C h & i 2014 06 downmagaz com by ioana.boca

HOU S E S

• GARDENS• FOOD• CRAFT• LIFESTYLE

& INTERIORS

JUNE 2014

Live like it’s the weekend! GIVE YOUR HOME A RELAXED FEEL WITH LAID-BACK COUNTRY LOOKS

Just for you Save 15% at Susie Watson Designs

Feel- good colour

Dream holiday homes, farmhouses, cottages

Love gardenalia Vintage ideas for the kitchen garden

New series

A menu from the country kitchen

Launch your own pop-up shop

Serve the perfect afternoon tea

All the inspiration you’ll need PROJECTS & PLANS

•Garden retreats•Dressers•Chef-style BBQs

The home of modern country Interiors & inspiration 10 June The things we can’t live without

15 Home notes 58 ● Live like it’s the weekend Style ideas and inspiration for a laid-back feel every day

68 Trellis and trail Delicate garden themes take root

74 Your summer organised Stationery and storage to help you plan your busy life

Home improvements 85 ● Projects, plans & dreams Garden buildings, kitchen dressers and gas-fired barbecues

Seasonal food

22 Country homes 22

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Suffolk farmhouse

An internet property search led Cherrie McCarron to a home filled with history and oak beams

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Bedfordshire village house

19 Food notes 121 ● Come to an afternoon tea party Dainty cakes and savoury bites, delicate brews and elderflower treats, plus vintage styling ideas for an elegant get-together

Vicky White of Plum & Ashby puts back the sparkle in a cottage that once intrigued her as a child

121

ON THE COVER

Derbyshire cottage

The Peaks beckon from Alison Stefan’s characterful stone cottage

•

●

Oxfordshire house

Sonia Spencer of Sew Heart Felt revives a sprawling farmhouse

PLUS Get-the-look ideas for every home

housetohome.co.uk/countryhomesandinteriors

136 Gardens 16 Garden notes 98 Wonderfully floral Borders billow and wildflowers bloom in a north Essex garden

106 ● Growing gardenalia Charming ideas for planting up recycled containers

Just for you 96 Subscribe to Country Homes & Interiors 119 ● Save 15% at Susie Watson Designs Shop for the prettiest wallpaper, fabric, trimmings and paint to give your home a fresh country look

142 Garden furniture offer

Creative crafts 69 This month’s online make Create full-length curtains. Learn how at housetohome.co.uk/ valancecurtainmake

110 The beauty of buttons

A wirework table and seating for relaxing in your outdoor space

Regulars 144 Join Country Homes & Interiors online At housetohome.co.uk/ countryhomesandinteriors

Trawl the haberdashers or your sewing kit for buttons to fashion lovely home accessories

145 Shopping directory

Lifestyle

147 Coming next issue

All the contact details and websites featured in this issue

20 Out & about notes 80 My kind of country Lighting designer Sally Storey finds inspiration in the skies and trees of Hertfordshire

115 10 ways to make life lovely Happy thoughts and ideas for fashion, eco, travel and more

136 ● My country business Jackie Cree and Sarah McClive of Homemade & Vintage, a pop-up shop and tea room making waves in North Yorkshire

162 My favourite view Artist ON THE COVER

•

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Michael Angove enjoys Salisbury Plain from his garden studio

Subscribe today… For the latest subscription offers on Country Homes & Interiors, call Magazines Direct on 0844 848 0848 or visit magazinesdirect.com.

Letter from the editor

Things I’ve seen, done and loved this month...

PHOTOGRAPH KATIE HOWEY, RHAPSODY STYLIST TAMARA KELLY. FABRIC, AMMI AEGEAN, £25 M, VILLA NOVA, VILLANOVA.CO.UK. RIBBON, £3.99, JULIE DODSWORTH, JULIEDODSWORTH.COM. TEA CUP AND SAUCER, £22.95, EMMA BRIDGEWATER AT JOHN LEWIS, JOHNLEWIS.COM.

June – the midsummer month – is one of my favourites. It’s a time of long days, wildflower fields, rambling roses and feel-good sunshine colours. There’s a free-flowing and exuberant feel to the country landscape that in turn influences the way we live. This issue reflects this seasonal spirit. The country homes and gardens, and the people who own them, epitomise the relaxed living that so many of us are leaving towns and cities for. Our Live Like It’s The Weekend style ideas (page 58) are all about creating the laid-back feel of Saturdays and Sundays all week long. We are also kicking off a new seasonal entertaining series: A Menu From The Country Kitchen. This month, you’re invited to Come To An Afternoon Tea Party (page 121) with all the recipes, tips and inspiration you need to host a get-together with friends and family.

x PS...

We’re delighted that Susie Watson Designs is offering readers a 15% discount on its beautiful range of fabric, paint and wallpaper – see page 119.

housetohome.co.uk/countryhomesandinteriors

Come into our world…

& INTERIORS Blue Fin Building, 110 Southwark Street, London SE1 0SU Telephone 020 3148 5000 Email countryhomes@ipcmedia.com

Editorial

Country Homes & Interiors is so much more than a magazine. You can download us every month digitally whatever your device or platform – iPad or iPhone, Kindle Fire, Nook, Zinio, Kobo and Google Play. For details, check out housetohome.co.uk/digital-editions

Editor Rhoda Parry Deputy Editor Sara Bird 020 3148 7181 Creative Director Emma Williams 020 3148 7184 Editorial Assistant Columba Colivet 020 3148 7190 Houses Editor Vivienne Ayers 020 3148 7194 Lifestyle Editor Sarah Wilson 020 3148 7191 Style Editor Tamara Kelly 020 3148 7197 Style Assistant 020 3148 7195 Contributing Editors Caroline Rodrigues (Consumer) 020 3148 7198; Janine Wookey (Gardens) 020 3148 7198 Chief Sub Editor Anne Esden 020 3148 7188 Senior Sub Editors Ruth Farnsworth 020 3148 7189; Marian McNamara 020 3148 7192; Susan Shepherd 020 3148 7187 Art Editor Meredith Davies 020 3148 7186 Designer Stephanie Allingham 020 3148 7185 Editorial Production Manager Nicola Tillman 020 3148 7891 Acting Editorial Production Manager Clare Willetts 020 3148 7892 Art Production Designer Chris Saggers 020 3148 7896

Marketing For the latest Country Homes & Interiors online features and social media chat, find us at

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Do you have a question?

Don’t miss Seasons digital edition Go to housetohome. co.uk/digital-editions/ seasons

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IPC Media Ltd, Blue Fin Building, 110 Southwark Street, London SE1 0SU, 020 3148 5000. Website: ipcmedia.com. © IPC MEDIA 2014, Distributed by IPC Marketforce (UK) Ltd, Blue Fin Building, 110 Southwark Street, London SE1 0SU, 020 3148 3457. Country Homes & Interiors, ISSN 0951-3019, is published monthly, 12 times a year. Manuscripts and illustrations are welcome but on the understanding that we cannot be liable for their safe custody or return. We are sorry that manuscripts and illustrations cannot be returned, nor letters answered or acknowledged unless sent with a stamped addressed envelope. Published monthly by the SouthBank Publishing Group, IPC Media Ltd. Colour origination by Rhapsody. Printed at Southernprint Ltd. Country Homes & Interiors is sold subject to the following conditions, namely that it shall not, without the written consent of the publishers first given, be lent, resold, hired out or otherwise disposed of by way of trade at more than the recommended selling price shown on the cover (selling price in Eire includes VAT) and that it shall not be lent, resold, hired out or otherwise disposed of in a mutilated condition or in any unauthorised cover by way of trade or affixed to or as part of any publication or advertising literary or pictorial matter whatsoever. COUNTRY HOMES & INTERIORS MAGAZINE One-year full subscription rate (12 issues), including postage and packaging: UK £52; Europe €136.45; North America $173.50; USA Direct Entry $136.45; Rest of World £136.45. For subscription enquiries from the UK, please call 0844 848 0848; from overseas, please call +44 (0)330 3330 233; or email ipcsubs@quadrantsubs.com.

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June

Things we can’t live without…

A table under the trees to enjoy a spot of lunch

Metal scroll chairs, similar from £170 each, The Worm That Turned. Folding outdoor table, similar from Ikea. Scallop-edge tablecloth, similar from Vintage Tablecloths at Etsy. Water and wine glasses, similar from £7 each, Dibor. Water jug and vase, similar from Dartington Crystal. Other items, all stylist’s own.

Country days

Hampers at the ready to pack up and go when the sun comes out

Kilner clip-top bottles, from £2.99 each, Dobbies. Picnic hamper, similar from Picnicware.

Raising a toast to summer. Wine glasses, £29.95 each, Emma Bridgewater.

3 1

Chilled refreshments on tap. Kilner 8L drinks dispenser, ref 52501, £29.99, Lakeland.

1 Wooden bunting to decorate the garden, Eden, L180cm, £10, Next. 2 Ribbons and appliqué designs, cushion, 30x40cm, £28.50, Walton & Co. 3 Mini blackboard peg place setting, H8xW7cm, £1, Dotcomgiftshop. 4 Pretty pumps covered in ditsy blooms, Mabel canvas shoes, col Pink Floral, sizes 3-9, £45, Hotter. 5 Treats for afternoon tea, Dine tiered cakestand, H25cm, £46, LSA International.

housetohome.co.uk/countryhomesandinteriors

Country days

See it, do it, love it Pick soft fruits –

visit pickyourownfarms.org.uk to find your nearest farm, plus picking tips, recipes and even a local weather forecast.

Quiet moments

Escape to the Wye Valley. Country house hotel Llangoed Hall (01874 754525, llangoedhall.co.uk), in Powys, is the perfect place to unwind.

Live in the moment

with a Mindfulness retreat, trek or residential course in Snowdonia with Wilderness Minds, 01248 521621, wildernessminds.co.uk.

Harmony two-seater swing seat and frame, painted in Hardwick White by Farrow & Ball (other colours available), £1,739; scatter cushions, made to order, from £39.50 each, all Sitting Spiritually.

Celebrate the sea during Pembrokeshire Fish Week (28 June to 6 July) with a host of marine-related events, pembrokeshirefishweek.co.uk.

7 9

10 6 Retro drinking jars for homemade lemonade, £19.99 for 4, Mollie & Fred. 7 Painterly motifs on enamelware, coffee pot, £26, Joules at Garden Trading. 8 Red checks to update bistro chairs, Whitby Check seat pad, 40cm sq, £20, Laura Ashley. 9 Colourful picnic blankets, Carnival, 142x183cm, £79.99, Avoca at Coast & Country Interiors. 10 Rustic trays for serving nibbles in the garden, Welcome to my Flower Garden tray, L30xW15cm, £10, Very Nice Things.

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Light layers in a fresh blue and white colour palette Hand-crochet jacket, £99; Breton short-sleeve top, £22; Statement trousers, £79, all Boden.

SEE PAGE 145 FOR PHONE NUMBERS AND WEBSITES

Mood of the moment

FEATURE TAMARA KELLY, (EVENTS) ELLIE TENNANT PHOTOGRAPHS (MAIN) LENE SAMSOE/HOUSE OF PICTURES (MOODBOARD) KATIE HOWEY/RHAPSODY STYLING (MAIN) LENE SAMSOE/HOUSE OF PICTURES

Make the country garden your decorating inspiration, mixing poppy red, peony pink, cornflower blue and grassy green.

Alexandria wallpaper, £68 a roll, Designers Guild. Artificial grass, £24.99 sq m, Grass Direct. Napkin, Douce Nuit, £52.10 m, Casadeco. Swatch, Netherfield, £40 m, Swaffer. Cutlery, from a selection, Arthur Price. Twine, £5.95, Burgon & Ball. Paper plate; napkins; doily; cups; straws, all from a selection, Talking Tables. Oilcloths, Dots, col Forest Green; Moorland, col Duck Egg; Bodiam, col Poppy, from £13.99 m each, Wipe Easy Tablecloths. Tealight, £12.75, Gemma Wightman Ceramics. Party sign, £7.50, Not on the High Street. Tablecloth, similar from Etsy. Woodstain (on fence posts, from left): Pond Green; Iris Blue; Cashmere; Pillarbox Red, all £15.98 for 1L, Protek. Tea for two tag and Ladybird button, stylist’s own.

Home notes

Book of the month

MEET OUR FAVOURITE DESIGNER MAKERS

Summer is underway, so don’t miss Outdoor Living by Selina Lake (£19.99, Ryland Peters & Small). It’s full of ideas for vintage style outside – from creating a picnic hamper from an old suitcase to making floor cushions for seating.

FEATURE TAMARA KELLY PHOTOGRAPH (BOOK) RHAPSODY

Catherine Ball Catherine handcrafts delicate ceramic home accessories. Tell us a bit about your unique ‘stitched’ designs? I create a range of ceramics that are both decorative and functional, including stitched porcelain plates and vases, along with lace-imprinted mugs (above, from £19.50), tealights, coasters, plates and vases. They’re all made from fine white porcelain clay. What inspires your designs? Textiles have always played a huge part in my work, from stitching to folding and imprinting onto the surface of the clay. I like to challenge the appearance and function of the materials I work with. Where is your studio? I’m located in a small barn in Cumbria, just half an hour from the Lakes. I’m very lucky to work right next door to where I live. It is the perfect place to create and be messy! Why did you become a designer? I have enjoyed being creative as far back as I can remember. It always felt the most natural thing to do. What’s next? Light shades. I only work in porcelain and it has a great translucency to it, which I’d like to develop more. Your style in three words? Contemporary, creative and eclectic. For more details, visit stitched ceramics. com.

Country best Comfy sofas

Love floral brights We can’t resist a pop of summer colour. One of our favourite finds this season is Bluebellgray’s new Somerset fabric collection. Vivid, oversized watercolour blooms have become a brand signature and the range is bursting with painterly florals. Take your pick from decorative and re-worked archive designs, which all sit beautifully alongside a choice of co-ordinating plains in a stunning vibrant palette. Curtains (from left), Grande Mode, £80 m; Cerise, £42 m; cushions (from left), Saffron Piper; Linen Piper; both £44; Anniversary Butterfly, £85, all Somerset collection, Bluebellgray.

WE WANT THESE NOW... Beautiful embroidered birds adorn these handy storage baskets. Pretty and practical, these stackable, space-saving solutions are a must for keeping your country living room neat and tidy. Raffia baskets, from £30, Rice at Berry Red.

SEE PAGE 145 FOR PHONE NUMBERS AND WEBSITES

In plain or patterned fabrics, these classic styles suit any country home. 1 CALLINGTON, H92xW166xD89cm, from £1,300, Laura Ashley. 2 SCRUNCH, col Vintage Ecru, H83xW202xD100cm, £2,199, Marks & Spencer. 3 BARRINGTON, col Peony Taupe, H92x W187xD56cm, £2,980, Wesley-Barrell.

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Garden notes WE WANT THIS NOW... Clematis likes the sun but roots need to be kept cool and moist in hot weather. This terracotta protector, H30cm, £19.99, from Crocus is perfect for the job and looks good, too.

MEET OUR FAVOURITE GARDEN BIRD EXPERT

ORDER TODAY

This RSPB head gardener suggests ways we can help smaller garden birds. What can we do to help stop the decline of sparrows? Plant native insectattracting wildflowers, for although sparrows (pictured above) are seed eaters, they need insects to raise their young. If you can, plant hedgerows for cover and safe nesting sites. How do we encourage more small birds into the garden? Let an area stay wild with seedheads and longer grass. Go for a range of native plants, shrubs and trees to give year-round food and shelter, and provide water. Put up nest boxes in quiet spots in the garden. What should we not be doing? Don’t use slug pellets or harmful chemicals. Instead, choose organic alternatives to encourage other members of the natural world, including our declining song thrush and hedgehog population. A well-managed garden becomes a self-sufficient eco-system. Valerie is Head Gardener at RSPB The Lodge nature reserve near Sandy, Bedfordshire, 01767 680541, rspb.org.uk.

Get ready to clip Now is the time to give box hedges and topiary a good prune. Choose a dry day when all risk of frost has passed. Sharp shears and snippers make creating perfect shapes, such as balls, cones and clouds, much easier. For garden hygiene, sweep up all clippings. Both box and yew can go on the compost heap and make great mulch – mix with grass and other organic matter to help them break down. It is easy to take cuttings when clipping – simply pot up a few 10cm sprigs and leave in a sheltered spot to establish.

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Lavatera x clementii ‘Barnsley Baby’, with its pretty pink blooms that attract bees and butterflies, is ideal for patio containers. Buy one young plant for £9.99 (TCB10129U) or three at half price for £14.98 (TCB10130U), plus £1.99 p&p per order. Order at housetohome. co.uk/shop or call 0844 573 1692* (quote XCH485). Dispatched from May 2014 by Thompson & Morgan. Offer closes 30 June 2014.

Just for you!

Country best Sundials 3

The natural way to tell the time… 1 ARCADIAN WALL SUNDIAL IN CAST STONE (for south-facing walls), H45cm, £135, Haddonstone. 2 BRASS SUNDIAL ON STONE PLINTH WITH VINE DECORATION, H73cm, £269.99, Statues & Sculptures. 3 BESPOKE ENAMEL SUNDIAL, sundial prices start at £125, Border Sundials.

SEE PAGE 145 FOR PHONE NUMBERS AND WEBSITES

FEATURE JANINE WOOKEY PHOTOGRAPHS (BIRDS) RAY KENNEDY/RSPB-IMAGES.COM; (VALERIE) ANDY HAY; (HEDGE CLIPPING) NICOLA STOCKEN/GARDEN COLLECTION. *CALLS WILL COST A MAXIMUM 5P PER MINUTE FROM BT LANDLINES; COSTS FROM OTHER PROVIDERS AND MOBILES MAY VARY.

Mini mallow

Valerie Tingley

Food notes

Book of the month

MEET OUR FAVOURITE ARTISAN DISTILLER

Will Lowe

FEATURE SARAH WILSON PHOTOGRAPHS (DRINK) REBECCA JOHNSON/PHOTO LIBRARY; (SPINACH) MARC O FINLEY/ STOCKFOOD; (WILL LOWE) GEOFFREY ROBINSON; (BOOK) RHAPSODY

The Cambridge Distillery produces seasonal varieties of gin – Will is the master distiller. What’s so special about Cambridge gin? It’s the first truly seasonal gin in the UK. We use botanicals grown and foraged locally in fields, hedgerows and gardens, such as nettles, elderflower, rose petals, mint, thyme and rosemary. Why do you blend twice a year? We came up with the idea while walking our Labrador Darcy in the fields one morning – she’s on the label in recognition of her services. Our Spring/ Summer blend tends to be light and elegant, while the Autumn/ Winter is fuller bodied, intense and complex. Production is limited to just 60 bottles of each blend a year. What’s the best way to serve Spring/Summer gin? It’s light, fresh and zesty, ideal for drinking long, over ice and with tonic, on endless summer evenings. Spring/Summer gin, £79.99 for 70cl, exclusively available at Selfridges. The Cambridge Distillery, 01223 269209, cambridge distillery.co.uk.

