L I V E
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L I F E . . . L O V E
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& INTERIORS
LIVI G with
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TRAVEL SPECIAL
ESCAPE FOR ADVENTURE, PEACE & ROMANTIC LANDSCAPES
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Your happy
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❖ NEW ENGLAND-STYLE HOUSE ❖ CONVERTED BARN ❖ GEORGIAN MANOR HOUSE ❖ COLLECTOR’S COTTAGE
13 Showrooms Nationwide 0808 178 3211 www.sofasandstuff.com Helmsley 3 seater sofa in Truro Cobalt, Hemsby scatters
THE HOME OF
modern country To find all stockists in this issue, turn to page 153
INTERIORS & INSPIRATION 12 MAY Things we can’t live without 17 DESIGN NEWS What’s new in interiors this month 76 • SHOPPING TREND Radiate warmth around your home with these sunshine shades 80 • LIVING WITH NATURE Celebrate the outside world with a calming colour palette, leafy plants and soft botanicals 88 • MAKE A HOUSE A HOME Inspirational ideas to help you get creative with colour 96 • CONSERVATORY IDEAS Expand your living space and boost natural light in your home with a sun room 104 GARDEN SOFAS For your outdoor living room 108 ROOM ELEMENTS Smart ways with wall tiles
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COUNTRY HOMES 18 • SURREY WEATHERBOARD HOUSE It’s hard to believe this New England-style beauty is situated right here in the UK
113 HOME TECH Small appliances for easy food prep 115 KITCHEN PROJECT Classic cabinetry has had a sophisticated shake up >
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32 • YORKSHIRE MANOR HOUSE Having admired this Georgian treasure for many years, this couple are very happy to now be able to call it their own
• ON THE COVER
44 • DEVON BARN The mesmerising shades of the coastline were the inspiration behind the blue colour scheme 56 • KENT COTTAGE Having made so much of the interior herself, the owner has created a home unique to her PLUS GET-THE-LOOK IDEAS FOR EVERY HOME COUNTRY HOMES & INTERIORS
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120 162 MY FAVOURITE VIEW The Malvern Hills are full of both memories and inspiration for Chris Beardshaw
GARDENS
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120
SEASONAL FOOD 145 146
IN A COUNTRY KITCHEN Our latest pantry additions
• GARDEN FRESH Make veg the hero with these plant-based wonders
LIFESTYLE 67
• ON THE COVER 68
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RURAL HOTSPOT Despite being popular with commuters, Wymondham is full of country charm MY COUNTRY BUSINESS Eve O’Neill makes clay dog figurines from her garden studio
PURPLE HAZE A Georgian rectory garden is alive with rich colour at this time of year
JUST FOR YOU 74
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SHOPPING DIRECTORY All the contact details and websites featured in this issue
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LOCAL HERO Single mum Beth Ford has created a support group for other self-employed women
131 LIVE LIFE WELL Happy thoughts and ideas for fashion, eco, wellbeing and more 137 COUNTRY PASSION Photographer Laura Pashby finds refuge in forest bathing 138 • TRAVEL SPECIAL British beauties to escape to this spring
To find all stockists in this issue, turn to page 153 6
COUNTRY HOMES & INTERIORS
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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 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 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
A different perspective Some furniture is made for the here and now. Some is built to stand the test of time. At Neptune, we believe it can do both – look good, and wear well. Because good design never gets old.
NOTHING SIMILAR IS QUITE THE SAME
For a free copy of our brochure please call 01473 826931 or visit www.jim-lawrence.co.uk
The mood of the moment:
(BACKGROUND) THE OBSERVATORY ROSELLA FABRIC, £25M, ILIV
PULLING TOGETHER It’s impossible to open this issue without acknowledging the impact that the coronavirus is having on all our lives on some level. It’s an anxious time for everyone, especially those of us who care for vulnerable loved-ones. But it’s also uplifting to see how communities can come together brilliantly in a crisis to help and support each other. The team and I hope that in the coming weeks you’ll continue to find comfort, solace and joy in your home. We’re here to help with that, and intend to keep on sharing the beautiful homes, inspiring interiors projects and delicious recipes we know you love, both here in the magazine and via social media. Wishing you the best,
Vanessa x P.S. Have you found us on Instagram, yet? Follow @countryhomesmag to get a sneak peek at beautiful homes and the inside track on interiors-industry news, events and people. No influencers, just a gentle slice of idyllic country life to give you a little escapism every dayÉ
COUNTRY HOMES & INTERIORS
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Things we can’t live without...
MAY
Sneaking out to enjoy mindful moments of spring-breeze calm… Large White trapeze lantern with three TruGlow candles, £59.99; glass terrarium, £12.99; Salcombe wooden battery lantern, £32.99; bee-print fairy light lanterns, £21.99; White metal lantern with TruGlow candle, £21.99, all Lights4Fun
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C O U N T R Y D AY S
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Supersoft threequarter lengths that drape like a dream... Worcester swing jumper in Ivory, £65; Dalloway midi skirt in Camel, £65, both Boden
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3 1 Making an exotic statement with painted papier mâché wonders. Neva wall decoration/bowl in Terracotta, 28x28cm, from £32, Caravane 2 Wrapping up in lightweight layers of quality chic. Lempi scarf in Melange Cinnamon, €35,90, Lapuan Kankurit 3 Storage with an eclectic attitude! Kabi basket, H35.5xW35.5xD35.5cm, £68, Anthropologie 4 Setting a wanderlust-worthy mood at sundown... Moroccan LED solar metal lanterns, £24.99 each, Dobbies Garden Centres
Utterly charming cottage garden inspirations flourishing in the kitchen. Cottage Garden range, from £2.50 for wooden bee spoon, T&G Woodware
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8 7 5 Dive-into hues on gorgeously tactile tableware. Artisan dinner plate, Dia26cm, £10; glazed dip bowl, Dia11cm, £6, both John Lewis & Partners 6 Inspiring words of wisdom from a lady in the know! Diary of a Modern Country Gardener by Tamsin Westhorpe, £20, Orphans Publishing 7 Lazy reclining on a sustainable seat. Rangoon cane chair, H78xW72xD72cm, £525, Kalinko 8 Picnics with a functional, floral flourish! Handpainted enamelware jug, H26cm, £85, Lisa Hardy Vintage COUNTRY HOMES & INTERIORS
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Fresh and lively spring green designs for enjoying herbal hits of happy! Hawthorn personalised half-pint mugs, £20.95 each, Emma Bridgewater
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9 Bringing illuminating greenhouse touches inside. Oakham table lamp, H40xDia23cm, £38, Next Home 10 Colourful footsteps in innovative tech leather. Grace trainers in Nappa Pink, £350, Harrys of London 11 Brightening up seating with a punchy scatter of texture, colour and pattern. Nazca cushion in White and Blue, 60x40cm, £85, Sarah Fortescue 12 Creating a spirit-lifting visualisation board to make dreams a reality. Kingfisher noticeboard, 40x40cm, £34.95, Cherith Harrison
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13 Open-air dining with urban-inspired combos. Camley table and stools set, table, H75xW70xD70cm; stools, H46xW41.5xD34cm each, £550, Garden Trading 14 Gracing the ‘she shed’ floor with neo-mint geometrics. Herbam rug in Light Green/Grey, H180xW120cm, £57, Vinterior 15 Bee-utiful eco-friendly helpers for farmers’ market excursions! Bee canvas shopper, 40x20x36cm, £30, Tillyanna 16 Getting touchy-feely with artisanal creations. Terracotta striped vase, £46, Rose & Grey 14 COUNTRY HOMES & INTERIORS
Adding a breath of fresh air with blushing pinks for a seasonal bedroom update. Linen bedding, from £16 for a pillowcase, Secret Linen Store
C O U N T R Y D AY S
Things we canÕt live without...
DANCING AROUND THE ❝ MAYPOLE, SURROUNDED
BY THE BLOOMING, BURSTING, DARLING BUDS OF MAY!
FEATURE HOLLY PHILLIPS
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Getting creative with new subtly patterned linens. (From left) Spotty Apple; Antoinette Redcurrant; Vintage Paisley Custard; Big Polka Powder; Florence Rhubarb; Willowherb Faded Duck & Pink; Coco Faded Red; Antoinette Gooseberry; Vintage Paisley Rhubarb linens, £59m, all Sarah Hardaker
COUNTRY HOMES & INTERIORS 15
Smart shades that simplify your life. PowerView® Motorisation from Luxaflex® Perfect lighting, energy efficiency, everyday convenience - it’s all delivered automatically with PowerView® Motorisation. Just program PowerView® to move your window coverings to the exact position you want and then control and schedule them using the intuitive PowerView® App on your smartphone or tablet.
Find out more at luxaflex.co.uk
The Art of Window Styling
NEW & INTERESTING
DESIGN NEWS Pooky goes au naturel Pooky made its name with colourful printed lampshades, but now its newest designs feature a more natural look, in tune with our eco-conscious times. These latest shades come in an abundance of tactile shapes made from natural materials, including raffia, washed wood and sustainable vegetable fibres – in tonal palettes of bronze, cream and beige. They’re great for bringing some earthy chic and subtle warmth to country homes. Rafferty pendants – made from raffia tree palms – in Natural and Coral, £81 each.
RICH GARDEN PICKINGS In 2013, brothers Harry and David Rich were the youngest-ever winners of a gold medal at The Chelsea Flower Show. Now, they’ve curated their first outdoor collection, in collaboration with Habitat. Look out for simple, contemporary designs, boasting fluid curves and natural lines. Made to work together or alone, the designs suit either a rural garden or an urban balcony. Har stone-effect planters, from £60 each, The Rich Brothers + Habitat.
Loaf-ing at John Lewis
FEATURE HOLLY PHILLIPS
The fabulous tag-teamwork continues at John Lewis & Partners, which has launched an exclusive furniture collection with Loaf. Find something for every home, from storage options to functional yet stylish pieces, such as the Chow sideboard in Blue, £699.
BRITISH ICONS COLLABORATE In a perfect pairing, Sanderson has taken themes inspired by the National Trust, then combined them with patterns from its archive to create five heritage-inspired design stories. A Celebration of the National Trust by Sanderson incorporates natural brights, watercolour pastels and contemporary neutrals across wallpapers and fabrics. (Shown above) Catherinae in Fuchsia, £89m; Summer Peony in Fuchsia/Rose, £55m.
Designer botanicals at Blinds 2go Bold and bright botanicals bring eye-catching style and a fresh finish to a striking collection of 11 exclusive designs by Clarissa Hulse at Blinds 2go. Made to measure, each blind and curtain is individually stitched and offered with a choice of practical linings to provide a sophisticated finish as well as optimal shading. (Shown right) Clarissa Hulse Tropical Leaves Moss Roman blinds, from £31.15 for a W40xD40cm blind. COUNTRY HOMES & INTERIORS
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PITCH PERFECT An ambitious transformation saw JP Clark’s Surrey Hills house turn from overgrown wallflower to New England-style beauty
S U R R E Y W E AT H E R B O A R D H O U S E
Exterior New terraces in the back garden made its steep gradient more manageable. COUNTRY HOMES & INTERIORS 19
Kitchen The peninsula is attached to the wall at one end, discouraging guests from straying into the chef’s space. Cabinetry, Classic Kitchens Direct, in Cadet Song by Valspar and Lamp Room Gray, Farrow & Ball
I’M QUITE A PRIVATE CHEF AND I LIKE TO ❝REMAIN SEPARATE FROM GUESTS WHILE COOKING, SO WE ATTACHED ONE END OF OUR ISLAND UNIT TO THE WALL, EFFECTIVELY CREATING A BARRIER
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S U R R E Y W E AT H E R B O A R D H O U S E
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o strangers to the renovation game, JP Clark and his husband John had completed seven property projects before embarking on their eighth – an uninspiring detached house in the Surrey Hills. ‘We got together 22 years ago and had a plan from day one to end up in a detached house somewhere pretty with a view,’ says JP. He refers to this 1920s property as ‘the house that nobody wanted to buy’. But despite the four small bedrooms, lack of light and sloping hillside garden, the couple saw potential. ‘The only reason we bought it was because of the view. The house would have to be changed completely into something bigger and much more beautiful.’ Before starting on the house, the epic job of landscaping had to be completed. ‘We knew that once the house was extended, there wouldn’t be enough room to get the diggers in to take the huge amount of soil away,’ says JP. Overshadowing the house, the wild, sloping garden made the rooms dark. ‘It hadn’t been tamed in years. There were 40ft high leylandii and other trees. You could barely see the sky,’ recalls JP. But with grit and determination, the couple transformed the garden in around five weeks. ‘All the plants were ripped out and we started from scratch. We created new terraces, based on the paddy fields of Bali.’ A passionate fan of the weatherboard architecture in New England, JP had long dreamed of recreating the look in a home of his own. Unfortunately, the council had other ideas, and the planning process was long and painstaking. Finally, the project was given the green light after one minor amendment. With the help of MatchBox Architects, JP and John planned their new house, incorporating all the lessons they had learned over the years. ‘It wasn’t just a case of extending. Every wall was moved, and each window resized and relocated. We also built the veranda and steps,’ JP says. ‘John is amazing at house layouts. He’s able to visualise and gain space you never knew you had. He’s also the plumber, electrician, and carpenter – we make a great team.’ With entertaining a top priority for the pair, they wanted visitors to feel like they were on holiday. The large decking area at the top of the garden was repainted and it’s where they spend much of the time in summer, even late into the night. ‘It faces northwest and gets the most incredible sunsets,’ JP says. The kitchen, with its 3.4m bifold doors, is another focus for entertaining. A clever tactic for smooth service during meals was to create a separate utility prep area with a dishwasher, where dirty plates can be left in between courses, out of sight behind a partial wall. ‘It also makes the perfect bar,’ adds JP. Continuing the outdoor-indoor theme, the master bedroom features a spacious, semi-enclosed balcony, used yearround. ‘We were nearly refused planning on the balcony and had to add the enclosing walls, which has actually worked out brilliantly, as we’re always sheltered from the weather,’ says JP. Using his flair for interior design, he has created sophisticated yet welcoming schemes, featuring muted colours, characterful antiques and upcycled pieces. The result is a truly original take on a very traditional look, and a new icon for the Surrey Hills.
AT HOM E WI T H. . . Owners Jon Paul (JP) Clark, his husband John and their Cairn Terrier, Missy. JP, who originally trained as a singer, is a hairdresser, now working towards a full-time career in interiors, while John works in telecommunications.
House A detached house, built in the 1920s, extended and renovated in a New England style.
COUNTRY HOMES & INTERIORS 21
Living room Warm, woody tones are tied together with the grey of the sofas and wood panelling in a formal and elegantly symmetrical scheme. Sofas, SofaSofa. Panelling in Plummet; walls in All White, both Farrow & Ball. Floor lamps, Culinary Concepts
S U R R E Y W E AT H E R B O A R D H O U S E
WE TRAVELLED TO CAPE COD. I TOOK ❝ MANY PHOTOS OF TINY ARCHITECTURAL
DETAILS AND WE KNOCKED ON PEOPLE’S DOORS, ASKING IF WE COULD HAVE A LOOK AROUND THEIR HOMES
❞
COUNTRY HOMES & INTERIORS 23
Balcony JP and John use the covered balcony as an outdoor room all year round. Mirror, Cox & Cox. Chest of drawers, Ardingly International Antiques & Collectors Fair
S U R R E Y W E AT H E R B O A R D H O U S E
Dining room A cedar-clad feature wall injects a New England feel. Table, Nicky Cornell. Test tube pendant, Culinary Concepts
Kitchen The units were spray painted, then treated to make them durable. Tristone worktops, iSurfaces.co.uk. Pendants, Restoration Hardware
Exterior The garden terraces were made using reclaimed African railway sleepers.
Snug Warm wood, hide and leather tones give the space a sophisticated cosiness. Sofa, Raft. Glass lamp, Anthropologie
Exterior JP and John spend many evenings on the upper terrace. They plan to turn the summer house into a garden kitchen
COUNTRY HOMES & INTERIORS 25
S U R R E Y W E AT H E R B O A R D H O U S E
Bathroom The vanity unit is a chest of drawers, painted in Down Pipe, Farrow & Ball
Exterior Lavender provides a scented approach. Architecture, MatchBox Architects
Bedroom The blue and white palette was inspired by a trip to Santorini. Bedlinen, The White Company
Bathroom Painted shiplap has an authentic period feel. Walls in Grey Moss, Little Greene
Bedroom Uncluttered furnishings make the best use of this attic space. Side tables, Ikea
Master bedroom JP loves the shadows created by the overlapping boards. Walls in Sulking Room Pink, Farrow & Ball
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Master bedroom A pair of intricate angel wings provides extra texture against the shiplap wall planks. Wings, Cox & Cox. Bedlinen, The White Company
ON OUR D OORST EP. . .
FEATURE JULIET BENNING PHOTOGRAPHS POLLY ELTES
Visit... ‘Clandon Park (nationaltrust. org.uk/clandon-park), which famously burnt down in 2015, has now been re-opened as a “modern ruin”. Silent Pool gin (silentpooldistillers.com) is made nearby in Albury and the distillery tour is very popular.’
Shop at… ‘My favourite shop in the area is No5 Interiors in Dorking (no5interiors.com), which has lots of reclaimed, beautiful pieces. Guildford is also gorgeous for shopping.’
Go for a meal at... ‘The William Bray (thebray.net) in Shere village. It’s recently been renovated and has beautiful interiors.’
GET THE LOOK
Be inspired by JP’S COVERED BALCONY Hang a unique artisan accent on a bare wall for an eye-catching feature. Eko wire antelope head in Rust, H58xW20x D37cm, £39.95, Nkuku
Grace an outside space with grandeur, courtesy of this detailed piece. Tournai medium Londonderry lantern, H40cm, £240, Outdoor & Garden Lighting Centre
CH&I
MODERN
Ensure a sunny Country space with this CLASSIC design that subtly mimics the sun’s rays. Labyrinth round garden mirror, Dia100cm, £139.99, Fallen Fruits at Primrose
Stagger groups of assortedheight beacons along decking. La Rochelle tall lantern, H55xL18xD18cm, £119.95, Annabel James
CH&I loves... DECKING STAINS
FURNISH YOUR OUTSIDE AREA WITH THE SAME LOVE AND ATTENTION AS YOU WOULD YOUR INTERIOR, TO ENJOY IT ALL YEAR-ROUND
Recline in a breezy design – just add a cushion or two. Copacabana round rattan-effect garden armchair, H90x W71xD84cm, £76, Maisons du Monde
This Moroccaninspired tough weave is made from recycled plastic bottles. Medina Tangier rug, 150x90cm, £130, Weaver Green Pop faux ditsy leaves into a textured pot for fuss-free greenery. Plant, £9; pot in Striped Grey, H13xDia14cm, £14, both Hudson Home
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Golden Maple matt anti-slip, £28 for 2.5ltr, Cuprinol at B&Q
Light Green, £17.15 for 2.5ltr, Protek
Rich Teak, £39 for 2.5ltr, Ronseal
FEATURE HOLLY PHILLIPS
J PÕs style tip...
Exterior The Georgian house sits on a hillside with a river running through the bottom of the garden
DESTINY IN THE DALES A moment of intuition led Cherrie McCarron and Paul Cray to buy the house of their dreams in the heart of the beautiful Yorkshire Dales
YORKSHIRE MANOR HOUSE
Dining room It was a tight squeeze getting the elegant 18th-century Irish linen table into the dining room. Table, from Loran & Co Antiques. Mirror, English and Continental Antiques. Map, Graham and Green COUNTRY HOMES & INTERIORS
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Kitchen A muted palette with wooden surfaces creates a classic country scheme. Cabinets, Neptune. Butcher’s block, Louisa Grace Interiors
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YORKSHIRE MANOR HOUSE
Living room Beautiful old floorboards and painted panelling link the living and dining rooms, drawing light straight through the house. Sofa, Sofa Workshop. Rug, Habitat. Floor lamp, Rowen & Wren
F
or years, Cherrie McCarron and her partner Paul Cray would admire this beautiful Georgian manor house while out on their favourite walk in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales. ‘We lost our hearts to the house many years ago on a winter’s walk along the trail,’ says Cherrie. ‘The combination of the grand Georgian architecture, the location and its riverside setting captivated us. I would periodically check to see if the house was on the market, not really believing that we would ever be lucky enough to buy it one day. Three years ago it came up for sale and we decided to head north for a viewing.’ Just minutes into their first look around they were besotted. ‘We decided to follow our hearts and make an offer,’ recalls Cherrie. ‘I grew up in London without a garden or even a park nearby, so the prospect of living in this magical environment was beyond anything I could have dreamed of as a child.’ The purchase proved to be challenging but they were determined not to let it stop them buying the house. Even the fact it needed a major update didn’t put them off. ‘We wanted to be respectful of its heritage while bringing our own lives and personality into it,’ says Cherrie. ‘It is a place where we want to feel completely relaxed and comfortable.’ The house required very little structural work, but there was no kitchen and most of the interior needed renovating,
AT HOME WITH Owners Cherrie McCarron is a lawyer and her partner, Paul Cray, is a piano tuner. They have three dogs, Pixie, Dinky and Star.
