L I V E
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Come into the
GARDEN HOW TO CREATE AN OUTDOOR ROOM GORGEOUS GREENHOUSE INSPIRATION DINING SETS & ALFRESCO FEASTS
KINDNESS & COMMUNITY THE VOLUNTEERRUN SHOP & A COUNTRY BUSINESS GIVING BACK TO CHARITY
Country living ❖ SUSSEX FARMHOUSE ❖ NORFOLK FLINT HOUSE ❖ ROSE-COVERED COTTAGE ❖ LOVELY COTSWOLD RESTORATION
Shoreline style THE SMART NEW WAY TO DO COASTAL DECOR
Green A collection of authentic National Trust colours including original shades from the homes of Winston Churchill, George Bernard Shaw and Beatrix Potter. Available now. littlegreene.com 0161 230 0880
Order your free colourcard, or find your nearest stockist at littlegreene.com Colour Consultancy service available nationwide
THE HOME OF
modern country To find all stockists in this issue, turn to page 138
INTERIORS & INSPIRATION 10 JUNE Things we can’t live without 15 DESIGN NEWS What’s new in interiors this month 66 SHOPPING TREND Bring a whimsical, artist’s touch to your home with painterly effects 70 • COAST LINES Introduce calming ocean blues and timeless nautical stripes for a cooling décor scheme 78 • MAKE A HOUSE A HOME Really make the most of your outdoor space this summer, by creating a second living room in your garden 98 ROOM ELEMENTS Curtains not your style? Check out our pick of stylish shutters and blinds instead 103 HOME TECH Security systems to keep your property safe
26 COUNTRY HOMES 16 • EAST SUSSEX FARMHOUSE A dilapidated former hop farm has provided many business opportunities for this family
132 • ON THE COVER
105 • KITCHEN PROJECT After swapping London for Essex, this couple created a history-inspired kitchen that will look good long into the future >
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26 • BERKSHIRE COTTAGE Looking to settle down in the UK after years of travelling for work, this couple’s hearts were won over by an Arts and Crafts house 36 • NORFOLK COTTAGE It took a lot of effort, but this once neglected property is now the perfect holiday home 46 • GLOUCESTERSHIRE COTTAGE This character-filled, low-beamed house is loved by its antiques-dealing owners PLUS GET-THE-LOOK IDEAS FOR EVERY HOME
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58 GARDENS 86
94 110
• GREENHOUSE IDEAS Find the perfect greenhouse for your plot • GARDEN DINING SETS Ideal for family meals outside RENOVATION GUIDE All you need to know about railings and gates
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BOUQUET FOR A BRIDE A beautiful cutting garden enables this homeowner to create spectacular wedding arrangements
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IN A COUNTRY GARDEN Vegetable patch picks
SEASONAL FOOD JUST FOR YOU 131 132
IN A COUNTRY KITCHEN Our latest pantry additions
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• A SUMMER’S FEAST Celebrating the flavours of the season, best enjoyed alfresco
REGULARS
LIFESTYLE
114 • ON THE COVER
57 58
RURAL HOTSPOT Step back in time in Ledbury • MY COUNTRY BUSINESS Elvis & Kresse turn decommissioned fire hoses into luxury fashion items
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• LOCAL HERO
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SHOPPING DIRECTORY All the contact details and websites featured in this issue
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The whole community chips in to keep Chalford’s village shop alive 124 LIVE LIFE WELL Happy thoughts and ideas for fashion, eco, wellbeing and more 127 COUNTRY PASSION Writing short poems helps Faye Ball unwind 129 A WEEKEND AWAY Make plans to explore the lesser known Channel Island of Alderney 146 MY FAVOURITE VIEW The National Trust’s Hilary McGrady is captivated by Hadrian’s Wall
To find all stockists in this issue, turn to page 138 4
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& 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 ACTING COMMERCIAL EDITORIAL OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Lizzie Hudson 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 TRAVEL & NEWS EDITOR Patrick Hamilton Courtney FOOD EDITOR Samuel Goldsmith 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 SENIOR SUB-EDITOR Chloe Hay HEAD OF ART OPERATIONS Alison Walter ART EDITOR Meredith Davies SENIOR DESIGNER Chris McPhail EDITORIAL PRODUCTION MANAGER Nicola Tillman DEPUTY EDITORIAL PRODUCTION MANAGER Clare Willetts GROUP DIGITAL DIRECTOR Sarah Rafati 020 3148 7672 BUSINESS SUPPORT 020 3148 7154 MARKETING Head of Marketing Sian Cupid 020 3148 6487 Deputy Head of Marketing Laura Timms 020 3148 6239 Marketing Executive Sally Dominic 020 3148 6237 PUBLISHING Group Managing Director, Lifestyle Angela O’Farrell EA to Group Managing Director Michelle Briant 020 3148 5571 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 Brand Director Sharon Goode 020 3148 7631 International/Luxury Account Manager Carole Bunce 020 3148 7620 Classified Senior Sales Executive Charlotte Beckett 020 3148 2511 Creative Media Manager Emilie Morrissey 020 3148 3647 Assistant Syndication Manager Efi Mandrides 020 3148 5485 REGIONAL ADVERTISING Regional Sales Director Katrina Hutchison 0161 601 3720 Sales Manager (Inserts) Canopy Media Michael Davie 07446 903582 Business Director Kim Milroy 07967 590362
Handmade Home Collection
0344 980 8185 www.susiewatsondesigns.co.uk
The mood of the moment:
(BACKGROUND) STRAWBERRY FIELDS WALLPAPER IN SPRING GREEN, £150 A ROLL, PARKER AND JULES
FINDING PEACE IN THE GARDEN The mental health benefits of being out in nature are well known, but I don’t think I ever fully appreciated before how soothing it can be to give the lawn a slow, satisfying mow; how cathartic to give an unruly shrub an extreme haircut, or dig over a border. The Chelsea Flower Show is cancelled, but how ironic that the ideas Ma Richmond and I have scrapbooked from it in the past might actually come to fruition this year! This issue is overflowing with inspiration for your garden, from growing flowers and creating a comfortable, outdoor living space to investing in a greenhouse, which I hope will be a distraction and comfort in sad and uncertain times.
Vanessa x P.S. Please bear with us during all this change! We’re trying to keep up with what’s happening as a result of COVID-19, but it’s possible that we’ve featured unavailable products or temporarily closed retailers. We hope you’ll be able to revisit those ideas as the world reopens.
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Things we can’t live without...
JUNE
Whiling away a hazy afternoon in a secluded secret garden spot, surrounded by nature’s rambling loveliness... Oakridge high-back armchair, £275, Bramblecrest
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C O U N T R Y D AY S
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4 Taking flowers from the garden to the wardrobe! Monroe high-rise stretch skinny jeans, £59.95; Bo print jersey vest, £19.95, both Joules
1 Earning our stripes at the local bake-off! Toppu cake stand in Black and White, H9xD20cm, £46.50, OYOY at The Hambledon 2 Embracing scents layered with herbal woodiness... Purple Haze candle, £55, 19-69 at Osmology 3 Symmetrical grains on book-matched serveware. Sycamore cutting board, L41xW31cm; Cedar charcuterie board, L32xW15cm, £125 for two, Jan Hendzel Studio 4 Sustainable and ethical weaves for woofs! Bawku pet basket, H28xW68xD51cm, £135, The Basket Room
Refreshing the guest boudoir with breezy tribal prints… Quilted Charcoal throw, £150; Charcoal housewife pillowcases, £22 for two; Charcoal Oxford pillowcase, £16; Charcoal cushion, £45, all Dhaka range, Bedeck
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7 8 5 Aztec-inspired geometrics on feather-filled pretties. Andean cushion in Lilac with White tassels, H37xW62cm, £180, Penny Morrison 6 Dressing an alfresco table with broad strokes of colour. Sierra Bay place mat in Guava Lilac, 45x30cm, £24 for two, Dar Leone 7 A decorative flourish that’s always in season! Mini preserved bouquet in White, L22.8xW8.8cm, £14, Anthropologie 8 Beautiful contrasts on bedroom companions. Oakville bedside cabinet, H58xW45xD40cm, £199, Atkin and Thyme COUNTRY HOMES & INTERIORS
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Creating a buzz in the china cupboard with busybee geometrics... Collection One plates in Palisade, Hibiscus and Pollen, from £18; bowls in Palisade, Hibiscus and Pollen, from £29, all Burleigh
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11 12 9 Tableware inspired by the curves and powdery hues of the 1980s. Oval dinner plate in Green/Lilac, 33x20cm, £19.95, HK Living 10 Head-turning string statements. Macramé lampshade with fringing in Natural, H97xDia31cm, £57, Ian Snow 11 Elevating house plants to new heights. Bamboo plant stands, H69cm and H82.5cm, £110 for two, Design Vintage 12 Displaying a seasonal arrangement. Lilac jug, H17cm, £49.50, Lucy Burley at Seed
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16 15 13 Transforming outdoor nooks into something magical Green: Simple Ideas for Small Outdoor Spaces, £20, Ula Maria at Hive. 14 Textured patterns that blend traditional design with a contemporary aesthetic. Throw in Marble Castle, L185xW140cm, £85, Bronte by Moon 15 Creating a glowing pathway at twilight. Arnott lantern, H23xW15xD15cm, £25, Habitat 16 Ultimate lounging with pieces that rock (literally!) Rocky chair in Valley Dovedale, H83xW68xD83cm, £370, Sofa.com 12
COUNTRY HOMES & INTERIORS
Enjoying some pamper-day luxury with wonderfully waffly weaves. Linen mix waffle towels in Dark Grey/White, £64 for three, Nordic House
C O U N T R Y D AY S
Things we can’t live without... PICNICKING AT HOME ` IN A SECLUDED BOHO,
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FEATURE HOLLY PHILLIPS ART DIRECTION & STYLING (THIS PAGE) EMILY RICKARD PHOTOGRAPH (THIS PAGE) EMMA GUSCOTT
GLAMPING-STYLE POP-UP
Embracing a playful party spirit outside to match the sun’s cheerful rays! Liberty fabric bunting, from £18; picnic blanket in Liberty Betsy Lilac & Edenham, £180; pillowcase in Liberty Emma & Georgina, from £28; cushions in Liberty fabric, from £42, all Coco & Wolf
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Titan by BT Design Collective
Award-winning outdoor furniture since 1920
+44 (0)1376 557 600
uksales@teak.com
teak.com
NEW & INTERESTING
DESIGN NEWS Magic garden We love this new take on botanical style from designer Sacha Walckhoff for porcelain manufacturer Rosenthal. Inspired by apothecary gardens, where each flower is cultivated both for its beauty and its healing properties, the Magic Garden collection includes two table services and a tea set, with designs representing the three stages of growth in a garden – the seedling phase, the first shoots and blossoming. Magic Garden rim plate, from €24, Sacha Walckhoff at Rosenthal
BEDTIME STORIES Homeware favourites Cath Kidston and Ashley Wilde have teamed up to launch a delightful new range of cotton bedding – just in time for warm summer nights. Choose from four unique designs – Twilight Garden (shown, from £20 for two pillowcases), Vintage Bunch, Washed Rose and British Birds, each decorated in Kidston’s signature style, but with a modern twist.
FEATURE HOLLY PHILLIPS
Mid-century move Interiors hub Rose & Grey has partnered with Polish furniture makers 366 Concept to unveil two collections of mid-century-style seating – the 366 (shown, £630) and the Fox. All pieces are handcrafted and come in a choice of retro colours. Available exclusively from the Rose & Grey online boutique.
HAPPY HOUSE UPDATES WITH KITTY HOLMES Bringing joyful jolts of colour and pattern, Kitty Holmes’ cushion covers and accessories are bursting with personality. Made from natural fibres and printed with non-toxic seaweed dyes, these cushions (from £45 each) are kind to the planet, the people who make them and those who nestle into them! Visit kittyholmes.com to browse the range and get your seasonal revamp sorted.
Flooring made easy Picturing how new flooring would look in your own home is super easy with Alternative Flooring’s new visualisation tool. Show Me My Room uses augmented reality to picture a sample swatch in your chosen room. Simply upload a snap of your interior onto your computer, smartphone or tablet, then visit showmemyroom.com or the Alternative Flooring website to be guided through the four easy steps…
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E A S T S U S S E X FA R M H O U S E
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CALL OF THE WILD When a run-down farmhouse caught their eye, Lisa and Toby Smallpeice grasped the chance to start a happier and healthier way of life, inspired by woods, wildflowers, botany and brewing
Exterior The Smallpeices’ garden comes into its own in summer, when the flower borders are allowed to self-seed and romp away to provide pollen for bees and seeds for birds
Kitchen Rattan shades over the oak dining table add rustic texture and warm lighting. Pendant lampshades, Cox & Cox. White pendant lights, Original BTC. Mother-of-pearl wall tiles, Porcelain Superstore
E A S T S U S S E X FA R M H O U S E
M
oving to a dilapidated farmhouse with 140 acres of land wasn’t part of Lisa and Toby Smallpeice’s life plan. They had just had their second child and were ensconced on a country plot near Brighton. But when an estate agent’s email alert arrived with details of a run-down property in an East Sussex village, everything changed. ‘We were having supper one summer evening and I waved it in front of Lisa, saying, “Shall we just go and take a look?”’ recalls Toby. ‘We parked by the side of the road and Lisa wandered up a little track to a high point, turned around and gave me the thumbs up. We could see it would open up all these opportunities for us and our family, but we didn’t realise what an undertaking it would be.’ The house and its outbuildings hadn’t been updated for about 30 years, and the land hadn’t been farmed for a similar length of time. This didn’t daunt them, however. ‘It was actually a great benefit to us,’ says Lisa. ‘It meant we had a blank canvas to work with, and that we inherited ancient wildflower meadows and woodland.’ There was a strong emotional pull, too. Lisa’s great grandmother had a farmhouse in County Kerry, Ireland, and the farm had a similar feel. ‘It really felt like coming home,’ she says. ‘We didn’t have a masterplan and knew nothing about farming, but we saw a house with potential, and outbuildings that could make holiday cottages,’ says Toby. Soon the granary and cowshed were turned into accommodation decorated in a stripped-back style with environmental consciousness at its core – think self-regulating wool duvets and pillows, and organic clay paints. There was little to do in the farmhouse itself as Lisa and Toby loved it just the way it came: dark and cosy, and with all its original doors and beams. ‘We fitted new windows and gave it a lick of paint, but largely let it be,’ says Toby. Keen to bring in more space and light, the couple added an eye-catching extension. A glass walkway links the old to the new, and an arched zinc-clad roof on the upper storey holds the main bedroom, dressing room and en suite, and a lightfilled kitchen and dining area below. Downstairs, the kitchen is a bright and modern contrast to the original farmhouse, but one that sits comfortably alongside, thanks to its use of natural materials including wooden wall panels and furniture. The Smallpeices’ house has more than delivered on its promise of ‘possibilities’. As well as the holiday cottages, Lisa runs her botanical beauty business, Amly (named after one of the wildflower meadows) from here, and Toby brews beer from their own spring for his business Gun Brewery. They have planted an orchard, and Lisa holds weddings in the woods as part of her Foxtail Weddings business. ‘Now, we feel increasingly connected with the land and are outside much more than we thought we’d be.’ This is especially true in the summer when doors are flung open and children and pets roam freely. ‘The children go dipping in the river that runs along the bottom of the land,’ says Lisa. ‘In summer the wildflower meadows come into their own and reach their peak on the longest day of the year, when it’s a cacophony of sounds and smells. It’s a special time of year and such a lovely place to be.’
AT HOM E WI T H Owners Lisa Smallpeice is the co-owner of Amly Botanicals (amlybotanicals.co.uk). Her husband Toby is co-founder of Gun Brewery (gunbrewery.co.uk). Together they run holiday accommodation at Hawthbush Farm (hawthbushfarm.co.uk). They live here with their two children, Zac, 13, and Delilah, 10, two dogs – Binker, an orange roan spaniel, and Nettle, a blue roan spaniel – and three cats, Elgar, Titch and Little My. They moved here 11 years ago. House A five-bedroom former hop farm dating from around 1816, with 140 acres of land.
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THIS PLACE SO REMINDED ME ` OF MY GREAT GRANDMOTHER'S HOUSE IN COUNTY KERRY – IT WAS SUCH A STRONG SENSATION
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Living room Lisa and Toby have used colour and pattern to bring the scheme to life. Leather footstool, Laura Ashley. Cushions, Dunelm. Armchairs and rug, Lewes Antiques Centre
E A S T S U S S E X FA R M H O U S E
Snug An orange chair adds fun. Chair, John Lewis & Partners. Rug, Molly Mahon
Orchard The shepherd’s hut makes for a characterful feature in the orchard, which is planted with local heritage apple varieties
Kitchen Rattan shades suit the colour scheme. Pendant lampshade, Cox & Cox
Shepherd’s hut The hut has become an essential space for children’s sleepovers. Rug, Molly Mahon
Living room A corner sofa and rich colour scheme create a cosy feel here. Ceiling painted in I Will Not Dignify That With An Answer, Marchand Son
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E A S T S U S S E X FA R M H O U S E
Guest bedroom The king-size white cane bed enhances the period feel of the beamed space. Bed, Lewes Antiques Centre. Chair, Laura Ashley. Lamps, Molly Mahon
Main bedroom The curved room shape creates a cocooning feel, while painted wooden floorboards complement the raw wood ceiling. Velvet ottoman, Closet & Botts
Bathroom Simple pattern used in fabrics adds to the elegance here. Blind fabric, Ardingly Antiques & Collectors Fair. Falmouth bath, Cast Iron Bath Company. Selection of bath products by Amly Botanicals
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Main bedroom
ON OUR D O OR ST EP. . . Visit... ‘We love the artistic legacy of the area. Charleston (charleston.org.uk), country home of the Bloomsbury Group, is a 15-minute drive away. Farleys House (farleyshouseandgallery.co. uk), where surrealist Roland Penrose lived, is in the village.’ Shop at… ‘Lewes has great one-off shops, including Freight Household Goods (freightstore. co.uk), which makes beautifully crafted pieces for the home.’ Go for a meal at… ‘The Tasting Room, the Rathfinny Estate (rathfinnyestate.com/tasting-room), a winery near Alfriston, is a lovely place to sample its delicious wine and great British cooking.’
The wall of glass creates an incredibly light space. The Danish rocking chair was a flea market find. Similar chandelier, Pooky
E A S T S U S S E X FA R M H O U S E
LIVING THE DREAM Lisa and Toby have created a home that’s not just environmentally conscious but is ‘healthy’ too
‘It’s about reducing anything toxic or harmful – we only use healthy materials. All our furniture is solid wood and the paint is organic.’
