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MO RE I NSPI RA T I ONA L H OM ES T H A N A NY OT HE R M AG A ZIN E

HOMES

GOOD CHEER Happy houses styled up for Christmas

DESIGNER COTTAGE

Elegant details and pattern transform this space URBAN REMODEL

DECEMBER 2020

Smart ideas mix with stunning original features LISTED RECTORY

Enchanting decorations and homely touches abound

December 2020

18 country 8 14 26 32

A S PA R K L I N G C H R I STM A S

Twinkling lights and beautiful decorations create a magical atmosphere in this family farmhouse on the Scottish Borders F I N E V I N TA G E A blend of handsome English and French antiques enhances the rustic charm of this Dorset cottage D E C K T H E H A L L S An abundance of greenery and ďŹ&#x201A;oral displays ensure this house in Hampshire shines throughout the holidays A N E W A D V E N T U R E Moving from the city to a rural Hampshire village gave this family the bucolic lifestyle they craved

COVER STORY

39 44 50 64

C O M F O R T & J O Y An enthusiastic

hands-on approach to the renovation of a Nottinghamshire cottage has given the owners a home thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s full of love and cheer A L L I S C A L M Simple, pared-back style and French touches in this former bakery in Oxfordshire create a chic, tranquil home P A S T M E E T S P R E S E N T This Danish villa evokes special memories for its owner who spent many happy childhood Christmases here M E R R Y & B R I G H T The redesign of a Hampshire cottage has resulted in a home with tons of space and personality

Colour accents and striking decorations bring glamour to this Victorian home (p136).

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76 82 88 98 102 117 122 129

C E L E B R AT I N G I N S T Y L E How an interior

designer applied her easy elegant touch to a Cotswold house to create a relaxed and inviting retreat H O M E T O S TAY After years of living away, this couple were thrilled to make a Rutland house their permanent base W I N T E R W O N D E R L A N D A West Sussex property is given a stunning makeover for the festivities P A C K E D W I T H P E R S O N A L I T Y Adding reclaimed materials and touches of bright colour have brought warmth and character to a 1950s house in Surrey S E A S O N ’ S G R E E T I N G S This Georgian villa in Wiltshire has been updated for a welcoming feel T U R N I N G O N T H E C H A R M Crackling fires, flickering candles and foraged foliage create an enchanting ambience in this historic Norfolk cottage S E T T I N G T H E S C E N E A revamped former rectory in Rutland with a cosy, sophisticated scheme F A M I LY T R A D I T I O N S The renovation of a French cottage that used to belong to the owner’s grandfather

city 55 60 92 106

P I C T U R E P E R F E C T The owners of this Brighton

terrace used their instinctive flair for design to turn its blank canvas interior into a stylish, vibrant space C O M E T O G E T H E R A love of entertaining is at the heart of this reconfigured home in Hove H I D D E N T R E A S U R E An Edwardian terrace in London full of unexpected delights proved irresistible to a couple looking for the perfect project T R U E C O L O U R S Dramatic shades and statement pieces make a dynamic impact in a London townhouse

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L I G H T F A N TA S T I C Set in an enviable harbourside

location, this Cornish cottage has been decorated in an all-white palette that makes the most of its bright aspect

town 71 110 132 136

O N E O F A K I N D A bold approach to decorating has

given this West Yorkshire villa a unique appeal B E A U T I F U L H A R M O N Y Rich tones and antiques work together perfectly in this Surrey home H A P P Y E N D I N G After losing out on another property, one couple found a semi in Kent that’s there dream abode F E S T I V E F L A I R This Victorian house in Surrey has been lavishly decorated for the holiday season

r e g u l a r f e at u r e s 146

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R O O M E N V Y The scheme that’s inspired us this month

e d ito r ’s le t te r | 25bh 25 BEAUTIFUL

HOMES EDITORIAL

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR SARAH SPITERI Executive Editors Pip McCormac and Kate French Group Creative Director Emma Williams Group Chief Sub Editor Jennifer Spaeth Commercial Editorial Operations Director Jane Akers Acting Commercial Editorial Operations Director Lizzie Hudson Brand Development Editor Laura Crombie Homes Content Team Editorial Director Rhoda Parry Commissioning/Interiors Editor Fiona Mace Travel and News Editor Patrick Hamilton Courtney Associate Art Hub Director Alison Walter Art Editors Melanie Brown and Paula Jardine Senior Designer Hannah Bennewitz Thanks to Mel Algar and Lara Evans Head of Subs Operations Maxine Clarke Hub Chief Sub Editor Carly Rigley Senior Sub Editors Marian McNamara and Karen Wiley

MANAGEMENT

Group Managing Director Andrea Davies Managing Director of Homes Jason Orme Managing Director of eCommerce Aaron Asadi Commercial Finance Director Dan Jotcham Commercial Finance Director Simon Fish

WELCOME One of my favourite homes in this issue is Gloria Sheppard’s ﬁshing village bolthole in Cornwall. I’m not always a fan of shabby chic, but I ﬁnd its soft neutrals and vintage pieces quite charming. I also like Gloria’s clever use of the space; for instance, some of the kitchen cabinetry slots under the stairs to make the most of every inch. This issue is full of ideas, big and small, to inspire. And it being December, we have placed a particular focus on festive decorating. Our cover story, Leoma Harper’s Victorian home in

S Y N D I C AT I O N

Surrey, is wonderfully cheerful and packed with original touches.

C I R C U L AT I O N

We were drawn to it as a front cover, as Leoma has swathed her

Sales Executive Eﬁ Mandrides (eﬁ.mandrides@futurenet.com) Circulation Manager Alan Edwards (020 3787 9161)

MARKETING

table and her tree with colourful details. We love the pops of pink

Head of Marketing Sian Cupid (sian.cupid@futurenet.com) Deputy Head of Marketing Laura Timms (laura.timms@futurenet.com) Marketing Executive Sally Dominic (sally.dominic@futurenet.com)

and teal; they feel like an antidote to what has been a rather grey

ADVERTISING

season, but I hope you are all able to ﬁnd brightness in the bleak.

Publisher and Head of Homes Joanne O’Hara (joanne.o’hara@futurenet.com) Brand Director Sharon Goode (sharon.goode@futurenet.com) International/Luxury Accounts Manager Carole Bunce (carole.bunce@futurenet.com) Head of Agency Partnerships Jon Restall (jon.restall@futurenet.com) Classiﬁed Senior Sales Executive Charlotte Beckett (charlotte.beckett@futurenet.com)

REGIONAL ADVERTISING

Regional Sales Director Katrina Hutchison (0161 601 3720) Regional Business Director Kim Milroy (07967 590362)

year. I know that none of us will be celebrating as usual this festive

SARAH SPITERI, EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

I N S TA G R A M Follow us @25beautifulhomesmagazine D I G I TA L E D I T I O N S Find back issues on your device

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Canopy Media Michael Davie (020 7611 1062) Insert Sales Manager Katherine Brown (07464 544375)

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PRODUCTION

Editorial Production Manager Nicola Tillman Deputy Editorial Production Manager Clare Willetts Art Production Designers Chris Saggers and Phil Dunk Group Production Manager Steve Twort Production Controller Bill Argent Advertising Production Manager Nick Williams (nick.williams@futurenet.com)

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BACK ISSUES

Safeship Fulﬁlment support@mags-uk.com (01795 662976) Vol 23 No 12 ISSN 1369529 © Future PLC, 2020. Distributed by Marketforce (UK) Ltd, 3rd Floor, 161 Marsh Wall, London E14 9AP (020 3787 9001)

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Future Publishing Limited or published under licence. All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be All contents © used, stored, transmitted or reproduced in any way without the prior written permission of the publisher. Future Publishing Limited ) is registered in England and Wales. Registered office: Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA UA. All (company number information contained in this publication is for information only and is, as far as we are aware, correct at the time of going to press. Future cannot accept any responsibility for errors or inaccuracies in such information. You are advised to contact manufacturers and retailers directly with regard to the price of products∕services referred to in this publication. Apps and websites mentioned in this publication are not under our control. We are not responsible for their contents or any other changes or updates to them. This magazine is fully independent and not affiliated in any way with the companies mentioned herein.

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A SPARKLING CHRISTMAS

Twinkling decorations make Posy Maitland Carewâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s home perfect for family festivities

FEATURE ALISON GIBB | PHOTOGRAPHY DOUGLAS GIBB

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home truths THE PROPERTY Detached Victorian farmhouse built in 1850 L O C AT I O N Scottish Borders R O O M S Sitting room, drawing room, dining room, garden room, kitchen, utility room, cloakroom, six bedrooms (one en suite), two bathrooms P U R C H A S E D 2012 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘We lived in an East Lothian village before,’ says Posy.

SITTING ROOM

Newly decorated in warm tones, this is Posy’s favourite room where her love of fabric shines. Walls in Red Earth estate emulsion, £47.95 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball. Fender in Dandaloo, £23m, Rapture & Wright. Antique-style paisley throw (on sofa), £295, Oka. Find similar tapestry cushions, from £59, Hines of Oxford. Munchkin chair (just seen), £695, Loaf

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DESIGN TIP ‘I use antiques and vintage finds as a starting point for a room scheme and take it from there. The result is a style that is unique and different’

KITCHEN

This light-filled space, which opens on to the gardenroom extension, has a more contemporary style. Kitchen, Apostrophe Woodcraft. Units in Oxford Stone/ Charleston Gray estate eggshell, £64 for 2.5 ltr, Farrow & Ball. Imperial Nickel pendants, £215 each, Neptune. Try Classic travertine floor tiles, £16.50sq m, Floors of Stone

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DINING ROOM

Posy used a striking kilim to anchor this scheme, with its colourful mix of antiques and fabrics. Dar Lambeth ceiling lantern, £186, Ocean Lighting, has this look. Try the rattan and oak bistro chair, £108, Maisons du Monde. John Lewis & Partners sells similar Souk kilim rugs, from £100

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Posy designed the shelving behind the bed herself. Walls in Btwn Dog & Wolf architect’s matt, £56 for £2.5ltr, Paint & Paper Library. Try Duckegg Stripe, £15.99m, Terrys

BATHROOM

Tradition and luxury combine in this scheme. Wallpaper, St Antoine, £125 a roll, Farrow & Ball

MARTHA’S BEDROOM

This cosy space is a perfect den. Curtains in Agatha, £85m, Kate Forman

aving been converted to countryside living several years before, Posy and Pete Maitland Carew and their children, Lochie, now 13, and Martha, 11, set their heart on finding the perfect rural spot to create a new home for their growing family. Their search proved fruitful when they came across this Victorian farmhouse in its fairy-tale setting. Built by the local Roxburgh family, the property sits in woodland where Sir Walter Scott used to ride and has a beautiful loch in its grounds. ‘The first winter we lived here, the house was cold and damp, but to us, it felt like home,’ says Posy. ‘I was up for a project, despite being pregnant with our third child, Georgie, who is now eight. I certainly love a challenge.’

A PA S S I O N FO R FA B R I C

When the family moved in, the dining room and hallway were small and dark and Posy immediately wanted to create one larger space. ‘Removing the wall between these two rooms has lightened up the 12 | 2 5 B H D EC E M B ER 2020

entrance considerably, creating a welcoming reception area,’ she says. The couple also built an orangery-style garden room extension, which opens up the kitchen as well as allowing the family to enjoy views of the loch. A biomass boiler has also been installed, an obvious choice for such a large draughty house surrounded by its own woodland. It has turned out to be great investment. Keeping warm in the Scottish winters was clearly a priority for the family. As well as installing central heating throughout the house, the couple updated a number of the fireplaces that had been the main source of heat for the previous owners. While decorating the house, Posy filled the rooms with a mixture of vintage treasures, antiques and quirky finds. ‘I pick up quite a lot from TK Maxx. The shop is my guilty pleasure,’ she reveals. ‘I love a bargain and believe in mixing them with more expensive pieces.’ Posy studied constructed textiles at art college in Dundee and she is passionate about fabric. ‘I adore colour and pattern and I am hugely inspired by textiles from

India and Morocco,’ she says. And these influences are seen in almost every room. The circular layout of the farmhouse makes it great fun for the children to run around, and is perfect for games of hide and seek at Christmas. A multitude of staircases and little rooms on various levels create many unexpected twists and turns, while Posy’s dramatic and unpredictable decor adds an air of Alice in Wonderland. FA M I LY M AT T E R S

When it comes to sitting down for Christmas dinner, the formal dining room is the perfect festive gathering place. ‘This was once three small rooms which we knocked into one,’ says Posy. ‘We had 17 for Christmas last year; I always look forward to adding seasonal decorations.’ The festive season is a busy time of year for the family as they often have guests staying in the farm buildings, which have been renovated as self catering cottages (faldonsideescapes.co.uk). ‘This is such a peaceful setting,’ says Posy, ‘but the neighbouring towns are lively, making the area a great place to visit – and to live.’

home truths THE PROPERTY 17th-century cottage L O C AT I O N Dorset R O O M S Sitting room, dining room, kitchen-diner, cloakroom, library, snug, three bedrooms, two bathrooms P U R C H A S E D 2019 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘I moved from a larger house also in Dorset,’ says Georgie.

