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nothing similar is quite the same

Our new brochure is out now, for a free copy please call 01473 826931 or visit www.jim-lawrence.co.uk

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& interiors

MAY 2019 ÂŁ4.50

US$9.99/AUS$10.50/NZ$13 recAll 02/05/2019

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WE WELCOME YOU TO A CELEBRATION OF FINE DESIGN IN STORES THIS SPRING

www.parkerknoll.co.uk

The home of

modern country Interiors & inspiration 10 may The things we can’t live without

17 make a house a home A classic dining chair

62

seasonal looks Colours and patterns inspired by the great outdoors l

71 sweet dreams Three fresh looks to give your bedding a springtime update

77 let’s talk… country

industrial Combining the best of two much-loved schemes

78 90

10 conservatories Garden rooms to be enjoyed year-round l

modern country classics Bring your meals outside with stylish garden dining sets l

92 room elements A modern take on pedestal basins

99

home tech Three of the best gas and electric barbecues l

100 the country decorator Wall displays to add personality

104 home notes 137 country kitchen focus

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A more sociable space was the desire behind this extension

130

to find all stockists in this issue, turn to page 151

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ON THE COVER

142 get creative Pretty ways

Country homes 18

west sussex cottage A 16th-century house in the countryside, complete with its own lake, more than fulfilled this couple’s wishlist

31

hertfordshire village house This Grade II-Listed property has undergone a sympathetic modernisation

42

welsh eco cottage The meadow setting was too idyllic not to build a home in

52

derbyshire country house How a pair of serial renovators gave a forgotten Victorian house a fresh and welcoming update

to display your keepsakes

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plus Get-the-look ideas for every home

144 Country Homes & Interiors

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106 Gardens

142

Seasonal food 129 130

Food notes Hello long weekend Simple, sociable dishes created with bank holidays and get togethers in mind

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oUR FAVoURIte sHop Get your green fingers fix at Clifton Nurseries in Surrey

119

mAke lIFe loVely Happy thoughts and ideas for fashion, eco, wellbeing and more

125

oUt & ABoUt Fulfil your childhood dream of sleeping in a treehouse at the luxurious Pickwell Manor Treehouses in Devon

144

my coUntRy BUsIness After discovering that many high-end candles were made from paraffin wax, Amalia Pothecary set up her own soy wax candle company

162

my FAVoURIte VIew Landscape designer Jody Lidgard finds peace in Swaledale

ON THE COVER

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Country Homes & Interiors

tHe pRomIse oF mAy A one-acre, plant-filled plot, with an equal split between front and back gardens

117

In A coUntRy gARden Aprons for outdoor work

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Just for you 118 126

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Lifestyle

to FInd All stockIsts In tHIs IssUe, tURn to pAge 151

106

enjoy 20% oFF At myAkkA sUBscRIBe to coUntRy Homes & InteRIoRs

Regulars 151

sHoppIng dIRectoRy All the contact details and websites featured in this issue

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See page 126 for details.

DESIGNED FOR LIFE

Discover your perfect paint colour at stylelibrary.com/sandersonpaint #mysanderson

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EDIToRIAL CoMPLAINTS We work hard to achieve the highest standards of editorial content, and we are committed to complying with the Editors’ Code of Practice (ipso.co.uk/ IPSO/cop.html) as enforced by IPSO (Independent Press Standards Organisation). If you have a complaint about our editorial content, you can email us at complaints@ti-media.com or write to Complaints Manager, TI Media Limited Legal Department, 161 Marsh Wall, London E14 9AP. Please provide details of the material you are complaining about and explain your complaint by reference to the Editors’ Code. We will endeavour to acknowledge your complaint within five working days and we aim to correct substantial errors as soon as possible.

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Country Homes & Interiors, ISSN 0951-3019, is published monthly, 12 times a year. Manuscripts and illustrations are welcome but on the understanding that we cannot be liable for their safe custody or return.

We are sorry that manuscripts and illustrations cannot be returned, nor letters answered or acknowledged unless sent with a stamped addressed envelope. Published monthly by TI Media Limited. Colour origination

by Rhapsody. Printed in the UK by the Walstead Group. Country Homes & Interiors is sold subject to the following conditions, namely that it shall not, without the written consent of the publishers first given, be lent, resold, hired out or otherwise disposed of by way of trade at more than the recommended selling price shown on the cover (selling price in Eire includes VAT) and that it shall not be lent, resold, hired out or otherwise disposed of in a mutilated condition or in any unauthorised cover by way of trade or affixed to or as part of any publication or advertising literary or pictorial matter whatsoever.

COUNTRY HOMES & INTERIORS MAGAZINE One year full subscription rates for 12 issues including postage & packing: UK £58.40; Europe €148.40; Rest of world £175.60. For subscription enquiries please call 0330 333 1113, overseas call: +44 330 333 1113 (Lines are open Monday-Saturday, 8am-6pm UK Time) or email help@ magazinesdirect.com. The US annual subscription price is $148.40. Airfreight and mailing in the USA by agent named Worldnet Shipping Inc., 156-15, 146th Avenue, 2nd Floor, Jamaica, NY 11434, USA. Subscription records are maintained at TI Media, 3rd floor, 161 Marsh Wall, London E14 9AP. Air Business Ltd. is acting as our mailing agent. All prices include postage and packaging. US Postmaster: Enquiries and address changes should be sent to: TI Media Ltd, Rockwood House, Haywards Heath, West Sussex RH16 3DH or call +44 330 333 1113 (Lines are open Monday-Saturday, 8am-6pm UK Time) or email help@magazinesdirect.com.

& INTERIORS 161 Marsh Wall, London E14 9AP Telephone 020 3148 5000 Email countryhomes@ti-media.com

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Vanessa Richmond GROUP CREATIVE DIRECTOR Georgia Hibberdine EXECUTIVE EDITOR Andrea Childs HOMES CONTENT TEAM EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Rhoda Parry 020 3148 7180 COMMERCIAL EDITORIAL OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Jane Akers 020 3148 7313 HOUSES EDITOR Vivienne Ayers 020 3148 7194 SHOPPING EDITOR Holly Phillips 020 3148 7195 NEWS AND FEATURES EDITOR Thea Babington-Stitt 020 3148 7458 CONTENT EDITOR Tara King 020 3148 7196 CONTRIBUTING EDITOR Sara Bird (Style) 020 3148 7181 EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Sally Dominic 020 3148 7154 GROUP CHIEF SUB-EDITOR/PRODUCTION EDITOR Sarah Farley HEAD OF SUBS OPERATIONS Maxine Clarke HUB CHIEF SUB-EDITOR Amy Hodge DEPUTY CHIEF SUB-EDITOR Jennie Filer SUB-EDITOR Chloe Hay HEAD OF ART OPERATIONS Alison Walter DEPUTY ART DIRECTOR Emma Jackson ACTING ART EDITOR Hannah Bennewitz SENIOR DESIGNER Katie Simas WITH THANkS TO Lara Evans and Mike Jeffries EDITORIAL PRODUCTION MANAGER Nicola Tillman DEPUTY EDITORIAL PRODUCTION MANAGER Clare Willetts MARkETING Marketing Manager Yasmin Christofi 020 3148 7692 Acting Marketing Manager Elizabeth Pether 020 3148 6237 PUBLISHING Group Managing Director, Lifestyle Angela O’Farrell EA to Group Managing Director Donna McConnell 020 3148 5651 PRODUCTION Group Production Manager Steve Twort 020 3148 5439 Production Manager John Botten 020 3148 5443 Advertising Production Co-ordinator Barry Skinner 020 3148 2538 Digital Producer Andrew Howe 020 3148 3366 CIRCULATION Circulation Manager Alan Edwards 020 3787 9161 ADVERTISING Publisher & Head of Homes Network Joanne O’Hara 020 3148 7642 Advertisement and London Sales Manager Ruth Roscorla 020 3148 7639 International/Luxury Account Manager Carole Bunce 020 3148 7620 Head of Agency Sales Lindsay Dean 020 3148 3668 Group Classified Manager Emma van der Veen 020 3148 2635 Classified Sales Executive Charlotte Beckett 020 3148 2511 Projects Director Kathryn Cane 020 3148 7610 Creative Media Manager Emilie Morrissey 020 3148 3647 Sales Manager (Inserts) Canopy Media Lindsay Martin 020 7611 8151 Assistant Syndication Manager Efi Mandrides 020 3148 5485 REGIONAL ADVERTISING Regional Sales Director Katrina Hutchison 0161 601 3720 Sales Manager (Inserts) Canopy Media Katherine Brown 07464 544375

letter from the editor

The mood of the moment: Busy getting busy As soon as it becomes bearable to have the garden doors open, Saturday mornings chez richmond are spent happily

(BACKGROUND) NAKeD ANGeliCA fabric, COl piNK, £98m, mimi piCKARD

pottering in and out, planting up this summer’s containers for the patio, brushing down the outdoor furniture, washing sunrevealed rain streaks off windows and Googling ways to use the rhubarb that’s springing up again this year. We’re thinking rhubarb gin! if you have a glut of spring vegetables from your plot, or access to a crop of elderflowers, don’t miss the recipes on page 130 to turn them into something special. may bank holidays mean peak pottering time, so we’ve rounded up the most stylish outdoor dining sets and gas barbecues for those in the market for a new one, as well as practical aprons for garden work. Plus, if you’re looking to expand your horticultural knowledge, landscape designer rosemary Alexander’s garden on page 106 is bound to inspire. We’ve got plenty of updates for your home’s interior, too – a new pattern is an instant fix, just take a look at the deliciously bright and crisp printed fabrics and wallpapers we’ve found on page 62. or, if you feel like getting creative with a collection of plates, plants or even hats, turn to page 100 to find simple ideas for giving a section of boring wall some serious wow with a stylish alternative to artwork.

Vanessa x

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Things we can’t live without

m ay

Flinging the doors wide open and letting the fragrant scents of the herb garden waft in...

Bench, similar from Houseology. Cushions, similar from Maisons du Monde. Rug, similar from Natural Rug Store.

Baskets and crates, similar from Home Barn.

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COUNTRY DAYS

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Wafting through grasslands in super-soft, versatile layers...

Frilly milky skirt, col Asphalt, £49.99; Daydreamer tee, col white, £26.99; dotted edge scarf, £19.50, all Mistral.

1 Bringing the leafy goodness of nature indoors with wall art.

Nature leaves framed prints, £80 each, Broste Copenhagen at Sue Parkinson. 2 A beauty range with a design inspired by the Glasshouse at Wisley. Tender Palm hand and body wash, £10 for 200ml, RHS collection at Heathcote & Ivory. 3 Creating a relaxing ambience with pretty patterns of light... Fabienne lantern, H33xD24cm, £45, Mushroom London. 4 Serving antipasti on a rustic platter. Teak chopping board, H5xW45xD36cm, £45, Oka.

A creative space to put your imagination down on paper.

Keates pendant, col Snow, £78; Hebden trestle table, £1,510, both Neptune.

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7 5 Making a statement above the table with a mouth-blown illumination. Aggie ceiling light, col Khaki, H25xDia26.5cm, £100, John Lewis & Partners. 6 Green glazes on tableware.

Fern 12-piece dinner set, £50, Next Home. 7 A metal sprinkler in a handsome new shade. Haws indoor 1L watering can, col green, H16xW11.5xL35cm, £39, Wood & Meadow.

8 Lightweight companions to healthy rituals. Ruusu x Hvittrask sauna seat cover, col green, 60x150cm, £41, Lapuan Kankurit.

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11 Baskets of fun to plant and display, store or hang!

Tassel basket, £14; wood and metal hooks, £35; woven belly basket, £16; seagrass belly basket, £18, all Next Home.

9 A personalised place to scribble ideas before you forget!

Helena hardback notebook, L21.5xW15.3cm, £19.99, Peggy & Kate at Papier. 10 Enhancing upholstery in the soothing colours of spring. Lucien chair, col Coniston Green, H94xW78xD93cm, £1,203, Parker Knoll. 11 A flat-weave walk-over offset with white cotton. Hand-woven jute rug, L230xW160cm, £169, Hare & Wilde. 12 Swedish designs on durable, practical stoneware.

Large gratin dish, col Primavera, H6.5xW23.5xD35.5cm, Sthal.

Recycled glassware showcasing gorgeously unique, coloured and lustre finishes.

Luxe green small glass, £4; medium glass, £5; champagne flute, £9; wine glass, £6, all French Connection Home.

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16 13 A block-print veil of abstract leaves on soft furnishings...

Through Leaves cushion, col Olive Ochre, 45x45cm, £65, Victoria & Rebecca. 14 An eye-catching industrial-rustic addition.

Concrete planter on stand, H63xW48cm, £99, Out & Out. 15 Getting one of your five-a-day in a new and inventive way!

Apple terrarium, H33xW28xL28cm, £40, Laura Ashley. 16 The perfect hand-woven, rattan transporter to serve breakfasts in bed. Bandula rattan tray, H10xW35xD35cm, £64, Kalinko.

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FEATURE HOLLY PHILLIPS PHOTOGRAPHS TI-MEDIACONTENT.COM

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C o u n t r y d ay s

Colours of the moment

serene Green and blue

FEATURE HOLLY PHILLIPS

EvokE A FEEling oF wEllnEss And RElAxATion wiTh bAlAncEd mEAdow And sky shAdEs. UndERsTATEd TExTUREs bRing A coUnTRy FEEl To ThE pAlETTE, cApTURing ThE EssEncE oF A pEAcEFUl wildERnEss

paint (clockwise, from top left): English Pear; Danbury; Green Grotto; Embleton Bay; Ceramic Blue, all £45 for 2.5L active emulsion; wallpaper, Farne Grasses col cream/sage, £66 a roll; fabric, Thistle Garden col Mist/Pebble, £58m, all Sanderson at Style Library.

Country Homes & Interiors

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SPRING SALE NOW ON

Individually Crafted Kitchens HANDMADE IN THE UK 32 SHOWROOMS NATIONWIDE

Request a free brochure

harveyjones.com

0800 389 6938

out and about

Wander through the spacious nursery and discover the wide range of plants, trees and outdoor accessories it has to offer.

Sit among the plants and enjoy a bite to eat at The Quince Tree café.

O u r FavO u r i t e S h O p

Clifton Nurseries, Surrey little Venice’S beloVed plant emporium FindS a Second home in Surrey Clifton has long been one of our favourite London garden centres, so its opening in Surrey last year got our green fingers twitching. We caught up with nursery manager Philip Woolf to find out more about the new country location…

Feature Patrick Hamilton courtney

What made you decide to open a neW branch in Surrey?

although very different to our historic London nursery, Clifton Surrey is equally unique and beautiful, and there’s lots more space for extensive selections of plants, pots and outdoor living and cooking ranges. tell uS about the company'S garden ethoS?

the Clifton nurseries mission is, ‘Inspiring gardeners since 1851’ – the year the company began. We

want to surprise and delight our customers with everything we offer, from designing, building and maintaining dream gardens, through to showcasing a beautiful range of plants, garden accessories and gifting – complemented by our friendly and knowledgeable team.

What makeS your Surrey location Special?

Located near the beautiful town of Weybridge, our large Surrey site is tucked away and surrounded by trees. at the heart of the nursery is an eye-catching show garden designed and built by our Clifton team, in which customers can relax and enjoy a bite to eat.

Who ViSitS your Shop?

Everyone from garden owners to garden designers and property

developers – all looking for beautiful quality plants and products, many of which they can’t find elsewhere.

What elSe makeS cliFton Surrey a great day out?

beautiful surroundings and our little gem of a café, the Quince tree, which serves up a selection of pastries, savouries, juices and coffees for a leisurely brunch or lunch. any more planS in the pipeline For cliFton Surrey?

Having opened our now thriving café last spring and more recently a small but beautifully formed garden and gift shop, we also have planning permission for a new building, so watch this space!  Clifton Nurseries Surrey, Woburn Hill, Addlestone KT15 2QG. 01932 833 866, clifton.co.uk.

Country Homes & Interiors

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HARRISONSPINKS .CO.UK

c o u n t ry s t y l e i c o n s

Make a house a home

A classic dining chair In our ongoIng serIes, we select sImple, country-style hero pIeces that look beautIful… and make lIfe even better

Halland round dining table in reclaimed elm and oak, H78xDia150cm, £2,995; Halland dining chairs, H96.5xW48xD54cm, £395 each, both Nordic Style.

feature tara king photographs ti-mediacontent.com

Pretty pastel crockery and table linens offer a welcome splash of colour against natural wood and classic ticking upholstery.

From lazy Sunday breakfasts to big family get-togethers, the dining area is often the heart of the country home. With this in mind, choosing the right chairs is essential for creating a relaxed atmosphere. what’s the story? originally a symbol of power and influence, the chair was reserved for those in authority for much of its early history – most people would have sat on a stool or bench. the industrial revolution of the late 1700s brought about the mass production of dining chairs. cost-effective and quick to produce, they soon became commonplace. since then, trends have come and gone, but today’s dining chairs are virtually identical to those dating back hundreds of years – a sign that good design stands the test of time! whIch style to choose? you can’t go wrong with a wooden dining chair. From cross-backs and tapered legs to arched stretchers, there’s a style to suit every home scheme. leave chairs plain for a rustic feel or add cushion pads for comfort. chairs with armrests look great in larger rooms or more formal settings, while upholstered seats offer a luxurious feel. style It up traditionally, dining tables and chairs were bought as matching sets, but today’s more relaxed approach allows for all manner of combinations. the golden rule is to choose chairs that will work with your table. it’s better not to mix different types of wood and keep the styles fairly similar for a coherent look; a contemporary glass table might look odd with shabby-chic woodenback chairs, for example. country Homes & interiors

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Exterior The idyllic country house was originally two cottages, complete with a lake in the grounds.

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country Homes & Interiors

W e s t s u s s e x c o t tag e

Love at first sight When Cathy JaCks and her late husband brian left london for sussex, this 16th-Century lakeside Cottage Was an idylliC plaCe to start their neW life

country Homes & Interiors

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Kitchen A vaulted ceiling makes a statement above the large island unit and pot rack.

Similar pot rack, Wayfair.

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country Homes & Interiors

w e s t s u s s e x c o t tag e

I had always wanted to live near water,’ says cathy Jacks, recalling the moment she and her late husband, Brian, saw this house in a magazine, just as they decided to make the move away from London. ‘It’s half an hour’s drive from the sea and has its own large lake, attracting kingfishers, heron and other wildlife.

It even has a pontoon with a rowing boat. when we first set eyes on the property, corny as it sounds, it was love at first sight.’ the earliest part of the house dates back to the 16th century, built as a single living space with a central fireplace and a hole in the ceiling to extract the smoke. ‘that original room has been added on to many times through the centuries, ending up as two cottages that were ultimately knocked into one house in the twenties,’ says cathy. Despite its history, for some inexplicable reason the house passed under the radar and was never listed – which was a huge plus when it came to planning a much-needed transformation. cathy’s first concern was the small dark kitchen, a problem she solved by turning it into a hall and adding a new kitchen-diner extension with a high apex roof. she decided to keep the cottage’s two staircases, left over from its previous life as two dwellings. ‘each bathroom is approached by its own stairs. this gives a measure of privacy and is useful when family stay,’ she says. the biggest challenge was how to brighten up the living room, with its low ceiling and treacle-coloured beams. For years the couple resisted the idea of painting the ancient oak. ‘the beams had been ships’ timbers and I was worried about detracting from their authenticity,’ explains cathy. ‘Finally, we cracked. Painting them white turned out to be our best design decision – the atmosphere instantly changed. My only regret was not painting them sooner. In fact, I’d like to do the kitchen beams now, too.’