Have you introduced any other healthy elements? ‘All the electrical cabling is encased in metal to reduce exposure to EMF (electromotive force), and there is no wi-fi. The house and holiday accommodation also have a heat recovery system and a biomass boiler.’
Has moving here enabled you to put wellness first? ‘Yes, it’s definitely easier to live like this in a rural environment.’
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Shepherd’s hut Lisa’s friend, textile artist and block printer Molly Mahon, decorated the interior of the hut in her signature bright and cheerful style. Wallpaper and rug, Molly Mahon
FEATURE CLARE GOGERTY PHOTOGRAPHS POLLY ELTES
What’s a ‘healthy’ home?
GET THE LOOK
Be inspired by LISA’S SHEPHERD’S HUT Give every space personality with printed textiles. Turmeric pattee, £95, Molly Mahon
Snooze in super-snug contentment with crumpled, stonewashed French linen. Midnight Stripe double bedtime bundle, £392, Piglet in Bed
CH&I loves... HAND-PRINTED WALLPAPER
Pop this industrial perch in any nook for a cheery touch. Lix chair in Yellow, H85xW45xD45cm, £175.73, Sklum
Spot & star wallpaper in Denim, £140 a roll, Molly Mahon
This petite warmer will suit any setting, while its innovative technology allows wood to burn cleanly. Island I stove, H61.1x W53.3xD43.2cm, £1,812, Charnwood Stoves
Let geometrics create an optical illusion on floors. Geometric kilim rug in Navy/Ivory, 200x300cm, £795, The Conran Shop Iznik wallpaper in Gold/Smoke, £25m, Rapture & Wright
CH&I
MODERN Country CLASSIC
FEATURE HOLLY PHILLIPS
Lisa’s style tip... SMALL SPACES NEED NOT BE NEUTRAL. INSTEAD, TAKE A MAXIMALIST APPROACH AND EXPERIMENT WITH PATTERN CLASHING AND COLOUR BLOCKING
Windmill in Cornflower Blue, price on request, The New Craftsmen
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A PLACE TO BLOOM After travelling the world, Betsy and Russell Haworth have put down roots in a beautiful Berkshire cottage
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B E R K S H I R E C O T TA G E
Garden The re-laid York stone now gives the garden a seamless connection to the cottage. For similar garden furniture, try Garden Trading
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Kitchen A grey island adds definition, while pendant lights create a focal point. Island in Smoke eggshell, Neptune. Pendants, Jim Lawrence
S
wapping a footloose life for a permanent home is easy when the setting is as idyllic as this Arts and Crafts cottage, with its romantic, rose-filled garden. Betsy and her husband Russell had been living and working overseas for many years when, in 2014, Russell was offered a CEO position in Oxford. ‘I’m American and Russell is British and his career has taken us all over the world, but with two young boys, Russell’s new position in the UK seemed like the perfect opportunity to put down roots,’ says Betsy. The couple settled on Berkshire, with its quintessential English villages and rural country charm, all within a stone’s throw of both Oxford and London. A charming 1930s cottage in a pretty village had been on the market for a while when the couple snapped it up. It needed someone with a clear vision to sort it out and, as Betsy and Russell both have a passion for designing, it was the perfect project for them both. Surrounded by a pretty country garden, the house consisted of two parts – the new extension and the original cottage. The extension, although home to a fabulous Neptune kitchen, was a vast empty shell that needed to be configured for family life. Equally, the old part of the house needed updating, and both spaces needed to feel more cohesive. Keen to modernise the house while honouring the building’s heritage, the couple enlisted the help of Jo Calver at Isla James Interiors. ‘I had ideas and possible > 28
COUNTRY HOMES & INTERIORS
AT HOME WITH Owners Betsy and Russell Haworth, CEO of a technology company, live with their two sons, Harrison, 11, and Nate, nine, plus Barnaby, a black shorthair cat and Fleck, a fox-red retriever. House A detached Arts and Crafts cottage built in the 1930s with five bedrooms. The couple bought the property in 2015.
B E R K S H I R E C O T TA G E
Exterior The detached cottage is set amid beautiful Berkshire countryside
WE’VE TRANSFORMED THE COTTAGE, LINKING ` THE OLD AND NEW PARTS OF THE HOUSE, CREATING WARM AND INVITING ROOMS a
Kitchen Betsy loves floral fabrics and this printed blind is an ideal way to warm up a neutral scheme. Blind in Amborella, Harlequin at Style Library
Kitchen Nothing completes a country kitchen better than a range cooker. Dove Grey range cooker, Everhot. Pale green metro tiles, Walls and Floors
Living room Stepping away from the muted tones used elsewhere, vibrant orange gives this space a cosy, homely feel. Sofas, Neptune. Rug, Crucial Trading
THE BIGGEST TRANSFORMATION TOOK PLACE ` IN THE LIVING ROOM, WHICH HAS BEEN DIVIDED INTO TWO BY POCKET DOORS a
Boot room A well designed space to store outerwear stops the hallway from becoming a dumping ground. For a similar storage solution, try The Cotswold Co
Living room Using the same or similar fabrics for curtains and cushions creates cohesion. Fabric, Lewis & Wood
B E R K S H I R E C O T TA G E
Living room French doors are a great way to make the garden feel more like a part of the home. Curtain and cushion fabric, Lewis & Wood
design scenarios in mind, but I wanted someone to help me think through the choices I was making,’ says Betsy. ‘Jo and I immediately connected; she understood my aesthetic and we had great fun brainstorming.’ The existing extension needed to be reconfigured to suit the Haworths. As Betsy loves to cook and entertain, the layout was divided into three zones – a kitchen area with an island, a living area with comfy sofas and a dining area in front of the French doors. The cabinetry was repositioned to better fit the space and to allow for updated appliances to be installed. Jo arranged the lighting to reflect the three new zones. ‘I’ve always loved floral linen fabrics and base most of my design choices around those,’ says Betsy. ‘Jo helped me decide on paint colours – a muted palette that also reflected the cottage’s quiet and beautiful surroundings.’ The cabinetry was resprayed and the colours used were referenced throughout the rest of the room to tie in the three zones. A boot room was then added to an unused hallway off the kitchen. ‘This helped to link the old part of the cottage to the new and is now an integral part of our family home, storing wellies, coats and the children’s sports gear.’ In the older part of the cottage, a formal dining room has been reinstated, exposing the original oak herringbone flooring, while an inherited dining >
Hallway Although bare wooden stairs look good, carpet acts as a sound buffer – a big plus in homes with young children. Carpet, Alternative Flooring
LIVING THE DREAM Betsy and Russell created an idyllic country garden full of traditional flowers – a perfect setting for their Arts and Crafts cottage
How was it before? ‘The garden had a few beautiful old trees, large shrubs and a nice lawn area, which was a good starting point, but there were no traditional flower beds and I felt the house needed to be linked better to the surrounding space.’
What did you change? ‘I started by digging out all the beds and planting boxwood balls and roses. Then, the old York stone paths around the house were re-laid to reflect how we would use the house, creating links between the patios.’
And now? ‘I love spending time there. The traditional beds and garden are blooming with roses, peonies, delphiniums, dahlias and lavender.’
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B E R K S H I R E C O T TA G E
Main bedroom An upholstered bedhead adds a touch of luxury to this elegant bedroom. For a similar radiator, try Best Heating
ON OUR DOORSTEP Visit ... ‘The Bell Inn (01635 578272) in Aldworth is a quintessentially English country pub that has been in the same family for 250 years. With roaring fires and great beer, it’s a welcoming stop after a long country ramble.’ Shop at ... ‘Vicars Game, Butchers & Farm shop (vicarsgame.co.uk) in Ashampstead is an award-winning butcher selling local produce.’
Go for a meal at ... ‘The Royal Oak (royaloakyattendon.co.uk) in Yattendon serves delicious, simple, Michelin-rated food and award-winning ales in the prettiest of surroundings.’
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table takes centre stage. The main bedroom has been renovated with an en suite in place of a built-in wardrobe and an unused landing converted into a dressing room, which makes much better use of the space. The biggest transformation took place in the living room – a vast, long room at the far end of the house. ‘It was really hard to create any sense of cosiness as it was so open,’ says Betsy. A family friend suggested splitting the room into two more functional rooms. Betsy, Jo and carpenter Jason Tonge came up with a plan. ‘Based on some elements we’d seen in a hotel, coupled with Jo’s beautiful designs, we ended up dividing the room with two large bookcases on either side, which held hidden pocket doors that allowed us to define the two rooms – one is our family room and the other is a media room.’ The overall results have been game-changing for the Haworths. ‘We’ve completely transformed the cottage, linking the old and new parts of the house, creating warm and inviting rooms with useful defined spaces that work so well for us now and feel like they’ve been there forever. The changes look traditional and true to the house and I love walking around seeing all of the gorgeous fabrics and fittings – all of our hard work has paid off. I feel we’ve made our English country cottage the best it could possibly be. It’s a wonderful place to be able to call home.’
Nate’s bedroom
En suite
A vintage-style trunk brings character to this white country scheme. For a similar toy chest, try Etsy
This bathroom has been designed in keeping with the calm colour palette of the main bedroom. Tiles, Minoli. Basin, Grant & Stone
A PALETTE OF MUTED PAINT COLOURS TO ` I CHOSE REFLECT OUR BEAUTIFUL SURROUNDINGS a
Main bedroom
Bathroom
By picking out the blue of the curtains in other accessories, Betsy has brought the scheme together. Similar art, Juniqe
Wall art is often overlooked in a bathroom, but can really elevate a scheme. For whale wall art, try Party Animal Print
GET THE LOOK
Be inspired by BETSY’S OUTDOOR TERRACE Provide a captivating focal point. Barrington firepit, £160, Garden Trading
Pretty-up the sofa with water-resistant textiles. Cushion, £49, Beliani
Wrap around bare shoulders. Diamond blanket in Coral, £45, Weaver Green
CH&I loves...
Enjoy alfresco afternoon tea poured from striking glazeware. Heritage flagstone teapot, £65, Denby
RUSTIC STONE PAVING
Scoutmoor Yorkstone in Rustic, £180sq m, Marshalls
CH&I
MODERN Country CLASSIC Natural fossestone in Orchard, £84.14sq m, Travis Perkins
Configure the perfect garden lounge with an L-shaped arrangement. Tosca modular sofa set, £1,395, Alexander Francis
MIRROR THE COLOUR PALETTE OF FLOWERS THROUGHOUT YOUR OUTDOOR ACCESSORIES TO SEAMLESSLY BLEND NATURE WITH HOMELY COMFORTS 34
COUNTRY HOMES & INTERIORS
Display plants in sunbaked fashion. Florence pot, from £16, Patch
Icaria Plus Ocre, £29.95sq m, Walls and Floors
FEATURE HOLLY PHILLIPS
Betsy’s style tip...
Holloways CONTEMPORARY COUNTRY LIVING Shop our stunning collections online www.holloways.co.uk
Showrooms at Lower Court, Suckley, Worcestershire, WR6 5DE
01886 884665
N O R F O L K C O T TA G E
THE FLINT HOUSE On a remote stretch of the Norfolk coast, Vicky White and her husband Chris Ling have turned a neglected period cottage into a stunning retreat
Kitchen diner Vicky has added definition to the airy, white-painted space with grey furniture and pendant lights. Table and chairs, Coach House. Pendant lights, Garden Trading. Dijon tumbled limestone flooring, Mandarin Stone COUNTRY HOMES & INTERIORS 37
Kitchen Rustic wooden beams and an exposed flint wall reveal the cottage’s roots. Longford cabinetry; island in Brogue with Black Anticato granite surface, Humphrey Munson. Bianco Drift perimeter worksurface, Caesarstone
N O R F O L K C O T TA G E
Kitchen diner White walls have an easygoing coastal feel. Walls in Pure Brilliant White matt emulsion, Dulux. Table and chairs, Coach House
Living room A palette of soft blues and sandy tones mirrors the coastal setting. Walls in Porcelain by Paint & Paper Library. Floorboards in Shaded White, Farrow & Ball. Blind in Ticking Stripe fabric, Ian Mankin
V
icky White and Chris Ling have a longstanding affinity with north Norfolk – it’s where they got engaged and where they’ve spent many holidays and weekends with family. So when they decided to buy a holiday home, there was no debate about where to look. Finding a suitable property proved to be much harder than anticipated, however. After two purchases fell through, Vicky widened their search area, which was when Eden Hall Cottage popped up. On the north eastern shoreline, its location wasn’t known to the couple. But, one wet grey day in November 2016, they decided to view the house. ‘It was horrendous,’ says Vicky. ‘It was rundown and neglected, there was rubbish everywhere and evidence of mice and rats. I didn’t want to touch anything to start with, but the longer we spent in the house, the more I felt it had good bones.’ The couple could see there were plenty of original features, such as the brick fireplace, crying out to be restored to their former glory. But what really impressed Vicky was the size of the property. ‘It doesn’t look that big from outside but once inside the door, it’s huge,’ she says. After a walk on the local beach at Bacton, they were hooked on the area, too. ‘I was in no doubt what a large project we’d taken on, but we felt it was the right place for us,’ says Vicky. Altogether, it took the best part of a year to transform the cottage into the beautiful home it is today, and the
AT HOME WITH Owners Vicky White runs home and lifestyle brand Plum & Ashby and her husband, Chris Ling, is a wealth manager. Their son, Rupert, is 11 months old and they have a wirehaired fox terrier called Bertie. House A five-bedroom cottage in a rural village in Norfolk, bought in May 2017. The huge restoration project finished in July 2018.
COUNTRY HOMES & INTERIORS 39
I WAS IN NO DOUBT ABOUT WHAT ` A BIG PROJECT WE’D TAKEN ON BUT WE FELT IT WAS THE RIGHT PLACE FOR US a
Living room Squishy oversized linen sofas with washable covers are practical and informal. Walls in Porcelain by Paint & Paper Library. Oars, Ardingly Antiques Fair. Isaac sofas in Rockpool Linen, Sofa.com
N O R F O L K C O T TA G E
Patio This is the perfect spot for alfresco dining. Exterior woodwork in Lamp Room Gray, Farrow & Ball. Bistro chairs, Garden Trading. Zinc table, Ardingly Antiques Fair
project wasn’t without its challenges. ‘At one point, we just had a shell consisting of the outside walls and the roof,’ says Vicky. ‘Unfortunately, the builders discovered all the joists were completely rotten beyond repair.’ The builders had to take out the whole of the first floor, all the internal walls upstairs and the upstairs ceiling. Although this was a huge job that Vicky and Chris hadn’t planned or budgeted for, it meant the upstairs could be reconfigured to create three bedrooms (one en suite) with high, vaulted ceilings and exposed wooden beams, and a family bathroom. Downstairs, the kitchen-diner sits at the heart of the house. Originally three small rooms, it was knocked into one large space. The Longford kitchen was designed by Humphrey Munson and includes plenty of period-style features such as the Villeroy and Boch sink, marble worktops, antique-style taps and custom-made cabinets. A section of the original flint wall in the space was left exposed to add texture and bring some of the Norfolk exterior inside. ‘When we’re all here we have lovely meals around the table – it’s just a large, light and airy space that feels really easy to be in,’ says Vicky. Vicky was keen to create a vibe throughout the cottage that hinted at their coastal location but didn’t overpower it. ‘I wanted a beach feel, but I wanted it to be modern and understated,’ she says. The Boat Yard bedroom, off
LIVING THE DREAM Vicky and Chris’s coastal bolthole gives them a connection with nature and a sense of wellbeing
What made you buy a holiday home by the sea? ‘We both have wonderful memories of seaside holidays as children and wanted a special place of our own close to a beach, where friends and family could come to relax with us.’
Why did you pick Norfolk? ‘The beaches are just amazing and we love the flat landscape and the big expansive skies. It’s beautiful, the air is fresh and it makes us feel calm and closer to nature.’
How has being here inspired you? ‘People selling samphire from their front gardens near the cottage inspired us to create Plum & Ashby’s best-selling Seaweed & Samphire range. The invigorating, aromatic smell always reminds us of this place.’
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N O R F O L K C O T TA G E
Bedroom Soft pink hues inject warmth. Headboard, Decur, covered with fabric by Susie Watson Designs. Striped rug, Linum. Bedside table, Ardingly Antiques Fair. Pink throw, Ikea. Cushions, all Also Home
Bedroom Natural shades create a calming scheme. Cushion, Also Home. Chest of drawers, Ardingly Antiques Fair. Rug, Ikea. Mirror, Coach House. Woodwork in Lamp Room Gray, Farrow & Ball
the kitchen-diner, epitomises Vicky’s signature style. The four-poster, palette of neutral shades and striped cushions evoke a sense of calm and serenity. ‘The previous owner kept his boat in this room and when I found a sign in a local boat yard I knew it was perfect for the entrance to the bedroom,’ she says. The oars on the living room wall, striped blinds and throws, mix of textures and weathered-effect floorboards add to the subtle coastal theme. ‘We love spending time here in the summer with our families,’ says Vicky. ‘The beach is just five minutes away and we have a nice outside space at the cottage for entertaining. There are lots of children and dogs in our families and, while we wanted lovely interiors, we also wanted them to be practical spaces, so we wouldn’t be worrying about ruining the decor.’ Vicky and Chris rent the cottage out and have also hosted lifestyle brands for photo shoots. These mostly take place during the week and this frees the cottage up at weekends, which has meant many more short breaks for the couple and their families. ‘Eden Hall Cottage is the perfect place we can escape to with the people we love,’ says Vicky. ‘That was our plan at the start and I really think we’ve achieved it.’ To rent Eden Hall Cottage, see edenhallnorfolk.co.uk or to book for a shoot, visit lightlocations.com
Bedroom The sign is a nod to the previous owner, who used this room to store his boat. Striped pillows and throw, Also Home
ON OUR DOORSTEP Visit... ‘The gorgeous gardens at East Ruston Old Vicarage Gardens (e-ruston-oldvicaragegardens.co.uk) for a good stroll. We also love heading along the coast from Bacton to Cart Gap Beach. It’s a lovely, unspoilt sandy beach and rarely busy.’
Shop at... ‘Marshes & Flint (marshesandflint.co.uk) in North Creake is a treasure trove of beautifully designed toys, books and clothes for children. Another place I spend a lot of time at is Holt Antiques (holtantiquesandinteriors.co.uk). I’ve bought quite a lot of pieces for the house from here.’ Go for a meal at... ‘The first time we viewed the cottage, we stayed at a 14th-century coaching inn nearby called The Ingham Swan (theinghamswan.co.uk). We decided then that if this was going to be our local, we’d have to buy the house!
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N O R F O L K C O T TA G E
Bedroom The contemporary four poster makes a statement and keeps the scheme light. Beaumont fourposter bed, The White Company. Wall lights, Garden Trading
Bathroom Courtyard gate
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A wooden gate leads to what was originally the front door of the house. Exterior woodwork in Lamp Room Gray, Farrow & Ball.