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c o u ntry | 25bh SITTING ROOM The stone fireplace, with a pair of antique Labrador stone statues positioned either side, makes a striking focal point especially at Christmas. Pouffe upholstered in Alvaro in Pale Red, £64m, Colefax and Fowler. Yocha large cushion covers, £60 each, Oka

F I N E V I N TA G E With a blend of English and French antiques, Georgie Maynard put her stamp on a converted village store – crossing the finishing line in time for Christmas FEATURE MAGGIE COLVIN | PHOTOGRAPHY ROBERT SANDERSON

KITCHEN-DINER Georgie has extended her favourite rustic French look to the kitchen with a few carefully chosen vintage pieces. Chairs upholstered in Suffolk small gingham check, £29.50m, Ian Mankin. Tablecloth in Red Flower fabric, £13m, Oka

f e s t i v e t i p ‘An infusion of white faux flowers and real foliage always makes DINING ROOM Book-lined walls visually widen this compact room, while creating an intimate effect. Maxime linen and coral tablecloth, £65, Weaver Green, is similar

aving lived in a comparatively large house in a rural part of Dorset, Georgie Maynard deliberately picked her new home in a friendly village locked in a time warp of cobbled streets, grouped around a village shop, a gallery, a church and a pub. ‘At Christmas time, carol singers come to my door, and Morris dancers invade the square in summer. It is a new, uplifting experience for me,’ she says. Having once been an antiques dealer, the irony of buying the one-time village store is not lost on her. ‘When I open the shutters in the large sitting room, friends and family tease me saying I have bought an antiques shop by mistake,’ says Georgie who concedes that it would make a wonderful showroom. Dating back to 1607, the cottage has a fascinating history. Originally built as a church house, it became a village inn, a schoolroom, a bakery and latterly the village store. The drawing room had been two rooms but a rather grand centrally placed stone fireplace suggests it was originally one room. In past days when the church owned the building, Georgie says she imagined it filled with people crowding around the huge fireplace singing carols and hymns. The size of the sitting room was one of the assets that sold the house to Georgie. ‘It is large enough for parties and easily houses my much-loved French pieces collected over the years,’ she says. ‘The bones of this house were good, however I really wanted a dining room so decided to convert the old village store

c o u ntry | 25bh MASTER BEDROOM The antique Edwardian iron French four-poster dressed in embroidered awning is the focal point. Clifton four-poster bed, from £1,550, Cornish Bed Company, has this look. Bedspread and cushions, price on request, all Chelsea Textiles

a great Christmas decoration, especially when festooned in fairy lights’ room at the back. It was long and thin so my challenge was to make it look wider and warm.’ Georgie found a local builder to damp-proof the floor and walls, replaster, rewire, paint and wallpaper. Her long thin table, a one-time counter from an old French chemist shop, seats eight comfortably. Lining one wall with book spines created a faux library, while the opposite wall is wallpapered in pretend bookshelves to emphasise width and disguise the door to her studio. Real bookshelves square off the room built along the end wall. Continuing with the reconfiguration, Georgie borrowed space from the old kitchen and installed a new wall to create a larder for wine bottles, cheese, jams, olive oil and the like, plus dog biscuits for Merlin her much loved lurcher. Georgie has given the kitchen a more homely, relaxed feel by adding a few old antique pieces. ‘I am not too keen on the clean-lined clinical look,’ she explains. Remarkably a favourite 19th-century painting of a Breton fish market just happened to fit between the top of her vintage sideboard and the kitchen ceiling. ‘This painting gives the feeling that the view could be just out of the window – almost like a clever trompe-l’oeil,’ she says. As her first Christmas Day approached last year, Georgie was looking forward to lighting a fire for her guests. ‘I’d been warned it could smoke,’ she says. ‘Happily with the wind in the right direction and a prayer, it crackled away while the champagne corks popped and we all sat down to enjoy the celebrations.’

B AT H R O O M Exotic imagery gives a luxury feel. Bird of Paradise wallpaper, £85 a roll, Matthew Williamson, would suit this scheme. Georgie’s house is available to rent via classic.co.uk

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home truths THE PROPERTY Grade II-listed cottage L O C AT I O N Cornwall R O O M S Entrance, sitting room, kitchen-diner, two bedrooms, bathroom P U R C H A S E D 2015 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘We also own a Georgian townhouse in Wales,’ says Gloria.

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LIGHT FANTASTIC Gloria Sheppard instinctively knew that an all-white palette and neutral, textured fabrics would enhance the beauty of her ﬁshing-village bolthole FEATURE JANE CRITTENDEN | STYLING ANNABELLE GRUNDY PHOTOGRAPHY COLIN POOLE

c oa s ta l | 25bh SITTING ROOM

Gloria whitewashed the walls and beamed ceiling to brighten this previously dark space. Fabrics in subtle shades and vintage pieces combine with a contemporary-style wood burner to create a pared-back, restful mood. Jøtul F105 wood burner, £3,500, Wendron Stoves. Innovation Dublexo chair, £390, Iroka Interiors. Rocco wool rug in Beige/Black, from £289.95, Benuta, has this look. Dallas wall lights, £108 each, David Hunt Lighting, would work here. Borrby lantern, £7, Ikea. Pudding love seat, £1,095, Loaf. Cushions, from £17.50 each, Cox & Cox. Vintage cabinet, £120; oars, £20; all Re Loved By Me. Fish print, £20, Notonthehighstreet.com. Muriva Encyclopaedia Bookcase wallpaper in Cream, £10 roll, Gowallpaper. To book Gloria’s holiday home, visit Saltpondshouse.com

festive TIP ‘ Silver and white tree decorations suit a neutral, pared-back schemeÕ

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loria Sheppard loves bold colours but knew instinctively that she would go for white when she saw the heavy wooden beams and dark floors inside Saltponds House, a Grade II-listed fisherman’s cottage just yards from the sea at Mousehole in Cornwall. ‘The coastal light that spills through the windows is fantastic and nothing like the light in Wales where my husband Jon and I live some of the time with our son, Rory, who’s 19,’ she says. The couple fell in love with the fishing village Mousehole years ago after regular holidays there. Keeping an eye on the harbourside cottages, Gloria desperately hoped one would come up for sale. After five years of waiting, her fortunes took a turn when she saw a listing online. ‘Jon and I jumped in the car pretty much

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straightaway and drove the four-and-a-half hours from Wales,’ she says. ‘We stood on the harbourside terrace and knew the cottage would be perfect for holidays and when we can live here full-time.’ As she was between jobs at the time, Gloria was able to devote herself to managing the modernisation of the 1800s property. ‘I’d waited so long for the cottage that I wanted everything to be just right,’ she says. ‘Being in Mousehole is like stepping back in time and I was keen for the same tranquillity in our home.’ Gloria threw herself into the research for the interiors, sometimes driving for hours to confirm or reject an idea. ‘I’m not a designer so this experience was completely new to me,’ she explains. ‘The sofa and chairs were a big purchase and I drove to London so I could see

c oa s ta l | 25bh DINING AREA

‘Mousehole has a close-knit fishing community and I wanted artwork to reflect and remind us of that,’ says Gloria. Karen of Ladram, Newlyn dawn landing, £2,500, by Henrietta Graham. Hudson Living Kielder Scandi dining table, £675, Olivia’s, would work here. Chinwag dining chairs, £330 a pair, Loaf. Try Roman numeral metal clock, £49,99, Dunelm. Original BTC 700 brushed aluminium pendant, £315, Hoxton Lights

ENTRANCE

Tongue-and-groove walls give a Scandi-style welcome. Try Vintage Crates at Notonthe highstreet.com for a sledge, £69.50

KITCHEN

Bespoke cabinetry makes use of every inch of space. Units with pewter knobs, £8,400, George Robinson; painted in Peignoir estate eggshell, £64 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball. Black Brazilian floor tiles, £19.95sq m, Mrs Stone Store. Milk churn, £45, Didier & Dandelion

LESSON LEARNT ‘Always carry a note with your rooms’ dimensions in case something catches your eye’

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MASTER BEDROOM

‘I painted the vintage wardrobe in chalk paint and the rest of the room flowed from there,’ says Gloria. Waves throw, £150, Sioni Rhys Handweavers. Similar cushions, £16.95, Lazy Beach. Rosalind bedside tables, £325 a pair, Laura Ashley. Lewis wardrobe, £390, Interie, has this look. Camille chest of drawers, £349, Swoon.

BATHROOM

The grey vanity unit becomes a focal point in this scheme. Caversham Blenheim unit, £851, Victorian Plumbing. Flat White metro tiles, £18sq m, Tons of Tiles. Stockholm mirror, £45, Ikea

the quality up close and try them out.’ For the overall theme, Gloria ‘drew on natural Scandi-inspired colours of grey, white and pale blues, adding textures with the fabrics, furnishings and accessories to catch the eye.’ The new kitchen needed to make use of space under the stairs and a local cabinet maker George Robinson created a design that was just what Gloria was hoping for. On his recommendation, she visited a stonemason for a granite worktop. ‘I thought I would have a white worktop and oak floors but a beautiful slab of white-grey-black granite blew me away,’ she says. ‘It looks fabulous with the black slate flooring.’ Gloria also changed her mind about the colour of the cupboards. ‘The grey I’d picked at home looked much darker in the Cornish coastal light. And I was surprised to find that Farrow & Ball’s Peignoir, which 2 2 | 2 5 B H D EC E M B ER 2020

is a soft grey with a hint of pink, works really well.’ Upstairs, wooden floors are painted grey-white and all the rooms decorated a silvery grey, enhancing the texture and character of the beams, cladding and exposed stone walls. Charming vintage furniture and quirky finds add warmth and personality, while soft furnishings hint at Scandi style, evoking the restful ambience Gloria sought. ‘I laid fabric swatches on the living room floor where the seating would go to see how they looked at different times of the day,’ she says. Now finished, Gloria can hardly believe the cottage is theirs. ‘I still pinch myself,’ she says. ‘Christmas, especially, is a lovely time for us to relax here together. I cook with lots of local produce and then we walk off our meal on the beach with our two Labradors.’

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Dtheeck

halls Interior designer Deborah Chancellor’s stylish period home shines throughout the holidays

FEATURE JANET MCMEEKIN PHOTOGRAPHY MARK BOLTON

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DINING ROOM

Deborah wanted to introduce a sense of drama into the space the family jokingly refer to as their ‘Downton dining room’. Gold twig mirror, £275, Graham and Green. Festive garland and table arrangements, price on request, This Floral Life. The Impex Italiano pendant light, £210, Refined Lighting, would also suit this setting

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home truths THE PROPERTY A detached Grade II-listed house, built in 1780, with Victorian additions L O C AT I O N Hampshire R O O M S Sitting room, dining room, kitchen-diner, snug, utility room, cloakroom, six bedrooms (three en suite), bathroom P U R C H A S E D 2011 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘We also own an Edwardian house in London,’ says Deborah.

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SITTING ROOM

The marble fireplace is the centre of attention in this inviting space, where Deborah has adeptly mixed new and vintage pieces. Try the Hemingway oval coffee table, ÂŁ599, John Lewis & Partners. Mid-century armchair, Sunbury Antiques Market

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DINING AREA

Chairs with vibrant seat pads add a fun touch. Chairs in a similar fabric to Romo’s Kashi in Nectar, £45m. Ava pendant lights, £137 each, Jim Lawrence

KITCHEN

Shaker-style units and a reconditioned range cooker deliver a timeless appeal. Bespoke cabinets, Handmade Kitchens of Christchurch. Butler pendant lights, £79.90 each, Jim Lawrence

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W BEDROOM

Jim’s childhood desk was the inspiration for the 1940s theme. Walls in Farrow & Ball’s Ball Green estate emulsion, £47.95 for 2.5ltr. The Drexler desk lamp, £26.95, Wayfair, is a good alternative

BATHROOM

A brass vintage table and panelled mirror lend art deco glamour. The Wonder-brass table, £195, Loaf, would work. Bath in Plummett estate eggshell, £64 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball

MASTER BEDROOM Soft hues create a calm feel. Walls in Peignoir estate emulsion, £47.95 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball. Spindle pendant lights, from £460 each, Rothschild & Bickers

hen family arrive for Christmas at Deborah Chancellor’s elegant 18th-century home, they can’t fail to be enveloped by the spirit of the festive season. As they stroll into the hallway, they are greeted by a crackling wood burner and the scent of spruce, emanating from the lovingly decorated tree. ‘This beautiful hallway, with its large inglenook fireplace, was just one of many surprises that captivated me when I first viewed the house,’ explains Deborah. In 2010, Deborah, who lives in London with her husband, Jim, and their sons Jacob, 21, and Lucas, 19, decided to follow her heart and enrolled on a course at the KLC School of Design to retrain as an interior designer. ‘While learning about the history of style through the ages, I was particularly inspired by mid-century modern design,’ she says. Soon after graduating, and eager to put her new-found skills into practice, Deborah, who also adores the Georgian era, began searching for a suitable property. ‘For many years, we’d dreamt about buying a second home – somewhere rural, yet within reach of the coast,’ she explains. Having received a tip-off about a country house in Hampshire, Deborah was elated when she arrived at the handsome property, which nestles in almost five acres of mature gardens and woodland. Stepping inside, she was enchanted by the wealth of period features and the generous proportions of the rooms. ‘It had a lovely feel and a good sense of happiness,’ says Deborah. On a snowy January day, Deborah and Jim clinched the deal. And keen to start writing the next chapter of the house’s history, they hired a team of recommended local builders and, with Deborah project managing, the six-month sympathetic renovation began. ‘Every inch of the house needed updating,’ says Deborah. ‘The kitchen was ripped out and replaced with handmade units, new bathrooms were fitted, the electrics and plumbing were overhauled and traditional cast-iron radiators were installed in virtually every room.’ When it came to redecorating the interior, Deborah went for a carefully considered palette to enhance the individuality of each room and allow the myriad architectural features to sing out. The colours act as a backdrop for an eclectic mix of old and new finds, plus a collection of striking artwork, which includes some of Deborah’s own paintings. ‘Coincidentally, the last owners shared my love of mid-century design,’ she says, ‘and I was thrilled when they left a number of pieces here that I have put my stamp on.’ Although mid-century pieces are an integral part of the decor, Deborah has deliberately juxtaposed elements from different eras to ensure nothing feels too contrived. ‘Buying for our new home was the perfect excuse to visit antiques shops, fairs and search online for treasures,’ she says. And now the work is finished, this rural retreat lends itself perfectly to the festive season. ‘My friend Karen Watson, who runs This Floral Life, is an extremely talented florist,’ says Deborah. ‘In the run-up to Christmas, I always look forward to stopping off with her to collect a wreath and stunning flower arrangements for our home. ‘After we have finished decorating the house, it’s time to unwind and enjoy making special memories with our family. We all love nothing more than singing around the piano, going for long walks or simply hunkering down together in front of a roaring fire. It’s wonderful.’ 2 5 B H D EC E M B ER 2020 | 3 1

home truths THE PROPERTY Georgian-style village house, built in the 1990s L O C AT I O N Hampshire R O O M S Sitting room, drawing room, kitchen-diner, playroom, ﬁve bedrooms, four bathrooms P U R C H A S E D 2015 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘We moved from a threebedroom house just outside London,’ says Lucy.