Brian was a dentist and many of his patients were artists, and some colourful modern art pieces found their way from his surgery into the house, adding a contemporary edge. ‘Mixing vintage pieces with a bit of a modern-industrial vibe is my ideal. My style is quite eclectic,’ says cathy. ‘Homemaking requires patience and years of collecting, tweaking and experimenting.’ Her design journey began when she set up furniture and interiors shop Holly Park with her sister, annie Jackson, in 2001. In fact, establishing the business in the nearby town of Haslemere was what prompted the move from London. Many of the pieces in cathy’s house were initially bought for the shop. ‘we often tried new pieces out at home first,’ she says. although she no longer owns Holly Park, cathy has found a new outlet for her creativity. she’s a passionate artist and works from a New england-style shed in the garden. ‘It’s a luxury being able to keep my canvasses and painting gear separate from the main house,’ she says. ‘and it has wonderful views of the garden, which is only now coming into its own.’ the lake, edged with lush water lilies and weeping willows is, of course, the focal point. ‘I love to sit by the water with my dog, tilly, snuggled on my lap. It’s what we dreamt of when we made our move all those years ago.’

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AT HOME WI T H...

Owner Cathy Jacks, an artist and former director of interiors shop, Holly Park (now One World).

She lives here with her dog, Tilly.

House Two 16th-century cottages knocked into one, with four bedrooms.

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w e s t s u s s e x c o t tag e

Dining area Linked to the terrace by French doors, this light-filled space is complemented with a neutral, Scandi-influenced scheme. Carl Larsson-style chairs, Nordic Style. Similar kitchen cabinets, Plain English.

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Hallway A blanket box used to store croquet mallets is topped with colourful Moroccan cushions.

Mirror, One World.

What I most love about living here….

‘The sound of the stream and the peaceful rural surroundings are soporific. It’s so relaxing to sit by the water or on the summerhouse deck and watch all the birds and wildlife. And the house is near to a friendly little village, too, so I’m never short of human company either’ Kitchen A large cream range cooker brings a touch of wholesome country style to the space.

Falcon range cooker, Aga Haslemere.

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What makes this house a homeÉ ‘All the happy memories attached to our paintings, many of which my husband collected or was given as gifts’

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country Homes & Interiors

w e s t s u s s e x c o t tag e Living room Painting all of the woodwork white has really brightened up this cosy space.

Sofas, Sofa.com. Patterned cushions, Pippa Blacker, Lewis & Wood and Romo.

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Living room Cathy’s eclectic taste shines through in the playful touches sprinkled throughout the home. Cushion, India Jane.

Bathroom A few pops of blue sing out against the all-white scheme.

Bath, Victoria Plum.

Similar jug, Dibor.

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country Homes & Interiors

w e s t s u s s e x c o t tag e

Summerhouse Cathy’s favourite space is her New England-style studio in the garden, which has a veranda overlooking the lake.

Similar chairs, Wayfair.

Main bedroom A pretty dressing table overlooks the garden. Similar table, The Dormy House.

ON MY DOORSTEP Visit… ‘Pallant House Gallery (01243 774557, pallant.org.uk) in Chichester where there is always an interesting exhibition and a show of Modern British art.’

Shop at… ‘Ardingly Antiques Fair (01636 702326, iacf.co.uk) at Ardingly, which is our closest country fair and where I often pick up quirky vintage finds.’

Go for a meal at… ‘The Duke of Cumberland Arms (01428 652280, dukeofcumberland.com) in Fernhurst, which offers home-cooked gastro pub food in warm relaxed surroundings.’

FEATURE Maggie Colvin PHOTOGRAPHS RobeRt SandeRSon

Main bedroom The low cottage windows mean Cathy can enjoy the views from bed.

Curtains, made in Ian Mankin stripe. Throw, HomeSense.

country Homes & Interiors

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ROOM IDEAS

Be inspired by

Cathy’s hall

This graceful design will add gently lit ambience.

Emilie table lamp, H58xW33.5x D33.5cm, col Antique White with linen shade, £65, The French Bedroom Company.

Keep woolly warmers on hand to wrap up after outdoor excursions!

Huntingtower throw, L185x W140cm, col Terracotta, £74.99, Bronte by Moon at Coast & Country Interiors.

Use statement mirrors in a reception area to instantly open up an enclosed area, disperse daylight and add visual interest.

Lay down baked earth hues and rustic charm with simple, honest and timeless flooring...

Rustic terracotta-effect floor tiles, £29.95sq m, Appleby’s Tiles.

Cathy’s style secret…

Experiment with eclectic finds collected over time to bring happy memories home.

Keep your hall smart by storing boots, leads and hats in this upholstered chest, which also acts as a bench.

Henrietta blanket box, H43xW123x L45cm, col Hopsack, £725, Feather & Black.

Introduce a classic pop of colour and pattern with this Venetianinspired beauty.

Cornaro cushion cover, W60xD35cm, col Blue/ Natural, £46, Oka.

FEATURE HOLLY PHILLIPS

Modern Country Classic Windowpane mirror The must-have addition in today’s modern country home, these Victorianinspired window designs make an impressive piece in their own right. Striking, oversized styles favour a distressed wood or aged

metal frame finish, to offer timeless appeal. Classical interiors adore tall, floorstanding arch designs, while more contemporary settings might favour a bold, graphic silhouette in a dark metal frame.

Where to buy…

•Homelia for beautiful, handselected, reclaimed styles.

•Graham and Green for large, industrial-style hero pieces.

•Cox & Cox for indoor and outdoor options.

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H e r t f o r d s H i r e v i l l ag e H o u s e

A sense of belonging Buying the most Beautiful house in their home village was a dream come true for reBecca and Ben sterling

Exterior The Grade II-listed house has a pretty arched door light.

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Kitchen The island provides extra storage, a breakfast bar and plenty of food prep space.

Cabinetry, Philip Hitchcock Furniture. Trio of pendant lights, Laura Ashley.

A home should be filled with all the things you love,’ says rebecca sterling, a blogger with a penchant for horticulture and holidays. When she’s not filling her house with flowers she’s nurtured from seed, she is often found in far-flung places with her husband, Ben. ‘Part of my job involves reviewing holidays and hotels, and i’ve definitely been inspired by the interiors we’ve been fortunate to visit and stay in,’ she says. ‘as well as influencing my palette and textile choices, these trips mean my home is regularly updated with one-off flea market finds.’ the home the couple return to after their adventures abroad is in the Hertfordshire village where they both grew up. it’s sprinkled at every turn with rebecca’s blooms and time-worn treasures, all set against a simple backdrop of off-white shades. ‘i prefer to keep things light and classic, so the look won’t date,’ she says. that said, she has injected a few doses of deep charcoal here and there. ‘i love farrow & Ball’s down Pipe,’ she says, ‘so i decided to add some unexpected drama on the kitchen island, in the utility room and in the study. it offsets the pale pink accessories dotted round the house.’ although it has the feel of a timeless country home, the property has undergone quite a transformation in just a short space of time. ‘We bought the house from an

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AT HOME WI T H...

Owners Rebecca and Ben Sterling bought the house in 2016. Rebecca is a blogger (rosesandrolltops.co.uk) and Instagram influencer (@rvk_loves).

House Three-bedroom Grade II-listed country house, built around 1800 and split into a pair of semis in the Sixties.

H e r t f o r d s H i r e v i l l ag e H o u s e

Utility room Ben made the units and panelling himself.

Berkeley range floor tiles, Topps Tiles.

Hall The couple sanded and stained the original flooring. Walls painted in Cornforth White, Farrow & Ball.

What I love most about living hereÉ ‘We both grew up in the village and we’ve always loved this house, so we feel very lucky that it went on sale when it did’ Study Rebecca gave this space a different character to the rest of the house.

Walls painted in Down Pipe, Farrow & Ball.

Study This space has the feel of a captain’s quarters. Penguin book cover postcards (used in artwork), Amazon.

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Living room The paired sofas create a cosy focal point in the centre of the room. Sofas, Laura Ashley.

Plain cushions, HomeSense.

Hare cushions, Habitat.

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H e r t f o r d s H i r e v i l l ag e H o u s e

What makes this house a home...

‘My plants and flowers, and the vintage finds that we’ve enjoyed picking up over the years’

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H e r t f o r d s H i r e v i l l ag e H o u s e Main bedroom Cool blue walls offset the pink accessories. Walls painted in Blackened, Farrow & Ball. Zigzag cushions, Projekti Tyyny.

elderly couple who had lived here for 40 years,’ says rebecca. ‘it was very dated and desperately needed modernisation, yet lots of the original character had been stripped out over the years. We weren’t really looking to move house at the time, but the thought of taking on this place, one of the most beautiful houses in the village, was incredibly exciting.’ rebecca and Ben got cracking, stripping out oldfashioned wallpaper, revealing walls in severe need of replastering. they ripped up garish carpets to find original floorboards in need of tlC to restore their beauty. they replaced marble fireplaces with more suitable wooden surrounds. and, of course, they installed all the utilities needed to bring the house up to modern standards. ‘Ben is a property developer, so none of this work worried us,’ says rebecca. ‘But what did slow us down was trying to get our ideas for the rest of the house through planning.’ the house is listed, so the authorities were strict – architectural details, including an archway upstairs and a window between the utility and living room, had to be retained, and the couple’s plan to build a twostorey kitchen extension was rejected. it was while they were waiting for planning decisions that the

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Country Homes & interiors

*

ON OUR D O O R S T E P. . .

Visit… ‘Chenies Manor House & Garden (01494 762888, cheniesmanorhouse.co.uk) in Rickmansworth, a beautiful estate that has given us a lot of garden inspiration over the years.’

Shop at… ‘Home & Colonial (01442 877007, homeandcolonial.co.uk) in Berkhamsted. There are five floors of antiques and gorgeous interiors pieces, with a fab cafe at the top.’

Go for a meal at… ‘Fred & Ginger Coffee (01442 874426, fredandgingercoffee.co.uk) in Berkhamsted for great breakfasts, pastries and healthy lunches – we practically live at this place.’

Bathroom Rebecca and Ben squeezed a small, reclaimed rolltop in here.

Bath painted in Plummett, Farrow & Ball. Bath mat, So Souk.

Bathroom A chest of drawers painted in Annie Sloan’s Calamine makes a pretty, practical vanity.

Similar basin and taps, Victoria Plum.

Guest bedroom Despite being a work in progress, this room still manages to look welcoming.

Pom-pom throw, Hammam & Home.

Pink vase, Cox & Cox. Heart decorations, Nkuku.

Garden Rebecca and

couple began work on their other great love, the garden.

‘We both grew up with green fingers, as our parents, and our grandparents especially, encouraged us in the garden,’ says rebecca. ‘as soon as we were given the keys to the house, we started clearing out all the shrubs and levelling the land to create a flat canvas for planting.’ they marked out the beds with bamboo poles and string, inspired by the garden of a stately home that had intersecting flower beds at its centre. ‘it’s a wide plot and simply having borders around the edges would be a little boring,’ rebecca says. ‘We wanted english cottage garden plants, so we chose roses and lavender hedges to provide structure, then used seasonal plants such as alliums and dahlias to create softer, less formal shapes.’ Ben also built the greenhouse, using timber and glass so it blends seamlessly with the rest of the property, and added a vintage dresser inside for a timeworn, summer house feel.

Work is ongoing. ‘there are still a few other jobs i’d like to do, such as adding a patio near the summer house and fitting a logburner in the kitchen space,’ says rebecca.

‘But we’re quite happy to tackle these gradually in the coming years, so that we can have an even better balance between work and travel, home and garden, and spending time with each other and all the people we love.’

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Country Homes & interiors

An old dresser in the greenhouse adds to the rustic charm of this practical space

Feature Naomi JoNes PhotograPhs RobeRt saNdeRsoN

Ben have created quite a formal garden, with intersecting paths lined by flower beds

H e r t f o r d s H i r e v i l l ag e H o u s e Garden The greenhouse looks as old as the house, but is actually a new building, created by Ben

Country Homes & interiors 39

FOR THE FULL TETRAD EXPERIENCE PLEASE CONTACT OUR PREMIER STOCKISTS LISTED BELOW Aberdeen Archibalds • Aberdeen Gillies • Aberdeen Sterling Furniture • Abingdon Lee Longlands • Accrington Taskers of Accrington • Ash Vale, Surrey Darlings of Chelsea • Banbury Bennetts • Banchory Taylors • Bangor Caprice • Barnstaple Padfields • Barrow-in-Furness Stollers • Bath TR Hayes • Battersea, London Barker & Stonehouse • Beverley Alexander Ellis Furniture Emporium • Birmingham Lee Longlands • Bo’ness Belgica • Boston Sack Store • Brighouse Websters Furniture • Cardiff Arthur Llewellyn Jenkins • Carlisle Vaseys • Chesterfield Brampton House Furnishers • Clitheroe Shackletons Home & Garden • Colchester Hatfields of Colchester • Crickhowell, Wales Webbs of Crickhowell • Darlington Barker & Stonehouse • Derby Lee Longlands • Doncaster Ward Brothers • Dundee Gillies • Dundee Sterling • Dunfermline Thomsons World of Furniture • Dumfries Barbours • Ealing, London Brentham Furniture • Edinburgh Martin & Frost • Elgin Anderson & England • Exeter Stoneman & Bowker • Fulham, London Darlings of Chelsea • Gateshead Barker & Stonehouse • Glasgow Forrest Furnishing • Glasgow Sterling Furniture • Grimsby AW Robinson Furniture • Guernsey Scope Furnishing • Guildford Barker & Stonehouse • Harrogate Smiths: The Rink • Hedge End Bradbeers • Hinckley Paul Edwards Interiors • Holt Bakers and Larners • Hove Barker & Stonehouse • Hull Barker & Stonehouse • Inverness Gillies • Inverness Sterling Furniture • Inverurie Andersons • Isle of Wight Bayliss & Booth • Kilmarnock Tannahills • Kingsbridge Peter Betteridge • Knaresborough Barker & Stonehouse • Leamington Spa Whartons • Leeds Barker & Stonehouse • Leicester Langtons • Lincoln GH Shaw • Liverpool Taskers - Aintree • Llanidloes Hafren Furnishers • Macclesfield Arighi Bianchi • Malvern Rhubarb Home • Market Harborough Furniture Loft • Montrose Buicks • Morecambe LPC Furniture • Nelson Pendle Village Mill • Newcastle Barker & Stonehouse • Newton Abbot Prestige Furniture • Northants, Heart of the Shires Texture Interiors • Norwich Jarrolds • Nottingham Barker & Stonehouse • Perth Gillies • Rainham G Lukehurst • Ringwood Furlong Furniture • Salisbury Mylor & Mawes • Sheffield Ponsford • Shrewsbury Alan Ward • Solihull Whartons • Southsea Design House • St Albans Darlings of Chelsea • Stamford Stamford Garden Centre • Stratford-upon-Avon Home of the Sofa • Street and Weston-Super-Mare Living Homes • Swansea Arthur Llewellyn Jenkins • Teeside Barker & Stonehouse • Tewkesbury Pavilion Broadway • Tillicoultry Sterling Furniture • Tunbridge Wells Hoopers • Waltham Cross Fishpools • Winchester Design House • Windsor WJ Daniels • Worcester Holloway Home & Garden Furniture • Yeovil The Old Creamery • York Browns

www.tetrad.co.uk

room ideas

Be inspired by

Rebecca’s sitting room

Hang this lovingly handmade piece from a high ceiling to make an elegant statement with a rosy difference...

Fulborn glass pendant, col dusky Pink, H23.8cm, £138, Jim Lawrence.

Create an eclectic wall display that will open up your space with a montage of shabby chic reflectors hung at staggered heights.

Wall mirrors, £30.95 for set of three, Melody Maison.

Keep your home light and elegant with a pared-back palette and plenty of light-reflecting, modern, glass accessories.

Rebecca’s style secret…

FEATURE HOLLY PHILLIPS PHOTOGRAPH RObeRt SandeRSOn

Use a timeless neutral as a versatile backdrop to relaxed furnishings and accessories.

Slaked Lime Mid absolute matt emulsion, £43.50 for 2.5L, Little Greene.

Bring your scheme to life with tousled textures and pretty, seasonal flower displays.

Put your feet-up on this blissful, buttoned beauty. bloomer footstool, H37xW100xd80cm, £515, Loaf.

Pay homage to a countryside favourite with this gorgeous pattern.

Hare cushion, from £45, Kobi & teal.

Add chalky pops of colour to your seating arrangement.

Cotton velvet cushion cover, 50x50cm, £6.99, H&M Home.

Modern Country Classic English arm sofa First popular in the 1800s, their timeless curves remain in demand in today’s country homes. Featuring low arms with ruched details, a high back and silhouette-hugging upholstery, these well-loved designs are as fitting in

traditional schemes as they are in contemporary.

Modern updates often feature loose cushions, too, catering for a diversity of living spaces. Choose a tactile finish to make a sumptuous style statement.

Where to buy…

• Laura Ashley for classic

shapes in a variety of fabrics.

• Made.com for beautiful contemporary adaptations.

• Darlings of Chelsea for handcrafted classics that bring a touch of nostalgia.

Country Homes & interiors

41

Field oF dreams

A shAred pAssion for conservAtion inspired AndreA And JonAthAn Gilpin to self-build An eco-friendly cottAGe in An idyllic meAdow settinG

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country homes & Interiors

W e l s h e c o c o t tag e

Exterior Each part of the cottage has been carefully planned to make it as sustainable as possible.

The eco windows from a specialist Polish manufacturer let in maximum light.

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43

Living area The property's wooden frame is made from locally sourced Douglas Fir. Woodburner, Morsø. Sofas, Laura Ashley.

With its wildflowers and wide-ranging views, this idyllic slice of Welsh countryside is a stunning place to build a home. But that wasn’t the plan when andrea and Jonathan gilpin first found this three-and-a-half-acre plot in the elan Valley. ‘We bought the land about 10 years ago, as we’d always dreamt of turning a patch of neglected land into a wildlife haven,’ says andrea. ‘We went on to establish a wildflower meadow in one acre, plus we dug a pond and planted 40 fruit and many native broadleaf trees. the idea for a self-build, eco holiday home began to take root over time. It was such a tranquil and beautiful place, we wanted to share it with others.’ as the cottage is not the gilpins’ main home, the build had a tight budget. Its setting also meant there were strict planning rules to consider. Jonathan drew up the plans for the timber-framed property himself and employed castle Ring oak Frame to make the structure, using locally sourced Douglas fir. From there, the couple carried out much of the build themselves, working at weekends and during annual leave from their day jobs. It was a slow approach that took nearly four years to complete. ‘sustainable materials were always going to be important to us,’ explains andrea. ‘We used sheep’s

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country homes & Interiors

* At home wi t h...