Deep grey panelling creates a dramatic backdrop for the bath. Roll-top bath, House of Enki. Mirrors, both Coach House. Panelling in Plummett; floorboards in Shaded White, both Farrow & Ball
FEATURE ANNA PATTENDEN PHOTOGRAPHS POLLY ELTES
THERE ARE LOTS OF CHILDREN AND DOGS IN OUR ` FAMILIES AND, WHILE WE WANTED LOVELY INTERIORS, WE WANTED THEM TO BE PRACTICAL SPACES, TOO a
GET THE LOOK
Be inspired by VICKY’S SITTING ROOM A chunky, rustic vessel with a chalky finish. Distressed ceramic jug, H25xW22x D18cm, £27, Sue Parkinson
Flip open your favourite book beneath the glow of this easily adjustable lamp arm and head. Ranarp floor/reading lamp in Off-White, H153xL76xW28cm, £50, Ikea
This linen softie is inspired by vintage grain sacks. Grain stripe cushion in Nordic Indigo, 40x40cm, £40, Ian Mankin
CH&I loves... CONTEMPORARY COASTAL FABRIC
Pop this finelywoven plain layer beneath your coffee table for a subtle floor feature. Cullingworth rug in Oatmeal, 170x240cm, £380, Neptune
Vicky’s style tip... MIX MARINE-INSPIRED HUES WITH WARM NEUTRALS AND NATURAL TEXTILES FOR A CALMING, TIMELESS SCHEME
Seahorse in Cornish Blue on Off-White, £33m, Cream Cornwall
CH&I
FEATURE HOLLY PHILLIPS
MODERN Country CLASSIC
Use this versatile graband-go design indoors or out, anywhere from sofa-side to beach picnics. Rive Droite bistro tray table in Charcoal, H52xW46cm, £25, Garden Trading
Astrid stripe in Riviera and White on natural linen, £56m, Zoe Glencross
Curved arms, a high back and turned legs make this an ideal relax-and-recline spot. Miss Daisy armchair in Miller Chicory, H91xW78xD101cm, £1,039, Sofa Workshop Boardwalk in Sky Blue, £58m, Skimming Stones
COUNTRY HOMES & INTERIORS
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G L O U C E S T E R S H I R E C O T TA G E
ORIGINAL STYLE Antiques dealers Archie and Caddy Mackie worked with the nooks and crannies of their Cotswold cottage to create a family home
Living room French grape harvest buckets (used as log stores) flank a woodburner in the inglenook fireplace. Vintage portrait, Medium Room
Exterior Archie and Caddy’s 17th-century cottage was probably once two separate farm workers’ dwellings
C
addy and Archie Mackie have to remind taller visitors to watch out for the low beams that run through their 17th-century Cotswold cottage. They both learned a long time ago (in Archie’s case, the hard way) to duck or stoop at regular intervals. But they both agree that it’s a small price to pay for living in a home that’s so full of character. The couple moved to this village home 12 years ago from London, choosing to return to the countryside to bring up their family, Sicily, Alfie and baby Otis. Their Grade II-listed home couldn’t be more quintessentially Cotswold, with roses around the front door and a flagstoned kitchen with a back door that’s often left open to the secluded garden. ‘At this time of year, fledglings from nests around the garden sometimes hop into the kitchen by mistake. Sicily has got very good at gently ushering them back out,’ says Caddy with a smile. The process of decorating and furnishing their cottage presented Caddy and Archie with something of a personal challenge. They run Original House, specialising in large-scale restored antiques that tend to make equally big statements – think antique French shop counters, huge railway station mirrors and super-sized factory work benches with a unique patina. They often supply such centrepieces to interior designers and highend hotels run by Soho House and The Lucky Onion. ‘But
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AT HOME WITH Owners Caddy and Archie Mackie, who run antiques and vintage business Original House (original-house.co.uk), live here with their children Sicily, 10, Alfie, eight, and baby Otis.
House A 17th century Grade IIlisted cottage in Gloucestershire with three bedrooms. They bought it in 2008.
G L O U C E S T E R S H I R E C O T TA G E
Living room
Kitchen
A vintage painting and an industrial chest sourced by Archie add character to the 17th-century space. Upcycled bobbin lamp base, Original House. Similar shade, Pooky
A round antique table saves on space and works for family life. Vintage portrait, Medium Room
AT THIS TIME OF YEAR, FLEDGLINGS ` FROM NESTS IN THE GARDEN SOMETIMES HOP INTO THE KITCHEN BY MISTAKE a
Living room Living room An original salt cabinet is set into the wall. Similar table lamp, Loaf
A vintage trolley acting as a coffee table works with the age of the house. Vintage trolley coffee table, Original House
Kitchen The cottage’s thick walls contain quirky nooks, like this trio by the door. Antique Spanish table, Original House. Blind in Honey Bees, Barneby Gates
when we bought this cottage, we realised that Archie would need to start seeking out more petite pieces for us as well,’ Caddy says. Archie often travels to antiques fairs and outdoor markets in Europe, so favourite smaller-scale finds began to make their way back to their Gloucestershire home. They include a weathered chest of drawers in the living room, which contains ‘all the kit of family life’. Then there are two French grape harvest baskets that serve as log stores and sit perfectly inside the inglenook fireplace. Their coffee table was once a trolley that trundled goods around a Birmingham steelworks and, in the living room corner, a 1930s English railway clock still keeps excellent time. Archie also has a keen eye for quirkier vintage toys, including a homemade wooden truck and a well-loved scooter, both of which now live in their son Alfie’s attic bedroom. ‘If Archie finds something that we both love and that fits in our home, I try to hang onto it,’ says Caddy. ‘But one or two things have been known to disappear if a special client spots them – it’s an occupational hazard.’ Archie began his career working at the London reclamation emporium LASSCO, learning the trade before setting up Original House Antiques, which is run from a nearby barn showroom. ‘I have a very rural, idyllic “commute” to work,’ he says. His job often involves 50
COUNTRY HOMES & INTERIORS
LIVING THE DREAM Archie and Caddy Mackie are experts at sourcing from antiques fairs and markets
Your antique hotspots? ‘Our favourite fairs in the UK include Newark and Shepton Mallet (iacf.co.uk). It’s essential to get through the gates as soon as possible, so we often drive up the night before and stay in a local pub.’
Any essentials to take? ‘In the winter, a decent torch, otherwise you might as well stay in bed. Speed is of the essence as the best things get snapped up very quickly.’
Do you haggle? ‘I don’t think I have ever paid the asking price – I love a good haggle and it’s all part of the process and a quick way to build up a relationship with a dealer. So haggle, but don’t take the mickey. Remember, the dealers have spent months collecting pieces from all over Europe.’
G L O U C E S T E R S H I R E C O T TA G E
Kitchen The encaustic tiles are reclaimed and the worktops are former school science lab counters. Similar tiles, Bahya. Similar flagstones, Mandarin Stone
G L O U C E S T E R S H I R E C O T TA G E
Main bedroom The pink walls and neutral curtains create a gentle mood. Walls in Setting Plaster by Farrow & Ball. Cabinet, vintage Spanish. Curtain fabric, Penny Morrison. Ceramic bowl, Birdie Fortescue
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ON OUR DOORSTEP Visit ... ‘We love to walk on Minchinhampton Common, south of Stroud. It’s perfect for the kids to run around and is a haven for butterflies and wildflowers.’ Shop at ... ‘Etalage (etalage. co.uk) is based in an old barn near our own showroom and specialises in sets of antique paintings and prints. They always find really interesting pieces so are the perfect starting point if you want to create a fantastic gallery wall.’ Go for a meal at ... ‘Our favourite local is The Stump (thestump.co.uk), on the Roman road the Fosse Way. It’s recently been restored and serves up delicious pizza and pasta in a fresh yet traditional interior.’
FEATURE JO LEEVERS PHOTOGRAPHS EMMA LEWIS
gently restoring and reconditioning some of his antique finds, so he’s adept at giving salvaged items a new life. For example, he has upcycled 1950s bobbins from a textile mill and vintage glass flagons as lamp bases. Then there are items that the couple love for their texture, colour and aged beauty, such as French confit pots and a milliner’s wooden bust. The house also came with its own characterful nooks and crannies. An old salt cabinet that is set into the wall by the fireplace, which was once used to keep ingredients dry, is now a handy place to hide away odds and ends. Three neat cavities are set into the kitchen wall (their original purpose unknown) and in every room, windowsills and seats are up to a foot deep. To suit the character of their cottage, Caddy and Archie bought several pieces of vintage art from fellow Cotswold dealer, Medium Room. But in the main bedroom, two contemporary artworks add a quieter presence. They are delicately formed pieces of found cuttlefish created by Archie’s brother, the artist Alastair Mackie. To take the edge off some of the rough textures of the vintage pieces, Caddy chose gentle paint shades for the house, from palest greens to a soft pink. She also sought out prettily patterned fabrics by Penny Morrison and handmade lamp shades by Rosi De Ruig. ‘It’s all about finding balance,’ she adds.
Bathroom
Alfie’s bedroom
Faux panelling makes a subtle feature wall in the family bathroom. Walls in Pigeon by Farrow & Ball. Wall light, Original BTC. Blind fabric, Penny Morrison
A traditional gym mat makes a cool play area under the eaves. Vintage scooter; pendant light; gym mat, all Original House
IF ARCHIE FINDS SOMETHING THAT WE ` BOTH LOVE AND THAT FITS IN OUR HOME, I TRY TO HANG ON TO IT a
Alfie’s bedroom A cute, quirky wallpaper brightens up this space in the eaves. Wallpaper, PaperBoy Wallpaper. Vintage pendant light; chest; lamp base, all Original House
GET THE LOOK
Be inspired by CADDY’S BEDROOM Hang this elegant design vertically or horizontally to add grace to any space. Phaedra mirror in Vintage Blue, H67x W57cm, £125, Oka
A slim and simple silhouette in a fresh, clean hue. Trend bedside cabinet in White, H70xW46xD35cm, £59, Noa & Nani
Dress windows with an ornate design in a two-tone pattern. Rama linen fabric in Duck Egg, £147.66M, Penny Morrison
Colourful markings turn bedside illuminations into works of art! Marbled paper lampshade in Green, H30cm, £55, Munro and Kerr
CH&I loves… DUSTY PINK PAINTS CH&I
MODERN Country CLASSIC
FEATURE HOLLY PHILLIPS
Drift off dreamily in an antiqueinspired sleeping beauty. Melrose double bed, 122x 183cm, £399, The Original Bed Co
Curl up in stylish comfort with weaves in soft neutrals... Misty waffle throw in Grey, 127x210cm, £45, Wallace Cotton at Wolf & Badger
Caddy’s style tip... A SOOTHING PALETTE ALLOWS FEATURE PIECES OF FURNITURE AND SCULPTURAL ARTWORK TO LIVE IN HARMONY WHILE CREATING A RELAXED MOOD
Bring rustic charm to a boudoir with authentic, Provence-sourced textiles... Blue Stripe linen hemp grain sack oblong cushion, 50x27cm, £28, Maison Brocante
Pride of The Summer matt, £28.50 for 2.5ltr, Isle of Skye Paint Company
Setting Plaster estate emulsion, £47.95 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball
Peach Juice matt emulsion, £45 for 2.5ltr, Claybrook
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& INTERIORS
Gorgeous houses, we want you…
If you’d like your home to be considered for a feature in Country Homes & Interiors, send some photos and tell us all about it at countryhomes@ti-media.com
We’d love to come on over!
RURAL HOTSPOT
LET’S MOVE TO
Ledbury FOR CULTURE BY THE CARTLOAD AND CHARMINGLY WONKY ARCHITECTURE
W
hile Ledbury’s clock tower marks the hours, it’s easy to feel time has stopped in the cobbled back lanes of this small Herefordshire town, where Tudor buildings lean in so close they almost touch. The tower was built in 1895 in memory of poet Elizabeth Barrett Browning – one of many local literary associations.
Thankfully, several iconic buildings survived the Battle of Ledbury in 1645
IN THE ESTATE AGENT’S WINDOW
FEATURE SOPHIE GALE PHOTOGRAPHS ALAMY STOCK PHOTO, PUGHS ESTATE AGENT
Over the past 40 years, the town’s population has tripled in size – to about 10,000 – and it’s set to increase by at least a third more under current housing proposals. The market remains a competitive one, but developments in Hawk Rise and New Mills make prospects better for newcomers than in recent years. For traditional residences, head to The Homend, The Southend and Bank Crescent areas. Expect to pay £180,000 for a two-bed town house, £400,000 for a detached four-bed, and upwards of £800,000 for something more mansion like. BUTCHERS, BAKERS & COFFEE MAKERS Tourism keeps the
economy ticking over, sustaining independent shops and keeping chains at bay. But it’s a working town, too, with butchers, bakeries and weekly markets busy year round. The Fairy Door Trail, which involves miniature doors hidden around town for children to discover, was started by storyteller Cath Gardner in 2014 and keeps kids happily occupied on days out.
while Ledbury and Bromesberrow follow closely behind with ‘Good’. Most local children then head to John Masefield High School, which is also rated ‘Good’. GET AROUND
there’s youthful spirit, too – as one resident states: ‘There’s quite a bohemian, relaxed vibe, with a wealth of artistic talent.’ The yearly poetry festival – the UK’s largest – does the town proud, with The Handmaid’s Tale author Margaret Atwood in attendance last year. SCHOOLS
Three high-flying primaries are rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted – Much Marcle, Bosbury and Eastnor,
Hereford is half an hour away, and Worcester is not much further. The M50 can be reached in 10 minutes for access to the M5. Ledbury train station also runs direct services to both Paddington and Oxford. IN THE AREA
Coneygree Wood is an ancient woodland that connects Ledbury with Eastnor, with a glade known locally as the Fairy Glen – the perfect spot for a picnic on a summer’s day.
Dream homes in Ledbury
COUNTRY LIFE & CULTURE
A high proportion of recently retired folk ensures a flourishing volunteer scene, perhaps best exemplified in Ledbury Amateur Dramatic Society, which has operated out of The Market Theatre for 40 years. But
GOOD AS NEW
TRADITIONAL TOUCH
STARTER HOME
This detached four-bed home comes with a sevenyear builder’s warranty still remaining, plus courtyard garden and air-source heating. Offers over £325K.
With an Aga, a Victorianstyle bath and plenty of outbuildings, this five-bed property has heaps of character and potential for its £850,000 price tag.
A two-bed semi with rear garden and off-street parking is much more spacious than you’d expect and is within easy reach of town. All for £235,000. COUNTRY HOMES & INTERIORS
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MY COUNTRY BUSINESS
`We create luxury goods from old fire hoses and donate half our profitsa
FOUNDERS KRESSE WESLING AND JAMES HENRIT, ELVIS & KRESSE
T
here is a palpable sense of energy surrounding Kresse Wesling and James Henrit (aka Elvis), founders of Elvis & Kresse, a premium brand that has sustainability at its core. ‘The idea behind the business was never about creating luxury products, it was simply a way to rescue damaged and decommissioned fire hoses,’ says Kresse. ‘We take materials destined for landfill, transform them into new valued items, then donate 50 per cent of our profits to charity.’ Kresse was in her twenties when she set up a previous company, making biodegradable packaging. Then in 2005, she visited London Fire Brigade and discovered that more than three tonnes of retired fire hoses were going to landfill annually. ‘I was profoundly moved by the fire brigade’s efforts to maintain and repair the damaged hoses. So much love poured into this valuable asset – landfill seemed such a devastating end for the equipment after 25 years of heroic service. The rubber is tactile, durable and beautiful. We felt compelled to find new uses for it.’ After several unsuccessful prototypes, Elvis unexpectedly broke his belt and carved an emergency replacement from the hose – a
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COUNTRY HOMES & INTERIORS
design that intuitively felt right. Approached by Live Earth, a benefit concert dedicated to combatting climate change, the couple committed to sell 500 belts at one of the events. After they sold out, the idea for a utilitarian Elvis & Kresse range was born. Tonge Mill, their 19th-century water mill in Kent, is now home, design workshop and head office for their fast-growing company. ‘When I was 11 years old, my grandmother told me: if you are capable, you are responsible,’ says Kresse. ‘Her words continue to resonate, and our work and lives are shaped by a desire to protect our environment and give back. We’re consciously doing more good and being part of a community that creates responsible solutions that make a difference to our planet. We have received amazing support from both the fire service and The Fire Fighters Charity. They supply us with free, decommissioned hoses and in return, our donations help over 66,000 people in the fire service, plus their families. It is very humbling.’ The belts quickly grew into a range of bags, wallets, phone cases, notebooks, accessories and home goods – luxury items, with practical, everyday appeal. ‘Elvis left his project >
The founders of Elvis & Kresse are on a mission to find new uses for the millions of tonnes of reusable materials that are thrown away each year
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What we love most... EVERY DAY WE ARE BUILDING OUR DONATIONS `POT AND DOING IMPORTANT ENVIRONMENTAL WORK IN AN ETHICAL AND PIONEERING WAY a management role and began making prototypes, perfecting designs and sourcing factory production.’ Sales of the belts then funded an initial 800 bags, launched in 2008. ‘We lost money in year one, but have since grown 100-fold, donating £70,000 last year alone and repurposing more than 200 tonnes of material, mainly London fire hoses. We avoid creating anything on-trend or seasonal – longevity is key. When the hose arrives, years of soot and grease are cleaned away and then its’s prepped and cut for production.’ In 2017, Elvis & Kresse began a five-year partnership with the Burberry Foundation, enabling a further 120 tonnes of seemingly
The stylish Gladstone bag is made from a combination of scrap leather and decommissioned fire hoses
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COUNTRY HOMES & INTERIORS
unusable leather scraps to be repurposed and the company’s charitable donations to be increased to include creating scholarships for female solar engineers with Barefoot College. ‘From the leather scraps, we designed three hand-cut interlocking shapes that link together to create new hides for rugs, pouffes and bags.’ Eighty percent of the company’s range is now sold from its website, but you can also find its products in boutiques, as well as at online store The Room Service. ‘We want to deliver a circular economy, but without impacting quality, brand loyalty or design,’ says Kresse. Every touchpoint of the business utilises waste products – the business cards are made from air-traffic control flight strips, the bags are lined with redundant parachutes and auction banners, and the packaging is made from coffee and tea sacks, shoe boxes and printing blankets. Pivotal to the couple’s success is their macro- and micro-management skills. ‘Elvis focuses on design, production and logistics; I am centred on big ideas, waste sourcing, industry and government,’ says Kresse. ‘Together, we are also building an apprenticeship scheme to train more highly skilled UK craft and design talent.’ So what’s next? ‘We are working on an 18-month, open-sourced project to design, build and test the technology for a smallscale forge, powered by renewable energy, that challenges the current apathy within the industrial recycling system. It will rescue and repurpose billions of aluminium cans that are currently not being recycled. The technology will be gifted to humanity – a global solution that can be built by anyone, anywhere, using around £500 worth of easy-access materials,’ says Kresse. At just 43, already recognised with an MBE, numerous prestigious awards and invitations to take part in high-profile think tanks, you can’t help but feel this couple are just at the start of their journey. elvisandkresse.com
MY COUNTRY BUSINESS
The couple offers a lifetime repair service ensuring the old fire hoses live on and on
Scraps from the leather industry are stored at the mill waiting to be given a new lease of life
Each piece is made by hand
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ON MY DOORSTEP... Visit…‘Whitstable Beach. We head there pretty much once a week for a long walk with our dog, Monty. In the summer we swim; in the winter we get blown away. We love it every time.’ Shop at… ‘Macknade Fine Foods (macknade. com) in Faversham has the best local seasonal ingredients and a fantastic unpackaged section.’
