Country & Town House - July/August 2021 by Country & Town House Magazine

A LIFE IN BALANCE

LOVE IS ALL AROUND Weddings are back

ODE to

JOY

JULY/AUGUST 2021 £3.90

SIGN of the TIMES Watches to stop

Let’s celebrate summer

All-action

OLGA

the clock for

PRIVATE PARTIES Book your villa holiday now (for later)

THE ACTOR’S LATEST MARVELLOUS ROLE

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JEWELS JEWELS THAT THAT TELL TELL TIME TIME

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F A M I L Y

S T O R Y

Yasmin and Amber Le Bon wear ASHOKA ®

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“ ONCE I DREAME D TO BECOME THE FASTEST DRIVE R . TODAY, I AM A DRIVE R OF CHANGE . I AM A BIG PILOT.” LE WI S HA M I LTO N , 7 TI M E FO R M U L A 1 TM WO R LD CH A M P I O N

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THE BIG PILOT.

B I G P I LOT ’ S WATC H 4 3 Bold, iconic and genuine: The Big Pilot’s Watch is the timepiece of choice for individuals driven by passion, purpose and a desire to create. For the ﬁrst time, IWC’s most essential aviator’s watch is available in a 43-millimetre case, combining the purity of the original cockpit instrument design with superior ergonomics and pronounced versatility.

I W C B O U T I Q U E · 1 3 8 N E W B O N D S T · L O N D O N W 1 S 2 TJ · U N I T E D K I N G D O M

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Contents

JULY AUGUST 2021

COLUMNS 20 24 184

THE GOOD LIFE Alice B-B on living with an addict THE RURBANIST Lemn Sissay LAST WORD Michael Hayman on the freedom of not fitting in

STYLE 27 28 30 32 34 37

FLYING FREE A summer of exploration beckons THE EDIT Seasonal essentials FEEL THE HEAT Sunshine style THE MAGPIE Go big, go bright WELL GROOMED Men’s style news JUST IN TIME Simon de Burton’s pick of the new crop of watches

SAVE THE DATE 43

We bring you the complete guide to getting hitched (at long last), with the dresses, the jewels, the accessories and the venues. Edited by Mariella Tandy

HEALTH & WELLBEING 73 74 76 78 80 82 84 86 88

SURF’S UP Hit the waves for a mind, body and soul boost BODY LANGUAGE Olivia Falcon is party prepping THE SCOOP Charlotte Cole immerses herself in the Aire Ancient Baths TAKE TEN Colour crush make-up BODY & SOUL Chasing the feelgood factor BEAUTY BUZZ Feeling flawless GET THE LOOK Emulate Olga Kurylenko’s summer skin LITTLE GREEN BOOK How to shop for sustainable blooms. By Lisa Grainger SMILE, PLEASE Can tech teeth work?

CULTURE

SOUND ON Enjoy nature’s chorus at Wakehurst 92 THE CULTURE COMEBACK What to see, read and do 98 THE EXHIBITIONIST Seaside sculptures in Folkestone 100 ARTIST’S STUDIO Henry Hudson 102 ROAD TEST One last hurrah before British marque Bentley goes carbon neutral 104 POOLSIDE CHAT Randle Siddeley on creating swimming stunners 106 SCARFES BAR Charlotte Metcalf meets actor Isabel Adomakoh Young 91

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Contents

JULY AUGUST 2021

FEATURES 108

117 122

126 130

MOTHERHOOD & MARVELS All-action hero Olga Kurylenko is open and honest with Kirsty Nutkins SUMMER STARTS HERE Thirty ways to make it one to remember THESE BOOTS ARE MADE FOR WALKING Black Girls Hike’s Rhiane Fatinikun opens up the countryside WRITTEN IN STONE The country houses that inspired the classics IS IT A BOAT? IS IT A PLANE? IS IT A CAR? No, it’s a Rolls-Royce built bespoke from the ground up

INTERIORS

GET YOUR GREENS Dress your table for the outdoors 136 DESIGN NOTES Carole Annett’s world of interiors 138 FOCUS Wonderful walls 140 TREND Fruity tutti 142 CASE STUDY Fall in love with this Notting Hill maisonette 135

HOTELS & TRAVEL 145 152

156 158

FAR FROM THE MADDING CROWD Book your villa holiday now STEP UP TO GEN REGENERATION Can tourism be a force for positive environmental change? TREASURED ISLANDS Island hopping in the UK MALAGA, TAKE TWO How this Andalusian city shed its shoddy reputation

FOOD & DRINK 161

163 164

WHAT A TART! Candice Brown’s berry and almond clafoutart GASTRO GOSSIP Foodie news HOW WE EAT NOW The buzzy new names lighting up the restaurant scene

167

ON THE COVER Olga Kurylenko wears trousers, dress, shoes and jewellery all by Chanel. Photographer: Dan Hack; Fashion Director: Nicole Smallwood; Hair & Make-Up: Nathalie Eleni using Guerlain Abeille Royale Advanced Youth Watery Oil; Guerlain L’Essentiel High Perfection Foundation; Guerlain Terracotta The Bronzing Powder; Guerlain Kiss Kiss Shine Bloom in Eternal Rose; Hair: Ben Cooke for Lockonego using Hair Rehab London. Manicurist: Julia Babbage

168

170

PROPERTY OF THE MONTH Agatha Christie’s former home LET’S MOVE TO... HOLLAND PARK Head west for a village in the heart of the capital FIVE OF THE BEST Summer party houses

REGULARS 12 14 166

EDITOR’S LETTER CONTRIBUTORS STOCKISTS

PHOTOS: © MATCHESFASHION.COM

PROPERTY

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108

brings you the best of it, from rewilding retreats to indoor beaches, on page 117. Summer is also the time for spending as much of it as possible outdoors. Nature is our greatest gift, and one woman, Rhiane Fatinikun, is making sure it’s as accessible for black women as it should be. I have to say it’s noticeable that you don’t see as many black people on the hiking trails as you should, so Rhiane is tackling this disparity one bootstep at a time. Read why she felt motivated to form the group Black Girls Hike on page 122. Another woman smashing stereotypes and breaking glass ceilings is Isabel Adomakoh Young, who’s scored the starring role of Juliet in Regent’s Park’s Open Air Theatre production of Romeo & Juliet. In our Scarfes Bar interview on page 106, she tells Charlotte Metcalf how she purposefully avoided the in-crowd to forge her own path. Have you been one of the unlucky couples in love who have had to keep postponing your wedding day? Or have you decided to crack on anyway and adjust accordingly. Whatever your nuptial ambitions, Mariella Tandy has curated a glorious confection of bridal inspiration for you (from page 43). From dresses (I’m loving Rodarte’s fairytale number) and jewels (I’ll take Harry Winston anyday) to guest outfits, hats and venues, I defy you not to lose yourself in these prettiest of pages. And perhaps you’d ideally choose to travel to your wedding in the king of cars, a RollsRoyce? But would you go as far as one owner, who commissioned – from the ground up – their own Roller, for a reported £20 million, along with his ’n’ hers Bovet watches, which double as dashboard clocks when slotted into the car’s fascia? You can decide for yourself by reading Simon de Burton’s story on page 130. And for those of you whose wanderlust is getting the better of them, let us whet your appetite for foreign shores with our pick of 27 amazing villas where we’d happily hole up for a few weeks at least (p145). We’ve all suffered these past 18 months – the stress markers are showing and the cortisol levels are high. We need to carve out time to escape and reset, screen- and guiltfree. I personally cannot wait. Roll on freedom. Have a great summer.

Editor’s LETTER Silky parachutes, a beautiful Bond girl and a bright blue sky (thank you, Olga Kurylenko, for being such a game cover star) – I can’t think of a more fun way to celebrate a summer we have all yearned for, despite things still not being quite as straightforward as they once were. But let’s forget traffic light systems, political cronyism and social bubbles – and put the joy back into living. There is an inordinate amount of cultural action going on right here in the UK – and Ellie Smith

EDITOR’S PICKS TREAT All my screen time means super tired eyes, so I’m treating them with Peep Club’s indulgent All-You-Need Dry Eye Kit

BUY Stella McCartney has dropped her most sustainable season to date with 80 per cent of the collection made from eco-friendly materials

WEAR Aliita’s cute new sportsinspired jewellery collection will remind you to get back to the mat, court, bike...

SWIM You’ll have to make friends with a resident but Embassy Gardens’ Sky Pool is one big dip to remember

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CON T R I BU TOR S

Kirsty meets cover star Olga Kurylenko on p108

Which watch? p37, and building bespoke at Rolls-Royce, p130

The English country houses that inspired the classics, p126

Discover Rhiane’s organisation, Black Girls Hike, on p122

KIRSTY NUTKINS

SIMON DE BURTON

ELEANOR DOUGHTY

RHIANE FATINIKUN

What encapsulates summer for you? Picnics in the park, barbecues in the garden and evenings under the stars beside the fire pit – all, preferably, with a cold glass of rosé. Where will you be escaping? Travelling abroad seems far too tricky, so I’m off for a spa break to The Newt in Somerset, followed by a few days in St Ives. But I’ll be dreaming of a road trip in Tuscany. Favourite summer read? Rona Jaffe’s The Best of Everything, a bestseller from 1958. It’s a cross between Sex and the City and Mad Men. Favourite summer dish? A feta salad, lamb kebabs or fish tacos, with a New Zealand sauvignon blanc or a pale rosé from Provence.

What encapsulates summer for you? Being warm on a motorcycle. Driving old cars with the roof off. Swimming in the sea. Staying outside until late. Where will you be escaping? To my house in Corfu. Hopefully in reality, but in my imagination if not. Summer read? Anyone going to Greece should read The Magus by John Fowles. Anyone who wants to go to Greece, but can’t (so everyone this summer), should read it too. Read it in big lumps, not small bits. It will take you to the islands. Favourite summer dish? Greek salad, grilled fish, fried potatoes and white wine, really cold and dry.

What encapsulates summer for you? It’s all about the smells for me – citronella to ward off bugs, burgers smoking on the barbecue, and suncream. Where will you be escaping? I hope that we’ll make it to Jersey to walk the heavenly beaches, and go antiquing. In my imagination, I’m in Santorini, rotating from pool to sunlounger, reading and attempting to write. Summer read? My brain melts in the hot weather, so holiday reading has to be light and fun. I love anything by Sarra Manning. Favourite summer dish? Nothing beats a jug of Pimm’s, but you’ve got to make it properly: fresh strawberries, cucumber, mint, and orange, with plenty of ice.

What encapsulates summer for you? Carnivals and festivals, travel and adventure. Where will you be escaping? In reality I’ll be exploring the UK with Black Girls Hike: you can catch me at the Bear Grylls Gone Wild Festival in Devon. In my imagination, I’m travelling Central America in a camper van. Summer read? Black Girls Take World: The Travel Bible for Black Women with Boundless Wanderlust by Georgina Lawton – it’s a travel book for Black women, packed full of insider knowledge, tips and tricks. Favourite summer dish? Something juicy and light like a feta cheese salad and any cocktail with lemon.

N E W: T H E C &T H T R AV E L N E W S L ET T E R From UK staycations to bucket list blow-outs, never miss out on our monthly travel edit, delivered free to your inbox each month. countryandtownhouse.co.uk/travel-newsletter @countryandtown

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INTRODUCING THE GARDEN KITCHEN Clive Christian Furniture, the creator of the original statement kitchen, with a new collection designed to bring exceptionally inspired opulence, outdoors.

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LUCY CLELAND EDITOR EDITOR-AT-LARGE ALICE B-B ASSOCIATE EDITOR CHARLOTTE METCALF MANAGING EDITOR AMY WAKEHAM CHIEF SUB EDITOR BELINDA BAMBER FEATURES ASSISTANT & SUB EDITOR SOFIA TINDALL FASHION DIRECTOR NICOLE SMALLWOOD BEAUTY DIRECTOR NATHALIE ELENI INTERIORS DIRECTOR CAROLE ANNETT EXECUTIVE RETAIL EDITOR MARIELLA TANDY SUSTAINABILITY EDITOR LISA GRAINGER PROPERTY EDITOR ANNA TYZACK MOTORING EDITOR JEREMY TAYLOR ONLINE EDITOR REBECCA COX ONLINE WRITER ELLIE SMITH ONLINE ASSISTANT DANIELLA SAUNDERS ONLINE INTERN CARINA MURPHY CREATIVE & PRODUCTION DIRECTOR PARM BHAMRA PRODUCTION DESIGNER SAMUEL THOMAS FILMMAKER TRACER ITAL ADVERTISING SALES DIRECTOR ELLIE RIX SENIOR ACCOUNT MANAGER PANDORA LEWIS ACCOUNT MANAGER KATRINA GANE DIGITAL MANAGER ADAM DEAN SALES & ADMIN ASSISTANT BEA CERULLO TECHNICAL MANAGER HANNAH JOHNSON TECHNICAL DIRECTOR MARK PEARSON FINANCE DIRECTOR JILL NEWEY FINANCE CONTROLLER LAUREN HARTLEY PROPERTY & MARKETING ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR GEMMA COWLEY GROUP PUBLISHING DIRECTOR TIA GRAHAM MANAGING DIRECTOR JEREMY ISAAC CONTRIBUTING EDITORS STEPHEN BAYLEY, FIONA DUNCAN, OLIVIA FALCON, DAISY FINER, LYDIA GARD, AVRIL GROOM, MICHAEL HAYMAN, RICHARD HOPTON, EMMA LOVE, MARY LUSSIANA, ANNA PASTERNAK, CAROLINE PHILLIPS, HOLLY RUBENSTEIN, MARCUS SCRIVEN THE EDITOR editorial@countryandtownhouse.co.uk FASHION fashion@countryandtownhouse.co.uk ADVERTISING advertising@countryandtownhouse.co.uk

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MADE IN ENGLAND | SINCE 1879

Our new Unstructured Collection features the SUPERFLEX leather sole, our most flexible sole to date.

CROCKETTANDJONES.COM | E-commerce now available

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COLUMN

The GOOD LIFE What to do when you’re living with an addict, asks Alice B-B

‘H

I, I’M BETTY AND I’M AN ADDICT.’ I imagine my adolescent dog woofing this to her wet-nosed friends and explaining that her drug of choice is speed. Not that kind. Anything that moves: from blossomin-the-breeze to Great Western Trains thundering through the valley and everything in between – hares, deer, white vans. And no amount of yelling, whistling, slinging Daylesford organic roast chicken in her direction will get her back. Until finally the drug vanishes, and she returns goggly-eyed, scouring the land for her next fix. She’s high as a kite and I’m traumatised. Particularly since I read, ‘Dogs that chase cars have shorter lives.’ So I’ve called in the big guns... cue Antonella Marsicano, a twinkly-eyed Venezuelan with a master’s in clinical animal behaviour and a knapsack filled with toys and treats (abtc.org.uk). She’s not interested in being an Insta star – her clients are mostly vet referrals. And I don’t want to jinx it but so far, so good. Betty is learning an emergency recall. The one for when the shit has really hit. Because the alternative for my furry friend is the Betty Ford Center. That or life on a tight leash... SOMETIMES I SCARE MYSELF... by looking at pictures of hoarders’ houses. You know the ones? I’m not quite at the point where I’m trapped under a mountain of stuff but put it this way… my space seems to have shrunk. I find it hard to cull because 1) I hate waste; 2) I think, ‘Oooh that piece of bubble wrap might come in handy’ (and it usually does); 3) I’m desperately emotional about things; and 4) my memory’s a little sketchy so I want to keep all those words, interviews and thoughts I’ve scrawled in hundreds of pads. But something needs to give. Inspired by Anya Hindmarch’s brilliant new book, If In Doubt, Wash Your Hair, I’ve booked PA service You Need a Polly to sort my home office and free up space, physically and figuratively (youneed apolly.com). I’m aware that holding on to clutter is probably a symptom and the root cause, unfortunately, needs more than a bin bag. TRAVEL HAS BECOME A FAFF. Tests, quarantine and changing goalposts makes it a bit unfun. So this summer I’m thinking of British jaunts, starting with the new Farmyard rooms at The Newt in Somerset, in the village of Shatwell (more a question than a name!). Then to my clever friend Alex Eagle’s new spot, Oakley Court in Windsor, for tennis and boating. And dogs are welcome! Finally on to the Suffield Arms in Norfolk, the sister pub of the much lauded Gunton Arms, where my artist brother Henry Bruce has popped his Chair sculpture (all 20 foot of it) in the pub’s grounds. Cheers. n

THIS MONTH I’LL BE...

SMUG with my roll-up Le Hat by Rae Feather (raefeather.com). SWEATY and loving the deep rest and recovery on my infrared and pulsed electromagnetic frequency mat (higherdose.com). SKIPPING to Dr Barbara Sturm’s chic new Mayfair salon for a facial and her Glow Drops – they really work (drsturm.com).

ILLUSTRATION BY MEI MEI, @MEIMEI_2503

‘Her DRUG of choice is SPEED. Not that KIND... anything that MOVES. And no AMOUNT of yelling will get her BACK’

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INTERVIEW

The RURBANIST

What’s bringing you joy? For the last seven months I’ve been working with Hans Ulrich Obrist, artistic director of Serpentine Galleries, and we’ve been searching the world for artists who are poets and poets who are artists for a new exhibition, Poet Slash Artist, at the Manchester International Festival. It has artists in their twenties and in their nineties, who are all connecting through the written word. What’s annoying you? How quickly our news media has come back as if there has been no pandemic. Suddenly we’ve got scandals, wars, affairs. Nobody seems to be acknowledging that for 18 months or so all that wasn’t in the news – it was about how we need to be well, how we need to be good to each other. I just thought somebody might try something different now. Whose mind do you wish you could change? The Prime Minister, so he would see children in care as a litmus test of how his government, and society in general, is doing. Advice to your 15-year-old self? ‘You’re going through a lot, and it’s not your fault. But you need to take responsibility for what is your fault. Blaming others won’t serve you.’ What keeps you awake at night? Trying to find the little fourline poem that I put online every morning. Sometimes they’re terrible. A lot of people don’t write because they’re frightened it might not be any good, so I face that every morning. Country or city? I grew up in the countryside, and I used to hay bale on the farm. I think I was the only Ethiopian boy in Lancashire who was also a hay-baler. I now live in the city, but the country never leaves you. Where do you go to escape? Ethiopia, to Addis Ababa. It’s a very happening city, with music, clothes, culture. It’s beautiful. The book you wished you’d written? The Forty Rules of Love by Elif Shafak. Her books have been translated into 49 languages. Sadly, because of the way it’s been written [with copies of official documents], my book’s been translated into no languages as it’s too difficult. Your greatest failure? I always feel like I could be a better friend. Your greatest triumph? Finding my family all over the world. I’ve met every single one of my close family. I’m also quite proud of taking the government to court for things they did to me when I was a child.

My Name is Why by Lemn Sissay (Canongate, £9.99) won the non-fiction award at the Indie Book Awards 2021, as part of the Independent Bookshop Week

LEMN LOVES SCENT Eternity by Calvin Klein. BOX SET I May Destroy You. CHOCOLATE BAR Toffee Crisp. SONG Cold by Annie Lennox. DISH Doro Wat (a spiced Ethiopian chicken stew).

PHOTOS: UNSPLASH; © AÏDA MULUNEH; BBC/VARIOUS ARTISTS LTD AND FALKNA/LAURA RADFORD

Poet and author Lemn Sissay on finding his family and the four-line poem

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LEATHER FOOTWEAR | CLOTHING | ACCESSORIES FAIRFAXANDFAVOR.COM

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STYLE Edited by Mariella Tandy

Flying Free A summer of exploration beckons

Based in Solomeo – a 14th-century Umbrian village – Brunello Cucinello is renowned for its ethical and philosophical approach to business – or humanistic capitalism, as Brunello himself calls it. It’s also known for its luxe fabrics, timeless colour palettes and beautifully constructed garments made to last a lifetime, so make like Katharine Hepburn in a linen trouser suit this summer. Linen lamé blazer, £2,900; trousers, £1,080. brunello cucinelli.com

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STYLE | Shopping

The

EDIT Mariella Tandy’s summer style essentials

SAFE IN THE SUN

Alemais is the label to know this summer. Think beautiful, airy printed dresses made from sustainable fabrics like hemp, linen and organic cotton, with a supply chain that supports and celebrates traditional craftsmanship and artisans. Atlantis skirt dress, £340. alemais.com

ISLAND LIFE

Maje takes inspiration from Ibiza for its latest capsule collection, where woven baskets, shells and lots of crochet take centre stage. See you on the beach. Cream crochet knit trousers, £249. uk.maje.com

1 Sisley Paris Sunleÿa age minimising global sun care SPF50. £192, harrods.com 2 Nuxe Protective Milky Oil for hair. £15.50, nuxe.com 3 Wild Nutrition Natural Glow. £90, wildnutrition.com

OUT ON A LIMB

All hail Tetyana Probyy-Holova, aka the Cellulite Slayer. She has opened a gigantic new spa on the King’s Road, just in time for summer. Known for her signature shaping massages, Tetyana now has a team to help you achieve the body and face of your dreams. Infrared sauna sessions, Dr Sebagh facials and a hydrotherapy massage are just some of the treats in store. celluliteslayer.com

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Missoni Straw hat, £420

GET LIFTED Are these the ultimate feel-good shoes? I certainly think so. Salvatore Ferragamo has dived into its archives and reproduced some of its most beloved designs from over the decades for Matches Fashion. These rainbow flatforms definitely tick this season’s Seventies trend. £1,465, matchesfashion.com

Christian Louboutin Caracaba bag, £1,650

Padfield Pouch, £95

ON THE RADAR

Khaite Kim top, £1,090; Sylvia midi skirt, £670

Sunshine style for when you’re on-the-go

BLOOMING MARVELLOUS

Cutler & Gross Sunglasses, £305

Manolo Blahnik Petit bag, £1,495

Mini Bloom is a new plant-based line for mamas, babies and little ones. This natural skincare brand offers high-quality, hypoallergenic, nourishing formulas for all of the family. From £20, victoriahealth.com

ATHLEISURE GOES LUXE

Fairfax & Favor Shoes, £155

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I’ve filed this under ‘I didn’t know I needed it until I saw it’. This tracksuit from Yves Salomon, made from super soft lamb nappa leather, is so versatile, you won’t know what you did before it came along. Jacket, £1,350; culottes, £1,080. yves-salomon.com

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STYLE | Trend

DEZSO Coral and tourmaline rose gold earrings, £3,100

TALIS Sunglasses chain, £60 DIOR Sunglasses, £300

BORGO DE NOR Juliet dress, £695

AJE Cascade dress, £435

Feel the HEAT

Staycation or island escape? Summer starts here, says Mariella Tandy

Founded in Cali, Colombia, Cala de la Cruz fuses bold and beautiful, yet simple designs with a conscious mindset. All styles are made by small local businesses to encourage a responsible lifecycle. Bikini top, £132; bikini bottoms, £124; Flora one piece, £240

CHARO RUIZ Lee trousers, £212

HELEN KAMINSKI Somma hat, £150

CITIZENS OF HUMANITY Naria shorts, £200

ZIMMERMANN Mae top, £295; shorts, £360

FABRIZIO VITI Leather sandals, £360

MAYGEL CORONEL Yaneth swimsuit, £255

HEIMAT ATLANTICA Love basket bag, £235

PHOTOS: UNSPLASH. FOR STOCKISTS PLEASE SEE P166

ROXANNE ASSOULIN This and That enamel bracelets, £315 for three

CALA DE LA CRUZ

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STYLE | Jewellery

WITH EVERY HEARTBEAT

ABOVE: Dancing Flames ruby, purple sapphire, spessartite garnet and diamond necklace, £POA RIGHT: Brilliant Glow diamond, sapphire and orange spessartite earrings, £POA

Love is in the air over at Harry Winston. The fine jeweller’s latest collection is called Winston With Love, and features pieces inspired by its four phases: Light, featuring colourful, luminous gems; Obsession, with fiery oranges, purples and reds; Vow, with romantic rubies, diamonds and pink sapphires; and Eternal, with design motifs that intertwine with no beginning or end. harrywinston.com

GARDENER’S WORLD The new Il Giardino di Buccellati collection draws inspiration from the simple geometries of the natural world, as well as from the colours of Impressionist painters. Tourmaline and diamond cuff, £POA. buccellati.com

The Magpie The bigger and brighter the better, says Mariella Tandy

GOLDEN TOUCH

Robert Goossens founded his brand in the 1950s, starting out with a small goldsmith’s workshop in the Marais, Paris. In 2005, the Goossens ateliers joined Chanel’s Métiers d’Art group, which aims to preserve the savoir-faire of traditional craftsmanship. The brand also has its own collection of bold and beautiful designs, with every piece hammered, patinated and embellished by hand. goossens-paris.com

JUST FOR FUN

Four conversation starters 1 Tasaki Ear clips with Akoya and South Sea pearls. £POA, tasaki.co.uk 2 Melis Goral Asymmetric hoops in 14 carat rose gold with diamonds. £1,550, melisgoral.com 3 Minka Berlin collection tourmaline ring. £4,500, minkajewels.com 4 Jessica McCormack Hair pins. From £2,500, jessicamccormack.com

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Talisman medallion necklace, £245; Talisman poppy necklace, £810; Talisman cabochon bracelet, £280; Lhassa cuff, £355

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TH E H OME OF COUNTRY CLOTH ING

Now that summer is almost over it is time to get excited about our Autumn/Winter collections, where we bring the classic mackintosh back to the cutting edge of modern fashion. Our country zip wax jacket cuts no corners when it comes to quality and style. Made in a locally-sourced premium cotton from Halley Stevensons of Dundee, it features a chic asymmetric front closure, press stud shoulder epaulettes and gold metalwork throughout for an eye-catching flash of contemporary flair.

NEW A SYMMETRIC Z IP MA C Sizes: 10 to 20 - Black, Dark Olive TS3005 3 | £ 225 To pr e- orde r any i tem or reque st a c opy of our m ai l orde r c atalogue pl ease c all 01796 483 236 or iv si t us onli ne

w w w .houseofbruar.c om

The H ouse of Bruar by Blai r A tholl, P erthshi re, P H 18 5 TW

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STYLE | Men’s HOST WITH THE MOST

Mr Porter is launching an all-new Hosted By series, giving unprecedented access to the leading lights of men’s style – their thinking, their processes, their inspirations. It kicks off with Dries Van Noten, who has created a 40-piece capsule collection inspired by psychedelia and escapism. T-shirt, £295. mrporter.com

SUMMER LOVIN’

Sunshine all the way

SPACE & TIME

Hermès is looking to the stars for its funky new Space Derby limited edition watch, which sees its Arceau classic recreated with a futuristic horse race, as imagined through the eyes of hip illustrator Ugo Bienvenu. Hermès Arceau Space Derby, limited to 12 pieces, £52,560. hermes.com

Well Groomed Swing back to the Sixties, says Matt Thomas

BRINGING SEXY BACK

Duke + Dexter’s new collaboration with Playboy references its golden era in the Sixties, when Hugh Hefner’s bunnies epitomised glamour. The eight made-in-England styles have an irresistible kitsch kick. Slippers from £200. dukeanddexter.com

RED, WHITE & BLUE

Fly the flag this summer with Ben Sherman’s Team GB collection for the Tokyo Olympic Games. The brand’s Mod roots shine in the 60s-inspired designs. Polo shirt, £55. bensherman.co.uk

1 NEW & LINGWOOD Deconstructed jacket. £595, newandlingwood.com 2 CARHARTT Shane sunglasses. £135, carhartt-wip.com ORLEBAR BROWN Bulldog shorts. £175, mrporter.com

APC Yanis shorts. £150, apcstore.com

VILEBREQUIN Linen shorts. £175, vilebrequin.com

LUCA FALONI Cotton shorts. £95, lucafaloni.com

3 CREED Viking cologne. £175, creedfragrances.co.uk 4 LOVE BRAND & CO Catto alpargatas. £65, lovebrand.com

PHOTOS: © CLAUDE JORAY

CUT IT SHORT

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A Tradition of Safari since 1812. Explore our artisanal leather travel goods and outdoor collections. westleyrichards.com

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ESSENCE WHITE Probably the most sustainable watch in the world.

