Country & Town House - Mar/Apr 2024 by Country & Town House Magazine

A LIFE IN BALANCE

MAR ⁄ APR 2024 £5.99

WOLDS AWAY

DIDDLY SQUAT

HITCHED!

DO YOU NEED A VISUAL DETOX?

Why we’re still crazy about The Cotswolds

Get your wedmin sorted

Down on the farm with Lisa Hogan

The

Gentlewoman KAYA SCODELARIO GOES GANGSTER

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ANY WHERE ANYTIME.

FOPE PHOTOGRAPHED BY THOMAS LOHR FOPE.COM

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Contents

MAR APR 2024

COLUMNS 26

28 176

THE GOOD LIFE Alice B-B is having a spring clean THE RURBANIST Beloved historical author Philippa Gregory LAST WORD Michael Hayman on education, education, education

STYLE 33 34 36 38

40 42

EASY DOES IT Not-so-slouchy PJs THE STYLIST Denim you’re destined to desire THE EDIT It’s B Corp month BLUE SKIES, BARE LEGS Stylish pieces for making an escape THE MAGPIE Jewellery news WELL GROOMED Men’s style

SAVE THE DATE 49

From dresses to honeymoons and everything in between, we bring you the ultimate wedding black book with the all the names, products and places you need to make your big day swing

HEALTH & WELLBEING 73 74

76 78

TAKE A LEAP Dive into wellness THE SCOOP Slip into Shleep for a dreamy night’s sleep BODY & SOUL Don’t underestimate balance BODY LANGUAGE Olivia Falcon investigates the latest health hype NAD+ infusions

82 88 90 92 94 95 96 98 Skirt Aadnevik Corset Vivienne Westwood Shoes Dior

102

100

COLLECT ABLE Pick up some inspiring new pieces at the Affordable Art Fair CULTURAL CALENDAR What to see, read and do GOOD NEWS An antidote to doomscrolling ARTIST’S STUDIO Kojo Marfo THE EXHIBITIONIST Ed Vaizey dives into the Tate’s Yoko One retrospective LITTLE GREEN BOOK Meeting the man saving glass from waste through art in Kenya THE CONSERVATIONIST It’s off to court for James Wallace ROAD TEST Jeremy Taylor gets behind the wheel of the Ferrari Purosangue THRILLS, SPILLS & COUNTRY FRILLS We’re giddy for 100 years of the Cheltenham Gold Cup SCARFES BAR Diana Verde Nieto is helping craft a new narrative around luxury – one with equality and sustainability at its heart

PHOTO: © PAUL FARRELL

CULTURE

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Contents

MAR APR 2024

FEATURES 102 112 116 120 124

128

BOSS GIRL Amy Wakeham meets Kaya Scodelario to talk about her feisty new role in Guy Ritchie’s The Gentlemen FEAR IS THE ENEMY Legendary actress Harriet Walter talks to Lucy Cleland about tackling the refugee crisis WHAT DO YOU SEE? In her new book, Marine Tanguy explains how imagery shapes our wellbeing A COTSWOLDS & BULL STORY Sophia Money-Coutts on why the Cotswolds will never lose its allure CLARKSON’S GIRL With a new series of Clarkson's Farm on the horizon, Lucy Cleland catches up with one of its stars, Lisa Hogan NO PLASTIC? FANTASTIC! Join the refill revolution, says Tessa Dunthorne

ON DESIGN 131

All you need for an interiors update with sumptuous wallpapers, fabulous fabrics and design advice straight from the experts

TRAVEL 153

156 158 159 160 162

TO THE ENDS OF THE EARTH Yasemen Kaner-White heads to the most ethereal part of our planet, the Antarctic THE ESCAPIST Travel news THE TRIP Francisca Kellett on how holidaying sustainably got sexy THE WEEKENDER Maastricht SUMBA STYLE Wild horses wouldn’t drag you away from this stunning Indonesian island HOME FROM HOME Villa holidays both home and abroad

FOOD & DRINK 167

169

WINNER WINNER Kitty Coles’ leftover roast chicken tacos GASTRO GOSSIP Foodie news

PROPERTY ON THE COVER Dress Celia Kritharioti 8.6ct white diamond earrings set in white gold Graff Shoes Rene Caovilla Sunglasses Saint Laurent @ MATCHESFASHION

Fashion Director: Nicole Smallwood Photographer: Paul Farrell Make-up: Zoe Taylor @ Blanket using Lancôme Hair: GHD UK pro ambassador James Earnshaw Manicurist: Christie Huseyin using Chanel

171

172 174

HOUSE OF THE MONTH A historic property in Nice FIVE OF THE BEST Original designs ON BROADWAY Anna Tyzack on the American adoration of the Cotswolds

REGULARS

16 19 46

EDITOR’S LETTER CONTRIBUTORS SOCIAL SCENE

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BUY, SELL & TRADE

124

Editor’s LETTER

t’s a fact that whenever we write about Jeremy Clarkson and his smash hit show Clarkson’s Farm, our website visitor numbers go through the roof. Love him or loathe him, the guy has extraordinary pulling power. But so too does his similarly charismatic girlfriend, Lisa Hogan. I took a stroll with her around Holland Park to find out what her own plans are for the Diddly Squat empire – and what Jeremy’s most romantic act is. You’ll have to turn to page 124 to find out. Will the Cotswolds ever fall out of fashion?

EDITOR’S PICKS INVEST Add some joy to your interiors with artist Charlotte Colbert’s furniture range in collaboration with 1st Dibs

It seems unlikely (have you seen the queues to get into to the Diddly Squat farmshop?). The Disneyfication of the rolling golden fields and honey-stoned villages continues apace. With the recent arrival of Estelle Manor and a profusion of destination pubs sprouting up, it’s no wonder visitors confuse their ‘bells’ with their ‘bulls’, says Sophia Money-Coutts, who charts the area’s seemingly inexorable rise on page 120. You can’t read a newspaper or hear a news bulletin without mention of ‘the migrant crisis’. Behind a pair of red doors in West London, a charity is working hard to help those who arrive on our shores – some legally, others not so. Most are traumatised from the very effort of reaching somewhere safe, but their trauma is far from over as they navigate their new situation. One of West London Welcome’s patrons is the actress Harriet Walter, best known as Lady Collingwood in Succession, and she tells me why fear is our greatest enemy when it comes to the political rhetoric around asylum seekers – and how, as an actor, it’s her job to get the audience to have a look behind the stereotype (p112). A picture tells a thousand words, but have we computed what that means in our consumer-led lifestyles? We see hundreds of images every day 116 – persuading us, cajoling us, seducing us with their messaging – implicit or otherwise. It’s no wonder that kids now recognise the Coca-Cola logo better than they do an oak leaf. Imagery is powerful. Which is the thesis of art entrepreneur Marine Tanguy’s book The Visual Detox – in which she exhorts us to wake up and better understand our visual landscape (p116). Finally, you’ll probably know our cover girl Kaya Scodelario best as Eff y from Skins, the groundbreaking drama that won acclaim for its honest depiction of the British youth experience. Now 31, and ‘all grown up’, Kaya seamlessly slips into ‘Boss Girl’ mode as Susie Glass in Guy Ritchie’s new Netflix series The Gentlemen. Cool and confident, Kaya has been in the game long enough to call out ‘bullsh*t’ when she sees it and her candour is 120 delightfully refreshing (p102). Just like this issue, we hope.

EAT I’m loving The Soil Association’s riff on the famous Happy Meal – all made with organic ingredients and nutritionally devised to be good for you and your gut

SUPPORT March is B Corp month so we’ll be showing our support to brands like Aspiga, which do better

READ For country lovers, this is a fabulous looside book to dip into – exploring our rural history through tools, toys and objects

16 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM | March /April 2024

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CONTRIBUTORS

What Do You See, p116

A Cotswolds & Bull Story, p120

To The Ends Of The Earth, p153

House Proud, p143

MARINE TANGUY

SOPHIA MONEY-COUTTS

YASEMEN KANER-WHITE

MARGARET HUSSEY

Favourite design era? Art Deco for its bold lines, vivid colours from the Fauvism movement and joy from the Ballets Russes. What's on your wish list for your home? An artwork by Kara Walker. I absolutely adore her work. She was able to explore issues of race, gender and identity in so many formats from printmaking, installation, film and paintings. Favourite artist? I can’t answer this question! But I am very excited to release so many new names on our agency's portfolio over the coming weeks. It’s an exciting year for our talent pool. Favourite gallery? White Cube, it has shaped the British art scene over the past decades. How I would have loved to have been in the first original square room in 1993 and witnessed the beginnings of Gavin Turk and Tracey Emin.

Favourite design era? Right now, I’m working on a Victorian project so I’m all about Victoriana – rich reds and maroons, thick curtains, dark furniture, dim lighting and tapestries on the wall. What's on your wish list for your home? I’m obsessively ordering fabric samples for my sitting room curtains right now. I am extremely lucky to have been given quite a lot of old furniture and art, so I’m thinking a more contemporary pattern. But will that look mad? Help! Favourite artist? Anita Klein, an Australian artist who often paints chubby naked ladies. Or chubby naked angels. I have two of hers and I love them. Cheerful without being twee. Favourite gallery? Whenever I have writer’s block, I walk from my house in Crystal Palace to the Dulwich Picture Gallery. Partly to be inspired by the art; partly for the excellent cake.

Favourite design era? It has to be Art Deco: the geometrics, sunrise motifs, striking colours and importantly the flashes of gold, so many attributes that I love. What's on your wish list for your home? I'd quite like a Diptyque electric diffuser for the home. I think a large one in the hallway would be really ideal – attractive and functional! Favourite artist? Frida Kahlo. The way she depicts her life in her artwork – it's a colourful diary come to life, and her personality really shines through each of her works. Favourite gallery? The Saatchi Gallery on Duke of York Square in Chelsea, for the intriguing artwork it shows, as well as the handy location for shopping and eating afterwards. It's always a joy to visit.

Favourite design era? The Sixties. I love the clean lines and designs like the Panton Chair, which began to revolutionise the way we furnished our homes. I’ve recently re-watched Mad Men and the attention to detail to pieces from that period is exquisite. Favourite artist? Lucian Freud. One of my first art buys was a poster of Double Portrait, his daughter with a whippet. I love the composition, the way they are intertwined. Up close you can see the mastery of his brushwork and his subject choice is always fascinating. Favourite gallery? Tate Modern. The beautifully curated exhibitions always engage and surprise you – like last year’s Hilma af Klint and Piet Mondrian: Forms of Life and this year’s brilliantly interactive Yoko Ono: Music of the Mind.

WA N T T O K NOW W H AT ’ S ON ? Get the C&TH editor’s picks and our weekly guide to What’s On — and you’ll never say you have nothing to do. Sign up at countryandtownhouse.com/newsletter countryandtownhousemagazine

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LUCY CLELAND EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

EDITOR-AT-LARGE ALICE B-B ASSOCIATE EDITOR CHARLOTTE METCALF DEPUTY EDITOR AMY WAKEHAM ASSISTANT EDITOR & SUB EDITOR TESSA DUNTHORNE SUB EDITORS KATIE BAMBER, RUBY FEATHERSTONE, ANDREW BRASSLEAY FASHION DIRECTOR NICOLE SMALLWOOD BEAUTY DIRECTOR NATHALIE ELENI INTERIORS DIRECTOR CAROLE ANNETT CULTURE EDITOR ED VAIZEY EXECUTIVE RETAIL EDITOR MARIELLA TANDY TRAVEL EDITOR-AT-LARGE FRAN KELLETT SUSTAINABILITY EDITOR LISA GRAINGER PROPERTY EDITOR ANNA TYZACK MOTORING EDITOR JEREMY TAYLOR ONLINE CONTENT DIRECTOR REBECCA COX DEPUTY ONLINE EDITOR ELLIE SMITH ONLINE WRITERS CHARLIE COLVILLE, OLIVIA EMILY ONLINE ASSISTANT MARTHA DAVIES SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER DANIELLA LAXTON CREATIVE & PRODUCTION DIRECTOR PARM BHAMRA DESIGN & PRODUCTION MIA BIAGIONI ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER ELLIE RIX HEAD OF FASHION EMMA MARSH SENIOR ACCOUNT DIRECTOR PANDORA LEWIS ACCOUNT DIRECTOR SERENA KNIGHT DIGITAL COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR ADAM DEAN SPECIAL PROJECTS DIRECTOR SOPHIE STONEHAM SENIOR ACCOUNT MANAGER SABRINA RAVEN SALES SUPPORT, OFFICE & JOINT B CORP PROJECT MANAGER XA RODGER TECHNICAL DIRECTOR MARK PEARSON CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER GARETH MORRIS FINANCE CONTROLLER LAUREN HARTLEY FINANCE ADMINISTRATOR RIA HARRISON HUMAN RESOURCES CONSULTANT ZOE JONES PROPERTY & MARKETING ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR AND JOINT B CORP PROJECT MANAGER GEMMA COWLEY CHIEF COMMERCIAL OFFICER TIA GRAHAM CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER JAMES THROWER MANAGING DIRECTOR JEREMY ISAAC CONTRIBUTING EDITORS AND WRITERS TIFFANIE DARKE, JAMES WALLACE, STEPHEN BAYLEY, FIONA DUNCAN, OLIVIA FALCON, DAISY FINER, AVRIL GROOM, MICHAEL HAYMAN, LAUREN HO, RICHARD HOPTON, EMMA LOVE, MARY LUSSIANA, ANNA PASTERNAK, CAROLINE PHILLIPS THE EDITOR editorial@countryandtownhouse.co.uk FASHION fashion@countryandtownhouse.co.uk ADVERTISING advertising@countryandtownhouse.co.uk

PROPERTY ADVERTISING property@countryandtownhouse.co.uk ACCOUNTS accounts@countryandtownhouse.co.uk SUBSCRIPTIONS subscribe@countryandtownhouse.co.uk

COUNTRY & TOWN HOUSE is a bi-monthly magazine distributed to AB homes in Barnes, Battersea, Bayswater, Belgravia, Brook Green, Chelsea, Chiswick, Clapham, Coombe, Fulham, Hampstead, Holland Park, Kensington, Knightsbridge, Marylebone, Mayfair, Notting Hill, Pimlico, South Kensington, Wandsworth and Wimbledon, as well as being available from leading country and London estate agents. It is also on sale at selected WHSmith, Waitrose, Marks & Spencer and Sainsbury’s stores and independent newsagents nationwide. It has an estimated readership of 150,000. It is available on subscription in the UK for £39.99 per annum. To subscribe online, iPad, iPhone and Android all for only £9.99/month, visit: exacteditions.com/ read/countrytownhouse. For subscription enquiries, please call 020 7384 9011 or email subscribe@countryandtownhouse. co.uk. It is published by Country & Town House Ltd, Studio 2, Chelsea Gate Studios, 115 Harwood Road, London SW6 4QL (tel: 020 7384 9011). Registered number 576850 England and Wales. Printed in the UK by William Gibbons and Sons Ltd, West Midlands. Paper supplied by Gerald Judd. Distribution by Letterbox. Copyright © 2024 Country & Town House Ltd. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is strictly prohibited. Materials are accepted on the understanding that no liability is incurred for safe custody. The publisher cannot be responsible for unsolicited material. All prices are correct at the time of going to press but are subject to change. While every care is taken to ensure information is correct at time of going to press, it is subject to change, and C&TH Ltd. takes no responsibility for omissions or errors

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COLUMN

The GOOD LIFE Alice B-B makes a new start for spring

THIS MONTH I’LL BE...

TRIALLING Lyma’s new pro laser; saggy arms, crinkly knees, jowly jaw – begone (lyma.life). ILLUMINATING with jeweller Solange Azagury-Partridge’s portable Murano glass lights (greenwolf.co.uk). SWALLOWING Seed Daily Synbiotic; brilliant science ensuring the probiotics reach your colon alive (seed.com)

ILLUSTRATION BY MEI MEI, @MEIMEI_2503

‘I can’t take HRT, so I need to find help NATURALLY instead’

IFESTYLE CHANGE… is bloody hard. Tougher still, is making the changes stick. However, I think Combe Grove, the UK’s first metabolic health retreat led by Dr Campbell Murdoch, might have the answer (poor metabolic heath is the driver for most modern diseases). I visited the glorious Somerset valley to trial the menopause retreat. I’m swooshing down the peri-menopause vortex and as I’ve had breast cancer it’s suggested I don’t take HRT, so I need help naturally supporting my body, brain and perk (while all my pals sail through, merrily rubbing in hormones!). My week was ace and here’s why I think it works: 1. They teach you the actual science behind achieving good metabolic health. So not just didactically prescribing the usual – more sleep, more veg, more exercise, less stress. But via doctors and pros explaining how and why. 2. I wore a continual glucose monitor so I could see the effects of fasting, food and exercise. 3. Results are encouragingly instant – after a week I was less tired, my eyes and skin were brighter and, yes, I’d lost some weight. 4. The game-changer; do a week’s retreat and you get a year of hand-holding from the Combe Grove team including regular blood tests, nutritional consultations, webinars, cooking classes, meditation sessions. All of which help to cement those blasted lifestyle changes. On that note – I’m booking a consultation with fabulous dietitian Dr Rebecca Hiscutt to discuss my outrageous sugar cravings (combegrove.com). A FRESH START. Not just a spring clean. Like fashion, it’s a good thing to keep decorating so you don’t get stuck in a house rut and find your once hot Crittall windows suddenly look terribly dated. The designers whose projects I salivate over include Rose Uniacke, who treats every element like a show-stopping movie star, whether a burr poplar desk, a sofa or even a light switch. There’s nothing, ‘that’ll do’ with Rose. I also can’t resist Rita Konig’s delicious colour combinations and her way of making rooms feel like you want to fill them with people and parties and fun. I adore Fran Hickman’s talent for making the mundane (e.g. a spiral staircase) become a stunning piece of sculpture. The elegant British tradition of layering colour, fabric and things found on your travels is perfected by Victoria von Westenholz. And boy do I lust after Gavin Houghton’s instinctive originality; a yellow ceiling, glossy apple-green window surround and dirty pink carpet. The frustrated decorator in me is ready to burst out again – tape measure and dungarees at the ready. IT WORKS... I know it works because I took before and after pictures (and no you can’t see them!). After manual lymphatic drainage with Brazilian bombshell Flavia Morellato, my tummy went from stuffed with pancake to pancake flat. I’m a bit obsessed with the lymphatic system, which helps the body filter out waste and bacteria. So I’m also using the body roller at Re Place in Notting Hill; a machine with a rolling lattice of wooden balls that works for sports recovery, keeping the dreaded cellulite at bay and – most importantly – working to optimise the lymphatic system. n

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BY APPOINTMENT TO HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN SUPPLIERS OF WALLPAPER, COLE & SON (WALLPAPERS) LTD. LONDON

3 Jubilee Place, Chelsea London, SW3 3TD cole-and-son.com

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INTERVIEW

The RURBANIST

Beloved historical author Philippa Gregory on the pleasure of work and the pain of rain

What’s bringing you joy at the moment? So many

things. My dog, a beautiful Irish setter, always my children, and the emerging spring in my garden where I have a stream of snowdrops and a wood filled with bright yellow aconite. What’s annoying you most right now? The rain. The mud. When is it going to stop raining? What advice would you give your 15-year-old self?

Almost all the things you are most upset about are beyond your control, and the things that are in your control are going to come out all right. What keeps you awake at night? Excitement about work, which wakes me with stories in my head. What could you have been arrested for? A couple of misjudgements, but never any risk to life. Best life hack you can share with us? Always carry your toothbrush in your hand luggage when flying, in case they lose your luggage. What does sustainability mean to you? It’s a constant attempt to not damage the place I am in, and if possible improve it. How can we save the world? We have to change our western lifestyles to consume, spoil, and destroy a lot less – and support developing countries to adopt new clean technology. We’ve got to live like stewards of the world and not like greedy maniacs. Your greatest failure? I’m sorry I lost some campaigns I worked on, and I’m sorry that I lost some friends along the way. Your greatest triumph? Probably the best thing I have ever done is raise funds and pay for wells to be dug in rural schools of The Gambia, Africa, so that school children can learn sustainable agriculture and not depend on the rains, have clean water to drink through the day and grow their own school dinners. We’ve dug 250 wells so far. Your epitaph would read... Just my name and dates to help historians centuries from now. I couldn’t define myself in such a short word count. What does a life in balance mean to you? A mix of self-care and care for others, work that is pleasure, and being ready to work on the joys in life.

Philippa has helped raise funds for wells to be dug in rural Africa

Philippa’s debut stage play, Richard, My Richard, will run at Shakespeare North Playhouse from 8-30 March, followed by Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds from 11-27 April n

SCENT Chanel No 5. BOX SET Vanderpump Rules. CHOCOLATE BAR Cadbury’s Fruit & Nut. SONG Walk of Life. DISH Fish pie. GADGET Laptop.

PHOTOS: GETTY IMAGES

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STYLE Edited by Mariella Tandy

Easy Does It

The style forecast for spring 2024? We’re dreaming of breezy silhouettes and billowing fabrics – nailed by Yaitte’s men’s pyjamainspired shirt and trouser sets, made from Japanese cotton. yaitte.com

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COLUMN

The STYLIST

Guilt-free jeans are possible – just use your imagination, says Tiffanie Darke

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Fanfare the Label’s embroidered jeans; the cult Loewe pair; E.L.V. Denim only uses upcycled denim

he wrong denim can date you. A friend following the Rule of Five (whereby you only purchase five new items of clothing a year) was bullied into buying a new pair of jeans when her teenage daughter declared her denim ‘waaaay out of date’. In 2024 they are baggy, wide-legged, voluminous. Showing your thigh gap is very pre pandemic. Trends are hard to deal with if you are trying to curate a sustainable wardrobe. Impermanent by their very nature, it’s best to duck out of trends entirely. Country core, Mobwife, Uniqlo’s cross body pouch: give them all a skip, they’ll be dead by the time you read this. But jeans? They really show your fashion credibility. If you’re still wearing skinnies, it’s time to move on. But you don’t have to buy a new pair – the best denim brands are using their imagination to issue an update. Patched up denim is very acceptable, and thanks to the ‘double’ and ‘triple denim’ styling trends of the last few years, layering up shades earns you cool points. E.L.V. Denim founder Anna Foster takes it one step further, splicing two vintage styles together to create one contemporary look. As an ex-stylist for i-D, she has a laser fashion eye; the styles she issues guarantee front row status. What’s more, you don’t even have to buy new. Send her a couple of pairs of your own, and she will turn them into something even a teenager would wear. Alternatively, try Fanfare the Label. Taking a similar model of upcycling unwanted fabrics and applying contemporary design, Fanfare offers imaginative ways to customise a tired pair. It recently embroidered white cord piping over a pair of my mom jeans, which I think look even better than last year’s hit Loewe pair. A partnership with Liberty saw Fanfare offering its signature fabric patches (I got them to cover two of my belt loops), but it also offers so many creative solutions using silk and sequin embroidery, laser and screen printing and more. Founder Esther Knight, who cut her sustainable fashion teeth at Vivienne Westwood, says ‘I want to encourage customers to keep hold of their clothing for as long as possible. Denim is one of the most unsustainable products in terms of the way it is produced. Upcycling your jeans not only keeps them relevant, it helps tell your own story. That means you’re likely to cherish that garment for longer.’ So: don’t let your jeans date you. Just use your imagination. n

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STYLE | News

The

EDIT Your spring style update. By Mariella Tandy

SWISH SWISH

The new haircare heroes of 2024

Loro Piana’s luxury heritage and savoirfaire is encapsulated in its new Loom Bag. A versatile tote bag for every day, it has a metal bar under the flap that recalls the way fabric drapes over the heddle bar of a loom, as well as the workshops of maison’s master craftspeople. Available in the softest calfskin leather, as well as cotton and linen canvas for summer, this is destined to be the new quiet luxury it bag. £3,775 (from April), loropiana.com

TROPICAL SHOPPING

1 Briogeo Destined for Density serum, £48. cultbeauty.com 2 Augustinus Bader The Rich Conditioner, £43. harrods.com 3 Act and Acre Microbiome Cooling scalp serum, £64. actandacre.com

Rado’s Anatom watch was given cult status when painted by Andy Warhol in 1987. Now, The Anatom has received a rather meta update with colourful dials inspired by Warhol’s painting. £3,150, rado.com

PHOTOS: © MICHAEL FRANKE

ABOUT TIME

A taste of vibrant Brazil has landed on the King’s Road in the form of B Corp fashion brand Farm Rio, which has opened its first London store on the iconic street. Head there to try out its signature tropical print dresses and rainbow-bright knitwear. 86 King’s Rd, London SW3. farmrio.eu

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JOHNSTONS OF ELGIN Cashmere T-shirt, £395. johnstonsofelgin.com

WITH NOTHING UNDERNEATH The Classic Denim, £130. withnothingunderneath.com

OTIUMBERG Arc hoops, £195. otiumberg.com

ON THE RADAR Brilliant B Corp style brands

LIFE’S A BEACH

Inspired by her trips to Barbados, Suzannah London has launched her first collection of vacation wear that sits alongside her much loved mainline collections. Tea dress, £900. suzannah.com

FAITHFULL THE BRAND San Paolo midi dress, $199. faithfullthebrand.com

DON’T SLEEP ON THIS

FINISTERRE Croft workwear balloon trousers, £95. finisterre.com

PHOTOS: © MICHAEL FRANKE

ELVIS & KRESSE Whitstable tote, £290. elvisandkresse.com

GANNI Western boots, £625. ganni.com

Ahead of World Sleep Day (15 March), the celebrity bed brand of choice for the likes of Emily Blunt and Cillian Murphy, Hästens, has just the thing for us insomniacs: its very own Sleep Restore app. It’s based on Dr Jussi Eerikäinen’s mindset methods, combining frequency tones and music to provide users with tailored soundscapes to listen to throughout the day. It aims to improve listeners’ concentration, focus, gratitude, creativity, productivity, stress management and relaxation, with the ultimate goal of enhancing sleep quality. hastens.com

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STYLE | Wardrobe

BLUE SKIES, BARE LEGS With warmer weather just around the corner, Mariella Tandy is in a celebratory mood

PRELOVED

INVEST

RENT

GUCCI @ LUXE COLLECTIVE Belt, £245. luxecollective fashion.com TOM FORD @ BYROTATION Purple Pilot sunglasses, rent from £10. byrotation.com

TROY LONDON The Stock shirt, £180 troylondon.com

LK BENNETT Dress, £329 lkbennett.com

LOCK & CO Whitby Sun Hat, £395 lockhatters.com

VAMPIRE’S WIFE @ MWHQ Villanelle dress, rent from £33. mywardrobehq.com

PALM NOOSA @ MWHQ Domino Dress, £300 mywardrobehq.com

TOVE @ RITES Lauryn dress, rent from £69. rites.co

JACQUEMUS @ XUPES Linen Le Bambino bag, £589. xupes.com VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Frivole earrings, £POA vancleefarpels.com

JEAN PAUL GAULTIER @ OMNĒQUE Clip on earrings, £425. omneque.com BULGARI @ HANCOCKS 1990s 18ct tricolour gold Serpenti Tubogas cuff, £POA. hancockslondon.com

VALENTINO @ 4ELEMENT Amber and crystal clip on earrings, rent from £75. 4element.co.uk

SWAINE Bolster bag, £2,700. swaine.london

DIOR Songe ballet flat, £800. dior.com

LOEWE @ COCOON Gate small crossbody bag, rent from £19. cocoon.club

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STYLE | Jewellery MAKING A SPLASH

Gucci enlisted supermodel Daria Werbowy to showcase its latest High Jewellery collection in the pool at Chateau Marmont in Hollywood. The new designs reflect nature’s transformations through an array of precious gemstones in rich tones, featuring incredible Paraiba tourmalines, emeralds and yellow sapphires. gucci.com

A STITCH IN TIME

The Magpie The latest jewellery news. By Mariella Tandy

This season, Audemars Piguet has collaborated with haute couture designer Tamara Ralph to create the Royal Oak Concept Flying Tourbillon, showcasing an 18ct pink gold case adorned with frosted gold. Its multi-layered dial takes inspiration from the bold femininity and textured detailing of Tamara’s couture creations. Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Concept Flying Tourbillon ‘Tamara Ralph’ Limited Edition, £POA, audemarspiguet.com

LOCKED & LOADED Key-themed jewellery

FROM THE STARS

IN KNOTS

Graff’s new Tilda’s bow collection symbolises flawless perfection and family bonds – perfectly tied in beautiful diamond bows. £POA, graff.com

Historically only found in bridal or high jewellery, US brand Platinum Born, which just landed in Battersea Power Station’s ROX boutique, is defining the material for a new generation. All of the Earth’s platinum arrived on this planet via a meteor shower two billion years ago – meaning this naturally occurring and hypoallergenic pure white metal, 30 times rarer than gold, is truly out of this world. platinumborn.com

1 EERA Pink and Diamond key earring, £1,125. brownsfashion.com 2 THEO FENNELL Baby Key 18ct gold pendant, £1,500. theofennell.com 3 TIFFANY & CO. Woven Keys bracelet in rose gold and diamonds, £POA. tiffany.co.uk

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STYLE | Men’s IF THE HAT FITS…

Lock & Co may be the oldest hat shop in the world and one of the oldest family businesses still in existence, but that doesn’t stop it from being thoroughly modern milliners when it comes to essential headgear stylings. Tremelo bakerboy cap, £225. lockhatters.com

NEW KICKS

Well Groomed Spring style updates, sorted. By Matt Thomas

There’s a new workto-weekend sneaker style in town. Scandicool brand CQP has just launched its Roamer collection of Italian suede kicks, which are elevated enough for a (casual, admittedly) office, but slick enough for your off-duty wardrobe, too. Available in four colourways, £358. c-qp.com

SCENTS OF SPRING Spritz appeal

ALL NATURAL, BABY

NOTHING NEW HERE

Unlike most modern sportswear, Community Clothing’s new line of high performance athletic clothing is 100 percent plastic free, organic, natural and biodegradable. Organic Athletic range, from £29. communityclothing.co.uk

Luxury made-inEngland essentials brand SPA has released a limited capsule using fabric supplied by Raeburn, the London-based design studio that is a stalwart in the field of upcycling. spa-studios.com

TAKE A HIKE

Head for the hills this season

TURNBULL & ASSER Weekend fit Finch shirt, £395. turnbullandasser.co.uk BARBOUR Transport wax jacket, £269. barbour.com

CHEANEY Torridon R Hiker Boots in burgundy, £495. cheaney.co.uk

1 GRANADO Patchouli EDP, £58 for 100ml. granado.uk 2 PENHALIGON’S AlUla EDP, £195 for 100ml. penhaligons.com 3 DOLCE & GABBANA The One For Men Gold, £109 for 100ml. harrods.com

GANDYS Burnt orange waxed Bali backpack, £99.99. gandysinternational.com

4 BDK PARFUMS Crème de Cuir EDP, £175 for 100ml. fenwick.co.uk

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Bibury

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

MADE IN ENGLAND | SINCE 1879

Our relaxed adaptation of a summer classic, The Chukka featuring our new Wedge Rubber Sole

CROCKETTANDJONES.COM

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Swaine products feature in the James Bond classics Dr. No, From Russia With Love, Goldfinger and Octopussy

David Bowie wears Swaine in The Man Who Fell to Earth

Newsboy Cap, £220. One of several Herbert Johnson hats to appear in a recent Birmingham-set television series. swaine.london Bond attaché, £3,200. swaine.london

AS SEEN ON SCREEN

How the House of Swaine’s beloved brands came to define cinema’s most iconic accessories

e can all picture the scene: American archaeologistcum-adventurer, Indiana Jones, slides under a closing stone door, loses his hat, and, against all odds, reaches back to rescue it just in the nick of time. It’s no wonder, then, that House of Swaine – which comprises Swaine, Herbert Johnson, the hatter behind Indy’s favourite accessory, plus umbrella maker Brigg – can claim to create goods that last for generations – they’ve survived attacks and traps all around the globe (at least on the screen). The House of Swaine was founded in 1750, and so predates the first blockbuster flicks, but since the talkies took off, it has been accessorising movie stars. Indiana

Jones is but one character in Swaine’s silver screen stable (he was initially kitted out by Herbert Johnson for the first movie in 1981, and then in every successive movie including the recent Dials Of Destiny). The rest of the cohort includes James Bond (From Russia With Love, released 1963, sees a Swaine attaché case bandied about), while Don Lockwood’s umbrella is made by Brigg in Singin’ in the Rain, and the Peaky Blinders’ sport flatcaps are by the heritage hatter Herbert Johnson. Whether it’s fedoras, umbrellas or attaché cases, every Swaine product is handcrafted in Mayfair, London, by skilled artisans employing well-honed craft techniques. www.swaine.london

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PR O M OT I O N

Patrick Macnee wears Swaine in The Avengers spy TV series Harrison Ford wears Swaine in the Indiana Jones franchise

One of the iconic Fedora Hats as worn by Indiana Jones. The Raider Poet, £495. swaine.london

Singin’ in the Rain Whangee Umbrella, £520. swaine.london

The classic rainy day musical Singin’ in the Rain is one of the famous flicks in which a House of Swaine product appears – but they’ve also been in The Avengers (1960s), Mary Poppins, The Man Who Fell to Earth, Dr Who and Dad’s Army, among others.