Pick baby spinach Great for summer dishes, including salads and stir fries, just-wilted baby spinach makes a great bed for grilled or pan-fried fish, works well in omelettes, frittatas and baked egg recipes, and is perfect paired with pasta and pastries. Try it in savoury muffins with goat’s cheese, and in fritters served with a garlicky mayo dip. Or whizz up a super-smoothie: in a blender, blitz 1 sliced frozen banana, 1 tbsp peanut butter, 1 small tub of Greek yogurt and 250ml milk, then pack in as many baby spinach leaves as possible. Whizz again until velvety smooth.

Full of inspiration for laid-back summer eating, Friends Around the Table by Acland Geddes with Pedro da Silva (£19.99, Ryland Peters & Small) offers recipes for light alfresco lunches, such as grilled squid, chorizo and asparagus salad, and sharing plates to be enjoyed over candlelit get-togethers on balmy summer evenings.

WE WANT THIS NOW… ‘Bird Friendly’ coffee? Count us in. Certified organic, and grown in the shade of natural forest preserving habitats for migratory birds, Bird & Wild’s coffee has a rich treacly flavour with sweet almond and spicy notes. Available as beans and in a choice of three grinds, Forest Grown coffee, £10.90 for two 227g bags, Bird & Wild.

Country best Cook’s moulds 1

SEE PAGE 145 FOR PHONE NUMBERS AND WEBSITES

Bunny, butterfly and flower shapes for jellies or bakes. 1 RABBIT aluminium jelly mould, from £5, Re. 2 BUTTERFLY cake mould, £7, Not on the High Street. 3 FLOWER terracotta bread mould, £13.99, Lakeland.

housetohome.co.uk/countryhomesandinteriors

Out & about Country best Open gardens Get set for the NGS Festival of Gardens. Here’s our pick…

Alison Nurton and Caroline Bradshaw Ali and Caroline are the team behind Butterfly Bright, a yarn, gift and craft shop offering workshops in knitting, crochet, jewellery-making, patchwork and sewing. What inspired you to open the shop? The business was started by Ali. After the birth of her first baby, she left the corporate world to sell fabrics, haberdashery and beads. Caroline joined later, bringing with her a wealth of knowledge on knitting, crochet and yarn. How would you describe the shop’s style? We take pride in our modern fabrics, vibrant haberdashery and attractive homewares from designers such as Avoca, Betty Boyns and Rupert Blamire. Our workshops bring a contemporary twist to traditional craft techniques. What makes your shop so special? Workshops often take place in the main shop while customers browse and stop to chat. Many are inspired to sign up to a craft workshop there and then. Butterfly Bright, 4 Tilton Court, Digby Road, Sherborne, Dorset DT9 3NL, 01935 817303, butterfly bright.com.

Remember them Events marking the First World War centenary continue nationwide. At Brodsworth (0870 3331181, englishheritage.org) in Yorkshire, a wartime proposal and wedding are re-enacted on 24-26 May. Heroes at Highclere, 3 August, sees Highclere Castle (aka Downton Abbey, above) in Berkshire turned into a hospital just as it was in the war – other highlights include a vintage fair and wartime food (01635 253204, highclerecastle.co.uk). On 1214 September at Apedale Valley Light Railway in Staffordshire, Tracks to the Trenches (0845 094 1953, ww1-event. org) celebrates transport and logistics.

•ON COURSE… Learn to paint the prettiest summer

blooms in watercolour with artist Gaynor Dickeson at Goodnestone Park Gardens in Kent. Running from 23 to 24 June, the course costs £179 including lunch and refreshments. Call 01433 621420, fieldbreaks.co.uk.

housetohome.co.uk/countryhomesandinteriors

FEATURE COLUMBA COLIVET PHOTOGRAPH (HIGHCLERE CASTLE) © HIGHCLERE CASTLE 2014

MEET OUR FAVOURITE SHOP OWNERS

LOUGHBOROUGH, LEICESTERSHIRE On 7 June, 134 Herrick Road shows how a small garden can be utterly charming and enriched with texture, colour and creative flair. There’s plant interest for all ages plus a secret craft fair. Call 01509 212191, thesecateur.com. GREAT YELDHAM, ESSEX On 8 June, the traditional country estate Spencers will lure visitors to its 18th-century walled garden, surrounded by 90 acres of parkland and woodland. Call 01787 238175, spencersgarden.net. PERSHORE, WORCESTERSHIRE On 7 and 8 June, 20 gardens in this pretty market town will open, whether nestling by the riverside, in courtyards or behind a Georgian townhouse. Call 01386 556591, visitpershore.co.uk. Another beautiful garden open for the NGS Festival of Gardens is Wickets in Essex. See page 98.

LIFE IN YOUR

country home

Summertime bliss CHERRIE McCARRON HAS CREATED A LITTLE PIECE OF PARADISE IN THE HEART OF THE SUFFOLK COUNTRYSIDE

Suffolk farmhouse

The house Cherrie (left) stands in the wildflower meadow at the back of her Suffolk farmhouse. The terrace is set for a leisurely lunch overlooking the garden. Furniture, Alexander Rose. housetohome.co.uk/countryhomesandinteriors

Suffolk farmhouse Garden A hammock under the apple trees is perfect for lazy summer days.

Kitchen This is a room of two halves (see below right). Letters, similar from Re. Cooker, Mercury.

What we love most about living here... ‘Lying in the hammock under the apple trees, the silence broken only by the birds – the woodpecker tapping, the wood pigeons cooing, the song thrush singing away’

Black and white cockerel Bert holds court among the hens beside the pond.

housetohome.co.uk/countryhomesandinteriors

Kitchen seating area The woodburner is a cosy focal point. Cabinet, Black Dog Antiques.

Staircase Exposed brick and a rope rail add charm to this Tudor feature.

Living room Rustic features are emphasised with chunky furniture such as the coffee table made from a reclaimed door. The painting is by local artist Jo Lawrence. Sofa, Lombok. Cabinet, Indigo Antiques. Walls, Slipper Satin by Farrow & Ball. Floor bricks, Norfolk Antique & Reclamation.

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Dining room Cherrie has added warmth to the neutral palette with punchy hits of red. Lampshades, Jim Lawrence. Curtains, James Hare. Tiebacks, Souk Designs at Not on the High Street. Shutter corner cabinet, La Belle Etoffe.

Suffolk farmhouse

‘We were looking for somewhere with uninterrupted views, somewhere peaceful and tranquil and a place with character and charm,’ says Cherrie McCarron about her search for the perfect home. When she and her husband, Paul, came across a home on the internet set on a private farming estate at the end of a long drive, it appealed instantly. ‘It was Easter when we first saw it. The first part of the drive was lined with trees and bathed in the most exquisite light,’ she says. ‘Daffodils grew in vast numbers on either side of the second part of the drive and I thought, I don’t care what’s at the end of this – even if it’s a shack, I want to live here!’ Fortunately, it wasn’t a shack but a Tudor farmhouse with Victorian additions. ‘I loved the juxtaposition of the cosy and intimate central Tudor part, with its beautiful oak beams, and the elegance and grandeur of the Victorian additions. We also loved the large kitchen and ample space for entertaining.’ Sadly, however, after Cherrie and Paul put in an offer on the house, they were gazumped. They were certain they’d lost it, but the tide turned in their favour and after renegotiations it was theirs. ‘I think this house was always meant to be,’ Cherrie says. Once the couple moved in they set to work renovating, which took just over five years. Lots of the character of the Tudor part had been either removed or hidden. For instance, the original floors had gone and many beams had been covered up. ‘We exposed Tudor features that had been hidden for years,’ says Cherrie. ‘We bought reclaimed bricks and laid them in the living room and dining room. Wide floorboards reclaimed from a cotton mill were laid upstairs. We took out ceilings to expose the beams, resulting in a stunning 20ft-high vaulted ceiling in one of the bedrooms, and spent ages stripping dark, ugly stains from them. In the main bathroom we installed a double sink with all its original fittings from a Parisian hotel. ‘There are other French influences from various holidays and, as we love travelling and have a passion for Africa, we’ve included ethnic objects from there, too. We also wanted the house to feel relaxed and welcoming, like somewhere you could kick off your shoes and feel instantly at home, so we’ve used a soothing palette of soft greys and calming duck egg blues. I also love mixing vintage fabrics, antique pieces and quirky modern finds. ‘Our desire has been to create a home that’s full of warmth and personality, while also being a place that would give us a sense of belonging and that we’d look forward to returning to. I think a home is not about what it does for you on a practical level, but about what it does for you on an emotional level, how it makes you feel. We feel immeasurably happy here and incredibly lucky, not just to live in such a beautiful and historic building, but also in such idyllic surroundings.’  Plantation Farmhouse, 01986 805033, plantationfarmhouse. co.uk, can be booked through Quintessential Bed and Breakfast, quintessentialbedandbreakfast.co.uk.

At home with… Owners Cherrie McCarron, owner of Plantation Farmhouse Boutique Bed & Breakfast, and her husband, Paul, who is a musician and piano tuner/ restorer. They have three cats, Ragamuffin, Marmalade and Snowy; two cockerels, Bert and Bertrand; and 11 hens. House A four-bedroom Tudor farmhouse with Victorian additions.

On our doorstep… Visit… ‘Dunwich. We have fish and chips at The Ship Inn (01728 648219), then walk through Dunwich Forest to Dunwich Heath, which is covered in gorse and heather from July to October. We end the day skimming stones at Dunwich Beach.’

Shop at… ‘School Farm Antiques (01986 892875), in Bungay, for bespoke antique and vintage finds, also glassware and pottery.’ Go for a meal at… ‘The Crown (01502 722275, adnams. co.uk/hotels/the-crown/), in Southwold. I love the bar with its Georgian architecture mixed with scrubbed pine and oak tables, and old church pews.’

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Suffolk farmhouse Breakfast on the verandah. Pew, bench, Earsham Hall.

Guest bedroom This space boasts beams, balcony and a French antique bed. Bedlinen, throw, The White Company.

What makes this house a home... ‘The vintage treasures we’ve collected over the years, the stunning country views and abundant wildlife, and sharing it all with Paul and our menagerie’

Bathroom A roll-top bath and a double basin originally from a Paris hotel add character.

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FEATURE VIVIENNE AYERS PHOTOGRAPHS POLLY ELTES

Guest bedroom A lusciously upholstered antique bed takes pride of place in this vaulted room. Fabric, Emperor’s Garden by GP&J Baker. Throw, Laura Ashley. Hide rug, Cox & Cox. Clear bedside lamps, Kartell at John Lewis.

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Room ideas

Be inspired by…

Cherrie’s dining room Modern

Classic

Refectory table

There’s something comfortingly familiar about the refectory table, its classic design inspiring our dining rooms to this day.

Need to know… The table legs often have turned detailing, and are joined by stretcher bars to add extra support to the base. These plank-top designs can be traced back to the 15th century. Today’s versions are more likely to feature block-shaped legs and, unlike the dark oak originals and reproductions, they tend to be in lighter oiled oak finishes or teak, perfect for a contemporary country dining room.

Where to buy…

•Hines of Oxford for traditional oak tables.

•Benchmark for modern refectory tables.

•Raft for a reclaimed teak table.

flooring bricks 1

3 2

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1 Pendant, 127, H46x 60cm diameter, £167.40, Lighting Centre. 2 Beauville sideboard, H95xW104xD28cm, £795, India Jane. 3 Vintage shutters, H157xW47cm, from £60, Gilli Hanna Decorative Antiques. 4 Astor fabric, col Irish Cream, £23 m, James Hare. 5 16-piece Vintage cutlery set, £29.50, Marks & Spencer. 6 Bird jars, small H24cm, £19.99; large, H32cm, £29.99, both Zara Home. 7 Casa plate, 23cm diameter, £50 for 4; bowl, 28cm diameter, £30, both Cox & Cox. 8 Pilastro table, H77xW200xD95cm, £1,095, Sweetpea & Willow.

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Reclaimed brick tiles, 1 LUB1R, 12.5x25cm; 2 ZAM1R and 3 ZAM1Y, both15x30cm, all £84sq m, Charles Howey.

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FEATURE NIKKI BRADLEY, CAROLINE RODRIGUES

Find the perfect

Picture postcard home VICKY WHITE‘S HOME IS A QUINTESSENTIAL ENGLISH COUNTRY COTTAGE – THE PERFECT ESCAPE FROM HER BUSY CITY LIFE

Bedfordshire village house

The house Vicky loved this property (left) as a child. Built as two cottages for families who worked at the local manor, it was knocked through by a previous owner.

Parish church All Saints, Turvey, is on Vicky’s route for Bertie’s morning exercise.

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Living room Pale Scandinavian interiors inspired this calming scheme. Curtains, Hatley, Cabbages & Roses.

At home with... Owners Vicky White, founder of the homeware and interiors brand Plum & Ashby, and her partner, Chris Ling, an investment manager, live here with their fox terrier, Bertie. House Three-bedroom Grade-II listed semi-detached cottage dating back to the early 19th century.

Vicky White grew up a few miles away from the weekend bolt hole she and her partner Chris Ling share. The cottage came up for sale just as they were hunting for a rural retreat away from their busy lives and flat in London, so it seemed like destiny was calling. ‘I’d always been intrigued by the cottage because it appeared to have two front doors – one at the front, the other at the side,’ says Vicky. ‘When we looked round, we loved it and within six weeks it was ours.’ Built in the early 1800s to house families who worked for a local estate, the cottage had originally been two tied cottages, but was later knocked together to form one home. When Vicky and Chris bought it, they were very keen to update it. Five months of building work ensued, resulting in cosmetic changes as well as reconfigurations of some of the rooms. ‘We turned the dining room into the kitchen and the old galley kitchen into a utility room, and added a cloakroom,’ says Vicky. ‘The bathroom was downstairs in what is now Chris’s study, so we decided to sacrifice one of the four bedrooms in order to create a new, big bathroom upstairs.’ Other improvements included dipping the doors to reveal their natural pale wood, ripping out 1970s skirting boards, installing a more attractive fireplace in the dining room, and re-skimming the ceilings. The chimney pots – all eight – also had to be capped: ‘Birds kept falling down them.’ Vicky always had a clear vision of how she wanted her home to look. She has a love for nostalgia but interprets the past in her own way. The result is a home with a

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Bedfordshire village house

Kitchen Simple cabinets in soft blue add subtle colour. Units, similar from Neptune. Painted in Blue Gray; walls, Wimborne White, both Farrow & Ball. Blind, French Ticking, Vanessa Arbuthnott.

Mantelpiece Personal touches like fox terriers in various guises adorn the living-room mantelpiece. Vicky chose the breed to be her company mascot (see cushions, below left, Plum & Ashby).

Dining room Vicky reinvented the brass pendant left by a previous owner by painting it white and fitting it with new shades. Table, chairs, similar from Vintage Living.

What makes this house a home... ‘We’ve surrounded ourselves with things we cherish’

Utility room The washer and dryer are concealed within rustic cabinetry. Bench, similar from Scumble Goosie.

Bedfordshire village house

Guest room Tiny prints add country charm. Cushions, Cabbages & Roses and Plum & Ashby.

On our doorstep… Visit… ‘Turvey House (01234

FEATURE ANNE ARMSTRONG PHOTOGRAPHS DAVID PARMITER

881244, turveyhouse.co.uk) in Turvey, near Bedford, a Grade I-listed, neo-classical mansion open to the public from March to August. It’s a great place to visit because it also has a wonderful, one-acre kitchen garden – it reminds me of Mr McGregor’s vegetable patch in The Tale of Peter Rabbit.’

Shop at… ‘The Nest at No 9 (01234 714809, thenest-atno9. com) in the historic market town of Olney, which specialises in vintage and contemporary home wares. I regularly call in when I go shopping.’ Go for a meal at… ‘Ye Three Fyshes Country Pub & Restaurant (01234 881463, yethreefyshes.co.uk) at Turvey. They serve local ales and good, seasonal food. We like it a lot because it is also dog-friendly.’

relaxed country feel, where vintage objects are set against a backdrop of one of Farrow & Ball’s chalky hues. The same feel underpins her online version of a general store, Plum & Ashby, which she set up after working for Jaeger. ‘I take inspiration from vintage objects and update the designs,’ Vicky says. ‘I love things that tell a story, but nothing should look old-fashioned or fuddy-duddy.’ So the previous owner’s silk swags and tails, and gilt furniture have made way for simple cotton or linen curtains and understated but elegant pieces like the large mahogany sleigh bed in the main bedroom. ‘This is a country cottage after all,’ says Vicky, who chose a rustic style for the kitchen, with Shaker-style units, chunky wooden worktops and a butler’s sink. She accessorised with vintage-inspired items such as old-fashioned scales and her ever-growing collection of Asiatic Pheasants by Burleigh, a china design in production since Victorian times. The kitchen contrasts with the more classically styled living room and the second living room that doubles as Chris’s study, while the rest of the house is a work in progress, with Vicky on the look-out for the little touches that will make those rooms more complete. ‘Although I’m very busy at work, I still like to browse for suitable things. I have a few favourite haunts, where the shopkeepers know what I like. Living in a property with character feels so special,’ says Vicky. ‘We actually get lots of people knocking on the door and asking to take photos, so it’s quite nice to be able to tell people the story.’  Plum & Ashby, 020 8988 5222, plumandashby.co.uk.

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Bedfordshire village house

What we love most about living here… ‘The entire village is so pretty and, in just two minutes, we can be out in the countryside’

Walled garden This pretty area is perfect for eating outside. Garden furniture, similar from Garden Trading.

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Room ideas

Be inspired by…

Vicky’s kitchen Modern

Classic

Wooden worktops For strength, durability and natural beauty a wooden worktop wins hands down, whether in warm rustic oak or contemporary walnut.

4 3

Need to know… To treat a wooden worktop, rub occasionally with Danish Oil on a fluff-free cloth and following the grain. Although wood is not scratch resistant, marks can often be sanded away. Repeated exposure to water can spoil wood, so avoid, but bamboo is water resistant. Kitchen designers can suggest matching upstands, edge profiles and draining-board grooves.

Where to buy…

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6 5

•Homebase for walnut worktops. •Norfolk Oak for wide-stave FEATURE TAMARA KELLY, CAROLINE RODRIGUES PHOTOGRAPHS (BOWLS) RHAPSODY

oak worktops.

•Second Nature for bamboo worktops.

Find the perfect

wall tiles 1

8 7

3 1 Lavenham; 2 Sudbury; 3 Orford, all Field tiles, 15cm sq, £69.95 sq m, Artisan collection, The Winchester Tile Company.