Find out more about the Essence White collection at www.johnlewis.com

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Watches | STYLE SO DEFIANT

With perfect timing Zenith created the macho Defy Extreme extratough sports watch just as Formula E founder Alejandro Agag launched his latest venture, the Extreme E electric off-road races, in Dubai this April. Zenith is Extreme E’s Official Timekeeper and founding partner; each ‘Zenith Moment in Time’ race winner receives a Defy Extreme chronograph with a titanium case that’s ‘faceted and carved like a boulder in a storm’. The 45mm version has the El Primero 9004 movement measuring up to 100th of a second. (Female Extreme E winners have the option of a Defy Midnight watch.) From £15,300, zenithwatches.com

Just in

TIME Simon de Burton clocks the watches that tick this year’s new boxes…

IT’S QUITE SANDY

IWC continues its 15-year association with the US Navy Strike Fighter Tactics Instructor Course – better known as Top Gun – with two new watches in the Mojave Desert range that’s named after the location of the China Lake Naval Air Weapons Station. The desert theme has inspired a 46mm Big Pilot Top Gun three-hander at £13,600 and a £28,600 perpetual calendar model, each of which has a sandcoloured ceramic case, a dark brown dial, sand-coloured lume and sand-coloured rubber and textile straps. Annual production will be limited to 250 pieces and 150 pieces respectively. iwc.com

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HOW MARVEL-LOUS

Audemars Piguet has teamed up with comic book giant Marvel Entertainment to create what is expected to be an ongoing series of watches based on superheroes. The first takes the form of a limited edition watch depicting the character Black Panther, who first appeared in a 1966 issue of the Fantastic Four comic as ‘king and protector of Wakanda’, a fictional African nation. The 42mm Royal Oak Concept Black Panther watch is powered by a skeletonised movement featuring a three-dimensional, white gold carving of the masked figure fearlessly straddling the mechanism’s whirling tourbillon. The watch is fitted with a purple rubber strap to complement purple detailing front and back and will be made in a limited edition of 250. £POA, audemarspiguet.com

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Concept Black Panther watch

Pioneering Tank Must with solarpowered dial and apple-peel strap

Accessibly-priced Tank Must watch with monochrome face, for men and women

New Tank Louis Cartier wind-up model in gold, with Deco-style dial

PHOTOS: SHUTTERSTOCK

IT’S AN ABSOLUTE MUST

The story of Cartier’s Must watches dates back to the 1970s when the then managing director came up with the idea of producing more affordable versions of the historic Tank watch – previously only available in precious metals – with gold-plated cases and unusually coloured dials. The watches developed a cult following, and Cartier has now reprised the idea with an all-new range of five Must models in small, large and extra-large sizes that include mechanical and quartz versions as well as one with a Solarbeat photovoltaic, solar-powered movement and a strap made from recycled apple peel. From £2,270, cartier.com 38 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.CO.UK | July/August 2021

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Watches | STYLE NAUTI BUT NICE

Chadwick Boseman as the Black Panther

It was all change at the beginning of this year when Patek Philippe’s CEO, Thierry Stern, announced his plan to discontinue the brand’s popular model, the blue-dial Nautilus Reference 5711. A lengthy waiting list for the steel, porthole-shaped sports watch (first designed by Gérald Genta in 1976) set pre-owned values soaring to the point where mint condition examples traded for more than twice the £25,690 RRP. But in April Patek confirmed the arrival of the new 5711/1A-014, reimagined with an olive-green dial (£26,870). Three other Nautilus variants were also launched: a rose gold flyback chronograph with dual time zone (5990/1R, £81,970); the diamond-set 5711/1300A (£72,860) and the jewel-encrusted 7118/1450R Haute Joaillerie version at £282,340. patek.com

The new, green-dialled Patek Philippe Nautilus Ref 5711 /1A-014

PHOTOS: SHUTTERSTOCK

FANCY EXPLORING?

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Explorer 36mm watch

Rolex created its Explorer watch in 1953 to celebrate the fact that Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay carried one of its earlier Oyster watches when they became the first to summit the south face of Everest on 29 May that year. The simple, black-dial Explorer has remained a familiar model in the Rolex line-up, with the most significant alteration to its appearance happening in 2010 when the case was enlarged from 36mm to – gasp – 39mm. This year, the Explorer shrinks back again, possibly in response to a blurring of the lines between what is a ‘man’s watch’ and what is a ‘woman’s watch’. The 36mm should certainly look right on both masculine or feminine wrists, either in its familiar all-steel guise (£5,150) or in an all-new Rolesor version, made from a combination of Oystersteel and 18ct yellow gold. £8,700, rolex.com July/August 2021 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.CO.UK | 39

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NICE QUADS

In 2006, Jaeger-LeCoultre marked the 75th anniversary of its signature Reverso with a haute-horlogerie version called the Triptyque that wowed watch fans by having three dials driven by the same movement. Now, to celebrate 90 years of the celebrated flip-case watch originally designed for colonial polo players, the historic brand has unveiled a ten-piece limited edition: Quadriptyque, the world’s first watch to feature four functioning ‘faces’. The 11 complications include a perpetual calendar, minute repeater and three displays of lunar information that, says the maker, enable the micro mechanical marvel to predict events such as supermoons and eclipses. €1.35m, jaeger-lecoultre.com

Jaeger LeCoultre Euros €1.35m Quadriptyque

THAT’S L.U.C.KY

Chopard has launched a raft of special watches to mark the quartercentury of its high-end L.U.C manufacture, which was founded in the Swiss Jura town of Fleurier back in 1996. One of the best anniversary pieces is the new L.U.C Time Traveller One Black, a mean and moody take on the original TT1 first seen five Chopard L.U.C Time years ago but now offered Traveller One with an ultra-light case Black made from ceramic-coated titanium. The chronometercertified, in-house movement displays home time and local time using hour hands that, when correctly set, synchronise the city disc so that it also displays the right time in 24 locations simultaneously. Now that we’re allowed to go places again, it could be just the job... £13,600, chopard.com

THE LIFE AQUATIC

TAG Heuer Aquaracer Professional 300 Tribute to Ref 844

TAG Heuer’s retro-cool Aquaracer Professional 300 Tribute to Ref 844 harks back to a dive watch from 1978. It takes several cues from its forebear, like the red 24-hour scale, perforated rubber strap and flat black dial, with the vintage feel enhanced by buff-coloured hands and hour markers – which glow brightly in the dark. A water-resistantup-to-300m case, made from corrosion-proof titanium and containing the Calibre 5 automatic movement, also brings the watch up to date. Seven more versions of the new Aquaracer are available – four at 43mm and three at 36mm. The Tribute costs £3,600 and the others start at £2,350, tagheuer.com

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Watches | STYLE

BI, THAT’S A NICE WATCH

The horological arm of 133-year-old Lucerne-based jewellery and watch retailer Carl F. Bucherer first dipped into its archives to create a Heritage collection back in 2018. All its Heritage models combine post-war design cues with contemporary features such as larger case sizes and sapphire crystal backs. The new Bi-Compax chronograph Annual is based on a 1950 model of just 34mm diameter, featuring an exquisite, pink champagne dial. This 41mm re-boot sports the so-called reverse panda arrangement of a black dial with silver chronograph counters. It’s a limited edition of 888 pieces, in a nod to the founding year, 1888. £5,500, carl-f-bucherer.com

Carl F Bucherer Bi-Compax chronograph

FEELING FOXY

Jason Fox

Bremont Supermarine Chrono

In a new move for the British watch brand, Bremont has added its first ever sports chronograph to the Supermarine collection of dive watches, named after the historic aircraft manufacturer responsible for the Spitfire. Created using Bremont’s signature three-piece design, the Supermarine Chrono case comes in at a slender 15.8mm but nevertheless still packs a punch, housing a chronometer rated La Joux Perret 7754 calibre chronograph movement with GMT functionality. It’s also water resistant to 200 metres and, like the rest of the Supermarine range, extensively tested in the field by military squadrons and top dive units. Of course, a watch this muscular needed a worthy ambassador to match, and Bremont found him in Jason Fox, gruff star of SAS: Who Dares Wins. With the brand motto, ‘Tested Beyond Endurance’, it’s an apt partnership. From £5,395, bremont.com n

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For pillowy-soft lips, reach for the new, multi-active Lip Balm. A single slick delivers intense essential hydration and nourishment, thanks to a blend of shea butter and ‘green chemistry’ oils. Fine lines are minimised and a hint of stimulating mint refreshes.

The legendary ‘big day’ beauty hero, Serum Repair instantly hydrates and plumps, leaving skin feeling firmer and tighter. Use on its own, or mix this smoothing, hyaluronic-acid rich super-serum with Rose de Vie Serum or any moisturiser.

Dr Sebagh’s #boxfreebeauty Bridal Edit

Radiant bridal beauty starts with the right skin care. Shop 5 perfect products at drsebagh.com for a total of 50% OFF and to reduce packaging by opting for #boxfreebeauty. What better way to glow when it matters most?

Say ‘I do’ to skin that looks lit from within. An oil-free hydrator, Luminous Glow Cream is suitable for all skin types, giving skin an instant glow whilst delivering long-term ageing-maintenance benefits. The perfect wedding day moisturiser, this multi-tasking cream can be used as a primer or mixed with your foundation for added radiance. It can even be massaged into the skin for five minutes, as a treatment mask.

4. For beautifully bright eyes—no matter how much sleep you got the night before—Instant Fix Eye Lift Gel will refresh, lift and tighten the delicate eye area whilst helping to reduce the appearance of lines. Lightweight and quickly absorbed, it can be worn under your eye make-up.

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A bride’s best friend, the calming and intensely moisturising Rose de Vie Serum is formulated with nourishing organic rose oil which won’t clog pores. Instead, it will alleviate any redness, protect and smooth the skin, leaving it perfectly supple.

Available in-store and online. #boxfreebeauty offer at drsebagh.com

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SAVE THE DATE THE C&TH WEDDING GUIDE

Edited by Mariella Tandy

Puff Piece

Forever a master of construction, tailoring and romantic silhouettes, Vivienne Westwood’s bridalwear always makes a statement. Made-to-order Absence of Roses Cocotte dress, £5,100. Absence of Roses Elizabeth bolero, £1,960. viviennewestwood.com

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WEDDING GUIDE 100 per cent recycled 18ct yellow gold and diamond detachable opening church door locket and 14ct gold chain, £2,450 together 18ct white gold and diamond crown ring, £3,200; 18ct white gold and diamond floral solitaire, £10,500; 18ct white gold and diamond eternity ring, £1,200

SHOW YOUR COMMITMENT

Annoushka’s new Love & Commitment collection features dreamy designs that celebrate all things bridal, from rings to bracelets to charms (like the 18ctgold church doors locket charm, right, £1,800). Everything is made from 100 per cent recycled gold, too. annoushka.com

Get the GLOW Beauty essentials for your big day

ON THE C ARDS

Estée Lauder’s citrus Bronze Goddess Azur fragrance is recalls the glamour of the Côte d’Azur. £44, harrods.com

MARIELLA TANDY ON THE LATEST NEWS FROM THE WORLD OF WEDDINGS

WEAR FOREVER

SHINE ON

Prabal Gurung’s first bridal collection for Tasaki features pieces using the house’s exquisite pearls in series of statement designs. Ideal for the bride who wants to make an entrance on her big day. Earrings with YG Akoya pearls, South Sea pearls, Mabe pearls, fresh water pearls and diamonds. £POA, tasaki.co.uk

COLOUR ME HAPPY

Spanish house Pronovias has just launched a collection of beautiful partywear to sit with its formidable bridal range. Dresses include this ruffled blue confection – which would also make an excellent wedding dress for the modern bride. £600, pronovias.com 44 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.CO.UK | July/August 2021

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This Luminous Glow Cream from Dr Sebagh is a lightweight, glowboosting formula packed with goodies for a dewy finish. £72, drsebagh.com

Hermès’ lip enhancer provides a hint of transparent pink, a matt luminosity, and works to gently enhance your natural lip colour. £58, hermes.com

PHOTOS: UNSPLASH

A major trend in bridalwear has been the rise of low-key dresses that can be worn again. This LoveShackFancy dress will look just as good walking down the aisle as it will on the beach in Ibiza. £715, loveshackfancy.com

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WEDDING GUIDE

BROWNS BRIDES Browns Brides has added wedding dress rental to its offering, with gowns from previous collections that are no longer in production available for hire. brownsbride.com

SUSTAINABLE STYLE The latest buzzword in bridal style? Sustainability, of course. One option is to rent; alternatively, you could turn to one of the many new bridalwear designers offering planet-friendly wedding dresses

LIFE FOR RENT

For the non-traditional bride

Looking for something a bit different? British label Rolling in Roses makes luxurious eco-friendly fabrics for brides who walk to the beat of their own drum. Devotion trousers, £950; Chemistry veil, £250; Anise cami, £120. rollinginroses.co.uk

For a dreamy handmade dress

A leading name in sustainable bridalwear, Luna Bride is based in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, and specialises in dresses that are cruelty-free, organic and vegan. Everything’s made in England, too. Beach dress, £1,500. lunabride.com

The bridal rental business is booming. Here are C&TH’s top destinations

HANCOCKS Let’s be honest, unless you’re the Duchess of Cambridge there aren’t many occasions that call for a tiara. That’s why Hancocks London’s new hire service is so brilliant: charged at one per cent of the retail value (plus VAT) for 24 hours, it’s the perfect way to crown your wedding look without breaking the bank. hancocks-london.com

For a rock starworthy wedding

Designer Mary Benson and her small team make each dress by hand, from planet-friendly fabrics. This Isadora wedding dress has a dramatic Kate Bushesque Seventies silhouette. From £1,800, marybenson.london

For a low-key look

Bring some California cool to your wedding day with this Brynna two-piece from LA-based brand Reformation. It’s made from viscose, a man-made fibre created from sustainable wood pulp. £435, thereformation.com

BY ROTATION The peer-topeer fashion rental app that lets you list your wardrobe for rent, By Rotation also has a significant bridal offering. It’s the perfect something borrowed. byrotation.com

SIGNED, SEALED, DELIVERED

Gee Brothers

MOUNT STREET PRINTERS from £238, mountstreetprinters.com MEMOPRESS from £6 per card (without calligraphy), memopress.co.uk BLUEBIRD WEDDING STATIONARY £POA, bluebirdweddingstationery.co.uk GEE BROTHERS from £95 for 30, geebrothers.co.uk

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PHOTOS: UNSPLASH

ELEGANT WEDDING STATIONARY

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Love and Commitment—18ct Gold rings from £2,500

41 Cadogan Gardens, London SW3 2TB To book an appointment call: 0800 138 1659

@annoushkajewellery 07748 788641

annoushka.com

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WEDDING GUIDE Olympia Le-Tan Romeo & Juliet clutch, £1,025

Carolina Herrera Dress, £1,610 René Caovilla Sandals, £990 Alessandra Rich Lace gown, £2,690

Costarellos Kalissa gown, £1,335

ALL IN WHITE

‘The modern way to do white lace? Make it short and flirty’

CLASSIC, YES. MERINGUE, NO

Jennifer Behr Hair slides, £195

The Vampire’s Wife Titiana gown, £2,600

Halfpenny Left: Epple silk headband, £595; Ruffle Rose skirt, £3,400; Oliver corset, £1,200. Right: Ariel bow, £450; Max dress, £1,700

Erdem Bow, £95

Christopher John Rogers Dress, £2,175

Malone Souliers Colette flats, £395

Jacquemus Amour dress, £1,025

Bottega Veneta Crisscross clutch, £2,090

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Christian Louboutin Double L flat sandals, £1,475

PHOTOS: UNSPLASH

Jimmy Choo Callie clutch, £,1950

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Lauren Cuthbertson of The Royal Ballet

WWW.KIKI.CO.UK 12 SYMONS STREET, LONDON, SW3 2TJ +44 (0) 20 7730 3323

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WEDDING GUIDE

Rosantica Ginger bag, £1,030

Rodarte Gown, £4,585

Jennifer Chamandi Shoes, £480

DA R E TO B E DIFFER ENT

Simone Rocha x MyTheresa Dress, £1,495; clutch, £595

THROWING OUT THE TRADITIONAL RULE BOOK Blazé Milano Jacket, £1,085; shorts, £350

‘A chic shorts suit makes an unforgettable wedding dress alternative’

Jenny Packham Gown, £4,900

The Vampire’s Wife Face covering, £85

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Galvan London Frida jacket, £995; dress, £1,595

Emilio Pucci X Tomo Koizumi Slides, £405

PHOTOS: UNSPLASH; MATCHESFASHION.COM

Anna Mason Christy dress, £2,220

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WEDDING GUIDE

Turnbull & Asser Die Another Day shirt, £375

Oliver Brown Smoking jacket, £350; trousers, £275; bow tie, £35

Patek Philippe Calatrava watch, £18,950

‘Go all out in a velvet smoking jacket – it suits everyone’

SUITED & BOOTED LOOK THE PART ON YOUR BIG DAY

New & Lingwood Tie, £95

London Sock Company Masters socks, £12

Crockett & Jones Arden Oxford shoes, £445

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Favourbrook Waistcoat in Sky Evering, £250 Hamilton and Hare The Wedding boxer shorts, £40

Edward Green Albert slippers, £390

PHOTOS: UNSPLASH

Alice Made This Thistle cufflinks, £210

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LALAGE BEAUMONt Ready-To-Wear and made to measure

58 Beauchamp Place, knightsbridge, London SW3 1NZ

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lalagebeaumont.com

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WEDDING GUIDE

Suzannah London x Ruth Merlin Ravenscroft Avonlea boater, £395

John Boyd Hats Sequin tulip hat, £845

Awon Golding Etoile veil, £275

CROW N ING G LORY WHETHER YOU’RE A GUEST OR THE MAIN EVENT, A WEDDING ISN’T A WEDDING WITHOUT A HAT

Merve Bayindir Persephone hat, £800

Philip Treacy Fascinator, £1,950

Vivien Sheriff Streisand hat, £1,025

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Harris Reed Hat, £1,100

‘This oversized bow makes a playful alternative to a traditional veil’

PHOTOS: UNSPLASH

Lock & Co Hazel bow, £575

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WEDDING GUIDE

Robinson Pelham Galactica pearl earrings, £4,720 each or £9,440 a pair

Sorellina Lock & Key treasure box locket in 18ct gold, black onyx, pavé diamonds and pink sapphires, £4,790

De Beers Portraits of Nature Knysna Chameleon ring with a yellow emeraldcut diamond set in 18ct white gold, £POA

ICED TO PER FEC TION

Garrard Albemarle diamond jacket earrings in 18ct white gold, £17,000

DREAMY GEMS TO FINISH THE LOOK

David Morris Astra bangle with rose cut diamond and pavé diamonds, set in 18ct yellow gold, £15,600,

Boodles Blossom bracelet with round-brilliant cut diamonds set in 18ct rose gold, £9,800

Harry Winston Bridal couture round brilliant diamond engagement ring set in platinum, £POA

Vrai Illuminate bracelet in 14ct white gold, £39,171

Hancocks London Colombian emerald gypsy-set ring in 22ct yellow gold, £8,750

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Jessie Thomas Diamond and 18ct yellow gold ring, £4,200

‘Nothing says sustainability more than vintage, and Hancocks has one of the largest selections of pre-loved vintage engagement rings in the UK, from delicate 1920s designs to avant-garde 1970s numbers’

PHOTOS: UNSPLASH

Yvonne Léon Heart earrings, £2,110

Sohie Bille Brahe Peggy pearl necklace, £3,275; Petite Peggy necklace, £1,075

02/07/2021 12:56

P R O M OT I O N

LOVE WINS Let GSP Events help you plan the wedding of your wildest dreams

fter over a year of restrictions, lockdown and heartbreaking cancelled events, now is not the time to think small. No, now is the time to dream big – and never more so than for your wedding day. GSP Events is the safe pair of hands that will guide you through everything you need until the moment you walk down the aisle, and beyond. Founded by Emma Gold, the multi-award-winning company is renowned for delivering some of the most glamorous and glittering weddings of the past 25 years, from a showstopping sea-front ceremony in Monaco to Ronan Keating’s exchange of vows with his bride Storm Uechtritz overlooking the Firth of Forth in Scotland. ‘I believe I’m paid to make people smile,’ says Emma, which is exactly what she does, alongside her passionate team. ‘We are always honoured to be part of a couple’s most special day of their lives.’ The company’s shared ethos encompasses four areas:

ADAPTABILITY

No one couple is the same, which is why no one GSP wedding is the same. ‘I look at every couple like I’ve never done a wedding before, because we’re only focusing on what they want,’ explains Emma. ‘We work tirelessly to bring each couple’s personality to the forefront of what we create.’

CREATIVITY

Whatever you’re after – a fairytale wedding at a château in Provence, say, or an idyllic private island ceremony – GSP’s team of experts will execute the day of your dreams, bringing unique ideas and inspiration to the table along the way.

DETAIL

From the smallest creative placement to the most enthralling evening entertainment, GSP is renowned for its attention to detail, resulting in a seamless, worry-free day to remember for everyone.

TRUST

Building long-lasting trust is at the heart of everything GSP does, and it’s why many of its clients return again and again for help with future events. It partners with a network of tried and tested suppliers across the UK and the rest of the globe, meaning all you have to do on your wedding day is sit back, relax… and enjoy. +44 (0)7956 554704 sales@gsp-uk.com; gsp-uk.com

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WEDDING GUIDE

SO-LE Studio Earrings, £190

Dolce & Gabbana Hair comb, £675

Anna Mason Dress, £785

Raey Dress, £495 Maison Michel Boater hat, £450

G U ES T A PPE A R A NCE Stella McCartney Tiffany dress, £2,700

Agua by Agua Bendita Cedro dress, £960. Alighieri Necklace, £195

Molly Goddard Raphaela dress, £820

Shrimps Ludwig bag, £395

Ganni x Matchesfashion Top, £475; skirt, £375

Loretta Caponi Dress, £328 By Far Tiffany shoes, £360

‘More is more when it comes to accessories this season. These striped shoes will put a spring in every step’ 58 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.CO.UK | July/August 2021

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Bea Bongiasca Earring, £365

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DRESS FOR THE OCCASION IN VIBRANT SHADES AND STYLISH SEPARATES

Alexander McQueen Jacket, £2,490; trousers, £1,150

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52 & 53 Burlington Arcade London W1J 0HH T: (44) 20 7493 8904

www.hancockslondon.com

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WEDDING GUIDE

WEDDING BELLS

WHEN IT COMES TO PLANNING YOUR PERFECT DAY, LOCATION IS EVERYTHING. THESE STYLISH VENUES ARE C&TH’S PICK OF THE BUNCH CLUNY CASTLE SAUCHEN, ABERDEENSHIRE

If you’re after a fairytale wedding, look no further. Cluny is an enchanting historic castle – complete with turrets – dating back to the 14th century and hidden in over 200 acres of parkland. Its charm lies in the fact it’s also a lived-in and well-loved family home – Cosmo Linzee Gordon, the young laird, had his own wedding there. Cluny has its own licensed chapel within the castle, which seats 120 guests. Directly below the chapel is the Tenants’ Hall, with stained-glass, mullioned windows that echo the chapel. It can accommodate 94 guests for dinner and parquet flooring makes it ideal for dancing. For small weddings of up to 24 people, guests can use the beautiful dining room and drawing room. For big weddings, Cluny offers a variety of sites for a marquee, all enjoying magnificent views of the castle, which is always available as a backdrop for wedding photographs. Guests can choose any size, layout, theme or style of marquee and even specify clear windows and roof to take advantage of long Scottish summer sunsets and scarlet night skies. Cosmo insists that the only limit to guests’ choices is their imagination. Bridal parties can now stay in the castle because Cosmo has renovated the top floor to provide seven superb bedrooms and bathrooms. Also available is Cluny’s much sought-after West Wing apartment, which sleeps ten and is set over two floors with a palatial living area. +44 (0)1330 833302; clunycastle.com

HAMSWELL HOUSE

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HAMSWELL, BATH

Your first sight of Hamswell House’s honey-coloured stone façade comes at the end of the estate’s winding, wooded drive. It’s a romantic aspect: the historic 16th-century manor house is set in 50 acres of private land and gardens in the Cotswold Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and offers sweeping views of across the Hamswell Valley to the Westbury White Horse. It’s quite simply one of England’s most beautiful and enchanting houses, so admired that it’s been used in many a film and TV show over the years, including in Tess of the D’Urbervilles, the BBC adaptation with Eddie Redmayne and Gemma Arterton. Within easy reach of Bristol, Bath and the M4, Hamswell House is the family home of Rupert and Victoria Legge, who will ensure that your wedding has every last personal touch. As Rupert says, ‘Hamswell House is our much-loved home, not a commercial venue. It’s what makes it so special for your wedding.’ You will have exclusive access to the grounds for the entire day, so guests can explore the lovely walled gardens with the 200-year-old wisteria on the pergola, the knot garden and the 18th-century water garden with its waterlilies and Neptune fountain. For the ceremony, there is the 18th-century orangery with a Cotswold stone roof and huge arched windows leading onto a lawn to accommodate extra guests. For the wedding breakfast, there is a splendid marquee that can seat 200. You’re free to bring your own champagne as they don’t charge corkage. +44 (0)7710 727773; hamswellhouse.co.uk

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PROMOTION

SYMONDSBURY ESTATE SYMONDSBURY, DORSET

Located just a few miles from the Jurassic Coast, Symondsbury is an idyllic 1,500 acre estate set in the rolling hills of the Dorset countryside. Here, you’ll find the Tithe Barn, one of the country’s most popular wedding locations in recent years – and for good reason. This sympathetically restored 14th-century barn, surrounded by landscaped gardens and courtyard, is overflowing with charming character and understated elegance, and provides flexibility for you to fully personalise your wedding, accommodating up to 180 guests. Looking for something a bit different? Symondsbury Estate’s marquee offers opportunities for field or woodland weddings, whilst the nearby Crepe Farmhouse and secluded gardens can be transformed into an intimate space for family and friends to celebrate together. But however you choose to celebrate, you’re guaranteed a fabulous wedding breakfast, whether that’s a traditional dinner in the Tithe Barn, an al fresco feast in the private garden or a lavish supper in the woods. Symondsbury Estate’s team of expert chefs use hand-reared meat from the estate, and seasonal vegetables grown locally. There’s also a range of accommodation on site to choose from, including charming country cottages, traditional farmhouses, luxury bell tents and an elegant Georgian townhouse sleeping 21 guests. +44 (0)1308 424116; symondsburyestate.co.uk

OLD COURSE HOTEL ST ANDREWS, SCOTLAND

PHOTOS: UNSPLASH; © ROSIE HARDY; © SARAH GRAY; © CREATION BUREAU

Escape to St Andrews for your very own Highland fling at the Old Course Hotel. The historic golf resort and spa is a stone’s throw from West Sands Beach and the breath-taking Scottish coastline, making it the perfect location for your destination wedding. It’s recently been lovingly restored, with a choice of new wedding venues taking centre stage alongside a new penthouse suite (ideal for honeymoons) and a restaurant overlooking the iconic Old Course, which will be launching later this summer. The hotel’s Hall of Champions has been expanded to offer a flexible space flooded with natural light, complete with its own entrance. It features floor-to-ceiling glass doors that open onto a terrace with views over the golf course, ideal for champagne receptions. Seating up to 450 guests, the hall can be used as one venue or split into six spaces for more intimate affairs. Another option at the Old Course Hotel is The Conservatory, situated alongside the 18-hole golf course. It’s recently been extended and upgraded with newly renovated windows and roof, and features glass doors at both ends with steps leading to the surrounding gardens for a beautiful photo opportunity. Any pre-ceremony nerves can be soothed away in the hotel’s awardwinning Kohler Waters Spa, with its 13 treatment rooms that include two twin rooms for couples. There’s also a 20m pool, a hydrotherapy pool, steam room and plunge pool for your guests who are looking for pampering before or after the big day. +44 (0)1334 474371; oldcoursehotel.co.uk July/August 2021 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.CO.UK | 61

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LONDON M A R LOW

R E A L LY W I L D C LOT H I N G .C O M

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Let Love

Emerald-cut diamond solitaire ring with tapered baguette shoulders set in platinum, Harry Winston

BLOOM

Love is the f lower you’ve got to let grow STYLING URSULA LAKE PHOTOGRAPHER MATTHEW SHAVE

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Josephine Aigrette diamond and pearl rings, Chaumet

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The Paris ring, featuring a lozenge shape diamond with baguette and brilliant cut diamonds set in platinum, Boodles

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European cut and hexagonal diamond surround ring, Hancocks

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Evermore white pear-shape diamond ring in platinum, Garrard

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Marguerite triple diamond and yellow gold engagement ring, Annoushka

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Promise pear shape diamond ring set in platinum, Graff

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White gold and diamond pear et lune ring; white gold and diamond pear ring, both Messika TEAM Photographer’s assistant: Rufus Shave STOCKISTS: PAGE 166

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Get a head start on your honeymoon glow. For a naturally sunkissed look, without the sun, add a few drops of the award-winning SelfTanning Drops to your moisturiser, serum or body lotion. This innovative tanning serum helps to protect the skin against HEV/Digital light, too.

