. From its prime cliffside position, the hotel offers breathtaking views of the glittering Aegean, plus the historic Spinalonga islet, a former leper colony and the subject of Victoria Hislop’s acclaimed novel The Island. A theme of total relaxation permeates throughout the resort, culminating in a beautifully designed spa complete with a candlelit pool, steam room and sauna. A wide range of treatments are available here, from classic massages to mud masks to longer wellness rituals inspired by Greek mythology. BOOK IT: From £190, cayoresort.com
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ZABORIN RYOKAN, Hokkaido, Japan
A ryokan is a Japanese inn offering tatami-matted rooms, classic hospitality and, often, baths fed by hot springs. The team behind Zaborin, nestled in a birch forest in the Hanazono woods of Hokkaido, have taken this traditional model and elevated it to new heights, with 15 luxurious villas and private hot spring baths. On arrival, you’ll be welcomed by a tea master expertly preparing a cup of matcha for you, and throughout your stay you’ll benefit from the soft volcanic mineral waters of the baths, the tranquillity of the surrounding forest and exquisite Japanese cuisine. BOOK IT: From £630 B&B, dinner included. zaborin.com
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MATILD PALACE, Budapest, Hungary
For a taste of royalty, book a stay at Matild Palace, recently opened in Budapest following a five-year transformation. The 120-year-old palace and UNESCO site is now an opulent Luxury Collection hotel, featuring 130 guest rooms and suites converted from the apartments where monarchy once dwelled. It’s also home to The Swan Spa, which combines traditional Hungarian wellness practices with Turkish-inspired bathing experiences, with thermal treatments designed to refresh and energise. Superchef Wolfgang Puck, meanwhile, brings a taste of California glam to the city with a new outpost of his restaurant Spago. BOOK IT: From £450, marriott.com
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PALACE MERANO, Italy
An ochre-fronted Italian mansion that first opened its doors in 1906, hotel Palace Merano has been welcoming guests in search of respite and relaxation for over 100 years. Here, health is the real luxury and the hotel has dedicated 6,000 sq/m of space to its bespoke Revital Method, comprising treatment rooms, diagnostic tools and a spa. The hotel’s new Detox for Longevity programme is a must-try, for an overall improvement of physical and mental health, tackling everything from digestive difficulties to skin diseases and muscle, bone, cardiovascular and diabetes-related complaints. BOOK IT: Detox for Longevity sevennight programme from ¤5,700pp all-inclusive. palace.it
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TWO BUNCH PALMS, Desert Hot Springs, California, USA
Surrounded by vast desert and endless blue sky, Two Bunch Palms is a true oasis. Perched on the edge of the vast swathe of Joshua Tree National Park, the spa offers natural hot mineral pools in which to soak, as well as nine treatment rooms offering a range of massages and facials. Once you’ve basked in the pools, head for an al fresco yoga class or try a crafty workshop in everything from natural indigo dyeing to hand-thrown ceramics. Refuel in The Restaurant, which offers seasonal, So-Cal inspired foods, or in Twine, serving mezze platters and a wide selection of wines. BOOK IT: From £179pp; treatments from £78. twobunchpalms.com
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SANTO MARIS, Santorini, Greece
Surrounded by sweeping azure waters, the northwest Santorini location of Santo Maris Oia Luxury Suites & Spa was made to enrich the mind, body and soul. Wellness runs in Santo Maris’ veins, and its Anassa Spa is inspired by ancient Greek rituals – with a programme of muscle-melting massages, private yoga sessions and coterie of highly skilled therapists on hand to swiftly see to every stress and muscle niggle. Once fully rejuvenated and recharged, feast the senses on dishes made with local and seasonal ingredients at Alios Ilios sunset restaurant, overlooking aweinspiring vistas of the Aegean Sea. BOOK IT: From ¤400 B&B, santomaris.gr
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INTERCONTINENTAL BORA BORA RESORT AND THALASSO SPA, French Polynesia
Heaven is a place on earth – and we’ve found it. Escape to Bora Bora for the ultimate in relaxation, surrounded by the paradisiacal golden sands, turquoise lagoons and emerald mountains of this Polynesian island. If you can tear yourself away from your overwater bungalow, head to the Deep Ocean Spa for seawater therapies in villas with glass floors, so you can watch the fish swimming beneath you as you sink into pure bliss. The treatments on offer, such as hydro-massage baths and pearl rain massages, make use of key nutrients extracted from deep-sea waters, and there’s also massages and beauty treatments with Tahitian oils. BOOK IT: From £752, ihg.com
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VILA VITA PARC, The Algarve, Portugal
The state-of-the-art Sisley Spa is a newcomer to the prestigious Vila Vita Parc hotel in the Algarve – and the perfect refuge after the rigmarole of party season. Treatments take place in rooms inspired by sea caves and natural stone with calming oceanic hues. Led by the latest science balanced with essential oils selected for their biological properties, expect to indulge in cutting-edge Sisley treatments – such as the Phyto-Aromatic facial and body treatment. Supercharge your treatment afterwards with a session of aerial yoga or chakra meditation bathed in natural light in the fitness studio, overlooking Vila Vita’s luscious gardens. BOOK IT: From ¤210 (low season). vilavitaparc.com
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HACIENDA ALTAGRACIA, Costa Rica
Tucked in the foothills of Costa Rica’s Talamanca mountains, Hacienda Altagracia, Auberge Resorts Collection, is billed as a one-ofa-kind culinary, wellness and adventure experience. The Well is the escape’s dedicated wellness destination. Here, your journey begins in the vitality pools and aromatherapy steam rooms, before journeying on to treatments inspired by both ancient tradition and scientific innovation. The signature immersive ‘River Bath’ experience begins with a guided meditation, followed by a herbal bath and detoxifying riverside massage. BOOK IT: From $1,550 all inclusive; The Well Integrated Experience from an additional $2,150. aubergeresorts.com
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CAYO RESORT, Crete, Greece
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Spas | HOTELS & TRAVEL
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TSCHUGGEN GRAND HOTEL, Arosa, Switzerland
There’s nothing like a dose of crisp alpine air to blast away the cobwebs and reset mind, body and soul. The Tschuggen Grand Hotel’s new Moving Mountains guest experience programme with its immune-system boosting treatments are great place to start. Based out of the hotel’s inimitable Bergoase spa – built into the mountain itself by starchitect Mario Botta – it features the Immune Recovery Body Ritual, a full body massage starting with inhaling steam infused with salt to clear the respiratory system. Hiking, al-fresco yoga and meditation sessions will help you leave feeling your best self. BOOK IT: From approx. £519, tschuggen.ch; moving-mountains.ch
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ZULAL WELLNESS RESORT BY CHIVA-SOM, Qatar
The latest project by ChivaSom, the internationally acclaimed retreat in Thailand, Zulal Wellness Resort in Qatar is making history as the very first full-immersion wellness resort in the Middle East. Head here for bespoke and holistic wellness services that encompass traditional Arabic and Islamic medicine, detox, emotional and mental balance, stress management, and much more. There’s also the Zulal Discovery aspect of resort, which focuses on family wellness and bringing families together to learn about all aspects of a healthy lifestyle. BOOK IT: Two-night programme from £1,069. healingholidays.com
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ARISTI MOUNTAIN RESORT & VILLAS, Greece
Steer clear of Greece’s tourist hotspots and go offpiste to Aristi Mountain Resort, a series of lodges surrounded by the wilderness of the Northern Pindos National Park. The treatments here are Mediterraneaninspired, with products infused with Greek oils and herbs. There’s both an indoor and an outdoor pool, boasting mountain views, alongside a hammam, hot tub and sauna. After a day of blissful relaxation, float to on-site restaurant Salvia, which serves traditional Epirotic cuisine made using produce from the organic garden, before resting your head in one of the recently built villas. BOOK IT: From £115, aristi.eu
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HOTEL CRILLON LE BRAVE, Provence, France
In this Provençal village hotel, guests are encouraged to switch off and enjoy a slower pace of life. The hotel’s Spa des Ecuries, housed in vaulted stone stables from the 18th century, has three treatment rooms and offers a gentle but effective approach to relaxation. Products used during treatments contain active ingredients of organic plant extracts and essential oils, and personalised programmes are available on request. Guests can take their pick of sports preparation and recovery, yoga, meditation, slimming and detoxing, anti-stress cures and mum-to-be treatments. BOOK IT: From ¤350 B&B, crillonlebrave.com
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KISAWA SANCTUARY, Mozambique
Leave your troubles at the door and reconnect with your inner rhythm at Kisawa, a nature sanctuary set out across 300 hectares on the southern tip of Benguerra Island. At its heart is the Natural Wellness Centre, rooted in the four natural elements (earth, water, wind and fire) with a special focus given to Ayurvedic treatments. A menu of massages, cleanses and energy healing Reiki and meditation revitalises the body and soul from top to toe. You’ll sleep peacefully, too, aided by the serenity of Kisawa’s impeccably conserved natural surroundings and wildlife. BOOK IT: From ¤5,000 for two. kisawasanctuary.com