Go for a meal at... ‘The Three Mariners (thethreemarinersoare. co.uk) in Oare has lovely food, a great atmosphere and is Monty friendly.’
The couple lovingly restored the 19thcentury watermill using reclaimed and upcycled materials
MY COUNTRY BUSINESS
SMALL BUSINESS ADVICE
HOW TO TURN YOUR BRAND INTO A SOCIAL ENTERPRISE FOLLOW THESE TIPS TO START PUTTING YOUR PROFITS TO GOOD USE
‘I think of business as a means to achieving good things. Old-school, money-focused 1980s entrepreneurs were never aspirational,’ says Kresse. ‘To me, the world has let itself down and we don’t behave well enough. Life and work should be joyous – giving back and making a difference is all part of affecting change for good.’ Most traditional businesses measure their success by the bottom line. Elvis & Kresse has two additional measures: how much waste is diverted from landfill and how much money is given to charities.
FEATURE ALI HEATH PHOTOGRAPHS ALUN CALLENDER
DRIVE VALUABLE GOODWILL Elvis & Kresse decided to donate 50 per cent of its profits to the providers of its waste products – a philanthropic gesture that has also proved a discerning business move, generating priceless goodwill and encouraging partner relationships with suppliers. BE CONSCIOUS Customers are increasingly looking for transparency. Ethical brands that support sustainability and ethical
practices are on the radar of planet conscious customers. When a business lives up to their sustainable expectations, loyalty can be lifelong. Mediocre is no longer enough. FOCUS ON INVESTMENT ‘There is a lot of investment pouring into large-scale green infrastructure, but investment is needed in small-scale distributed projects that encourage people to participate,’ says Kresse. ‘By gifting the technology on Project Solar Forge, we are encouraging communities to get involved and use what they have. The offers of help pouring in from engineers, scientists, teachers, pupils, philanthropists and industry professionals is overwhelming. We only have 10 years to save the planet, so we need to get this right.’ SPEAK TO SOCIAL ENTERPRISE UK ‘When we started Elvis & Kresse we were really lucky to get involved with Social Enterprise UK (socialenterprise. org.uk) and spent time with a range of businesses, from those starting out to
those generating more than £10 million, all giving at least 50 per cent of their profits to charity.’ In the UK there are an estimated 100,000 SEUK businesses generating over £60 billion a year – think The Big Issue, Divine Chocolate, Cafédirect coffee, the Eden Project and the Co-op. By selling goods and services in the open market, social enterprises reinvest the money they make back into their business or the local community, allowing them to tackle social problems, improve people’s life chances, support communities and help the environment. AIM TO BE A CERTIFIED B-CORP ‘We became one of the first UK businesses to certify in 2015,’ says Kresse. ‘Certified companies don’t necessarily have to give 50 per cent back, but they must meet the highest standards of verified social and environmental performance, public transparency and legal accountability to balance profit and purpose. It is an amazing community of leaders using business as a force for good. Regenerative practices are the future.’ Visit, bcorporation.uk
The one lesson we’ve learnt... WE WILL NEVER STOP LEARNING. WE CAN ` ALWAYS DO MORE, WE CAN ALWAYS DO IT BETTER AND WE MUST ALWAYS STAY CURIOUS a COUNTRY HOMES & INTERIORS
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SHOPPING TREND
CH&I loves... PAINTERLY EFFECTS Brushstrokes, splatters and flicks of colour bring freedom and creativity to this artistic look
Linear stripes are softened with ombre edges of paintbrush colour. Combine different scales of pattern for a scheme full of movement. Chair in Atelier Tabasco, from £36.72m; drape in Blend Tabasco, from £51.36m; cushion in Stipple Tabasco, from £35.52m, all Prestigious Textiles
MAKE IT COUNTRY… Impressionistic designs inspired by land- and seascapes take the look from easel and palette to country home. Look for pieces that show the hand of the artist, with a mix of broad strokes and delicate brushwork across fabrics and tableware. These patterns blend well with furniture in natural materials of wood and wicker to create an expressive, yet serene, space.
A digitally printed, abstract floral print recreates a hazy summer vibe. Partner with honeycomb hexagonals to give weight to the look. Curtain in Fleurs de Jour Travertine, £75m, Designers Guild
1 1 C U S HI O N Moody skies scatter dramatic effects over seating and beds. Mix with tactile, plain designs for contrast and depth. Stormy Heather cushion, £45, Hannah Knapton
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2 R U G Let gentle tones add warmth to floorboards with silk-like softness underfoot. Rimoldi painterly tufted rug in Soft Grey & Green, 160x230cm, £299, Made 3 P LA N TE R Fading colours draw attention in the interior greenhouse. Abuo long planter with stand, £45, Oliver Bonas
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4 S O FA Statement seating welcomes bold markings, stirred with a calming palette of pinks and greens. A matt velvet finish continues the tactile story. Wallis sofa in Velvet Aura, £2,599, Heal’s
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Understated, earthy tones and watery patterns forge a textural landscape in a bedroom retreat. Aura mural bed linen, £70 for a double set; wool throw in Burnt Orange, £80, both John Lewis & Partners
Heath, £70m; Fallow, £50m; Rye, £55m; Taiga, £75m; Whisby, £30m; Bokeh, £30m; Scene, £30m; Amble, £30m, all Villa Nova
OUR EXPERT SAYS…
THIS LOOK LOVES TO ❝ BE LAYERED. LET BRUSH STROKES, BLOTS AND STIPPLES FLOW ACROSS WALLPAPER, CUSHIONS, SHEERS AND CERAMICS HOLLY PHILLIPS, STYLE CONTENT EDITOR
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5 VA S E Tonal variations of the sea transport the magnetic allure of nature indoors. Abaya ceramic vase in Blue and White, H23cm, £18, Habitat
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6 LA N D S CA P E Use a favourite artwork as inspiration for your scheme. Winter Light, Falmouth Bay artwork, £675, Andrew Allanson at The Harbour Gallery
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7 ACC E S S O RY Around your neck or draped over a chair, a painterly scarf becomes an artistic accent. Layered tidescape scarf, £69, Anna Somerville at Covet 8 TA B LE WA R E Handpainted, abstract designs on glazed stoneware transform any tablescape into a modern masterpiece. Waitomo platter, £48; serving bowl, £48, both Anthropologie 9 LA M P S HA D E Inspired designs catch the light, with glistening metallics adding magical details. Into the Blue lampshade, £115, Hatti Pattisson
FEATURE HOLLY PHILLIPS
SHOPPING TREND
For a more subtle take on the painterly trend, stick to neutral, monochrome shades. Walls in Betula wallcovering in Dew, £85m; chairs in Bokeh in Tuscan, £30m; curtain in Taiga in Chalk, £75m, all Villa Nova
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Coast lines Sail into summer with shoreline style. Think a smarter beach vibe, with cool stripes and elegant linens
EASY BREEZY Style a chill-out space to laze away from the heat, starting with a bold, colour-blocked stripe on the wall. Cooling linens in plains, prints and lines make a stylish pattern combination.
SEASONAL DECOR
COOLER CORNER Set out summer drinks in water-inspired glassware, with softly lined linens and tableware. Terracotta vessels add a tactile surface.
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SEASONAL DECOR
Grace & favour STYLE SEASONAL PLACE SETTINGS WITH EASE, USING INDIVIDUAL NESTING EGGS, OR OFFER TAKECOASTAL SETTINGS HOME TREATS Striped bring INlinens HOMEMADE shoreline style to a summer table, along DRAWSTRING with hand-glazed pottery and platters PURSES in beachcombed textures. Add a shot of black for slick detail.
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LINEN LINES Keep tables chic with subtle colour play and effortless pattern combinations. Cool blues warm up next to wood and clay shades.
SOFT STRIPES The best beds come in dreamy dressings with draped throws, comfy pillows and, in summer, lightweight weaves. Stripes are the base of this look, but an ombre throw brings a relaxed touch.
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SEASONAL DECOR
SEA BATHING Let a coastal aesthetic into the bathroom, with simple spa buys and linear patterned towels. Pretty dried flowers have an on-trend feel.
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SEASONAL DECOR
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PAGES 72-73
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EASY BREEZY
COOLER CORNER
Walls in Stone 1 pure flat emulsion, £50 for 2.5ltr, Paint & Paper Library; Boathouse marble matt emulsion, £51 for 2.5ltr, Mylands. Sofa, £4,495, Another Country. Studio coffee table, £275, Cox & Cox. Rustic console table, £725, Home Barn. Kilda rug, £61.29, Walton & Co. Olmo bowl, £8, Habitat. Dip glaze table lamp, £225, Cox & Cox. Sisal and leather basket, £105, Nordic House. Helleborine cushion, £62, Isla Middleton. Stripe linen cushion, £30, Nordic House. Washed velvet cushion in Terracotta, £36, French Connection Home. Cushion in Astrid Stripe Pacific and White linen, £56, Zoe Glencross. Hinata vase, £25, Habitat. Flowers, from a selection at Atlas Flowers. Small basket, £39.95 for set of two, Nordic House
Libbi enamel mugs, £12 each, Rowen & Wren. Emilie napkins, £25 for four, The White Company. Blue Breeze tall tumblers, £49 for four, Nordic House. Astier De Villatte Peggy bowl on stand, £170, Liberty. Short clear glasses, £6 each, TK Maxx. Olmo bowls, £8 each, Habitat. Libbi enamel bowl, £14, Rowen & Wren. Blue Breeze pitcher, £39; short tumblers, £45 for four, both Nordic House. Stripe linen napkins, £18 for two; drip glazed terracotta tumblers, £20 for two, both Rowen & Wren. Abessa enamel dinner plate, £9.95, Nkuku. Palm leaf woven basket, £12; Libbi enamel plate, £16, both Rowen and Wren
COASTAL SETTINGS
LINEN LINES
Hampton stripe tablecloth, £38.99, Walton & Co. Linen Clay Brown table runner, £25, Habitat. Stripe linen napkins, as before. Seagrass woven place mats, £16 for two, The White Company. Olney Flax Blue side plate, £54 for six, Neptune. Enamel dinner plate, as before. Olmo light Blue dinnerware, £95 for a 12-piece set, Habitat. Libbi plates and bowl, as before. Tumbler, as before. Emilie napkin, as before. Stuart cutlery, £305 for a 36-piece set, Neptune
Similar vintage dresser; raffia bench, £185, both Design Vintage. Spindle back chairs in Carbo, £170 each, Garden Trading. Cushion in Mottram Meadow Inky and Natural linen, £59m, Zoe Glencross. Burnt Orange velvet cushion, £35, Ella James. Blue stripe linen cushion, £30, Nordic House. Spiral wall basket (on bench), £25, French Connection Home. Stripe napkins, as before. Linen Clay Brown napkins, £20 for four, Habitat. Tablecloth; runner; dinnerware, all as before. Godtagbar vase, £7, Ikea. Seagrass woven cloche, £30, The White Company
SOFT STRIPES
SEA BATHING
Rustic bench, £260, Rowen & Wren. Navy and natural basket, £50 for set of two, Cox & Cox. Blue enamel jug, £34, Falcon. Candle, from a selection at H&M Home. Organic glazed ceramic vases, from £30 each; striped Blue linen bedding, from £23 for a pillowcase, all Nordic House. Fil A Fil Blue pillowcases, £30 each, Habitat. Blue cushion, £35, Nordic House. Cushion in Slade Stripe linen, £59m, Zoe Glencross. Burnt Orange tassel cushion, £49, Ella James. Dancing Meadow Flower cushion, £62, Isla Middleton. Onyx linen dip dye throw, £65, French Connection Home
Benvy rustic stool, £140; Harpley oak bath caddy, £68, both Rowen & Wren. Washed linen dressing gown, £34.99, H&M. Big waffle wash cloth, £9.95; striped hamman towel, £27; organic waffle towel, £65; stripped make-up bag, £6, all Design Vintage. Aman Grounding Miracle Mud Mask, £75, Aman. Dried flowers, from a selection at Atlas Flowers. Enamel jug, £22; wooden nail brush, £3, both Kings Framers. Kyoto striped ceramic bowl, £4.95, Folk Interiors
FEATURE AND ART DIRECTION SARA BIRD STYLIST SELINA LAKE PHOTOGRAPHS MAX ATTENBOROUGH STYLIST ASSISTANTS SARAH PRALL, FLORA LEAHY
ALL THE DETAILS, PRODUCTS & PRICES
HOMESANDGARDENS.COM ■
Inspiring spaces
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Beautif ul product
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Fa s c i n a t i ng p e ople
SET THE SCENE Arrange garden furniture in the same way as in a living room. Start with an outdoor rug, pop a coffee table on top, then place seating around it. Be realistic about your space and measure up in advance. Wicker, rattan and cane sofas and chairs are summer classics, and work as well inside once autumn arrives.
Hayburn relaxed all weather wicker armchairs, ÂŁ630 each; Pembrey coffee table, ÂŁ600, all Neptune
Create an
OUTDOOR ROOM Make the most of the warmer weather by creating an alfresco living space that is every bit as comfortable as inside your home
MAKE A HOUSE A HOME
Summer stripe scatter cushion, £35, The White Company
INTRODUCE SOME HOME COMFORTS Treat your outside space as you would your sitting room, with the same cosy little touches. Cushions scattered on sofas, a rug laid under the coffee table, floor cushions and a crate of blankets to relax under will turn it into a home-outsideof-home. Go for seating with storage space so it can all easily be put away each evening, ready to use again the following day.
PATIO PICKS Sahara melamine salad bowl, £8, Sainsbury’s Home. Aldsworth shelf ladder, £165, Garden Trading. Ferm Living Way cushion, £85, Amara
PREPARE A COOKING CORNER Take barbecue cooking to a new level and go for an outdoor kitchen. Given the changeable weather, a fitted design may seem ambitious, so try a simpler version with off-the-shelf outdoor furniture. Hang condiments, tools and cleaning cloths from hooks and plant up pots with fresh herbs for seasoning. COUNTRY HOMES & INTERIORS
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Rusty metal hurricane lamps, from £34 each, Nordic House
BEAT THE BITES Keep mozzies at bay with a handmade citronella candle. Add fresh lemon peel and rosemary, water and a couple of drops of citronella essential oil to a jar. Stir well, then add a floating candle.
Alora garden modular corner lounge set in Grey, £799, John Lewis & Partners
THROW SOME SHADE A great alternative to an umbrella, gazebo or awning, a sun canopy not only provides a hint of shade, but also zones seating or eating areas. Drape fabric along a branch, or use wooden poles sunk into the grass and a couple of tent pins to anchor lines from the top of the poles to the ground. 80
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SUMMERTIME BLUES
Two tone parasol, £175, Cox & Cox. Pinstripe seat pad, £34 for two; pitcher, £39, both Nordic House
MAKE A HOUSE A HOME
REFLECT ON THIS… Increasing a sense of space and bouncing light in shady corners, a mirror can add a new dimension to a garden. Pop on a potting table or hang it on a wall – making sure it won’t reflect direct sun. Don’t worry if the glass becomes mottled over time; it adds a rustic feel.
OUR EXPERT SAYS…
IN LIEU OF ` AN OUTSIDE BAR, WHEEL OUT A FULLY STOCKED DRINKS TROLLEY TO SAVE TRAIPSING BACK INTO THE KITCHEN WHENEVER YOU NEED A TOP-UP TARA KING, STYLE CONTENT EDITOR
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Florence Grey mirror, £40, Dunelm
MAKE A HOUSE A HOME
TIME TO RELAX Indoor/outdoor skeleton wall clock, £80, Artisanti. Picnic blankets, £99, Tolly McRae. New Decorated Garden by Elspeth Thompson, (£12.99, Cico Books)
DINE OUT IN STYLE
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Festoon lights, £36.99, Lights4Fun
3 OF THE BEST OUTDOOR HEATERS
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1. La Hacienda Langdale clay chiminea, £159, John Lewis & Partners 2. Sarsden firepit, £230, Garden Trading 3. Genoa outdoor chiminea, £399.99, Lime Lace
FEATURE TARA KING
We love furniture that works as well out in the garden as it does inside (take a look at the great new outdoor range from Cox & Cox). Alternatively, treat wooden furniture with a waterproof sealant and you can carry it outside when you’re in the mood for some alfresco entertaining. Any sort of structure, from pergolas to garden sheds, can be glammed up with lighting – string festoon bulbs overhead to add to the cosy vibe.
LOUNGE IN COMFORT Make a statement with an outdoor hanging chair, ideal for those summer afternoon naps. Suspend from a sturdy pergola, tree branch or wooden beam, or purchase a simple frame so that it can be moved and used inside during the winter months, too. We love this crochet-style design for a chic boho vibe; layer with cushions and throws for extra comfort.
Natural hammock chair, ÂŁ145, Beaumonde
welcome to the world of
The one-stop edit of the best modern style inspiration and design ideas
LOCAL HERO
Although the shop may look small, it stocks more than 5,000 items – from organic produce to locally made artwork and gifts
`Our volunteer-run `
community shop is a village lifeline
FEATURE SOPHIE GALE
Cotswold artist Rachel McDonnell helps run her local cooperative shop, ensuring the heart of the village keeps beating It’s the unique beauty of Chalford that made it so difficult for our village shop to survive – the main high street is a quiet, narrow lane and with little passing trade, it closed in 2003. Chalford is home to about 6,500, and having no shop would have been a blow, robbing the community – especially the vulnerable – of an essential hub. It also meant the village would be clogged up with fumes as everyone took to cars just to nip out for a bottle of milk. Residents got together to keep the shop going, first on the lane, then in the village church. However, this was never meant as a permanent home, and a few years down the line, in 2013, the shop was once again in peril. That’s when I decided to join the organising committee. I was pregnant with my youngest and had a two year old in tow, but I felt I had to do something. Our ideal venue, The Advent Hall, cropped up for sale in the same year – a small, central and perfectly formed stone-built chapel. We decided to raise funds to buy it via
a share offer, with stakes as small as £10. We raised £50,000, and so with the help of a mortgage and council grants, we opened in July 2014. For a pint-sized shop we pack a lot in – 5,200 items at a recent stock take. We have shelves bursting with organic fruit and veg. There is meat from nearby farms, a milk refill machine supplied by a local dairy, and Sunday papers and croissants at the weekend. As an artist, I love the gift section, which is full of lovingly crafted, locally made items – from mugs and felting kits, to fabric noticeboards and knitted socks. Talking about the shop from an individual point of view feels a little unfaithful to its ethos. I have managed the rota for the past seven years and I also do early shifts every third Sunday, but I am just one of the nine locals who oversee and manage the store, while there are 85 people on our volunteer list. They don’t just staff the till, but also buy from suppliers, clean the shop, bank the takings and fundraise. There are also two paid administrators.