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STYLE | Social Scene

Geoff K Cooper

Paul Stockton

Hector Maclean Azzi Glasser Natalia Cassel Nicola Purdue

Julian Vogel

Cindy Chambers

Mo Mohsenin

PARTY TIME

Anabel Kindersley

Naeem Anthony

Juliet Kinsman

Edwin de la Renta

Claudia Stebbings

Gathering together the best of British at the annual GBB celebration

Luca del Bono Francesca Barrow

Annoushka Ducas

Cameron Duodu

ot even a wet and windy night or a train strike could prevent our Great British Brands from turning out in force at The May Fair Hotel to celebrate the publication of GBB’s The Human Issue, which explored how important it is for brands to keep the human touch in a world that’s set to become more and more dominated by artificial intelligence. After all, what could be more human than connecting in real life? Glasses were raised to this year’s very worthy award winners – Red Savannah (community), Barbour (sustainability), 886 by The Royal Mint (product), Theatre Royal Drury Lane (craft) and Berry Bros. & Rudd (Judges’ Award) – whose representatives were each given a bespoke trophy designed by Thomas Lyte in a ceremony sponsored by Rathbones. As we gear up for Great British Brands’ 10th anniversary edition next year, it was wonderful to survey the buzzing, glittering room filled with over 300 people, all invested in innovating, supporting and creating Great British businesses.

George MorganGrenville

Silmiya Hendricks

Jamila Saidi

Nazy Vassegh

Jez Bassinder

Rob Carter Nick Carter Nicola Hodson

Dominic Jones

Trevor Griffith

PHOTOS: © MARCUS DAWES

Katy Wickremesinghe

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PR O M OT I O N

MODERN HEIRLOOMS Aranyani’s bags are true works of art on your arm

owadays, true luxury is about craftsmanship, sustainability, and impeccable customer service. Aranyani offers all this and so much more in its Mayfair boutique, the only place where you can buy its exquisite, handmade bags. The luxury brand draws its inspiration from the rich heritage of the Vedic Indian civilisation, which has thrived for over 30,000 years. Exquisite craftmanship, heritage artistry and creativity are at the heart of everything it does, with its master craftspeople using ancient techniques to create truly unique designs, made by hand in super limited-edition numbers. Its Stone Drops collection, for instance, takes inspiration from the dew drops found at sunrise in Rajasthan. The bags feature handcut amethysts and bloodstones arranged in 24ct gold to reflect the

Amoura bag from the Stone Drops collection, featuring handcut amethyst arranged in 24ct gold

Charvi bag from the Golden Trails collection, using an ancient 24ct gold gilding artisan technique

Hemachandra numeric pattern of nature. Each bag comes with a gift of three precious stones, intended to elevate your meditation practice by enhancing energies. The Golden Trails collection, meanwhile, features bags embellished with 24ct gold Champa flowers, symbolising ‘psychological perfection’. The gilding technique used to create the decoration is ancient, and requires years of practice from artisans before they become accomplished. The name Aranyani means ‘goddess of the forest’, which exemplifies the brand’s approach to sustainability, nature and community. It only uses the highest quality Italian leathers that are a byproduct of the food industry, carefully sourced from tanneries with advanced waste-water detoxification and recycling processes. The atelier is also totally plastic free, a Net Zero development that incorporates rainwater harvesting, water recycling, and energy-efficient fixtures. Its local workforce is upskilled to learn leadership skills and be at the forefront of modern techniques, as well as preserving the traditional craftship that is at the heart of Aranyani bags. The company also funds the education of its staff’s children until senior school. An Aranyani bag is a true heirloom, intended to be treasured and passed down for generations. Each also comes with a unique QR code so you can get to know the artist behind the masterpiece. Aranyani, 21 Bruton Street, London W1. aranyani.com n

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Collezione ANNIVERSARY LOVE

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Nail your BIG DAY with 20 pages of WEDDING INSPO

Dress by Savannah Miller

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WEDDING GUIDE

THE BEST DAY Whether it’s in sleek tailoring or romantic lace, here’s how to make an entrance Vivienne Westwood Made to order Galaxy Cape dress, £POA. viviennewestwood.com

Temperley London Allegra dress, £3,495. temperleylondon.com

Sassi Holford Bella dress, from £3,995. sassiholford.com

CHIC BOUTIQUES Find your dream dress

THE FALL BRIDE For the contemporary bride looking for effortless romance. thefallbride.com THE LOOP Regular drops of preloved luxury bridal looks. the-loop.uk Roksanda Calatrava midi dress, £1,495. harveynichols.com

Rixo Letty dress, £650. rixolondon.com

BROWNS BRIDE Dazzling lace, gorgeous embellishment, and showstopping gowns. brownsbride.com PS BRIDAL Rent your dream dress for the big day, with hundreds of luxury designers on offer. psbridal.co.uk

GL A SS S LIPPE R MOME NT Sumptuous shoes for every bridal look 1 Jimmy Choo Crystal slipper 110, £4,000. jimmychoo.com 2 Manolo Blahnik Maidugura mules, £995. manoloblahnik.com 3 Freya Rose Jasmine boots, £695. freyarose.com 4 Loeffler Randall Rivka platform sandals, $450. loefflerrandall.com

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Halfpenny London Secchi dress, £3,600. halfpenny london.com

WEDDING GUIDE The OWN Studio Style 016 dress, £2,750. theownstudio.com

LAID BARE

Beautiful bridal lingerie

Miller White Muste dress with bow, from £3,500. millerwhite.co.uk

Hermione de Paula Miniature rose tassel gown, £2,250. hermionedepaula.com

1 Agent Provocateur Mercy corset, £495. agentprovocateur.com Nadine Merabi Kimberley dress, £395. nadinemerabi.com

Galvan London Santorini dress, £1,395. galvanlondon.com

2 Wacoal Embrace lace bra, £30; shorts, £32. wacoallingerie.com 3 Eres Paris Flocon bodysuit, £435. eresparis.com 4 Bluebella Isadora bra, £39; brief, £20. bluebella.com

FROM AN E XPE RT Valentina Ring, Wedding Planner

Take your time and be purposeful when it comes to choosing what to invest in. Embrace telling YOUR story in whichever way is right for you. Try to gently let go of any preconceptions, expectations, or pressure you’re feeling, and be really honest with yourself and with each other about what matters the most. Being clear on these priorities will make budgeting, communicating, and decision-making easier and much more fun. thestarsinside.com 52 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM | March /April 2024

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16 & 17 PALL MALL, LONDON SW1Y 5LU www.favourbrook.com

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WEDDING GUIDE Van Cleef & Arpels Châtelaine earrings with detachable pendants in white gold and diamonds, £POA; Solitaire Eventails ring in platinum, round diamonds, emerald cut sapphire, £POA. vancleefarpels.com

Theo Fennell Celestial pendant, £14,850. theofennell.com

M/G Tasaki Earrings, £5,900. tasaki.co.uk

DON’T BE LATE

FINISHING TOUCHES

Stay on schedule all day

Sparkle down the aisle

YES PLEASE

They won’t say no to one of these Dior Bois de rose ring, £8,350. dior.com

886 by the Royal Mint Caustic heart pendant, £795. 886.royalmint.com

Matilde Astra earrings, £3,050. matilde jewellery.com

Boodles The Knot white gold and diamond bangle, £11,600. boodles.com

1 Sophie Breitmeyer Oak teal sapphire and diamond trefoils ring, £14,750. sophiebreitmeyer.com 2 Recarlo Anniversary Love ring, £POA. recarlo.com 3 Annoushka 18ct yellow gold salt & pepper diamond Ruth ring, £10,900. annoushka.com 4 Harry Winston Classic Winston cushion cut engagement ring, £POA. harrywinston.com

Goossens Paris Venise barrettes with rock crystals, £375.goossens-paris.com

FROM AN E XPE RT Mark Niemierko, Wedding Planner

Ignore your social feeds, and friends’ and family opinions. Return to what is you in style and detail – it’s a celebration of the two of you. Feel empowered and confident to stick to your own taste, not a trend. niemierko.com

1 Rolex Lady-Datejust in white gold and diamonds, £36,550. rolex.com 2 Patek Philippe Nautilus in white diamonds and blue sapphires, £POA. patek.com 3 Cartier Ballon Bleu de Cartier, £5,900. cartier.com

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LOND ON — 75 JER MYN STREE T PARIS — 199 BIS BD.ST -GER MAIN EDWARD GREEN .COM

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WEDDING GUIDE

Christys’ Hats Top hat, £395. christys-hats.com

Luca Faloni Linen suit, £925. lucafaloni.com

SUIT UP

Look sharp for your moment in the spotlight

Oliver Brown Mayfair Fresco suit, £795; cotton shirt, £185; tie, £98; pocket square: £20. oliverbrown.org.uk

AND BOOTED

New & Lingwood Tie, £95. newandlingwood.com

FINISHING TOUCHES

Take a stylish first step into marriage

It’s all in the details

Turnbull & Asser Silk Chelsea shirt, £535. turnbullandasser.co.uk

1 Fairfax & Favor The Bedingfeld loafers, £175. fairfaxandfavor.com 2 Crockett & Jones Audley Oxford shoes, £670. crockettandjones.com 3 Edward Green Piccadilly penny loafers in nightshade, £1,050. edwardgreen.com

Longines Conquest Heritage Central Power Reserve, £3,500. longines.com

Favourbrook Paprika Douppion silk tie, £75; Stone Netherbury waistcoat, £490; Trousers, £275; White Canter Gatsby shirt, £160; Windsor morning coat, £720. favourbrook.com

FROM AN E XPE RT Chenai Bukutu, wedding planner

Always think about your guests’ experience. Consider them in how you structure your wedding and how you look after them – always ensure there is enough to eat and drink, and make it easy for them to get to and from your venue. bychenai.com

1 Ettinger Hip flask, £115. ettinger.co.uk 2 Floris Leather Oud Eau de Parfum, £180. florislondon.com 3 Tiffany & Co. Elsa Peretti Full Heart cufflinks, £535. tiffany.co.uk

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THE HOME OF COUNTRY CLOTHING SCOTLAND AT ITS VERY BEST

To request a copy of our new Spring Summer catalogue please call 01796 483236 or visit

WWW.HOUSEOFBRUAR.COM

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WEDDING GUIDE Pragnell Star Struck sapphire stud earrings, £2,150. pragnell.co.uk

Needle & Thread Lunaria Wreath gown, £675. needleandthread.com

Mejuri Pearl bead necklace, £148. mejuri.com

Kiki McDonough Pearl, blue topaz and diamond earrings (out 19 April), £2,100. kiki.co.uk

Grace Loves Lace Anya Steele dress, £100. graceloveslace.co.uk

FOLLOW ME

Kit out your beautiful bridesmaids Rixo Charlotte dress, rent from £59. rixorental.com

Rewritten Porto dress, £130. wearerewritten.com

Victoria Percival Kari bow, £95. victoriapercival.com

Mae Cassidy Simi jewel clutch, £435. maecassidy.com

Jennifer Behr Colette earrings, £195. jenniferbehr.com

FROM AN E XPE RT Hannah Hill, wedding planner at GSP Events

We often use toptableplanner.com to do our clients’ table plans, which is a fantastic piece of software that really limits the stress of the table planning exercise. We upload the guest list and then the clients can play around with the table plan and add information. We always encourage doing this with a glass of wine and music playing – remember to make it fun again! gsp-uk.com 58 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM | March /April 2024

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WEDDING GUIDE The Deck London Knatchbull jacket, £1,295; waistcoat, £650; trousers, £695. thedecklondon.com

Susan Caplan Givenchy vintage earrings, £375. susancaplan.co.uk

Sellier Gianvito Rossi preloved heels, £265. sellierknightsbridge.com Kitri Studio Cherub print dress, £180. kitristudio.com

Jane Taylor London Xanthe hat, £3,600. janetaylorlondon.com

INVITE ONLY

Fope ‘Flex’it’ Souls ring in 18ct rose gold with sapphire, £1,265. fope.com

Be the best-dressed guest in flirty florals and impeccable tailoring Dior @ Vestiaire Collective Vintage brooch, £212.75. vestiaire collective.com

Lalage Beaumont Hermione tweed jacket, £850; Chrissie skirt, £779. lalage beaumont.com Suzannah London Montecito shirt dress, £1,150; La Plage hat, £645. suzannah.com

Acler @ MWHQ Temple midi dress, rent from £10. mywardrobehq.com

Tusting Hettie bag, £365. tusting.co.uk Anya Hindmarch Neeson tassel clutch, rent from £48. reanya hindmarch.com

Malone Souliers Perla wedge 85, £550. malonesouliers.com

FROM AN E XPE RT Katrina Otter, Wedding Planner

Set a budget (including a contingency) before booking or committing to any suppliers. Create a month-by-month wedding planning timeline to ensure that you stay on track and don’t become overwhelmed. Take time off (together) to do and discuss anything BUT the wedding! katrinaotterweddings.co.uk 60 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM | March /April 2024

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SASSI HOLFORD

sassiholford.com

Made in England

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WEDDING GUIDE Dior Forever Glow Star Filter, £45. dior.com

STEPS TO SUCCESS Four treatments to look good, and feel great

Neal’s Yard Remedies Aromatherapy Blend - Calming, £18. nealsyardremedies.com

THE GLOW UP

How to look and feel your best on the big day InLight Beauty Under Eye Revive balm, £61. inlightbeauty.co.uk

Equi London Beauty Formula, from £51. equilondon.com

Oskia Skincare H2Glow Serum, £63. oskiaskincare.com

Chantecaille Bio Lifting Mask+, £191. chantecaille.co.uk

Dr Haus HydraFacial Target stressed-out pre-wedding skin with Dr Haus’ awardwinning treatment. After a consultation with the experienced team, a bespoke facial is crafted for your unique requirements, using a sixstep process that stimulates your collagen production, awakens dull skin, removes blackheads, and leaves your skin radiating a youthful glow. £230, drhausdermatology.com

Dr Sebagh UltraLift Facial Also known as the ‘Glass Skin Facial’, this innovative treatment combines cuttingedge multi-functional HIFU technology with a bespoke application of Dr Sebagh’s Advanced Ageing-Maintenance Skin Care products for a lifted, sculpted and tightened visage. £350, drsebagh.com

111 Harley Street Regenerative Facial Head to Dr Yannis Alexandrides’ (founder of 111Skin) clinic on Harley St for a facial that combines -30°C cold air and cryotherapy-inspired skincare, which energises skin, reduces puffiness, minimises dark circles and enlivens dull and lifeless looking skin. £195, 111harleystreet.com

SCE NT S OF LOVE

Grace de Monaco Ombre Sereine EDP. harrods.com

Boadicea the Victorious Resplendent EDP, £1,400. boadiceaperfume.com

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Elie Saab Le Parfum Bridal EDP, £49. theperfumeshop.com

Jo Loves White Rose & Lemon Leaves EDP, £115. joloves.com

PHOTOS: PEXELS

My Osteo Buccal Massage Charlotte Mernier Destress and depuff with osteopath Charlotte Mernier’s signature Buccal Massage treatment, which merges osteopathic methods with sculptural face lifting, lymphatic drainage, along with unique intra-oral techniques designed to alleviate built-up tensions within the jaw. £165, myosteolondon.com

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E S T . 1 9 8 8

D E S I G N E R

B A T H R O O M S

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23/02/2024 14:25 12:39 26/02/2024

WEDDING GUIDE

WHAT’S FRESH?

How to nail the latest wedding floral trends from the experts

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ROSES ALWAYS WORK ‘Flowers in pastels and lighter tones are always popular for weddings,’ says Neill Strain. ‘And personally I’m a huge fan of roses, for the abundance of shapes and textures they come in, as well as the vast variety of shades, tints and tones.’

THE EXPERT PANEL

SHOP LOCAL ‘There’s an increased focus on locality,’ says Erik Karlsen. ‘I think this is mainly connected to trying to use growers closer to venues and source English varieties that prevent transport. In this way, this year’s trend focuses on sustainability and suitability.’ Look for recommendations from a local flowergrower, or flowers that are native to the county that you’re getting married in.

Erik Karlsen CEO Pulbrook & Gould. pulbrook andgould.co.uk Amie Bone Floral artist and event designer. amiebone.com

SIGNS & SYMBOLS ‘An enchanting flower frequently requested for bridal arrangements is the Lily of the Valley,’ adds Neill. ‘It symbolises purity, love, joy and luck. It’s one of my favourites as it’s so elegant and romantic. Its scent has also become synonymous with Dior Diorissimo, and Christian Dior himself held a deep affection for these timeless flowers.’

BABY BLOOMS ‘Gypsophila is back en masse,’ says Amie Bone. ‘It’s going to be a huge hit at weddings through 2024 and beyond – it symbolises innocence and eternal love – and we’ll see it in themes, bouquets, displays and crowns. It’s also grown in the UK, and has a slightly wild look, which ties in with the growing popularity of wildflowers.’

A TROPICAL TOUCH ‘Orchids, be it Phalaenopsis, Vanda or Cymbidium, add a sense of drama and exotic allure to a floral design,’ says Neill. ‘We enjoy them for our designs as they’re a bold choice that adds a touch of luxury.’ n 64 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM | March /April 2024

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FROM TOP: Whether you’re going daring or traditional, roses always work; Amie Bone’s voluminous gypsophila tablescape; choose fragrant flowers, like in this Pulbrook & Gould bouquet

NO WILT GUILT

Three ways to reduce floral waste Redistribute Connect with charities like Floral Angels, or use florists who are already in touch with the good guys, like Neill Strain Floral Couture – and they’ll ensure your flowers brighten up the lives of those in care homes, hospices and more. Gift Bag Encourage guests to take home tablescapes to brighten up their houses after the event – and to compost these bunches after. Missing You Take flowers to loved ones who couldn’t be there because they’ve passed on – you can honour their memories by leaving bunches of your flowers at their graves.

PHOTOS: UNSPLASH

THINK FRAGRANCE ‘We’re noticing a lean towards fragrant flowers,’ continues Erik. ‘Particularly for the ceremony venue – you get full effect by positioning floral arrangements by the entrance point. Less so for dinner tables, though, as food and scent are not always an appropriate mix.’

Neill Strain Floral designer and owner, Neill Strain Floral Couture. neillstrain.com

29/02/2024 17:09

PR O M OT I O N

FOR DREAMS OF ALL SIZES Norton Park Hotel & Spa is the perfect destination for every kind of wedding

orton Park Hotel & Spa is a characterful escape located just on the outskirts of Winchester, and sits on a sprawling – but enchanting – 54 acres of grounds. The hotel is a superior choice for those seeking sumptuous spa experiences and indulgent yet homely cooking, and also boasts an impressive array of wedding packages, plus in-house wedding coordinator Emma Chapman to realise your dreams, accompanying you every step of the way. Whether it’s a cosy gathering or a grand celebration, Norton Park Hotel & Spa’s three venues promise to make any wedding a seamless, unforgettable and unique affair.

For Rustic Chic

THE BARN

For couples seeking a rustic yet charming ambiance, the 17th-century Hampshire Barn is the ideal setting for celebrations of up to 120 guests. The interiors are perfectly formed: think wooden beams and stone flooring, with the option of curtains framing the aisle. Guests here can sip champagne on the lawn, before moving onto the Norton Suite as the party really gets started.

For Intimate Moments

THE MANOR HOUSE

The Manor House is the perfect space for smaller gatherings of up to 30 guests. Brides can enjoy the opportunity of a moment with their closest kin in the bridal suite beforehand, before a ceremony held in the romantic walled gardens. With exclusive use of the 13-bedroom manor house, couples can enjoy privacy and luxury throughout their special day.

For Grand Celebrations

THE NORTON SUITE

From the elegant orangery to the characterful Hampshire Barn, there’s a venue for all tastes and sizes at Norton Park Hotel & Spa

For those with a guest list that simply can’t be cut down, the Norton Suite is a spacious setting for lively, larger weddings. It’s able to host an evening reception (or full day event) of up to 300 guests without compromising on opulence and style. With its own bar, dancefloor, and sophisticated decor, this venue is the stage for a celebration that will leave a lasting memory.

NEED TO KNOW — Less than an hour from West London — Named one of the 'finest wedding venues in the UK' at Hitched's Wedding Awards 2024 — 54 acres of gorgeous grounds Call Emma Chapman on +44 (0)1962 763000 to book your tour or enquire online at nortonparkhotel.com

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FOR ONE DAY ONLY

Diamonds are forever… but what about a dress? Priya Raj meets the brides reimagining their wedding looks

one are the days of brides storing their wedding dress in a box under the bed or at the back of a wardrobe, never to be seen again. Many are instead turning towards thrifting and rental services for their big days, or choosing to don their gown for another special occasion, too. Charlotte Stavrou, the founder of SevenSix Agency, rented her London civil ceremony look, a short, fun, statement dress from Rotate Birger Christensen. She said her decision was more logical than sustainable – while she could wear this dress again anyway, she didn’t feel any compromise by renting it. ‘Why do I need a dress in my wardrobe that I’m not going to wear again?’ Charlotte pondered. And she’s not the only bride asking this question. This shift in the bridal fashion market has a lot to do with couples becoming more environmentally and economically conscious. The pressure of social media might also play a part. Some modern brides are opting for multiple wedding looks and celebrations, each reflecting a different aspect of their personality and aesthetic. Renting gives brides more room to play, as well as the option to hire multiple looks with the same budget that might otherwise be blown on a single showstopper gown.

DANIELLE Photo: Bertie Watson Dress: Savannah Miller Headpiece: Ann-Marie Faulkner Danielle celebrating in her €38 vintage gown from eBay

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PHOTO : GETTY

WEDDING GUIDE CHARLOTTE Photo: Jacquetta Clark Dress: Rotate Birger Christensen @ By Rotation

Model and creative director Danielle Copperman not only created her ceremony dress with Savannah Miller out of deadstock fabrics from the designer’s fabric supplier, but also thrifted her reception gown and re-wore it to a gala the following year. ‘For me, the option to re-wear was almost more important than getting something secondhand,’ she said. A fan of pre-loved fashion since her teenage years, Danielle hunted through sites like eBay and Vestiaire Collective to find her €38 gold beaded floor-length reception gown, which was modelled on a headless mannequin. ‘It was really not sexy,’ she said, but she had the creative vision to turn it into a one-off dress that’s totally unique to her. Danielle rewore her vintage dress a year later at a Parisian gala at The Ritz, and though it might seem a risky choice, she said it was ‘the best feeling in the world’. The beaded dress isn’t the easiest to maintain, and some of the beads at the hem have fallen off or been stepped on, but that it showed it has been loved and worn. ‘If it really brings you joy – it’s worth the risk,’ she says. Danielle also found the bridal showroom appointment process overwhelming, and the pressure to choose there-and-then made it feel too serious, too quickly. ‘Secondhand shopping is a little bit more fun, and there’s no expectation,’ she added. For those without galas to attend, or whose dress is too bridal to wear to another event, renting out their gown is also becoming popular for financially savvy brides who still want to hold on to their dress as an heirloom. Clothing rental platform By Rotation told us they saw a 130 percent increase in brides listing wedding dresses, shoes and bags in 2023. And demand is growing. Zoe Graham, stylist and co-founder of P.S. Bridal Rental, a hire platform for brides, has her own custom-designed wedding dress up for grabs for brides looking to borrow it for their own big day. ‘I really enjoyed wearing it and I would hope that other people would be interested in wearing it, too,’ she said. ZOE Her gown has been a popular choice Photo: Bjorn Knight-Franklin among other brides, and is booked up for Dress: Jervoise @ P.S. Bridal the ‘try-on’ service offered by the platform. For £20, brides-to-be can sample dresses at home, with the assistance of a stylist over Zoom who can discuss styling or alterations needed – which P.S. Bridal Rental can also carry out. This concept isn’t widespread, and might explain some brides aren’t initially keen to consider thrifted or rented dresses – the try-on experience still carries a lot of weight for brides who want the champagne, tears and ‘say yes to the dress’ moment with their family and friends. However, as P.S. Bridal Rental, with a little imagination it’s possible to do both. Zoe also notes that it’s getting harder to find wedding dresses at a reasonable price, and as more people take to social media to find inspiration from luxury wedding pages, expectations are getting higher, even if budgets are not. But with rental and preloved options, you really can go out and find the dress of your dreams – and also be assured it won’t just sit at the back of your wardrobe for decades to come. n March /April 2024 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM | 67

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PR O M OT I O N

HAMSWELL HOUSE Bath

With its honeyed Cotswold stone and glorious panoramic views, this is quite simply one of England’s most romantically beautiful and enchanting houses. The 16th-century manor is set in 50 acres of gardens in the Cotswolds AONB, and is the home of Rupert and Victoria Legge. The award-winning venue is available for exclusive hire for a wedding to remember. For your ceremony, there’s the glorious 18thcentury orangery with huge arched windows, or alternatively you can exchange your vows under the boughs of a 400-year-old lime tree. For a traditional English church setting, the charming St Mary the Virgin is nearby. Afterwards, toast the nuptials with champagne on the terrace (there's no corkage fee) and there's also a splendid marquee that can seat 200. Guests can also explore the lovely walled grounds with the 200-year-old wisteria-clad pergola, knot garden and 18th-century water garden. Close to Bristol and Bath, the venue is under two hours from London. hamswellhouse.co.uk

A DAY TO REMEMBER Two venues, countless ways to celebrate your wedding

ASKHAM HALL

PHOTOS: © LUCY DARBY PHOTOGRAPHY; © JO GREENFIELD

Penrith

Couples seeking a country estate to call their own for their wedding day need look no further than Askham Hall. The elegant Grade II-listed medieval hall, owned by the Lowther family for over 300 years, is set in the dramatic fell-scapes of the Lake District national park, and offers 360 acres of green parkland, a choice of gorgeous ceremony locations – including St Peter’s church, overlooking the River Lowther, and the characterful Bank Barn – and equally beautiful reception venues, for up to 150 guests. Askham also has wedding planners on hand to make sure everything goes smoothly on the big day, and many of the ingredients for the custom menus are grown, reared or foraged on the estate. The wedding party will be happy to know they can even stay in the historic hall, with 19 luxury bedrooms on offer that can accommodate up to 38 of your guests, plus dogs and children. With all this, it’s no wonder this romantic hall was named Cumbria Tourism’s Wedding Venue Of The Year in 2022. askhamhall.co.uk

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01/03/2024 13:04

WEDDING GUIDE

JUST THE TWO OF US Incredible honeymoon ideas for every kind of escape ACTION & ADVENTURE

Spot game in Kenya

Explore the Bahamas Explore the Bahamas’ 700 islands with a once-in-a-lifetime bespoke yacht expedition with Cookson. Get up close and personal with tiger sharks and reefs in state-of-the-art submersibles; party on private beaches with rum and freshly caught seafood; help research scientists tag turtles; and get the adrenaline pumping with watersports in azure coves. £POA, cooksonadventures.com

Make memories to last a lifetime with a luxury safari in a private game reserve in Nairobi. This nine-day trip takes in the exclusive Enasoit Game Sanctuary Lodge, situated on the Laikipia Plateau at the foot of Mount Kenya. Spot giraffe, zebra and gazelle from horseback, or with a bush picnic, and relax in the evening with an al-fresco spa treatment. Next, you’ll fly to the Kenyan coast to stay on a traditional sailing ship, on which you’ll explore the islands of this picturesque part of the world, snorkelling, kayaking and exploring the picturesque streets of Lamu. From £17,033, redsavannah.com

Adventure in Costa Rica Renowned for its rich biodiversity and breathtaking rainforests, this couple’s adventure in Costa Rica will be a trip to remember. The itinerary takes in exploring a coffee plantation, hiking the Arenal Volcano National Park, spotting monkeys, wild boars and frog monkeys, and visiting Diamante Eco Adventure Park with its famous dual zipline. From £9,100, elegantresorts.co.uk

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WEDDING GUIDE

NATURE & NURTURE

Sail the Norwegian Fjords Thundering waterfalls, granite mountains dusted with snow, and towering gullies greet you as you explore the Norwegian Fjords with Cunard. The seven-night adventure is the perfect chance to escape from the madding crowd. From £2,899, cunard.com

Atzaró Agroturismo Hotel, Ibiza Luxury meets sustainability at this gorgeous nature-filled hotel. A celebrity favourite, it features 24 elegantly understated bedrooms, two restaurants serving organic produce from its gardens, and the renowned Atzaró Spa. €245, atzaro.com

Voaara, Madagascar A new barefoot luxury resort opening on the island of SainteMarie this spring, Voaara will launch with just eight exclusive beach bungalows and one villa. It’s one of the world’s best spots for sighting the mighty humpback whale, and from July to September pods return to the shallows to birth their young. Giving back to the local nature and community is at the heart of this understated new hotel. £300pp per night, voaara.com

FLY & FLOP

Four Seasons Fairways, Algarve, Portugal This Four Seasons resort has everything you need to recover from wedding prep: easy, elegant dining options, spoiling spa treatments, and 2,000 acres of Quinta do Lago’s nature reserve to explore together. From £1,100, fourseasonsfairways.com

Waldorf Astoria Seychelles Platte Island Paradise awaits here, with 50 private seafront villas, each with a pool and concierge. It’s largely powered by its own solar farm and conservation of the island’s wildlife, including migratory seabirds and hawksbill turtles, is paramount .€2,400 B&B, hilton.com

One&Only Kéa Island Just a 30-min boat ride from Athens, Kéa Island is the Cyclades’ best-kept secret. One&Only has just opened an outpost there, featuring 63 secluded cliffside villas positioned for privacy, with incredible views over the island and Aegean sea. Tired of oneon-one time? Head to one of the resorts glittering cocktail bars or the Bond Beach Club to get the celebrations going (again). From £1,500, oneandonlyresorts.com n

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HEALTH &

WELLBEING Take a Leap

PHOTO: © HOLLY FARRIER AT THE PELIGONI

Dive into health and wellness this spring – whether it’s working on your balance or investigating the benefits of NAD+, we have everything you need for a new season refresh of mind, body and soul.