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WINDJAMMER LANDING, St Lucia
Spread across 60 acres of lush tropical landscape in St Lucia, Windjammer Landing is a picture-perfect slice of the Caribbean suited to families and couples alike. The all-inclusive hillside resort has all the amenities you could need, from restaurants and bars to water sports facilities and tennis courts. Wellness enthusiasts will be particularly impressed by the 5,000 sq/ft spa, which overlooks Labrelotte Bay and features a Japanese soaker tub, juice bar, herb garden and hair salon, plus numerous treatment rooms offering everything from body wraps to acupressure facials. BOOK IT: From $266, windjammerlanding.com
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SHOU SUGI BAN HOUSE, New York, USA
A wabi-sabi-inspired wellness retreat and destination spa in New York, the chicly understated Shou Sugi Ban House is home to 13 guest studios where guests can enjoy Kobe-style beds, a fireplace, private terrace and soaking tub. The spa roots itself in the natural world, drawing from the inherent wisdom and curative properties of the ocean, local pine forests, wild flora and indigenous herbs. Guests are encouraged to reconnect with the world around them, with therapy treatments designed to create an individual space for exploration, transformation and harmony through body and mind. BOOK IT: From $1,235 B&B inc. morning movement class. Treatments from $250. shousugibanhouse.com
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INIALA HARBOUR HOUSE, Malta
Launched in September 2021, Iniala Harbour House’s new spa is an oasis of calm and wellbeing within the ancient stone city of Valletta. The Essensi Spa boasts architecture that combines the building’s historic vaults with modern design. Spa facilities include double and single treatment rooms, a steam room, sauna, relaxation area, and a luxurious heated pool surrounded by contemporary Maltese art. There are over 80 treatments to choose from, with techniques from all over the world, from Europe to Asia. A true slice of comfort in the middle of the Mediterranean. BOOK IT: From ¤350; treatments from ¤60. inialamalta.com
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LE VAL THORENS, France
Dating back to the 1970s, Le Val Thorens was one of the ski resort’s very first hotels. In December 2021 it reopened after a big revamp, holding onto its 70s spirit but with some shiny new facilities added. After a day on the slopes, recuperate at the updated spa, which features a sauna, swimming pool and hammam alongside a selection of treatments, many specifically created for skiing, such as a massage designed to combat the effects of high altitude. New life has also been breathed into the bedrooms, which are designed for ultimate cosiness, with balconies offering spectacular 360-degree views of the region. BOOK IT: From €220, beaumier.com
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FORESTIS, Italy
Sceptical of flimsy, overhyped wellness trends? Forestis may change your mind with wellness seekers flocking to its sanctuary for over 100 years. Take in that clean, crisp air high above the clouds in the Dolomite Mountains of northeastern Italy. It’s all centred around the healing potential of the forest: expect guided hikes, treeinspired treatments and healthy dishes sourced directly from the surrounding woodlands and local farmers. Earthy rejuvenation is matched with luxurious cutting-edge treatments at the spa, which also includes a gym, swimming pools and saunas. BOOK IT: Three-night programme from £1,399. healingholidays.com
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ROYAL MANSOUR MARRAKECH, Morocco
Sheltered by the city’s walls and overlooked by the towering Atlas Mountains, the incomparable Royal Mansour Marrakech contains 53 charming private riads, plus a brand-new wellness concept featuring four all-inclusive programmes. Choose between Rebalance, Weight Control, Rejuvenation and Immunity Boost retreats, all of which come with consultations with the nutritionist and wellness advisor, personalised food menus, unlimited access to the spa and a bespoke programme to continue the positive work at home. BOOK IT: Programmes from approx. £2,269. royalmansour.com
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TABACON THERMAL RESORT & SPA, Costa Rica
If reconnecting with nature is the goal, the powerful healing effects of a volcano’s magma may just do the trick. The Tabacon Thermal Resort in Costa Rica boasts thermal mineral springs naturally heated by the nearby volcano, which is said to cause the water to be rich in minerals which could help relieve stress and ailments like arthritis. Here you can enjoy complete privacy with spa treatment bungalows tucked into the trees of the surrounding rainforest. Destress with a volcanic mud wrap treatment, while listening to the relaxing sounds of wildlife and nearby hot springs. BOOK IT: From $360, tabacon.com
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VANA, Uttarakhand, India
Taking its name from Sanskrit, meaning ‘forest’, Vana is perched between the forest dense with sal trees and the hills of Mussoorie in the far north of India. Tailored to those frazzled by the challenges of the modern world, expect an offering of Ayurveda healing, alongside traditional Chinese medicine and Tibetan healing, known as Sowa Rigpa. Shaded by a grove of mango trees, you can explore the extensive grounds that are peppered with spots for yoga and meditation. Enjoy on-site nutritionists, visiting monks and reenergise with a Sufi singing lesson. BOOK IT: Seven-night programmes from £1,899pp. healingholidays.com
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SANI RESORT, Greece
In a pine-scented cove overlooking the Aegean Sea is Sani Resort, a 1,000-acre eco-reserve with 7km of sandy beaches. There are five luxury hotels to choose from, each with its own Anne Semonin spa to enjoy. Inspired by the power of nature that surrounds you at Sani Resort, the spa menus include anti-ageing, hydrating, brightening and firming treatments, all using Anne Semonin’s skincare products. Afterwards, take part in a yoga class on the beach, caressed by the soft sea air, or do some forest bathing – there are over 20km of lush wooded trails to explore here. BOOK IT: From €147; spa treatments from €65. sani-resort.com
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CASA CHABLÉ, Tulum, Mexico
A glowing sense of wellbeing should go hand-in-hand with a glowing conscience – so while you’re recharging your batteries on the Yucutan peninsula, rest easy in the knowledge that its surrounding biosphere is taken care of. The philosophy here is: surroundings plus emotional and physical wellbeing equals wellness. So, on top of restorative massage therapies and facials using local ingredients, expect to find yourself nourishing the soul with yoga on the beach and snorkelling in the jewellike reefs. A programme of slow beauty, gentle immersion in Casa Chablé’s healing surroundings and wellbeing-focused activities will ensure you step back on the plane feeling renewed. BOOK IT: From £446, chablehotels.com
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LANSERHOF SYLT, Germany
Tipped as Europe’s most expensive new resort (the development costing ¤120m), the hype for what’s dubbed the ‘Hamptons of Germany’ has reached fever pitch. This is the first coastal resort by innovative health giant Lanserhof, which is opening this spring. The improvement of guests’ health is taken seriously here with the project overseen by Dr Jan Stritzke, a specialist in cardiological rehabilitation for acute and chronic illnesses. Expect aesthetically striking architecture of continuous glass facades and spiralling staircases matched with pretty thatched roofs. BOOK IT: Seven-night Lanserhof Cure Classic programme from ¤7,210. lanserhof.com
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MARBELLA CLUB HOTEL, Spain
Founded by Prince Alfonso von Hohenlohe in 1954, the Marbella Club is a haven of old-school glamour on Spain’s sun-baked south coast. Over the years it’s become beloved for its transformative wellness retreats, which can focus on anything from a liver reboot to food for beauty to aging gently. There’s also the must-try spa with its seawater pool and comprehensive menu of treatments: try the stressreducing ritual with a full-body volcanic scrub, soothing scalp massage, and face and body massage with essential oils. You’ll return to your private villa or suite totally blissed out. BOOK IT: Retreats from €4,750 all inclusive. marbellaclub.com n
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L’ALBERETA, Italy
Surrounded by rolling hills, emerald forests and vineyards heavy with fruit, L’Albereta will have you enchanted at first glance. A handsome, 57-room Italian chateau located just a few kilometres from Lake Iseo, L’Albereta hosts one of only two Espace Chenot spas in Italy. It offers the exclusive Chenot Method: energising treatments combined with a delicious healthy Bio-Light diet (wherein ingredients are prepared in a way that retains their nutritional benefits), hydro-aromatherapies, phyto-mud therapies and hydro-jet treatments. You’ll arrive overstretched and under cared for, and leave feeling like a brand new you. BOOK IT: From €260 B&B; The Dominique Chenot wellness four-day programme from €1,570 pp. albereta.it
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HOTELS & TRAVEL | Escape
NATURE THERAPY