The shop is a fixture of community life – one lovely elderly gent used to come in every day and stay for a cup of tea. In wild weather, we become a lifeline and during the Beast from the East, the shop was jam-packed. Our monthly newsletter recently highlighted the collapse of one resident’s Cotswold stone wall. Offers to help rebuild it poured in. Personally, I’ve made many friends through the shop, but also a huge number of friendly acquaintances, which makes for a very cosy feeling, as you’re forever bumping into people you know as you go about your daily life around the village. People are incredibly generous with their time. Only once in a blue moon is the shop unmanned and has to close. Occasionally, some poor soul will walk in for a bottle of milk, and end up staying for two hours to run the place! But, generally speaking it’s open seven days a week and ticks by just fine. Long may it continue to muddle along so happily. chalfordshop.wordpress.com COUNTRY HOMES & INTERIORS
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GREENHOUSE IDEAS
Green & PLEASANT MAKE A SHOWPIECE OF YOUR GREENHOUSE WITH A STRUCTURE THAT SUITS YOUR PLOT AND YOUR GARDENING STYLE. FROM GREEN-FINGERED POTTERER TO EXOTIC BLOOM LOVER, GROW YOUR OWN WAY…
BLACK IS BACK Combining a charcoal frame with a brick base, the Victorian Terrace glasshouse from Hartley Botanic combines the best elements of both modern and traditional greenhouse design. ‘The cleverly proportioned structure gives the elegant, timeless look of a traditional Victorian glasshouse, but in a size that suits smaller gardens,’ says Hartley Botanic MD Tom Barry.
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The Victorian Terrace glasshouse, price on request, Hartley Botanic
GREENHOUSE IDEAS
STOW AND GROW One part shed, one part greenhouse – grow-and-store garden buildings are set to be big this year. The stylish Holt Fusion from Malvern Garden Buildings can be customised to work for your garden. The larger windows provide an attractive space to showcase your plants, while your gardening clutter and potting compost can be kept neatly out of sight.
Holt Fusion, price on request, Malvern Garden Buildings
Robinsons Reigate greenhouse, from £4,993, GBC Group
VICTORIAN VALUES Bringing Victorian glasshouse styling bang up to date, this Robinsons Reigate Victorian greenhouse features cast aluminium spandrels to strengthen the fr›amework. ‘The extra height, created by a traditional Victorian 45-degree pitch roof, gives more room for specimen plants and tall crops, such as cucumbers and tomatoes,’ says Matt Jordan, digital product manager at GBC Group. ‘It also provides better airflow and temperature regulation, which is important during the summer months when plants can be scorched.’
SMALL, BUT PERFECTLY FORMED This compact and versatile wall greenhouse will fit snugly into most outdoor spaces and is particularly practical if tucked into a gap near the back door. That way you will be able to keep your freshly grown tomatoes and cucumbers easily to hand. Use it in the winter to give protection to tender plants and in the spring as somewhere to sow seeds. There is a drop-down shelving system to accommodate tall plants and grow bags, plus two opening vents in the roof to keep it well ventilated.
Victorian Tall Wall greenhouse, £423.99, The Worm That Turned
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LEANING IN Even the smallest of gardens usually has enough space to incorporate a lean-to style glasshouse. ‘The close proximity to your house means it’s much easier to run electricity and water into the greenhouse,’ says Tom Hall, owner of Alitex. ‘A power source extends the hours you can garden during the winter, and will also allow you to consider growing exotic fruits.’
Aluminium greenhouse, from £11,250, Alitex
GREENHOUSE IDEAS
Orchid glasshouse, £6,999, Pure Greenhouse
CLEAR WINNER This cool-looking design from Pure Greenhouse is a neat way to add style to your garden. As well as looking good, the practical design maximises the amount of sunlight that gets to your plants. ‘We set out to create a long-lasting, beautiful greenhouse that could perform as well as anything on the market,’ says Pure Greenhouse founder Joe Ellis. ‘The toughened glass retains heat well in winter.’
Rosemary greenhouse, £24,750, Griffin Glasshouses
An elegant greenhouse with detailing, such as a gabled porch and decorative touches, adds a graceful note to any garden. ‘All the greenhouses in our National Garden Scheme collection are in the Victorian style, with narrow glass panes and decorative finials,’ says Griffin Glasshouses MD Linda Lane. Although this model looks wooden, it’s made from robust aluminium and galvanised steel.
FEATURE SARAH WILSON
CLASSIC GOOD LOOKS
GREENHOUSE IDEAS
Alton Evolution Eight cedar greenhouse, £3,958, The Greenhouse People
GOOD WOOD The latest innovations mean classic wooden greenhouses aren’t the hassle they once were in terms of upkeep. ‘The Alton Evolution Eight cedar greenhouse is a bestseller,’ says Richard Baggaley, director at The Greenhouse People. ‘Canadian western red cedar is very high in natural preservative oils, making it virtually immune from decay. Cedar also has a unique subtle aroma that can deter pests. Plus, this greenhouse has toughened safety glass, which is much stronger than regular horticultural glass.’
FEATURE SARAH WILSON
THE MISSING LINK A glazed structure can provide a charming link between two buildings with different types of construction. If you go for underfloor heating and full double glazing, it can also prove a usable room year round. ‘Although we specialise in traditional timber orangeries and conservatories, each of our structures is tailored to a property’s specific requirements,’ says Vale Garden Houses’ director Lisa Morton. ‘Here, the steep pitch roof, low eaves and feature doors help bridge the change in levels between the house and outbuildings.’
Greenhouse room, painted in Old Sage from the Period Paint collection, price on request, Vale Garden Houses
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TACTILE COMBINATIONS
Choose the best…
A harmonious blend of wood and weave promises delightful al fresco dining. Cosy up the setting with cushions and blankets to continue socialising well after twilight... Kuta rectangle table with eight Oakridge high-back armchairs, table, H76xL240xD100cm; chairs, H95xW63x D70cm, £4,204, Bramblecrest
GARDEN DINING SET
BRING THE TOGETHERNESS OF THE DINING ROOM OUTDOORS WITH A SUPER-SWISH COMBINED SET THAT MARRIES PRACTICAL DURABILITY WITH AESTHETIC APPEAL AND PERCH-HAPPY COMFORT 94
COUNTRY HOMES & INTERIORS
FURNITURE BUYER’S GUIDE
OPEN-AIR RESERVATION Recreate urban riverside dining in the garden with a contemporary design, which features a dynamic contrast between slatted teak and black steel. Individual stools replace traditional dining chairs for a casual update. Camley teak and aluminium table and six stools set, table, H75xW181 xD90cm; stools, H46xW41.5xD34cm, £1,500, Garden Trading
RATTAN REIMAGINED
SOCIAL CIRCLE Generously large, yet still intimate, this set can be enjoyed by a romantic two to a merry 12! Round designs allow everyone to easily join in the conversation. Orseno round dining table and chairs in Light Grey, H96xW97xD227cm, £3,995, Oka
‘All-weather’ wicker looks and feels like the real thing, but it’s happy to live outside among the elements year after year. A distinctive lattice design is given a modern allure when finished in a gorgeously dark hue... Harrington round table, H74xDia145cm, £950; Harrington armchairs, H90xW58xD56cm, £305 each, all Neptune
RUSTIC DESIGNS IN ` NATURAL-LOOK MATERIALS ADD SUBTLE INTEREST, WHILE STRONGER LINES AND A COLOUR-CONTRAST FINISH MAKE A STATEMENT
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MIX AND MATCH Pair a traditional grainy acacia table with modern colourful lattice seating to keep things interesting outside. Croft Collection Burford six-seater garden dining table and Ray garden chairs set, table H75x W190xD91cm; chairs, H84xW46.5 xD65cm, in Natural/Assorted, £919, John Lewis & Partners COUNTRY HOMES & INTERIORS
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FURNITURE BUYER’S GUIDE
FAMILY FUN Weather resistant and made from hardy steel, featuring playful rope-design back panels, the ergonomic proportions with plenty of elbow room for guests will make outdoor lunching a daily necessity – come rain or shine! Rope four-seater dining set, table, H71xW96.5xD96.5cm; chairs, H90xW57xD64cm, £399, Dobbies Garden Centres
SLIVER OF SUNSHINE Brighten up even the smallest of outdoor spaces ready for elevenses with a folding design that’s as cute in character as it is colourful and versatile! Parc bistro set In Yellow, table, H71xD60cm; chairs, H80xW41xD45cm, £95, Habitat
EXTENDING, STACKING ` OR FOLDING DESIGNS OFFER FLEXIBILITY IN TIGHT SPACES AND RAMBLING GARDENS, WHERE THEY CAN EASILY BE MOVED AND PACKEDUP WHEN NOT IN USE
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MAINTENANCE FREE Match an outdoorsy lifestyle with an effortless design! This set provides the ultimate feasting space to entertain guests, while seating them in comfort thanks to waterproof, stain resistant cushions. Hampstead table with two dining armchairs and six chairs in Stone, table, H77xW240x D115cm; dining armchairs, H89xW59xD60cm; chairs, H89xW44xD55cm, £4,699, Bridgman
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FEATURE HOLLY PHILLIPS
MEDITERRANEAN MUSE Inspired by sun-drenched lands and escapist summer holidays, a stylish silhouette and effortless grey washed acacia top makes for a strong and durable set that will dress any open-air space beautifully. Porto dining set, table, H75.5xW160x D84.5cm; bench, H45.5xW130xD33.5cm, £795, Cox & Cox
Stylish SHUTTERS & BLINDS CHOOSE AN ON-TREND WINDOW TREATMENT THAT ROLLS, FOLDS OR TILTS TO ACHIEVE THAT PERFECT BALANCE OF LIGHT AND SHADE Abbey Gardens Paradise fabric in Auburn, from £21.36m, Prestigious Textiles
FEATURE FOLIAGE The clean lines of a simple Roman blind make it ideal for working areas where a fussy, decorative design will look out of place. When raised, the soft pleats bring an elegant feel to a contemporary Scandi-style kitchen. For an easy nod to this year’s botanical trend, go for a decorative woodland pattern. ‘Our Abbey Gardens collection features illustrated fruits, flowers and birds on a lightweight cotton fabric, available in six different designs,’ says Nicola Brumfitt at Prestigious Textiles. 98
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ROOM ELEMENTS
Elephant Grey cafe-style shutters, from £299sq m, Shutterly Fabulous
Brown natural jute blind, from £104, Color & Co
NATURAL CHOICE For a pared-back look that’s as stylish as it is sustainable, go for roller blinds made from all-natural materials. Danish brand Color & Co offers a range of roller blinds woven from paper, bamboo and jute. ‘Their warm and cosy atmosphere is something we want to share with our customers,’ says the company. Full-length white wood bifold shutters, from £379sq m, Apollo Blinds
HALF AND HALF Cafe-style shutters have a classic country look and the adjustable slats can be angled throughout the day. ‘Designed to cover only the lower section of the window, they provide privacy while keeping an open, spacious feel,’ says Murray Clark of Shutterly Fabulous. ‘While white shutters always appeal, there’s a trend for custom colours – greys, soft pastels and indigo blue all suit a country look.’
ON TRACK Shutters aren’t just for windows – tracked versions are a great solution for patio, sliding and bifold doors. They sit on a track, gliding open and closed concertina-style, and stack to one side easily. To get the look on loft-style windows, try The Great Shutter Co – it supplies shutters to fit Fakro, Keylite and Velux windows. COUNTRY HOMES & INTERIORS
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DESIGNER DRESSING Renowned for her eye-catching style, designer Clarissa Hulse has joined with Blinds 2 Go to create bespoke roller and Roman blinds inspired by the countryside. ‘I scour the outdoors for plants and flowers which I use to create mood boards – these are then brought to life through digital means on beautifully woven fabrics,’ she says. The result is 11 designs in vibrant colourways, all with a choice of linings. Clarissa Hulse Blowing Grasses roller blind in Storm, from £32.70, Blinds 2 Go
FOR UPSTAIRS ` WINDOWS, SHUTTER SLATS SHOULD BE ANGLED DOWNWARDS SO PEOPLE LOOKING UP CAN’T SEE IN. FOR DOWNSTAIRS SHUTTERS, SLANT THEM UPWARDS TARA KING, STYLE CONTENT EDITOR
3 OF THE BEST READY-MADE ROMAN BLINDS
FEATURE TARA KING
Simple solutions with a designer edge
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1. Abordale deluxe blackout, H137xW61cm, £75, Wayfair 2. Shawford blackout, H150x W60cm, £40, John Lewis & Partners 3. Vintage floral blind, H140xW60cm, Next Home COUNTRY HOMES & INTERIORS
Pure white cafestyle shutters in polyvinyl, from £16sq m, California Shutters at B&Q
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ROOM ELEMENTS
Transition Day & Night blinds in Crush Mint Green and Zen White sheer, from £150, Hillarys
STYLISH AND VERSATILE Not just a practical choice for conservatories, pleated blinds are also versatile enough to work in any room, from bedrooms and bathrooms to orangeries and glasshouses. ‘Versions in two different performance fabrics, such as thermal and sheer, can help tackle glare and temperature throughout the day,’ says Yvonne Keal at Hillarys. ‘Our Transition Day & Night range features over 175 designs.’
Need to know... Shutters & blinds ■ CONSIDER THE STYLE OF YOUR WINDOWS.
If you want to maximise a view, go for roller blinds. Romans offer a more decorative look, and suit a traditional scheme. Modern windows suit more streamlined fittings, such as shutters. ■ TROUBLESHOOT IN ADVANCE. Blackout lining
is definitely worth the extra money, especially in bedrooms and nurseries. Windows account for 20% of heat loss in homes, so thermal lining will help keep the room warm.
WATERPROOF OPTION
■ BEFORE MEASURING UP, decide whether the
Unlike fabric blinds, which can get damp in bathrooms, shutters allow extra ventilation via their louvred slats, so they’ll dry quicker. While painted wood or MDF shutters work in ventilated rooms, in high humidity, moisture-resistant shutters are more practical. Made of ABS plastic, polymer or polyvinyl, they look like wooden shutters but are waterproof.
blind or shutter will fit inside or outside the window recess. Inside requires a more precise fit, but can look neater. For a good fit, measure the window in three places, for both width and drop, and use the smallest measurements. ■ PAY ATTENTION TO FIXTURES AND FITTINGS.
Bespoke cords and pulls can create a unique look. If your window isn’t a standard size, a custom blind or shutter will provide the best fit, plus a wider choice of finishes and fabrics. COUNTRY HOMES & INTERIORS
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FROM THE MAKERS OF BRITAIN’S BESTSELLING HOMES MAGAZINE
VISIT US TODAY!
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IDEAS & DECORATING TIPS ● GORGEOUS REAL HOMES ● PRACTICAL PROJECT ADVICE
HOME TECH
Buy the best... SECURITY SYSTEM TO KEEP YOUR HOME SAFE WHETHER YOU’RE HOME OR AWAY, ENSURE YOUR PROPERTY IS AS SAFE AS CAN BE WITH A TOP-NOTCH SECURITY SYSTEM BEST FOR TOTAL PEACE OF MIND
Alarm Security Kit, from £249 for a five-piece kit, Ring This mains-operated system comprises a base station, keypad, contact sensor, motion sensor and range extender. You’ll be notified if a sensor is triggered and you can set the alarm when you’re out. If there’s a power cut, the back-up battery lasts for 24 hours.
BEST FOR SIMPLE INSTALLATION
FEATURE GINEVRA BENEDETTI
Designed to blend into your décor rather than stand out, the Netatmo Smart Alarm indoor camera can be placed on a shelf and forgotten about
Q SMART OR NOT? If you are reasonably tech savvy, it’s definitely worth investing in a smart system as it will give you complete control over your home security, by alerting you in real time of any breaches so you can act quickly to resolve the issue. Standard analogue systems are generally more straightforward than smart technology, with most relying on a siren to deter intruders. Q SENSOR(Y) OVERLOAD The majority of security systems come with a set number of sensors – from motion detectors to door and window sensors – that will alert you (or trigger a siren) should any unusual movement be detected. Acknowledging that everyone’s homes and needs are different, brands will often sell these sensors individually so you can bulk up your system to cover your home’s most vulnerable areas. Q BRAND LOYALTY Most companies produce a wide range of smart home security products that can be linked together for ease. Ring, Yale and Netatmo all make video doorbells as well as security cameras, so it makes sense if you’re buying more than one device to stick with the same brand.
Smart Alarm System with Camera, £319.99, Netatmo This five-piece set comes with three easy-to-install door or window sensors that pick up any movement, while the indoor camera uses facial recognition, instantly sending you a photo and video should it not recognise someone. You’ll receive instant alerts if it’s triggered and a siren will scare thieves away.
BEST FOR THE TECH PHOBIC
HSA Essentials alarm kit, £199.99, Yale This classic system features a siren, a door sensor, a keypad and two motion sensors, with additional extras available, too. It’s battery powered so is incredibly easy to install, but it’s not ‘smart’ so there’s no app and you won’t get alerts to your phone if the alarm is triggered. The 104dB siren is bound to scare off intruders.
BEST FOR KEEPING AN EYE ON YOUR HOME
Home Security mixed camera pack, £449 with Hub (£409 without), Hive If you have already invested in a Hive Heating thermostat, it makes sense to choose the company’s security system for a completely streamlined experience. This kit features an indoor and outdoor camera, two door or window sensors, a motion sensor and a smart light bulb that you can control remotely, but no siren.
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COUNTRY HOMES & INTERIORS PA R T N E R S H I P
PICTURE PERFECT LET ARTWORK SET THE TONE IN YOUR HOME WITH STRIKING PHOTOGRAPHY BY RUNWAY GALLERY’S SANDRO HYAMS L’Oréal and Dior, as well as commissions for Pink Floyd and Sylvester Stallone have to be pretty high up the list. I recently shot an exciting project for Fashion Week in a magnificent hotel. It’s entitled The Day After – think empty champagne bottles, last night’s make-up and general debauchery!