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HEALTH & WELLBEING | Notes

SOFTLY, SOFTLY

The SCOOP Lack of sleep getting you down? Slip into Shleep, says Charlotte Cole

A TASTE OF SWITZERLAND IN KNIGHTSBRIDGE

For detox aficionados, one of Switzerland’s top longevity clinics has set up camp at one of London’s loveliest hotels, Hyde Park’s Mandarin Oriental. Plump for the three-hour Full Monty experience – in for a penny, in for an indulgent me-time, I say. Herbal tea whipped away and it’s off to the nutritionist. You think you know everything, being a semi health-conscious individual, but these guys set your brain on fire with how you can fuel and heal your body for your individual needs. Next it’s time to get moving with a Bodyspace PT, in a session that aims to energise you before that much-needed delicious massage. You’re sent home with two months supply of the clinic’s excellent supplements – mind, body and soul well and truly treated. mandarin oriental.com

Shleep is the new password to gain you access to that lovely place we all like to go to dream. Imagine the finest Australian merino jersey sheets or a luxury merino jersey sleep mask relaxing you into the Land of Nod. That’s what Shleep offers. Merino wool is not just natural, sustainable, renewable and biodegradable, but research also shows that we sleep better with wool. It’s thermoregulating, actively responding to the body’s temperature changes and adapting – keeping you cool when you’re hot and snug when your body temperature falls. It’s also ultra-breathable, absorbing moisture from the skin, allowing you to stay cool and dry – great for everyone from a baby with a sweaty head to a menopausal woman. Plus it’s super soft – the fibre diameter of their wool is so weeny that the fabric feels as smooth as silk or cashmere, and as light and luxurious. Which all helps you fall asleep faster and stay in the shleep zone for longer. The other good news? They’re soon introducing Shleep Beauty, Shleep Travel and Shleep merino silk leisure wear. Meanwhile, just enjoy a good night’s sleep and a better waking day. From £48, available from johnbellcroyden.co.uk

A SMILE A DAY

With the rotten state of access to dental care in the UK, it’s more important than ever to ensure our gnashers are kept in tip top condition. It’s not only the vanity of pearly whiteness that should be sending us to the chair, but the health of our mouths can be a mirror to what’s going on in our bodies elsewhere. A visit to Dr Mahsa Nejati’s Belgravia clinic for an Oral Detox & Cleansing Treatment is a great way to step up your regime. First up is eliminating bacteria from the mouth with Airflow technology, followed by an antiseptic treatment – a pleasant tasting rosemary and thyme gel. A boost of red LED light helps with cell regeneration, then a final blast of hydrogen peroxide to remove stains and brighten up the teeth. All pain free too. Smiles all round. From £179, nejaticlinic.com

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SAVO IRB E DS.C O M

THE SAVVY Nº5. A BED FOR REAL LIFE.

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HEALTH & WELLBEING | Wellness

How do we get the balance right? asks Camilla Hewitt

hile balancing a busy lifestyle might top your wellbeing agenda, improving your actual balance might not be something you’ve considered. Staying steady on our feet is essential to preventing and healing from injury, particularly as we get older. Chiropractor Dr Luther Moss (osborne-chiro.com) tells us, ‘Balance is complex, made up of information we receive from our eyes, our ears, and the movement of joints and muscles. These tell our brain the position and direction in which we are moving. If these systems aren’t working well, the brain doesn’t have a complete picture and will not be able to control movement effectively.’ We know balance can deteriorate with age and injury, but our screen time may also be leaving us a little shaky. Osteopath Nadia Alibhai (nadiatheosteopath.com) comments, ‘I have many 70+ aged patients who are more mobile than my 30-40 year olds as they go for regular walks, do gardening, and potter around the house, whereas some of the younger generation are glued to screens and stuck to desks.’ Nadia continues: ‘A study by Lee JH in 2016 showed that forward head posture can have an effect on static balance. Forward head posture is something we see a lot due to the increase in screen usage; it alters the centre of gravity of the body compared to the head being in a neutral position. The body then attempts to adapt to these changes by altering its balance control, which decreases balance ability while performing different activities and increases the risk of falling and musculoskeletal injury.’ But there are ways counteract this. Dr Moss says, ‘Improving your balance is possible and can be done effectively with only a few minutes of practice each day. A great starting exercise is simply to stand on one leg

CHECK IN: The Bothy, Heckfield Place If you have been looking for an excuse to book into Heckfield Place, this might be it. Guests there have access to its 17,000 sq/ft wellbeing space, where you’ll find Master Practitioner Benjamin Raphael Pluke. Having trained in osteopathy, he uses manipulation and muscle work techniques to encourage a balanced spinal posture. BOOK IT: From £550, B&B. heckfieldplace.com

STEP UP

Optimise your movement

1 SURI Sustainable electric toothbrush, £75. trysuri.com 2 Bala Pilates ball, £26. shopbala.com 3 NOHRD Eau-Me balance board, £315. nohrd.com 4 On Cloudnova sneakers, £148. freepeople.com

PHOTOS: PEXELS

BODY & SOUL

while cleaning your teeth in the morning and the other in the evening.’ (Always make sure you have something to hold onto to prevent falls.) Nadia adds, ‘Someone who is dominant on one side will likely have built more strength on that side, and so when asked to stand on the weaker leg, they may find they wobble more.’ Her tip: ‘Try to be ambidextrous! Alternate holding your toothbrush with the right and left hand so your muscles get used on both sides.’ Other exercises to try include seated leg raises, heel-to-toe walking and, as your balance improves, side leg raises and walking lunges. Ball sports that require hand-eye coordination will also lessen your wobble, as will classes such as tai chai, qigong, and pilates. Kirsten King, founder of Fluidform (fluidformpilates.com), tells us, ‘Pilates activates our slow-twitch fibres and smaller muscles, which support our joints, posture, and balance.’ She recommends trying a pelvic curl with a small ball to stabilise your pelvis, activate your abdominal muscles, and improve your balance. n

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D I S C OV E R T H E B O RG H I C O L L E C T I O N

0333 011 3333 |

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HEALTH & WELLBEING | Review

BODY Language Olivia Falcon investigates a wellness hot topic: NAD infusions

Can NAD infusions truly boost energy and immunity? There’s only one way to find out

NAD+ IV therapy, is to consult your doctor and have a thorough assessment at a reputable clinic before proceeding. As well as the excellent staff at the NAD Clinic, I also rate The Hum2n Clinic in Chelsea (hum2n.com), which organises comprehensive medical screenings before you proceed. Another way to boost your NAD+ levels is via oral supplements that don’t illicit concerns as such as NR (nicotinamide riboside) and NMN (nicotinamide mononucleotide). These are NAD+ precursors, which help your body make the coenzyme. I myself will be continuing on my NAD+ journey with Invity Ultimate NMN 12000 (£47 for 60 capsules, uk.myinvity.com) which I hope will keep the brain fog at bay. n

FEELING FRESH

ACQUA DI PARMA

This super stylish red leather car scent diffuser, with eight alternative scents available, brings the uplifting aromas of Amalfi fig and citrus fruits to your vehicle. £144, acqua diparma.com

MEMO PARIS

A saffron sunset in a bottle, this Cappadocia scent is inspired by the town in Turkey famous for its hot air balloons and majestic views. The ambery spicy scent has notes of saffron, sandalwood and myrrh. £235, selfridges.com

SIDE STORY

This indie fragrance brand hits all the high notes with Pillow Talk, with its showstopping bottle and a sophisticated blend of bergamot, cinnamon, balsam woods, musk and ylang ylang. It conjures up images of lazy sunlit Sundays basking in bed. £160, sidestoryparfums.com

FLORAÏKU PARIS

Spring River has zesty citrus notes, and is the ideal companion for a spring break as it also includes a 10ml travel sized fragrance and a cap that transforms into a travel case. £260, harrods.com

PHOTOS: GETTY IMAGES

or me, ageing well involves not only looking good but feeling great too. With this in mind, I headed to the NAD clinic on Wimpole Street (nadclinic.com) for a series of NAD+ Anti-Fatigue IV infusions (£449) that promised to boost my energy and immune system, help me to sleep deeper and promote overall longevity. While I can’t yet speak to the longevity part, I can report I found the infusions uncomfortable (common side effects include flushing, nausea, rapid heart rate, chest tightness, and cramping in the tummy) until the nurse slowed the infusion rate down. Results-wise, I did indeed feel brighter, bouncier and, as witnessed by my Oura ring (that tracks sleep cycles), I slept better for a couple of weeks, too. NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is a form of Vitamin B and has been a hot topic in wellness for a while now. To recap for those who aren’t so familiar: NAD+ is a coenzyme that energises and repairs every cell in the body but like most good things depletes with age. Addiction centres worldwide have used NAD+ IVs to help with issues such as burnout, detox, anxiety, depression and many patients have reported lifechanging results. However, strong clinical data to support this is still lacking, so even though NAD+ therapeutic infusions are gaining traction globally, many doctors remain sceptical and caution against the potential risks, which need further investigation. Although there are medical studies that suggest NAD+ can inhibit certain cancers, there is concern in that as NAD+ kickstarts the mitochondria (the batteries of every cell in the body) and turbocharges cellular energy production it could possibly ‘excite’ some cancer cells, so NAD+ IV therapy is not recommended for people with cancer or a family history of cancer. My top tip, if you are interested in having

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charity

Founded by Arizona Muse

@dirt.charity

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T H E R E ’ S YO U YO U, T H E N T H E R E ’ S

TH E

EARLY BOOKING PRICE ENDS MIDNIGHT 29TH MARCH

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PHOTO: ‘SOME BLESSED HOPE’ BY CHARLES INGE. OIL ON CANVAS, £3,960. THE STRATFORD GALLERY AT AFFORDABLE ART FAIR BATTERSEA.

CULTURE Collect ABLE Taking the first steps in curating your home gallery? The Affordable Art Fair is in Battersea Park until 10 March, before jetting to New York, and then returning to Hampstead from 8-12 May. affordableartfair.com

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CULTURE | What’s On

THE CULTURAL CALENDAR

March into these spring events, says Tessa Dunthorne

SHAKESPEARE GETS ZUCKED SPEARS AREADY

Drop into Legion: Life In The Roman Army to get a flavour of the ancient world – families should look out for the Horrible History trail, which invites youngsters to follow the story of Rattus, who’ll be telling them what it takes to make a soldier. Until 23 June, britishmuseum.org

Silicon Valley bro buys an island with some pals in a bid to maximise their productivity; sounds like a story for modern times? In reality, it’s a restaging of Love’s Labour’s Lost, and the RSC has cast Bridgerton boy Luke Thompson to lead. 11 Apr to 18 May, rsc.org.uk

ON THE HEATH

HOME INSPECTION

Each year Design Centre Chelsea Harbour gathers the country’s finest interior designers and brands under its Imperial Wharf roof to showcase what’s hot for homes. Get house proud between 11-15 March, dcch.co.uk

SOUNDING IT ALL OUT

Awe-worthy sounds to accompany awe-worthy views: Soundscapes is an audio-visual sensory journey debuting in Skipton, North Yorkshire, with work by immersive artist Michaela French and composer Ben Crick. Be transported by nature – and an impressive 360° purpose-built dome and its symphonic soundtrack. 14 March to 1 June, skiptontownhall.co.uk

WHO LET THE DOGS OUT?

The summer festival for puppy lovers. Expect 10,000 dogs to rock up for Dogstival, the annual pooch paradise in the New Forest. Enjoy ‘barkour’ and the paw-lympics, and rack up those steps. 1-2 June, dogstival.co.uk

PHOTOS: © MARTIN BROWN; © NETFLIX

If Hampstead Heath is your local greenspace – or you simply enjoy a stroll down Parliament Hill – Simon Gazzard’s first solo exhibition at Burgh House has captured the feeling of your weekend meanders. 20-24 March, simongazzard.co.uk

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See ceramics like these by Frances Priest up close at LCW

The Critical LIST

Watch, read, listen

Andrew Scott stars as the con artist in Netflix’s remake of Patricia Highsmith’s 1955 psychological thriller The Talented Mr Ripley, following in the footsteps of Matt Damon, who played the lead in the 90s film. Out 4 April

THE C&TH GUIDE TO…

LONDON CRAFT WEEK Be inspired to get crafty – or simply drink in the beautiful displays

L PHOTOS: © MARTIN BROWN; © NETFLIX

ondon Craft Week is a city-wide festival that shines a light on the world’s most beautiful objects – and the craftship that goes into them. It’s your annual opportunity to discover how artists and artisans feather, crochet and mould their most incredible works. SEE IT TO BELIEVE IT Craft displays will take over many museums and galleries over the week. At Cromwell Place, explore an immersive exhibition dedicated to delicate jewels and wearables, as well as a pop-up from Soluna Art Group celebrating the Hallyu wave with a presentation of the best Korean makers. At the V&A, there will be live demos from featherwork artists Julien Vermeulen and Matéo Laurent. At the Design Museum, a spotlight on artist and furniture designer Enzo Mari will teach visitors how to make a Sedia 1 chair with reclaimed timber after an exhibition tour. Still hungry for practical skills workshops? In the Barbican Gallery shop, Christabel Balfour will be weaving on a loom each day and talking her craft process. GETTING ABOUT The beauty of a city-wide festival is that it’ll take you to unique locations across the city. The redeveloped Chelsea Barracks is one such spot; this year marks the inaugural Modern Masters Art Walk, an outdoor trail celebreating the

Sports and romance combine in Call Me By Your Name director Luca Guadagnino’s buzzy new film Challengers, which sees Zendaya play a tennis prodigy turned coach. Out 26 April

Meet The Repair Shop’s Jay Blades

FILM

craftmanship behind today’s modern masters. It will showcase artist Dale Chihuly and his spectacular colour-saturated glass sculptures. Interiors lovers should also pop into a ‘vintage supermarket’ pop-up in Soho, curated by Merchant & Found (see p140 for more info). ALL TALK Take advantage of the expert talks the festival will be putting on across the city. Rose Uniacke will be chatting about the Heritage Craft Young Weavers award, and Jay Blades MBE will discuss honouring the past and celebrating the present through craft. 13-19 May 2024. For the full programme, visit londoncraftweek.com

Still missing Succession? Catch Brian Cox on stage in a new version of Eugene O’Neill’s Pulitzerwinning play Long Day’s Journey Into Night, coming to London’s Wyndham Theatre. From 2 April

PLAY Following bestsellers like Us and One Day (also Netflix’s latest must-watch), David Nicholls is back with a new novel, You Are Here, a classic love story written with Nicholls’ signature warmness and wit. Out 23 April

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CULTURE | What’s On

PREVIEW

Ellie Smith looks forward to the upcoming Blue Rider Group exhibition at the Tate

n the early 20th century, a group of friends came together to form The Blue Rider group, a collective who would go on to play a key role in the development of modern art. Founded in Munich by Russian-born Wassily Kandinsky – whose famous painting the group is named after – and fellow artist Franz Marc, the members of the group were loosely connected by a desire to express spiritual ideas, in the midst of a rapidly changing, industralised, pre-WWI Germany. With members hailing from all over the world, the aim was to form ‘a union of various countries to serve one purpose’, and the group was built on a belief that ‘the whole work, called art, knows no borders or nations, only humanity.’ A new show, Expressionists, at Tate Modern will tell The Blue Rider group’s story, displaying over 130 works from renowned artists including Kandinsky, Marc, Gabriele Münter, and Paul Klee. It will explore the multicultural nature

of this important art period, and looking at how the artists’ friendships inspired their work. There will also be a particular focus on how these artists experimented with sound, colour and light, the exploration of which was central to the movement. The exhibition includes Kandinsky’s Impression III (Concert) 1911, which showcased his interest in synaesthesia, a condition where you experience one sense through another, alongside Marc’s 1911 Deer in the Snow II, an examination of colour theory and optics. The exhibition will close by depicting how, despite being dispersed during WWI, the collective’s transnational legacy lives on today. Expressionists: Kandinsky, Münter and The Blue Rider is at Tate Modern from 25 April to 20 Oct. tate.org.uk

MY Cultural Life

Derry Girls’ Louisa Harland on her dashing new show, Renegade Nell adventure-romp. It’s set in 1704, and it’s about a woman who returns from war and is wrongly accused of murder. She finds herself on the road with her sisters and does everything in her power to protect her family. I prepped for the show by… Living for two years over lockdown with a Cockney family to learn the accent. They taught me it’s more than just the sayings; it’s the way in which you hold yourself – the way in which you look up, even. I did stunts for the show but… if you ever see me do something incredibly cool – it isn’t me. They were keen on me doing pretty much all of the fight sequences myself. But they wouldn’t let me – even though I begged – fall off a carriage, for example. So that is the incredible Melissa Hulmer, my stunt double, who did that with no wires, no padding, nothing. I’m currently reading... Long Day’s Journey Into Night by Eugene O’Neil. I’m in the play from mid-March in London. The last film you watched in cinema? Anatomy Of A Fall – I think it’s the film of the year. And TV? Truthful answer – RuPaul’s Drag Race season 16. Is there a band or singer you have on repeat? I always listen to John Martin, he’s my go to. You know when you rewatch shows when you’re feeling anxious, because it’s comforting? John Martin is that to me. And finally, what do you hope people get out of watching the show? That it’s one that everybody can

watch together – the whole family. Deer in the Snow II (1911) by Franz Marc

Renegade Nell is on Disney+ from 29 March. disneyplus.com

PHOTOS: SHUTTERSTOCK

What’s Renegade Nell about? It’s a swashbuckling-

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Books | CULTURE

POINTS OF THE COMPASS

Richard Hopton on three books about East and West, and the city that sits between them

PHOTOS: SHUTTERSTOCK

TO THE CITY: LIFE AND DEATH ALONG THE ANCIENT WALLS OF ISTANBUL, by Alexander Christie-Miller

The great walls of Istanbul were built in the 5th century AD by the Byzantine Emperor Theodosius II to defend the city’s landward approaches. Four miles long, they have survived in varying states to the present day. ChristieMiller uses them to illuminate Turkey’s complex history and its controversial present, from the Byzantine era to the catastrophic earthquake of February 2023. He worked in Istanbul as a journalist between 2010 and 2017, a fact reflected in the book’s elegant mélange of history and reportage. He uses the testimony of individual interviewees to lay bare the repression, corruption, sectarianism, and ecological vandalism of the Erdogan years, especially since the botched coup of 2016. (William Collins, £25)

THE LIGHT OF ASIA, by Christopher Harding

The East has exerted a powerful influence on the imagination of Westerners since Herodotus wrote about goldmining ants in India in the 5th century BC. It has bewitched explorers, merchants, missionaries, imperialists, spiritualists, as well as novelists and poets - ‘In Xanadu did Kubla Khan/A stately pleasuredome decree,’ wrote Coleridge - ever since. Physical links between East and West have existed since earliest times, too: a trade in pepper was established between India and the GraecoRoman world by the 1st century; Roman coins have been found in India. Alexander the Great invaded India in the 4th century BC. This book explores the Western fascination with the East, by which he means principally India, China, and Japan. Full of anecdotes, written with verve and humour, this book is an entertaining guide to an age-old preoccupation. (Allen Lane, £30)

HOW THE WORLD MADE THE WEST, by Josephine Quinn

It is a historical commonplace to assert that the roots of Western civilisation lie in the classical world of the Greeks and the Romans but Quinn thinks otherwise. There is, she writes, ‘no privileged connection between ancient Greeks and Romans and the modern “West”’. The Greeks and the Romans had ‘their own histories, rooted in other places and older peoples’. The modern West is the result of millennia of interaction in almost every sphere of human activity between numerous different societies. How the World Made the West ranges far and wide, both geographically and chronologically to prove her point. It begins in the eastern Mediterranean 4,000 years ago and ends with the Black Death in the 14th century, covering the intervening span of history with lucidity, erudition, and breadth of vision. (Bloomsbury, £30)

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CULTURE | Books Healy, Joyce Cary, Sylvia Townsend Warner, Carson McCullers.

BIBLIOFILE

Why are languages so important?

Language is like bird song, designed so insiders can communicate but also to identify and exclude outsiders. Learning one feels like a kind of magic – being given a key to a previously locked box. John, in his slow and limited way, picks up the rudiments of Ivar’s language and through it begins to glimpse the world differently, through his eyes.

Carys Davies talks to Belinda Bamber about libraries, languages and outsiders

In Clear, John Ferguson arrives at a remote Scottish island to evict its last inhabitant, Ivar. How did the story begin? I do a lot of my

The Scottish land clearances echo the global plight of refugees. Why are we unable to learn from history? It’s a troubling

reading and writing in the beautiful old reading room at the National Library of Scotland in Edinburgh, and late one winter’s afternoon I stumbled across a dictionary in Norn, an extinct language once spoken on Orkney and Shetland. I started leafing through the covers of two ancient-looking volumes containing thousands of words collected in the 1890s by an indefatigable Faroese scholar called Jakob Jakobsen and was enchanted. It was an extraordinarily rich and precise language, bound up with lots of words about the sea and the weather. Slowly my island began to take shape and Ivar, John and Mary all emerged from how these words worked on my imagination.

question that runs through all my novels. Bellman, Byrd and Ferguson share a kind of blindness, walking into situations they don’t fully understand, because they’ve failed to see there’s an alternative historical perspective. It worries me that schools are so afraid of courting controversy that few now teach the Israel-Palestine conflict. Years ago my husband set up an educational charity, Parallel Histories, to try and tackle this problem.

Why do your stories often start with an arrival or departure? It brings an element of danger,

You’ve won multiple awards, does writing get easier with experience? No! Every story

tension and uncertainty, a feeling that we’re on the brink of something. I never know where my stories are headed, I set out with my characters and see where they’ll end up. That’s what’s exciting to me. If I knew what was going to happen, I’d never write them. Why are your male protagonists often lonely and damaged? I need distance, a way of

worrying about things in someone’s else’s head, and very often that ends up being a man’s. I’m preoccupied by the kinds of men I write about because ten years ago two of my friends, both men, both suffering from chronic depression, committed suicide. With Cy Bellman in West, Hilary Byrd in The Mission House and John Ferguson in Clear, I’ve been writing in some way about their struggle to survive in the world.

By contrast, your women are often stoic.

I think women in historical fiction are sometimes given an anachronistic degree of agency. I’m interested by the ones who manage to be fiercely

independent, resourceful and brave within the formidable confines of their time – like Mary in Clear. Your characters typically dare to take a risk for the sake of happiness or redemption. Life

is short. What do we do with the brief time we’ve been given? How do we behave in difficult situations that demand courage, or kindness, or an open mind? For me, the best definition of happiness is that it’s a kind of freedom; most of my characters are seeking that in some way. Which authors embrace human frailty? My favourites include Dickens, Gogol, Flannery O’Connor, Miranda July, Flaubert, Dermot

I S L A N D S

I N

T H E

is different and for me it’s a long process of trial and error. Experience teaches that the long periods of failure, frustration and despair are unavoidable, and you have to keep trying. Why do you love libraries? My best finds have all been in archives – some little piece of gold that’s turned up in an obscure handwritten notebook, letter, shopping list, invoice, or some other treasure, and taken hold of my imagination. What became clear as you were writing?

Mary says: ‘You never knew in advance if a decision was the right one.’ This expresses the story’s beating heart: that in life things are rarely entirely clear, but with courage and uncertainty, hope and doubt, love and a generous helping of pragmatism, we do the best we can.

Clear by Carys Davies (Granta, £12.99). Read the full interview at countryandtownhouse. com/culture/cth-book-club

S T R E A M

REMOTE Orkney life changes for Manod when two strangers arrive in Elizabeth O’Connor’s pre-WWII novel, Whale Fall (Picador, £16.99); LONELY women rediscover love and friendship in Ericka Waller’s Goodbye Birdie Greenwing (Doubleday, £16.99); a 1970s Leeds brothel is the beating HEART of Katy Massey’s Ripper-era mystery, All Us Sinners (Sphere, £16.99); an old man’s LOVE story enthralls his Amalfi audience in The Gentleman from Peru by André Aciman (Faber, £12.99); HUMOUR refracts Jan Carson’s brilliant Belfast stories, Quickly While They Still Have Horses (Doubleday, £16.99) n 86 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM | March /April 2024

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CULTURE | News

GOOD NEWS

Tessa Dunthorne brings you the sunny stories to brighten your day VILLAGE PEOPLE

There’s a groundbreaking new development destined for Lewes, East Sussex. The Food Foundation and Human Nature Places have partnered up to build a sustainable new neighbourhood. The Phoenix Development aims to be the most eco-digs in the UK: think timberstructured homes, biodiversity and walkable with a central community canteen and community gardens. The hope is to create ‘a blueprint for sustainable placemaking and positive social impact that can be deployed at scale.’ How long’s the waitlist? Source: Food Foundation

FRESH KICKS – SORT OF

In time for this summer’s Olympics, Veja has opened a new store in Paris. But it’s not a shoe shop. While the French footwear brand has several ‘repair corners’ across Europe, the new ‘General Store’ is more like a shoemaker’s workshop with two cobblers on site dedicated to repairing your kicks (and other shoes). There’s also a tailor to breathe new life into your clothes.

FARMVILLE

It’s no secret that British farmers are not a happy bunch, but is the government finally listening? At the recent National Farmers’ Union Conference, Rishi Sunak announced a £220 million funding injection to support farm communities across the UK. The package intends to send tech to farms – think automation and cost-saving energy measures such as rooftop solar panels – to keep British farming afloat for future generations. Source: UK Gov

IN THE GREEN

Hedgefunds with purpose? That’s exactly what a group of young professionals in the US is fighting for. Unlocking America’s Future aims to ‘strike back against well-funded attacks’ on clean-investing. And it’s holding the very richest to account. Its new site – responsibleinvestingwatch. us – tracks the billionaires at the helms of the oil and gas industry who are funding misinformation campaigns and anti-environmental rhetoric. We think they might be right on the money. Source: Axios

TOAD CROSSING Each year, hundreds of volunteers in Richmond help toads cross the road in their annual migration. Fancy checking out the amphibian highway? Church Road in Ham closes every March for the annual occurrence (froglife.org). PRICKLY SUBJECT Sightings of hedgehogs are up by two percent, according to BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine, after having been in decline since 2000. WORK-LIFE BALANCE Of the 61 organisations that took part in the four-day work-week trial, 89 percent are still operating the policy. Time to beg your boss?