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ith the pandemic putting even more focus on our health and wellbeing, many of us are seeking refuge amid nature in far-flung destinations. Which is why one cloudy summer morning I find myself in Iceland. It’s nine in the morning, and anchored in one of the many fjords that fracture the country’s remote north-western coast, the air, a cool ten degrees, is still; the calm, slate-blue waters stretch to a tranquil shore that immediately rises, broadening into a steep, moss-carpeted mountain slope. It’s my first morning of a three-day journey aboard MV Nansen Explorer, an expedition vessel that plies the icy seas of the polar regions, visiting remote destinations from Antarctica to Greenland. I’d boarded the previous evening in Reykjavik for a sailing that will head north along the remote Westfjords, to the country’s northernmost region, just outside the Arctic Circle. The ship is owned and operated by Nansen Polar Expeditions, with its excursions managed by EYOS, best known for arranging extraordinary superyacht expeditions to some of the world’s most extreme destinations. Expectations, then, were high. To start with, she is beautiful. Solidly utilitarian on the outside, quietly luxurious on the inside, her Scandinavian-inspired interiors are marked by a focus on simple lines, natural materials, carefully considered lighting, and muted hues. The seven cabins are thoughtfully considered and some, like the Owner’s Suite, have newly modified floor-to-ceiling windows that let in copious amounts of natural light. There is a gym and a dining room on deck two, while the cosy lounge on deck three is smartly configured for socialising in small or larger groups. This all comes together to provide a base for days spent immersing ourselves in a programme of skilfully planned excursions that focus on Iceland’s extraordinary landscape. The country’s constantly evolving topography is the result of rumbling volcanoes, bubbling hot springs, erupting geysers and shifting tectonic plates. This has combined to shape a medley of otherworldly, moss-covered lava fields, soaring mountains, glittering glaciers, thundering waterfalls, and vast river-cut valleys. In the summer, the almost neon-green landscape is blanketed with springy moss and a smattering of wild crowberries, blueberries, fluffy cotton flowers and the purple hues of Arctic thyme. That afternoon, the sun peeking from behind the clouds, we paddled on serene waters in kayaks to the mouth of the magnificent Dynjandi waterfall where, kitted up in drysuits, we walked to the top eddy pool for a dip against the roar of the falling water. Back on board, evening activity tended to begin around the bar, while supper, served in the dining room, was usually a three-course affair, focusing on robust dishes like salmon with leeks and Icelandic potatoes or hearty Norwegian fish soup. One evening, as the light began to fade from the sky, we made an impromptu landing at a nearby fjord, where we ended the day – in true Icelandic style – with a soak in the steaming waters of the Reykjafjarðarlaug natural hot pool.
Our last day on board, at the northern edge of the country, was also the most exhilarating. In the morning, under a flat, grey sky, we disembarked on the blustery shores of Hesteyri, an abandoned village – deserted since the 1950s due to the inhospitable climate – that’s nudged up against rugged, snow-capped peaks on the water’s edge of Hornstrandir Nature Reserve. Here, we ambled among desolate buildings, amid a sweep of Arctic Angelica and burbling streams, and then along the windswept coast past curious seals towards a disused whaling station. Later that afternoon, we hopped into the zodiacs with the hope of spotting the last of the Arctic puffins, most of which, by this time of the year, had already set off for the winter to the Labrador Sea. As the clouds began to disperse, their gentle churning mirrored in the calm, inky waters, the reflection unexpectedly shattered in what felt like an orchestrated finale as a humpback whale emerged in all its magnificent glory, with a spectacular half-hour performance of full breaches, tail slapping, spyhopping, fin waving and tail-fluke diving, flawlessly illuminated by the sparkle of the late afternoon sun. On a high, we sped back to the waiting ship where, evening cocktails in hand, we chattered excitedly, sharing pictures of our never-tobe-forgotten whale encounter. Back on dry land, I made my way upcountry, east of Reykjavik, towards Torfhús Retreat, a discreet property hidden among 50 acres of sprawling farmland, adjacent to the Golden Circle. The hotel literally blends into the landscape, its series of timber and stone houses, inspired by traditional Viking architecture, topped with living turf roofs. Anchored by a main langhús, which houses the reception and the restaurant, it is here that I am warmly welcomed by the owners, Sigi and Alex, who join me for supper. The dining room itself is a rustic space with repurposed timber walls, tables and chairs, shaggy sheepskin throws and large windows that frame picture-perfect views of the wild, windswept landscape outside. Over dishes like Icelandic langoustine and delicious slow-cooked beef short ribs, Alex and Siggi are keen to note that the retreat is just that – a sanctuary to be used as a base for exploring the area’s breathtaking natural wonders. And so, over the next couple of days, we buggy along dusty backroads, bouncing past stretches of moss-covered lava fields, which unfurl under big skies, eventually sloping upwards to soaring mountainscape vistas. We hop along the Golden Circle tourist trail, visiting sights like the epic Gullfoss waterfall and the erupting Strokkur geyser, but we also head off the beaten path, past gushing rivers, through burbling streams and to staggering waterfalls, like Háifoss, which cascades spectactularly down a majestic 130-metre-high cliff, into a deep river-cut valley. Evenings are spent immersed in my private geothermalheated basalt stone pool. Against a sprawling backdrop of bleak, windswept views and the formidable Langjökull glacier beyond, I reflect on Iceland’s truly wondrous landscape and am reminded that nature is, indeed, a tonic for the soul. n
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PHOTOS: NANSEN POLAR EXPEDITIONS © JOHN COTTON
Lauren Ho sails into polar waters in search of Iceland’s wild side
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CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Catching a glimpse of a humpback whale; the Aurora Borealis over Torfhús Retreat; one of the hotel’s cosy, rustic rooms; the good ship MV Nansen Explorer
A humpback WHALE emerged in all its MAGNIFICENT GLORY, with a SPECTACULAR half-hour PERFORMANCE
BOOK IT
Lauren was a guest of EYOS, Nansen Polar Expeditions and Torfhús Retreat. Nansen Polar Expeditions Available to charter, with prices starting from €295,000 per week, all inclusive. Single-cabin departures are also available to book, for themed itineraries to Greenland and Antarctica in 2022, with prices starting from €30,500 for a 12-night expedition, all inclusive. eyos.com Torfhús Retreat Rates start from €600 for a one-bedroom Torfbaer suite based on two people sharing including breakfast and lunch. torfhus.is
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ONE, TWO, THREE…. AHHH And breathe. Start the year right with a night or two at these cosy new hotels
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CALLOW HALL, Ashbourne, Derbyshire
From the knotted coils of ivy scaling its grey stone walls to the 900-year-old Lebanese cedar tree standing guard at its entrance, Wildhive’s Callow Hall certainly knows how to work its sylvan surroundings. But inside, the house, built in 1850, has 15 light-filled rooms with cavernous baths, period fireplaces and pheasant-studded from-the-bed views. Playful, bold interiors come courtesy of Isabella Worsley – who cut her teeth alongside Firmdale’s Kit Kemp – and cosy libraries, snugs and reading corners give the whole place a languid go-slow feel. A swift golf buggy ride will take you up to the Hives – a clutch of peaceful hideaways tucked away in the surrounding ancient woodlands – from which you can set out to tromp the Peak District dales, stroll the manicured grounds of Chatsworth House or cycle the blissfully uncomplicated Tissington Trail. Return for a zingy Mappleton Mule or an aromatherapy massage in the coach house spa, then settle down in the pretty glass-encased restaurant to feast on the Peaks’ finest produce, including tender Derbyshire beef, Calke Abbey venison and rum baba laced with honey made by Wildhive’s on-site bees. BOOK IT: Doubles from £179 and Hives from £259, wildhive.uk
With a sister Japanese restaurant and interiors from the same combination of creative brain power, Sir Frank Lowe and interior designer Nicola Harding, the new Beaverbrook Town House feels very much part of the renowned Surrey estate’s family. Convivial and welcoming from the moment you step in from Sloane Street, the hotel draws on Lord Beaverbrook’s legendary taste for fine living and entertaining with a touch of mischief. Fourteen suites, styled with four-poster or half-tester beds, have antique bureaus, a well-stocked cocktail trolley and lavish, velvet-trimmed curtains, a nod to the theatre, after which each suite is named. Decor is influenced by Art Deco zig-zag and geometric fabrics in punchy hues, against a backdrop of white bedlinen and sisal-covered floors. Historical treasures, saucy curios and vintage posters line bookshelves, mantels and walls. The bar, with its glossy sapphire and berry wall tiles, stained glass and leatherlined booths, offers an amuse-bouche of what to expect elsewhere. Whether you stay the night or pop by for a snifter while shopping, Beaverbrook beguiles and delights. BOOK IT: Doubles from £400, beaverbrooktownhouse.co.uk
PHOTOS: © ADAM LYNK
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BEAVERBROOK TOWN HOUSE, London
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Escape | HOTELS & TRAVEL
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THE TALBOT, Malton, Yorkshire