Dr Sebagh’s #boxfreebeauty Honeymoon Edit Make a beautiful getaway with products to help you shimmer and shine, from top-to-toe, whilst delivering serious skin care benefits. Shop 5 ready–to–glow picks at drsebagh.com for a total of 50% OFF and to reduce packaging by opting for #boxfreebeauty.

Pack your vitamins. Super-concentrated and stabilised until skin contact, Pure Vitamin C Powder Cream can be used alone or mixed into any cream or serum in the palm of your hand for an extra boost of brightness.

5. 3.

For a radiant arrival–and used once or twice a week whilst you’re away– Deep Exfoliating Mask Sensitive Skin smooths, polishes and reveals fresherlooking skin. A combination of Azelaic and lactic acid exfoliates for a faster cell turnover. Regular use helps to reduce pigmentation and breakouts, at home or away (especially in hotter climates). For a powerful treatment to fight pigmentation, add a dash of Pure Vitamin C Powder Cream.

Brighten up whilst lightening up your makeup (and suitcase): Vitamin C Brightening Primer SPF15 instantly illuminates the skin, combining the brightening and protecting power of vitamin C with intensely hydrating hyaluronic acid and a trio of moisturising fruit extracts. Use it on its own or before make-up.

4. Make sparkling memories with Shimmering Body Oil, a stunning dry body oil which provides hi-tech skin care benefits and leaves skin with a hint of golden glitter. It deeply nourishes and moisturises, whilst instantly soothing the skin after sun exposure and providing antioxidant protection. A unique blend of pearlescent pigments leave skin gently bronzed.

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Available in-store and online. #boxfreebeauty offer at drsebagh.com

28/06/2021 10:33

B AYSWAT E R OUTLET STORE FROM 30% OFF Discover a treasure trove of limited edition samples and selected seconds for your home. Open until Monday 30th August.

• 36 PORCHESTER ROAD, LONDON, W2 6ES • W W W. G R A H A M A N D G R E E N . C O . U K / B AYSWAT E R

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HEALTH&

WELLBEING

Surf ’s Up Hit the waves for mind, body and soul Looking for a new sport to try this summer? Surfing is as good for our brains as it is for our bodies. It’s one of the best total body workouts there is, requiring strong shoulders and arms for paddling out to the waves, and core strength and balance for riding them back to shore. The psychological benefits of surfing are also astonishing, and it’s a great way to disconnect and clear the mind. Your first lesson may be a humbling experience but you’re guaranteed to get out of the water feeling empowered and exhilarated.

Photographer: Kate Davis-Macleod Model: Tia Mallia @ Wilhelmina Make-up and hair: Camilla Hewitt using NARS and Davines. Cossie + Co Gemma bikini top, £70; Lucinda bikini bottoms, £70. cossieandco.com

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HEALTH & WELLBEING | Lifestyle

MIND & MATTER Four ways to feel summer-ready

SWIPE Fresh Sugar Hydrating Lip Balm A new juicy tropical fruit flavour balm to keep lips hydrated this summer. £15, fresh.com

Olivia Falcon plans her al fresco fiesta

s the tidal sands of the pandemic continue to shift and we flip-flop between red zones, lateral flow tests and endless airport queues, I’m setting my sights on a carefree summer of entertaining in the garden. I have already spent a small fortune on party prep: pimping up the begonias with festoon lights (thesolarcentre.co.uk) and supersizing our seating with a gorgeous Ethan table and curved benches from Green Meadow Furniture (from £5,000 greenmeadowfurniture.co.uk). Meanwhile, my husband has gone all Games of Thrones with his custom fire pit (ironworksuk. co.uk) that comes with a chain for hanging large joints of meat, and is great for keeping warm on chillier evenings. Stage set, I now turn to the most important issue – how does one groom for garden glam? If you’ve got lawns, barefoot is best so a good foot cream is essential. I’ve tried all the fancy brands but by far the most effective is O’Keefe’s Healthy Feet Foot Cream (£8.49, superdrug.com). I found it stocked at my local garden centre and it miraculously turned my cracked dry heels buttery soft in a matter of hours. Just accessorise with a slick of Chanel Le Vernis Longwear Nail Colour in Égérie (£24, chanel.com), the prettiest dusky rose.

Wardrobe-wise, I’m championing small British brands. I love Feray London’s pretty broderie anglaise fitted sundresses (£180, @feray_london) and Silk & Cotton Trading’s sustainably-crafted smocked dresses and kaftans (from £75, silkandcottontrading.com). I’m wearing sunscreen, of course – the new Pixi Sun Mist (£18, cultbeauty.com) is brilliant as you can simply spray under or over make-up throughout the day. My current go-to look is a slick of Stila’s Stay All Day mascara, (£20, stila.co.uk), a tubular formula with maximum staying power and Armani’s new Lip Power in Friendly (£32.50, armanibeauty.co.uk) a pretty coral colour that’s fortified with moisturising oils. To give hair elegant swish – and fumigate barbecue smoke – all you need is a spritz of Innersense Sweet Spirit Leave In Conditioner (£24, cultbeauty.com), which cuts through knots, glosses up dullness and hydrates dry hair . Finally, for those tight on green space, bring the outdoors in with an Anada at-home spa experience, a three-hour indulgence of massage, meditation and ritual cleansing. A team of two therapists will treat up to four guests with the brand’s own products, which include herbal bath bags, body oils and creams, from £150 per person (anada.co.uk). n

SMILE MySmile Whitening Toothpaste by Dr Uchenna Smarten up your smile with this clever formula that’s blended with hydroxyapatite to stop demineralisation and rebuild tooth enamel. £17.99, londonsmiling.com

SWALLOW Clinique La Prairie Age-Defy supplements These two wonder supplements address cell regeneration and antiinflammation to support a long and healthy life. £580 for two-months, cliniquelaprairie-hh.com

PHOTOS: GETTY IMAGES

BODY LANGUAGE

SPRAY Sunspel Neroli Sun Fragrance Sharp and sunny citrus fruits infused with beachy sea moss. The essence of a carefree, sun-dappled English summer. £90, sunspel.com

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Yes, it’s all for you Arrive by boat to Ultima Corfu’s private dock and enjoy complete privacy in our heavenly oceanfront villa. Personalised wellness and dining experiences will be enjoyed al-fresco as you look to the deep blue waters beyond. Prepare yourself: it’s the type of escape your family will want to make an annual tradition.

GSTAAD • CRANS - MONTANA • MEGÈVE • GENEVA • CORFU • COURCHEVEL • CANNES

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HEALTH & WELLBEING | Notes

The SCOOP Charlotte Cole immerses herself in the uber-trendy Aire Ancient Baths FEET FIRST

Ever since my fluffy Ugg sliders and socks combo had to come to an end (sniff), my feet have been shuffling around in deep resentment at their cracked heels and year-old polish. But boy do they love me now they’ve hot-footed it to the new Margaret Dabbs clinic at John Lewis in Westfield, Shepherds Bush. No longer do they have to hide bashfully away as they’ve undergone the podiatric equivalent of a face lift. Scrubbed, scraped, rubbed and polished – my tootsies look 10 years younger... The Ultimate Luxury Foot Therapy, £135 for 70 mins. margaretdabbs.co.uk

BATHING BEAUTY

UP YOUR BUM

We can’t get to the country but do leg it to therapist Flavia at Skin Matters for a Brazilian Massage. It’s a unique treatment to eradicate (or, at the very least, improve the appearance of) that nasty orange peel (aka cellulite) on your thighs that built up with not enough exercise and too much coffee during lockdown. Using a pantallas (a wooden boomerang-type implement), she’ll scoop the body vigorously. Then comes an abdominal massage, cupping and deep tissue massage. She’ll boost your circulation, oxygenation, skin detoxification and help you eliminate water retention, thereby losing inches faster. Add in exercise and a balanced diet, and you’ll soon have skin that’s as smooth and firm as a model’s bottom. For best results, book a course with sessions four weeks apart. £130 for 75 mins. (Caroline Phillips). skin-matters.co.uk

PHOTOS: GETTY

Deep beneath JM Barrie’s former home in Covent Garden (there’s a first edition of Peter Pan in reception) lies Aire Ancient Baths, a fabulous new watery underworld of thermal baths, just like the Romans used to love. Now it’s for lucky modern Londoners to come to with friends, your lover, your mother or just by yourself to find your inner child and loll about in candle-lit watery chambers of varying temperatures (from a freezing 10-degrees celsius to one of the steamiest steam rooms I’ve ever been to), as well as a Floatarium where you can rub salt (not into a wound, we hope) but onto your body as selfexfoliation before – perhaps – a dunk in a red wine-filled tub. The Wine Bath Experience, we think, will go down particularly well in London – we don’t need telling that red wine is full of antioxidants. There’s also a menu of Experiences that form part of your aqueous journey should you so choose – from argan oil massages (and hair masks) to Himalayan salt rituals. A fun new edition for people who want to explore our amazing city once more. From £90 for 90 minutes in the baths. beaire.com 76 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.CO.UK | July/August 2021

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HEALTH & WELLBEING | Take Ten

Nothing screams summer like a hot pink lipstick. Decorté AQ lipstick in Flash Pink, £50. harrods.com

A quick and easy way to add a pop of vibrancy to lips and cheeks. Code 8 5secs Express lip and cheek colour in Carmen, £27. codeeight.com

Bring light to your face with the limited-edition Beach Bomb quad from By Terry, with a brightening powder, blush, highlighter and bronzer. £42, byterry.com

For a youthful pink try Westman Atelier Baby Cheeks blush stick in Poppet. £44, cultbeauty. com

Swap boring black for brilliant blue. Charlotte Tilbury Eye Colour Magic Liner Duo in Super Blue, £21. harrods.com

Colour CRUSH

Luscious lips come into their own with a pop of Chanel Rouge Allure lipstick in Vibrante. £33, chanel.com

Go bright or go home, says Nathalie Eleni

Photo: @fifinewbery Make-up: @nathalieeleni_beauty Hair: @callyborghair Model: Clover at Profile Models

The most fun you will ever have with an eye shadow. Huda Beauty Matte & Metal Melted eye shadow in Minted & Dinero (worn by model), £22. feelunique.com

Go for fun, fuchsia cheeks. Shiseido Minimalist Whipped powder blush in Kokei 08, £35. lookfantastic.com

Have some fluoro fun with Peacci nail varnish in Lemonade, £10. peacci.com

A sheer, yet dynamic eye colour, this is a modern way to wear yellow tones. Clinique Lid Pop in Vanilla Pop, £16. clinique.co.uk

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BOOK WITH CONFIDENCE The beauty of a villa holiday is that not only can you spend quality time reuniting with loved ones all under one roof, our villas also offer the space, privacy and seclusion that hotels simply can’t. With almost 50 years of experience, we know what makes the perfect villa holiday, just the way you like it. What’s more, booking with us means booking with conﬁdence. We are members of ABTA, are fully bonded with the CAA and have an ATOL license, ensuring full protection and complete peace of mind. Plus, our Flexi Promise, which applies to a large number of our villas, means that you can amend your travel dates for any reason, at any point before the ﬁnal balance payment stage. To secure your perfect villa, get in touch with one of our Villa Specialists today.

020 3944 4566 | cvvillas.com GREECE • ITALY • FRANCE • SPAIN • PORTUGAL • CARIBBEAN • MOROCCO • TURKEY • CROATIA • FLORIDA • SRI LANKA

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HEALTH & WELLBEING | Wellness

Body & SOUL

Camilla Hewitt on the Feel-Good Factor and how hormones can make you happy

EXERCISE ENDORPHINS

Movement can reduce stress hormones while stimulating the production of endorphins – your feel-good hormones responsible for that post-workout high. Evelyn Joyce, Head of Fitness at Balance + Glo, recommends exercising outdoors, as ‘this will improve vitamin D intake and in turn raise serotonin levels. Plus, your body will work harder as it responds to different terrains, obstacles and weather conditions, promoting feelings of accomplishment and self-confidence.’ Balance + Glo holds active retreats on the Isle of Wight, plus online classes designed to be taken outside. balanceandgloonline.com

FEEL-GOOD FOOD

TRIGGER WITH TOUCH

Nutritional therapist Eve Kalinik (evekalinik.com) tells me ‘chemical messengers such as serotonin, dubbed our “happy neurotransmitter”, and dopamine, which is related to pleasure and reward feelings, fundamentally depend on amino acids such as tryptophan and tyrosine that we take in through our diet. Foods that provide these include chicken, turkey, salmon, peanuts, tofu, eggs and beans.’ Happy Gut, Happy Mind by Eve Kalinik (Little, Brown, £25). Ada Ooi, acupuncturist (adaooi.com), says ‘touch is one of our most instinctive languages. The responses from touch we received as infants are stored in our brain and as we grow up we continue to benefit from touch both physically and mentally.’ Touch therapy activates the brain’s orbitofrontal cortex linking to feelings of reward and compassion, making us feel happy and relaxed. Acupuncture, massage or techniques like gua sha trigger the nervous system to release endorphins, the body’s natural pain-relieving chemicals. 001skincare.com

3 4

SEXUAL WELLBEING

« CHECK IN: The Lake, Ullswater, Lake District Another Place, The Lake is a new hotel on the shores of Ullswater. Its ethos is ‘active relaxation’ and it’s all about getting outdoors, using the landscape, discovering and exploring, then coming back inside to relax and eat well. Surrounded by 18 acres of national parkland, the hotel offers stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, canoeing, sailing and wild swimming delivered by qualified instructors. There are also routes, footpaths, tracks and trails galore around Ullswater for walking, running and cycling. BOOK IT: Doubles from £200 B&B. another.place

PHOTOS: ANNA BLACKWELL; GETTY

Enjoying a good sex life is an ideal way to release endorphins. Newly launched Ekho Wellbeing is home to expert-led courses aimed at improving women’s sexual wellbeing. From boosting body confidence, improving intimacy and dispelling myths, to discovering the impact of our eating habits on our sex drive, Ekho delivers advice for anyone seeking a healthy sex life. ekhowellbeing.com

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P R O M OT I O N

WALKING ON SUNSHINE Stay active with FutureYou Cambridge’s Turmeric+ supplement

PHOTOS: GETTY IMAGES

any of us enjoy taking a walk with friends, family, or the dog, whether it’s in your local park Liz Singh stays or a countryside hike. However, active with Turmuric+ when taking longer walks some of us can experience COULD TURMERIC+ skeletal and muscular discomfort. BE THE KEY TO The solution? A growing HELPING YOU STAY number of people are discovering ACTIVE? that a product called Turmeric+ can help to keep them active. Claim your free Turmeric+ Liz Singh, 63, a retired chemistry subscription trial today. teacher is one of them. To claim your free 28-day ‘I’ve always loved to walk both Turmeric+ subscription trial pack worth £16.80 (just pay £1.50 long and short distances, but last postage*), visit futureyouoffers. year I decided to take a three-mile co.uk or freephone 0800 808 stroll and the next day I felt a slight 5740 quoting code TF284. twinge in my left knee that got Not for you? Cancel anytime, progressively worse,’ she explains. without obligation. ‘I was planning a walk from where I live in Maidenhead to Bath but it became so uncomfortable that I couldn’t walk 100 yards let alone 100 miles!’ The following Sunday Liz noticed an advert for Turmeric+ in the newspaper. ‘I was already taking turmeric tablets when my yoga teacher mentioned Turmeric+. I decided to give it a try as I had nothing to lose.’

Turmeric contains compounds called curcuminoids, the most notable of which is curcumin. Not only is curcumin responsible for turmeric’s distinctive yellow colour but it’s also what makes it such a powerful spice. However, curcumin is difficult for the body to absorb, so the scientists at FutureYou Cambridge used a patented ‘Curcuma Phospholipid Complex’ formulation to make Turmeric+ 30 times more absorbable than standard turmeric. They also added vitamin C, which contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of cartilage. ‘Seventeen months later I’m still taking Turmeric+ and I haven’t looked back. I’m delighted to say I was also able to complete my walk to Bath,’ says Liz. Adam Cleevely, CEO of FutureYou Cambridge comments: ‘We want to support more people to get active. We think Turmeric+ can play an important role in that journey, just like it has for Liz and tens of thousands of happy Turmeric+ subscribers who regularly tell us their positive stories.’

TERMS & CONDITIONS: Discount valid until 31st August 2021. New UK customers only. One free trial per household. Your first box is free (just pay £1.50 postage) and you will be enrolled into a flexible subscription costing £16.80 every 28 days. See futureyouhealth.com for more information on our subscription service. You can cancel your subscription at any time without obligation. Trial pack promotion cannot be used in conjunction with any other promotions. Turmeric+ Gold contains vitamin C which contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of cartilage and bones. Turmeric+ Gold should be consumed as part of a healthy balanced diet and lifestyle. If you are taking any prescribed medication or have any medical conditions always consult your doctor or pharmacist before taking vitamins or supplements.

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HEALTH & WELLBEING | News

Beauty BUZZ Nathalie Eleni on everything you need for flawless skin

GENTLY DOES IT

A soothing treat for sensitive and dry skins. Revision Gentle skin cleanser is a creamy formula of red and brown algae and antioxidant-rich apple amino acids that effectively purify the skin without stripping the natural moisture barrier. £36, revisionskincare.com

AS SEEN ON SCREEN

WASTE NOT

Treat yourself to Björk and Berries’ new eau de parfum, Mareld. The sparkling scent is vegan and made from organic fermented alcohol, produced from vegetable food waste. £85, bjorkandberries.com

GOLD TOUCH

This new gold-infused mask from Clé de Peau Beauté is a decadent treat for skin, instantly replenishing it and countering signs of fatigue and stress. Precious Gold Vitality mask, £250. harrods.com

GetHarley is a revolutionary new digital platform that gives you immediate access to online skin consultations with award-winning facialists and dermatologists. The experts then offer tailormade product recommendations, which are delivered straight to your door. From £30 for a consultation, getharley.com

HOW TO… TREAT MASKNE Maskne is caused by bacteria, which is encouraged to grow due to the heat caused by wearing a face mask. Use a face wash with salicylic acid to help your pores stay clear and use a gentle anti-microbial spray on your skin and mask, such as Clinisoothe+ Skin Purifier (£14.95, boots.com), to keep the area clean. To help clear spots and prevent red marks or scars, I find Vbeam laser very successful in my clinic. drwassimtaktouk.com

PHOTOS: GETTY IMAGES

WITH DR WASSIM TAKTOUK, AESTHETIC PHYSICIAN

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HEALTH & WELLBEING | Get The Look

Summer

GLOW Nathalie Eleni on how to get cover star Olga Kurylenko’s summer skin

right, beautiful and bursting with contagious amounts of energy, Olga Kurylenko was an absolute dream to work with as she posed with rippling parachutes on the lawns of the Beaverbrook hotel. With this being C&TH’s Summer of Celebration issue, I wanted to create a fresh and fun warm weather look for Olga, with a natural, dewy finish and a few pops of colour to match the playful looks picked out by our Fashion Director, Nicole Smallwood. A swipe of Guerlain’s new hydrating KissKiss Shine Bloom lipstick made the perfect finishing touch. Make-Up: Nathalie Eleni using Guerlain skincare and make-up Photo: Dan Hack Hair: Ben Cooke @ Frank Agency for Lockonego using Hair Rehab London Earrings: Susan Caplan

Get the look How to recreate Olga’s sun-kissed skin and bright lips

1 2

Massage Guerlain Abeille Royale Advanced Youth Watery Oil, £105, onto a cleansed face for plumped up, illuminated skin.

While the serum is freshly applied, buff in Guerlain L’Essentiel Natural Glow Foundation 16-Hour Wear SPF20, £44, for a natural finish.

3 4

Sweep on Guerlain Terracotta The Bronzing Powder, £39, on your cheekbones, brow and bridge of the nose. Finally, pat on Guerlain KissKiss Shine Bloom in Eternal Rose, £31, for a subtle pop of colour.

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HEALTH & WELLBEING | Sustainability

MY LITTLE GREEN BOOK Lisa Grainger’s top tips for buying flowers in a more sustainable way

here are few things as pleasurable as smelling a sweet pea, or seeing a peony unfurl, or watching a waterfall of willow buds emerging in spring. Unless, that is, they’re covered in chemicals, wrapped in plastic, and made their journey to you by plane, then truck and car. How to buy blooms with a clear conscience? Here are a few tips.

DEMAND NAKED FLOWERS

BUY BRITISH Although a Lancaster University study found an imported bunch of flowers produces ten times more carbon than a British one, over 80 per cent of our blooms are still foreign: half flown from the Netherlands and others from as far afield as Colombia and Kenya. Buy local, with the help of organisations such as frombritainwithlove.co.uk and flowersfromthefarm.co.uk SUPPORT FAIR TRADE If you do buy from abroad, look out for labels such as Florverde Sustainable Flowers (FSF), which guarantees things from good working conditions to biodiversity, and Fairtrade, which ensures the millions of people employed on flower farms get treated more fairly.

Master Florist Michal Kowalski and business partner Michael Dariane, founders of Blooming Haus

DON’T SUPPORT BULK BUYERS

Half of all flowers picked around the world are discarded, having been damaged by transport, dirty water or heat (going from fridge to supermarket cuts flowers’ shelf life by half). Order regularly from a florist, a subscription service or a farm shop and they can buy what they need without wasting the rest.

BUY SEASONALLY Enjoy flowers when they are in season, and get creative in winter. Buy (undyed, unbleached) dried flowers and make rustic wreaths; pick dried grasses and wheat; add dried flowers from greatbritishflorist. co.uk to greenery foraged from hedgerows or bought from GB Foliage in New Covent Garden Market in London. gbflowers.co.uk

PHOTOS: GETTY IMAGES; UNSPLASH

The majority of flowers we buy are sprayed with pesticide, held together with rubber bands, wrapped in cellophane and arranged in (oil-based) oases that aren’t biodegradable. Smart florists have found alternatives: the spectacular blooms from Blooming Haus are wrapped in biodegradable cellophane and paper using cotton string, arranged in vases floored in chicken wire and AgraWool, and delivered by an Ecofleet bicycle or electric car. They teach you how to arrange your own (eco) blooms, too… blooming haus.com

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HEALTH & WELLBEING | Review

Bathroom CABINET Up your brushing game

MIND THE GAP Flossing’s a blast with a Waterpik Water Flosser. And 50 per cent more effective than dental floss. £54.99, waterpik. co.uk

SMILE, PLEASE

Can you get straight teeth by app? Anastasia Bernhardt finds out

have been the proud owner of terribly ‘English’ teeth for years. I say proud, but what I mean is either too lazy or too broke to do anything about it. So when C&TH’s editor put the call out for someone to test a new teeth straightening app that required zero dentist visits at a pinch of the cost of Invisalign, I was sold. Straight Teeth Direct hopes to make orthodontics more accessible and affordable through the use of technology.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

You start by uploading photos of your teeth to the app (it’s a good idea to also get a check-up from your dentist first). Straight Teeth Direct then posts you a kit to take moulds of your teeth but if you don’t trust in your ability to make your own casts, you can make an appointment for a 3D scan in London. Your bespoke aligners are then popped in the post. All you need to remember is to wear them for 22 hours a day, move onto the next set every two weeks, and check in for your monthly dental review on the app.

» »

Expect it to take longer than you think. I’m now 17 months into my treatment (originally I was quoted for 11 months). That being said, given my above point, that’s probably because I wasn’t super strict with myself. My teeth are definitely straighter but not perfect. I’m going to need additional bonding to fix some of my chipped teeth – but I was warned about this from my initial consultation, and this would also be the case if I had had braces. Some poor dentist has had to look at many unflattering close-up pictures of the inside of my mouth and up my nose.

VERDICT

I subscribe to the camp of ‘if it’s too good to be true, it probably is’, and I was sceptical about Straight Teeth Direct’s claim to deliver the same results for 70 per cent of the price. But this service does get the results, so I don’t know why you would pay full price for more traditional methods.

SUPER SONIC This Ion-Sei ionic toothbrush doesn’t just deal with plaque, it suppresses the bacteria that causes it in the first place. £129.99, amazon.co.uk

MINT EXCHANGE My Curaprox toothpaste is apple and aloe vera. £9.50, curaprox. co.uk

StraightBox Invisible Aligner Treatment, £1,350. straightteethdirect.com n

» » »

It was reassuring to know that a qualified dentist was checking my progress every month (I would have never been bothered to visit regularly enough for braces or retainers with my dentist). You can’t really see the aligners at all – they actually made my teeth look whiter and healthier. They send you a really satisfying video showing how your teeth will change over time. Slightly addictive. The app is really easy to use and the response time to any questions is very speedy.

REASONS TO GRIMACE

With a ten-cups-of-tea-a-day habit, I really struggled to keep them in for 22 hours every day. I also found it a bit awkward taking them out in front of people.