PHOTOS: GETTY IMAGES; PEXELS

IN THE HEADLINES

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CULTURE | Art The Ghanaian artist in his small South London studio

KOJO MARFO

Caiti Grove meets the school truant turned Afro expressionist with big ambitions

ojo Marfo’s studio is literally crammed with creativity. In the small South London room overlooking residential gardens, he has stapled a huge canvas to the wall. Two people stand, one holds a cockerel, the other a baby with a mask-like face. They are enormous, dramatic, a twist on the traditional African art that Kojo grew up with. ‘It’s a conversation about pushy parents. But it’s more to do with the pressure and expectations they put on us – we cannot cope,’ he explains. His bike leans against the wall and tubes of paint pile up on the floor. The working space might be small – ‘a big studio would feel like a false elevation’ – but Kojo’s ambitions are large, with exhibitions in Mayfair and New York in recent years, and more to come. Kojo was eight when he started skipping school in his native Ghana. Instead, he would drop into the nearby library and read Asterix comics and art books on Picasso. ‘At ten o’clock in the morning I would tell them, “I’ve been sent home, my Mum will pick me up in the evening”.’ Or he would head to the zoo where children got in for free. After a few strict letters sent in his school bag, he learnt to read them first and censor any to reveal his ruse. ‘It wasn’t like over here where you are coddled, school was tough. Primary school was hardest,’ he tells me of his education in Ghana. ‘I used to forget my socks were dirty. So my Mum would rush around, wash them and dry them by hanging them on the back of the fridge,’ before the rigorous uniform inspection in school assembly. At home, his grandmother brought up her grandchildren while his mother and aunts worked, and he still refers to his grandmother as ‘Mum’, and his mother as ‘Auntie’. ‘I have a typical African family, we

lived in a compound house where my Grandma was the head of the family. We inherit our bloodline from our mother.’ Ghana’s violent coup d’état of 1988 overthrew President Hilla Limann’s government, and Kojo recalls hiding under the bed with his brother. Their house overlooked the broadcasting building where soldiers assembled to control the media narrative of recent skirmishes. ‘They would fire at each other, it was scary. To escape back to their home towns, people had to pass through barriers as they travelled from Accra. It was one of those things that felt normal but when you look back you think, “How did we manage to survive?”’ At 18, Kojo moved to New York for art school, but the city proved to offer too many distractions. ‘It was the Nineties, everyone was in a band. We all wore baggy trousers,’ he says, smiling. ‘I was trying to get my head round the street art movement – I hung around just to observe them. But my Auntie [Kojo’s mother] got scared, she would say on the phone, “These guys are known for putting paint on trains. You’ll get arrested!”’ Kojo changed course and came to London. ‘The houses looked all the same. I thought, “How do people remember where they live?”’ While working in a succession of retail jobs, Kojo painted with dedication and ferocity. In 2010 an LA gallerist declared that he would make Kojo famous – that was his first breakthrough. He broke with them not long afterwards but the rest, as they say, is history. Kojo now rules his own world. He calls the tune and creates for a massive audience. Not bad for a school truant. He has shown them all what he can do. jdmalat.com n

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Furniture, Upholstery & Mirrors

Featuring the Alice Chair and Sylvia Desk

Nina Campbell, 43 Pimlico Rd, London, SW1W 8NE Tel: 020 7591 5797, www.ninacampbell.com Nina Campbell.indd 1

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CULTURE | Art

The EXHIBITIONIST Ed Vaizey dives into the Yoko Ono retrospective at Tate Modern

FROM ABOVE: Add Colour (Refugee Boat) (2016) at MAXXI Foundation. Photo © Musacchio, Ianniello & Pasqualini; Cut Piece (1964). Performed by Yoko Ono in ‘New Works by Yoko Ono’, Carnegie Recital Hall, NYC, 21 March 1965. Photo © Minoru Niizuma; Apple (1966) from Yoko Ono: One Woman Show, 19601971, MoMA, NYC, 2015. Photo © Thomas Griesel

ate Modern has just unveiled its blockbuster of the year – an exhibition by Yoko Ono called Music of the Mind. Ono, of course, is a global figure because of her anarchic, influential art, and because she was married to John Lennon. It’s hard to believe Lennon was only 40 when he was killed. Ono is now 91, and too frail to attend the opening. The exhibition is a captivating testament to the artist’s groundbreaking career, spanning several decades. It features more than 200 pieces encapsulating her diverse and influential body of work. The retrospective, thoughtfully curated by Juliet Bingham and Patricia Dander, will travel on to Düsseldorf. It offers visitors a profound journey into Ono’s avantgarde world, where art is not merely an object of admiration but a medium for participatory engagement and societal reflection. The exhibition spans seven decades from the 1950s, but at its heart are Ono’s works from the 1960s, when she was in London, a period marked by the emergence of conceptual art. Among these, Cut Piece remains a seminal piece, embodying Ono’s fearless exploration of vulnerability and trust. In this performance, participants are invited to cut away pieces of her clothing, blurring the lines between artist and audience, and challenging traditional notions of artistic creation. This iconic piece serves as a precursor to Ono’s enduring commitment to breaking down barriers and fostering a dynamic relationship between the creator and the spectator.

Integral to the retrospective are Ono’s collaborative efforts with John Lennon, most notably their series of Bed-Ins for Peace. Through these unconventional protests, the couple used their celebrity status to advocate for global harmony and protest against war. What you will love about the exhibition is its emphasis on interactive installations that invite you to be active participants in the artistic experience. For example you can write your wishes on tags and hang them on a tree – in an attempt to articulate a collective expression of hope and aspiration. Of course, the song Imagine is forever associated with John and Yoko and the theme of ‘Imagine Peace’ resonates profoundly. Ono’s enduring commitment to this concept is reflected not only in her renowned Imagine Peace Tower but also in various other pieces that echo a call for unity and social change. Ono was a trailblazer. She seamlessly blended conceptual innovation with a deeply rooted commitment to activism. As visitors navigate through the diverse array of works, they are not only exposed to the evolution of Ono’s artistry but are also prompted to contemplate the broader implications of art as a force for societal introspection and change. Yoko Ono: Music of the Mind is at Tate Modern until 1 September. tate.org.uk n

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John Holcomb, Dante and Beatrice, 2024, acrylic and oil pastel on canvas, 109 x 160 cm

Dante Biennale Emma Haworth - Henry Holiday - John Holcomb - Barbara Macfarlane Alice Macdonald - Sidney Nolan - Tom Phillips - Ed Ruscha - Nikoleta Sekulovic - Phil Shaw - Hepzibah Swinford - Tobias Till

exhibition runs from 9 March - 4 April 2024

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CULTURE | Sustainability

LITTLE GREEN BOOK Lisa Grainger is entranced by a tale of glass art on the plains of Kenya Kitengela Glass has prevented hundreds of tonnes of glass from going to waste

nselm Croze didn’t have much choice about becoming an artist. He was surrounded by it. His German mother, Nani, came from a long line of artists and when she arrived in Africa with her English naturalist husband, Harvey, in 1967, she had to be creative to survive. When the couple bought a piece of land on the Kiserian Gorge overlooking Nairobi National Park in the 1970s, it was pretty wild. There was just one tree, but the plains were home to prolific wildlife. When a tent proved not to be safe enough, they built towers whose ladders they could pull up at night, when lions would prowl, then mud and thatch huts – between which Nani planted

hundreds of trees, under which Anselm and his two siblings would play with their pets: a zebra, a duiker, various dogs and snakes and birds (including a vulture, called Vultch, who’d often, rather disconcertingly, sit on Nani’s head). Ever creative, Nani spent her days creating imaginative spaces, and filling them with paintings and eccentric sculptures and murals. When it was suggested to her that making stained glass windows for the churches might make her some money, she took herself to London to do a three-week stainedglass course at Goddard & Gibbs. Today, it’s hard to believe that her home and Kitengela glassworks – 45 minutes’ drive from Nairobi – is the same arid, treeless plain on which

the couple erected their tent in 1979. Above the gorge, where leopards still prowl, grows a blanket of green trees. Amid the greenery, clutches of organic, Flintstones-meets-Gaudi-esque buildings sprawl, their multi-coloured stainedglass windows sparkling in the sunshine, amid wildly imaginative mosaic-coloured creatures: a dragon, perhaps, or sculpted bird with glassadorned wings. And at the heart of it rises a giant Florentine-style brick kiln in which Anselm runs his glass-blowing atelier. Like everything around here, Anselm admits, the dome was built bit by bit ‘as we had money: I sold a goblet I’d made, buy a few bricks’. As a young man, the Kenyan had gone to learn glassblowing in Holland with Willem and Bernard Heesen and been introduced to the Finnish glassblower Mikko Merikallio who taught him how to build a furnace. Being in the middle of the bush, with no mains electricity, he needed to generate his own power. So they started to collect recycled engine oil and heated the kilns with that. They lit the space by inserting into the ceiling bottoms of old bottles – in a pattern that replicates the position of the stars in the skies – through which shards of light shine. And to blow glass, they melted offcuts of sheet glass discarded by construction sites. The process is not entirely green, the 58-year-old glass-maker admits – he’d love to have the funding to construct a big enough solar farm to power the works. But since they opened it in 1990s, Kitengela Glass has re-used ‘hundreds of tonnes, I reckon’ of waste glass that would have ended up in landfill and thousands of litres of discarded oil. It employs over 90 staff, from glass-blowers to retailers, who sell its organic ranges – from the best-selling see-through, bubbled glass tumblers to wildly coloured bespoke light-fittings for hotels. And it has created a model which has now been widely copied in other countries. Anselm’s next task is to polish what Nani built. The founder, now 80, no longer has the strength to run the operation (which is not a bad thing, Anselm admits, given how frequently they fell out). So he’s refurbishing her extraordinary organic cottages to turn into a boutique hotel and gallery to show her work; transforming the business digitally; harnessing greener power and holding more classes to teach next generation to turn waste glass into something useful. What they’ve achieved, from nothing, he says proudly, is ‘to produce a great Kenyan product with a proud Kenyan ethos. We’ve taken it online worldwide – boxes now go out from here to all over the globe. The next step is to go solar. It’s a big ask – but look how far we’ve come…’ kitengela.glass n

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Conservation | CULTURE

The POSITIVE DISRUPTOR James Wallace is taking the government to court

PHOTOS: UNSPLASH; PEXELS

t’s 7 February and I’m sitting in court, heart thumping as I witness either history in the making or my demise. No, I haven’t nicked a loaf of bread or blocked a road. This is a far more existential crime and it affects us all. Will the judge rule in favour of the common man, or government and industry? After 25 years of leading pioneering environmental enterprises and charities, I look back and wonder exactly what I and those of my ilk have achieved. Created lots of jobs, invested piles of money, developed disruptive innovations, protected pockets of countryside, made a few headlines, even released a few beavers. Yes. But still the machinations of ecologically destructive economic and political systems drive us towards planetary catastrophe. Like many others, I am taking increasingly drastic action. Daring to raise my head above the parapet to empty my heart on the pages of magazines and across the airwaves. Putting my liberty at risk by protesting the destruction of our climate, rights and wildlife. And now, taking the law into my own hands. Technologies such as renewable energy, changing consumer behaviours and nature conservation are key. But none of these mean anything if the (Centre, left to right): James Wallace, industries that produce Feargal Sharkey and Charles Watson the things we consume outside court in Cardiff in February – from electric cars and clothing to food and freshwater – are allowed to over-exploit and pollute the natural world that sustains us. So along with Charles Watson, the founder and chair of River Action, I find myself having no choice but to take the UK Government to court, accompanied by the clarion call of infuriated demonstrators rallied by Feargal Sharkey and a giant papier mâché Goddess of the River Wye outside. The details of our case – a judicial review – don’t matter.

Our request is simple: that the government does its job and enforces the law. Whether it’s factory farms polluting our rivers or water companies dumping sewage, regulators like the Environment Agency must use all their clout to make industry abide by the rules of the land. It’s not an option. The law either exists to be enforced or it doesn’t. If you decided that it was inconvenient to stick to the speed limit because you are in a rush on the motorway, you would be instantly fined and possibly banged up. So why is it that a corporation can quite literally shit in our rivers because it saves money – breaking the law everyday – and go on to reap huge financial reward? The Government has a constitutional and legal responsibility to uphold the law. But with 14 years of cutting red tape and regulator funding, we watch as our health, security and environment are being washed down the drain. And let’s not forget the reason behind this: it’s not just their neoliberal experiment, the people who have ruined our country are the owners, beneficiaries and paid up advisors to the big businesses exploiting us. How tragic it is that citizens have to protect themselves by suing the legislators who are meant to protect them. Thankfully, the media and public are waking up. When we win our case – and we surely will – it will unleash a wave of legal actions that the Government cannot ignore. Rather than persecuting peaceful climate protesters, the judiciary will turn its gaze on those who have sold our future for a quick buck, crony peerage or PPE yacht. Ministers and their minstrels are not above the law. Could political prosecutions be the new gong for leaders without a conscience? James is Chief Executive of River Action n

THINK DIFFERENTLY, ACT NOW

Ways to hold the government to account

DONATE to River Action’s legal campaigns to protect rivers and wildlife. riveractionuk.com/donate ENGAGE Environmental lawyers Leigh Day Solicitors against Government injustice. leighday.co.uk

FOLLOW The latest wildlife legal actions against the Government with Wild Justice. wildjustice.org.uk COMPLAIN To the Office for Environmental Protection about illegal Government actions. theoep.org.uk LEARN About your right to judicial review and human rights with liberty. libertyhumanrights.org.uk

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Ferrari Purosangue PRICE £313,120 ENGINE 6,496cc V12 POWER 725hp 0-62mph 3.3 seconds TOP SPEED 193mph ECONOMY 16.3mpg STREAMING Wild Horses – The Rolling Stones

Road Test

Carpets made from old fishing nets and recycled polyester headlining – is this the greenest Ferrari yet? asks Jeremy Taylor

TOWN

Ferrari has never been first on the grid for sustainability. In the past, the iconic brand only equipped hybrid supercars like the SF90 Stradale with battery power to generate more phenomenal speed, rather than boosting economy. Which is why the new, petrol-powered Purosangue is especially important. The brand’s first four-door, four-seater is guaranteed to attract a new segment of family buyers and also offers some genuine eco-friendly cred. With the first, all-electric Ferrari not due until the end of 2025, the Purosangue proves Ferrari is intent on change. After all, this is a £313,000 car with recycled headlining, carpet made from reclaimed fishing nets and ecological Alcantara seat cloth. It’s a small step but supports Ferrari’s decision last year to join the UN Global Compact – a voluntary initiative to support sustainability principles. Ferrari shies away from questions about future versions of the Purosangue featuring a battery pack – which suggests the Maranello factory is already on the case. For now, the super-SUV features an unfashionable, V12 6.5-litre engine that competes with the Aston Martin DBX and Lamborghini Urus for a spot on Sadiq Khan’s naughty step. Averaging 12mpg around town isn’t a good look in 2024. At least the Purosangue’s modest 473-litre boot is genuinely useful for shopping trips. Access to the back seats is via rear-hinged doors that, when opened at the same time as the conventionally hinged front doors, gives an unhindered entry to all passengers. The doors are also electrically operated, which looks even cooler. RATING: 3/5 HANDBAGS

COUNTRY

Ferrari becomes flustered when the Purosangue is branded an SUV but a four-door, four-seater with extra ground clearance fits the desciption perfectly. Perhaps it’s because the Purosangue doesn’t look like a conventional SUV that the label irks the marque so. I’d say the Purosangue is one of the best-looking, most entertaining SUVs a lot of money can buy. Ferrari engineers have ensured sure-footed handling thanks to a highly technical active suspension system, providing thrilling levels of grip. However, the four-wheel drive system doesn’t lift the Ferrari high enough to cope with serious off-road work – buy a retro Mercedes G-Wagon for that – although a 30mm suspension lift system is an optional extra, which seems mean in a car this dear. On longer journeys, the front bucket seats are multi-adjustable and supportive, with a choice of massage functions. Rear head and leg room are excellent, while trim levels are on a par with class-leading Bentley. Front seat passengers also benefit from an individual infotainment screen in front of them on the dashboard. Purosangue may not be as practical as the rival Urus or a DBX but it does drive better than both, or any other SUV for that matter. Ferrari announced last year that the car was sold out until 2026, so buyers are already voting with their wallets. Ferrari purists will hate the Purosangue because it’s not in keeping with the values of an historic brand. There is a tad less glamour than any other car bearing the prancing horse badge but the Purosangue still has the pace and feel of a true Ferrari. RATING: 4/5 WELLIES

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Motoring | CULTURE

THE DRIVE

Destination: The Inn at Whitewell, Clitheroe

For centuries, travellers have arrived on the welcoming doorstep of the Whitewell Inn by horse power. The clip-clop of hooves remains a regular sound outside this unspoilt Lancashire pub today. Guests are greeted by the crackle of an open fire and, more than likely, a brace of labradors curled up on the hearth. The décor of the 14th century inn, owned by the Duchy of Lancaster, complete with ancient flagstone floors, is unashamedly an homage to country pursuits. There’s more warmth from the welcoming staff at reception too, where a well-curated shop sells local honey and treats – don’t miss the orange marmalade. Adjoining St Michael’s church, with a 300-year-old tapestry, is worth a visit. In the evening, my advice is to ignore the dining room and opt for the candlelit bar area, where dogs of every shape and size lounge at their owners’ feet. There are more roaring fires, snugs and a legendary haddock pie to boot. While Whitewell thrives on old-school charm, my steed for the weekend is a Lotus Eletre – a car that will have traditionalists spluttering over their pint of real ale. The company’s first family car has plenty of horsepower but also marks the dawn of a new era for the Norfolk-based manufacturer. Now designed in Coventry and built in China, the fiveseat Eletre is an all-electric flying machine, with a space-age interior that looks more Top Gun than retro cool. The largest car ever made by Lotus also weighs a not insubstantial 2.5 tons, thanks to its heavy battery pack and luxurious trim. Like Ferrari’s Purosangue (opposite), Eletre is Lotus’ first SUV – except the Norfolk brand is happy to shout about its car with a boot and four doors. ‘Looks like an SUV, drives like a Lotus,’ goes the slogan.

Deep in the Forest of Bowland, The Inn at Whitewell celebrates the British countryside

But Lotus engineers have still ensured this is very much a driver’s car. Equipped with fourwheel drive and the extra ground clearance of an SUV, Eletre is the perfect car for a dextrous exploration of the Lancashire fells. True, it’s not as comfortable as a similarly priced BMW or Mercedes SUV but the Lotus is a riot to drive, with strong acceleration and a real-world driving range of around 300 miles from the 112 kWh battery. There’s a sportier ‘R’ model that goes even faster. Anyone who has driven a Lotus will recognise the step up in quality – soft-close doors, a 23-speaker audio system and giant infotainment screen to name but a few. Eletre is probably the first practical Lotus too, with a massive 688-litre boot and plenty of leg room both front and rear. Lotus made its name on the racetrack and the move away from traditional sportscar values will upset some. However, the rest of us can enjoy the winning formula of a premium family car that should help secure the future of this fabulous British brand. BOOK IT: From £250. innatwhitewell.com Lotus Eletre PRICE £89,500 BATTERY 112 kWh POWER 603hp 0-62MPH 4.5 seconds

IN THE BOOT

BATTERY BEAUTY This foldable, lightweight electric bicycle has an ingenious, rear-mounted luggage rack for shopping trips. GoCycle CXi Family Cargo, £5,999. gocycle.com SECRET FORMULA How F1 reinvented itself – the story of geniuses, rogues and speed freaks. The Formula by Joshua Robinson (Monoray Books, £22)

TOP SPEED 160mph RANGE 373 miles STREAMING Sparks Fly – Taylor Swift

COOL COMMANDO The ultimate boot accessory – wellies! Natural rubber from approved forests and a robust Vibram sole. Balmoral Commando, £200. hunterboots.co.uk n

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Thrills, Spills & COUNTRY FRILLS

Celebrating Cheltenham Festival on The Gold Cup’s centenary year. By AMY WAKEHAM

Constitution Hill clears the final fence to win the Unibet Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham in 2023

ach year over 260,000 people f lock to Cheltenham Festival for four days of horse racing, live music, food and drink. Horses are made heroes and the reputations of top jockeys are on the line. Champions return to fight for their crown, while others battle to steal the limelight. It’s a week of drama and high emotion, with moments of pure theatre thrown in for good measure. There’s plenty to enjoy off the track too: from shopping to restaurants to entertainment. And this year is even more special, as the Festival celebrates 100 years of the Gold Cup, sponsored by Boodles – the most eagerly anticipated event in the annual jump racing calendar.

Over 200 Years of Action

Jade Holland Cooper leads the style crowd at Cheltenham Festival every year

Three-time Gold Cup winning jockey Paul Townend celebrates his 2023 victory on Galopin Des Champs

1818

1820s

1834

1902

The first official meeting is held on Cheltenham’s Cleeve Hill, near the current racecourse.

Cheltenham races become as prestigious as Ascot, Epsom Downs and Goodwood.

The oldest jump race in the calendar, the Grand Annual Steeplechase, is first run at Andoversford.

The meeting now known as the Cheltenham Festival is inaugurated on the current site.

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Events | CULTURE TROY LONDON Coat, £360. troylondon.com

FESTIVAL FASHION

While there is no formal style code in place, many guests like to dress up for Cheltenham Festival – think contemporary takes on country wear. This year’s fashion partner is Holland Cooper, which has just launched a new men’s range, celebrating British tailoring and timeless styling, and including towncoats, blazers and waistcoats, plus elevated casual wear. Troy London has also collaborated with the face of racing, presenter Francesca Cumani, for its collection of chic wool coats.

DUBARRY Blossom tweed skirt, £249. dubarry.com

CHRISTYS’ HATS Madison trilby, £110. christys-hats.com

HOLLAND COOPER Men’s collection available now. hollandcooper.com

FOUR The number of wins by the most successful jockey, Pat Taaffe, who recorded three on Arkle (1964, 1965 & 1966) and Fort Leney (1968). SIX MINUTES, 29.7 SECONDS The fastest winning time recorded, set by Long Run in 2011. SEVEN The total victories by the most successful owner in the last 100 years, Dorothy Paget.

HOUSE OF BRUAR Merino and cashmere dress, £159.95. houseofbruar.com

THE GOLD CUP 100 COMMUNITY FUND

Book your tickets to this year’s Cheltenham Festival, 12-15 March, at thejockeyclub.co.uk

ONE The number of greys that have won the Gold Cup: Desert Orchid in 1989.

EIGHT Horses that have won more than once: Al Boum Photo (2019 and 2020); Kauto Star (2007 and 2009, the only horse to ever regain the Gold Cup); Best Mate (2002, 2003, 2004); L’Escargot (1970, 1971); Arkle (1964, 1965, 1966); Cottage Rake (1948, 1949, 1950); Golden Miller (1932, 1933, 1934, 1935, 1936); and Easter Hero (1929, 1930).

REALLY WILD Pea coat, £595. reallywildclothing.com

Operated by Cheltenham Racecourse (run by The Jockey Club), in partnership with the Rotary Clubs of Cheltenham, this initiative raises funds for local organisations, charities and community groups. So far, seven groups have been awarded money, from causes such as adult literacy to a wheelchair rugby team. ‘Gold Cup 100 is an incredibly exciting project, and it really is a once in a lifetime event to be a part of,’ said Andre Klein, Assistant General Manager of Cheltenham Racecourse. ‘We want to leave a legacy from the celebrations that will truly help and enhance our local area, and this felt like a great way to do that.’

RACE BY NUMBERS

FAIRFAX & FAVOR The Clarence bag, £295. fairfaxandfavor.com

BOODLES Lucky platinum and white gold diamond horseshoe brooch, £10,500. boodles.com

PENELOPE CHILVERS Kingham leather ankle boot, £359. penelopechilvers.com

1924

1900s

2005

2015

2024

The first Gold Cup is run and won by Red Splash, owned by Major Humphrey Wyndham.

The meet becomes a three-day spectacular and winners become household names.

Following popular demand, the Cheltenham Festival is expanded to run over four days.

A new grandstand that holds 6,500 people is officially opened by HRH The Princess Royal.

The Festival will celebrate 100 years of The Gold Cup on Friday 15 March at 3.30pm.

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CULTURE | Interview

Diana Verde Nieto tells Charlotte Metcalf why it’s time to stop talking and start doing

IN BRIEF COUNTRY COTTAGE OR PENTHOUSE?

You know the answer! GARDENING OR THEATRE?

Can I have both? We just saw Dear England and Joseph Fiennes was amazing. HEELS OR FLATS?

Heels at parties, presentations or meetings, as I’m super-short. DOG OR CAT?

An adorable (and playful) four-yearold working cocker spaniel called Rufus. COUNTRY PUB OR MICHELIN STAR?

Pubs – luckily, my London local, The Pelican, is in the Michelin Guide. COUTURE OR COUNTRY CASUALS

I love vintage and mixing things.

