Country & Town House - January 2018

THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS

JANUARY 2018 £3.90

Cash in the Attic

Where to pile your dosh in 2018

SEX AND THE CITY

WAKE UP BRITAIN!

Meet the Today programme’s new editor

Why being a woman is no problem for Adrienne Muir

ELENA Perminova A RUSSIAN FAIRYTALE

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C ON T E N T S J A N U A R Y

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Columns 20 22

THE GOOD LIFE Don’t hold the phone, says Alice B-B THE RURBANIST Leah Wood

Up Front 25 26 28

DUVET DAYS Stay in your PJs IN THE BLACK Splash out on essentials STYLE NOTEBOOK Menswear designers switch their allegiance 30 LUCIA LOVES Lucia van der Post hankers after creative cashmere 32 THE GOLD DIGGER Jewellery news 34 ON WINE & TIME The time is ripe for Chopard to branch out into the vineyard 36 MY BEAUTIFUL LIFE Charity Wakefield 38 BEAUTY REHAB Party repair tools 40 BODY & SOUL Liz Earle’s guide to January self care 41 RETREAT RITUAL Book in for some r’n’r beneath Piccadilly Circus 42 WELL GROOMED In 2018, it’s perfectly acceptable to smell of gin

The Guide 49 52 54 56 58 60

THE DIARY A look ahead at this year’s headline exhibitions ARTS AGENDA Colossal choreography WORDS & MEANINGS New year, new books ROAD TEST The Fiat Spider gets a modern makeover, says Jeremy Taylor SEEDER’S DIGEST Safari sculpture CONVERSATIONS AT SCARFES BAR The Today programme’s new editor, Sarah Sands, joins Matthew Bell at the bar

Fashion & Features 62

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62

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FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE Elena Perminova is using her happy ever after to help others, finds Alice B-B RISKY BUSINESS Can investments ever be fun? Christopher Silvester and John Redwood have it out NOT JUST A MAN’S WORLD Charlotte Metcalf meets Adrienne Muir, the COO leading the way for women in business

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C ON T E N T S J A N U A R Y

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HEART OF GOLD How not to lose your head when it comes to investing in matters of the heart

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MOONLIGHT SONATA Jamb’s contemporary take on a chandelier DESIGN NOTES News, views and inspiration by Carole Annett STEP INSIDE How to make an entrance Q&A Sebastian Conran

The Insider 84 86 87

Food & Travel 89 92 93 95

96 97 98

ANIMAL MAGIC Olivia Palamountain takes a walk on the wild side in Costa Rica THE HOTEL WIZARD Viva l’Italia, says Fiona Duncan THE WEEKENDER Paris has got its mojo back, says Rosalyn Wikeley FIT FOR A PRINCE Marcus Scriven understands how Mauritius could easily go to your head GASTRO GOSSIP Breakfast in bed WINTER WARMER Darina Allen’s laksa will heat you from the inside out FORK AND FIELD West African cooking gets a Mayfair makeover

On The Move 101 PROPERTY OF THE MONTH 102 WHY BUY IN... A second-home

community 104 THE SHAPE OF THINGS Savills’

Lucian Cook looks into his crystal ball 106 MY HOUSE Through the keyhole with

author Josie Lloyd 107 FIVE OF THE BEST Investment

opportunities, as chosen by Anna Tyzack

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ON THE COVER Elena Perminova wears dress by Rami Kadi, bra by Carine Gilson and earrings by De Beers. Art direction, Lucy Bond; styling, Rebecca CorbinMurray; photography, Greg Williams

Regulars 12 14 46

EDITOR’S LETTER CONTRIBUTORS HIGH SOCIETY

10 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.CO.UK | January 2018

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THE FUSION COLLECTION

COPENHAGEN

HONG KONG

LONDON

MUNICH

NEW YORK

OSLO

STOCKHOLM

SYDNEY

TAIPEI

TOKYO

GEORGJENSEN.COM

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EDITOR’S LETTER

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E EDITOR’S PICKS

WRITE Make notes not on your smartphone but in a pretty Longstaff Longstaff silk notebook JOIN Not a member of Radio H-P? Where have you been hiding...

BUY An Awon Golding hat, in case you’re invited to the wedding of the year!

veryone loves a fairytale but their real appeal lies not in the saccharine sweet ending but in the dark and dangerous world the hero or heroine inevitably has to contend with on the way to their ‘happy ever after’. Enter Elena Perminova, a beautiful Russian girl living in Siberia who falls for the wrong man. Cue a night in prison and the arrival of her knight in shining armour – who just happens to be a billionaire media tycoon and former member of the KGB. What could be more romantic? In fact, Elena has a heart of gold like every proper princess and is harnessing the power of social media for the greater good.

Alice B-B meets her on page 62.

I imagine Sarah Sands feels as though she’s living the dream too, having landed one of media’s most powerful positions – editor of the much-loved Radio Four’s Today programme. She’s the first non-BBC employee and the second woman to be appointed to the position and, as she tells Matthew Bell in our Scarfes Bar series, she’s absolutely loving it (p60).

I suspect there’s never a dull moment for her, unlike a conversation about government bonds or derivatives. Which is why we’ve asked Christopher Silvester to write about all the exciting places you

SEE Daniel Day-Lewis in his final role in Phantom Thread, set around London’s Savile Row

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62 60 can put your money that can also bring you a nice return – whether your sweet spot is classic cars, vintage wine or single malt whisky, Christopher gives a fair appraisal of the hows, whys and whats if you’re considering alternative investments. Sceptical that the Ferrari 250 GT Lusso will just turn into a financial noose around your neck? You’re in good company, says John Redwood, who highlights the pitfalls of putting your money into passions. You can make your own mind up (p70).

If you’ve always dreamed of having a country bolthole to flee to but have been put off by the enormous hassle of it all, a new phenomenon is on the rise.

Anna Tyzack profiles the secondhome rural communities that are springing up around the country, offering convenience and cost effectiveness, so you’ll never have to arrive to damp sheets and an empty fridge again.

Sounds good? Turn to page 102.

@countryandtown /countryandtownhousemagazine /countryandtownhouse

12 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.CO.UK | January 2018

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CONTRIBUTORS

GREG WILLIAMS

Best investment you ever made?

It has to be buying my first camera which was an Olympus OM-2.

I was 11 years old at the time and I bought it with the premium bonds my grandfather bought for me when I was born. It cost £100.

And what was your worst?

Buying not just one but two cross trainers.

If money was no object, what would you do? I’d have to buy a Chinook helicopter.

New Year’s Resolution? To use one of the cross trainers.

JOHN REDWOOD

TA G L I AT E L L E Diamond, gold and silver rings Cassandra Goad 147 Sloane Street London SW1X 9BZ Tel: 020 7730 2202

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Best investment you ever made?

The best investment advice I gave was to be completely in cash in 2008 and then to buy the world markets in the first quarter of 2009 at the end of the crash.

And what was your worst? To buy a lottery ticket.

If money was no object, what would you do?

I’d buy a house in central London.

New Year’s Resolution? To get rid of more things that I don’t need any more.

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Photo credit: Iris Velghe / Illustrator credit: Quentin Blake

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CHRISTOPHER SILVESTER

Best investment you ever made? Investing in a portfolio of vintage Bordeaux first and second growths through Premier Cru Wine Investments (now part of Cult Wines): 25 per cent annual return.

And what was your worst? Hanging on to shares for too long in the misguided belief that they would come good.

If money was no object you, what would you do? Buy a couple of the coloured houses on Burano, Venice. (Designer Philippe Starck has several.)

New Year’s Resolution? To finish the book I am writing (same resolution for the past few years!).

DARINA ALLEN

Best investment you ever made?

A week-long cookery course with Marcella Hazan in Bologna in 1982.

At that time in Ireland we always assumed local food was cheaper but, in Italy, they charged more for local products. I realised that we should be more proud of our produce.

And what was your worst? About ten years ago I bought some telecom shares on the advice of our minister of communications.

They completely flopped. I’ve never dabbled in stocks and shares since.

If money was no object, what would you do? Buy the whole of Ireland and turn it into an organic food island to secure our prosperity.

New Year’s Resolution? Slow down a bit and spend more time hugging my long-suffering husband of 47 years.

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

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

Don’t be left out in the cold this winter Warm yourself up this January, with up to 50% off in West London Gun Room’s best ever sale 020 8845 8849

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Copyright © 2018 Country & Town House Ltd. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is strictly prohibited. Materials are accepted on the understanding that no liability is incurred for safe custody. The publisher cannot be responsible for unsolicited material. All prices are correct at the time of going to press but are subject to change. Whilst every care is taken to ensure information is correct at time of going to press, it is subject to change, and C&TH Ltd. takes no responsibility for omissions or errors.

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COLUMN

THE GOOD LIFE Alice B-B has got a problem; a phone addiction

a bag was handed in, it’s behind the bar.’

I hug him. Phone clasped to my breast I make my way back to the delicious bed in a former monastery at the Mandarin Oriental, feeling grateful. But hateful.

I have a full-blown phone addiction.

And in 2018 it needs to be addressed.

LUXURY & NECESSITY SLEEK AND SEXY Dressing up with thevampires wife.com

TRAVELLING; MY FOCUS IS USUALLY EPIC TRIPS IN FAR-FLUNG PLACES. But

THIS MONTH I’LL BE CHIC BIRTHDAY PARTY IN PRAGUE ,

so why am I scrabbling about on my hands and knees, peering under sofas?

I interrupt folk having cosy chats, make ladies in snazzy sequin dresses check under their bottoms... and then I tear round the room, slinging cushions and throws aside like a mad woman.

It’s the age-old party disaster.

I’ve lost my bag.

Thing is, I couldn’t really give a stuff about my actual bag. What’s making the visceral panic rise through my body is... my phone.

My bloody, beautiful iPhone.

My best friend and my worst enemy, the first thing I reach for in the morning, the last thing I look at at night; a blurring of boundaries – is it a work tool, a play thing or the answer to all my procrastinating prayers? I even forgive its poor battery, somehow that makes the sliver of tech genius more human; of course it needs to be charged twice a day... a girl’s gotta eat.

Finally, eyes like a desperate junkie, I grab a waiter. ‘Yes, yes

1

Longing for the massage I had in a former chapel at Mandarin Oriental, Prague (mandarin oriental.com).

2

Drinking wine the modern way – ditch the stem and swill from crystal glassware beakers (riedel.co.uk).

3

Staring in wonder at Suzy Murphy’s new show ‘When I Close My Eyes’ (masters contemporary. com).

OTHER WISHES ON MY GIRLIE/TOMBOY LIST; a party

dress by The Vampire’s Wife designed by the bewitchingly beautiful Susie Bick. A zen face via new serum brand Elixseri – I’m obsessed by their Skin Meditation. And though I’m in love with my 1950s vintage watch, I’d like a Bamford Mayfair toughgirl timepiece that won’t object to me climbing mountains or diving deep waters. Oh, and I’d love a painting – I never tire of looking at Suzy Murphy’s pictures and her new body of work is both intriguing and exciting. Finally, in the hope for more adventure in 2018 (be careful what you wish for?), I’ll be holding tight to a Lost Explorer bag and jacket. But above all – I’d like a drone!

To be precise (pen and paper, Mr Love!) a Mavic Pro – because until the day comes when man and woman learns to fly, soaring above the earth via a lens has to be the next best thing.

GET THE GLOW ON Thanks to serum by elixseri.com RIDE ON TIME Toughing it in a Mayfair watch bamfordwatchdepartment.com

HOLD ON TIGHT Weekend bag from thelostexplorer.com

EYE SPY Get a bird’s eye view with a Mavic Pro from dji.com

PORTRAIT BY JANE MCLEISH-KELSEY

A

Prague reminds me how much Europe has to offer. The next morning, armed with suggestions from Mandarin Oriental’s encyclopaedic head concierge Pavl Rumel – I explore the city (using iPhone maps, naturally). Christmas markets whirring, hot glühwein tempting, thick goulash promising – as I trot across the 14th-century Charles Bridge above the Vltava river, step into Europe’s oldest active synagogue and gaze up at the medieval astronomical clock. As the arms tick-tock I add ‘Brexit U-Turn’ to my Christmas wishlist.

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INTERVIEW

THE RURBANIST Give chanting a chance, says Leah Wood What are Saturday afternoons made for? Walking around Hampstead Heath. I love all seasons in the park. Especially wrapping up warm and then heading home for a hearty bowl of spaghetti arrabiata and a glass of wine.

What would you change about yourself? I would actually find

Where do you go to escape the city? I tend to go to

Which historic country house would you snap up? Ightham Mote, a 14th-century moated manor house in Kent. It has beautiful grounds and a special feel to it. I’d love to spend some proper time there and really explore the gardens and look inside the house. It has real charm.

Last thing you went to see? Deva and Miten, who do a lot of chanting and I loved it. I went through every possible emotion – it was a huge catharsis for me – and I highly recommend going to see them, if you fancy a bit of a spiritual awakening.

What would you do as mayor for the day? Ban traffic wardens forever.

Where do you go if you don’t want anyone to get hold of you? I usually go to yoga. I’m into hatha and practise both in class and at home.

Post Brexit Britain... I’m not so sure but I hope we find our legs.

Favourite game to play?

It. I love playing this with my children, who are three and eight. It involves exercise, laughing and a lot of screaming.

the time to sit and read a book.

It does happen occasionally – I recently read The Red Notebook – but very rarely do I get the time to thoroughly enjoy a good book.

What would you take to a desert island? I would take Where’s home for you? Good old London town. I love London so much – it has got to be the best city in the world.

My absolute favourite place to visit is Borough Market.

Most memorable night out in London?

The River Café’s 30th anniversary. It was a brilliant evening with delicious food, a jazz band and lots of familiar friendly faces. It’s always so nice to meet new people and catch up with old faces that I haven’t seen in years.

a ‘How to Survive on a Desert Island’ book because I’d need all the advice I could get about how to make a shelter out of banana leaves. I would listen to Paul Simon’s Diamonds On the Soles of her Shoes. I love that song so much. It reminds me of my teens.

What would you save from your burning house? The doll my granny made, my new Prada shoes (I just bought them and they are divine) and my bicycle.

What would really improve your life? Winning the lottery. My granny used to enter the lottery every week.

Sometimes she would win something and other times she wouldn’t. I find it so nerve racking, it’s very exciting.

Where was the last place you ‘discovered’? Peru. I recently became an ambassador for Cool Earth, so I have been researching the Amazon and the rainforest. Cool Earth works with 19 Asháninka villages in Peru’s Ene Valley and I’m hoping I’ll get to visit this year.

PHOTOS: © CINDY SASHA; GETTY IMAGES

my family home in Ireland or, more recently, I went to my mum’s new place in Murcia (Spain), where her house sits on a hilltop overlooking mountains and vineyards.

It’s so peaceful – just the kind of peace and quiet you need to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Best thing a cabbie has ever said to you? A cabbie once told me all about the history of London and its hidden canals, bridges and underground tunnels and their secrets. Apparently, these tunnels were once used by kings and queens.

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C&TH

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

DUVET DAYS

BY MARTHA WARD When a duvet day can look this good, why not make every day in January one? Slip into these exquisitely crafted tailored PJs to look downright chic and far from bed ready. morphoandluna.com

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UP FRONT bamford.co.uk STYLE

IN THE BLACK Invest shrewdly in your wardrobe, says Martha Ward Burberry Crewdale coat, £1,995. net-a-porter.com

Asprey Flip ring in 18kt rose, white and yellow gold, £2,000. asprey.com

Bella Freud Marlene silksatin shirt, £380. matchesfashion.com

Isabel Marant Étoile Yukio frill dress, £365. irisfashion.co.uk

Eddie Harrop Weekend bag £695. eddieharrop.com

COUNTRY

Beulah London Black velvet ribbon tie jacket, £350. beulahlondon.com

TOWN

Brock Collection Cady crop trousers, £720. boutique1.com

Brunello Cucinelli Cashmere and mohair cardigan, £2,840. brunellocucinelli.com

Valentino Crossbody bag, £580. brownsfashion.com

Tara Jarmon Faux fur coat, £355. tarajarmon.com

Sabina Savage The Pheasant Tree scarf, £330. williamandson.com

Prada Velvet sandals, £580. brownsfashion.com

Troy London Scottish lambswool jumper, £250. troylondon.com WtR London Black bag, £320. wtrlondon.com Jimmy Choo Suede ankle boots, £725. jimmychoo.com

Rolex Yacht-Master 40 with chocolate dial in steel and Everose gold, £10,350. rolex.com

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UP FRONT

FA S H I O N N E W S

STYLE NOTEBOOK

MICRO TREND

KEEP IT CLASSIC Make sure you have your wardrobe staples

Go back to basics

LATIN SPIRIT

New ethical knitwear brand Aessai brings a luxurious touch of South America to British shores. Founded by Argentinian born Rebecca Kramer, the ponchos, scarves, wraps and blankets are made from the finest merino wool, alpaca, silk and linen to create timeless pieces that transcend trends and seasons. From £225. aessai.com

THE WHITE T Livotte Monica, £135. livotte.com

THE LEATHER LEGGINGS ElleSD classic stretch pants, £480. ellesd.com

Private White V.C.

THE CHUNKY KNIT Nili Lotan Cecil roll-neck cashmere sweater, £1,030. matchesfashion.com

THE BLACK BOOTS Acne Studios Pistol leather ankle boots, £350. acnestudios.com

BOY BRANDS

To keep in step with the zeitgeist, several brands – previously best known for their menswear – are now designing for the female of the species. Private White V.C. cashmere integral neck sweater, £199 (privatewhitevc.com); Martine Rose wide-legged jeans, £608 (matchesfashion.com) and Oliver Sweeney Sassofortino ankle boot, £349 (oliversweeney.com).

Martine Rose

WHAT A CLASSIC

Bruce Oldfield is your go-to for classic couture, but now one of the late Princess Diana’s favourite designers has launched a capsule collection of custom-made designs and Italian leather accessories that will see you dressed simply, classically and beautifully whether in town or country. 020 7584 1363

Oliver Sweeney

TA K E T H R E E

GYM BAGS Fiorelli Flash duffle, £49. fiorelli.com

Sweaty Betty Barre to Bar, £95. sweatybetty.com

Country Road Logo tote, £47.09. countryroad.com

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UP FRONT

LUXURY

LUCIA LOVES

ADDED EXTRAS

IT’S A WRAP

Lucia van der Post is reassured by the new creative director at Johnstons of Elgin

J

ohnstons of Elgin is one of those companies towards which, rather like Marks & Spencer, the country feels nothing but warmth. Those of us who know anything about it long for it to become a shining star. We can’t quite understand why, with such extraordinary heritage (it was started in 1797 and still washes some of its yarns in water from the nearby River Lossie), such craft skills, and such beautiful raw materials, it obstinately never quite seems to soar away as we would like it to. Yes, it does perfectly nice plain cashmere sweaters and shawls and tartan scarves but why, we want to know, are there not some more outrageously seductive garments that make us truly lust after them in the way that some of their continental rivals manage to do?

For those who don’t know much about it, Johnstons of Elgin is one of the oldest family-owned companies in Britain, it produces something like 80 per cent of all the cashmere that is made in the UK and quietly, behind the scenes, it makes all those beautiful cashmere garments and accessories that emerge from the likes of Chanel, Burberry, Hermès and many more of that ilk. So the mystery is – why aren’t its own Johnstons of Elgin label garments infinitely more alluring?

Well, the answer seems to be that things may just be looking up.

Recently appointed creative director Alan Scott comes with a great deal of experience – he launched menswear for Donna Karan and

worked as a consultant for uber-luxe Loro Piana. His first collection arrived in the shops for A/W’17 and, already, there are a few decidedly lustworthy items.

I, for one, would love to snuggle into the over-sized white cable knit sweater in pure cashmere, while the wide-necked waist-length sweater (in navy, scarlet, grey and sand, £199) has beautifully judged proportions. There’s also a very fashion-forward jacket in pure double-faced beige and toffee cashmere.

Fashionably over-sized with huge lapels, big buttons and cuffs, it looks set to be one of the stars of the new collection and look out, too, for a rather cute little cropped poncho (£249).

None of this is yet going to set the alarm bells ringing among the Loro Pianas and Brunello Cucinellis of this world but all the signs are that Alan Scott is on a mission to add some oomph and glamour to what is one of this country’s much-loved companies. johnstonsofelgin.com

INVESTMENT PIECE This natural herringbone over-sized doublefaced cashmere coat is entirely hand-stitched where the fabric is opened and closed back onto itself, creating a single layer effect with no visible stitching. The exaggerated cuffs on the sleeves show the reverse of the fabric which is new raw cashmere double face herringbone, £2,495.

HEAD OVER A snood is a snood, I know, but this one is truly luxe. It’s a limited-edition piece, handknitted in Scotland from 100 per cent cashmere in a heritage check, £695.

WINTER WARMER Snuggle up in an over-sized pure white cable knit sweater, but maybe only for special occasions to keep it whiter than white and certainly don’t do the cooking in it, £1,495.