PHOTOS: GETTY IMAGES

REASONS TO SMILE

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REAL LIFE DRAMA RETURNS 2022

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IMAGES: © TONU TUNNEL. PLEASE NOTE THAT EVENT DATES MAY BE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DUE TO COVID

CULTURE

Sound On

Six large-scale sound installations will bring Kew’s Wakehurst botanic gardens in Sussex to life this summer as part of its new programme, Summer of Sound. The idea is to enhance visitors’ connection with nature, as the noises of the vast, wild gardens are amplified and explored by award-winning sound artists like Kathy Hinde, Birgit Õigus and Marco Barotti. Go after dark to enjoy special performances and open-fire cooking. 9 July to 12 Sept. kew.org RUUP Forest Megaphones by Birgit Õigus (2015)

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CULTURE | What’s On

The Great CULTURE COMEBACK

Ellie Smith on the festivals, plays and exhibitions you need on your radar

MASTERPIECES IN MINIATURE AS SEEN ON SCREEN

Edgar Wright’s documentary on an electronica pop band, The Sparks Brothers will open the UK offshoot of Sundance Film Festival on 29 July. London’s Picturehouse Central will serve as the base for the four-day independent film festival, though consecutive screenings will take place in cinemas across the country. 29 July to 1 August, picturehouses.com

Damien Hirst, John Akomfrah and Michael Armitage are all artists taking part in a new miniature art gallery at Pallant House. The works – ranging from the size of a £1 coin to 20cm – will go on display alongside two earlier model galleries, forming a time capsule of 80 years in British art. Until spring 2022, pallant.org.uk

TO INFINITY AND BEYOND

After its world premiere in January 2020, Tom Stoppard’s Olivier Award-winning Leopoldstadt was put on hold due to lockdown – but it’s back this summer at Wyndham’s Theatre. A mustsee. 7 Aug to 30 Oct, wyndhamstheatre.co.uk

From wild swimming to historical tours, campfire cooking to paddleboarding, there’s something for all types of festival goer at The Good Life Society’s Summer Camp. Running across four weekends, the event takes place in the idyllic Hawarden Estate, with a focus on learning from the natural world. Weekends from 9 July to 2 August, thegoodlifesociety.co.uk

GATHER TOGETHER

Green Gathering has been leading the way in ecofestivals for decades. Listen to folk music in solarpowered marquees, attend yoga workshops, and learn about permaculture and living sustainably . 29 July to 1 August, greengathering.org.uk

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PHOTOS: PIP BOURDILLON

A FAMILY AFFAIR

CAMP IT UP

PHOTOS: YUSUKE MIYAZAKI; LOUISE ROBERTS

Missed out on tickets to Yayoi Kusama’s Infinity Rooms at Tate Modern? Fear not: you can see the queen of the polka dot at Victoria Miro this summer, too. A new exhibition will showcase paintings from Kusama’s ongoing My Eternal Soul series, which she started back in 2009. Until 31 July, victoria-miro.com

The Critical LIST

Aggi was plucked from drama school to star in Ridley Road

Big releases to bookmark

OLD NEWS In M Night Shyamalan’s new thriller Old, Gael Garcia Bernal and Vicky Krieps star as parents who bring their children to a secluded beach – with a dreadful secret.

FILM

TAKE THE AIR Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre is spearheading the return of outdoor performances. This July, don’t miss the retelling of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Carousel, directed by Timothy Sheader.

THEATRE

ONE TO WATCH

E PHOTOS: PIP BOURDILLON

PHOTOS: YUSUKE MIYAZAKI; LOUISE ROBERTS

Ellie Smith meets Aggi O’Casey, star of Ridley Road ver since she went to the theatre with her granny for the first time as a little girl, Agnes O’Casey, popularly known as Aggi, knew she wanted to be an actress. ‘It was lovely to feel so sure about something, even though it felt unreachable at times,’ she tells C&TH. Now, aged 25, her dream is becoming a reality. Aggi was picked straight out of drama school – The Lir Academy in Dublin – to star as the lead in new BBC One and PBS Masterpiece thriller, Ridley Road. Adapted from Jo Bloom’s novel, the four-part drama is inspired by the 62 Group, a Jewish-led coalition of people who stood up against rising neo-Nazism in post-war Britain. Aggi plays Vivian, a young hairdresser

from Manchester who heads to the capital to join the organisation – alongside, she discovers, the man she loves, as well as a number of family members. She stars with household names Eddie Marsan, Tamzin Outhwaite and Rory Kinnear. It’s an important story – one Aggi felt passionately about right from the beginning. ‘After years of doubting myself, when I auditioned for this part I genuinely thought I had loads to bring to it,’ she says. ‘When they said “that’s a wrap” I just wept because I wasn’t ready to not be Vivian anymore. This role will always have a really special place in my heart.’ Ridley Road will air on BBC One this summer

YOU KNOW YOU LOVE ME Your summer guilty pleasure has arrived: the HBO Max reboot of Gossip Girl, coming to screens soon with a whole new generation of Manhattan’s elite.

HUMAN NATURE Lisa Taddeo’s Animal is fictional, though inspired by the things she witnessed while researching her first book, the awardwinning Three Women. Animal follows Joan as she searches for the one person who can help her overcome her past.

BOOK

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CULTURE | What’s On

PREVIEW Ellie Smith on the nationwide tour of the British Art Show

MY Cultural LIFE

Actor Charlotte Spencer appears in the new musical film Cinderella

British Art Show 9 is in Aberdeen from 10 July to 10 October. britishartshow9.co.uk

I’m tuning into... the Mythical Monsters

podcast. Geeky, I know, but I love mythology and you can learn quite a lot about life from myths. I’m reading... Women Who Run With the Wolves by Clarissa Pinkola Estés. A book you can pick up whenever you feel like it. I’m most looking forward to... Going to the theatre. A few of my friends are in different musicals like Les Miserables, & Juliet and Heathers. I can’t wait to see them perform again! Favourite painting... Lilith with a Snake (1886) by John Collier. It’s partly the story of Lilith that fascinates me. I love the dreamy quality to his paintings. I’m sure being a fellow redhead has something to do with it too... Favourite film? Beauty and the Beast (my dog is named after the teacup, Chip). I think it’s the most magical of the fairytales. I also love the black and white 1946 version of La Belle et la Bête. My ultimate recommendation...

The Henry Moore Foundation in Hertfordshire. It’s one of the most peaceful places I’ve ever been. Cinderella is scheduled for online release with Amazon Prime in September

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PHOTOS: GETTY

FROM ABOVE: Image of artist’s studio door by Abigail Reynolds (2020); I you me we us by Margaret Salmon (2018); Equilibrium (The Depth of Darkness, the Return of the Light) by Anne Hardy (2020); Climavore: On Tidal Zones by Cooking Sections (2017-ongoing)

PHOTOS: COLIN HATTERSLEY; RUTH CLARK

ince it was founded in 1979, the British Art Show has become one of the most important recurring exhibitions of contemporary art in the UK. Run by Hayward Gallery Touring, the landmark show takes place every five years, travelling around four cities across the country. It’s back this year for its ninth edition, opening in Aberdeen and going on to tour spaces in Wolverhampton, Manchester and Plymouth. The themes for 2021 were agreed prior to the pandemic, yet they’ve grown increasingly – perhaps spookily – relevant. Works are structured around three main topics: healing, care and reparative history; tactics for togetherness; and imagining new futures, with artists responding through film, photography, painting, sculpture and performance. In each location, the exhibition adapts to its surroundings. In Aberdeen – a city currently undergoing a major transformation within its energy sector – the focus is on nature and the planet, exploring the ways in which humans can co-exist alongside other beings. This includes a new presentation from the ongoing research project Climavore, which looks at issues surrounding food and climate change (climavore.org), plus works from Turner Prize co-recipient Tai Shani and London-based performance artist Florence Peake.

CULTURE | Books

SET IN THE CITY

Richard Hopton reviews three novels with an urban background

PHOTOS: GETTY

PHOTOS: COLIN HATTERSLEY; RUTH CLARK

THE WAITER Ajay Chowdhury

Ajay Chowdhray’s accomplished debut is an intricately plotted, gripping and enjoyable crime novel. The hero is a disgraced Kolkata detective, Kamil Rahman, who has fled to London for his own safety. The novel runs two stories in tandem: one in London where, in an unofficial capacity, Kamil investigates the murder of a millionaire businessman, the other in Kolkata where he is the lead detective on the case of the murder of Bollywood star. The episodes are apparently unrelated but gradually connections between the two emerge, posing questions about corruption, courage, and moral compromise. The novel’s urban settings, London’s Brick Lane, where Kamil works as a waiter, and Kolkata, are both vividly evoked as are the many and varied delights of Indian cuisine. This is a sizzler of a crime novel, full of spice and authentic flavour. Harvill Secker, £12.99

LAST DAYS IN CLEAVER SQUARE Patrick McGrath

Francis McNulty, an elderly poet, is a veteran of the Spanish Civil War living out his last years in London. In 1975, as General Franco lies dying in Madrid, McNulty confronts his memories of the fighting, a process stimulated by a young journalist researching an article about the war. Patrick McGrath’s new novel is an understated but moving story imbued with a mildly surreal, disturbed hinterland. The novel is set in a confined area of London before moving to Madrid, but the reader is regularly taken back to Madrid and other parts of Spain to experience, through McNulty’s memories, the horrors of the civil war. It’s a tale of memory and guilt, of family and old age, of anger and delusion, which moves to a strange, half-comic, half-absurd conclusion. Hutchinson, £16.99

WHEREABOUTS Jhumpa Lahiri

This mosaic of a novel consists of 45 short tableaux of the life of a single woman living alone in an unnamed Italian city. Its cumulative effect is to bring to life the city in question, as well as to paint a picture of the narrator’s life and chunks of her past. Its studied anonymity – neither the city nor the protagonists are ever identified – is reflected in the cool, detached prose; it’s as if the narrator is looking in on herself and her life from the outside. Originally written in Italian and translated by the author into English – with a faint but discernible American accent – Whereabouts is cleverly wrought with a fine, observant eye and an acute sensitivity. Lahiri’s novel describes a superficially well-ordered life but one with many an eddy and swirl beneath its apparently untroubled surface. Bloomsbury, £14.99

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CULTURE | Books

BIBLIO FILE Slip into a hammock with novels set in idyllic houses. By Belinda Bamber

UNDER THE COVER WITH…

Miranda COWLEY HELLER The Paper Palace author on her favourite escapes

classic Three Summers, by Margarita Liberaki (Penguin, £8.99), featuring three sisters on the brink of adulthood on a pre-civil-war country estate at Kifissia, outside Athens. Just reissued, this innocent gem is often compared to Dodie Smith’s I Capture the Castle. There’s a darker realism to James Salter’s classic Light Years (Penguin, £9.99), his 1975 portrait of a marriage played out against annual breezy family get-togethers at Amagansett, Long Island. Scene of many carefree (and also illicit) summer encounters, alongside her husband Viri, it’s hard to forget the moment an older Nedra revisits the beach house alone and out of season.

SUMMER TRAVELS THROUGH FICTION HAWAII beckons surfers in Paul Theroux’s Under the Wave at Waimea (£18.99, Penguin). MOROCCO shimmers in Leila Slimani’s mesmerising Country of Others (£14.99 Faber, out 1 August). CATALUNYA seduces in Rupert Thomson’s Barcelona Dreaming (£16.99, Corsair). CRETE’S history breaks your heart in Ruth Padel’s Daughters of the Labyrinth (£18.99, Corsair).

Coming from a family of writers...

It took me decades to find my own voice. Italy is the place I long for... I lived there in my twenties and have family in Tuscany. Off-season Venice is bliss. My mother taught me... To set a table so the ‘still life’ – the mess – left behind is equally beautiful in its own way. That metaphor weaves through the book. My mentor is... The novelist Mark Sarvas, whose UCLA writing class I took. My summer book pile includes...

Of Women and Salt by Gabriela Garcia, Lincoln and the Bardo by George Saunders and Thomas Hardy’s Far from the Madding Crowd. I’ll take... Walt Whitman’s Leaves of Grass to my grave. My favourite childhood book... Joan Aiken’s The Wolves of Willoughby Chase. I believe... In monogamy, but in fiction I’d run away with Heathcliff. I relax by scouring... Antiques markets and hiking in the mountains near LA. I’m currently... Writing scripts for the HBO mini-series of The Paper Palace. The Paper Palace (Viking, £14.99) n

PHOTOS: STEPHA DANSKY; UNSPLASH

othing beats the romance and escapism of fictional family retreats, especially if you can’t visit your own. A cluster of rustic log cabins by a wild swimming pond in Cape Cod is the setting for Miranda Cowley Heller’s debut The Paper Palace (see Q&A), which finds Elle on the point of leaving her near-perfect family life for the visceral thrill of Jonas, green-eyed soul mate of her youthful vacations. With its atmospheric setting and rich backstory, the denouement is set to be an August talking point and a mini-series is already slated. Drifting blossom, girlish secrets and lantern-lit dances pervade the 1946 Greek

As HBO head of drama... I read thousands of scripts, including The Wire and The Sopranos; I think this gave me a visual, almost filmic writer’s palette. I write best... At our old barn on Cape Cod, where I’ll be all summer. I always start without plan or direction – I love the blank page and the surprises.

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Some furniture is made for the here and now. Some is built to stand the test of time. At Neptune, we believe that the best can do both. Because good design never grows old.

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CULTURE | Column

The EXHIBITIONIST Seaside and sculptures? It’s the ideal summer trip, says Ed Vaizey

Siren by Marc Schmitz and Dolgor Ser-Od (2017)

ABOVE: Folkestone Mermaid by Cornelia Parker (2011). LEFT: No.1054 Arpeggio by Rana Begum (2021)

‘Referring to passages of movement – the movement of water, blood and goods – the exhibition will present artworks in public spaces across the town, along the various routes associated with these stories. By borrowing from, or lending to, existing narratives, the exhibition... raises questions around the universal need to distinguish reality from myth; encouraging viewers to question the gap between fact and fiction, and what ‘placemaking’ really means.’ On display this year will be Rana Begum’s colourful beach huts; Stephenie Bergman’s ceramic sculptures of pills and veins; and five sculptures by Richard Deacon using different forms of granite. Because the triennial has been going for 15 years, you can also catch up on sculptures from previous triennials – Tracey Emin’s bronze baby clothes, referring to the high teenage pregnancy rates that affect coastal towns like Folkestone, or Antony Gormley’s body sculptures. A favourite of mine is Cornelia Parker’s Copenhagen-echoing mermaid who sits on the beach looking out to sea. The Folkestone Triennial – perfectly timed to take advantage of the easing of lockdown. And we probably won’t be able to go abroad anyway, so what’s stopping you? 22 July to 2 Nov 2021, creativefolkestone.org.uk n

PHOTOS: VISIT KENT; © THIERRY BAL

any years ago I met a remarkable man called Roger de Haan. Roger was the co-owner of Saga, the company that looks after the needs of the over-50s. Having just sold Saga for a fair whack, Roger decided to direct his efforts towards philanthropy. Saga was based in Folkestone (it started there as a coach operator), and Roger has since ploughed his money and expertise into the town, supporting schools, a creative quarter and leisure facilities. One of the enduring legacies is the Folkestone Triennial, a festival of sculpture that takes place every three years. Mostly outside and now less than an hour away by train from London, this year’s festival is the perfect summer day trip. Opening at the end of July, and running to the beginning of November, this fifth triennial will present 27 site-specific artworks. The theme this year encompasses local history, as well as touching on global themes of health, climate change and industry. There are three specific walking routes for you to follow. St Eanswythe’s water course forms one route. The water course used to provide Folkestone with its fresh water and is named after a nun who apparently made the water flow uphill to supply her nunnery. The second theme is based around William Harvey’s discovery of the circulation of the blood. Harvey grew up in Folkestone at the beginning of the 17th century. Finally, there is the ‘milky way’, referring to the industrial road that carried Folkestone’s main exports – chalk and coal. As the organisers of the exhibition put it:

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CULTURE | Art Henry Hudson first started using plasticine as he couldn’t afford oil paints

HENRY HUDSON

‘M

aterial is my thing. I try to turn things on their head and make people’s eyes work in a different way,’ announces Henry Hudson, as two assistants roll neon pink plasticine into tiny petals and add to them to a huge rainforest relief. These are the latest of Henry’s Jungle paintings, which have been exhibited all over Europe and are sought after by collectors. Henry’s upcoming exhibition, Microcosm, is a series of portraits of artists, curators and dealers. Drawn on an iPad, most are printed onto materials connected to the sitter. Artist Tim Noble, who makes sculptures from rubbish, is captured on a canvas of squashed coke cans and chocolate wrappers. Art dealer Christian Luiten is printed on a dismantled crate. At Ampleforth College, the art department was Henry’s refuge: ‘I was very badly treated at that place’. Art was, he says, ‘the only way I could say “fuck you”. The monks made their own candles with beeswax. I used to create a lot of phalluses to piss them off.’ He went on to study Performance Art at Central St Martins, where he acted on sets he created from wooden crates pilfered from skips. ‘They were about daytime TV, Britishness, the contrast between rich and poor – all that fascinates me.’ Ultimately, he could not endure the actor’s life with its constant rejections, but his interest in British culture stuck, as did his curiosity to experiment. ‘I couldn’t afford oils so I used plasticine.

My first effort was a Philip Guston study; it didn’t take long.’ The fascination with the material was immediate. In his late 20s he began a ten-piece series based on William Hogarth’s A Rake’s Progress. In Henry’s updated version, a young Chinese student comes to London to study, and loses himself to addiction. But the hundreds of hours immersed in such a dark subject meant he himself ended up seeking help. ‘It kind of brought me to my knees. I haven’t really embraced that kind of social commentary again – I couldn’t go near it.’ The Jungle works arrived in his imagination as a blessed relief. Two other apprentices paint watercolours onto a huge drawing. This is Henry’s foray back into social satire: a gluttonous figure in a dystopian future sits among screens scheduled to update and horrify with news and entertainment. The series is based on the Seven Deadly Sins. ‘Even though we live in this digital world, our vices are exactly the same,’ says Henry, ‘it’s just the clothes are different.’ ‘There’s a reason no one’s done what I’ve done,’ he reflects, squidging a piece of plasticine between his palms, ‘because it’s completely uneconomical. I’d be richer if I painted ten oils a year, but would I be happier? It’s debatable. Maybe I’ll give it all up one day,’ he gestures towards his team, ‘and just be me alone in a studio. But not just yet.’ Microcosm opens in June 2021; 385 Roman Road, London E3. henry-hudson.com n

PHOTO: CAITI GROVE

Caiti Grove heads to Hackney to talk plasticine, portraits and phalluses

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E L I Z A B E T H H A R R O D & ST E V E N M C R A E , S O L O I ST & P R I N C I PA L , T H E R OYA L B A L L E T

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Bentley Flying Spur PRICE £154,000 ENGINE 4.0-litre V8 POWER 542 bhp 0-60MPH 4.0 seconds ECONOMY 22 mpg combined STREAMING Smooth Operator – Sade

Road Test

Which British car company aims to be end-to-end carbon neutral by 2030? Keep guessing, says Jeremy Taylor

TOWN It doesn’t sell a single electric car, the smallest engine in the

COUNTRY The Flying Spur is now Bentley’s only four-door saloon, and

range is an old-school V8 and none of its models beats the London congestion charge. Surprising as it might seem, Bentley wants to become a world leader in sustainability. Far from greenwashing thirsty cars by planting some trees and trimming exhaust emissions, the Crewe-based manufacturer will move to full electrification by 2026 – with two new hybrid offerings this year alone. The 80-year-old Bentley factory plans to be carbon positive by 2031, too. I’ve been driving the new Flying Spur, the last version with a combustion-only engine. Bentley can’t claim many eco credentials for this petrol-powered limo, but it’s still a compelling proposition. Handsome, lighter and more manoeuvrable than the version it replaces, the latest Spur is a fantastic place to sit, whether behind the steering wheel or cossetted in the spacious back seat. Yes, it’s big – 5.3 metres bumper-to-bumper – but the first Bentley with all-wheel steering is now very agile about town. Loaded with cameras, it’s super-simple to park. Stretch out in the back, twiddle with the mood lighting or keep the kids quiet with a movie on the optional £5,700 entertainment system – the Flying Spur has all the toys for grown-ups and children alike.

is Bentley’s new flagship model. It competes with Rolls-Royce and the best of Mercedes for the CEO’s car parking space, that Flying B mascot on the bonnet still a massive status symbol. The Spur is no slouch around town but it comes into its own across country. A high-performance V8 engine hauls it along with impressive pace and will soon be joined by a plug-in electric hybrid version. On a return journey to Shropshire, the car proved the perfect driving companion. It eats up the miles and I found myself pushing along at speeds normally reserved for a luxury sports car. Unlike the last Flying Spur, which was designed more for the person sitting in the back, this new version is very much for the driver too. Luxurious and stylish, the model’s supremely comfortable cabin has been hand-built in Britain using the finest leather and wood veneers. The only noise is from the tyres, although the Naim audio system (another £6,600!) is among the best I’ve heard. My favourite feature? The rotating display, which revolves through three settings on the dashboard, offering a clear wood veneer, old-fashioned dials or a modern infotainment system. Brilliant.

RATING: 4/5 HANDBAGS

RATING: 5/5 WELLIES

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Driving | CULTURE

THE DRIVE

DESTINATION: THE LANESBOROUGH,

KNIGHTSBRIDGE

The Lanesborough is one of the great London hotels. Dripping with gold leaf and decorated in 19th-century Regency style, this neoclassical mansion is up there with The Savoy and The Langham for lavish attention to detail. This high-ceilinged gem is a dazzling example of how to revive an established hotel on a grand scale. Even the cheapest room comes with a butler, while the Michelin-starred Celeste restaurant could double as a filmset. Everyone who is anyone has stayed at The Lanesborough – it is quintessentially British in every way and perfect for Hollywood A-listers. Michael Jackson and his three children waved to crowds from a window here in 2009; Leonardo DiCaprio is a regular, as are Lady Gaga and Kanye West. You can’t help but warm to the place, even if you just swing by for a Peggy Porschen afternoon tea in the uber-grand Withdrawing Room. There’s a whopping, state-of-the-art gym, but all my good intentions were lost in a St George’s negroni in the Library Bar. To arrive at such a prestigious West End address, you really need the car to match. A Bentley Flying Spur (left) naturally springs to mind but these days The Lanesborough attracts plenty of automotive A-listers too. Enter the latest Ferrari F8 Spider. The open-top version of the Tributo coupé features one of the most remarkable folding roofs I’ve ever seen. The two-piece lid twists and turns as it lowers under a tonneau cover in 14 jawdropping seconds, at speeds of up to 28mph. It’s a showstopping performance that’s worthy of Michael Jackson; even The Lanesborough’s concierge seems impressed –

Dine in delicious splendour in the Michelin-starred Celeste restaurant

and he’s parked a few cars in his time. Even with the roof in place, this is a car that will grab all the headlines. And while the Prancing Horse has been struggling on the F1 racetrack of late, the F8 is very much a winner on the open road. The 3.9-litre engine combines with a lightweight bodyshell for effortless thrills – I doubt many people will even switch to Race mode. The rasp from the exhaust might upset your neighbours on start-up but the Ferrari soon settles down to a tuneful grumble. Find a stretch of open road and the F8 transforms into an exhilarating racing car – roof up or down. Key rivals? The McLaren 720S is made in Britain, and then there’s the Lamborghini Huracán Evo and the more ‘relaxed’ Aston Martin DBS Superleggera. The doorman at The Lanesborough has driven them all, but is far too polite to have an opinion on that.

IN THE BOOT

GO GILET Stay warm around the evening camp fire in this cosy Aston Martin x Hackett puffer gilet. £195, hackett.com

BOOK IT: The Lanesborough, from £615 per night B&B. oetkercollection.com

Ferrari F8 Spider PRICE £226,000 ENGINE 3.9-litre V8 POWER 711 bhp 0-62MPH 2.9 seconds

IN THE BAG Park up and get walking with the capacious, 26-litre Fourteener backpack. It even has a built-in water reservoir. £119.99, camelbak.co.uk SOUND CHOICE For music on the move, the wireless Addon T3+ speaker with leather strap is the epitome of Scandi chic. £180, audiopro.com

ECONOMY 22 mpg combined STREAMING Hall of Fame –The Script

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CULTURE | Gardening

Poolside Chat Your new pool rules. By Randle Siddeley

Hong Kong pool with sweeping curves and views over the South China Sea

any people still shrink from the complications and expense of building a swimming pool, but the process can be much simpler than you think. Currently I am installing a pool from Compass that comes as a ready-made carbon ceramic one-piece shell (compass-pools.co.uk). It’s created similarly to a yacht in reverse, with an antibacterial layer to allow freshwater swimming. Its mould comes in 12 colours – in this case we’ve chosen Nova Anthracite. You still have to dig an enormous hole and it certainly isn’t cheap (between £60,000 to £180,000) but we’re going to be able to lower it into place with a crane. Simple! A few basic rules will prevent a pool from being either a headache or an eyesore. Landscape a pool so you feel you’re stumbling across it rather than having it dominate the garden and thrust itself into your eyeline. You’ll always need a paved or decked area for sunbathing but keep some lawn to soften the edges. Ornamental grasses frame a pool beautifully. Avoid scented plants like lavender that attract bees – always a mistake in hindsight around bare feet. Choose creamy (I like Italian Botticino mosaics) instead of blue tiles, as they turn your water a beautiful aquamarine. Use a cover, particularly near trees. Finally, find a sheltered spot, as no-one wants to catch a blast of icy air leaving the pool. Pools can be full of individuality and are far from the garish, over-bright blue rectangles that people dread. In Hong Kong I created a majestic 25-metre pool for a garden that echoed the terrain’s natural contours by creating sweeping curves and wavy lines with views over the South China Sea. Even the steps down to the pool and the hand-crafted Jesmonite walls

A theatrical waterfall splashes into this Tel Aviv pool

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around it were wavy. In Stanmore, I created an indoor-outdoor pool, divided by a sliding glass screen and I continued the grey limestone bordering the new house round the pool to blend exterior and interior. At one end of a St Tropez pool, I placed a stone wall with a modernist mural designed by Tim Gosling, providing a focal talking point. In Montreal, I kept the pool design very simple so as not to distract from the views over the lake. There was a pool house with on-tap chilled beer, so I created a big stepping-stone in the pool as a water bar. In Tel Aviv the challenge was to create an area of privacy and tranquillity in an overlooked garden. I created a cascade of water that fell theatrically from a French limestone basin, down central steps to the pool in the lower garden. In Chelsea, I transformed a tiny, bijou garden into an urban oasis with a quirky but elegant perfume-bottle-shaped pool, with a jet-stream to swim against. Simple and elegant in Montreal Some of you might be shouting at this column by now. It’s one thing to have the space and the budget to build an exquisite swimming pool but how about those of us who only have a patio? The wonder of garden design is that products are constantly being invented and this summer the hot tub has come into its own. They used to cost at least £3,000 to install but now a handful of budget brands have replaced the rigid acrylic versions with inflatables. You need to move fast as they’re flying off the shelves at Asda, Argos and B&Q. The Lay-Z-Spa models range from the Maldives Hydrojet Pro at £1,299 to the St Lucia at just £310. The St Lucia needs 605 litres of water and has a small heater and pump (around the size An indoor-outdoor pool in Stanmore of a vacuum cleaner) that inflates the tub as well as

Trend agency WGSN predicts our CRAZE for hot tubs will SOON be superseded by ‘COCKTAIL POOLS’

The perfume bottleshaped pool in Chelsea

providing the bubbles. The downsides are that the pump is noisy and it takes about eight hours to heat the water to 35oC, ruling it out for anyone ecologically aware. Nevertheless, if you can argue it’s better than taking a plane, it will bring hours of fun for the kids and Instagram opportunities for adults. Trend agency WGSN predicts our craze for hot tubs will soon be superseded by ‘cocktail pools’ – small water features, ideal for sweltering summers, and big enough to sit with your feet in and drink cocktails. Hot tubs aside, there’s no need to shy away from building a pool if you have the budget and are well prepared. I am known for being practical and my number one piece of advice would be to choose your pool supplier carefully – try Splash International (splash-international.co.uk) or Tanby (tanbypools.co.uk). Many suppliers promise much and deliver little. Don’t trust written testimonials but make sure to speak in person to at least three customers first. If you can, go and have a good look at the pools they’ve installed too. Then follow my guidelines and you’ll create a pool that enhances your garden and reflects your personality. It will bring you summers of happiness.

Lay-Z-Spa St Lucia. £310, diy.com

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CULTURE | Interview

Intersectionality and avoiding the in-crowd with writer and actor Isabel Adomakoh Young. By Charlotte Metcalf

IN BRIEF COUNTRY COTTAGE OR PENTHOUSE?