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1 Stockholm Stripe fabric, £48 m, Vanessa Arbuthnott. 2 The Scullery sideboard, H90xW152.4 xD61cm, £3,105 (includes sink), The Kitchen Dresser Company. 3 Utensil jar, £19.99; utensils, from a selection; Farmhouse boards, from £14.99; Oblique mills, £34.99 each; all T&G Woodware. 4 Ledbury tea cosy, £12, Ochre & Ocre. 5 Bowls, (large) 25cm diameter, £45 for 3, Cox & Cox. 6 Bella scales, H29.5cm, £42.49, Typhoon. 7 Kitchener 110 dual fuel range cooker, H93xW109.2xD65cm, from £1,460, Rangemaster. 8 Tea towel, £10, Plum & Ashby.

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Peak of perfection FOR ALISON STEFAN, HER PRETTY HOME IN A BEAUTIFUL NATIONAL PARK IS A DREAM COME TRUE

Derbyshire cottage

Living room Alison has created a homely scheme in her 250-year-old cottage. Walls, painted in Stony Ground by Farrow & Ball. Sofas (covered in Villandry Champagne), curtain fabric, Laura Ashley. Armchair, footstool, rug, checked cushion, Next. Carpet, Bakewell Carpets. Clearview stove, Natural Earth Products.

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Derbyshire cottage

Living in the Peak District became a dream for

At home with… Owners Alison Stefan, an occupational therapy student, and husband Paul, who works for a software company. They live here with daughters, Emily, 15, and Hannah, 13, and Wurly the Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier.

House Originally two cottages, now a threebedroom property.

Alison Stefan and her family. ‘We lived in Cambridgeshire, but used to spend holidays here,’ she says. ‘Then we started thinking, “why not move here?”’ On one of their trips to the area, they visited a pub and spotted that the house opposite was up for sale. It had bagfuls of character as it had originally been two quarry workers’ cottages dating from the mid-18th century. ‘We loved how substantial it felt,’ Alison says. ‘The walls were a good half-a-metre thick, but nothing was straight. We also loved it because the windows face south so, although they are small, it’s still quite a light house. We thought it would be a fantastic place to bring up the children.’ The property was also perfect for extending as it wasn’t listed and had existing planning permission. However, being in a conservation area and in the Peak District National Park meant that there were restrictions. ‘We had to use stone from the local quarry for the extension, then the builders dressed it so that it matched the rest of the house.’ The surveyor’s report made terrible reading, however. ‘The cottage had no damp course,’ Alison says. ‘All the plaster had to be taken off downstairs and the walls tanked. We also had to put on a new roof.’ Old outbuildings were taken down to make way for the extension, which added a dining room and small sitting room-cum-guest room. During the work, the couple realised that part of the garden had once been the village rubbish dump and many

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Kitchen Plenty of storage is provided by the bespoke units. Teal and duck egg accessories and splashback tiles add a pop of colour. Units, Churchwood. Units painted in Stony Ground, walls in Shaded White, both by Farrow & Ball. Tiles, Country Tiles. ‘Enjoy’ sign, Cox & Cox. Dining room The dresser (right) used to belong to Alison’s parents. Dresser, painted in Duck Egg Blue by Annie Sloan. Travertine flooring, Natural Earth Products.

What we love most about living here... â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;We can walk out and be on the moor in five minutes with views of high moor, rock and farmlandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;

Bathroom Restful greens add to the period feel. Basin, Burlington. Tiles, Country Tiles. Basket, Laura Ashley.

What makes this house a home... Hannah’s bedroom Furniture painted in powder blue makes a pretty scheme. Jaycee desk, Dronfield Antiques of Sheffield. Curtains, The Range.

‘The low ceilings and solid walls give it a lovely cosy feel’

Derbyshire cottage

Main bedroom

FEATURE VIVIENNE AYERS PHOTOGRAPHS LU JEFFERY

(Above and left) Floor-to-ceiling windows allow light to flood in. Walls painted in Bone by Farrow & Ball. Wallpaper, bed, bedlinen, throw, chandelier, Laura Ashley. Chests of drawers, painted in Stony Ground by Farrow & Ball. Chair, Ercol.

of the finds, such as glass bottles, are now displayed in the house. They also have a collection of inkwells that were unearthed during the work, having been thrown there by children as they walked past on their way to the old village school just down the road. At the same time as adding the dining room, Alison and Paul replaced the kitchen, with which it links. They also created a utility area and downstairs shower room in a space between the retaining walls and the back of the house. The cottage has its fair share of idiosyncrasies. There was a fireplace with a small opening in the living room and when the plaster was removed from around it the lintel of a much larger fire was uncovered, which the couple were keen to keep. The cottage also has two wiring systems that exist from when it was two separate properties. ‘Some of the light switches are in quite quirky places,’ Alison says. Alison wanted the interior to combine a mixture of modern and vintage. ‘I used neutral colours and added colour from a limited palette of greens and blues. Most things are vintage and were found in antiques shops and markets, plus I have added some bespoke items, like the kitchen units and wardrobes in the bedroom. ‘It has been fantastic for the girls to grow up here. The house is a sociable space, and we feel it’s individual to us as we’ve put our own stamp on it. I love seeing little bits that tell the story of the house such as the old external wall at the bottom of the dining room windows and what was the front door in the stonework outside.’

On our doorstep… Visit… ‘Stanton Moor, which is the highest point around and has a 360-degree view over the towns of Matlock and Bakewell and to the northern peaks. There is so much to enjoy on the moor, with old quarries to see and bilberry bushes and heather in the summer.’ Shop at… ‘Dale Road in Matlock. I like to have a good look along here – there are lots of vintage shops, varying from junk to antiques shops.’

Go for a meal at…. ‘The Druid Inn (01629 653836, druidinnbirchover.co.uk) in Birchover. It serves fantastic food and good local beer.’

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Room ideas

Be inspired by…

Alison’s bedroom Modern

Classic

Two-tone wallpaper The latest single-colour prints paint a pretty picture on a country wall.

Need to know… The trend for printing a floral in a single colour onto a contrasting background dates to the days of William Morris when wallpaper was block printed. Modern techniques have put paid to labour-intensive methods, and digital printing allows designs to be re-scaled to suit your room. But for a reminder of traditional ways, select a wallpaper printed with paint rather than ink.

Where to buy… wallpaper and murals.

•Farrow & Ball for painted wallpaper. •Morris & Co for William Morris reproductions.

Find the perfect

carpet 8

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1 Lilac Floral wallpaper, col Eau de Nil, £32 a roll, Laura Ashley. 2 Harlow 5 light, H45x46cm diameter, £55, Next. 3 Mole bedside table, H60xW50xD42cm, £195, Loaf. 4 Waffle fleece throw, col Duck Egg, 150x200cm, £20, BHS. 5 Pemberley fabric, 01, £48.50 m, Swaffer. 6 Faux delphinium bunch in recycled glass vase, £50, Shabby Chic at House of Fraser. 7 Ameena mercury glass lidded box, H9.5xW11cm, £19, Artisanti. 8 Marseille iron double bed (as shown, excluding mattress), £718, The Original Bedstead Company.

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3 1 Vanilla; 2 Mocha; 3 Coffee, all Wool Fuji, £99 sq m, Crucial Trading.

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FEATURE TAMARA KELLY, CAROLINE RODRIGUES PHOTOGRAPHS (FABRIC, WALLPAPER) RHAPSODY

•Digetex for bespoke digital

Oxfordshire house The house The late 18th-century property sits in four acres, perfect for keeping Sonia’s horse and Rocky, the pony that daughter Georgie rides.

Life’s rich pattern THE QUIET EXTERIOR OF SONIA SPENCER’S COUNTRY HOME BELIES THE BOLD COLOURS, STRIKING MOTIFS AND ECLECTIC FINDS INSIDE »

What makes this house a home... ‘Remembering all the special times and the places where I bought my favourite pieces’

Kitchen Off-white units complement the Aga, while handmade floor tiles add to the rustic feel. Units with oak tops, similar from Plain English. Painted in Joa’s White by Farrow & Ball. Lights (also opposite), similar from Achica. Flooring, Norfolk Pamments.

Oxfordshire house

Kitchen A pretty wallpaper creates a feature wall. Wallpaper, Jelly & Cake Gold by Thornback & Peel.

At home with... Owner Sonia Spencer, Designer and Managing Director of Sew Heart Felt. She lives here with Oliver, 18, and Georgie, six, three Dachshunds, Rocky the pony and horse Big Red. House Four-bedroom late 18th-century farmhouse.

Hall The warm wooden bench tones with the beams. Horse print by Elisabeth Frink, Bonhams; Oakley Owl slippers, Sew Heart Felt.

Fields all around and a long tree-lined drive were Sonia Spencer’s initial snapshot of the farmhouse she now lives in when she first went to see it. It instantly appealed. ‘I loved that the house had lots of space around it,’ she says. It also offered the best of both worlds: ‘The house is not isolated, but there are no neighbours.’ At the time Sonia was living in an old house in a village nearby. ‘The house was small and my son, Olly, who was then a toddler, was getting bigger so I wanted to move. I also needed somewhere with land as I had a horse.’ When the house first came on the market, Sonia’s friend had seen it. ‘She was keen to buy, but the owner took it off the market and my friend bought another one. She and I were having lunch one day when the estate agent phoned to tell me the property was up for sale again. My friend said it would be perfect for me so I went to see it – and she was right. I loved its genuinely serene atmosphere and there were four acres of land for my

horse!’ What’s more, there was potential workspace for her company, Sew Heart Felt. Being 20 minutes from the M4 and 25 minutes from the M40, the location was ideal. Inside, the house was a little tired but, structurally, it was sound. Sonia set to work reviving the interior. ‘The house had been decorated in white and yellow, not an easy colour to live with, so I tried to make it calm,’ she says. Sonia’s passion for subtle wallpaper is apparent in many of the rooms, including the kitchen, which was one of the first to be redecorated. There, she installed country-style units made by a local carpenter. ‘I had them built higher than normal as I’m quite tall,’ says Sonia. She added character with handmade floor tiles. The table and chairs were Ebay finds from France, varnished a treacly black; Sonia sanded and painted them in Farrow & Ball’s Dimity to tone with the colours in the chequerboard table top. New bathrooms were also high on the agenda – an en suite now used by

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Oxfordshire house

What I love most about living here... ‘The sun moves around the house throughout the day, starting in the kitchen and ending in the playroom’

Living room Colour and pattern work harmoniously in this eye-catching scheme. Armchair, sofa, Sofa Workshop. Painted stools, Plümo. Blind fabric, Sanderson.

Bathroom Tongue-and-groove panelling and a pebble splashback lend texture. Splashback, Fired Earth. Cushion, Pigeon & Jelly by Thornback & Peel.

Main bedroom The mirror and red Lloyd Loom chair were both auction finds. Bedlinen, Niki Jones. Throw, Plümo. Wallpaper, Neisha Crosland.

On my doorstep… Visit… ‘White Horse Hill (01793 762209, nationaltrust. org.uk/white-horse-hill/) at Uffington. With fabulous 360-degree views of six counties, it’s a brilliant place to bring everything into focus and blow away the worries of the week.’

FEATURE VIVIENNE AYERS PHOTOGRAPHS BRENT DARBY

Shop at… ‘Kidson-Trigg auction rooms (01793 861000, kidsontrigg.co.uk) near Highworth. It’s great for inexpensive and unusual pieces for the house and garden.’

Go for a meal at… ‘The Swan at Southrop (01367 850205, theswanatsouthrop. co.uk) near Lechlade. A quintessential English pub in an idyllic Cotswold village, it works with local producers and the delicious menu uses seasonal ingredients from Southrop Manor’s garden.’

Sonia’s daughter, Georgie, has a roll-top bath at its centre. She also reconfigured the family bathroom, originally with separate loo, by knocking through and going through again to a study next door to make one big space, complete with window seat. Changes occurred downstairs, too. The cloakroom had previously been a small office and Sonia’s office had been a cloakroom. She swapped the two rooms around and replumbed, adding a vintage cistern from an architectural shop to the new cloakroom for extra period character. Auctions are a passion of Sonia’s and she heads to them once a month. ‘I love to have a poke around. I get quite excited, and if I see something I like, I just buy it!’ Antiques and Ebay finds contribute to the house’s individual and eclectic feel. Beautiful views of the garden can be enjoyed from the rooms at the back of the house. Sonia has spent a lot of time working on the garden. ‘It wasn’t well laid out, but it had good,

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big structures – there were trees everywhere and 20ft-high hedges.’ Sonia planted a living willow hedge and made a seating arbour. She also moved flower beds around. ‘I densely planted beds and borders and put in box hedges for formality.’ Outside and in, Sonia has created an idyllic home. ‘The house reflects my personality,’ she says. ‘Colour is important and how different shades sit together. The house is also a mix of old and new – it’s cosy and welcoming. ‘I’ve looked at other houses, but when I come home, I realise how lovely it is here. I have space for the animals, privacy and the ability to work here. I have the office opposite the playroom, so I can watch Georgie, and Oliver has space to entertain his friends. ‘I grew up in the country, and Olly and Georgie are lucky to have the freedom it affords. One of the highlights of their day is collecting their own eggs from the chickens.’  Sew Heart Felt, 01367 244441, sewheartfelt.co.uk.

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Room ideas

Be inspired by…

Sonia’s hallway Modern Classic

Flagstone flooring 4

Stone floors have a lovely, country feel, and even the newest look-alike versions can evoke the patina of age.

Need to know… Newly quarried flagstones in random sizes can be laid irregularly for a rustic effect. Among the look-alike versions are replicas made from a mix of concrete and glass-fibre, which copy the undulations of original flagstones. Porcelain tiles can also appear authentic. They weigh less than real stone and are easy to care for.

Where to buy…

•Farmhouse Flagstones for replica flagstones.

•Fired Earth for porcelain limestone replicas.

•Lapicida for new flags with

an antique finish.

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Find the perfect

limestone floor

8 1 Cinnabar rug, 200x140cm, £195, Loaf. 2 Roman Pendulum wall clock, H55xW32cm, £179.99, Cobb & Co at Watching Clocks. 3 Bracken Style Lutyens teak bench, H105x W165xD60cm, £324.99, WorldStores. 4 Longboat wellies, £39.95, Seasalt. 5 ‘Greensmith’s Derby’ print in Allure frame in matte finish, H62xW74cm, £114.99, Art.co.uk. 6 Botanic & Insect Garden cushion, 27x53cm, £153, Chelsea Textiles. 7 Expressions hall tidy, H190x W110xD45cm, £598, Simply Dutch. 8 Log basket, H42xW67xD45cm, £49.95, Pretty Maison. 54

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1 Dijon Tumbled, from £42 sq m; 2 Bourgogne Jaune Provence, from £146.40 sq m; 3 Jaipur Brushed, from £46.80 sq m, all Mandarin Stone. SEE PAGE 145 FOR PHONE NUMBERS AND WEBSITES

FEATURE NIKKI BRADLEY, CAROLINE RODRIGUES

THE BEAUTY OF

country style

Live like it ’s e weekend GIVE YOUR HOME A RELAXED SATURDAY AND SUNDAY VIBE WITH LAID-BACK GOOD LOOKS

Love your kitchenware Use café-style shelving for a casual approach to stacking and displaying gorgeous pieces. See page 66 for details.

Seasonal looks

Start the day with sunshine colour Group a built-in bench seat with bentwood chairs around a breakfast table made for sharing. Pretty pattern lends country personality. See page 66 for details.

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Seasonal looks

Sit back and dream A rocking chair in fresh blond wood with plumped cushions is a comfortable place to read, write or relaxâ&#x20AC;Ś See page 66 for details.

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Enjoy your own cafĂŠ culture To make the kitchen island a pleasant place to sit and sip, add stools and a colourful coffee machine with freshly baked muffns to munch on. See page 66 for details.

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Take your time An outsized clock makes a stunning talking point against a soft scatter design wallpaper. See page 66 for details.

Seasonal looks

Arrange your own gallery Curate a family art exhibition by hanging a cluster of framed prints. See page 66 for details.

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Seasonal looks

Sleep like itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Sunday Layer fresh scatter cushions and throws on a bed with an upholstered headboard. See page 66 for details.

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Plan your outfit Get clever with bedroom storage and hang the next day’s work or weekend clothes on a traditional coat stand. See page 66 for details.

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NEXT MONTH SEA BREEZE STYLE

Seasonal looks

All the details: products and prices Page 58-59 Love your kitchenware

Start the day with sunshine colour

(Top shelf, from left), plates, £15 for 4 assorted, Tesco. Clip-top jars, from £2.50, The Hambledon. Ribbed jar, £10, Rockett St George. Glasses, £25 for 6 assorted, Toast. Colander (part of set), £54.99, The Hambledon. (Second shelf, from left), Colour Band borders, cols Quince, Duck Egg, £30 a roll, Jane Cumberbatch’s Pure Style. Latte cup, £4.95, The Hambledon. Tira jar, £15, Habitat. Polished Classic espresso maker, £24.95, La Cafetière. Yellow bowl, £42, Sparrow & Co. Biarritz napkin, £20 for 4, Ville et Campagne. Enamel tumblers, £4.99 each, The Hambledon. (On worktop, from left), white jug, £39.95, The Hambledon. Metal jug, £9.95, Pretty Dandy. Chopping boards, £18.50 each, Cox & Cox. Bread bin, £15, Sainsbury’s. Retro peg board, £75, The Letteroom. Tea towel, £8, John Lewis.

Pages 60-61 Sit back and dream

Enjoy your own café culture

Ercol Hamble rocking chair, £499, Marks & Spencer. Mumbai apron, £24.50, Ville et Campagne. Basket, £16; yellow striped scarf, £19.95, both Seasalt. Seat pad, Dormston, DOR04, col Mustard, £68 m, Cloth & Clover. Cushion, Wicker Linen, N-104, £96 m, Fermoie. Floor lamp, £70, Lost & Found. Painted in Yellow Pink, £51 for 2.5L Intelligent Eggshell, Little Greene. Lampshade, similar from John Lewis. Jug, similar from The Hambledon. White basket, from a selection, Habitat. Dragonflies wall art, £39.50, Marks & Spencer.

Large iron clock, £110, Rigby & Mac. Wallpaper, Emma Bridgewater Coral, 213627, £45 a roll, Sanderson. Sideboard, £500, Garden Trading. Tili chair, £95, Habitat. (On chair), tea towel, from a selection, John Lewis. (On sideboard), Ripple plates, from £4, Sainsbury’s. White bowl, £10, John Lewis. Marble platters, from £19.50 each, Marks & Spencer. Vase, similar from The White Company. Tumbler, £12.95, for 6, The Hambledon. Cloche, £25, Marks & Spencer. Vintage wine crates, from £14.99 each, The Wonderful Wood Company. Ripple cups, from £4, Sainsbury’s. Brooklyn plates, from £6 each, Marks & Spencer. Bowl, £49, The Hambledon. Tea towels, oven gloves; table linens, all from a selection, John Lewis, Ville et Campagne.