FROM TOP: Cable knit jumper; weaving away; A/W’17; cashmere in raw form

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UP FRONT JEWELLERY

THE GOLD DIGGER

SPARKLING NEWS

The latest jewellery news and trends. By Annabel Davidson

ABOVE: Annoushka X The Vampire’s Wife charm bracelet BELOW: Release the Bats charm

THIRTEEN: LUCKY FOR SOME

OH, HARRY When a classic solitaire just won’t cut it, a new style of diamond ring from Harry Winston might just do the trick – and then some. The pearshaped cluster diamond ring from the iconic jewellers features six pear-cut diamonds fanning out from a larger central stone, with seriously highoctane results. harrywinston.com

Thirteen Nick Cave songs, 13 beautiful charms – that’s the essence of the collaboration between Susie Cave of The Vampire’s Wife and Annoushka Ducas of the eponymous jewellery brand.

From a tiny galleon ship with a secret opening hull for The Ship Song to an exquisitely creepy set of diamond and ruby-encrusted vampire fangs, complete with ruby blood drop, for Release the Bats, each tiny charm tells a story inspired

by Cave’s haunting lyrics. annoushka.com

COSTE COMES TO TOWN

BELOW: 18kt gold, pearl and black diamond Baroque earrings, £3,245, by Laurence Coste

Dyed stingray skin, seashells, turquoise, semi-precious stones and cultured pearls are just some of the materials used in Laurence Coste’s fabulous costume jewellery. The London-based Parisian designer’s website is a treasure trove of colour and texture, but her new Sloane Street store (her second London boutique) makes a pilgrimage necessary to really get a feel for her giant, hammered gold-look earrings and rustic cocktail rings hewn from chunks of labradorite and quartz. Alongside vibrantly coloured costume jewels suitable for throwing on whenever, over whatever, clients will be able to view examples of Coste’s finer pieces featuring 18kt gold and diamonds, as well as consulting with the designer herself on bespoke commissions. laurence-coste.com

RIGHT: Onyx, Venetian glass and agate drop Medici earrings, £175, by Laurence Coste

TAKE THREE BOOKS Women Jewellery Designers

by Juliet Weir-de La Rochefoucauld An in-depth look at the most important female jewellers in history, from Suzanne Belperron to Michelle Ong. £60. ACC Art Books

Ruby: The King of Gems

by Joanna Hardy This is about as sumptuous as a book can get – even if the reddest of gems isn’t your favourite stone, this book is a feast for the eyes, travelling from Myanmar to China and Europe. £75. Thames & Hudson

Art as Jewellery: From Calder to Kapoor

by Louisa Guinness This is a fascinating dive into the world of artist jewellery, by the likes of Dalì, Picasso, Man Ray, Damien Hirst and Grayson Perry. £45. ACC Art Books

TRUE BLUE The new Steel collection from Sotheby’s diamonds may look strikingly modern, with its gleaming blue metal accents, but the use of steel in jewellery isn’t actually new – it was used to mimic the sparkle of diamonds back in the early 1800s.

By combining it with actual diamonds and an alloy that creates the vibrant colour, to eye-popping effect. sothebys diamonds.com

NEW YORK, NEW YORK Think New York, think skyscrapers.

For Elizabeth Gage (who has just been awarded an MBE) though, it’s Central Park, as represented in the tourmalines and peridots of her new ‘New York’ collection. The Peacock ring, with its beautifully contrasting enamel accents, has my vote. elizabeth-gage.com

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C&TH PARTNERSHIP

LEFT & BELOW: Petites Feuilles rings

SHINE BRIGHT Cosmopolitan and chic best describe award-winning jeweller, Nadine Aysoy

K

ABOVE: Petite Tsarina choker BELOW: Tsarina ring with a pink sapphire and rhodolite and Tsarina rhodolite earrings

nowing how to accessorise properly can save any outfit and London’s best dressed are turning to Nadine Aysoy to source those all important finishing touches. The jeweller launched her eponymous brand last year and has quickly become one of London’s go-tos for her exquisite jewels, which she transforms into intriguing and timeless designs. It was for these reasons that she recently won the much-coveted ‘Editor’s Choice Award’ for her work.

Aysoy’s razor-sharp eye enables her to create irresistible collections of high impact jewellery; classic jewels that, on closer look, transform into something more extravagant, modern and chic. This is a designer who understands her clients, and the consideration that goes into every collections results in sophisticated pieces for grown-ups, designed to that last forever by transcending fashion.

She grew up in Antwerp and with diamonds in her DNA; her grandfather, P. N. Ferstenberg, was honored as ‘Dean of the Diamond Industry’.

It is fitting that her atelier and design team are based at the heart of the diamond industry, where she works to select gemstones and diamonds to bring her designs to life.

With such heritage, it is no surprise that Aysoy has created a unique and versatile collection of jewellery. Inspired by the beauty of nature, there are four core collections: Tsarina, Petite Tsarina, Elle et Lui and Mille et une Feuilles.

Standout pieces include her award-winning ring in the Mille et une Feuilles collection, which features diamond encrusted, golden ivy leaves that gently wrap around the finger, forming a ring across two fingers, and the glamorous and transformable Tsarina collection.

A fashion editor favourite, these have delicate diamonds to replicate frosted snow, creating sensational chandelier earrings in pale pink morganite, blue topaz and pink sapphire that can easily transform into a versatile earring stud.

The Petite Tsarina offers smaller and more delicate pendants and rings.

Nadine Aysoy jewellery has caught the attention of stylists and has fast become a favourite jeweller for red carpet appearances. Hermione Corfield and Laura Whitmore were both spotted wearing Nadine Aysoy at the EE BAFTAs and fans include Oscar-winning actress Julie Walters. nadineaysoy.com

The Nadine Aysoy collection is available from the following boutiques: harveynichols.com; lamaisoncouture.com; 1stdibs.com; curatedbyvictoria.com

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UP FRONT

WAT C H E S

OF WINE & TIME

FROM TOP: Chopard co-president KarlFriedrich Scheufele; Heritage L.U.C Grand Cru; wine cellars; Scheufele’s 14thcentury château

Chopard has been in the same family for nearly 55 years. Now they have added a biodynamic wine business to their portfolio, says Rosalyn Wikeley

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erched elegantly on the edge of a French antique, KarlFriedrich Scheufele, co-president of Swiss jeweller and watchmaker Chopard, is musing on wearables. ‘They are ever changing, constantly being renewed; they’re not built to last forever.

The philosophy is completely different.’

The Chopard philosophy, however, is built to last. Louis-Ulysse Chopard founded the company, which then specialised in making pocket watches, in 1860. In 1963, Karl Scheufele (Karl-Friedrich’s father), a German watchmaker, bought the company. This long family connection is a rare gem in the modern world of luxury.

The hands-on president, Karl-Friedrich – a trained goldsmith and watchmaker himself – oversees the Chopard manufacture in Fleurier, while his sister, Caroline Scheufele, heads up the artistic direction.

Karl-Friedrich’s hobbies – namely fine wine and fast cars – require great patience and determination. As such they are pastimes that seamlessly align with the philosophy of Chopard. This has seen them sponsor the Mille Miglia car rally, in which Karl-Friedrich has taken part since 1988, as well as the prestigious Grand Prix de Monaco Historique.

As for the wine, the co-CEO opened three exclusive and incredibly successful wine shops named ‘Le Caveau de Bacchus’.

Then in 2012, together with his wife, Christine, Karl Friedrich acquired a 14thcentury château in the famous wine region of Bergerac with an ambitious project to restructure the whole vineyard. The pair successfully relaunched the wine production using a compendium of organic methods – not far from the homeopathic sort used on humans – spreading their own-grown plants and herbs onto the vines, with thyme an ironic accomplice. Fourteen hectares of red, ten of white and a few bottles of rosé left over from the cabernet sauvignon will be certified biodynamic by 2018

(it takes three years to get this label in France). The same passion for quality and production control in his watchmaking is evident from grape to glass.

To celebrate popping the cork of the first bottle of Château Monestier de la Tour, Chopard has added a brand new edition to the Heritage L.U.C Collection in a tonneau-shape, reflecting the meticulously selected oak barrels holding the fine wine. Although Chopard’s first tonneau was seen in 2001, the Heritage L.U.C Grand Cru is the first to be equipped with an automatic movement and an 18kt gold micro-rotor.

The timepiece is certified both by COSC and the Poinçon de Genève, a testament to Karl-Friedrich’s appetite for high standards and external verification.

Though beholden to the vintage things in life, Karl-Friedrich is by no means slow to move with the times. Chopard was one of the first jewellers to move into the UAE, with a loyal Arab clientele since the 1970s; they were the first watchmaker to follow a fair mined policy in collaboration with Livia Firth and, this October, launched on the luxury e-commerce site, Net-a-Porter with their Happy Hearts diamond collection. Whether wine or watches, it would appear that Karl-Friedrich is a subscriber to Rodin’s edict that ‘What is done with time, time will respect it’.

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UP FRONT BEAUT Y

MY BEAUTIFUL LIFE Actor Charity Wakefield shares her beauty secrets with Nathalie Eleni

What’s the biggest beauty blunder you’ve ever made?

I once fake tanned only the front of my legs.

What three products couldn’t you live without? Neal’s Yard Frankincense Nourishing Cream is my favourite moisturiser; Number Four L’eau de Mare hydrating shampoo and conditioner make my hair more healthy and alive; and Davines Essential Haircare Oi Oil is brilliant for the ends of long hair.

How do you fake a good night’s sleep? I can’t! But I am getting better at dealing with insomnia if it strikes.

I’ll just go through what’s bothering me in my head and sometimes write it down.

When do you feel most beautiful? When I’m at the top of a hill I’ve climbed or after I’ve run on a beach or swam or surfed in the sea.

What treatments do you love? A full body scrub, a massage, a wrap in rose oil and then a sit in a steam room is my idea of heaven.

Best beauty secret? Walk lots, drink lots of water, wear clothes that make you feel alive and happy.

What’s in your make-up bag? MAC face and body foundation, Chanel Red Rouge Allure 104 ‘Passion’ lipstick – and Benefit Dandelion blush, the sweetest blush around.

How do you relax after a busy day on set?

I am a huge fan of baths. I love bath oils, and I’m addicted to Jo Malone. Lime Basil and Mandarin if I want to wake up, English Pear and Freesia for the absolute heaven of it, or Amber and Lavender for calming, deep relaxation.

Charity Wakefield can be seen in Bounty Hunters now available to stream on NOW TV

LIPSTICK LOVING TREAT YOUR LIPS TO A NEW SHADE FOR THE NEW YEAR 1 PIXI MATTELUSTRE LIPSTICK PEACH BLOSSOM A demi-matte lipstick in the most beautiful, fresh peach shade – flattering for all skin tones. £14. pixibeauty.co.uk 2 BURT’S BEES LIPSTICK IN NILE NUDE Deeply nurturing for lips, an easy-to-wear nude that’s perfect for daytime. £9.99. feelunique.com

The Chapel Book yourself into The Chapel for an intensive conditioning treatment, perfect for a New Year detox when hair might need to recover from party styling overload. Their Islington, Sevenoaks and Tunbridge Wells salons do things a little differently, with no fixed menu of treatments. Instead services are tailored to the individual and their richly nourishing rescue treatments will get lacklustre hair into shape in no time. These treatments can be enjoyed on their own or added on to a cut or colour. They charge for the time you need, not by a set price list, which means you get truly individual treatment rather than something off the shelf.

Prices range from £50 to £100 per hour. thechapel.co.uk

4 SARA HILL LIPSTICK IN MATT DAMON A soft, modern take on a pale pink lip that also offers plumping shea butter and avocado. £18. cultbeauty.com 5 INIKA VEGAN LIPSTICK IN NUDE PINK Natural and pretty for a flattering and feminine hint of colour. £18. naturisimo.com

PORTRAIT: PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALBERTO TANDOI

ME TIME

3 ZOEVA LUXE CREAM LIPSTICK IN COOLING PASSION Vibrant and seductive to enhance any complexion. Saturates lips in mouthwatering red. £9.50. selfridges.com

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UP FRONT

BEAUT Y

BEAUTY REHAB Repair the toxins and the tolls of December with some serious skin TLC, advises Nathalie Eleni 1 Teoxane Cosmeceuticals RHA Hydrogel Mask In cold weather, skin needs extra moisture and these hyaluronic acid and oat derivative packed masks keep skin hydrated and plumped perfectly for winter. £42 for two face and two neck masks. teoxane-beauty.co.uk 2 Tropic Whipped Body Velvet Slather your skin with this luxurious, non-toxic and vegan body cream and smell like sunshine with delicious Madagascan vanilla. £28. tropicskincare.com 3 Tata Harper Crème Riche Pure, non-toxic luxury – containing 43 natural and active ingredients, your skin will feel like it has been wrapped in velvet after a few applications of this divine face cream. £185. tataharperskincare.com 4 Lancer Caviar Lime Acid Peel Peel away dulling skin layers and refine pores with brightening glycolic and phytic acids. £90. spacenk.com 5 AlumierMD Alumience A.G.E Help to minimise the ageing effects of pollution and UV rays with this potently packed serum. £100. alumiermd.co.uk 6 Isla Apothecary Jasmine Sunset Radiance Body Oil Hand-crafted and cruelty free, a warming jasmine and vanilla base to scent the skin while plumping with fatty acids. £32. islaapothecary.com 7 001 Skincare London GLA & Squalane Balm Night Repair Treatment A hydration blanket for skin full of goodness to treat while you sleep. £78. 001skincare.com 8 Elemis Cellular Recovery Skin Bliss Capsules Give fatigued skin a boost with a 30-day and night treatment. Antioxidant rich oils break down harmful toxins that clog the skin. £66. elemis.com 9 Jurlique Sweet Violet and Grapefruit Hydrating Mist Spritz your skin throughout the day for instant hydration and the most delightful uplifting scent. £24. jurlique.co.uk 10 Immunocologie Vital Clay Spot Treatment Emergency spot fix for any skin detox skin eliminations – gentle and very effective. £30. fortnumandmason.com 11 Cellcosmet CellUltra Eye Serum Containing a specialist cellular complex delivered through a cooling metallic nozzle, this a serious saviour for puffy and congested eyes. £155. harrods.com 12 Gatineau Collagene Expert smoothing eye pads Great as a weekly treat or a quick pick-me-up to help smooth and plump dehydration lines. £39 for six. gatineau.co.uk 38 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.CO.UK | January 2018

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C&TH PROMOTION

NEW YEAR, NEW YOU

C&TH and Beyond MediSpa at Harvey Nichols are offering one lucky reader the chance to win an all-round transformation worth over £10,000

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hey say that true beauty comes from within, but looking your best on the outside certainly helps. At Beyond MediSpa, the expert team of doctors, nurses and skilled aestheticians tailor treatments using the latest technology.

Based at Harvey Nichols in Knightsbridge, the advanced spa is a one-stop destination for selfimprovement and a favourite of beauty insiders.

Also available at the Edinburgh and Liverpool stores, Beyond MediSpa offers a range of next generation treatments to restore and rejuvenate the face and body, whether you’re looking to lose weight, reduce fat, clear up problem skin or combat the signs of ageing.

Combining invasive and non-invasive medical and aesthetic treatments with a focus on complete well-being, Beyond MediSpa also has an in-house nutritionist to begin your transformation from the inside, out.

THE COMPETITION We’re offering C&TH readers the chance to win a bespoke transformation package to start the new year feeling their absolute best. The programme will be completely personalised to your needs and preferences, which can include:

WIN Worth over £10,000, don’t miss the chance to win this oncein-a-lifetime transformation.

Your experience will be published on the Country & Town House website, so that you can share your journey.

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

Entries close on 5 January 2018. Shortlisted winners will be notified by 8 January 2018.

To boost your chance of winning, let us know why we should pick you on Twitter and Instagram using the hashtag #CTHtransform.

• A body transformation thanks to CoolSculpting, the state-of-the-art fat reduction therapy that is quick and totally pain-free.

• Restoring and improving skin health, with Hydra Facials and LED Mask treatments.

• Face contouring using injectables (Botox, fillers), skin boosters and threads where and if necessary.

• Genetic testing to determine skin health and skin-ageing profile, or micro-nutrient needs and dietary recommendations. The in-house nutritionist will then create a personalised food list and supplement plan accordingly.

For more information on what Beyond MediSpa offers, please visit beyondmedispa.com

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UP FRONT

UP WELLNESS SUPERNUTRIENT VITAMIN D3 A daily dose of sunshine from Neal’s Yard Remedies

Ease yourself into the New Year, says Camilla Hewitt

A RECIPE FOR WELLNESS

Roasted Cauliflower and Almond Soup SERVES FOUR A thick and creamy soup with beneficial fats INGREDIENTS For the cauliflower:

» 1 medium cauliflower » 2 tbsp extra-virgin rapeseed oil

» Salt and pepper For the soup base:

» 2 tbsp extra-virgin » » » » » »

rapeseed oil 1 onion 1 stalk of celery 1 clove of garlic A few sprigs of fresh thyme, stripped 2 cups Plenish almond milk 1 cup vegetable stock

METHOD Preheat the oven to 210°C. Chop the cauliflower into florettes, toss with rapeseed oil, season, and roast for 15-20 mins. Chop the onion, celery, cauliflower stalk, garlic and thyme and gently sauté. Season.

Add the almond milk and vegetable stock, keeping the heat gentle. Add the cauliflower into the pan and continue to cook for five mins. Dry toast some almonds for 3-4 mins in the residual heat in the oven. Allow the soup to cool slightly before transferring to a jug blender and blending until totally smooth. Garnish with black pepper, fresh thyme leaves, chopped roasted almonds and a squeeze of lemon juice. plenishcleanse.com

ESCAPE THE OFFICE

Liz Earle MBE’s top three wellbeing tips for January 1. Make one small change to your diet.

Focusing on your gut health and adding a daily dose of probiotics – in the form of plain live yoghurt or fermented foods such as kefir. You’ll be making a real difference to your overall health and wellbeing.

2. Staying hydrated. This is vital to staying well, so cut down your caffeine intake and change to one mug a day before swapping over to a cup of warm water and lemon juice, or a cleansing herbal tea.

3. Body brush. This is an invigorating way to start the day and just a few moments of brushing sloughs off skin debris, eliminating toxins that contribute to dry skin issues. Body brushing also boosts circulation, giving skin a rosy glow and increasing the blood flow to our extremities – great for icy toes.

Liz Earle Wellbeing Yearbook Volume Two is out now. lizearlewellbeing.com ESCAPE THE CITY

Yeotown Kitchen, Chiltern Street W1

La Sultana Oualidia, Morocco

Alongside a thoughtfully concocted food and drinks menu, this two-level space includes a unique, trendsetting ‘Meditation Station’ with moodboosting meditation pods to nurture the mind and spirit. Customers can relax and recharge with Yeotown’s fiveminute guided meditations. yeotown.com

At the edge of the lagoon of Oualidia, famous for oyster farms and pink flamingos, discover an ideal place for relaxation and rest. Whether you choose a picnic lunch on a hideaway beach, an argan oil massage or a surf lesson, La Sultana Oualidia will captivate, energise and soothe in equal measure. Rooms from £270. lasultanahotels.com/oualidia

TRAMPOLINING Tone bums, tums, thighs and, even, faces THE NUE CO Tend to your gut with this prebiotic powder. Just add to a drink, smoothie or soup

HEALTH HOT LIST AGGRAVATING ALARMS The Lumie Bodyclock makes mornings more manageable

GREY DAYS Trick your mind into thinking it’s summer by surrounding yourself with colour DRY SKIN Aromatherapy Associates’ Rose Hydrating Face Mask instantly restores moisture

DOWN

PHOTOS: GETTY IMAGES; INSTAGRAM @CAMILLAHEWITT

BODY & SOUL

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UP FRONT

ABOVE & BELOW: Hotel Café Royal’s heavenly underground Akasha spa

WELLNESS

RETREAT RITUAL Rosalyn Wikeley checks into Hotel Café Royal’s Akasha Spa for some post-party pampering

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he chocolate boxes have been ransacked, the champagne plundered and your skin and liver are as tired as the mistletoe still hanging above the fireplace. The road to recovery is always shelved by a few leftover mince pies and that enormous Charbonnel et Walker box of truffles. Pulling yourself out of the indulgence mire requires an appealing solution not punishment.

Three letters: S.P.A; plus a few magic potions and healthy but oh-so hearty food to ease you in to January.

The heavenly Akasha Spa at Hotel Café Royal’s Belle Époque hotel sits like a flipped dimension underneath London’s manic Piccadilly Circus. Its enormous pool is lined with dangerously comfortable white mattresses that could postpone the sauna, steam room and bubbling hot tub you came for. If you’re looking to lower stress levels post-Christmas and reinvigorate a fatigued body, their new Transformational Body Beautiful

Festive Retreat, invented to take cover from the winter drinks parties, is just as useful, if not more so.

Hotel Café Royal is the only hotel in London where you can get smothered in Valmont products, the Swiss skincare brand derived from beehives with honey, propolis and royal jelly working against premature ageing (Christmas being a reliable source of this).

Their Valmont Energy Facial, Vitality of the Glaciers, promises to wipe festive fatigue off your face in an hour, leaving you with that radiant ‘brisk-morning-hike’ look. If your body has also suffered a yuletide defeat, Akasha’s Green Tea and Ginger Salt Scrub first gets rid of all the dead skin cells first with a full cleanse and exfoliation, followed by a snooze-inducing massage to boost elasticity and regulate water retention.