Located in the northern food capital of Malton, in Yorkshire, The Talbot is an elegant 17th-century coaching inn combining tradition and modernity in equal measure. Head back here after a long day hiking on the North Yorkshire Moors, exploring the glorious coastline just over 25 miles away (the beach at Filey is well worth a visit), or cheering on your horse to victory at York Races. You’ll be welcomed by roaring fires in the inviting sitting rooms and bar, as well as sumptuous four-poster beds and free-standing baths in the 26 rooms. Dinner is served in the wood-panelled restaurant, offering up seasonal menus cooked from locally sourced ingredients. Try the sirloin steak from Yorkshire’s Wateredge Farm, washed down with a hearty pinot noir from the wine list and followed by a slice of sticky toffee pudding – you’ll certainly sleep well after that. Before you leave, stock up your pantry from the Talbot Yard Food Court (just over the road), with heavenly bakes from Bluebird Bakery, macaroons from master patissier Florian Poirot, and rhubarb gin from Rare Bird Distillery. BOOK IT: Doubles from £129, talbotmalton.co.uk
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ALICE HAWTHORN, Nun Monkton, Yorkshire
PHOTOS: © ADAM LYNK
If you’re not feeling at one with the world, get in your car, and from wherever you are, set your Satnav to Nun Monkton. Turn off the A59, follow the road around until you arrive in a place that will restore your faith in England, in people and in yourself. What opens out before you is a gorgeous village green (20 acres or so), where cattle pile in the duck-filled pond for a drink, impeccable houses with riotous flower-filled gardens line each side of the green beyond which are miles and miles of the finest Yorkshire countryside. The beating heart of this village, once owned by Katherine Parr’s second husband, is The Alice Hawthorn, which has been serving pints to locals and strangers alike for over 200 years. A beacon of warmth, cosiness and a refuge from the rain on inclement days or a heavenly spot to soak up the sun on the outside terrace (don’t go without ordering home-made parmesan and truffle crisps), The Alice Hawthorn is steadfast in her welcome and serves up the best grub for miles around. And now, hooray, you can also stay the night too. Last year the project to build 12 rooms came to fruition and it will only serve to bring more people to this little pocket of perfection. BOOK IT: Doubles from £120 B&B, thealicehawthorn.com n
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YOUR VERY OWN SLICE OF PARADISE Set in a private 1,000-acre eco-reserve, Sani Resort has everything you and your family need for the ultimate in relaxation and renewal
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here’s good reason the ancient Greek gods chose this part of the world as their base. With sweeping views of Mount Olympus, home of Zeus, Aphrodite and Artemis, and lapped by the azure Aegean Sea, Sani Resorts is truly a heaven on earth. Set among 1,000 acres of pine forest, golden beaches and nature-filled wetlands, the five-star resort offers an incomparable escape.
BUILD THE HOLIDAY OF YOUR DREAMS With five award-winning hotels to choose from, over 35 bars and restaurants, plus endless pools, spas and spaces in which to relax, you can create the exact holiday that you’ve been craving for so long. There’s Sani Beach, the resort’s largest hotel, with a beautiful seafront location surrounded by 7km of white-sand beaches. Or, nestled among olive groves at the far end of the reserve, Sani Club is all about privacy: choose a suite with a private pool to bask in. Porto Sani, meanwhile, is perfect for young families, with heated pools and special kids’ wellbeing menus by Annabel Karmel. Or Sani Dunes is all modern sophistication, with Michelin-starred restaurants and glittering nightlife nearby. Finally, Sani Asterias is a luxurious option in an elegant setting, made for guests with custom-made service and total indulgence in mind.
FAR FROM THE MADDING CROWD Privacy and space to breathe have never been more in demand. Sani Resort offers a safe sanctuary for families of all ages, with boundless space to roam freely, including the Sani Forest and the Sani Wetlands. The resort also offers a wide range of outdoor activities to enjoy in its unique natural surroundings, plus a menu of al fresco dining options available in guests’ private gardens, on the beach or in secluded natural settings. Sani’s private setting and expansive space offers freedom for families, encouraging everyone to reconnect safely with the great outdoors – and each other.
STAY ACTIVE Whatever your passion, you’ll be able to find it at Sani Resort. Tennis fans big and small can benefit from the Rafa Nadal Tennis Centre, which uses the same training methods that took the famous player all the way to the world number one spot. Future football stars can get their practice in at the Chelsea FCF Academy, while outdoors-enthusiasts can
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P R O M OT I O N
test their skills at the Bear Grylls Survival Academy, which offers a family and teens programme specially designed for the natural surroundings of Sani Resort. There are also watersports to try, triathlon training, 20km of lush forest trails to explore, a bike academy, bird watching, yoga on the beach, archery, and so much more. Looking for something on the more relaxing side of the spectrum? Choose from the resort’s five indulging spas, each offering a menu of authentic treatments from around the world, using products from the world-renowned Anne Semonin skincare range.
A GREENER CHOICE Greece’s first resort to be declared carbon neutral, Sani won the World’s Leading Luxury Green Resort prize at the World Travel Awards in 2020 and 2021. It’s fully powered by renewable energy, while over 60 per cent of the produce its restaurants use come from within 100 miles, and its 1,000-acre eco-reserve is brimming with wildlife. At the heart of everything is the Sani Green programme, which means the resort works continuously to improve its energy efficiency, renewable energy use, water conservation, waste minimisation and sustainable procurement. All these initiatives are supported by a set of policies and measurable targets in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
HOLIDAYS TAILORED FOR FAMILIES
BOOK IT Discover Sani Resort in Greece and enjoy children-stay-free, complimentary airport transfers and early booking discounts. Find out more at sani-resort.com or call 0800 949 6809
Porto Sani, the family-first hotel in Sani Resort, is debuting a whole new look in May 2022, following the second phase of its €30 million refurbishment. The renovation will reveal 50 new additional suites, each fully tailored for families with personalised necessities for babies and kids, and facilities for parents. Plus, there’ll be two new restaurants (one Greek and one Peruvian), an outdoor pool with a bar for adults, a babies’ splash pad, and a heated kids’ pool. The Mini Club and Creche Club will have a whole new look, with extended indoor and outdoor play areas for tiny guests to enjoy. Also available are spacious family rooms that can accommodate families of all sizes – even extended or multi-generational ones – offering comfort and privacy for all members. Plus, every family will receive a complimentary session with Carol Mae Baby Consulting Services, a baby and toddler advice programme for new parents. Blessed by the beauty of the sea, forest and beach, Sani Resort offers an escape like no other. Here, you can find precious family moments, set amid a backdrop worthy of the ancient Greek gods themselves.
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FOOD&DRINK
Bowled Over Tuck into Dr Megan Rossi’s gut-friendly barley butternut squash risotto
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FOOD&DRINK | Recipe Food philosophy? Inclusion Dr Megan Rossi likes to bridge the gap between science and food,with her fad-free gut health tips and recipes
BARLEY BUTTERNUT SQUASH RISOTTO
not exclusion. More plants, more variety, more fibre, more flavour. It’s a science-backed way to transform your health without compromising on your enjoyment of food – the recipes in Eat More, Live Well are testimony to that. First dish you learnt to cook?
Zucchini slice, it’s an Aussie staple! I’ve included the recipe with a few gut loving tweaks.
PICTURED ON PREVIOUS PAGE
Most vivid food memory?
I grew up on an Italian farm where food was at the centre of all our family gatherings. I vividly remember crowding around my Nonna’s kitchen table with my cousins, fighting over the first slice of her melt-inyour-mouth sponge cake.
SERVES 4 PREP 10 MINS / COOK 35 MINS
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2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil 1 leek, sliced (approx. 150g) 3 celery sticks, sliced (approx. 130g) Half butternut squash or sweet potato, diced (approx. 400g) 3 garlic cloves, grated/crushed (approx. 12g) 8 sage leaves or half tsp dried sage 240g pearl barley 900ml vegetable stock 30g parmesan, grated 150g spring greens or spinach
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dd the olive oil to a large casserole pot or saucepan and put on a medium heat. Add the leek, celery and butternut squash and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until starting to soften. Then add the garlic and sage, stir well to mix into the vegetables and cook for 1 minute. Scatter the pearl barley over the top and pour the stock into the pan. Bring the liquid up to a rapid boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle boil and keep the lid off. Cook the risotto for 30 minutes until the pearl barley is al dente. Stir in between your self-care activity to make sure nothing catches. Add a splash of water if gets too dry. Stir in the grated Parmesan, followed by the spring greens. Cook until the greens are just wilted (about 3–4 minutes). Season to taste. If you want to really impress and add an extra plant point, serve with some crispy sage leaves and pumpkin seeds. To achieve this, heat a splash of olive oil in a frying pan and, when hot, drop in the sage leaves and pumpkin seeds and fry for a minute until crisp. You can also serve the barley risotto with Parmesan shavings and lemon zest.