My career started out as a hobby. I started taking pictures as a boy – I grew up in Africa so there was plenty to inspire me there – but it wasn’t until I moved to London in 1984 that I realised I was actually decent at it. I’m mostly self-taught. The biggest education I received was during my stint as studio assistant at Lipstick Studios in London for two years. I was lucky enough to work with top international photographers,
A–listers and famous musicians on magazines and advertising campaigns from day one. I prefer to work with just one primary colour. For example, bright red lips set against beautifully clear skin that’s almost white in pallor. I take a lot of inspiration from old-school photographers. I don’t believe any photographer is unique as such, but I have been told my style is recognisable. I’m in the process of collaborating with an artist at the moment, which will add an exciting new medium to my work. Creating images lifts my mood. It’s what I’ve enjoyed for nearly 40 years and I wouldn’t change it for the world, even though it’s been a tough journey at times. There have been so many career highlights, but shooting campaigns for Peroni beer,
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I’m quite linear in my approach to displaying art. Arranging pieces in a line is a clever way of telling a story with no distractions, while a simple black frame against a white wall lets the subject truly shine. Buying artwork is so subjective. I tend to choose art with ‘stop appeal’ and love pieces that showcase one or two colours, similar to my own work. I do keep an eye on up-and-coming artists, but ultimately, it’s about going with your heart. Budget is obviously a factor, too – we can’t all afford Picasso! Buy stylish, affordable artwork from Sandro Hyams and other artists at runway-gallery.com
NEXT MON T H Since launching last year, Runway Gallery has continued to grow and grow, and now houses a contemporary range of artwork from internationally celebrated artists. Next issue, we’ll be learning more about the online venture’s unique approach to showcasing and selling art, as well as the exciting new artists set to join.
FEATURE TARA KING ARTWORK PHILIP TREACY 2; BEETLEMANIA, BOTH SANDRO HYAMS AT RUNWAY GALLERY
Photographer Sandro Hyams is one of the latest artists featured on Runway Gallery, an online platform for contemporary art. With a career spanning more than thirty years, Sandro’s work has attracted big name clients – including Dior, Vogue and L’Oréal, as well as A-list celebrities, such as Pink Floyd, Eric Clapton and Iggy Pop. He relocated to Northamptonshire two years ago, but still works primarily in London. Here, he shares his journey and explains the positive effect creating has on his wellbeing…
K I TC H E N P R OJ E CT
PROJECT PROFILE The Aga, mantel surround and leadedglass window are all that remains of the original kitchen
Owners: Greg and Karen Bracken.
House: A six-bedroom, 15th-century Tudor property in north Essex.
House of
TUDOR KAREN AND GREG BRACKEN TOOK INSPIRATION FROM THEIR HOME’S HISTORY TO CREATE A WARM KITCHEN THAT WILL LAST LONG INTO THE FUTURE
Project: By extending the kitchen by more than half its original size, the Brackens were able to create a spacious kitchen-diner overlooking their landscaped gardens and arable land.
Kitchen size: 5.5x8m Designer: Jack Crisell, Davonport.
Cabinetry: Davonport’s Tillingham-style cabinets handpainted in Farrow and Ball’s Pointing and Green Smoke. COUNTRY HOMES & INTERIORS
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A pretty leaded-glass window perfectly frames the classic Belfast sink
The extension has a part-vaulted ceiling that further boosts the sense of space
H
aving dreamt of living in the countryside for many years, Greg and Karen Bracken finally bit the bullet in 2015, making the decision to leave London. ‘Originally our search focused on Kent and Sussex,’ says Karen. ‘It was only when my brother moved to north Essex that we realised just how beautiful the area is. As soon as we viewed this Tudor house, built in 1483 – with its ancient exposed beams, ogee door frames and priest hole – we knew we’d found our home.’ The couple had been warned that the original kitchen was disproportionately small compared with the size of the house. Undeterred, they added an extension to their renovating to-do list and proceeded with the purchase. Extensions on listed properties are never straightforward but, by working with the local listed building department, Greg and Karen were able to achieve the generous addition they were after. Retaining the existing Aga and mantel was important for the couple, who loved the focal point, as well as the
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cosiness it provides in winter. A full refurbishment by Blake and Bull gave it a shiny new enamelled coat in a more appealing colour tone. For the cabinetry, Greg and Karen selected Davonport’s timeless Tillingham design. The hand-painted units, in Farrow & Ball’s Pointing and Green Smoke, connect beautifully with the surrounding countryside, while the exposed brickwork on the chimney hearth brings visual warmth to the room. The generous island unit sits centrally in the kitchen area, providing lots of extra prep space, as well as a breakfast bar for casual dining. The new extension has really transformed the way the Brackens live. The clever layout provides them with three main zones: a kitchen area, dining area and entertaining space. ‘Our kitchen is now the true heart of our home and it allows us to entertain friends and family on a larger scale and with greater ease,’ says Karen. ‘We feel so lucky to have a home that not only has such an amazing history, but also enables us to enjoy all of the comforts of modern life.’
K I TC H E N P R OJ E CT
The polished granite helps reflect light into the kitchen
WE COOK A LOT MORE `NOW AND ARE INVITING FRIENDS FOR SUPPER MORE REGULARLY
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A bespoke sideboard with built-in wine cooler helps to connect the dining area with the rest of the kitchen
AGA HOB
ISLAND
SINK
THE LAYOUT The kitchen units are configured in a U-shape with the island centrally located, so it’s within easy reach of the hob, sink and Aga. Davonport’s Signature Pantry is positioned close to the dining table to provide easy access to glassware and refreshments. An additional prep sink at the island allows for hot drinks to be made when the main sink is in use.
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The granite work surface within the cupboard means the couple can display drinks without fretting about spills
HOUSE OF TUDOR
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CLEVER DESIGN SOLUTIONS
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1 PANTRY/BAR
A game of two halves, the bottom section features large wooden drawers for dried foods, cans and jars, plus a couple of handy pull-out trays. There are also two crate-style drawers for fruit and veg, which provide the ventilation needed for fresh food. The top section acts as an elegant bar area and is backed in mirrored glass to provide extra glamour and sparkle in the evening. Cleverly, the bifold doors are split into sections, so the entire unit can be left open, or just the top ‘bar’ section when entertaining.
K I TC H E N P R OJ E CT
2
INTEGRATED TRAYS
Suggested by Davonport’s designer, the built-in tray store brings an extra touch of wood into the kitchen, providing interest and warmth at the end of a long row of pale cabinetry. Containing two trays and one chunky end-grain chopping board, the integrated design frees up space on the worktop. ‘It’s a really attractive feature and we love how the oak picks up on the timber of our window frame,’ says Karen.
The integrated trays are finished with leather handles, which are both practical and easy on the eye
3 MODERN TECH
When the summer months get too hot for the Aga, or extra cooking capacity is required, Miele’s built-in appliances come into action. Positioned discreetly to avoid competing with the Aga for attention, these modern appliances feature all the latest technology. ‘The Wi-Fi-linked induction hob and extractor is particularly clever,’ says Greg. ‘The extractor automatically reacts to changes in the hob temperature settings to ensure the kitchen is kept steam-free without us having to think about it.’ To retain the kitchen’s classical aesthetic, the modern extractor is housed in an elegantly curved surround
THE DETAILS CABINETRY Tillingham-style kitchen cabinets, hand-painted in Farrow and Ball’s Pointing and Green Smoke estate eggshell, from £40,000, Davonport
SURFACES Worktops in Angola Silver granite, from around £450sq m, Davonport. Burlington Ivory porcelain floor tiles, £59.98sq m; Soho Crema ceramic wall tiles, £47.98sq m, both A&M Tiling. Walls in Dimpse and Pigeon estate emulsion, both £47.95 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball
APPLIANCES H2860 BP single oven, £1,199; H7240 BM microwave combi oven, £1,749; KM7474FR induction hob, £1,269; DA2698 built-in extractor, £1,539; G4263SCVi Active dishwasher, £849; KWT 6321 UG wine conditioning unit, £2,499, all Miele
FEATURE LINDA CLAYTON PHOTOGRAPHS DARREN CHUNG
SINKS & TAPS Flex Pro 3 boiling water tap in polished chrome, £1,150, Quooker. Juliet C-Spout mixer in chrome, £368.88, Perrin & Rowe. Butler 800 sink in White, £555, Shaws of Darwen. Icerock under-mount sink, £332, Kohler
ACCESSORIES Deben pendant lights in Nickel, £141 each, Jim Lawrence. Ede PU bar stools in Light Grey, £189 each; Copeland dining chairs in Light Grey, £179 each; Colossus dining table, from £1,499, all Fishpools
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R E N O V AT I O N G U I D E
All you need to know RAILINGS & GATES WHETHER YOU’RE RESTORING OR REPLACING, MAKE SURE YOU MAXIMISE COUNTRY KERB APPEAL WITH STYLISH, SECURE DESIGNS
M
uch more than a security or safety feature, metal railings and gates help define the look of an outside space. The earliest designs date back to the 15th century and were made from wrought iron – still a popular choice today, along with steel and aluminium. CAN ORIGINALS BE RESTORED? If you’re lucky enough to have original metal railings and gates,
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there are plenty of companies that specialise in sympathetic restoration services. Their offerings range from basic cleaning and simple hinge, latch and fitting adjustments, to a full refurbishment – it depends what’s needed. When there’s too much damage to the railings or gates to allow for restoration, there are expert firms that can take moulds from the originals and recast exact replicas of them using recycled metals.
WHAT TYPE OF METAL IS BEST? n Wrought iron has the edge over other metals when it comes to achieving an ornamental finish. Sturdy and durable, it can last for years as long as it’s properly protected. Constant exposure to water and air can quickly result in rust and decay, so regular maintenance is required. n Steel is a popular option for more contemporary designs. It is inherently stronger than iron and
St Pier forged steel gate with bespoke posts, from £3,840, James Price Blacksmith & Designer
Cranleigh side entrance gate, from £780, North Valley Forge
has the added benefit of being naturally more resistant to corrosion and rusting, although a protective layer is still advised. Galvanised, powder-coated or painted finishes will all help ensure longevity. n Aluminium also offers a modern look, similar to steel. It’s not as strong, but it does have the added benefit of being relatively maintenance-free. Once installed, you won’t need to worry about it rusting, cracking, peeling or needing repainting. Plus, it’s easily recyclable, too. WHAT ARE MY STYLE OPTIONS? Georgian homes traditionally feature railings and gates with simple spiked or pointed tops, while Victorian properties tend towards more ornate designs – think ostentatious railheads, twisted bars and Gothic rosette detailing. Look
Bespoke Eros railing, from £480, North Valley Forge
around your local area for inspiration or hunt down old photographs or records of your home to see if they show original features that have since been removed. You could try your local salvage yard, too; it may stock original metal finials, railheads or house numbers that you could incorporate into your design. Different finishes also play a part in the overall look. A galvanised finish is perfect if it’s rustic appeal you’re after. Alternatively, Sandtex offers a range of exterior paint shades in both matt and gloss (all with a 10-year guaranteed protection) for a sleek and sophisticated finish. IS IT BETTER TO GO BESPOKE? In a nutshell, yes. There are many companies that will provide a fully bespoke service, which includes assessment of layout, help with
design, manufacture and installation of your railings and gates. Perhaps surprisingly, it often works out to be the most cost-effective option, too. For a smart and secure finish, accurate measurements are essential – buying a generic size will often result in pricey alterations, which can also damage protective coatings on the metal. ANY GUIDELINES I NEED TO TAKE INTO ACCOUNT? The height of your railings and gates should be the main consideration. Areas with a drop of more than 600mm must be guarded by railings that are a minimum height of 1100mm in order to comply with building regulations. Additionally, a sphere of 100mm in diameter must not be able to pass through any gaps. This is to prevent the risk of small COUNTRY HOMES & INTERIORS
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Cranleigh drive gate, from £2,280 for a 2.7m wide design, North Valley Forge
children or animals becoming trapped or injured in the railings.
WHAT MAINTENANCE IS INVOLVED AFTER INSTALLATION? Rusting is the number one enemy when it comes to exterior metalwork, mainly caused by chips in the finish and overgrown plants. Opt for hanging boxes and planters and ensure the contents are regularly pruned to avoid them coming into direct contact with your railings. Regular cleaning, about once a year, will mean you spot any signs of rust early. Use a steel brush to get rid of any flaking layers and moss, then use a solution of sugar soap and hot water to wash off any grease and grime. 112
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Bespoke curved railing, price on request, Gates Railings Direct
WHAT ABOUT SECURITY? While ornamental metal gates are attractive, there is potential for intruders to reach the lock through the bars. An electronic locking system makes it harder to gain entry, particularly when paired with a manual latch. Often a deterrent to thieves in looks alone, extra safety features include intercoms, security keypads and electronic locking systems. As for dimensions, go as high as the space and regulations allow. The higher
Sourcebook
the gate, the less likely it is an intruder will attempt to climb over it. As a further deterrent, consider having pointed railheads or finials on top of the railings or gates, but bear in mind that these might not be suitable if you have small children or pets. If in doubt, ask the company you’re buying them from; it will be able to advise which styles are most practical for you and, if it’s a bespoke service, will be able to modify the designs to make them more appropriate.
Our pick of railing and gate manufacturers
Q For statement driveway gates North Valley Forge, 01282 677300, northvalleyforge.co.uk Q For bespoke wrought-iron designs Gates Railings Direct, 01384 392300, gatesrailingsdirect.co.uk Q For traditional designs with a contemporary twist Smart Steels, 020 8640 6999, smartsteels.co.uk
FEATURE TARA KING PHOTOGRAPHS ALAMY STOCK PHOTO
DO I NEED PLANNING PERMISSION? It depends on your requirements. Restrictions dictate that railings within three metres of a road edge cannot be more than one metre in height, or over two metres high in any other location. Further constraints may also apply if your home is listed or situated within a conservation area. Check with your Local Planning Authority in advance for information on which restrictions might apply to you.
Gate in Hot Mustard rapid dry satin, from £16.99 for 750ml, Sandtex
NEXT MONTH IN
& INTERIORS
DON’T MISS OUR NEXT ISSUE!
ENJOY YOUR GARDEN Q OUTDOOR SEATS AND SHADING – WE PICK THE BEST Q STUNNING WALLED GARDEN INSPIRATION Q OUR FEATHERED FRIENDS – HOW TO ATTRACT BRITISH BIRDS Q COSY FIREPITS FOR BALMY EVENINGS PLUS… SUMMER SAFARI OR COUNTRY FLORAL? CHOOSE YOUR DECO STYLE. AND ROLL UP, ROLL UP FOR FAB RECIPES FROM GIFFORDS CIRCUS NEW RENOVATION GUIDE: PICK THE PERFECT WINDOWS
ON SALE 4 JUNE 2020
The rose garden with gravel paths leading to the greenhouse. The garden is edged with Buxus sempervirens hedges and pyramids, punctuated with half standard bay trees 114
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SUSSEX GARDEN
BOUQUET FOR A BRIDE A move to the High Weald of Sussex gave Zelie Billins the space for the cutting garden she’d longed for – and a whole new career as a bridal florist
Clipped box and photinia standards give structure to the topiary garden
S
AT HOME WI T H… Owners Zelie and Jonny Billins. House An oak-framed self-build in East Sussex.
Features A formal flower garden, topiary garden and one-acre cutting patch set within 11 acres of countryside. The soil is heavy clay.
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ome people know what they want to do from a young age. Others discover a passion quite by chance, leading them to change course dramatically. So it was for Zelie Billins, a flower farmer and florist who, before she moved to a plot of land in the High Weald in Sussex in 2004, had an office job and had never so much as pruned a rose bush. ‘My partner Jonny and I were living in Brighton with our young daughter, Milly,’ she says. ‘We had a lovely house but the garden was tiny – not much more than a courtyard – and I really wanted somewhere where we could make a garden and be close to the countryside.’ She started looking online and found a dilapidated bungalow close to the village of Mayfield. In a parlous state of repair and with no heating, it didn’t look much but it had land and was within budget. ‘I remember it was just the loveliest midsummer’s day when we drove up there,’ says Zelie. ‘The garden was completely overgrown but as soon as we saw the view, that was it. We didn’t even look at the house, we just decided we’d build our own.’ The view in question looks out over a wide valley so steep one feels as if perched on a mountain top. Old oak trees dot the fields below while deer and foxes loll in their shade. In the foot of the valley is a small wood, hazy with bluebells in early spring and pungent with wild garlic later on. It is, as Zelie says, ‘heart-stopping’, and so it’s no surprise they positioned their new home to take full advantage. While Jonny worked on the house – a beautiful, barn-like oak-framed building with double-height windows – the family made the best of it in the bungalow and all plans for the garden were put on hold. Zelie did however manage to carve out a small plot for growing vegetables: potatoes, beans and onions, with a >
SUSSEX GARDEN
WHAT WE LOVE `MOST IS BEING SURROUNDED BY ALL THE TREES AND LOOKING OUT OVER THE VALLEY. WE FEEL AS IF WE’RE IN A WORLD OF OUR OWN
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Columns of pittosporum make a striking backdrop to the rose beds which include Rosa ‘Big Purple’, ‘Boscobel’, ‘Queen of Sweden’ and ‘Brother Cadfael’
wigwam of sweet peas and a dahlias for colour. ‘It struck me just how different they were from the flowers you could get in florists’ at the time which, then as now, were mainly imported and which I found quite uninspiring,’ she says. ‘Roses tended to be scentless and uniform, while I much preferred a wilder, more natural look.’ Selling her surplus blooms at local farmers’ markets proved she wasn’t the only one to think this way and, as enquiries for wedding flowers started to come in, a new career began to form. ‘It was a very organic process,’ says Zelie. ‘Flowers from the Farm [an association of British flower growers] was just launching and there was an increasing awareness about the environmental impact of floristry. It was serendipitous that there was this evolving movement and people were wanting a more natural, seasonal approach.’ Ten years on, it’s clear she made the right decision. A purposemade cutting patch of just under an acre on one of the more accessible parts of the slope provides Zelie with enough material (largely perennials) to provide wedding flowers from April to early October. She relishes her contact with the brides, saying, ‘It’s a real privilege to be involved in this very special time of someone’s life.’ And she takes immense pleasure in the physical growing process, too. ‘Being outside, nurturing plants and seeing them grow – it’s life-enhancing,’ she says. ‘I never imagined that a field would take over my entire life, but now, whenever I see a new plant in a magazine or on a garden visit, I just have to grow it. It’s become an obsession.’ It’s this same passion for plants, coupled with an awareness of how little free time she has, that informs the two gardens Zelie created on the flatter land either side of the newly built house. One, > 118
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CH&I loves… CUTTING GARDENS If you love flowers and have a bit of time to spare, building a cutting garden could be one of the most life-affirming things you could do. • Know the benefits. Not only will you help to boost biodiversity, you’ll be cutting down on the flower miles, chemicals and packaging from shop-bought blooms. • Prepare your soil. Zelie uses a no-dig method, using a layer of cardboard, a thick layer of compost and weed-suppressing fabric. After several months, the compost rots down and she plants direct through holes in the fabric. Consider raised beds to improve your soil. • Don’t worry about size. A plot as small as 2x5m can provide enough blooms for the summer – perhaps a mix of annuals, dahlias and sweet peas. A polytunnel or greenhouse will increase your growing season. • Plan your space. Ideally, cutting gardens will provide material for focal flowers (peonies and roses), filler flowers (ammi and orlaya), and foliage (eucalyptus). • Be realistic about the time you have available. Perennials generally take less work than annuals.