And the best part? If you’re in London you can nip home and sleep. If not, think of the palatial steps to the lobby and guest rooms as a stairway to heaven. hotelcaferoyal.com

EAT WELL

1

NOPI, W1 Keep January delicious with Yotam Ottolenghi’s Middle Eastern and Asian inspired sharing plates, from chickpea pancakes to braised octopus in Jerusalem artichoke puree. ottolenghi.co.uk/nopi

2

Farmacy, W2 Replenish in the botanical surroundings of Camilla Fayed’s Notting Hill knockout. From sourdough ‘pizzetta’ to buckwheat flour pancakes, turmeric shots to alkaline booster, it’s a step up from left-over Christmas cake. farmacylondon.com

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UP FRONT

MEN’S STYLE

WELL GROOMED

HOT STUFF

The arctic musk ox survived the ice age, so it knows a thing or two about keeping warm.

Now its fibres are utilised by the luxury industry for the first time in a super-lightweight but incredibly warm jacket.

New Year chills, begone! £975. qiviutandco.com

Matt Thomas on scrubbing up for the New Year

TIME, YOUR WAY

Bamford Watch Department has teamed up with Swiss watch brand TAG Heuer.

The collaboration will see the two industry innovators join forces to offer customised versions of TAG Heuer watches. Buyers are given the opportunity to personalise their watch using a dedicated new online customiser with over a billion different options. bamfordwatch department.com

THE PEN IS MIGHTIER...

SPRITZING ON THE GIN Yes, this is the G&T as you have never had it before – as a cologne. Artisan producers Art de Parfum has teamed gin and tonic with zesty lemon and grapefruit, ambergris and vetiver, as one of a series of experimental fragrances. £114 for 50ml. artdeparfum.com

THREE’S COMPANY Hackett has launched a new collection with Fox Brothers & Co fronted by their new face, England rugby legend Owen Farrell. A winning trio showcasing the best of English tailoring and classic craftsmanship and spanning suiting, outerwear and accessories.

From £85. hackett.com

Caran d’Ache has produced a limited-edition range of fine writing instruments inspired by the iconic DC Super Heroes from the action film, Justice League.

Heroic jottings should ensue... £1,500 each or boxed set for £4,500. carandache.com

A CASE OF LUXURY Two LVMH stablemates – Rimowa and Fendi – have come together to celebrate the hardwearing luggage label’s 80th anniversary in style. Cue a stunning aluminium cabin case with fine detailing including multiwheel system and internal flexdivider system, given a Fendi spin. £1,690. rimowa.com

I’M A LUMBERJACK AND I’M OK… Think lumberjack style and bold checks this winter to accompany the obligatory facial hair. These classic button-down styles from the Oxford Shirt Company hit the spot. £49.95. oxfordshirt.co.uk

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“ CORDLES RELIES ON 35 YEARS OF BUILDING EXCELLENCE TO BRING CRAFTSMANSHIP AND DISTINCTION TO LONDON’S MOST DESIRABLE PROPERTIES.”

cordles.com

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

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Furniture makers - Redefining bespoke

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UP FRONT LA DOLCE & GABBANA VITA

Take Harrods’ lead and have yourself a merry little Italian christmas. Domenico and Stefano have been invited to share their own Dolce & Gabbana twist on the festive season with a D&G tree on floor five, windows filled with marionettes taken from Sicilian puppet theatre and a traditional Italian market, which opened with a star-studded show in the recently redecorated food halls. Buon Natale!

Maddi Waterhouse

Lady Kitty Spencer

Suzy Menkes Edward Enninful and Kylie Minogue

Viscountess Emma Weymouth and Jack Guinness

SOCIAL SCENE

Amber Le Bon

HIGH SOCIETY People, parties, places

NOT ALL FUN AND GAMES

Poppy Delevingne Joséphine de La Baume Michael Sheen

HOUSE PARTY

Eric Underwood Ajak Deng

Arizona Muse

The Italian theme continued at Chiswick House, which was taken over

by Bottega Veneta for one night only. Wellheeled guests were taken on an interactive journey through the fashion house’s history, before DJ sets

by Joséphine de La Baume and The Postmen.

Emily Atack

Kelly Jones and Adam Zindani

David Gray

Sarah Hadland

PHOTOS: GETTY IMAGES

Max Irons Jacquetta Wheeler

Although SeriousFun’s London Gala at The Roundhouse was about good times, with live performances from Kelly Jones and David Gray, there was a serious underlying message. Hosted by Clea Newman, the evening raised funds for SeriousFun Children’s Network, a global community of 30 camps and programmes established to provide some light relief for seriously ill children and their families.

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EXTERIORS

| INTERIORS | BIG SPACES

+44 (0) 1235 859300

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C&TH

THE GU IDE

PHOTO: THE LIGHT OF THE SPIRIT BY PATRICE WARRENER, LUMIERE LONDON 2016. PRODUCED BY ARTICHOKE; PHOTO BY MATTHEW ANDREWS

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

LUMIERE LONDON

How can London’s varied and dramatic architecture possibly be improved upon?

Sadiq Khan has invited 40 international artists to bathe our grizzly and grey January streets in site specific light installations.

Westminster Abbey will undergo a second polychromatic and suitably miraculous makeover

by French artist Patrice Warrener. 18–21 Jan. visitlondon.com/lumiere

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THE GUIDE Pablo Picasso, nude in a black armchair (1932)

EVENTS

THE DIARY Everything you need to know about cultural life in 2018

THE BIG ONES Miss these and you’ll have missed out

OPENING

BRUNEL MUSEUM OPENS

EXHIBITION

Newcastle will be celebrating the North

FRIDA KAHLO’S WARDROBE

The V&A is tapping into our fervour for all things Mexican with an exhibition on the country’s most brow-blessed artist. Frida Kahlo’s wardrobe displays personal belongings, sealed in her bathroom for 50 years, to gain a fresh perspective.

16 June to 4 Nov. vam.ac.uk

THE EY EXHIBITION: PICASSO 1932 – LOVE, FAME, TRAGEDY

Tate Modern’s first ever solo exhibition of Picasso’s work cuts straight to the juicy part. Considered to be his ‘year of wonders’, his work in 1932 took on a heightened sensuality, leading him to even greater fame. The curators delve behind the myth of Picasso to reveal his true character in a month by month exploration of his work that year. 8 March to 9 September. tate.org.uk An Illuminating Path

by David LaChapelle

EVENT

GREAT EXHIBITION OF THE NORTH

Phyllida Barlow, the world’s first covered railway station and Lucozade are just a handful of Newcastle’s exports – a four-month city-wide extravaganza, which starts with the Get North weekend in June and finishes with the Great North Run, shouts about the North’s cultural contribution across design, art and beyond with three trails across its world-class venues. 22 June to 9 Sept. getnorth2018.com

ICON

MICHAEL JACKSON: ON THE WALL

Frida Kahlo, self portrait (1941)

It doesn’t get more thrilling than an all-singing, all-dancing exhibition to mark what would have been Michael Jackson’s 60th birthday. The National Portrait Gallery looks at his enduring legacy in art and pop culture: think Andy Warhol prints, collages by Isa Genzken and MJ astride a horse in the guise of a medieval lord with cherubs circling his head... shamone! 28 June to 21 October. npg.org.uk

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PHOTOS: GETTY IMAGES; © TACITA DEAN, MAJESTY (2006) TATE

SS Great Britain

ART

PHOTOS: © ADAM GASSON; © GERARDO SUTER/THE JACQUES AND NATASHA GELMAN COLLECTION OF 20TH-CENTURY MEXICAN ART AND THE VERGEL FOUNDATION; ©SUCCESSION PICASSO/DACS LONDON, 2017

Bristol centres on Brunel’s Clifton suspension bridge, and it’s where his SS Great Britain is docked – next door to which will open a brand new museum offering visitors the experience of ‘Being Brunel’. Opens March. ssgreatbritain.org

AT A GLANCE

MEGA MILESTONES Ballots and landscapes are in the limelight

LANDSCAPES

NATURAL BEAUTIES

Norfolk Coast

Here’s the perfect excuse to get your walking boots on: the Surrey Hills, Shropshire Hills and Northumberland Coast are marking 60 years as designated areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, while the Norfolk Coast celebrates 50 years of AONB status by installing artistic and heritage works along the 400-mile Icknield Way which runs from Dorset to the Norfolk Coast.

ARTIST OF THE YEAR Start namedropping Tacita Dean at dinner parties now before her three exhibitions at the National Portrait Gallery, Royal Academy of Arts, and National Gallery mean she’s on everybody’s lips. One of the original YBAs, each exhibition will be tailored to the character of the institution.

MUSEUM OF THE YEAR The Royal Academy turns 250. How better to celebrate than by asking David Chipperfield to combine their two buildings with new exhibition spaces and Grayson Perry to commandeer the summer exhibition?

POLITICS

CITY OF THE YEAR

In February it will have been 100 years since women gained the vote

As the terracotta army arrives in February, three important Liverpool instructions – Tate Liverpool, ACC Liverpool and the Liverpool Biennial – mark landmark birthdays, while the Eighteen for 18 boasts a year-long programme of not to be missed events.

The RAF turns 100

M I L I TA R Y PHOTOS: GETTY IMAGES; © TACITA DEAN, MAJESTY (2006) TATE

PHOTOS: © ADAM GASSON; © GERARDO SUTER/THE JACQUES AND NATASHA GELMAN COLLECTION OF 20TH-CENTURY MEXICAN ART AND THE VERGEL FOUNDATION; ©SUCCESSION PICASSO/DACS LONDON, 2017

VOTES FOR WOMEN

As instances of abuse of power and the gender pay gap continue to hit the headlines, it’s a prudent time to take stock. The 100-year anniversary of the Representation of the People Act rolls around in February, with a centenary exhibition later in the year at Westminster Hall that we hope will both celebrate how far we’ve come while energising debate about the future. ukvote100.org

FLYING COLOURS

Come April, the RAF will have been watching over our skies for 100 years. Throughout 2018 there will be airshows, open cockpit days and concerts up and down the UK to celebrate.

Northern Rail will name a train in their honour, veterans will be saluted and the RAF100 Inspire programme will engage the next generation to secure the next century.

Chocks away! raf.mod.uk/raf100

THEME OF THE YEAR Famous for our adventurous spirit, 2018 will hail the UK’s extraordinary exploratory heritage: Captain Cook’s 250th anniversary of his first voyage; new galleries at Greenwich’s National Maritime Museum; 400 years since Sir Walter Raleigh’s execution; Robert Falcon Scott’s 150th birthday.

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ARTS

ARTS AGENDA This trio of choreographers will keep audiences on their toes, says Caiti Grove 1

Richard Alston’s Chacony

Kenneth Macmillan’s Song of the Earth

RICHARD ALSTON

Contemporary choreographer Richard Alston is a homegrown favourite.

Now a collection of old and new work is to have a winter airing. Carnaval is a new piece named after Schumann’s music, performed alongside a solo pianist, while the Alston classic Gypsy Mixture is to be resurrected after a decade in the archives. Tours 26 Jan to 24 March. richardalstondance.com

2

FIVE M I N UTE S WITH

GUILHERME MENEZES

SONG OF THE EARTH London Coliseum, WC2

Starring in Song of the Earth

Kenneth Macmillan – superstar choreographer and former artistic director at the Royal Ballet – is celebrated at Covent Garden’s Opera House. His magnetic style and slinky moves are once again fashionable in the ballet world as audiences applaud his unique skill. 9–13 Jan. londoncoliseum.org

3

This is my first time dancing a 20th-century choreographer’s work. It’s very different to dancing a traditional ballet – the jumps have to appear effortless but they’re actually more difficult.

It’s a male dominated piece, so it’s a treat to have the focus on male attributes – strength and the strength of fragility.

YASMINE HUGONNET Sadler’s Wells, EC1

As part of London International Mime Festival, Swiss choreographer and dancer Yasmine Hugonnet performs naked in a pure white space. Le Récital des Postures is a dreamlike exploration of history and art as her body twists through sinuous arabesques, historical paintings and into the stillness of ancient sculpture. 19–20 Jan. sadlerswells.com

You never wake up feeling the same two days in a row, so no performance is the same either.

I just try to be consistent.

3

Yasmine Hugonnet in Le Récital des Postures

Last year I went to Denmark, where I worked with Adam Lüders at The Royal Danish Ballet. He worked with George Balanchine, who founded the NYC ballet. Since then I’ve felt much more confident about my identity as a dancer.

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PHOTOS: © WIM WENDERS, COURTESY DEUTSCHES FILMINSTITUT FRANKFURT A.M.; ARTS COUNCIL COLLECTION, SOUTHBANK CENTRE, LONDON, © MARTIN BOYCE. GIFT OF CHARLES SAATCHI 1999; © BENOIT PEVERELLI

London and Bath

PHOTOS: © CHRIS NASH; © JASON BELL; © ANNE-LAURE LECHAT

1

2

THE GUIDE

FIVE O F TH E B E ST

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

GIGS

Reviews, previews and gigs

OUMOU SANGARÉ Mali is Africa’s mysterious matrix of inventive music – and Oumou Sangaré is its elegant exponent.

Her soulful voice is sure to amplify her powerful message. 31 Jan. roundhouse.org.uk

THIS IMAGE: Wim Wenders, Valley of the Gods (1977) BELOW: Wim Wenders, Dennis Hopper (1976)

JULIE FOWLIS Accolades in film and TV awards prove Julie Fowlis’ songs from her Gaelic heritage are winners.

Now she adds the music of the Québécois, Galician and Moroccan traditions.

24 Jan. stollerhall.com

PHOTOS: © WIM WENDERS, COURTESY DEUTSCHES FILMINSTITUT FRANKFURT A.M.; ARTS COUNCIL COLLECTION, SOUTHBANK CENTRE, LONDON, © MARTIN BOYCE. GIFT OF CHARLES SAATCHI 1999; © BENOIT PEVERELLI

PHOTOS: © CHRIS NASH; © JASON BELL; © ANNE-LAURE LECHAT

PR E VI E W

REVOLT & REVOLUTIONS Yorkshire Sculpture Park, Yorkshire

R E VI E W

WIM WENDERS

YSP begins the year with a cry for change.

The windswept galleries reflect the challenge of protest over the last half century, cunningly dovetailed to contemporary revolution.

Beginning with the volatile ’70s, a world of squats and punks, the art then races through the ’80s in true subversive style, with Peter Kennard’s famous photomontage of nuclear warheads jutting out of an otherwise calm countryside in Constable’s The Hay Wain. 6 Jan to 15 April. ysp.org.uk

The Photographers’ Gallery, W1 A filmmaker known for his whimsical shots and moody landscape scenes, it is only natural that Wim Wenders’ exhibition Instant Stories is a dreamy journey into his mind. He was a very productive creative force for decades, making films first in his native Germany, where he articulated Europe’s post-war anxiety. It was later in America when his polaroids appeared.

In one, Wenders was driving along the freeway in LA and heard about John Lennon’s death on the radio. He pulled over and took the photograph, then cried uncontrollably.

Until 11 Feb. thephotographersgallery.org.uk

ALKINOOS IOANNIDIS Greek to his rythmic fingertips, Alkinoos Ioannidis presents a soulful song cycle born of the suffering of refugees in his native land. Heartrending. 25–26 Jan. unionchapel.org.uk

RAMIN KARIMLOO A star of The Phantom of the Opera, Les Mis and with Olivier and Tony award nominations under his belt, Back from Broadway places Ramin Karimloo centre stage. 13 Jan. southbankcentre.co.uk

Martin Boyce, Souvenir Placards (1993)

INCOGNITO Bluey has accompanied Stevie Wonder and Chaka Khan on stage. Now his band is to appear in Newcastle for a soul and funk blowout. 19 Jan. hoochiecoochie.co.uk

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THE GUIDE

BOOKS

WORDS & MEANINGS Richard Hopton reviews recently published work by writers from across the globe

MANHATTAN BEACH Jennifer Egan

This is a tale of loss, rejection and reconciliation set in New York City during the Second World War. It spans several of New York’s worlds: the Navy, the Mob, organised labour and the Upper East Side. The boundaries of these worlds become progressively blurred and overlapped. The sea, tidal rivers and coastal waters around New York are ever-present, inspiring or menacing, at times almost a character in the novel.

This is Jennifer Egan’s first essay in historical fiction – her last novel, A Visit from the Goon Squad, won the 2011 Pulitzer Prize for fiction – but she convincingly recreates the ambience of wartime New York. The novel’s heroine, Anna Kerrigan, is a determined young woman who overcomes rampant prejudice to qualify as a Navy diver, an elite job hitherto the exclusive preserve of men. She also flouts the conventions of the time by having a baby out of wedlock, although, tellingly, she does concoct a respectable cover story to explain its existence.

Egan brings to life the world of the Mob, its hierarchy, its shifting loyalties, its greed, its violence and its venal immorality. Manhattan Beach illustrates, too, the extent of the Mob’s influence on New York life at that time. The novel’s anti-hero, mobster Dexter Styles, displays all the bogus respectability, craven deference to power and willingness to resort to violence which is so characteristic of organised crime.

The most absorbing parts of the novel are the diving sequences. Egan captures brilliantly the careful, courageous deliberation of the divers and the claustrophobic menace and occasional exhilaration of the dives themselves. Somehow, the underwater scenes draw the reader into the story, tightening their eardrums and making it all that much more real.

The chapters dealing with the voyage and sinking of the Liberty Ship, Elizabeth Seaman, are grippingly exciting, taut with the instinct for self-preservation.

Manhattan Beach is a thoroughly enjoyable novel, convincingly detailed, cleverly structured and engagingly written. Corsair, £16.99

AT THE END OF THE CENTURY: THE STORIES OF RUTH PRAWER JHABVALA Ruth Prawer Jhabvala

German-born Ruth Prawer Jhabvala died in 2013 having enjoyed a much-garlanded career, which included two Oscars and a Booker Prize. This collection of short stories was written between 1963 and her death, and are reflective pieces, concerned with their protagonists’ thoughts and inner lives, tranquil rivers rather than babbling brooks.

The stories explore the relationship between India and the West, the mentality of the exile and the artistic temperament. Many of them are spiked with infidelity and sexual eccentricity and all of them are written in easy, frictionless prose that glides elegantly from page to page. Little Brown, £20

SING, UNBURIED, SING Jesmyn Ward

This, Jesmyn Ward’s third novel, is neither easy nor comfortable to read. It has much to say about the poverty, discrimination and lack of opportunity endured by the black underclass in the American Deep South. The inequalities and failings illustrated so glaringly by Hurricane Katrina, more than a decade ago, remain unaddressed. The book is relentlessly grim, depressing and frequently sordid, an apt metaphor for the deprivations visited upon the people represented by its characters. That Leonie, its principal protagonist, should be so selfish and self-indulgent scarcely, in the circumstances, comes as a surprise. Bloomsbury, £18.99

DEMI-GODS Eliza Robertson

This author’s first novel charts Willa’s progress through adolescence. The catalyst of Willa’s development is Patrick, the younger, beautifully formed son of Willa’s mother’s boyfriend. Willa’s experience contrasts with that of her glamorous elder sister, Joan. Set on America’s west coast, its air of prosperous conformity has sinister, even debauched, undertones which give the novel a discordant, off-key tone. It is printed without quotation marks, which, according to Robertson’s publisher puts her ‘in the tradition of experimental fiction which follows Stein and Joyce’. To others, it is simply a pointless and pretentious discourtesy to the reader. Bloomsbury, £12.99

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C&TH PROMOTION

PRESS RESET

Hala Health and Beauty Clinic will reverse the effects of the party season

T

he festive season can leave you feeling worn out, with dull skin, dark circles and breakouts.

Hala Health and Beauty Clinic will have you back to your pre-season self in no time by tailoring their treatments to your problem areas, using the best skincare products and most technologically advanced equipment available.

Owned and run by Dr Hala Mahfoud, her specialist team of qualified beauty therapists provide professional beauty, skin and body treatments that range from facials, mesotherapy, and microneedling to fat reduction, carboxytherapy and anti-wrinkle injections.

We’ve selected five of the best treatments to reverse the late-night damage:

1SKINPEN MICRONEEDLING

By stimulating the body’s natural healing process, microneedling triggers the release of cytokines and growth factors that lead to remodelling of collagen and elastin. The result? Visibly reduced wrinkles, pigmentation and scarring, without the need for down time.

2 ALUMIERMD SKIN PEEL

Shed signs of exhaustion with a skin peel tailored to your skin type. Retinol for breakouts and blemishes, Glow Peel for fine lines and hyper-pigmentation, Radiant

30 will perk up a dull complexion and Radiant 20/10 to clear out oily and decongested pores.

3BTL EXILIS ULTRA

Combining radio frequency and ultrasound, this nifty device can be used to target wobbly bits. A non-invasive procedure, it remodels tissue by promoting the production of new collagen and elastin, and breaks down fat cells.

It can be used as a face lift, for body contouring and cellulite treatment, or can be joined with a Caci treatment.