House A late 18th-century, Grade II-listed, four-bedroom manor house. Cherrie and Paul bought the house in February 2017.
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YORKSHIRE MANOR HOUSE
WE WANTED TO BE RESPECTFUL OF ❝ ITS HERITAGE WHILE BRINGING OUR OWN
PERSONALITY INTO IT. IT IS A PLACE WHERE WE WANT TO FEEL RELAXED AND COMFORTABLE
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Living room Cherrie combines old and new for elegant effect. Eames rocking chair, Utility Design. Poster, Rockett St George
Living room The flamingo and crewel work cushions reflect Cherrie’s passion for anything quirky and colourful. Painting by Jonathan Barber. Flamingo cushion, Danish Collection. Crewel work cushions, Niki Jones
including an upgrade to the electrics and heating, replastering and decorating throughout. Windows needed repairing, along with some of the original floorboards, and the overgrown garden was in desperate need of attention. ‘Most of the work was carried out in a six-week period. I lived here while it was going on so I could liaise with the tradespeople and deal with issues as they arose,’ says Cherrie. ‘I slept on the floor and managed without a kitchen – just a table and a combination microwave. I used a sink in the boot room to wash the dishes. It was the middle of February and incredibly cold, but fortunately the bathrooms had been modernised by the previous owner so at least I could have a shower,’ she says. Once the renovation work was completed, Cherrie and Paul turned their attention to the decor and furniture, creating a look that has evolved over time. ‘I love calming colours and I wanted to enhance the natural light that floods into every room,’ says Cherrie. ‘We also wanted the elegant original features of the house to take precedence, so the furniture and all our fabrics and art are secondary to the architecture.’ They worked with the high, spacious rooms and scale of the property by mixing furniture from different eras, including a few significant items such as the Irish table in the dining room, large mantel mirrors and sofas. They
LIVING THE DREAM Cherrie McCarron and Paul Cray are enjoying a completely different lifestyle in a remote part of the Yorkshire Dales
What are your favourite pastimes? ‘We spend days wild swimming in the river, then clamber up the banks to toast marshmallows over the fire bowl while watching the sun set over the hills.’
How does the location make a difference? ‘It’s a completely different life here. Being woken by birdsong, not traffic noise, and falling asleep to the gentle hoots of the owls enriches the soul and reconnects you with nature.’
What do you do that you couldn’t do before? ‘Hiking in the hills with the dogs and rediscovering our love of riding. We’re also planning on buying a kayak to make the most of the river.’
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Main bedroom A linen French-style bed adds an understated touch. Walls painted in Linen Grey by Susie Watson Designs. Bed, Feather & Black. Footstool, Sofa Workshop. Screen printed lampshades, Emma Purdie
then added modern large-scale art to pull the entire house together for a smart, cohesive look. The house sits on a slope so they installed the kitchen on the lower ground floor, which leads to a sunny patio at the back of the house overlooking lawned gardens sloping down to the river and beautiful woodland. ‘I’m not a fan of moodboards when it comes to deciding on a look and I prefer not to follow themes,’ says Cherrie. ‘As an environmentalist, I like to reuse things. There is some amazing furniture out there that just needs a bit of TLC to make it functional again.’ For Cherrie it’s about finding pieces that have a story to tell. ‘I love anything that has a fabulous history attached,’ she says. ‘I always try to source something old first, but then add quirky and eclectic newer pieces, especially anything from an artisan business.’ Cherrie and Paul first bought the house as a second home, with the aim of turning it into a holiday let to help generate some extra income. When it came down to it though, they decided to make this their permanent home instead, moving from their current home in Norfolk as part of a major lifestyle change. ‘A house is not about making a statement,’ says Cherrie. ‘It’s a place where we can be comfortable, be ourselves – a place that makes us feel special. It’s about creating a space for us to live in.’ 38
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YORKSHIRE MANOR HOUSE
Bathroom
Bedroom
This space has remained as it was when Cherrie and Paul bought the house. For a similar reindeer hide, try Notonthehighstreet.com
Floorboards from a Lancashire cotton mill make an unusual headboard. Throws, The Fine Cotton Company
I LOVE CALMING COLOURS AND ❝ I WANTED TO ENHANCE THE NATURAL LIGHT THAT FLOODS INTO EVERY ROOM ❞
Library bedroom The guest bedroom has a tranquil atmosphere. Walls painted in Elephant’s Breath, Farrow & Ball. Bed, Loaf. Throw, Feather & Black. Cushions, Susie Watson Designs. Pictures, Bookishly
YORKSHIRE MANOR HOUSE
ON OUR DOORSTEP Visit... ‘The Swale Trail (cyclethedales.org.uk) from Reeth to Keld goes past our door and includes 12 miles of rural cycle tracks, 80% of which are off road. The Ingleton Waterfalls Trail (ingletonwaterfalls trail.co.uk) is a beautiful walk beginning and ending in the village of Ingleton. Ribblehead viaduct is probably the most famous of the many feats of Victorian engineering along the stunning Settle to Carlisle railway line and is located in the middle of the iconic Three Peaks.’
Shop at… ‘The Two Dales Bakery (twodalesbakery.co.uk) in Reeth, an artisan baker who makes a fantastic range of breads.’
Go for a meal at… ‘Our local
FEATURE HEATHER DIXON PHOTOGRAPHS COLIN POOLE
pub, The Punch Bowl Inn (pbinn.co.uk), which offers a warm welcome and modern country food.’
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Holloways CONTEMPORARY COUNTRY LIVING See our stunning collections in our showrooms shop online • www.holloways.co.uk
Lower Court, Suckley, Worcestershire, WR6 5DE
01886 884665
GET THE LOOK
Be inspired by CHERRIE’S DINING ROOM Fill this artisanal vessel with a tall display of blooms, twigs or foliage. Chara hammered glass vase with brass neck, H24x D8cm, £22.95, Heavenly Homes & Gardens
Top your mantelpiece with an elaborate, light-bouncing showpiece. Cheverny mirror, H116xW90xD5cm, £2,290, Oficina Inglesa
Add a touch of softness to a modernrustic scheme. Swedish rug in Ivory, L118x W75cm, £120, Celtic & Co
Serve up a scrumptious feast with a side of iconic design. Moda armchair in White, H79xW58xD46cm, Cult Furniture
CH&I loves... FARMHOUSESTYLE FLOORING CH&I
Create a relaxing ambience with gently flickering flames. Wooden candlestick, H36cm, £19.99, Lily Manor at Wayfair
Dish up mountains of generous comfort food from a statement server. Black Toast medium pasta bowl, H4.9x Dia23.4cm, £22.95, Emma Bridgewater
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COUNTRY HOMES & INTERIORS
Cherrie’s style tip... BLUR THE BOUNDARIES BETWEEN HERITAGE AND MODERN BY PAIRING TIMELESS STYLE CLASSICS WITH SIMPLE, CONTEMPORARY FORMS Angle light exactly where you need it with this metallic lamp. Akono standing lamp in Aged Bronze, H100-150xW30.5xD50cm, £295, Nkuku
Lignum Cream slipresistant rectified glazed porcelain in Light Brown, £59.95sq m, Original Style
Mid-century pine in Shabby Chic, £82.80sq m, The New & Reclaimed Flooring Co
Palazzo wood in Sunset Oak, £59.99sq m, Quickstep at Carpetright
FEATURE HOLLY PHILLIPS
MODERN Country CLASSIC
DESIGNED IN COLLABORATION WITH
A collection of stunning fabrics inspired by the National Trust.
stylelibrary.com/sanderson @sanderson1860
INTO THE BLUE The colours of the Devonshire coastline provided inspiration for Felicity Thomson’s spacious barn conversion
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COUNTRY HOMES & INTERIORS
DEVON BARN
Kitchen-diner The blue of the cabinets echoes the shades of the nearby estuary and sea. For a similar kitchen, try Herringbone Kitchens. Pendants, Nkuku. Artwork, Victoria Young Jamieson
Kitchen Open wall cabinets and plate racks give the space a homely, country cottage feel. Similar plate rack, Furniture 4 Your Home
F
elicity Thomson, who lives on a farm near Salcombe in Devon, says May is her favourite time of year. ‘Early spring is when our foals are born and it’s also when the countryside starts to come into its own,’ she says. ‘Wildflowers begin to bloom and the long, sandy beaches are at their most beautiful.’ Felicity, her husband Charles and their children, Freya and Freddie, moved to this part of the world 20 years ago from Kent, but already knew the area well. ‘We had a holiday home down here, which meant we’d already built up a good circle of friends,’ she says. It still took a while to find their perfect home, which is a Grade II-listed 18th-century farmhouse with several outbuildings. The couple wanted a completely fresh start from their busy commuting-based lifestyles. Charles gave up working for his family engineering business and instead the couple focused on creating a different way of life on the farm. The Thomsons now breed Dartmoor ponies, which have won prizes at the Horse of the Year Show and the Royal International Horse Show. Five years ago, they decided to make another new beginning – converting a large barn on the farm into this warm, welcoming home. The building is on two >
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COUNTRY HOMES & INTERIORS
AT HOME WITH Owners Felicity and Charles Thomson, who run a Dartmoor pony stud farm and a holiday let business from Salcombe Farm (salcombefarm. co.uk), live here with their daughter Freya, son Freddie, Ludo the whippet and Jagger the cairn terrier. They moved here 20 years ago. House A larch-clad converted barn dating from the 20th century.
DEVON BARN
❝ ❞
Dining area Having a long bench against the wall means the table area takes up less floor space. Similar table, Live With Wood
Living room A high-backed sofa helps to ‘zone’ the seating area in the open-plan space. Similar sofas, John Lewis & Partners
levels and a previous owner, who was in the music business, had used part of the top portion as a recording studio. ‘Robert Plant, the Levellers and Alannah Myles recorded here,’ says Felicity. The lower level, however, had been used for hay storage. ‘We thought the barn was beautiful as soon as we saw it. We wanted to preserve it but also bring it into the 21st century,’ says Felicity. Once they had planning permission, an architect was brought in to help them create a traditional home with contemporary touches. For the interior, Felicity found inspiration in the countryside and coastal scenery on their doorstep. So the kitchen is painted in a restful blue, while a mossy green paint shade has been used in several bedrooms. As a backdrop for much of their art, furniture and finds, Felicity chose Ammonite, a pale grey paint shade by Farrow & Ball. ‘I’ve discovered that the key to creating cosiness is to avoid stark white walls,’ she says. In the kitchen, an island divides the working areas from the dining area. ‘In the daytime, this part of the room is flooded with natural sunlight. Then, after dark, the pendants cast it in a pool of warm light, which makes it really cosy.’ The table itself is made in local elm by a Devonshire craftsman, while other furniture > 48
COUNTRY HOMES & INTERIORS
LIVING THE DREAM Felicity and her family successfully breed Dartmoor ponies on their Devonshire farm
What makes Dartmoor ponies special? ‘They have such wonderful temperaments. Ensuring the future of this endangered breed has become a passion for us all.’
How do you choose potential owners for your ponies? ‘We get to know them personally because we want to be sure they will love our ponies as much as we do.’
What’s your proudest moment so far? ‘When our ponies won the Royal International Horse Show and scooped second place at the Horse of the Year Show.’
Children’s bedroom Bunk beds make a snug hideaway for visiting little ones. For similar bunk beds, try Indigo Furniture
Children’s bedroom Felicity has chosen decor in keeping with the rest of the home for a streamlined look. Mirror, Scumble Goosie
I’VE DISCOVERED THAT THE KEY TO ❝ CREATING A COSY DECOR SCHEME IS TO ADD COLOUR AND WARM TIMBER ❞
Main bedroom It’s hard to believe this calming space was once home to Felicity’s horses. Furniture, all Scumble Goosie. Cushions, Susie Watson Designs
DEVON BARN
SPRING SALE NOW ON
HANDMADE IN THE UK SHOWROOMS NATIONWIDE Request a free brochure 0800 389 6938 harveyjones.com
DEVON BARN
Bathroom The rugged stone basin adds an extra layer of texture. Similar basin, Marblemosaics
Bathroom
FEATURE JO LEEVERS PHOTOGRAPHS POLLY ELTES
Floor-to-ceiling earthy tones stop the tiled bathroom from feeling stark. Floor tiles, Mandarin Stone
is predominantly made in pale mango wood and comes from Scumble Goosie. ‘Whether it’s been made a few miles away or by artisan makers and craftspeople in Rajasthan, timber furniture always has warmth and character,’ says Felicity. To bring a sense of softness to the large spaces, Felicity turned to Susie Watson Designs and chose textiles in pastel shades, many adorned with simple block-print motifs. The generous windows in the living area overlook the verdant, rolling countryside. ‘We were going to have shutters to make the most of the views, but then I realised it might make the space quite echoey,’ says Felicity. Instead, lined and patterned linen curtains hang at all the windows, adding softness and linking with the cushions that are generously layered over each of the beds, sofas and benches. Now finished, the barn is available for holiday rentals (it can sleep up to 18) and the business is very much a family affair, with daughter Freya running the bookings when she’s not helping to look after the equine side of the farm. ‘Freya studied estate management and worked abroad for a while, but once you’ve lived in this beautiful part of the world, you find yourself drawn back here. It has cast its spell on all of us,’ says Felicity.
ON MY DOORSTEP Visit ... ‘From April until the end of October you can take the passenger ferry to the golden South Sands beach, which is also at the start of the spectacular South West Coast Path.’
Shop at ... ‘The Bake House (bakehousesalcombe.co.uk) in Salcombe is our lovely local artisan bakery. Don’t leave without trying their almond croissants.’
Go for a meal at ... ‘The Beach House (beachhousedevon. com) in Kingsbridge is great to head to after a long beach walk. Captain Flint’s (captainflints.co. uk) in Salcombe is a popular place for families to refuel as it has a Treasure Island theme.’
COUNTRY HOMES & INTERIORS
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John Lewis of Hungerford & Co. The Kitchen Artisans Since 1972
ely v o l a re to o m s ’ try e e n i b Ther a an c h t n e ubtle s t s e kitch t e la h t of n i t r d a e t p n s i pa hat i t t u b w. colour 0 piece jigsa the 100 JLH &
C o.
Standing the test of time To request our brochure, email brochures@john-lewis.co.uk or call 0700 278 4726 | www.john-lewis.co.uk
DEVON BARN
Exterior Clad in larch, the converted barn blends into its farm surroundings
WE WANTED TO PRESERVE THE BARN, BUT ❝ALSO BRING IT INTO THE 21ST CENTURY ❞
COUNTRY HOMES & INTERIORS
53
GET THE LOOK
Be inspired by FELICITY’S LIVING ROOM CH&I
MODERN Country CLASSIC Emanate French chateau grandeur with this bohemian statement. Gleaming primrose mirror, H100cm, from £348, Anthropologie
Each petal and leaf on this beautiful design is cut out by hand. Foxglove cushion, £68, Susie Watson Designs
Illuminate country and coastal abodes alike with this rustic piece. Yurt hand-turned wood table lamp base, £90, The Lighting Company
Add toe-friendly texture and subtle pattern at ground level with a super-thick weave. Chevron knot jute rug, L240xW170cm, £300, John Lewis & Partners
CH&I loves… CALMING PAINTS
A timeless addition to any scheme. Darien coffee table, H40xW45xL45cm, £193.99, Brambly Cottage at Wayfair
FEATURE HOLLY PHILLIPS
FelicityÕs style tip CHANNEL A RELAXED COUNTRY LOOK WITH NATURAL MATERIALS, SUCH AS WARM WOODS AND GRASS WEAVES, NESTED AMONG A PALETTE OF GENTLE PASTELS FOR A MODERN AND AIRY LIFT
Bluebird matt, £38 for 2.5ltr Graham & Brown Enjoy blushing spring buds all year round. Faux large magnolia stem, H116cm, £18.50, Hudson Home
Snuggle-up for movie marathons when the spring showers hit. Merino cashmere blend throw, £118, The Wool Company
Almost Grey chalky emulsion, £37 for 2.5ltr, Craig & Rose
Leaden Pink perfect matt emulsion, £48 for 2.5ltr, Designers Guild
COUNTRY HOMES & INTERIORS
55
IND
The
O S
Taking a hands-on approach and making everything herself, from kitchen cabinets to utensils, has given Freyja Cox Jensen a deep connection to her historic cottage
Living room Its east-west aspect gives this space appealing natural light from windows on each side. Walls, ceiling, woodwork in Purbeck Stone estate emulsion and estate eggshell, Farrow & Ball. For an antique sofa in this style, try Vinterior
K E N T C O T TA G E
Living room As storage is lacking in the kitchen, Freyja’s father constructed a display cupboard for all of her glassware. Cupboard in Pitch Blue estate eggshell, Farrow & Ball
LIVING THE DREAM Freyja divides her time between her permanent home in Kent and her rental home on the other side of the country where she works
Why did you decide to divide your time? ‘I knew it would be good to step away from work during the holidays and I wanted my permanent home to be near family and old friends.’
What do you look forward to most when you return home? ‘Experiencing again every room laid out in the way that works best for how I live. Then, being sociable and cooking for loved ones.’
How does your home differ with the seasons? ‘I’ve designed the south-facing garden to flower all through spring and summer. Returning in winter, I look forward to sitting beside the fire.’
COUNTRY HOMES & INTERIORS
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Kitchen Freyja rebuilt this space, hiding a washing machine inside a cupboard she constructed. For a similar butcher’s block, try eBay
F
reyja Cox Jensen’s Kent cottage is a holiday home with a difference. For 20 or so weeks a year, she works as a university lecturer on the other side of the country and lives in a rented place near her day job. When each term ends and the students return home, so does Freyja. It’s a bold approach to finding a good work-life balance. Equally decisive was her intention to look for an old property in need of attention. ‘I prefer to work with a blank canvas,’ she says. ‘It’s wasteful if someone else has done work and I immediately want to undo it.’ Freyja limited her search to a tightly defined 20-mile radius and identified a house she wanted to view on a property website. ‘I’d known about this group of houses for a while because they stand out on a hill. I came to see the house on Christmas Eve and just as I’d hoped, it needed a lot of work doing to it,’ she says. The house is one of a small row built for weaving families during the 1750s. ‘For a timber-framed house, it’s tall and thin and the ceilings are unusually high,’ says Freyja. According to hearsay, the houses were constructed by prisoners taken during the Seven Years’ War against the French and held captive at nearby Sissinghurst. Freyja started work on the house as soon as she gained the keys – while removal men were bringing in her boxes, >
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COUNTRY HOMES & INTERIORS
AT HOME WITH Owners Freyja Cox Jensen, a historian who lectures in early modern history.
House Three-storey Grade-II listed 18th-century house with three bedrooms. One bedroom is used as a study and the loft bedroom has been turned into a studio/dressing room.
K E N T C O T TA G E
Dining room Freyja thinks the dining table may have originally been a console, but it fits perfectly here. Modi reclaimed wood dining table, Barker and Stonehouse, would also work
Living room
Studio
Keeping her collections to an earthy colour palette ensures the displays don’t overpower the room. For similar antique pots, try Nkuku
Freyja uses this space at the top of the house for working on ceramics, printmaking, sewing and knitting in her spare time
she was already at work demolishing kitchen fittings. As the house is listed, any structural changes require planning permission, but Freyja’s most pressing job was to remove a monster boiler sited in the middle of the kitchen, with an oversized asbestos flue going straight up through the ceiling. She later installed a new central heating system, with the boiler fitted externally and standard radiators replaced with more stylish traditional cast iron. Freyja has completed a remarkable amount of the work on the house herself, particularly in the kitchen. ‘I do all I can, including constructing cupboards using doors from the local salvage yard,’ she says. ‘I don’t have a lot of cupboard space in the kitchen or gadgets to put in them and I’m happy to put up with the inconvenience of a 19thcentury stone sink for its beauty and because I love using handmade things. My cutlery, ceramics and equipment, such as the vintage colander, are all either antique or handcrafted, and the wooden spatulas I make myself. I like to take a more mindful approach to making things and, with the old pieces, to honour the person who made them each time I use them.’ Turning her attention to the floors, Freyja began by taking up the 1960s laminate in the kitchen and instead laid sandstone, continuing it outside to the garden. She restored the mid-century parquet floor in the dining > 60
COUNTRY HOMES & INTERIORS
K E N T C O T TA G E
ON MY DOORSTEP Visit ... ‘Great Dixter (greatdixter.co.uk) near Northiam, Rye, for the excitement of the garden with its rampant and varied planting, the outbuildings and amazing vernacular architecture.’