Owners Andrea Gilpin, a communications and development manager at a conservation charity, and her husband, Jonathan, a biodiversity technical specialist.

They have three boys, Oliver, 19, Louix, 17, and Sol, 11.

House Three-bedroom holiday cottage, completed in 2016.

W e l s h e c o c o t tag e

Hall The couple did the majority of the building work themselves, including this solid staircase that maintains the natural edge of the timber.

Similar vintage rustic pig bench, Ineko Home at Etsy. country homes & Interiors

45

W e l s h e c o c o t tag e

What makes this house a home... ‘the open-plan design helps our family and guests spend time together, whether they are preparing food, eating or simply relaxing’

Dining area Andrea and Jonathan have furnished the cottage in a style that is sympathetic to its surroundings, choosing wooden furniture in honeyed tones. Dining table, Huw Morris.

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country homes & Interiors

Meadow The table was

Kitchen Simplicity and

made by local woodsman Huw Morris, who used timber from a nearby oak tree that had come down in a storm. Folding chairs, Ikea.

honest materials define this space. The cabinets have brick-built supports and handmade wooden doors. Worktops, Allstone. Enamel cups, Printer + Tailor.

wool insulation in the walls and ceiling, and cladded the exterior with western red cedar from a local forest.’

Plastering the interior walls with hand-mixed lime allowed them to create curved profiles, softening the planes where the walls meet the windows. the finish has a lovely texture to it that brings a natural feel to the interior. the environmental impact of every element of the build was considered. large, south-facing windows make the most of warmth and light from the sun during the daytime, and solar panels on the roof provide power for the hot water system. ethical materials are seldom the cheapest, so the couple had to be creative in eking out their limited funds. ‘When we laid the concrete slab for the house, we made sure the surface had a super-smooth finish so we could just paint it without any need for further floor coverings,’ explains andrea. ‘It was essentially a large plinth in an open field and it wasn’t without its difficulties. It was getting late on the day of the pour, light was fading fast and the concrete was setting quickly, so Jonathan and our contractor were on their hands and knees, smoothing as best they could by the beam of the land Rover’s headlights.’ the challenges have all been worthwhile, though, and inside

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Windowsills The couple’s brief for the build was natural, simple, functional design throughout, which has resulted in unique details such as the bark-edged windowsills. country homes & Interiors

47

Guest bedroom The simple decor in this space promotes restful sleep. Bed, Butterfill’s.

Curtains, Dunelm. Cushions, TK Maxx.

What I love most about staying here...

‘Being connected to nature. The cottage is surrounded by acres of wildflowers and we grow fruit, flowers and veg all year round’

Bathroom A single row of patterned tiles peps up this room. Reclaimed floorboards were used to clad the side of the bath and given a protective finish using Osmo Oil. Tiles, Fired Earth.

Guest bedroom The heirloom chaise sat in here while the staircase was built. However, once the banister was fitted, the couple realised they had boxed the chaise in. Luckily, it suits the space perfectly.

Kitchen garden As well as

FEATURE SARA BIRD PHOTOGRAPHS DAN DUCHARS

planting a meadow for wildlife, the couple have created a vegetable garden. Runner beans, globe artichokes, peas, potatoes, herbs, onions, garlic, chard and spinach all thrive here.

the house there is beauty in simplicity that allows little details to add character and highlight the authenticity of the materials used. Jonathan left the bark on the timber used for the staircase and the window ledges, and that detail is repeated on the exterior cladding. the interior decor required some creative thinking, too.

When the couple realised the eco paints they wanted for the interior walls were out of their budget, they made their own lime wash using left-over lime from the plastering. ‘It wasn’t the most glamorous job,’ says andrea. ‘We used two dustbins, a giant stick and a large whisk, but it worked and it looks fabulous.’

With family, friends and guests using the cottage, the couple have kept the interior calm and clutter free. a natural palette of teals and ochres unifies the bedrooms and open-plan spaces, reflecting the beauty of nature outside. here, everything always comes back to the meadow. ‘We bought the field as a place to get back to nature and to grow our own produce,’ says andrea. ‘But the house has given us so much more than we expected, both in terms of what we’ve learnt during the building process but also in creating something beautiful to share.’

To stay at Wild Meadow, contact 01544 267039, hello@wildmeadow.co

W e l s h e c o c o t tag e

*

ON OUR D O O R S T E P. . .

Visit… ‘The beautiful Elan Valley (01597 810880, elanvalley.org.uk) stretches over 72sq m of historic landscape and it’s a true haven for wildlife. We love to walk or cycle around the reservoirs, and the visitors’ centre often hosts interesting events.’

Shop at… ‘Deli Tinto (01544 260534, delitinto.com). This gem in Presteigne stocks goods by small producers – we recommend the scrumptious bread and pastries baked freshly every morning.’

Go for a meal at… ‘The Harp Inn (01544 350655, harpinnradnor.co.uk) in Old Radnor. This lovely old Welsh longhouse inn has a stunning setting, perched on a hilltop overlooking the Radnor Valley. With cosy fires and a delicious menu, it’s the perfect place for a pint and there is a good selection of local ales to choose from.’

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BEDS, SOFAS AND FURNITURE FOR LOAFERS LOAF.COM

LONDON

GUILDFORD

WILMSLOW

SOLIHULL

ST ALBANS

ROOM IDEAS

Be inspired by

Andrea’s kitchen Transport home bakes from oven to table with the help of a friendly little fox!

Mr Fox double oven glove, L89xW19cm, col blue, £20, Scion at John Lewis & Partners.

Add a decorative touch of low-maintenance greenery with this geometric pot and faux leaves combo.

Large bird’s nest plant in ceramic pot, H39xW35x L35cm, £25, Marks & Spencer.

Andrea’s style secret…

Let the grainy warmth of natural materials tell their story with exposed and honest woodwork and cabinetry full of homespun appeal.

Mix and match ceramics and enamelware in complementary hues and motifs for a collection full of charm.

Neutrally chic, striking and smooth to the touch, this structured porcelain slab adds a clean and contemporary element.

Sculpt tile, 60x60cm, col Beige, £32.97sq m, Topps Tiles.

Highlight your prep area with this adjustable retro fixture.

Swivel double spotlight, H20xW28xD11cm, col Pewter, £99, Industville.

Add a colourful twirl and whirl to your china family with this pretty porcelain design!

Japanese side plate, Dia21cm, col Blue Swirls, £8.95, Rex London.

FEATURE HOLLY PHILLIPS

Modern Country Classic Dual-lever mixer tap This time-honoured tap is ideal for busy-bee kitchens.

Features include a chrome, brass or bronze-finish swivel spout, flanked by two levers for hot and cold water.

Traditionally partnered with ceramic farmhouse sinks,

today’s modern country homes embrace bringing the past into the present by contrasting conventional fittings with modern sink surrounds made from streamlined marble, granite or concrete.

Where to buy…

•Victorian Plumbing for traditional and modern styles.

•Holloways of Ludlow for clean and classic lines in a striking range of metallics.

•Hornbeam Ivy for bespoke British-made mixers.

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51

The forgotten house Varinia and Paul Joyce rescued an unwanted house, creating a relaxed home with a classic kitchen-diner at its heart

52 Country homes & interiors

d e r b y s h i r e C o u n t ry h o u s e

Kitchen The family spend most of their time in this space. The switch between practical stone and warm wood flooring marks the divide between the new and original part of the house. Grey limestone, Mrs Stone.

Oak planks, World of Flooring.

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Country homes & interiors 53

Hallway A plaid carpet adds subtle pattern.

Abbotsford Range plaid stair carpet, Brintons.

Exterior Varinia relaxes in the garden with Labrador Norman. Front door painted in Railings estate eggshell, Farrow & Ball.

Finding themselves with time on their hands one saturday afternoon, Varinia Joyce and her husband, Paul, went out and bought themselves a new house. serial renovators, the couple have moved 10 times in the last 30 years, and were aware that a Victorian property nearby their previous home was empty and had gone unsold at auction. ‘We paid a visit, loved the rural views and stopped to take a look at the garden and peer through the windows,’ says Varinia. ‘the property was in a bad way, but we’d never taken on a project on this scale before and liked the idea of starting from scratch.’ the couple offered the full asking price without stepping inside, but the estate agent insisted they view the house. duly they did, and remained unfazed by the poky layout, no heating and lack of kitchen. the house hadn’t been touched since the Fifties, nor used for two years. ‘We thought it had a really nice feel to it,’ says Varinia.

‘We could also see it was a chance to try living with an open kitchen-diner/sitting area.’

Varinia sketched out an ambitious plan for an architect to finesse. As well as extending onto the footprint of the rear coal shed and converting the garage, the couple planned to extend the house to the side and relocate the front door and staircase. ‘We wanted the rooms to be

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*

AT HOME WI T H...

Owners Varinia Joyce, her husband, Paul, and their two black Labradors, Logan and Norman. They have a grown-up son, Jack.

House A detached four-bedroom house built in the 1880s. The couple bought the property in 2013.

d e r b y s h i r e C o u n t ry h o u s e

What makes this house a home...

‘We’ve moved many times, but having the belongings we love around us always makes us feel at home’

Kitchen The newly extended space is bathed in light from the Velux windows. Cabinetry, DeVol, painted in Mushroom; island painted in Lead. Quartz worktop, Planet Granite.

Pendants, Garden Trading.

Country homes & interiors 55

Kitchen Creating a step up to the living area keeps a level connection with the garden and provides views of the fields beyond.

Rais woodburner, Robeys.

as large as possible – now, none of them are the same size they were before,’ she says. the couple’s plans were approved in spring 2014 and the builders began work that autumn. by now, Varinia, Paul and their son, Jack, were temporarily living nearby in a Victorian terrace they’d bought to rent out while they took their time to plan the new interior to perfection. ‘the kitchen was the most important room in the house,’ says Varinia. With her heart set on deVol cabinets, she settled on the company’s shaker-style kitchen in a pale grey with a darker grey tone on the island. ‘the palette for the whole house unfolded from there,’ she says.

A visit to the Artist residence boutique hotel in brighton became an unexpected source of inspiration when the couple spotted a vintage garage door in the reception, fitted on a horizontal runner. ‘We thought the idea looked great, but our builders thought we were bonkers when we asked them to do the same with our old garage doors,’ says Varinia. despite the builders’ misgivings, the reclaimed sliding doors are now installed in the kitchen and living room, while a salvaged door from the old potting shed leads into the utility room. the couple also kept the beam from the demolished pantry, which their joiner, Joe thompson of Jt Joinery,

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Country homes & interiors

Living area A simple display began with a painting from Newark Antiques Fair. The cabinet was found in a charity shop and painted by Varinia.

Living room The oak ceiling beam marks where the old garage used to be.

Sofas, John Sankey.

Harrie Leenders woodburner, Robeys.

Living room The Eastern-style antique cabinet was too heavy to carry upstairs and found a natural home in this space.

Cabinet, Cottage Antiques.

d e r b y s h i r e C o u n t ry h o u s e

Guest bedroom Soft pinks add a feminine touch while the eiderdown fits the nostalgic mood. Flying Ducks cushion, Mulberry Home.

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Country homes & interiors

*

ON OUR D O O R S T E P. . .

Visit… ‘Barton Marina (01283 711666, bartonmarina.co.uk) at Barton-under-Needwood is a lovely place to walk around, with cafes where you can sit outside and watch the boats go by.’

Shop at… ‘The Florist Gate (thefloristgate.org.uk) near Burton upon Trent is another favourite. They sell lovely homewares and farm produce with their flowers.’

Go for a meal at… ‘The Dial Restaurant and Bar (01283 544644, thedial.co.uk) in Burton upon Trent is family run and the food is always good. They sell great craft beers and have an innovative cocktail menu.’

FEATURE JANE CRITTENDEN PHOTOGRAPHS JAMES FRENCH

sliced in half. ‘Joe glued a piece of the oak above the new kitchen window and another above the living room patio doors to look like original wood lintels,’ says Varinia. the juxtaposition of old and new threads throughout the original house. A contemporary woodburner takes pride of place in the living room, which was once the garage, and a pair of antique balinese doors makes a striking wall feature in the new main bedroom. rooms are an eclectic mix of eastern accents and ethnic design, Victorian antiques and classic styles, as well as a touch of modern.

Varinia’s treasures have come from antique auctions, exotic holidays, and some pieces she has owned for years. ‘i’m drawn to the texture and colour of old things and i don’t like them to look too perfect, as this adds to their charm,’ she says. ‘the cast iron and brass bed in the guest bedroom came from an auction when we were first married 27 years ago, and has been with us ever since. the starburst mirror has been in three or four houses and takes on a completely new identity each time.’ the house has proved the perfect project. ‘We love being surrounded by fields, and we sleep with the curtains and windows open in summer as we don’t have neighbours,’ say Varinia. ‘but we haven’t retired from renovating just yet – we’ve got our eye on a barn conversion next.’

En suite Velux windows allow daylight to flood in.

Vanity, JT Joinery, painted in Purbeck Stone estate eggshell, Farrow & Ball.

d e r b y s h i r e C o u n t ry h o u s e Main bedroom Low views over the fields can be enjoyed from the bed. Balinese doors, Hansons Auctioneers. Peacock cushions, TK Maxx.

What we love most about living here... ‘the rural views and waking up to the sun streaming in and the sounds of the countryside’

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Entertain, Relax, Enjoy.

Te possibilities are endless.

Cliveden

New collection for 2019

INSPIRED LIVING

Founded over forty years ago, Bridgman has a proud heritage of supplying quality, luxurious furniture. For 2019 we are introducing the Cliveden Modular Collection featuring our exclusive waterproof cushions, working in association with the National Trust - another landmark in our long history.

Our showrooms

ENFIELD

OLD AMERSHAM

WALTON ON THAMES

Luxury Furniture Since 1977

www.bridgman.co.uk WILMSLOW

WINCHESTER

ROOM IDEAS

Be inspired by

Varinia’s bedroom Dress to impress with the aid of this full-length, intricately carved, French-inspired vanity design.

Lucienne carved mirror, H182x W110cm, £494, Sweetpea & Willow.

Featuring delicate crystals hung from circular, faceted stone, this effortless lighting style will add bygone twinkle and sparkle to your boudoir.

Enid chrome and crystal wall light, H17xW25x D13cm, £90, Laura Ashley.

Mix Eastern tones with classic Victorian style and a touch of the modern for an eclectic scheme full of treasures, texture and unique character.

Layer up the softness with this subtle, textured 100% cotton design – just the thing for luxe lounging.

Double bedspread, 230x250cm, col light grey £69.99, Zara Home.

Varinia’s style secret…

This deliciously inviting plump bed with a buttonback headboard will make it almost impossible to get up!

Foxtail double bed frame in Argent rich velvet, H130xW143xL201cm, £745, Button & Sprung.

Add an exotic piece for an escapist feel – these Balinese doors transport you far away…

Make your bed fit for a queen with a dramatic finishing touch from these large, blooming, floral print scatters.

Renaissance cushion, 43x43cm, £22, Oasis.

FEATURE HOLLY PHILLIPS

Modern Country Classic Empire chandelier Bring period French-inspired extravagance to your home with a striking fountain of suspended crystal droplets.

Made from tiers of brass or iron and decorated with numerous sparkles, these graceful yet complex

dazzlers are the epitome of grandeur. Choose an authentic antique design, or go for a replica with an antique brass finish and glass droplets to cheat the look while enjoying modernday electrical convenience.

Where to buy…

•Cottage Antiques for a quirky range of antique country collectables.

•Etsy for a vast array of vintage designs.

•Wayfair for contemporary adaptations of classics.

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Bright & B e au t i f u l embrace summer in the country with colours and patterns mirroring the gardens and meadows outside your door. Stylised prints and joyful shades of blue, pink and yellow give familiar florals a fresh feel.

SeaSonal lookS

Create a welComing spaCe Add a modern touch to the hallway with a cool, monochrome wallpaper. Match with a simple table and add a choice of baskets to keep everyday items in check.

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Make a living rooM sing with colour Create a bright and inviting room with just the right balance of pattern and plain. Midtone shades add a cheery touch, yet work with classic country neutrals.

SeaSonal lookS

cook up a new style in the kitchen Cover a noticeboard with fabric and add a zing of colour and pattern with kitchen linen for a ready-in-minutes refresh.

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SeaSonal lookS

Paint & lay a decorative tray A sample pot of chalk paint is all you need to make good an old tray. Patterned tile coasters add a decorative touch to breakfast in bed.

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Country Homes & Interiors

cover a headboard with a funky fabric Make early mornings a little brighter with a colourful custom headboard.

Fresh flowers in similar tones add a fizz to a bedside cabinet.

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seasonal looks

All the details

products and prices

Pages 64-65

bright & beautiful cushions: 1 in Paper leaf coral, £58m, Zoe Glencross. 2 Mustard tassel, £35, rockett St George. 3 large navy batik, £100, Timothy Oulton at Barker and Stonehouse. 4 Spot and Star, col indigo, £95, Molly Mahon. aztec pillowcases, £49.50 for double bedding set, Marks & Spencer. hanging basket vase, £14.95, Packhouse. klack tray, £4.50, ikea, painted in Teresa’s Green estate eggshell, £62 for 2.5l, Farrow & Ball. Milk jug, £18, keith Brymer Jones. Marigold tile, col cobalt Blue; dandelion tile, col Tang Yellow, both £19.80 each, neisha crosland Floris collection at de Ferranti. Stripe mug, £4, homeSense. hand-painted abstract orange nibble bowl, £6, Marks & Spencer.

Bespoke lampshade, from £55; turned wooden lamp base, £189, both The dormy house. hand-painted abstract jug, £19.50, Marks & Spencer. hampton console table, £130, Garden Trading.

make a living room sing with colour Walls painted in Grey Steel 2 eggshell, £29.99 for 2.5l, dulux. Blinds in Valencia Teal linen, £49m, kate Medlicott. Saturday sofa in cambridge blue pure Belgian linen, £1,840, Sofa.com. Thistle armchair, from £1,029, Sofas & Stuff. ash and walnut coffee table, £695, another country. hampton console table, as before. lohals rug, col natural, £55, ikea. elgin rug, col Birch, £600, neptune. cushions (from left): 1 Oakleaves bright blue, £85, Wicklewood. 2 Mustard tassel, £14, Sainsbury’s home. 3 angelica pink and ochre, £78, Mimi Pickard. 4 Small square navy Batik, £90, Timothy Oulton at Barker and Stonehouse. 5 Mustard velvet, £32, rockett St George. 6 Fern Turmeric, £85, Molly Mahon.