Pages 64-65 Sleep like it’s Sunday Dazzler bed, £795, Loaf. Cushions (from left): 1 Emma Bridgewater Polka Dot, 223447, £45 m, Sanderson. 2 Fern, £28, John Lewis. 3 Emma Bridgewater Hellebore China, 223434; 4 Polka Dot, 223446, both £45 m, Sanderson. Provence duvet cover set, £95, Ville et Campagne. Throw, Wicker Linen, N-092, £96 m, Fermoie. Cable throw, £69, Rockett St George. Scarf, from a selection; hat, £29, both Boden. Print, similar from Bookishly. Wallpaper, Emma Bridgewater Daisy Spot, 213637, £45 a roll, Sanderson. Wooden stool, £69, Rockett St George. Falcon mug, £7.99; white latte cup, £4.95, both The Hambledon. French Quartier Flatwoven rug, from £248, Anthropologie. Ballet pumps, £55, col Camel and Sunflower, Boden.

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Stools, £145 each, Cox & Cox. Yellow Motivo coffee maker, £129.99, De’Longhi. Vintage letters, from a selection, Re, The Hambledon and The Letteroom. Kitchen List picture, from £12.99, Art.co.uk. Oven mitt, £24, Pretty Dandy. Wooden utensils, from a selection, Re. White cast-iron casserole dish, £65, Marks & Spencer. Copper saucepan, £30, Sainsbury’s. Scales, similar from Ebay. Frill cups, £22.95 each (including saucers), Liberty. Milk bottle, £2.95, The Hambledon. Glass vase, £25, The White Company. Delia Online muffin tin, £15; tea towels, £8 each, all John Lewis. Blind, Dormston, DOR01, col Indigo, £68 m, Cloth & Clover.

Arrange your own gallery Prints, from a selection, Rockett St George and Marks & Spencer. Blinds, Ammi Aegean Celeste, V3086/01, £25 m, Villa Nova. Basket, £35; Berwick sofa, from £1,400, both John Lewis. Cushions (from left): 1 Yellow Burton, £25, John Lewis. 2 Caslon & Co Vine Woodcut, £40, Pretty Dandy. 3 Line & Dot, £25, John Lewis. 4 Emma Bridgewater Polka Stripe, £35 m, Sanderson. 5 Dormston; 6 The Littletons, col Mustard, both £60, Cloth & Clover. 7 Harlequin Babushka stripe £35, John Lewis. 8 Caslon & Co Warm Grey, £40, Pretty Dandy. (On radiator), jar, £10.95, Liberty. Frame, £39 for 4 sizes, Rockett St George. Table, £585, Another Country. Plate, £7.50, Habitat. Vases, similar from The White Company. Arboretum mugs, £12 each; plates, from a selection, all Anthropologie. Teapot, £24.95, Liberty. Rug, similar from Crucial Trading.

Plan your outfit Michael Thonet Cafe Daum coat stand, £185, SCP. Skipper trilby, £25, Seasalt. Straw hat, from a selection, Boden. Yellow Sailor top, £29.95; Sketch top, £35; scarf, £18, all Seasalt. Holland Park coat, col Navy and Pearl, £149; handbag, col Lemon, £139, both Boden. White Panel jug, £39.95; Falcon enamel mug, £7.99, both The Hambledon. Picture, £19.50, Marks & Spencer. Vintage letter, similar from The Hambledon. Awena scarf, £22.50, Seasalt. Legacy chest of drawers, £595, Loaf. Converse trainers, similar from Office. Boho boots, col Navy, £119; ballet pumps, col Camel and Sunflower, £55, Boden.

SEE PAGE 145 FOR PHONE NUMBERS AND WEBSITES

FEATURE SALLY DENNING STYLING ASSISTANT NIKKI BRADLEY PHOTOGRAPHS DAVID BRITTAIN

Pages 62-63 Take your time

Tili chairs, £95 each, Habitat. Seat pad, Emma Bridgewater Polka Stripe, £35 m, Sanderson. Cushions (from left): 1 Emma Bridgewater Coral, £45 m, Sanderson. 2 Ammi Aegean Celeste; 3 Celeste Cirrus, both £25 m, Villa Nova. 4 Emma Bridgewater Figs; 5 and runner, Coral, all £45 m, Sanderson. Blind, Ammi Aegean Celeste, £25 m, Villa Nova. Table, £1,825, Another Country. Sign, similar from Lassco. Tin cup, £4.99; letter, similar from The Hambledon. Jar, £10.95, Liberty. Print, £59, Rockett St George. Napkins, from a selection, John Lewis, Ville et Campagne. Board, £85, The Oak and Rope Company. Glass vase, £25, The White Company. Yellow vase, £30, Habitat. Cutlery tray, £19, Rockett St George. Mugs, £10 each, Sparrow & Co. Lantern, £29; Eve plates, cup and saucer, from £16, all Toast.

Trends to try

Trellis and trail BRING THE COUNTRY GARDEN INSIDE WITH ELEGANT RAMBLING FLORALS AND ARBOUR DESIGNS. WE SHOW YOU HOW…

Tranquil mood To create a decorative garden look, combine dainty designs featuring jasmine, blossom, rambling roses and trellis patterns in subtle shades of green and grey.

Wallpaper (background), Gilda, 560-28, col Light Green, £69 a roll, Sandberg. Wallpapers (clockwise, from top left), Jasmine Lattice, 311330, col Spring Green, £54 a roll, Zoffany. Edith, 468-48, £66 a roll, Sandberg. Fleur Trellis, 212008, col Emerald/Primrose, £38 a roll, Sanderson. Broadwick St,

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col Garden, £60.50 a roll, Little Greene. Fabric, Song Birds, col Lettuce/Clay/Charcoal, £45 m, Vanessa Arbuthnott. Trellis, from a selection, Marston & Langinger. Bird pegs, £6.95 for 6, Nkuku. Mini rose garland, £8.50, Withycombe Fair. Paint card, Malabar. Postcard, stylist’s own.

Make these curtains*

Stunning curtains Frame a window with beautifully drawn full-length floral curtains. *For making instructions, go to housetohome.co.uk/valancecurtainmake.

Curtains, Romey’s Garden, 321442, col Blossom, £68 m, Zoffany. Cushions (on bench, from left): 1 Haslemere, F3822/03, col Yellow, £85 m, Colefax and Fowler. 2 Anopura, MLF2242/02, £105 m, Lorca. 3 Fretwork Green, 223592, £31 m, Sanderson Home. 4 George Home Seed Packet, £9, Asda. Cushion (just seen on chair), Aubrey, F3911/03, col Leaf, £81 m, Colefax and Fowler. Vintage bench, £250, Pimpernel & Partners. Galvanised bistro chair, £490; English Plaster coffee table, £264; plant stand, col Olive, £246, all Marston & Langinger. Trellis,

£160, Grand Illusions. (On table) Lambert tray, £145, India Jane. George Home chrome lantern, £10, Asda. Plant, from a selection, Scarlet & Violet. Arboretum mug, £12, Anthropologie. Lantern, col Acid Green £55, I&JL Brown. Rattan basket, £35, Cox & Cox. Throw, col Green, £29, John Lewis. Faux trailing geranium, £14.95; faux trailing mini ivy, £4.25, both Evergreen Trees & Shrubs. Aged herb pot (just seen), £10, Anthropologie. Padstow jute rug, £175, John Lewis. Faux bamboo (outside), £39.95, Evergreen Trees & Shrubs.

Enchanting wallpaper Breathe new life into a room using wallpaper featuring climbing plants with curling tendrils. Garden-themed accessories complete the look.

Wallpaper, Jasmine Lattice, 311329, col Old Gold, £54 a roll, Zoffany. Seville console table, col Green, £319, Barker & Stonehouse. (On table, from left) House Spot tumblers, £3.50 each, John Lewis. Jug, £13, Dunelm. Bottles, from £3 each, Garden Trading. Braided bobbin, £12.95 for 10m, Nkuku. Butterfly glass hurricane, £26.95, Nordic House. Lamu metal

basket, £16.95, Nkuku. Wild & Wolf gardening gloves, £8; garden journal, £15, both John Lewis. Zinc clock, £50; zinc planter, £60 for 3 assorted sizes, both Cox & Cox. Tall vintage flower bucket, £85, I&JL Brown. PN Coir Panama Natural rug with C37 Cotton Herringbone Creme de Menthe border, £272, Crucial Trading. Flowers, from a selection, Scarlet & Violet.

Trends to try

Delicate china Use an assortment of ceramics with trailing floral designs to give your table a summery garden party look. A café chair with diamond-detail seat echoes the trellis pattern of the wallpaper.

Plates (in basket, from back), Portmeirion Agapanthus, £10, John Lewis. Sweet Plum, £35; Jasper Conran Chinoiserie White, £22.50, both Wedgwood. Woodland Melody plate and mug set, £29.95, Denise Moloney. Ushi wire basket, £16.95, Nkuku. (On table) Wild & Wolf enamel mug, £8; teaspoon, £2.95, both John Lewis. Jasper Conran Chinoiserie White saucer, £19; Sweet Plum cup,

£35; saucer, £25; plates, from a selection, all Wedgwood. Wild & Wolf enamel pots, £30 for 3 assorted, John Lewis. Jug, similar from Bliss and Bloom. Wallpaper, Spring Trellis, 212438, £37 a roll, Sanderson. Tablecloth, Wisteria Blossom, £31 m, Sanderson Home. Table, £319, Barker & Stonehouse. Vintage chair, £125, Pimpernel & Partners. Flowers, from a selection, Scarlet & Violet.

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Trends to try

Stencilled armoire Customise a plain wooden wardrobe or cupboard in a soft garden shade with door panels painted in a simple trellis design, then team it with a stunning peony-patterned wallpaper.

Classic wardrobe, £877, Scumble Goosie. Painted in Greenwich Green and Peace and Quiet (panels), from £39.50 for 2.5L, Fired Earth. Stencils, Trellis 2, GR117, £21.45; Birds and Blossom 3, JA116, £42.75, The Stencil Library. Wallpaper, Romey’s Garden, 311337, £68 a roll, Zoffany. Sablon chair, £275, India Jane. Gesso peg rail,

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£55, Cox & Cox. Cardigan, from a selection, Boden. Laboni scarf, £19.95, Nkuku. Coat, from a selection, Fenwick. Cabrini hat, £34; shoes, £118, all Anthropologie. Jumper, from a selection, Boden. Savannah shopper, £99.95, Nkuku. Carpet, Herringbone sisal, E401, £56 sq m, Crucial Trading. Baskets, £29 for 3 sizes, Isme. SEE PAGE 145 FOR PHONE NUMBERS AND WEBSITES

FEATURE LISA BROWN STYLING ASSISTANT CHARLOTTE PAIGE PHOTOGRAPHS JON DAY

For more decorating ideas, go to housetohome.co.uk/ countryhomesandinteriors

Scrollwork furniture Pair an ornate painted metal bedframe with a patio table with curly legs, and add patterned linen in a modern country floral design.

Emily metal bedstead, £149.99, Dunelm. Andalucia round terrace table, £150, India Jane. Wallpaper, Spring Trellis 212438, £37 a roll, Sanderson. Ardsley duvet cover, £138; Ardsley pillowcases, £48 for 2, all Anthropologie. Cutwork pillowcases (just seen behind), £45 each; sheet, £75, all Cologne & Cotton. House cushion, col Green, £15, John Lewis. Colorado throw, £16.99, Dunelm. Cream jumper, from

NEXT MONTH BRODERIE ANGLAISE

a selection, Cabbages & Roses. Hedgerow hemp shopper, £50, Helen Round. (On table) photograph frame, £12; alarm clock, £12; Scion Lace mug, £10, all John Lewis. White jug, similar from Bliss and Bloom. Connaught glass and jug set, £15, India Jane. Carpet, Herringbone sisal, E401, col Dark Honey, £56 sq m, Crucial Trading. Butterflies framed print, £98, Anthropologie.

Plan ahead Create a cork-board diary with coloured twine. Cork board, £178.80, Boards Direct. Frame painted in Hot Paprika 4, from £1 for a tester pot, Dulux. Numbers, £1.50 for 30; pins, £1 for 60, all Hobbycraft. Twine, £2.10; confetti, £15.50 a bag; in map bag, £11 (from Petite Package set); bunting, £3.95 (from Cake Decoration kit), all Pipii. Ice Lolly card, £2.50, The Wise House. Christening invitation, £4.95 for 8, Caroline Gardner. Pinwheel pins, £12 for 10, Anthropologie. Bow pins, £20 for 24; invitation, £12.95 for 6; cards, £3.90, all Quill London. Koppen table, £1,195, Lombok. Chair, £228, Ercol. Maps seat pad, £20, John Lewis. (On table) Washi tapes, £3 each, Papermash. Bouquet, from £45, The Real Flower Company. Lotta vase, £36, John Lewis. Desk books, £75 each, Organise Us. Desk tidy, £17, The Letteroom. Crown pencils, £5 each, Re. Cafetière, £21.95, La Cafetière. Adam mug, £6, Habitat. Coaster, £2.79 for 4, Hobbycraft. Phone, £49.95; Venice pen, £14.95, both Wild & Wolf. Bin, £25, Magpie Living at Not on the High Street. Points of View wallpaper, £79.90 a roll, Linwood.

Your summer organised CO-ORDINATE AND CATALOGUE SUMMERTIME EVENTS AND HOLIDAY DATES WITH THESE CLEVER PLANNING IDEAS

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Shopping shortlist

On the road Keep travel documents, passports and entry tickets safe and easy to find in bright wallets and covers. Europe gift wrapping, £1.50 a sheet; Venice travel wallet, £29.95, both Wild & Wolf. Malm glass top (over map), £20, Ikea. Grasshopper stapler, £16, Anthropologie. Leather passport cover with slide, col Coral, £140, Smythson. Vintage Margate postcards, similar from eBay. English Romantic Beach linen purse, £27 (large), Chocolate Creative. Oh I Do Like To Be Beside The Seaside chip fork keyring, £8, Made Lovingly Made. Thistle cushion (on chair, not seen), £80, Timorous Beasties at John Lewis.

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Journey planner File travel books, maps and day-out accessories together in fun box shelving and floating baskets so they’re at the ready when you leave the house. Storage/display wooden boxes system, £120 for 6; woodchip wall baskets, £24 for 2 (as shown); wooden coat rack with numbered hooks, £35, all Rockett St George. (In boxes) British travel guides, from a selection, Rough Guides. Red owl, £30, Matt Pugh at Unique and Unity. Nikon Aculon T01 binoculars, £39.99, John Lewis. (In baskets) Vintage maps, £4.50 each, Re. Explorer maps, from £7.99 each, Ordnance Survey. (On hooks) World print scarf, £30, Isabi. Red Pattern boater, £46; Two-tone Hiro trilby, £59, both Kangol. Rusty GB silhouette, £3.50, Re. Skills To Pay The Bills wallpaper, LW31/1, £79.90 a roll, Linwood. Sea urchin, Shell necklace, both stylist’s own.

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Shopping shortlist

Happy memories Store images and mementoes of holidays and family events in scrap books and purpose-made photo books. Table, as before. Striped Washi tape, £3 a roll, Papermash. (From top) A3 map sketch book, £30, Re. Large landscape photo book, from £19.99 for 26 pages; photo prints (in sketch book), 6x4in, from 5p, all Photoworld. Orange printed labels, made from Retro label maker, £12.99, with neon tape set, £9.99 for 5 x 3m rolls, The Original Pop Up Shop. Confetti, Pipii, as before. You Must Be Loved tag, £4 for 8 mixed; roll of labels (back), £4 for 100, both Talking Tables. Bus ticket tag, £5 for 10, Hector & Haddock. Large Letters sticker sheet, £1.50, Rockett St George. (Back) Adventure notebook, £35, Sloane Stationery. Maple pen pot, £19.99, Another Country. Venice stylus pen, £14.95, Wild & Wolf. Gloria scissors, £15.99, Fiskars. Points of View wallpaper, as before.

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Shopping shortlist

Home and away Plan trips from a workstation decorated with inspiring pictures to help you dream. Campaign writing desk, £265, Oka. (On desk) Esterban glass vase, £8; Anderson cork desk tidy, £22, both Habitat. Sweet Briars spotty notebook, £9.99; Think, Write, Create planner, £14; suede journal, col Coral, £18, all Anthropologie. Map bag, £11 (from Petite Package set), Pipii. Double-sided folding ruler, £5, Rockett St George. Bird letter opener, £16.95, Graham and Green. iPad 2, from £329, Apple. Wooden iPad holder, from £32, Cairn Wood Design. Life Co memo pad, £9; Ballet Slippers notepad, £9.90, both Quill London. Popsicle notebooks, £12 each, Future and Found. Stool, £95, Toast. Catalan scarf, £180, Siskin. (On wall) Giant Polaroid print, £85, The Drifting Bear. Putney clock, £95, Newgate. Points of View wallpaper, as before.

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Stay in touch Make personalised notes to send to friends using pretty stationery and stamps.

FEATURE JOANNA THORNHILL PHOTOGRAPHS JAMES GARDINER STYLING ASSISTANTS NIKKI BRADLEY, SARAH ROBINSON AND PIPPA BLENKINSOP

Butterfly Balloon Rides greeting card, £3.50, Nat Maks at From Britain With Love. Parker Sonnet lacquer fountain pen, £105, John Lewis. Wax and seal set, £10.50, Pipii. Thank You notelets, £8 for 4 each of 2 designs; Ride Above It wooden box writing set, £30, both Unique and Unity. (Under notelets) Patternism notebook, £10, Future & Found. For the Distinguished Wordsmith notecards, £8 for 6, Alice Gabb at From Britain with Love. Stamps: With Love, £3.25; Thank You, £3.75, both Pipii; To/From (under Thank You), £4, Talking Tables. Writing desk, as before (shown folded). Walnut Model Three clock radio, £199, Tivoli Audio at Amara. Polished ruler, £12, Anthropologie. Puffball glass bird, col Red, £79, Iittala at Skandium. Skills To Pay The Bills wallpaper, as before.

SEE PAGE 145 FOR PHONE NUMBERS AND WEBSITES housetohome.co.uk/countryhomesandinteriors

My kind of country

‘‘

I love the view of the fields and

the dappled light through the leaves of the trees Lighting designer Sally Storey

he Design Director of John Cullen Lighting developed her passion for lighting while studying architecture at Bristol University. Sally has travelled the world designing lighting schemes and has worked on everything from country houses and penthouses to villas and yachts. When she moved to her own country house, Sally set to work on transforming it into a relaxed family home with the lighting very much centre stage.