Shop at ... ‘Rising Star (01580 766226) in Tenterden. This higgledy piggledy shop offers an eclectic mix of quirky fashion, along with French and Dutch antiques and vintage pieces.’ Go for a meal at ... ‘The Swan restaurant at Chapel Down winery (chapeldown.com) near Tenterden to enjoy the pairing of fine wines from the vineyard with good food made from local ingredients.’
Study Organising her books by the colour of the spines means Freyja remembers where each title is. Alta rug, iRugs UK, is comparable COUNTRY HOMES & INTERIORS
61
Bedroom A more affordable option than buying linen bedding, Freyja made her own. Irish linen, EbruliArt at Etsy, would work
room, fitted seagrass matting in the living room and painted the floorboards and stairs on the upper floors. Freyja’s colour scheme is as reasoned as her other decorating decisions. ‘I have a tried-and-tested Farrow & Ball palette to which I always return,’ she says. ‘It’s made up of greys that reflect nature without any hint of yellow. I also like dark colours in small rooms.’ A good example is the dark grey bathroom with its cast iron bath and a console basin she had shipped over from Italy as it had the narrow depth the room needed. Colour also rules in the study, where Freyja’s books are arranged by colour. But there is one standard feature missing from every room – window dressings. ‘Curtains and blinds take the light away,’ says Freyja. ‘I’ve lived without them for years. No one can see in here anyway and at night I get to look out and see the moon and stars.’ Freyja wanted the arrangement of each room to be considered, for furniture to be proportionate to the space and for every piece to be placed where it is for a reason. ‘I do rearrange things occasionally, else the effect would become static and the eye would stop taking note,’ she says. But that doesn’t tell the whole story. This interior has a charged simplicity and an alluring stillness to it. ‘Everything is exactly as I intended; no part of the layout or decor occurred by accident,’ she says. 62
COUNTRY HOMES & INTERIORS
K E N T C O T TA G E
❝ Bathroom
❞
Freyja took the moody grey over the ceiling, too, for extra drama and cosiness – the white floor stops it from being too dark. Bath, The Cast Iron Bath Company
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION AND TO FIND YOUR NEAREST STOCKIST PLEASE VISIT WWW.TETRAD.CO.UK
GET THE LOOK
Be inspired by FREYJA’S BATHROOM Add a lavish touch of bygone-era glamour with this art decoinspired design. Isla pendant, H40100xDia25cm, £65, Perch & Parrow
Bid au revoir to generic bath mats with this contemporary take on a traditional kilim design. Kelim Kashmir rug, L170xW120cm, £229, Shimu
Dry off and wrap up in the sumptuous texture of traditional Japanese linens, crafted using lightweight, spun yarn for ultimate absorbency and softness. Air waffle bath towel in Grey, H70xW140cm, £65, The Conran Shop
CH&I loves... DRAMATIC BATHROOM PAINT
CH&I
MODERN Country CLASSIC Painted and set atop elegant claw feet, this sink-into design will add instant sophistication. Millbrook cast iron bath, H60xW171xD78cm, £925, The Cast Iron Bath Company
FEATURE HOLLY PHILLIPS
Freyja’s style tip... FOR A COCOONING LOOK AND FEEL, PAINT THE CEILING IN THE SAME SHADE AS THE WALLS AND ADD WALL ART FOR STATEMENT STYLE
Use these alluring accessories for lotions and potions or as decorative additions. Smoked glass apothecary bottles, from £34 for H41cm, Brown & Ginger
Hang up a clean-lined, design to reflect light and open up a dark space. Melbourne full-length wall mirror in oak, H140xW55cm, Habitat
Denim Drift Easycare bathroom soft sheen, £29.16 for 2.5ltr, Dulux
Jade Garden Aura bath & spa matte, £86.50 for 3.79ltr, Benjamin Moore
Harley Green intelligent eggshell, £66 for 2.5ltr, Little Greene
COUNTRY HOMES & INTERIORS
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RURAL HOTSPOT
The town centre is steeped in history, with the new builds around the edge
LET’S MOVE TO
Wymondham THIS COMMUTER TOWN HAS A REBELLIOUS HEART BEATING BELOW THE SURFACE
W
ymondham’s most famous son was a 16th-century landowner called Robert Kett. His name crops up in shops, on placards and in schools. Every inhabitant of this Norfolk market town, young and old, can relate to the story of the man who led a peasants’ revolt, demanding land rights for all. While the tale does not end well for Kett, his spirit lives on. As the manager at Kett’s bookshop puts it: ‘We’re a pretty determined bunch. Ten years ago we stopped Asda from building on an ancient meadow. And when this shop was at risk, we came together to save it.’
FEATURE SOPHIE GALE PHOTOGRAPHS ALAMY STOCK PHOTO, DAVE BALCOMBE
IN THE ESTATE AGENT’S WINDOW There may be the odd
footballer’s mansion nearby, but generally it’s towns on the Norfolk coast, aka Chelsea-on-Sea, that provide the glamour. Wymondham is the more pragmatic choice, where families choose to settle. Three thousand modern homes are being built on the outskirts. ‘Commuters and workers at the nearby science parks create plenty of demand to meet the supply,’ says estate agent David Warner. Budget £165,000 for a two-bed, first-time home, rising to £350,000 for four-beds. BUTCHERS, BAKERS & COFFEE MAKERS A bonny town centre but
not overly quaint, there’s a mix of chains and independents here. Roots Community Cafe was set up to combat loneliness with cake and good company. Reno Wine offers refills from wooden casks, and the Green Dragon pub and Station Bistro are also worth a stop. COUNTRY LIFE & CULTURE The star attraction has to be Wymondham Choral Society, which has performed as far afield as New York’s Carnegie
Hall. It’s often heard at the imposing abbey – iconic in the area for its two towers, one of which was added by townspeople when medieval monks evicted them from the other. Free shows at the Arts Centre and occasional silent movies at the Ex-Services Club are other highlights. SCHOOLS Wymondham College is an oversubscribed state boarding school rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted. Wymondham High Academy
is rated ‘Good’, while Browick Road and Ashleigh primaries are ‘Outstanding’ and Robert Kett Primary ‘Requires Improvement’. GET AROUND Wymondham’s well placed for London, Cambridge and Norwich, with the latter only 20 minutes away via the A11. There are hourly trains to Norwich and Cambridge, and direct trains to Stansted Airport. Or take it slow on the nostalgic Mid-Norfolk Railway, Britain’s longest heritage line. IN THE AREA Surrounding countryside offers plenty of easy strolls – see Toll’s Meadow and The Lizard National Nature reserve. Try The Hen House for afternoon tea.
Dream homes in Wymondham
SEMI-PRECIOUS
BUNGALOW BINGO
GOOD MANORS
Number One Cantley Villas is a fresh and bright three-bed semi, costing £375,000. It sits four miles out of town, with a primary school and railway station in easy reach.
This high-spec, detached, four-bed bungalow is so new it’s yet to receive a name. The £725,000 price tag includes wiring for charging an electric car.
Never mind a house, this unusual collection of cottages, extensions and new constructions is several homes rolled into one for £995,950. COUNTRY HOMES & INTERIORS
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❝I make clay dog
figurines in my back-garden studio❞
E
SCULPTOR AND DESIGNER EVE O’NEILL
ven as a child I was obsessed with dogs and used to make tiny models out of Plasticine,’ says artist Eve O’Neill. I have always made things.’ It was in her late 20s, when she went to Camberwell College of Arts to do a painting course, that her work became more refined and turned from hobby to career. As soon as she finished her studies in 2005, she upped and left London for a new life in Ceredigion. ‘My mum had always taken me to green spaces such as Epping and Richmond Park when I was young, so being in these places had always made me think I might move to the country at some point,’ explains Eve. She started her Welsh adventure in a tiny caravan on a farm near Aberaeron. ‘I loved living there; being surrounded by hills, just me, my two cats and a record player.’ The change of scene inspired her to incorporate the surrounding nature into her work. Initially, Eve started out needle-felting figures, including hares, foxes, mushrooms and birds, which she sold for many years through her Facebook page and country fairs. They inspired a cult following for their realism and character – many were presented as ‘faux
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COUNTRY HOMES & INTERIORS
taxidermy’, displayed in lifelike settings within glass domes as a nod to Victorian naturalists. It was when she moved to Cardigan in 2015 that she started to model dogs. ‘I was ready for a change of medium and needed a new direction,’ she says. ‘I’ve always loved sighthounds – these dogs are characterised by their gentle character and elegance, traditionally hunting by sight and speed, rather than strength and endurance as other breeds do. I began to sculpt them out of paper clay.’ Paper clay is a clay that is mixed with shredded paper or other fibres. This strong and versatile clay is also lightweight, and it’s perfect for building ceramics of any size. Pleased with the results, Eve started painting her sculptures to give them different markings and features. As her ideas built momentum, she needed more space and natural light to work in. ‘We had a shed at the bottom of the garden, which had been built by the previous owner,’ says Eve. ‘It was perfect; big enough to work in and store all my materials. The only problems were the lack of light and keeping it warm during the colder months.’ She added salvaged windows at the front and along the back wall, including gorgeous >
MY COUNTRY BUSINESS
Eve’s unique sculptures take time and skill to complete
What I love most... BEING ABLE TO CREATE WORK FROM MY OWN ❝IDEAS, AND FEELING PRIDE AND SATISFACTION WHEN THE RESULTS ARE SUCCESSFUL stained glass panels that fill the room with shafts of coloured light. She was also thrilled to find a woodburner in the salvage yard around the corner. Old tongue-and-groove panelling and doors found in skips were added to the walls and insulated with wool to keep it cosy. ‘Now I have a comfortable place to work, with a big farmhouse table making it easy to set out all my materials,’ she says. Eve starts work after a morning walk with her cavalier cross poodle, Willow, when the studio’s woodburner has warmed up the workspace. The day is spent researching Eve’s dog Willow keeps her company while sketching for her commissions
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COUNTRY HOMES & INTERIORS
❞
and sketching hounds, then setting to work with the paper clay. She starts with the head, which she dries on the woodburner, then builds on the body. Next, she makes stands for the dogs – the unpainted ones are usually made from casts of picture frame mouldings. The painted hound stands are usually flat and rectangular, with Bloomsbury Set-inspired designs around the edge. Eve is always on the lookout for inspiration for her work, trawling local house clearance warehouses for Staffordshire dogs and figurines, or antique mirrors and frames to cast for the stands. You’ll also often find her at Netpool, a small local fishing harbour, mudlarking with Willow for broken plates and bottles, and collecting driftwood to use as fuel for the studio woodburner. ‘The most crucial thing I’ve learnt about my business is that my sculptures take time and patience to make, especially when completing commissions of people’s beloved dogs as they know their pets so well,’ says Eve. ‘They have to be as close a likeness as possible. This can take a lot of time and it’s important to make sure my clients are aware of that and build it into my fee.’ Much of the interest in her work has come through Instagram, with the bestsellers being the painted hounds, and she’s made friends with many of her clients who spread the word about her work. In the summer she’s considering opening up her studio to the public, while another idea is to have a pop-up gallery in town around the same time. She’s also working on potato prints of sighthounds, turning them into cards and framed prints, which she’ll sell on Instagram and at galleries. ‘Living and working in Cardigan has opened up a whole new world for me, with many great characterful friends including like-minded artists, scriptwriters and poets,’ she says. ‘Although I do miss the diverse culture of London where I was brought up, I love to come home and gaze on the view of the estuary from my studio windows. I always feel so lucky.’
MY COUNTRY BUSINESS
Eve adds a gold gilt edge to the plinth of her sculpture
The shed at the end of the garden makes the perfect workspace. The stained glass window floods the room with light
One of Eve’s finished sculptures
COUNTRY HOMES & INTERIORS
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ON MY DOORSTEP... Visit… ‘Netpool (visitcardigan.com/ explore/history), the old Cardigan port, has great views of the nearby river Teifi and St Dogmaels in the distance.’
Shop at… ‘CCM House Clearance Store (@jencamjenny) is an Aladdin’s cave, full of bargains. Most of my furniture comes from here.’
Go for a meal at... ‘Bara Menyn (baramenyn bakehouse.co.uk) in the centre of Cardigan sells delicious artisan breads and the cafe serves tasty locally sourced food.’
Eve finds the quaint town of Cardigan an inspirational place to work and live
MY COUNTRY BUSINESS
HOW TO GENERATE WORK COMMISSIONS
FEATURE SIAN WILLIAMS PHOTOGRAPHS BRENT DARBY
Eve has found that posting photos of her work on Instagram has spread the word about what she does – and commissions have followed. ‘The more you engage with people the better, as instantly you are approachable, and customers have confidence and belief in buying from and commissioning you,’ says Caroline Jackman, talent development manager at the Crafts Council. She gives her top tips for artists and makers to keep the commissions coming in… USE SOCIAL MEDIA ‘Instagram can be your best friend if you use it in the right way to suit your business and target audiences. We recommend you plan ahead with curating how you want your social platform to work for you. If your post does not support your marketing objectives, don’t post it. Offer interactive conversations, hashtags and links to encourage people to direct message you. First impressions last, so always consider that any conversation could lead to a potential client.’ PRESENT YOUR WORK WELL Careful preparation is key to being
professional. ‘If responding to a brief, then provide good, relevant visuals of your proposal and a CV of your past experience. If you are new to working to commission and you don’t have examples of past made-to-order work, we recommend you provide a detailed outline of how you would achieve the project, providing the commissioner with the evidence they require.’ WORK OUT THE COST Be able to accurately price a job. ‘Listen to your client – what are they asking for exactly, and can you fulfil the brief within their budget?’ says Caroline. ‘What particular assurances and details are they asking for? If you want to be competitive in applying for a commission, what additional research can you do that will give you the competitive edge? Be really thorough and concise in your proposals. Budget correctly and never assume your client understands the processes you use.’ SHARE THE COMMISSIONING PROCESS FROM START TO FINISH ‘Assume your client has not commissioned anything before, so
explain your work process from start to finish. We recommend you draw up a letter of agreement. This can be a simple form outlining anything you have already discussed – for example, if you were doing a painting commission, note down what has been agreed in the quote, such as framing, photography, deposit if required and by when, delivery costs and estimated completion date. It’s worth drafting up an agreement with people you know as well as new clients, so that there are no misunderstandings.’ KEEP COMMUNICATING Stay in touch with your commissioner until you’ve finished the piece. ‘Having a good relationship with a commissioner is of the utmost importance,’ says Caroline. ‘It’s ideal if they can visit your studio, but if that isn’t possible, use Skype or WhatsApp, with regular email and phone follow-ups. If you need to change anything from the original agreement, such as unforeseen increases in delivery costs or a change to the delivery date, always keep your client informed and gain agreement first in writing.’ craftscouncil.org.uk
The one lesson I’ve learnt... THERE ARE ALWAYS UPS AND DOWNS IN RUNNING ❝YOUR OWN BUSINESS, BUT BY HAVING FAITH AND WORKING HARDER IT WILL ALL PAY OFF IN TIME ❞ COUNTRY HOMES & INTERIORS
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SHOPPING TREND
CH&I loves... SUNRISE SHADES
From first-light pink-tinged skies to the orange glow of dawn’s sunrise, see how this palette radiates warmth
Turn to sandy hues to create an expressive, tactile environment with relaxed materials, touch-me trimmings and dried flowers. Rug in Multicolour, £185; Cara pouffe in Multicolour, £159; cushion in Yellow, £49.90; wall decor palm leaf in Nature, £27.90 for set of two; Acacia Black stool, £129; Black metal vase, £43.90; Brown glass vase, £46.90; Gold glass box, £36.90 for set of two, all Bloomingville
For depth, combine different shades of the same colour. Sun Dance tray, £35; Luxe Blush champagne flutes, £9 each; glasses, £5 each; Rosehip Pink terrazzo candle, £19; Medium Crimson Cassis rug, £155; washed velvet cushions, £36 each; Medium poppy field rug, £125, all French Connection Home
MAKE IT COUNTRY… Orange can seem an intimidating colour, but we’re not talking the neon variety here. Rich blood orange accents make a strong statement in social areas such as dining rooms and entrance halls, casting a delightful glow, while gentle pastel tones bring home the calming allure of the Mediterranean for soothing bedrooms.
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1 CU S HIO N It’s all in the embroidery detail. Arrange characterful designs along your sofa for instant uplift. Curated edition Suzani panel cushion XVIII, £85, Birdie Fortescue
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2 WR AP TOP Turn heads at the brocante with hazy hexagonal prints. Honeycomb print wrap top in Spiced Orange, £275, Toast 3 PLACE MAT Flowerinspired designs crafted from rattan bring a sensory element to mealtimes. Penny rattan place mat, £26, Anthropologie 4 BOW L Fusion food deliciousness in dipped glaze stoneware. Camila noodle bowl, £15, Oliver Bonas
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5 STATIO NERY Hand-printed using environmentally friendly, vegetable oil-based inks. Postcards with patterned border in Neon, £4 for 10, Cambridge Imprint
COUNTRY HOMES & INTERIORS
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SHOPPING TREND
Soft peach and nectarine tones bring warmth to al fresco dinner tables. Linen napkins in Honey Yellow, £18 for two, Rowen & Wren
Terracotta shades in textured prints add interest. Neva papier mache dishes, from £32, Sovima and Wokha handwoven cushion covers, £85 each, all Caravane
OUR EXPERT SAYS…
USE DAPPLED-DESERT ❝ TONES IN AN OMBRE
❞
HOLLY PHILLIPS, STYLE CONTENT EDITOR
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6 B ED Bring a touch of French baroque style with this decadently upholstered and utterly chic, coral-crush addition. Evelyn velvet king-size bed in Coral, £1,595, Graham & Green 7 S ID E TAB LE Crafted by hand from textile waste and reused wood, the top is removable for additional use as a versatile tray. Jinja side table in Rust, £145, Lusophile 8 LA MP Make a fabulous statement on a side table or console with handpainted finishes and gold detailing. Halo table lamp and silk shade, £185, Sophie Conran 9 BA S KET Terracotta weaves celebrate craftsmanship while solving storage woes. Rust striped woven basket, £45, The Future Kept
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COUNTRY HOMES & INTERIORS
FEATURE HOLLY PHILLIPS
PALETTE FOR A LOOK THAT SOOTHES WITHOUT SHOCKING
CORDLESS POWER. BY STihl. ƒ
Ready for any challenge. GTA 26 CORDLESS GARDEN PRUNER.
Be ready for any garden challenge with STIHL’s GTA 26 cordless garden pruner. Designed for a wide range of uses, from maintaining shrubs and pruning trees, to building with timber and fixing wooden fences. The GTA 26 is part of the STIHL AS System and powered by a lithium-ion battery that can be used in the HSA 26 cordless shrub and grass trimming shears too. That’s real cordless power. By STIHL.
AVAILABLE FROM APPROVED STIHL DEALERS AND BY VISITING SHOP.STIHL.CO.UK
SEASONAL DECO
LIVING
with nature
Colours from a country horizon bring back-tonature connection for room schemes – and an antidote to days ruled by screens and tech. Because your home is where real life happens‌
SOFTLY SOPHISTICATED Match smart upholstered dining chairs with simple painted wood styles, rugs and lighting in woven grass finishes, and relaxed linens. Pressed green glass adds a pop of colour.
WAKE-UP CALL Let your mornings get off to a great start in a kitchen with a florainspired palette of wood and muted greens, recycled glassware and a dash of pattern on woven accessories.