Favourite in-season ingredient? Brussels sprouts!
Foodie TALES A life in food by the gut health doctor, Megan Rossi
I get such a kick out of converting haters with my Brussels sprout and walnut pesto. It’s a game-changer. Biggest mistake? Forgetting to ‘burp’ my kefir (releasing the gas that builds up during fermentation)– the result was a fizzy, sticky, kefir explosion painted across my kitchen. Most memorable meal? I got married in Orvieto, Italy, and the food was made by a local catering company who make everything from scratch and are equally as passionate about food and flavour. The guests still rave about it. Last time you sent something back?
I hate food waste so rarely send food back – in fact last month I found a grub in my salad but didn’t let that deter me from getting through it – grubs are nutrient-rich after all! Any unusual rules? I always ensure that there is something on my plate that my gut microbes will love i.e. plants. So instead of tucking into chocolate on its own, I add some dried fruit and mixed nuts or instead of having just eggs and sourdough, I’ll add some kimchi, tomato and mixed leaves too. In your fridge right now? Salmon from my local fishmonger. I am a big fan of fresh, sustainably sourced seafood, and my gut microbes are too (they love the Omega 3). Least favourite ingredient?
Butter. My microbes and I much prefer extra virgin olive oil, which if good quality, is completely safe to heat up to 210oC so perfect for home cooking. Eat More, Live Well is out now (Penguin Life, £16.99) n
PHOTOS: GETTY IMAGES
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News | FOOD&DRINK
NORTH STAR Islington’s roaring foodie scene has scored another win with Noci, a neighbourhood pasta restaurant inspired by chef Louis Korovilas’s travels around Italy. Join the queue around the green for its opening this February. nocirestaurant.co.uk
Gastro GOSSIP Banish January blues with self-care and sober tipples. By Sofia Tindall YOU’VE GUT THIS
PHOTOS: © LATEEF PHOTOGRAPHY
Give your gut the VIP treatment. With targeted supplements, digestion-promoting teas, kombuchas and kefirs, Daylesford’s wellbeing hamper is a pre- and pro-biotic powerhouse. £200, daylesford.com
READY, STEADY, COOK
Hooray for the return of supper clubs! We’ll be saving seats at the Cinnamon Kitchen on 4-5 February for a 10-course tasting menu whipped up by chef Vivek Singh and four 2020 Masterchef finalists. £120 per person, cinnamon-kitchen.com
AT-YOURS SERVICE
Limonsier’s dinner party packages take the headache out of hosting with expertly put-together menus, tablescapes and even staff. Simply sit back and enjoy. limonsier.com
CHIN CHIN! Arrivederci, hangovers. Oddbird’s Spumante, made with Italian Glera grapes is dry, characterful and best of all – 100 per cent alcohol-free. £10, harvey nichols.com
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Health | FOOD&DRINK
THE NEW
PHOTOS: PEXELS; GETTY IMAGES
TEETOTAL I
With 6.5 million of us having embarked on Dry January in 2021, Sofia Tindall investigates a new trend in sober curiosity
t was my face that was giving the game away: lacklustre complexion; under-eye circles; a forehead often concertinaed over Zoom meetings trying to cajole my befuddled brain into action. I knew a steady drip-drip of lockdown wine was the culprit, so by January 2021, when the New Year’s champagne had gone flat, I reluctantly vowed to take a month off in a bid to reclaim jurisdiction over my skin and energy levels. What I hadn’t predicted was that Dry January would turn into Dry February, Dry February to Dry March, and that after three months without a drop of chardonnay passing my lips that my perspective on alcohol would change so radically. I’ve been (mostly) sipping elderflower pressé ever since.
I’m not alone: lockdown saw six per cent of the UK drinking population – the equivalent of around four million people – change their habits and quit drinking. Meanwhile, the Nolo (no- and low-alcohol) market saw a 30 per cent spike in sales. According to a 2019 survey now more than one in two Millennials (nicknamed ‘soberennials’) consider themselves to be ‘mindful drinkers’. With that has evolved a new drinking terminology of abstinence like ‘sober curiosity’, ‘mindful drinking’ and ‘sober-ish’. With an estimated 6.5 million of us having embarked upon Dry January last year, I went to the experts to learn why rewiring your drinking habits is the most effective health hack of 2022. January/February 2022 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.CO.UK | 115
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FOOD&DRINK | Health SCIENCE vs ALCOHOL
Let’s get the scientific bit out of the way first – it will come as no surprise that thinking more conscientiously about taking care of herself and the alcohol isn’t an elixir of youth. On top of being in the same carcinogenic environment came naturally. ‘I became much more conscious of the planet,’ classification as cigarettes, it’s a known contributor to seven different she tells me. ‘I started to look after myself more, I felt like I wanted to take types of cancer and a 2012 study by the BMJ showed that even moderate action, I even started picking up litter in my street,’ she adds. At the same drinking can shrink the hippocampus region of your brain associated time – seeing a gap in the market for a sober festival – she started Morning with memory and learning. Research in 2017 also suggests drinking Gloryville, the UK’s first sober rave that, since its inception in 2013, has prematurely ages your cells (sorry – that £80 retinol serum can’t save you grown to have a presence across 23 cities worldwide, with a 200,000 strong here). The good news is that the body is marvellously elastic and most of following. Through the Morning Gloryville community, Samantha also the damage done to the brain, liver and skin caused by drinking starts started encouraging random acts of kindness and attributes this sense of reversing within weeks of abstinence. collective purpose to giving it more of the energy of a global movement. Like me, it was when 30 was on the horizon that author and editor She went on to found a creative expansion coaching business, where she reflects many of her clients wanted to change their relationship with Rosamund Dean found hangovers were taking more of a toll. ‘I was looking and feeling more lethargic,’ she explains, ‘and I wanted to cut alcohol (‘Many were sobering up or coming off medication or going down without giving up completely, because I do enjoy the odd glass of through a transition, it’s often the precursor to the start of a project,’) wine or celebratory fizz.’ and now runs a sex positive-focused brand called Roam. However, she reflects that the pandemic was a ‘very stressful time’ (48 per cent of the After changing her habits, she wrote her book Mindful Drinking: UK reported drinking more over lockdown in 2020 and there was a How Cutting Down Can Change Your Life (Trapeze, £8.99) as a guide to rebooting your relationship with alcohol. In it she recommends 19.6 per cent increase in alcohol related deaths). An invaluable part taking an initial 28-day breather from booze to clear the decks. of staying centred for Samantha was reconnecting with nature by ‘Dry January is brilliant, because like being pregnant, it’s a very going on walks and tree climbing, and also painting and poetry. straightforward excuse.’ From there, Rosamund says pinpoint the triggers that make you reach for a glass (social anxiety, lethargy and stress unsurprisingly are common culprits) and prepare a plan to re-enter the world of drinking on your own terms. Strangely, I found giving up drinking in lockdown easy – no after‘The thing to understand is that drinking less doesn’t happen work drinks, no parties with trays of champagne whirling around. by itself,’ she explains, ‘because it’s so habitual, you can slip back As an introvert masquerading as an extrovert (meaning I come into old habits really easily. You have to make a conscious decision, across as sociable, but quickly expire without time to recharge my and back it up with a plan.’ batteries), I know that I’m far more likely to slip when I’m She now sticks to the ‘rule of three’ – no more than at a party than alone at home with a book. three nights a week drinking, and no more than three From behind a glossy door in Harley Street, drinks at a time – but she’s a believer that there are no Malminder Gill coaches clients on how to drink more hard and fast rules. ‘It’s something that’s totally unique mindfully through hypnotherapy. Interestingly, she for everyone so the job is to find what works best for you.’ tells me, the majority of her clients are women in their 30s to 50s who ‘have every other area of their life under When it comes to the positive impact mindful drinking control. They’ll wake up, go to the gym or a pilates class has had in her own life, Dean is adamant that creating boundaries has had a transformative effect on her own and eat really well – it’s just their midweek drinking that life. ‘Now I try only to drink when I’m in a good mood, isn’t under control.’ and for positive reasons. If I do drink, it’s never to get To avoid my usual knee-jerk reaction of grabbing a drunk or drown my sorrows.’ glass of champagne when at a party, Malminder schools I’m curious (having forlornly trudged my way through me to ‘not forget to eat, and if you are drinking, alternate many a flat Diet Coke at the pub) as to what alcoholeach glass with a glass of water’. And when you’re at home free options she reaches for when out with friends or alone? ‘Make a genuine effort to find alternative activities looking to scratch that 6pm itch for a pinot grigio. ‘I love in the evening,’ she says – which could be anything from kombucha,’ she suggests, ‘because it’s fermented, cooking to getting out the yoga mat. it’s also good for your gut. Luckily, there are so It’s a sad reality though, that for many Feragaia alcoholmany sophisticated alcohol-free options now. I also mindful drinking just isn’t an option. Alcohol is free spirit love shrubs [a non-alcoholic spirit made with cider phenomenally addictive and if you’re struggling to vinegar and botanical syrup].’ curb your habits, says Malminder, it’s time to think about getting support. ‘Sometimes being mindful doesn’t stick,’ she reflects, ‘in those instances, therapy can really help to get to the root of the problem.’ All in all, if your reward at the end of a tough day So: radiant sense of wellbeing? Check. Glowing is a glass of pinot noir, the bad news is that there’s complexion without an aesthetic doctor’s bill? no short cut. Breaking up with alcohol is hard work. Check. But cutting back drinking is also a surprising But many more of us are waking up to the fact that sustainability win. A medium glass of wine just once re-evaluating our relationship with alcohol should be or twice a week over a year wastes 1,077 litres of as much a staple of our wellness routine as exercising, water and enough energy to heat a UK home for hydrating and eating healthily. And the Nolo drinks three days. Beer is an even worse offender: one or market is stepping up to the mark – with so many two bottles a week will create more than double the more delicious alcohol-free alternatives on offer, greenhouse gases of wine, gobbling up the same who needs a G&T anyway? Whatever dry January Samantha Moyo, founder energy as heating a home for eight days or driving brings for you, I hope I’ve proffered some food for of Morning Gloryville, a car 133 miles. thought. I’ll raise a glass (of Oddbird’s sparkling the UK’s first sober rave zero per cent ABV prosecco) to that. When Samantha Moyo gave up drinking,
ALCOHOL vs WELLBEING
ALCOHOL vs THE ENVIRONMENT
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FORTNUM & MASON ‘Light, refreshing and subtly fragranced, F&M’s Sparkling Tea ticks all the boxes.’ C&TH Managing Editor, Amy Wakeham. £17.95, fortnumandmason.com
Sober socialising is a breeze with a Seedlip mocktail in hand – muddle up a citrusy Orchard Sour with pear jam and lemon juice. SEEDLIP Orchard Sour made with Seedlip Garden 108. £26, seedlipdrinks.com
‘Filled with natural antioxidants, Jarr’s organic kombucha is delicious served cold. Sip it from a martini glass at your next dry cocktail party.’ – C&TH Digital Editor, Rebecca Cox. JARR Original kombucha. £2.65, planetorganic.com
DRY JANUARY SURVIVAL KIT Sober supplies to stock up on now
PICK ME-UP
Don’t be fooled by the bottle, Oddbird’s sparkling rosé is zero per cent ABV and will leave you feeling fresh as a daisy the morning after. The perfect dry companion to sparkly drinks occasions. ODDBIRD Sparkling rosé. £12, harveynichols.com
NONSUCH SHRUBS Wild hedgerow and rose shrubs. £22, nonsuchshrubs.com
HOLOS Kombucha classic. £2.45, wholefoods market.co.uk
Need a few words of encouragement? Catherine Gray’s sequel to the unputdownable Unexpected Joy of Being Sober turns ‘stone cold sober’ on its head, ushering in the era of Sunshine Warm Sober. With dozens of mindset-shifting insights on life after booze, dip into it when you need an extra dose of determination or a reason to smile on the Tube. (Aster, £14.99) n
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PROPERTY
Edited by Anna Tyzack
HOUSE OF THE MONTH Laurel Hill, 222 Cleft Road, Mill Neck, NY 12 bedrooms, 7 bathrooms, 14,252 sq/ft $18.5m In a sentence… Laurel Hill is a rare Gold Coast estate situated on 57 private and wooded acres with sweeping hilltop views over the water. Any juicy history? The area’s notable residents were celebrated in F Scott Fitzgerald’s novel The Great Gatsby, as well as Nelson DeMille’s best-selling The Gold Coast. Laurel Hill was once the home of Abby Rockefeller Mauzé, the granddaughter of John D Rockefeller. Best room in the house? The large and gracious dining room that hosted many Gold Coast parties with many famous and historic figures in attendance. What would summers be like? The estate, with its numerous outdoor spaces, walled gardens and rolling lawns, begs for outdoor summer enjoyment. Ideal for boaters, the estate is near the numerous private harbors located in the town of Mill Neck. There are frequent summer lawn parties and private events hosted by the area’s prominent families. Perks of the location? Only 50 minutes from New York City by car or train, this historic Long Island location was once the home of President Theodore Roosevelt, in nearby Sagamore Hill. (+1) 212-468-7140; christiesrealestate.com
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PROPERTY | Let’s Move To
THE ISLE OF MAN
W
ith its wild glens, sandy coves and comparatively cheap house prices, it’s no wonder a record number of families are moving to the Isle of Man. The island, which is 30 miles long, ten miles wide and one of the most sparsely populated places in the world, offers the fresh air and empty spaces we’ve yearned for during the pandemic, along with fiscal advantages such as no inheritance tax or stamp duty. ‘It’s a hugely relaxing place to be with no shortage of stunning scenery,’ explains Mark Holden of Savills (savills.co.uk). ‘The average journey to work on the island is just 20 minutes and you can be in London by plane in just over an hour.’ Classified as part of the British Isles (the Queen is Lord of Mann), the Isle of Man has its own unique identity, with its own rule of law, currency (though pound sterling is accepted) and tax regime. Historically, it was a fashionable holiday destination for the northwest of England – it was considered a posh alternative to Blackpool – but now its Georgian and Victorian villas are home to a vibrant and cosmopolitan community of entrepreneurs and business leaders who want to enjoy a healthy work-life balance. ‘It’s a unique bubble here where you have everything you need, children can feel safe, and parents have more time to do the things they love,’ says Mary Linehan, founder of relocation experts, B-Local (b-localiom.com). Once outside urban areas such as Douglas, the capital, and the picturesque villages of Peel on the west coast, Laxey on the south coast
and the seaside resort of Port Erin in the west, the scenery resembles an 18th-century romantic landscape painting, with ruined castles and forts on open moorland or craggy cliffs. There are walks and cycle paths alongside disused railway tracks and through enchanting glens, and the most intrepid can climb Snaefell, the Isle of Man’s only mountain, from the summit of which you can see England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Yet those moving from London or other large cities don’t find the island oppressively sleepy and rural. There are countless activities and sports on offer, from golf – Castletown Golf Links features in the Rolex World rankings of top golf courses – to sailing, paddleboarding, tennis and paragliding. Meanwhile there is a packed annual calendar of sporting fixtures, which include the Manx Grand Prix, the Tourist Trophy Motorbike races (famously known as the Isle of Man TT), tennis championships, a sea kayaking festival, a marathon, and the End 2 End mountain bike challenge. Culturally there’s also plenty going on, with the Gaiety Theatre and Opera House in Douglas staging West End standard productions plus a line-up of concerts and performances at Villa Marina, a seaside concert hall which opened in 1931. There are also now food and drink, arts and music festivals throughout the year, and an expanding restaurant and café scene. In Douglas, Shane Magee of estate agency Chrystals (chrystals.co.im) recommends 14 North Quay, which has a European menu, and Italian restaurants Enzo’s and Portofino. ‘There’s some form of event taking place every night of the week but equally you can be
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PHOTOS: UNSPLASH
Anna Tyzack sets sail for incredible landscapes and an exhilarating lifestyle in the Irish sea
low-key if you’d rather,’ says Shane. For families, the schools on the island are another attraction. The Buchan School in Castletown is a day and boarding prep school for pupils from aged three to 11, while its senior school, King William’s College, is so well respected that it draws boarding pupils from mainland Britain. There are also 33 primary schools, six secondary schools and a college, with links to British universities. While the cost of living is around eight per cent higher on the island than on the British mainland, and the average house price has risen by £25,000 since last year, prices are still lower than they are in Cheshire. A decent seaside apartment costs from £250,000, while a country house with five or more bedrooms and a few acres will cost from £1.5 million, according to Shane. At the top end of the market mansions sell for up to £30 million, although they tend to change hands quietly without being marketed. Manx architecture is varied, with buyers choosing between Victorian seaside residences, Georgian country houses, stonebuilt farms and opulent new builds. While it only takes 45 minutes to drive from one end of the island to the other, those looking for
maximum convenience tend to buy south of Douglas, close to the airport, sea terminal and schools. ‘In the mainland people think nothing of driving an hour but here ten minutes suddenly becomes a big trip in the car,’ Shane explains. ‘If you don’t need to be anywhere else, though, the north is beautiful and often sunnier as the island has a distinct microclimate.’ While Mary of B-Local has been helping an increasing number of Londoners to relocate to the island and integrate into the community, she currently has clients from South Africa, India and Romania too. ‘They all have their own motivations for choosing the Isle of Man – the clear air, the temperate climate, the safety – but once they arrive they all agree that the lifestyle on offer is second to none,’ she explains. ‘With everything they need in such close proximity, they find they have more time to enjoy doing the things they love.’ This, and the fact that the island is too understated to entice many tourists, even in the height of summer, is why Shane expects the surge of new residents to continue. ‘They like the fact that it’s not Monaco, it’s not glitzy,’ he says. ‘There’s tremendous wealth but it’s not obvious.’