PORTRAIT BY ALEXANDRA DAO

iana Verde Nieto arrives exuding the same sparkling, smiling energy as when I first met her in 2011. Back then she was launching Positive Luxury from a small Shoreditch office, aiming to equip luxury brands with the necessary knowledge to embrace environmental and social topics. Positive Luxury acknowledged their efforts with the instantly recognisable Butterfly Mark of trust. Today, it’s under the leadership of Amy Nelson-Bennett, and though Diana is no longer at the helm, the culture and her ethos live on. Diana grew up in her native Buenos Aires dreaming of being a human rights lawyer, but her father forbade her from taking on such a ‘dangerous’ profession in a then fascist country. Meanwhile, she fell in love with a Brit and followed him to London. She arrived one rainy November nearly 30 years ago, speaking hardly any English and without the money for a return ticket. ‘The romance didn’t last, but I’ll always have London,’ she laughs. ‘From there, the only way was up.’ Diana is now one of the global luxury industry’s most pioneering, influential voices and a major force behind the sustainability movement. What’s more, she’s excited to have a new book, Reimagining Luxury, under her belt. ‘After 12 years running Positive Luxury, I wanted to take a pause to be and think,’ she says. ‘The one thing that we sustainability practitioners could have done much better was to talk about it in an aspirational and positive way. At first, we needed to wake people up but now we don’t need to keep gloom-mongering and shocking people. Climate change has a bigger advertising budget that the entire Mission Impossible franchise, and it needs to be spent promoting a positive vision of the future in which business success thrives on robust innovation and aligns seamlessly with societal wellbeing.’ She is adamant that the luxury industry must go much further. ‘In our ever-evolving and unpredictable world, luxury brands must confront inequality, prioritise sustainability and shift its mindset to regard people as citizens rather than mere consumers,’ she insists, pointing out that this principle extends to all companies. ‘People are seeking out brands that align with their values and they’ll vote with their feet, so boards and leadership teams are under scrutiny.’ Despite being one of the world’s most prominent sustainability champions, Diana believes it’s high time

to stop banging on about sustainability and act. ‘Business has no choice but to innovate and transition to being net positive,’ she says, ‘and that way it’ll deliver positive social and environmental outcomes alongside economic growth.’ She radiates optimism as she talks about the racy pace at which brands are innovating. ‘It’s astonishing to watch because the next generation of Gen Z consumers are so open to embrace and explore the new,’ she says. ‘Gen Zs are 100 percent digital and sustainable, and see the world differently. They love pre-loved and vintage, are conscious of what they eat and aren’t afraid to challenge convention. ‘Storytelling is also crucial to have a collective positive vision of the future,’ she adds. ‘Take Nike or Apple. They don’t push their trainers and phones, but instead tell us we can just do it and enable us to think differently. But we have frightened and paralysed people by insisting on a turnaround too massive for people to grasp what role to play, whereas effective system change is about little hacks people can manage one at a time.’ Diana cites Chantal Gaemperle – LVMH executive committee member and group director of human resources and synergies – who said, ‘Luxury is a dance with paradoxes.’ ‘Luxury’s a fine-tuned dance between modernity and heritage,’ says Diana, ‘like a complex, fine wine, [it is] really reimagining itself, embracing the modern via innovation.’ Diana is on a hectic schedule promoting her book and has what she refers to as a ‘portfolio career’. It comprises advising and sitting on numerous prestigious boards, including the British Beauty Council, the UN Conscious Fashion Network, the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs and Sustainnovate. ‘Companies like Sustainnovate are so exciting because they’re unlocking the power of open, breakthrough innovation, helping companies recognise which small hacks can really drive change and efficiencies,’ she says. ‘Its CEO, Penny Brook – former CMO of Canada Goose – always reminds me that companies will change fast when they can envision growth.’ Diana’s own mission is to change our mindsets, by driving us to collaborate and take action. ‘I hate to give away the last line of my book,’ she laughs, ‘but if we stopped talking about sustainability and got on with doing it, the world would be very different.’ Reimagining Luxury is out now (Kogan Page, £31.99) n

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Diane Verde Nieto believes we’re in the age of reimagination

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Dress Celia Kritharioti Necklace with 8.6ct white diamonds set in white gold Graff Shoes Rene Caovilla Sunglasses Saint Laurent @ MATCHESFASHION

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BOSS GIRL

AMY WAKEHAM meets Kaya Scodelario, star of Guy Ritchie’s new gangster series The Gentlemen FASHION DIRECTOR NICOLE SMALLWOOD PHOTOGRAPHER PAUL FARRELL

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Dress Prada Bra Commando Earrings with 8.6cts white diamonds set in white gold Graff Gloves Cornelia James

e all love an It Girl. Exactly what makes them ‘it’ can be hard to define – a combination of looks, charisma and style, perhaps – but we can certainly spot them a mile off. Kaya Scodelario has been an It Girl for 17 years, ever since she made her on-screen debut at the age of 14, striding down a suburban Bristol street in a tartan kilt and smudged eyeliner. Effy in Skins has cast a spell over every generation of teenagers since, with her raven hair, huge blue eyes, and give-no-shits attitude. It was a role that changed Kaya’s life, putting her on a trajectory that has blasted through Hollywood, blockbusters and indie films, before ending up here, today, in the lobby of the Standard Hotel in King’s Cross. She appears in a trench coat and ankle boots, fresh from a two-day press junket. In person she’s warm, open and straight-talking, with a north London twang to her accent – she was raised just up the road in Camden Town by her single mum. We’re meeting to talk about her

role in The Gentlemen, Guy Ritchie’s new Netflix series spin-off of his 2019 film of the same name. But before we get to that, we must start at the very beginning – with Effy. ‘I love that people still bring her up. I’m very proud of her. And I’m very proud of that show,’ says Kaya, who had zero formal training before she accepted the role. Why does she think the character and the show still resonate, almost two decades after it was first released? ‘At the time it was the first show that wasn’t a moral story. It wasn’t “teenager does drugs equals bad”. It was asking the audience to make the decisions for themselves,’ she says. ‘It never talked down to its audience, because our writers were actually young people, and because we were the age of the characters [we were playing]. There wasn’t a writers’ room of old white men. There were young people, and people of colour and women. It was way ahead of its time.’ She stayed on Skins for four seasons, before going on to star in blockbusters such as The Maze Runner (2014) and Pirates of the Caribbean: Salazar’s Revenge (2017), Netflix’s Ted Bundy series Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile (2019) and Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City (2021). In the middle of it all, she had two children with actor Benjamin Walker, and before she returned home to film This Is Christmas (2022), she hadn’t worked in the UK for over a decade. The Gentlemen, then, is a real homecoming. The series follows Eddie Horniman (Theo James), who unexpectedly inherits his father’s peerage and sizeable country estate – only to discover it’s sitting on the largest cannabis farm in Europe. In it, her character, Susie, is ‘an absolute boss’. She runs her dad’s (played in a cameo by Ray Winstone) criminal empire with confidence and cool-headed charisma, teaching Theo’s Eddie the ropes with ease. What drew Kaya to the character? ‘She’s a grown-up woman. I’ve spent a lot of my career playing teenagers and young women that were lost or trying to find their path,’ she explains. ‘Susie is already this machine: she’s good at her job, she commands every space that she moves into. And I thought that that would be so much fun to embody.’ The series has everything you expect from Guy Ritchie: gangsters, guns, drugs and quick-paced quips. Despite loving her character, initially Kaya had reservations about what the male-dominated set would be like. ‘But I’ve spent so long in these environments, they don’t scare me anymore,’ she says. ‘It’s very important for me that work is a safe place and a productive environment. I have a no arseholes policy – I don’t care how famous you are, how big an actor or director you are. If you’re

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Dress AADNEVIK Shoes Manolo Blahnik 18ct white gold mother of pearl and diamond earrings Annoushka

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Top and skirt Sportmax Shoes Jimmy Choo

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Dress and briefs Dolce & Gabbana Bralette Commando

a dick, I’m not going to do it anymore. And luckily, no one was a dick.’ Ritchie’s directing style is famously spontaneous – he’s a big fan of on-the-spot improvisation. ‘It was a unique experience,’ says Kaya. ‘I’ve never worked with a director who, on the first day, told us to un-memorise our lines and change everything last minute. Which was terrifying, because acting 101 is “know your lines’’. So there was a little adjustment while I was trying to figure out his style, but once I let go of control and trusted him, I was able to go along on the journey with him.’ Another highlight of shooting was Susie’s wardrobe, created by costume designer Loulou Bontemps. As an underworld kingpin (should that be queenpin?), Susie is dressed to the nines for all occasions. ‘We developed this idea [through the costumes] that she’s a chameleon because she goes through these two worlds: aristocratic high society and the underground gangster world,’ explains Kaya. ‘In the country, she dresses in tweeds and berets, and when she’s in London, in the boxing gym, she’s a bit more Kate Moss, with platform heels and sparkles.’

For Susie’s accent, Kaya found inspiration close to home. ‘I built upon my north London roots,’ she says. ‘A lot of the kids I went to school with were quite working class… I based her accent and her energy on two of my friends’ mums. They were the scariest people I knew, but also the loveliest.’ Her Brazilian background – Kaya’s mum is from Brazil, and she says she considers herself ‘a Londoner first, then Brazilian, then British’ – is central to the other project she’s been working on, a miniseries called Senna that’s based on the life of Ayrton Senna da Silva, the Brazilian F1 racing legend. ‘For a very long time I’ve wanted to tell a Brazilian story,’ Kaya explains. ‘A lot of my culture, my music, my food, my emotions are very connected to that side of me. It’s an incredible story and for so many Brazilians Senna is an absolute hero. So to get to be a small part of that story is really exciting for me.’ With that ticked off, Kaya’s also keen to be involved on a project from the very beginning. ‘I want to produce, I want to work with directors, I want to be involved from start to finish on a project. And I think that’s what, after having 17 years of experience on set, I can bring. I still get imposter syndrome – I think, “I’m a girl, a woman, only 30, they won’t take me seriously.” But I’ve been around this for so long that I do know what I’m talking about and I have to bring out some Beyoncé energy and be like, “No, I deserve to be here.”’ However, for now she’s back in London, juggling press for The Gentlemen, childcare – it’s half term when we speak, and she has to take her son to gymnastics camp – London Fashion Week and the Baftas. ‘I’ll soon get itchy feet though,’ she says. ‘I love working. I love being exhausted. I love doing 18-hour days. My therapist would say it’s some sort of weird form of selfdeprivation. But it’s all I know. I grew up with a parent who was an immigrant and had to work hard all the time.’ To relax, she has ‘really got into hot yoga’, and she loves taking her old dog – ‘the most consistent man in my life’ – for walks on Hampstead Heath, which she calls her ‘special place’. Kaya also loves ‘nothing more than going to the pub with my friends and talking for hours. That’s so much more interesting than going to some chichi party with actors telling me how hard their lives are. I’d much rather be around real people.’ The original cool girl may have grown up – but she’s still got ‘it’. The Gentlemen is streaming on Netflix now n

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Dress and blazer Philosophy di Lorenzo Serafini TEAM Make-up: Zoe Taylor @ Blanket using Lancôme Hair: GHD UK Pro Ambassador James Earnshaw using GHD Fashion Assistant: April McCarthy Photographer Assistant: Freddie Farrell Manicurist: Christie Huseyin using CHANEL Le Vernis in Diva and CHANEL La Crème Main DOP: Ryan Nicholas Shot on location at Cliveden House (see p108)

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On Location Cliveden House was a glamorous setting for the C&TH cover shoot with Kaya Scodelario

orgeous Kaya Scodelario lounges about the halls of Berkshire’s Cliveden House for C&TH’s March/April cover shoot. Should you, too, wish to don a ballgown and sip champagne in this historic manor, it’s just 40 minutes from London – the ideal weekender for couples seeking a romantic retreat within easy reach. The Grade I-listed stately home is a National Trust property enjoying a sprawling 376 acres of quintessentially English grounds. The hotel is a five-star Relais & Châteaux property belonging to the Iconic Luxury Hotels collection, and its dining room (plus grill) serves mouthwatering seasonal fare led by exec chef Chris Hannon. Its history, though, might make you raise an arched brow. The 2nd Duke of Buckingham George Villiers built the original house as a lavish gift to his mistress, the married Countess of Shrewsbury, Anna Maria Talbot – whose husband the Duke later mortally wounded in a duel. Scandal and celebrity have been central to Cliveden ever since, and over the years it has hosted royalty and Hollywood stars alike. Of the rakish duke’s original lodge, only the arched terrace remains today. Perhaps this history will tempt you to visit. Otherwise, we’re sure it’ll be the incredible views enjoyed by this gorgeous hotel.

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FEAR is the ENEMY

Harriet Walter is one of our most highly regarded actors, but behind the scenes she concerns herself with the plight of our refugees as patron of the charity West London Welcome. She talks to LUCY CLELAND about why fear is really our greatest enemy

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALEXANDRA DAO

ou probably last saw Harriet Walter, now in her 70s, nailing acidic matriarch as Lady Caroline Collingwood in Succession, or for theatregoers, as the titular tyrannical mother in Lorca’s oppressive The House of Bernarda Alba at the National Theatre. But, here, in a room in an unprepossessing red-brick building in west London, she plays quite a different role – that of patron of West London Welcome, a community centre run for and, critically, with refugees, asylum seekers and migrants Although well-heeled Kensington and affluent Chelsea are just a short SUV drive away – this area has some of the highest inequality in the country. You’ll just as likely find Harriet helping in the kitchen (the food, cooked fresh and served up daily for up to 100 people – today it’s by Diyaa from Palestine – is exceptional), chatting at the tables with the refugees, or using her formidable skills to shine a light on the charity through fundraising and ambassadorial work. The then Prince Charles was a visitor to the centre in 2022. Given there’s barely a day when asylum seekers and migrants aren’t part of the political discourse, engorging column inches and

radio waves, and dividing the populace, chatting to Harriet about her involvement with the charity, her thoughts on immigration and listening to those who have made it to UK shores (some via the most unimaginable means) puts a very human story behind one of the most important issues of our times – and one, thanks to the escalation in global conflict and the effects of the climate crisis, is only going to get worse. But first a little about West London Welcome. Founded in 2018 by Joanne MacInnes – a former actress herself, who had previously been a volunteer at the Calais Jungle – the centre started by opening just one day a week and seeing about 40 people, referred by local councils, GPs, schools and word of mouth. Now, up to 250 come through the doors on the four days it’s open each week, speaking more than 40 languages, from 54 countries. While many refugee charities offer one form of assistance, West London Welcome is rare in the fact that it offers wraparound holistic support – except mental health counselling and employment aid. However, Joanne points out that just being welcomed into the warm, colourful centre is a form of wellbeing in itself. On offer, vitally, is casework support (imagine negotiating your housing, health and education needs and asylum application if you neither speak the

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Harriet Walter, photographed at West London Welcome

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Refugees and others always receive a warm welcome from Harriet and Joanne, pictured bottom right next to Harriet

language nor know the law), English tuition, a healthy, vegetable-packed home-cooked lunch, exercise classes, stay-and-play for mothers and children, gardening, cooking – and moreover, a place that is safe, a word that cannot be underestimated. Joanne says living as a refugee or asylum seeker in the UK is not the end of their painful journey, but the beginning of another one. The biggest challenge facing the centre is homelessness – something that is also dominating headlines. According to Joanne, since the Home Office rushed through ‘all those asylum decisions last autumn’ in a bid to get people off waiting lists and to be able to ‘tell the Daily Mail that they’re bringing down the hotel bills’, this has placed huge pressure on accommodation. Since housing was already at breaking point, this means there’s often nowhere for refugees to live. Once they’re are granted asylum, they have 28 days to leave their provided accommodation (usually, a temporary hotel room, where they are paid £8.86 a week) and find housing. ‘And, because asylum seekers aren’t allowed to work, they’ve got no credit or employment history, so they’ve got to go on benefits, which takes six weeks… and even then, what landlord is going to take them on?’ says Joanne with a shrug. West London Welcome’s assurance is that none of those under its care will go homeless. Through their close working with councils to get people into temporary accommodation, hard-fought-for network of landlords and private individuals who are willing to house refugees in spare room, it’s never let someone wittingly sleep out in the cold. However, Joanne points to a board on the wall, saying, ‘That board there represents everyone who we’re trying to find housing for.’ I see 33 names. It seems a formidable task (although since autumn they have found housing for 55 singles and families housing since the autumn). Meanwhile, Harriet has been concerned with the refugee plight for over 40 years ever since she attended a meeting held by the Refugee Council in south London. ‘It made me aware of how biased the reporting [about refugees] was in the papers and how inflammatory words could spark public opinion. Of course, everybody would rather live in their own country with their own family, their own history and their own culture. That’s what we want as human beings. But on the whole, in our immediate environment here [in the UK], we don’t experience the kind of threat that makes us need to

leave. It makes people quite unsympathetic and if you’ve never met anybody who’s a refugee, then you tend to believe what you read in the papers.’ Joanne and the other staff members, like deputy director Leyla Williams, are vehement in laying the blame for recent turning against refugees, at David Blunkett’s door and his hardline immigration policies which began in the early 2000s. These were then doubled down on by Theresa May as Home Secretary in 2012, when she introduced the Hostile Environment Policy, saying that: ‘The aim is to create, here in Britain, a really hostile environment for illegal immigrants’. ‘Anything that dehumanises a group of people, is dangerous, negative and cruel,’ says Harriet, whose other main concern is the state of our prison system. ‘That again is about dehumanising people in order to push them about and control them and create negative pictures about them. The common-sense bit of me thinks this all just comes back to shoot the perpetrator in the foot. If you’ve got angry people, if you’ve got insecure people, if you’ve got poor people, it is a general fact that if a society is very unequal it creates social problems that negatively impact everyone – rich and poor. We all live on the same planet, we breathe the same air. It lazily categorises people to the point where we no longer think it’s important to know the truth, and that’s dangerous.’

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I wonder how all this relates to Harriet’s career as an actor. Her roles over the past 50 years leap from Hedda Gabler to Henry IV, via Dr Kalonia in Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens and Lady Shackleton in Downton Abbey. ‘It is related, I suppose, because what I do for a living is to try and get behind stereotypes and say, “have another look and try and relate to that person and identify with them”.’ While she admits to not being a ‘vocal activist on the picket line’ and being prone to spread herself thin (her role as Bernarda Alba has meant she hasn’t been able to come to the centre for the past three months), her intrinsic skills of communication mean she’s a great teacher when she is here. During the pandemic, particularly, she found herself mostly ‘washing up and teaching’. ‘There was a group who really had no English at all that I was teaching through drawings and mime, and smiling and connecting.’ It’s nice to think that someone who has had some Harriet Walter training might go far in articulating their own needs one day. Being able to express yourself is, she points out, critical. ‘If you have to speak in a foreign language, you lose a lot of yourself until you’re better and better at it. You lose your sense of humour. You lose your individual quirks. You lose your connection with your family. So I think one of the great gifts we can give people here is the English language because it transforms their experience.’ What Harriet would like to see most is a shift in perspective. ‘I think that where people have absorbed and assimilated an immigrant population, it’s been a benefit on the whole to that society. We are the product of that. If you get a bit of a perspective, all the people not in this room, all the people in London were immigrants from somewhere else before. ‘And a change in rhetoric for political gain. If they stopped talking about “stopping the boats” or whatever, and started finding safe ways of passage… Which is never talked about. You’re not going to stop people trying

to get away from hunger, famine, bombs, persecution, torture, imprisonment. You’re not going to stop people trying to get away from that and they’ll come by whatever means possible.’ As for Shakespearean-trained Harriet’s seemingly inexorable rise to stardom, having scored standout roles in global smash-hit streamers, from Succession, of course, but also Killing Eve and Ted Lasso, she assiduously reminds me that, ‘she’s never not worked’. ‘It’s funny because people speak as though I’ve had a rebirth or something. But in fact it’s more to do with the changes that have happened in the machinery of fame. It’s not like, “oh gosh, I’m suddenly on telly”. I’ve always been on TV, film and in the theatre.’ The new recognition though that the streamer success has brought her is double-edged. She’s not one for fame, you get the impression, preferring anonymity in ‘glasses and a woolly hat’. But she does acknowledge ‘being known as a means to an end [rather than for fame’s sake’], because ‘it brings in other work’. ‘It lifts the glass ceiling for you a bit,’ she says. ‘There’s always been a glass ceiling for me in that I was never a big enough name. There were things I did that got rave reviews that weren’t transferred to the West End because people wouldn’t bank on my name.’ That has changed. A Harriet Walter lead is surely now a box-office success. If she continues her incredible work behind the scenes at West London Welcome – along with people such as Joanne and Leyla, putting humanity front and centre of everything they do – perhaps the narratives of the lucky souls who pass through the red doors of a rented room in west London, will also change, and other glass ceilings will be smashed. To find out more, donate or if you’re a landlord with a flat to let, visit westlondonwelcome.com. Harriet Walter’s next role will be in the TV series of Hilary Mantel’s Wolf Hall: The Mirror and the Light airing later this year.

MOUNIA’S STORY Mounia eventually found a new life in the UK thanks in no small part to West London Welcome

Mounia, now 36, was 17 when she was married off in Morocco. ‘Marrying daughters is very important for the family,’ she recounts on Zoom, still visibly shaken by her past. Despite scoring high grades at school and with hopes of being a teacher, Mounia had no choice but to go with a man she hardly knew. The abuse started on her wedding night: a slap across the face. For the next 14 years, having moved to Spain with him, the abuse intensified and was also targeted at the two children she would go on to have. ‘I thought he would kill me,’ she recalls. On more than one occasion he would pin her down by her throat and cover her mouth until her legs would shake. Her attempts to communicate that her husband was hurting her and her children ended up with social services removing them for six months: ‘a feeling like it you’ll never know,’ says Mounia. When her husband moved to England for work, Mounia stayed in Spain trying to hold down a job in hotel housekeeping (a condition of having her children back). But she had very little to live on. Everyone urged her to go to her husband, and she felt she had no choice but to do so. But when she did, the abuse – including rape, which resulted in a third pregnancy – inevitably continued. Her children’s school got the police involved and this set her upon a journey that would eventually end up with a nonmolestation order against her husband, involvement by a children’s charity called Solidarity Sports, and a chance meeting with a solicitor who would go on to tell Mounia her rights, including access to universal credit, of which she had had no idea. She spoke no English. She was introduced to Joanne at West London Welcome by another ‘amazing’ charity, Migrants Organise, and suddenly felt like she’d ‘found a home’. Now, five years later, her English is really good, she has a paid job with Joanne, and counts herself ‘very, very lucky’. n

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What do u yo

See? We see images all day, every day – many of which are adverts. What would happen if we flipped the narrative, and demanded more from our public visuals?

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PHOTO: PEXELS

If you live in a city, it’s likely that you will see hundreds of commercial images a day, exhorting you to buy or behave in certain ways. It’s no wonder that our society has become so consumeristic. Flooding our public spaces with well-known wellbeing enhancers – nature and art – would help us reset ourselves as cogent citizens rather than passive data points. Are you ready to change your visual narrative? asks Marine Tanguy

Marine Tanguy has written a book about detoxing from visual media

lose your eyes. Imagine your commute to work where you would encounter visuals narrating the importance of your mental health, the need to be inclusive and to lead sustainable lives. Imagine how much it would change your priorities. Would you be rushing to Zara to buy that discounted little top? Would you feel that your happiness lies in that fat and sugar-laden snack advertised to you? Wouldn’t you call a friend instead, or just daydream for a while, or give someone you don’t know a broad smile? Open your eyes. Every day we’re surrounded by images, many of which are commercials. Coca-Cola spends on average $4.7bn a year on advertising, which means that you are likely to frequently encounter one of its ads on your commute. In the 21st century, we have become data points, pushed to sustain the gargantuan consumeristic society we have created. We forgot our need to be citizens, our need to share spaces, and to have valuable conversations where we live and work. Images reach our brains 10,000 times faster than words. Most of us, 65 percent of us, in fact, are visual learners, meaning we learn most effectively via pictures, videos and diagrams. Yet we tend to receive imagery passively, believing that the endless onslaught of visuals doesn’t affect us. Would you accept someone shouting at you on the street all the time? Probably not. Yet images shout at us constantly. Most advertising sells us the falsity that you can only be happy if you consume this product or buy into this lifestyle. It’s no surprise that when behavioural scientist Professor Andrew Oswald conducted a study between 1980 and 2011 on 27 countries in Europe, which compared our wellbeing according to our exposure to visual commercial imagery, he discovered that the more exposure to these kind of images we had, the more miserable we were. Given that over-consumption is fuelling the ongoing climate crisis, these images also aren’t conducive to the many changes we need to make as a society for the sake of the planet. However, once you are aware that you live in this visual world, March /April 2024 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM | 117

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FROM ABOVE: One Love by Delphine Diallo (2021), a public art exhibition on Regent Street, commissioned by the Crown Estate; Another Place by Antony Gormley (2005), a public installation on Crosby beach, Merseyside; Mosaic Installation by Arnaud Lapierre (2023), Christmas tree commissioned by EC BID

Marine Tanguy is the founder of B Corp artist agency MTArt. Her first book, The Visual Detox: How to Consume Media Without Letting it Consume You is out now (Square Peg, £16.99) n

PHOTOS: © CHRIS HOWELLS/ WIKICOMMONS; RAZIA JUKES; PEXELS

there are so many actions you can take: endorse content you wish to see digitally and the brands that are respectful to you when advertising; demand more public spaces, more public art, and more common visual narratives. Before founding my company MTArt, I researched the increase in wellbeing of residents and commuters after the implementation of two public art projects. The study found that 84 percent of people were willing to contribute more money via their taxes to fund more public art because of the way it promoted their wellbeing. We cannot continue to say our society will change if the oldest language in the world, the visual language, remains the same. As artificial intelligence is on the rise, we also, more than ever, need to develop our visual critical thinking to fight against a sea of visual misinformation. I tested teaching visual education at the school of my eldest son, Atlas. The children loved understanding how the daily visuals they saw made them feel but also how visual prejudice is built – using a certain composition or a certain colour – so subtly and yet so effectively. This was particularly true of the colour yellow, which they associated straight away with happiness. The children could therefore understand that the advert was making them believe they would be happy with this toy because it had yellow everywhere. We also looked at characters who were fully yellow, such as SpongeBob, and tried to understand the meaning of the choice of the colours that cartoons picked. Very few of us can control the visual narrative that we consume daily, and therefore the advertising sector – and those with the money and power – can shape it as it suits their objectives. We have been made to believe it’s not our business – and yet these visuals shape who we are, our deepest desires and who we become. In Richard Easterlin’s happiness– income paradox studies, when asked what would be the ideal salary in 2011 in the US, pre-social media, people responded $60,000; ten years later it was $150,000. Not only was this down to inflation but the sheer number of social media images they were exposed to telling them they needed these extra things to be happy. On the flip side, nature and art always score highly when it comes to positively impacting our wellbeing, as has been proven

by countless studies. Why, then, don’t we support the daily integration of both nature and art in the places we live and work, to balance the commercial imagery we are subjected to? Nature and art shouldn’t be something we are seldom exposed to. They are not a luxury; with the current mental health and environmental crises, they have become a necessity. Words and visuals need to align; I am excited for more of us to open our eyes to a new reality where our visual world is one we have participated in, shaped and wished for. I am excited for artists to become a central part of our societies, to make us rethink our existence, dream and hope again. My English hero, the 19th-century social reformer Octavia Hill, pushed for an amendment many moons ago to make sure that our parks didn’t get destroyed, which led to the founding of the National Trust, and the protection of Hampstead Heath from development. Now it’s time to recreate the same movement for public art projects and to build our own visual narrative that represents us all, protects our mental health, and empowers us. n

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Hardware | Switches & Sockets | Lighting corston.com

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A Cotswolds &

BULL STORY Will Britain’s Poshwolds ever lose their allure? Not likely, chirps SOPHIA MONEY-COUTTS

he Cotswolds has long been quite a silly patch of the country, but here’s a quick story to illustrate why, recently, it’s become even sillier. I went that way for a romantic weekend a couple of months back to stay in a bougie new pub called The Bull. The food is sensational, tipped a pal, and it’s where all the cool kids are hanging. Imagine my dismay, therefore, to arrive at this fashionable pub in Charlbury only to be told that they didn’t have any such reservation. No booking, no room. I frowned at the manager and insisted they must be wrong. Could they look again? They did. No luck. Would we like to have a drink at the bar while they tried to sort this out? We would, I said grandly, and with as much dignity as my boyfriend and I could muster, we sat in the corner and waited for their embarrassing oversight to be put right. Eventually, the manager returned. ‘Might you be staying at The Bull in Burford?’ he asked slowly, as if talking to a very small child. ‘This is the Bull in Charlbury.’ I felt sick – the kind of instant stomach plunge that happens when you know you’ve made an embarrassing mistake. Yes, I think possibly that’s what’s happened, I replied quietly. ‘Don’t worry, happens all the time,’ he consoled. ‘We get people who’ve booked into The Bell, too.’ The Bell is Lady Bamford’s new pub, also in Charlbury. The Bull (in Burford) is Matthew Freud’s much-lauded new pub. The Bull (in Charlbury) is run by the enterprising team behind Notting Hill’s fashionable boozer, The Pelican. All relatively new, all within a scotch egg’s throw of one another in this extremely silly place. You see how confusion could arise? It’s not just new pubs that have opened down here. In the past year, what was already a sort of countryside Disney – Soho Farmhouse, Jeremy Clarkson’s Diddly Squat farm shop, Daylesford – has become even nuttier. Take the 108-bedroom Estelle Manor, opened last May as the Cotswolds outpost of the Mayfair members’ club, Maison Estelle. It’s an old Jacobean hall that took five years (and a gargantuan sum of money, although everyone’s being quite tight-lipped on the figures) to renovate. Blimey, it’s swanky. Imagine country house meets Paris brothel – that’s the vibe (in a good way). Sensational art on the walls, sofas as big as cruise ships and lighting so dark it would be an excellent place to conduct an affair. My room, on a quick flit there in November, was much like the one I assume monarchs slept in at Versailles – four-poster bed, lacquered furniture, an open fire and a view of the perfectly manicured garden

(and 24-hour heated pool, steaming in the winter cold). Downstairs, the members’ bar was heaving, a DJ on the decks, and it felt more like Westbourne Grove on a Thursday night than rural Witney. Breakfast includes the option of eggs with lobster and caviar for £60, and, in the very smart crèche, I’m told that the clothes in the fancy-dress box were ‘handmade’. Its spa has just opened – a 3,000 sq/m, neoclassical palace ‘inspired by the bathhouses of the Roman era’ where you can have a hammam, and relax after all that arduous eating and drinking. Alternatively, there’s Kate Moss’s spa not far away, yet another glitzy opening last year at the sprawling Lakes by Yoo estate (where the likes of Jade Jagger and Mark Owen reportedly have houses). Thanks to a collaboration with Moss’s wellness brand, Cosmoss, you can now sign up there for a ‘Dawn’ or ‘Dusk Ritual’, which doesn’t sound remotely like the supermodel’s previous early mornings or late nights because they involve herbal teas and massages. As to where the locals actually hang out, well, one tells me that she likes Restoration Hardware at Aynhoe Park, or ‘RH England’ as it’s technically branded. What was formerly a big posh house owned by a chap who’d made a lot of money in raves, and let out for raucous celeb parties, has been taken over by the luxxy American interiors brand and declared open last summer with a big party attended, slightly incongruously, by the likes of Idris Elba and Ellen Degeneres. You can go there now for a juice or a wagyu ribeye sandwich (£48) while picking out a £12,000 onyx kitchen table. ‘And I hate to say it,’ adds another resident, who’s moved down not so long ago from west London, ‘but [Soho] Farmhouse still has it.’ They have a crèche, she says, where you can drop your kids for a couple of hours if you want brunch in peace, or to do a class in the gym. ‘So long as your child has membership which, by the way, has an 18- to 22-month waiting list even if you’re already a member. Obviously, it’s still rammo at the weekend, but if you live there you just go during the week.’ The other place they exercise is the Bamford Club, the members’ offshoot of Daylesford, which opened last March. They have a gym, a biomass-heated pool, ice-barrels for wannabe Wim Hofs but Padel’s the craze. ‘We’ve all dived in in the most major way,’ one member told me excitedly last year. ‘Many have never done more exercise in their lives.’ She added that racquets kept selling out in the club shop, which was quite telling given that they’re being flogged for £400 a pop. Chichi sorts pick up their sourdough or have a quick browse of trench coats and boots at Dunkertons, the new posh shopping and food hub just outside Cheltenham, created by power couple Julian Dunkerton and Jade Holland Cooper. Idris Elba has been known to DJ so it kicks off.