4NON-SURGICAL MESOTHERAPY

Boost hydration and radiance by micro-injecting active ingredients directly into the skin tissue. This is a great alternative to neurotoxin injections and can help to reduce the appearance of cellulite and improve metabolism.

5 OXYGEN FACIAL

This Intraceuticals treatment uses oxygen under pressure to deliver an advanced serum with hyaluronic acid onto the skin, reversing the signs of premature ageing, improving the look of fine lines and restoring evenness and tone.

Unit 3-4 Broxholme House, New King’s Road, London SW6 4AA; 020 7371 8939; halahealthandbeauty.co.uk

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THE GUIDE

CARS

ROAD TEST A retro roadster that won’t break the bank?

Jeremy Taylor blows the cobwebs away in a Fiat 124 Spider

TOWN

England won the football World Cup, The Sound of Music topped the albums charts and Fiat unveiled a new two-seat convertible to rival the bestselling MGB roadster.

Pininfarina styling and a budget price made the original Fiat Spider an instant hit – just a little racier than the more ‘traditional’ MG, with a whiff of la dolce vita about the tasteful design. Fifty years on and Fiat has launched a new Spider that captures the same spirit.

It shares a platform with the popular Mazda MX-5 – a car that also happens to be its main rival.

Somehow the Mazda’s slit-eyed headlights and angular styling lack the charm of the retro Fiat – although the MX-5’s 2.0-litre engine is more relaxed around city streets and has been the number one convertible for decades.

The Spider strips open-top motoring back to the best of basics, although my Lusso Plus model has plenty of standard kit, such as sat nav, Bluetooth and a DAB radio. Heated seats might be just as important for open top winter jaunts around the West End. The Fiat sports a decent sized boot for shopping, a cheeky rasp from the exhaust and a smart interior.

It’s just a shame the infotainment screen sits flat on the dashboard like a bolt-on afterthought.

I wasn’t old enough to enjoy the sixties but I’d like to think I would have been more of a Fiat Spider man than an MG driver. Shame we haven’t won the World Cup since.

RATING: 4/5 handbags

FIAT 124 SPIDER LUSSO PLUS Price £25,050 Engine 1,368cc petrol Power 140bhp petrol 0-60mph 7.5 seconds Economy 44.1 mpg combined

COUNTRY

The fabric roof on a 124 Spider lowers faster than a Porsche Boxster – or even a Bentley Continental. How come? Well, the Fiat costs considerably less but isn’t lumbered with the response time of an electric hood mechanism. Pop a clip above the windscreen, push the hood backwards and the whole roof disappears in a flash. It’s just as easy to pull up again and the wind insulation at speed is exceptional.

The Spider is just the sort of car for a winter’s drive across the Cotswolds, heater on full blast, hot seats and your favourite tunes filtering into the cabin from the Bose sound system. There’s a lot of Mazda-ness about the Spider’s interior but it feels a touch classier than the MX-5. The seats are superb – Fiat has placed speakers in the headrests so you can even take a phone call sans roof.

The cabin is a delight. Everything is well-placed, there are cubbyholes for bits and pieces, while the general appearance is rather charming – just what you want from a machine that takes its design cues from a different era. And while the performance figures reveal it takes over seven seconds to reach 60mph, passengers sit so close to the road it actually feels much faster.

Fiat’s new Spider stays loyal to its roots and is all the better for it. And when you consider the entry-level Classica model starts at just over £20,000, there are few cars out there that can offer quite so much fun for the money.

RATING: 4/5 wellies

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WINTER

SALE 1 ST D E C 1 7 - 3 1 ST J A N 1 8

Order online at: mandarinstone.com or visit one of our inspirational showrooms: Bath Bristol Cambridge Cardiff Cheltenham Exeter Marlow Monmouth Weybridge Wilmslow Excludes Classic and Discontinued lines. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer.

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THE GUIDE

GARDENING

SEEDER’S DIGEST

GET PLOTTING

Sign up for surprise seeds

Plan now to reap the benefits throughout the year

LIBERTY LONDON Esmie chrysanthemum 2018 diary, £35. libertylondon.com

SCULPTURE SAFARI

Things are getting wild in Lancashire, thanks to Ian Unsworth, who has forged a social enterprise with Nairobi craftsmen to bring large-scale sculptures of African animals back to the UK. Elephants, hippos and rhinos are made from recycled metal in Africa and lacquered in the UK. It can take up to 100 hours to create each piece, any of which would make a thrilling addition to the lawn. pangeasculptures.com

ROSE UNIACKE Terracotta rhubarb forcer, £3,100. roseuniacke.com

B SKINCARE Lemon barrier cream, £11. thewonderfulgarden company.co.uk

GARDEN OF THE MONTH

TREND

SEED SWAP

When was the last time you received something in the post that wasn’t a bill? Join this year’s Secret Seed Swap, a postal seed exchange whereby a stranger decorates a seed packet, fills it with their favourite seeds and pops it in the post to you. Registration is open for the whole month of January at whatyousow.co.uk.

This 18th-century Georgian country house near Ripon is undergoing a multi-millionpound transformation into a 47-room hotel, due to complete in spring 2019.

As part of its redevelopment, Alistair W Baldwin Associates (who recently redesigned the gardens at Kinross House) is creating a new rill garden and restoring a historic Japanese garden that won’t fail to reduce blood pressure, nor will the spa that they are landscaping. grantleyhall.co.uk

JOE HOGAN Curved log basket, £380. thenewcraftsmen.com

THE ALMANAC A seasonal guide to 2018 by Lia Leendertz, £9.99 (Cornerstone)

THIS MONTH PLANT For an early spring crop, start forcing rhubarb now by shutting out any light with a cover.

PLAN Veg crop rotation reduces cropspecific pests and diseases.

TOP TIP Waste not, want not – recycle your Christmas tree by shredding it for mulch.

LABOUR & WAIT Toolbox, £35. labourandwait.co.uk

PHOTOS: GETTY IMAGES

GRANTLEY HALL, North Yorkshire

BURGON & BALL Wooden plant labels, £7.99. burgonand ball.com

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020 7091 9781 westburygardenrooms.com Call to visit our showrooms: 61 Lambeth Walk, 46-52 Cutlers Road, South Woodham Ferrers, London, SE11 6DX Essex, CM3 5XJ

Westbury Gardens.indd 1

02/11/2017 09:51

THE GUIDE INTERVIEW

CONVERSATIONS AT SCARFES BAR

SARAH SANDS Radio 4’s Today programme holds a special place in the nation’s heart.

Matthew Bell meets its new editor, Sarah Sands Portrait by ALEXANDRA DAO

F

per cent pay cut, halving her Evening Standard wage from £300,000 or some Radio 4 addicts, it would be the end of the world to £150,000. She even sold her house in west London and is moving if the Today programme didn’t air. And, according into a flat. Right now, she is living out of a suitcase in a friend’s spare to Sarah Sands, who was appointed editor earlier this year, room. ‘It makes you feel good, actually. I really enjoy the hair-shirt bit it really would mean Armageddon was upon us, if it didn’t of it. It reminds you that this is public service.’ run for three days in a row. That, apparently, is the final signal Then there’s the gruelling schedule. As someone who listens to submarine captains that Britain has been wiped out in a nuclear to Today half-asleep from bed, I often marvel at how they get hold attack, and they should launch retaliating missiles. Proof, if it were of so many important people at such an uncivilised hour. That’s needed, of Today’s importance in the national psyche. its great power, says Sands. ‘It is this thing at the centre of national And yet, when Sands was announced as its new editor, I had life. And once you realise that, you can be as ambitious as you like.’ no idea who she was replacing. For such an influential job, the There was supposed to be a long transition while Sands learned the editor of Radio 4’s flagship news show – 11.5 million listeners ropes, but then the election was called and she had to dive a week – has historically been a relatively anonymous figure. straight in. You can tell she is loving it. ‘It has got everything Perhaps that’s because, in its 60-year history, appointments that interests me. I love seeing who’s in the green room – have always been made internally. Sands, 56, is the first there’ll be some great neuroscientist chatting with a bishop. non-insider, and only the second woman, to have got the job.

The world’s great issues are addressed in that green room.’

She hasn’t had an entirely easy ride since starting.

The heads of the BBC trust her to decide on editorial There have been complaints she has introduced too many content, and she says it would be ‘a terrible thing’ if she non-political features. Some worried that her 30-year abused that trust. Though she can still introduce mischief. background in newspapers was a problem, others that she There was outrage when she wanted ex-chancellor Nigel might be too right-wing – as editor of the Evening Standard Pub lunch or Michelin star?

Lawson on to talk about climate change (he is a denier). she backed the Tories in the 2015 election, and has held I wish I had the ‘There were people who said you mustn’t have him on, senior roles at the Daily Mail and Sunday Telegraph. time for either – as if it were so dangerous and irresponsible that it was some ‘People have been incredibly welcoming, considering sandwiches from Caffè Nero. kind of public health matter. And I said what, whatever that I’m an outsider who has barged my way in,’ she laughs, he talks about? Then this story came up about Nigel being refuting the notion she met with any hostility. And as Glass of wine or green tea? an unpopular name, so I called him up and asked him someone who has started her seventh major job in 20 years, I always look to talk about that instead.’ perhaps one of her greatest strengths is her adaptability. forward to the Her vision for Today is that it should provide As editor of the Standard, she abandoned her love of riding, glass of wine. ‘illumination and revelation’, but she took some flak plants and the countryside to pretend the world outside Penthouse or manor house? for saying it should be like listening in to an ambassador’s London didn’t exist. Now, as editor of Today, she is doing I dream of a reception. ‘It immediately sounds snooty and flippant, something similar with her views. ‘Once you realise that manor house when all I meant was, why should these sets of interesting impartiality is everything, it’s much easier than you think. but a flat is more practical. and influential people have these conversations and keep You just don’t have political opinions any more. And, them among themselves. Wouldn’t it be great if the whole in a way, I think I’ve always just been interested in ideas Gardening or theatre? world could listen in? It’s the opposite of elitist.’ and discussion. I’m not an ideologue.’

It was theatre, Sands’ first husband was the actor Julian Sands, There are some differences between working for but now I think by whom she has a son, Henry. She has a second son a private company and a state-funded corporation. ‘Things a lot about gardening. by her husband Kim Fletcher, a former journalist, now like asking where the money comes from. I find that’s I dream about a partner at PR firm Brunswick. He gets up at 5am every something that happens slightly less here. There’s a faith planting trees. morning to bring Sarah a cup of tea. When I ask about that, if there’s a problem, government spending will solve it.’

Dog or cat?

Sarah’s life outside of work, she laughs and says, ‘There You might wonder why she wanted the job at all, given Oooh, what I really is no outside of work! But then I think of the submarines that most people over 55 might be looking for less work for want is a horse.

That’s my dream. and realise just how central it is.’ more money. Her new job offers the opposite: she took a 50

IN BRIEF

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From

RUSSIA withLOVE ALICE B-B meets Elena Perminova, whose life so far reads like something from a Russian fairytale, a classic rags to riches tale with a happy ending Art Director LUCY BOND Styling REBECCA CORBIN-MURRAY Photography GREG WILLIAMS

Dress, Mihano Momosa Choker, Forevermark

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I Dress, Zuhair Murad. Earrings, Venyx. Hairpiece, Jennifer Behr

‘He looked like a real man,’ says Elena of her first meeting with Alexander Lebedev.

‘Strong, fit, a real gentleman and super clever – like a walking encyclopaedia’

’m expecting a diva... after all, Elena Perminova is a top model, an Instagram sensation with 1.6 million followers who hang on her every glamorous post, while her partner is 58-yearold Russian businessman and media owner Alexander Lebedev. But my expectations are dashed almost immediately. Elena, 31, shows up to this interview accompanied by her partner and publicist, but after hellos and firm handshakes – the latter both disappear. This – dear reader – is not the behaviour of a prima donna. Most celebrity interviews take place with a publicist/rottweiler on hand for gatekeeping, fire-fighting or fluffing duties. But Elena (or Lena as she’s known to her friends), flies solo, ordering a cappuccino while distractingly arranging her linguine-long legs in off-duty Topshop jeans, white T-shirt and leopard print jacket, from a sofa in the Cub Room at The Beaumont Hotel.

So who exactly is this self-assured beauty? Well, Elena’s backstory reads like something from a Disney tale. Once upon a time in Siberia, a young Perminova grew up dreaming of being a model. So when scouts came to her home town, she was picked aged 14, much to her mother’s astonishment. But where there is light, there is darkness. Enter the baddie... Elena’s first, older boyfriend, who turned out to be a drug dealer and used the naïve 16-year-old Perminova to be his mule and sell drugs in nightclubs. Then one fateful day... she was caught and arrested in jail for a night.

Her hero came in the shape of Russian member of parliament Alexander Lebedev – who, at the time, was campaigning for witness protection and chose to help our young, imperiled heroine. ‘He looked like a real man,’ says Elena of their first meeting in her beguiling Russian accent. ‘Strong, fit, a real gentleman and super clever – like a walking encyclopaedia.’ Elena was pardoned, while her boyfriend got a five-year sentence.

Elena left Siberia, and went to study economics at the Moscow state university, where, aged 19, she began dating Lebedev. Over a decade later and the couple have three children and, although unmarried, refer to each other as ‘husband’ and ‘wife’, living in the countryside outside of Moscow. ‘We are best friends,’ she says. ‘And you know, with every day it’s getting better and better.’

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Dress, Alessandra Rich. Earrings, Noor Fares. Rings, Jessica McCormack and Noor Fares. Heels, Jimmy Choo

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Another stroke of fortune has been her Instagram career. ‘My friend [fashion maven and entrepreneur] Miroslava Duma was like, “Lena, you’re not on Instagram, it’s amazing.” We were laughing, looking at people with 150,000 followers and she said to me, “One day I would like to have that many followers.” Cut to four years later and they’re now both on 1.6 million. But the Instagram immersion wasn’t popular with everyone. ‘At the beginning my husband was like, “Lena, we’re losing you, you have three kids, you can’t spend so much time...”’ It then made sense for Perminova to do something positive with her massive following, so in 2015 she founded the first global Instagram charity auction. ‘It was by accident. I was chatting with a girl who was raising money for kids and decided to sell my dresses,’ explains Elena. ‘Not dresses I don’t need, but the most beautiful, memorable, expensive, historical ones.’ And so @sos_by_lenaperminova was born.

Since the launch, Perminova has raised over $3m, which has been used to provide life-changing operations for 94 children to date, many of whom are chronicled before and after on the Instagram account. The charity fields over 30 requests a day and, sometimes, Elena’s own children get involved too.

‘We had a girl who needed an operation on her back,’ she explains, showing me a heart-wrenching video of a girl unable to sit or walk properly, ‘and when my son Igor saw her, he said, “Mummy, how is this possible?” I explained I was raising money for this girl. Then Igor, who was then four and a half, went to get his safe, and said, “Mummy take everything for this girl.”’

Spreading the online bandwidth, Elena also calls upon friends, including Elton John, Jared Leto and Miranda Kerr, to donate pieces or experiences for auction. ‘Bella Hadid gave a dress that was specially made for Cannes and she was shocked at how much money we made.

We sold it for €22,000 and she did a post,’ explains Elena. ‘Can I show you?’ She proudly plays the clip with a gorgeous Hadid thanking Elena, cutely creating awareness among her own 15.7 million followers too.

But despite the success, Elena has no ambition to create her own foundation or hospital. Sensibly she wants the charity to remain manageable.

‘I’m doing it naturally, not putting on pressure.’ I ask if she feels that the Instagram world has become a pressure. She sighs exasperatedly. Clearly what was once a bit of fun has become a beast that needs feeding. And Perminova has set a high bar; family holidays in the Maldives, a Mad Maxinspired series from Burning Man or regal-themed birthday parties for her kids. But, unlike many of the Instagram superleague, Elena doesn’t have a stylist or use a photographer to tail her every move. ‘I don’t like professional pictures on Instagram,’ she says, ‘I like using phones, it needs to feel like real life, this is what people like.’ So the footage is taken by her tight-knit gang of human tripods, ‘My husband, my nanny, my sister. That’s all,’ she says.

Perminova is quick to point out that, most of the time, she inhabits a world far removed from the Instagram fantasy; her reality revolves around her three small children. ‘The day starts at 6am and one by one they come into my bed and we spend time just talking.’ Then she takes the children to school, slots in time for her workout, which includes pole-dancing, ‘It makes your body the strongest, the most beautiful,’ she says. There’s no time for lunch with friends, instead she’s working on her charity, playing games with the children when they get back from school or collecting eggs from their chickens. She’s also keen to explain that she doesn’t spend fortunes on schmutter. ‘People think I spend so much money on clothes, but it’s not true. Designers lend me dresses or, for example Giambattista Valli made me a dress as a special present, but I never, ever buy couture.

I just go to Topshop and buy jeans. It’s better to give money to poor kids.’

Then, having finished her cappuccino, Elena Perminova unfurls those endless legs and effortlessly catwalks out of the hotel. The power of beauty, youth and confidence – that makes high street look like couture, makes everyone in the lobby stop and stare, makes doors open as if by magic.

Even with #nofilter she leaves a golden glittery trail. It would be so easy for Elena Perminova to be a diva, but actually she’s a bit of a goddess. ■ 66 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.CO.UK | January 2018

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Skirt and top, Giambattista Valli.

Shoes, Christian Louboutin.

Earrings, Forevermark TEAM Hair: David Wadlow Make-up: Kelly Mitchell Assistant stylist: Celia Walsh Assistant Photographer: Rose Smith Oliver

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An Aston Martin might be a fun thing to invest in but will it cost you in the long-term?

BUSINESS

Life’s too short, so perhaps it’s time to have some fun with your investments, especially at this turbulent time. CHRISTOPHER SILVESTER argues the case for whisky and classic cars, while JOHN REDWOOD points out the pitfalls

PHOTO: REX FEATURES

Risky

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ENGINE APPEAL

By Christopher Silvester

PHOTO: REX FEATURES

O

wning a classic car is probably best left to those individuals with deep pockets who enjoy a geeky interest in the subject, but as an investment it is not as inaccessible as it might at first appear. But why invest in classic cars in the first place? Well, as with most alternative assets they are not correlated to the stock market or the wider economy and there is an ever-growing number of wealthy individuals wishing to diversify their investments beyond bonds and equities.

For the past decade or so, classic cars have dominated the Knight Frank Luxury Index, outperforming fine wine as an alternative asset and generating stellar returns. They have slipped back recently, partly because there have been too many auctions and not enough truly outstanding cars among them, leading to unimpressive sell-through rates, and partly because fine wine, after several years in the doldrums, is bouncing back. The classic car market is undergoing a correction and now represents a buying opportunity.

If you are new to this market, you should buy through a reputable dealer rather than at auction, and a dealer who is also a collector. One such is Wimbledon-based Joe Macari, who has been in the business for 27 years. How does he handle new investors? ‘I would ask them about what they like, what they can visualise spending, then look at cars in their price bracket,’ he explains. ‘Is it something that has to be a two-seater or a four-seater, is it an investment or just purely for fun? Do you want to use it as an everyday car or a weekend car? Are you specific about hard top or convertible? What are the things that make you smile the most? That’s what you should go for.’

He offers two specific examples. ‘I had two customers

ABOVE: Ferrari 250 GTL BELOW: Ferrari 275 GTS, both on view at Wimbledonbased dealer Joe Macari

with big budgets. One liked coupés, one liked convertibles. To the one who liked coupés, I suggested a Ferrari 250 GT Lusso: there were only 351 cars made, it’s about £1.5m, and I think the cars are good value still. The other client liked convertibles, so I showed him a 275 GTS, again limited to 200 cars, a very pretty convertible and userfriendly. They were both people who didn’t know what they wanted but, when they saw the cars, they smiled like kids who had robbed a sweet shop. They both bought cars that made them happy.’

Another possibility is to buy to restore. ‘At any one time we’ve got a couple of dozen of Ferraris in full restoration for different clients from around the world.

We do full check-overs for clients as well. Classic cars have got to be serviced once a year regardless of use.’

At the higher end of the market, it helps not only if the car is rare but also if it has had a celebrity owner or a quirky feature. For example, in normal circumstances, a Bentley S3 Continental ‘Flying Spur’ is worth between £150,000 and £200,000, but include as a previous owner one Keith Richards of the Rolling Stones (with a hidden compartment once used for storing drugs) and watch the price soar over £700,000, as it did at auction in September 2015.

There are tax benefits to investing in classic cars as well. As with fine wines, a classic car is described as a ‘wasting asset’, even though, paradoxically, its value may increase with each year that goes by. It is therefore exempt from Capital Gains Tax. In addition, any car built before 1 January 1974 is exempt from Vehicle Excise Duty.

Apart from lack of liquidity – you can’t sell your investment overnight – one of the disadvantages

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CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE: Keith Richards’ Bentley S3 Continental ‘Flying Spur’ sold for over £700,000 through Bonhams at Goodwood Revival in 2015; Mercedes-Benz Type 190 SL

ASSET EXPECTATIONS

Are wine, paintings and fast cars too much of a gamble, asks John Redwood, Chief Global Strategist at Charles Stanley

Investing in wine, cars or paintings sounds like having lots more fun than buying a government bond or choosing a share fund.