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A NEW ADVENTURE

When they decided to leave the city, Lucy and Anthony Wakeﬁeld found the ideal country house to transform FEATURE MAGGIE COLVIN | PHOTOGRAPHY ROBERT SANDERSON/NARRATIVES

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SITTING ROOM

A hand-carved white marble copy of an Adam fireplace is the star of this space. Walls in Portland Stone absolute matt emulsion, £47 for 2.5ltr, Little Greene. Fireplace, from a selection, Thornhill Galleries. Cayuga rug, £795, Oka. Frosted

Norway Spruce 7ft artificial tree, £369.99; pre-lit faux 1.8m garland, £29.99, both Lights4fun. Presents wrapped in Christmas paper, £13.50 for a 10m roll, Cox & Cox

EXTERIOR

The family outside their Hampshire home, where they have carefully replaced the brick facade

ucy Wakefield’s countdown to Christmas usually kicks off when the seasonal lights switch on in her village and an invitation to an evening of carols and mulled wine drops through her letter box. ‘This is typical of the friendly all-inclusive hospitality that characterises our village,’ says Lucy who lives here with her husband Anthony and their two small children, Lara, seven, and Oscar, four, and Phoebe, the Birman cat. Both she and Anthony were brought up in London so moving to the country

was very new. ‘We were looking for a house in a village with a community spirit and found this dream home in what has proved to be a really friendly village, especially at Christmas time,’ says Lucy. ‘It is conveniently just an hour’s drive from Anthony’s work.’ The bones were good but neither Anthony nor Lucy liked the stark red brick facade. ‘Our first job was to age the exterior by replacing the modern bricks with a mellowed reclaimed variety. Some of the locals thought cutting old

bricks into slithers to use as tiles a bit crazy, but now it is done they appreciate the results,’ says Lucy. The house inside was full of light with generous proportions, with large Georgian-size windows, high ceilings and square rooms. But issues arose when they moved in. ‘We soon found we never used the formal dining room and wanted a more social kitchen so friends could chat and share a drink with us before dinner.’ Tracking down Barry Bowhill, the original architect, the couple asked him to design

f e s t i v e t i p ‘I love to combine natural foliage with fake. They complement each other and when the real wilts the fake takes over’ 3 4 | 2 5 B H D EC E M B ER 2020

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The new reconfigured kitchen-diner has given the couple the more sociable space they had wanted. Kitchen by Thomas Davies Kitchens. Weathered oak counter stools, £195 each, Cox & Cox. Pink Hearts teapot, £59.95, Emma Bridgewater

HALLWAY

Two rows of pre-lit garlands are wrapped through the banisters for a festive look. Chapel battery LED pillar candles, £22.99 for a set of three; pre-lit garlands, £39.99 each, all Lights4fun

DINING AREA

Wooden furniture and plenty of candlelight create a rustic feel. Hand-carved fireplace, price on request, Thornhill Galleries. Bordeaux oak grand table, £1,299, House of Oak, has this look. Camargue dining chairs, £195 each, Oka

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MASTER BEDROOM

Vibrant hues bring a richness to the scheme. Find a range of Kantha bedspreads at Etsy

BATHROOM

A whitewashed wooden floor creates a light, clean look. Similar wall tiles from the Madeira range, £195sq m, Fired Earth

OSCAR’S BEDROOM

The ledge keeps books tidy and within reach. Star book ledge, £21.25, Great Little Trading Company, has this look

a new layout, knocking the dining room and kitchen into one. A door was also added to link the sitting room more closely to the new enlarged kitchen space. Two years later, when Lara and Oscar outgrew the family bathroom, the couple decided to knock through to the adjoining study to make a more comfortable bathroom, As this left them without a study, their final job was to convert the double garage into an office space. Throughout the house Lucy has relied on muted calm background colours with 3 6 | 2 5 B H D EC E M B ER 2020

energising dollops of colour in cushions, rugs and throws. Accent colours vary from room to room. ‘In a large house there is more flexibility, and less need to colour coordinate spaces too exactly,’ she says. ‘I like a bit of deliberate mismatch. It feels more homely and less staged.’ As Anthony inherited a family antique fireplace business dating back to 1880, uniquely lovely fireplaces are the ultimate showstoppers in all the main rooms. They help to enhance the traditional feel and at Christmas they come into their own. Lucy

picks variegated foliage from the garden to mix with fake. ‘I really like those pre-lit fir garlands as they save so much time,’ she says. She decorates the house with help from Lara and Oscar who insist upon tying golden elephants and other little toys with tight knots, which are not easy to undo. ‘I am thinking of giving the children their own tree to decorate next year,’ says Lucy. ‘Hopefully this will keep them distracted while I can have my own way with the larger decorations and table settings.’

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Comfort & joy

Susie and Phillipa McGinley-Collins renovated and extended a neglected Victorian cottage that’s now so inviting it’s the place to be during the festive season FEATURE NAOMI JONES | PHOTOGRAPHY ROBERT SANDERSON

SITTING ROOM Phillipa and Susie exposed the brick chimney breast and fitted a multi-fuel stove to create a cosy corner. Try the Marcy mustard velvet armchair, £359, Barker and Stonehouse. Alcoves in Downpipe estate emulsion, £47.95 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball. Scott sofa, from £1,399, Made

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home truths THE PROPERTY Semi-detached cottage built in 1873 and extended in 2017 L O C AT I O N Nottinghamshire R O O M S Sitting room, kitchen-diner/living area, office, three bedrooms, bathroom P U R C H A S E D 2016 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘We moved from a semi-detached cottage nearby,’ says Phillipa.

KITCHEN-DINER A butler’s sink and Shaker units painted in a warm grey combined with a light-ﬁlled dining space (below) results in a modern, country feel. Units in Down Pipe modern eggshell, £29 for 750ml, Farrow & Ball. Finn dining armchairs, £138 for two, Danetti

ownsizing to a damp, mouldy and cramped cottage with ‘vintage’ plumbing and electrics, and no mains gas may not sound that appealing to most of us, but for Susie and Phillipa McGinleyCollins it was an opportunity not to be missed. ‘We had always loved the location of this house,’ says Susie, ‘so in 2016, when the chance came to buy the property and breathe life into this neglected old building, we couldn’t pass it up, even though we knew it was going to be incredibly challenging.’ Indeed, this project was not one for the faint-hearted. ‘The house had been occupied by the same family for the previous 50 years and probably untouched for 30 of those,’ explains Phillipa. ‘Lino, tiles and carpets had been ﬁtted one on top of another; and every room had polystyrene tiles on the ceilings, and layer upon layer of wall coverings.’ That initial burst of renovation work included digging up the ﬂoors in order to install a damp-proof membrane, insulation and a concrete pad; stripping the walls back to bare brick; rewiring, replumbing and replastering; relocating the bathroom upstairs by carving off space from one of the two bedrooms; and installing a new

combi boiler. In addition, some internal walls were knocked down, the layout reconﬁgured with new stud walls built by Phillipa, and ceilings raised to open up the space. ‘Once the place was just about habitable, we moved in and started planning the extension,’ says Phillipa. ‘The next 12 months were rather challenging as the original cottage was quite a bit smaller than the house we’d moved from, so we had far too much furniture.’ A further consideration was the addition of Olive, their rescue dog from Spain, along with the existing pack of mini wire-haired dachshund Henry-Pickle, mini long-haired dachshund Charlie, and Tilly the beagle. The brief for the two-storey extension was for a light-ﬁlled, living/dining space off the original kitchen with bifold doors onto the garden. They also wanted a more spacious hallway and an office for Phillipa, above which would be a new bedroom for the couple that would be accessed by a new corridor created from part of the other original bedroom. With a reliable team of local crafts and tradespeople, and the couple’s hands-on attitude, the structural work was completed in four months so Susie and Phillipa could begin to tackle the decor and furnishings. ‘Very little in our home is brand new,’ says Susie, ‘as we love the look of older, more “lived-in” pieces. Phillipa is the queen of sourcing great-quality bargains and we’ve tied it all together with our chosen colour scheme, which is mainly off-white, with shades of grey, green and blue, and accents of gold for warmth.’ Susie and Phillipa feel rightly proud of how they have transformed their home. ‘It has been an incredible transformation,’ says Phillipa. ‘We feel very lucky to live in such a comfortable home that’s now large enough to share a festive meal with friends and family. It was hard work and it was expensive, but we are so happy we had the chance to do right by this lovely old property.’

MASTER BEDROOM Part of the new extension, this space has been given a warm, contemporary country style. Sienna upholstered linen double bed, from £1,245, Feather & Black. Panelling in Worsted modern eggshell, £71 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball

BEDROOM Visitors love the French rustic feel. The Ferraro accent mirror, £249.99, Wayfair, will add a touch of French style. Nowodvorski’s Loft Antique Ecru Biurkowa table lamp, €50.82, Lampa. Alvine Kvist pillowcases, £25 for set with double duvet cover, Ikea

B AT H R O O M This new room was created by stealing some space from one of the original bedrooms. The print is actually a tea towel mounted and framed. Wild Seas tea towel, £10, SeaKisses. Wall in Down Pipe modern emulsion, £49.95 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball

BEDROOM Susie also uses this bedroom as a craft room and has set up a present wrapping station here. Similar antique French-style chair, £179.99, Homesdirect 365. The Hathaway Rustic Grey Roman blind, from £29.95, Blinds 2 Go, is similar

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home truths THE PROPERTY A renovated former village bakery and butchers built circa 1750 L O C AT I O N Oxfordshire R O O M Sitting room, dining/ living area, kitchen, utility room, three bedrooms, bathroom P U R C H A S E D 1998 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘We lived in an old cottage just around the corner,’ says Steph.