Secret garden BRIDGE THE GAP BETWEEN HOME AND GARDEN BY DISPLAYING VERDANT PLANTS ON A BENCH BY THE WINDOW. CREATE A UNIQUE ECOSYSTEM WITH YOUR OWN MIX OF POTS, BASKETS AND ARTWORK.
SEASONAL DECO
WINDOW ON THE WORLD Invite nature into your home by mirroring the landscape’s palette and textures. Dress windows with organic patterns and neat seating with hill and dale tones.
COUNTRY HOMES & INTERIORS
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SEASONAL DECO
DREAMS & SCHEMES Find creative inspiration in a workspace graced with bring-it-home greenery and getaway views. In the absence of a window, a canvas or photograph will provide the scenery.
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COUNTRY HOMES & INTERIORS
GREEN GLADE Create a lush space to lather with a floral curtain against white walls. A burnished metal panel adds warmth and a luxurious touch.
SEASONAL DECO
ALL THE DETAILS, PRODUCTS & PRICES
PAGES 80-81
Wall painted in Catmint Lime paint, £27 for 1ltr, Bauwerk Colour. Natural jute loop rug, £199, Rockett St George. Flat rattan dining chair in Black, £200, Cox & Cox. Nissa armchair in Flax, £1,047; Nissa chair in Flax, £945, Porada. Ecliptic Black metal chair, £120; Eclipse cane ceiling light, £90; shoreline bowls, £8 each; shoreline dinner plates, £10 each, all French Connection Home. Estuary pad print bowls, £3.75 each; Green napkin, £8 for two, Sainsbury’s Home. Emily linen napkin in Peat, £39 for six; Lucien natural linen napkin, £32 for six, both Neptune. Frayed edge linen tablecloth, £78, Rowen & Wren. Votive centrepiece set, £38, Nordic House. Green tumblers, £8 for four; matt Black cutlery, £18 for a 16-piece set, all George Home. Green glass vase with Gold neck, £48, Rockett St George
WAKE UP CALL
Walls painted in Slipper Satin and Old White estate eggshell, both £64 for 2.5ltr,
SECRET GARDEN
Squishbag armchair, £575; Hot Shot side table, £145, both Loaf. Natural jute loop rug, £199; Emerald Green pouffe, £65, both Rockett St George. Wisteria glass table lamp with Black silk shade, £253, Pooky. Curtains made in Melumbo 100% linen in Vert Anglais 43170107, £91.50m, Casamance. Portion curtain rail, £19; Krallig basket, £10; Ficus Benjamina plant, £8.75, all Ikea. Estuary throw, £18, Sainsbury’s Home. Aspen Green velvet cushion, £31.50, MW Home
DREAMS & SCHEMES
Home. Brass bath panel, from £450sq m, Quirky Interiors. Shower curtain made in Carrara Fiore Grande Platinum FDG2907/01, £89m, Designers Guild. Fladis basket, £13; houseplants, from £7, all Ikea. Nordic hammam Green towel, £36, Bohemia Design. (On window ledge) Calm candle, £3; basket with Black tassels, £7, both Homesense. Etched hurricane candleholder, £12.50, MW Home. Black Baies Diptyque candle, £220, SpaceNK. Estuary glass candle, £12, Sainsbury’s Home. Botanical beauty treatment packs, Formulary55. Circular bamboo mirror, £8, George Home
Vintage paper wall hanging, £62, Nordic House. Clever Bubba desk, £595, Loaf. Black rattan chair, £200; Ridge glass vase, £30, Cox & Cox. Magazine file in oak leaves Sap Green, £29; hardback notebook in Seed Olive, £12.50, both Cambridge Imprint. Green dots tumbler (as pencil holder), £2; Black tea light holder (as a planter), £3, both George Home. Shed Style book by Selina Lake, £19.99, Ryland Peters & Small. Wooden store drawers, £28, Sainsbury’s Home. Mini palm leaf basket, £3, Rowen & Wren
GREEN GLADE
Vintage cupboard, Sunbury Antiques Market. Dawn woven stool, £85; Sun halo jute rug, £95, both French Connection 86
COUNTRY HOMES & INTERIORS
WINDOW ON THE WORLD
Natural wood antique bench, from selection at Princelet. Basket with Black tassels, £19; Mariana Blue ceramic vase, £26, both Oliver Bonas. Belly basket, as before. Walter G Flores Moss linen cushion, £65, Linen and Cloth at Etsy. Copper planter, £45; cane bulb vase, £35, both French Connection Home. Monstera plant, as before. Hansa terracotta pinch pots, £4 each, Rowen & Wren
PAGES 82-83
PAGES 84-85
Farrow & Ball. Lampe gras 203 wall light, £304, Holloways of Ludlow. Urban Kitchen units, price on request, SieMatic. Brass worktop, from £450sq m, Quirky Interiors. Bench table, from selection at Princelet. Folding table, £40, eBay. Weather oak stool, £195, Cox & Cox. Belly basket, £10, George Home. Monstera plant, £15, Ikea. Antique shelf brackets, £35 for two, Sunbury Antiques Market. (On shelf) Randall apron, £20, Neptune. Soleil glasses in Olive, £20 for four; Deltona vase, £25, all Habitat. Black enamel milk pot, £24, Labour and Wait. Estuary glazed cereal bowls in Apple, £3.75 each; side plates, £3.75 each; dinner plates, £4.25 each; glass jug, £10; (on worktop) Green napkins, as before; Estuary pad print side plates, £3.75 each; ceramic canister, £10, all Sainsbury’s Home. Jug, £15; chopping boards, from £16 each, all Sunbury Antiques Market. Cutlery, as before. Magda mug, £6, Habitat. Syon serving bowl, £46, Neptune. Shoreline bowls, as before. Woven tray basket, £15, Burford Garden Company. Bread from selection at Gails
FEATURE AND ART DIRECTION SARA BIRD STYLING SELINA LAKE PHOTOGRAPHS DAN DUCHARS STYLE ASSISTANTS SARAH PRALL, FLORA LEAHY
SOFTLY SOPHISTICATED
Get creative
WITH COLOUR
GO TO T HE DARK S I D E
Wall in Velvet Evening flat matt emulsion, from £21.50 for 2.5ltr, Crown
A striking scheme doesn’t need to be bright. Dark tones – think intense indigos and charcoals – create a snug and cosy feel. ‘If you go for a dark colour, we advise using the same shade on woodwork, too, to prevent the room looking too confined,’ says Charlotte Cosby, head of creative at Farrow & Ball.
MAKE A HOUSE A HOME
Wall in Confetti intelligent matt emulsion, £51.50 for 2.5ltr; woodwork in Livid intelligent eggshell, £66 for 2.5ltr, both Little Greene
CI R CLE IN ON CO LO U R T H E ORY Get to know the colour wheel to learn which shades are perfect partners. For a harmonious scheme, pick colours that are next to each other on the wheel. Aim for three colours for each room – one for walls, one for soft furnishings and one for accessories – to create a balanced scheme. Alternatively, colours from opposite sides of the spectrum intensify when used together for a striking look.
USE PAINT TO DRAW THE EYE
LITT LE TOU CHE S Dusty Pink velvet quilt, £199, Nordic House. Cantine bowl, £13, Amara. Pip table lamp with Navy shade, £55, Habitat
A bold hue can transform the mundane into something exciting, from radiators and shelves to mantels and banisters. Painting doors, skirting boards, or picture rails in a contrasting tone is a clever way of adding colour. Alternatively, consider covering the ceiling in an offbeat shade. COUNTRY HOMES & INTERIORS
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Footstool and cushions in Albany and Moray, £29m, Clarke & Clarke
M A KE A M O O D BOA R D Collate images, swatches, fabrics and photographs to create a picture of your desired scheme. Remember that colour changes with its surroundings, so check your board at different times of the day and under artificial light. Also, bear in mind that matt will always look darker than gloss, even in the same shade.
ADD AN ACCENT If you prefer neutral walls, welcome in soft colour with upholstery and textiles instead. Pick a selection of plain fabrics to cover a seat or footstool, and revamp old cushions in a variety of different shades. Throw in a few textures and trims to break up block colours and add a little variety. 90
COUNTRY HOMES & INTERIORS
CO LO UR P L AY Bowls, £48 for four, John Lewis & Partners. Bird Hop fabric, £54m, Vanessa Arbuthnott. Motion cuddler, £999, French Connection at DFS. Tenby clock, £25, Garden Trading
MAKE A HOUSE A HOME
OUR EXPERT SAYS…
IS AN INSTANT WAY ❝TOART BRING COLOUR TO A ROOM. JUST REMEMBER, THE BOLDER THE PRINT, THE PLAINER THE FRAME
❞
TARA KING, STYLE CONTENT EDITOR
G ET CO LO U R HAP PY
Wall in Saffron matt emulsion, £38 for 2.5ltr, Neptune
Research shows that colour has a big impact on our mood – something to consider when planning your scheme. Green sparks creativity, perfect for a home office, while soft pinks and creams make for a restful bedroom. Sunshine yellow is thought to be the happiest colour and is great in hallways and sociable spaces.
MAKE A HOUSE A HOME
PICK YOUR COLOUR CUES Not sure where to start? Look to the key trends identified by paint brands and colour professionals for inspiration. Dulux’s top choice right now is Tranquil Dawn, a delicate shade that sits somewhere between green, grey and blue, while Pantone’s colour of the year is Classic Blue.
T EXT URE D SH AD ES Sketch cushion, £18, Next Home. Oulon pendant light in Lulworth Blue steel, £85, Garden Trading. Glass decorative bottles, £13.95 for two, Melody Maison. Wool throws, from £99 each, Tolly McRae
Hick’s Blue intelligent matt emulsion, £51.50 for 2.5ltr, Little Greene
3 O F T H E BE ST CO LO U R S CH EM E B OOKS
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1. Decorating with Colour by Ros Byam Shaw (£30, Ryland Peters & Small) 2. For The Love of White by Chrissie Rucker (£30, Mitchell Beazley) 3. Extraordinary Interiors in Colour by Jane Rockett and Lucy St George (£19.99, Ryland Peters & Small) 92
COUNTRY HOMES & INTERIORS
Wall in Tuscan Red and French Grey intelligent matt emulsion; ceiling in French Grey Pale intelligent matt emulsion, all £51.50 for 2.5ltr, Little Greene
OUR EXPERT SAYS…
FEATURE TARA KING PHOTOGRAPHS DAVID BRITTAIN, SIMON BEVAN
BRING WARMTH TO ❝ WOODEN FLOORING IN A BEDROOM WITH EARTHY SHADES, THEN COORDINATE ACCESSORIES TO RAMP UP THE COSINESS
❞
TARA KING, STYLE CONTENT EDITOR
B ALA N C I N G ACT Enhance a focal point by painting a section of the wall behind it a contrasting hue. It’s also a great technique for ‘zoning’ a multipurpose, open-plan living space. Mark out a horizontal line with masking tape (about dado rail height or lower) on the wall and paint below the line. Strong, earthy colours need to be balanced with neutrals to prevent them becoming overpowering, so choose a paler shade for the rest of the wall.
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BEDROOMS
LOUNGES
LIBRARIES
LOCAL HERO
Beth (below) meets regularly with her business network, where support and friendship is always on offer
❝My village business
❝
group helps women pursue their dreams
FEATURE SOPHIE GALE PHOTOGRAPHS RUTH BUSSEY, ANDREW McCARTNEY
By setting up a support group for local self-employed women, voice therapist Beth Ford has helped friends to flourish I live in the village of Undy in Monmouthshire, Wales, with a tight-knit group of wonderful women around me. They give me so much support, I think of them as family. No matter how challenging my day as a single mum is, and all the instability that comes from self-employment, with their encouragement I always enjoy life with my two daughters – all-singing, all-dancing, strawberry blonde girls, Evelyn, nine, and four-year-old Cecilia. The only male energy in the house is our beloved cat, Bruce! Through my work as a voice therapist, I have seen the transformational effect of friendly mentoring. I have watched shy students emerge from their chrysalis to take lead roles in the choir I run. This has fostered my interest in mental wellbeing, and I do what I can to promote emotional good health in my community by organising free singing groups and concerts. When it comes to professional confidence, particular issues affect women. When you have children,
for example, I think you can lose a bit of yourself. Self-assurance isn’t easy to maintain. Often an extra nudge in the form of a listening ear and constructive word is needed. That was why, in 2016, I suggested to two entrepreneurial female friends that we meet regularly. There are now 12 of us in our Women’s Business Group; it’s a sounding board to air ideas and we keep it very relaxed. There’s no requirement to speak up, although everyone has the opportunity. We set each other tasks to complete by the next time we meet – maybe making business cards or a social media promotion. Producing my CD of baby music is something that would never have happened without that prompt. We’ve an impressive breadth of skills between us, including childminding, kitchen design and publishing, to name a few. All of us have benefited from having this company of friends. Sometimes it’s finding your way back to skills you had before children; ‘BC’ as we call it. Sometimes it’s
courage in your convictions. One friend came to us with an idea about diaries to support mental wellbeing in children; that’s now a successful online business. We’ll always have croissants, fresh milk and cream on the table thanks to one member who runs a farm. She greatly values meeting talented businesswomen from industries outside her own. Our Autumn Arts Show is an event the group organises voluntarily. From preparing the venue, Magor’s village Baptist chapel, to finding stallholders, there’s a lot of work involved. The proceeds go to Greenpeace and Water Aid. A proud moment was when a friend turned to me at the first event while my choir was performing, and said, ‘Look, it’s working, Beth!’ Sometimes I worry that the extra workload takes me away from my girls. But I think it’s good for them, too, to take part in sociable occasions. I am happy to see them learning the power of supportive networks. Kindness is what matters most. Visit facebook.com/wbmagor COUNTRY HOMES & INTERIORS
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Similar oak-framed conservatory, from £45,600, Prime Oak
IN KEEPING
Light & airy
SUN ROOMS
A CONSERVATORY WILL EXPAND YOUR LIVING SPACE IN THE MOST UPLIFTING WAY, ADDING VALUE AND LETTING IN PLENTY OF MOOD-BOOSTING DAYLIGHT 96
COUNTRY HOMES & INTERIORS
As period homes are unique, it pays to seek out individual design solutions. This thatched cottage may be chocolate-box pretty, but its small windows don’t make for the brightest of interiors. ‘The combination of floor-to-ceiling glazing and a roof lantern lets in maximum sunlight without impacting or obstructing the first-floor window,’ says Prime Oak’s Jonathan Stackhouse.
C O N S E R V AT O R Y I D E A S
SUN SCREENS ‘When decorating a sun room, it’s essential to consider the impact of sunlight on furnishings and fabrics, and also comfort levels,’ says Tor Vivian of Tor Interiors. In this elegant dining space, she specified sunresistant voile roller blinds for the windows and French Pinoleum blinds on the ceiling. ‘Even with the latest glass technology, conservatories still get very warm in summer and cooler in winter, so good ceiling blinds are always worth the investment,’ she says.
Conservatory interior design, £21,000, Tor Interiors
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COUNTRY HOMES & INTERIORS
C O N S E R V AT O R Y I D E A S
LANTERN TRAIL What could be better than having a roof lantern? Having two, of course! If you have a large ceiling to cover, there are several benefits to doubling up. Firstly, two smaller lanterns are easier to deliver and install than one outsized design. And because they require smaller panes of glass, they often cost less, too. Finally, multiple lanterns can be used to help visually zone different areas within the space – like the dining and seating areas in this generous conservatory.
Bespoke conservatories and orangeries, from ÂŁ40,000 excluding building work, David Salisbury
C O N S E R V AT O R Y I D E A S
HALF MEASURES Expanses of bifold doors are a hot trend in extensions. However, if your new garden room is mainly for relaxing, bifold windows might prove more practical. ‘Full-width doors can compromise the layout, creating traffic routes where you may need seating and dining space,’ explains Mark Cooper of Marston & Langinger. ‘Bifold windows create an all year-round space. In the warmer months, you can open up the room, yet in winter, it will feel cosier due to the lower wall, which can accommodate radiators.’
Bespoke orangery with bifold windows, from £3,000sq m excluding building work, Marston & Langinger
Similar garden room interior design, around £25,000, Sims Hilditch. Bespoke cabinetry painted in Moss eggshell, £54 for 2.5ltr, Neptune
VIEW POINT A modern glazed structure may not be an obvious choice in a rural setting, but a near-frameless design will offer uninterrupted countryside views. To further blend the inside and outside, Emma Sims-Hilditch suggests decorating in nature-inspired shades. ‘Pick paint colours that are in harmony with the exterior,’ she says. ‘Then build upon this by choosing textured accessories such as linen cushions and woollen throws, which can be updated as the seasons change. Don’t be afraid to pair old with new, and try to strive for eclectic interest, rather than matching designs.’
SMALL AND SEAMLESS You don’t need to sacrifice your entire garden to bring more space and light into your home. ‘A three by three-metre conservatory is all you need to achieve a comfy, covered haven to relax and soak up the sun,’ says Phil Goult of Anglian. ‘For smaller conservatories, we often recommend a design with similar features to your home, so it blends in seamlessly. Inside, maintaining the same flooring choice will ensure the new room flows with your existing decor, helping to boost the sense of space.’
Victorian-style PVCU conservatory, around £20,000 including building work, Anglian
COUNTRY HOMES & INTERIORS 101
C O N S E R V AT O R Y I D E A S
ELEVATED THINKING
Bespoke timber-framed orangery in Mud Pie from Vale’s Period Paint Collection, from £48,000, Vale Garden Houses
102 COUNTRY HOMES & INTERIORS
FEATURE LINDA CLAYTON PHOTOGRAPHS (LANTERN TRAIL) WILLIAM ECKERSLEY; (HALF MEASURES) CHRIS WARREN; (VIEW POINT) POLLY ELTES; (SMALL AND SEAMLESS) MATT KEAL
Seek out expert advice, especially if your site is tricky. ‘Investing time at the design stage is essential and a good designer will help you explore all the options,’ says Lisa Morton of Vale Garden Houses. Here, a lack of level garden access has been neatly solved by elegant stone steps that elevate the orangery’s stately architecture. The results look purposeful, rather than compromised.
FOR THE FINEST CONSERVATORIES, ORANGERIES AND ROOFLIGHTS
+44(0)1476 564433 w w w.valegardenhouses.com
MODULAR FORMATION
Choose the bestÉ
Made in durable teak and finished with a special weathered exterior treatment, this set’s concealed brackets link sections together to create a bespoke arrangement. Pembrey garden sofas, H62xW136x D80cm; corner sofa, H62xW80x D80cm), from £825 each, Neptune
GARDEN SOFA
MAKE THE MOST OF SUNNY DAYS WITH EASY-DOES-IT SOFAS THAT TAKE INTERIOR FLAIR OUTSIDE. FROM MODULAR STYLES TO WEAVES AND CUSHION-LADEN LOVELIES, WE’VE GOT A DESIGN FOR YOU
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FURNITURE BUYER’S GUIDE
DESIGNER COCOON
Bring a hint of personality outside with warming colours, and let gentle curves and a rounded back envelop you in contemporary comfort. Kodo lounge sofa in Coral/Spice, H98xW165xD63cm, £1,463, Vincent Sheppard at Heal’s
LONG LASTING
Fuss-free and timelessly classic, this comfy addition will make the ideal companion to any garden, thanks to its quality materials and neutral scheme. Outdoor aluminium rattan corner sofa, H82x W215xD160cm, £1,155, Turnbull & Thomas
MAKE YOUR OUTDOOR ❝ SEATING MORE DESIRABLE
BY ADDING A FEW WEATHERPROOF CUSHIONS IN TONING COLOURS
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URBAN COUNTRY EASY MAINTENANCE
With the look and feel of rattan furniture, but made with handwoven, long-lasting synthetic wicker, this sturdy piece is designed to be enjoyed all year-round. Hoxton two-seater garden sofa in Grey, H82xW140xD71cm, £420, John Lewis & Partners
This striking set will make your exterior haven pop with attitude. We love how the black rope contrasts with the wooden legs and neutral cushions. Luccombe sofa set, sofa, H73.5xW168xD75cm; armchairs, H73.5xW83xD75cm; coffee table, H30xW120xD60cm, £1,800, all Garden Trading
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FURNITURE BUYER’S GUIDE
CURVE APPEAL
Lightweight, all-weather, maintenancefree weaves combine with comfort and craftsmanship to maximise enjoyment in your entertaining space. National Trust Cliveden modular sofa set, corners, H77xW88xD88cm; centre sofa, H77xW70xD88cm; square coffee table, H35xW80xD80cm, £6,599, Bridgman
CITRUS HIT
Come rain or shine, sunny, happy colours never fail to boost spirits and raise smiles! Palm Springs sofa, H70xW136xD76cm £500, Raj Tent Club
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PICK A SET THAT INCLUDES SEATING AND TABLE SPACE TO CREATE AN OPEN-AIR ROOM, IDEAL FOR WEEKEND CHILLING AND TWILIGHT GATHERINGS
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SUMMER SOCIAL
Light enough to move around, this charming collection can go on a patio, balcony or even in the conservatory to host fresh-air brunches, teas and sundowner sips. Monty set, sofa, H88xW127xD74cm; chairs H88xW68xD74cm; table, H40xW50x D40cm, £999, Dobbies Garden Centres
A distinctive design crafted from honey-hued acacia wood delivers unique flair to your alfresco terrace. Cape lounge set, sofa, H85xW165xD79cm; chairs, H68xW72xD79cm; table, H32xW120xD80cm, £1,450, Cox & Cox 106
COUNTRY HOMES & INTERIORS
FEATURE HOLLY PHILLIPS
SLATTED SILHOUETTE
ROOM ELEMENTS
Smart ways with
WALL TILES FROM DARING COLOUR COMBINATIONS TO CREATIVE CONFIGURATIONS, GIVE YOUR HOME A STYLISH UPDATE WITH THE LATEST TILE TRENDS
Brookhaven marble series, from £94.99sq m, Claybrook
NATURAL BEAUTY No longer the preserve of high-end hotels, marble is becoming increasingly accessible in everyday interiors. ‘The tones of natural stones may change, but it’s always classy – the perfect anchor material for a modern country bathroom,’ says Rob Whitaker, creative director at Claybrook. ‘Combining smaller mosaic tiles with larger format designs on the wall and floor adds interest and breaks up the space visually, giving bijou bathrooms a spacious and luxurious feel.’ 108
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Arbour lattice, £79.95sq m, Original Style
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OUR EXPERT SAYS…
TARA KING, STYLE CONTENT EDITOR
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Ted Baker porcelain GeoTiles, £71.10sq m, British Ceramic Tile
MIX AND MATCH Don’t shy away from mixing different tiles in one area, but do minimise a clash of patterns and colours by keeping to a limited palette throughout. ‘Harmonising the scale and shades of these Ted Baker tiles gives them an antique feel,’ says Joy Walton, product design manager at British Ceramic Tile.