It gives you an interest. You can display it for your friends; enjoy the pleasures of a good painting every day by hanging it on your wall; you can drive a classic car for entertainment or sample your wine investment to make sure it still tastes good.

There’s not much you can do with a government bond. Your friends will not be much impressed. Talking about a share fund has a bit more excitement, but it’s still important to avoid too much technical analysis or even too much detail about the companies in the portfolio. Most people have a low tolerance for financial jargon.

The problem with so called alternative investments though is not their fun but their lack of practicality. Many of them are high maintenance. That classic car needs a garage. It might let you down in traffic, overheat, break down or otherwise embarrass you. Instead of making you lots of money it might present you with a whopping repair bill when it turned out all was not well beneath the bonnet.

The fine painting on your wall needs insuring. You best keep it out of direct sunlight and organise the lighting, heating and moisture content of the atmosphere around its delicate constitution.

If it’s valuable it would be better not to advertise you own it, for fear of becoming a burglar’s target.

As the worth of most art rests on the reputation of the painter, you need to make sure that your picture has proof of provenance to show it is not fake or a copy.

You can still lose out if your chosen artist ceases to be so much admired.

At least you keep the wine below ground and out of sight. It will need a cellar, requires a low even temperature and limited light.

It can go off if you keep it too long.

Individual bottles may be corked.

CONTINUED OVERLEAF »

© DAIMLER AG; © FERRARI S.P.A.; © BONHAMS

of investing in classic cars, as critics are quick to point out, is the bother and cost of having to garage, maintain and insure them yourself. You can avoid such issues by investing in a classic car fund. This not only enables you to invest in the asset class in a more liquid way, but it also offers diversification, since you are buying into a larger pool of assets rather than just one or two individual cars. All the same, you need to invest for the long-term in order to sidestep volatility and guarantee a decent return.

The WMG Collectable Car Fund is the first and, so far, the only FCA-regulated, investable car fund. Its founder and chairman is Mehmet Dalman, a former banker who is currently chairman of luxury car dealers HR Owen and Cardiff City Football Club, while the portfolio manager, Richard Hawken, has an international motor racing licence as well as being a classic car collector since the mid-1990s. Between them they know a thing or two about the vehicles in which they invest on your behalf. The minimum investment they require is £100,000. Like a hedge fund, it levies a management fee of two per cent per

annum and a performance fee of 20 per cent provided it exceeds the hurdle of an eight per cent annual return For those wishing to invest smaller amounts, there is the Classic Car Fund launched by the Count of Custoza Family Office in Zurich in 2011. It is run by fund manager and classic car collector Filippo Pignatti Morano, who hosts the Classic Car Fund group on LinkedIn. The minimum investment is €10,000 and it offers what it calls soft lock periods of one or two years (its fee structure is similar to WMG). The fund has a four-year track record of five per cent net per annum. It even offers a unique approach described as ‘subscription in kind loan value’.

This means you can ‘subscribe’ your own previously acquired classic car into the fund – they will value it at this point, obviously – and thereby enjoy the diversification of being in a larger pool of classic cars, with all maintenance costs paid for by the fund, but you get to keep the car in your own garage at home, using it as and when you like.

Another option is the California-based Family Classic Cars Fund. The minimum investment is $10,000, for which you become a part-owner of all vehicles in the fund and a shareholder in the operating company that stores and maintains the vehicles. Because the fund is dollar-denominated, you will have to factor in exchange rate fluctuations as well.

You should only become a classic car collector on the basis that you have a keen interest in the subject, that you are in it for the long haul, and that your acquisitions represent only a small percentage of your investment portfolio. But as long as you take a common-sense approach you can participate in some of the juiciest returns offered by any alternative investment class.

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WHISKY GALORE

The only way to find out how it’s doing is to drink some, reducing the investment that remains. As a consumable you may anyway decide one day it was never an investment after all, and use it for a grand party.

By Christopher Silvester

© DAIMLER AG; © FERRARI S.P.A.; © BONHAMS

T

he discovery that an 1878 vintage bottle of Scotch whisky is a fake should not deter would-be investors from exploring whisky investment. The fake came to light after a Chinese tourist paid the equivalent of £7,700 for a dram of it in a Swiss hotel, a purchase that was described as the world’s most expensive. Analysis of the contents of the bottle showed that it had been made between 1970 and 1972 and was a blend of 60 per cent malt and 40 per cent grain whisky. Mindful of its reputation, the hotel immediately refunded the cost of the dram to the buyer.

Although there are undoubtedly fakes out there, they represent a tiny proportion of the collectors and investment market for rare whisky, which is expanding all the time. During the first half of 2017, the number of bottles of Single Malt Scotch whisky sold at auction increased by 47.25 per cent to 39,061. The total value of these auction sales was £11.176m (a 93.66 per cent increase on the first half of 2016). Participation in the market is highly affordable. While the most expensive bottle of Scotch sold during this period, a 50-year-old Macallan in Lalique, went for £65,210, the average per bottle price was £286.13.

With whisky, unlike fine wine, you can usually buy single bottles rather than cases, and you can safely store them at home as long as they are kept away from direct sunlight, in a room with no dramatic changes in temperature, and in an upright position so as to avoid deterioration of the cork. Once bottled, whisky does not mature nor does it go off, but remains fixed in time. All the ageing is done in casks before bottling. However, as the bottles in a limited edition are drunk or disappear from the market, so the scarcity value of that particular distillation increases. If you buy a single cask or a numbered release,

you know there is a finite amount available.

If you are tempted to dip your toes into this market, your first port of call should be the valuers at McTear’s (of Glasgow), Bonhams and Christie’s, who will advise you about building a portfolio and about when to sell. Best bets are the smaller editions from the big distilleries (Macallan, Highland Park, Ardbeg), historic bottlings, or the Rare Malts Selection (numbered runs from defunct or mothballed distilleries – try The Last Drop Distillers).

Rare blended whiskies (where the blend has changed over the years) now have an investment value, as do rare whiskies from Japan.

In April 2017, a 1960 bottle from the closed Karuizawa distillery sold for £100,100, setting a UK and European record. A well-chosen portfolio when sold should produce a return equivalent to a yield of about seven per cent, but there is also the prospect of some spectacular returns if your timing is right. For example, a ten-year-old Rosebank bottled in the 1990s, worth about £50 in 2010, is now worth £550.

Whisky investments are best held for five years or more, though you may sometimes be advised to sell in order to realise gains and trade up your portfolio.

I cannot deny that people can and do make large gains if they buy one of these alternatives at the right time, and remember to sell when they are so much in fashion that their values are crazy. All investments have an element of fashion and market mood in their valuations, but with shares and bonds there is an income paid to you on a regular basis and a daily liquid market to keep prices a bit more sensible. You can sell shares and bonds much more quickly with low spreads and dealing fees. Selling alternatives means more delay waiting for the right auction and much higher transaction costs. There was a big boom in fine wines around 2010, when Chinese buyers wanted them, only to see them fall sharply in price when the Chinese lost interest. The prices can be very volatile, which is the polite way of telling people you can lose a lot of money as well as make a lot.

Art values are particularly bizarre. Many people think Picasso was a great artist, but why did someone pay $160m for his Women of Algiers in 2015? The current TV series that seeks to prove certain paintings are by famous artists shows just how silly it can be. A pleasant painting worth a few hundred pounds can be transformed into a very valuable one by proving it was painted by a famous artist.

It’s the same painting, yet changing the artist’s name can multiply its value hugely. The only point of a work of art is to please or challenge the viewer. Logically who painted it should make no difference, as it is what it is. The present art market is driven by people who think a modest painting by a well-known artist should be worth many times a better painting by a little-known artist. The experts persuade the people with the money of that truth.

The very high prices of unique alternative investments all depend on a mixture of their scarcity value and the fashion and passion to own them. Perhaps the best advice is to only buy things you really like for their own sake, and only pay what you can afford. In the end the point of wine is to be drunk and of a car to get you around. How much is that worth to you? You might get lucky buying and selling, but remember they yield you no income and may prove difficult to sell when you want to get out. I’m sticking to more traditional investments that pay you for holding them. ■

FROM TOP: A 50-year-old Macallan in a Lalique bottle sold for £65,210; Highland Park 50-year-old single malt whisky; Karuizawa whisky from 1960; Rosebank 1990; Picasso’s Women of Algiers sold for $160m in 2015

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NOT JUST A MAN’S WORLD Adrienne Muir has carved out a successful, challenging and fulfilled career in the City and urges other women to grab the opportunities and lead from the front, as she explains to CHARLOTTE METCALF

‘A

lright, so what? Now what?’ is the phrase that defines Adrienne Muir’s informal and forwardthinking style of leadership as COO of VoxSmart and Chair of WILD (Women in Listed Derivatives). As a woman in the City, she’s knows how to be pragmatic and move on, rather than moan about the status quo. ‘When thinking about what has changed in the City there’s so much that’s improved here that there’s no point sitting around banging on about what’s wrong,’ she says. ‘Let’s lead from the front, make the changes that work.’

In 1999 Adrienne, aged 22, left her native New Zealand to backpack around Europe. She

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arrived in London and landed a temporary job at LIFFE (London International Financial Futures Exchange). ‘I was really interested but had no idea what I was doing, so asked a load of questions and built relationships that helped me,’ she says. ‘I was so eager to learn. At LIFFE I had headstrong, smart, confident bosses who championed me and I learned there was no such thing as a stupid question.’

When asked her thoughts on sexism in the city, Adrienne pauses, ‘Like anywhere, yeah, it’s there, but by working with industry associations like WILD we are talking about how to address these areas pragmatically. Like everything, change takes time but we’re not walking around with our eyes closed.’

At 27 Adrienne went home to work at the New Zealand Exchange. She found it a fun and rewarding environment and learned another lesson about being a woman in the workplace: ‘For me there is not a career path, just career opportunities, so grab them. Not everyone is going to like you and that’s OK.’ After five years Adrienne wanted a change from the regulated environment and the Exchange space, so moved back to London for a new role heading up a business unit in the Financial Technology Space. ‘I flew back home from the interview on my birthday,’ remembers Adrienne. ‘My boyfriend Stuart proposed that evening and, 20 minutes later, I was offered the job working for a vendor, it was scary on so many levels.’

In 2008 the couple moved to Clapham for Adrienne to take up her new role. In 2011 she gave birth to Alexandra. ‘Heading back to work after six months was hard, so I headhunted my own mum to come over from New Zealand to look after her,’ says Adrienne. ‘She was a paid nanny at home, so I matched her wages and hired the best.’ Adrienne went back to work full time and then, in 2014, gave birth to twin boys, John and Harry, at 34 weeks: ‘They were big boys, but sadly we found out that John had Patau syndrome and he died eight days later.

‘When John died our world pivoted on so many levels. Everything felt different. I had no idea

ABOVE: Adrienne, Stuart and their children Alexandra, Harry and John, who died just eight days later BELOW: Adrienne running for her son

who the previous me was, but I knew I felt different. There’s no template for how to grieve for a child, especially when you are looking after another baby at the same time.

It can only be described as bitter sweet.’

Adrienne decided to take her full year maternity to focus on raising Alex and Harry.

‘Six months did not feel sufficient, I needed time to get my head around my new normal.’

Despite her courage, Adrienne soon found herself struggling and, in January 2015, was diagnosed with PTSD. ‘There is sadness, then there is trauma,’ she explains. ‘I knew I had been impacted by what we had gone through.

The death of your child is sad, but it’s also incredibly traumatic. I didn’t need a cuddle, I needed help.’ Adrienne took the road to recovery seriously and had EMDR (eye movement desensitisation therapy). ‘I called it “project resilience” – I married up therapy with exercise, good food and great people.

It was the hardest road, but within 12 weeks I was in a much better space. I never apologise or sugarcoat what I went through. Like many things, we need to start talking about it.’

In the end Adrienne took 17 months off and, on return to work, decided a change of role was needed. ‘While I knew everyone cared, I needed to start again and start afresh,’ she says. Adrienne spoke to many companies about her capabilities and need for flexibility and eventually joined the Fintech company VoxSmart as COO. ‘Oliver Blower, the CEO, got it and got me. He understood the need for my skillset in a start-up, but was equally very accommodating around my need to be available for my family,’ says Adrienne. ‘The culture, passion and people at VoxSmart suit me and where I am right now, I could not be happier.’

When asked about why there are so few women in senior roles in the City, Adrienne nods: ‘We talk about this a lot. Women are there and there are so many great opportunities for them but, sometimes, we just need to get there.’ Adrienne is a fan of quotas and believes women bring a vital and energisingly diverse skillset to the table. While she admits there are men pushing their own agenda and issues that arise with gender in the City, she believes there are only a few creating bad situations. ‘So, when we come up against challenges, let’s flip it and be the educators as women,’ she says. ‘Sexism? That’s their problem, their view, not ours, nor a reflection on women. While we can’t ignore it, let’s view ourselves differently and think okay, so what, now what? What’s really going on here, who can help mentor me, how can we champion flexible working environments to help balance work with parenting?’

‘Of course, motherhood’s a constant juggle,’ she continues, ‘but I don’t work insane hours anymore and my CEO and team understand how important it is for me to be there for my family.’

Younger women are now turning to Adrienne as their mentor and her advice is refreshingly down to earth: ‘Be as kind to the cleaner as to the CEO – I’ve never believed in hierarchy. Work hard not to be intimidated by anyone senior as everyone must put their trousers on one leg at a time. As women we should lead with integrity and trust ourselves. Life can throw so many curveballs at you,’ says Adrienne, ‘I know that more than most, but it’s your life to live and treasure that every day. Perspective is key, you’re stronger than you think.’

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Heart OF GOLD

Investing in art, antiques and fashion can be a fine balance between head and heart. ANASTASIA BERNHARDT asks three experts for their advice to avoid falling head over heels

1

ANTIQUES ADVISER

Chris Martin is the director and antiques specialist at LASSCO’s Brunswick House. He says that, when it comes to antiques, don’t get too hung up on making a return

What would be your first piece of advice about buying antiques?

Forget about investing in antiques – they should be bought for love. You must like what you are buying and for it to be within your financial means; any return you may (but probably won’t) get on it should be a very distant, secondary consideration.

The idea of surrounding yourself with objects that will purely appreciate in value is against all concept of decoration and design.

How can we make sure we’re not being ripped off? Some research into comparable items would be advisable, but if you don’t have the time or inclination for this, do seek advice from someone who spends their career overly obsessing about the value of antiques (a dealer or auctioneer). Most will be only too happy to help. As ever with advice, only seek it from someone you trust.

How can we avoid making big mistakes? Don’t fill a warehouse or barn with brown furniture and await its long and lamented return to fashion. Monstrous sideboards and wide dining tables that never stop extending aren’t going to start fitting into people’s homes again anytime soon. Do buy wonderful examples from each period that ooze flair and panache.

What advice would you give to someone who has no idea where to begin? The mid-century look is in fashion at the moment, which also happens to be heavily referenced by a lot of mainstream modern design. Do buy if you fancy, but don’t buy dross as when it (inevitably) falls out of fashion you’ll want to get rid of it and it won’t be worth much.

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PHOTOS: © LUKE SPRAGUE, THE SUPERYACHT AGENCY; © PETE NAVEY

FROM TOP LEFT: Brunswick House in Vauxhall serves antiques (and fine food); bronze Venus de Milo c.1900; Chris Martin; LASSCO’s new bar on Maltby Street

What should we be buying now? The expression ‘fashion is temporary but class is timeless’ is very apt with furniture. All the shrewdest people are out buying the best Georgian and Regency furniture (class really is timeless), safe in the knowledge that it is very, very cheap at the moment.

ABOVE: Rabih Hage BELOW: Rabih’s treasured Oliver Clegg painting at his home in Provence

... and what should be thrown on the skip?

I do wish that the over-use of dull, harsh and hard industrial elements in interiors would ‘do one’.

Unfortunately, their popularity seems indefatigable.

Bring back colour!

What have you got your eye on at the moment? Personally, I’d prefer not to admit what I keep my eyes on as I’d rather people steered clear. But, I am fond of items that have strength of image or form, are silly, unabused or untouched, or just very English.

Make of that what you will.

What will never go out of fashion? If you purchase antiques as an investment, buy pieces that are by the best-known designers of their eras (including modern and mid-century), are properly attributed to that designer and preferably with decent provenance.

2

ART AUTHORITY

When award-winning architect Rabih Hage isn’t designing new buildings, he advises future collectors where to look for sound investments. He says that the contemporary art market is crowded, so look to contemporary design and Old Masters

PHOTOS: © LUKE SPRAGUE, THE SUPERYACHT AGENCY; © PETE NAVEY

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

yourself the question, why? Why do you want to do this? Because you love art, or because you want to speculate? If you love it, what is it that you love and let that lead you.

Do you buy with your head or with your heart? Both. The heart gives the first impression and the head thinks about the why, the how and the longevity. Why did the artist create this work, how, for how long have they been working and how long will they continue? I buy with my heart and head and, with time, my mind as well.

What was the last piece you bought? The last piece I bought was

by Oliver Clegg, it’s a painting of a collapsed marionette of Snoopy.

He has a really fantastic technique and it was his strong aesthetic that first caught my attention. I had an immediate instinctive attraction to the artwork. The medium is also very interesting; it is painted on a wooden table top in three pieces from an artist’s studio, mounted vertically as the canvas. Then I dug deeper and discovered that the table was owned

by Cy Twombly. And then I researched the artist and found that he was really interesting, very focused, mid-career and I think he will go very far.

What should we be investing in right now? Contemporary design.

Forget contemporary art, it’s too crowded. ... and what should we be selling? Contemporary design and Old Masters.

What’s going out on the skip? Contemporary art and art deco furniture. It’s too much of the 1990s. Now we are looking for new directions, new aesthetics and new ways of living.

What kind of work never loses its value? Work with true provenance and pieces that relate to personal experiences, in either the buying of them, the commissioning or living with them. There can be a total osmosis between the piece and collector, and it can reflect his or her personality and mood. With this kind of relationship to a work of art, January 2018 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.CO.UK | 77

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it can tell the owner a new story every day. For me, this is even more important than the fiscal value of an artwork.

Any dealers or galleries that you would recommend? I like to go straight to the producers, artists and designers whenever possible. You can often have a great relationship with the makers this way.

Have you ever regretted selling a piece? Yes, the Quarter Dollar Chair by Johnny Swing. It had all the attributes of a great piece, and I was testing it on the market to prove something of its value to myself. You follow your heart and sometimes make mistakes. I regret not having it now; I would love to see it in my living room every day.

Quarter Dollar Chair

by Johnny Swing

William Banks-Blaney

Biggest misconception about vintage fashion? Thankfully most people now realise the value that vintage can bring to the modern wardrobe. The days of thinking it smells of mothballs and is all about ‘dress up’ are over.

How do you source your pieces? We source from around the world and anywhere from country estates to council estates.

If we were to invest in the right piece, could it turn a healthy profit?

McQueen S/S’09

Dior S/S’65

changes often as it holds about 400. Overall, we have some exceptional Yves Saint Laurent Russian collection pieces, early Dior and Balenciaga, alongside Versace and significant McQueen pieces.

Versace S/S’91

I’m pleased to say there have been many. Perhaps my personal favourite was a 1929 Lanvin that had been lost for over 80 years and which we discovered. It is now a part of the permanent collection at The Met, New York.

Where do we start? Start with something you know how to wear and that hits your life; a great weekend coat or the perfect LBD. What would be the biggest mistake we could make? Don’t buy pieces that need a great deal of work or have condition issues and trust in fate. It takes a little longer to find the perfect vintage piece but when you find it, it’s transformative and addictive.

PHOTOS: © JOE KRAMM / R & COMPANY

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What’s the most exceptional piece in your shop right now? We have over 3,000 pieces, so our shop stock

What has been the most valuable piece you’ve acquired?

FASHION CONSULTANT

Fine vintage is outperforming fine wine in terms of return on investment. William Banks-Blaney, who founded William Vintage to source the best vintage in the world, knows a thing or two about buying and selling glad rags

Fine vintage is outperforming wine currently as an investment.

The rare pieces, for example early pieces by great designers, are dramatically increasing in value year on year. Whether it’s Chanel and Courrèges from the ’60s or Galliano and McQueen from the ’90s, high quality vintage is proving an extremely sensible investment.

Which designers are a safe bet? The more significant designers always do well and, generally, the best pieces are those from when ‘the name above the door’ was still there, so Givenchy when it was Hubert de Givenchy or Balenciaga when it was Cristobal Balenciaga.

What trends are you noticing? There has been a wild resurgence of the ’90s recently in film, music and fashion and my current passion is Gianni Versace. We recently launched the largest collection of his work to ever come on sale.

What have you got your eye on at the moment? There is a rather wonderful and early Yves Saint Laurent which is mind-blowingly beautiful and rare.

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London Road Jeweller (Country & Town House Magazine 2) V2.qxp_Layout 1 19/10

For the best of both worlds

EV ERY DAY

www.countryandtownhouse.co.uk @countryandtown /countryandtownhousemagazine /countryandtownhouse

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For stockist information please visit

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01/12/2017 12:30

PROMOTION

DREAM TEAM

A

Mark Tremlett and Peter Tindall are on a mission to find the most natural night’s sleep possible, made exclusively in Devon

side from feeling grouchy, a bad night’s sleep can have more serious long-term implications on your health. Sleep deprivation increases your risk of suffering from obesity, heart disease and diabetes, as well as affecting your immunity and mental wellbeing.