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ALL IS CALM

Simplicity and elegance work harmoniously to make Steph Eley’s cottage a magical place at Christmas FEATURE ALICE ROBERTON | PHOTOGRAPHY TAMSYN MORGANS/NARRATIVES

DINING/LIVING AREA Aged paint and whitewashed walls set the scene for a rustic yet elegant celebration. Dolly tub, £140, Belle Epoque. Table made using salvaged base and reclaimed boards

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SITTING ROOM The French vintage linen sofa cover handmade by Steph works with the faded grandeur of old shutters and ornate mirrors. Similar shutters, £300, Pearly Hill. Vintage mirror (below), from £895, Old Whyte Interiors. French garden table, £55, Sheila Beard. Planter, from £32, RE. Decorative accessories, from a selection at Chloe Antiques

d e c o r at i o n t i p ‘White and wood accents work perfectly together to create a look of rustic elegance’ 4 6 | 2 5 B H D EC E M B ER 2020

he uncluttered simplicity of Steph Eley’s whitewashed and wood interior evokes a feeling of calm, regardless of the time of year. As perfect on a summer’s day with the breeze coming in through the windows as it is at Christmas when candles, strings of fairy lights and the log burner offer a flickering warmth. Together with Paul Stanley – her partner and stalwart handyman – Steph has taken the Hornton stone cottage, a former bakery and butchers in the heart of Oxfordshire, from dilapidation to idyllic home with salvaged materials, well-placed decorative antiques and weathered and worn vintage. The cottage was outdated and dark when Steph and Paul bought it, so they gutted and put it back together again, reusing what materials they could along the way. When they opened up the main downstairs space they dug up tiles from the then sitting room floor to later lay in the kitchen, carefully removed beams and floorboards throughout the cottage which they restored, treated and put back. Paul and Steph work well as a team, with Steph having a clear vision of what she wants and Paul having the know-how to make it happen. Having worked as a decorative antique dealer and interior consultant for 25 years, trading at Pearly Hill (Instagram @pearlyhill_), Steph has honed her style down to a tee; her look is one of simplicity and patina. ‘I love a simple French country look with no clutter and few frills – my eyes always fall on the faded, the imperfect and a good patina. I love the everyday feel

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KITCHEN Exposed brickwork brings depthtotheneutralscheme. Kitchen made by Hunt Bespoke Kitchens & Interiors. Reconditioned cast-iron AGA, £4,300, AGA. Antique pendant light, £45, Daylesford Country Brocante

B AT H R O O M A French vintage cupboard vanity with new basin adds continental character. White wall mirror, £26.95, Melody Maison, would suit this scheme. Stately Empire chandelier, £699, Sweetpea & Willow, has this look BEDROOM This tucked-away loft room is made cosy with crumpled vintage linen and salvage finds. Fireplace and metal frame daybed, similar sourced at Arthur Swallow Fairs

l a s t w o r d ‘I like to feel a sense of order and space – I’d rather have one big, beautiful piece of furniture than shelves full of stuff’ 4 8 | 2 5 B H D EC E M B ER 2020

of living in a white interior – to some it may seem totally impractical, but I don’t put anything in my home that I feel precious about; furniture can be easily wiped, and the white linen loose covers can be chucked in the washing machine,’ she says. ‘White is magical at Christmas when dressed with a delicately decorated tree, freshly cut greenery, fairy lights and candles, however with a bit of extra sparkle and few pops of colour one can create a great sense of occasion,’ says Steph. Bar a few domestic essentials, everything Steph and Paul have put in their home has lived a previous life – the knocks and scrapes and signs of wear are all visible. Many of the pieces in the cottage have a simple elegance to them, while others feel more worn and rustic. This includes the dining table which they made out of a set of weathered old planks covered in layers of paint. ‘I’d had these stored away for years waiting for the right size table base to turn up,’ she says. And while many would think it an unnecessary labour to search high and low at flea markets and fairs for that ‘special’ piece to bring home and restore, Steph and Paul will always go the extra mile to bring new function to old objects. ‘We were determined to get an old roll-top bath we’d found at a salvage yard installed,’ says Steph. ‘It took three very strong men to get it up our little winding stairs – it was worth every bit of effort. Our home tells a story and is very personal yet is by no means a museum of treasures, it’s a home to enjoy and relax in, especially at Christmas time.’

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MASTER BEDROOM Chateau chic is created with statement French furniture and a crystal drop chandelier. Vintage cane bed, £950, Pearly Hill, is similar. Similar chest of drawers, £350, Bonds Lifestyle. Find crystal drop chandeliers, from £395, Vinterior

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Past meets present Julie Simonsen feels blessed to spend time in the family home where she celebrated Christmas as a little girl FEATURE SEÁN O’CONNELL | PHOTOGRAPHY IBEN & NIELS AHLBERG/INAGENCY.DK

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home truths T H E P R O P E R T Y Detached house, built in 1918 L O C AT I O N Denmark R O O M S Sitting room, dining room, kitchen-diner, four bedrooms, three bathrooms I N H E R I T E D 1991 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘Our main home is an apartment in Copenhagen,’ says Julie.

DINING ROOM The design of the glass window panes is reﬂected in the ceiling. Gustavian dining table, £1,995; Leksand chairs, from £395 each, Nordic Style, share this look. Mariposa Butterﬂy chair, €232, Cuero. Try the Gronlid chaise longue, £310; Lattnad candles, 75p each, all Ikea

If home is where the heart is, then Julie Simonsen’s is unquestionably a certain pretty villa in a Danish fishing harbour. Ever since Julie’s parents bought it 50 years ago, family Christmases have been spent in the seafront house, just 45 minutes’ drive from Copenhagen. ‘I’ve had to update it since I took it over,’ she says, ‘but luckily my parents renovated it to a high standard, which has been such a blessing.’ Julie was keen to make her own mark on the house by sanding the floors, adding a bathroom and redecorating throughout. However, one particular aspect of her new-look interior proved quite controversial in the village. For Julie, the majestic metal bath that takes pride of place in the master bedroom is a perfect and practical addition, but not everyone agrees. ‘Many of my neighbours said, “A bath in the bedroom – how can you do that?” even though in the UK, where I used to live and work, it’s been popular in interiors for quite a long time,’ Julie says. In most other respects, the villa is in line with Scandinavian sensibilities. ‘I’m a fan of the Gustavian look and the pale colour scheme throughout reflects that,’ says Julie. It also explains the presence of accessories such as the

f e s t i v e t i p ‘If you can, I would recommend making your own elegant chandelier in the master bedroom and the antique mounted washbasin in the bathroom – both bought in England and both charmingly worn. ‘I don’t like things looking too perfect,’ she says. ‘And that also applies to the house itself – I want it to feel relaxed and lived-in, with a beach-house feel.’ And, of course, the house has to lend itself to the most important occasion of the year, Yuletide, for this is the time when the Simonsen family descend on the house to celebrate in the way they have always done. ‘Christmases spent here take me back to a time when Santa Claus used to come,’ says Julie. And part of recreating that magic is down to the decorations, which is where Julie’s partner Ejner 5 2 | 2 5 B H D EC E M B ER 2020

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Thomsen’s talents shine. ‘Each year, we decorate the house together in the days leading up to Christmas, but Ejner is mainly responsible because he’s so amazingly creative,’ says Julie. As well as the garlanding around the fireplace, Ejner makes most of the small decorations by hand, some of which adorn the spruce bough that hangs artfully over the dining table. When all the decorations are in place, members of Julie’s family, including her parents, arrive for the celebrations. With everyone seated at the table in the light-filled conservatory dining room, it is the food that takes centre stage. ‘Festive customs are important for the Danish,’ says Julie, ‘and the tradition on the 24th is to have home-made rice pudding with chopped almonds, vanilla and whipped cream with cherry sauce. There’s one whole almond in there and the person who finds it wins a special prize, a marzipan pig wearing a red ribbon.’ The main Christmas meal is a mouth-watering feast that includes duck, crispy pork, red cabbage and home-made chocolates, and only when the eating has finally ceased can the final ritual take place – the opening of the presents. ‘It makes the perfect end to the day,’ says Julie. ‘What’s most important, though, is having this wonderful place to celebrate with my family. That’s the greatest gift.’

Christmas decorations as it creates a far more personal and special feel’ SITTING ROOM Ejner’s decorations are a highlight here. Try the Amenial armchair, £490, Wayfair KITCHENDINER The blue on the units and chairs is uplifting. Paintwork in Regency Blue, intelligent eggshell, £66 for 2.5ltr, Little Greene. Norraryd dining chairs are a similar style, £50 each, Ikea. Try the pleated shade, £44, Etsy. Switch Lighting sells Fisherman pendants, £40 each

MASTER BEDROOM A chandelier accentuates the bath as the focal point. The Montpellier chandelier would suit, £399, The French Bedroom Company. Try the Trafalgar nickel roll-top bath, £1,999, Victorian Plumbing. Gold hanging decoration made by Ejner Thomsen B AT H R O O M The pretty washbasin was bought in England. For Victorian basins, from £400, try Stiffkey Bathrooms

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RING THE CHANGES Choose festive finishing touches from the stylish offerings at Homesense to switch up your space this Christmas

ressing up your home for the holidays has become as traditional as turkey and mince pies. But while you may prefer sticking to tradition in the kitchen, it doesn’t mean you have to elsewhere. Why not switch up your Christmas for 2020 and give the gorgeous new decorations from Homesense a whirl? After all, it’s your home and your rules. And at Homesense you’ll find savings of up to 60% every day, so it’s a double win.

MOODY BLUES Bring the inky, starry night indoors by combining blue hues with glittering gold and silver tree decorations. Add splashes of colour with bold cushions

IN WITH THE NEW

E AT & B E M E R R Y Evoke the snowy Scottish Highlands with traditional tartan accents in classic red and green. Gold accessories elevate the look

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S H I M M E R & S PA R K L E Go for glamour by pairing iridescent glassware with cute glitter tree ornaments in whatever colours take your fancy

LET THE SHOPPING BEGIN… We’ve got brand-new deliveries to help you switch up your Christmas arriving right up until Christmas Eve. Homesense is part of the TK Maxx family and there are 76 stores across the country, so get down to your local store today. Find your nearest one at homesense.com/ find-a-store.

FEATURE EMILY POINTER

The holidays are the one time of year you can add real sparkle to your interiors, so why not go to town? And we’re not talking just lights, ornaments and garlands, but tableware and furnishings, too. How we decorate our home is an expression of ourselves and standout pieces will bring joy over the festive season. So if you fancy a change, Homesense is here for you with its unique offerings at irresistible prices. The Aurora Ambience look is a stunning modern take on metallics with cool blues, icy whites and pops of contrasting colour – ideal for a grown-up vibe. Festive Fiesta combines glamour with colourful accents – think iridescent glassware alongside bold shades. For the traditionalists that want to pep up the classic red, gold and green scheme, it’s easy to add a Scottish-inspired twist with Tartan Tidings. With everything needed for the festivities all under one roof – including pressies – Homesense will help ensure the holidays are happy.

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PICTURE PERFECT For Leon and Iain Stevenson-Wood, Yuletide is the ideal excuse to give their home some flawless festive glamour FEATURE SEÁN O’CONNELL | STYLING SALLY MATON | PHOTOGRAPHY BRUCE HEMMING

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home truths THE PROPERTY Victorian terrace L O C AT I O N Brighton R O O M S Sitting room, kitchen-diner, three bedrooms (one en suite), bathroom P U R C H A S E D 2012 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘Before this we had a basement ﬂat, also in Brighton,’ says Leon.

psizing from a basement ﬂat to a Victorian terrace in Brighton was a dream move for Leon and Iain Stevenson-Wood. As well as being the headquarters of the travel company they both work for, this vibrant city suits them perfectly. As did this house when they discovered it. ‘Although the property had lain empty for ﬁve years, the owner had kept it in a good state,’ says Leon. ‘Every room was painted white with oatmeal carpets, which gave us a blank canvas for decorating.’ The pair have similar tastes and according to Leon, they have a successful formula when it comes to decor. ‘Before I make changes, I’ll ask Iain’s opinion on it – then I’ll go ahead and do

what I was going to do anyway,’ he says with a smile. ‘Luckily he’s usually happy with the result in the end.’ This no-nonsense approach extends to Leon’s method of decorating – not for him the laborious process of endless tester pots or mood boards. ‘I jump straight in and buy the paint then slap it on the wall,’ he says matter-of-factly. ‘At the end of the day, if you don’t like how it turns out, you just paint over it.’ Leon’s inﬂuences come from many directions – as well as following the tried-and-tested route of scouring magazines and perusing Pinterest, he cites TV shows as a source of ideas for the home. He and Iain also love visiting country houses, which possibly

SITTING ROOM

The beautifully decorated tree – one of three in the house – takes pride of place in the bay window. Zoffany Darnley wallpaper, £114 a roll, Jane Clayton. Highland Check curtains, from £65, Dunelm. Try the Malvern coffee table, £250, Next. Serving trolley, £69, The Range, has this look. Cut-glass Sphere pendant chandelier, £249, Ellie’s Finishing Touches. Matisse leather sofas, £1,399 each, DFS

KITCHEN-DINER

Leon and Iain have created an individual look with colourful china displays and artwork. Natural History Museum Vintage Parrots framed wall prints, £139 a pair, Made.com, are similar. Highland tartan design square tablecloth, £18.99, Gretna Green, has this look. Walls in Dinner Jacket emulsion, from £21 for 2.5ltr, Valspar.

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accounts for the air of refinement in the sitting room, where a stately portrait of a distinguished gentleman takes centre stage. When asked if the figure was a distant relative, Leon replies: ‘No we found him on eBay for £10, but we became so attached to him, we christened him John, and now he’s like part of the family.’ Other treasured remnants from a bygone age are evident in this room in the form of the period cornicing and an ornate fireplace. ‘We’ve spent time stripping umpteen decades of paint from the fireplaces, as well as the original front door,’ says Leon, ‘not to mention bringing the original wooden bedroom floors back to life. These features are so special, it’s only right to preserve them.’ He

concedes that another reason he and Iain love this house so much is that it’s simply made for Christmas and comes into its own at this time of year – with a little help from an abundance of lovingly arranged decorations, of course. ‘On the first weekend of December, we deck the halls – and everywhere else,’ says Leon, pointing out that the best part is the ritual is going to choose each of the three Christmas trees they insist on each year. The couple make no bones about the fact that one of the main pleasures they get is from having friends round. Says Leon of past parties: ‘When the house is looking its festive best, music playing and the party in full swing, we know Christmas has finally arrived.’