Terracotta throw, £59, Marks & Spencer. cushions (on armchair): in north Star, col coral, £49m; in nordic Trail, col coral, £58m, both Zoe Glencross. Woven basket, £55, French connection home. Blue buttercup throw, £35, The national Trust Shop. Mustard linen throw, £90, etsy. (On coffee table) Fruit bowl, £19.50, Marks & Spencer. Blue enamel

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paint & lay a decorative tray klack tray, £4.50, ikea, painted in Teresa’s Green estate eggshell, £62 for 2.5l, Farrow & Ball. Milk jug, £18, keith Brymer Jones.

Marigold tile, col cobalt Blue; dandelion tile, col Tang Yellow, both £19.80 each, neisha crosland Floris collection at de Ferranti.

Stripe mug, £4, homeSense. hand-painted abstract orange nibble bowl, as before.

cover a headboard with a funky fabric Walls painted in Yellowcake estate emulsion; and Slipper Satin estate emulsion, both £46.50 for 2.5l, Farrow & Ball. king-size headboard, £225; The dormy house, covered in angelica linen, col Pink Ochre, £115m, Mimi Pickard. rast wood chest of

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create a welcoming space naked angelica wallpaper, col dusk, £80m, Mimi Pickard. kelston oak five-peg rail, £50; clockhouse oak console table, £330, both Garden Trading. Front door painted in The lido eggshell, £24 for 750ml, earthborn Paints. Fasterholt rug, col dark blue, £50, ikea. hanging basket vase, as before; 12 decorative slate, £8.50; decorative orange patterned bowl, £12; picnic basket, £44.50, all Packhouse. Mustard linen scarf, from a selection; blue patterned scarf, from £25; pom-pom basket, £16, all etsy. hand-painted abstract rectangular platter, £17.50; orange nibble bowl, as before, both Marks & Spencer. Yellow and white basket, £24 for set of two, Sainsbury’s home. Plant, from a selection, Forest. Mendi seagrass basket, £30, The national Trust Shop. Starry Skies quilt, £180, Molly Mahon.

jug, £29.50, Falcon enamelware. Wooden bowl, £12.99, for set of three, h&M home.

Marigold tile, as before. Plants, as before.

(On console table) Jug, as before. Magazine basket, £15, homeSense.

cook up a new style in the kitchen architecture white gloss tiles, £54.91sq m, Fired earth. noticeboard, from £110, The dormy house, covered in nordic Trail Med linen/cotton, £58m, Zoe Glencross. Pom-pom tassel pins, made from craft supplies, hobbycraft. Green vase, £40, Forest. Marigold tile, col Turquoise, £19.80 each, neisha crosland Floris collection at de Ferranti.

Block-print tea towels, £15 each, Molly Mahon. Tribeca rim plate, col lime Green, £39.50 for 12-piece set, Marks & Spencer.

White ceramic cake stand, £12, homeSense.

Wooden tray, £15; vintage tin, £12, both Packhouse. Blue mixing bowls, £22.99 each, Mason cash. Mango wood bowls, £35 each, French connection home. Pastry cutters, £16 for set of four, Garden Trading. Yellow nature tea towel, £12, Softer + Wild.

drawers, £25, ikea. curtain in naked angelica Moss linen, £98m, Mimi Pickard.

Flagon table lamp is similar, £55, loaf.

Bespoke lampshade, as before, The dormy house. nature study books, from £14 each, amazon. Milk jug, as before. cushions: 1 in Tiny Trumpets teal, from £45, kate Medlicott.

2 large navy Batik, £100, Timothy Oulton at Barker and Stonehouse. 3 Mustard tassel, £35, rockett St George. 4 Valencia bolster, col duck egg and ochre, from £45, kate Medlicott. 5 in Paper leaf coral, £58m, Zoe Glencross. 6 Spot and Star, col indigo, £95, Molly Mahon. Blue king-size duvet cover, £145, Molly Mahon. aztec pillowcases, as before; Matelasse large tile-print throw, col peach, £79; elsie throw, col navy, £39.50, all Marks & Spencer. Mustard floral quilt, £50, Sainsbury’s home.

Feature/art Direction Sara Bird Styling Selina lake Styling aSSiStant Sarah Prall PhotograPhS dan ducharS

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Genoa

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CONTEMPORARY COUNTRY LIVING Visit our collection holloways.co.uk

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Sweet dreamS enSure bliSSful bedtimeS and wonderful wake-upS with our pick of the lateSt Spring bedlinen lookS

Garden-inspired geometrics The knot-garden design of Wallace Cotton’s new range is inspired by the formal layout of historic gardens.

We like teaming the pure cotton sheets with soft tonal shades, for a stylish finish.

Montserrat reversible duvet set, col green and white, £100 for a double; Matapouri large square pillowcase, £30; Matapouri standard pillowcases, £25 each, all Wallace Cotton.

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t h i n g s t h at m a k e u s g o o o h !

Belgian flax linen Melange bedlinen, from £24 for a pillowcase; Belgian flax linen linework bedspread, from £159; Tencel cotton Matelasse bedlinen, from £29 for a pillowcase; Belgian flax linen fiber-dyed bedlinen, from £24 for a pillowcase; Tencel bedlinen, from £19 for a pillowcase, all West Elm.

»

Sustainable style Linen is anything but plain when you layer rich, mineral colours and matte-meets-shine finishes. Even better, these bedding sets are made from environmentally friendly materials for sublimely eco-friendly, dive-into appeal.

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t h i n g s t h at m a k e u s g o o o h !

Emilie Oxford standard linen pillowcases, from £45 each; Emilie linen duvet cover, £165 for a double; Emilie linen flat sheet, £120 for a double, all The White Company.

Modern romanceÉ

FEATURE HOLLY PHILLIPS

For the dreamiest of bedtimes, choose delicate floral details in a palette of chalky monochrome shades.

Forgo the iron and embrace the crimps and creases of beautifully breathable, pure linen.

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p r o m o t i o n a l f e at u r e decorate with brightly coloured floral curtains for a cheerful scheme.

Fiori linen curtains, col Summer Berry, from £39.95; Thorens cotton voile, from £29.95.

boost light while maintaining privacy with a neat white blind and a subtle stripe.

Enjoy Vision Luxe white roller blind, from £36.95.

Picture perfect window dressings

FEATURE CAROLINE RODRIGUES

T

FoR A REFREshIng nEw oUTlook sElEcT bEAUTIFUl mAdE-To-mEAsURE cURTAIns And blInds, mAdE sImplE

he best times are spent out and about, exploring the countryside. But when you finally reach home, it’s lovely to have a reminder of that fresh, outdoorsy feel at your windows. among the summery favourites available from Blinds 2go and Curtains 2go is the floral fiori linen, which is ideal for made-tomeasure lined curtains, and the leafy Secret Garden faux silk, which looks beautiful as a roman blind for a smaller window. if you prefer a crisp, clean look, blinds and shutters are the solution. not only do they let light stream in, they also allow for variable shading. at Blinds 2go, the range includes smart Venetian blinds painted in

classic country shades, plantation shutters you can fit yourself, and double rollers with both a sheer and blackout blind on one set of brackets. for a twist on a traditional design, try the enjoy Vision roller blind, which alternates sheer and opaque stripes, to give privacy while still allowing light into the room. layered blinds and curtains will bring a co-ordinated touch to any scheme – team a blackout roller blind with sheer curtains, or treat a window to sumptuous lined roman blinds and curtains. the collections at Blinds 2go and Curtains 2go are available in a host of fabric designs, including textured plains, and intricate embroideries along with coastal stripes and

Introduce pattern with an elegant botanical print.

Secret Garden faux silk Roman blind, col Inky Blue, from £25.75.

patterns from Harlequin additions, Scion living and orla Kiely. ordering your blinds or curtains online couldn’t be simpler. Select a design, then follow the online guide to take easy measurements of your window. Click to order, and your beautifully made window treatments will be with you in no time at all.

Visit blinds-2go.co.uk and curtains-2go.co.uk for inspirational ideas and beautiful made to measure blinds and curtains. Follow on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter @blinds2go, or call 0800 862 0464

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blinds-2go.co.uk curtains-2go.co.uk Roman Blinds Kentia Linen Leaf

C O U N T RY T R E N D

THE subTlE GlOW Sleek long-arm flat wall light with brass wall holder, H26xW21xD35cm, col pewter, £89, Industville.

Let’s talk...

COUNTRY INDUSTRIAL Combining utilitarian style with raw simplicity, this hybrid trend is full of rustic charm. The country influence brings a natural palette and textures into the mix, creating the perfect harmony between engineered and organic. Be inspired by historic warehouses and mingle raw elements, such as concrete, steel and reclaimed wood, with vintage finds for a look that’s full of grainy warmth and character.

LOVE THIS LOOK? THEN TRY… ✽ Faux-real wallpaper to cheat the illusion

THE DElIGHTFullY DIFFERENT OFFICE Industrial table, H76xW118x D52cm, £395; storage rack, H49.5xW40xD26cm, £75, both Nordic House.

THE lIvING ROOM uPDATE

of a stripped-back surface – take your pick from amazingly realistic concrete, exposed brick or engineered wood options. ✽ Locker-style or aged zinc and wire shelving and storage units. ✽ Celebrating your home’s story by keeping period features laid bare – we’re talking exposed pipes, wooden framework and even cement floors. ✽ Repurposing materials in new ways, such as reclaimed wood shelves and cabinets, to create a unique kitchen. ✽ Factory-inspired cage lighting with aged metallic finishes and exposed bulbs.

Brunel sideboard, H80xW160x D45cm, £499, Out & Out.

THE bATHROOM EssENTIAl Distressed mirror with floating shelf, H70xW50x D19cm, £65, Rockett St George.

THE FAKE IT bACKDROP Concrete wallpaper, £199 a roll, Piet Boon at Rockett St George.

THE sOFT TOuCH THE lOCKER ROOM lOOK White mango wood locker, H155xW103x D35cm, £585, Design Vintage.

Brocanteurs printed cotton cushion cover, 40x40cm, col grey, £11.99, Maisons du Monde.

THE sTORAGE sOluTION

FEATURE HOLLY PHILLIPS

Oval wire baskets with natural seagrass woven trim, 32x22x17cm, £33 for nest of two, Gisela Graham.

THE sTATEMENT TAblE Rectangular bistro table, H75xW120xD80cm, £895, Graham and Green.

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10

sun fi led co se vato ies once either too hot or too cold, the latest conservatories and glazed garden rooms let you enjoy year-round views of the outdoors in comfort

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GARDEN ROOMS

1 Make a case for contemporary ‘Modern glass boxes may not seem like the obvious choice in a country setting, but they’re worth exploring,’ says Brendan Day, head of design at Apropos. ‘Not only do they look architecturally striking, but the distinction between old and new is often more appealing to planning authorities.’ Glass-box structures lack solid walls for radiators, so consider underfloor heating – an electric system can prove easiest if your boiler isn’t compatible.

Bespoke glass and aluminium link extension, from £15,000, Apropos.

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79

2 Go for natural materials

Similar bespoke orangery, from £50,000, Arboreta.

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Country Homes & Interiors

Exposed beams allow the honest beauty of oak to shine in this timber-framed orangery.

Built to increase living space in a Grade II-listed stone cottage without compromising the property’s original structure, the link between old and new has been thoughtfully orchestrated. ‘Natural materials have a rustic, homely feel, and look authentic in a country setting,’ says Alex Cole, director of Arboreta.

GARDEN ROOMS Dual anthracite grey uPVC Edwardian conservatory, from £18,645, Anglian Home Improvements.

3 Choose a colour Most companies have a standard palette, which can help narrow down your choices.

On country homes, National Trust-style colours such as soft greys and muted greens are always apt. ‘We’re also seeing a trend for classic conservatories in dark colours, providing a modern twist on period elegance,’ says Rachael Mundy, group marketing director for Anglian Home Improvements.

4 Stay sun safe UV damage is a concern in a conservatory.

‘Glass with Solar Control will reduce UV light, while blinds on both the roof and sides will help combat sun damage,’ says Jane Hindmarch, stylist at Vale Garden Houses.

‘Pale upholstery fabrics in polyester, nylon or acrylic-blend fabrics are less prone to fading.

If you love strong colours, check the fabric’s light-fastness grade – the top is eight, with anything above five being acceptable.’

Bespoke timber conservatory, from £40,000, Vale Garden Houses.

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5 Use bifolds to link with the garden The transformative powers of bifold doors are well worth exploring, particularly if your conservatory is meant for entertaining.

‘Bifold doors are the architectural way to achieve an indoor/outdoor lifestyle, allowing entire walls to simply fold away,’ says Mark Caulfield, MD of The Caulfield Company. ‘They offer real flexibility and flow between the house and garden.’ When shopping for bifolds, visit a showroom or existing installation before investing, and seek out smooth operation and easy opening/closing. ‘When open, the folded doors should occupy the smallest space possible,’ adds Mark.

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GARDEN ROOMS

Bespoke aluminium-framed conservatory, from ÂŁ25,000, The Caulfield Company.

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83

6 Rethink uPVC (no, really) If modern glass leaves you cold, but solid timber feels too much like hard work, it could be time to reconsider uPVC. New developments in uPVC are achieving realistic wood-style designs, but without the need for regular maintenance or repainting. ‘Best of all, uPVC is energy efficient and easy to clean,’ adds Andy Leonard, sales director, Evolution Windows.

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Timber-alternative uPVC orangery, around £30,000 including installation, Evolution Windows.

GARDEN ROOMS Similar frameless glassbox style extension, from £90,000, IQ Glass.

7 Keep clear

Similar garden room, £42,000, Prime Oak.

There’s something glorious about an uninterrupted sky view. The latest innovation is the inclusion of toughened glass beams that provide virtually invisible support. ‘They ensure the finished room is as frameless as possible and nothing distracts from the joy of living in the country,’ says Tanzeela Yasin, marketing assistant at IQ Glass. Ask for low-iron glass to avoid a green tint.

8 Fit a solid roof Garden rooms are usually glazed on three sides, so you can enjoy daylight or garden views. However, thanks to an insulated roof, they are designed to feel cosy in the winter and comfortably cool in the summer. ‘Our garden rooms are made from air-dried oak, which is seasoned for several years to ensure a structure that lasts a lifetime,’ says David Handley, commercial director, Prime Oak. Country Homes & Interiors

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GARDEN ROOMS

9 Take a cue from your home A conservatory that tips a hat to your home’s provenance will provide a smooth design transition. ‘Country homes are full of character and detail, and are a primary source of inspiration when designing a new orangery or conservatory,’ says Karen Bell, sales director at David Salisbury. ‘We study its period, features and subtle details to see how they can be worked into our design.’

Bespoke timber-frame orangery, from £40,000, David Salisbury.

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arty style, smarty prices decorative lighting from pooky.com

GARDEN ROOMS

10 Add light with a lantern

Accoya engineered wood-framed orangery, from £45,000, Westbury Garden Rooms.

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FEATURE LINDA CLAYTON PHOTOGRAPHS (6) ABBY WILKES; (7) PATRICIA RAYNER; (8) COOLPIX; (10) GEORGE BROOKS

A beautifully designed roof lantern is a visual showpiece that channels natural light, providing a spacious feel. ‘A roof lantern should have neat, clean lines,’ advises James Upton, MD of Westbury Garden Rooms. ‘Go for automatic roof vents if possible. They help maintain a comfortable temperature by opening as the room warms up, and closing as it cools, or when raindrops are detected.’

The only timber greenhouses endorsed by the RHS

Traditional Cedar Greenhouses Enhanced by Technology

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01829 271888 OR VISIT www.gabrielash.com © The Royal Horticultural Society 2018. Endorsed by the Royal Horticultural Society Registered Charity No 222879/SC038262 rhs.org.uk

Modern country classic oUTdooR dInInG SETS YoU jUST CAn’T BEAT AlFRESCo dInInG! EnjoY FRESh-AIR nIBBlES All SEASon lonG WITh oUR EdIT oF STYlISh GARdEn FURnITURE

1

Marriage of metalwork

Reminiscent of French Riviera garden classics but inspired by the balconies and railings of 19th-century British townhouses, this heritage-look combo pairs a granite-topped table with smart carver chairs in a dark-grey finish.

Monaco 10-seater table, H72xW95x L280cm; 10 chairs, H91xW60xD70cm, £3,690 for the set, Neptune.

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furniture guide

2

Luxury look

3 Tuck in

This elegant, weather-resistant set has a rattan-style finish and a wood-effect tabletop.

Hampstead square dining table, H77xW90xD90cm; four dining armchairs, H89xW59xD60cm, £2,269 for the set, Bridgman.

Set an inviting scene on your terrace with this clever all-weather rattan set, which combines comfort with smart, classic lines.

San Sebastian garden set, H77xW122x D122cm, £2,395, Oka.

4

Green thinking

Made from reclaimed wood and metal, this rustic set has been treated to give it a distressed, rust-proof finish.

Its compact size makes it perfect for small spaces.

Collioure recycled wood and metal table, H76xW60x D60cm; two chairs, H86xW40xD50cm, £321 for the set, Maisons du Monde.

5Gather round

Give your garden a focal point with this circular set, which has two stools with built-in ice buckets.

Chelmsford rattan dining table, H68xDia150cm; 10-seater modular sofa, H83xW89x L180cm; two stools, H36x W43xL43cm, £3,499 for the set, Wyevale Garden Centres.

7

6

Parisian-style seating

With a neutral powder-coated finish to blend beautifully with any garden style – from country cottage to city townhouse – this set can be folded down when not in use.

Sundown drinks, anyone?

Rive Droite bistro table, H71xDia90cm; four chairs, H78xW50xD42cm, £270 for the large set, Garden Trading.

8

Put on a delicious afternoon spread and invite friends around to admire this graceful set with its soft magnolia latticework and pretty sage cushions.

Sofia dining table, H71xW167xD101cm; four chairs, H85xW57xD69cm; bench, H60xW108xD58.5cm, £699 for a six-seater set, Dobbies Garden Centres.

Added comfort

Consisting of four high-back chairs with cushions and a chic square table, this chunky wooden set will suit any garden scheme.

Parsons garden table, H75x W89xD89cm; four chairs, H103xW61xD68cm, £494.01 for the set, Out & Out.

9

FEATURE HOLLY PHILLIPS

Cream tea elegance

All-in-one

Pack the sandwiches and head… into the garden to enjoy the yummiest lunch on this modern update of a traditional picnic style table – perfect for family adventures in ‘the great outdoors’!

Oslo dining set, H76xW172x L180cm, £795, Cox & Cox. Country Homes & interiors

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pedestal basins eMbRaCe tHe RetURn OF tHe pedestal basin WitH stateMent COUntRY silHOUettes and sleeK MateRials aFteR OCCUpYing batHROOMs FOR ManY YeaRs,

pedestal basins fell out of fashion. Now they’re surging back in popularity, thanks to their space-saving qualities and neat finish. Victorian designs are still popular with those after a period look, but the trend for buying a washbasin as part of a matching suite has waned. Now it’s all about going freestyle with a design that makes its own statement. tHeRe aRe tWO Main pedestal OptiOns: full and

semi. A full pedestal extends to the floor with the basin on top – a great choice if your wall cannot take the weight of a hanging option. This extra support also allows for a bigger, heavier basin, making it practical for family bathrooms. A semi-pedestal is half-sized and sits under a wall-mounted basin, ideal for en suites and cloakrooms. The main benefit of both types is space – by taking up less floor space than a basin on a vanity unit, they create the illusion of a bigger bathroom. They also cover pipework for a tidy finish.