A good mattress can make all the difference when it comes to grabbing 40 winks. As keen sailors, Mark Tremlett and Peter Tindall found that out the hard way, tossing and turning on uncomfortable, synthetic mattresses while out at sea.

Back on dry land, at the family’s boatyard on the banks of the River Exe, they went about hand-making super comfortable, natural fibre mattresses to take on their voyages.

So successful were their efforts that when Mark had his first child one year later, they devoted the same attention to babies’ mattresses, and Naturalmat was born. Today it’s not just babies and seafaring-types who can benefit from their 100 per cent natural, breathable mattresses, as they offer all the components for a good night’s sleep, from toppers to bed linen, for all ages.

And why is the natural part important? Cheap mattresses are often made from memory foam and other man-made materials that don’t wick away moisture from your body. By contrast,

Naturalmat mattresses are made from organic wool sourced within a 50-mile radius of their factory in Devon. In fact, they are the only mattress company that buy directly from farmers.

By having so much control over the processing of the wool, they can more or less tell you the exact field the lambswool you are sleeping on has come from. A layer of organic coconut fibre also helps to increase airflow – Naturalmat is the only company to use this sustainable fibre as the prime material, while premium natural latex extracted from the sap of rubber trees provides a hypoallergenic but breathable core for extra support.

This is a company that cares about its footprint, and they are proud to produce a product made from materials that are sourced sustainably and harvested according to Fair Trade principles.

It’s an ethos that extends to their workshop, where they hire local artisans to make every item by hand in their Topsham factory, which is run on green electricity generated on site. Their premises and processes are monitored by the Soil Association and, perhaps most significantly, because their products are 100 per cent natural and biodegradable, when they are no longer needed, the mattresses are ready to return to nature as nature intended.

If Devon seems a long way to go for a mattress, check out

The Dartmouth bed and Milo the pony

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The Halyard bed

its first flagship showroom in Chiswick, which opened in spring last year.

Here you will find Britain’s first Sleep Zone, which was designed in collaboration with sleep Every product is consultant Christabel handmade in Devon Majendie. The individual sleep pods with low-level lighting and privacy screens put an end to awkward bed-shopping experiences, tension testing in front of the world and his wife. Close your eyes and you could almost be in the rolling hills of Devon – though that could be something to do with the special Devon soundscapes and tailored scents they’ve had designed for the space.

You don’t just have to take their word for it; if anyone knows about getting the best night’s sleep, it is the world’s best hotels. Naturalmat has supplied the Six Senses Hotels Resorts and Spas, created a custom seaweed layered mattress for a resort in Formentera and re-engineered 17th-century bedsteads to 21st-century comfort levels at The Lygon Arms in the Cotswolds. So, the next time you’re tossing and turning, it might be time to lie back and think of Devon... naturalmat.co.uk

Naturalmat’s west London showroom

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Create a beautiful space, one extraordinary piece of furniture at a time Browse our unique collection of vintage & design furniture and shop from more than 700 boutiques in one place

www.vinterior.co

Vinterior.indd 1

info@vinterior.co

020 339 303 83

29/11/2017 16:36

C&TH

THE INSIDER INTERIORS · LIVING · DESIGN

MOONLIGHT SONATA This is what a chandelier looks like in 2018. Ochre’s dazzling 20-drop Moonlight Murmuration installation takes the grand ambition of a traditional chandelier and brings to it a clarity of form with delicate glass discs that twinkle in the soft light of LEDs. An instantly calming influence on any space. £10,680. ochre.net

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THE INSIDER

INTERIORS

DESIGN NOTES News and inspiration from the world of interiors.

By Carole Annett FALLING FOLIAGE When these delicate bone china leaves are lit from above the effect is of sunlight passing through a tree canopy.

Leaf by Haberdashery, with integrated lighting, from £7,867 for a 100cm diameter circle. fbc-london.com

FANCY FRONDS

I imagine these lights beside a dressing table in a showgirl’s boudoir. Veronese glass feather wall lights by Arbus, circa 1940, 54cm high, £2,600. guinevere.co.uk

FEEL THE GLOW

AT HOME WITH ALIDAD Renowned interior designer Alidad is opening his private home in Mayfair, London, from 17 January, for a few days each month hosting six to eight people. He will discuss how he creates graceful interiors mixing rich textures and eclectic furnishings. £500pp, including champagne, lunch and a signed copy of Alidad’s The Timeless Home. alidad.com

Kelly Hoppen has turned her creative eye to fireplaces with a new collection for Chesneys. Butler limestone fire surround, £2,340; Eva urn and decorative effect gas fire, £1,950. chesneys.co.uk ONLY THE BEST Upgrade the simplest of suppers with a well-laid table and generous linen napkins.

This one by Peter Reed has a festive bauble or create a bespoke design. £19 each or £12 cocktail size. peterreed.com

SO LADYLIKE

LEATHER LUXE

A leather pouf will get squashier and butter-soft with age. These ones

by Flexform have a smart woven design. Carmen ottoman, from £10,918. interdesignuk.com

The Greta side table, named after Greta Garbo, according to creators Rebecca James and Andrea Felice, this table is both glamorous and multifaceted like the lady herself.

It comprises oak, brass and corian with a sodalite stone top, £6,250. felicejames.com

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SNUGGLE UP Woolly throws to keep you warm

STATEMENT LIGHT

This gesso and brass chandelier combines a textured surface and origami-like folds. 1,020 x 625mm, £21,900. portaromana.co.uk GET ME TO GSTAAD Perfect for après-ski relaxing with a glass of glühwein – folding Fur Relax chair with copper finish and fox eco-fur, £2,295.

Available exclusively from Indian Ocean at Harrods. harrods.com

ALL PAIRED UP

Parker and Jules is the brainchild of two friends, a print designer and interior designer, who have combined their talents to launch four fabric stories.

This one, East India, features chintz and ikat, from £79 p/m. parkerandjules.com

BRANCHING OUT

British fabric company Romo has joined forces with rug manufacturer Louis de Poortere, producing a rug collection featuring timeless designs. Acacia, charcoal, 170 x 240cm, £750. romo.com

GOLDEN NUGGET

The Aether series of cabinet knobs is like a pile of precious ingots.

Order as a set to appreciate their haphazard shape. Approximately 22 x 24mm each, from £115 per piece. hautedeco.com

1 Orme stripe teal, £155. neptune.com 2 Srinigar reversible, £258. oka.com 3 Raspberry merino, £79. tollymcrae. co.uk 4 Bronte by Moon, lambswool £90. brontebymoon.co.uk 5 Shitake panel, £75. mushroomlondon.com 6 Knitted oyster, £260. arloandjacob.com

SAY THANKS

Jo Malone London’s hand cream trio, with a meandering drawing of Tower Bridge, makes a welcome gift for any occasion. Lime Basil and Mandarin, Peony and Blush Suede and English Pear and Freesia, 30ml each, £44 a set. jomalone.co.uk January 2018 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.CO.UK | 85

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THE INSIDER

FOCUS

STEP INSIDE

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1 A glamorous approach for a residential block by Linda Morey-Burrows (moreysmith.com). 2 Two different wooden floor styles create a subtle divide between hall and passageway (element7.co.uk). 3 The architecture speaks for itself in an Athens home by Liaigre Design Service (liaigre.com). 4 An oversized globe light from Jamb creates a focal point in this London townhouse interior by Max Rollitt (maxrollitt.com; jamb.co.uk). 5 Create impact with mouthwatering colour. Stair runner by Roger Oates (rogeroates.com). 6 Classic and timeless with a striped carpet (brintons.co.uk).

PHOTOS: JEAN-FRANCOIS JAUSSAUD

A hallway is the first room to make an impression, so make it count, says Carole Annett

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THE INSIDER DESIGN Q&A

SEBASTIAN CONRAN

LITTLE BLACK BOOK

Steal Sebastian’s contacts

Bring back surface pattern, says the British designer

CANDLES Byredo. byredo.co.uk ABOVE: Sebastian Conran LEFT: Soap dispenser from the VitrA Eternity collection BELOW: Sebastian designed the Eternity collection for VitrA

WALLPAPER Timorous Beasties. timorousbeasties.com

Most recent ‘find’? The plywood exhibition at the V&A. It tells a really inspirational story about an often overlooked material.

Favourite room in the house? My wet room shower/steam-room, it’s where I have my eureka moments – a bit like Archimedes in the bath.

This is where the idea for the design of Eternity – the collection of bathroom accessories I recently designed for VitrA – came to me What ‘look’ are you most hoping will fall out of favour? Although I love Apple design,

Last piece of art you bought? I recently acquired a large Gillian Ayres screen print, which I love, but my house is running out of wall space. I have been collecting since my teens, when my mother gave me a Hockney print of Celia Sitting.

What’s your garden like? I enjoy my garden, but it is a bit overshadowed by trees so I go for a ferny woodland feel with a meadow rather than a lawn.

What would you never chuck away? Absolutely everything is ultimately disposable, but images of my family and children growing up are priceless.

Achille Castiglioni, Jasper Morrison, Marc Newson. The list goes on...

House warming present? I recently gave my stepmother a beehive with a starter kit.

Which designers do you have your eye on? Barber & Osgerby, Jasper Morrison, Morag Myerscough and Tom Dixon are some of my favourites.

PHOTOS: © JANNECKE NILSEN

Most extravagant thing you’ve ever bought? For my first flat in 1982 I bought a Cassina Wink chair designed by Toshiyuki Kita in black.

Unsung design hero? Engineers are often very creative but get overlooked.

Design is very much a team effort.

esoteric showy designs that do not function well and are difficult to fabricate.

RUGS Heal’s. heals.com

Whose home would you most like to nose around? Other designers: Dieter Rams,

I am getting a little tired of the formulaic ‘department of rounded corners’ look. It would be interesting to see some surface pattern or a return to the early jelly bean translucent colours of the late-1990s.

What should never have seen the light of day? I have a bit of a problem with

CUSHIONS Designers Guild. designersguild.com

GIFTS The Design Museum. designmuseumshop.com

Do you collect anything?

Moulton bicycles. I have owned almost 20 and have nine different models at present.

Miro, a robot designed by Sebastian Conran

How can we all live more selfsufficiently? Buy less, travel less,

FURNITURE The Conran Shop. conranshop.co.uk

eat less – maybe there are too many people on the planet.

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The LaLiT London is a beautiful luxury boutique hotel situated in a Grade II-listed property in Tower Bridge, offering Pan-Indian fine dining and Ayurvedic Spa Treatments.

181 Tooley Street, London SE1 2JR | +44 (0) 20 3765 0000 | london@thelalit.com thelalit.com/the-lalit-london

Lalit Hotel.indd 1

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C&TH

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

C O S TA R I C A

ANIMAL MAGIC Costa Rica boasts five per cent of the world’s biodiversity.

It’s a veritable natural kingdom, says Olivia Palamountain

AltaGracia is a working hacienda and an equestrian paradise

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CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: The Manuel Antonio nature reserve is home to countless species; Nayara Springs lap pool; a sloth; the pool and lounge at AltaGracia; a keel-billed toucan

W

hen it comes to animals, I play by the rules. I don’t feed them, touch them, ride them or eat them unless I know it’s safe and polite to do so. But at the KSTR animal sanctuary in Quepos, Costa Rica, nothing could have prepared me for the level of restraint it took not to cuddle a baby sloth. These tiny creatures are the crack of the cute world – which is presumably why we had to observe them behind a screen – with their adorable pink snouts and lazy smiles that broke the internet way before Kim Kardashian got her bum out.

Nearby, in the Manuel Antonio nature reserve there are no glass screens to shield the adult sloths from touchy-feely tourists, but Mother Nature did equip them with razor-sharp claws. Squinting into the canopy I’m thrilled finally to spot one, tightly curled around a tree doing what sloths do best – not much. Without a doubt, sloths are the celebrities of Costa Rica’s animal kingdom, but they are far from the only incredible animals found here. Around a quarter of the total landmass is designated as part of a protected reserve, hosting five per cent of the world’s biodiversity in just 0.03 per cent of the planet. To put this in perspective, that’s as if every species of animal in London Zoo and every type of plant in Kew Gardens were indigenous to the UK, roaming free and growing wild.

Nowhere in Costa Rica encapsulates this better than the stunning 60,000-acre Manuel Antonio national park. Home to bleached

beaches and rich forest, the reserve is alive with the hum and chirp of wildlife, inhabited by everything from iguanas, tarantulas and toucans to lesser-known wildlife such as tanagers, white-nosed coati and potoos (answers on a postcard). Despite my best efforts, the only species I found were the territorial howler monkeys that patrol the beaches – seriously, be warned. Perhaps the rest of the animals were running late. Costa Rica uses its own relaxed clock – Tico time – that runs around 30 minutes later than standard. Meeting a local at 2pm? Don’t bother turning up until 2.30pm or prepare to wait. Ticos were named the happiest people in the world last year, so perhaps there’s something in it.

The pilot of our private plane to the AltaGracia resort took a more British approach to timing and, after flying over miles of virgin country, we touched down at the private airstrip on the dot. Set 1,200m high in the lush hills of Pérez Zeledón, AltaGracia is a new resort rambling some 865 acres with panoramic views of the magnificent Valle del General. Love them or loathe them, the ubiquitous resort buggy comes into its own on such a vast site, and I’m whisked off to assess my digs by a driver dreaming of F1 glory on a four-stroke engine.

Accommodation has been designed to wow. Despite a lack of local character, I’m suitably blown away – the scale of the villas is immense and all share that view of the valley. The giant palapas include working fireplaces, snuggly touches such as cashmere throws and

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FOOD & TRAVEL

The abundance of animal life and natural beauty, coupled with an exemplary attitude to welfare and conservation, has made this destination a go-to for conscientious travellers

private verandahs. Hell, there’s even a massive guest bathroom should you fancy hosting a party – and an office space if you feel like working.

I certainly did not. An horsey paradise, this is a working hacienda with incredible stables and a parade of beautifully groomed horses dressed in top of the range tack. Thundering skies and rain as heavy as artillery fire (more glamorous than it sounds) rather put me off joining the guided ride and I slunk off for an excellent glass of Chilean red from the well-equipped wine cellar – and the promise of a massage in the spa.

Come rain or shine, Costa Rica really is all about exploring the great outdoors, so if you’re here to tan by a hotel pool then you’re missing a trick. The abundance of animal life and natural beauty, coupled with an exemplary attitude to welfare and conservation, has made this destination a growing go-to for conscientious travellers looking for something out of the ordinary, and getting here is easier than ever before. British Airways launched the only direct flights to the capital San José last year, avoiding any unnecessary customs faff in the States – this is big news for tourism in Costa Rica, so act fast before the masses arrive.

The appetite for luxury offerings is also on the rise. One property that is cementing Costa Rica’s spot on the international travel radar is Nayara Springs. A new, adults-only boutique hotel, it’s situated in the shadow of the famous Arenal volcano, a perfect pyramid that looms at 5,437ft high, guarding the landscape like a smoking deity. Ultra-

exclusive, the resort is accessed via a 250-foot pedestrian bridge high above the rainforest canopy, bounded by a creek and underground mineral thermal springs. Crossing into Nayara Springs is a magical experience, like a symbol of leaving one world and entering another, set to the tune of the rainforest breathing and sighing a welcome song.

Shady paths meander all over the resort leading to delights such as the outdoor rainforest spa, infinity pool or one of five distinct restaurants offering an accomplished choice of cuisine, from fine dining at Amor Loco to Peruvian fusion at Asia Luna.

You need never leave – which is precisely the point given that many guests are honeymooners. Action, however, is certainly not limited to the bedroom. Adventure options include kayaking through creepy mangrove swamps, exploring ancient caves, surfing the rapids on a white water raft and whizzing through the forest on a zipline.

High in the canopy, harnessed to a death-defying rope swing, I’m psyching myself up for leap of faith into the jungle. I never managed to touch a sloth, but for a few magic seconds I got to soar like an eagle. ■ BOOK IT: Doubles at AltaGracia from $357.50 including tax(altagracia.

aubergeresorts.com). A deluxe casita at Nayara from $430 (arenalnayara. com). For more information on Costa Rica, visit visitcostarica.com.

BA flies three times a week for the winter season between Gatwick and San José, Costa Rica. Flights start from £616.10 return (ba.com/costarica).

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FOOD & TRAVEL THE SEA AT YOUR TOETIPS T R AV E L N E W S

THE HOTEL WIZARD Italians have hotels down pat, says Fiona Duncan

POOLSIDE PARADISE IN PUGLIA

Puglia has some marvellous beaches.

If you prefer a villa holiday to a hotel, consider one of the London-based, Italian-owned Puglian properties via The Thinking Traveller, with garden gate access to the sea, such as L’Argentiera on the southern Adriatic coast. Elsewhere, they offer properties with the same irresistible perk in Sicily, Corsica, the Sporades and the Ionian islands. thethinkingtraveller.com

Have I mentioned that Italian hotels are my favourite in Europe, if not the world?

If only we could do them half so well back home, I say. Take these two gems in Puglia, one a superb example of a 40-room spa hotel, the other of a six-bedroom boutique guesthouse.

Masseria San Domenico, Savelletri Of the Melpignano family’s several Puglian resort hotels, including the celeb-heavy Borgo Egnazia, this – their first – is my favourite. In the centre of an old olive farm stands a 15th-century watchtower, built by the Knights of Malta, with sympathetic new buildings spread out around it. The feeling is one of peace and space, accentuated by the huge pool that stretches toward the ocean. But what really marks it out is the superb thalassotherapy spa, where you can indulge in everything from ‘olive oil envelopment in chromotherapy’ to a facial using pure gold and from water shiatsu and hydrokinesitherapy to a whole day of body remodelling using Thalasso, Kneipp, Thalgo and Carita treatments. Medical, beneficial, relaxing: how spas should be. Doubles from £190. masseriasandomenico.com

Don Totu Dimora Storica, San Cassiano I love hotels that deliver unexpected surprises and here is one. A modest street façade reveals a small palazzo, gifted by the local noble family to their faithful land steward, Don Totu. It’s full of airy courtyards and terraces, whitewashed walls, local ceramics and olive and lemon trees. There are six cool, calm and beautifully equipped bedrooms, a help-yourself kitchen and elegant sitting rooms, but the real joy comes when you walk through a narrow passage and find yourself in a huge lovely garden with a spectacular pool, filled with artworks and original art deco chandeliers from the Biltmore Hotel in Miami. There are cinema evenings and cookery classes and breakfast, drinks, morning yoga classes, use of bikes and hammam and gym are complimentary. With so few bedrooms, the place is yours. A real find.

Doubles from £150. dontotu.it

ON THE TRAVEL RADAR

Cambridge has rocketed from backwater to boom town thanks to its burgeoning high-tech industries and its slew of trendy new hotels. Latest, opening this month, is the revamped University Arms, created by dream team of architect John Simpson and interior designer Martin Brudnizki. universityarms.com

From renowned expert Marc Harris comes news of several exciting new lodge openings in 2018. Contact Marc’s Odyssey Travels for more information about Xanadu Villas in Zanzibar, Jabali Ridge in Tanzania’s Selous Game Reserve, Bisate Lodge in Rwanda (pictured) and rebuilt Mombo Camp in Botswana. odysseytravels.com

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FOOD & TRAVEL Paris, City of Light

THE ESSENTIALS

STAY Grand Hôtel du Palais Royal from the Small Luxury Hotels of the World collection. Right by the Louvre but hidden from the crowds in an idyllic courtyard, this fresh, design-led hotel lives up to the city’s culinary expectations, their subterranean spa is an ideal post-shopping indulgence.

Doubles from £325. slh.com/palaisroyal

THE WEEKENDER

PARIS The city is reclaiming its fashion crown, says Rosalyn Wikeley

DO For a ‘nose’ workout and education on centuries of Parisian fragrance, visit the Musée de Parfum. Book a class with ‘un nez’ for an expert rundown of scent pairing and have a go at creating your own. grandmuseeduparfum.fr

‘P

PHOTOS: GETTY IMAGES; LUC CASTEL

aris is always a good idea,’ or at least that was the form prior to the challenges brought to the city in 2015.

Tourism is only beginning to bounce back (after a painful lull) with a host of design-led hotel openings and renovations, a cosmopolitan gastronomic facelift and museums harnessing the capital’s fashion legacy with headline shows. Never mind the modern likes of Maje, Sandro or Claudie Pierlot, the museums promise a trip to the ‘glory days’, when Paris was the glittering epicentre of the fashion world. It’s the stuff of sartorial reverie, a retrospective of codemakers, fierce talent and the noise of showbiz, politics and culture

Yves Saint Laurent Museum

BOOK IT Eurostar from London, from £58 return or fly Air France eurostar.com; airfrance.co.uk The Paris Tourist Office parisinfo.com

Christian Dior exhibition

surrounding these fashion power houses. The Christian Dior exhibition at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs is a must-see for a breathtaking overview of the designer’s life and work, touted the best exhibition in Paris this year with elaborate, interactive displays – hurry though, it ends on 7 January (lesartsdecoratifs.fr). Then there’s the Yves Saint Laurent Museum (once the couture house of the man who transformed women’s fashion) for a civilised and magical tour of his eventful life and elegant designs that will whet your appetite for the shops (museeyslparis.com).