SUSSEX GARDEN
`What makes this garden so
special is that it’s a sensory experience. When the roses and the lavender are out it’s not only visually lovely, the scent is just incredible
a
Zelie has a workshop and studio in an outbuilding where she makes her wedding arrangements
The cutting garden and polytunnel set in meadows with views over the High Weald of Sussex
seen from the kitchen, is a topiary garden with low box hedges and an avenue of standard photinia underplanted with a froth of alchemilla mollis, astrantia and geraniums. The other is similarly formal, home to a chic Gabriel Ash greenhouse in which Zelie overwinters her scented salvias, and with paths radiating from a central potted olive. On either side, deep beds are massed with her favourite plants: peonies, delphiniums and, above all, roses. Zelie estimates she has around 200 in this garden alone, including varieties such as ‘Queen of Sweden’, with its shallow, double blooms, ‘Champagne Moment’, a beautiful buff colour, and ‘Margaret Merril’, which is exceptionally strongly scented. ‘There’s usually a moment in June when everything seems perfectly aligned, the light’s hitting at just the right level and the scent is wafting on the breeze and I just think “Wow”,’ says Zelie. So what of the vegetables that sparked this obsession? Sadly, they are long gone. ‘I think that’s the thing about gardening. You have to be realistic about the time you have available, or it can become all consuming,’ says Zelie. She admits to having been overwhelmed many times, such as when working with annuals early on, or having to cart barrow loads of compost down to the plot, or whenever, unable to resist a new plant, she extends her growing area. This is a major undertaking that involves many months of soil preparation and weed suppression. With this in mind, Zelie is taking her own advice and intends to limit herself to just one wedding a week. ‘Last year I only managed to cut a single jar of sweet peas for the house,’ she laughs. ‘I want to have time to experiment and to enjoy arranging flowers for myself.’ 120
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ON OUR DO OR ST EP Visit… ‘Charleston (charleston.org.uk). The house and garden here are beautiful and, with the history of the Bloomsbury Group, it’s so inspiring.’ Go for a meal at… ‘The Middle house, Mayfield (mhmayfield.co.uk), a beautiful, Grade I listed pub with friendly staff and reliably delicious food.’
Shop at… ‘Eggs to Apples (eggstoapples.co.uk). A really lovely shop selling produce from farmers in Kent and Sussex. The cafe is great, too.’
SUSSEX GARDEN
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Zelie’s summer favourites 1 Paeonia ‘Sarah Bernhardt’ adds a blowsy note of romance wherever it is. 2 Achillea millefolium ‘Summer Berries’ is tough and easy to grow from seed. 3 The balled form of Dahlia ‘David Howard’ combines well with softer, airier plants such as ammi or orlaya. 4 The deep ruby tones of Penstemon ‘Garnet’ complement darker dahlias. 5 Just a single bloom of Rosa ‘Margaret Merril’ is exceptionally strongly scented. 6 A David Austin English shrub rose, Rosa ‘Abraham Darby’ has a rich, fruity scent. 7 Rosa ‘Big Purple’ has an unusual colour.
FEATURE NATASHA GOODFELLOW PHOTOGRAPHS SUZIE GIBBONS
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8 Phlox paniculata ‘Bright Eyes’ is easy to grow and has a long flowering season.
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AWA R D -W I N N I N G E S C O RT E D T O U R S
13 days from £1,599PP
2021 now on sale
WORLDWIDE ESCORTED TOURS At Riviera Travel, we have a passion for giving you the best experience possible, and our Worldwide Escorted Tours are no exception. Each tour is fully escorted, with an expert tour manager who will travel with you, fulfilling the tour and giving local knowledge of the history, culture and other information to make your holiday that bit more special. So much is included: • Return flights from the UK, plus all hotel transfers • Travel in comfort • Stay in hand-picked hotels • Dining Options • Insightful guided tours and fascinating visits • Services of our experienced and insightful tour manager
Itinerary
Duration
Price from
South Africa
16 days
£2,199pp
California & the Golden West
15 days
£2,449pp
Great National Parks
15 days
£2,899pp
Vietnam & Cambodia
16 days
£2,349pp
Sri Lanka
13 days
£1,599pp
Equador & the Galapagos
16 days
£3,489pp
New Zealand
22 days
£4,449pp
Deep South
14 days
£2,499pp £1,899pp
India & Shimla
15 days
Rajasthan, the Taj Mahal and Amritsar's Golden Temple
15 days
£1,999pp
Japan
13 days
£3,899pp £2,089pp
Memories of the Raj
13 days
Canada & Alaska Cruise
16 days
£3,889pp
Victoria Falls, Botswana Safari & Cape Town
11 days
£3,099pp
Peru / plus Amazon
13 days/16 days £2,649/£3,099pp
To book or request a brochure, call 01283 523454 or visit cohriviera.co.uk TERMS & CONDITIONS: Additional entrance costs may apply. Prices are per person, based on two sharing and subject to finite availability. Images used in conjunction with Riviera Travel. Offer operated by and subject to the booking conditions of Riviera Travel Ltd, ABTA V4744, ATOL 3430, a company wholly independent of Country Homes & Interiors, published by TI Media Limited. Prices correct at time of going to print.
IN A COUNTRY GARDEN STYLISH WORKHORSES Copper gardening tools, from £30 each, The Future Kept
ALLOTMENT TRAVELLER Cup in Cool Cyan, 12oz, £20, SoL Cups
VINTAGE INSPIRED Work jacket in Dark Navy corduroy, £185, Wood & Meadow
SOW AND SHOW! Do/Grow: Start with 10 simple vegetables by Alice Holden, £8.99, Amazon
PRECISION SNIPS GR Pro 18.5cm, secateurs, £69, Niwaki at The Conran Shop
Vegetable patch picks
TO ROOT AROUND THE ALLOTMENT SPLISH SPLOSH Victorine rubber clog in Peacock, £35, Aigle
Did you know?
FEATURE HOLLY PHILLIPS
SOIL TO TABLE Wooden storage boxes, £32 for two, Garden Trading
SECURE PROTECTION Potager wire cloche, H61xDia 34cm, £39.95, The Worm That Turned
HANDSOME HELPER Two-gallon watering can, H34xL81xW21cm, £59.99, Haws
SOFT SUPPORT Gardener’s kneeler, L44xW23xD5cm, £19.95, Sophie Conran
GROWING YOUR OWN FRUIT AND VEG HAS AN ABUNDANCE OF POSITIVES – A CLEAN DIET, REDUCED FOOD BILLS, EXERCISE AND NATURAL STRESS RELIEF BY THE WATERING-CAN LOAD, TO NAME BUT A FEW… COUNTRY HOMES & INTERIORS 123
Live Life Well HEALTH, HAPPINESS, FASHION, TRAVEL, PETS, PASTIMES AND OTHER THINGS TO MAKE LIFE LOVELY
Linger outside after sundown this summer with a cosy outdoor living room set-up. Polperro woven armchair, £432; bench, £784, both Rowen & Wren
WHAT TO PICK, SEE & DO Pick… rose petals. Then, mix 6-12 with 250g caster sugar and process until fine for use in cakes or meringues. Celebrate… summer with a free online performance of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, as well as six other productions (shakespearesglobe.com).
Enjoy… unrivalled views of wildlife captured live on webcams – from nesting owls and ospreys to roosting bats and foraging badgers (wildlifetrusts.org/webcams).
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FEATURE TARA KING
Discover… stories, photos and films from behind the scenes at Kew (kew.org/read-and-watch).
LIVE LIFE WELL
CLEAN GREEN Introducing Clean Space, an eco-conscious, vegan and sustainable home fragrance collection offering soy-blend candles, reed diffusers and linen and room sprays for your home. With wellbeing at its core, every scent is designed to uplift – we love Rain, inspired by the fresh fragrance left behind after summer showers. Prices from £40, Space NK
GROW WILD Grow your own wildflower meadow with the new Artist’s Mix from Seedball, created in collaboration with contemporary artist Yvonne Coomber, whose painting adorns the tin. A lovely gift for gardeners; proceeds from every sale will go to the Wildlife Trust.
Tune in Renowned florist and founder of the Wild at Heart Foundation, Nikki Tibbles has launched a brand new podcast, Dog Bless You. In each episode, she speaks to dog-lovers about how their pets have impacted their lives, as well as experts and activists about topics such as puppy farming and strays – and how we can help.
3 reasons to…
embrace a digital detox
YOU’LL HAVE MORE TIME UK adults spend an average of 8 hours 41 minutes a day staring at screens – more time than you spend asleep! YOU’LL SLEEP BETTER Guilty of checking your phone in bed? The blue light emitted can trick your brain into thinking it’s daytime. YOU’LL FEEL HAPPIER Nothing makes you feel dissatisfied quite like scrolling through pictures of ‘perfect’ lives on social media, so if you’re feeling a little blue, it’s time to log off. Fancy giving it a go? For tips and advice read Haynes Slow Tech Manual by Peter Ginn. £22.99, haynes.com
SPREAD THE LOVE In a bid to inspire kindness, Bloom & Wild has launched The Thoughtfulness Movement, creating a range of bouquets that champion happiness and gratitude. Prices start at £30. COUNTRY HOMES & INTERIORS
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LIVE LIFE WELL
DRESS TO IMPRESS Inspired by a love of both British and vintage design, Justine Tabak’s dresses are UK made, using ‘deadstock’ fabrics – those overproduced by mills or left over by brands. We love the Camden Passage Dress, £265, available in Liberty’s meadow floral print.
3 of the best…
tote bags Big enough for the essentials
N ATU R A L B E AU TY A twist on the classic woven bag, this Scandiinspired basket design from House Doctor is made by braiding pinewood and paper. £20, Trouva H ER O P I EC E Enjoy the cute pom-pom detailing on this striped tote bag from Mar Y Sol. Each is woven by female artisans in Madagascar using sustainable materials. £85, Ethical Stories Ethical Me
B LU E B OTTLE S With the look and feel of wool, this Oslo shopper is made from 150 recycled plastic bottles, making it water resistant and easy-to clean! £45, Weaver Green
We all love flowers, but there may be more to your bouquet than first meets the eye… The Language of Flowers by Odessa Begay (£25, Harper Collins) guides you through the forgotten art of floriography, sharing meanings, anecdotes and entertaining facts behind 50 of our favourite blooms. 126
COUNTRY HOMES & INTERIORS
SWEET DREAMS Ensure your little ones get a comfy night’s sleep with GOTS-certified organic bedding from Scandi brand, Cam Cam Copenhagen. New designs include Fiori, a delicate country floral in a subtle blue. The set costs £48 and includes a duvet cover, pillowcase and tote bag.
FEATURE TARA KING
HIDDEN MEANINGS
LIVE LIFE WELL
Faye finds inspiration in her photography
MY COUNTRY PASSION
Poetry writing
FEATURE TARA KING PHOTOGRAPHS FAYE BALL
She thought of herself as a reader, not a writer, but Yorkshire-based Faye Ball has found scripting short poems a wonderful way to unwind I’ve always loved reading. I’m a strong believer in the idea that those who read live so many more lives than those who do not. The problem, I find, is time. Or lack of it. I’d love to sit down and lose myself in a good book, but with my days so busy, I struggle to do it as regularly as I’d like. It was this realisation that sparked my passion for poetry. Poetry can inspire in so few words. Instagram has created a wonderful platform for so many modern day poets, such as Lang Leav and Atticus. When I first set up my own account back in 2018, it wasn’t with the intention of writing anything myself. It was simply a place to share photos of my home county and favourite place in the entire world – Yorkshire. But, it didn’t take long before I decided to give it a go. I started
by simply writing down words. Words that I felt I needed to hear. I write about love, loss and my hopes for the future. Most of the time, the poems come to me quickly. I have to write them down before I forget – which I usually do – other times, I reflect for a little longer. I’m mindful of how my day has been, what’s been good or bad about it, what emotions I have felt. I’ll also turn to my photographs. The seasons are often reflected so beautifully within them, it’s easy to draw inspiration. Now, my Instagram feed is full of my poems, often accompanied by imagery that’s inspired them. They’re so personal, but I like to think my thoughts and feelings might strike a chord with others, too. Regardless, I’ve found that writing words down and forming them into
poetry makes me feel calm, more at peace with myself, and the world around me. Poetry has become such a big part of my life. My top tip for prospective poets would be to start by reflecting on your day. What sights, smells, and experiences did you have that you think deserve to be recorded? What are you thankful for? Write down words, and the poems will follow. While I’ve chosen to share mine with others, you might prefer to keep yours private. That’s okay, too. Either way, I truly hope you gain the same sense of contentment I have from it – it’s a wonderful feeling.
Read this... Be inspired by Faye’s beautiful poetry and photography by following her on Instagam @livinginyorkshire COUNTRY HOMES & INTERIORS
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LIVE LIFE WELL
LEFT Take in the unspoilt beaches. BELOW Tuck into local, seasonal fare
PLAN AN ESCAPE TO…
The Blonde Hedgehog A CHARMING NEW BOUTIQUE HOTEL IN OFF-THE-BEATEN-TRACK ALDERNEY
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FEATURE PATRICK HAMILTON COURTNEY PHOTOGRAPHS ALAMY STOCK PHOTO, CATHERINE DAVIS PHOTOGRAPHY
ou’ll almost certainly be familiar with the Channel Island’s main settlements, Jersey and Guernsey. They’re famous for their handsome cattle and the unctuous, buttercupcoloured milk they produce. But there are three others – Sark, Herm and Alderney. While the first two are trickier for tourists to reach, Alderney is a precious, hidden gem. Three square miles of white sand beaches, rocky outcrops and pretty fields make up the tiny, sub-tropical island. So far, tourism on the island has been extremely limited, but now
Snuggle down for a luxurious night’s sleep
a small family-run boutique hotel, The Blonde Hedgehog, hopes to tempt visitors over from the mainland. With quick flights on propeller planes from Southampton Airport, put this in your diary for when you next plan a staycation. BOUTIQUE BOLTHOLE
The property is cobbled together from several chocolate-box, 18thcentury buildings in the island’s capital, Saint Anne. The project began when first-time hotelier Julie-Anne Uggla was looking for a coastal cottage for her family. The search began elsewhere, but Julie-Anne eventually stumbled on Alderney and fell in love. While renovations were taking place on her own home, she struggled to find a place to stay and spotted a gap in the market for luxury accommodation
– the idea for The Blonde Hedgehog began. Stepping off the cobbled streets, you’ll find yourself in a rustic, stylish hideaway that wouldn’t be out of place in the trendiest parts of Somerset or the Cotswolds. Decorated with a mix of jewel-tone upholstered furniture, curated vintage finds, and quirky lighting, it’s not only a chic place to spend time, but somewhere full of ideas to steal. PRODUCE WITH PROVENANCE
Offering the island’s first gourmet dining experience, the hotel’s restaurant is overseen by head chef James Edwards, who has chosen a farm-to-table approach using many ingredients from the hotel’s garden. Double rooms start at £180 a night. The Blonde Hedgehog, Le Huret, Saint Anne, Alderney GT9 3TR, blondehedgehog.com
While you’re there... BEACH LIFE
NATURE SPOTTING
ALDERNEY WEEK
The island’s mild climate promises summers that feel like the south of France. Make the best of them and hop between the numerous glistening beaches – it could almost be the Caribbean.
Varied wildlife experiences can be organised – from sea kayaking and bird watching, to midnight expeditions in search of the hotel’s namesake, the island’s population of ivorytoned blonde hedgehogs.
Every August, Alderney hosts a seven-day celebration of the island comprising of markets, carnivals and secret bunker parties. This year’s theme is The Twenties, and runs from the 1–8 August.
• For more inspirational travel ideas visit thecaribou.com COUNTRY HOMES & INTERIORS
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IN A COUNTRY KITCHEN
COOKS’ NOTES
Fill them up! Abel & Cole is rolling out its cutting edge refillable trial. Items that were formerly sold in single use packaging are now delivered in reusable containers, which you can send back to be refilled. The cleverly named Club Zero makes Abel & Cole the first ever online retailer to offer a refillable service. Membership costs £10, abelandcole.co.uk
A TASTE OF IRELAND
FEATURE SAMUEL GOLDSMITH
SUPER SALMON Bleiker’s Smokehouse has recently relaunched its award-winning smoked salmon with a vibrant new look. Created using years of smokecraft expertise, the range of delicious salmon includes gravadlax cured with dill, sugar and black pepper; smoked salmon marinated with gin and juniper, and Yorkshire Peat smoked salmon. Still family-owned, the smokehouse cures and smokes fish over handlit and tended wood fires in North Yorkshire. Bleiker’s Smokehouse smoked salmon costs from £3 for a 100g pack. Available in Sainsbury’s, Booths, Morrisons and Tesco.
Whether you’re a fan of Irish cuisine or you just want something great to cook, renowned chef JP McMahon has got you covered with The Irish Cook Book. A true tome of Irish cookery, there are over 450 recipes and a captivating history of Irish food. This book really does evoke the magic and culinary spirit that the Emerald Isle has to offer. £35, Phaidon.
Coffee by post Colonna coffee started as a small espresso house in Bath. Years later and with a multitude of awards to its name, it is now selling its celebrated coffee via subscription service. In both beans and capsules, the coffee comes in three genres: foundation, discovery and rare. What they all have in common, though, is quality. From £12 per 250g bag or 55p per capsule, colonnacoffee.com
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BARBECUED RARE FILLET OF BEEF WITH BALSAMIC DRESSING, RADISH AND PECORINO
A summer’s FEAST FRESHLY PICKED TOMATOES, TENDER BARBECUED BEEF AND STRAWBERRY CHEESECAKE… ALFRESCO EATING DOESN’T COME MORE GORGEOUS AND DELICIOUS THAN THIS
GOOD TIMES, GOOD FOOD
Cook’s note... FOR GAZPACHO, GO FOR A THINSKINNED, JUICY, LOW-ACIDITY TOMATO. HERITAGE TOMATOES COME FROM A TIME WHEN PRODUCE WAS GROWN LOCALLY, SO THEY’RE MORE TENDER THAN MODERN VARIETIES
MARKET GARDEN GAZPACHO
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GOOD TIMES, GOOD FOOD
BARBECUED RARE FILLET OF BEEF WITH BALSAMIC DRESSING, RADISH AND PECORINO A real centrepiece, this fillet of beef recipe is perfect for entertaining on the barbecue and makes an elegant and light alternative to traditional sausages and burgers. The peppery pink radishes, nutty Pecorino and piquant balsamic dressing really complement the smokiness of the charred beef. Ask your butcher to prepare the fillet for you in one piece, removing any fat or membrane.