Hmm – do they do penthouses in Berlin? COUNTRY PUB OR MICHELIN STAR?

I always look for a nice country pub. FLATS OR KILLER HEELS?

I’ve always been a boots girl – I love clumping about in Dr Martens. CAT OR DOG?

I don’t trust cats. COUNTRY CASUALS OR COUTURE?

I always dress up one way or another – I’m often mistaken for being in costume. GARDENING OR THEATRE?

During lockdown I got into gardening to replace my first true love which is, of course, theatre.

t’s June, and Isabel Adomakoh Young is starting rehearsals at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre. She’s playing Juliet opposite Joel MacCormack’s Romeo in this summer’s production of Shakespeare’s most famous love story. Isabel arrives at Scarfes and is soon changing out of her boiler suit into a flamboyant, puff-sleeved dress. ‘Very Tudor, so very Juliet,’ she chuckles. The dress is by her friend Edeline Lee, who asked Isabel to take part in her show at London Fashion Week two years ago. ‘I make quite a few of my own costumes and I love styling and collecting clothes,’ says Isabel. ‘A defining moment was sitting on the tube opposite a white-haired man in a formal suit and hat – but in bright cherry red. He looked so smart and I’ll never forget it. I love researching designers and seeking out their stuff on Depop or in Oxfam shops. It’s my personal rule never to buy fast fashion.’ Isabel can look beguilingly feminine – no doubt a prerequisite for playing the love-struck young Juliet – but she identifies as a cis queer woman and actor, and is proud to don a moustache for Pecs, an all-female/ non-binary drag king collective, where she’s also a creative associate. She’ll take part in the Pecs production of The Boys are Back in Town at the Soho Theatre at the end of August. ‘I’m enthusiastically intersectional,’ she proclaims, ‘after all, I grew up in a feminist household and was always aware of my own potential for action and change.’ Isabel’s career to date feels full of both, plus a lot of adventure and risk for someone of just 28. Isabel is the result of a happy accident between the writer Louisa Young and Louis Adomakoh. ‘My parents weren’t in a relationship,’ says Isabel, ‘but they’ve stayed amazing friends and sometimes live together platonically. I never questioned how unusual it was as it seemed to work so well.’ ‘Dad is from Ghana and I found an old childhood notebook where I’d written, “I am Isabel. I am black. I like lizards.” Mum always said, “You’re both. Not neither,” and I think being mixed race got me involved in racial politics from the start. Though I – and everyone else – always “read” me as being black, I’m also partly white.’ Louisa is a renowned author and together they wrote Lionboy, the children’s trilogy, under the joint pseudonym Zizou Corder. ‘I was only about eight when the first one came out and the experience shaped me.

I’d seen Mum live, work and survive as an artist and we were doing author talks and media readings at festivals and live events all over the world in the school holidays, so very early I acclimatised to the professional world and media.’ She followed in her parents’ footsteps to Cambridge University, where she read English. Though she did a lot of drama, she avoided Footlights and the ADC: ‘I was wary of committing to a clique, it all seemed a bit in-crowdish. Plus, I never saw acting as a viable career.’ After Cambridge, Isabel took a job in Jo Unwin’s literary agency. ‘I loved it. But the better the job, the more I realised I could be in it the rest of my life. I had to jump off the train. Jo came and watched me act one night and just said, “Go for it!”’ Isabel did. She joined the National Youth Theatre, completed their summer course and did nine months in rep. She laughs as she remembers her 2019 audition with the RSC that followed: ‘“You know this job starts on Monday?” they said. I went for it. I had small parts in The Provoked Wife and Venice Preserved at the Swan, so I upped sticks and took a little cottage in Stratford-uponAvon. I loved it. The quality of acting was incredible and it was such a chance to learn.’ It was at Stratfordupon-Avon that Kimberley Sykes, who’s directing Romeo & Juliet, spotted Isabel. Anyone who’s ever felt stuck in a job should take inspiration from Isabel who’s always found the courage to change tack. I ask what’s next. ‘At the moment I’m feeling a strong urge to spend time with my father and his family in Ghana to get to know my heritage. I’d love to get to a point where I choose my work and can tell stories that need to be told. I want to pass the microphone out to unheard voices – we need more migrant, queer and trans stories especially. I’d love to make an independent film that has a real heart and tells the world something we don’t know about.’ I have no doubt she’ll succeed. For now, she exudes the kind of happiness and excitement that come from doing a job she loves and knowing it will lead to more adventures. ‘What’s precious to me right now is being among other artists and queer people,’ she says. ‘But what brings me most joy is seeing people being their true selves and feeling free to be whatever they want – that makes me feel quite delirious!’. n

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Isabel Adomakoh Young will play Juliet at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre this summer

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Motherhood &

MARVELS

Refreshingly open and with an iron will to succeed, Olga Kurylenko talks to KIRSTY NUTKINS about her stellar career as an allaction hero but how she really wants her next role to be something her five-year-old son can watch FASHION DIRECTOR NICOLE SMALLWOOD PHOTOGRAPHER DAN HACK

FASHION Blazer, David Koma; bikini, Eres; earrings, Susan Caplan BEAUTY Olga wears Guerlain Abeille Royale Advanced Youth Watery Oil; L’Essentiel High Perfection Foundation; Kiss Kiss Shine Bloom Lipstick in Eternal Rose

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FASHION Body suit and skirt, Hermès BEAUTY Olga wears Guerlain Mad Eyes Brow Framer Natural Volume Gel; Mad Eyes Precise Liner; Terracotta The Bronzing Powder

ive minutes into my interview with actress Olga Kurylenko, one thing becomes apparent: she has no filter. While most highprofile film stars choose their words carefully, sidestep controversial issues and veto any questions related to their personal life, Olga speaks passionately and rapidly on subjects as varied as motherhood, men and harassment in Hollywood – including her own run-in with Harvey Weinstein. ‘I’ve never talked about that because, to be honest, I don’t consider myself a victim,’ she shrugs, tucking a lock of her wavy, dark hair behind her ear, as she joins me on Zoom from her London home. ‘He tried something and, yes, I was cautious. There was a verbal exchange

and I told him no, then he tried to pull me into an embrace and I pushed him off and found a way to get out of there. ‘I wasn’t mentally disturbed by it afterwards because I’m very strong inside. And maybe I was used to men trying their luck. It wasn’t the first time. I didn’t care if I never worked with him. There are a million productions I could be a part of, so why did I need him?’ She was right. Despite her confrontation with one of the most powerful men in Hollywood at the time, the Ukrainian-born beauty successfully navigated her own path to stardom. After finding mainstream prominence as Bond girl Camille Montes in Quantum of Solace opposite Daniel Craig in 2008, she went on to appear in everything from independent films to TV series and box office smash hits, alongside Hollywood heavyweights like Ben Affleck (To the Wonder, 2012) and Tom Cruise (Oblivion, 2013). In fact, her schedule has been so hectic in recent years that at the end of 2019 she decided to take a break. ‘I’d worked intensely for two years straight and at one point three of my projects – The Emperor of Paris, Johnny English Strikes Again [both 2018] and 15 Minutes of War [2019]– all overlapped. I was on set until midnight in Morocco one day for Hold Your Breath and then took a 5am plane to London for Johnny English, and filmed my scenes on no sleep. It was crazy. I was exhausted and I was about to write an email to my agent to ask for some time out. Then, bam, the pandemic happened.’ The timing of the first lockdown last March may have provided welcome respite, but Olga unfortunately contracted Covid-19. She escaped with only a high fever rather than any respiratory difficulties (or worse), but the experience made her focus on what was important in her life. ‘I’m happiest when I’m at home,’ says Olga, who lives with her five-year-old son Alexander (from her relationship with her ex-partner, the actor and writer Max Benitz). ‘It was a wake-up call and then having that time off was amazing. I thought, “Gosh, this is real life.” It was so lovely to spend proper time with my son. He started school in September and that also made me realise things needed to change. He used to travel with me when I’d shoot a movie, but now he can’t, so I’m focusing on projects closer to home and if I do get offered something abroad the longest I’ll be away for is two weeks.’

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FASHION Dress, Lanvin; bracelet and earrings, Susan Caplan; rings, Vashi BEAUTY Olga wears Guerlain L’Essentiel High Perfection Foundation; Precious Light Rejuvenating Effect Illuminator; Mad Eyes Brow Framer Natural Volume Gel

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‘I felt like I had no choice, that I HAD TO SUCCEED,’ she says. ‘My entire focus was WORK. I saw too many girls back home who were dating men they didn’t like, just to have a flat of their own or clothes or food on the table. I remember thinking, “I WILL NEVER DEPEND ON A MAN”

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FASHION Dress, AADNEVIK; Shoes, Gina; BEAUTY Guerlain Abeille Royale Advanced Youth Watery Oil; Terracotta The Bronzing Powder; L’Essentiel High Perfection Foundation

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FASHION Top and skirt, Emilia Wickstead; earrings, Susan Caplan BEAUTY Olga wears Guerlain Mad Eyes mascara; Mad Eyes Precise Liner; Kiss Kiss Shine Bloom Lipstick in Eternal Rose

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FASHION Dress, Molly Goddard

Next up for Olga is a role in this month’s blockbuster Black Widow, Marvel’s action-packed spy thriller opening on 9 July, and later this year she will begin filming Bear Season opposite Luke Evans, playing the mother of a young boy seeking the truth about his father in postWorld War II Detroit. Bear Season marks a step away from Olga’s normal roles, which have mostly been high-octane action flicks. ‘I got a couple of those types of roles early on and then people started approaching me with them all the time. Slowly, I became this action hero. But I love it and it keeps me fit. I’m a big fan of martial arts – anything that involves fighting, kicking, boxing and punching!’ Olga began working at the tender age of 13, when she was spotted at a subway station in Moscow by a model scout. Growing up in a tiny flat with her mother and grandmother, she had never considered

a career in the spotlight and refers to it as a ‘very lucky break’. It’s a modest assessment, given her extraordinary beauty. Even on our Zoom call, dressed in a simple black vest top and wearing very little make-up, she has the kind of striking good looks that make you stop in your tracks. She moved to Paris at the age of 16, but admits that it was a lonely time. She struggled to make friends and found she didn’t enjoy modelling. She decided to make the switch to acting, on the encouragement of a teacher at her amateur dramatics school, and soon secured an agent. Olga credits her success to her strong desire to make something of herself. ‘I felt like I had no choice, that I had to succeed,’ she says. ‘My entire focus was work. I saw too many girls back home who were dating men they didn’t like, just to have a flat of their own or clothes or food on the table. I remember thinking, “I will never depend on a man.” I’d sleep on the streets before I did that. I knew I had to make it on my own.’ Olga has been twice married, including to French fashion photographer Cedric van Mol (from 2000-2004), and right now she’s actively dating again, admitting she recently started seeing someone. ‘It’s very new,’ she smiles, ‘so I’m not sure whether I can call him my partner yet.’ But she’s frank about the fact that, whoever she commits to in the future, they must share her desire to have another child. She is keen to provide her son with a sibling, but, at 41, she’s aware of her biological clock ticking. ‘I keep thinking, “How much longer do I have to be a mother?” I’d love another child and ideally it would have happened by now, but it hasn’t worked out. I was an only child and I hated it, so I thought, “I’m not going to do this to my kid.” So basically, if I want to be a mum again, I need to find a man.’ Other than motherhood, what are Olga’s future plans? ‘Well, my son always says, “Mummy, can I watch your movies?” but unfortunately they have far too much blood and violence in them, so I’d like to do some kiddie movies next, something that Alexander can watch. I’d like to play a witch or a princess in a fairytale, or get a role in Peppa Pig!’ If she approaches it with half the determination she’s shown so far, we’re sure she’ll pull it off. n

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FASHION Dress, Zeynep Kartal; boots, Gina; earrings, Susan Caplan BEAUTY Olga wears Guerlain Kiss Kiss Shine Bloom Lipstick in Eternal Rose; L’Essentiel High Perfection Foundation; Mad Eyes mascara TEAM Photographer: Dan Hack @ Adrenalin Photographic Photographer’s Assistant: Danny Millar Fashion Director: Nicole Smallwood Fashion Assistant: Daisy Bryson Hair: Ben Cook at Frank Agency for Lockonego using Hair Rehab London Make-up: Nathalie Eleni using Guerlain skincare and make-up Manicurist: Julia Babbage @ Frank Agency Video: Tracer Ital Location: Shot on location at Beaverbrook Hotel and Spa (beaverbrook.co.uk) STOCKISTS: PAGE 166

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Summer STARTS HERE

PHOTO: GETTY

Long days. Balmy evenings. Sunsets that seem to last forever. There’s nothing quite like summer… and this year we’ve got to make up for lost time. Here are 30 ways to make it one to remember. By ELLIE SMITH

Tolcarne Beach, Newquay

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GO CANOEING AT CAMP ELWOOD

Perched on the north Norfolk coast, this retro Americaninspired campsite in the Holkham Hall Estate is surrounded by beautiful fields, forests, and its very own nature reserve. Hop in a canoe to explore them before settling down for campfire hot chocolates. 26 July to 9 August. campelwood.com

EAT AT CORNWALL’S NEW ZERO-WASTE RESTAURANT

Yet another reason to visit Cornwall is the arrival of a new restaurant from ecochef Adam Handling. Ugly Butterfly, on Carbis Bay, serves up local seafood like razor clams and wagyu lobster. ugly butterfly.co.uk

BOOK A PRIVATE SUSHI TASTING WITH A TOP JAPANESE CHEF

GLAMP AT RIBBLESDALE PARK

Make up for months without dining out at London hotel, The Rubens at the Palace, which is offering a private 21-course omakase experience with Hakkasan-trained chef Suren complete with champagne. rubenshotel.com

Camp in style at the Grade I-listed Gisburne Park Estate which has its own glamping site (Ribblesdale Park) complete with luxurious bell tents, a heated outdoor swimming pool and on-site restaurant Hindelinis. ribblesdalepark.com

SIP CAMPFIRE COCKTAILS AT THE MIDNIGHT APOTHECARY

GO ON A REWILDING RETREAT

Rekindle a relationship with nature at one of Thera-Sea’s Cornish rewilding retreats. Think foraging walks, moonlit kayaking tours and stargazing – plus a digital detox thrown in for good measure. thera-sea.co.uk

Hidden atop the Brunel Museum in Rotherhithe is an atmospheric candlelit pop-up roof garden, covered in edible herb planters. The ingredients grown in these are then used to infuse and garnish botanical cocktails, to be enjoyed by firepits alongside toasted marshmallows. midnight apothecary. design mynight.com

CATCH A MOVIE AT LONDON’S INDOOR BEACH

Still waiting for your summer holiday? Have a taste of beach life without leaving the capital at Backyard Cinema, where you can enjoy immersive movie experiences for films old and new. backyardcinema.co.uk

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EAT SEAFOOD IN PADSTOW

FORAGE ON THE SCOTTISH COAST

The coastline surrounding the north of Scotland is prime territory for foraging. Try it alongside the experts at the ecominded Mara restaurant, recently launched at Links House at Royal Dornoch hotel. linkshousedornoch.com

Looking for a new foodie name to try? Pay a visit to Prawn on the Farm at Trerethern Farm near Padstow. The pop-up from fishmonger-cum restaurant, Prawn on the Lawn, it serves seafood fresh off local day boats. prawnon thelawn.com

PARTY AT LONDON’S HIGHEST FESTIVAL

SEE AN OPEN-AIR SHOW AT THE MINACK THEATRE IN CORNWALL

As theatre settings go, it doesn’t get much better than the Minack Theatre, situated on the rugged cliffs of south-west Cornwall. Performances this summer include comedy play Charlie & Stan and music from Mark Harrison. minack.com

Dance to Groove Armada at Kaleidoscope, the music and arts festival set within the grounds of Alexandra Palace. Don’t miss the sure-to-be unforgettable in conversation event and DJ set from Scottish novelist Irvine Welsh. 24 July. kaleidoscope-festival.com

VISIT HOME FARM’S POP-UP THEATRE

WATCH OPERA AT LONGBOROUGH FESTIVAL

A perfect example of creativity flourishing in the pandemic, Longborough Festival Opera will be staging its productions in a circus Big Top from its base near Moreton-in-Marsh. Until 3 August. lfo.org.uk

Elstree’s Home Farm is hosting a festivalstyle extravaganza this summer, featuring open-air theatre, music and culinary events. Go this July to see Rogue Theatre’s immersive performance of Along the Wild Path. 30 and 31 July. athomefarm.live

SING ALONG TO AN AL FRESCO PERFORMANCE OF MAMMA MIA

The stage show of Mamma Mia! is always feel-good, but Dancing Queen will sound even better when performed in the open air against the backdrop of Harewood House in Yorkshire. Book a Mediterranean picnic for the full experience. 13 -30 August. mamma-mia.com

CELEBRATE THE RETURN OF BARS AT LONDON’S COCKTAIL FESTIVAL

London bars will be descending on Bloomsbury’s Bedford Square Gardens for Cocktails in the City, which runs across three weekends. The July event has an international focus, featuring flavours from all over the world. 23-24 July and 20-21 August. cocktailsinthecity.com July/August 2021 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.CO.UK | 119

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IMMERSE YOURSELF IN VAN GOGH AT KENSINGTON GARDENS WILD SWIM IN THE RIVER WHARFE

Fancy dipping your toe in the outdoor swimming trend? Cool off in the River Wharfe in Ilkley, Yorkshire, which has become the first river in England to be designated a bathing site.

Experience Van Gogh like never before in this new multisensory show, which transports viewers into the artist’s world through its clever use of audio, visuals and aromas to bring his works to life. Make sure to take a snap in the mirrored sunflower room – it’s Instagram gold. Until 26 Sept. vangoghaliveuk.com

PLAY POP-THEMED CRAZY GOLF

DRIVE IN TO A CORNISH CLIFFTOP CINEMA

Step into a world of retro boomboxes, suspended cassette tapes and neon lights at Pop Golf, the new crazy golf site at Boxpark Wembley in London that’s designed for music lovers. popgolf.com

The award for the most unique outdoor cinema setting goes to the Wavelength team, who have created a film screening site on a clifftop overlooking Watergate Bay beach near Newquay. 16 July to 5 Sept. wavelengthmag.com

PADDLE TO A BREWERY THROUGH LONDON’S OLDEST CANAL SEE GIFFORDS CIRCUS IN ACTION

Escape into a world of fairies, leprechauns and wild horses at Giffords Circus, which is touring the UK with its 2021 show The Hooley, complete with a new travelling bar. Various dates until 26 Sept. giffordscircus.com

Earn your pint by embarking on a five-kilometre guided canoe trip from Limehouse to Crate Brewery in Hackney Wick, spotting swans and other birdlife along the way. secretadventures.org

SAIL FOR YOUR SUPPER IN HENLEY

Stylish Thames-side hotel Crockers has teamed up boathire experts Hobbs of Henley for a unique new experience. Spend a few hours on the water in one of Hobbs’s self-drive motorboats, before docking up for an impressive Chef’s Table dinner and a stay in one of Crockers’ chic guest rooms. crockersuk.com

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WHIZZ AROUND SOMERSET HOUSE IN A BUMPER CAR

GO WINE TASTING AT GUSBOURNE ESTATE

Dodgems are given an artistic twist in the Somerset House courtyard this summer, part of a jazzy immersive installation by Yinka Ilori. Enjoy alongside street food and sundaes from Jimmy Garcia. 15 July to 22 August. somersethouse.org.uk

Book a vineyard tour and picnic at the beautiful Gusbourne Estate. Soak up the views across Romney Marsh and out to sea as you taste English wine made on site and feast on locally produced cheeses, charcuterie and bread. gusbourne.com

DISCOVER SECRET CYCLING ROUTES NEAR LONDON ART MEETS NATURE IN OXFORDSHIRE

Albion Fields is a brand new sculpture garden in the grounds of contemporary art gallery Albion Barn in Oxfordshire. It opens this summer with twentysix major international artists including Alicja Kwade, Richard Long, Bernar Venet and Ai Weiwei. 9 July to 25 Sept. albionbarn.com

Two-wheeled travel convert? Show off your new hobby alongside veteran British cycling coach Charlie Codrington, who runs off-road guided bike tours for all levels of experience through his new company Hidden Tracks Cycling. hiddentrackscycling.co.uk

LEARN ABOUT CONSERVATION IN WEST SUSSEX

TAKE A STROLL AROUND RHS GARDEN BRIDGEWATER

Den-building, wood carving and live music: just some of the activities on offer at Wild Weekends, a series of events from Wilderlands, which is a new initiative aiming to support nature in the UK. wilderlands.co.uk

For the first time in 17 years, a new garden has been added to the RHS portfolio. Located in Salford, RHS Bridgewater has its own kitchen garden, a lake and a heritage orchard to explore. rhs.org.uk

MEET TEDDY THE SHETLAND AT THE GORING

Visit The Goring this summer and you’ll be rubbing shoulders with an unusual guest: Instagram-famous pony Teddy the Shetland, who will be living in a stable in the hotel’s private garden for two weeks this August. 16-31 August, thegoring.com

CATCH A SHOW AT THE WORLD’S OLDEST SURVIVING GRAND MUSIC HALL

Tucked away down an unassuming alley in east London sits one of the capital’s most atmospheric music venues, dating back to the mid-19th century. Its vibrant summer programme spans theatre, music and spoken word. Various dates until 4 Sept. wiltons.org.uk n

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THESE BOOTS ARE MADE FOR

WALKING

Rhiane Fatinikun is breaking down stereotypes one walking boot at a time with her inclusive organisation Black Girls Hike

B The Lake District in Cumbria – one of 11 UK counties where the group hosts hikes and walks

lack Girls Hike is an organisation I founded in 2019 to encourage Black women to reconnect with nature and adventure. I’ve always been passionate about building community, the positive representation and inclusion of Black people, and exploring. With Black Girls Hike, we’re challenging the lack of inclusion in the outdoors; representation matters and it’s important that we are visible. There are too many spaces across different industries and sectors that don’t reflect or represent people like me, and that message in itself carries so many implications: that Black women aren’t wanted; that we’re not valued; that we don’t matter. Our mission is to continue to spread the message of inclusivity and empower our members to access the outdoors. Black Girls Hike is a safe space, where you’ll never feel othered or have to explain cultural references. It’s a break from being judged by a stereotype where you’re also supported and embraced. We currently deliver different services and projects to Black women tackling barriers to participation in the outdoors, including access, skills and representation by creating safe spaces and opportunities to engage. We’re constantly growing, both in the numbers of our members and participants, but also as an operational team. We now run Skill and Activity weekends, where we take our groups to different outdoor activity-based centres to do things like kayaking, paddle boarding and mountaineering training. However, the biggest arm of our services is the hikes and walks that we host. We’ve grown so much since we started that we now have 15 leaders who run, lead and promote our walks in 11 different counties in the UK. It’s a great way to see the UK, which a lot of people have never done. We’ve had women travel 200 miles to attend our hikes. We also work closely with the wider outdoor industry to meet the needs of our community, tackling the lack of inclusion and representation. We’re looking to develop this awareness and training as a stronger arm to our July/August 2021 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.CO.UK | 123

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service delivery so that, among different sectors and industries, more can be done to increase inclusivity. The positive feedback we get from people who attend the walks and the groups is exactly why I set up Black Girls Hike. Women tell us all the time that coming to a walk has been life-changing, empowering, motivating and inspiring, and we get regular offers of voluntary support and help. I think these feelings and this feedback have probably intensified as a result of the pandemic and also the recent surge in the Black Lives Matter movement. I think people want that sense of community and shared experience, which feels all the more significant since the much-needed BLM activism we saw last summer and the way the 2020 lockdown has affected us. One of the most profound moments for me over these last 18 months has been the walks in London following those BLM protests. With the impact of the pandemic and increased awareness of institutional racism, it felt as though there hadn’t been a better time for different communities to support one another and to advocate for inclusion and equity in spaces where we hadn’t previously felt welcomed.