OnCe YOU KnOW WHat pedestal YOU Want, it’s

time to consider the basin, as the two are sometimes sold separately. Think about dimensions, as well as how it will be used; for example, a shallow washbasin is perfect for rinsing hands and brushing teeth but for face washing, a deeper bowl is more practical. pedestals COMe in a vaRietY OF MateRials, with

ceramic being the most common. Even with advances in design, it remains the most durable and easy to clean. Natural stones, such as limestone, slate and granite, are increasingly popular and are wonderful for providing colour, texture and a luxurious feel. Glass and marble work well as contemporary options, but team with pared-back wood finishes to retain a country look.

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London washbasin, H23.5xW62xD50cm, from £403.20; London pedestal, H63xDia28cm, from £298.62, both CP Hart. Botanical Botanica Wisteria wallpaper, £95 a roll, Cole & Son.

ROOM ELEMENTS

1

Updated classic

Contemporary designs influenced by classic style are a good compromise for a country bathroom. CP Hart’s London pedestal takes inspiration from the Edwardian era. The angular design draws the eye, especially when paired with pewter accessories.

‘Our classic ranges now include blue, black and even stone options,’ says Yousef Mansuri, CP Hart’s head of retail design. ‘However, white ceramic would be our choice to ground a busy country scheme.’

Rockwell pedestal basin, available in large, H85xW74xD53cm; and small, H84xW59xD47cm, from £1,215, The Water Monopoly.

2

Colour pop

Bring fun to family bathrooms with The Water Monopoly’s colourful Rockwell collection, featuring pedestal basins in a range of cheerful accents, including Sherbet Yellow, Powder Blue and Willow Green (shown here). The company also offers a colour-matching service. ‘We wanted to give customers the chance to play around with colour, so tinted taps, showerheads and accessories are available, too,’ says Justin Homewood, The Water Monopoly’s founder. ‘Contrasting taps are a good place to start for adding personality.’

»

Design tip taps contribute a lot to the overall look of a bathroom, so think carefully about the type you want and whether they are compatible with your basin – not all basins have the required number of holes for particular tap fittings, so be sure to check this beforehand to avoid disappointment.

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3 Petite proportions

Wall-hung semi-pedestals with compact dimensions are great for optimising space, making them a good choice for en suites and cloakrooms. they can be fixed at any height, but careful consideration is required before installing: ‘Wall strength determines what size, material and fittings you can go for,’ says Faye Froy, marketing manager at Bathroom Brands. ‘For example, our edwardian basin is made from ceramic and features a chrome towel rail, so a solid wall is best for adequate support.’

CH&I

LOVES

*

Retro Metro tiles, £74.98sq m, Fired Earth.

Edwardian basin with towel rail and semi-pedestal, H90xW61xD51cm, £293, Burlington at Bathroom Brands

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room elements

5 Curve appeal

Koni cream marble pedestal washbasin, H90xW40xD40cm, £349, Tikamoon.

this eye-catching pedestal has a soft organic shape that lends itself to elegant bathroom schemes. It’s been designed with both style and practicality in mind.

‘As well as an optional under-basin chrome rail for hanging hand towels, the Volda also has a flat surface area, offering ample space for toiletries,’ says Phil etherden, managing director at the Albion Bath Company. ‘A single- and three-hole configuration allows various tap choices so you have the flexibility to create a bespoke country look.’

»

Volda basin, from £363; pedestal, from £246; towel rail, from £377, all The Albion Bath Company.

4 Mixed materials

the trend for combining different surfaces is as strong as ever, and the handcrafted Koni basin from tikamoon epitomises the look. A polished marble washbasin cuts a fine figure set atop a stone pedestal with a rough and rustic finish. Choose from cream (shown here) or black for a more contemporary feel.

When it comes to taps, wall-mounted mixers are a popular choice with statement basins as they leave the top clutter-free and don’t detract from the overall design.

classic chrome suits a traditional scheme.

Glastonbury basin mixer in chrome, H10.9cm, £195, Heritage Bathrooms.

3 of THE BEST...

Mixer taps

Personalise your basin with fittings as good-looking as they are Practical

choose weathered metal for rustic style.

La Loire swan-neck spout tap in aged brass, H27cm, £696, Catchpole & Rye.

Matt black offers a contemporary twist.

Luxe basin mixer in matte black, H17.7cm, £160, Lusso Stone.

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room elements

6

Timeless style

Despite current trends, there remains a strong demand for the classic Victorian-style pedestals we’re so familiar with – think rounded edges and subtle detailing in pure white porcelain. the Kew washbasin by Grange Design pays homage. ‘there’s a reason this design has stood the test of time,’ says Clive Griffiths, manager at Grange Design. ‘It brings a wonderful sense of regency and luxury to contemporary homes where architecture is sometimes devoid of character.’

Design tip While buying basin fittings from a single range Will ensure that everything is co-ordinated, you can Grange Design Kew washbasin, H17xW70xD54.5cm, from £572.68; Grange Design Kew pedestal, H75cm, from £281.62, both CP Hart.

create a more individual look by picking from different ranges. stick to one finish to keep the scheme cohesive.

7Industrial impact

Make your basin the star of the show by choosing a statement design, such as this artisan bowl with its factory-style plinth.

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Industrial pedestal, H76xW48cm, £4,387; basin, £4,100, both West One Bathrooms.

FEATURE Tara King

Basins tend to take second place to baths when it comes to focal points in bathrooms, but this wow-factor design from West one Bathrooms is guaranteed to take centre stage. Drawing on the utilitarian vibe of a factory floor, the wall-mounted cast-iron leg with fine-tuning gears supports a beautiful handcrafted basin (sold separately) in either stone or metal; both materials have natural variations that offer a complementary artisan feel.

Designed ...starts with a Moduleo foor When youʼre creating the perfect space, Moduleo is the place to start.

Continually inspired by the latest trends, design and performance we offer beautiful, practical and durable floors to enhance every room.

With new colours and designs available, each reflecting the distinctive textures of nature, let us exceed your every expectation.

Discover more at moduleo.co.uk/designed

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Best for

vERsATiliTy

Weber spirit ii s-210 gbs gas grill, £569, Weber This relatively compact trolley-style barbecue comes with a range of clever features. Boasting a neat drip tray drawer essential for slow cooking, a built-in lid thermometer, six tool hooks and two side tables – one of which folds down – this two gas burner grill is also compatible with the Weber iGrill 3 app-connected thermometer (£94.99), which alerts your smartphone when your meat is ready!

2 Best for

chARcoAl FAns

FEATURE GINEVRA BENEDETTI

Inspired by traditional Italian stone ovens: Forno Gas barbecue, £399, Morsø.

While traditionalists will argue that cooking over charcoal adds flavour, some of us would prefer an easier life. Gas and electric-powered models put an end to sweating over hot coals, whether we’re catering for a crowd or a few friends. Consider how many people you’ll be cooking for – most gas models come with between

one and six burners, with wider width grills for larger portions. Also, think about whether you’ll just be grilling or if you want a model that comes with a domed lid to facilitate roasting or cooking pizza.

Lastly, look for design elements like foldout prep surfaces so it can be tucked away easily at the end of the day.

DiD you know? by heatInG the GrIll plates For up to 20 MInutes beFore you start cookInG, you can kIll oFF any bacterIa on your barbecue.

Everdure by heston blumenthal hub electric ignition charcoal barbecue, £1,499, John lewis The Hub is a charcoal barbecue with additional electric-powered features. The double rotisserie can hold a joint of meat (up to 40kg) – perfect for roasting chicken, or even a small pig. Meanwhile, the clever electric element means the coals reach an optimum cooking temperature in a mere 10 minutes. Plus, the handy cupboard is ideal for stashing your grill kit.

3 Best for

gRilling AnyWhERE

All-star gas barbecue, £379.99, char-broil From grilling in the garden to on the go, the All-Star gas barbecue is a brilliantly versatile choice. It is over a metre in height on its trolley stand, but if you detach the barbecue from the base section, it becomes a compact grill that you can take anywhere. This single burner design features a lid mounted with a handy temperature gauge and heavy-duty porcelain coated steel grill plates. Comes with two side tables that conveniently fold down when not in use.

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The countr y decorator

Wonderful Wall displays From heirloom china to vintage Frames, a wall display will bring a homely Feel to your scheme p l at e u p

1 Beautiful artisan plates are wasted hidden away in cupboards. As an alternative to a china cabinet or dresser, mount your favourite pieces on wire plate hangers (available from John Lewis & Partners, from ÂŁ6 each).

An eclectic selection makes for an informal feel, but if you prefer a more co-ordinated look, group them together with one common element, such as colour, pattern or theme. Before hanging, draw round the plates on newspaper and cut them out to use as templates, then move them around on the wall until you’re happy with the overall balance.

For similar plates, try West Elm.

design secrets

2

3

H at t r i c k

2 From boaters and berets to peaked country caps,

4

hat walls are a fun way of incorporating favourite collections into a country scheme. Plus, hats are notoriously difficult to store! For a practical solution, hang decorative hooks and pegs in the hallway so you can grab your favourite as you leave. stay true to the seasons by updating the display throughout the year; here, straw hats create a summery feel.

sHelf life

3 Make a vintage display by upcycling drawers from an old chest into a charming trio of wall boxes.

Leave as they are for a rustic finish, or put leftover wallpaper to good use by lining the insides. it’s quick and easy to do: cut a square of paper to fit, apply a thin layer of PVA glue and lay it flat over the back panel. rub over the surface of the wallpaper as you push it down to remove any air bubbles.

treasured finds

4 create a collage of keepsakes in these beautiful floating frames from nkuku, complete with colourful sari ties for hanging. glass fronts and backs allow light to filter through, giving the illusion of space – ideal for smaller walls. Whether you curate mini collections within each frame or showcase one treasured possession, the range of sizes can hold anything from postcards to dried flowers and leaves.

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Handcrafted Kiko frames, from £19.95 each, Nkuku.

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For similar designs, try Etsy.

Hanging birds, £50 for four, Cox & Cox.

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5 Pom-pom florals aren’t just for parties, they

B l o o m I n g B e au t I f u l

make for striking wall hangings, too. these 3d fabric designs are a little more permanent than paper, but are still delicate, so arrange them high up on the wall to avoid them getting damaged. Let the texture do the talking with pale colours, or make a bold statement with a darker shade. deep blue is a particularly beautiful choice against a white backdrop.

t u r n t o nat u r e

6 delicately cast with a brushed gold finish, these 3d birds make for a lovely decorative wall feature. ‘i tend to take inspiration from nature when thinking about textures and motifs,’ says dani taylor, head buyer at cox & cox. ‘i love the feeling that these birds could have fluttered in of their own accord and taken up residency on your wall, and they can be hung in any way you choose.’

Shaker Style

shakers to keep everything off the floor – clothing, brooms, even dining chairs! Plain wooden designs are inexpensive to buy and look great in the kitchen.

Add loops of twine to the handles of different sized chopping boards and utensils, then hang them up so they’re always to hand, creating an arrangement that’s as practical as it is pretty.

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Feature Tara King

7 the humble peg rail was originally devised by the

design secrets

I n t h e f ra m e

8 turn a plain expanse of wall above the sofa into a focal point by hanging a sentimental picture gallery – with a difference. this quirky display includes frames within frames for an extra dimension. We find a mix of vintage designs in varied sizes and orientations works best, but keep the look cohesive with similar finishes and colours, such as whitewash and gold, shown here. Arrange in the shape of a butterfly, and leave the surrounding area uncluttered to let the display take centre stage. country Homes & interiors

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Home notes A rchitect daydreams...

Create the ultimate at-home workshop with the Prime oak studio table. This super-smart character’s natural grain is beautifully contrasted with a trestle frame in your choice of colour (we love teal, shown). L180xW91cm, £1,195, The Farmhouse Table Co.

O U R FAV O U R I T E D E S I G N E R

Louise Body With a background in fine art painting, Louise Body has been designing and making wallpapers and fabrics since 2002. In 2003 she received a Prince’s Trust grant to set up her own business.

Louise lives in Hastings with her husband and two children and works from her studio in St Leonards-on-Sea.

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I hand-finish some of my designs for a unique touch.

What do you love most about what you do?

I love the variety of designing for myself, teaching, as well as collaborating. Working for myself allows me freedom and flexibility.

What’s next?

I have a launch of new murals coming up, plus a wallpaper collaboration with Osborne & Little. I will be running more wallpaper-printing courses and hope to develop the illustration side of my business.

Louise Body, louisebody. com.

Bringing a painterly feel to interiors, Prestigious Textiles’ Riviera collection includes a series of cottons and ethereal sheers, digitally printed to capture the brushstrokes of impressionist artwork. Soft and elegant with a feminine touch, the delicate designs feature two enchanting florals, Giverny and Camile, the dreamy geometric Pascale, Etienne – a misty abstract, and Waterlily, a repeat of luscious blooms over a chic devore dot. Prices range from £21m for the cotton prints, up to £48-£62.40m. Suitable for curtains, blinds, cushions and accessories, this curated collection will transform your space into an escapist gallery.

A r t D e c o A n n i v e r s A ry !

To celebrate its 150th birthday this year, Parker Knoll has launched the Collection 150 range. This finely designed collection of Twenties and Thirtiesinspired shapes is available in a new range of modern plain weaves and cotton velvets.

We’re in a flap for the deepseated Hoxton Grand sofa in Charlotte Teal (shown).

FEATURE HOLLY PHILLIPS

Describe your work…

I create nature-inspired wallpaper, murals and fabric, with a unique, contemporary twist.

I paint semi-abstract landscapes and seascapes.

I sell my own collections, collaborate with other designers and companies, and teach wallpaper printing.

What inspires you?

Living by the sea inspires my work, particularly in the colours I use. Plants, boats, buildings – any of these things can trigger an idea.

What is your process?

My designs are initially made by hand – painting, drawing, lino or screenprinting. They are artistmade, then reproduced.

Art comes home

HampsHire garden

The promise of may Landscape designer and pLant obsessive rosemary aLexander shares her Love of views, good design and getting to know your pLants

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The woodland area features magnolia and amelanchier, naturalistically underplanted with forget-me-nots, honesty, narcissus, pulmonaria, hellebores, peonies, snowflakes and euphorbia.

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Clipped box balls provide structure, while containers and beds are planted with tulips for colour.

When away from home, rosemary alexander always misses

At home wi t h...

Owner Rosemary Alexander VMM, author, landscape designer and principal of the English Gardening School in London.

House A detached, fourbedroom farmhouse.

Garden One acre in total. To the front is a formal walk, a shady woodland area, a sunny terrace and a cool pool. At the back is a summerhouse, small potager, formal paths, lawn, a rose border and outdoor dining area.

the captivating view, an ever-shifting snapshot of hampshire countryside with copses and fields, ridges and valleys. ‘as soon as i wake up, i look out of my bedroom window and the view is breathtaking – it’s something i never take for granted,’ she says.

The view was a major reason why rosemary bought the pretty, 17th-century farmhouse, but it was not the only attraction. ‘it’s unusual to find a small garden where the front and back are a similar size, and have such very different identities,’ she says. even though it is only an acre, there are a variety of habitats. ‘i’ve learned that if you have a plant that likes hot, dry conditions and you put it in a cold, wet, north-facing bed, it’s going to sulk.’

There is no evidence of unhappy plants in the front garden, designed on three terraces. The lowest area is a shady woodland, of which the late Christopher Lloyd, while admiring the planting, declared: ‘You can’t call that a woodland garden – it’s tiny!’ small it may be, but it took 70 tonnes of ericaceous topsoil to build up the beds. ‘We used peat blocks to contain and raise the beds within small, curving paths,’ says rosemary. a compulsive collector, rosemary has amassed both rare and unusual plants under a spreading amelanchier, several birches, an acer and a magnolia. she also added another magnolia, a multi-stemmed birch, prunus serrula for its copper bark, and malus transitoria, a cut-leaf crab apple. ‘i’m building up a better collection of witch hazels. i love the dark red-flowered varieties, but they don’t stand out in the same way as golden orange forms such as ‘Vesna’,’ she explains. it has become

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hampshire garden

Pots of bright pink Tulipa ‘Menton’ and Tulipa ‘Merlot’ are grouped together.

Heart-shaped flowers dangle on Lamprocapnos spectabilis ‘Alba’ (syn.

Dicentra spectabilis Alba).

In spring, the water reflects the potted tulips.

What makes this garden so specialÉ ‘It’s really a plant fanatic’s garden, but with an eye to good design.

Although only an acre in size, there are about eight different planting areas, each with a different style.’

Clumps of Matteuccia struthiopteris, ostrich fern, grow well in the dappled shade.

Weathered wooden furniture blends in with a laid-brick patio.

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Modern Country Classic

Cloud-pruned box is a modern take on topiary.

Small woodland area rosemary’s favourite area. ‘especially now i’ve added a little stumpery studded with rare snowdrops and ferns,’ she adds.

The main entrance path, a long, gravel walkway, is edged in tulips, thyme, grape hyacinths, Libertia grandiflora and box balls. in the entrance border there are several topiarised evergreens, and narrow-leaved mock privet bushes (phillyrea angustifolia) which make good box substitutes. The walkway ends at a small bench, pots of tulips and a bird table.

The walkway was separated from the woodland by a hedge of Lavandula x intermedia ‘grosso’, but this vigorous variety quickly went out of shape, so has been replaced with ‘hidcote’, on top of a dry stone retaining wall. ‘Lavender loves the hot, dry and well-drained soil,’ says rosemary. across the walkway is another dry stone wall with clinging ferns, moss and ivy.

Behind the wall lies a stone terrace that rosemary dubs ‘the most difficult area.’ The soil at the base of the walls is especially poor. Climbing plants are trained against the house – a wisteria, several roses and a fragrant star jasmine. The borders are planted with mediterranean sun-lovers such as euphorbias, yuccas, salvias and Choisya x dewitteana ‘White dazzler’, and pots of bright pink tulips ‘menton’ and ‘merlot’.

On the opposite side of the farmhouse, a side passage leads to a stone arch clad in the deepest blue Clematis ‘Frances rivis’, framing the first glimpse of the back garden for visitors. On one side stands a graceful dogwood, Cornus ‘eddie’s White Wonder’ – a mass of white bracts in spring – while to the other there is a long-established pink camellia. Beyond lies the hot border

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Build a framework of small trees that suit the soil and aspect, and provide year-round interest.

• In early spring, ornamental cherries, amelanchiers and hawthorn bear blossom. In late spring and early summer, Cornus kousa, Judas trees and magnolias complete a leafy canopy that filters light and keeps shadelovers cool. In autumn, maples show off vivid foliage. In winter, there is bright bark on paperbark maples or Tibetan cherries, and witch hazels’ fragrant flowers.

• Plant shrubs such as azaleas, daphnes, peonies and hydrangeas to add structure. For winter colour, try red-stemmed Cornus ‘Midwinter Fire’.