NEW ANGLE Ditch uniform rows and neatly finished edges and try a standout tile treatment for a decorative splashback. Here, brick tiles in different patterns, textures and finishes have been laid on a slant. As well as offering visual appeal, this formation is a clever way of working around tricky interior details. Arles collection, from £34.99sq m, Gemini Tiles
SEAMLESS STYLE Using an oversized tile in a pale shade creates the illusion of a larger space. Large tiles also result in fewer grout lines, which is a major plus on the cleaning front. ‘Our textured porcelain tiles feature a delicate lattice design that’s been hand-painted for an authentic finish – perfect for adding interest to a neutral scheme,’ says Jane Addis, new products and design manager at Original Style.
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MOROCCAN INFLUENCE These handcrafted clay tiles in soft pastel tones offer a subtler take on the Moroccan tile trend without sacrificing on character. ‘The traditional handmade process and ancient glazing technique results in an intricate network of small hairline cracks and edge chipping,’ says Damla Turgut, founder of Otto Tiles & Design. Perhaps not for the perfectionist, but they bring plenty of rustic character and charm.
OUR EXPERT SAYS…
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Dirty Pink and White Zellige tiles, £132sq m, Otto Tiles & Design
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TARA KING, STYLE CONTENT EDITOR
3 O F T HE B E ST NEW TILE TRENDS
FEATURE TARA KING
Give walls a lift with up-to-date designs
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1. Achilles Teal mix fish scale tile, £39.95sq m, Walls and Floors 2. Palm Springs White tile, £66sq m, Porcelain Superstore 3. Manoir Deco Tayberry tile, £199.95sq m, Original Style COUNTRY HOMES & INTERIORS
ROOM ELEMENTS
BE BOLD A splash of colour is a wonderful way to add impact to an otherwise neutral kitchen. Source bold tile designs in striking colourways to make a focal point of an alcove or range cooker – and create a practical splashback in the process. Patterns inspired by original encaustic designs are ideal for linking traditional architectural details with modern appliances.
Need to know...
WALL TILES ■ THEY’RE NOT JUST FOR KITCHENS AND BATHROOMS Wall tiles can add drama to a
period hallway or porch, lighten a living area or make a statement in the bedroom, too. ■ YOU CAN’T USE THEM ON THE FLOOR
Although floor tiles can generally be used on walls, the opposite isn’t true. Floor tiles tend to be made of porcelain, while wall tiles are usually ceramic, making them softer and not so hardy – therefore they won’t be able to withstand having things dropped on them. ■ CERAMIC DESIGNS ARE A LIGHTER CHOICE
The generally accepted guide is 20kg per sq m maximum weight on plaster walls and 32kg per sq m on plasterboard, something you may want to consider before investing in heavy or large format tile options. ■ GROUTING IMPACTS THE FINAL LOOK
A grout that matches the tiles creates a sleek, seamless surface, while white tiles look striking with a dark or coloured grout.
Somerset Mink matt tiles, £40sq m, Ideal Home range at Tile Giant
EMBRACE THE CLASSICS
Pink Pradena tiles, £6 each, Bert & May; featured in Arbor kitchen, from £20,000, Harvey Jones
The humble metro tile, associated with old underground stations in London and Paris, remains as popular as ever. Bevel options add texture, while flat styles are easier to clean. For classic country schemes, cream, taupe and soft grey palettes work best. ‘Add interest to a traditional brick formation by mixing matt and gloss finishes or laying tiles vertically,’ says Vanessa Richmond, editor at Ideal Home. COUNTRY HOMES & INTERIORS
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FROM THE MAKERS OF BRITAIN’S BESTSELLING HOMES MAGAZINE
VISIT US TODAY!
STYLE IDEAS & DECORATING TIPS GORGEOUS REAL HOMES PRACTICAL PROJECT ADVICE
HOME TECH
Buy the best...
SMALL APPLIANCES FOR EASY FOOD PREP SPEND LESS TIME PREPARING FOOD IN YOUR KITCHEN AND MORE TIME PUTTING YOUR FEET UP WITH HELP FROM THESE HANDY HEROES Cuisinart ICE31U Iced dessert maker in Light Pistachio (H29xW20cm), £120, John Lewis & Partners
STAR BAKES Mary Berry Chef Elite KVC5100C (H35xW30xD43cm), £399.98, Kenwood She has been using Kenwood stand mixers since she was a child (first her mother’s and then her own, a wedding gift over 50 years ago), so it seems fitting that the British Queen of Baking has partnered up with the same brand. The Mary Berry Chef Elite stand mixer features a powerful 1400w motor that will do all the hard work for you.
CHOPPING & GRINDING
FEATURE GINEVRA BENEDETTI
KitchenAid Mini Food Processor in Velvet Blue (H22.2xW17.8xD14.3cm), £57.95, Harts of Stur Small, simple and pretty much foolproof, this ingenious mini processor features an 830ml bowl together with a stainless steel blade that mixes, chops, minces and purees food at the touch of a button – perfect for day-to-day meal prep.
n SIZE MATTERS Food mixers and processors tend to be large, heavy and pricey pieces of kit and unless you use them regularly or have a kitchen with oodles of counterspace so they can be left out 24/7, they may not be worth the spend. Thankfully, there’s a host of mini-me versions available. Try Cuisinart’s Mini Prep Pro Food Processor, £50 at John Lewis & Partners, or the Chefette from Kenwood, £73.99. n MOTOR SKILLS As a rule, the more expensive the machine, the more likely it is to have an induction motor. These types of motors are used in commercial appliances and are both powerful and quieter than standard (series) motors. If low motor noise is a consideration, look for machines that have been awarded the Quiet Mark (quietmark.com). n HANDY EXTRAS While most stand mixers and processors come with attachments for the most popular tasks, certain models have lots of extra add-ons, too. KitchenAid’s classic Artisan stand mixer has attachments for everything from making pasta to stuffing sausages, while the Magimix Kitchen System 5200XL can also spiralise and juice.
IN-POT BLITZING Bamix Mono 160w stick hand blender in White, £93.99, Dunelm A must-have piece of kit if you make soup regularly, stick hand blenders can help with a whole load of extra kitchen prep tasks, too. This Bamix model features three interchangeable blades – one for whisking, another for beating and a general multi-purpose one. Complete with a 10-year guarantee, it also comes with a handy wall bracket for easy storage.
HEALTHY EATING HB150UK Blender & Soup Maker (H45xW20xD21.5cm), £149.99, Ninja While all-in-one soup makers aren’t new to the market, you may have been put off buying them as they’d rarely get used in the summer months. This clever machine, however, is one for all seasons as it makes milkshakes and smoothies just as well as it chops, sautés and cooks up a soup (thanks to a built-in heating element). Plus, the self-cleaning function clears any mess. COUNTRY HOMES & INTERIORS
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COUNTRY HOMES & INTERIORS PA R T N E R S H I P
ABSTRACT APPROACH MAKE A STATEMENT WITH STRIKING ARTWORK BY PAINTER AND SCULPTOR JEFF MUHS, ONE OF RUNWAY GALLERY’S NEWEST MEMBERS
I grew up in the Hamptons, surrounded by natural beauty My father was a hunting and fishing guide, so I was out on the water with him as a young child from sunrise to sunset. I’ve always been passionate about drawing and painting, so it seemed natural for me to study at the School of Visual Arts in Manhattan where I learned the traditional techniques of oil painting. I moved back afterwards and have lived and worked here ever since. I think of my paintings as a reflection in a puddle To me, each piece is a landscape, nature’s beauty distilled and rearranged into its most basic forms: light, colour and space. There are beautiful things within nature that you might
Finely Twisted Linen, Jeff Muhs at Runway Gallery
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Capsheaf, Jeff Muhs at Runway Gallery
tension is released. It can take anything from twenty minutes to a month to make a painting. Most of the time is just spent looking – observing what’s beautiful about it and how to enhance that. I consider art as an investment in your quality of life Few things exist solely but for the pleasure of experiencing them, so seek out pieces that resonate with you. I think that large, visually dynamic pieces benefit from being isolated in their own space, but there’s something beautiful about the poetry of grouping seemingly non-related work together.
not notice until someone points them out to you – that’s what I’m trying to do though my paintings. Some people say they look a bit like stone or marble. Oil on canvas is my main medium, but I’ve always been a sculptor I learned the art of wood sculpting as a child from my father, but it wasn’t until I built my first house that I discovered concrete as a medium. I became fascinated by it and have been experimenting ever since. Unlike my paintings, my sculptures are driven primarily by process and form; I love discovering new ways to create interesting shapes. I make a lot of my own tools, from brushes to easels I spend a lot of time visualising and planning the work I’m about to undertake, winding myself like a spring until the
Buy stylish, affordable artwork from Jeff Muhs and other artists at runway-gallery.com
NEXT MON T H London-based artist Sandro Hyams’ dramatic work, inspired by fashion and beauty, has attracted celebrity clients including Pink Floyd, Eric Clapton and Iggy Pop.
FEATURE TARA KING
American artist Jeff Muhs is one of the latest artists featured on Runway Gallery, an online showcase of contemporary art. His innovative, abstract style shines through in oil paintings and concrete sculptures. Here, he shares his passion for nature and explains how it influences his work.
K I TC H E N P R OJ E CT
Full-stave beech, wrapped over the solid limestone worktop, creates a butcher’s block-inspired breakfast bar at one end of the island
PROJECT PROFILE Owners Sara and Adam Dewhurst live here with their two young daughters. House A five-bed, detached Victorian property in Yorkshire.
SHAKE it up
CLASSIC SHAKER CABINETRY IS DRESSED TO IMPRESS WITH HIP HARDWARE AND STYLE-LED SPLASHBACKS IN THIS NEWLY EXTENDED KITCHEN
Project A major renovation to create an open-plan kitchendiner/living area and orangery. The orangery is by Westbury Garden Rooms. Kitchen size 7x6m Designer Julia Brown, director at Mowlem & Co.
Cabinetry Bespoke Shaker-style kitchen in Farrow & Ball’s Down Pipe and Pavilion Blue, by Mowlem & Co. COUNTRY HOMES & INTERIORS
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Smart bifold doors provide wider access to the breakfast cupboard
The generous island acts as a natural division between the cooking and relaxing areas
S
ociable, open-plan living is a dream coveted by many. For young professional couple Sara and Adam Dewhurst, improving the connections with their rural surroundings was just as important. Having relocated to a leafier part of Yorkshire to bring up their daughters, they were keen to enjoy the changing landscape, come rain or shine. ‘The house was a warren of rooms with a small, dark kitchen but the gardens took our breath away,’ says Sara. Moving the kitchen to the back of the house and adding a generous full-width orangery-style extension wasn’t the speediest solution, but it was certainly worth it. The lengthy build, which took more than a year, gave Sara plenty of time to hone her vision for the kitchen. Having settled on a modern update of classic Shaker design, she created a moodboard on Pinterest to help narrow down her ideas and soon realised that all her favourite images came from Mowlem & Co. ‘Sara had a very clear idea on the overall look she wanted, but she just needed help with the layout and detailing,’
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says designer Julia Brown, who was on hand to take Sara around Mowlem & Co’s showroom. One of Sara’s main priorities was that the kitchen sit comfortably within the larger room, not take over. She wanted to give the dining and soft seating areas space to breathe and leave room for guests to mingle. ‘Proportion was everything – particularly when it came to the size of the island, which we spent a lot of time plotting. It had to be big enough to have presence, and of course provide storage and prep space, but without overpowering the room,’ says Julia. ‘If you’re unsure about the size or position of an island, ask your builder to mock-up a “box” and put the island in place when the space is still a building site.’ For the colour palette, Sara was inspired by moody Yorkshire skies. Combined with wide-plank oak flooring and natural limestone on the island, the blue-tinted greys provide a soothing scheme. ‘It’s impossible to feel anything but happy in this kitchen. The light, the space and the views make me smile every day,’ says Sara.
K I TC H E N P R OJ E CT
The easy-to-clean glass splashback is hand-gilded on the reverse with real silver leaf to create an elegant antiqued pattern
MODERN VERSION ❝OFTHIS A SHAKER KITCHEN IS
BROUGHT TO LIFE WITH CHIC INDUSTRIAL TOUCHES
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A separate, walk-in pantry is a great place to store a wine collection as well as lesser used kitchenware
COOKER
PANTRY
ISLAND
THE LAYOUT The L-shaped kitchen has an island at its heart, with access to the walk-in pantry (and also boot room, utility and garage) in the corner. The breakfast table is located closest to the bar stools at the end of the island, with a couple of armchairs providing a comfy coffee break spot in the corner. The dining table is positioned to enjoy garden views, while the sofa is centred o the fireplace and television. COUNTRY HOMES & INTERIORS
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1 The pantry is painted in the same Down Pipe as the island, tying the space together
SHAKE IT UP
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CLEVER DESIGN SOLUTIONS
COUNTRY HOMES & INTERIORS
WALK-IN PANTRY
One of Sara and Adam’s smartest moves was to leave space for a separate walk-in pantry, which is accessed through an open doorway in the corner of the kitchen. ‘It’s tempting to knock out all the walls to get the biggest single room possible, but open-plan kitchens often work better with back-up – a dedicated place to shut away some of the bigger, less attractive kitchen essentials,’ says Julia. Here, open shelving makes it easy to see and grab contents and also provides a chic utilitarian look.
K I TC H E N P R OJ E CT
2
INDUSTRIAL EDGE
3
RAISED ISLAND
To give the classic Shaker cabinetry a fresh, modern twist, Sara chose solid bronze hardware with rugged knurled grips. ‘That’s the true beauty of Shaker design – it can be taken in a contemporary direction, without losing its authentic charm and classic craftsmanship,’ says Julia. ‘Going for the same dark paint colour on the island and orangery doors also feels more modern in this kitchen.’
Buster + Punch’s furniture knobs in smoked bronze add a robust, industrial accent
Going for longer legs on an island unit, and forgoing traditional plinths, will lend a more freestanding look with the relaxed air of a classic cook’s table or butcher’s block. ‘Lifting the island off the floor is a great way to make it appear less dominating, too,’ says Julia. ‘This is particularly important if you’re going for a substantial island like this one, that could otherwise easily overpower the room.’ Here, Mowlem & Co installed plinths with a mirrored finish to cleverly conceal the sink connections.
THE DETAILS CABINETRY Bespoke Shaker-style kitchen, from £40,000, Mowlem & Co; in Down Pipe (island) and Pavilion Blue estate eggshell, both £62 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball
FEATURE LINDA CLAYTON STYLING SHANI ZION FITZJONES PHOTOGRAPHS JAKE FITZJONES
SURFACES Beech breakfast bar, around £2,000; Birr Black Belgian limestone worktops (island), £3,900, Mowlem & Co. Eternal Statuario quartz worktops (cooker elevation), from £400sq m, Silestone. For a similar splashback, try Silver Leaf Verre Eglomisé panels, from £768sq m, Rough Old Glass. Wiversfield wide plank engineered wood flooring, £109.99sq m, Naked Floors, is similar
APPLIANCES Bespoke Cache twin built-in extractor, from £3,200, Westin. ICBCSO30TM/S M Series transitional convection steam oven, £6,780; ICBSO30TM/S M Series transitional single oven, £7,080; ICBWWD30 warming drawer, £2,760; ICBSRT484CG range top with chargrill and teppan-yaki, £9,900; ICBIC-30RID All Refrigerator column, £10,740; ICBIC-18FI All Freezer column, £9,420, all Sub-Zero & Wolf
SINKS & TAPS Fusion Square Pro3 3-in-1 boiling water tap, £1,300, Quooker. Kubus undermount stainless steel sink, £550, Franke
ACCESSORIES
The solid beech breakfast bar sits higher than the island worktop to define the two roles
Brooklyn antique large flat industrial pendant lights, £89 each; try Berlin globe 8 light with clear glass, £2,400, both Holloways of Ludlow. Hay Hee bar stools, £165 each, Nest, are similar. Furniture knobs in Smoked Bronze, £67 for two, Buster + Punch
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BEDFORDSHIRE GARDEN
PURPLE HAZE
Drifts of alliums and fountains of wisteria are the springtime focus of this Georgian rectory garden, created by Josephine Hoy
Sunrise backlights a golden leaved robinia and, in the foreground, a border of alliums, irises, ragged robin, geums, alchemilla and roses. COUNTRY HOMES & INTERIORS
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The Regency rectory can be glimpsed from beneath the boughs of a maple, among a gravel garden studded with box balls and alliums
S
AT HOME WITHÉ Owner Josephine Hoy lives here with Monty, a border terrier. House A late Georgian rectory, built in 1827.
Features Four acres of borders filled with shrubs, roses, perennials, self-seeding plants and bulbs, contrasting with beautiful trees, box hedges and clipped domes. There’s also a folly and wisteria arbour, a cow parsley-filled orchard and meadow with a shepherd’s hut. The soil is medium loam enriched with homemade compost. The front facade faces south.