Not everyone agrees with our vision: people who can’t see their privilege claim we’re not inclusive and they often find their way into our inbox. Since starting Black Girls Hike it’s become even more important that, as a Black woman, I use my platform to inspire and advocate for change. I’m including us in the outdoor narrative. For me, Black Girls Hike represents more than just a platform for Black women to access nature: we’re a sisterhood reminding our community that we do belong in the spaces that are important to us. Black Girls Hike is growing and inspiring more and more people all the time. We’re currently recruiting to grow our team and have been overwhelmed with applications and messages of support. It’s a reminder that the drivers behind Black Girls Hike are necessary and can really invoke change in our individual and collective wellbeing. The sense of community and inclusivity is long overdue in something as simple, accessible and ubiquitous as nature. To find out more, visit bghuk.com or follow Rhiane on Instagram @itsnotrhiane @bgh_uk n

PHOTOS: TOM BAILEY

Black Girls Hike has opened up the British countryside to a new group of nature lovers, promoting community and inclusivity along the way

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Written in

STONE nly a few country houses come with a fictional house attached. Highclere Castle in Berkshire, home of the Earl and Countess of Carnarvon, will long be associated with Downton Abbey. Chatsworth House in Derbyshire is to many Pemberley, of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. But what of Castle Howard in North Yorkshire? It will always be Brideshead. Last year marked 75 years since the publication of Evelyn Waugh’s eighth novel Brideshead Revisited. This year, it’s 40 years since his architectural protagonist Brideshead Castle was brought to life, when Granada cast Castle Howard as the lead in its television adaptation in 1981. Whether or not Castle Howard was in fact the basis for Waugh’s Brideshead continues to be debated. Waugh modelled the fictional Flyte family on the Lygon family of Madresfield Court in Worcestershire, headed, in the early 20th century, by William Lygon, 7th Earl Beauchamp. With his wife, Lady Lettice Grosvenor, a granddaughter of the 1st Duke of Westminster, he had seven children – William, Viscount Elmley, the Hon Hugh, Ladies Lettice, Sibell, Mary and Dorothy, and the Hon Richard. Their loving father Lord Beauchamp, who was exiled in 1931 after being exposed as a homosexual by his brother-in-law, is a double for the novel’s Lord Marchmain. Hugh, who carried a teddy bear around Oxford – where he met Waugh – is at least half of bear-toting Lord Sebastian Flyte. Lady Mary ‘Maimie’ Lygon appears as Lady Julia Flyte, who had about her the ‘faint shadow’ of her father’s scandal, while Lady Beauchamp, who gave her children church candles for their birthdays, is reflected in the ‘pious’ Lady Marchmain. But as for where the Flytes lived, the jury is still out. Vicky Howard, chatelaine of Castle FROM TOP: Evelyn Waugh; Whitby Howard, is sure that Castle Howard is Brideshead. Abbey, the inspiration for Dracula ‘Maybe I’m biased,’ she says. ‘But I can’t see Asthall Manor, home of the Mitfords otherwise where the dome, the fountain and

the baroque [style] came from.’ What is known is that the Howards were not the Flytes: ‘Waugh never knew the Howards, whose life in the 1930s bore little resemblance to that of the Flyte family,’ says Castle Howard’s curator Dr Christopher Ridgway. The house has more credibility as the model for Brideshead, he says, specifically because of its dome, better suited to a cathedral than a family home. Madresfield, on the other hand, is gabled, with gargoyles and a moat, a picture of English pastoral life. English literature is full of country houses, from Jane Austen’s eponymous Mansfield Park and Northanger Abbey to Waugh’s 1930 Vile Bodies, featuring Colonel Blount’s Doubting Hall. Bram Stoker was inspired by the remains of Whitby Abbey while he was writing Dracula, while Loving by Henry Green, also published in 1945, explores the servants’ lives in an Irish country house during World War II. Aldous Huxley’s Crome Yellow, published in 1921, parodies Garsington Manor, home of Bloomsbury Group socialite Lady Ottoline Morrell: ‘The house basked in full sunlight; the old brick rosily glowed. How ripe and rich it was, how superbly mellow!’ Waugh’s friend Nancy Mitford had plenty to draw on for her intensely autobiographical novel The Pursuit of Love, published in 1945 and recently adapted again by the BBC. It tells the story of Linda Radlett, one of eccentric Matthew Alconleigh’s seven children. Two of the houses the Mitford family grew up in – Asthall Manor and nearby Swinbrook House, in Oxfordshire – appear in the novel as Alconleigh, the Radletts’ home. Asthall, as Selina Hastings describes it in her 1986 biography of Nancy, is ‘an Elizabethan

PHOTOS: GETTY; SHUTTERSTOCK; CARL VAN VECHTEN/WIKICOMMONS

Uncovering the English country houses that inspired the classics. By ELEANOR DOUGHTY

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PHOTOS: GETTY; SHUTTERSTOCK; CARL VAN VECHTEN/WIKICOMMONS

Castle Howard in North Yorkshire is thought to have been Waugh’s inspiration for Brideshead Revisited, as well as the setting for the acclaimed 1981 Granada TV series, pictured

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manor house, grey stone and gabled, overlooking a quiet churchyard.’ the instant. She was, or so it seemed to me, bathed in a strange mystery.’ In 1927 the family moved to Swinbrook, described by Jessica ‘Decca’ Mitford Du Maurier visited Menabilly often. ‘Ours was a strange relationship in her 1960 memoir Hons and Rebels as having ‘rather the utilitarian look for fifteen years,’ she wrote. ‘I would put her from my mind for months of frankly institutional architecture. It could be a small barracks, a girls’ at a time, and then, on coming again to Cornwall, I would wait a day or boarding school, a private lunatic asylum.’ Alconleigh, writes Nancy in two, then visit her in secret.’ The dining room had a particular effect: ‘Dark Pursuit, was ‘a large, ugly, north-facing Georgian house… as grim and as panels. A great fireplace. And on the walls the family portraits stared into bare as a barracks.’ It is plainly Swinbrook, at least from the exterior. In the silent and the dust.’ 1986, Diana Mitford revisited her beloved Asthall. It was ‘so perfect because Du Maurier began writing Rebecca, her fifth novel, in 1937, about the library & big piano were far from the house ideal for a big family [sic]’, ‘a young wife and her slightly older husband, living in a beautiful house she wrote to her sister Deborah. that had been in his family for generations.’ She considered Milton Today, Asthall is owned by Rosie Pearson, youngest daughter of Hall, the extensive Cambridgeshire home of the Fitzwilliam family, John Pearson, 3rd Viscount Cowdray. The house, which she bought where she had stayed during World War I, as a model. ‘The arrival in 1997, resonated for her. ‘I grew up in a big, eccentric, upper-class of the de Winters at Manderley was my arrival at Milton,’ she wrote. English family with a lot of girls – my father ‘I remember seeing a maid, Parker I think her name was, standing at the top of the staircase. had five sisters,’ she says. Her impression of Asthall in Pursuit is that ‘the happy aspects of She became Mrs Danvers.’ But Milton wouldn’t Alconleigh are here, and the grim aspects are work for the whole house: ‘My Cornish house Swinbrook.’ The Mitfords would find Asthall would be empty, neglected, its owner absent.’ The house in Rebecca, named Manderley, had virtually unchanged today, though Pearson has redesigned the garden, which is used biennially to be Menabilly. After World War II, Du Maurier for her sculpture exhibition On Form. One day, rented Menabilly and restored it. She died Deborah ‘Debo’ Mitford, by then Duchess of in Cornwall in 1989, a few miles from the house. Devonshire, visited. ‘This Daimler drew up, When Rebecca was adapted by Netflix in 2020, and there was Debo,’ says Pearson. ‘She had a starring Lily James and Armie Hammer, several ABOVE & BELOW: Kristin Scott Thomas Proustian moment when she saw the plate rack. stately homes, including Cranborne Manor, and Lily James in Rebecca; Manderley was She said, “the kitchen maid’s name was Mabel!”’ Hatfield House, and Petworth House, stood partly inspired by Milton Hall in Cambridgeshire The first time Daphne du Maurier saw in for Manderley. In the end, it doesn’t matter if we can’t play Menabilly House in Cornwall, it was early in the morning and she had gone exploring. ‘The I Spy with the literary country house – novelists morning mist was lifting, and the sun was coming make things up. After all, as Waugh wrote in up above the trees,’ she recalled in Enchanted a 1959 preface to a new edition of Brideshead: ‘It Cornwall, her 1989 memoir of her time in was impossible to foresee, in the spring of 1944, Cornwall, which began in the 1920s. And there the present cult of the English country house. it was, ‘my elusive Menabilly’. The house, home It seemed then that the ancestral seats which since the 16th century to the Rashleigh family, were our chief national artistic achievement were ‘had a grace and charm that made me hers upon doomed to decay… So I piled it on rather.’ n

PHOTOS: JULIAN DOWSE/GEOGRAPH; KERRY BROWN/NETFLIX; THEODORA FILMS LIMITED & MOONAGE PICTURES LIMITED/ROBERT VIGLASKY

The cast of the BBC’s 2021 adaptation of The Pursuit of Love

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Is it a

BOAT? PLANE? CAR? Is it a Is it a

What do you do when you have money to burn, an obsession with luxury cars and a penchant for look-at-me watches? You get a Rolls-Royce tailored just for you, from tarmac to tonneau, with a couple of Bovet watches thrown in, that’s what. SIMON DE BURTON gawps at a bespoke motorcar that would have Toad of Toad Hall in a spin. Parp parp! 130 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.CO.UK | July/August 2021

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The 5.9m maritime-themed Rolls-Royce Boat Tail was built to the customers’ specification from the ground up. It includes a butterfly-style, self-opening ‘hosting suite’ in the boot

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More conventional carmakers might have placed an electrically-folding roof beneath the ‘deck,’ but on the Boat Tail that area is reserved for something far more useful. Push a button and it opens in a ‘sweeping butterfly gesture’ to an angle of precisely 15 degrees, revealing what is called ‘a hosting suite’ that, according to the literature, ‘surprises and delights all who come to experience it’. In less florid terms, that means a self-opening chest containing a champagne fridge that ‘rapid-cools’ to the client’s preferred temperature of six degrees – a reflection on the fact that, during the Boat Tail owner’s humble beginnings, he had a sommelier friend who gave him a few tips on wine buying; he now owns one of the world’s ‘most informed collections of rare, Grand Cru champagnes’. The deck lid also houses a telescopic parasol, two cocktail tables and a pair of ‘minimalist’ interlocking stools designed by Rolls-Royce, produced by Italian furniture maker Promemoria and covered with the same leather used for the car’s interior. Unsurprisingly, that’s pretty plush, too – dark blue in the front, lighter blue in the back and with hand-stitched upholstery that’s been given a metallic sheen. The instrument panel has been kept minimal with guilloché (or ‘engine-turned’) decoration inspired by techniques from the world of watchmaking, while the centre console and transmission tunnel are clad in the same veneer used on the car’s rear deck. For a finishing interior touch, Rolls-Royce called upon the services of Swiss watch house Bovet 1822 to make not just one timepiece to grace the car’s fascia (or dashboard, to you and me) but two. His ‘n’ hers watches that have dials on either side to enable them to be reversed when worn on the wrist, can also be popped off their straps and slotted into the car to serve as haute horlogerie dashboard clocks. Pascal Raffy, the dapper owner of Bovet – which became famous for selling matched pairs of watches to the Chinese aristocracy during the 19th century – says the project was a first for the brand and took three years to complete. Outside, meanwhile, the Boat Tail’s nautical inspiration is expressed in a launch-like wraparound windscreen and a rich blue paint job embedded with flakes of metal and crystal, the colour of the bonnet being subtly graded and continuing down to cover the celebrated Pantheon grille. The wheels are also finished in a bright blue hue, completing what Alex Innes, head of Coachbuild at Rolls-Royce, says is a car that ‘…exists far beyond a mere means of transport… not just the method to reach a destination, but the destination itself. It is a concept of extraordinary scope, resulting in a work of art of historical significance.’ So for all you cynical paupers out there, no – it isn’t just a fridge on wheels that looks like a boat… n

PHOTOS: TOM BUNNING

hey say that what goes around comes around, so perhaps it’s no surprise that two of the world’s most celebrated luxury carmakers have stepped back in time to an era when what Sir wanted was exactly what Sir got. Or, to put it another way – the old-fashioned art of coachbuilding is back. Of the two marques in question, Bentley was first to announce the return of a coach-built service early last year when it pulled the wraps off the outrageous Bacalar, an open two-seater with a Cruella de Vil-worthy body by Mulliner, the oldest coachbuilding company in the world. Just 12 Bacalars will ever be made, each one to the individual buyer’s specification and with price tags of around £1.5m apiece – which sounded a lot, until RollsRoyce announced its return to coachbuilding in June with the Boat Tail (pictured) that’s reputed to have cost an eye-watering £20 million. The Boat Tail is a one-off drophead car measuring 5.9 metres in length (or 19 feet four inches in old money). It was commissioned by an anonymous couple with a fondness for all things maritime – hence the tapered, wood-clad ‘aft deck’ at the rear of the hand-beaten aluminium body that gives the car its name. The look harks back to the 1930s, when such boat-tail ABOVE: The ‘hosting suite’ with designs were relatively common champagne chilled to six degrees CENTRE: The wearable Bovet 1822 and the majority of luxury timepiece on the fascia cars left the factory as a rolling BELOW: Alex Innes, head of chassis for which buyers would Coachbuild at Rolls-Royce commission coachbuilders to make bespoke bodywork to their own specifications – a system that petered out during the 1950s thanks to automated production lines and the necessity of constructing cars to a uniform safety standard. But now that the world is awash with billionaires looking to outdo one another, the demand for individually coachbuilt cars seems to be making a return – even at Rolls-Royce, where almost every one of the 3,750 cars completed in 2020 was ‘bespoke’ in as much as they were regular production models with personalised twists. ‘Coachbuild’ cars, however, are specifically made from the ground up, as demonstrated by the Boat Tail that, in keeping with the nods to the nautical requested by the husband and wife who commissioned it, features (according to RollsRoyce): ‘deep-set lamps [that] establish a dramatically low trailing edge, evoking the dipped stern of a motor launch on plane’ and an ‘unconventional fixed-canopy roof’ that is backed up by a temporary tonneau for those occasions when the owners get caught short in a rainshower. 132 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.CO.UK | July/August 2021

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LOND ON — 75 JER MYN S TREE T PARIS — 199 BIS BD. ST-GERMAIN EDWARD GREEN. C OM

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“My partner and I dis agree on every colour choice.”

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INTERIORS Edited by Carole Annett

Get your Greens

Birdie Fortescue’s tableware leads the al fresco charge

PHOTO: © BIRDIE FORTESCUE

Birdie Fortescue’s Dalga range has introduced us to our summer love affair: verdant garden tables laden with mossy green and blossompink bowls, plates and side plates, all designed in Norfolk and made by hand in Morocco. Coordinate with the Arabesque and Serit linens, and your best tabbouleh. Bon appétit. birdiefortescue.co.uk

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INTERIORS | News PLANTED IN LONDON

American fabric house Schumacher is celebrating a new showroom at Design Centre Chelsea Harbour. Chairs upholstered in Tumble Weed Epingle (in buttercup) and Arcure Epingle (in zebra black), both £250 p/m. fschumacher.co.uk

Mouth-blown Murano glass lamp by Magic Circus Editions. From £4,259, poliformuk.com

Design NOTES The latest beautiful homewares to get excited about. By Carole Annett

FRILL ME Kara bedlinen crafted from a mix of 52 per cent linen and 48 per cent hemp. From £40, thewhite company.com

TWO-FACED Vincent Darré x Oka Gemini vase. £495, oka.com

BLOOMING MARVELLOUS

This Kyoto Blossom wool stair runner was inspired by the beloved flower. £132 p/m, rogeroates.com

PHOTOS: GETTY

SWIZZLE STICK

GREEN WALLS Graphenstone eco paint actively cleans the air: three 15-litre pots on the walls is equivalent to planting a tree in your home. Olive paint shown here with 1930s Bentwood armchairs by Jan Vanek. Paint, £74.84 for 4l. graphenstone.co.uk; chairs, sideboard and poster, all merchantandfound.com

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IN THE SWING This brass and fringe lamp is by Wanda, a brand founded by Margate-based interior designer Hannah Pemberton. From £215, wandalust.co.uk

NEW FRIENDS

Italian flair meets British craftsmanship. Renowned kitchen design experts Officine Gullo and Smallbone celebrate a new retail partnership at the latter’s re-designed Brompton Gate showroom. smallbone.co.uk; officinegullo.com

FEAST YOUR EYES Tableware from the guru of laid-back dining, Yotam Ottolenghi. Plates from £16, ottolenghi.co.uk

PHOTOS: GETTY

BREAD AND BUTTER Interior designer Beata Heuman describes this fabric as an everyday essential. Jumbo gingham in apple colourway, £144 p/m. shoppa. beataheuman.com

GIVE ME A WAVE

Sink into the new Jonathan Adler Ripple collection. Cushion, £98; Ether Cloud settee, £3,950. uk.jonathanadler.com

FEELING ELECTRIC Creeping Trellis fabric in electric moss by Cotswolds-based duo Parker & Jules. From £108.90 p/m. parkerandjules.com

HANDLE WITH CARE

Hummingbird vase by Wedgwood, handmade and decorated in Stokeon-Trent. £800, wedgwood.com July/August 2021 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.CO.UK | 137

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INTERIORS | Focus

FEELING FRESH

There’s nothing quite like the feeling of laundry-fresh linen

Piglet Forest green linen bedlinen. From £36, pigletinbed.com

4 1

If Walls Could SHOUT

Heirlooms Sateen jacquard bedlinen. From £89, heirloomslinens.com

Missoni Home Andres super king duvet cover. £565, amara.com

Create a bedroom hub-bub with a cacophony of stylish ideas, says Carole Annett Gayle Warwick Confetti bed linen. From £35, gaylewarwick.com

Yves Delorme Utopia pillowcase. £79, yvesdelorme.com

1 A contemporary take on historical Chinese designs. Lala Curio pagoda wallpaper, hand-painted on Thai silk with hand embellishments. From £1,195 per sq/m. fameedkhalique.com 2 The full works, featuring Flora Soames’ Enid’s Ramble design, £164 p/m. florasoames.com 3 Burbeck Interiors created an oversized quilted Chanel-style headboard for a client, from £2,500. burbeckinteriors.com 4 Floral walls in a mineral colourway sit happily with a geometric headboard. Lucia wallpaper in olive, £272 per roll; headboard upholstered in Octagon rose, £98 p/m; cushion in Berber Stripe, £164 p/m. madeaux.com

Naturalmat Organic cotton bedlinen set. From £132, naturalmat.co.uk

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Duravit’s White Tulip by Starck, new to C.P. Hart

Visit our website for the latest product introductions 0345 600 1950 | www.cphart.co.uk

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INTERIORS | Trend

NOT ANOTHER BILL Tropical salt and pepper shakers. £14, notanotherbill.com THE HOUSEFUL Peach plate, £17; orange bowl, £14; orange plate, £16. thehouseful.com

HOST Jonquil candlestick. £28, hosthome.co.uk

TUTTI FRUTTI

PETRA PALUMBO Lemons jug. £86, petrapalumbo. com

MUSTARD MADE The Shorty locker. £129, mustardmade.co.uk

Kick off garden party season in retro style with amuse-bouche served on peach plates, Pimm’s decanted into Starburst champagne coupes, Eighties cocktail skewers arranged in a strawberry vase, and scribble down seating plans in a pineapple-printed notebook. By Sofia Tindall

SANDERSON Summer Strawberries wallpaper, £67 per roll. sandersondesigngroup.com

MOP IT ALL UP

Tasty table linen

PAPIER Pineapple notebook. £19.99, papier.com

1 MONIQUE LUCAS Pineapple napkins. £38 for four, moniquelucas.co.uk BORDALLO PINHEIRO Watermelon collection. From £39, bordallopinheiro.com

LATZIO LIVING Small strawberry vase. £95, latzio.com

2 LORETTA CAPONI Linen placemats. £379 for two, lorettacaponi.it 3 SUMMERILL & BISHOP Rainbow linen napkins. £50 for two, summerillandbishop.com

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‘As many GOOD DESIGNERS say, good taste is IMPORTANT. But a tiny bit of BAD TASTE is important too.’

PHOTOS: BARLOW & BARLOW

INTERIORS | Case Study

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THE SMALL PRINT This Notting Hill maisonette blends the best of LA and London, finds Sofia Tindall

PHOTOS: BARLOW & BARLOW

LA vibrancy meets London quirkiness in this Notting Hill maisonette

s I’m talking to Lucy Barlow I’m madly taking mental notes. Statement shell sinks in the cloakroom? Nice touch. Chintzy reading lights above the bed by Besselink & Jones (besselink. com)? Got it. Commissioning a bespoke bar to add some je ne sais quoi to my postage stamp-sized London sitting room? It’s next on my list. Founded in 2013 by brother and sister team, Lucy and Max (joined later by Lucy’s husband, Joshua Sear, an interior and landscape architect), Barlow & Barlow creates spaces that are impossible not to fall in love with. For this Notting Hill maisonette owned by a couple recently relocated from LA, they knew it was important to strike the right balance. ‘The client wanted to translate their Californian heritage to a more traditional London setting,’ Lucy explains. ‘It’s a transatlantic experiment, with a touch of LA and a touch of British character that’s quite playful in some places.’ This is realised through contrasting moments of restraint and quirkiness, all carried off with Barlow & Barlow’s inimitable joie de vivre. A palette of chalky blues and plaster blushes forms the base, layered up with a blend of subtle chevrons and stripes against the occasional flourish of chintz or a scalloped edge. Lighting is a standout feature thanks to Max, who heads up the studio’s lighting design. The house is a masterclass in how to elevate a space from merely pretty to memorable: there are futuristic globular sconces above his-and-hers bathroom sinks, a triptych of brass wall lights with rattan shades from Arteriors (arteriorshome.com) framing the dining area, and reading lights above the bijou guest bed that are redolent of a ritzy boutique hotel. Playing with small moments such as these is a lesson we can all take into the second half of 2021, whether it’s by paying more attention to a lampshade or the trimming on a pillowcase; the devil truly is in the detail. ‘You can’t waste an inch of space in London,’ laughs Lucy, ‘so we put some extra love into maximising small spaces, and often they become the most-loved areas.’ Certainly, the elements the eye alights on in a Barlow & Barlow project are often the extraordinary things they squeeze into corners: gin cabinets, mirrored alcoves emblazoned with neon signs, or, in this case, a pintsized pantry, configured as if by magic into the kitchen. Another of Lucy’s favourites is the statement sitting room fireplace. ‘My husband Josh designed it, and it’s a very cool area with the marbling contrasting against the green geometric tiles,’ she explains. Her final tip? ‘As many good designers say, good taste is important. But a tiny bit of bad taste is important, too.’ barlowandbarlow.com n

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The leading Greek villa rental specialists for over twenty years.

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HOTELS&

TR AVEL

Far from the Madding Crowd Twenty-seven luxury villas you’ll never want to leave

Villa Hortensia, Lošinj, Croatia

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HOTELS & TRAVEL | Guide

Uncover a new corner of the Adriatic at Villa Hortensia, located on the picturesque Croatian isle of Lošinj. The three-storey, ten-bedroom residence dates back to the Belle Époque of the Austro-Hungarian era, and has an unrivalled seafront location. Everything here is as you could wish for: there’s a butler to see to your every need; a chef to cook up daily feasts of fish straight from local boats; and a sommelier to help you choose the perfect wine from the cellar of over 400 bottles. Work up a sweat in the fitness area, enjoy an al fresco massage by the sea, or head next door to the luxury Hotel Bellevue to take advantage of its spa treatments. BOOK IT: Sleeps 24, from €61,100 per week full board. losinj-hotels.com

THE HOUSE OF THE BLUE BALCONY, Cartegena, Colombia

Step through the doors of history into this townhouse in Colombia’s (delightfully car-free) cultural capital, which has been meticulously restored. On the ground floor life revolves around a leafy central courtyard with a swimming pool, but ascend for a lofty swim in the second pool and you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views. Explore the 16th-century city by foot – all Italianate fountains and colonnaded walkways – before heading out of the city walls to discover secluded beaches licked by the Caribbean Sea, (a boat and skipper is available with the house). BOOK IT: Sleeps 16, from £20,175 per week. merrioncharles.com

VILLA MAÇAKIZI, Bodrum, Turkey

A ten-minute sail away from the Turkish Riviera’s most razzle dazzle hotel, Maçakizi , this newly opened private villa offers all the stardust and perks of its mothership, but in utter privacy. Ten sea-view suites, a pool, spa and fitness centre keep the most demanding of guests both active and relaxed, when they’re not basking on their own private beach or exploring the glorious coastline in the superyacht (it has hosted everyone from Princess Margaret to Hillary Clinton). You’ll be looked after by chef Carlo Bernardini, who will bring you mouthwatering Mediterranean food at every opportunity. BOOK IT: Sleeps 20, from €19,500 per night B&B. villamacakizi.com

NICARAGUA PRIVATE ISLAND, Nicaragua

You’re not being greedy by renting this 1.5 acre piece of paradise off the coast of Nicaragua; frankly you wouldn’t want anyone else around (apart from a private chef, perhaps, available on request). Everything you expect from a first-class stay can be arranged (massages, yoga, fishing etc), if you can tear yourself away from the hanging beds, hammocks or infinity pool, that is. On the mainland (a 20-minute boat ride away), there’s hiking, wildlife spotting, boating and riding, plus all the glories of Lake Nicaragua, with everything from walking in cloud forests and swimming in lagoon crater lakes to ziplining down the side of a volcano. BOOK IT: Sleeps eight, from €667 per night (min. three). welcomebeyond.com

VILLA HIBISCUS, BodyHoliday, Saint Lucia

If you’ve been missing your fitness fix or just need a heavy dose of self-care, St Lucia’s BodyHoliday (recently voted the best spa in the Caribbean) has just launched Hibiscus. This plush new villa allows guests to indulge in everything that the fabled resort offers (including new programmes such as Covid Convalescence – to target and strengthen the respiratory system) but with a little more social distancing as standard. It’s the best of both worlds: a relaxing villa holiday, while giving your mind and body a full workout, dipping in as much or as little as you feel like. BOOK IT: Sleeps six, from $3,888 per night. thebodyholiday.com

HENRY’S TOWNHOUSE, London

Recently restored in a manner befitting its Upper Berkeley Street neighbours, Henry’s Townhouse is the latest project from Jane and Steven Collins (also behind the Cotswolds’ Temple Guiting Manor). The former home of Jane Austen’s ‘own particular little brother’, this Georgian residence has had the 2021 treatment with delicious meals served in The Pantry and seven bedrooms designed by Russell Sage Studio. In the Carriage snug, you might also spy a couple of Jane Austen first editions and an original copy of her brother’s Oxford journal, The Loiterer. We think Henry would approve. BOOK IT: Sleeps 14, from £4,950 per night. henrystownhouse.co.uk

VILLA FAVORITA, Umbria, Italy

Skilfully combining Italian charm with luxurious contemporary amenities, this traditional stone house can be found in a leafy valley where Umbria and Tuscany meet. You’ll enjoy the peaceful seclusion of this quintessential Italian setting, and the five bedroom and five bathrooms make it ideal for hosting extended family or friends. The large, landscaped gardens contain a heated pool, with views out over the verdant landscape, and a covered terrace for dining al fresco. There’s also a traditional pizza oven for you to practice your Italian cooking, plus a state-of-the-art gym to burn it all off again. BOOK IT: Sleeps ten, from £6,323 per week. cvvillas.com

LA MAISON D’ESTOURNEL, Bordeaux, France

Oenophiles and budding viticulturists staying at La Maison d’Estournel will have more than enough to keep them occupied on 200 acres of vineyards and gardens at the adjoining Le Cos d’Estournel estate. The surrounding countryside of Bordeaux is an idyllic setting for this historic château, which was built in 1791 by Louis Gaspard d’Estournel, nicknamed Maharajah of Saint-Estèphe for his love of the Orient. When you’re not talking long finishes and sampling the Chateau’s own 20-year-old vintage in the magnificent cellar, soothe stresses in the vast swimming pool, steam room or library. BOOK IT: Sleeps 16, from £17,276 per night. michelreybierhospitality.com

VILLA DU LAC, La Réserve, Geneva

Following a pause in popularity, the early 19th-century trend for a convalescent getaway is having a resurgence – and where better to do it than on the shores of Lake Geneva, looking out over the Alps? Fringed by landscaped gardens with its own outdoor swimming pool, La Villa du Lac is part of La Réserve Hotel & Spa, benefitting from both private Rémi Tessier-designed interiors and access to the hotel’s Nescens medispa. In addition to a private fitness area, a team of medical and nutrition specialists, therapists and coaches are on hand to whip you into tiptop shape. By the time checkout arrives, you’ll feel as fresh as a daisy. BOOK IT: Sleeps six, from £11,826 per night. michelreybierhospitality.com

PHOTOS: PAUL MASSEY; PAUL RAESIDE

VILLA HORTENSIA, Lošinj, Croatia

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PHOTOS: PAUL MASSEY; PAUL RAESIDE

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PHOTOS: SUNSHINE FERRADURA; 62 NORD

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Guide | HOTELS & TRAVEL

THE CHARM OF CASCAIS, Cascais, Portugal

Pre-Covid this stylish Portuguese property operated as a hotel, but these days it’s focusing on hosting private groups. Located in a quiet area of Cascais, with no neighbouring villas, you can guarantee total tranquillity here. It’s well suited to multi-generational family holidays, with plenty to offer all ages. Take a dip in the outdoor pool, enjoy breakfast while soaking up the beautiful garden views or take a break from the sun in the living room, which has a pool table and a fireplace. There are also eight suites, each with its own bathroom, all designed to feel like a home away from home. BOOK IT: Sleeps 16, from €1,500 per night. thecharmofcascais.com

CHEVAL BLANC RANDHELI PRIVATE ISLAND, Maldives

There’s a high bar for great views in Maldives, but the bird’s-eye panoramas from the master suite of Cheval Blanc Randheli Private Island are up there. If you don’t nab the top room though, fear not: there are plenty of other vistas to feast your eyes on, with private beaches and tropical gardens on your doorstep. And if you fancy heading out on the water, a fleet of traditional Dhoni boats are available for private excursions throughout the atoll. Elsewhere, you’ll find meditation pavilions, a private spa treatment room and a fitness centre. BOOK IT: Sleeps eight, £POA. chevalblanc.com

PHOTOS: SUNSHINE FERRADURA; 62 NORD

ISLA SA FERRADURA, Ibiza

If total privacy is what you’re after, Isla Sa Ferradura will certainly fit the bill, set on its own islet in a nature reserve off the north coast of Ibiza. Arrive by boat to see the 35,000 sq/m property from its most impressive angle: a vision in white surrounded by sparkling blue and lush greenery. Once ashore, you’ll be met by a team of 22 staff ready to cater to your every whim. Fancy a cocktail party on the roof terrace? A massage at the Oriental-style spa? A table at a fully booked restaurant in Ibiza? Nothing is out of the question at this dream peninsula. BOOK IT: Sleeps 12, from €250,000 per week. islaferradura.com