• Plant small bulbs – snowdrops, narcissi, anemones, trilliums, dog’s-tooth violets – to add seasonal splashes of colour.

• For leafy ground cover, use pulmonarias, hellebores, London Pride, Asarum europaeum, tiarellas and Bergenia cordifolia.

• Add drama with shuttlecock ferns and hostas interspersed with self-sown purple honesty.

hampshire garden

What I love most... ‘sharing it with my husband, countless students, four children, and nine grandchildren’

A hot-coloured spring border with Tulipa ‘Generaal de Wet’, Tulipa ‘Couleur Cardinal’ and Heuchera ‘Plum Pudding’.

hampshire garden The stone arch frames views of a camellia and borders beyond.

filled with a striking scheme of red ‘Couleur Cardinal’ and orange ‘generaal de Wet’ tulips, purple-leaved heuchera ‘plum pudding’, dusky euphorbia and elephant’s ears, Bergenia ‘eric smith’, with its striking, beetroot-red leaves in winter. a broad York stone path runs down the middle of the garden between borders of tulips, daffodils, grape hyacinths and roses.

Originally, permanent structure was provided by clipped italian buckthorn columns, but when they began to die back rosemary replaced them with weeping silver pear standards (pyrus salicifolia ‘pendula’) which show up well against the yew hedge. she loves growing plants from seed, among them ammi majus serrula, foxgloves and even nerines which will take five years to flower. ‘The problem is that i don’t have much space – there’s no greenhouse here – so i grow things in my studio, and end up tripping over plants just trying to get to the computer.’

With nearly 50 years’ experience, rosemary’s focus has gradually changed from a fascination with landscape design to plants. ‘i like to get to know them, what sort of conditions they like, how their root systems work, when to cut them, and how to show them,’ she says. ‘That’s the real pleasure of gardening.’ ☎ Sandhill Farm House, Nyewood Road, Rogate, Petersfield, Hampshire GU31 5HU, 07551 777873, ngs.org.uk. The garden is open for the National Garden Scheme on 13 and 14 April, 2pm-5pm. Private visits for parties of 12+. The English Gardening School (englishgardeningschool.co.uk) has a new four-day course, Gardening for Beginners, and the last day is based at Sandhill Farm House.

On Our d O O r s t e p. . .

Visit... ‘Woolbeding House Garden, Midhurst (0344 249 1895, nationaltrust.org.uk/ woolbeding-gardens) – it’s a true haven for horticulture.’

Shop... For special plants, go to Phoenix Perennial Plants, Medstead (01420 560695), run by the highly respected gardener Marina Christopher, who specialises in perennials, many uncommon, selected for beneficial insects, especially pollinators.

Go for a meal at... Alexandra’s Kitchen café, Durleighmarsh Farm, Petersfield. Alex and Matt Nor serve fresh, tasty food that’s hand made on the premises (01730 818286, alexandraskitchen.co.uk).

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hampshire garden

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Rosemary’s May picks 1 Lunaria annua, or honesty, a longflowering biennial loved by pollinators.

2 ‘Verona’, an early double tulip with cream and green flowers.

3 ‘Menton’, a lily-flowered pink tulip.

4 Paeonia mascula, a herbaceous perennial flowering in late spring and early summer.

5 Choisya x dewitteana ‘White Dazzler’, Mexican orange blossom, an evergreen shrub with fragrant white flowers.

6 ‘Happy Generation’, a large tulip with white flowers that have red ‘flames’.

4

8 Prunus tenella ‘Fire Hill’, dwarf Russian almond, with sprays of pink flowers.

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Feature and photographs Nicola StockeN

7 Clematis ‘Frances Rivis’, a hardy deciduous Clematis bearing pretty blue petals over creamy inners in late spring.

POWER, VERSATILITY & COMFORT

Neat or wild, big or small, plain or colourful...

Gardens come in all shapes and sizes, here at STIGA we have created a complete range of garden equipment with power, versatility and ergonomic solutions to suit every garden and every gardener.

To view the full range or to ďŹ nd your local STIGA Dealer visit www.stigalawnmowers.co.uk

YOUR GARDEN, YOUR LIFE

on sale now

I n a c o u n t ry g a r d e n

Denim fancy

Artisan apron in canvas, L70cm £59.95, Nkuku.

slip on

tieD in knots

Garden apron, L60cm, £30, Daylesford.

Garden apron in canvas, £25, L99cm, Garden Trading.

A n apron for

buckle up

Apron in canvas and leather, L98cm, £79, Eva Solo.

planting pockets galore

natural touch

Leather apron, L91cm, £100, National Trust Shop.

Short jute apron, L70cm, £45, Carrier Company.

DiD you know?

FEATURE LAURA VINDEN

To deep clean a waxed apron, fully submerge iT in lukewarm waTer. genTly massage dirTy spoTs using a naTural casTile soap, Then rinse and hang To air dry in a warm space.

farmer’s choice Men’s leather apron in Cognac, L86cm, £139.75, Witloft at Borough Kitchen.

classic stripes Gardener’s apron, L35cm, £22.95, Sophie Conran.

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chosen by us for you The sturdy Sundaya hall organiser, £499, is crafted in India from mango wood.

The Sultan tufted diamond sofa, £1,199, crafted by artisans in Rajasthan.

ENJOY 20% OFF AT

Myakka

Create a beautiful home with solid wood furniture and distinCtive deCor

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At the heart of Myakka’s collection is its exclusive solid wood furniture range. each piece is crafted with care by skilled artisans, and made to last. combine Myakka’s unique designs and fantastic value with its striking upholstery collection,

innovative lighting, traditional hand-loomed rugs and stylish soft furnishings, and pick a finishing touch from a treasure trove of global-inspired accessories.

With ethically sourced designs for every room of the house, Myakka can help you create a handcrafted, modern country look that’s unique to you and your home.

• How to claim your 20% discount Visit Myakka.co.uk and enter code XLA02 at the checkout. Alternatively, call 0345 460 3122 to request a free catalogue and quote the code when you place your order.

terms & Conditions Offer valid from 4 April to 19 May 2019. Code cannot be used in conjunction with any other bundles, offers or promotions. Offer can be used only once per household. Standard UK delivery charges apply. No cash alternative.

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Make Life Lovely FASHION, WELLBEING, ECO, PETS AND OTHER NICE THINGS

Dress for the occasion

Niitty tea towel, £16, Lapuan Kankurit

We’re all about the blazer this season. This tailored design from Really Wild Clothing has caught our eye with its colourful take on tweed. Pair with a light sundress and trainers for a look that works on heath or high street.

style a spring table setting Create a relaxed country scheme that’s not just pretty but eco-friendly too, with sustainable table linens from Finnish family business, Lapuan Kankurit. While the techniques have been modernised since 1917, the designs remain as beautiful as ever. We love the Niitty table runner, £36, available in a range of seasonal pastel shades. Visit lapuankankurit.fi.

Listen up…

Joules has launched its first digital DAB/DAB+ radio and Bluetooth speaker, for £99.99.

Available in two of the brand’s best-loved floral prints, Cambridge Floral and Winter Camelia, it looks just as good as it sounds.

Ledbury jacket, col cocoa, turquoise and pink, £345; Grandad collar shirt dress, col green, £245, both Really Wild Clothing.

revamp your skincare regime ‘To nourish the skin is to nourish the mind’ is the ethos of skincare and wellness brand, Made By Coopers Apothecary. From body mists and bath salts to aromatherapy candles, each product contains 100% natural, rejuvenating and mood-enhancing ingredients that encourage relaxation, leaving you feeling beautiful both inside and out. Prices start at £10 for the Orange Blossom cleansing tonic.

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Happy tHougHts and ideas

3 things not to miss at…

Speedy Dogs dog bed, £50, Sophie Allport.

RHS CHelSea FloweR SHow …aside from flawless garden displays, a plantpacked pavilion and delicious dining, of course!

1 Fabulous Floristry displays the national association of Flower arrangement societies is celebrating its 60th birthday by creating a show-stopping arrangement.

Find it in the great pavilion alongside over 80 exhibitors showcasing the best blooms, plants and gardening products the industry has to offer.

2 the First indoor judged show garden designer tom dixon has partnered with ikea to imagine the future of urban farming. Walk through a fully interactive garden in the great pavilion and pick up tips on how to grow food sustainably at home.

3 Magical children’s playhouses Following its successful debut last year, maker of bespoke playhouses, Wallgarden, is back with an interactive garden showcasing two new designs. its delighted to be sponsored by sanderson, whose iconic patterns will decorate the interiors.

The Chelsea Flower Show runs from 21-25 May 2019. To see what else is going on and book your tickets, visit rhs.org.uk.

love a doggy deSign

British designer Sophie allport’s love of animals inspires not just the comfiest, but the most stylish range of pet beds, too. Latest designs feature spaniels and ‘speedy’ dogs (think lurchers and greyhounds) in Sophie’s signature style. Prices start at £50.

CelebRate all tHingS Handmade witH crafted In Crafted: A Compendium of Crafts – New, Old & Forgotten, designer and author Sally Coulthard delves into the history of over 70 well-established craft techniques, with beautiful illustrations by Instagram sensation and talented printmaker Louise Lockhart.

Discover how these artisan skills have evolved over time and what modern craft means today – from the rise of ‘maker spaces’ and online craft communities, to eco-craft and mindful making (Quadrille, £20).

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Happy tHougHts and ideas

Celebrate May Day be inspired by seasonal celebrations and create a flower-filled crown to wear or display. simply cover a craft ring with green florist’s tape, then build up layers of leaf cuttings and seasonal blooms such as ranunculi and spray roses. you can also incorporate herbs such as thyme, rosemary or, later in the season, lavender, to add a delightful scent.

Be inspired by all things woolly

bUy bRiTish

WoodEdit Paul and Maria Le Mesurier are the husband and wife team behind WoodEdit, a curation of refined furniture and accessories made from sustainable wood – designed with busy family life in mind. ‘We have five children – if the pieces work in our busy household, we know they’ll work anywhere!’ says Maria.

Kitchen table, from £900; bench set, from £620, both WoodEdit.

3 oF ThE lovEliEsT…

Annual fibre festival Wonderwool Wales returns this year to the Royal Welsh Showground, Builth Wells from 27-28 April. It’s better than ever, bursting at the seams with artisan stalls, craft demonstrations and ‘Woolschool’ workshops, from beading and blockprinting to spinning with a spindle.

See what’s on offer and book your tickets at wonderwoolwales.co.uk.

Woven bags

EvERy dAy FEEls likE A bEAch dAy wiTh This sUmmER’s sTylE sTAplE

introduce a boho feel to your outfit with this playful bag, complete with fluffy neon pom-poms.

Choose from eight colour combinations.

Mini pom-pom basket, £30, postcards Home.

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Stylish shopper

this limited-edition basket is made from natural woven palm leaf with a rolled handle and V-shape detail.

Hare & Home tuscany shopper basket, £32, trouva.

3

Luxury haul

epitomising preppy charm, this compact design comes in a range of colours. in-house artists will add your initials.

Monogram book bag basket, £200, Rae Feather.

FEATURE Tara King

1

Colour pop

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OUT AND ABOUT

Snuggle up cocooned in nature in the curved-top cabin, then enjoy breakfast on your sunlit terrace.

Enjoy a bird’s eye view from your luxury treehouse on stilts.

A mAgicAl moment in Devon

Pickwell Manor Treehouses

Feature Patrick Hamilton courtney

take to the skies in a treetop cabin For the ultimate back-to-nature escape Sleeping in a little castle up in a forest’s leafy canopy was once just the stuff of childhood fantasies.

These days treehouse hotel rooms are not too uncommon, but few enjoy the picturesque setting of those at Pickwell Manor. Just half a mile from the sea and surrounded

by Devonshire woodland, they make for a truly memorable experience. the treehouses There are two cabins to choose between, The Loft and The Hideaway. Both offer fabulous views over the local landscape and were designed and built in Britain, combining traditional craftsmanship techniques with contemporary technology.

Indigenous woods, such as larch and oak, were used and all the power and water comes from solar

panels and the estate’s natural freshwater spring. The result is rustic enough to remind you of your surroundings, but with all the mod-cons needed to make it feel like an indulgent treat. Plush king-size beds, woodburners and scatter cushions keep the atmosphere comfy and cosy, while amenities include en-suite bathrooms with underfloor heating, plenty of storage and private balconies. the eXperience On arrival you’ll find a wheelbarrow for toting your luggage and a lantern waiting to help guide you to your woodland home. Seeing the lights twinkling through the leaves for the first time is an instantly memorable moment.

There’s an on-site nature trail that all the family will enjoy, a firepit for

camp-style evenings, tyre swings and a forest games room. Each treehouse comes with its own small handcrafted kitchen, so guests can rustle up their favourite suppers. time to eXplore The nearby Devon coast offers a smattering of stunning beaches to roam, including Woolacombe, Putsborough and Saunton Sands. Nearby Georgeham has two fantastic pubs serving up delicious local food, The Kings Arms and The Rock Inn. Plus, whatever time of year you visit, the grounds of Pickwell have something to offer, whether it’s golden autumn leaves or the bluebell blanket of spring. hoW much? Cabins from £180-275.

Pickwell Manor, Croyde, Braunton, Devon EX33 1LA, 01271 890110, pickwellmanor.co.uk.

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NExT MONTh IN

& InterIors

Don’t miss our new Look issue!

Celebrate summer!

■ Beautifully soft and simple decorating ideas ■ rooms with a view: summerhouses, sheds, marquees and more ■ sunshine-on-a-plate spanish recipes ■ look inside stunning rural homes PLUS... a glorious wild garden, sit-down-and-chat outdoor seating, country-style children’s Bedrooms NEW SECTION happy ideas & inspiration to help you live life well

O N S a L E 2 M aY 2 0 1 9

Food notes We want this now...

Tap into the fermented food health trend with Kilner’s new Kombucha Kit (£29.99, Lakeland).

Kombucha is a tangy and sparkling fermented drink said to improve gut health and digestion. It can be pricey, but with this kit, you can brew your own. The pretty 3L dispenser and matching glasses have that classic country look, too.

Delicious to enjoy cold on a picnic, or warm at home!

O U R FAV O U R I T E C H E E S E M A K E R S

Connage HigHland dairy

FEATURE THEA BABINGTON-STITT RECIPE BERRYWORLD.COM

Family-run Connage Highland Dairy uses traditional techniques to make a range of organic cheese from a base on the shores of the Moray Firth, near Inverness. Two brothers and their wives set up the company in 2006 – one of the owners, Jill Clark, tells us more...

What’s so special about your cheese? We pride ourselves on our organic status and the fact that our girls (the cows!) graze the fertile clover, misted with sea spray from the Moray Firth, which gives their milk an extra-special taste.

What’s your favourite from all your products? It’s hard to pick a favourite, as our cheeses change with the seasons (depending on what the girls are eating) but at this time of the year, it’s the fresh and crumbly Cromal.

Why is your organic status so important to you? Animal welfare, taking care of the stunning environment surrounding the farm and ensuring sustainability are just as important as the quality of the cheese we make, and the customer satisfaction which we constantly strive to deliver.

Tell us about your cows… We have a mixed herd, with three

A berry nice treat breeds – Holstein Friesian, Jersey crosses and Norwegian Reds. This mix ensures the creamiest milk for our cheeses.

What’s the best thing about running your business?

I love working with my husband Callum every day. We’re a great team.

What do you love about being based where you are?

I love driving down the farm road, looking across the sea to the Black Isle. The scenery is never the same twice and always takes my breath away.

Three words to sum up your company? Family, quality, organic. connage.co.uk

Find 4-6 oven-safe jam jars, heat oven to 190°C/ Fan 170°C/Gas 5. In a bowl, mix 300g quartered strawberries, 300g blueberries, 50g caster sugar, ¼tsp vanilla extract, 3tbsp cornflour, 1tbsp orange juice and ¼tsp orange zest. In another bowl, blend 45g plain flour, 45g slivered almonds, 45g chopped pecans, ¼tsp allspice, 75g muscovado sugar and a pinch of salt, then rub in 75g margarine to make a crumbly dough. Pour berry mix into jars, divide the dough and form into one ball per jar. Flatten slightly, push down firmly on the berries like a lid.

Place jars on a baking tray, bake 20-30mins until bubbling and brown. Cool slightly, chill and seal.

S P I C E U P YO U R L I F E

Add some heat to cheese, burgers or pasta sauces Bring a little punch to your plate with the new artisan chilli & chorizo jam, £3.30, from Wiltshire-based Tracklements. Pan-fried chorizo is combined with chillies, red peppers and spices to create a piquant jam that’s utterly addictive!

Visit tracklements.co.uk Country Homes & Interiors

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Hello,

long weekend!

Make the most of the Bank Holiday with a feast of fresh flavours just made for enjoying with friends. lazy lunchtimes don’t come more delicious than this‌

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Good times, Good Food

Roasted radishes and spring onions Âť

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131

aPPle and eldeRfloweR MaRtini This fresh floral cocktail can be made ahead and kept chilled until guests arrive.

serves 6 300ml vodka 300ml pressed apple juice, chilled 5tbsp elderflower cordial

3 limes Crushed ice 1 Granny Smith apple, thinly sliced into rounds Mint sprigs, to garnish

1 Combine the vodka, apple juice and elderflower cordial in a large jug. squeeze in the lime juice then stir well. Add a handful of crushed ice and keep in the fridge if not using straightaway.

2 to serve, put a little crushed ice into 6 cocktail glasses and add a slice of apple. stir cocktail, pour into the glasses and finish with a sprig of mint.

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Good times, Good Food

RoaSted RadiSHeS and SPRing onionS

Raw CaulifloweR, Pea and HeRb Salad

The pepperiness of radishes mellows significantly when roasted, while the butter helps to bring out their sweetness.

We use two varieties of cauliflower for no other reason than it makes a prettier salad! You can just use one type if you won’t use up the surplus halves.

serves 6 500g radishes, larger ones halved 12 spring onions 4 thyme sprigs, torn

1tbsp olive oil 40g salted butter Juice of ½ lemon

1 Preheat the oven to 220°C/Fan 200°C/Gas 7. mix the radishes, onions and thyme in a roasting tin. season with salt and freshly ground black pepper then toss through the olive oil and dot with butter.

2 roast for 12-15min, until the radishes are just tender. stir in the lemon juice and serve.

serves 6 ½ small white cauliflower ½ Romanesco cauliflower 1tsp fennel seeds 1tsp caraway seeds 1tbsp honey Zest and juice of 1 orange 5tbsp olive oil 1 green chilli, deseeded and finely chopped

150g frozen peas, defrosted 3 spring onions, thinly sliced 2 large handfuls of mixed fresh herb leaves, such as mint, flat-leaf parsley and dill sprigs

1 Break the cauliflowers into florets then slice them as thinly as you can. Put in a large bowl and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

2 Put the fennel and caraway seeds in a small frying pan over a low-medium heat and toast, stirring, for 30sec or until they start to release their aroma. Add the honey and stir for another 20-30sec as the honey sizzles.