What do you like most about where you live? My husband Chris [Fordham] and I moved from London to Hertfordshire five years ago with our children Lucca (20), Cazalla (18) and Alexander (16). The house belonged to my father-in-law, who wanted the new challenge of renovating a nearby barn. It’s a beautiful Victorian property – we wanted to celebrate its character while turning it into a contemporary home. We took up carpets and stained floorboards, and enlarged the kitchen. We also put a lot of work into the lighting, enhancing original features by uplighting fireplaces and architectural details in the hall.

Describe your perfect country home I never considered living in the country and feel so lucky with what I now have. Our house is the perfect size for family and friends. Sometimes I yearn for a sea view; at others I think it would be nice to have an old house with a really modern interior. It’s lovely to have dreams but still love where I am.

What do you love most about living in the country? It’s wonderful waking up to an uninterrupted view of the fields and parkland that surround the house. I love the way the trees change with the seasons, too, and the dappled light through the leaves with the play of light and shade. As the evenings get longer, we love relaxed and casual eating in the courtyard. The garden looks especially beautiful at night – there’s a wonderful tree we’ve enhanced with star lighters and lanterns, and there are fire bowls to make it welcoming.

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Uplighters trained on the fre surround accentuate its architectural splendour.

Hitchin Lavender in Ickleford, with its sweeps of purple and cornfelds beyond, is a favourite place to visit.

Lanterns greet the visitor to Sallyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Victorian home.

Sally (at work, far left) often cycles to the village to pick up free-range meat from the butcher (below).

My kind of country

Where do you find inspiration? The sky and the stars – I love the total darkness you get in the country – and the amazing sunsets. I can relax in the bath and watch the setting sun against a backdrop of woods and fields. I like cycling along farm tracks, stopping to look at things or to gather up a bunch of rustic flowers and twiggy foliage. In autumn, nothing makes me happier than picking blackberries and sloes for making sloe gin.

Any tips on how to light a country house?

“

I couldn’t live without…

My Johannes von Stumm sculpture – it gives a contemporary edge to my garden

What is your earliest country memory? Playing in my grandmother’s garden in Essex – there was a Judas tree with a hollowed out trunk you could hide inside.

Describe your perfect weekend After a busy week, Friday night usually means a relaxed family supper. On Saturday we have brunch in the conservatory, which is flooded with sunshine, then I cycle to the village to get supplies for the evening – I love having friends over for supper. Sundays are laidback, with lunch then a walk and reading by the log fire at night. I love the effect of the flickering lights on the walls of a room.

ABOVE LEFT Sally in the kitchen preparing caramelised onions, a star ingredient in one of her favourite dishes. ABOVE The abstract by Johannes von Stumm as seen from Sally’s living room and conservatory. LEFT Star lighters and lanterns add a romantic touch to the garden at night.

Favourite seasonal food? One of my go-to recipes is a caramelised onion, feta and Parma ham tart. Another favourite is salmon baked with ginger, chilli and coriander.

Your favourite food destination? Our local, The Fox & Duck at Therfield on the village green, has a lovely atmosphere and good food.  For lighting masterclass details, call 020 7371 5400 or visit johncullenlighting.co.uk. 82

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SEE PAGE 145 FOR PHONE NUMBERS AND WEBSITES

WORDS SARAH WILSON PHOTOGRAPHS BRENT DARBY; (HITCHEN LAVENDER) GRAHAM CUSTANCE/ ALAMY; (TREE CANOPY) CHRIS DEENEY/ALAMY; (FLOWERS) ORGANICS IMAGE LIBRARY/ALAMY

What is your favourite local shop? I am so lucky that I can cycle to the local village, Ashwell, and stock up on everything I need. Crumps Butchers sells locally produced free-range meat. There is a village bakery and an award-winning deli, Rhubarb & Mustard. I love visiting Cadwell Farm at Hitchin Lavender, which is also nearby, and Pearce’s Farm Shop & Café near Buntingford.

‘‘

People are often scared of modern lighting in a country house but getting the lighting right sets the mood in your home. One of my favourite tips is to use hidden spotlights focused on paintings and Lucca uplighters to enhance architectural details.

Home improvements

Projects, plans & dreams All the solutions, advice and inspiration you’ll ever need for the perfect country home

Project 1 The ideal garden building

“

An outdoor structure is a great way to extend your space. Work closely with your supplier to ensure it is customised to suit your needs. •Poppy Squire, Director, Garden Affairs Turn to page 86

Project 2 Country kitchen dressers

“

A dresser creates a lovely focal point – add personality with your choice of seasonal accessories.

•Emma Sims Hilditch,

Creative Director, Neptune Home

Turn to page 92

Project 3 Cook like a chef outdoors

“

Don’t limit tasty barbecues to the summer months – the latest models are designed to give professional results at any time.

•Nicola Gidlow,

Outdoor Living Buyer, John Lewis

Turn to page 95

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Project 1 GARDEN BUILDINGS

How can I create a magical retreat

here’s a real trend for inspirational and creative spaces in the country garden right now. From shepherd’s huts to tree houses, these buildings have a back-to-nature appeal that takes us away from everyday pressures to a place that’s about real ‘me’ time. A more practical building, such as a summerhouse, studio or timberframed guest accommodation, can also transform the way you use your home, providing extra space for work or hobbies against a beautiful, natural backdrop. Similarly, a well-designed shed, glasshouse or stable block is a practical solution for keen gardeners and horse riders, while garage complexes can double as storerooms and offer accommodation above. ‘Positioning the building is key,’ says Poppy Squire, Director, Garden Affairs. ‘Full sun may be important for greenhouse owners, but living accommodation and offices need a balance of sun and shade to remain at a comfortable temperature.’

Treetop escape 1 Tucked high in a sturdy tree, a tree house is the ultimate place to find peace and quiet. ‘You don’t have to have a huge tree,’ says Rob Rowe, who specialises in tree houses and timber garden buildings. ‘I often build on stilts next to a tree or have a tree growing through the structure. Contact with the tree is the important thing.’

Tip

Many garden buildings won’t need planning permission, but do check with your local council first.

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Tree house, similar £3,000, Rob Rowe.

Home improvements

in my garden? Holkham gazebo, from £6,768, HSP Garden Buildings.

3 Quiet spot

Gypsy caravan, from £18,480, The Gypsy Caravan Company.

2 Caravan style

A gazebo is the perfect place to escape to at the bottom of the garden, and there’s a design to suit every space. ‘Our gazebos can be customised in colour, shape and size,’ says Jamie Townson, Managing Director, HSP Garden Buildings. ‘You can choose between trellised panels for climbing plants or solid panels for privacy.’

There are few structures as striking as a gypsy caravan. ‘People are always surprised by how spacious they feel inside,’ says Laurence Ward, Managing Director, The Gypsy Caravan Company. ‘Our standard design has a double pull-out bed, fireplace and space for four to sit. You can wheel it around the garden according to the seasons or relocate it if you move house.’

Open-air summerhouse 4 Make the most of a lovely view with a summerhouse. ‘We have designed our buildings to sit up on staddle stones to give a fantastic perspective over the garden – plus it keeps the structure dry,’ says Penny Methuen, Designer, Grainstore Garden Buildings. ‘You can choose different colours and add fabrics for a bespoke feel.’

Summerhouse with curtains, from £7,500, Grainstore Garden Buildings.

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Which buildings work well for practical use? Growing space 5 A glasshouse allows you to enjoy your garden whatever the weather. ‘Choose a generously proportioned design and it can even double up as a social space for entertaining,’ says Christine Jackson, Media Contact, Hartley Botanic. ‘Installing electricity will allow you to make use of your glasshouse throughout the year.’

Guest annexe Provide independence and comfort for visitors with a separate structure. ‘An oak-framed building can make an attractive contrast to your main house,’ says Darren Hook, Managing Director, English Heritage Buildings. ‘We blend craftsmanship with contemporary standards, including insulation and double glazing, so the building can be used all year round.’

Glasshouse, £31,200, Botanic range, Hartley Botanic.

Country best Garden paints

Guest accommodation, similar from £81,000, English Heritage Buildings.

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Be neutral

Feel blue

Go green

Natural shades blend in seamlessly, adding a subtle touch of colour. Sable, £35 for 2.5L Garden Paint, Laura Ashley.

Light blue is a beautiful foil for green in the garden. Coastal Mist, £23.49 for 2.5L, Garden Shades range, Cuprinol.

The ideal choice to camouflage fencing and other structures. Catkin, £46 for 2.5L wood paint, Vale Garden Houses.

•

7 Horse accommodation Building a stable block makes perfect sense for keen horse riders. ‘Each part of the stable can be designed to your specification,’ says David Handley, Commercial Director, Prime Oak. ‘There are no limits to the number of bays you can have, or the layout, so all of your storage needs are met – you could even incorporate a stable as part of a garage.’ Stable, from £24,000, Prime Oak.

Work solution 8

A garden studio is an economical way to add a home office, allowing you to keep work and home life separate. ‘Double glazing and impressive insulation create a comfortable space all year round,’ says Poppy Squire, Director, Garden Affairs. ‘Your office can be a beautiful garden feature – and add to the value of your home.’

Fifth Avenue garden studio, £11,665 (self assembly), Garden Affairs.

Parking and more 9 Modern garages are often multifunctional spaces, incorporating extra accommodation or storage. ‘It’s rare to build a garage these days just to house cars,’ says Edward Hamilton, Sales and Marketing Director, Oakmasters. ‘Subject to planning permission, many are built with hobby or guest rooms above or they can include storage space for logs or larger items.’

Tip Peg out the space in the

garden to get a feel for the size of the structure.

Three-bay garage with space above, from £48,000, Oakmasters.

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Home improvements

What about space-saving designs? 10 Small yet stylish Some sheds look so good it would be a shame to hide them away. ‘A shed can enhance your garden,’ says Zoe New, Office Manager, The Posh Shed Company. ‘Think creatively – some of our clients use them as sewing rooms.’

Forest glasshouse, £3,298, Forest Garden.

11 Compact glasshouse

Gothic shed, from £2,220, The Posh Shed Company.

Tip Make provision for the roof

overhang when constructing the base for a building near trees, walls, buildings or your boundary.

Consider a petite glasshouse when space is tight. ‘Much more than just a home for growing plants, a glasshouse provides an endlessly enjoyable focal point in the garden,’ says John Gomersall, Sales and Marketing Director, Forest Garden.

Cosy corner 12

Rowlinson Haven 4-seater corner arbour, £420 (self assembly), World Stores.

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FEATURE AILSA HICHENS

A corner arbour is ideal for making best use of every inch of space. ‘Whether it’s tucked away at the bottom of the garden or used as extra seating near the patio, a corner design provides more seating than a standard model – many can accommodate up to four people,’ says Alan Kiddle, Head of Gardening, World Stores.

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Project 2 DRESSERS

What should I look for when choosing

hey’ve long been a favourite in country kitchens, yet dressers are not just a practical storage solution. ‘They have a timeless appeal that’s perfectly in keeping with the relaxed and eclectic look of a country kitchen,’ says Rob Whitaker, Creative Director, Fired Earth. ‘There’s something inviting and enchantingly personal about a dresser filled with your favourite crockery, colourful glassware or precious heirlooms, built up over time.’ When buying, take time to think about what you want to use the dresser for. If it’s for display then

open shelving is a great solution. If you’re also looking for extra storage, then pick a model with a combination of cupboards and drawers, plus wine racks or pull-out baskets. Also, check your measurements: a dresser that’s too big will unbalance a room and could hinder movement. It’s not essential that the dresser actually matches your kitchen cabinetry, but it should complement it. ‘Painting the dresser in a contrasting shade gives the kitchen a bespoke feel and makes it the centrepiece of the design,’ says Graeme Smith, Senior Designer, Second Nature.

Tip

Secure a freestanding dresser to the wall with specialist safety brackets to prevent it toppling or being knocked by children or pets.

Classic open shelves

Country cream

Shelf life

This beautiful dresser with traditional Shaker-style doors will complement almost any kitchen. Painted in rich ivory, it has a warm oak worktop and offers plenty of cupboard and display space.

The grey painted surround of this dresser acts as a frame to better show off any favourite pieces displayed on its shelves. Decorative feet raise it off the floor for a lighter look, and it has two drawers under the oak worktop.

•Shaker medium dresser, £1,876, John Lewis of Hungerford.

•Chichester open-rack dresser, £2,100, Neptune.

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Home improvements

a kitchen dresser? Glazed display

Standing tall

Useful drawers

New direction

The elegant legs of this dresser and its tall cabinets enhance its freestanding look. A mix of drawers and cupboards provides room for linens and cutlery.

The glazed doors of this dresser ensure tableware is easy to find and stays dust free. It has a solid oak top and fully extendable drawers below.

A contemporary version of a dresser with a gently curved silhouette and a flat front with inset handles would suit a modern country kitchen.

•Dresser, from £1,800 (as part of a

•Dresser, part of bespoke kitchen, from

•English Revival Modern Classic dresser, from

Broadoak Painted kitchen), Second Nature.

£30,000, Woodstock Furniture.

a selection, from £2,500, Mereway Kitchens.

Multi-purpose

FEATURE YSANNE BROOKS

Pull-out baskets

Wine store

Maximum storage

Made from poplar, a timber with a tight grain that’s ideal for a seamless paint finish, this dresser has woodframed baskets for convenient access.

This slim dresser combines display space for crockery and cookbooks with wine storage. The bottle racks pull out to make selection simpler.

Built-in dresser-style oak furniture is a whole-wall option, and combines glazed and open shelving with drawers of different sizes and cupboards.

•Mandarin dresser, from a selection, from

•Dresser, part of a Stretton kitchen, from

•Bastide fitted kitchen with Carrara marble

£6,000, Smallbone of Devizes.

£30,000, Charles Yorke.

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worktop, from £25,000, Fired Earth.

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Home improvements

Project 3 BARBECUES

How can I cook like a chef outdoors?

Best for budget

Best for convenience

This barbecue has three burners with electronic ignition, a pop-out prep table and lots of useful storage space. The grills, flavouriser bars and drip trays can fit in the dishwasher.

Cook on five burners, including an infrared back burner for rotisserie and sizzle zone for searing, cleaning up as you go using the sink and tap.

•Byron G350 with side burner,

H128xW147xD57cm, £399, B&Q.

FEATURE RACHEL OGDEN PHOTOGRAPH (MAIN) MYLES NEW/IPC IMAGES/ESSENTIALS

SEE PAGE 145 FOR PHONE NUMBERS AND WEBSITES

W222xD68cm, £1,500 (propane), £1,550 (natural gas), Napoleon.

f you’re planning on a summer full of al fresco eating, consider investing in a chef-style barbecue. These sophisticated appliances mean you can create an outdoor kitchen area in your garden that can be used year-round. A gas-powered outdoor cooker fires up in an instant and has precise temperature control to ensure thoroughly cooked, tasty and moist food. Rotisseries are ideal for spit-roasting joints of meat, chickens or any recipes that need indirect heat. Some models come with a rear-mounted infrared burner for higher heat. Multiple burners give cooking flexibility – from sear burners that provide extra heat to lock in the juices and produce defined grill lines to side burners that come in handy for pan frying. Flavouriser bars protect the burners from dripping juices and burn off grease and drips. Storage is something that bigger models offer. Expect plenty of cupboard space for all the essential tools and kit. ‘Folding shelves make bigger barbecues easy to store in the garage when the summer is over,’ says Susan Laffey, Garden Furniture and Barbecues Buyer, B&Q.

•LE3 with kitchen module, H121x

Best for storage

Best for parties

Doors conceal room to store gas and accessories. Cook on six burners plus a side burner and infrared rear burner. Parts are dishwasher-proof; there’s also a built-in bottle opener.

This barbecue makes short work of catering for a crowd, with six burners, a rear rotisserie, side burner, sear station and a smoker box burner for hickory-smoked chicken or ribs.

Swiss Grill Zurich Z650, H124x W186xD60cm, £1,300, Heal’s.

•Summit E670, H150xW188

•

xD77cm, £3,300, Weber.

Best for versatility

Best for families

Roast, bake and grill with this flexible model, complete with searing plates, a large oven, three burners, cast-iron reversible grids, self-basting channels and a porcelain-coated warming rack.

Four burners plus side burner and searing burner make this substantial barbecue ideal for everything from evening meals to weekend feasts.

•Broil King Signet 20, H123xW158x D59cm, £500, Calor.

•Mastercook Platinum 600, H119xW151.8xD62.5cm, £699, Homebase.

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Essex garden Country Homes & Interiors

THE PLEASURE OF

country gardens

Wonderfully floral SUSAN COPELAND HAS TURNED A GRASS PLOT INTO A FROTH OF BILLOWING BORDERS AND WILDFLOWER MEADOWS

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Essex garden

Curved border in this densely packed bed of perennials, delphiniums and self-seeding poppies mingle with Rosa ‘geoff hamilton’ (also opposite), cornflowers and geraniums. the rose is among Susan’s favourite varieties – she loves the pale pink and admired its namesake, a former presenter of Gardeners’ World.

Essex garden

The first thing the grandchildren, William, 11, Imogen,

At home with… Owners Garden designer and former teacher Susan Copeland and her husband Douglas, a retired chartered surveyor, who live here with their three cats and four chickens. Daughters Emma and Sarah live nearby.

House An extended clunch, brick and timber-framed cottage on the village green.

Garden Curved borders, landscaped meadows framed by trees and a broad lily pond in 2.5 acres. Espalier apple trees ring a parterre of sweet peas and lavender.

eight, and Isabella, seven, do when visiting Susan and Doug Copeland is to rush out to make dens in the woodland or run through the long meadow grass, sometimes grabbing a net on the way for their greatest pleasure of all – pond dipping. In 1990 when Susan and Doug moved to their Essex home, Wickets, in the village of Langley Green, there wasn’t much of a garden here. A developer had extended the 200-year-old cottage, but hadn’t got round to the garden other than to bury rubbish. The Copelands promptly planted a small shelterbelt of silver birches to break the wind and add a soothing feel with their rustling sound. ‘We were careful not to plant too many, though, to ensure that the view wasn’t blocked,’ says Susan. This is a garden made by two people. Susan favours pinks, whites and mauves, epitomised by the pink arching rose ‘Geoff Hamilton’ and clear pink Rosa ‘Gertrude Jekyll’ set off with fragrant R. ‘Ferdinand Pichard’. Doug likes reds, apricots and blues and goes for dramatic effects; his favourite rose is the orange ‘Just Joey’. Both share a desire to ensure that every plant in the border ‘melts into one another’. A large area of curving beds round the lawn is Susan’s inspiration, while Doug has a fiery corner of purple-leaved Physocarpus opulifolius ‘Diabolo’, yellow Gleditsia triacanthos f. inermis ‘Sunburst’ and purple Rosa ‘Veilchenblau’, which clambers up the house. Ask Susan what she likes best about her garden and she’ll reply ‘the mix of the wild and the wonderfully floral. I love

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Pond The bridge is popular with the grandchildren who love pond-dipping. A row of swaying birches behind creates a wind break. Rose border (Opposite, top right) Susan’s pale pink Rosa ‘Geoff Hamilton’ rose contrasts beautifully with orange ‘Just Joey’, chosen by Doug.