MASTER BEDROOM

Splashes of red lend a festive feel. Besta Burs desk (now only sold in white), £150, Ikea. The urns belonged to Leon’s grandmother; for similar antique urns, from £450 a pair, try Vinterior. Leirvik bed frame, £99; Hemnes bedside table, £50, both Ikea. For faux-fur throws, from £123, try Katrina Hampton. Thermal curtains, £45 a pair; Venetian five-light chandelier, £199, both Next. Walls in Dinner Jacket emulsion, from £21 for 2.5ltr, Valspar

EN SUITE

A vintage portrait lends a quirky touch to this compact space. Nelly bathroom shelf, £76, Wayfair, has the same look. Matrix wall tiles, £18.67sq m, Topps Tiles

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DINING AREA Button-back upholstered chairs make a welcome place to sit. ‘We wanted to be able to lounge around the table comfortably,’ says Lynsey. Chairs, £249 each, Evans & Knight Interior Design. Table, £1,999, Sweetpea & Willow

home truths THE PROPERTY Detached 1940s house L O C AT I O N East Sussex R O O M S Sitting room, kitchen-diner/living area, snug, cloakroom, four bedrooms (one en suite), two bathrooms P U R C H A S E D 2014 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘We lived in a 1950s house in a village nearby,’ says Lynsey.

COME TOGETHER Entertaining is at the heart of Lynsey and Warren Evans’ home, decorated in chic neutrals with an art deco twist FEATURE JANE CRITTENDEN | STYLING MARISHA TAYLOR | PHOTOGRAPHY JAMES FRENCH

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KITCHEN ‘I wanted colour contrast here,’ says Lynsey. ‘Dark grey draws everyone around the island and into the centre of the room.’ Island in Charcoal eggshell, £54 for 2.5ltr, Neptune. Distressed oak flooring from the Van Gogh range, £26sq m, Karndean

SITTING ROOM Candles and fairy lights create a magical atmosphere. Try Liang & Eimil’s Ming console, £970, LuxDeco. Eichholtz Ruhlmann hurricane lamps, from £345 each, Houseology

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nterior designer, Lynsey Evans and her husband, Warren, love entertaining, so their home will be where all the family congregate this Christmas. ‘One of the reasons we chose this property is because we knew it would make a fantastic party house,’ says Lynsey. ‘As well as entertaining family on Christmas day, each year I host a Christmas party for friends. We bought a table to comfortably seat 12 and tag on the table from outside.’ After deciding to relocate back to Hove after years of living in a village, Lynsey had an instant affinity with this 1940s house, drawn to its generous footprint and big garden. ‘We drove around the corner and saw the sea along the horizon and were blown away,’ she says. ‘We’d really missed being near the beach and the city.’ Lynsey, who runs Evans & Knight Interior Design, as well as working with Warren in their property letting business, moved here with grown-up children, Ellie, 22, and Charlie, 20, who needed their own

space within the home. Although there was room for everyone, the layout was dark and chaotic with seven poky bedrooms and heavy wood panelling in the hallway and dining room. It didn’t take long for Lynsey to put her interior design skills to use. ‘I began roughing out a new layout after the first viewing,’ she says. ‘We removed the panelling and extended the kitchen to create a modern living space we could open up to the garden in summer.’ On the first floor, Lynsey took the dramatic step of turning three bedrooms into one luxurious master suite. ‘We didn’t need seven bedrooms,’ she explains. ‘Warren and I love staying in hotel suites so we’ve recreated that look and feel.’ For Lynsey, this meant a classic neutral palette for a scheme with a sense of flow. Silvery greys downstairs make way to warmer taupes and creams upstairs, blended together with furniture in dark grey that draws the eye. ‘The kitchen island is painted in Neptune’s Charcoal as is the dresser and the back wall in the snug,’ says Lynsey. ‘The

colour repeats throughout the house – I’ve also upcycled the glass cabinet and vanity in our en suite in the same shade.’ Another nod towards Lynsey’s love for big, bold decoration are the striking large table lamps and oversized vases that adorn the house. Art deco style adds glamour in black and gold furniture, ribbed glass lighting and geometric patterns. And with Christmas just around the corner, Lynsey has opted for natural decoration by using an abundance of greenery. ‘Foliage softens and infuses the house with warmth, and sprinkled with fairy lights creates a sense of magic we all love at Christmas,’ she says. The whole family are really looking forward to celebrating this year and are delighted to be living back in the area. ‘Sometimes I sit in the snug and catch a glimpse of the garden or the kitchen and I think how lucky we were to be able to do this project,’ says Lynsey. ‘We love living close to the sea, the city and the action – moving here felt like coming home.’

b e s t b u y ‘Our corner sofa in the snug is my favourite piece of furniture. We all love sitting here together in the evenings – it’s so comfortable’ SNUG Silvery greys create a relaxing feel. Wall (on left) in Charcoal matt emulsion, £38 for £2.5ltr, Neptune. Long Island sofa in Squirrel cotton matt velvet, £4,570, Sofa.com

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MASTER BEDROOM ‘A geometric print fabric breaks up the expanse of painted wall,’ says Lynsey. Window dressings made in Ashley Wilde Axel Pearl, £26m, Evans & Knight Interior Design

H A L LWAY A grey and taupe stair runner continues the colour theme upstairs. Fibre Devonian carpet in Drake, £45m, Ocean Flooring. Chair covered by ES Riley Upholstery in Downing Gate in Gray, £96m, Thibaut

MASTER EN SUITE Art deco-style lighting adds glamour. Eichholtz Marino wall lamp, £650, Evans & Knight Interior Design. Marlborough bath, £2,100, Victoria & Albert Baths

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MERRY & BRIGHT

Mary Corbett and her husband Alastair transformed a brickmaker’s cottage into a much-loved and vibrant family home that’s double the size it used to be FEATURE MAGGIE COLVIN | PHOTOGRAPHY ROBERT SANDERSON

KITCHEN-DINER

Sunlight filters through the conservatory windows into this newly-built kitchen. Units in Parma Gray estate eggshell, £64 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball. Acrylic jug, £25, Club Matters

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DINING ROOM

The 18th-century style mural gives this space a distinct character. Hand-painted mural by Kim Sisson. Camargue dining chairs, £195 each, Oka; in Louis Blue chalk paint, £21.95 for 1ltr, Annie Sloan. True Grace dinner candles, £3 each, Heal’s

home truths T H E P R O P E R T Y Victorian cottage extended and partially rebuilt in 2001 L O C AT I O N Hampshire R O O M S Sitting room, dining room, kitchen-diner, six bedrooms (two en suite), bathroom M O V E D I N 2001 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘We lived in a cottage on the family farm,’ says Mary.

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A timeless country look is summed up in a mix of sky blue and white striped upholstery and floral designs. Find a Regency-style gilt mirror at Thakeham Furniture

festive TIP ‘Never be frightened to add bright neon decorations to your Christmas

HALLWAY

A striking sweeping staircase and expansive hall contribute to the house’s elegant first impression. Regency Hall lantern in bronze, £2,361, Vaughan. Baubles, from a selection, India Jane

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MASTER BEDROOM

ot easy for carol singers to find, Mary Corbett and her husband Alastair Gossage’s home is approached by a long winding drive set in secluded woodland. At Christmas, their one-time brickmaker’s cottage twinkles with fairy lights and in the spring, the woodland is carpeted with daffodils. All year round it is surrounded by animals, who usefully help finish up the remains of Christmas lunch. Peacocks, ducks, chickens, and guinea fowl, not to forget two collies, Panda and Cowrie, a black Labrador, Pixie, and three cats. ‘I love animals,’ Mary admits. ‘They make a house a home.’ Mary’s grandmother originally bought the family farm in the 1920s and her parents first lived in the cottage before Mary and Alastair took it over. ‘My parents had made very few improvements over the 40 years, so when we took it on, it felt much loved but in need of extensive repairs and updating. The ceilings were very low and the windows were small so the whole house felt rather dark and pokey.’ Taking advice from renowned architect Hugh Petter from ADAM Architecture, they adopted his ambitious plans to extend the cottage by almost two-thirds and rearrange the higgledy-piggledy facade, morphing it into that of a Georgian farmhouse. ‘When he sent us his drawings, I thought he’d sent us the wrong house plans. It was unrecognisable.’ In his plans, the house gained a large bright kitchen conservatory, three new bedrooms with en suite bathrooms, plus large bay windows for the dining room and sitting room. Most significantly, the facade acquired a new porch and large grand hall with a sweeping staircase leading to a

This oasis of calm is decorated in a soft pastel theme. Palm tree lamp, £90, Club Matters. Vintage bedside table in Old White chalk paint, £21.95 for 1ltr, Annie Sloan

tree. I mix Day-Glo orange, shocking pink and canary yellow – it lifts the spirits’ double-height balcony. ‘This was a massive undertaking, even the roof came off and it was a huge financial commitment,’ Mary recalls, ‘but with two growing daughters, Cleudi, seven, and Flora, five, we decided it was worth it.’ To save costs, Mary worked daily as project manager with three talented tradesmen. She sourced all the building materials and even helped carry bricks up ladders onto the roof. Wherever she could, Mary tried to be efficient and resourceful. ‘I had to be clever at cutting corners as well as costs,’ she explains. ‘For example, I fell in love with a lovely but unaffordable wallpaper for the dining room, and fortuitously met Kim Sisson, a mural painter, just in time. She painted a stunning chinoiserie mural at a fraction of the cost.’ Mary is a traditionalist and the house is stamped with that quintessentially English country house style, which she adopted for the accessories designed and marketed through her company, Club Matters. Handcrafted animals, palm trees and botanicals are among her favourite images. And when Christmas comes around, Mary’s table palette is based on her pretty range of china plates in soft pastels. For mantelpieces and window sills she likes to mix fresh foliage from her well stocked garden, mixed with fairy lights. Much of Christmas is spent sitting in front of the fire, playing games, interspersed by long family walks. ‘In usual circumstances, Christmas is a riotous affair,’ says Mary. ‘We like to keep an open house and I love the way my children’s friends drop in – they know they are always welcome.’

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ONE OF A KIND

Creating a unique home that expresses your personality is what matters most, says interiors and childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s writer Claire Price FEATURE NAOMI JONES | PHOTOGRAPHY ROBERT SANDERSON

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LIVING AREA

Claire painted the sideboard neon pink to pop in front of the dark panelling. Panelling in Railings estate eggshell, £64 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball. For the sideboard colour, try Rust-Oleum Bright Neon Pink, £3.65 for 125ml fast-drying acrylic, Sprayster. Try Northbank sofa in Monterey Steel, £1,549, Distinctive Chesterﬁelds

home truths T H E P R O P E R T Y Victorian semi-detached villa, built in 1875 L O C AT I O N West Yorkshire R O O M S Kitchen-diner/living area, sitting room, drawing room, cloakroom, gym, utility room, six bedrooms (one en suite) dressing room, two bathrooms P U R C H A S E D 2005 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘We lived in a smaller Victorian house in the county,’ says Claire.

ith its elegant decor, reinstated period features and well-chosen fixtures and fittings, this Victorian villa in West Yorkshire has been subject to many improvements. The most recent changes have transformed the ground floor with the creation of a more sociable open-plan living space that’s perfect for festive celebrations and an entrance hall that wouldn’t look out of place in a grand country home. ‘I always felt the house deserved more than the small corridor that used to lead you in,’ says its owner, interiors and children’s writer Claire Price, ‘and now we’ve finally done it!’ Doing the work in stages over the last 15 years has given mother-of-two Claire and her husband Richard plenty of time 7 2 | 2 5 B H D EC E M B ER 2020

to plan, save and think hard along the way. ‘We knew we would have to sacriﬁce the dining room to create the new entrance hall and that the old workshop and servants’ staircase would need to make way for the new extension,’ says Claire, ‘but this would provide space for a generous seating area and dining space off the kitchen, as well as a small gym and utility room beyond.’ Although Claire was reluctant to remove any of the original features, she eventually accepted that having a more modern layout would work best for family life. ‘Living in an old house, you become accustomed to making difficult choices,’ continues Claire, whose blog myhousecandy.com is full of thoughtful insights and interiors inspiration, ‘especially when a tight budget is involved’. When they

DESIGN ADVICE ‘Do not be scared to go really bold with your paint choices – I love a flash of neon with a dark or neutral backdrop’

DINING AREA

The area is flooded with light thanks to a roof lantern and huge sliding doors. Expona vinyl flooring by Polyflor in a variety of colours, £88.31 a pack (3.34sq m), Floormart. Botticelli dining table, £1,210, Perch & Parrow, is similar. Lou Lou Ghost armchairs, £238 each; La Marie dining chairs, £422 for two, all Kartell

KITCHEN

Designed for modern family life, the new space includes a large island. Try Rowen bar stools, £184 for two, Next

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SITTING ROOM

A frosted Christmas tree is adorned with pastel baubles to match the room’s decor. Nordic Oslo artificial Christmas tree, from £103.99, Wayfair, has this look. Bespoke buttoned footstool, around £300, Craft Upholstery. Ample sofa, £3,999, Ilva at Redbrick. Plumage rug, £1,195, Wendy Morrison Design. Bloom floor light, £579, Ligne Roset at Urban Lux

first moved in, the couple had a lot of work to do to modernise the property. They had to adapt their thinking and began to incorporate inexpensive, pre-loved items into every room. ‘I took whatever I was offered from family and friends and gave everything a fresh new look with fabric and paint,’ says Claire. ‘I soon grew to love the idea of making the most of what already exists and I appreciate the story behind each piece.’ While the renovation of their home was a challenging process for Claire, choosing the decor and the furnishings has been uplifting. ‘I love the sentiment from American architect and designer Frank Lloyd Wright that “the reality of the building does not consist in the four walls and the roof, but in the space within to 74 | 2 5 B H D EC E M B ER 2020

be lived in”. Now, more than ever, our homes are our sanctuary and they should reflect our passions,’ she says. While Claire is mindful that the house may never be completely finished, with rooms in the attic and the basement in need of attention, she is happy with what has been done for now. ‘The boys are getting older – George is 16 and Charlie’s 12 – so it’s nice for them to have separate spaces where they can have time to themselves,’ says Claire. ‘We also love being together as a family so we’ve put thoughts of further renovations on hold so we can appreciate having time with them, as well as our wider circle of friends and family, in a home where there’s now room to gather. We’re hoping we will be able to over the festive period.’