3 remove from the heat and grate in the orange zest and add the juice. stir in the olive oil and chilli. Pour over the cauliflower and toss to combine.

4 Just before serving, stir the peas, spring onions and mixed fresh herbs into the salad and adjust the seasoning to taste.

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GOOD tIMeS, GOOD FOOD

Perfect for entertaining, this hot-smoked salmon is richly flavoured and luxurious. For the smoking process, you will need a large roasting tin with a wire rack that fits inside.

ServeS 6 3tbsp sea salt 2tbsp chopped dill 4tbsp demerara sugar 6 salmon fillets 6tbsp uncooked white rice 2tbsp Earl Grey tea leaves (or the leaves of 2 teabags)

Sliced spring onions, to serve

For the dressing 250ml crème fraîche 2tbsp chives, snipped 2tbsp horseradish sauce Squeeze of lemon

1 Combine the salt, dill and 2tbsp sugar. rub the mixture over the salmon. Cover and chill for 1hr.

2 Meanwhile, combine all the dressing ingredients.

Preheat the oven to 220°C/Fan 200°C/Gas 7.

3 Line a large roasting tin with foil. Add the rice, remaining sugar and tea leaves and mix well. Set a wire rack inside the tin, over the rice mixture.

4 Place the salmon, skin-side down, on the rack.

Cover the tin with foil, sealing except for one corner.

5 Put the tin on the hob over a high heat. Once smoke begins escaping from the open corner, seal the foil at the corner to trap the smoke.

6 Keep on the hob for 1min, then cook in the oven for 10min. remove and set aside for 2min before uncovering. Check the salmon is cooked through and serve with the spring onions and dressing.

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speLT, aLmond and roCkeT saLad There’s a lovely bite and nuttiness to this warm salad that pairs nicely with the smokiness of the salmon.

ServeS 6 1 bay leaf 2 garlic cloves 250g pearled spelt 4tbsp olive oil 1 large red onion, peeled

and finely sliced 125g almonds in skin, roughly chopped 150g wild rocket Zest and juice of 1 lemon

1 Put the bay leaf and garlic in a large pan of water and bring to the boil. Add the spelt and cook for 20min or until just tender. Drain, discarding the bay leaf and garlic, and return the spelt to the pan.

2 Meanwhile, heat 2tbsp of the oil in a frying pan and cook the onion over a low heat for 8min until quite tender. Add the almonds and cook for 5min, stirring, until golden.

3 Stir the onion mixture into the spelt, along with the rocket and remaining oil. Grate in the zest of the lemon, then squeeze in the juice. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Serve warm.

RECIPES MARINA FILIPPELLI STYLING ALI BROWN PHOTOGRAPHS HELEN CATHCART, TI-MEDIACONTENT.COM

Tea smoked saLmon wiTh a horseradish dressing

Lemon CheeseCake TarT Cheesecake and lemon tarts are always crowd-pleasers, so why not combine them into one delectable dessert?

ServeS 8-10 250g digestive biscuits

of 2 lemons

150g unsalted butter Grated zest of 1 lime

3 medium eggs 75ml lemon juice

400g cream cheese, at

Icing sugar, thick

room temperature 150g caster sugar

double cream and blueberries, to serve

Finely grated zest

1 Preheat the oven to 160°C/Fan 140°C/Gas 3.

Grease a 6cm deep, 20cm round springform tin.

2 In a food processor, blitz the biscuits into crumbs.

Add the butter and lime zest and process until combined. Press the mixture into the base and sides of the tin. refrigerate for 15min.

3 Meanwhile, beat the cream cheese, sugar and lemon zest until smooth. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating until combined. Add the lemon juice, a little at a time, beating well until smooth.

4 Pour the mixture into the tin. Bake for 40-50min; the tart may wobble slightly in the centre.

5 Cool in the oven with the door ajar, then chill for 4hr or until cold. Dust with icing sugar and top with blueberries, then serve with the cream.

Lemon cheesecake tart Country Homes & Interiors

135

c o u n t r y h o m e s & i n t e r i o r s pa r t n e r s h i p

Star-quality art syrett, artist anD founDer of the online runway gallery, tells us about his fashion-focuseD line-up anD why beauty in art is key

S

yrett came to art via the fashion industry – and both of these passions inform the selection of artists featured at runway Gallery. ‘there’s been a big discussion in the art world as to whether fashion belongs in the arts. this sounds ridiculous,’ says syrett, ‘because it does.’ so creating a fashion-focused art gallery seemed a natural thing to do.

‘Fashion has been a big part of my life and my career, and it seemed a really good and interesting way to start to change out artists.’

Eire limitededition print, £895, by SyrEtt

futures traDing

Digital Discoveries the online gallery launched in october 2018 with 14 contemporary artists, and the stable is growing each week. But how does syrett find, and more importantly, choose who to feature on the site? ‘instagram has been very instrumental,’ he says. ‘i use it regularly, to search for artists. some of the artists don’t use fashion in their work, but have come from that industry.

‘We’ve got a new artist coming on board soon who’s been a fashion designer for years – chinakwe. she has now moved into art. i already knew about a third of the artists featured – some are fashion photographers i’ve worked with, or artists who are friends of mine.’ other newcomers to the site include martha haversham, whose witty Found Fashion collection uses scraps of rubbish to make mini-fashion pieces, such as cigarette butts attached to a perfectly sculpted pair of legs in high heels. this appeals to syrett’s sense of the extraordinary. ‘they’re just so simple, and very clever,’ he says.

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club. We’ve also had interest from an interior designer for three pieces

by Bruce atherton to go to miami.’

the eye of the beholDer the prerequisite of runway Gallery work, however, is beauty. ‘Beauty has become a bit of a dirty word in the art world,’ says syrett. ‘you’ve got the gritty aesthetic of street art and then you go into galleries and it’s all about the thought process and the concepts – it’s not necessarily about what is visually pleasing.’ however, it seems that there is plenty of demand for beauty. since christmas 2018, the online site has ‘gone bang’, says syrett. ‘We’ve had some success with Louise Dear, and also with me, and olly howe has done really well. this was much more successful at the beginning than i anticipated.’

interior Dialogue What has surprised syrett even more is the ‘major interest’ shown by interior designers. ‘i didn’t expect this to happen in such a short amount of time,’ he says.

‘We’ve had talks about doing all the artwork for a hotel and about providing the artwork for a private

as well as the added artists and new collections (syrett has recently launched the permanence of possibilities, 27 works on the site), the artists have a dedicated exhibition. ‘i’m planning an exhibition in my hometown of Leeds this autumn. i’ve been invited

by Black Box, who has teamed up with Land securities and trinity Leeds to exhibit my work, and i’ve extended this to the runway Gallery artists,’ says syrett. ‘i’m thinking of calling it salon noir, after the cave in the south of France that has some of the earliest cave drawings. the runway artists are all doing new work and creating “museum” pieces, as i call them, so they’re not necessarily things to go into people’s homes. then hopefully we’ll be bringing that exhibition back to London.’

buy contemporary and affordable art from the artists mentioned above and more at runway-gallery.com.

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Next moNth Bethany perry, who has created make-up styles for some of the world’s top designers including Vivienne Westwood and Kansai yamamoto, talks about her artwork at runway Gallery, which is bold and energetic, and displays a keen eye for the physical form.

C O U N T RY K I T C H E N F O C U S

Worth the Wait It may have been years In the plannIng, but a lIttle patIence has rewarded sarah russell wIth the dreamy country kItchen she always wanted

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PROJECT PROFILE Owners Sarah and Gareth Russell live here with their daughters, Bella, six, Hollie, four, and Evie, two.

House A five-bed Edwardian property.

Project A rear extension was built to make space for a more sociable kitchen in a classic country design, with a generous island and multipurpose utility room.

Kitchen size 5.4x5.5m

Designer Alexander Mayes of Higham Furniture.

Cabinetry Bespoke Shaker-style solid wood kitchen, painted in Little Greene’s Portland Stone Deep intelligent eggshell and Farrow & Ball’s Green Smoke estate eggshell.

Hand-carved corbels provide a pretty decorative touch to the space.

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CH&I

Everhot’s 120i range cooker was chosen for its traditional cast-iron range look, combined with the efficiency of a modern induction hob.

LOVES

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Skylights over kitchen islands. Find a similar one, from £415, Roof Glaze.

The comfortable bar stools are upholstered in a durable fabric that wipes clean but is lovely and soft to touch.

While practical points like location and size might lead the search for a new home, they often fly out the window when you find ‘the one’, as Sarah and Gareth Russell discovered when searching for their forever home, eight years ago. ‘Admittedly, the house was falling down when we found it,’ says Sarah. ‘But the location, opposite lovely parkland and without being overlooked, was perfect and it had unmistakable charm.’

It was another six years before the couple had gathered the resources to renovate, but the time hadn’t been wasted. Sarah and Gareth carefully plotted and planned how to utilise every millimetre of space. ‘We spent a lot of time in our old kitchen with masking tape on the floor, desperately trying to work out how we could make our dream of a sociable, family-friendly kitchen come true,’ says Sarah. In the end, it took a small extension to transform the L-shaped kitchen into a generous square room with garden access and utility.

With the help of Alexander Mayes of Higham Furniture, the couple established the perfect kitchen layout. ‘We wanted a long island unit that was wide 138

Country Homes & Interiors

enough so we could eat or work there without getting splashed by the tap. Its size and location then dictated the position of the Everhot range cooker,’ says Sarah.

For the design, the couple wanted a classic, country look that would chime with their period home. ‘We were after pale, painted tones throughout, but Tim Higham (of Higham Furniture) convinced us that a bolder colour would work much better on the island.

He was right. We love the deep green and have since painted our front door the same shade,’ she says.

Like most renovation projects, there were a few glitches along the way, as well as a couple of mad moments. ‘At one point I found myself researching the cost of hiring a crane and closing the road to get a new Aga in through the back door, before I got a grip on reality!’ says Sarah. The couple are confident they now have the best kitchen possible for them. ‘It has been years in the planning but we have achieved what we set out to do. Every time we walk through our front door we experience that same wonderful feeling we felt the very first time we stepped inside.’

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C o u n T Ry k I T C H E n F o C u S

A narrow window above the cabinets allows borrowed light into the utility room behind.

‘We wanted a place where the whole family could be together, not just eating dinner, but doing different activities in the same space’

Range Island

Fridge freezer

The layout

Utility room

Arranged in an L-shape with a 2.6m-wide island in the middle, the layout focuses on maximising the available wall space for storage by going full height on one wall.

Behind this wall, a narrow utility room provides additional storage, laundry and cloakroom provisions. Choosing an island rather than a third run of units allowed for the installation of French doors leading out to the garden.

The glazed wall cabinets display Sarah’s treasured bowls and jugs, which she has collected over the years.

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3

design solutions TO inSPiRE yOU

1

H A R D WO R K I N G UTILITY ROOM

‘for a small room it is such a luxurious space and i actually enjoy spending time in here,’ says sarah. ‘it has loads of storage and hides our old washing machine and tumble dryer, which are stacked on top of each other. the open shelves prevent the heavy feel of too many cabinets.’ A sheila rack, which hoists out of the way on pulleys, provides a laundry-drying solution and a custom-fit cubby houses sarah’s large wicker laundry basket.

Determined to find a home for everything, they were even able to work in a coat cupboard and an ironing board slot.

C o u n t ry k i t C h e n f o C u s

2

S TA T E M E N T TA P

sarah wanted her sink in the middle of the island, so that she could enjoy the garden views while working there. With this in mind, she took extra care to choose a tap that would make a stylish design feature. ‘the antique brass colour is just beautiful. it has such a soft, sophisticated look. Being in the middle of the island, it makes a great statement, which i felt was needed to add contrast amid the soft tones of the bar stools and marble worktops,’ she explains. All the property’s hardware, from door handles to light switches, is also in aged brass, which helps achieve a cohesive look from room to room.

The aged brass finish of Perrin & Rowe’s classic Ionian deck-mounted taps makes a striking statement on the island.

The details CABINETRY

Bespoke Shaker-style solid wood kitchen, painted in Little Greene’s Portland Stone Deep intelligent eggshell and Farrow & Ball’s Green Smoke estate eggshell, around £32,000, Higham Furniture.

SURFACES

3cm-thick quartz composite in SG Carrara, around £6,000, including utility room and installation, Higham Furniture. Walls, painted in Wimborne White estate emulsion, £46.50 for 2.5L; woodwork, painted in Shaded White estate eggshell, £62 for 2.5L, both Farrow & Ball.

For similar flooring, try oak natural unsealed engineered flooring, £51sq m, The Natural Wood Floor Co.

APPLIANCES

Everhot 120i cast-iron range cooker, £9,025, Everhot. RF540ADUSX4 fridge freezer, around £1,999, Fisher & Paykel.

HM676G0S6B combi microwave oven, £1,549, Siemens. Cache 110 integrated extractor, £958, Westin. G6660 SCVi integrated dishwasher, £1,299, Miele.

SINKS & TAPS

4192 Ionian deck mounted taps with crosstop handles in aged brass, £626.64 each, Perrin & Rowe. Farmhouse 60 ceramic sinks, £268 each, Villeroy & Boch.

ACCESSORIES

Aga stainless steel whistling kettle, col cream, £64, Aga Cookshop. King’s Cross Station clock, col dark wood, £175, Newgate. William bar stools, £645 each, The Dining Chair Company; upholstered in Rough Copy, col Quartz with NanoSeal finish, £172.80m, Sutherland Perennials Studio.

FEATURE LINDA CLAYTON PHOTOGRAPHS ROWLAND ROQUES-O'NEIL

The pull-out bins allow for easy separation of waste and recyclables.

3

S E C R E T D R AW E R

no storage opportunity has been overlooked in the russell’s kitchen – even the built-in bin unit has a dedicated drawer for bin bags. ‘i love that i no longer have to fight to find them under the sink and, because the drawer pulls right out, it’s easy to keep an eye on supplies,’ says sarah. While the bins are made from practical, easy-clean plastic, the bin bag drawer has been beautifully made in oak with dovetail joints – an extra design touch that provides a small, but much appreciated, delight whenever anyone opens the drawer.

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Craft a pretty

KeePsaKe disPlay Showcase favourite fabrics and printed papers by placing them in mismatched frames, layered on a picture ledge.

With a rummage in the attic and a pinch of creative flair, it’s easy to transform your walls into mini galleries displaying your favourite finds and keepsakes. Whether it’s sentimental photographs, prized ticket stubs or swatches of nostalgic fabric, don’t let them languish unseen in a ‘safe space’. instead, bring joyful items – and the memories associated with them – back to life using pre-loved frames, remnants of beautiful textiles and scraps of ribbon.

Keep a look out for vintage craft materials at markets and fairs.

You might even find a few old postcards or cigarette cards to add to your display.

Wire noticeboard

Transform a rustic picture frame into a handy noticeboard by attaching screw eyes to the back and threading through lengths of cord or wire. Display special mementos, using mini wooden pegs to keep them in place.

Mini wooden pegs, £2 for 50, Hobbycraft

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Give Precious mementos, PHotoGraPHs and GreetinGs cards a new lease of life usinG tHese creative framinG ideas

g e t c r e at i v e

ribbon pinboard

feature STepHanie DurranT ProJects Handmade Living by WilloW CroSSley (ÂŁ12.99, CiCo bookS) PHotoGraPHs Claire riCHarDSon, Ti-MeDiaConTenT.CoM

Measure your corkboard. Then, cut a piece of fabric to fit, adding 10cm to both the length and the width to give you some overlap. Fold the material neatly around the board and attach with double-sided tape on the back. Wrap lengths of ribbon diagonally from corner to corner, securing with a staple gun, then repeat in the opposite direction. Continue, creating a criss-cross pattern. Tuck memos and photos under the ribbon.

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Picture frame Pinboard Repurpose a picture frame by covering the backing board with fabric and attaching ribbons as above. Use the existing fixings to hang on the wall.

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‘A BOOT FAIR FInd & VInTAGE TART TIns InsPIREd MY cAndlE BUsInEss’ Candlemaker A malia Pothecary

S

ometimes the spark of a business idea can come from the most unexpected source, which is exactly what happened to Amalia Pothecary five years ago. ‘I was wandering around a boot fair and found a really high-end candle at one stall for just £1,’ she recalls. ‘I was absolutely thrilled to have got it for such a bargain price, and couldn’t wait to get home to light it.’

Once home, though, her delight quickly turned to dismay as the flame flickered away, leaving a black streak up the wall.

‘I was so disappointed that I did some research and discovered that the “luxury” candle I’d bought was actually made from paraffin wax,’ she explains. ‘Further research taught me that other candles were made entirely from natural plant sources, such as soy, instead, which burns cleanly and is environmentally friendly.’

Intrigued, Amalia decided to order a few kilos of soy wax flakes and a box of cotton wicks and have a go at candle-making herself. ‘I melted the flakes in an old pan on the stove, adding some lavender essential oil,’ she says. ‘Because I didn’t have anything

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else to pour the wax into, I used some of the vintage jars and kitchenalia I’d collected.’

She found the entire process absorbing, although at that stage she only intended to gift her homemade candles to friends and family. ‘But when my partner, James, saw them, he thought they were so beautiful he encouraged me to take the idea further,’ she says. And so, with James’s help, Amalia spent several months learning more about the process, developing ideas and taking the steps necessary to launch her fledgling enterprise, The Botanical Candle Company.

Initially, she sold the candles at local markets around Dorset. They were so popular, it wasn’t long before she needed to upgrade from a saucepan to a small professional wax-melting tank, and had to start ordering ingredients and wicks in bulk. As time passed, Amalia – who still had a full-time marketing job – began to develop a successful online business and social media presence, but at this point she also realised that relying solely on vintage vessels for the candles wasn’t going to be practical. ‘Lovely as it is to put these beautiful old items to

»

M Y C O U N T RY B U S I N E S S

Fresh greenery and textiles complement the range of soy candles in this sunny corner of the studio.

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145

What I love most...

‘FOR ME, THE STRONGEST ELEMENT OF THE BUSINESS – AND THE REASON CUSTOMERS ENGAGE WITH US – IS BECAUSE WE TAKE EVERYONE ON THE JOURNEY WITH US AND SHARE OUR MILESTONES’ use, we were concerned that demand might outstrip supply, so we decided to complement the older pieces with some new ones, such as metal tins and glass jars. Doing so helped evolve the business, and meant we could supply to wholesalers.’

In early 2017, Amalia finally left her day job to concentrate on the company full-time, initially continuing to work from the cottage she lives in with James. As summer arrived, she was so busy, she recruited the first member of her team, Jemima, to help, but

by Christmas, it was clear something had to change. ‘The business was taking over the whole house,’ she says. ‘We vowed then to find separate premises for it!’ As it was, they didn’t have to look far. ‘The head of Shaftesbury Chamber of Commerce

Amalia’s rescuedog Paddy stays by her side both at work and at home.

contacted me about an empty space above a skincare shop on the high street,’ she says.

‘The only stipulation was that it needed to be a retail business, not simply a workplace.’