SERVES 6-8
FOR THE BEEF 100ml red wine 100ml olive oil, plus a little extra for brushing 1 lemon, zest only 1 clove garlic, crushed Salt and pepper 800g fillet of beef, trimmed of membrane or fat 2 sprigs of thyme
12 radishes, finely sliced 100g Pecorino cheese, shavings Micro herbs or chive flowers, to serve
FOR THE DRESSING 2tbsp Balsamic vinegar 6tbsp extra virgin olive oil 1tsp wholegrain mustard Salt and pepper
1 To make the marinade, whisk together the red wine, olive oil, lemon zest and garlic. Season the beef all over with a little salt and pepper and place in a deep dish or container with the thyme sprigs. Pour the marinade over the beef, turning it a couple of times to coat thoroughly. Set to one side for at least 1 hour, turning the beef every so often. 2 To make the dressing, simply combine all of the ingredients in a small bowl and whisk to combine. 3 Make sure your barbecue or chargrill pan is hot enough to char the beef. If using a barbecue, the coals should have turned grey and the flames died down. A chargrill pan should be smoking slightly. 4 Remove the beef from the marinade and pat with some kitchen paper to remove the excess liquid. Brush all over with a little olive oil. 5 Place the beef onto the grill and cook for 4-5 mins, until well charred and caramelised, then turn over and cook for a further 5 mins on the other side. Now turn the fillet again so that the two sides which haven’t touched the grill yet cook for a further two mins on each. This will mean that the fillet is nicely coloured all the way round and rare in the middle. Remove the beef from the grill and set aside to rest for 10 mins. 6 When ready to serve, use a very sharp knife to slice the beef as thinly as possible. Lay the slices onto a large platter and drizzle with the balsamic dressing. Finish by sprinkling with the sliced radishes and Pecorino shavings and, if you like, some micro herbs or edible flowers.
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MARKET GARDEN GAZPACHO This vibrant soup showcases our favourite organic summer produce. It’s wonderful enjoyed outside as part of a picnic or to begin an alfresco dinner party. We like to use a mixture of red, yellow and orange tomatoes of different sizes to capture as many flavours as possible.
SERVES 6 1kg mixed ripe vine tomatoes (use a variety of colours and sizes), roughly chopped 2 red peppers, deseeded and chopped 1 cucumber, chopped 2 cloves garlic, peeled 2 shallots, peeled
and chopped 175ml extra virgin olive oil 100g sourdough bread, crust removed 2tbsp sherry vinegar Salt and pepper Diced red pepper, cucumber and tomato to garnish
1 Place the tomatoes, peppers, cucumber, garlic and shallots into a blender with the olive oil. Whizz until very smooth. (Do this in batches if your blender isn’t large enough to take all the ingredients at once). 2 Decant the soup into a large bowl through a conical sieve or colander, using a spoon to encourage the liquid to drain through but leaving any remaining pith, pips and skin behind. 3 Tear the sourdough into chunks and add to the soup. Stir in and set aside for 30 mins to allow the bread to soak in. 4 Add the sherry vinegar and salt and pepper and return the soup to the blender. Whizz once more for up to a minute or until you have a velvety smooth consistency. 5 To serve, pour into bowls and sprinkle over finely diced red pepper, cucumber and tomato. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and finish with a little sea salt and black pepper. 6 This soup is best served on the day it is made, when the flavours will be vibrant and fresh. If making ahead of time, chill until required.
NEW POTATO SALAD WITH GREEN HERB AND MISO DRESSING, CAPERS AND PEA SHOOTS
GOOD TIMES, GOOD FOOD
NEW POTATO SALAD WITH GREEN HERB AND MISO DRESSING, CAPERS AND PEA SHOOTS Dressed while still warm, the tiny new potatoes in this salad absorb masses of flavour from the herbs and miso in the bright green dressing. Whether served warm or allowed to cool, this is a lighter and more nutritious take on traditional potato salads and allows you to use any combination of your favourite herbs and leaves. If you aren’t able to lay your hands on pea shoots, then a handful of rocket or watercress will work perfectly.
SERVES 6
FOR THE DRESSING 70g mixed fresh green herbs (we use parsley, mint, coriander and chives) 1½tbsp white spring miso 1 lemon, juice only 125ml olive oil 1tbsp white wine vinegar 1 small garlic clove ½tsp Dijon mustard 2tsp capers
Freshly ground black pepper
FOR THE SALAD 500g baby new potatoes 1 lemon, zest only 1tbsp capers 2tbsp chives, roughly chopped A handful of pea shoots
1 To make the dressing, place all the ingredients into a blender and whizz to the consistency of a smooth pesto, adding a little more olive oil or a dash of water to loosen if needed. Taste to check the seasoning, adjusting if necessary and then keep to one side. 2 Bring a pan of salted water to the boil and add the new potatoes. Simmer gently for 12-15 mins until tender. Drain and tip into a large bowl. 3 Pour half of the dressing over the potatoes, reserving the rest for another time. Add the capers, chives and lemon zest and stir well to thoroughly coat the potatoes. Leave to cool to room temperature, toss the pea shoots through the potatoes and serve.
• All recipes from Daylesford Organic Farm, near Kingham, Gloucestershire, daylesford.com
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STRAWBERRY AND YOGURT JAR CHEESECAKES The combination of freshly picked organic strawberries, vanilla and cardamom in this recipe is both fragrant and irresistible. By using yogurt, this pudding is lighter than most cheesecakes, making it perfect for picnics and warmer weather. Raspberries work wonderfully in place of the strawberries once they come into season.
MAKES 6 500g strawberries, hulled and sliced 1 vanilla pod, halved 120ml sparkling de Léoube (or other sparkling rosé wine) 2tbsp Daylesford Organic Cotswold honey 2 cardamom pods, split open 200g Daylesford Organic
Oat biscuits 50g butter, melted 250g mascarpone cheese 250g Greek yogurt 1tbsp icing sugar 1 lemon, zest only Edible flowers to decorate (optional)
EQUIPMENT 6 jars with lids
1 Begin by making a syrup for the strawberries. Slice open one half of the vanilla pod lengthways with a sharp knife and place in a small pan with the sparkling wine, honey and cardamom. Heat gently until the honey has melted and then bring to the boil. Simmer for 2-3 mins until slightly reduced and syrupy. Allow to cool to room temperature and then pour over the sliced strawberries. Set aside while you make the rest of the cheesecake, but for no longer than 30 mins. 2 Place the oat biscuits into the bowl of a food processor and whizz to rough breadcrumbs. Tip into a mixing bowl and then pour over the melted butter. Mix until the crumbs are completely coated and then divide the mixture between the six glass jars. Use a teaspoon to firmly press the biscuit base into the bottom of the jar to create an even layer. 3 Scrape the seeds from the remaining vanilla pod half, discarding the pod itself. In a large mixing bowl, combine the mascarpone, yogurt, icing sugar, lemon zest and vanilla seeds. Using a large whisk, beat well until evenly combined, smooth and light. 4 To assemble the cheesecakes, simply place a large spoonful of the mascarpone yogurt into each jar, on top of the biscuit base, spreading out evenly. Spoon over a layer of the sliced strawberries with a little syrup and then top this with a final thick layer of the yogurt. Finish with a layer of the strawberries, arranging them prettily on top and drizzling over the syrup. 5 Serve straight away or, if taking on a picnic, seal the lids and chill until needed. To serve, decorate with extra crumbled oat biscuits and edible flowers.
STRAWBERRY AND YOGURT JAR CHEESECAKES
SHOPPING DIRECTORY YOU’LL FIND ALL THE COMPANIES IN THIS MONTH’S ISSUE HERE GARDEN TRADING 01993 845559 gardentrading.co.uk GATES RAILINGS DIRECT gatesrailingsdirect.co.uk GBC GROUP 0800 999 0123 gbcgroup.co.uk GIANT SPARROWS giantsparrows.co.uk GRIFFIN GLASSHOUSES 01962 772512 griffinglasshouses.com
A&M TILING 01245 A 263751 amtiling.co.uk AIGLE aigle.com ALEXANDER FRANCIS 01173 255247 alexander-francis.co.uk ALITEX 01730 826900 alitex.co.uk ALSO HOME 01483 608611 alsohome.com ALTERNATIVE FLOORING 01264 335111 alternativeflooring.com AMAN shop.aman.com AMARA 0800 587 7645 amara.com AMAZON.CO.UK AMLY BOTANICALS amlybotanicals.co.uk ANOTHER COUNTRY 020 7486 3251 anothercountry.com ANTHROPOLOGIE 0800 0026 8476 anthropologie.com APOLLO BLINDS apollo-blinds.co.uk ARDINGLY INTERNATIONAL ANTIQUES & COLLECTORS FAIR 01636 702326 iacf.co.uk/ardingly ARTISANTI 0345 259 1410 artisanti.com ASHLEY WILDE ashleywildegroup.co.uk ATKIN AND THYME 020 3768 7775 atkinandthyme.co.uk ATLAS FLOWERS 0845 519 5633 atlasflowers.co.uk BAHYA 020 3971 3300 maison-bahya.co.uk BARNEBY GATES 01672 560240 barnebygates.com BEAUMONDE 01202 707770 beaumonde.co.uk BEDECK 0333 200 7331 bedeckhome.com BELIANI 0870 495 2749 beliani.co.uk BEST HEATING 0344 4172563 bestheating.com BIRDIE FORTESCUE 01328 851651 birdiefortescue.co.uk BLAKE & BULL 01225 309347 blakeandbull.co.uk BLINDS 2GO 0800 862 0464 blinds-2go.co.uk BOOTHS 0800 197 0066 booths-wine.co.uk BRAMBLECREST bramblecrest.com BRIDGMAN 020 8804 7474 bridgman.co.uk BRONTE BY MOON brontebymoon.co.uk BURLEIGH 01773 740740 burleigh.co.uk
B
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H&M HOME hm.com H HABITAT 0344 499 4686 habitat.co.uk
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HANNAH KNAPTON hannahknapton.com HARPER COLLINS 020 8741 7070 harpercollins.co.uk HARTLEY BOTANIC 01457 819155 hartley-botanic.co.uk HATTI PATTISSON hattipattisson.com HEAL’S 0333 212 1915 heals.co.uk HILLARYS 0800 916 6524 hillarys.co.uk HIVE 0333 202 9627 hivehome.com HK LIVING hkliving.nl HOME BARN 01628 474011 homebarnshop.co.uk HOUSE OF ENKI 0800 086 8793 houseofenki.com HUMPHREY MUNSON 01727 519444 humphreymunson.co.uk IAN MANKIN 020 7722 IIAN 0997 ianmankin.co.uk SNOW 01271 858649 iansnow.com IKEA 020 3645 0000 ikea.co.uk ISLA JAMES INTERIORS islajamesinteriors.com ISLA MIDDLETON islamiddleton.co.uk ISLE OF SKYE PAINT COMPANY 01478 612379 isleofskyepaintcompany.co.uk JAMES PRICE Jblacksmithdesigner.com 01273 890398 JAN HENDZEL STUDIO 020 8854 4870 janhendzel.com JIM LAWRENCE 01473 826685 jim-lawrence.co.uk JOHN LEWIS & PARTNERS 0345 604 9049 johnlewis.com JOULES 0345 250 7160 joules.com JUNIQE 0330 777 1297 juniqe.co.uk JUSTINE TABAK justinetabak.co.uk 01283 200150 KKEYLITE keyliteroofwindows.com
KINGS FRAMERS 01273 481020 kingsframers.com KITTY HOLMES kittyholmes.com KOHLER 0800 0014 466 kohler.co.uk
THE GREAT SHUTTER CO 0800 023 5618 thegreatshutterco.co.uk THE GREENHOUSE PEOPLE 01782 385400 greenhousepeople.co.uk THE HAMBLEDON 01962 890055 thehambledon.com THE HARBOUR GALLERY 01872 580807 theharbourgallery.co.uk THE NEW CRAFTSMEN 020 7148 3190 thenewcraftsmen.com THE ORIGINAL BED CO 0800 464 0875 obc-uk.net THE ROOM SERVICE theroomservice.co THE STUMP thestump.co.uk THE WHITE COMPANY 020 3758 9222 thewhitecompany.com THE WORM THAT TURNED 0345 605 2505 worm.co.uk TK MAXX 01923 473561 tkmaxx.com TRAVIS PERKINS 01604 752424 travisperkins.co.uk TROUVA 020 7193 6444 trouva.com
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PAINT & PAPER 0800 328 P LIBRARY 0845 880 5844 SSAINSBURY’S 1700 sainsburys.co.uk paintandpaperlibrary.com
SAINSBURY’S HOME 0800 636262 sainsburyshome.co.uk SANDTEX 01254 704951 sandtex.co.uk SEED 01373 228272 designsbyseed.co.uk SEEDBALL seedball.co.uk SHAWS OF DARWEN 01254 775111 shawsofdarwen.com SHUTTERLY FABULOUS shutterlyfabulous.com SIMPLY PAVING 0800 032 6306 simplypaving.com SKIMMING STONES skimmingstonesdesigns.com SKLUM sklum.com SOFA WORKSHOP 0808 256 3476 sofaworkshop.com SOFA.COM 0345 400 2222 SOL CUPS solcups.com SOPHIE CONRAN 020 7603 1522 sophieconran.com SPACE NK 020 8740 2085 spacenk.com STYLE LIBRARY 020 3457 5862 stylelibrary.com SUE PARKINSON 01386 859233 sue-parkinson.com SUSIE WATSON DESIGNS 0344 980 8185 susiewatsondesigns.co.uk TESCO 0800 505555 T tesco.com THE BASKET ROOM 01608 239482 thebasketroom.com THE CONRAN SHOP 0344 848 4000 conranshop.co.uk THE COTSWOLD COMPANY 0333 200 1725 cotswoldco.com THE FUTURE KEPT thefuturekept.com
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139
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STYLISH SOFA GARDEN RANGE SEAT CUSHIONS INCLUDED At last a comfortable and stylish Garden Sofa Range that you can mix and match! Beautifully made from Acacia hardwood from sustainable sources, stained, oiled and gently rubbed down to create a superb finish which matches all of our extensive hardwood furniture range. Make your choice so you can lounge & relax in comfort in the garden. Table £59.99, Armchair £89.99, Sofa Bench £149.99. Each seat comes with its own cushion included. To order please visit www.plant-theatre.co.uk. The furniture arrives flat-packed and part-assembled. Includes free UK mainland delivery.
Reduced from £189.99 to £114.99, matching accessories available to buy separately include a table (down from £73.99 to £44.99), footstool (down from £72.99 to £46.99) high back cushion with pillow headrest (down from £69.99 to £39.99) and chair cover. To order please visit www.plant-theatre.co.uk. The chair arrives flat-packed and part-assembled. Includes free UK mainland delivery.
See all our listings at about-the-house.co.uk. To advertise please contact Michael on 020 7843 6958 or email michaelguest@about-the-house.co.uk About the House and the companies shown in this advertisement feature are wholly independent of Country Homes & Interiors magazine. Care has been taken to establish that the advertisers are legitimate. It is recommended that you carry out your own checks before making a purchase. When making a purchase we recommend payment by credit card.
M A R K E T P L AC E SOFAS AND SOFA BEDS
Great British Sofas Direct from the manufacturer
Albany 3 seater sofa was £669 - Sale price £499
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For a free colour brochure call 01495 244226
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was £2129 Sale price £1599
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M Y FA V O U R I T E V I E W
Hadrian’s Wall stretches 73 miles from coast to coast
MY FAVOURITE VIEW...
Hadrian’s Wall, Northumberland Trying to pick a favourite view is like asking which one of my children I prefer, because in my job, every day I see another property or piece of the nation that I love. But one place that will always stand out to me is Hadrian’s Wall. You can stop at any point on the wall and look out over Northumbria National Park and the astonishing view, full of an incredible sense of space and closeness – not only to nature but also to culture, because it encompasses a key story of Britain’s history.
When I was a teenager I went to Hadrian’s Wall to hike, and that’s when I fell in love with it. I still try to get there as often as I can, but it will never be as often as I would like. The National Trust owns land around there, so I can tie it in with visits to properties nearby. These days I still go there to walk. There are some 146
COUNTRY HOMES & INTERIORS
fabulous little bars and lovely restaurants along the route, so there’s always lots to do in between walking and being close to nature. It’s not too far from Newcastle, so although you can switch off, you’re not totally cut off unless you want to be. The glorious thing about Northumbria is that you can, very easily, get four seasons in one day. I spent my honeymoon there, in May and, I kid you not, over the first couple of days I got sunburnt and by the end of the week I was doing snow angels – it was just extraordinary! The moorland is rich with heather, but there are also spectacular wooded areas, and regenerated scrubby woodland that has become a great place for nature to thrive. You get such a strong sense of history when you stand on Hadrian’s
Wall. You can barely walk 100 metres without seeing signs of Roman existence, the wall itself of course, the forts, Vindolanda... there’s just so much to see and be part of and embed yourself in the history of that particular part of the boundary that lies between England and Scotland. Our culture is very much informed by our landscape and always has been, and I think Hadrian’s Wall is an amazing example of that brought to life – it’s one of many reasons that tell me why I’m in the job that I’m in. Discover different ways to get a view of nature from your doorstep – from watching the various garden birds to bug and butterfly spotting – with the National Trust’s Every Day Nature book by Andy Beer, £12.99, Amazon.co.uk
FEATURE THEA BABINGTON-STITT PHOTOGRAPHS (HADRIAN’S WALL) NATIONAL TRUST IMAGES/JOHN MILLAR; (HILARY) NATIONAL TRUST IMAGES/STEVE HAYWOOD
Exploring the history of the region is what captivates Director General of the National Trust, Hilary McGrady, when she visits the fascinating Hadrian’s Wall
Put yourself on the perfect pedestal. Shop thousands of designs and great deals online at swooneditions.com Our speedy collection is available for delivery right now.
Penfold footstool from ÂŁ199
Any questions? Call us on 020 3319 6332
NOTHING SIMILAR IS QUITE THE SAME
For a free copy of our brochure please call 01473 826931 or visit www.jim-lawrence.co.uk