OWNER’S CABIN AT 62 NORD, Island of Giske, Norway

Escape to Norway’s sequestered Island of Giske for the ultimate secluded getaway. And where better to pitch up than at the Owner’s Cabin in Staurneset, a luxury three-bedroom hideaway surrounded by the Nordic Sea. Arrive by helicopter and succumb to simplicity at this whitewashed bolthole, where you’ll delight in delicious Norwegian dishes curated by a private chef and indulge in a little adventure – kayak, anyone? Local guides will assist you in exploring the historic area (once home to a number of Viking families) where you can soak up the scenery – and perhaps spot a seal, or two. BOOK IT: Sleeps six, from approx. £517 per night. 62.no/en

VILLA BREAKWATER, Lake Como, Italy

For unrivalled views of Lake Como, head to Villa Breakwater in Griante. The waterfront villa once served as a boatyard for the Cranchi family, but in 2014 the space was transformed into a guesthouse. Elements of its former life remain, however, creating a modern feel that’s accentuated by the floor-to-ceiling windows, wood panelling and industrial-chic interiors. You’ll find an array of impressive facilities, including a lakeside swimming pool, spa, library and wine cellar. A concierge, housekeeping, chef and waiter are included for eight hours a day, too. BOOK IT: Sleeps 14, £POA. merrioncharles.com

SUNSET COVE, Watch Hill, Rhode Island, USA

Part of the Ocean House collection of Rhode Island cottages, Sunset Cove is a cut above the rest with a saltwater pool, shallow-water dock and beautiful river vista to call its own. An ideal rental for families visiting the New England state, the four-bedroom property (with the addition of a ‘bunk room’) will delight with its contemporary, yet cosy interiors. From the living room, a set of inviting French doors lead to a decking area with views across Little Narragansett Bay. Plus, the Ocean House hotel’s Forbes five-star spa and Coast restaurant are right on your doorstep. BOOK IT: Sleeps ten, from $3,000 per night, plus taxes. oceanhouseri.com

ULTIMA CORFU, Corfu, Greece

Revelling in its ultra-private, cliffside location with epic views, chic relaxation is the order of the day at this sprawling 1,000 sq/m villa. Wander from one infinity pool to the other, get hot in the gym, destress in the spa (you can even opt for a tweakment – you’re in the perfect place for some downtime) or just lap up the stunning blue sea from every vista. The architecture intrigues, built as it is over several floors, but a glass lift seamlessly transports you from house to private dock if you don’t fancy the walk. There’s a private yacht to charter and a chopper to get you there in style. Let the dream holiday commence. BOOK IT: Sleeps 12, from £87,514 per week. ultimacollection.com

VILLA DEL FARO, Syracuse, Sicily

A one-of-a-kind property, Sicily’s Villa del Faro was originally built as a lighthouse in 1912. Now renovated to an exceptional standard, the three-bedroom Italian bolthole enjoys sea views reaching to Mount Etna (best observed from the majolica-tiled roof terrace), plus a chromotherapy jacuzzi and access to the beach. Located in Brucoli, a picturesque Sicilian fishing village, the former lighthouse exudes modern elegance, with a sumptuous, contemporary design; think chic marble tabletops, whitewashed walls, and a ground-floor fireplace for chillier evenings. BOOK IT: Sleeps six, from €4,000 per week. sicily4u.co.uk

VILLA SA PUNTA DE S’AGUILA, Mallorca

Ocean views, elegant interiors, and a heated 15-metre swimming pool are just some of the features to be enjoyed at this Mediterranean villa. Situated above the Mallorcan coastline, near the village of Banyalbufar, the traditionally designed residence is destined for family and friends to enjoy with its five spacious double ensuite bedrooms (each with its own private terrace) and expansive outdoor areas, ideal for languorous lounging and al fresco dining. There’s even the option to have your own private chef to cook up a buffetstyle lunch and bespoke three-course dinner, all with locally sourced produce. BOOK IT: Sleeps ten, from €17,150 per week. fishandpips.co.uk

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HOTELS & TRAVEL | Guide

CHÂTEAU CAPITOUL, LanguedocRoussillon, France

Gourmands rejoice: this is the holiday for you. Nestled in the Languedoc-Roussillon region, Château Capitoul is a working wine estate just three kilometres from the azure blue of the Mediterranean sea. There are 44 villas to choose from, each combining natural and reclaimed materials with a clever use of space and light. They all have private gardens, terraces and fantastic views. As well as wine tasting, there’s the Mediterraneo fine dining restaurant and the luxurious Cinq Mondes spa in the nearby château, plus acres of gardens and miles of walking and cycling trails. BOOK IT: From €550 per night in a twobed house. chateaucapitoul.com

VILLA AGAVE, Dubrovnik, Croatia

Villa Agave is perched on a clifftop in the historic city of Dubrovnik, offering guests a panoramic view of Lokrum Island and the Old Town. The villa sits on the remains of the 16th-century chapel of St. Lazarus and was originally the summer house of the 19th-century English archaeologist, Sir Arthur Evans. Experiences include private yacht sailing around the Elafiti Islands, a boat trip through the labyrinth of marshes, wetlands and lagoons of Neretva Valley, known as the ‘Garden of Dubrovnik’, a dune buggy safari along the rugged coastline or a day trip to Montenegro. BOOK IT: Sleeps six, from €4,000 per night. adriaticluxuryhotels.com

BODRUM LOFT, Bodrum, Turkey

This just-launched collection of 36 villas will be your home-awayfrom-home. The villas form a sun-kissed Aegean village in a private bay. Ranging from two- to four-bedroom options, they each offer a swimming pool and gardens, housekeeping and room service, as well as access to fine-dining restaurants, spa and private beach. However, Bodrum Loft’s elegant, thoughtful design is what stands out: green roofs are used to collect rainwater for irrigation, and the natural rocks used in its construction are coated with an ancient Aegean recipe of hay and olive oil. BOOK IT: Sleeps four, from €2,750 per week. bodrumloft.com.tr

COTTAR’S BUSH VILLA, Kenya

Check off your bucket list in style at Cottar’s Bush Villa. The outstanding private home enjoys awe-inspiring views overlooking Kenya’s savannah and further out towards the Olderekesi Hills. Ideal for travelling with family and friends, the house – designed by the Cottar family with sustainable, locally sourced materials – has five en-suite bedrooms, a viewing deck and a 25-metre pool. For those with a thirst for adventure, a private guide and safari vehicle will enable you to explore the surrounding wildlife, whilst river swimming, bush walks and conservation experiences can also be enjoyed. BOOK IT: Sleeps 12, from £7,430 per week per person, including activities and full board. aardvarksafaris.co.uk

CRYSTAL SPRINGS, Barbados

From its beach-front location and tropical gardens to its infinity pool, Crystal Springs is a real gem on Barbados’s west coast. The ten-bedroom villa comes with a staff of chefs, butlers, housekeepers and boat captain, and is conveniently located between vibrant Holetown and historic Speightstown. And if you can tear yourself from the white beach and crystal blue Caribbean sea (you’ll have use of the speed boat, plus its water skis, wake board, snorkels and kayak), there’s also a home cinema and gym on site, plus tennis and golf facilities nearby. BOOK IT: Sleeps 20, from £4,815 per night. worldwidedreamvillas.com

NORTH LODGE COWORTH PARK, Ascot, UK

Set on the outskirts of Coworth Park’s beautiful 240-acre grounds, North Lodge (a Grade II-listed cottage) makes for the ideal summer escape, complete with private driveway, three spacious bedrooms, snug, living room, dining room, kitchen (with optional private chef), and garden with outdoor dining area. In addition to their private haven, guests of North Lodge can make the most of Michelin-star dining at Restaurant Coworth Park led by executive chef Adam Smith, awardwinning afternoon tea in the Drawing Room, and world-class spa facilities. BOOK IT: Sleeps six, from £4,200 per night. dorchestercollection.com

VILLA AT, Corfu, Greece

As soon as you arrive at Villa AT, I can assure you you’ll never want to leave. Built on Corfu’s majestic north-west coast near Nissaki, the six-bedroom villa has panoramic views over to Albania to the east (the UNESCO World Heritage site of Butrint in full view), and mainland Greece and the Ionian islands to the south. You can choose to spend your holiday simply drinking in this view from the terrace, or you can splash about in the split-level waterfall pool, or work on your zen in the yoga pavilion, followed by a session in the hammam. If you can bear to leave, there’s a private jetty from where you can explore this rugged coastline in the villa’s yacht. BOOK IT: Sleeps 12, from €35,000 per week, fivestargreece.com

VILLA ROXA, Zakynthos, Greece

This sublime four-bedroom villa on the mesmerising Ionian isle of Zakynthos is a real dream come true for travellers escaping their everyday lives. It sits on the island’s azure west coast, meaning glorious sunsets are a given. Built from traditional stone, it has an inviting infinity pool, as well as a sunken poolside bar, al fresco dining area and barbecue, where you can feast on produce from the villa’s organic vegetable garden and eggs from the free-range chickens. To top it all off, it’s also ecofriendly, with solar panels for hot water, a rainwater collection system, organic toiletries and triple glazing throughout. BOOK IT: Sleeps eight, from €4,410 per week. thethinkingtraveller.com

VILLA FOS, Corfu, Greece

Escape into your own private idyll at Villa Fos, a much-sought-after luxury villa overlooking the beautiful bay of Kalámi on Corfu’s north-east coast. Here you’ll spend your days swimming in the heated infinity pool, basking on a choice of terraces (all with magnificent sea views) or enjoying a dinner from the villa’s private chef as the sun goes down. If you can tear yourself away, then lunch and cocktails at the nearby White House (home to Gerald and Lawrence Durrell in the 1930s, and now a popular taverna) is a must-do. BOOK IT: Sleeps 12, from €12,500 per week. villacollective.com n

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FROM LEFT: Does giving up plane flights solve the travel industry’s woes?; exploring Argentina on horseback with Pura Aventura, the UK’s first travel B Corp company

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Positive Tourism | HOTELS & TRAVEL

Step up to Gen Regeneration Can tourism be a force for positive environmental change? Yes! And when done right, it’s vital, says Rebecca Cox

s the world pivots to reduce its carbon output, responsible travel becomes the biggest reckoning for the tourism industry. For us as individuals, isn’t our sustainable contribution just to stop flying? Surely we have to sacrifice our sojourns on exotic palm-fringed beaches in favour of a bit of wild camping closer to home? No? Well, not necessarily… ‘I’m not a fan of the term “sustainable travel”,’ says Tom Power, co-founder and CEO of Pura Aventura, the UK’s first travel B Corp business (pura-aventura.com). ‘Sustainability suggests stabilising rather than improving. I prefer “regenerative or transformative travel”. Better travel is where travel stops being a commodity and becomes an exchange of values.’ True sustainable tourism is about far more than just ditching single-use plastic – it has to go further. Further than carbon offsetting, further than using renewable energy, further than biocomposting (these steps are the bare minimum). It comes down to making a positive impact and shifting the focus away from what we as individuals can get out of a trip, to what we can add through our visit. When we take responsibility for our travel choices, we become part of a global repositioning towards positive tourism.

‘There are literally hundreds of case studies that demonstrate how sustainable tourism done right delivers a positive impact,’ says conservationist Costas Christ, one of the industry’s leading experts in sustainability and founder of Beyond Green (staybeyondgreen.com). Take Costa Rica, for example, which had one of the highest rates of deforestation between the 1940s to 1970s, as land was cleared to allow increased planting of highvalue crops. Aware of its impending environmental destruction, in 1970 the government set up the National Park Service and around a quarter of the country gained protective status of some kind. An economic shift from crop exports to ecotourism hugely reduced the cutting down of trees. To put this in context, deforestation is currently estimated to account for upwards of 15 per cent of carbon emissions globally, while the aviation industry accounts for approximately two to three per cent. And if you wiped out tourism altogether in the name of conservation, the alternatives would almost certainly be worse. According to a 2020 report on the state of the wildlife economy in Africa, Kenya has lost $750 million and 1.3 million tourism jobs since the pandemic, with communities dependent on tourism financially decimated; the killing of bushmeat for survival has also become commonplace once more. July/August 2021 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.CO.UK | 153

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HOTELS & TRAVEL | Positive Tourism

To find out what you can do to travel more consciously, to avoid greenwashing and to play your part in making travel more sustainable, check out more advice from these sustainable travel experts, now live on countryandtownhouse.co.uk n

‘If people STOPPED FLYING to the Serengeti tomorrow... I believe that in less than TEN YEARS it would be turned into CATTLE RANCHES’

FROM TOP: Mokoro canoes paddle the Okavango Delta; wildlife spotting at Xigera Safari Lodge with wilderness-safaris.com; meeting Sri Lankan locals with Ayu in the Wild (ayuinthewild.com); picture-perfect beaches in Scotland – no flying required

PHOTOS: PEXELS

‘Half our Beyond Green members are on the African continent and are collectively protecting over ten million acres of endangered species’ habitat, regenerating landscapes, protecting endangered species and uplifting local communities,’ Costas tells me. ‘If people stopped flying to the Serengeti tomorrow to see the last great land migration of wildlife on earth, I believe that in less than ten years it would be turned into cattle ranches. The only thing standing between turning the Serengeti or the Brazilian Pantanal [the world’s largest wetland], into another example of the global beef industry is sustainable tourism.’ But does this mean the aviation industry gets a free pass? While efforts are underway to make flying greener, we’re a long way off from guiltfree air travel. Carbon offsetting is just a nod to recognising the issue and more pressure needs to be put on airlines to make it their problem. ‘They need to be more aggressive and invest more in reducing their carbon footprint,’ agrees Costas. Until zero-carbon flying exists we must consider the ramifications of air travel, the key message being to go to fewer places, for longer. Henry Comyn, of luxury travel company Joro Experiences (joroexperiences.com) and co-founder of not-for-profit organisation The Conscious Travel Foundation, says: ‘Travellers need to be aware that every decision they make leaves an impact – from the countries they visit to the mode of transport they use to get there. The biggest changes can come from cutting unnecessary flights, staying in locally-owned accommodation, and using

local guides, [thereby] putting money back into the community. Travellers need to ensure that their spend in the country goes into employing locals and, hopefully, into conservation and community initiatives to protect their environment.’ Individual responsibility is a great start, of course, but international regulation is key to lasting change. ‘Globally, sustainable tourism has been defined [and] we have the United Nations sustainable development goals that are now linked to sustainable tourism,’ explains Costas. ‘At Beyond Green, we are trying to show that way forward so people have an opportunity to exercise their choice, and say, “Yes, I’ve worked very hard, I want that holiday on a Greek island, but I also want to do it in a way that is good for local people – and so that my children and future generations can have the kind of experiences that are so meaningful to me when I travel”.’ As travellers then, the power lies with us. When booking your next holiday, don’t ask ‘what’s in it for me?’, ask ‘what’s in it for us?’ – both the destination and community we’re visiting. If we take, we must give back, or the planet is left out of balance. So don’t stop flying to save the planet – but do stop flying thoughtlessly.

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Embrace the circle of island life

Your island story begins to the sound of Sangu shells, accompanied by the melodies of the Indian Ocean. ritzcarlton.com/maldives

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HOTELS & TRAVEL | Escape

Treasured ISLANDS Flights cancelled? Here’s where to stay on the Great British Riviera. By Sofia Tindall

he bad news? For a little while longer at least, our passports are (for the most) quarantined and gathering dust. The good news? Turquoise waters, tropically white, sandy beaches and intriguing, novel-worthy settings don’t necessarily involve long-haul flights and hassle at baggage claim. Pack your reef-safe SPF, statement sundress and dog-eared Penguins; here’s where serial island-hoppers should be heading on the great British coastline this summer.

OSEA, East Anglia BEST FOR: GROUP STAYS

Just off the coast of Essex, Osea offers the ultimate private island experience

South of France spirit meets the British coast on the Isle of Wight

ISLE OF WIGHT, Hampshire BEST FOR: LONDON WEEKENDERS

Forget Ibiza – England’s White Isle is the place to get a fix of sand, sun and sea. Just two and a half hours by train and ferry from Waterloo station, sparkling waters and huge swathes of National Trust-protected coastline frequented by packs of surfers await. In some areas you could be mistaken for thinking you’ve landed on the Côte d’Azur, whether it’s the laissez-faire sailboats and jet skis drifting lazily by, or the clifftop walks yielding spectacular, plummeting views – try St Catherine’s Oratory and Tennyson Down. Its gastronomy scene, too, is on the up, with a wave of new chefs making use of the natural abundance of local island produce, bolstering a growing prestige among island gin distilleries and vineyards. DO: A tour of Adgestone vineyard’s extensive cellars and ten acres of vines, with an English sparkling wine tasting session to round off. adgestonevineyard.co.uk STAY: Pretty rooms decked out in chintzy coastal blues in North House, Cowes, give way to a suntrap swimming pool outdoors, perfect for sipping cocktails. Or borrow one of the hotel’s bikes and explore the buzzy town and beaches. Doubles from £195 per night B&B. northhousecowes.co.uk

PHOTOS: GETTY IMAGES

The 380-acre tidal island of Osea could easily be mistaken for one of America’s fishing villages in Nantucket, Cape Cod or Martha’s Vineyard – making it all the more exciting that it’s just across the Essex Blackwater estuary. A world away from the madding crowds, Osea’s relaxed, unsignposted ‘Hakuna Matata’ spirit and the opportunity to book the whole island privately make it ideal for next-level destination weddings. Expect to spend your stay roaming freely between beach volleyball, dancing until dawn in one of the converted warehouses, or cycling the coastline on one of Osea’s bikes. That is, if you can be persuaded to leave your New Englandstyle clapboard cottage draped in fishing nets and faded oars, with its own roll top baths and open fires. DO: Campfire cooking, beachcombing or a bespoke treasure hunt with The Exploration Society. explorationsociety.co.uk STAY: Our pick would be one of the Quaker-style beach cottages, a stone’s throw from the private beach. From £480 per night for a two-bedroom cottage. oseaisland.co.uk

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SARK, Channel Islands BEST FOR: TIME TRAVEL

Towers of rugged rock outcrops fringing emerald swathes of countryside lend the car-free island of Sark an Agatha Christie sensibility; a conceit only enhanced by residents trundling about by horse-drawn carriage. This tiny self-governing population still operates by 13th-century Norman law but this is about the only antiquated element of Sark. Sustainability-wise, its residents are streaks ahead and making steps towards becoming self-sufficient with the recent addition of a community dairy farm. Teeming with wildflower walks and rare wildlife, the best way to explore is by boat trip or cycle trail. Or of course, you can don jodhpurs and get into the spirit of things on horseback. DO: A Dark Sky Island, Sark has some of the best stargazing in the world. By day, visit the wild-growing gardens of La Seigneurie (laseigneuriegardens.com), Sark’s 17th-century manor house and the ancestral seat of the Beaumonts. STAY: Historic, dog-friendly hotel, Stocks, is nestled in romantic landscaped gardens with the oldest mulberry tree in the Channel Islands. A horse and carriage taxi can be booked on request. From £369 for two nights, low season. stockshotel.com

The car-free island of Sark, where residents travel by horse and carriage

Finding Neverland on Eilean Shona

PHOTOS: GETTY IMAGES

EILEAN SHONA, West Scotland BEST FOR: LITERARY BUFFS

Immerse yourself in the beautiful, hideaway Scottish wilderness that inspired JM Barrie’s Neverland at the 1,300-acre private island of Eilean Shona. A tangle of lush woodlands and secluded, Gulf Stream-warmed beaches, with views of a romantic ruin, Tioram Castle, this is one of those rare islands you can explore freely without running into another soul. While the island has been privately owned for the past three decades by the Branson/Devereux clan, its cluster of authentic Scottish lodges can be booked for the ultimate off-grid experience. DO: Foodies are spoiled for choice with Scottish cookery lessons, fire-cooked feasts, oyster shucking and whisky tasting from local distilleries. STAY: In Eilean Shona’s principal nine-bedroom house. Five-night break from £1,700 per person. eileanshona.com

ISLES OF SCILLY, Cornwall BEST FOR: GOING AU NATUREL

A pearly cluster of islands off the coast of Cornwall, the Isles of Scilly overflow with Arthurian crumbling ruins, lagoon-like coves and rock pools bustling with life. The perfect refuge from a frazzled year of working from home, the Scillies’ lovely coastlines are a draw for both wild swimmers and naturist sea bathers. White sand dunes, palm trees and its own vineyard have earned St Martin’s a reputation to rival Mauritius (there’s even seal snorkelling on offer). Not ready to go fully Robinson Crusoe? St Mary’s is the Scillies’ most inhabited island, with quaint shops, a nature reserve and a former ancient settlement at Halangy Down. TRY: From dolphin- and seal-watching to beachcombing for shipwrecked glass beads, you’re spoiled for choice. After all that activity, unwind with Scillies-based skincare brand Phoenix & Providence, handmade using seaweed foraged from the shorelines. phoenixandprovidence.co.uk STAY: In a Scillonian stone cottage for the authentic experience. Or at Karma St Martins for five star sustainable luxury. From £316 per night. karmagroup.com n

St Martin’s tropical white beaches

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HOTELS & TRAVEL | Escape

MÁLAGA, TAKE TWO

The Andalusian city’s transformation from B-list to A-list is complete. Caroline Phillips checks in for a five-star stay

hildren dressed as clowns and adults wearing fairy wings – all enjoying a fiesta – stroll past the remains of a Roman amphitheatre. The sun is setting as we sit, al fresco, in an old bodega nibbling local almonds, anchovy olives and drinking fresh Seville orange juice. Above us, an 11th-century Moorish hilltop fortress, Alcazaba, dominates the city. This is the Andalusian coastal city of Málaga, a provincial capital that seems to enjoy a permanent party. Once a B-list destination, Málaga is now being reborn as an A-list hotspot. It used to be traffic-clogged and full of TOWIE wannabes en route to high-rises and Fuengirola. Now Antonio Banderas is back in his home town, having resurrected its theatre (Teatro del Soho) just before lockdown; the old town is pedestrianised – its pavements white marble buffed by footfall; its shops and galleries are chic; its visitors are fashionable, muy sexy Spaniards. Málaga also boasts a boutique hotel, Palacio Solecio, which opened just before the world closed down. It’s a former 1879 palace (restored for £30 million) with a sgraffito paintwork façade, wrought-iron balconies and, inside, the heaviest of Castilian oak doors, arches and pebble-mosaic floors. Some bedrooms have views onto the 280-foot bell tower of the city’s baroque cathedral. It’s also bang opposite the Santiago church in which Málaga’s poster boy, Picasso, received his first communion. Málaga – founded by the Phoenicians and an important port in Roman times – has a seafront, fishing, and harbour (for 500-ish boats). We wander by houses of ochre, pastel pink and sea blue, and on past flamenco clubs and sherry and tapas bars with walls of decorative tiles and Iberico hams. Soon we reach the cathedral with its stained-glass windows, fine stalls and domed ceilings. ‘Wow! Smell those orange trees,’ says Anya, my 20-something daughter, as we leave, sniffing air that’s like the contents of a scent bottle. We amble next along the narrow alleys to some of the city’s six museums. The Museo Carmen Thyssen, housed in the Palacio de Villalón – is like walking into 19th-century Spain with its paintings of bullrings, Spanish courting and religious processions. Then there’s Andalusia’s big draw: the intimate Museo Picasso in the 16th-century Buenavista Palace. We leg it past a big queue clutching our pre-bought tickets, but it would have been worth the wait: the museum covers almost eight decades of the artist’s work, including the monumental Three Graces. Afterwards, we indulge in retail therapy, discovering endless niche, independent shops. A fascinating religious shop, Cerería Zalo, sells that must-have Opus Dei outfit, terracotta essential-oil burners and spooky religious effigies.

Toni Pons stocks nothing but hand-made espadrilles, from suede to taupe leather and silver wedges. Another emporium, Cork Pel, deals only in cork – think cork purses to cork necklaces and pencil cases. And Alfajar, in the baroque Zea-Salvatierra Palace, offers Andalusian handicrafts, especially ceramics, with a nod to their Iberian, Phoenician, Roman and Muslim roots. After all that, we need food. The Malagueños are big on sweet almonds, olive oil, adobo-style fried fish and Málaga dulce (sweet wine). A big local treat is the Mercado Central de Atarazanas (closed Sundays)– a wrought-iron market building with a Moorish revival arch and enormous stained-glass window. Sunlight floods through as we walk among mounds of fresh boquerones (anchovies) and bacalao (salt cod). We eat market tapas – superb fried pimientos (peppers), pulpo a la plancha (octopus) and calamares fritos (squid) – standing amidst the hustling, bustling throng. The following day, we go for a serenity fix, and attend mass at Iglesia de San Juan Bautista. Its façade is painted with 18th-century geometric murals, a typical Málaga feature. Inside it’s filled to its gilded rafters with worshippers (many on iPhones), nuns (not on phones), incense and candles. When did iPhones replace Bibles? Is that a thing? Then it’s time for food again. We expand our girths on old-school tapas whilst sitting on high bar stools in Casa Lola, a place full of buzz and chilled beer. In the artisanal nougat shop, Vicens (established 1775), we try most of the 200 flavours. And at Casa Mira parlour (established 1890), we savour soft-cheese-with-honey-and-pine-nut ice cream. A little stroll afterwards towards Parque de Málaga – with its palm trees and horses and carriages waiting for rides – got rid of a calorie or two. We ambled ten minutes further to La Malagueta bullring in the Plaza de Toros, designed in 1876 by municipal architect, Joaquín Rucoba. The bullfighting season is from April to September, with a major festival in August, otherwise it’s a concert venue. We finish our stay in The Palacio Solecio’s restaurant, Balausta. In its galleried courtyard with original 18th-century columns we dine on delicious Andalusian cuisine of concha fina (raw clams), lettuce hearts with anchovies and beef croquetas – a menu devised by Michelinstarred chef José Carlos García. What better ending to a long weekend of sexy galleries, shopping and food? Just two-and-a-half hours by plane from the UK and with a year-round subtropical climate, it’s hard to imagine a better post-Covid break. BOOK IT: Palacio Solecio rooms start from €169 per night, room only. reservas@palaciosolecio.com; palaciosolecio.com n

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‘We WANDER by houses of OCHRE, pastel pink and sea blue, and on past FLAMENCO clubs and sherry and TAPAS bars with walls of DECOR ATIVE tiles and Iberico hams’

Palacio Solecio is a beautiful 18th-century Andalusian palace, lovingly restored to its former glory and beyond

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FOOD&DRINK

What a Tart!

Rustle up Candice Brown’s raspberry, blueberry and almond clafoutart for a summer supper

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FOOD&DRINK | Recipe Food philosophy? Everything

First dish you learnt to cook?

Cut-off pastry jam tarts – the little offcuts from my nan making a pie. We would poke them into a Yorkshire pudding tin, top with jam and bake.

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Childhood food memory?

Probably sitting on the floor at my nan and grandad’s house with a pint of shell-on prawns, peeling them one by one and eating them. My nan with some crab sticks, my grandad with some cockles and my dad with some jellied eels – all bought from the fish van down the road. Heaven.

INGREDIENTS SERVES EIGHT — 300g sheet of puff pastry — two eggs — 40g light soft brown sugar — 25ml spiced rum — 65ml whole milk — 65ml double cream — Zest of one lemon — Sprig of fresh lemon thyme — 25g unsalted butter, melted — 30g plain flour — 200g fresh blueberries — 200g fresh raspberries — 30g flaked almonds

hat could be better than sweet batter spiked with fresh raspberries and blueberries? Sweet batter given a little hug by flaky puff pastry! Not totally authentic, I know, but I couldn’t resist. If you want to stick to the French way, skip the pastry and pop the batter straight in a buttered tin. It’s the ultimate, stodgy, sweet Yorkshire pudding.