BEST FOR
INCREDIBLE VIEWS Take the Manx Electric Railway up Snaefell, or even climb the rough trail to the peak on foot. manxelectricrailway.co.uk FAMILY FEASTS Only fresh, seasonal ingredients make the menu at The Abbey beside the medieval Rushen Abbey in Ballasalla. theabbey.im DATE NIGHT In Castletown Kizuna’s open kitchen serves Japanese fine dining based on trad kappo cooking. 01624 870000
EXPLORING The island is awash with coastal and inland glens; on a circular trail through Ballaglass Glen hear the rush of a waterfall and breathe in the wild garlic. visitisleofman.com FRESH CROISSANTS Visit Noa Bakehouse in Douglas for artisan coffee and a mountain of homemade pastries. facebook.com/ noabakehouse LOCAL CRAFT Laxey is home to the island’s last working woollen mill, where you can watch the weavers at work. laxeywoollenmills.com
FROM LEFT: A sunset walk in the beach at Glen Maye; bustling Douglas harbour
PHOTOS: UNSPLASH
FOR SALE
DOUGLAS, £1.475m Sleepy Oaks is a contemporary oak-framed residence set in an exclusive part of Douglas, in just under half an acre of landscaped gardens. Accommodation includes spacious entertaining spaces, five bedrooms and a separate self-contained apartment over a triple garage. savills.co.uk
WEST BALDWIN, £1.895m Ballig Farm is a beautiful period farmhouse, thoughtfully renovated with beamed ceilings and log fires, a country kitchen and five bedrooms. Outside there are sweeping lawns, ponds, and paddocks of 12 acres with river frontage. It’s situated in a picturesque valley, surrounded by rolling hills. chrystals.co.im
SANTON, £8m Ballarioghyn, a four-bedroom mansion with sea views and 19 acres of landscaped gardens and paddocks, is convenient for Douglas and private schools. Facilities include a billiards room, games room, treatment room, equestrian centre and tennis court and there is also a two-bedroom guest cottage. chrystals.co.im n
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Location, Location, LIFESTYLE Shifts in daily life spell new priorities – with Coutts. By Karen Regn
I
THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS
Register for our next Exclusive Coutts Virtual Property Event with Kirstie Allsopp at coutts.com/property
Last year, Britain’s so-called ‘race for space’ propelled the UK housing market to stratospheric heights, as total spend topped £500bn for the first time ever (in the year to the end of September 2021), according to estate agent Savills. Buoyed by ultra-low interest rates, robust activity was seen across the commuter zone
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PHOTOS: GETTY IMAGES
f green is the new black and 50 is the new 40, then lifestyle is definitely the new location. With remote and hybrid working tearing up the rulebook of the daily grind, lifestyle is joining location as a top-of-the-list priority for would-be home buyers. Better access to green spaces, generous gardens and flexible-use home office areas are just some of today’s residential property musthaves. And the clamour to achieve these aspirations has set off a national property phenomenon impacting virtually every corner of the housing market. Property expert and Coutts ambassador Kirstie Allsopp explains: ‘Whether upscaling an existing home or trading up the property ladder, 2022 seems as though it’s going to be about making adjustments so that our homes align with the ways our lives have changed in the past two years.
‘Flexibility of space is crucial,’ continues Allsopp. ‘This could mean having a dining room or playroom which serves as a workspace, but could be easily transformed back should the prospect of remote working change. ‘If you’re considering a home in the countryside, how far the local schools are really makes a difference. I had a friend who moved to the country who ended up with a repetitive strain injury because she spent so much time ferrying everyone around. My advice is to look through your diary from a previous year, perhaps not 2020, but maybe 2018 or ‘19. Consider your routine and the things you enjoyed at that time, and reflect on whether could you do them and where would you have to live to make those regular journeys possible.’
P R O M OT I O N
and on its fringes, with properties in turnkey condition, i.e. ready-tomove-in, among the most sought-after, says Franklin Asante, Private Banker at Coutts. He adds, ‘We have seen an uptick in clients wishing to utilise the value in their current properties to buy new and subsequent homes, which is a solution we specialise in here at Coutts. It’s particularly useful for those looking to move to more remote areas of the country whilst keeping their place in the city. I recently assisted a client in buying a grand estate in Scotland using the equity in their London property, so now they have the best of both worlds. ‘The demand for more space led to a number of fascinating purchases in 2021, including a 500-acre property in the North of England, a Grade II-listed property in Hertfordshire and family home built in the 17th century that sits on 13 acres in Kent. ‘At Coutts, we have experience in lending to a wide range of property types and locations which gives our clients more freedom to dream big.’
PHOTOS: GETTY IMAGES
NEW YEAR, NEW LIFESTYLE… NEW HOME You may be looking to make a fresh start in a home that ticks all the lifestyle boxes. You may have even made it your New Year’s resolution for 2022 – but how do you make it happen? If your aims involve buying property – a dream home in London or further afield, a second property for weekends away or an investment property – start by working with experts who have a keen understanding of what’s driving the market, says Katherine O’Shea, Director, Coutts Strategic Solutions. She comments, ‘Fluctuations in working patterns and movements in sterling will bring both opportunities as well as a few challenges for home movers, first-time buyers and investors. ‘City-dwellers who formerly relocated to the home counties retracing their steps to look for city-based homes, the return of international buyers and an anticipated rise in interest rates are all factors that stand to impact housing markets in the first half of the year. ‘Considering these trends, it’s difficult to predict where markets will go next. While housing markets have cooled
somewhat from the supercharged pace of last year, low stock availability makes it likely that competition between buyers will continue – especially in the commuter belt and among the prime property markets predominantly found in south-west and west London. Having an expert by your side who lives and breathes these markets and has a firm grasp of what you want to achieve may help. Coutts can introduce its clients to a panel of buying agents with relevant experience in areas you are looking in to help you identify best-in-class opportunities.’ Access to a range of bespoke borrowing facilities could also help to make buying a new property, re-mortgaging a property or financing home improvements smooth and straightforward. As a specialist in bespoke borrowing, Coutts’ experts understand the complex needs of high-net-worth individuals and families, taking their entire financial picture into consideration and making innovative recommendations based on its client’s unique arrangements and objectives. Coutts’ mortgage solutions are specially designed to enable a swift and effective property purchasing process, making them ideal for competitive markets. Coutts doesn’t want you to have compromise Visit coutts. on location or lifestyle; it com/property to discover how wants to help you to own a Coutts’ Bespoke property with all the flexibility Borrowing needed in this moment… solutions could and to create a home that’s help you perfectly suited to you.
Specific Coutts client eligibility criteria applies. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage. Credit is subject to status and approval. Over 18s only. Fees may apply.