ILLUSTRATION BY MEI MEI, @MEIMEI_2503

‘In the past YEAR, what was already a sort of countryside DISNEY has become even NUTTIER’

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ILLUSTRATION BY MEI MEI, @MEIMEI_2503

Which Bull is it? Charlbury’s or Burford’s – finding the Cotswolds’ hottest pubs can be challenging

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FROM ABOVE: Bamford Club; find Cosmoss treatments at Lakes by Yoo; Idris Elba has been known to DJ at Dunkertons; bedroom at Estelle Manor; The Bull in Burford

PHOTOS: SHUTTERSTOCK

Existing pubs – the Lamb at Shipton, the Double Red Duke in Bampton and the Bell in Langford (another Bell!) are popular for those who living down there who want to avoid sceney interlopers from London. ‘As is DJ night on a Thursday at The Fox in Oddington,’ says Katrina Kutchinsky, co-founder of AKA Communications and another newbie to these parts. ‘They do pizzas, it’s great. I’m usually there with my toddler bopping along. Mama’s still got it!’ Are you considered an arriviste if you’ve only just landed there? ‘No,’ says Katrina, because there are still so many people flocking into the honey-coloured villages. ‘It’s super sociable. When I moved in, my neighbours threw a champagne and canapé party to welcome us, when in London you can go for a year and not even meet your neighbours’. I’m told by another spy about the existence of a WhatsApp group called The Cotswold Grapevine, with dozens and dozens of 30-something residents on it. ‘Yummy mummy types,’ says the mole, ‘who’ve usually moved from

London and are trying to find nannies or a local seamstress. Somebody asked if anyone knew a party entertainer that could bring ponies to your house dressed as unicorns, and within a minute there was a photo of a pony dressed as a unicorn and the name of the company that do it.’ Will the Poshwolds hysteria ever calm down? Has it become so popular that it’s now a cliché? Friends moving out of London now talk of Somerset and Herefordshire, ‘places where you actually need a pair of gumboots’, one says sniffily, in reference to the Cotswolds. ‘Look, it’s incredibly beautiful, incredibly fun, and incredibly accessible,’ says a Burford resident. Another, who lives just outside Great Tew, points out she has five train stations within reach, all offering access to London in an hour or so, which means the lure for many remains strong. Although there is one teeny tiny problem, which a friend who recently bought a house in Charlbury discovered. ‘Both times I went to see the house, there was a helicopter buzzing overhead. So I said to the estate agent, “Is this going to be a regular occurrence?” And he said, “Well yes, it’ll be either Lady Bamford or Sir Tony Gallagher.”’ But if you don’t mind a bit of helicopter noise, the silliest patch of Britain is still booming. n

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Clarkson’s

GIRL

‘T

he second series of Clarkson’s Farm ended on a cliff hanger. Would Jeremy and his band of merry men and women get away with keeping the restaurant constructed from a crumbling barn in just two days; or would the local council dash his culinary dreams? Would Jeremy’s barren cow Pepper be kept as a family pet or would another fate await her? Did the costly echium crop reap him ample reward or barely sprout a shoot? I could tell you but then I’d have to kill you. Or perhaps Jeremy would set Maestro the bull upon me – or steer him towards the source of all this juicy farm gossip: his wonderfully open, warm and willowy Irish girlfriend Lisa Hogan – she’s 6ft 1in with possibly the longest legs in the Cotswolds. Unlikely though. Theirs seems a happy match: ‘Yeah,’ she quips with her typical Irish humour. ‘He’s quite interesting and I’m quite lazy.’ I meet her in Holland Park, where the couple keep a flat nearby, just before Christmas. She’s breaking in her new green leather Tod’s boots as we walk around the park and stop for coffee at the café. We were due to meet at Diddly Squat, the 1,000-acre farm in the Cotswolds that she now shares with Jeremy (and which he’s owned for over 20 years), but she’s up in London to be with her daughter Alice, 24, who isn’t feeling well. Lisa has been Jeremy’s other half for the past seven years

since they met at a party in 2017 – and now they’re both fully committed to making farm life work. And work they do. They film Clarkson’s Farm for about 12 months, two to three days a week (and only had a two-week break between the end of filming season two and the beginning of three). When not being woken by cockerels at 4am, corralling renegade cattle or trying to outwit the local council, Jeremy has three, sometimes four, columns a week to write. ‘Jeremy works really hard. He’s always working. He loves it,’ although he’s recently wrapped the last series of The Grand Tour and will be hanging up his driving gloves for good, aged 63. Meanwhile, Lisa has given up her work as a sculptor – for now – to concentrate on making the farm shop, and the burgeoning Diddly Squat lifestyle brand, a success. ‘It’s my heart and soul,’ she says. This year she’s channelling her creative energy into making her own perfume, called Drive (natch), candles and homeware. She has an eye on a kids and gardening range, too, as well as keeping on working with her ‘amazing’ local suppliers (everything sold in the shop must come from within a 16-mile radius and her biggest joy comes from haggling, ‘well, everything,’ she says). The couple never thought that the series would be the outstanding success that it is – the second one racked up nearly 4.3 million TV viewers, making it Amazon Prime Video’s most-watched original show in the UK, and a fourth series has already been commissioned. It originally came

PHOTOS: PRIME VIDEO / SIMON EMMETT

Lisa Hogan is Jeremy Clarkson’s charming other half – whose presence on the smash hit TV show Clarkson’s Farm provides a calming counterpoint to telly’s popular provocateur. But she’s also building up the Diddly Squat brand on her own terms, as she tells LUCY CLELAND

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Lisa Hogan at home on the farm with her two dogs Arya and Sansa

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Will goats be a new feature in series 3 of Clarkson’s Farm?

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The most romantic thing that JEREMY does for LISA is drive her to and collect from the TRAIN STATION. And when they’re both particularly KNACKERED and need to STOP DRINKING EVERY NIGHT, Lisa will whip them off to a HEALTH FARM about because Jeremy’s contract with Amazon for The Grand Tour required that each of the presenters – Jeremy, plus James May and Richard Hammond – also do a solo show. Focusing his on the farm was a no-brainer for Jeremy because, Lisa recalls, ‘he quite fancied a new tractor and a new barn’. ‘I remember sitting down one night,’ she says, ‘and drawing a spider diagram of what we could do – the lavender over here, sheep over there etc, and in the centre was the heartbreak of farming, because in Ireland farming is really heartbreaking.’ That heartbreak is no doubt part of the appeal of the show – revealing as it does the sometimes brutal existence of farming and just how hard it is to make it a viable way of living. This is unvarnished viewing – the scenes are shot literally as they come. ‘If we’re filming a scene, we’ll be in the car going somewhere and I’ll say, “Do you want to give me a heads up?” And Jeremy’s like, “No, I want your reaction on camera”. We do the same to him. So Charlie [Jeremy’s land agent and adviser] and I’ll be in on something, and we won’t tell him. But he wants that. He is a perfectionist. He really wants to make it enjoyable for people to watch. And if it’s not good enough, he believes they won’t enjoy it.’ We’ll have to wait and see then whether a particular episode with the cows makes the final cut in series three. One thing that probably won’t happen is a complete conversion to organic and regenerative farming, although they are in talks with Andy Cato’s Wildfarmed, which produces regeneratively grown wheat. Jeremy, Lisa says, ‘can’t do a Bamford’, referring to the ‘amazing’ organic empire of their farming friends and neighbours, Lord and Lady Bamford: ‘He says he can’t feed people if he does that.’ However, series two saw a gear shift to more environmentally friendly practises with the introduction of mob grazing – letting the cows eat and defecate on the pasture, then moving them on after a day or so and leaving the grass to recover for a longer time than usual. Then the chickens are freed to mush the manure into the ground – it’s better for soil and cattle health. ‘We still have lots to learn,’ says Lisa, ‘but instinctively Jeremy’s getting much better [at farming]. He’s kind of realising things that Kaleb Cooper [the knowledgeable and witty farmhand who’s sidelining farming with a season on the stage in his popular one-man show, The World According to Kaleb] knows automatically.’ But the couple are banking on science – and in particular hydrogen (maybe they’re in on Jo Bamford’s £1bn hydrogen investment fund) – playing its part when it comes to better practices: ‘I really believe in the progression of farming and that the scientists will come up with something that can help sustain it,’ says Lisa. Meanwhile, you’ll be glad to hear that romance isn’t dead in the Clarkson household. The most romantic

thing Jeremy does for Lisa is ‘to drive her to and collect her from the train station’. And when they’re both particularly knackered and need to stop drinking every evening, Lisa will whip them off to a health farm. Well, she did once. To a juice detox clinic in Portugal. It did not go well. ‘Yeah, I got him at a low moment – really tired and really hungover. It pissed down every single day. I’m not talking normal rain. I’m talking sideways rain. And Jeremy said, “Why would I work for 34 years and then you bring me here?”’ But at least it made good copy. ‘By Thursday, I was so miserable that I elected to go into hospital and have an operation,’ he wrote in his Sunday Times column afterwards. It’s fair to say that while Jeremy and Lisa, now farmer and shopkeeper, aren’t entirely at the mercy of the farming way of life (they’re hardly short of a few quid), they have pushed farming – which has a critical role in managing the environment of more than 70 percent of the UK’s land area and produces 60 percent of the food we eat, into the front rooms of millions of people, who may not have given it too much thought before. Farmers – and others who feel some positive Clarkson effects – overall seem to be delighted. Giles Reid, for example, who runs West Horsley Place, in Surrey, puts the success of his hedgerow festival firmly at Clarkson’s door, while Glebe Farm’s Philip Taylor says: ‘The usual comment from farmers is that Clarkson’s Farm has done more for showing the reality of farming than over 40 years of Countryfile.’ Even the Soil Association’s Helen Browning credits them with ‘at least’ capturing the farming challenges of ‘the weather, farm gate prices, animals escaping at inconvenient moments’, while acknowledging it’s mostly for entertainment. At a time when farmers are protesting against supermarket prices and cheap food imports from post-Brexit trade deals, Clarkson’s Farm feels like it’s more important than ever – giving an unvarnished narrative – with unvarnished performances – to the small-holder farmer who is struggling and needs all our help and support, as they confront the twin needs of food production and protecting our soil and biodiversity. As for Lisa, as well as playing the calming, charming counterpoint to telly’s popular provocateur, there’s no doubt that the industry and passion she’s putting into building up the Diddly Squat brand at the farm shop and online might see the couple compete as to who brings in the most farm revenue. Whoever wins, no doubt it will continue to make the most excellent telly. For more about Lisa’s farm shop, visit diddlysquatfarmshop.com. Clarkson’s Farm series three airs on Amazon Prime from 3 May n March /April 2024 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM | 127

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No Plastic? FANTASTIC

Digital refill is starting a plastic-free revolution, says TESSA DUNTHORNE

not as if we’re unaware of it, of course – according to Ecover’s 2022 Refill Report, about 45 percent of Britons view plastic as the government’s most pressing environmental issue. But it’s a hard problem to combat given the prevalence of it in our society. We’ve tried recycling it and failed dismally (globally only nine percent of plastic is actually recycled), so the focus needs to be on reduction and reuse. Refilling containers that you already have in your larder is one of the most obvious weapons in our arsenal for beginning to dismantle the problem. The good news is that the refill economy is on the up. According to Reuters and packaging analysts Smithers, the global market for refillables will grow five percent a year to reach a potential value of

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e’ve all seen them on the chi-chi shopping streets of well-heeled towns and London boroughs – those beautiful Scandi-looking stores with their rustic shelves impeccably lined with tall kilner jars of pasta, oats and organic spelt on one side and laundry detergent, shampoo and conditioner on the other. Welcome to the refill store – the shops waging war on our culture of throwaway plastic, while looking immaculate in the process. Given that microplastics have been found everywhere from placentas to breast milk, it’s obvious we need to address our plastic problem. It’s

Could e-fill – ordering refillable household products online – be the solution to the mass social change we need to reduce plastic waste?

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$53.5bn by 2027. Mintel’s Food and Drink Packaging report attributes this to people simply feeling happier when they use a refill service; 60 percent say they feel like they’re making a difference with this more considered approach. Supermarkets, like Marks & Spencer, Aldi and Asda, have rolled out their own trials and stations – albeit to limited stores – offering refill at cost-efficient pricing. It’s a solution with the potential for mass market appeal. The bad news is that the scale isn’t there yet; and while we may want to ‘do the right thing’, quite often ease and convenience override all our good intentions. You may not live near a refill store or supermarket with the services, for example – or struggle with transporting jars and containers on a weekly basis to a bricks and mortar store. Refill, however, isn’t just a service found in stores – and this is where the refill revolution has potential to go big. Home subscription or ‘e-fill’ services delivered to your door are fast becoming the biggest player in this plastic-reduction puzzle, resolving any clunkiness and convenience issues with the in-store experience. Nick Torday was thinking about this when he founded Bower Collective, an e-fill site with subscription options aiming to push the refill movement into the mainstream. ‘It’s all about the customer experience,’ says Nick. ‘We know that getting all your empty bottles ready, then walking or driving to your nearest refill store – if indeed you even have one – and then refilling in a store is an experience with many shortcomings. ‘With Bower, and other e-fill, the products are delivered to your door, dispensers clearly labelled, and you can decant them at your kitchen sink in minutes – then you just send the empties back to us for free,’ he continues. ‘We’ve designed the easiest possible reuse and refill option available in the market right now.’ Hugo Lynch, sustainability lead at Abel & Cole’s, which offers Club Zero products [i.e refillable], agrees. ‘Having to bring your own pots was a barrier to purchase – it’s heavy and awkward to carry.’ Obviously, other challenges to changing lifestyle habits remain, the most obvious of which is how to make the ‘refill’ aspirational, sexy and desirable. This is a challenge faced by the entire ‘conscientious’ market, but particularly difficult to address within refill – given that it deals mostly with under-the-sink household sprays and cleaners (a distinctly unsexy product group). According to a recent New York Times article, sustainable products that take off are in categories that offer up ‘status markers’. Think a kinder cashmere jumper or an artisanal lampshade. This is down to psychology. Research in the Journal of Business Ethics shows that consumers are more likely to make sustainable purchasing decisions when

another benefit is presented, i.e. the product makes you feel cooler, healthier, or happier too. In a bid to address this, the digital players are focused on making their user experiences cool. Bower Collective, for example, enlisted ex-Soho House creative director Ulrich Boulon to refresh the brand with a particular focus on product packaging – a step towards making the products more covetable. And it ensured that making the refill was as easy as possible – popping the product straight back in the post to be refilled for you, meaning no messy decants at home. The reason e-fill is innovative – revolutionary, maybe – is that in terms of nailing behavioural change, it scratches an itch traditional refill can’t. Digital services makes it easier when our intentions fail. There’s a phenomenon psychologists call the ‘intention-behaviour gap’ that tracks the chasm between our principles and actual lived actions. ‘The intention-behaviour gap is a widely discussed idea in research on consumer choices when it comes to sustainability and ethics,’ says Dr Ada Maria Barone, from Goldsmiths University, ‘because while often intentions are predictive of subsequent behaviours, it’s not so for these particular choices. ‘Companies need to make refill solutions more convenient and less effortful to help consumers adopt these solutions into their daily lives,’ she continues. ‘While I don’t have data or evidence in relation to refill stores, I expect that consumers find it easier to engage with online refill than brick-andmortar retailers.’ That’s true, says Nick of his customers. ‘Our customer retention is solid, and so the average customer does 36 refills per year – with only a churn of three percent, versus industry average of six-toeight percent.’ Leveraging technology through apps and online subscriptions help hop the intention-behaviour gap – they construct that necessary bridge to make it easy for those who just really can’t be bothered, or who are simply too busy. The Ecover report claims that the key to making refill work is to make it better than the conventional option. It’s clear that we’re making progress: Bower Collective and other brands present convenient, aspirational options that you covet more than the OG product. Ecover’s final note, though, is that we’re still a while away from adopting widespread refill in our lives. Ultimately, mass implementation will require the set-up of holistic refill channels throughout our entire society – a product is sent to our home, picked up by our milkman, or returned to your corner store, before the cycle starts over – in a genuinely interconnected web. The digital and the store, in short, need to properly join hands. But as far as the refill revolution is concerned, home subscription services are certainly beginning to weave that web.

PHOTOS: GETTY IMAGES

‘Microplastics have been FOUND everywhere from placentas to breast milk – it’s UNDENIABLE that we need to be addressing our plastic PROBLEM’

RINSE, REFILL And then repeat

ABEL & COLE Like the milkman, but for the digital age. Pick your refills from its Club Zero shop and they turn up on your doorstep. Once consumed, the packaging is collected with your next delivery. Easy peasy. From £1.60, abelandcole.co.uk

WE ARE WILD This personal care brand believes we shouldn’t be throwing away so many bathroom products each year, so it has created a cool case for your deodorant, and a refill subscription that makes it easy to top up whenever you run low. From £10, wearewild.com

BOWER COLLECTIVE Beautiful products turn up in decantable pouches that you squeeze into bottles and containers at home. Pop the big pouches back in the post, et voilà – the cycle continues. bowercollective.com n

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“SIMPLY CHOOSE TWO KEY COLOURS AND WE CREATE THE REST” ®

E X C L U S I V E

C A R P E T S

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DEIRDRE DYSON – EXCLUSIVE CARPETS AND RUGS E X C L U S I V E

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GRADUATION Collection 2024 – Cassata www.deirdredyson.com

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Pierre Frey Paris KUSI FP076 wallpaper in 001 Tropical, £166 p/m. pierrefrey.com

ON DESIGN Edited by CAROLE ANNETT

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Your in-depth dive into a world of interiors inspiration, design and homeware

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ON DESIGN

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Contents 134

DESIGN NOTES

138

WHISPER IT...

140

VINTAGE IN VOLUME

143

HOUSE PROUD

What’s caught Carole Annett’s eye this season?

A ‘vintage supermarket’ is dropping in Soho very soon The Repair Shop’s Sonnaz Nooranvary is building her own house of interiors

146

SWEET DREAMS

148

PARTNERS IN DESIGN

The romantic interiors pieces we’re coveting right now

Aldridge and Supple renovate an Oxfordshire lake house 150

FROM PARIS WITH LOVE

Everything we found quite chic at Deco Off

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EDITOR ’ S LET TER

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he crocuses are popping and I’ve shed a layer of clothing - it must be spring. An exciting time in the design world, we get to see the latest collections and get a feel for current trends. Design Notes (p134) offers a taster, which includes irregular-shaped side tables and the re-emergence of moiré, a textile with a wavy appearance caused by heating and distorting the surface so it looks ‘watered’. Dior loved it, Yves Saint Laurent explored its use in the 70s and Jackie Kennedy had the walls of a White House salon covered in a green silk version. Experimenting with couture finishes is what textile supplier Fameed Khalique does best. His wallcovering collection epitomises another mood – quiet luxury (p138), where richness and dazzle come from texture and exquisite craftsmanship. And we report from Paris Deco Off (p150), an event showcasing fabric, wallpaper and lighting designs, including the magnificent Pierre Frey fabric chosen to open this section. Other standouts, Martin Brudnizki’s Sway lamp for Porta Romana in eye-popping yellow and a dreamy rug in the shape of a floral bouquet from Quenin. Another story on everyone’s mind sustainability. The Repair Shop’s Sonnaz Nooranvary tells Margaret Hussey about her own sustainable business (p142). ‘We want our future customers to buy less, but buy well,’ says the upholstery expert who is on a mission to change the way we purchase furniture, launching House of Sonnaz, with sustainability at its heart. Saffron Aldridge, one half of design studio Aldridge and Supple is a strong advocate of vintage and upcycling. On page 148 she tells the story of renovating a lakehouse in Oxfordshire. London’s own design week happens March 11 to 15 at Design Centre Chelsea Harbour and I’ll be hosting a talk on 15 March (tickets available at dcch.co.uk). 150 I hope to catch you there.

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Why a new wood collection epitomises the trend we all love right now

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ON DESIGN NEWS

NEAT PETITE

Small fluted wall light in antique brass, £86.40. corston.com

NEW FLAME

Former model Tilly Wood’s heavenscented candle collection uses a natural blend of coconut and soya. Each named after a favourite song and packaged in biodegradable boxes. Single wick candle, £80. ajabotanicals.com

DESIGN NOTES

What’s caught Carole Annett’s interiors eye this season

MAKING WAVES

Philippa Ross of @wearetwinset’s family washroom designed with bathroom specialist Ripples. ‘I love how luxe the space feels, like a boutique hotel.’ A similar design costs from £26,000. ripplesbathrooms.co.uk 3 Bloomfield Ink Poseidon from the Sea of Dreams collection, £400 p/ ten-metre roll. bloomfieldink.co.uk

1 Rubelli Iris grasshopper, from the Rubelli Gardens collection by FormaFantasma, £161. rubelli.com

2 Zoffany Moiré hessian in green, £75 p/roll and on chair, Suffolk stripe in pale olive, £189 p/m. zoffany. sandersondesigngroup.com

1 Sherbet shades for spring 2 Moiré, the heat-treated silk beloved by Dior – what elegant walls are wearing this season. 3 An ocean commotion from textile designer Emerald Dangerfield. 134 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM | March /April 2024

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BEST DRESSED

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ON DESIGN NEWS

TILE EDIT

Get stuck in CLASS ACT Timothy Corrigan’s Bagatelle collection for Samuel & Sons pays homage to a bygone era. Double tassel tieback, petal, £590. samuelandsons.com

FRESH BLOOM

Somerhill fabric by Nina Campbell, £95 p/m. osborneandlittle.com LOOP THE LOOP This Superstars fabric channels a double wave Seventies vibe, £170 p/m. zinctextile.com

EVERETT & BLUE Melides tile from Trincha Collection, £10 each. everettandblue.com

HOT LEGS

ZigZag console by Kelly Hoppen, £5,199. davidson london.com

Family Ties Cameroon-born Amechi Mandi’s first home collection draws inspiration from his ancestors, and reinterprets the ancient art of Kidri beading in knock-out coloured prints. From £80, amechihome.com

MANDARIN STONE Safi Petula porcelain tile, £72 sq/m. mandarinstone.com

MAITLAND & POATE Handmade Keidos tile, £7 each. maitlandandpoate.com

HUNKA-MUNKA

Magnus Pettersen’s handsome Lando sideboard features stained oak sandwiched between slivers of forest green lacquer, £1,699. heals.com 136 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM | March /April 2024

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FIRED EARTH X DESIGNERS GUILD Jaal tile, £79.80 per sq/m. firedearth.com

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PETRA PALUMBO Tartan tile, £32 each. petrapalumbo.com

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Handmade in England Design Centre Chelsea Harbour samuel-heath.com

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ON DESIGN TREND

The Sunburst wallcovering features inlaid paulownia wood

TOUCH ME

Sumptuous materials make for luxurious finishes

WHISPER IT… Fameed Khalique’s new paulownia wood collection is all about quiet luxury

SIMS HILDITCH Una collection rugs, £273 per sq/m. timpagecarpets.com

Fameed Khalique is renowned for his work with luxury materials

and recently opened Le Grand Mazarin hotel in Paris, has already featured Fameed’s Starburst wallcovering at the Vesper Bar of The Dorchester. ‘As designs have evolved, so too have our clients’ expectations,’ says Fameed. ‘Starburst pushes the boundaries of complexity and looks utterly glamorous – it works on ceilings and wardrobe doors, we can even trap it in resin for tabletops. I can’t wait to see how clients use it for themselves.’ In true low-key, no-logo style, the paulownia collection has no name but it’s already got a fan club. From £163 per sq/m. fameedkhalique.com n

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VALE LONDON Mademoiselle vegan leather trimming, £210 p/m and Mademoiselle mini, £156 p/m. thevalelondon.co.uk

LINDA FENWICK Venezia Gustavian-style shelled chest of drawers, from £10,000. lindafenwickshellsindesign.com

subtle gear change is happening at the upper echelons of the interior design world – the evolution of quiet. Much like last spring’s no-logo, stealth wealth fashion moment where brands like Loewe, Phoebe Philo and Saint Laurent leaned into a more low-key sensibility, the decorating trade picked up the scent, searching for new ways to embellish with a toned-down interpretation of showiness. Fameed Khalique, more used to supplying semi-precious stones, intricate leatherwork and rich embroideries to A-list companies such as Katharine Pooley and 1508 London, embraced the challenge and looked for new materials – enter paulownia wood. Fast-growing and sustainable, paulownia is named after Anna Pavlovna, queen consort of The Netherlands from 1795-1865 where the wood’s traditionally used in clog-making. Its high ratio of strength to weight, and ability to take colour, makes it ideal for crafting. Fameed’s designs feature delicate slivers – veneers – of the wood in Art Deco-style wallcoverings. ‘I wanted to create an alternative to traditional straw marquetry and I have always loved the elegance of the Art Deco period,’ he explains. Paulownia wood was the perfect material with its delicate, silky grain that catches the light when laid at different angles. Martin Brudnizki of design studio MBDS, whose work includes the revamped Annabel’s in Mayfair

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ON DESIGN

VINTAGE IN VOLUME

A huge preloved interiors supermarket is coming to town. Carole Annett fills up her basket

its next home. ‘We champion the maker, highlight the sustainability of vintage and the environmental benefits that come with saving and rejuvenating – not creating yet more new’. His warehouse is a favourite sourcing spot for clients including Sessions Art Club, Bottega Veneta and interior designers such as Rose Uniacke. Since launching, Paul and his team have dreamed of taking ‘good’ vintage to a wider audience and it’s about to become reality. Vintage Supermarket in Soho will feature 6,000 sq/ft of the world’s best vintage furniture, lighting and smaller items sourced from the furthest corners of Europe and beyond, a curated collection five years in the making offering the fun and the unexpected. The event is running in collaboration with London Craft Week (see p83) and includes hand-crafted products commissioned from, among others, renowned textile artist Clemence Joly, queen of pop-art crochet Kate Jenkins and paper artist Hattie Newman. ‘Vintage Supermarket will be fully sustainable, in line with our core values,’ says Paul. ‘We want to engage the wider public to experience, touch and feel what good vintage is about, to highlight the fundamental long-term contribution that shopping vintage can make.’ And no doubt, have a lot of fun in the process. merchantandfound.com n

WHEN? 15-18 May WHERE? Vinyl Factory, Soho WHAT? Events will span the ‘Forgotten Vintage Furniture Makers’, as well as exploring the skill and craft required in the ‘rejuvenation of vintage’. There’ll also be a the rare variety apple juice bar and supermarket-inspired café.