Curved borders The immaculate ‘S’ of Susan’s packed borders give a sense of greater space.

Gravel garden Fragrant lavender and nepeta (catmint) make this a natural spot for a pretty seating area.

Everywhere there are vistas, even beyond the lily pads in the pond which Susan and Doug created.

What makes this garden so special … ‘The wildflower areas make it such a wonderful place to explore’

Shaded by birch trees and a medlar, the mown path through the wild garden suggests a meadow feel.

What we love most about this garden… ‘The mix of the wild and the formal’

On our doorstep… Go for a walk... ‘Along the Harcamlow Way from Wickets, passing Clavering Fishing Lakes and Lodge (01799 551213, clavering-lakes.co.uk) for light refreshment.’ Shop at...‘Langthorns Plantery (01371 872611, langthorns. com), Little Canfield, Dunmow, for a huge range of plants – many of them unusual.’

Go for a meal at… ‘The delightful 16th-century inn The Cricketers (01799 550442, thecricketers.co.uk), Jamie Oliver’s parents’ restaurant in the pretty village of Clavering.’

the connection between the two styles of wildflower meadow and the natural things it throws up, and the carefully planted herbaceous borders jam-packed with perennials.’ Ask Doug what he likes most and he says, ‘It’s all to do with the time of year. I don’t like it in winter. I get agitated when I can’t work on it, but I love it in spring when everything has emerged and I am bringing it all under control.’ Truly a Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus moment, but therein lies the secret of the garden’s success. Susan’s artistic eye directs colour and movement, and Doug’s hard work knits it together for a polished look topped up by his own originality. Water in the garden was a must for them both. A water diviner friend came and advised where best to start. ‘We puddled a small pond and had it cleaned and lined, and before we knew it moorhens, ducks and herons had moved in,’ says Susan. The Monet-style bridge is a ‘pre-loved’ one from their daughter, Sarah, and allows close-up views of the pond’s wildlife. There’s always some trouble in paradise, of course. ‘Deer are a major problem,’ says a rueful Susan. ‘We have put in a tall fence, but the deer jump amazing heights. We lose hundreds of tulips each spring, as they get so hungry they leap in and bite the buds off.’ Despite the predators, much else survives. The garden merges seamlessly into the landscape thanks to the meadow. In early summer this is filled with alliums, Iris sibirica, cornflowers, Camassia leichtlinii, red campion and oxeye daises. ‘The wildlife love the meadow and we encourage nettles for the insects.’ Susan started the meadow with florarich meadow turf and then interplanted it with camassia

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Meadow view Adirondack chairs beside white delphiniums at the end of the parterre beckon when the Copelands want to turn their backs on weeding! The turban obelisk entwined with sweet peas is by Payne Gunfield (01206 305498), a local sculptor.

Woodland Clouds of feverfew, echoing the white of the birch, set off Rosa ‘Mary Rose’, an English shrub rose with a scent akin to honey and almonds.

Essex garden

Modern Classic

Floral abundance Discover the key to an abundant look that’s easy to maintain and colourful and helps the garden blend into the landscape.

Need to know…

•Plant in bold swathes in sweeping, curved borders. •Underplant borders with crocus, galanthus, narcissi, camassia and alliums.

Use geraniums and close plantings of early perennials for ground cover and to suppress weeds.

•

Encourage self-seeding in borders and paths, removing any plants in the wrong place.

•

•Grow climbers up trees and on pillars and pergolas. •Mulch, top-dress and compost for healthy shrubs and roses.

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and allium bulbs. It was hard work, Susan admits, but now that the meadow is established it has its own momentum. The fragrant parterre at the rear of the house, brimming with soft-coloured flowers and small shrubs, is just a few years old. Lavender and nepeta fill the beds under espaliered apples, including those Victorian favourites ‘Laxton’s Superb’ and ‘Tydeman’s Late Orange’ and the classic old ‘Ribston Pippin’. The roses are chosen carefully for their scent, too. Susan says the single-flowered hybrid musk ‘Vanity’ evokes sweet peas and makes a wonderful partner for the rich pink, tulip-shaped Clematis ‘Princess Diana’ to scramble over. The couple do admit to a guilty pleasure – a Plankbridge shepherd’s hut fitted with windows and double doors and luxuries such as lighting and heating. Susan and Doug retreat there to sit and look at the fields and hills beyond. With the garden tucked well away behind them, neither can possibly be tempted to get up and do a spot of weeding! Susan, helped by Doug, has been County Organiser for the National Gardens Scheme in Essex for the past eight years. She also does regular ‘granny duties’ for her daughters, so time devoted to the garden is limited. Despite that, visitors still flock in their hundreds to admire its abundance. The visits Susan and Doug look forward to most, it must be said, are the grandchildren’s and sharing in the joy they find on discovering nature in its many forms.  Wickets, Langley Upper Green, Essex CB11 4RY, opens for the National Gardens Scheme on 25 May; 7-8 June (NGS Festival Weekend); and 22 June. To check times, visit ngs.org.uk.

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Gravel garden A Lutyens bench, painted blue green, gives visitors time to admire this bed ringed with tubs of clipped box and backed by a curtain of Stipa gigantea that catches the light. Campanula lactiflora ‘Alba’ provides a pop of white centre stage.

Essex garden

Susan’s country garden plants 1 Papaver orientalis ‘Carneum’ is a must for its blowsy looks and pale peach shade. 2 Sambucus nigra ‘Black Lace’ (elder ‘Gerda’) has delicate flowers and leaves. 3 Scabious is wonderful for adding blue to the wildflower meadow. 4 Solanum crispum ‘Glasnevin’ scrambles its way across shrubs. 5 Cornflower Centaurea cyanus is a self-seeding flower – the bees love it. 6 Delphinium ‘Blue Skies’ is supported by other plants around it in the border. 7 Rosa ‘Just Joey’, a strong hybrid tea, makes a statement in apricot then orange. 8 Phalaris arundinacea var. picta adds interest by a pond.

FEATURE JANINE WOOKEY PHOTOGRAPHS MARCUS HARPUR

NEXT MONTH DEVON COASTAL GARDEN

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Growing gardenalia USE PRE-LOVED CONTAINERS TO PLANT UP A TASTY COLLECTION OF SOFT FRUITS, HERBS AND SALAD

Rosemary, sage and thyme thrive in a sunny spot.

Colourful marigolds are a delicious addition to a salad.

Herbs, such as, rosemary will root easily.

1. Windowsill herbs Culinary herbs are a kitchen essential and they look even more tempting planted in vintage terracotta pots. The plants will do best on a sunny windowsill, so simply remove your favourite herbs – we chose rosemary, sage and thyme – from their boring plastic pots and re-home in vintage planters for a pretty display. We put our pots into a metal milk-bottle holder to make them easy to transport to the worktop, but a cutlery holder, tea tray or small wooden wine box would work just as well. Vintage terracotta pots, from £4 each, Mabel & Rose. Vintage milk-bottle holder, similar from £10, Ebay.

Tip

106

Add a few long-life plant food granules when you pot up your herbs to supply extra nutrients in the small containers.

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2. Milk-bottle vases

Cut herbs will survive for days, if not weeks, kept in water (just remember to change the water every few days). These cute miniature milk bottles, complete with metal carry crate, are ideal for taking freshly harvested sprigs from your herb garden to the kitchen. Some cuttings may even start to root if kept for any length of time – you can easily propagate basil, mint and rosemary in water, for example, and multiply your plant stock for free. Six mini school milk bottles in a white metal crate, £9.95, Amazon.

Tip

Once roots are showing, dip the ends in hormone rooting powder and pot up with compost in small terracotta pots. They make lovely presents.

3. Washday planters Large woven baskets make excellent planters, especially if you want to add height to a bed or you’re a bit squeezed for space. Use a laundry or linen basket and line with plastic to prevent the wet soil damaging the container. Fill with compost, then plant with fragrant herbs and edible flowers such as marigolds, which are ideal for adding a pop of bright orange colour to a summer salad. Lemon verbena, summer savory, chives, hyssop, bronze fennel and coriander are tasty alternatives. Seagrass laundry hamper, similar from £19.99, Dunelm.

Tip

If you don’t want to plant up the whole basket, get the same look by placing bricks in the lower half and popping a regular pot on top.

In the garden

Strawberries can be invasive so it is a good idea to keep them contained.

Bread bin strawberries

Alpine strawberry varieties, such as ‘Scarlet Beauty’ and ‘White Surprise’, are bursting with summer flavour, but can be garden bullies, colonising beds and choking other plants. Keep them in check by planting in reclaimed containers such as old teapots or enamel bread and flour bins – the handles mean you can easily move your plants around the garden for best effect. Enamel bread bin, similar £28, Betty Twyford.

Tip

Strawberries don’t have deep roots and need only a thin layer of soil, so use crocks or polystyrene to line the bottom of the container and punch some holes to help drainage.

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Quick-togrow cress is a favourite with children.

Egg cups and cress

The perfect plant for the young – or impatient! – gardener, cress will start to germinate in a few days and looks charming when grown in an array of colourful egg cups and mini containers. These little pots are ideal for taking straight to the table, too. Simply put wet cotton wool or some damp compost in the base of your container, sprinkle on the cress seeds and place on a sunny shelf, taking care to keep them moist. Start your seeds now and you could be enjoying egg and cress sandwiches by the end of the week. Egg cups and pots, from 50p each, Ebay. Mini bucket, from £1.38, Favourite Favours.

Tip

When starting to harvest your cress, begin from the outside and work in, giving the plant the chance to resprout.

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In the garden

r herb o o d t u o r Place you door k c a b e h t to pots close d eat! n a b a r g to so it’s easy

Ruby chard is a great cutand-comeagain crop.

Sage and thyme will grow all summer.

FEATURE SALLY COULTHARD PHOTOGRAPHS VICTORIA HARLEY ILLUSTRATIONS STEPHANIE ALLINGHAM

Tin can flavours

The trusty food tin makes a brilliantly cheap growing container for herbs. Only use cans that have been opened leaving the top rim smooth rather than jagged (pull-off lids are best). Cover each tin with blackboard paint, then fill with compost and your herb of choice and label in chalk. Hemstitch napkins, £18 for 4, Brissi. Gardener’s pruning knife, similar from £34.95, Burgon & Ball.

to water Tip Remember your herbs regularly

as small containers dry out very quickly.

7. Biscuit tin salad

Sow cut-and-come-again salad seeds in vintage tins to create a vibrant and witty container garden. Quick-growing leaves can cope with relatively shallow containers, as long as you keep the soil damp, and you shouldn’t need to drill any holes if you place a few stones or broken pots in the base to help with drainage. Group the tins in clusters around your veg patch for a colourful talking point or place in the kitchen for an instant windowsill salad. Vintage tins, similar from £8 each, Ebay, or a set of five vintage-style storage tins, £29.95, Dibor at Not on the High Street.

Tip

Give a liquid feed, such as Levington Tomorite, once a week to keep the leaves coming back.

Fragrance is bonus when planting up thyme and lavender.

Colander hanging basket

Thanks to their drainage holes and enamel coating, colanders transform easily into quirky hanging baskets. Line with a permeable membrane, then secure with four lengths of twine from equidistant points around the colander. Fill with compost then add perfumed herbs for a heady hanging decoration – we potted up creeping red thyme and French lavender, both of which will attract bees and butterflies galore. Vintage enamel colander, similar £5.99, Mahahome.

Tip

Line the colander with a layer of moss (available from florists) and tease a few bits through for added rustic appeal.

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THE PLEASURE OF

handmade

The beauty of buttons CREATE PRETTY PLACE SETTINGS, TRIMMED NOTEBOOK COVERS AND JEWELLERY BOXES USING BUTTON-BOX FINDS

Get creative

Cover a jewellery box Papier-mâché boxes are fun to decorate with fabric and buttons. Cut strips of fabric to fit the outside of the box and the rim of the lid, allowing 2cm hem allowances all round, and a circle to fit the lid. Stick the fabric in place with fabric glue, smoothing the fabric out from the centre towards the edges on all surfaces and sticking down the excess on the undersides and inside. For the lid, cover the rim first, then stick the circle on top. Leave to dry. Fit the lid to the box and arrange a border of sequins and buttons to cover the raw edge, lifting each button and sequin separately to apply a little clear-drying glue to the underside and pressing back firmly in place. Leave to dry.

Make a summer napkin ring

Buttons, sequins, similar from Simply Sequins. Blank box and lid, similar from Craft Mill. Fabric, similar from My Fabrics. Dry Clear glue, £5.95 for 60ml, Handy Hippo Crafts.

Delicate looking, but easy to make, this napkin ring brings a summery touch to any table. Use florist’s wire to tightly wrap the stalks or petals of faux orchid or hydrangea, then bind to a coiled ring of jewellery wire. Thread a few pearly or glass buttons on to more wire and bind in place among the flowers. Double check that the ends of all the wires are bound to the main body of the napkin ring, so there are no sharp ends poking out. Buttons, jewellery wire, similar from Hobbycraft. Faux flowers, similar from Withycombe Fair.

Customise a notebook Turn a scrap of linen and a handful of shirt buttons into a cover for a notebook – the perfect handmade gift. Cut a rectangle of linen large enough to cover the notebook including a 2cm hem allowance all round. Draw a heart on the fabric and use embroidery silk to sew the buttons to the linen inside the shape. Work a running stitch around the heart and the border of the cover. Slip stitch a ribbon bow to the heart. Wrap the cover around the book, turning the hem allowance inside and folding the excess diagonally at all corners. Snip into the excess around the spine at the top and bottom and tuck the fabric under. Turning under all raw edges as you go, stick the hems in place using fabric glue. Buttons, similar from Paper-and-String. Linen, similar from Cabbages & Roses. Wire trug, similar from Gisela Graham at Thomas & Lucia. housetohome.co.uk/countryhomesandinteriors

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Get creative

Wrap a ribbon-covered vase collar Make a decorative collar from a polystyrene craft ring dropped in place for a snug fit around the top of a vase. Take a length of organza ribbon and secure one end to the inside of the ring with a beaded pin. Wind the ribbon round and round the craft ring, overlapping the ribbon slightly as you go. Once you reach the starting point again, remove the pin and push it back in place so that it now secures the two ends of the ribbon. Thread beaded pins with buttons and flower beads and push the pins in place at intervals around the ring. Carefully push the ring down around the rim of your vase and lower a potted plant inside.

Thread a pretty wired centrepiece Pliable jewellery wire, tiny buttons and net fabric are all you need to create this beautiful addition to a party table. To make, cut a 2.5m length of jewellery wire and thread it with an assortment of buttons and scraps of dressmakerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s netting, twisting the wire after each addition to make sure they are equally spaced. Bend the wire round and round to form a 30cm-diameter ring and use small lengths to bind the wires together at regular intervals around the ring. Display the ring on a platter or plate and scatter with faux flowers. Buttons, jewellery wire, similar from Beads Direct. Netting, similar from Heathcoat Fabrics. Faux flowers, similar from Country Baskets. Charger, similar from Kings and Queens.

For more craft ideas, go to housetohome.co.uk/ countryhomesandinteriors

NEXT MONTH PARTY PIECES

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FEATURE PIA BUUSMANN PHOTOGRAPHS JES BUUSMANN INSTRUCTIONS JULIE BUTTERWORTH

Frosted buttons, similar from Benjaminâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Buttons at Etsy. Frosted acrylic flower beads, similar from Creative Beadcraft. Organza ribbon, similar from VV Rouleaux. Polystyrene craft ring, similar from Craft Mill.

Happy thoughts & ideas

Celebrate Midsummer’s Day Mark 24 June – the year’s longest day – in style…

•Visit a stone circle. Sites will

be busy around the summer solstice (21 June) but are much quieter at other times of the year. Ancient stone circles at Avebury (below) in Wiltshire (01672 539250, nationaltrust. org.uk) or Castlerigg in Cumbria (0870 333 1181, englishheritage.org.uk) are beautiful places to explore. Watch A Midsummer Night’s Dream – you can picnic in magical surroundings and enjoy Shakespeare under the stars on 26 June at Donington le Heath Manor House in Leicestershire. Visit leics.gov.uk/ doningtongrounds for details. Enjoy a Midsummer’s Eve bonfire. Many Cornish areas hold traditional bonfires to celebrate summer with a ‘sun’ fire and a ‘maid of flowers’ who casts a posy on to the flames. Visit oldcornwall.net.

•

2 GO FOR COTTAGE GARDEN PASTELS

•

10 ways to

Make life lovely

We adore tweed – especially when it comes in the latest catwalk shades. British tweed blazer, £149; other items, from a selection, all Boden.

Fashion, wellbeing, eco, pets, travel and other nice things

4 ENJOY AN OUTDOOR COOKOUT

Learn country skills

Fancy keeping bees or shooting clays? The Ideal Life Collection of ‘how-to’ DVDs can help – they are £14.99 each from Stitchcombe Productions, 07738 233540, stitchcombe.co.uk.

Whether you use it for campfire cooking or just to take tea down to the potting shed, the humble billycan is top of our wishlist this month. Try the Zebra, from £15.95, Green Shopping, 01730 823311, green-shopping.co.uk.

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Happy thoughts & ideas

INSTALL ‘CAT NAV’ Track your cat (or dog!) with the pet GPS device G-Paws, £49.95, 01672 518265, g-paws.com. Simply attach to your pet’s collar and then plug into your computer to view and share their movements via Google Maps.

Go wild with… rose petals

Use this fragrant flower to make delicious rose sugar Pick petals on a sunny day, says preserving expert Rosemary Jameson (rosiemakesjam.com). Use as soon as possible for best results. Petals from dark red, cultivated roses (avoid any sprayed with pesticides) have the strongest flavour. Wild roses have a very delicate perfume, which tends to get lost. Prepare your petals by removing the white ‘heel’ from the base with scissors. Make rose sugar – mix 250g caster sugar with 6-12 tbsp rose petals. Process until fine and seal in a jar. Store for a week, shaking occasionally, then sieve. Pour back into the jar for use in cakes or meringues.

•

7 Get doodling Feeling creative? Download A Beautiful Mess, from 61p (iOS or Android) – an app that lets you edit your photos with words, annotations and borders.

Buy British Burleigh

‘From clay to cup... pure English’ is the motto of china manufacturer Burleigh, which sources clay from Devon and Cornwall. Founded by Frederick Rathbone Burgess and William Leigh in 1862, the firm became Burleigh in the 1900s. Today’s ranges are created using the same, now rare, traditional methods. We love the Engravers collection, from £9.50 for a side plate (shown above with the Asiatic Pheasant range), which features an update of popular archive designs. Call 01773 740740 or visit burleigh.co.uk.