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DESIGN TIP ‘If you love it, don’t worry about what someone else might think – and that includes the swan princess on top of the Christmas tree!’

BATHROOM

Two small rooms were knocked together to create this spacious retreat. Claire added a fireplace, cornices and a ceiling rose that were previously in the dining room. Chatsworth double-ended slipper roll-top bath, £699.95, Victorian Plumbing

BEDROOM

Soft textures, pastel shades and glittery accents are artfully combined here. Helgar Quad sheepskin rug, £199, Made.com. Am.pm Soledad sun mirror, £129.50, La Redoute, gives you the look

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Celebrating in STYLE Interior designer Jo Thorp, known for her elegant schemes, has perfected an easy format to get her home ready for the holidays FEATURE MAGGIE COLVIN PHOTOGRAPHY BRENT DARBY/NARRATIVES

EXTERIOR

A pretty Gothic-style porch leads to an arched front door decorated with a festive wreath.

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SITTING ROOM

The subtle stripes on the walls enliven the space. Armchair and footstool covered in a similar fabric to Ticking Stripe Forest, Â£49.50m, Ian Mankin

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home truths T H E P R O P E R T Y Grade II listed 18th-century village house L O C AT I O N The Cotswolds R O O M S Sitting room, dining room, snug, kitchen, utility room, boot room, six bedrooms, ﬁve bathrooms P U R C H A S E D 2004 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘We lived in a large Georgian rectory nearby,’ says Jo.

Design Tip â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;I keep an extra-large top to place on my round table when we need to accommodate extra guestsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;

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hen one of her grown-up daughters – Venetia or Georgie – contacts Jo Thorp to agree a Christmas arrival date, Jo says it jolts her into Christmas mode. ‘The festive season always comes round again so quickly,’ she smiles, but being supremely efficient, Jo is not caught off guard in the least. All her decorations are carefully stored and labelled, and in her mind’s eye they have already been allocated to the exact right place, making the decoration of her Cotswold home a very simple task. ‘Christmas for me is about cutting down unnecessary work for myself and giving the family maximum fun and time to relax together. Even her pre-lit garlands, which stretch across the mantlepieces to great effect, have stood the test of time. ‘I had these made for our last house some 21 years ago and they still look as good as new,’ she says. Elegance and comfort best describe Jo’s quintessentially English style. As an experienced interior designer she is well

DINING ROOM

Garlands decorate the fire and gallery railings. Try pre-lit garlands, £39 each, Lights4fun

HALLWAY

The wallpaper sets the tone for the rest of the house.

Adam’s Eden Fresco wallpaper, £70.81m, Lewis & Wood

KITCHEN

A sunlit dining area is tucked into the bay window. Kitchen designed and made by Vinycomb Bate for Thorp & May

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known for her easy touch. ‘I like to think that at the end of the day my clients feel the house was designed by them. I don’t want to stamp my style on anyone,’ she says. She describes her own house as ‘a homely mishmash of many past homes, which somehow blends together’. Dating back to the 18th century, the house has many decorative features, including a Gothic-style porch, listed panelling, wooden shutters and a large walled garden, plus two barns. Jo’s husband Anthony says it was a bit of a punt because they bought the property without knowing if they would be allowed to build a link between the derelict barns and the house, so it was a relief when planning was approved. The project brought out the couple’s complementary design skills. Anthony has a good grasp of spaces and with Jo’s approval, reworked the downstairs floor plan repositioning the kitchen to be nearer the dining room and designing the glazed link between the barns. Furnishing the barns posed some of the biggest challenges. The

BATHROOM

Tucked under a sloping ceiling, this space with its floral wallpaper has a cosseting feel. Colefax and Fowler Messina wallpaper, £68 a roll, John Lewis & Partners, would create a similar look

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BEDROOM

Centuries-old beams are a feature in this room, which was created by adding a new floor in the second barn. Headboards upholstered by Thorp & May in a similar fabric to Swift, £68m, Colefax and Fowler

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double-height dining space in the second barn lacked intimacy but Jo transformed it by installing a minstrel’s gallery with stairs leading up to a guest bedroom on the floor above. ‘The long, narrow sitting room was another difficult shape to contend with,’ Jo recalls. ‘Two sofas fixed back to back placed in the middle of the room did the trick. They neatly divided it into two separate seating spaces, which is especially useful when we have party nights.’ On Christmas day, the family gather to open presents here in front of a blazing fire while enjoying a glass of champagne before lunch. ‘After lunch we take a long walk with the dog and in the evening we watch a good film while munching on a turkey sandwich or two.’ The key to the success of their renovation project has been to create a home that can comfortably hold lots of guests and yet never feels too large when they’re on their own. ‘Of course it helps having constant companions like Bisley our English springer spaniel and Lulie the cat,’ says Jo. ‘They take up a lot of space in front of the fire!’

BEDROOM

A sunshine palette welcomes guests to this space situated in one of the converted barns. Sunlight absolute matt emulsion, £47 for 2.5ltr, Little Greene. Headboard in Tisbury, £139, Colefax and Fowler

BEDROOM

The mahogany chest and chaise longue are family pieces inherited by Jo, who added the canary yellow cover to the chaise cushion. Cushion in Skittery linen in Citrus, £64.80m, Lewis & Wood

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HOME TO STAY

After years of living abroad, Susannah Daniel and her husband Ian finally put down roots and now call a beautiful farmhouse home FEATURE AMANDER MEADE | PHOTOGRAPHY RACHAEL SMITH

KITCHEN The timber and granite island was designed to provide a deliberate contrast to the lighter coloured cabinetry. Units in Linen Wash intelligent eggshell, £66 for 2.5ltr, Little Greene. Task pendant lights, £209 each, Original BTC. Victoria bar stools, £69 each, My Faktory. LED lit cone decoration, £12.99 for a pair, The Range

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home truths THE PROPERTY Grade II-listed former farmhouse, built in 1826 L O C AT I O N Rutland R O O M S Sitting room, living room, kitchen-diner, utility room, garden room, four bedrooms (two en suite), bathroom P U R C H A S E D 2008 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘We lived in South Africa before moving here,’ says Susannah.

SITTING ROOM ‘The green velvet chair is the first piece of furniture I ever owned,’ says Susannah. ‘My mum bought it for my first flat and it has gone everywhere with me since then.’ The Bluebell armchair in Olive cotton matt velvet, £990, Sofa.com, is a good match. Louis De Poortere Hadschlu rug, £565, John Lewis & Partners. Revival berry mirror, £239, Hatfields

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b e s t b u y ‘Our dining table and chairs that we purchased in South Africa – they are so unusual and just the right size for the space’

DINING AREA A transparent spherical pendant light is the perfect foil for the big furnishings. Tom Dixon lens pendant light, £708, 1stdibs. Nguni dining table and chairs, made to order, Vogel Design

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he chance to create special Christmas memories in their own family home was a dream that took more than a decade to achieve for Susannah Daniel and her husband Ian. In 2008, during a weekend visit to her parents in Rutland, Susannah spotted a former farmhouse for sale but a viewing of the property revealed a very sorry state of neglect. ‘There was dry rot, rising damp and a large wasp nest in the bathroom,’ remembers Susannah. ‘The garden was large but so overgrown that we couldn’t see where it ended. The whole place was in complete disrepair.’ Despite living and working in London, the couple fell in love with the house and decided to buy, restore and rent it out with a view to living there at some point in the future. Susannah, an interior designer, admits that they were completely unprepared for the difficulties that project managing remotely would bring. ‘Looking back, we were very naïve,’ she says. ‘We wanted to extend to the rear and recruited an architect to advise us and a builder to undertake the labour. SLOW PROCESS

‘Dashing up to Rutland every weekend, we would frequently discover that little progress had been made. Although we did as much as we could ourselves towards stripping out all the rooms, it certainly wasn’t ideal being so far away all week.’ Gradually though, things began to take shape. The exterior was rendered in lime mortar and a French drain was installed to rectify the damp problem. All the windows, joists and bathrooms were removed and replaced; a kitchen extension and garden room

MASTER BEDROOM Susannah fell in love with this unusual hand-drawn wallpaper and used it as her starting point for the decor. Ostrich wallpaper, £111 a roll, Beware the Moon. Cavendish felt headboard, from £700, The White Company. Bolster cushion, from £80, edit58

were added and the front and rear gardens were cleared and landscaped. After 18 months, the work was finished and the interior was ready for Susannah to decorate. ‘Because we wanted to rent it out, I kept all fittings, fixtures and decor fairly neutral so they would upgrade easily when the time came to take up residence ourselves.’ Just after completion, the couple began a seven-year period of postings abroad with Ian’s job. They lived in the USA, Canada and finally South Africa where Charlotte, now six, and Arthur, four, were born. ‘When the children came along, the time felt right to come back to the UK and move into our family home at last,’ says Susannah. ‘Decorating for ourselves felt very different. PERSONAL TOUCHES

‘We repainted every room and installed extra cabinetry to increase the storage. My style had changed over my travelling years, too. South Africans are incredibly creative people so we brought home lots of art, ceramics, lamps and furniture, which now blend beautifully with the antiques from our old London flat.’ The couple were not quite ready to settle down when they bought the house, but the arrival of their children meant it has ultimately come into its own as their dream family home. ‘At Christmas, we entertain my parents and my sister’s family – it’s completely traditional,’ explains Susannah. ‘We are all up very early and lunch is a turkey, all the trimmings and lots of wine. Afterwards, there are games and films with a long walk on Boxing Day. Christmas in the South African sunshine never felt quite the same but now it’s really magical.’

MASTER EN SUITE These wall-mounted Nguni heads were handcrafted by John Vogel, one of Susannah’s favourite South African-based designers. ‘The bathroom didn’t need anything more than these and a classic white suite,’ she says. Versailles freestanding bath, £1,580, Fired Earth

BEDROOM Simplicity is the key to giving this space a calm, restful feeling. The yellow bedspread picks up the colours in the painting and vase, helping to pull the scheme together. Alba cotton bedspread in Curry, €195, Caravane. Illuminated wicker star, £24.95, Clem & Co

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HALLWAY

An heirloom nativity scene on an antique tray table evokes a sense of nostalgia. Baltic fir porcelain floor tiles, £50.40sq m, Mandarin Stone. Handmade leather and oak wall lights, £395 each, Ted Wood

WINTER WONDERLAND At this time of year, Sarah Reed’s stunning listed home comes into its own and radiates charm FEATURE JANET MCMEEKIN | PHOTOGRAPHY ANDREAS VON EINSIEDEL

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DINING AREA

Grey felt curtains look striking against the ombrĂŠ wall, which unites both the light and dark tones. Refectory table from Roger Bradbury Antiques. Camargue oak chairs, ÂŁ195 each, Oka. Rectangular chandelier, price on request, Timothy Oulton

home truths THE PROPERTY Grade II-listed house, built in 1790 and extended in 2016 L O C AT I O N West Sussex R O O M S Sitting room, dining room, kitchen-diner/living area, cloakroom, boot/laundry room, four bedrooms, three bathrooms P U R C H A S E D 2014 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘We rented a pretty cottage nearby,’ says Sarah.

ntertaining is something that I absolutely love and I have a very definite “more the merrier” philosophy when celebrating with family and friends, so we will see what this year brings,’ says Sarah Reed. With a talent for transforming properties, it’s Sarah’s expertise and vision that have created plenty of room in her rural home for Christmas get-togethers, surrounded by antiques and cherished pieces handed down through generations of her family. Back in 2014, Sarah, an interior designer who runs a refurbishment and design company, Ministry of the Interior, had been renting near Chichester in West Sussex, patiently biding her time while searching for a suitable period property in the countryside. Sarah wanted somewhere with character and flexibility that she could enhance with her bold and confident style for herself and daughters, Araminta, 20, and Tatiana, 18. ‘Finding the right place was a challenge as I also needed space for my sycamore and burr oak table and chairs, which I designed 20 years ago,’ says Sarah. ‘It also had to have room for my Schiedmayer piano, plus other pieces of furniture that I adore. These include an antique refectory table, complete with inkwell holes, which was a present from my parents.’ Situated on Goodwood Estate’s original western boundary, the property once comprised two flint cottages that were knocked into one during the 1970s. ‘This extraordinary place is in a breathtaking location, surrounded by woodland, nestling at the foot of the rolling South Downs,’ says Sarah. Once she had moved in, Sarah took her cue for the new extension from an

KITCHENDINER

A dazzling red ﬂoral display and striking light accentuate the festive ambience. Flowers, price on request, This Floral Life. Orb chandelier, from £2,675, Timothy Oulton

DINING ROOM

Sarah’s dinner service was the starting point for this elegant scheme. Audun china, price on request, Villeroy &

Boch. Hooked 6.0 nude brass pendant light, £814, Buster + Punch

SITTING ROOM

Painting the ﬁreplace has added depth and character to this cosy room. Fireplace in Down Pipe estate eggshell, £64 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball. Air is Not Enough canvas, from £183, Mineheart. The Gallery Direct Fulshaw mirror, £113, Olivia’s, is similar

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existing outbuilding that’s a smaller version of the cottage, both in size and shape. She liaised with an architect and they decided to link the old cottage and new extension with a glazed hallway. Work on the extension began in 2016. At the same time, the dated cottage was totally renovated, complete with new bathrooms, fixtures and fittings. Sarah grew up in a Georgian farmhouse in Norfolk, where furniture and antiques were handed down through both sides of the family. ‘From childhood, I’ve always loved antiques and have been very lucky to have been given a number of gorgeous pieces,’ she explains. When choosing schemes for this home, the heirloom objects, artwork and furniture that mean so much to Sarah, dictated the style and colours for each space. Although Sarah chose a more traditional palette for the cottage, she deliberately adopted a bolder, more contemporary approach in the extension. ‘I felt that this area could carry a more modern and fun scheme, so I painted an ombré wall, inspired by a Scandinavian forest,’ she says. ‘This neatly links the white vaulted ceiling and darker tones.’ At this time of the year, Sarah’s elegant home is bathed in candlelight and adorned with accents of gold, red and green, which perfectly complement the season. She buys two Christmas trees for her home – one for the new extension and one for the older part – and these are adorned with beautiful decorations collected by Sarah and her daughters over the years. ‘I feel very proud to be the custodian of this wonderful historic gem,’ says Sarah. ‘I savour every moment of our festive family get-togethers.’