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‘W

e love saving stuff,’ says Paul Middlemiss of Merchant & Found, an online vintage furniture and lighting store he founded in 2017. ‘If a piece has been designed and made well, then yes, it’s great to have it new but it can be even better to have it when it’s old, showing the scars of life that tell so many stories.’ Paul buys from all over the world and a workshop team in Hampshire gives every piece the love needed to bring it back to life, ready for

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Book an appointment www.cphart.co.uk 0345 600 1950

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ON DESIGN INTERVIEW

HOUSE PROUD

As an upholstery expert on The Repair Shop, Sonnaz Nooranvary is a driving force keeping British craftship alive, says Margaret Hussey

PHOTOS: PEXELS

e want our future customers to buy less, but buy well,’ says a clearly passionate Sonnaz Nooranvary. The upholstery expert, best known for appearing on the hit BBC show The Repair Shop, is on a mission to change the way we buy furniture and this year is launching House of Sonnaz, a unique interiors business with sustainability at its heart. ‘I’m preparing to get it bubbling away out in the world,’ says Sonnaz, 37. ‘Mid next year we are going to be doing a very exciting launch, which will start with upholstered furniture. We’ve innovated with the use of bamboo, all the materials will be natural and the fabrics will be from a UK brand. It’s very exciting. ‘The reason we are starting with upholstery is because I’m an upholsterer by trade. That was my first calling. We’ve created this full cycle scheme which means we will buy back, at a much reduced rate, the furniture to reupholster or repair and sell on again. We want to reduce as much waste and landfill as possible. We will be the first interior, home and lifestyle company to do that and we will be the first to innovate with bamboo in a way that hasn’t been seen before. I’m extremely excited.’ She clearly is – and for Sonnaz, it’s not just a good business model, it’s a way of life. ‘There are three reasons why I felt the full cycle element was something that I had to do. The first was I don’t want to be part of the problem. I don’t want to just create products for a vanity project that has got my name on it and make money regardless. I felt I needed to be extremely responsible in what I was creating into the world. ‘Secondly, what we are going to be designing and making will be of fantastic quality, which should last a very, very long time. ‘Thirdly, we don’t want to be contributing to landfill where possible. I thought: I cannot sleep at night, knowing that I’m not

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doing everything I can for the environment while still creating beautiful things. This really is less is more.’ Even when it comes to scatter cushions, Sonnaz says they will be designed to fit the width of a roll of fabric, so there is little or no waste. Her ambition is to eventually expand House of Sonnaz into lighting, dressing gowns, towels and ceramics. It’s a dream she has had since she started as an apprentice upholsterer at luxury yacht makers Sunseeker International in Poole, Dorset. ‘The year that I got chosen, there was just one space for an upholstery apprentice and over 300 people applied,’ says Sonnaz. ‘I was 17 and just so lucky. It changed my life. ‘In the upholstery department I was the first female apprentice that they’d had. But it wasn’t a thing. I was just one of the team members and I loved that.’ She stayed on for a few years after completing her apprenticeship – but it could have all been so different. Her father, an Iranian businessman, had wanted her to study law. Sonnaz was born in Iran and returned there between the ages of 11 and 13. ‘I was cajoled into being a lawyer, that was what I was told I was going to be. By the time we came back to the UK, our perspectives had changed and I thought I am going to do what makes me feel good and happy. I think Sonnaz is launching because I had seen women her own business with particularly not be able to sustainability at its heart live their dream, I thought I’ve got this opportunity, I’ve got to take it.’ And take it, she did. Working and honing her craft over the years, she set up her very successful business – eponymously titled Sonnaz – offering bespoke interior services for country houses, yachts and commercial premises. And in 2016 she got a random phone call from the production company of The Repair Shop. ‘I was a bit taken aback,’ says Sonnaz. ‘They were casting for experts for series one. For lots of different reasons, I ended up not sending my casting video, so I missed the March /April 2024 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM | 143

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was in business over there, lost everything pretty much overnight and that is the reason why we had to come back because they couldn’t afford to send us to school. ‘But it kept that flame of curiosity and adventure alive in me and also made me realise that I have got every opportunity that I want at my fingertips. Living in the UK I can do whatever I want.’ Her father stayed in Iran and she admits the relationship has been difficult. She went back to Iran in 2011 and travelled to Persepolis, near Shiraz. ‘It really opened my mind up to the ancient culture of Persia, the craftship and the stonemasonry, Persian rug making... It reignited my connection with that part of the world and really helped to heal that part of my identity, my heritage.’ As well as working on House of Sonnaz and The Repair Shop, where she is back filming this March, Sonnaz, who lives in Dorset, is writing a book of 25 DIY projects, due to be released next autumn. ‘This is a real beginner’s guide. I’m trying to be as detailed as possible to encourage and empower as many people to From above: Sonnaz has been designing do projects themselves, learning bespoke luxury interiors for years under her eponymous business opportunity. I was busy in my own world. skills for life.’ ‘But in the end I went to the barn [in West She also has just done a pilot Sussex, where they film the series] and met the of a new television interior design other experts and they were all so passionate show for the American market and really genuine about the expertise, the with presenter and furnituremaker Jason Pickens, and this year integrity of what they do, the craftship, and sponsored the Young Upholsterer why they were doing it. I really got the sense that this wasn’t just a television programme – of the Year with Heritage Crafts. that would be something much more.’ ‘We need to recognise, encourage Since joining, highlights have included and support young people meeting Dame Judi Dench, and Dawn French getting into these heritage crafts,’ and Jennifer Saunders for a Comic Relief says Sonnaz. ‘The Repair Shop special last year. ‘What an experience to has been a catalyst and we are breathe the same air as these cultural icons,’ seeing a renaissance into people says Sonnaz. ‘French and Saunders were really going back to makers and interested in what we were doing. I remember commissioning projects.’ speaking to them both and they were talking She is also behind a campaign about their furniture and interior design and to stop the UK government asking me questions. I thought you guys really putting through a bill on care about us and about craft.’ new draft fire regulations for It’s all a far cry from Sonnaz’s early days, upholstered furniture, which will living on ship as a baby in 1986/87. ‘My see an increased use of firedad was in the Iranian merchant navy and retardant chemicals. ‘The chemicals are toxic not my Mum followed him around the world,’ just to the upholsterer but the end user,’ says Sonnaz. ‘We want she says. ‘I was on the ship for the first year of my life during the government to debate this. We are trying to say there is a the Iran/Iraq war. My mum wrote a letter to my granny at the better way of going around this, which will still comply with fire time saying they had run out of stuff on the ship, waiting to be regulations and will be less toxic to everybody. It’s on Eco-chair. restocked. Things were scarce. It was wild.’ The family moved back to the UK – Sonnaz has an elder sister co.uk if anyone wants to look.’ and younger brother – and returned to Tehran in 1997 for a few And she is just as conscious of her own carbon footprint. ‘With years. ‘I remember quite a bit,’ says Sonnaz. ‘It was equally as my existing business we are part of Ecologi, a tree planting scheme where every month we pay in and trees are planted. You can choose incredible as it was tough. the UK or somewhere else – I’ve gone with wherever they feel they ‘It was quite traumatic in a lot of ways. The family dynamic was very difficult – going to the Middle East as a child when you should plant them.’ To date she has planted nearly 800. have been used to living in the UK is a drastic change. I really With such a packed diary already, 2024 is gearing up to be struggled with that, seeing the divide between men and women. quite the year for Sonnaz. ‘I’m absolutely loving it – I feel like I’m ‘Equally, being immersed in this ancient culture was amazing, just getting started now.’ as was seeing a completely different part of the world. ‘But it was a very difficult time. Consequently my dad, who houseofsonnaz.com n 144 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM | March /April 2024

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ON DESIGN INTERVIEW

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THE HEVENINGHAM COLLECTION STYLISH, ELEGANT IRON FURNITURE CUSTOM MADE IN GREAT BRITAIN

sales@heveningham.co.uk sales@heveningham.co.uk

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+44 (0) 1424 838483

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ON DESIGN TREND EAST LONDON PARASOL CO Grace bamboo parasol, £399.99. eastlondonparasols.com

VILLEROY & BOCH Like Grape champagne coupe, £27.90. villeroy-boch.co.uk

SANDERSON X JENNIFER MANNERS Emperor Peony, £1,500 per sq/m. jennifermanners.co.uk

YVES DELORME Jardins cushion cover, £105. uk.yvesdelorme.com

GP & J BAKER Brunschwig & Fils Picardy cord at £43 p/m; Barodet cord at £53 p/m. gpjbaker.com

SWEET DREAMS

LOUISE BRADLEY Florentina chandelier, £6,495. louisebradley.co.uk

Tessa Dunthorne’s in love with lilac and blushing pink

DAVID LINLEY Crystal heart, £825. davidlinley.com

BERT FRANK Stasis table lamp, £1,200. bertfrank.co.uk

NEPTUNE Sunbury occasional sideboard, £1,350. neptune.com

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OUR PLACE Always Pan 2.0, £130. fromourplace.co.uk

PHOTOS: PEXELS

DEIRDRE DYSON Heliotrope rug, £1,340 sq/m. deirdredyson.com

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PARTNERS IN DESIGN

ldridge & Supple launched four years ago after a serendipitous meeting at Soho House when Scarlett Supple, a lead designer at the private members’ club, met Saffron Aldridge and was enlisted to help decorate Saffron’s own Cotswold home. A successful model in her early years, Saffron grew up immersed in fashion and art – worlds that go hand-in-hand with interiors. After establishing a friendship and realising how they complemented each other in a working environment, they decided to set up shop and Aldridge & Supple was born. Their latest venture, a grand country house poised on the edge of a picturesque village cradled by sweeping parkland, is a perfect representation of Aldridge & Supple. The commission, via referral from a past client, presented a challenge wrapped in an opportunity: to transform a recently built house into an elegant, cosy, and deeply comfortable family home that whispers a sense of timelessness and belonging. ‘Researching the history and local area of a house can inform the design scheme and create key details,’ explains Scarlett. ‘Conservation is extremely important to us as a studio: we always try to keep original features, such as doors and floorboards, and choose to restore existing features rather than replacing them. When this is not possible, as here, we select cornicing,

architrave and skirting details honouring the tradition of the house.’ A sitting room, the house’s main entertaining space, features two oversized caramel-coloured sofas separated by a rich, muddy-toned ottoman. Two expansive armchairs opposite the fireplace complete a convivial seating area. ‘Our brief was to inject character and layers,’ says Saffron. ‘We used a calming palette of earthy and natural tones layered with different textures, worn leather and aged wood to complement the client’s existing art collection and the architectural details of the house as well as taking inspiration from the surrounding landscape.’ Saffron is often involved in sourcing art, a passion gleaned from her father, Alan Aldridge, an artist, graphic designer and illustrator renowned for his record covers for The Beatles and The Who. Artworks, including a painting by Joe Tilson from the Marlborough Gallery and Barbara Levittoux-Swiderska’s Rural Winter Landscape from Richard Saltoun, sit within this particular room to draw the eye to the vaulted ceiling. A 19th-century walnut bookcase, sourced from Brownrigg Antiques, was introduced as a statement of elegance and history, housing the client's most cherished possessions and echoing the studio's philosophy of integrating personal narratives into their designs. Freestanding antiques are preferred over fitted joinery wherever possible

A former model with a creative eye and an ex-Soho House designer make a formidable pair, says Carole Annett – and this transformed country home agrees

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ON DESIGN CASE STUDY

– part of their ‘re-use, re-purpose’ philosophy. While Saffron’s role tends more towards sourcing artworks and editing the overall ambience once a scheme has been decided, Scarlett focuses on space planning and flow, furniture and fabrics, ensuring each area of the room serves multiple purposes without sacrificing comfort or aesthetic appeal. She has been instrumental in launching the studio’s own linen prints inspired by a trip to Japan, which the client was keen to incorporate. Here the curtain fabric is a beautiful embroidery fabric by Chelsea Textiles. ‘The large print anchors the overall colour palette,’ explains Scarlett, ‘and we loved the deep petrol blue and rose hues within the print.’ The curtains are lined with a stripe fabric and trimmed with an antique hand-dyed linen – a subtle and elegant touch. A window seat cushion features Aldridge & Supple’s own ‘Naka’ design layered with ‘Katagome’ cushions in old rose, borage and rose colourways. Other fabrics included a heavy wool from George Spencer and Michael S. Smith’s Rose Tarlow printed linen. Side tables and lamps add flair and character while books – ‘you can never have enough,’ says Saffron – ensure the design is personal. Low-level lighting throughout means that every aspect of the room can be suffused with a soft glow. The room has different areas to suit different moods – solitary reading, playing games, sprawling by the fire, reading the papers… one can imagine being here from dawn ’til dusk. The studio’s ability to craft environments that are not just houses but homes, is ensuring their fan base gets bigger with every project. aldridgeandsupple.com n

Art and antiques are sourced by Saffron to help integrate personal narratives into the designs

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ON DESIGN DECO OFF

ARTE INTERNATIONAL Kailua wallpaper in moss, from the Lanai collection, £232 p/roll. arteinternational.com

GP & J BAKER X KIT KEMP Robina’s Dinner Party fabric, £110 p/m; Wriggle Room wallpaper, £179 p/roll. gpjbaker.com

DE LE CUONA Elizabeth paisley fabric, £306 p/m. delecuona.com

LELIÈVRE PARIS Le bouquet rug, from £1,434. lelievreparis.com

FROM PARIS WITH LOVE Between the croissants and crowds, here’s what stole our hearts at Paris Deco Off

COLE & SON Hummingbirds wallpaper, £POA. cole-and-son.com

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n Paris there’s always romance and here it came in a joyful collaboration between GP & J Baker and interior visionary Kit Kemp. Infused with whimsy and Kit’s trademark storytelling, the collection includes a fabulous selection of skinny and fat linen stripes plus a printed celebration of Robina Jack ceramics. Meanwhile, Martin Brudnizki’s Sway lamp for Porta Romana drew PORTA ROMANA Sway lamp base, admirers for its eye-popping yellow hue. However, softer £984 (no shade). hues prevailed elsewhere, like at Bernie de Le Cuona, portaromana.com whose fresh paisley fabric, ‘Elizabeth’, will be a sure-fire hit. Cole & Son’s temporary French home was decked out in archive favourite, ‘Hummingbirds’, now appearing in new colourways and as embroidered silk. Many brands highlighted sustainability credentials, not least Arte International, whose new wallcovering collection, ‘Lanai’, Hawaiian for ‘verandah’, features rattan and raffia, hand-crafted and inlaid. And finally, no trip to Paris is complèt without a visit to Maison Lelièvre, where the star of the show was the revival of the Quenin brand, which celebrates the rich character of La Belle Époque. Merci, Paris, you put on a great show. n

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OCEANIA

Maison de parfums d’intérieur eu.baobabcollection.com Photograph taken in front of a work by Kudditji Kngwarreye. Nicolas Andrin - Aborigène Galerie Paris.

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HOTELS &

TRAVEL To the Ends of the Earth

Can you travel to the Antarctic sustainably – and should you? asks Yasemen Kaner-White

It’s the ultimate adventurous destination – but is there a way to visit responsibly?

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HOTELS & TRAVEL | Antarctica

he sentence, ‘I’m going to the Antarctic’ is almost always met with a ‘wow’. That’s because it’s an intriguing mystery to those who haven’t been and a place of magic for those who have. If the opportunity arises to see this ethereal part of the world, you must. And if you’re wondering about the impact your trip will have on the planet, rest assured, there are sustainable choices to make. Back to the ‘mystery’ part; if you don’t visit a place, it’s harder to relate and compute the impact. Say, for example, a plastic disposable water bottle created from microplastic nurdles leaked into oceans and was then ingested by penguins you’ve seen play in the snow: you’re more likely choose a stainless-steel bottle next time. When you’re kayaking past a crystal-like glacier swiftly slipping into the waters around you, never to be seen again, you’ll think twice and choose a bike, walk or car-pool – thus doing your part against global warming. By visiting the great white vistas of Antarctica, you’ll gain an insightful perspective, returning home an ambassador in the position to profoundly teach others. I cruised with Swan Hellenic onboard its stunning SH Diana, for the ship’s inaugural expedition to the Antarctic. I spent sea days attending on-board lectures imparting context to the scenery and wildlife we’d be encountering, gaining a greater affection and respect for my astonishing surroundings. Making use of the binoculars in my cabin, no longer was it just a bird in the sky, but I was distinguishing not-so graceful giant petrels from a flock of black-capped Antarctic terns searching for small fish from up above. The biographies of expedition leaders are available and whomever you’d like to pick their brains you can ask to join you for dinner – a popular pastime. I was travelling alone and loved that there was a solo traveller meet-up, cementing friendships to dine and discuss activities with, for the rest of the voyage. The daily briefing told guests what to expect, creating safety and new excitement for the day ahead. Guided wildlife surveys on deck were a chance to participate in citizen science. This could be as simple as making a log of what wildlife we saw in a specific period, contributing to scientific data. Polar regions are difficult and expensive for scientists to access, limiting essential research, so guests who participate help them better understand climate change and how it’s affecting polar regions. There’s ample downtime to have a drink at the bar, looking out the windows to the fairy-tale polar paradise. SH Diana has many nooks and crannies to be alone, too, should you want to sit outside cradling a hot chocolate, or sink into the hot tub with unobstructed views, for a surreal experience. Size matters when it comes to Antarctic cruises; the smaller the ship, the less of an environmental footprint; fewer people means more landings and time on land to explore. SH Diana takes up to 192 guests, fewer than many cruises, so we could feel a different location frequently. Additionally, more people could go kayaking or do a polar plunge – the latter I couldn’t face, but had fun peering at plucky people from my balcony. One of the landings that stood out was Whalers Bay, a rather gruesome, yet historical scene of whale oil tanks for fuel, thankfully something not prevalent now. You can walk around the shacks where the workers would have lived, imagining how remote their life was. Organisations such as the International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators, which Swan Hellenic is a member of, promotes

environmentally responsible private-sector travel to the Antarctic. Before you start exploring, all your outer gear such as jackets and waterproof trousers go through a biosecurity check ensuring guests don’t bring in alien seeds or diseases. The age of the ship also matters; new ships such as SH Diana are finished with eco-friendly paint and use clean diesel. One of the biggest joys of going somewhere remote is to record it with imagery and videos. This is not just the case with wildlife; scenery is a highlight too, such as the photogenic Lemaire Channel, or the shades of green and pink naturally gleaming from coloured algae, against the stark white snow and black volcanic rock. Every angle is picture-worthy. The dining was discerning. Hotel director Philipp Reutener explained that they reduced portion sizes so guests can try different dishes, but also to reduce wastage. The tantalising dishes are made from sustainably sourced ingredients and there’s something on offer 24/7, both in restaurants and room service. For those who enjoy a spa, I’d recommend the facial using vinotherapy products made from grapes. Although weather largely dictates the schedule, you rarely miss out – for instance, the Port Lockroy team came onboard to meet us as opposed to us landing – too many penguins to keep a respectful five-metre distance! The team shared stories of their research and support of the heritage of the port and Antarctica, working with the British Antarctic survey. A portion of proceeds from sales from their eclectic gift shop goes towards research. I posted a few postcards from the most southerly post office in the world, which they run, before paying for my novelty penguin passport stamp – what a memory. You can’t quite put into words the magnitude of experiencing this otherworldly continent. Walking on the wintry white crunchy snow, crisp air awakening your cheeks, with nothing much around other than the odd sleepy seal or perky penguin exploring; it feels like another planet. Perhaps only a visit to Mars could rival. As Leonardo da Vinci said: ‘Learn how to see. Realise that everything connects to everything else.’ Once you’ve seen the Antarctic, your newfound affection with the place and the planet will deepen. How could that possibly ever be a bad thing? BOOK IT: The next Antarctic Peninsula Discovery departs

13 December 2024, from £7,035pp. swanhellenic.com Yasemen’s return flights had a carbon footprint of 4,004kg. CO2e. ecollectivecarbon.com n

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A new generation of cruises are providing responsible, science-informed trips to Antarctica

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RIGHT SIDE OF THE TRACKS

Luxury travel brand Belmond is on a roll this year. The legendary Eastern & Oriental Express will return to the rails with a new look and food menu courtesy of chef André Chiang; Venice Simplon-Orient-Express will embark on a new route between Paris and Portofino; The Royal Scotsman will see the launch of two new Grand Suites designed by Paris-based Tristan Auer; and in Peru, the Hiram Bingham and Andean Explorer will welcome Peruvian-born Jorge Muños as its executive chef. To boot, sustainability remains at the forefront with the launch of new pilot programmes at ten of its properties, which will create tailored roadmaps for them to meet the rigorous LVMH Life 360’s sustainability targets, and in partnership with EarthCheck – the world’s leading certification and advisory group for travel and tourism – all eligible Belmond properties are set to receive EarthCheck Silver certification by the first half of 2024. belmond.com

The ESCAPIST Lauren Ho has all the latest travel news

BRING THE SPA HOME

Fans of Chiva-Som can now continue their wellness journey at home with the hotel’s newly enhanced skincare collection. Following on from the first range, which first launched in 2013, the updated gender neutral collection has been reformulated utilising natural organic ingredients and comprises three organic massage oils, eight facial and four body products that combine therapeutic botanicals, spices, and fruit and flower oils. chivasom.com

PHOTOS: GETTY IMAGES; PEXELS

FLY GREEN

Aviation accounts for a not-insignificant two percent (approx) of our global CO2 emissions. Pelorus has partnered with Neste, a producer of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), on a new scheme that means its clients can choose how much of their flights’ emissions they want to reduce by purchasing SAF to replace the fossil fuel, using a ‘pay it forward’ concept. SAF also works with current aircrafts and infrastructure – meaning there is no need to build new aircraft or set up a parallel fuel infrastructure. Pelorus addresses its clients’ remaining emissions via donations to Pelorus Foundation’s Climate Investment Fund, a carbon capture credit portfolio that contributes to the advancement of carbon removal technology. pelorusx.co

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News | HOTELS & TRAVEL

FIVE HOT NEW OPENINGS

THE STORE, Oxford, UK Oxford’s beloved Boswells department store has been brought back to life as a hotel, with 101 rooms and a rooftop bar. £285 B&B, thestoreoxford.com

SOMETHING BLOOMING IN THE STATE OF DENMARK

There’s always a reason to visit Denmark, but never more so than this year. Not least because the country is celebrating two decades of the Nordic Food Manifesto – whose ten core principles centre around health, sustainability, ethics and seasonality – which inevitably gave rise to culinary gems such as Noma, among others, which redefined the world’s gastronomic landscape of the 21st century. You can also visit the island of Funen and follow in the footsteps of Danish composer Carl Nielsen with a 110 km hike to a soundtrack of his music, or head to the remote island of Mandø in the north sea, which is set to receive its official Dark Sky Park certification, making it one of Denmark’s best locations for the stargazers among us. visitdenmark.com

THE EMORY, Knightsbridge, London This uber-luxurious new hotel boasts 61 suites over nine floors, plus a spectacular penthouse by Rigby & Rigby. From £2,000, the-emory.co.uk

MANDARIN ORIENTAL, Mayfair, London The luxury brand has launched within a slick Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners building on Hanover Square. £925, mandarinoriental.com

HOTEL MARIA, Helsinki, Finland A 117-room sustainable haven housed over four buildings. Inside there are two restaurants, a chapel, a boutique and a spa. £390, hotelmaria.fi

PHOTOS: GETTY IMAGES; PEXELS

FRIEND OF THE ANIMALS

With human activity and climate change threatening animal species worldwide, Global Humane – part of American Humane, the world’s largest certifier of animal welfare – has taken matters to the next level. It has launched a new Humane Tourism certification programme, awarded only to those that meet the comprehensive welfare criteria and rigorous standards for tourism and animal wellbeing. South African-based Mantis Group is the first to be designated this prestigious award for select lodges and boats. Established 24 years ago by Adrian Gardiner, whose vision was to ‘create travel experiences where man and nature coexist sustainably’, Mantis, one of Accor’s conservation and sustainability brands, has plans for its other boutique hotels, eco-lodges, and waterway vessels within the portfolio to undergo the audit process and adopt this certification as a key brand standard. accor.com

OUR HABITAS, Santa Teresa, Costa Rica Forty-five rooms and ten luxury tents alongside local farm-to-table food in the laid-back surfer town of Santa Teresa. £560, ourhabitas.com n

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HOTELS & TRAVEL | Column

The TRIP

Francisca Kellett on how sustainable travel got sexy

PHOTOS: GETTY IMAGES

hen did sustainability get sexy? Why does everyone look like a model? Where can I get one of those cocktails? These are the questions that went through my head when I first saw the pool at 1 Hotel Miami, but it was the first that seemed the big one. This was 2015 and the rest of the hotel was a dead giveaway – huge living wall in the entrance, bamboo keys, drinking water taps in every room, all very eco and refreshing. But the pool was a scene. Buxom beauties sipped cocktails in reusable cups, bronzed meatheads oiled themselves with reef-safe sunscreen and there wasn’t a plastic straw in sight. It was cool and fun and I couldn’t quite believe it. Because go back ten or 20 years, and sustainability was definitely not cool. We didn’t even call it ‘sustainability’. When I first dipped my toe in this world, as a volunteer at Tourism Concern in the early noughties, we called it eco-travel, or green travel. Tourism Concern was brilliant and hard-hitting, a lone voice campaigning for ethical tourism. But it wasn’t exactly… fun. Its campaigns were serious and thought-provoking – more UN motions than yum mojitos – and too many people didn’t care at all. Editors certainly didn’t. When I first started writing for newspapers, my personal passion landed on deaf ears. Too niche, they said. Too boring, too worthy. And it was worthy. Eco-travel meant staying in a yurt and making your own yoghurt, all while wearing an awful lot of hemp. It did not mean a stay in a downright sexy hotel. It did not mean fun. I was told again and again that no one wants to be lectured to on holiday. And that’s true. We go on holiday to relax, to leave behind our everyday worries like work and school and impending climatic doom. And then I stayed at the 1 Hotel and you know what it didn’t do? It didn’t lecture. It didn’t ‘teach’. There was no guilt or deep thinking required. Sustainability was just there, woven into the fabric of the hotel. It 1 Hotel South Beach – where Fran had was effortless. That was my lightbulb moment: we her sexy sustainable travel epiphany don’t need to ram this stuff down travellers’ throats. We can incorporate it gently, cleverly – and no need to scrimp on the luxury. So I did. By then I was the travel editor at Tatler magazine, and I’d drop in nuggets about conservation and community impact, while also mentioning celebrity guests and thousand-count sheets. Now, thank god, we can be bolder. As travellers wake up to the impact we have on holiday – according to Booking.com’s latest sustainability report, 76 percent of us want to travel more sustainably – we can shout louder about how travel can be a force for good. It’s everything I could have hoped for back in the dark, serious days of the noughties: travel doing good, and a magazine – like this one – that champions sustainability in all its joy. I’ll be joining the conversation on these pages, and I promise I won’t lecture. So pull up a sunlounger, relax, have an ethical cocktail. It’s just as delicious, and it’s guilt-free. n 158 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM | March /April 2024

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The Weekender | HOTELS & TRAVEL FROM TOP: The River Maas flows through the centre of Maastricht; sample the city’s foodie scene at Au Coin des Enfants; stay at beautiful 17th-century Château Neercanne; catch world-class art at TEFAF

CHECK LIST SEE The Sphinx Passage. This tiled tableaux 120m long, connecting the Eiffel building with the Pathé cinema, illustrates the history of Maastricht’s ceramics industry, the foundation of its industrial prosperity and once its biggest employer.

Maastricht

TASTE The Mes Amis Wijn restaurant doubles as a wine shop specialising in Dutch wine, which is unknown in Britain but well worth trying. mesamis.nl

Richard Hopton explores this charming Dutch city

aastricht is an ancient city that wears its history lightly. It owes its origins to the Romans but was also the country’s first industrial centre. Nowadays, the city, which sits astride the mighty River Maas, offers the visitor an alluring mix of old and new. It occupies a salient in the south-east of the country and considers itself a place apart: the city’s inhabitants speak a dialect of Dutch and are proud of their separate identity. Internationally, Maastricht is known for The European Fine Art Foundation (TEFAF) art fair that is held in the city each March. Founded in 1987, it is now a world-class event that attracts 250 international dealers. It’s a mecca for anyone wanting to see or buy the finest art, attracting a host of museum curators and collectors every year. Florus van der Ven, who deals in Chinese antiquities and is the nephew of one of TEFAF’s founders, describes it as, ‘A fair conceived by dealers, for dealers.’ Michael H. Beck, owner of German modern art dealer Beck & Eggeling, gave an eye-catching example of the quality of artefact on offer at TEFAF when he passed around a stunning small Picasso of a humming bird from 1939, worth around €1 million. For the more casual visitor, Maastricht is a charming, gently paced city accessible via Eurostar from London, ideal for a weekend break. The historic centre, with its cobbled streets, graceful squares and pretty houses, is a delight to explore on foot. The city’s principal art gallery, the Bonnefanten, located in a striking modern domed building on the banks of the Maas, houses a splendid collection of less well-known but nonetheless interesting Dutch Old Masters, medieval sacred sculpture, some magnificent Dutch silver and varied displays of contemporary art. The Basilica of St Servatius boasts an elegant cloister and a treasury with a glittering collection of ecclesiastical plates. Also, drop into the spectacularly located bookshop in a desanctified Dominican church in the city centre. The House for Contemporary Culture stages four exhibitions a year in a beautiful 17th-century town house, typical of Maastricht’s Golden Age. There are many excellent hotels in the city centre but for a more peaceful, sylvan setting there is the Château St. Gerlach surrounded by a delightful park on the outskirts of the city. Maastricht is a place of pilgrimage for foodies: Château Neercanne and Au Coin des Enfants, both excellent, are Michelin-starred establishments. Among many other first-class eateries is the city’s best Lebanese restaurant, Safar.