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trolling beside Josephine Hoy through her garden, there is no doubting that it means the world to her – not only because it has been four decades in the making, but also because it adjoins the farm where she grew up. ‘My sisters and I freely roamed the countryside here, hence I’ve always loved life outdoors and been aware of nature in all its guises,’ she says. The garden unfolds as a series of entrancing cameos, with flowers featuring prominently, swathing cherry and apple trees with blossom above carpets of cow parsley, obelisks and an arbour with clematis, honeysuckle, roses or long trusses of fragrant wisteria; and weaving through borders showcasing different textures and colours. ‘My style of gardening is free flowing and I prefer a meadow effect as opposed to planting in blocks,’ she says. ‘I don’t like too much formality, so I encourage the flowering plants to mingle.’ While a backbone of mature trees and shrubs provides interest in all seasons, the garden peaks in May with drifts of purple alliums, pink bistort, peonies, bearded irises, hardy geraniums, foxgloves, alchemilla, euphorbias, poppies, ragged robin, nectaroscordum, sweet cicely and centranthus. ‘I very much paint pictures with plants,’ she says. ‘I love plants that self-seed – anything that seeds itself tends to be happy in the position it chooses.’ Hardy geraniums are key, covering earth with foliage and flowering over a long period. Among her favourites are purple Geranium x magnificum, vivid magenta G. psilostemon, and the freely-seeding G. pyrenaicum ‘Bill Wallis’. Lawn is an essential foil to the abundance of flower colour, linking different areas seamlessly and guiding both eye and foot along alluring paths. ‘My mother was an artist, which possibly explains why I place so much emphasis on creating long vistas,’ >
BEDFORDSHIRE GARDEN
I FEED THE ❝ BIRDS ALL YEAR,
GROW PLANTS FOR BEES AND BUTTERFLIES AND DON’T WORRY ABOUT FIELD MICE IN THE WALLS
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A folly, from Redwood Stone, lends support to clematis, climbing roses and early Dutch honeysuckle, Lonicera periclymenum ‘Belgica’
she says. Specimen trees and wildlife are also passions, and go hand-in-glove with nesting boxes in every available tree. It is a far cry from the scene that greeted Jo and her husband in 1977, when they bought the Old Rectory. ‘It was lovely but basic, apart from many lovely trees planted by a Victorian rector who had collected them during his travels,’ she says. These include a mulberry, horse chestnuts, lime, both copper and green-leaved beeches, a holm oak and lots of old yews. The original garden was just one acre but when a neighbouring meadow came up for sale, Jo was able to add three acres. ‘My fourth child was growing up by then, and suddenly I had the time to make a garden from scratch. I was so excited,’ she says. She started near the house, gradually working up the plot, marking out each new bed. ‘Then, once I was satisfied with the shape and size, I dug out each bed, altering the shapes as needed.’ Adding structural character, Jo has built a small folly in a wildflower area surrounding a natural pond. ‘The folly is a bit of fun,’ she says. ‘I saw one at Chelsea and bought it as a kit from Redwood Stone, employing a couple of builders to put it together – they loved doing it.’ It creates a delightful focal point at the end of a serpentine grass path enclosed in curving borders. Beyond lies a paddock. In spring, it is a sea of cow parsley, overlooked by a bench and shepherd’s hut. It sits to one side of an avenue of ornamental cherry trees, Prunus shimidsu ‘Sakura’, chosen for their gently weeping habit and compact shape. Jo has planted many trees, including a glade of three Chinese red birches, Betula albosinensis ‘Fascination’, which stand near the 124
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CH&I loves... A WISTERIA ARBOUR Jo planted the Japanese wisteria floribunda, which needs little care apart from trimming wayward shoots. For the best flowering, follow these golden rules... • Choose mature named cultivars grown from cuttings or by grafting, preferably while in flower. • Position in no less than six hours of sun a day. • Plant in a south or west-facing position, sheltered from frosts – if frost is forecast when in bud, cover overnight with old sheets. • Ensure the soil is moist and well-drained. • Make a planting hole 1m sq and 40cm deep, adding lots of compost and, in heavy soils, gravel for drainage. • Avoid fertilisers high in nitrogen; instead, feed in spring with Growmore or blood, fish and bone. • Prepare a sturdy support capable of carrying a mature wisteria. • As the plant develops, secure to its support with expandable ties. • Remove any root suckers from the trunk. • The black seeds are poisonous.
BEDFORDSHIRE GARDEN
A ceramic urn at the centre of an island bed planted with geums, irises, geranium and catmint
❝My mother was an
artist, which explains why I put such emphasis on creating vistas
❞
BEDFORDSHIRE GARDEN
A shepherd’s hut in a meadow, seen across a sea of cow parsley, and reached via an avenue of young ornamental cherry trees, Prunus shimidsu ‘Sakura’
folly in long grass and cow parsley. There are also several multistemmed West Himalayan birches, Betula utilis var. jacquemontii, the silver bark a delight in all seasons. For spring there is the golden foliage of an Indian bean tree and false acacia, while magnolias and crab apples add flowers. A mature Norway maple, Acer platanoides ‘Drummondii’, introduces handsome variegated foliage above a gravel garden. Almost opposite, on the margins of an orchard, stands an elegant Cornus controversa ‘Variegata’, the wedding cake tree, which in spring erupts in cream-edged leaves and flowers, above cow parsley studded with blue camassias. The lovely bladdernut tree, Staphylea pinnata, crops up throughout the garden. ‘It was here when we came and, as it grows suckers, I’ve created new plants,’ says Jo. Come spring, few trees are without a skirt of bulbs – daffodils, alliums, tulips or grape hyacinths. At the heart of the garden lies a broad grass path, dubbed the Millennium Walk because the box balls were planted in 1999. The walk creates a calm cool space that allows the garden to breathe between sweeping borders of elaborate planting, while also enabling long vistas in different directions. ‘I like to be able to see over borders and to the views beyond,’ she adds. Jo’s attention is now focused on a long bed newly planted with amelanchiers. ‘The wonderful thing about gardening is that it’s never-ending,’ she says. ‘There is always something new.’ Visit Jo’s garden at The Old Rectory, Wrestlingworth. Open for the National Garden Scheme (ngs.org.uk) on 17 and 31 May and 7 June for The Red Cross.
ON OUR DOORSTEP Visit... ‘Cambridge University Botanic Garden (botanic.cam. ac.uk). This garden inspired me to plant more birch trees.’
Shop at... ‘Scotsdales Garden Centre in Great Shelford (scotsdalegardencentre.co.uk) for its wide range of plants.’
Go for a meal at... ‘The Coach House, Potton, is open all day for coffees, teas, homemade cakes, lunch or dinner (coachhousepotton.co.uk).’
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P R O M O T I O N A L F E AT U R E LEFT White Wash Wood in Castel Weave, £70sq m; THIS PICTURE Corona Mono with Graphite Slate border, £125sq m, both Amtico
Step onto STYLE Give your floors a long-lasting makeover with the design-led, British-made Amtico Signature Collection
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resistant, and is tricky to scuff or scratch – making Amtico an ideal choice in high-traffic areas, homes with young children or muddy pups and country boot rooms. The tiles are naturally warm, too, so even if you don’t have underfloor heating, you can still enjoy a tiled floor without worrying about freezing your toes every morning. The Amtico Signature Collection features 217 products, including many that mimic the look of wood and stone, as well as lots of abstract designs. Plus, the 20 different laying patterns mean you can easily create a flagstone, parquet or basketweave floor in whichever luxury vinyl tile design you choose. But,
if all that choice overwhelms you, don’t worry – the in-house experts have you covered. Simply head to the Designers’ Choice section of Amtico’s website to discover a curated collection of pre-designed flooring finishes that you can easily visualise and recreate in your own space. What’s not to love? For more information, to view the full range of products and find your nearest retailer, head to amtico.com
FEATURE THEA BABINGTON-STITT
V
inyl tiles have come a long way since the 1980s. Luxury flooring brand Amtico is renowned for making sustainable, hard-wearing and super stylish options that look so great, you’d never guess they were vinyl. Designed and manufactured in Coventry, the extensive collection of luxury vinyl tiles has ample choice to suit every scheme, allowing you to transform your home with speed, ease and style. Multiple layers of high-quality materials – including vinyl, resin and PVC – are compressed under high pressure to create a hard-wearing and easily-cared for tile. The final product is both water- and stain-
BEDFORDSHIRE GARDEN
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2
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Jo’s May must-haves
1 Rosa ‘For Your Eyes Only’, a floribunda rose which flowers through summer. 2 Allium ‘Gladiator’, an ornamental onion with lavender-purple flowers. 3 Wisteria floribunda, a vigorous climber with purplish fragrant flowers in May. 4 Iris ‘Amas’, bi-toned with pale violet standards and rich purple falls. 5 Iris ‘Sultan’s Palace’, flowers are mahogany brown with copper beards. 6 Lychnis flos-cuculi, a native perennial flowering in late spring to mid summer.
FEATURE AND PHOTOGRAPHS NICOLA STOCKEN
7 Lonicera periclymenum ‘Belgica’, early Dutch honeysuckle, flowers from May. 4
8 Rosa ‘Nevada’, a shrub rose with creamy white blooms that have yellow stamens.
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NEXT MONTH IN
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LET’S GO OUTSIDE! ■ CREATE AN OUTDOOR ROOM IN YOUR GARDEN ■ A GLORIOUS SUMMER FEAST FOR AL FRESCO ENTERTAINING ■ LIVING THE DREAM WITH OUR STUNNING READERS’ HOMES PLUS… DECORATING SPECIAL: NEW-LOOK COUNTRY INSPIRATION, FROM PAINTERLY PATTERNS TO AN ELEGANT COASTAL VIBE! NEW SECTION ESSENTIAL RENOVATION GUIDE FOR COUNTRY AND PERIOD PROPERTIES. THIS MONTH… GARDEN RAILINGS AND GATES
O N S A L E 7 M AY 2 0 2 0
Live Life Well
HEALTH, HAPPINESS, FASHION, TRAVEL, PETS, PASTIMES AND OTHER THINGS TO MAKE LIFE LOVELY WHAT TO PICK, SEE & DO Pick… hawthorn blossom – dry out and combine with camomile for a soothing, night-time tea. Celebrate... May Day at the Downton Cuckoo Fair in Wiltshire on 2 May, with traditional maypole and morris dancing (cuckoofair.co.uk). Learn… block printing at Wiveton Hall, Norfolk, 15-17 May, £725 with food, accommodation, materials and private tour (mollymahon.com)
FEATURE TARA KING PHOTOGRAPH TIM YOUNG
Enjoy… dog-friendly glamping at Dogstival at Pylewell Park, Hampshire, 16-17 May, from £13.90, dogstival.co.uk
No bank holiday plans? Roll up a rug, pack up a picnic and set off on a countryside adventure
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Spring sale Save up to 20% on our British handmade furniture
Over 35 years of British Craftsmanship Customise in over 200 fabrics Luxury sofa bed mattress options willowandhall.co.uk 020 8939 3800 | London showroom
LIVE LIFE WELL
BACK TO BASICS From garden clothing and canvas bags to stylish everyday wear, Norfolk-based lifestyle brand Carrier Company makes everything by hand using natural materials. We love these cotton dungarees, available in a range of colours, £95.
ZERO WASTE Abel & Cole is making it easier for us to cut out single-use plastic, thanks to its exciting new scheme, Club Zero. The refillable delivery service means you can now receive organic pantry staples to your door. Simply decant the goods into your own jars and leave the pots out for collection the following week.
What a treat Enjoy a doggy day out with your pet at Pup Up Cafe events, occurring across the country. Take part in animalfriendly activities such as competitions and ball-pits, shop for treats at multiple stalls and mingle with other pet owners over a puppuccino (regular coffee is also available!). Visit pupup.cafe to find an event happening near you.
NATURE TO NURTURE Born out of a passion for holistic therapy, Ubiety launched last year with a range of vegan, ethical and eco-friendly wellbeing products designed to soothe both body and soul. All the profits from the lotions, lip balms, candles and diffusers go to Dorothy House Hospice Care. We love the signature candle, £25, inspired by serene woodlands.
ARTISTIC KEEPSAKE A lovely addition to your kitchen worktop, Newby Teas has collaborated with the Van Gogh museum in Amsterdam to create a trio of bespoke blends inspired by the artist’s most renowned and celebrated pieces, £28 each. COUNTRY HOMES & INTERIORS
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welcome to the world of
The one-stop edit of the best modern style inspiration and design ideas
LIVE LIFE WELL
KNOWLEDGE IS BEAUTY Bring the outdoors in with nature-inspired artwork that tells a story. Delicate black and white illustrations from Scandinavian brand Kunskapstavlan (translated from Swedish as ‘knowledge art’) are accompanied by handy information – from animal tracks and constellations to plant names. From £23.49.
3 of the best…
nature books There’s beauty all around us BI OPH I L I A: YOU + NATUR E + HO ME BY S ALLY COU LT HAR D This beautifully illustrated book demonstrates how bringing nature into our homes can promote health, happiness and wellbeing. £14.99, Octopus Publishing. EV ERY DAY NATUR E BY A NDY BEER Celebrate the wonders of the world by noticing something new each day – from the call of the cuckoo to wildlife preparing for hibernation. £12.99, National Trust Books. A RO U ND TH E WOR LD I N 80 TR EES B Y JONATH AN D RO R I
FEATURE TARA KING
Journey across the globe and discover the fascinating stories of exploding sandbox and poisonous lacquer! £12.99, Laurence King Publishing.
IT’S A WILD LIFE
BOOTS MADE FOR WALKING
Little ones will love the whimsical wallpaper designs from new brand Wild Hearts Wonder, founded by two sisters and inspired by childhood memories of playing in Epping Forest, where they grew up. We’ve fallen for Fawna, featuring handpainted fawns, ferns and florals. Available in Blush, Grey, Blue and White, £69 a panel.
A country walk wouldn’t be complete without a good pair of wellies, and Joules is our go-to for bright and colourful designs. In a bid to conserve our precious woodland, the brand has partnered up with Woodland Trust and will plant one tree for every pair bought. Molly Daisy wellies, £44.95, Joules COUNTRY HOMES & INTERIORS
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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
LIVE LIFE WELL
Wild garlic fills the forest with scent and colour
MY COUNTRY PASSION
Forest bathing
FEATURE TARA KING PHOTOGRAPHS LAURA PASHBY
The endless beauty of the forest provides peace and calm for Laura Pashby, who seeks refuge there whenever she’s in need of a little creative inspiration When I first read about the Japanese practice of forest bathing, it immediately felt familiar to me. Taking the time to focus on the woods around me, from the rays of sunlight breaking through the morning mist to birdsong echoing from the leaves… it’s something I've been doing all my life. As a young child I spent time in the ancient woods near to my home, on the margins of Dartmoor. My brother and I played among the old trees, hiding in the huge hollow ones, soaking up the atmosphere. As a teen, I spent a year living in Thailand and found a magical place that reminded me of CS Lewis’ ‘wood between the worlds’; a peaceful little forest surrounding a ruined temple, where sunlight was dappled by giant leaves. Then
after years of living in the city, I moved to a small sleepy village on the edge of the Cotswolds eight years ago. It’s a joy to walk straight out of my front door into beautiful woodland. My whole family love spending time there. I have three young boys and my husband and I take them as much as we can. I find pleasure in sharing peaceful moments with them, but my favourite times are the ones where I’m completely alone among the trees, often with my camera. I love sunny days, but it’s foggy mornings that are my favourite. I can’t resist the magic of the mist. Spring is such a beautiful time of year; the ground is carpeted with bluebells, anemones and wild garlic. As a writer and photographer, I find forest surroundings to be
an important source of creative inspiration, but also helpful for my general wellbeing. I notice my shoulders drop and I breathe more deeply. I lift my face upwards and welcome the touch of daylight on my skin. Even just twenty minutes spent just ‘being’ among the trees leaves me calm and composed. The most important thing is to take your time and notice your surroundings. Use all of your senses and really feel the trees around you. They’ve stood still and unwavering for so long, it’s impossible not to draw strength from them.
Read this... Be inspired by Laura’s beautiful photography and ‘small stories’ on her blog circleofpinetrees.com and Instagram @circleofpines COUNTRY HOMES & INTERIORS
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TRAVEL SPECIAL
Spring getaways ROMANCE, BEAUTY AND ADVENTURE – DISCOVER ALL THIS AND MORE WITH OUR PICK OF THE BEST UK DESTINATIONS AND STUNNING RURAL ESCAPES CLOCKWISE, FROM THIS PICTURE Watch the sunset at Smugglers Cove; wander among the heather; camp in style
WALES an
adventurous spirit
Wild, mountainous Snowdonia in north-west Wales is a magnet for extreme sports fans and outdoorsy types, offering majestic terrain that can be enjoyed from land, air and sea. A new tourism campaign, Snowdonia 360, seeks to highlight all the region has to offer, be it a gentle hike or a sky-high adventure. WHAT TO DO
Head to Adventure Parc Snowdonia in the Conwy Valley to ride artificial waves at an inland surf lagoon. Explore Llechwed’s slate caverns, learn to wakeboard at Glasfryn Parc on the Llyn Peninsula, and zoom 138
COUNTRY HOMES & INTERIORS
along the world’s fastest zip line at Zip World Penrhyn Quarry. Plus, there are miles of hiking routes. WHERE TO EAT
For a post-ramble pub lunch, head to The Bull in Anglesey, a historic inn serving award-winning food. THE PLACE TO STAY
To get back to nature without the stress of putting up a tent, Graig Wen’s shepherd’s hut is the answer (graigwen.co.uk). Smugglers Cove Boatyard in Gwynedd is home to cosy cottages, or there’s The Boy John, a beached boat you can rent by the night (smugglerscove.info).
THIS PAGE, FROM TOP Stroll around the grounds of Walmer Castle in Deal; pretend life’s a fairytale with an overnight stay at The Prospect Tower
KENT glorious
gardens
Known as ‘The Garden of England’, Kent is home to some of the country’s most beautiful green spaces. From castle grounds and country estates to botanical centres, Kent is a horticulturalists’s dream. WHAT TO DO
Get outdoors and start exploring. Our favourite spots include Sissinghurst Castle Gardens, the former home of Vita Sackville-West, and Hever Castle’s 125 acres of manicured grounds. Walmer Castle’s intimate estate offers pretty-as-apicture views, and the grounds of Chartwell, Winston Churchill’s former home, delight with lakes and Lady Churchill’s rose garden. WHERE TO EAT
The Goods Shed in Canterbury contains a farmer’s market stuffed
with local produce and a food hall that is making good use of it. The Milk House in Sissinghurst, close to the castle gardens, offers top-notch pub food, while the Fordwich Arms provides Michelin-starred cooking – perfect for special occasions. THE PLACE TO STAY
Book into The Prospect Tower, an early 19th-century folly built for Lord Harris of Seringapatam, and gaze out over the rolling green gardens (landmarktrust.org.uk). Complete with its own beautiful grounds, Leeds Castle also offers beautiful accommodation options in both the Stable Courtyard and Maiden’s Tower, while over in Canterbury, a new Pig hotel tempts guests with its tried-and-tested rustic-luxe lodgings. COUNTRY HOMES & INTERIORS
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CLOCKWISE, FROM THIS PICTURE Lynn Chadwick’s Diamond; Jesse Wine’s Let Me Entertain; tuck in at Goodwood
SUSSEX
art & culture Each year, the Festival of Chichester brings a buzz to the city with its brimming showcase of music, theatre and poetry performances, as well as films, talks and tours. WHAT TO DO
Head to Pallant House Gallery, an imposing Queen Anne townhouse turned modern British art gallery with an impressive modernist wing. You’ll find works in the permanent collection by luminaries, such as Barbara Hepworth and Patrick Caulfield. Nearby in the Goodwood Estate is the Cass Sculpture Foundation – a remarkable outdoor art park. Before you leave, grab a show at Chichester Festival Theatre. MUST BOOK
From the 13 June to 12 July, the Festival of Chichester will host its annual cultural extravaganza. Previous years have seen the likes of Victoria Hislop and Kate Mosse wow audiences. (festivalofchichester.co.uk). THE PLACE TO STAY
A little way out of town at the famed racing estate, the boutique Goodwood Hotel offers stylish accommodation in a bucolic setting. Try dinner in Farmer, Butcher, Chef, the hotel’s bistro-style dining room.
DEVON gourmet The county of cream teas and country fairs, Devon is a favourite when it comes to gourmet British grub. Rolling countryside and fresh coastal air makes for optimal agricultural conditions, and the bountiful produce tastes best when it’s fresh and local. WHAT TO DO
If you’re making a weekend of it, head to Exeter’s town centre for the weekly street food market. Spanish, Persian, Vietnamese, Egyptian and American – you’ll find it all in easy to carry-and-scoff form. While over in Plymouth, the Gin Distillery offers tours that let you blend your own recipe – you can even take a bottle or two of it home with you. 140
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escape WHERE TO EAT
Riverford Field Kitchen made its name with veg boxes – a taste of Devon delivered to your door. Its restaurant in Buckfastleigh offers kitchen garden to table cooking in a purpose-built barn, full of rustic character. If it’s seafood you’re after, head to The Beachhouse in South Milton. Set right on the sand, there’s nowhere better to munch on fresh squid and traditional battered cod. THE PLACE TO STAY
It has to be Lympstone Manor, Michael Caines’ vanilla-coloured mansion sitting pretty above the Exe Estuary. A gorgeous, luxury hotel with sweeping coastal views and a Michelin-starred restaurant.