ARAMINTA’S BEDROOM

A bespoke cabin bed has a wonderfully cocooning efect, while wool ice-skate stockings add a playful touch. Bed painted in Black Blue estate eggshell, £64 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball. The White Company’s Savoy duvet cover, £100; pillowcases, £25 each, have this look

BATHROOM A monochrome scheme has given

favo u r i t e f e at u r e ‘I love the cabin bed I designed to fit neatly into Araminta’s cosy bedroom. It incorporates wardrobes at each end, storage drawers underneath and handy built-in reading lights’

this traditional room a smart update. Bath in Railings estate eggshell, £64 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball. Raydon wall lights in Matt Black, £140.60 each, Jim Lawrence

MASTER BEDROOM

A lit garland lends a magical feel. Tin tiles, sourced from The Decorative Antiques & Textiles Fair. Headboard in Roses in Oyster, £90m, Kate Forman

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H I D D E N T R E A S UR E

When they went to view an Edwardian terrace, Alice and James Bennett uncovered a wealth of original features – and a few other surprises FEATURE CAROLINE FOSTER | PHOTOGRAPHY CHRIS SNOOK

H A L LWAY Simple fairy lights with greenery create a welcoming feel. Peg shelf coat rack, £30, Notonthehighstreet.com, is similar. 20 warm white micro battery fairy lights, £6.99, Lights4fun

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SITTING ROOM Dark walls give the room an intimate cocooning effect. Walls in Down Pipe estate emulsion, £47.95 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball. Togo Fireside chair by Ligne Roset, £1,488, Heal’s

KITCHEN-DINER ‘Having open shelves gives us the clean lines we love,’ says Alice. For Shaker kitchen cabinetry, price on request, try Harvey Jones. Units in Railings modern eggshell, £71 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball. Bum stools, £450 each, deVOL. Perrin & Rowe Ionian tap in brass, £501, Just-Perrin. Metro tiles, £20sq m, Topps Tiles

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home truths THE PROPERTY Edwardian end-of-terrace L O C AT I O N East London R O O M S Sitting room, kitchendiner, cloakroom, cinema room, utility room, four bedrooms (two en suite), bathroom P U R C H A S E D 2016 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘We were living in a small period cottage nearby,’ says Alice. DINING AREA Glazing in the extension lets the light ﬂood in. For a similar wreath, try Mistletoe Kisses, £29.99, Wayfair. Kobo dining table, £1,125; Ishinomaki benches, £515 each, both SCP. Edit Scope glass wall light is a good match, £49.99, Lighting Direct

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25bh | c it y MASTER BEDROOM Dark walls and velvet textures create a snug feel. Super king Billow bed, £1,095, Loaf. Large Canby fabric pendant, £130, Abigail Ahern

EN SUITE Patterned tiles add drama. Geometric black encaustic tiles, £106sq m, Terrazzo Tiles

lice and James Bennett had several pleasant surprises when first viewing their east London Edwardian home in 2016. ‘To start with, we turned up to the “open day” expecting the usual long queue of prospective buyers, but we were the only ones,’ says Alice. ‘Although each room was crammed with furniture, we loved their generous size. Best of all, the basement cellar had been left out of the estate agent’s details, so when we opened a door expecting a cupboard and saw steps leading down, our jaws literally dropped.’ Impressed by the size of the property and the numerous original features that were still intact, the couple were convinced this could be 9 6 | 2 5 B H D EC E M B ER 2020

their perfect family home and successfully bid for the property. R E N O VAT I O N W O R K

‘We then made the decision to stay in our two-up, two-down house and renovate before moving in,’ says Alice. ‘It meant we were paying two mortgages, so money was tight for a long time, but having our baby daughter Beau, who’s now four, we didn’t want to live in the midst of a building site.’ Astutely, the couple continued to view properties local to their new home to gain valuable information as to what could be done within permitted development. ‘The house had a 1990s extension and a side return, so we were able to work within the footprint,’ says Alice. ‘With the help of Sara Moody of

BEAU’S BEDROOM ‘This was fun to decorate,’ says Alice. Tyler Grid wallpaper, £65 a roll, Rachel Powell. Try the Dobson house bed, £141, Wayfair

Shacklewell Architects, we built a modern rear extension and broke through to the cellar, creating a new cinema and utility room.’ Original period features were key to the renovation, as fireplaces were revealed and cornices repaired. Upstairs, en-suite shower rooms were added to the guest and master bedrooms. AC C E N T WA L L S

When it came to the colour scheme and decor, Alice had firm ideas. ‘We’ve always been big fans of Abigail Ahern’s dark interiors and style,’ she says, and this is most evident in the sitting room. ‘I wanted a cave-like, cosy vibe here and I love the way the dark wall tone feels like it’s wrapping around you.’

Even the kitchen has its dark side. ‘The deep finish on the cabinetry creates visual links between the different rooms,’ says Alice. ‘With a white wall finish and a microcement floor, the two-tone colour palette looks clean and elegant.’ After a renovation that took more than a year, Alice and James can now boast an interior that blends mid-century furniture and contemporary style. And at this time of the year, a subtle selection of festive decorations adds extra splashes of colour. ‘We love having family round and use every room in the house including the cinema room, where we’ll be watching classic Christmas movies,’ says Alice. ‘And in the kitchen, we’ll be making gingerbread men – you can’t get more festive than that.’

MASTER EN SUITE The compact sink and taps maximise space. Walls in Hague Blue estate emulsion, £47.95 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball. Petals Laguna floor tiles, £103.50sq m, Terrazzo Tiles. Simon Bulkhead wall light in Silver, £80, Dowsing & Reynolds

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home truths THE PROPERTY Detached 1950s house L O C AT I O N Surrey R O O M S Kitchen-diner/living area, sitting room, office, utility room, four bedrooms (one en suite), bathroom P U R C H A S E D 2006 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘Our last home was a much older cottage nearby,’ says Sally.

Packed with PERSONALITY Using reclaimed materials and standout pieces, Sally and Gav Hurman gave their 1950s house lots of character FEATURE & STYLING NAOMI JONES/NARRATIVES PHOTOGRAPHY ROBERT SANDERSON/NARRATIVES

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LIVING AREA

Sally and Gav created a sociable seating area off the kitchen-diner, adding tongue-andgroove panelling for a country feel. Stocksund sofas, £529 each, Ikea. Mustard cushion covers (left), £6.99, H&M. Think Rugs Boho 8280 rug, from £78.99, The Rug Shop UK. Flower arrangement, from £35, Lulu Hampson

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ith its exposed brickwork, tongue-and-groove panelling and solid limestone ﬂooring, you’d be forgiven for thinking this Surrey home was a beautifully restored old farmhouse. But, in fact, it was only built in the 1950s. ‘My husband Gav and I absolutely loved our previous home, which was a traditional old cottage,’ explains Sally Hurman, an interiors and lifestyle blogger (@gettingstuffdoneinheels). ‘But with three growing boys – Jake, who’s now 23, Sam, 21,

and Toby, 17 – we needed more space than the period homes in our budget could offer us. So, when we found this house 14 years ago, the building and its 2.5-acre plot offered us the country lifestyle we were after but without a frightening price tag.’ After a two-year planning period the couple were ﬁnally ready to begin renovations. ‘As well as updating the older parts of the house, we designed an extension to add a fourth bedroom above a new seating area off the kitchen-diner,’ says Sally who is also an ambassador for the blood

KITCHEN-DINER

The Aga was already at the house, so the couple had it re-enamelled in aubergine to complement their new Shaker-style scheme. Sally painted the table and chairs, which came from Gav’s mother. Kitchen, around £25,000, DG Clifton & Son. Units in Hardwick White modern eggshell, £71 for 2.5ltr; chimney breast in Down Pipe modern emulsion, £49.95 for 2.5ltr, both Farrow & Ball. St Arbois tumbled limestone ﬂooring, from £70.80sq m, Mandarin Stone. Hob covers, £13 each, Sophie Allport

cancer charity DKMS. The couple wanted to recreate some of the character of a period property throughout the house by using reclaimed brick and timber, as well as natural materials, such as stone ﬂooring and good-quality metal windows and doors. The family decided to stay in a caravan on site for the duration of the work, and as Gav was project manager, he could be on hand to answer the builders’ questions. Living with limited bathroom facilities proved to be an understandable challenge, but inconveniences aside, the family’s home

MASTER BEDROOM

The white metal bedstead enhances the romantic mood here. Alice double bed frame, £289.95, Bentley Designs at Sweet Dreams. Try Casadeco Damask in Pale Gold, £44.45 a roll, Wallpaper Direct

BATHROOM

A moody-grey colour palette has updated this space. Panelling in Plummet modern eggshell, £71 for 2.5ltr; walls in Peignoir modern emulsion, £49.95 for 2.5ltr, both Farrow & Ball. Mr Jones Charcoal ﬂoor tiles, £24.82sq m, British Ceramic Tile

soon began to take shape. This is when Sally could start to use her innate design skills to plan the interior. ‘As much as I love neutrals as a backdrop,’ she says, ‘I’m truly passionate about colour; so although I’ve kept my paint choices restricted to a palette of chalky greys, pinks and berry tones, I’ve incorporated brighter accessories, such as cushions and blankets, which can easily be swapped with the seasons.’ Sally is also fond

of using natural decorations in her schemes throughout the year. ‘I love ﬂoral displays and hanging garlands, as my Instagram followers will attest,’ she says, ‘And I like to really go for it at Christmas. One of my school-mum friends, Lulu Hampson, is an interior designer and ﬂoral stylist (luluhampson.com), and she’s shown me a few tricks to create more dramatic and long-lasting arrangements – this is particularly helpful if you like to start

decorating for Christmas on the ﬁrst of December, like I do!’ The family likes nothing better than being in their home at this time of year. ‘The boys have pretty-much grown up in this house; and I’ve grown too, creating a career based on the work we’ve done to our home to give it that modern-country style,’ says Sally. ‘This place has looked after us in the same way we’ve looked after it, and I wouldn’t swap it for anything.’