METHOD

Preheat the oven to 160°C fan. Tease the puff pastry into the flutes of a 23–25cm loose-bottomed flan tin. Leave the edges sticking up, then gently fold over. Scrunch and lay some greaseproof paper in the pastry case, weighed down with baking beans. Bake for 15 minutes, remove the paper and baking beans, and bake for a further five minutes. Beat the eggs, sugar and rum together in a jug. Then add the milk, cream, lemon zest and lemon thyme leaves, if using, and beat well. Pour in the melted butter and whisk vigorously. Sift in the flour and whisk until all the lumps are gone. Tip the blueberries and raspberries into the pastry case and then pour in the batter. Scatter over the almonds and bake for 25–30 minutes until the batter is just set and starting to turn golden around the edges. Remove from the oven and leave to cool until warm. Serve with pouring cream.

in moderation. If you want something, have it – because life is short.

Favourite ingredient in season right now? British

Foodie TALES Great British Bake Off winner Candice Brown’s life in food

asparagus is one of the best fresh vegetables to come from Britain and the window is so short, so I try and use it as much as possible. I have it with soft boiled eggs and smoked salmon, in a tart or quiche, or simply chargrilled sprinkled with salt. Biggest mistake?

I once made a red velvet cake and got my measurements way off. When it went in the oven it started to grow and grow and grow – I had to keep putting trays underneath to catch the overflowing mixture. Most memorable meal out? I was by myself at Jamie Scott’s restaurant The Newport. He said he would sort the menu out for me and ended up cooking me 12 courses paired with wine as I sat reading Harry Potter. When you’re not in the kitchen, where are you? Snuggled up on the

sofa with Albus and Sybil, my dogs – though I’ll be thinking about food. Do you have any unusual rules in your kitchen? I have some beautiful

Kin knives and I’m quite particular about who uses them and how. What’s in your fridge? Salmon, pink grapefruit, asparagus, mozzarella, chorizo, romaine lettuce, Greek yoghurt, Saint Agur dipping cheese, broccoli, cheese strings, salted butter, Diet Coke, rollmop herrings and shortbread mix. Least favourite ingredient? Peas. Happy Cooking by Candice Brown is out now (Ebury Press, £22) n

RASPBERRY, BLUEBERRY & ALMOND CLAFOUTART

Candice’s new Happy Cooking recipe book is all about uplifting meals and comforting treats

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News | FOOD&DRINK

ON THE GR APEVINE Little excites us more than the prospect of a new lowintervention wine bar to prop up. Straight from the Cotswolds, The Cellar has newly taken up residence on Pentonville Road, King’s Cross, serving sustainable wines and cheeseboards. cellaruk.co.uk

BE OUR GUEST Summer staycation taking you down to Devon? Make a detour to the Exploding Bakery in Exeter for its summer series with exciting guest chefs from London restaurants like Mambow and Soho’s Ducksoup. explodingbakery.com

Gastro GOSSIP The flavour of the month. By Sofia Tindall

MASTER CHEF

Carousel, London’s chef residency restaurant, is back with a programme of guest chefs and workshops on everything from foraging to zero-waste cooking. Think ten-course tasting menus with Alex Bond, Chinese feasts and cocktail making with wild ingredients. carousel-london.com

ROLL UP, ROLL UP

Why bother battling with tent poles when you can hop on the tube for a festival fix? The National Geographic Traveller food festival returns to Islington this summer, with demonstrations from Monica Galetti, José Pizarro, and more. 17-18 July. foodfestival.natgeotraveller.co.uk

PHOTOS: GETTY

HAPPY HOUR

The Goring Hotel has got a new look for the summer – dressed up in Love Brand & Co’s ‘Party Like a LobStar’ print. Celebrating this stylish partnership, its new Lobster & Fizz Garden is the only place to be seen sipping Della Vite this summer. lovebrand.com; thegoring.com July/August 2021 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.CO.UK | 163

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HOW WE EAT NOW

Restaurants are back on the menu, and buzzy new names are opening around the country. Here’s where to book next, says Ellie Smith

WILDING, Oxford

The name of Oxford’s new Jericho eatery and wine bar, Wilding, comes from the practice of regenerating overworked land to return it to nature, which sets the tone for the venue’s eco-friendly ethos. Dominique Goltinger (ex-Bistrot Bruno Loubet) heads up the kitchen, which offers a seasonally changing menu, with everything designed to pair well with wines from the 400-bottle list. wilding.wine

BURNT ORANGE, Brighton

Can’t decide between a restaurant and a bar? Head to Brighton hotspot Burnt Orange, the latest project from restaurateur Razak Helalat, set within a former 16th-century coach house near the seafront. A homage to the laid-back Mediterranean style of dining, it’s designed for groups of friends enjoying casual but delicious grazing over a few bottles of wine. burnt-orange.co.uk

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Restaurants | FOOD & DRINK

IMAD’S SYRIAN KITCHEN, London

After losing his restaurant business during the Battle of Damascus, Syrian chef Imad Alarnab was forced to flee the country. He travelled through Europe, cooking for refugees along the way, before reaching the UK where he raised thousands of pounds for the charity Choose Love. And now, Imad brings his Syrian mezze to London’s Kingly Court, where he has opened his debut UK restaurant. imadssyriankitchen.co.uk

GARDEN HOUSE, Cambridge

An open grill kitchen sits at the heart of Garden House, recently opened in riverside hotel Graduate Cambridge. Ex-Perilla chef Adam Wood runs the show, ensuring dishes are created using the best East Anglian produce available – that’s vegetables from the horse-powered Flourish Farm at Linton and meat from Huntsham Court, which specialises in traditional breeds and high welfare farming. gardenhousecambridge.co.uk

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AVE MARIO, London

France’s hottest export of – ironically – Italian food, Big Mamma is the restaurant group behind much-hyped Gloria and Circolo Popolare. Just added to its ranks is Ave Mario, a new Covent Garden destination serving up twists on osteriainspired classics: think carbonara ravioli filled with pecorino cream, egg yolk and crispy guanciale flakes or Cotoletta alla Milanese using high-welfare rose veal. Fun all round. bigmammagroup.com

CHAMELEON, London

Dine in your own private greenhouse at Chameleon, found within Grade I-listed church One Marylebone. Not your average restaurant, Chameleon is billed as a multiexperiential space: alongside the dining areas there’s a flower market and an art gallery. The food is a definite highlight though, centred around Tel Aviv-style sharing dishes like aubergine carpaccio, deconstructed falafel and charcoal-grilled lamb sirloin. chameleon.london

THE NOMAD RESTAURANT, London

Causing a stir in Bow is the first London outpost from New York’s buzzy NoMad Hotels group. Its pièce de résistance? The soaring threestory glass-roofed atrium, which serves as the hotel’s restaurant, and will no doubt be popping up on many an Instagram feed this summer. Luckily it’s not all style over substance though, with an eclectic menu that blends comfort with decadence. thenomadhotel.com/london

UNALOME BY GRAEME CHEEVERS, Glasgow

Glasgow chef Graeme Cheevers has made no secret of the fact he hopes to bring an additional Michelin star to the city with his first solo venture. Yet unlike other top-end establishments, he hopes Unalome won’t be an occasion restaurant, but a neighbourhood favourite where people return time and time again to try the everchanging tasting menu. unalomebygc.com

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PROPERTY

Edited by Anna Tyzack

HOUSE OF THE MONTH Winterbrook House, Wallingford, Oxfordshire 5 Bedrooms, 3 Bathrooms, 6,256 sq/ft £2.75m In a sentence… Winterbrook House is a beautiful Grade II-listed house with a Queen Anne façade in walking distance of the town centre, with country views and parkland stretching down to the River Thames. Does it have any juicy history? Winterbrook House was the home of Dame Agatha Christie who lived there for over 40 years. What’s unique about it? The property’s five acres of riverside land, within a charming Thames-side market town. What would summers be like? Completely blissful and bucolic. What would parties be like? Enthralling and expansive, spilling out onto terraces and lawns. Perks of the location? The lawns sweeping down to the riverside, as well as the south-facing terrace, parkland and easy walking distance to local shops. The current owner says… ‘Winterbrook House was a happy place for Agatha Christie and so it has been for us; it has been a joy and a privilege to make it a family home and to have lived here for nearly 20 years.’ +44 (0)1491 843 000; savills.com

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PROPERTY | Let’s Move To

HOLLAND PARK

ith its garden squares, white stucco villas and plentiful cafés and parks, Holland Park has long attracted Britain’s most high-profile families. No wonder, then, that famed developer Christian Candy, now married with children himself, chose it as the location for his swansong, 80 Holland Park, the area’s first fullyserviced residential development. ‘Holland Park offers peaceful and incredibly scenic local living with the convenience and benefits of city life,’ confirms Rupert des Forges of Knight Frank. ‘It’s the perfect place to bring up children and work from home, while enjoying the vibrancy of London.’ These attributes are precisely what Christian noted when he first bought the site, a former 1930s apartment building known as Duke’s Lodge, metres away from the green spaces of the park itself; post-Covid, Holland Park’s manicured gardens and village vibe have become even more appealing. ‘Holland Park is where almost all our clients want to be,’ says prime London property finder, Hannah Aykroyd (aykroydandco.com). ‘As more people are able to work from home for at least part of the week, they want houses with large proportions, with gardens and a park nearby.’ Addresses such as Norland Square and St James’s Gardens feel secluded despite their central location, she adds, as houses aren’t overlooked, and many have garages with direct access to the house. ‘It’s an area where everyone looks out for one another and many of the houses are lived in by owner-occupiers,’ she says.

Holland Park’s fine collection of independent shops and restaurants also appeals to those who are spending more time based at home. There’s a florist, dry-cleaner, butcher, several cafes and renowned neighbourhood bistro, Julie’s. Supermarket of Dreams is a new local favourite, with meat from HG Walter, store-cupboard essentials from Ottolenghi, and fresh fruit and vegetables from Natoora. There’s also a lawn tennis club (with grass courts and floodlit artificial grass courts) on the site of Little Holland House, a mansion built by the 3rd Lord Holland for his son in 1827; the waiting list is currently three years. ‘There’s a unique buzz to the place, which our clients pick up on immediately,’ Hannah continues. ‘Despite all the large houses, it also feels real – the mix of people and architecture gives it a diverse, vibrant feel, which makes it more special.’ Along with speedy tube links into the West End and City via the central line and easy access to London’s airports, Holland Park is well-situated for those wanting to escape west at weekends. ‘Its westerly location makes all the difference during the Friday afternoon dash to the countryside,’ maintains Ashley Wilsdon of Middleton Advisors (middletonadvisors.com). ‘Many Londoners who were not prepared to abandon city life and move to the country full-time are purchasing a substantial home in the area as well as a smaller second home in the country for weekends.’ For families, the numerous good local schools are yet another draw. Fee-paying options include Wetherby Kensington, Norland Place and Notting Hill Prep, Chepstow House, Pembridge Hall

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PHOTOS: GETTY IMAGES

Anna Tyzack heads west in search of village life at the heart of the capital

School, St Paul’s Girls and Ashbourne Sixth Form College. There are also excellent state schools such as Fox Primary and Holland Park school. ‘Children also hop on buses to go out to country prep schools,’ Hannah adds. Such is the cachet of Holland Park that an average four-bedroom townhouse costs more than £5 million and an unmodernised Italianate villa backing on to Holland Park can sell for more than £30 million. During the pandemic, buyers tussled over a number of Holland Park’s large semi-detached family homes, according to Ashley, in some cases paying in excess of £4,000/sq ft. He expects the buying frenzy to continue into 2022, due to the lack of houses for sale in Holland Park and increasing demand from families who were considering a permanent move to the country but are now opting for a more village-style life in town. Christian Candy’s development of lateral apartments, penthouses and duplex townhouses at 80 Holland Park finally launched earlier this year and is designed with this new breed of urban families in mind. The apartments, maisonettes and townhouses have access, hotel-style, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: A bird’s eye view; the Kyoto Garden in Holland Park; the Supermarket of Dreams deli; the classic-yet-contemporary façade of 80 Holland Park

BEST FOR A TURN AROUND THE SHOPS Browse the designer shops and boutiques of Clarendon Cross and Portland Road, and treat yourself to some new tableware at Summerill and Bishop. summerillandbishop.com

to a concierge, secure car parking with electric charging points, a private screening room, 17 metre pool with spa and an enormous Tim Weeks gym. ‘It’s unlike anything else in the area, designed to reflect the exacting requirements of a new age of living,’ explains Rupert. ‘Christian has considered the various practicalities of living with children and the need to work from home – there’s storage for pushchairs and luggage, dog washing facilities and study space for tutoring and zoom calls.’ Rupert isn’t surprised the properties are selling so quickly, nor that many have been bought by existing Holland Park residents who like the thought of having country club amenities available conveniently on-site at their London homes. ‘The pandemic has had the effect of galvanising purchasers into a very decisive mode,’ he explains. ‘When an opportunity comes up in Holland Park, you always have to fight off the locals – no one ever wants to leave.’

A CHOCOLATE FIX Melt Chocolates boutique hosts bonbon-making classes, mud pie baking sessions and bean-to-bar tastings. meltchocolates.com

A FRIDAY NIGHT COCKTAIL Holland Park institution, Julie’s, is a favourite of Prince Harry and the Hollywood set. juliesrestaurant.com DATE NIGHT Flat Three on Holland Park Avenue serves seasonal British dishes inspired by the flavours of Korea and Japan. flatthree.london A PICNIC IN THE PARK Pick up some provisions at La Piccola, the Italian deli, on Clarendon Road and head into Holland Park, one of London’s most beautiful green spaces. lapiccoladeli.com

PHOTOS: GETTY IMAGES

FOR SALE

PRINCEDALE ROAD, £1.85m This airy two-bedroom maisonette is an impeccably renovated apartment arranged over the ground and lower ground floors of a period building just off Clarendon Cross. Space is used efficiently throughout, with the main bedroom offering a walk-in wardrobe, bathroom and atrium. knightfrank.com

80 HOLLAND PARK, from £2.6m Christian Candy’s development of 25 lateral apartments, penthouses and duplexes (many with gardens and terraces) is being sold fully finished, with interiors by Nina Campbell and Albion Nord. Residents have access to a 17m pool, spa, Tim Weeks gym plus pram store and dog wash. knightfrank.com

HOLLAND PARK VILLAS, £8.95m A modern three-bedroom apartment with underfloor heating, comfort cooling, and Lutron lighting, plus spacious entertaining space with access to a beautiful paved garden. The principal bedroom has its own private terrace and there’s an on-site concierge, gym, pool and cinema. savills.com n

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PROPERTY | Five of the Best

SUMMER PARTY HOUSES Make it a night to remember, says Amy Wakeham

ST ALBANS, £7.5m

Imagine the parties you could have here. This spectacular Elizabethan manor house is set in 75 acres in the Hertfordshire countryside. It features nine bedrooms, so plenty of space for guests to stay, plus a majestic dining room seating 18, and a cinema and games rooms. You can take the party outside, too, into the 10 acres of formal gardens. fineandcountry.com

SEABOROUGH, £1.5m

This elegant Georgian rectory is the ideal spot for hosting a summer party to remember. The five-bed, four-storey Grade II-listed property has a choice of reception rooms to use for gatherings. Outside, the south-facing patio is ideal for a sundowner, and guests can wander through the mature gardens and orchard. symondsand sampson.co.uk

STOW-ON-THE-WOLD, £1.5m

Converted from a historic train station, this immaculate family home will make the best spot for a summer party. Set within the beautiful Cotswold countryside, the five-bedroom house is surrounded by 3.9 acres of gardens – great for pitching a marquee. There’s also a tennis court and beautifully landscaped gardens for visitors to enjoy, plus a patio with a barbecue area. butlersherborn.co.uk

COLCHESTER, £2.95m

Grand house from the front, pretty cottage from the back, Coggeshall Hall is a characterful seven-bedroomed home. Here, the beamed rooms and open fireplaces are ideal for entertaining, while outside you’ll discover the jacuzzi and sauna, as well as the historic Essex barn, which provides ample room for any party you had in mind. struttandparker.com

TAUNTON, £2.95m

An elegant entrance hall will welcome party guests to this magnificent Georgian country house in Somerset. You’ll then have the option of entertaining them in the light-filled, south-facing drawing room, the library with French windows leading to the gardens, or the highceilinged ballroom. A choice of 13 bedrooms means there’s space aplenty for everyone to stay. knightfrank.com

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BESPOKE

Looking for a bespoke luxury interior design scheme or curated furniture package without the hassle? At Burbeck Interiors, we work with our clients to create bespoke interiors solutions to suit their tastes and their needs, delivered and installed within two weeks. We specialise in sustainable luxury to suit any budget, to find out more about how we can help you contact: Info@burbeckgroup.com

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A well-presented three-bedroom apartment Six-bedroom house with stunningblock in exclusive Knightsbridge A this well-presented three-bedroom apartment two-acre garden SW7Knightsbridge block Trevor Square,exclusive Knightsbrigdge in this Totteridge Common, London, •Trevor Spacious reception room Square, Knightsbrigdge SW7N20

• Car parking space • Three bedrooms • 24-hour concierge and security A six-bedroom house (6,311sq ft/586sq m) set within two acres of exquisite, landscaped gardens in a highly •Two Spacious reception room Car parking space • en-suite bathrooms ••Approx. ft with / 146sq m on family sought-after location on Totteridge Common. The property has been1,575sq designed a focus • Three bedrooms • 24-hour concierge and security living and entertaining with all principal reception rooms giving access to the outstanding gardens. In • Two en-suite bathrooms • Approx. ft / 146sq mTV room, brief the property comprises six reception rooms including a drawing1,575sq room, conservatory,

GUIDE PRICE

PRICE: £8,000,000 £5,950,000 TENURE: FREEHOLD LEASEHOLD GUIDE PRICE

APPROXIMATELY 984 YEARS £5,950,000

EPC RATING: RATING LEASEHOLD D EPC

EAPPROXIMATELY 984 YEARS

CONTACT: CONTACT EPC RATING MAYFAIR OFFICE OFFICE KNIGHTSBRIDGE E + +44 44 (0)20 (0)207409 78939047 8343 leila.dyominova@harrodsestates.com CONTACT robert.cox@harrodsestates.com KNIGHTSBRIDGE OFFICE harrodsestates.com

+44 (0)20 7893 8343 leila.dyominova@harrodsestates.com

kitchen, dining room, cinema and games room with a fantastic, vaulted ceiling.

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

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A well-presented three-bedroom apartment Ain spectacular detached house in block exclusive Knightsbridge A this well-presented three-bedroom apartment Coombe, Surrey SW7Knightsbridge block Trevor Square,exclusive Knightsbrigdge in this Coombe, Surrey, KT2 •Trevor Spacious reception room Square, Knightsbrigdge SW7

• Car parking space • Three bedrooms • 24-hour concierge and security Set within a small, private, gated development, this spectacular designed neo-Georgian detached house has •Two Spacious reception room Car parking space • en-suite bathrooms ••Approx. ft / 146sq m facing rear accommodation of approximately 12,476 ft2/1,159 m2 on a 0.45 acre plot1,575sq with a south and west • Three bedrooms • 24-hour concierge and security garden and includes 7 very generous bedroom suites, 4 stunning reception rooms and a spectacular double Two en-suite bathrooms Approx. 1,575sq ft / 146sq m swimming height• reception hall with a lift to all levels and staff quarters.•Leisure facilities include a 35ft long

GUIDE PRICE

PRICE: £10,500,000 £5,950,000 TENURE: FREEHOLD LEASEHOLD GUIDE PRICE

APPROXIMATELY 984 YEARS £5,950,000

EPC RATING: RATING LEASEHOLD C EPC

EAPPROXIMATELY 984 YEARS

CONTACT: CONTACT EPC RATING KNIGHTSBRIDGE OFFICE KNIGHTSBRIDGE OFFICE E + +44 44 (0)20 (0)207225 78936797 8343 leila.dyominova@harrodsestates.com CONTACT reem.dougramaji@harrodsestates.com KNIGHTSBRIDGE OFFICE harrodsestates.com +44 (0)20 7893 8343 leila.dyominova@harrodsestates.com

pool, cinema room, gym, garaging for three cars and beautiful grounds.

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

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Attractive Chilterns Farm Amersham, Buckinghamshire Marlow: 13 miles, Central London: 30 miles Residential and agricultural farm in the Chilterns AONB. 7 bedroom period farmhouse, 4 further farm cottages, extensive farmyard with modern and traditional farm buildings, arable farmland, pasture and woodland. Potential to re-establish family shoot. EPCs = E–F About 402 acres | Guide £9.8 million

Alex Lawson Savills London National Farms & Estates 020 3627 0686 alawson@savills.com

Richard Binning Savills Oxford 01865 985 644 rbinning@savills.com

savills

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savills.co.uk

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Outstanding Estate Kirtlington, Oxford Bicester Village Station: 6.5 miles, Oxford: 11 miles Magnificent residential and sporting estate with impressive accommodation and equestrian facilities. 7 bedroom principal house, separate wings with guest cottage, garaging and office, 3 stud complexes, 67 boxes, 8 turnout barns, indoor school, 5 staff houses, 2 flats and paddocks. About 338 acres | Price on application

Crispin Holborow Savills London National Farms & Estates 020 4502 9764 cholborow@savills.com

George Windsor Clive Windsor Clive International 01672 521 155 gfwc@windsorclive.co.uk

savills

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savills.co.uk

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Stunning Country Views Chorleywood, Hertfordshire Chorleywood Station: 0.9 miles, Rickmansworth: 4 miles A newly refurbished family home set in a semi-rural location overlooking farmland. 4 reception rooms, 4 bedrooms (4 en suite), further bathroom, feature galleried mezzanine, 2 summerhouses, level gardens and boating lake. EPC = D About 1 acre | Guide £2.95 million

Graeme Warren Savills Rickmansworth 01923 881 549 gwarren@savills.com

Sue Trybus Savills Rickmansworth 01923 881 519 strybus@savills.com

savills

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savills.co.uk

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Prime Collection

Our specialist residential agency teams are best placed to give you expert advice, whether you’re looking to buy, sell, rent or let.

Get in touch: 020 3957 7353

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WE GENUINELY TAKE THE PAIN OUT OF MOVING... Central and South-West London’s unique estate agency. Please contact us on 020 3876 0280 to discuss selling or letting your home. We cannot believe that Radstock property has been trading for just over a year. From a standing start, we have been the agency of choice for over 50 happy clients, proving that determination, imagination, boldness and problem solving delivers excellence. A bit of the right medicine can genuinely take the pain out of moving.

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Melbourn – 2 miles from Meldreth train station £1,950,000 Mill Farm occupies an idyllic and tranquil semi-rural position fronting onto a narrow single track road linking the villages of Melbourn and Fowlmere. The property is located within a 2 to 2.5km radius of the villages Melbourn, Fowlmere, Meldreth, Shepreth and Foxton. Reception hall, inner court, sitting room, generous gym & shower room, kitchen, utility room, library, office, study, 5 bedrooms (2 ensuites), bathroom. Outside: Delightful landscaped gardens, garage, large store/ workshop. EER: D Contact: Martin Walshe | Cambridge Office: 01223 214214 | martin.walshe@cheffins.co.uk

cheffins.co.uk 01223 214214

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Cambridge – 2 miles from Cambridge train station £1,500,000 A handsome and imposing bay fronted detached residence with well proportioned accommodation over two floors standing within its own established grounds extending to about 0.3 of an acre in this most favoured location on the southern side of the city close to Addenbrookes campus. Entrance hall, shower room, living room, dining room, study, kitchen, utility room, 4 bedrooms, bathroom. Outside: Delightful generous landscaped gardens, garage. EER: D

Contact: Richard Freshwater | Cambridge Office: 01223 214214 | richard.freshwater@cheffins.co.uk

Burrough Green – 5 miles from Newmarket train station £975,000 The Long House is a fine example of modernist architecture, occupying an outstanding location at the end of this village opposite the church. The property sits comfortably within its attractive landscaped grounds approaching half an acre offering scope for enlargement and possible additional dwellings (previous lapsed planning applications for both options STNPC). Reception hall, cloakroom, kitchen/ dining room, utility room, 2 living rooms, 3 bedrooms (1 ensuite), bathroom, dressing room. Outside: Generous and well stocked gardens, summerhouse, detached double garage. EER: D Contact: Richard Freshwater | Cambridge Office: 01223 214214 | richard.freshwater@cheffins.co.uk

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Derbyshire’s dedicated sales and acquisition agents.

ITHERSAY COTTAGE Ecclesbourne Lane, Idridgehay, Derbyshire A charming family home dating from circa 1836, set in lovely, south facing gardens, with planning consent to extend offering considerable further potential accommodation. Entrance hall, drawing room, dining room, snug, two conservatories, kitchen/breakfast room, large barn/reception room, cloakroom, master bedroom with en suite bathroom, two further bedrooms, family shower room, store room, workshop. Off road parking and triple garage. Lovely, mature gardens. Vegetable garden. Two greenhouses. Summer House. Two sheds. EPC rating F Guide price on application Viewing: by appointment edward@caudwellandco.com or 07766 565893

Tel:01629 01629 810018 Tel: 810018 Email edward@caudwellandco.com • www.caudwellandco.com Country & Townhouse Full Page Ad June.indd 1 Caudwell & Co.indd 1

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22/06/2021 14:39 22/06/2021 16:35

Available for the first time in 30 years.

Matching people and property in London for over 160 years.

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LAST WORD ‘Musical weirdo and visionary’, Beatie Wolfe stands out by not fitting in

Tales of our Time There’s a freedom in not fitting in, says Michael Hayman

‘musical weirdo’ is how Vice magazine described Beatie Wolfe. But if you listen to her music, or experience her groundbreaking work, it’s likely you might use words like ‘amazing’ or ‘incredible’, instead. It turns out that musical weirdo is about the only label Beatie is prepared to use to describe who she is and what she does. For her message is this: be yourself. Don’t let the need to typecast or stereotype put you in any given box. Create, don’t conform. It makes me think about the age-old question: ‘What do you do?’. It’s one many find increasingly hard to answer and one that I always feel very limited by.

But don’t mistake the freedom of not fitting in as a proxy for opting out. This year, Beatie played and spoke at the inaugural Nobel Prize Summit and is one of nine female innovators deemed ‘impossible to ignore’ by the United Nations. Pioneering new sounds and ways of consuming music that bridge the digital and the physical worlds, she’s beamed her tunes into space, created a wearable record jacket, and co-founded a research project looking into the power of music for people living with dementia. The late neurologist Oliver Sacks has influenced her thinking. He wrote that: ‘Music can lift us out of depression or move us to tears – it is a remedy, a tonic, orange juice for the ear.’ Orange Juice for the Ears is thus the title of Beatie’s 2019 documentary commissioned by the Barbican. She also cites Mother Nature as her

inspiration and uses the words of William Blake that ‘nature is imagination itself’. And for her it is in nature that we can find joy, happiness and meaning. Because it’s the thing that makes us real. That means a rethink about life and its direction of travel to find rhythm and connection, not rules or certainties. Her quote for life belongs to Jim Henson (aka Kermit the Frog): ‘As you start travelling down that road of life, remember this: There are never enough comfort stops. The places you’re going to are never on the map. And once you get that map out, you won’t be able to refold it no matter how smart you are. So forget the map, roll down the windows, and whenever you can, pull over and have a picnic with a pig.’ After my chat with Beatie I left feeling that even a picnic with a pig might not be a weird thing to do. n

READ Musicophilia: Tales of Music and the Brain by Oliver Sacks (Pan Macmillan, £12.99). LISTEN My interview with Beatie Wolfe on the Change Makers podcast (changemakers. works). WATCH Orange Juice for the Ears, a documentary investigating the impact of technological change on our culture and society (beatiewolfe.com).

PHOTOS: ROSS HARRIS; KIZZY

TA L K I N G P O I N T S

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When the conditions are unpredictable you need a watch that isn’t. Supermarine Chrono Blue

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