THIS PICTURE The glorious British countryside; BELOW spend the night at Lympstone Manor
TRAVEL SPECIAL
THIS PICTURE Hide away from it all at Supernova; BELOW enjoy a cup of tea with a view in your room
SKYE remote
FEATURE PATRICK HAMILTON COURTNEY PHOTOGRAPHS ALAMY STOCK PHOTO; JOHN MILLER; ROY RILEY
& romantic Otherworldly landscapes, quaint fishing villages and rugged shoreline mark out the Isle of Skye as one of Britain’s most beautiful places. Truly remote and reached by bridge from Scotland’s north-west coast, Skye is the perfect destination to escape the stresses of modern life, embrace the wild setting and luxuriate in idyllic peace and quiet. Walk the beaches, explore hidden, ancient castles, and breathe the purest of salt-tinged air. You could try your hand at rock climbing and mountaineering on the Cuillin Hills, check out the dramatic scenery at the Old Man of Storr, swim in the Fairy Pools of Glen Brittle or take a boat trip to see the white-tailed sea eagles. Alternatively, get cosy and enjoy doing nothing.
restaurant making the most of its location – the accolades have been piling up for years in celebration of head chef Scott Davies’ inventive cooking. Kinloch Lodge, a hotel on the shores of Loch na Dal, is noted for its fine dining and foraged ingredients, while The Old School offers a more casual menu in an 1870s schoolhouse.
WHERE TO EAT
THE PLACE TO STAY
A favourite on the island is The Three Chimneys, a seafood
For a far-flung romantic escape, book yourself into Supernova. A
WHAT TO DO
chapel conversion on a highland hillside with views across Loch Harport, this cosy rustic-chic hideaway – part of the Unique Home Stays group – promises total seclusion from the bothers of the outside world. Over in the village of Geary, Mint Croft provides similarly isolated lodgings: two crofters’ cottages looking over the sea, outfitted with deVol kitchens, wood-burning stoves and local artisan welcome hampers. COUNTRY HOMES & INTERIORS
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The land of PLENTY
DISCOVER THE NOOKS AND CRANNIES OF THE NORTH YORK MOORS NATIONAL PARK – A PLACE WHERE HISTORY, CREATIVITY AND NATURAL BEAUTY COME TOGETHER…
G
oing on holiday to enjoy the calm and adventure that comes with being somewhere new doesn’t need to start with a tiring mission of airports and exceeded baggage allowance. Instead, keep things simple by staying in the beautiful British countryside and exploring all that the great North York Moors National Park has to offer.
HERITAGE AND HISTORY THIS PAGE, FROM TOP The national park is home to endless walking trails and pretty picnic spots; visit Gillies Jones’ beautiful glass-blowing studio in Rosedale Abbey; explore the five colourful acres of Helmsley Walled Garden 142
COUNTRY HOMES & INTERIORS
Steeped in a rich local heritage, the North York Moors is home to a host of secret gardens and imposing castles, as well as the heather moorland that shapes so much of the area’s identity. Garden enthusiasts will love the botanical dreamland that is Helmsley Walled Garden, plus the English country gardens at Mount Grace Priory, House and Gardens are not to be missed. While history buffs will enjoy wandering the magnificent halls of Castle Howard, as well as stepping back in time at the ruinous remains of Rievaulx Abbey – a once powerful monastery forgotten to the pages of history.
P R O M O T I O N A L F E AT U R E
THIS PAGE, FROM TOP Discover Goathland’s hidden waterfalls; immerse yourself in the history of the mesmerising Rievaulx Abbey; wander down to the coast to try and spot the area’s beloved grey seals and their cute little pups
FEATURE PATRICK HAMILTON COURTNEY PHOTOGRAPHS EBOR IMAGES/MARK BULMER; CHRIS J PARKER; COLIN CARTER; DANIEL WILDEY; STEVE RACE; VISIT BRITAIN/SAM BARKER
OUT AND ABOUT Deep wooded forests tumble into open moorland and the wild North Sea laps at the twists and turns of the cliff-lined coast – nature lovers will find varied worlds of bewitching natural beauty to lose themselves in. For those serious about getting the steps in, Coast & Moors Nordic Walking offers a range of guided Nordic Walking tours, including a beginners’ course. Alternatively, Large Outdoors arranges sociable walking weekends to explore wilder spots. And for the dreamers among us? Whitby Storyteller is renowned for its spooky guided ghost walks at Robin Hood’s Bay.
COUNTRY CREATIVITY With all these enchanting landscapes surrounding you, the inner creative might find a spark of artistic spirit. If so, you can try your hand at willow weaving with expert weaver Anthea Firth on a relaxing workshop, whip out your paintbox at Staithes Art School, or capture the local beauty on film on a North York Moors Wildlife Photography Tour.
For more info... To discover more about the North York Moors National Park and to start planning your trip today, head to northyorkmoors.org.uk/timeforyou, call 01439 772737 or email your questions to moorscentre@ northyorkmoors.org.uk
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& INTERIORS
Gorgeous houses, we want youÉ
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!
IN A COUNTRY KITCHEN
COOKS’ NOTES
Creamy, dreamy Le Creuset cookware No cook’s kitchen is complete without some classic Le Creuset, but if you can’t settle on a colourway, let us introduce you to Meringue. Taking inspiration from toasted meringue whips, the new ivory colour adds a softness to the brand’s usual bold shades with a subtle oat coloured ombré. Available across the cast iron, stoneware and accessory collections, this is the perfect addition to a colourful kitchen, or the base for a calm and collected one. Dreamy. From £9 for an egg cup, Le Creuset.
FEATURE THEA BABINGTON-STITT PHOTOGRAPH (BOTANICAL KITCHEN) POLLY WEBSTER
TREAT YOUR TUM If friends and family are on gluten-free, dairy-free and lowFODMAP diets, it can be tricky to create tasty dishes that meet everyone’s needs, which is why we’re loving the new sauce range from Bellygoodness. The five sauces – Chilli, Nomato, White, Mediterranean and Curry – are all free from gluten, dairy, added sugar, garlic, onions, tomatoes, yeast, nuts, soya, artificial colours, sweeteners and preservatives, while still remaining tasty and easy to cook with. Delicious and good for you? We’ll take the lot. From £21.50 for six, Bellygoodness.
BRING ON THE BOTANICALS
Whether your kitchen garden is bursting at the seams, or you simply love exploring new ways to use flavour, The Botanical Kitchen is a must-have. The debut cookbook from food writer Elly McCausland offers 90 recipes which put fruit, flowers, seeds, spices and leaves front and centre. In addition to new angles on classic dishes, these recipes also offer new and inventive ways of making the most of all the botanicals on offer. Time to get experimenting! £26, Bloomsbury Absolute.
A grate idea We’ll rave to anyone we meet about the game-changer that is the Microplane zester, which uses a photo-etched grating treatment to make the blades sharper – perfect for grating fruit, cheese, nuts and more. The new EcoGrate system not only offers four different sizes of graters, but the frames are crafted from sustainable, organically grown bamboo and a low-carbon footprint resin, which is biodegradable. £16.99 each, Lakeland. COUNTRY HOMES & INTERIORS
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Garden
FRESH
VEGETABLES SHINE AS STAR OF THE SHOW IN THESE PLANT-BASED MEALS FROM ANNIE RIGG
GREEN FREEKEH SALAD WITH PEAS, BEANS AND HERBS
GOOD TIMES, GOOD FOOD
GREEN LENTIL, VEGETABLE AND ORZO STEW
COUNTRY HOMES & INTERIORS
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GOOD TIMES, GOOD FOOD
GREEN FREEKEH SALAD WITH PEAS, BEANS AND HERBS
GREEN LENTIL, VEGETABLE AND ORZO STEW
Freekeh are young green grains of wheat, that have been dried and toasted. They are cooked and served in much the same way as rice or couscous and can be served hot as
A delicious one-pot dish that is even better after 24 hours. Although delicious as it is, this stew would be wonderful served with a spoonful of pesto, too.
a pilaf, or cold in salads. With a delicious nutty flavour, they are a good source of fibre and protein.
SERVES 4
SERVES 4-6
100g dried green lentils 3 banana shallots, sliced
800ml vegetable stock 100g orzo
200g wholegrain freekeh 125g fine green beans
2tbsp chopped flat-leaf parsley
2tbsp olive oil 2 cloves garlic, sliced
150g cherry tomatoes 1 bay leaf
100g sugar snap peas 100g baby broad beans
Seeds from ½ pomegranate 3tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 leek, trimmed and sliced 1cm thick
2tbsp chopped flat-leaf parsley
100g peas (fresh or frozen
1tbsp pomegranate
and defrosted) 3 spring onions, sliced
molasses 1tbsp lemon juice
2 sticks celery, trimmed and sliced 1cm thick
1tbsp chopped tarragon Salt and freshly ground
1 bulb fennel, trimmed
black pepper
50g cashews, toasted 50g pistachios 2–3tbsp chopped mint
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
and sliced 1 courgette, cut into
Extra virgin olive oil, to serve
bite-sized pieces
Crusty bread, to serve
1 Rinse the freekeh grains in a sieve under cold running water. Tip into a saucepan and cover with plenty of fresh water, add a pinch of salt and bring to the boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 25–30 mins (or according to the pack instructions) until tender. Drain through a sieve, refresh under cold running water and leave to cool. 2 While the freekeh is cooking, prepare the vegetables. Trim the fine beans and cut them into 3cm lengths on the diagonal. Trim and halve the sugar snaps. Refill the pan with salted water and bring to the boil. Have a large bowl of iced water nearby. Blanch the broad beans in the pan for 1 min, then remove with a slotted spoon and place in the bowl of iced water to stop the cooking process. Peel the tough outer skins from the broad beans. 3 Tip the fine beans into the boiling water, cook for 1 min, and then add the sugar snaps and peas, and cook for a further min. Drain though a colander and refresh under cold water. Pat dry with kitchen paper before adding to the freekeh with the podded broad beans and sliced spring onions. 4 Roughly chop the cashews and pistachios, and add to the salad with the chopped herbs and pomegranate seeds. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, pomegranate molasses and lemon juice, and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Pour the dressing into the salad and mix well to combine. Leave the salad for 30 mins before serving to allow all of the flavours to combine.
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COUNTRY HOMES & INTERIORS
1 Rinse the lentils and cook in boiling water for 12–15 mins, or until tender. Drain and set aside. 2 Tip the shallots into a heavy casserole dish with the olive oil. Cook over a low-medium heat until tender and just starting to colour at the edges. Add the garlic and cook for 1 min or so. Tip the sliced leek, celery, fennel and courgette into the pan, and mix to combine with shallots and garlic. 3 Pour the stock into the pan and bring to a gentle simmer. Add the orzo, lentils, cherry tomatoes and bay leaf. Season well with salt and freshly ground black pepper, half-cover with a lid and cook gently for 20 mins until the pasta is cooked and the vegetables are tender. 4 Add the chopped herbs to garnish, and serve with a drizzle of the extra virgin olive oil and some crusty bread on the side.
AUBERGINE AND PEANUT CURRY
GOOD TIMES, GOOD FOOD
AUBERGINE AND PEANUT CURRY The ingredients list for this flavour-packed dish may look long, but it consists of many store-cupboard staples.
SERVES 4-6
(Opposite) Try adding a handful of pomegranate seeds and perhaps serving with some crumbled feta alongside to add another dimension
1tsp cumin seeds 1tsp coriander seeds
1tbsp tamarind paste 1tbsp fish sauce
SERVES 4
3 aubergines 4tbsp sunflower oil
1tsp soft light brown or coconut sugar
200g tinned chickpeas, drained
100g radishes 2 baby gem lettuces or
3 cloves garlic, peeled 5cm ginger, peeled
3 ripe tomatoes, quartered 1 red pepper, deseeded,
5tbsp extra virgin olive oil ½tsp ground cumin
ruby baby gem 3tbsp roughly chopped
1 stick lemongrass 1 large/2 small red chillies
cut into 1cm wide strips Leaves of 4 stalks Thai basil
½tsp ground coriander ¼tsp cayenne pepper,
flat-leaf parsley 2tbsp roughly chopped mint
½tsp ground turmeric
2tbsp roasted peanuts,
plus a pinch
Pinch of sumac
1tbsp coconut oil 400ml can coconut milk
roughly chopped 3 spring onions, sliced
2 pitta breads Good pinch of dried
FOR THE DRESSING
200ml vegetable stock 2tbsp peanut butter 4 lime leaves
on the diagonal 2tbsp coriander leaves Jasmine rice, to serve
oregano Good pinch of garlic granules
1 clove garlic Juice of ½ lemon ½tbsp pomegranate
4 large ripe tomatoes 120g cherry or baby
molasses 4tbsp extra virgin olive oil
plum tomatoes 4 baby cucumbers
½tbsp white wine vinegar Salt and freshly ground
3–4 spring onions
black pepper
1 Tip cumin and coriander seeds into a large dry sauté pan and toast over a medium heat for 30 seconds to 1 min until they smell aromatic. Grind the seeds using a pestle and mortar, and set aside. 2 Cut the aubergines in half from end to end, then across the middle, and then into wedges. Heat half of the sunflower oil in the pan and fry half of the aubergines over medium heat until golden brown all over (you may need to do this in batches). Set aside. 3 Chop the garlic, ginger, lemongrass and chillies, tip into a food processor with the turmeric, cumin and coriander seeds and blend into a paste. 4 Heat coconut oil in the sauté pan, add the paste mixture and cook for 1 min. Add the coconut milk, vegetable stock, peanut butter, lime leaves, tamarind paste, fish sauce and sugar, and simmer for 10 mins to reduce and thicken slightly. Add the tomatoes to the pan and cook 5 mins until tender but still holding their shape. 5 Add the pepper to the pan with the aubergines and half of the basil leaves. Mix to combine, and cook for about 15 mins until vegetables are tender. 6 Serve with the chopped peanuts, spring onions, coriander, remaining Thai basil, and jasmine rice.
Eat More Veg by Annie Rigg (£14.99, National Trust Books)
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FATTOUSH WITH CRISP SPICED CHICKPEAS
COUNTRY HOMES & INTERIORS
1 Preheat the oven to 180C/Gas 4. 2 Tip the chickpeas into a small roasting tin, add 1tbsp olive oil, the ground cumin, coriander and the ¼tsp cayenne pepper, and season well. Mix to coat the chickpeas in the spices, and then roast in the preheated oven for about 20 mins until golden. 3 While the chickpeas are cooking, tear the pitta breads into bite-size pieces. Place them on another baking sheet and add the dried oregano, garlic granules, the pinch of cayenne pepper and 1tbsp olive oil, and season well with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Mix well to combine and toast in the oven for 5–6 mins until crisp and golden. Remove from the oven and leave the chickpeas and pittas to cool. 4 Cut the large tomatoes into chunks and the cherry tomatoes in half, and tip into a large bowl. Halve the cucumbers and cut into slices on the diagonal, then add to the tomatoes. Trim and slice the spring onions and radishes, and add to the tomatoes. Roughly slice or quarter the baby gem and add to the salad with the chopped herbs. 5 Combine the dressing ingredients in a bowl and mix with a fork to combine. Pour the dressing over the salad, add the toasted chickpeas and pitta, and mix to combine. 6 Let the salad sit for 3–4 mins for the dressing to permeate the salad and toasted pitta, and then sprinkle with a pinch of sumac before serving.
Cook’s note...
FEATURE THEA BABINGTON-STITT PHOTOGRAPHS NASSIMA ROTHACKER
YOU CAN OF COURSE USE HALF A REGULAR CUCUMBER INSTEAD OF BABY CUCUMBERS, BUT REMOVE THE SEEDS WITH A TEASPOON, TO PREVENT THE DISH BECOMING WATERY
PL A N T OFFER S TH E BE ST BEG ON I A S YO U ’ L L E V E R G R OW !
FREE Fertiliser
48 BEG ON I A S
worth £7.99
+ FR EE FERTILISER £ 2 7. 7 N OW £ 1 1 . 9 9 Begonia ‘Apricot Shades Improved’
"Excellent value"
• An exclusive mix to Thompson & Morgan with 50% more picotee blooms • Enjoy non-stop stunning colour and impact in your garden • As versatile as it is beautiful! • Large, cascading, double blooms will pour from your containers from June to October • Perform whatever the weather • Their abundant trailing habit makes them an ideal plant for hanging baskets, window boxes, and Flower Pouches™ • Perfect for creating an impressive display that will light up even a shady corner • Height: 30cm (12in) • Spread: 45cm (18in)
BloomAround Hanging Basket This well-designed, innovative hanging basket creates a much fuller and more rounded floral display than traditional baskets once planted up.
From £7.99 Maxicrop Plant Treatment Give your plants the best possible start with this amazing offer! We will treat your whole order with maxicrop. Helps to stimulate strong root development.
GARDEN READY BEGONIAS FROM £9.99
Only £1.00
Offer available to readers on the UK mainland only. Offer subject to availability. Your contract for supply of goods is with Thompson & Morgan, a company wholly independent of Country Homes & Interiors, published by TI Media Limited. Cardholders call direct on 0844 573 1686 quoting TM_XCH7. **Calls cost 7p per minute plus your telephone provider’s access charge. The order lines are open seven days a week, 9am to 6pm. Alternatively, please complete the coupon in BLOCK CAPITALS. Remittance may be made by MasterCard, Visa, Maestro, postal order or cheque (name, address and TM_XCH7 on the back of cheque, please), crossed and made payable to T&M. Images are for illustration purposes. Closing date: 29 April 2020. Items despatched from April 2020 onwards. All orders will be acknowledged by letter or email advising you of the expected despatch date.
H OW T O O R D E R **
Call 0844 573 1686 quoting TM_XCH7. Lines open 7 days a week: 9am 6pm Online thompson morgan.com/ TM_XCH7 By post Please complete the coupon on the right
Please send order form to: Country Homes & Interiors Begonia Offer, Dept TM_XCH7, PO Box 162, Ipswich, Suffolk IP8 3BX.
Code
Price
24 x Begonia plug plants + Free fertiliser - £17.98
KB0162
£9.99
£
48 x Begonia plug plants + Free fertiliser - £27.97
KB0163
£11.99
£
72 x Begonia plug plants + Free fertiliser - £37.96
KB0164
£19.99
£
15 x Begonia garden ready plants
KA9686
£9.99
£
30 x Begonia garden ready plants
KA9687
£14.99
£
1 x 30cm BloomAround hanging baskets
KA4045
£7.99
£
Postcode
2 x 30cm BloomAround hanging baskets - £15.98
TKA1552
£9.99
£
Maxicrop plant treatment. One treatment covers your whole order.