A shop was not what Amalia had intended, but she quickly realised that combining retail with a studio could work beautifully. ‘I loved the idea of customers being able to see the candles being made,’ she explains. While the majority of the set-up costs were self-funded, Amalia also successfully applied for a small grant from the council in order to purchase equipment. ‘The criteria was that I had to show my business would add economic value to the community and that we could offer employment to local people.’

The combined shop and studio opened two months later – the space transformed

by Amalia and James into a bright, fresh atelier inspired by lifestyle stores they’d seen on holiday together in California.

‘I wanted it to be a really lovely place, both to work in and to visit,’ says Amalia.

Since then, The Botanical Candle Company has gone from strength to strength. There are now five members in the team, an online shop that continues to grow, and the flagship store, which has become a valuable addition to the town’s high street. Amalia has carefully evolved the business, too, introducing complementary products, such as ceramics and leatherwork, to the range.

‘I love the idea of supporting other local artisans,’ she says. ‘We’ve been so lucky to see such growth in our business, it’s a way of paying it forward. I had a blueprint for the company right from the start – this is about people, not profit, and our success is very much shared. We couldn’t do it without the hard work and dedication of the team, nor without our loyal customers.

‘I sometimes pinch myself when I see how far The Botanical Candle Company has come in just a few years – I’ve got a lot to thank that smoky paraffin candle for!’  The Botanical Candle Company, 01747 859200, thebotanicalcandleco.co.uk. Ryn Frank (Illustrations), rynfrank.co.uk.

»

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M Y C O U N T RY B U S I N E S S

Amalia creates candles in all sorts of shapes and sizes.

Twine, raffia and brown paper labels give the candles a rustic finish.

Hot wax is poured into little tins ready for setting and labelling.

‘We keep plastic usage to an absolute minimum,’ says Amalia.

Country views from Gold Hill.

Artful displays showcase Amalia’s stylish wares.

Customers can choose modern or vintage vessels.

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147

✽

On Our d O O r s t e p. . .

Visit… ‘Fiddleford Mill just outside Sturminster Newton. There are also some wild swimming spots nearby, which are amazing on a warm summer’s day.’

Shop at… ‘Frome Hardware (fromehardware.com) is a great store.

It sells all sorts of utilitarian products that you can have personalised.’

Go for a meal at… ‘The Salt Cellar (01747 851838). James and I love this little gem right at the top of Gold Hill. It serves great food, has the most wonderful views and is so friendly and unpretentious. It’s perfect for breakfast or lunch.’

After a busy day, Amalia likes nothing more than a good walk with Paddy in nearby woods.

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M Y C O U N T RY B U S I N E S S

Small business advice

HOW TO GIVE YOUR SHOP THE WOW FACTOR

FEATURE SHARON PARSONS PHOTOGRAPHS RICHARD GADSBURY

Follow our guide to making your retail space a destination store

Amalia’s beautiful shop and studio perfectly demonstrates the

clear, effective signage to guide your customers and welcome them inside.’

importance of creating a retail space that completely reflects and enhances the brand, making it a place that people actively want to visit. Peter Cooper is a creative retail consultant based in Dorset who frequently advises independent shops and businesses on everything from creative marketing to design, and the importance of visual merchandising. Here are his tips on establishing a retail space that is interesting, welcoming and works hard to underpin the brand or business.

Think about colour ‘The overall palette in your retail space is so important: a restricted colour scheme strengthens its visual appeal and makes it feel cohesive. Amalia’s pared-back decor feels fresh and uncontrived, and is perfectly in tune with the brand.

Similarly, group or stack products in blocks of colour when you put together a display. From a distance, our brains can’t pick out specific details, but will be drawn to colour.’

Make a good impression ‘It goes without saying that your window display should be arresting and instantly convey what’s inside. Refresh it regularly to keep it interesting to passers-by, but don’t over-clutter with too much stock or display furniture as that only makes the brand message confusing.’

Hold the door ‘If you can, have the door open – if it’s closed, passers-by see this as a barrier and it’s not as easy to just slip in and browse. If, like The Botanical Candle Company, the front door is shared with another business or isn’t so instantly accessible, use

Plan your display points ‘Aim to frame your products through clever use of shelving, or in box displays that showcase a collection of items. A table or freestanding piece of furniture can be put to excellent use – arrange items on multiple levels to give interest and again, follow the colour block rule. A combination of products and display props included purely for their visual appeal will create a sense of lifestyle rather than pure retail. Consider all aspects of the space for display – products grouped together under a table, pieces arranged on a wall, even items suspended from the ceiling

– such as Amalia’s macramé plant holders – are all effective ways to create interesting focal points.’

Light the way ‘Don’t underestimate the importance of mood lighting.

Use it to make the space instantly more welcoming, dramatic or cosy, whatever the time of day. If you’re not sure how best to approach this sometimes difficult – and potentially expensive – aspect of design, it’s worth seeking expert advice to get it right.’

Tell the story ‘If you have the chance to show your product being created or prepared – as Amalia does – use it to your full advantage. These days, provenance really resonates with all of us – knowing how something is made, and who by, makes it so much more personal. If it’s not possible to do that in store, ensure your marketing or social media sites cover it effectively.

And talking of social media – make good use of it. There’s no doubt that Instagram drives footfall to the physical shop. Beautiful visuals capture the imagination, touching the senses, and that emotive pull is half the battle when it comes to effective retail.’

 Peter Cooper, 07907 691711.

The one lesson I’ve learnt...

‘HAVE FAITH IN YOUR IDEAS AND ABILITIES. WHEN YOU’RE RUNNING A BUSINESS, IT CAN BE DAUNTING TO TAKE A BIG LEAP, BUT AS LONG AS YOU STAY TRUE TO YOUR ETHOS AND USE COMMON SENSE, YOU WILL RISE TO IT’ Country Homes & Interiors

149

Louise Dear YUM YUM - £1750

SYRETT Alexander - £595

Alexandra Gallagher Flamingo Flowers - £250

Olly Howe Mother Nature - £185

Original Art & Limited Edition Prints w w w . r u n w a y - g a l l e r y. c o m in association with

Shopping directory You’ll find all the companies in this month’s issue here

A

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aga cookshop 0800 804 6296 agacookshop.co.uk aga haslemere 01428 652873 agaliving.com allstone allstone.co.uk amazon amazon.co.uk anglian 0808 115 1275 anglianhome.co.uk annie sloan 01865 803168 anniesloan.com another countrY 020 7486 3251 anothercountry.com applebY’s tiles applebys-tiles.co.uk apropos 0800 328 0033 aproposconservatories.co.uk arboreta 0800 288 8333 arboreta-oak.com

h&m home hm.com habitat 0344 499 4686 habitat.co.uk hammam & home hammamandhome.co.uk hansons auctioneers 01283 733988 hansonsauctioneers.co.uk hare & Wilde 01653 690412 hareandwilde.co.uk heathcote & ivorY 020 7483 8383 heathcote-ivory.com heritage bathrooms 0330 026 8501 heritagebathrooms.com higham furniture 0800 047 0235 higham.co.uk hobbYcraft 0330 026 1400 hobbycraft.co.uk holloWaYs of ludloW 020 7602 5757 hollowayskitchens.com home barn 01628 474011 homebarnshop.co.uk homelia 0800 107 3664 homelia.com homesense 01923 473561 homesense.com hornbeam ivY 01373 461693 hornbeamivy.co.uk houseologY 0330 363 0330 houseology.com huW morris 07980 116847 huwthewood.co.uk

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b&Q 0333 014 3098 diy.com barker and stonehouse 0333 920 1119 barkerandstonehouse.co.uk bathroom brands bathroombrands.com bathstore 0800 023 2323 bathstore.com borough kitchen 020 7998 9970 boroughkitchen.com bridgman 020 8804 7474 bridgman.co.uk brintons 0800 505055 brintons.co.uk burlington 01322 473222 burlingtonbathrooms.com butterfill’s 01597 829169 butterfills.com button & sprung 03333 201801 buttonandsprung.com

C

carrier companY 01328 820699 carriercompany.co.uk castle ring oak frame 01547 560 231 castleringoakframe.co.uk castrads 0161 439 9350 castrads.com catchpole & rYe 020 7351 0940 catchpoleandrye.com char-broil charbroil.eu cherish home cherishhome. co.uk clifton nurseries surreY 01932 833 866 clifton.co.uk coast & countrY interiors 01288 488476 coastandcountryinteriors.co.uk cole & son 020 8442 8844 cole-and-son.com cottage antiQues 01706 81361 cottage-antiques.com cox & cox 0330 333 2123 coxandcox.co.uk cp hart 0345 873 1121 cphart.co.uk

evolution WindoWs 01767 310980 evolutionwindows.com

ian mankin 020 7722 0997 ianmankin.co.uk ikea 020 3645 0000 ikea.co.uk india Jane 0208 799 7152 indiajane.co.uk industville 020 7971 7871 industville.co.uk iQ glass 0844 800 2432 iqglass.co.uk

F

J

62 D

darlings of chelsea 01252 372949 darlingsofchelsea.co.uk david salisburY 01278 764444 davidsalisbury.com daYlesford 01608 731700 daylesford.com de ferranti 020 7384 4424 deferranti.com design vintage 01243 573852 designvintage.co.uk devol 01509 261000 devolkitchens.co.uk dibor 0800 408 0660 dibor.co.uk dobbies garden centres 0131 561 6406 dobbies.com dulux 0333 222 7171 dulux.co.uk dunelm 0345 165 6565 dunelm.com

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earthborn 01928 734171 earthbornpaints.co.uk etsY etsy.com eva solo 00 45 36 73 20 60 evasolo.com/en everhot 01453 890018 everhot.co.uk

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falcon enamelWare 020 7837 9749 falconenamelware.com farmhouse table companY 01803 362368 farmhousetablecompany.co.uk farroW & ball 01202 876141 farrow-ball.com feather & black 01243 380600 featherandblack.com fired earth 01295 812088 firedearth.com forest 020 8691 5888 forest.london.com french connection home 0333 400 3285 frenchconnection.com

kalinko kalinko.com kate medlicott katemedlicott.com keith brYmer Jones 020 3598 6520 keithbrymerjones.com kobi & teal kobiandteal.co.uk

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garden trading 01993 845559 gardentrading.co.uk graham and green 01225 418200 grahamandgreen.co.uk grange design 01732 762056 grangedesign.com

Jim laWrence 01473 826685 jim-lawrence.co.uk John leWis & partners 0345 604 9049 johnlewis.com John sankeY 0115 946 2121 johnsankey.co.uk Joules 0345 250 7160 joules.com Jt JoinerY 0161 776 2347 jtjoinery.co.uk

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Lewis & wood 01453 878517 lewisandwood.co.uk LittLe Greene 0845 880 5855 littlegreene.com Loaf 0345 468 0697 loaf.com Lusso stone 020 3370 4057 lussostone.com

the dorMy house 01264 365808 thedormyhouse.com the frenCh BedrooM CoMpany 01444 415430 frenchbedroomcompany.co.uk the naturaL ruG store 0845 076 0086 naturalrugstore.co.uk the naturaL wood fLoor CoMpany 020 8871 9771 naturalwoodfloor.co.uk the water MonopoLy 020 7624 2636 thewatermonopoly.com the white CoMpany 020 3758 9222 thewhitecompany.com tikaMoon 020 3445 5440 tikamoon.co.uk tk Maxx 01923 473561 tkmaxx.com topps tiLes 0800 783 6262 toppstiles.co.uk trouva 020 7193 6444 trouva.com

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Made By Coopers apotheCary madebycoopers.com Made.CoM 0344 257 1888 Maisons du Monde 0808 234 2172 maisonsdumonde.com Marks & spenCer 0333 014 8000 marksandspencer.com Mason Cash 0151 486 1888 masoncash.co.uk MeLody Maison 01302 741000 melodymaison.co.uk Mfs stone surfaCes 0117 965 6565 marbleflooring.co.uk MieLe 0330 160 6600 miele.co.uk MiMi piCkard 07932 663033 mimipickard.com MistraL 02894 465753 mistralni.co.uk MoLLy Mahon 01342 825700 mollymahon.com Morso 01788 554410 morsoe.com Mrs stone 01283 730388 mrs-stone-store.com MuLBerry hoMe 020 7352 3173 mulberryhome.com MushrooM London 01380 724423 mushroomlondon.com

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nationaL trust shop 0300 123 2025 shop. nationaltrust.org.uk neptune 01793 427300 neptune.com newark antiques fair 01636 702326 iacf.co.uk newGate 01691 679994 newgateclocks.com next hoMe 0333 777 8000 next.co.uk nkuku 0333 240 0155 nkuku.com nordiC house 01872 223220 nordichouse.co.uk nordiC styLe 020 7351 1755 nordicstyle.com

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90 phiLip hitChCoCk furniture phfltd.blogspot.com pippa BLaCker interiors 07790 813191 pippablackerinteriors.co.uk pLain enGLish 01449 774028 plainenglishdesign.co.uk pLanet Granite 01676 925671 planetgranite.co.uk postCards hoMe 020 7281 3990 postcardshome.co.uk prestiGious textiLes 01274 688448 prestigious.co.uk priMe oak 01384 296611 primeoak.co.uk printer+taiLor 01432 265094 printerandtailor.com projekti tyyny projektityyny.com

QR

quadriLLe puBLishinG 020 7601 7500 quadrille.co.uk rae feather 01280 848277 raefeather.com reaLLy wiLd 01491 352600 reallywildclothing.co.uk rex London 020 8746 2473 rexlondon.com roBeys 01773 820940 robeys.co.uk roCkett st GeorGe 01444 253391 rockettstgeorge.co.uk roMo 01623 756699 romo.com roof GLaze 01480 474797 roofglaze.co.uk royaL hortiCuLturaL soCiety rhs.org.uk

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sainsBury’s hoMe 0800 636262 sainsburyshome.co.uk sanderson 020 3457 5862 stylelibrary.com/sanderson sCandinavian desiGn Center 020 3868 6562 scandinaviandesigncenter.com sieMens 0344 892 8999 siemens-home.co.uk so souk 01295 760099 sosouk.co.uk sofa.CoM 0345 400 2222 sofa.com sofas & stuff 0808 178 3211 sofasandstuff.com softer + wiLd 07903 686347 softerandwild.com sophie aLLport 01778 560256 sophieallport.com sophie Conran 020 7603 1522 sophieconran.com sthaL sthal.se styLe LiBrary 020 3457 5862 stylelibrary.com sue parkinson 01386 859233 sue-parkinson.com sutherLand perenniaLs studio 020 3904 6904 perennialsfabrics.com sweetpea & wiLLow 0345 257 2627 sweetpeaandwillow.com

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2 Should any hardy plants fail to thrive th we’ll replace free of charge.You just pay Peter McDermott, Head Gardener

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Just for You

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COST-EFFECTIVE ELECTRIC HEATING Quantum Heating’s Dimplex off-peak heating system uses low-cost, off-peak energy with running costs up to 47% less than electric convector or radiator systems on an on-peak tariff and 27% less than standard storage heater systems. With an easy-to-use control system and a simple design that won’t detract from your furniture, these economical to run, maintenance-free heaters are perfect for keeping toasty throughout the year.

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All companies listed are wholly independent. We recommend that you carry out your own checks before entering into any agreement. When making any purchases we would recommend that you use a credit card providing protection in the unlikely event of any issues. No part of this page maybe reproduced without the permission of Canopy Media.

M A R K E T P L AC E

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Lighting

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Eden Verandas is a trading style of Eden Verandas Ltd. Our registered address is Unit 13 Armstrong Mall, Southwood Business Park, Farnborough, GU14 0NR. Reg. No. 08259394. We are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority FRN 801638. We are a credit broker and not a lender and offer credit facilities from a panel of lenders. *Representative example: Cash price £8000 deposit £2000, total amount of credit £6000. Payment within 12 months 0% interest. If not settled in the deferred period, 59 monthly payments thereafter of £158.77 and one payment of £158.10. Total amount payable £11525.53. APR 14.9%.**Terms & conditions apply.

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M Y F AV O U R I T E V I E W

‘Swaledale haS become my Spiritual home’ Jody Lidgard, landscape designer

that hasn’t changed for hundreds of years, so it’s a great place to be and feel part of something. There’s something almost Narnian or Tolkienesque in its make-up. You don’t need to talk; you just soak it in.

Under the watchful eye of the castle, you look over the River Swale and its medieval stone bridge. Then you see both sides of the steeply sloped, wooded valley, so you’re both looking down at the canopy and up through it towards Swaledale. It’s a very changeable view – no matter when you’re there, it takes on an interesting persona. In the autumn you have this kaleidoscope of colours from the trees. While in the spring and summer, you get these little blue flashes of kingfishers bursting across the water. During the summer, when the water is at its lowest, you see the underlying bedrock of the river – huge plates of sandstone, which you can use to navigate yourself across.

I’m from North Yorkshire and when I joined the Armed Forces in 1988, a lot of my training was based there, so it’s the place where I turned from a boy into a man. It’s my spiritual home. I got a lot of my values when I was there and I owe it my 162

Country Homes & Interiors

allegiance. I discovered the view in the summer, when we were let off base to do our laundry in town.

Even now I get a buzz out of seeing people enjoying the scenery, especially if they’ve never been before.

You can almost lead a person there blindly, because you don’t see the view until it’s on top of you, then you just step back and say ‘enjoy’. If I’m in that neck of the woods I always make a detour to have a look.

The path near the river is a great place for walking and contemplation; a nice place to recharge your batteries.

It’s never overcrowded, so it’s almost a selfish space, where you can go and have some ‘me’ time. The view has certainly influenced my work. Indirectly, I can go and gather my thoughts and reason things through.

Then last year we built a garden for Jo Thompson for Wedgwood at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show and the feel and look she wanted was a naturalistic, stone-based water feature, so we took her design team to this view and spent two days on the river, looking in micro-detail at the water.

And, through that, we were able to deliver a gold medal garden at Chelsea last year.

For this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show, Jody is working with the UK’s leading Montessori charity, Montessori St Nicholas, to create a garden that reflects children’s keen interest in planting and wildlife.

FEATURE THEA BABINGTON-STITT PHOTOGRAPHS ALAMY STOCK PHOTO (MAIN IMAGE)

Swaledale, for me, is an entrance into the Yorkshire Dales, and there’s nowhere better to view it than standing on the path beneath the walls of Richmond Castle. You’re nestled in a solid and historic landscape

*Buy now pay in 12 months finance offer is available on orders over £3,000 +VAT. Finance is subject to status, terms apply.

BESPOKE BRITISH FURNITURE DESIGNED, CR AFTED, GUAR ANTEED When you choose Neville Johnson you are investing in high quality bespoke furniture, attention to detail and superb customer service. For over 30 years we have been using the finest materials and craftsmanship to create exquisite fitted furniture with longevity and style.

Free 100 Page Brochure British Design & Craftsmanship Nationwide Design Service 10 Year Guarantee Buy Now Pay in 12 Months*

visit nevillejohnson.co.uk for our latest brochure or call 0161 873 8333 QUOTE CODE CHB05

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