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PROPERTY | Five of the Best
Homes for WELLNESS Houses that look after mind, body and soul. By Amy Wakeham
BISHOP’S STORTFORD, £12m
Grade I-listed Moor Place Manor offers Regency romance by the bucketful. With 13 bathrooms and four reception rooms, the handsome house is nestled in 80 acres of beautiful Hertfordshire countryside, where you can forest bathe and reconnect with nature. The swimming pool and tennis court will make keeping your fitness resolutions oh-so-easy, too. sothebysrealty.com
WATERLOO, £17.5m (furnished) Views don’t come better than this. Directly adjacent to the London Eye, the fourbedroom penthouse at Belvedere Gardens comes furnished by luxury interiors studio Goddard Littlefair, and offers access to the development’s private gym and spa area, plus the best of the capital on your doorstep. Unfurnished for £17m. knightfrank.co.uk; southbank-place.com
WINDSOR, £20m
Escape hectic life in your very own contemporary castle. Harford Manor is a nine-bedroom home within easy reach of London, with views over to HM The Queen’s home in Windsor. It’s all set within a 40-acre estate, with ten bathrooms, two kitchens, a cinema and games room, a gym, a pool, a sauna and a tennis court. There are also ten stables, top-class equestrian facilities and your own wine cellar. fineandcountry.com
WESTBOURNE GROVE, £2m
On a pretty tree-lined street, this immaculate three-bedroom apartment has a south-facing garden and off-street parking. There are two double bedrooms, a children’s bedroom, a family bathroom, a shower room and a terrace with wonderful views over the private garden, which also boasts a sauna cabin for real relaxation. savills.com
WESTBOURNE GROVE, £12.5m
Wellness is at the heart of this five-bedroom city centre home, thanks to its sprawling outdoor space and a mature landscaped garden with a relaxing woodland feel, at the bottom of which is a timber-clad hot tub and sauna. A library offers space for quiet retreat and reflection, and the open-plan kitchen-cum-dining room is ideal for meeting with friends. domusnova.com
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H a rd w a r e | Sw itc hes & Soc kets | Lig hting c orston. com
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7th Floor Roof Terrace
7th Floor Roof Terrace
Treatment Room
7th Floor Fitness Suite
Golf Simulation Room
Discover your new sanctuary at The Arc, EC1 100 energy efficient apartments in the heart of Shoreditch with distinctive indoor and outdoor amenities designed for socialising and tranquility. Studios, 1, 2 & 3 bedroom apartments from £728,000*
Contact us today, to arrange a visit to our Marketing Suite +44 20 8183 3333 info@ghelamcohomes.com
thearc-london.com a development by
*Prices correct at the time of print. ** Visits by appointment only. Computer generated images are indicative only and may be subject to change.
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ALL ELECTRIC BUILDING
14/01/2022 09:41
Imperial Crescent, SW6 £4,250,000
A large and private six bedroom, modern family house with underground parking and views towards the River Thames. The property has fantastic living accommodation and 6 bedrooms, all arranged over 5 floors. In addition there is a private patio garden and a separate studio with shower room. There is spacious private garage parking for 2 cars and underground parking for a further vehicle. The house has delightful views towards the River Thames, across the lovely gardens of Imperial Wharf. Kitchen / Dining Room / Sitting Room / 6 Bedrooms / 3 Reception Rooms / Garden Studio with Shower Room / Parking 3 Cars
Contact us on 020 3876 0280 facebook /radstockproperty
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i n s t a g r a m / r a d s t o c k p r o p e r t y | r a d s t o c k p r o p e r t y. c o m
11/01/2022 17:36
Egerton Gardens, Knightsbridge, SW3 An elegant and beautifully proportioned first floor flat featuring a wonderful reception room with a ceiling height approaching12ft (3.6m), decorative cornice, period style gas fireplace, wooden floor and bay window with access on to a balcony and views towards the communal gardens.
Share of freehold with a 999 year lease from 2015
Reception Room with Kitchen area Double Bedroom En suite Bathroom Guest Cloakroom Balcony Access to communal gardens
Price: £1,750,000
Call, click or visit: 4 Yeoman’s Row Brompton Road London SW3 2AH
Matthew Kaye
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Adam Carey
020 7590 0066 www.kayeandcarey.co.uk
12/01/2022 14:50
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C R A N L E Y G A R D E N S S O U T H K E N S I N G TO N , S W 7 A N E L E G A N T G R A D E I I L I S T E D FA M I LY H O M E I N T H E H E A R T O F S O U T H K E N S I N G T O N
An exquisite example of a restored period property featuring contemporary amenities including lift access throughout, an indoor swimming pool, and spa and gym facilities. The residence has fine period features and comprises five bedrooms, four reception rooms and a kitchen and breakfast room. 5 Bedrooms • 6 Bathrooms I N D O O R S W I M M I N G P O O L | M U LT I P L E T E R R A C E S | F O U R PA R K I N G P E R M I T S
£18,250,000 FREEHOLD • SOLE AGENTS
Beachamp Estates | Mayfair
+44 (0)20 7499 7722
www.beauchamp.com
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Nr Fowey, Cornwall Fowey 4 miles, Par Station 2 miles, Bodmin/A30 8 miles, Truro 21.5 miles, Newquay Airport 24 miles An elegant Grade II* Listed Queen Anne house in a rural setting near the Fowey Estuary with 4/5 bedrooms and facing south over established gardens towards undulating countryside beyond. 3,251 sqft Guide £1.575m 01326 617447
JONATHAN jonathancunliffe.co.uk
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Derbyshire’s dedicated sales and acquisition agents.
Derbyshire’s dedicated sales and acquisition agents.
YELDERSLEY HOLLIES, SHIMBA BARN AND THE GRANARY Bradley, Ashbourne, Derbyshire A fine Grade II listed family home together with two barn conversions offering good income potential/ancillary accommodation set in the middle of 10.87 acres of fine grazing land. Yeldersley Hollies: Four reception rooms, master bedroom and bathroom, 3-4 further bedrooms, bedroom five/dressing room, family bathroom. Shimba Barn: Sitting/dining room, kitchen/breakfast room, three bedrooms, two bath/shower rooms EPC E The Granary: Sitting/dining room, kitchen, two bedrooms. bathroom. EPC C Private driveway, gravelled parking area, large gardens, extensive barns/storage, grazing land, in all extending to approx. 10.87 acres Guide price: on application.
Viewing: strictly by appointment with Edward Caudwell 07766 565893 or edward@caudwellandco.com
Tel:01629 01629 810018 Tel: 810018 Email edward@caudwellandco.com • www.caudwellandco.com Country & Townhouse Full Page Ad January.indd 1 Caudwell.indd 1
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LAST WORD Novelist Meg Mason, who gave up on writing before returning to pen the critical triumph Sorrow and Bliss
Tales of our Time
Michael Hayman learns lessons on how to live with failure from author Meg Mason
‘T
he end is in the beginning and lies far ahead.’ The observation of the eminent American novelist Ralph Ellison capturing the circularity of life. It’s a favourite quote of Meg Mason, the author of the incredible best-selling novel Sorrow and Bliss (W&N, £14). It has been described as ‘a brutal, hilarious and compassionate triumph’. She offered a clue to me about what inspired her writing when she told me that, ‘My journey was to decide to start again’. An intervention brought about by turning 40 in the middle of a career crisis when she gave up writing. It was to be the proverbial darkest hour before the dawn, spurring her on to write about the human condition but with a passion born of
the belief that ‘this is my last chance and I didn’t hold anything back’. She describes the book as a post-hope project. One ‘where you think nothing good is ever going to happen and I don’t care’. But her readers certainly do care. The protagonist has been compared to Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s Fleabag and optioned for the big screen by Oscar-winning US studio New Regency. One of the key characters in the book is called Peregrine, an urbane font of all wisdom. In one key scene he says that, ‘Nostalgia is the suffering caused by our unappeased yearning to return.’ Those words stopped me in my tracks and are worth taking a moment to consider. Nostalgia comes from two Greek words, ‘nostos’ for returning home and ‘algos’ for pain. They explain a lot about regret and perhaps why we spend so much time trying to forget our failures.
For Meg, it helped her draw the conclusion that, ‘I have always found letting go of my failures difficult and forgiving myself for them nearly impossible, but I always thought it was a prerequisite to moving on. A year or two ago I decided to stop trying at self-forgiveness and just exist alongside my failures. To work around them but saying, I failed in these ways but, be that as it may, I am going to proceed.’ For Meg, she wants to exist alongside her failures because they are part of her, part of how she learns, the inescapable scar tissue of life. We conclude our discussion with improbable inspiration from the children’s classic Woody, Hazel and Little Pip with its final words, ‘And so our story ends, just when everything is at its best.’ Perhaps learning to live with your failures is the lesson we all need to learn at the beginning if we want to live our best. n
TA L K I N G P O I N T S LISTEN Meg Mason on Change Makers (changemakers.works). READ Widowland by C J Carey. Incredible historical fiction described as the ‘most important feminist novel in decade’ (Quercus, £14.99). WATCH Ray Donovan: The Movie – out 14 January. SHOP Wadswick Country Store – a rural retail oasis Dubarry Down brogue with a superb restaurant in Wiltshire (wadswick.co.uk). boot. £269, wadswick.co.uk 136 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.CO.UK | January/February 2022
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