KA2524
£1
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SHOPPING DIRECTORY
YOU’LL FIND ALL THE COMPANIES IN THIS MONTH’S ISSUE HERE
A6262 abelandcole.co.uk airestudio.co.uk
GARDEN TRADING 01993 845559 gardentrading.co.uk GEMINI TILES geminitiles.co.uk
ABEL & COLE 0345 262
AIRE ALITEX 01730 826900
GEORGE HOME
0800 952 0101 george.com
alitex.co.uk AMARA 0800 587 7645 amara.com AMAZON amazon.co.uk ANGLIAN 0808 115 1275 anglianhome.co.uk ANNABEL JAMES 0345 548 0210 annabeljames.co.uk ANTHROPOLOGIE 0800 0026 8476 anthropologie.com
GRAHAM & BROWN 0800
168 3795 grahambrown.com GRAHAM AND GREEN
01225 418200 grahamandgreen.co.uk
0344 499 4686 Hhabitat.co.uk HABITAT
HARRYS OF LONDON
ARDINGLY INTERNATIONAL ANTIQUES & COLLECTORS FAIR 01636 702326
020 3696 7878 harrysoflondon.com HARTS OF STUR 0800 371355 hartsofstur.com HARVEY JONES 0800 389 6938 harveyjones.com HEAL’S 0333 212 1915 heals.co.uk
iacf.co.uk/ardingly
B 0333 920 1119
BARKER AND STONEHOUSE
HEAVENLY HOMES AND GARDENS heavenlyhomes
barkerandstonehouse.co.uk BAUWERK COLOUR
andgardens.co.uk
bauwerkcolour.co.uk
HERRINGBONE KITCHENS 01227 638066
BELLYGOODNESS
bellygoodness.com
BENJAMIN MOORE
01753 575756 benjaminmoorepaint.co.uk BERT & MAY 020 3744 0776 bertandmay.com BIRDIE FORTESCUE 01328 851651 birdiefortescue.co.uk BLINDS 2GO 0800 862 0464 blinds-2go.co.uk BLOOMINGVILLE 0045 9626 4645 bloomingville.com BLOOMSBURY 020 7631 5600 bloomsbury.com BODEN 0330 333 0000 boden.co.uk BOHEMIA DESIGN 0131 555 2485 bohemiadesign.co.uk BOOKISHLY bookishly.co.uk BRAMBLECREST
bramblecrest.com BRIDGMAN 020 8804 7474 bridgman.co.uk BRITISH CERAMIC TILE 01626 834774 britishceramictile.com BROWN & GINGER
brownandginger.com
BURFORD GARDEN COMPANY 01993 823117
herringbonekitchens.com HOLLOWAYS OF LUDLOW 020 7602 5757
88 CELTIC & CO 0844 557 8877
celticandco.com
CHERITH HARRISON 07711 851608 cherithharrison.com CLARKE & CLARKE 01706 242010 clarke-clarke.com CLASSIC KITCHENS DIRECT
01202 481177 classic-kitchens-direct.com CLAYBROOK 020 70521 555 claybrookstudio.co.uk COX & COX 0330 333 2123 coxandcox.co.uk CRAIG & ROSE 01383 740010 craigandrose.com CROWN 0330 024 0281 crownpaints.co.uk CULINARY CONCEPTS
5871 busterandpunch.com
01252 852305 culinaryconcepts.co.uk CULT FURNITURE 020 8185 6960 cultfurniture.com
C 07732 131135 cambridgeimprint.co.uk
D 01732 452620 danishcollection.co.uk
burford.co.uk
BUSTER + PUNCH 020 3176 CAMBRIDGE IMPRINT
CARAVANE 020 7486 5233
caravane.fr
CARPETRIGHT 0330 333 3444
carpetright.co.uk
CARRIER COMPANY 01328
DANISH COLLECTION
HUDSON HOME
hudsonhome.co.uk DULUX 0333 222 7171 dulux.co.uk DUNELM dunelm.com
E01782 210565
EBAY ebay.co.uk EMMA BRIDGEWATER
emmabridgewater.co.uk EMMA PURDIE
emmapurdie.co.uk
ENGLISH AND CONTINENTAL ANTIQUES 01379 871393
englishandcontinental antiques.com ETSY etsy.com
F876141 farrow-ball.com 01243
FARROW & BALL 01202
FEATHER & BLACK
380600 featherandblack.com FORMULARY55
formulary55.com FRANKE 0161 436 6280 franke.com FRENCH CONNECTION HOME 0333 400 3285
DAVID SALISBURY
frenchconnection.com
DESIGNERS GUILD 020 7351
furniture4yourhome.co.uk
DOBBIES GARDEN CENTRES
G 020 7625 0060 gailsbread.co.uk
01278 764444 davidsalisbury.com
820699 carriercompany.co.uk
5775 designersguild.com DFS 0808 271 6297 dfs.co.uk
casamance.com
0131 561 6406 dobbies.com
CASAMANCE 0844 369 0104
hollowayskitchens.com HOMESENSE 01923 473561 homesense.com
FURNITURE 4 YOUR HOME 01992 353550 GAIL’S BAKERY
020 3645 0000 Iikea.co.uk 01629 IKEA
INDIGO FURNITURE
581800 indigofurniture.co.uk
IRUGS UK 0808 189 0459
irugs.co.uk
ISURFACES.CO.UK
01405 818200
Jjohnlewis.com 0345 604 9049
JOHN LEWIS & PARTNERS
JONATHAN BARBER
jonathanbarber.co.uk
JOULES 0345 250 7160
joules.com
Kkenwoodworld.com KENWOOD
KUNSKAPSTAVLAN
kunskapstavlan.com
Llabourandwait.co.uk 020 7729 6253
LABOUR AND WAIT
LAKELAND 015394 88100 lakeland.co.uk LAPUAN KANKURIT 00 358 6 4338 300 lapuankankurit.fi/en LAURENCE KING 020 7841 6900 laurenceking.com LE CREUSET 0800 373792 lecreuset.co.uk LIGHTS4FUN 01423 816040 lights4fun.co.uk
COUNTRY HOMES & INTERIORS
153
LITTLE GREENE 0845 880 5855 littlegreene.com
THE LIGHTING COMPANY
livewithwood.com LOAF 0345 468 0697 loaf.com
THE NEW & RECLAIMED FLOORING CO.
01643 707505 lightingcompany.co.uk
LIVE WITH WOOD
LORAN & CO ANTIQUES
020 7250 1108 reclaimedflooringco.com/
loranandco.co.uk
LOUISA GRACE INTERIORS
THE WHITE COMPANY
07956 650895 louisagrace.co.uk LUSOPHILE lusophile.co.uk
020 3758 9222 thewhitecompany.com
THE WOOL COMPANY
0845 130 8015 thewoolcompany.co.uk TILE GIANT 01782 597777 tilegiant.co.uk TILLYANNA tillyanna.co.uk TOAST 0333 400 5200 toa.st/uk TOLLY MCRAE tollymcrae.co.uk TOR INTERIORS 020 7043 2410 torinteriors.com
M779911magimix.com mandlpaints.com M&L PAINTS 01730
MAGIMIX MAISONS DU MONDE
0808 234 2172 maisonsdumonde.com MANDARIN STONE 01600 715444 mandarinstone.com MARBLEMOSAICS 01273 891144 marble-mosaics.com MARSTON & LANGINGER 01243 214550 marstonandlanginger.com MATCHBOX ARCHITECTS
01933 698001 matchboxarchitects.co.uk MELODY MAISON 01302 741000 melodymaison.co.uk MITCHELL BEAZLEY 020 3122 6400 octopusbooks.co.uk MODERN RUGS 01388 663738 modern-rugs.co.uk MOWLEM & CO 020 7610 6626 mowlemandco.com MW HOME 0115 9533007 mwhome.co.uk
N457705 nakedfloors.com NAKED FLOORS 01273
NATIONAL TRUST SHOP
0300 123 2025 shop.nationaltrust.org.uk NEPTUNE 01793 427300 neptune.com NEST 0114 243 3000 nest.co.uk NEWBY TEAS newbyteas.co.uk NEXT HOME next.co.uk NICKY CORNELL 0845 604 0244 nickycornell.com NIKI JONES 0141 556 2462 niki-jones.co.uk NINJA ninjacooking.co.uk NKUKU 0333 240 0155 nkuku.com NORDIC HOUSE 01872 223220 nordichouse.co.uk NOTONTHEHIGHSTREET.COM
020 3318 5115
O
OCTOPUS PUBLISHING
020 7632 5400 octopusbooks.co.uk OFICINA INGLESA 020 7226 4569 oficinainglesa.com OKA 03330 042 042 oka.com OLIVER BONAS 020 8974 0110 oliverbonas.com ORIGINAL STYLE 01392 473000 originalstyle.com ORPHANS PUBLISHING
01568 612460 orphanspublishing.co.uk OSBORNE & LITTLE 020 8812 3123 osborneandlittle.com 154
COUNTRY HOMES & INTERIORS
80 OTTO TILES & DESIGN
020 3488 3205 ottotiles.co.uk OUTDOOR & GARDEN LIGHTING CENTRE 01572
720599 outdoorandgarden lighting.co.uk
Pperchandparrow.com 020 8629 1166
PERCH & PARROW
POOKY 020 7351 3003
pooky.com
PORADA porada.it PORCELAIN SUPERSTORE
0845 257 0227 porcelainsuperstore.co.uk PRIME OAK 01384 296611 primeoak.co.uk PRIMROSE 0118 903 5210 primrose.co.uk PRINCELET princelet.co.uk PROTEK 01749 344697 protekwoodstain.co.uk
Q 07890 262247 quirkyinteriors.co.uk
QUIRKY INTERIORS
QUOOKER 0345 833 3555
quooker.co.uk
0800 014 9860 Rraftfurniture.co.uk 020 8847 RAFT
RAJ TENT CLUB
2212 rajtentclub.com
RESTORATION HARDWARE
001 800 762 1005 restorationhardware.com ROCKETT ST GEORGE 01444 253391 rockettstgeorge.co.uk RONSEAL 0114 240 9469 ronseal.co.uk ROSE & GREY 0161 926 8763 roseandgrey.co.uk ROUGH OLD GLASS 0345 548 8586 rougholdglass.co.uk ROWEN & WREN 01276 451077 rowenandwren.co.uk RYLAND PETERS & SMALL
020 7025 2200 rylandpeters.com
TURNBULL & THOMAS
01642 309640 turnbullandthomas.co.uk
Ssainsburyshome.co.uk 020 3457 5862 SAINSBURY’S HOME
SANDERSON
stylelibrary.com/sanderson SARAH FORTESCUE 07540 652488 sarahfortescue.com SARAH HARDAKER 07975 982885 sarahhardaker.co.uk SCUMBLE GOOSIE 01453 731305 scumblegoosie.co.uk SECRET LINEN STORE 01243 822599 secretlinenstore.com SHIMU 0800 088 6800 shimu.co.uk SIEMATIC UK 0161 246 6010 siematic.co.uk SILESTONE 01256 761229 silestone.co.uk SIMS HILDITCH 01249 783087 simshilditch.com SOFA WORKSHOP 0808 256 3476 sofaworkshop.com SOFASOFA 01495 244226 sofasofa.co.uk SOPHIE CONRAN 020 7603 1522 sophieconran.com SPACE NK 020 8740 2085 spacenk.com SUB ZERO & WOLF 0845 250 0010 subzero-wolf.co.uk SUNBURY ANTIQUES MARKET 01932 230946
sunburyantiques.com
SUSIE WATSON DESIGNS
0344 980 8185 susiewatsondesigns.co.uk 01275 T841841 tg-woodware.com T&G WOODWARE
THE CAST IRON BATH COMPANY 01723 585896
castironbath.co.uk
THE CONRAN SHOP
0344 848 4000 conranshop.co.uk
THE FINE COTTON COMPANY 0845 602 9050
thefinecottoncompany.com THE FRENCH BEDROOM COMPANY 01444 415430
frenchbedroomcompany.co.uk
U
UBIETY findubiety.com UNBOUND unbound.com UTILITY utilitydesign.co.uk
V 01476 564433 valegardenhouses.co.uk
VALE GARDEN HOUSES
VALSPAR 0344 736 9174 valsparpaint.co.uk VANESSA ARBUTHNOTT
01285 831437 vanessaarbuthnott.co.uk
VICTORIA YOUNG JAMIESON
victoriayj.co.uk
VINTERIOR 020 3393 0383
vinterior.co
Wwaitrose.com
WAITROSE & PARTNERS
WALLS AND FLOORS
01536 314730 wallsandfloors.co.uk WAYFAIR 0800 169 0423 wayfair.co.uk WEAVER GREEN
0844 414 2155 weavergreen.com
WELSH OAK FRAME 01686 688000 welshoakframe.com WESTBURY GARDEN ROOMS 01245 809284
westburygardenrooms.com WESTIN 01484 421585 westin.co.uk WILD HEARTS WONDER
wildheartswonder.com
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“Buy One Get One Free!
FUCHSIA TREES
JUST
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Add height, instant impact and vibrant colour to your garden or patio from now ‘til the first frosts of winter!
SAVE £19.99!
SAVE
F
uchsias are an absolute must for any summer flowering display, and a firm favourite for gardeners throughout the UK. With layer upon layer of delicate petals they are breathtakingly beautiful and uniquely shaped – what’s more, they’re versatile, easy to grow and perform superbly all summer long!
£19.99!
Skilfully grown over last winter, these stunning “Fuchsia Columns” (or “Fuchsia Trees”) will be delivered direct to your door at around 0.8-1m (3ft) tall – in bud and flower – ready to make a dramatic impact on your patio, terrace or framing a door or gateway! We have a limited number of these mature, well established plants available. With this scarcely believable offer you can Buy One Get One Free… but only whilst stocks last!
DON’T FORGET!
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The only feed you need for more flowers, more fruit, and better roots and shoots! Use on all your plants for quick, long lasting results!
0.8-1m Potted Plants l JUST £19.99
Exclusive Offer LIMITED TIME ONLY
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‘Wicker’ Pattern Planter 30cm (12”) Diameter Perfect for bulbs, bedding, shrubs, houseplants and more, this wonderful black planter with a brushed silver finish will add an exquisite decorative look to your garden. ITEM CODE 130227
£5.99 or 2 for £7.98
SAVE £4.00! Offer available while stocks last. © YouGarden Ltd 2020
Note: Image shows plant trimmed into a standard. Colours vary.
0844 6 569 569 Calls cost 5p per min plus your network’s access charge.
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Offer CHI106, YouGarden, PO Box 637, Wetherby Road, York YO26 0DQ
YOUR ORDER DETAILS Item
Description
Qty Subtotal
Price
0.8-1m Tall Flowering Fuchsia Tree 450008 £19.99 BUY 1 GET ONE FREE! SAVE £19.99! These SPECIAL OFFERS go perfectly with your Fuchsia Trees!
820005 Renewal Subscription Membership*: SAVE £15.00! £5.00
My DOUBLE GUARANTEE to you!
£10.00
DON’T FORGET: Deduct 10% (10p in every £1) if you joined the YouGarden Club: TOTAL ORDER VALUE
Initial
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JOIN THE YOUGARDEN CLUB - Get £20.00 FREE vouchers & SAVE 10% on EVERY ITEM you order!
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DELIVERY DETAILS Surname Postcode
100085 Blooming Fast Superior Feed - 100g SAVE £3.00! £1.99
Offer subject to availability and in the event that this offer is oversubscribed, we reserve the right to send suitable substitutes. Delivery to UK only and a £6.00 surcharge will apply to the following postcode areas: AB, BT, DD8-11, GY, HS, IM, IV, JE, KA27-28, KW, PA20-80, PH19-50, TR21-25 & ZE. See website for full terms & conditions.
YouGarden (name & address on back) for £ Or charge my Visa / Mastercard / Maestro card: Issue Card No. No. Exp Security Start Date Date Code Mr/Mrs/Ms/Miss Address
‘Wicker Pattern’ Planter 30cm (12”) Diameter £5.99 130227 BUY 2 for just £7.98 SAVE £4.00! £7.98
820001 1 Year Membership: SAVE £10.00!
YOUR PAYMENT DETAILS I enclose a cheque/Postal Order payable to
£6.99
1 If you’re not totally happy with your or return it within 30 days and we’ll repla refund in full. 2 Should any hardy plants fail to thrive th we’ll replace free of charge.You just pay Peter McDermott, Head Gardener
If you do not wish to receive catalogues & offers from us, please tick here [ ]. We think you’d enjoy some of the latest products and selected offers by post from other trusted retailers, charities, finance, travel, FMCG and utility companies. If you do not wish to receive these, please tick here [ ]. Full details at YouGarden.com/Privacy. © YouGarden 2020.
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ABOUT the HOUSE
Products and services designed to enhance your living space
WAS YOUR CONSERVATORY TOO COLD IN WINTER AND TOO HOT IN SUMMER?
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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.
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For a free colour brochure call 01495 244226 Beds & Bedding
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M A R K E T P L AC E Furniture
LE N FF SA W O O O 5% N E2 K TA
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ALUMINIUM PERGOLAS WITH ROTATING LOUVRE TECHNOLOGY
ROTATING LOUVRE TECHNOLOGY
GET UP TO
25%
24 MONTHS INTEREST FREE CREDIT AVAILABLE*
OFF
For a FREE brochure or no obligation design consultation CALL US TODAY ON
0800 825 0534 or visit us online at www.nationwideltd.co.uk
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HOME INNOVATIONS
*Credit is subject to status and affordability. Representative Example: Cash price £4,500.00, 30% deposit of £1,350.00, amount of credit £3,150.00, annual rate of interest 0% p.a fixed, 0% APR Representative, 24 monthly repayments of £131.25, total amount payable £4,500.00 (including deposit).
Lighting
01453 731305
www.scumblegoosie.com To advertise here or on our online directory, please call 020 3148 2261, or email homeinterestclassified@ti-media.com
M A R K E T P L AC E Bathrooms
Kitchens
SMALL IN SIZE BIG ON COMFORT
THE ELECTRIC RANGE
MODERN EFFICIENCY, CLASSIC GOOD LOOKS.
NOW AVAILABLE IN MARINE BLUE
With six widths available and a choice of great colours we’re confident we have just the right EVERHOT for you.
01453 890018 www.everhot.co.uk
Tubby Tub - only 1200mm long. 5 sizes manufactured
Albion’s range of small free standing baths are big on comfort. From only 1200mm long and sumptuously deep, you can now have the best of both worlds luxury bathing in a small space. Made using our unique Iso Enamel material gives you benefits that other materials cannot provide. So what’s so good? •
An Albion bath is less than half the weight of a cast iron bath. The average weight of our baths is 70kg.
•
Your bathing water will stay hotter for up to five times longer.
•
Clean an Albion bath with all modern liquid cleaners.
•
An Albion bath has a hard, high gloss interior that gives years of sterling service.
•
Customise the bath exterior with any colour.
Request your brochure of our range of over 50 free standing bath tubs, taps and sanitaryware items.
ALBION
01255 831605 albionbathco.com
BAT H CO MPA N Y
HAND MADE IN ENGLAND
To advertise here or on our online directory, please call 020 3148 2261, or email homeinterestclassified@ti-media.com
M A R K E T P L AC E Flooring
Beautiful products, great prices 0161 277 6852 stonesuperstore.co.uk sales@stonesuperstore.co.uk stonesuperstore.co.uk Online: stonesuperstore.co.uk
Home Accessories
01509 234000- www.floorsofstone.com enquiries@floorsofstone.com
Keep your home beautiful with our stylish range of wipeable tablecloths Outdoor tablecloths for Summer Custom cut to size
www.wipeeasytablecloths.com 01606 833886
Home Improvements
Vintage Style Homewares and Furniture
www.tiddlerandfox.com To advertise here or on our online directory, please call 020 3148 2261, or email homeinterestclassified@ti-media.com
M Y FA V O U R I T E V I E W
Stretching into the distance, the beautiful Malvern Hills can be seen for miles around
MY FAVOURITE VIEW...
Malvern Hills, Worcestershire We’re spoilt for choice with views in the UK, but for me the most iconic image is of the Malvern Hills. I grew up in Worcestershire, about 10 miles north of the hills, so what I was always looking at was this great big jelly mould off in the distance.
The Malvern Hills are a remarkable geological feature. It’s a strange eruption of rock out of a river plain, about nine miles long but less than a mile wide, almost like the spine of a dinosaur. One of the greatest claims of the Malverns is that it’s ‘almost’ a mountain. It’s sufficiently high that there’s no tree growth on the top, so what you see is a kind of bald, dry grassland, a ring of yellow gorse popping in the summer sunshine, and below that a necklace of woodland. So many of my memories are attached to the Malverns. My grandad 162
COUNTRY HOMES & INTERIORS
was a Birmingham man and used to drive down at weekends to take us for picnics, to fly kites and to drive go-karts down the steepest sections of the hills. Then when I was older I would drive through the wooded lanes in my very first car, with the roof down and just inhale the fragrances brought out by the heavy evening dew. I went to school in Worcester and studied geology, and we spent hours there on sunny afternoons chipping away at various bits of granite. I collected my very first seed in the Malvern Hills, as well. I can still picture the rather awful burgundy jacket and blue wellies my mother put me in at the age of four to go for a walk with the family. We were trekking up this track and I noticed that there were these kind of embryonic seed leaves peeking through deep-leaf litter and,
unbeknown to my parents, I picked a few up and put them in my pocket, took them home and planted them in the garden behind my father’s garage. Miraculously they grew into enormous trees and my parents still have one of them to this day – they’ve moved houses several times and they’ve taken the tree with them each time, so it’s still in their current garden. In a way it’s been fundamental in how I view the landscape. To create a great garden you want a range of experiences, a theatre, and the emotional response to that theatre, and when you look at the Malverns, that’s what’s happening there. Chris is proud to be an RHS Ambassador for Communities and Ambassador for the National Youth Orchestra GB
FEATURE THEA BABINGTON-STITT PHOTOGRAPHS (PORTRAIT) RICHARD KENDAL, (MALVERN HILLS) JAMES OSMOND/ALAMY STOCK PHOTO
From flying kites with his grandfather to inspiring his award-winning garden designs, the Malverns are part of life’s landscape for Chris Beardshaw
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