•

Give gardening hands some TLC Try these post-planting treats to cleanse and soothe... 1 Highly rated when tested by RHS gardeners, RHS Natural Gardeners Therapy Hand & Nail Cream, £8.50 for 100ml, Bronnley and RHS shops.

SEE PAGE 145 FOR PHONE NUMBERS AND WEBSITES

2 Clean and soften your hardworking hands with Gardeners Exfoliating Hand Wash, £7 for 300ml, Heathcote & Ivory.

3 This gentle cleansing scrub contains soothing comfrey, Gardeners Hand Scrub with Pumice, £13 for 195g, Crabtree & Evelyn.

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Happy thoughts & ideas

Thinking of getting married? Celebrate the happy occasion at one of these unique and romantic boutique venues.

COWPARSLEY TAUNTON, SOMERSET

ARTISTS’ BEACH HOUSE

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WHITSTABLE, KENT

BALLYVOLANE HOUSE

We love it because... The elegant beachside house with woodland garden is perfect for an intimate celebration by the sea. What is the venue like? The house sleeps eight (venue capacity up to 40) in coastal-inspired rooms with all home comforts. And the food? Local caterers can help with food and drink choices. Add fireworks and music for a truly memorable day. How much? From £3,000 to £5,400 (day hire also available). Artists’ Beach House, 01637 881183, uniquehomestays.com.

FERMOY, CO CORK, IRELAND

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We love it because... This 18th-century family home offers ancestral chic in a gorgeous setting. What is the venue like? The main house has six rooms with stylish interiors and countryside views. In summer, there’s also the option of glamping in lofty bell tents outdoors. And the food? Wedding guests (up to 140) dine in a vintage-style marquee in the gardens. The bride and groom choose the level of formality that they want for their day. How much? Weddings are tailormade, with approximate costs from €4,000 for a night’s b&b for 12 people in the main house, plus marquee, barn and all equipment. Advice on catering, photography and other wedding services is available. Ballyvolane House, 00 353 25 36349, ballyvolanehouse.ie.

We love it because... Roughmoor Farm is an idyllic location for couples looking for a rustic, homespun wedding. What is the venue like? Set in lush countryside, the venue is available for receptions only (no accommodation on site but plenty available in nearby Taunton). The traditional canvas marquee seats up to 150 and is beautifully decorated with straw bales, fairy lights, bunting and vintage crockery. And the food? Catering can be arranged by Cowparsley or the bride and groom. How much? Each wedding is bespoke but expect to pay around £6,000. Cowparsley Weddings, 07582 609584, cowparsleyweddings.com.

FEATURE ELLIE TENNANT, SARAH WILSON, COLUMBA COLIVET ILLUSTRATIONS ANGELA McKAY PHOTOGRAPHS (AVEBURY) DAVID NORTON/NATIONAL TRUST IMAGES; (ROSES) SHOTSHOP GMBH/ALAMY; (ARTISTS’ BEACH HOUSE) UNIQUEHOMESTAYS.COM; (BALLYVOLANE HOUSE) INSPIREDBYLOVE.IE; (COWPARSLEY) CLAIRE KLOEDEN. (BACKGROUND) PAINT, AUNTY MAUD, £39.50 FOR 2.5L, FIRED EARTH. FABRICS, HAZE, £36.50 M, SWAFFER.

Make it a day to remember

CHOSEN BY US

for you

Save 15% at Susie Watson Designs CREATE A FRESH COUNTRY LOOK WITH THIS SPECIAL OFFER ON PRETTY FABRIC, TRIMMINGS, PAINT AND WALLPAPER Hand-printed Hydrangea linen trimmed with Beech/ Ivory pom-poms.

Blind in Duck Egg/Ivory Vintage Stripe. Room painted in Evening Seas.

ou’ll find all you need to create the perfect country room at Susie Watson Designs. Known for its hand-printed linen and wonderfully thick cotton, plus sumptuous silk, velvet and wool, it recently launched a wallpaper collection. The range comprises five looks, including two stylish paisleys, Small Shalini and Large Shalini; a delicate floral, Apple Blossom; simple Wide Stripe; and a children’s design, Floating. Each comes in colourways to complement the fabric and

home collection, or why not try the palette of 12 gorgeous paint colours? With finishes for walls, woodwork and masonry, you can give your home a country look inside and out. HOW TO CLAIM YOUR DISCOUNT Either shop online at susiewatsondesigns.co.uk and enter the code CHI15 at the checkout, or present this page at the till when paying for your purchases in a Susie Watson Designs shop. Find your nearest shop at susiewatsondesigns.co.uk.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS This discount offer is valid on orders placed on the website (susiewatsondesigns.co.uk) or on purchases made at one of the Susie Watson Designs shops, from 24 April until 12 June 2014. The discount applies to the total order excluding delivery charges. UK mainland delivery costs £5.99 (readers in any other locations should call 01672 520323 for information about other delivery charges). You must present the original page when shopping in a shop (photocopies will not be accepted), and the offer can be used only once. The offer excludes the costs of curtain and blind making, and cannot be used at the Outlet store or at concessions in other shops, or in conjunction with any other offer.

A MENU FROM THE

country kitchen

New series!

Come to an afternoon tea party The chink of bone china, the daintiest treats to tempt and fine teas to sip. Turn the page for how to host an elegant get-togetherâ&#x20AC;Ś

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Host e perfect tea party Select a date and send out some handwritten invitations – perhaps shape them like a cup of tea or attach a pretty teabag. Dress the part – tea parties are special, so wear your loveliest dress. Switch on the music – sipping tea while listening to genteel classical music creates the ideal atmosphere. Prepare your food in advance and display on plates, cake stands and trays. Then you can really enjoy being the perfect host.

Fresh tuna and watermelon tartlets Serve the prettiest canapés filled with fresh flavours.

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Good times, good food

White chocolate and raspberry blondies Little blondie squares make a delicious alternative to scones. Âť

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Mini vanilla cheesecakes Stylish sweet bites topped with frosted blueberries.

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Good times, good food

Fresh tuna and watermelon tartlets MAKES ABOUT 24 ½ tsp wasabi or horseradish paste 2 tbsp fresh lime juice 250g very fresh tuna 800g watermelon wedge 2 tsp sesame oil 2 tsp fish sauce 2 tsp caster sugar 1 tbsp finely chopped chives, plus extra to sprinkle 24 ready-made mini tartlet cases (try All Butter mini tartlet cases, £3.62 for 18, Marks & Spencer) 2 tsp black sesame seeds 1 Mix together the wasabi or horseradish paste and lime juice in a bowl. Dice the tuna and add to the bowl. Stir well, cover and chill for 15-30 minutes. Lift out the tuna, gently squeezing dry to remove excess marinade. 2 Dice the watermelon flesh (you’ll need 200g), avoiding the pips. Add to the tuna with the sesame oil, fish sauce, sugar and chives. 3 Spoon into the cases and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Serve garnished with extra finely chopped chives.

White chocolate and raspberry blondies MAKES ABOUT 20 200g white chocolate 125g slightly salted butter, softened 4 tbsp maple syrup 2 medium free-range eggs 100g caster sugar 125g plain flour 50g self-raising flour 200g frozen raspberries 15g flaked almonds Icing sugar, to dust 1 Preheat the oven to 170°C/Fan 150°C/Gas 3. Line the base and sides of a shallow 28x18cm baking tin with baking parchment. Break the chocolate into a heatproof bowl and add the butter and maple syrup. Rest the bowl over

(not in) a saucepan of simmering water and leave to melt, stirring often. Cool slightly. 2 Beat the eggs with the sugar until pale and creamy. Stir in the chocolate, then sift in the flours. Gently stir in half the raspberries. 3 Turn the mixture into the tin and sprinkle with the remaining raspberries and the almonds. Bake for about 40 minutes until pale golden and the surface feels just firm. Cool in the tin. 4 Dust with icing sugar and cut into 20 pieces.

Mini vanilla cheesecakes MAKES 18-20 75g arrowroot biscuits, crushed to fine crumbs (try Crawford’s Thin Arrowroot biscuits, £1.49 for 200g, Tesco) 75g unsalted butter, melted 80g soft dried figs, finely chopped 2 tbsp clear honey 1 tsp vanilla extract 2 sheets of leaf gelatine 250g mascarpone 200g cream cheese 50g caster sugar Handful of blueberries, to decorate Icing sugar, to dust 1 Tip the crumbs into a bowl, and beat in the butter. Firmly press a heaped teaspoon of the mixture into the base of each 4cm section of 1 or 2 mini cake tins. 2 Put the figs, honey and vanilla in a bowl with 2 tbsp boiling water. Set aside for 30 minutes. 3 Soften the gelatine sheets in a bowl of cold water for 5 minutes. Meanwhile, put the mascarpone in a small saucepan with 2 tbsp water and heat gently to soften. Once smooth and bubbling, remove from the heat. Lift the gelatine sheets from the water and add to the pan, stirring to dissolve them. 4 Beat the cream cheese in a bowl with the sugar. Stir in the mascarpone and steeped figs with any juices. Mix well. Spoon onto the bases and chill for at least 4 hours or until set. 5 Loosen the edges of the cheesecakes with a warm knife and lift out onto a plate. Decorate with blueberries and dust with icing sugar.

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Good times, good food

Serve with...

Teas & tisanes Tea is enjoying a revival. Artisan blends, green teas, infusions and tisanes are growing in popularity. ‘Posh’ tea is the order of the day. Afternoon tea demands the finest brews. Wedgwood’s new blends come in iconic blue and white caddies, including our favourite, Golden Rose, £15 for 100g, Wedgwood. We also love Jasmine Phoenix Pearls, £10.50 for 50g, Ringtons. Tisanes are caffeine-free mixtures of plants, herbs and spices steeped in boiling water. Try a blend of camomile flower heads and lemon grass to make a refreshing citrus brew. Brew a teaspoon of each with 200ml freshly drawn boiling water for five minutes.

Blending your own tea is a new trend. Start by mixing equal parts of Ceylon and Earl Grey leaves in a pot for a lovely summery brew. Once you know what you like, mix and match teas to create your ideal blend. Or try The East India Company for 120 varieties, plus in-store tasting sessions.

Brew the perfect pot of tea How about starting with English tea grown in Cornwall: The Tregothnan Tea Plantation produces refreshing Tregothnan Afternoon Tea and an Earl Grey, which is simply infused with pure bergamot oil; both ÂŁ5.25 for 25g loose leaf tea, Tregothnan. According to the UK Tea Council (tea.co.uk), the following tips will ensure a perfect brew. Use a good-quality loose-leaf tea that has been stored in an airtight container at room temperature. Always use freshly drawn boiling water (not water boiled more than once). Measure the tea carefully, using a rounded teaspoon of loose tea per cup. Let the tea brew for the recommended time before pouring. Enjoy!

Âť

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Style the perfect table Elegant food deserves to be served beautifully. Follow these tips... Vintage lace is a big trend this summer. Lay the table with a lace cloth and napkins to add a 1930s touch to an afternoon tea party. Distressed silver trays are the sophisticated way to serve cups of tea. Try Nordic House for a great selection of aged and vintage pieces that look really special. Silk flowers can be arranged to pretty up the table. Paper Whites offers simple, natural-looking displays in containers. Tiered cake stands and vintage bone china are a must â&#x20AC;&#x201C; mix and match patterns for that eclectic look.

Adorn the table with your finest linens, silver and china.

Good times, good food

Pistachio macaroons A pretty and delicious treat.

Strawberry Champagne cupcakes Small-scale cakes with a touch of fizz.Âť

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Smoked chicken tartlets A delicate combination thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s light and very moreish.

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Good times, good food

Pistachio macaroons MAKES ABOUT 24 65g pistachio nuts 50g icing sugar 2 medium free-range egg whites 100g caster sugar For the filling 1½-2 tbsp milk 125g icing sugar Pink food colouring 1 Preheat the oven to 170°C/Fan 150°C/Gas 3. Line 2 baking sheets with baking parchment. Put the pistachio nuts in a bowl, cover with boiling water and leave to stand for 1 minute. Drain, then rub the nuts firmly between several layers of kitchen paper to remove as much of the skin as possible (this gives the macaroons a better colour). 2 Whizz the nuts in a food processor with the icing sugar until very finely ground. Beat the egg whites until peaking, then gradually whisk in the caster sugar, a little at a time. Stir in the pistachio mixture using a large metal spoon. 3 Transfer to a large piping bag fitted with a plain 1cm piping nozzle. Pipe 3cm rounds onto the baking sheets, spacing them slightly apart. Bake for 15 minutes until crisp, but still soft in the centre. Leave to cool, then peel off the paper. 4 For the filling, beat enough milk into the icing sugar to give a consistency that just holds its shape. Stir in a drop of food colouring, then fill pairs of macaroons with the mixture.

Strawberry champagne cupcakes MAKES ABOUT 30 100g slightly salted butter, softened 100g caster sugar 2 medium free-range eggs, beaten 150g self-raising flour 2 tbsp pink Champagne or sparkling rosé (you can serve the rest of the bottle in cocktails) For the icing 150g unsalted butter, softened Few drops of strawberry extract

280g icing sugar 4-5 tbsp pink Champagne or sparkling rosé Few drops of pink food colouring Pink or white sugar sprinkles or pearls, to decorate 1 Preheat the oven to 180°C/Fan 160°C/ Gas 4. Line 2 or 3 mini cupcake trays with paper cases. Put the butter, sugar, eggs and flour in a bowl and beat well until creamy. Stir in the Champagne or rosé to give a soft dropping consistency. 2 Spoon the mixture into the cases, filling two-thirds full and bake for 15 minutes until risen and just firm (you may need to do this in 2 batches). Transfer to a wire rack to cool. 3 For the icing, put the butter, strawberry extract and icing sugar in a bowl and whisk until smooth and creamy. Beat in 3 tbsp of the bubbly until once again creamy. Continue adding the remaining bubbly, beating well between additions, but stop before the mixture separates. Stir in a tiny drop of pink colouring, and a drop more strawberry extract, if liked. 4 Spoon the icing into a piping bag fitted with a 1.5cm star nozzle and pipe swirls onto the cakes. Scatter with sugar pearls.

Smoked chicken tartlets MAKES ABOUT 24 75g mayonnaise 50ml soured cream 25g flaked almonds, lightly toasted and crumbled 300g smoked chicken (try Rannoch smoked chicken, £3.49 for 155g, Waitrose) Salt and freshly ground black pepper 24 ready-made mini tartlet cases 1 punnet salad cress 1 Put the mayonnaise, soured cream and all but 1 tbsp of the almonds in a bowl. Tear the chicken into small shreds and add to the mixture. Stir to combine and season to taste. 2 Spoon the mixture into the cases, piling the filling up in the centre. Top with the reserved almonds and finely snipped salad cress.

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Good times, good food

In season now...

Elderflowers Turn elderflowers you’ve gathered into delectable afternoon tea treats. Pick elderflowers in the countryside, where they grow in big fluffy bunches of small white flowers with yellow pollen. The aromatic blooms are so versatile and can be eaten raw, cooked or dried, as well as being turned into cordial, wine, tea, ice cream, cakes, jelly and jam. Or try our recipes for fritters, tarts and sorbet (opposite and on page 134). What’s new? The aromatic flavour works well in gin. We like Edinburgh Elderflower

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Gin, £17.99 for 50cl, Spencerfield Spirit.

Mix a cocktail: shake 100ml gin with 30ml elderflower cordial, 40ml lemon juice, 2 tsp sugar, 12 raspberries. Strain into glasses. Anyone for Pimm’s... Sip new Pimm’s Blackberry & Elderflower, £21 for 1L, Tesco. For drinks ideas, visit anyoneforpimms.com. Frost cupcakes and sponges with buttercream flavoured with elderflower cordial for a hint of summer.

Elderflower tarts Filled with scented cream, these are perfect with summer berries.

Elderflower fritters

Elderflower sorbet

Dip sprays in batter and fry until golden.

A refreshing cooler on a warm afternoon.

See over for recipes .

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Elderflower fritters SERVES 4 200g plain flour 2 medium free-range eggs Pinch of salt 125ml milk Vegetable oil, for deep frying 16 sprays freshly picked elderflowers Icing sugar, to dust 1 Whisk the flour, eggs, salt and milk in a bowl until smooth. Heat the oil in a deepfat fryer or heavy-based pan. 2 Dip each spray in the batter, then drop into the hot oil, a few at a time, and fry until golden. Dust with icing sugar and serve hot.

Elderflower tarts MAKES 6 For the pastry 150g plain flour Pinch of salt 100g butter, plus extra for greasing 50g caster sugar Finely grated zest of 1 unwaxed lemon 1 medium free-range egg, beaten For the filling 125ml elderflower cordial (such as Waitrose, £2.30 for 500ml) 300ml double cream 2 tbsp caster sugar Juice of 1 lemon Icing sugar, to dust Fresh blueberries and raspberries, to serve

NEXT MONTH A MENU MADE FOR THE BEACH

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1 To make the pastry, put the flour in a mixing bowl and stir in the salt. Rub in the butter with your fingertips until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. 2 Stir in the sugar, lemon zest and egg and mix with your hands to form a dough. If the mixture is too dry, add a little water; if it is too wet add a little more flour. Shape into a ball. Wrap in clingfilm and chill for 30 minutes. 3 Heat the oven to 150°C/ Fan 130°C/Gas 2. Grease 6 tins or moulds. Divide the pastry into 6 pieces and press into the tins. Line with non-stick baking paper and fill with baking beans and blind bake for 20-30 minutes until lightly golden. 4 Remove the paper and beans, prick the bases with a fork and bake for a further 5 minutes. Remove from the oven and leave until cold. 5 To make the filling, mix together the cordial, cream and sugar in a pan. Heat until just boiling, then remove from the heat immediately. Whisk in the lemon juice and leave to stand for 10 minutes. Pour into the pastry cases and leave to cool. Chill for at least 4 hours until the filling has set. Sift over a little icing sugar and serve with berries.

Elderflower sorbet SERVES 4 200ml elderflower syrup (such as Monin elderflower syrup, £5.75 for 70cl, Udal) Juice and pared zest of 1 unwaxed lemon 2 medium free-range egg whites* 40ml crème de cassis, to drizzle 1 Pour 200ml water, the syrup, lemon juice and zest in a pan, then bring to the boil and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from the heat, cover and leave to infuse and cool slightly. Strain the syrup through a sieve into a bowl and allow to cool completely. 2 Beat the egg whites until frothy and add to the cooled syrup. Place the mixture in a flat shallow metal dish and freeze for 4 hours. Every hour, whisk well or stir briskly with a fork to break up the larger ice crystals. 3 When ready to serve, scoop the sorbet into glasses and drizzle with a little cassis. *Please note, this recipe contains raw egg whites.