EAT For an impressive wine list and warm, scandi interiors try Zebulon Palais Royal. A.Noste is the place for buzzy tapas with a Parisian twist and Spoon for the latest addition to the Alain Ducasse empire. If you’re after refined Parisian dining, Le Fumoir, or Les Grands Verres, an ‘in-ze-know’ spot atop the Palais de Tokyo.

BUY Head to Rue Saint-Honoré for a chic-on-chic shopping experience, (Moynat, Chantal Thomass Lingerie and TOUS are key), or the apartment of D’Estrëe’s founder for luxury hats and bags, and Fauchon on Place de la Madeleine for crisp macaron.

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PROMOTION

RUN TO THE SUN

Enjoy stunning Mediterranean views at Hotel Bahía Calpe by Pierre & Vacances on this gorgeous stretch of the Costa Blanca coast

F

or a quick and easy winter or summer break, head to the Costa Blanca, which is located 132 km south of Valencia and 30 km north of Alicante. Here you’ll find the Hotel Bahía Calpe

by Pierre & Vacances, which overlooks the Playa del Arenal beach and enjoys a stunning view of the huge limestone rock of Ifach.

This fresh and contemporary hotel is close to Calpe town, a charming former fishing village that now offers all modern amenities, and Paseo Maritimo. It also offers direct access to Playa del Arenal beach, only 50 metres away.

THE HOTEL Hotel Bahía Calpe has two outdoor swimming pools, one of which is situated on the roof, enjoying panoramic views of the sea and beyond. The hotel offers bright air-conditioned rooms (choose from sea, swimming pool or town view) with elegant, modern design ranging from single rooms to suites that can accommodate up to four people (perfect for families). All come with private balcony and WiFi.

There are plenty of places to eat at this four-star hotel too.

Depending on the season, it offers a buffet or à la carte restaurant, a cafeteria and two bars – Calpe Diem on the rooftop is the perfect place to chill out with a sundowner.

There is also a fitness room, beauty centre and car park.

OUT AND ABOUT There is a huge amount to do around this beautiful part of Mediterranean coast. For sporting types, there’s a windsurfing club at Les Basetes Marina, four nine or 18-hole golf courses (Ifach, Don Cayo,Javea or La Sella), ranging from nine to 30km away and tennis is available at Calpe Tennis Club.

For nature lovers, nothing beats discovering the Natural Park of Penyal d’Ifac, home to numerous rare plants, including a number of endemic species, over 300 species of animals, and a nesting site for colonies of birds.

Book it Doubles from €67.50. hotelbahiacalpe.com

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FOOD & TRAVEL Le Prince Maurice in Mauritius, where much of the accommodation offered is on stilts

MAURITIUS

FIT FOR A PRINCE Marcus Scriven keeps his head about him in Mauritius

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win terraces – glimpsed between hotel and ocean – encase an infinity pool, beyond the lip of which flames dance upwards at night, rising from a quartet of fire-bowls masked from view. It’s the sort of theatricality that defines the Prince Maurice – the sort that can destabilise a chap, and which possibly explains the performance of one man in particular. A superstar (of stage and screen) who, when submitting himself for ‘a treatment’ at the hotel’s spa, decided against wearing the mandatory disposable underpants and, at the treatment’s conclusion, asked... Perhaps further detail is superfluous (other than to say that his request was scrupulously declined). The poor fellow must have been afflicted by a touch of the sun or unhinged by the purity around him.

While sauntering along the beach under a clear blue sky, soothed by what seems initially to be the sound of continuous

distant thunder – in fact, the sea thumping into the reef enclosing the lagoon – a shoal of what look like no more than silver blades spear in and out of the water, inches from the shore. A little further inland, the lagoon narrows so that, to blurry English eyes, it might almost be the Thames in high summer, the water silvered by late afternoon sun, but for the volcanic hills cartoonishly etched onto the horizon. Accordingly, it is lava rubble that forms the bedrock for a roped walkway through a canopy of mangrove and pongamia pinnata, a thicket of a plant with voluptuous leaves of vivid green. As dusk falls, this is starrily lit, delineating the path towards Le Barachois, a floating bar and restaurant – a Hollywood touch for guests emerging from their villas, many of which strut above the water on stilts. There’s further feasting on the beach or in ‘Asian Corner’ – assuming, that is, that you’ve emerged from the 6pm wine tasting, conducted each evening by master sommelier Jerome in the brick-roofed cellar. Seductively quiet and cool, this is a treasury of 29,500 bottles, including a Burgundy priced at £26,400 (The Prince Maurice has this year been adjudged – by Fine Wine World – to have the best wine list of any hotel in the Middle East and Africa.)

Presumably the star of stage and screen had ‘overtasted’, or had cruised too long – an open-top Mini is the vehicle of choice – through the oceans of sugar cane, hugged closely by an evening of Mauritian warmth.

BOOK IT: Turquoise Holidays offers seven nights from £2,275 pp, including daily breakfast, private transfers and flights. turquoiseholidays.co.uk January 2018 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.CO.UK | 95

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FOOD & TRAVEL NEWS

GASTRO GOSSIP

THIS MONTH Self-denial is not the way to start the year

Breakfast at The Wolseley without ever leaving your bed

BRANCHING OUT

Given that 60 per cent of a whisky’s flavour comes from the barrel, the wood used to make the cask is everything.

Japan’s Suntory Whisky was aged for 18 years in casks made from rare Mizunara oak, giving the spirit an entirely new expression. £1,000. whisky.suntory.com

HAVE A BUTCHER’S

Every village needs a butcher like Tori & Ben’s in Melbourne, Derbyshire.

Farming couple Tori and Ben Stanley have partnered with MasterChef the Professionals finalist Sven-Hanson Britt to create an all-singing, all-dancing butchery, farm shop and outdoor kitchen to cope with the demand for their award-winning English Longhorn beef. toriandbensfarm.co.uk

GRAPE EXPECTATIONS

As far as private members’ club perks go, Ten Trinity Square has really pulled out all the stops, with access to the first Château Latour discovery and dining room outside of the estate’s vineyard, where members can sample wines as precious as a Château Latour 1982 Vintage by the glass... although said glass will set you back £600. tentrinity square.com

1 READ Massimo Bottura turns water into wine (kind of) in Bread is Gold: Extraordinary Meals with Ordinary Ingredients. £29.95. phaidon.com

NORTH STAR Culinary tourism might be on the up but Nigel Haworth is turning the concept on its head, inviting Michelin-starred chefs from across the world to cook for guests across 18 nights at his restaurant Northcote in Lancashire. Don’t miss Hiroshi Nakamichi, from Japan’s threeMichelin starred Sapporo (25 Jan).

18 Jan to 4 Feb. northcote.com

2 DRINK Greenall’s sloe gin will pair nicely with the last spoils of the shooting season. £18. masterofmalt.com 3 EAT Rococo’s chocolate caviar – because we’d rather eat cocoa than fish eggs any day of the week. £20. rococochocolates.com 4 BUY Bergamot can help to banish the blues. Astier de Villatte’s bergamot dishwashing liquid will bring you back from the brink when you’re stuck at the sink. £15.50. pentreath-hall.com

BREAKFAST IN BED The Wolseley’s brand new breakfast hamper is the perfect compromise between brunch out and breakfast in bed, as it includes everything you need for a morning installed between the sheets as well as a card for breakfast for two at The Wolseley for when you choose to break cover. Just add hot water and the weekend papers. £150. thewolseley.com 96 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.CO.UK | January 2018

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FOOD & TRAVEL RECIPE

Q&A

WINTER WARMER

DARINA ALLEN Founder of Ballymaloe cookery school

Darina Allen’s spicy laksa will blow away the cobwebs

SWANSEY’S PENANG LAKSA

This version was given to me by Lay Choo Lim from Penang, who did the Certificate Course here at the school in 2007. In the recipe, given to her by her late mother, Swansey, Lay Choo uses local fresh white rice noodles in Malaysia, but over here she uses fine udon noodles which she cooks like spaghetti, until slightly al dente. Penangites like their laksa hot – so use fewer chillies if you prefer.

What are you cooking to keep warm this winter? Great big chunky soups.

We’ve started on the root vegetables in earnest: celeriac, muddy parsnips and roasted pumpkin.

Favourite ingredient currently in season? Jerusalem artichokes should be much better known than they are. From a health point of view they are really important and, from a gardener’s point of view, you plant one and by the next year there will be 15 in the same patch.

INGREDIENTS

RECIPES AND IMAGES FROM GROW, COOK, NOURISH BY DARINA ALLEN, PUBLISHED BY KYLE BOOKS. PHOTOGRAPHY BY CLARE WINFIELD

SERVES 6–8 FOR THE LAKSA:

» 3 tbsp sunflower oil » 500g fish fillet, such as

Biggest mistake in the kitchen?

When I first came to Ballymaloe there were two very similar enamel pots, one had sugar in and the other had salt. I got them mixed up and made meringues with salt instead of sugar.

monkfish, cut into 2cm dice

» 250g raw prawns, cut into 1cm dice » 400ml coconut milk » 200ml tamarind juice (150ml » »

hot water and 60g dry tamarind squeezed and strained) 600ml fish stock (optional) 1 tbsp palm sugar or soft brown sugar 150g round rice noodles Salt

METHOD

Roughly chop all the ingredients for the chilli paste. Transfer to a food processor and pulse until a fine paste is formed. Heat a clay pot (a saucepan works as an alternative) over a medium FOR THE CHILLI PASTE heat and add the oil. When the oil is hot, add the chilli paste. » 8 fresh Thai chillies, deseeded Continue to stir, otherwise the chilli paste will burn. Cook for » 3 stalks lemongrass (white parts only) 4–5 minutes until the aroma is released, then add the fish and » 1 level tablespoon ground turmeric the prawns. Stir to coat thoroughly with the cooked chilli paste » 10 shallots and add salt to taste. After a minute, add the coconut milk and » 1 x 50g block belachan (shrimp paste) tamarind juice. Depending on how thick you like the laksa » 2.5cm piece of galangal sauce, the mixture can be thinned down by adding either fish TO SERVE stock or more tamarind juice, if you want it to be more sour. » 1 cucumber, deseeded and When the fish and prawns are almost cooked, add the cut into very fine strips sugar. Taste and, if necessary, add more salt. » ½ fresh pineapple, cut into very fine strips Simmer for a few minutes after the fish and prawns » ½ small lettuce, cut into very fine are cooked until the chilli oil comes to the surface. strips Remove from the heat. Boil a big pot of water, add » 1 large red onion, very finely sliced » 3 large pickled gherkins, cut into the rice noodles and cook according to the packet fine strips instructions and drain. Divide the noodles into » Fresh mint leaves the serving bowls. Add all the vegetables and fruit, » Lime wedges including a few mint leaves on top of the noodles.

Heat the laksa sauce until it simmers and ladle into the bowls to cover the noodles, vegetables and fruit. A traditional way of warming the noodles and vegetables is to pour the laksa sauce (but not the noodles or the vegetables) back into the pot. Once the sauce comes back to the boil again, ladle it out again. Garnish with mint leaves and lime wedges to serve. » »

Biggest mistake people make in the garden? Often new gardeners rush into it and are super enthusiastic and grow everything. You need to stop for a minute and work out what soil type you have because there is no point in working against nature.

Most memorable meal out? At Tlamanalliin restaurant in Teotitlán del Valle in Mexico’s Oaxaca Valley.

The three Mendoza sisters cook together at this village restaurant and make everything from scratch, including grinding the corn to make the tortillas.

Who would you most like to cook for ? Angela Merkel, I’d cook her something from our farm and gardens here, like a big Irish stew with local lamb and a cabbage salad or an artichoke and prawn salad. The sort of nourishing meal that you can sit down and enjoy together. I would want to talk to her about the importance of protecting the quality of our soil.

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FOOD & TRAVEL

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

FORK & FIELD What’s on the menu tonight? British or Biafran, asks Anastasia Bernhardt

SECOND TIME’S THE CHARM Soho restaurants so good that they had to open second sites

TOWN

IKOYI, SW1

COUNTRY

MOOR HALL, West Lancashire

If ‘British’, ‘seasonal’ and ‘ingredient-led’ have now become anathema, then let Mark Birchall be a reminder that, when executed with panache, there is a reason why our best chefs stick close to home. This converted gentry house is Birchall’s new baby (he was previously at L’Enclume), and was decorated with a Michelin star within six months of opening. Where Moor Hall itself is olde-worlde, the glassy modern restaurant is a thrilling juxtaposition, where diners feast on clever dishes like the most delicately treated beef tartare; a Holstein Friesian aged for 60 days on the bone and 20 days off, elevated with dots of mustard and grounded with earthy celeriac.

No matter how full you are by course seven, don’t hesitate when beckoned into the cheese room – and don’t get caught nicking your cutlery holder, it was carved from the building’s original beams. Tasting menu, £95. moorhall.com

THIS MONTH I’M…

Thomasina Miers, co-founder of Wahaca

1 Tucking into roasted sea bream drenched in al ajillo butter at Wahaca’s new Test Kitchen (wahaca.co.uk). 2 Opening my mind at The Berkeley’s Blue Bar, where the Out of the Blue experience takes its tipples up a notch (the-berkeley. co.uk). 3 Trying to find out exactly what ‘graffiti aubergine’ is at The Square, just re-opened (squarerestaurant.com).

HOPPERS, W1 If you still haven’t managed to get into Hoppers on Frith Street, rejoice, for its second site on St Christopher’s Place takes bookings. Book now to finally get your gnashers around its Jaffna beef fry and garlicky crab kari mopped up with dosa and spongy hoppers. Sharing’s caring, so play curry tapas with good friends who don’t mind you using fingers. hopperslondon.com

SMOKING GOAT, E1 Thai food is something that Brits have butchered for so long – too bland, too sweet, just plain wrong. The original Soho restaurant was one of the first to revisit Thai with more substance, and its new Redchurch Street outpost doesn’t disappoint, with barbecued offal skewers and cheek-suckingly sour seafood soup. Bangkok, eat your heart out. smokinggoatbar.com

TEMPER CITY, EC2 If the heat in Neil Rankin’s Soho site came from the flaming firepits and Mexican influence, in his City iteration it comes from the curry. Meat is still dealt with in his signature low and slow style but transferred into wicked thalis and skewers plucked straight from the tandoor oven. The party atmosphere remains the same. temperrestaurant.com

PHOTOS: © TARA FISHER

For something completely different, try Iré Hassan-Odukale and Jeremy Chan’s smartened up adaptation of Jollof cooking, which will put a rocket under your seat (the fermented chilli asun relish, in particular). I’d go as far as saying this was the most exciting opening in London last year: in part for Studio Ashby’s effortlessly cool homespun design – think natural materials, clay lights and rattan chairs; and for its future cult dishes that include sticky Jollof rice with lardaceous smoked bone marrow and the beef blade with ‘traditional’ condiments – dried, fermented crayfish and smoked peanuts blitzed with 20 different types of chillies, peppercorns and spices, served with sliced confit tomatoes and onions. Bold, brilliant and exactly the injection of soul that St James’s Market needed to give it kerb appeal. Mains from £25. ikoyilondon.com

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3 nights for 2 available until March 2018

THE ST ENODOC HOTEL

STAY

DINE

RELAX

ROCK, CORNWALL

www.enodoc-hotel.co.uk | 01208 863394 | info@enodoc-hotel.co.uk

For the best of both worlds

EV ERY DAY

STOCKISTS ALESSANDRA RICH alessandrarich.com CARINE GILSON carinegilson.com CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN christianlouboutin.com DE BEERS debeers.co.uk FOREVERMARK forevermark.com

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GIAMBATTISTA VALLI giambattistavalli.com

MIHANO MOMOSA mihanomomosa.com NOOR FARES noorfares.com JESSICA MCCORMACK jessicamccormack.com JIMMY CHOO jimmychoo.com RAMI KADI rami-kadi.com VENYX venyxworld.com ZUHAIR MURAD zuhairmurad.com

JENNIFER BEHR jenniferbehr.com

01/12/2017 12:31

C&TH EDITED BY ANNA TYZACK

PROPERTY HOUSE OF THE MONTH What is unique about it? Mary I reputedly stayed at Harpsden Court, as did Jane Austen.

But you might recognise it for its regular appearances on the silver screen – the house has played host to a number of noted film and television productions, including Quantum of Solace, The Woman in Black, Midsomer Murders, Jude and Parade’s End. How would you describe its style? Handsome Strawberry Hill Gothic revival with Elizabethan and medieval architecture. This house is atmospheric with a rich sequence of wellpreserved interiors, representing the long history of the house, notable for its oak panelling and exquisite plasterwork.

Best nearby shops? Henley is renowned for its many small, independent shops that range from homes and gardens to antiques, boutiques, hand-crafted chocolates and even a skateboard shop.

Any good schools in the area? There are excellent state and independent preparatory schools which include Rupert House and St Mary’s. Top independent senior schools within half an hour include Shiplake College, Eton College, Wycombe Abbey, Wellington College, Bradfield College and Abingdon School.

Harpsden Court, Henley-onThames Price: £4.95m 13 bedrooms 3 bathrooms: 17,173 sq/ft 4.18 acres, plus additional land by separate negotiation

What’s the commute to London like?

Henley, Shiplake and Twyford stations have access to both Oxford and London Paddington. Reading is eight miles away and offers frequent fast trains to London and the West Country. From 2019 the new Elizabeth Line will run from Twyford station, allowing access into the City in 55 minutes and Heathrow in 33 minutes.

So what’s the downside? This country house provides one of the most outstanding restoration opportunities in Oxfordshire and the Home Counties.

Restoration work takes time and investment, yet ownership of this house would be a privilege for the next generation.

The current owner says… ‘Growing up here was one big adventure. We will miss the unique atmosphere of the house.’

Hamptons International; 01491 260159 hamptons.co.uk

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W H Y B U Y I N . ..

A SECOND-HOME COMMUNITY

ABOVE & BELOW: Retreat East in Suffolk offers a new type of second-home ownership

Why buying your rural bolthole in a specially devised scheme can take away many of the practical headaches of second home ownership, as well as being more sustainable, says Anna Tyzack

T

he dreamy country cottage with a roaring fire and cosy local pub is a flawed reality for city dwellers. Who will look after it when you’re not there? The prospect of arriving after a long week of work to an empty fridge, unmade beds and a garden that is growing out of control is a turn off – unless you can afford staff to run it for you. This is why urbanites are being drawn to a new style of managed second-home community, designed to cater for the exacting demands of weekenders. ‘We wanted to create a smart solution for second-home ownership,’ explains Dominic Richards, founder of Retreat East, an exclusive barn development eight miles from the heritage coast. ‘Your country bolthole does not have to become a noose around your neck.’

Residents at Retreat East, which is surrounded by undulating fields with the pretty village of Coddenham close by, arrive on Friday evenings to find the lights on and a bottle of wine chilling in the fridge. Not only will their house be clean, the beds turned down and the bathrooms stocked with Aesop toiletries, but the chef will have prepared dinner to heat in the oven – a chicken gratin or fish pie with vegetables from the kitchen garden, which is tended by Peter Wrapson, who used to be Jamie Oliver’s food grower. ‘As a weekender here myself I saw how beneficial this kind of service would be,’ Richards continues. ‘If you’re going to get the most out of a second home, it needs to be hassle-free but usually the opposite is true.’

Timber-framed barns on his farm, with two bedrooms, three bathrooms and an open-plan living room with woodburner cost £20,000 (or £10,000 for a one-bedroom barn) – a snip compared to the stone-built cottages in the area which rarely cost less than £500,000.

The catch? The property is only yours for ten nights a year but, according to Richards, this is still more than the average person uses their second home – and you can always purchase additional nights as required. ‘Our barns are the fraction of the price of having a second property full-time, which is the way it should be as the property is only used by you part time,’ he explains.

For those who would rather own their own home, the Lower Mill Estate, near Cirencester, offers the chance to create your own lakeside residence from scratch. The newest award-winning ‘Habitat’ houses feature wildlife-friendly roofs, floor-to-ceiling glass windows and the latest eco credentials. ‘Lower Mill is a chance to experience a Swallows

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PROPERTY and Amazons lifestyle in a perfect, secure natural playground for children of all ages,’ explains owner Red Paxton.

The estate, which is a hit with celebrities and actors as well as ordinary families, is for people who want to spend their weekends in the fresh air; you walk for miles along public footpaths, canoe and fish on the lakes, or cycle on quiet country lanes. There are also tennis courts, a village shop selling local produce and a restaurant with a pizza oven, ensuring you never need go into town unless you want to.

Urbanites are well within their comfort zone, however, as staff will unload your Waitrose shopping into your fridge before you arrive, and can organise a private chef in your home if you’d like a holiday from cooking. There is also a £6m spa with enormous indoor and outdoor swimming pools and a natural swimming pool with reed bed filter – all of which are open to children.