LISTEN The celebrated violinist André Rieu was born in Maastricht and holds concerts with his orchestra every summer in the city’s main square, the Vrijthof, which play to huge audiences. andrerieu.com DO The country surrounding Maastricht, the Limburg, is, untypically for Holland, a region of gently rolling, wooded hills, which makes great walking country. visitzuidlimburg.com Explore the vast limestone Jezuïetenberg caves on the outskirts of the city, which house an eccentric collection of religious art. jezuietenberg.eu

Richard was a guest of Maastricht Marketing (maastricht-marketing. nl) and TEFAF (tefaf.com) staying at Château St. Gerlach (oostwegelcollection.nl). His return trains had a carbon footprint of approx. 6kg CO2e n March /April 2024 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM | 159

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SUMBA STYLE

Emma Love explores the incredible Indonesian isle everyone’s talking about

FROM ABOVE: Horses on the beach at NIHI Sumba; views of the waves from one of the resort's thatched villas

difference to the lives of local villagers, through malaria clinics that have reduced the disease across the island by 75 percent (and in West Sumba by 95 percent), after-school education programmes teaching computing and English, and clean water projects. Yet not to see more of this under-the-radar island is to miss out. Although more than five million people visited Bali last year (where a few nights relaxing at Raffles Bali in Jimbaran Bay is a great way to break up the journey), relatively few of them added on the 90-minute flight east to Sumba, which has, until now, escaped much of the tourism spotlight. One of the biggest draws are the beaches. From NIHI Sumba, I head west to Mbawana, where after a scramble over rocks I’m rewarded with a spectacular swathe of sand all to myself. Then there’s Mandorak beach, a series of small swimming coves next to Weekuri Lagoon, where children splash about in the

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o often it’s surfers who discover littleknown pockets of paradise first. In the case of NIHI resort in south-west Sumba – an Indonesian island twice the size of Bali but with only about a sixth of its population – it was Claude and Petra Graves in the 1980s who were searching for the perfect wave. What they found was a left-hand point break, now named Occy’s Left (after Australian former surf world champion Mark Occhilupo). They set up a hostel behind the white-sand beach, which, in 2012, was bought and developed by American businessman Chris Burch and South Africanborn hotelier James McBride into 27 gorgeous villas, now known as NIHI Sumba. Over a decade on, it’s Sumba’s big-draw, A-lister destination (Jennifer Lawrence, Heidi Klum and the Beckhams have all checked-in). Here, salt-licked guests tuck into nasi goreng at feet-in-the-sand Nio Beach Club for lunch, horses cool off in the ocean and the new concept at the Nihioka spa, reached by trekking through rice paddies and traditional villages, is based on wild wellness (including equine retreats and treatments such as the Sumba 7 Detox, developed with pharmacognosist and botanist Dr Simon Jackson). After a few blissful days here, it’s easy to understand why some guests don’t get out and explore, bar an eye-opening visit to The Sumba Foundation. This has made an immeasurable

Indonesia | HOTELS & TRAVEL

FROM TOP: One of Cap Koroso’s beautiful Sixties-inspired villas; local children playing in the sea; the tradition of pasola, a mounted spear-fighting competition to celebrate the rice-planting season

inviting, clear water that whooshes in from the ocean through holes in the rocky cliffs. To understand a little about what makes this island so distinct, I visit traditional Waikaroko village, where bamboo-frame houses have thatched peaked roofs for storing and smoking meat above the central kitchen. As I sip strong, sweet, black coffee, made by a welcoming family, my guide, Jakob, translates tales about last weekend’s chicken race and tells me how income is made through fishing, farming and cashew nuts. The entrance to the village is marked by a circle of graves – vertical blocks of granite hewn from quarries that are a key part of the island’s megalithic culture and indigenous, animist marapu religion (which often goes hand-in-hand with Christianity). Based on ancestral spirits, who are believed to live in symbolic objects such trees and mountains, marapu involves all kinds of sacrificial rites and shamanic ceremonies. The former include slaughtering animals such as buffalo or pigs to provide ancestors with food and wealth in the afterlife; the latter is typically carried out by the village rato (spiritual leader), who can decipher the fate of a person from the liver of a chicken. Perhaps the best-known and one of the most important rituals is the pasola, which takes place in West Sumba during February and March to signify the beginning of the rice-planting cycle. Historically, men from two villages charged at each other on horseback carrying spears, with the aim of dismounting their opponents. Blood spilled was said to make the ground fertile and ensure optimum conditions for the rice harvest (today it’s more of a mock battle). Exploring Sumba and learning about practices such as this is key to the programme of activities arranged by Cap Karoso, a design-led hotel that opened last year on an otherwise deserted beach in Kodi, a region in the southwest of the island. Gorgeous rooms are housed in brutalist-style, low-rise, concrete and limestone buildings that

slope down to the ocean; in contrast, the spa and gym are in peaked thatch houses. The hub of the hotel is the beach club, a chic all-day restaurant and bar, with curved, rattan day beds arranged around the pool and wooden loungers dotted about under palm trees. Artists and chefs in residence (the latter at Julang, the hotel’s communal fine-dining space), as well as visiting DJs, are invited in to encourage creativity and interesting conversations but equally integral to the ethos is Cap Karoso’s connections to the community – especially evidenced through its three-hectare farm which, in the future, will offer courses in organic growing to the region’s farmers, and the artwork and textiles on display throughout the hotel, much of which is made by local artisans. These include wooden statues by artists from Buku Bani village and, behind the reception desk, huge, hand-woven panels in shimmering shades of terracotta by renowned textiles craftsman Pak Kornelis Ndapakamang who practises the centuries-old art of ikat (the panels were produced in Bali, then he and a team of villagers used natural dyes and did all the weaving by hand). When I meet him at an afternoon workshop, he explains that the complex process has about 50 steps (his customers include Indonesian royalty) and that while abstract patterns are worn in the west, in the east, pictorial representations of animals have different meanings: a crocodile for a king or leader, dragon to depict power, lobster for incarnation. It’s another example of how naturerelated beliefs and ancient customs are embedded into the identity of what feels, at times, like an almost otherworldly place. Scott Dunn offers four nights at Raffles Bali, four nights at Nihi Sumba and four nights at Cap Karoso from £4,198 pp, incl. return UK flights, domestic flights and transfers. scottdunn.com Emma’s return flights had a carbon footprint of about 5,070kg of CO2e. ecollectivecarbon.com n

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HOME from HOME The loveliest rentals to call your own for a week – or two

We wandered into Syros’s magnificent capital Hermoupolis, where 19th-century merchant palaces in pinks and whites tumble down the hill towards the sea. We learnt about the islands culinary culture from Elisa at Villa Maria whose excellent cooking class included the ubiquitous parsley dip and we eat in the charming garden of the equally charming Aristide Hotel where the aubergine risotto is not to be missed. And I learnt from our week at Villa Fanya, that villa holidays can, unlike previous experiences, be a holiday. You must just pick the right place. Mary Lussiana BOOK IT: From £9,554 to £24,747 per week, depending on season. thinkingtraveller.com

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VILLA FANYA, Syros, Greece

Quite often in my travelling life, I have pinch-me moments, when beauty overwhelms. And, often travelling solo, those moments are tinged with regret that my family are not there to share them with me. So how wonderful it was last summer to journey with my family – one husband, three children, one daughter-in-law, one boyfriend and two grandchildren, and share the sheer gorgeousness of Villa Fanya together. Contemporary in design, the earthy-toned, stone, five-bedroomed house lay low and sleek on the cliff’s edge. A path wound down to the sea, past the infinity pool – there was even a little jetty cut into the rocks where you could sunbathe if you wanted – and the boys in the party took to fishing down there. One lunch we had a catch of rainbow wrasse and sea bream grilled on the barbeque, accompanied by freshly made garlicky tzatziki, courtesy of the villa’s housekeeper, Evangelia. The Thinking Traveller describe its properties, which dot Italy and Greece, as ‘Places with Soul’. Villa Fanya does indeed have soul, but its beating heart was Evangelia. She arrived with a smile and left us with one on her departure. In between she tackled the washing up from dinner, scrambled eggs for the breakfast, prepared dishes for lunch, made the beds and cleaned. She taught my husband how to make the local dip of yellow split peas, a dish we have brought home with us, and gave me an actual holiday, something I had not had in years. The other thing that did that was the intuitive shopping service of The Thinking Traveller, a seriously brilliant help, and its introduction to the Ousyra Winery. At a tasting there, owner Edward talked us through the excellent wines and its rosé became our go-to for long, lazy lunches by the pool and dinners under the stars.

Villas | HOTELS & TRAVEL

FINCADELICA XARRACA, Xarraca, Ibiza

Fincadelica has welcomed a new villa to the family in the form of Fincadelica Xarraca, and as expected, it’s stylish, it’s ultra-luxurious, and it has plenty of White Isle allure. With its enviable location that overlooks the shores of Cala Xarraca Bay, set among fragrant pines on the northwest side of Ibiza, this eight-bedroom 3,000 sq/m coastal estate is one of the largest beach-side properties on the island; and not only that, it comes complete with direct beach access, just follow the coastal path and its secret cove. Available for exclusive hire, the property is home to laid-back luxury and fully embraces the indoor-outdoor living ethos, playing to the Mediterranean’s climate and year-round sunshine. A private and secluded spot, Fincadelica Xarraca makes for the perfect glamorous escape – it’s no wonder then, that it’s been loved by the jet set over the years and was even shot by infamous American high society photographer Slim Aarons in the ‘70s, adding to the villas fun, glittering and culturally significant heritage. Felicity Carter BOOK IT: From £60,000 per week in the low season and £102,000 per week in the high season, fully staffed. fincadelicaibiza.com

MILOS RHM Milos Island, Greece

Embrace idyllic Greek island life with this luxurious, brand new villa on the Aegean isle of Milos, which is renowned for its spectacular beaches, picturesque villages and excellent food. The showstopping villa – one of only a few five-star stays on this untouched island – features seven ensuite bedrooms, an infinity pool, plus glorious outside spaces to relax in, including a sunken firepit with a circular seating area. Just a stone’s throw away is the crystal clear sea, accessible by a path down to the water from the villa. Here, you’ll find a cluster of Milos’s colourful painted ‘syrmata’ fishermen’s huts, which are unique to the island. A skippered speedboat is available on request, meaning you can make the most of exploring this delightful Greek paradise. BOOK IT: £POA, fivestargreece.com

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HOTELS & TRAVEL | Villas

VILLA BALBINA, Algarve, Portugal

TEMPLE GUITING MANOR, The Cotswolds

Enjoy your very own mini Saltburn-style escape in the heart of the stunning hamlet of Temple Guiting in the Cotswolds. Take over the whole estate with its Jinny Blom-designed gardens (sleeping 32 across a range of stunningly appointed accommodation); or, for smaller groups, plump for the divine small medieval manor house – described by Nicholas Pevsner as one of the finest examples of its kind in the country. It sleeps ten, and is the only house in the county to have two built-in dovecotes (now cleverly used as a cinema room and a hot tub room). There are endless nooks and crannies to explore and the estate is steeped in history; but that doesn’t mean it rests on its ancient laurels. Besides a Wim Hof-style dip in the lake, there are endless activities, from a pool and tennis court, to paddleboarding and rowing; from boules and table tennis to a delightful children’s woodland playground – every amenity has been thought of. And, of course, the rolling golden hills are just outside your back door should they beckon. BOOK IT: The Manor, from £2,100 per night; the whole estate from £5,450 per night. templeguitingmanor.co.uk

Nestled in its own little cove, Villa Balbina is a blissfully secluded beachfront stay enjoying a private stretch of sandy climes and lapping waves. It’s typically styled for the region, with Moorish-inspired terracotta tones and vaulted ceilings. The sun-splashed roof tiles are a picturesque sight peeking out from the lush surrounding greenery, too. Step inside and the interiors are stylish and chic – polished and contemporary, replete with relaxing breakout spaces and plush sofas. Up to ten guests can enjoy a stay here, swimming the infinity pool, luxuriating in a bubbling jacuzzi or commanding a paddle board from the neighbouring beach. An added bonus for active visitors is a very well-equipped indoor gym boasting free-standing weights and smart equipment. Of course, it goes without saying that there’s a chef service and a team available to hire throughout your stay to look after your every need. BOOK IT: Villa from £15,682 per week depending on season. cvvillas.com

Joyous by name, joyous by nature, Villa Allegra is tucked away in the hills on the rugged northeast coast of Zakynthos. Despite its rural setting, Allegra is just ten minutes’ drive from the fabled Peligoni Club (where children find their sea feet on boats, boards and sails) and offers peaceful seclusion and a magnificent view across the bay of Aghios Nikoloas. But this is no rustic retreat; modern and perfectly appointed, Allegra has everything you need to make a family holiday stress-free. The magnificent infinity pool is large enough for both lengths and lounging. The villa sleeps eight in three spacious bedrooms and can easily accommodate two families. The open-plan living area spills out onto a pergola-covered al fresco dining space, perfect for a sunrise breakfast, if you and yours are earlybirds. Suffice it to say, Allegra is a fitting addition to the impressive Peligoni portfolio. Alex McIntosh BOOK IT: From £2,900 a week. indigo-rock.com

VILLA ALLEGRA, Zakynthos, Greece

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VILLA BINICALAF, Menorca, Spain

Binicalaf’s honeyed-stones offer perfect respite for travellers seeking pampered luxury on a summer – or anytime – holiday under the sun. The farmhouse, sensitively restored to accommodate up to 16 guests over eight bedrooms, is a short meander from the beach. But you’ll almost be hard pressed to leave this spoiling escape, not least because the villa sits on its own 300 acres of orchard and private land. No shock either, then, that it can feed you straight from the estate’s organic vegetable garden – chef service is one amenity you can add to your stay for homely farmto-fork Menorcan dining. For the perfect day here, start off with a spritely game of badminton or volleyball on the manicured lawns, before heading for a dip in the gated swimming pool. In the evening, retire to the villa for a spot of herbal tea, or lounge on the candle-lit terrace for dinner al fresco. The cherry on top of this already immaculate offer at Villa Binicalaf? A professional masseuse can be arranged to knock straight at your door should your stay not be relaxing enough already… BOOK IT: From £26,000 a week. redsavannah.com n March /April 2024 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM | 165

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The villas, the yachts, the lifestyle enquiries@fivestargreece.com

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www.fivestargreece.com

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FOOD&DRINK

Winner Winner Leftover chicken can become the star of the show – again – with these tasty tacos March /April 2024 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM | 167

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FOOD & DRINK | Recipe

Leftover CHICKEN TACOS ◀ PICTURED ON PREVIOUS PAGE

1 2

Toast the coriander and cumin seeds in a dry frying pan until fragrant, then pour into a pestle and mortar and coarsely grind. Add the chipotle paste and a glug of vegetable oil and mix. Heat the oil in a large saucepan or casserole dish over a medium heat.

Add the chicken and chipotle mixture and continue to fry for a minute before adding the water. Allow to bubble and thicken up for 5 minutes, then turn off the heat. Peel the onion and then use a vegetable peeler to peel the flesh from the root end, creating very thin layers of onion (yes, I saw this on Instagram like the rest of us and love it – no need for a scary mandoline!).

– – – – – – –

seeds 1 tbsp chipotle paste 3 tbsp vegetable oil 2 onions, thinly sliced 2 garlic cloves, grated 350g leftover roast chicken 100 ml water sea salt

To Serve: – 1 onion – 1⁄4 cabbage, thinly shredded – 4 limes (juice 2) – 8 medium tortillas – a few tbsps of pickled jalapeños – or 2 fresh, sliced

Place the onions in a bowl with the cabbage, add the lime juice and a pinch of salt, then scrunch everything together with your hands. Warm the tortillas in a hot, dry pan or directly over a gas flame for a few seconds on each side, then stack on a plate. Serve the chicken and cabbage salad with the tortillas and jalapeños, allowing everyone to help themselves.

Foodie Tales

Kitty Coles, the food stylist-turned-chef, is on a mission to use up leftovers What’s your food philosophy? You don’t need expensive ingredients to make something delicious. Simple, seasonal ingredients are the main things that make it possible for me to write recipes that are basic but big on flavour. What was the first dish you learnt to cook? Shortbread. My parents owned a restaurant called Coles for 25 years and I started to make it with my mum – who made all the desserts there – when I was about ten. What’s your favourite in-season ingredient? Leeks. They are my forever favourite – and they’re so infinite in ways to cook them. Recently I’ve been lightly poaching them, before shredding them and tossing them with a vinaigrette. Sweet soft leeks with a sharp dressing. A perfect side. Your go-to throw-it-together dinner? Scraps pasta. Or my green sauce with pasta or beans [both featured in Make More With Less]. What’s in your fridge right now? Too many jars. Chicken stock, roast chicken. And a lot of herbs. It’s always such a mish mash from testing and photo shoots – that’s the reason I’m so passionate about leftovers. What restaurant should everyone should try before they die? Contramar in Mexico city (or the French House upstairs in Soho if you can’t get a ticket to Mexico). Which cookbook do you refer to the most? I live and breathe cookbooks as a food stylist and recipe developer… but ironically I rarely cook from them. But I’d say Ixta Belfrage’s Mezcla was the most delicious book I’ve worked on. She’s amazing at flavour. What’s one amazing way of using up leftovers you’d recommend to our readers? Blitz up old bread and fry in butter with sesame seeds and sugar! Sprinkle over ice-cream and thank me later. Make More With Less is out 4 April (Hardie Grant, £22) n

Add the onions with a pinch of salt and gently fry for 20 minutes, adding more oil if you need to until the onions are really soft and slightly caramelised. Put some time into cooking the onions as this is such an essential INGREDIENTS part of the dish. The more love you give the onions, Serves 4: the better it will taste. Stir – 1⁄ 2 tsp coriander in the garlic and fry for a seeds – 1⁄ 2 tsp cumin further 2–3 minutes.

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Tidbits | FOOD & DRINK

GASTRO GOSSIP Waste not, want not, says Tessa Dunthorne

NIBBLES

Bitesized British Easter eggs

PRODIGY Salted caramel vegan eggs, carton of six, £9.49. prodigysnacks.com

TABLE TALK

Heston Blumenthal’s Batalia Pie dates to 1660

How to make the most of leftovers

ood historian Eleanor Barnett’s new book Leftovers tracks the history of pickles and preserves from the Tudors to the modern table. Timely – according to the Business of Waste (who’d know), the UK currently throws away 9.5m tonnes of food waste per year. Perhaps this will inspire some home ferments and reduce your bin’s load? (Apollo, £27.99) Pigs ears on toast and cuts of cod cheek – sound like a pampered pooch’s dinner? Not so – this is Heston Blumenthal’s answer to the food waste problem. His new mid-week lunch menu – at eponymous restaurant Dinner by etc at the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park – repurposes these common waste-cuts of meat to make delicious off-beat bites. They’re all inspired by historic

recipes, and there’s a serious storytelling element to the dining experience. Not convinced, or worse, still feeling queasy? As one dinner companion slash newspaper editor said to me, ‘If you’ve eaten a fry-up at a greasy spoon, you’ve probably eaten pigs ears already…’ dinnerbyheston.com Take a look at our recipe page, opposite, to see a tasty solution for leftovers by Kitty Coles – the food stylist’s Instagram is a font of inspiration for minimising waste (@KittyColes). Still craving more? Explore myriad app-based options that reduce leftovers – from Olio (a community sharing platform) to TooGoodToGo (where businesses list food that’d otherwise go off at major discount). Or simply… get ahead and plan your weekly grocery shop better.

CHOCOLATIER ANEESH POPAT Speckled hazelnut praline quail eggs, £15.95. the-chocolatier.co.uk

DAYLESFORD ORGANIC Card egg filled with praline eggs, £25. daylesford.com

L I C K T H E P L AT E C L E A N FEAST New World Food Box is a monthly subscription like a cooler, more international Hello Fresh (worldfoodbox.co.uk) SIP Restock your liquor cabinet – Berry Bros. & Rudd is opening its new Spirits Shop at No 1 James Street this April (bbr.com) SING Bam Karaoke Box is coming to London from Paris in April, with a luxury food, drink and live music offering. It will be Europe’s largest karaoke venue (bam-karaokebox.com). March /April 2024 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM | 169

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Crafted at Scotland’s Oldest Working Distillery since 1763 by hand & heart in exclusive small batches, The Glenturret Single Malt is defined by its outstanding quality and exquisite taste. Located in the ‘Hosh’, Crieff, surrounded by beautiful Perthshire countryside, The Glenturret offers daily distillery tours, whisky flights at the Lalique Bar, a retail store including the only Lalique Boutique in Scotland, and The Glenturret Lalique Restaurant, the distillery’s Two Michelin Star unique dining experience.

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PROPERTY Edited by Anna Tyzack

HOUSE OF THE MONTH

Nice, Alpes Maritimes, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur Seven bedroom, seven bathrooms, approx. 600 sq/m, €7.95m

Sell it to us in a sentence... A sensitively renovated historic property that couples Provençal charm with access to the playground that is the French Riviera. How would you describe its design? Originally a stone mill, the property was the subject of a thorough renovation to create open entertaining spaces that are complemented by enviable outdoor areas. What’s unique about it? The attention to detail in its renovation is remarkable, with each of the seven bedrooms being impressively themed with its own charm and character. What is its history? It is rumoured that Grace Kelly, the Princess of Monaco, visited the property on several occasions. Best room in the house? The living room is sensational: it is complete with beamed ceilings, large windows through – from which you can enjoy pretty views – plus a vast wrought iron wheel which separates the room from the kitchen. Perks of the location? Nestled in the hills of the Riviera, one enjoys the serendipity of the foothills of the Alps with the ease of access to the ‘action’ of the Côte d’Azur. You can get to Nice International Airport, Monaco, and the beaches of the Riviera with ease. The current owner says… ‘The most perfect locations for houses were discovered and built on a very long time ago. When we bought this place 18 years ago, we had the benefit of all the effort and imagination that countless generations had already poured into the place, making it very special. So, we knew we had something amazing even before we started to modernise and restore it.’ knightfrank.com; +44 (0)7810 789373 March /April 2024 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM | 171

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PROPERTY | Five of the Best

Innovative NEW HOMES Martha Davies picks original designs on the market around the world

Los Monteros, Marbella, €11.75m

This remarkable villa doesn’t just look the part; it’s also bursting with jaw-dropping features including marble floors, a pool and a Jacuzzi. hamptons-international.com

Maenporth, Falmouth, Cornwall, £4.5m

Whether you’re dining in the sprawling kitchen, lounging on the sheltered terrace or taking a dip in the swimming pool, this striking home provides spectacular sea views. It’s a coastal masterpiece. knightfrank.co.uk

Oil Nut Bay, British Virgin Islands, $27.5m

The jewel in the crown of this cliffside home is its magnificent green roof – but the breathtaking residence is also complete with an infinity pool and a waterfall. oilnutbay.com

Derby Road, £5.995m

Designed by the award-winning Smith and Newton Architects, this former Victorian warehouse boasts a triple-height reception area, a bespoke kitchen and amenities including a gym, bar, games room and spa. knightfrank.co.uk; savills.co.uk; hamptons-international.com

Bowdon, Manchester, OIEO £3m

This unique subterranean property is kitted out with a car lift, bar and DJ booth, plus three bedroom suites and gorgeous landscaped gardens. It’s one of a kind. jackson-stops.co.uk

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Suffolk, Little Glemham

Guide Price £19,000,000

A magnificent estate close to the Suffolk Heritage Coast Aldeburgh: 7 miles, Woodbridge: 8 miles, Ipswich: 14 miles (London Liverpool Street Station 60 minutes) Grade I listed mansion with 7 main reception rooms | Conservatory | 12 Main bedrooms | 5 Dressing rooms | 19 Attic rooms | Kitchens Domestic offices and cellars | Formal gardens | Parkland and frontage to the River Alde | In-hand arable land | River meadows and woodland Let arable farm with farmhouse and buildings | Lodge Cottage and 6 additional cottages About 1,763 acres (713 ha) in total | For sale as a whole or in its constituent parts Further cottages available by separate negotiation Tim Fagan Eastern Estates & Farm Agency | 01473 220 449 tim.fagan@struttandparker.com

/struttandparker

@struttandparker

Liza Howden National Estates & Farm Agency | 020 7591 2214 liza.howden@struttandparker.com

Mark McAndrew National Estates & Farm Agency | 020 7318 5171 mark.mcandrew@struttandparker.com

struttandparker.com

Over 45 offices across England and Scotland, including prime Central London.

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The picturesque Cotswolds village of Castle Combe

ON BROADWAY hen wealthy Americans talk about buying a house in the British countryside, they really mean buying in the Cotswolds. To them, London means a townhouse off Westbourne Grove and rural life means a honey-hued Cotswolds barn conversion – with milk and eggs from Daylesford Organic, tweed from Jade Holland Cooper and outdoor furniture from Burford Garden Centre. They truly believe that the grass is greener in the Cotswolds, confirms Ben Bentley of the Country House Department, who sold several houses to American buyers in the Cotswolds last summer. ‘The Cotswolds oozes history and Britishness – it’s the epitome of life in the Shires and has thus become a brand they want to buy into,’ he explains. Bentley understands why Americans wouldn’t want to buy anywhere else. He has lived in the Cotswolds for 15 years and says he still gets blown away by how perfect it is with its movie-set manor houses, sheepcovered hillsides and proximity to Bath. This is where King Charles III retreats from London and where Princes William and Harry partied as teenagers. It’s archetypal Jilly Cooper country with hunt balls and polo clubs and farm shops, yet dotted with glam members’ clubs (see p120 for more on where the cool crowd hang out in the Cotswolds). And while the richest Americans aren’t interested in daily commuting, it’s only an hour or so back to Paddington from Kemble or Kingham when work calls. ‘Similar to the relationship between New York and the Hamptons, the Cotswolds is an easy hop on the train or along the M40 from their London residence, and there they find stunning countryside and picturesque villages, along with members’ clubs, great pubs and restaurants, and everything to do at the weekend,’ says Harry Gladwin partner at The Buying Solution. A third of his clients are from the States. The American conquest of the Cotswolds began in about 2012 when Amanda Brooks, a former fashion director at Barneys New York, took a

year-long sabbatical on her husband’s Oxfordshire farm and decided to stay forever. She opened a clothing and antiques shop, Cutter Brooks, in Stow-on-the-Wold in 2018, which is considered a rural tastemaker by the fashion set. Hot on her tail, the chef Andrew D’Ambrosi, from Brooklyn, and his wife, Jesse, an interior designer from Boston, opened D’Ambrosi Fine Foods in a neighbouring street, a gourmet food shop and delicatessen where fellow Americans can stock up on local hams, cheeses and takeaway kale caesar salads and empanadas, as well as Hershey’s chocolate and Cheetos. Rumour has it that American luxury lifestyle brand, RH, which opened its British flagship at a 17th century stately home overlooking Cherwell Valley in the Cotswolds last year, is opening a concept Cotswolds guesthouse. ‘The area is such a mecca for Americans that Chipping Norton may as well be Chipping Noho,’ Gladwin says, while Bentley says he regularly hears American voices on the streets of Broadway, one of the most beautiful villages in the area. The Cotswolds golden triangle, according to Gemma Maclaren of Middleton Advisors, is between Kingham, Broadwell and the Oddingtons, where property prices raced up by about 30 percent last year, while villages such as Great Tew and Sandford St Martin, which are close to Soho Farmhouse, are super-prime performers. With Britain now looking positively cheap for dollar-based buyers and the American political landscape divisive, property finders in the Cotswolds worry there will be many more Americans than houses for sale this spring. Before lockdown, buyers from the States tended to want second homes, Gladwin says – a lock-up-and-leave bolthole for weekends and holidays – but since the pandemic they’ve started moving permanently to the area with their families. ‘The Oxford schools such as the Dragon and St Edwards are a real draw, as is Cheltenham Ladies’ College and country prep schools such as Beaudesert Park,’ Gladwin says.

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Why Americans are buying into brand Cotswolds. By Anna Tyzack

PROPERTY Joanie Salomon is an artist, originally from New York, who moved from Kensington to the Cotswolds last year with her husband, a financier, and their two children. She says the Cotswolds reminds her of the Berkshires in New England more than the Hamptons – it’s creative, inspiring and welcoming – and much more so than London, she insists. Through her children’s schools and the local village, she’s befriended both American and British families and can now see herself staying permanently in Britain rather than returning to the States. ‘The issue is finding somewhere to live; we’re in a rental house and are having to cast our net wider in terms of our property search. Everyone we know is using a buying agent and there just aren’t enough properties to go around,’ she says. Buyers such as the Salomons tend to start their search in the north Cotswolds, around Kingham, according to Lindsay Cuthill, co-founder of Blue Book Agency, but find that if they look to the south there is more stock available and the prices are slightly lower. ‘The south used to be seen as the “Birkenstock of The Cotswolds” – quite cool for some but certainly not for everyone – but we’re seeing a huge uplift in people moving rurally around Cirencester,’ he says. Coveted southern villages include Ampney Crucis, Coates and Ready Token, he says, which have fast commuting links into London from Kemble or Swindon. The advent of chichi farm shops such as the Jolly Nice and the news that The Pig will be opening at Barnsley House suggests the area is gearing up for its glossy new inhabitants. ‘One of our most notable homes last year sold to American buyers who really understood the magic of the area and we firmly feel this trend is set to continue,’ Cuthill says. Unsurprisingly, British feathers have been ruffled. The Americans are pricing them out of the market – an unblighted old rectory with a swimming pool, tennis court

FROM TOP: Sheep graze in front of Chipping Campden church; private schools such as Cheltenham Ladies’ College are a big draw for wealthy Americans

and secondary accommodation now costs more than £6m in the trendiest part of the Cotswolds near Kingham, Gladwin says, and around £3.5m in the south – chicken feed for American buyers who have budgets of up to £30m but out of the question for a British family hoping to trade in their house in Clapham. Interestingly, though, Americans aren’t as obsessed about rectories as we are: given a choice, they’d prefer to buy a cluster of old barns and convert them into an all-singing modern home with separate guest annexes. ‘The traditional rundown rectory is out and a big barn conversion with padel court and natural swimming pool is in,’ Gladwin says. Ponies are out, too, jokes Salomon, who secretly hoped her two daughters would get into riding. ‘They’re trying to persuade us to get swans instead,’ she says. ‘I suppose I should be pleased that there’s no mucking out.’ n

ON THE MARKET

Broadway, £3.5m A perfect Cotswolds family house beside a Norman church, substantially renovated with elegant reception rooms and seven bedrooms. The gardens are by renowned landscape designer Dan Pearson and there is also a wildlife lake. thecountryhousedepartment.com

Ready Token, £5m Ready Token House dates back to the 17th century and has undergone extensive renovation by renowned architects Yiangou. There are immaculate reception rooms, five bedrooms, an indoor swimming pool and gym plus manicured gardens and wildflower meadows. knightfrank.com

Badminton, £12.5m At the end of a half-mile avenue of beech and lime trees, Lyegrove is an important country house arranged around a courtyard, with light, elegant reception rooms and nine bedrooms. Stunning gardens surround the house and there’s a stable yard plus three cottages. bluebookagency.com

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LAST WORD How can we future-proof the workforce of tomorrow?

Tales of our Time

t was the former US President Ronald Reagan who nailed the zeitgeist of his time when he said that, ‘The most feared words in the English language are, “I’m from the government and I’m here to help.”’

Now though, we need the Government to move centre stage – at least as far as education is concerned. You only need to look at the startling pace of technological change and growth of artificial intelligence, which provides the tantalising prospect of so much for so many. But to reap the rewards, we need to think through how we prepare for what lies ahead. Let’s be in no doubt. We have a strong education system; it’s just one that is fit for the last century, not this one. The traditional benchmarks of the ‘3 Rs’ – reading, writing, and arithmetic – are not the skillsets that a digital future cries out for. Instead, we need to look at the ‘3 Cs’: curiosity, Echoes of the Earth: Living Archive is at the Serpentine until 7 April

creativity and critical thinking. Whereas STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) stimulates a curiosity in how we understand the workings of things, it will be our creative application that will make all the difference in how we finish up using them. According to the World Economic Forum: ‘By one popular estimate, 65 percent of children entering primary school today will ultimately end up working in completely new job types that don’t yet exist.’ But neither does the education system that will produce the talent to fill those jobs. I have been working with the investment bank Goldman Sachs and its 10,000 Small Businesses initiative on a campaign called Generation Growth. In its Small Business Manifesto, it points out that only 12 percent of small businesses believe the education system is equipping people for the future of work.

Of this, the programme lead, Charlotte Keenan, says: ‘If we develop a focus on enterprise education in schools, there is a huge opportunity to act for the long term. Small businesses need a pipeline of talent who are equipped for the jobs of the future.’ We have been here before. The Victorians were a society that faced massive community and social changes due to the shift from an agrarian to an industrial society. While we might think of names like Faraday and Brunel as being emblematic of that change, take a look in your own neighbourhoods to see the real legacy: schools. Nineteenthcentury society built an unparalleled number of schools and universities to prepare society for the change ahead and how to prosper from it. For our society today, we need a new legacy in education. And in this election year, we need our political establishment to not get out of the way but to do what it takes to make it happen. n

I M AG I N E T H AT

VISIT Refik Anadol’s exhibition at The Serpentine exploring the aesthetics of data and machine intelligence (serpentinegalleries.org). READ How I won a Nobel Prize by Julius Taranto, a novel about an island that harbours cancelled artists and academics (Picador, £16.99). WATCH The Creator, from the director of Star Wars: Rogue One, a thought-provoking look at the John David Washington in The Creator relationship between man and machine (disneyplus.com).

Michael Hayman imagines a more creative future for the UK’s education system

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