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FEATURE SARAH WILSON RECIPES (TEA PARTY) JOANNA FARROW; (ELDERFLOWERS) STOCKFOOD PHOTOGRAPHS (PAGE 121) RHAPSODY; (TEA PARTY RECIPES) NICKY RYAN/SNAPPER MEDIA; (TEA STRAINER, ELDERFLOWER RECIPES) VALERIE JANSSEN; TIM WINTER; FRANK ADAM; ETSA; ARIANE BILLE; WILLIAM LINGWOOD, ALL STOCKFOOD. (TEAPOT) TIM WINTER/IPC IMAGES/CH&I. (PAGE 121) MACAROONS, £1.50 EACH, FORTNUM & MASON. BIRD OF PARADISE TEA, £12 FOR 50G, RINGTONS. (PAGE 123) FAIRY CAKES, SIMILAR FROM MARKS & SPENCER. FABRICS: (FLORAL) HATLEY, £38 M, CABBAGES & ROSES; (STRIPE) MAJOLICA, £49 M, SARAH HARDAKER; (BACKGROUNDS) CASTLEMORE, £59.94 M; DUNGANNON, £37 M, BOTH TITLEY & MARR

Good times, good food

My country business

‘‘ homemade

Our pop-up shop is inspired by

‘‘

and vintage

Entrepreneurs Jackie Cree and Sarah McClive

e wanted to create a treasure trove of vintage homewares and beautiful handmade pieces,’ says Jackie Cree of Homemade & Vintage, the successful pop-up shop and vintage tea room she runs as a joint venture with her long-time friend Sarah McClive. Jackie and Sarah’s events, held in village halls across North Yorkshire, are a joyful mix of inspiration and community spirit. Jackie was born and raised in Thirlby, an idyllic village close to the Hambleton Hills. Her love of anything old and lovely was the inspiration for this enterprise, and her ethos of ‘make do and mend’ started in childhood. ‘I have many happy memories of a time when life was much simpler. We didn’t have a lot of money, but my mother was a great homemaker and my father was very clever with his hands. My great aunt, Auntie Bess, and her brother, Uncle Jim, lived next door to the family home, and always had lots of time for me as child. They had no television, so

we made things, went on picnics, played in the back garden and made dens,’ says Jackie. ‘As a youngster, I also went to house sales with my parents and was smitten with anything old and unloved.’ Sarah moved to Thirlby aged four, after her parents bought a derelict farm to renovate. ‘My mother and father are very practical, Mum has always done her own decorating, baked and made curtains, and Dad can turn his hand to pretty much anything.’ Sarah and Jackie met and found they shared a love for vintage finds. ‘As girls, we spent a lot of time together being crafty and making all sorts of things out of scraps of fabric, unused ribbon, buttons, just whatever was available,’ says Sarah. ‘Childhood then was filled with simple pleasures, and that is something we try to get across to people now through the pop-up shop, with little touches such as making a child’s den using an old sheet, arranging flowers in a chipped mug and baking

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Jackie (left) and Sarah wearing â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Homemade & Vintageâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; hand-stitched aprons made by Sarah. Thirlby village hall (opposite, centre) is just one of the venues where the pop-up shop and tea room events take place.

My country business

Customers love to browse the array of vintage items while enjoying a cup of tea and a slice of homemade cake.

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“

‘‘

homemade cakes. Many sources of happiness don’t cost anything,’ says Jackie. When Jackie reached her 50th birthday she decided it was time to challenge herself and, with a good friend, Rhona, she trekked the Great Wall of China raising money for Marie Curie Cancer Care. ‘Rhona and I were also regular visitors to the auction rooms at Pickering and we started picking up a few vintage pieces, which we sold at garden parties and Christmas craft fairs that we organised as part of our fundraising,’ says Jackie. The idea of a vintage business called Vintage Discoveries grew out of this. Sarah took a stall at one of Jackie’s fundraising events, where she sold her own range of handcrafted gifts under the name Libbyanne. Unfortunately, the fair wasn’t as well attended as they had hoped. ‘I got a lot of pleasure from setting up and dressing my Vintage Discoveries stall, but felt limited by the space,’ says Jackie. I approached Sarah with my idea of a pop-up shop, just me with my vintage pieces and Sarah with her lovely makes.’ The name for their new venture was easy to agree on – Homemade & Vintage. Once the collaboration had been established, Jackie and Sarah had the creative freedom to

What we love most…

Encouraging people to rediscover life’s simple pleasures and reminding them that many sources of happiness are free dress the pop-up shop as they liked with country-style bunting and flowers in pretty containers. ‘We wanted to create something different, not just be there to sell, so we decided to have tea and homemade cakes as we both love baking. Customers could sit and relax, while drinking out of beautiful vintage tea cups,’ says Jackie. ‘We were constantly being reminded about the recession and wanted to show people that with good ideas and inspirational displays – as well as an eye for a bargain – you can turn a house into a home without spending a fortune.’ The first pop-up shop and tea room took place at Thirlby village hall, where Sarah and Jackie used pieces of their own furniture to dress the space. They were helped in the kitchen by Sarah’s mum, Mary, Jackie’s sister-in-law, Siobhan, and a friend of Sarah’s, Helen. Mary and Siobhan still lend a hand at events, free of charge, as does Siobhan’s daughter Eleanor, and Mary also bakes endless cakes and cheese scones. ‘To publicise the first event, we printed flyers and put them through letterboxes, and advertised in the local newspaper,’ says Jackie. ‘The response was amazing and we started taking email addresses so we could inform people of future events. We were so inspired that we booked another event and things have just snowballed.’ They have since expanded to other villages to target new customers – Helmsley town hall and Coxwold village hall are popular venues. ‘The whole idea has taken off tremendously well and we always get people asking if we can do more dates. We both love what we do and simply can’t imagine doing anything else.’  Visit Homemade & Vintage, 15-17 June, 10am-3pm, at Thirlby village hall, Thirlby, North Yorkshire YO7 2DJ. For other pop-up events, visit homemadeandvintage.co.uk.

My country business A dresser filled with tempting buys – including one of Sarah’s stitched Robin pictures (also below).

Children’s clothes handmade by Sarah hang on a peg rail.

Jackie helps out in the busy tea room, where vintage china is used.

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Tables and chairs painted in pretty colours and strings of fabric bunting create a homely atmosphere in the vintage tea room.

On our doorstep… Visit… ‘Fountains Abbey (01765 608888, fountainsabbey.org.uk), in Ripon, a 12th-century Cistercian abbey with elegant Georgian water garden and medieval deer park.’ Shop at…’Handpicked Hall (handpickedhall.co.uk) in Ripon. It is a fabulous mix of local crafts, food and drink, fashion, accessories and gifts. My Vintage World (01845 527244, myvintageworld.co.uk), in Thirsk, is a treasure trove of all things vintage and retro – we often pop in to get ideas.’ Go for a meal at… The Carpenters Arms (01845 537369, thecarpentersarmsfelixkirk.com), in Felixkirk. There is a lovely British menu from local suppliers and the staff are great with young children.’

My country business

Small business advice

How to set up a pop-up shop or event All the information and advice you need to run your own temporary store

FEATURE SUZANNE WEBSTER PHOTOGRAPHS JEREMY PHILLIPS

“

website. They have tried blogging but struggled to find the time to dedicate to it. ‘We would both rather sit at a sewing machine than a computer,’ says Sarah. Invest in good promotional material. Jackie and Sarah designed pretty postcards that list the dates and venues of their events. They distribute these themselves and ask local businesses to help by displaying in prominent places. ‘By making the postcards as beautiful as possible we find people tend to keep them on their noticeboards,’ says Sarah. Find visual inspiration wherever you go. ‘Always keep a notebook or camera to hand,’ says Sarah. She also recommends Pinterest (pinterest.com) for inspiration. Get the pricing right. As Jackie and Sarah find most of their treasures at car-boot sales and auctions or make things by hand, they are able to keep their prices low. ‘If prices are keen you tend sell more and as this is our passion, we love to sell on to a good home where things will be treasured,’ says Jackie. Use family and friends for help as much as possible. Aim to get as much free help as you can. Having a family with a strong work

ethic helps tremendously. Jackie’s husband Terry and son Ben move vanloads of furniture for each pop-up shop, while Sarah’s mum Mary bakes endlessly and serves at the vintage tea room at the events. Jackie’s daughter Vikki helps out selling the vintage wares, so they don’t pay any wages for staffing the events. ‘We tend to give some of our own makes or homewares instead of payment to any friends who help out and we actually find most prefer it that way,’ says Sarah. Be passionate about your business. You need to be 100% committed to ensure your business becomes a flourishing enterprise. Jackie and Sarah are essentially two separate businesses that have come together as Homemade & Vintage and this means they can work in tandem to grow the venture. Jackie is able to fully focus on moving things forward, while Sarah can work around the needs of her young children. ‘Most of my free time is spent at a sewing machine or rubbing down and painting old furniture!’ says Sarah. Sharing the workload enables the business to grow without Sarah having to find and budget for childcare.

The one lesson we’ve learned…

‘‘

Homemade & Vintage is a way for

Jackie and Sarah to combine a passion for buying interesting treasures at car-boot sales, auctions and charity shops with a love of sourcing fabrics, buttons and trimmings to make into something lovely. It gives them a way to share the old and unloved furniture they have painted and upcycled, and an opportunity to breathe new life into unwanted objects. They organise four pop-up shops a year, using the time of year as inspiration. Here’s how to do it... Find a venue. Jackie and Sarah make the most of their local and surrounding village halls for their pop-up events. Aim to find somewhere with minimal rental charges as keeping costs down is key to your profit margin. ‘We find that organising our pop-up events in a regular yearly cycle, with themes such as Hello Spring, Lazy Summer Days and Christmas is Coming, is popular with our customers and gives them something to look forward to,’ says Jackie. Spread the word. There’s nothing like a good recommendation so ask friends and relatives to mention the event to people they know and suggest they visit. Use social media such as Facebook, Twitter or a blog. Jackie and Sarah are on Facebook and also have a

Talk to everybody about your venture wherever you go – from other relevant businesses to mums at the school gates

NEXT MONTH CORNISH DESIGNERS

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141

CHOSEN BY US

for you

Garden furniture CHOOSE PRETTY WIREWORK SEATING TO GIVE YOUR OUTDOOR SPACE A FRESH NEW LOOK Hampton bistro set

HOW TO ORDER

Relax in style in your garden or conservatory with this classically designed Hampton bistro set. The table features exquisite edging, and the two chairs can be folded for storage (recommended in winter). Made in steel with a painted finish, this set is available in Cream and Green. Table dimensions: H74x75cm diameter. Supplied flat-packed, and easily assembled (pack size H77xW77xD17cm). Chair dimensions: H93xW39xD50cm; folded H107cmxW39xD11cm.

Online Order quickly and easily at housetohome.co.uk/shop. By phone Call Freephone 0800 138 0088* with your credit or debit card details to hand, and quote XCH491, the product names and product codes. We accept MasterCard, Visa and Maestro. By post** Send a crossed cheque or Postal Order made payable to Country Homes & Interiors Offers, adding the appropriate p&p charge (see Delivery below), to: Country Homes & Interiors Offers XCH491, PO Box 501, Market Harborough, Leicestershire LE94 0AA. Please write XCH491, your name and address, and the product names, codes, quantities and colour/design choices on the back with your daytime telephone number.

Hampton bistro-style round table and two chairs set in Cream |code 104C34|£199.99 Hampton bistro-style round table and two chairs set in Green |code 104C35|£199.99

• •

Seat pad cushions Available in a choice of five designs in 100% cotton: Blue Stripe, Cream Floral, Blue Floral, Lilac Stripe, and Stripe/Floral. Dimensions: L40xW40xD4cm. Set of four seat pad cushions for Hampton bistro set (state design when ordering)|code 017Y85|£39.99

•

Blue Stripe

Cream Floral

Blue Floral

Lilac Stripe

Stripe/Floral

Hampton bench The Hampton bench would make a stylish addition to any garden or patio. Constructed in steel, it has a painted finish to help with weather resistance (we recommend covering it during winter) and is available in Cream and Green. Supplied flat-packed, and easily assembled. Dimensions: H96xW114xD50cm.

•Hampton bench in Cream|code 104C36|£149.99 •Hampton bench in Green|code 104C37|£149.99 Bench cushion Available in a choice of three designs in 100% cotton: Blue Stripe, Cream Floral and Blue Floral. Dimensions: L110xW50xD10cm.

Bench cushion for Hampton bench (state design when ordering) |code 017Y86|£39.99

•

Blue Stripe

Cream Floral

Blue Floral

Galvanised garden planters Add a touch of rustic charm to your garden or patio with this trio of galvanised planters with decorative handles. Fill with a mixture of herbs or your favourite annuals to create a stunning display. Dimensions: Small H23x13cm diameter; Medium H25.5x23cm diameter; Large H28x33cm diameter.

•Set of three galvanised garden planters|code 101Z21|£50 •CLOSING DATE for these offers is 1 September 2014.

DELIVERY Subject to availability; mainland UK delivery only. Orders should be received within 10 working days, please allow 28; we will notify you if a delay is expected. Postage and packaging £2.99 for any order that only includes seat pads or cushions; £5.99 for any order that includes any of the furniture or the planters. RETURNS AND REFUNDS If you are not entirely satisfied please follow the instructions enclosed with your purchase within seven days to receive a refund (including initial p&p). This does not affect your statutory rights. Goods are returned at the reader’s expense except in the unlikely event of them being faulty, when we will reimburse all postage. Please note, in the case of goods going missing in the post when returned, we regret that no refund can be guaranteed unless proof of postage is supplied. *Calls from mobiles and non-BT landlines may incur charges. For enquiries please call 0844 848 2222. Calls to this 0844 number are charged at 5p per minute from BT landlines and a 14p BT call set-up fee will apply. Lines open 8.45am-5.15pm, Monday to Friday (excluding BHs). **Country Homes & Interiors, published by IPC Media Ltd (IPC), will collect your personal information to process your order. If you would like to receive emails from IPC containing news, special offers and product and service information and take part in our magazine research, please write your email address on your cheque or Postal Order. IPC would like to contact you by post or telephone to promote and ask your opinion on our magazine services. Please write ‘No IPC’ on your cheque or Postal Order if you prefer not to hear from us. IPC may occasionally pass your details to carefully selected organisations so they can contact you by telephone or post with regard to promoting and researching their products and services. Please write ‘No other companies’ on your order if you prefer not to be contacted. XCH491 June 2014

Hampton bistro set in Green.

Hampton bench in Cream (seat pad available separately).

Set of three galvanised garden planters.

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I&JL BROWN 01432 851991 brownantiques.com IKEA 020 3645 0000 ikea.co.uk INDIA JANE 020 8799 7166 indiajane.com INDIGO ANTIQUES 01672 564722 indigo-uk.com ISABI 020 3405 4340 isabi.com ISME 0844 811 8112 isme.com

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KANGOL 01946 310312 kangol.com KINGS AND QUEENS 01267 231678 kingsandqueens.org.uk

PLEASE NOTE ALL INFORMATION AND PRICES CORRECT AT TIME OF GOING TO PRESS. PAINT AND FABRIC COLOURS MAY VARY SLIGHTLY DUE TO THE PRINTING PROCESS.

LSA INTERNATIONAL lsa-international.com LA BELLE ETOFFE labelleetoffe.co.uk 01373 453303 LA CAFETIERE 01352 717555 lacafetiere.com LAKELAND 01539 488100 lakeland.co.uk LAPICIDA 0800 012 2220 lapicida.com LASSCO 01844 277188 lassco.co.uk LAURA ASHLEY 0871 983 5999 lauraashley.com LIBERTY 020 7734 1234 liberty.co.uk LIGHTING CENTRE 01483 579411 lightingcentre.co.uk LINWOOD 01425 461176 linwoodfabric.com LITTLE GREENE 0845 880 5855 littlegreene.com LOAF 0845 468 0698 loaf.com LOMBOK 020 7736 5171 lombok.co.uk LORCA 020 7352 1456 osborneandlittle.com LOST & FOUND 01484 684302 foundinteriors.co.uk

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NAPOLEON 01676 522788 napoleongrills.co.uk NATURAL EARTH PRODUCTS 01433 631333 naturalearthproducts.co.uk NEISHA CROSLAND 020 7657 1150 neishacrosland.com NEPTUNE 01793 427427 neptune.com NEWGATE CLOCKS 01691 679994 newgateclocks.com NEXT 0844 844 8000 next.co.uk NIKI JONES 0141 959 4090 niki-jones.co.uk NKUKU 01803 866847 nkuku.com NORDIC HOUSE 0845 475 1610 nordichouse.co.uk NORFOLK ANTIQUE & RECLAMATION 07792 821516 norfolkreclamation.co.uk NORFOLK OAK 01328 838866 norfolkoak.com NORFOLK PAMMENTS 01379 674595 pamments.co.uk NOT ON THE HIGH STREET

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Q R

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ZARA HOME 0800 026 0091 zarahome.com ZOFFANY 0844 543 4600 zoffany.com

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People

My favourite view

I relocated to Devizes from London two

Michael’s Limited Edition Home Collection for Jo Malone London is on sale now. Visit jomalone.co.uk and michael angove.com.

162

years ago and what I love most is the view across the garden to my studio and Salisbury Plain beyond. Having a big view of the sky and seeing the sun move across it makes me feel more connected to the day’s work. My studio is a painted log cabin with a vaulted ceiling and it gives me the space and privacy I need. Having the doors wide open in summer with Salisbury Plain stretching beyond is heavenly. I am lucky to be able to work in the garden, as it’s a great source of inspiration. Working with Jo Malone London was exciting because I’d never approached my designs with a scent in mind before. Walking through the garden one day, I saw a tortoiseshell butterfly feeding on the white buddleia so I took a picture of it and within an hour it was incorporated into the Blackberry & Bay design (left). There

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are lots of different elements – for instance, the hidden insects – as I wanted the design to illustrate the layered interest of the British countryside. Meanwhile, when I first smelt Orange Blossom, it triggered visions of Victorian orangeries, so the composition of this design has an elegant, almost fairy-like, feel. Both designs convey the scents really well. The ocean of grassland that is Salisbury Plain and sweep of open sky offer an inspirational starting point for all my creations. Each time I look at the Jo Malone London designs it takes me back to my garden and studio, appreciating the stunning landscape in the distance.

HOW TO ENJOY THE VIEW In the heart of Wiltshire, Salisbury Plain is the largest chalk grassland in north-west Europe. For walks in the area, visit visitwiltshire.co.uk.

FEATURE SARAH WILSON PHOTOGRAPHS (MAIN) GILLIAN MOORE/ALAMY; (MICHAEL) JO MALONE LONDON

ARTIST MICHAEL ANGOVE’S DESIGNS ARE INSPIRED BY VIEWS OF SALISBURY PLAIN IN WILTSHIRE