It’s much more expensive than Retreat East: total build costs – including the freehold land and build contract from a recommended builder – start from £550,000 but you only need to pay stamp duty on the price of the plot, which start from £250,000. The largest plot, the Paddock, which has planning permission for a family home with swimming pool, tennis court and helicopter landing pad is currently on the market for £1.6m. Annual service charges, meanwhile, are around £3,150 plus VAT, but here you can use your property whenever you like, providing it is not registered as a principle primary residence. ‘Some owners decide to rent their homes out, generating up to £40,000 per year through the onsite management scheme,’ Paxton continues.

Dominic Richards, who is also a trustee of the Prince’s Trust Australia, is convinced that communities like these are the way forward for second-home ownership.

The concept counters the ‘ghost village’

THIS PICTURE AND BELOW: Lower Mill Estate’s ‘Habitat’ houses

phenomenon, where communities are blighted by empty homes for months on end. ‘Here in Suffolk, there are villages with up to 40 per cent second-home ownership where locals – many of whom have been in the area for generations – are priced out of the market,’ he says.

‘They can’t get on the property ladder because all the cottages are bought as second homes, which doesn’t seem very ethical.’

What if you decide you want to sell up?

At Lower Mill, you can put your property on the market, as with any other home. Selling on a debenture at Retreat East is equally straightforward: it can be sold through the sales team or privately, and your asset is secured against the development as a whole.

‘Owning a full-time bolthole can often turn out to be more of a burden than a pleasure,’ Richards continues. ‘This way is hassle-free and so much more sustainable.’ suffolk.farm; lowermillestate.com

SECOND HOME SIMPLE

Silverlake, Dorset A new sustainable holiday-home development around scenic lakes in 550 acres of West Dorset, with footpaths, cycle routes and a new spa. From £295,000. silverlakedorset.com

Fritton Lake, Suffolk Hill Wood Retreats is a low density development of 35 luxury retreats, set in a light, mature oak woodland with an aspect that faces south and east across Fritton Lake.

Each property will have its own golf buggy so you can ditch the car, and will feature the highest specification, including a deckmounted, wood-fired hot tub.

From £230,000. frittonlakelodges.co.uk

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PROPERTY

FORECAST

THE SHAPE OF THINGS Lucian Cook, director of Savills Residential Research, says that, while the prime housing markets remain price sensitive, risks have been overplayed

F

orecasting house prices is never a job for the faint-hearted but the current backdrop of political and economic uncertainty only increases the challenges. Getting it right presupposes that we are making the right economic assumptions, can predict policy direction and have the ability to anticipate the fickle nature of buyer sentiment.

There’s not enough space here to set out all the factors that we do know, or can predict with confidence but, suffice it to say, Savills bases its forecasts on a wide range of indicators, including a detailed knowledge of previous housing market cycles.

So, in a few words, I will attempt to summarise what we think is in store for the UK’s prime residential markets.

First, a look at London. Having seen double digit falls since the stamp duty rises of late 2014, house prices in London’s prime central locations are beginning to find a level, but uncertainty over the impact of Brexit points to two further years of no growth.

Thereafter, when uncertainty clears and central London’s prime residential real estate again represents identifiably good value, prices will bounce. By the end of 2022, we expect values across the city’s most established core prime central zones to have risen by a fifth (20.3 per cent).

While this may look ambitious in the current climate, it represents a departure – likely permanent – from the historic trend, which saw average annual price growth of 5.7 per cent above the rate of inflation between 1979 and 2014. During that period London was transformed from a purely domestic market in the pre-Thatcher years, to one of the world’s leading global cities. This rocket-fuelled promotion phase cannot be repeated, but London can – and we believe it will – retain its position among an elite group of world cities, valued for its low risk status.

The wider prime London market is more dependent on domestic buyers employed in the financial and business services sector, for whom mortgage affordability is more of a concern. This will constrain price growth,

On the market now with Savills are this house in Harpenden in the Home Counties for £3.25m; an Edinburgh townhouse for £895,000 and a new build (with cinema) on Hereford Square, London for £7.95m

which is projected to total 10.2 per cent, with a modest two per cent decrease across 2018.

But we think London will remain a key global financial centre and develop as a hub for the growing tech sector, meaning its prime markets will benefit from new domestic wealth generation as well as attracting wealthy international buyers, leading to price growth over the five-year period.

London’s commuter belt will wait until 2019 or beyond to see price growth, given its dependence on the capital, but other regional markets are expected to see marginal price rises next year, albeit some will remain below their 2007 peak.

Over a five-year period, however, the commuter markets will likely be the strongest regional performers, with growth peaking at 15.3 per cent in the outer commuter zone, some 30 to 60 minutes outside the capital.

Here, the price gap is key, particularly for Londoners looking for more space, and this should help reduce price sensitivity in these markets. For example, while £1m will buy just over 1,200 sq/ft in Wandsworth, southwest London, it will get you around 2,000 sq/ft in Sevenoaks and over 2,400 sq/ft in Bath.

Further from London, much depends on more general economic drivers and the extent to which they support a wider ripple effect. The wider south of England, Midlands, North of England and Scotland have all seen small average price increases this year and that will continue into 2018.

All will undershoot London’s commuter belt over the five-year period, but see marginally stronger growth than outer prime London, suggesting that the value gap is stretched to its maximum.

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C&TH PROMOTION

THIS IS THE MODERN WAY

At the touch of a button, Bold & Reeves’ app enables London’s prime property owners to create a property logbook, avoiding last-minute repair and breakdown

P

rime home maintenance company Bold & Reeves was founded in 2012 as a joint venture between a Middle Eastern family office and the Sunley Group. It now operates exclusively in central London’s most upmarket districts, providing its services to homeowners, investment landlords, developers and leaseholders of five-star apartments.

Over the past five years, Bold & Reeves has developed a service that is bespoke, proactive, carefully planned, meticulously managed and expertly delivered to enhance the values of homes and the working life of everything within it.

At the heart of Bold & Reeves’ success is the concept of its electronic property management logbook, reduced outgoings on reactive on-demand/ as required repairs, direct access to the company’s closely vetted specialist partner supplier network offering discounted wholesale rates and a demonstrable record of risk management and insurance benefits.

It has developed a ground-breaking new app which allows homeowners to access their exclusive black book

of carefully curated tradesmen, with a discount on wholesale rates. All of this at the touch of a button. Clients are provided with the property maintenance logbook, which records all activities undertaken and provides valuable costs continuity, enabling customers to see, check and change their schedule for complete confidence and control.

On the recent launch, Bold & Reeves managing director Bill Shipton says: ‘We all service our cars regularly to avoid the cost and inconvenience of breaking down, and this new app enables you to look after your property, probably your single most valuable asset, in exactly the same way. With the rise in property taxes resulting in more people improving rather than moving up, this app will add value should you ever come to sell. Bold & Reeves delivers convenience, peace of mind and value – now all at your fingertips.’

Find out more about Bold & Reeves on its website, and learn all about one of our Great British Brands.

52 Mount Street, London W1K 2SF; 020 7408 7590; boldandreeves.co.uk

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PROPERTY

LIVE LIKE JOSIE...

MY LIFE IN PROPERTY

JOSIE LLOYD The author shares her property past Where was your first home? I bought my first flat off Portobello Road in 1995.

I was a temp, writing copy for the back of cereal packets.

Best thing about it? It was so much fun mooching around Portobello Market.

I painted every room in bright colours and the flat felt warm and vibrant. It’s where I wrote Come Together, my first novel with Emlyn [Rees].

Where do you live now? In Brighton – in a Grade II-listed townhouse, two minutes from the beachfront.

THE STARTER HOME

Josie Lloyd

from a town called Alaró and we have spent every summer there since.

What do you look for when you’re house hunting? ‘The

Wurlitzer juke box

Farrow & Ball Vert de Terre

If you could buy a second home, where and why? On holiday in Mallorca in 2003, after a particularly rosé-fuelled lunch, I slurred to Emlyn, ‘You know what? We should buy somewhere.’

We fell in love with a place 2km Brighton

one.’ I always have to go on gut feeling and our moving decisions have been based on emotion, rather than anything particularly sensible.

Three things that are important to you about where you live? As they say, location, location, location.

We work at home and occasionally get cabin fever, so I need to be able to leave the house and see people.

THE FOREVER HOME Brighton, £2.275m A historical gem of a seafront property on Arundel Terrace, with views of the South Downs to the rear. Enormous reception rooms, five bedrooms and access to secure gated gardens, with a private tunnel to the beach. 01273 772175; winkworth.co.uk

Do you have any favourite paint colours? I’m thinking Farrow & Ball Vert de Terre for my kitchen.

What has been your most extravagant home purchase? The 1953 Wurlitzer. It came from Chicago and used to fill a music hall. When it cranks up, it’s insanely loud.

‘Shabby: The Jolly Good British Guide to Stress-Free Living’ by Josie Lloyd and Emlyn Rees is out now (£9.99, Constable)

THE BANK BREAKER

Mallorca, €3.95m Within walking distance of the beautiful town of Alaró, this contemporary villa has five bedrooms, spectacular inside and outdoor living spaces and a stunning infinity pool. An old casita in the grounds could be converted into a gym or staff quarters. 07577 408598; morgan-morgan.co.uk

PHOTOS: GETTY IMAGES

What do you love most about it? It’s such a beautiful terrace and I’m always a bit wowed when I come home.

Favourite room? The kitchen.

It’s in the basement and has a really cosy vibe. I love having a big table and lots of people around it. We have a record player, so there’s quite often dancing. And lots of food.

Portobello, London, £1.695m Prices in this part of town have rocketed since Josie bought there in the Nineties. This one-bedroom maisonette has a large double reception room, a modern kitchen, and a private terrace.

020 7616 7000; foxtons.co.uk

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PROPERTY

1ISLINGTON

The Claremont development of apartments is a stroll from some of London’s best bars and restaurants. It’s also just five minutes’ walk from Angel underground station and ten minutes from King’s Cross – both on the proposed Crossrail 2 route. Each property is kitted out with cutting-edge technology and all feature spacious living areas with open fires, balconies and floor-toceiling glass. From £895,000.

020 3826 4888; currell.com

3 FULHAM

2CANARY WHARF FIVE OF THE BEST

INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES Anna Tyzack picks London’s most exciting developments this winter. You know what they say about early birds…

It’s rare to find lateral living space in Fulham but the new Bishops Gate development, through a magnificent gateway flanked by two restored gatehouses, offers large, light apartments, as well as ten contemporary townhouses. This is a prime part of London, so the prices are high but so too is the specification: underfloor heating, freestanding baths, bamboo carpets and engineered timber flooring are standard fittings. From £725,000.

020 7751 3444; bishopsgatesw6.com

4 WOOLWICH

Royal Wharf is a new riverside neighbourhood within the Royal Docks regeneration area, which in the future will be home to around 10,000 people – here’s your chance to be the early bird.

The 40-acre development site features an unprecedented amount of green space – almost 40 per cent. There will also be a Marylebone-style high street and a 25m swimming pool. Properties have views over Canary Wharf and the Thames Barrier. From £360,000. 020 7718 5202; knightfrank.co.uk

One Park Drive, a new cylindrical tower by Herzog & de Meuron, will offer the best in sky living – 58 storeys of lateral apartments, plus a gym, pool, boutiques and cafés. There are three apartment designs to choose from – Loft, Bay and Cluster – each with a different personality and far-reaching views of the city. Residents will also have use of a library, screening room and concierge.

From £645,000. 020 7718 5202; knightfrank.co.uk

5 HACKNEY

The Stack, a new residential building in this fashionable and rapidly gentrifying part of East London, contains 24 contemporary apartments, each with Bosch appliances, a private balcony and use of a communal roof terrace and café. There’s even a children’s play area. Homerton station is just three minutes’ walk away and there are hipster shops, barbers and coffee shops, plus a popular Sunday market on Chatsworth Road, which was recently named ‘London’s last real high street’.

From £395,000. 020 7226 6611; currell.com

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Immaculately presented and newly refurbished low built six bedroom house

Freehold

KnightFrank.co.uk/nottinghill nottinghill@knightfrank.com 020 8166 5451

brooksmarshall.co.uk ollie@brooksgordon.co.uk 020 7183 9502

£21,500,000

Knight 18 Q Frank.indd ueensdal1

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Cadogan Gardens, Chelsea SW3 Exceptional seven bedroom freehold house in a prime Chelsea address Wonderfully laid out with beautiful entertaining space and well-proportioned rooms, this impressive family house close to Sloane Square has a lift, three terraces and access to communal gardens. Master bedroom suite, 5 further bedrooms, 4 further bathrooms, 4 reception rooms, kitchen, cloakroom, 3 terraces, comfort cooling,

Freehold Guide price: £11,500,000

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

@KnightFrank KnightFrank.co.uk

KnightFrank.co.uk/SLA170232

Knight Frank.indd Country and 2townhouse

January 2018 Cadogan G ardens

22/11/2017 15:40 22/11/2017 10:06 :02

Eaton Place, Belgravia SW1 A two bedroom duplex penthouse apartment with direct lift access A beautifully designed third and fourth floor penthouse apartment situated mid terrace on the south side of Eaton

-

KnightFrank.co.uk/belgravia belgravia@knightfrank.com 020 3641 5908

Guide price: £5,750,000

Knight 3 C& TFrank.indd P enthouse,

5 8 E aton p l ace

@KnightFrank KnightFrank.co.uk

22/11/2017 20/11/2017 12:03 :2315:40

Westgate Terrace, Chelsea SW10 A well-positioned and elegantly presented upper maisonette The flat is arranged over the top three floors of an attractive, stucco fronted period conversion and has been cleverly designed to make the most of the space throughout. A spacious reception room with high ceilings leads on to a large Smallbone kitchen with space for a dining area. 3/4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, reception room, kitchen, terrace, private balcony. EPC: D. Approximately 148.7 sq m (1,601 sq ft).

Share of freehold

KnightFrank.co.uk/chelsea chelsea@knightfrank.com 020 3641 6172

@KnightFrank KnightFrank.co.uk

Guide price: £2,200,000 KnightFrank.co.uk/CHL170064

Knight Frank.indd Country and 4Townhouse

- 8 Westgate Terrace - January 2017

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savills.co.uk

1 AN ICONIC CONVERSION AT THE CENTRE OF THE CEDARS pytches road, woodbridge, suffolk A double fronted, newly converted home offering spacious, light filled accommodation throughout ø 2 reception rooms ø bespoke fitted kitchen/dining/family room with Siemens appliances ø master bedroom suite with dressing room ø 4 further bedrooms (1 en suite) ø Villeroy and Boch bathroom suites ø private turfed garden ø integral double garage ø built by PJ Livesey

Savills Ipswich Max Turner mturner@savills.com

01473 234826

Guide £1.45 million Freehold

Prices correct at time of going to print

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savills.co.uk

1 A WONDERFUL SMALL COUNTRY ESTATE IN A BEAUTIFUL RIVERSIDE SETTING tewin, hertfordshire The Mill House EPC=F ø The Wing ø The Bothy EPC=E ø North Lodge EPC=F ø wonderful grounds of approx 9.83 acres in all ø gardens landscaped in 1930s with yew hedged garden 'rooms' ø the border, rose garden and orchard ø woodland, wild flower meadows and donkey fields ø summerhouse and arbour ø greenhouses and outbuildings ø garaging ø the River Mimram (chalk stream) and backwater.

Savills Harpenden Nick Ingle ningle@savills.com

01582 465000

Guide £3.5 million Freehold

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CADOGAN SQUARE, CHELSEA, LONDON, SW1X An elegant first and second floor maisonette which provides excellent accommodation and is ideal for formal entertaining.

Grand reception and dining room. It faces South and has exceptional views over the square gardens.

It also benefits from a balcony at the front and terrace to the rear. Dogs welcome at the property.

3 Double bedrooms · 2 En-suite bathrooms · 1 Shower room · 2 Reception rooms · Kitchen · Guest cloakroom Balcony · Roof terrace · Use of communal gardens · Approx. 2,488 sq ft · Energy Efficiency Rating - D

FURNISHED/ UNFURNISHED

lettings@aylesford.com

Aylesford.indd 1

£4,500 PER WEEK

+44 (0)20 7351 2383

aylesford.com

28/11/2017 09:42

NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS: 1. EXERCISE MORE 2. EAT HEALTHIER 3. SELL MY HOUSE

Telephone: 020 7908 9280

YOUhome.indd 2

Office: nhg@youhome.co.uk

www.youhome.co.uk

RBK&C Office: 121 Notting Hill Gate, London, W11 3LB

@youhome_nhg

Westminster Office: 63 Jermyn Street, London, SW1Y 6LX

@youhome_nhg

23/11/2017 16:48

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GUERNSEY, THE HEAD AND HEART CHOICE. Livingroom’s award winning website is only part of their story.

Nationally renowned as Guernsey’s leading estate agent, Livingroom is synonomous with privacy and discretion.

Boasting the largest and broadest selection of property for sale in Guernsey, Livingroom offers a contemporary service with old fashioned values.

NO VAT, 20% CAP ON INCOME TAX, NO CAPITAL GAINS TAX, NO CORPORATION TAX AND NO INHERITANCE TAX. NON EU.

T. (0) 1481 233008 | W. WWW.LIVINGROOM.GG A. LIVINGROOM, THE OLD MILL, ST. MARTIN, GUERNSEY, CHANNEL ISLANDS, GY4 6DB

1.indd 2

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• Billericay Fryerning Essex Little Burstead

Guide Price Guide Price £3,850,000 £2,395,000 A stunning striking five double bedroom, four reception II A Grade II listed family residence offeringGrade a listedofperiod torooms, date back 500 years. total 6,404 property sq.ft. Fourthought reception cellar, seven This charming residence is originally be 3 bedrooms, a fantastic detached leisurethought complex,to outdoor cottages, now providing a detached fantastic flow of interesting heated swimming pool and garaging all set on family living space over two floors. The aand plotextensive of circa 1.25 acres (stls).

EPC Exempt.

7.5 acre plot comprises formal grounds mixed

Country & Village Office 01245 397475 sympathetically with paddocks (benefitting from a

second separate access), ponds and a substantial lake.

Numerous outbuildings, tennis court, double garage and detached one bedroom annexe. Equestrian potential. EPC Exempt

Country & Village Office 01245 397475

Fryerning Essex• Colchester Great Horkesley Guide Price £3,850,000 Guide Price £2,650,000 A striking five double bedroom, four reception Grade II With six well-proportioned bedroom suites all finished to the listed period property thought to date back 500 years. highest of standards, of particular note is the master bedroom This charming residence is originally thought to be 3area, apartment which offers a large double aspect bedroom now providing fantastic flow of interesting acottages, lounge/nursery with bay a window, en-suite bath and shower and extensive familyroom. livingThe space over two floors.pool/ The room and a dressing stunning swimming 7.5 acre plot comprises formal grounds mixed entertainment complex offers an indoor heated swimming sympathetically paddocks (benefitting a pool, pool, a bar, fully airwith conditioned gym with viewsfrom over the second separate access), ponds and a substantial lake. sauna, Jacuzzi, changing facilities with bifolding doors out.

Numerous outbuildings, court, double garage All situated on a private plottennis of circa 3.6 acres (STLS). and detached one bedroom annexe. Equestrian

Country & Village Office 01245 397475 potential. EPC Exempt Be part of our success 2018397475 Country & Village Office in 01245

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Derbyshire’s dedicated sales, acquisition and letting agents

THE DOWER HOUSE & COTTAGE Cutthorpe, Derbyshire

An immaculate Grade II listed house together with a self-contained cottage set in beautiful gardens and land extending to approximately 3.78 acres all situated on the edge of the Peak District National Park.

Entrance hall; two reception rooms; kitchen/breakfast room; five bedrooms; three bath/shower rooms; self-contained one bedroom cottage; triple car port; stable; hard tennis court; swimming pool (not currently in use); extensive gardens; paddock; in all approximately 3.78 acres.

Guide price: £1,400,000 (subject to contract).

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

PEGLANT FARM

SHELDON HOUSE & BARN

A substantial stone built period farmhouse with adjacent barn offering potential all set in lovely mature gardens and with a paddock to the rear within the Parish of Ashover.

A rare opportunity to acquire a well-presented Grade II listed family house, together with a detached barn offering further flexible accommodation. The adjacent Sheldon Cottage is also available by separate negotiation

Four reception rooms; kitchen/breakfast room; darkroom; gun room; five bedrooms; two bathrooms; two storey barn with dog kennels; double and triple garages; orchard; summerhouse; paddock; in all extending to approximately 2.8 acres. EPC rating - F.

Entrance hall; drawing room; dining room; kitchen/breakfast room; master bedroom suite with large shower room, sitting/dressing room; four/five further bedrooms; further bathroom (en suite); three shower rooms (en suite); separate two double bedroom flat; garage; workshop with office and utility; off road parking; gardens.

Guide price: £925,000 (subject to contract).

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

Guide price: £675,000 (subject to contract).

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

Ashover, Derbyshire

Monyash, Derbyshire

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

MA00724 Country Caudwell.indd 1 & Townhouse Full Page Ad.indd 1

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Exceptional 50 Acre Country Estate London 1 Hour. Surrey Borders.

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EXTRAORDINARY HOMES

TheOldDairyFarmEstate.com Price On Application James Nightingall 020 8720 6909 james@jandjlondon.com

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