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SEASON’S GREETINGS Drawn by the elegance of this period villa, Sasha and John Kennedy have updated it to create a warm, welcoming feel FEATURE VIVIENNE AYERS | PHOTOGRAPHY BRENT DARBY

SITTING ROOM Patterned fabrics bring interest while warm blue walls and toning greys add depth. Interior design by Olivine Design. Walls in Oval Room Blue estate emulsion, £47.95 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball

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home truths THE PROPERTY Detached Georgian villa L O C AT I O N Wiltshire R O O M S Sitting room, living room, dining room, kitchen-diner, library, utility room, cloakroom, boot room, playroom, seven bedrooms (four en suite), bathroom P U R C H A S E D 2012 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘We were living in London before moving here,’ says Sasha.

hen Sasha and John Kennedy decided to leave London with their three young sons and make their home in the country, they were immediately taken with the substantial Georgian villa they viewed in Wiltshire. ‘There’s a sense of space but it’s also very cosy,’ says Sasha. ‘We can enjoy the large rooms while the boys are growing up and we don’t feel we’ll be rattling around in it when they’ve left home.’ Another attraction was the amazing location; the property sits on top of a hill and commands fabulous views. The couple also discovered that the house had been a hospital during the Second World War, and was then divided up into ﬂats. Prior to Sasha and John buying it, it had become a family home once again, with a substantial renovation in the

1960s that included interior decoration by the renowned designer John Fowler. As the interior hadn’t been updated for over half a century, Sasha and John decided to enlist the help of Taline Findlater and Victoria Gray of Olivine Design. ‘We wanted a scheme that was country yet contemporary, but we also wanted to respect the house’s heritage,’ says Sasha. ‘It needed to work with our lifestyle as a young family and we knew that considerable work was required.’ To bring the house into the 21st century, the infrastructure was taken back to the bare bones. The plumbing and electrics were renewed and a new heating system installed. ‘We moved into a farmhouse nearby while the work was completed,’ says Sasha. Downstairs, the layout remained the same but upstairs, where there were lots of

H A L LWAY With its impressive architectural features, this space called for some equally striking decorations. The large tree and garland adorning the banister ﬁt the bill perfectly. Walls in Ivory 4 chalky matt emulsion, £47.50 for 2.5ltr, Marston & Langinger. Try the Bakara star tree topper, £26.95, Nkuku KITCHEN A blind trimmed with acid green provides a refreshing contrast to the traditional Shaker-style cabinets, which have been painted blue for a fresh, bright look. Suffolk units with Chichester mouldings, price on request; painted in Aqua Blue eggshell, £54 for 2.5ltr, Neptune

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DINING ROOM Claret-coloured walls and touches of gold deliver drama to this space, which is perfect for Christmas lunch. Walls in Book Room Red estate emulsion, £47.95 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball. Sussex pendant light in old gold, £728, Jim Lawrence. Try the elegant five-arm candelabra, £50, John Lewis & Partners

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d e s i g n t i p ‘Try mixing different sizes of furniture and lighting for a dynamic effect’

small rooms, larger rooms were created by removing internal walls. En-suite bathrooms were then converted from cupboards. When it came to the decor, Sasha and John also had a clear vision. ‘We wanted clean lines that married with the house, rather than traditional frills and tassels,’ says Sasha. ‘I love interesting fabrics as I feel they make rooms feel very inviting, so I briefed Taline and Victoria that we were open to everything and I knew what I liked when I saw it.’ Olivine Design then came up with considered schemes incorporating colour, texture and pattern that give each room an identity while at the same time continuing the colour palette to ensure a sense of visual continuity throughout the house. A key factor in designing the decor was the natural light available. Since the house

faces from north to south, the rooms on one side required a warmer palette. In the south-facing rooms, such as the sitting room and kitchen, warm blue walls and paintwork worked well with toning blues and greys. In north-facing rooms like the dining room, however, rich reds were chosen to create a cosier feel, which is particularly alluring on wintry days. Extra visual impact was created by using patterned and textured fabrics. The north-facing rooms with warm claret-coloured walls and dark wood furniture come into their own during the festive season when open fires blaze, foliage swags adorn the mantelpieces and the hallway normally welcomes guests with a Christmas tree and garlanded banister. ‘There is plenty of space for friends and family, but Christmas will be special however we celebrate.’

MASTER EN SUITE A rich blue roll-top bath was chosen for its impact against the pale marble. Tamar bath, from £3,510, Drummonds; in Stiffkey Blue estate eggshell, £64 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball. Belgravia marble flooring, £71sq m, Mandarin Stone BEDROOM The symmetrical arrangement of furniture and accessories creates a pleasing sense of elegance and order. Try Loaf’s Marie headboard, £495. Nellie lamps in a green glaze, £105 each, Pooky MASTER BEDROOM Walls in a textured cream linen add warmth, while the open four-poster lends a luxurious feel. Oslo Linen wall covering by Stereo, price on request, available through Olivine Design. The Venetian four-poster bed, £7,570, And So To Bed, has this look

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DINING ROOM ‘I always associate green with English interiors,’ says Ana, who has combined a deep shade with vibrant fuchsia velvet. Walls in Highland Green vinyl matt emulsion, £20.49 for 2.5ltr, Dulux. Recycled glass bottle chandelier, price on request, Luzio

home truths THE PROPERTY Georgian townhouse L O C AT I O N Central London R O O M S Hallway, sitting room, dining room, living room, kitchen, study, utility room, ﬁve bedrooms, dressing room, three bathrooms, two cloakrooms M O V E D I N 2018 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘We were living in Barcelona before moving to London and renting this house,’ says Ana.

TRUE COLOUR S A dreary townhouse was the perfect place for Ana Engelhorn to express her love for vibrant shades FEATURE JO LEEVERS | PHOTOGRAPHY PATRICK WILLIAMSON

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H A L LWAY ‘This shade of yellow is so inviting,’ says Ana. Walls in Soane Yellow emulsion, £48 for 2.5ltr, Papers and Paints. Gold star, from £4.99, Ginger Ray

KITCHEN Pine units were given a lick of paint and handles were added to echo the shades of the dining room. Similar Chelford Shaker-style units, price on request, Howdens. Handles, price on request, Haute Deco

LANDING ‘Paintings are my favourite way to add impact to a space,’ says Ana. Paintings by Charlie Day and Bernat Daviu (right). Floor painted in Highland Green Trade satinwood, £43.70 for 2.5ltr, Dulux

LIVING ROOM Soft pink velvet offsets the rougher textures of worn timber and antique metal. Try the Crumpet sofa, £2,065, Loaf. Art by Lídia Masllorens

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LIVING ROOM ‘ Colour is central to my style. It has such personal associations for each of us,’ says Ana. Interior design by Ana Engelhorn (anaengelhorn.com). Chiltern four-seater sofa, £3,716, The Conran Shop. Find similar antique French chandeliers, from £1,450, The Hoarde. Try Extra Large British Rare Breed Jacob sheepskin, £159, The Wool Company

hen interior designer Ana Engelhorn, her husband Carlos Rubia Simón and their children Lola, aged 10, and Charlie, three, moved from Barcelona to London, their new rental home was painted in wall-to-wall beige. ‘In theory, it was decorated to be a clean slate so that anyone could come in and like it,’ says Ana. ‘I loved the location and architecture of the house, but I didn’t like the decor. Yet I could envisage plenty of ways to make it less dreary, so we decided to go ahead and take it.’ Despite the fact that the house was rented, Ana was undeterred from carrying out a thorough transformation. First, she pulled up a few corners of the cream fitted carpets to see what condition the oak floorboards were in. ‘I thought, we’re in this 1800s building – imagine what they could look like?’ says Ana. Happily, she was pleasantly surprised. The original oak boards immediately gave the rooms more texture and hinted at the property’s characterful past. ‘Under one floorboard, we even found a bell pull cord that would have once summoned servants,’ she adds. ‘It felt as if we were peeling back the layers of the house’s history.’

DELUXE DECOR

Next, Ana negotiated repainting the walls throughout the house in the strong spectrum of colours she’s favoured ever since moving to London. ‘Maybe it’s to make up for the grey skies,’ she laughs. For the hallway and landing, she chose a sunshine yellow. ‘It immediately says that we’re happy to be here and feels inviting when you walk in.’ In the living room, she plumped for a green that’s soothing rather than sober, mixing it with hot pinks and deeper blues. The sitting room is wrapped in a warm, all-enveloping shade of red. Ana then turned her focus to revamping the lighting. She already owned the standout chandelier constructed from vintage green bottles that hangs over the dining table, but the sparkling number in the sitting room was bought more recently in London. Elsewhere, she hung the chandeliers from hooks rather than getting them wired in, with cables that loop across the ceiling and run down to wall sockets. ‘I found a style of old-fashioned twisted cable, so the effect still works with the style of the house,’ she says.

MASTER BEDROOM Punchy meets pretty in this space, with traditional floral curtains set against an enveloping blue paint shade. Ochre velvet quilt, £329, Heal’s. Suzani cushion, £185, Pentreath & Hall, would work well here

B AT H R O O M An aged mirror and super-sized artwork add a sense of drama. Marina wood mirror, £95, John Lewis & Partners, has this look. Walls in Celestial Blue vinyl matt emulsion, £20.49 for 2.5ltr, Dulux

FA B U L O U S LY F E S T I V E

Artwork is also a key feature. ‘Putting contemporary art in a period setting is very much my style; it instantly creates balance and a sense of dynamism,’ explains Ana. Similarly, furniture from different eras is seamlessly combined – a modern sofa works well next to 1950s Italian chairs re-upholstered in deep velvet, arranged beneath the twinkling lights of a 19th-century chandelier. The jewel shades and luxe textures of this house make it particularly atmospheric during the run up to Christmas. Golden ferns, paper stars and winter foliage are all that’s needed to add a festive air. ‘We love sitting by the fire, and every Sunday the children light a candle on an Advent wreath,’ says Ana. When they get their tree, it’ll be real, smelling of pine needles: ‘I was born in Switzerland so I could never go faux!’ She hasn’t quite decided on the scheme for her tree yet, but it hardly matters in this home, where iridescent colours and gleam aren’t just for Christmas. 2 5 B H D EC E M B ER 2020 | 10 9

home truths THE PROPERTY A Grade-II listed 1820s house L O C AT I O N Surrey R O O M S Sitting room, dining room, kitchen, snug, utility room, boot room, four bedrooms, three bathrooms P U R C H A S E D 2011 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘Before moving here, we lived in a farmhouse not far away,’ says Riv.

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Beautiful HARMONY

A blend of antiques, vivid colour and a wonderful bohemian vibe characterise Riv and Marc Ahearne’s striking Georgian townhouse FEATURE MAGGIE COLVIN | PHOTOGRAPHY ROBERT SANDERSON/NARRATIVES

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Green walls contrast with the pure white ceiling for a fresh feel. Walls in Cooking Apple Green estate emulsion, £47.95 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball. Signature cream sofas, price on request, George Smith

EXTERIOR

Riv’s vibrant front door creates a bold welcome. Door in Tivoli intelligent exterior eggshell, £71.50 for 2.5ltr, Little Greene. Wreath, £35, Gisella Graham

HALLWAY

A bench decorated with Moroccan cushions adds colour and pattern. On the console table is a pair of angels Riv found in an Italian market. Pre-lit fir garland, from £39; TruGlow pillar candles, £12.50 each, all Lights4Fun

Favourite room ‘The cosy snug where we have pre-Christmas lunch drinks and open presents’

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hen Riv and Marc moved into their handsome Grade-II listed Georgian manor house nine years ago with Ivo their youngest son, then 14, it was everything they had dreamed of. Occupying a prime position on a quiet cobbled street, the property has a large private garden and separate mews house at the rear. With its lofty ceiling heights, oak panelled hallway, graceful sweeping staircase and generous square rooms, it is an easy house to decorate lavishly for Christmas. Riv has a reputation for embracing constant changes and the arrival of the festive season is her perfect excuse to give each room a visual facelift. This year, she decided to revamp the sitting room with a new colour scheme. Riv admits that such is her love of change, the kitchen

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units are the only surfaces that still retain the same shade of blue she gave them when the couple first moved in. ‘At this time of year, I try to avoid over-glitzy clutter,’ says Riv. ‘A pair of large golden angels positioned on either side of an otherwise empty tabletop will outshine a jumble of Christmas cards any day.’ Her well-stocked garden provides her with bundles of fresh greenery, which she mixes with faux foliage and uses to decorate the house. Being creative with her hands also inspires her to wrap her presents so they become works of art in their own right. ‘Battery-powered lights are my secret agent for adding sparkle,’ explains Riv. ‘They put lively energy into dark corners and I stretch them along shelves and around wreaths mixed with fresh foliage. I am quite addicted to those LED chunky church candles,

tow n | 25bh KITCHEN

This country-style space is an inviting place to cook and entertain. Walls in Olive Oil intelligent eggshell, £66 for 2.5ltr, Little Greene. Christmas cake and mince pies, Bettys Harrogate

DINING ROOM

Touches of gold and candlelight combine to magical effect. Walls in Spearmint absolute matt emulsion, £47 for 2.5ltr, Little Greene. Arthur distressed oak table, £3,195, Oka. Golden lions and elephants (on table), £8.50 each, Cox & Cox

SITTING ROOM

A mix of pink tones creates a warm, welcoming ambience. Walls in Calamine estate emulsion, £47.95 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball. Velvet sofa, price on request, George Smith. Cayuga cushions, from £65 each, Oka

Design advice ‘Opening up the space in a house will make it more sociable and enhance the levels of light’

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25bh | tow n MASTER BEDROOM

Pretty patterns lend a sense of romance. Cushions in Cameo Rose, £85m, Kate Forman

EN SUITE

Decorative panelling introduces character. Woodwork in Stock absolute matt emulsion, £47 for 2.5ltr, Little Greene. Wall in Farrow & Ball’s Lulworth Blue estate emulsion, £47.95 for 2.5ltr

BEDROOM

Blue and white is a classic combination. Try the blue mini elephant quilt, £195, Sarah K

too. Unlike real candles there is no danger of pools of wax marking the antiques, plus they are incredibly realistic.’ When the couple first moved in, the kitchen was cut off from the main living space and the house lacked one big family room. Knocking down walls to make a kitchen, snug and dining area has hugely increased the light flow and brought everyone together. ‘I can now stand in the kitchen and overhear the conversation as Marc and Ivo set up laptops on the dining room table,’ says Riv. At this time of year, Riv’s colourful approach to decorating is easy to blend with traditional Christmas hues. ‘I do love the multicoloured bohemian look,’ she says. ‘I’m sure that my many holidays in Tangier inspired my style. Having a father who was an ardent art collector trained my creative eye and gave me a confidence to 114 | 2 5 B H D EC E M B ER 2020

experiment with bright colours,’ she adds. ‘My son Ivo inherited his grandfather’s artistic genes and his father Robert Beckett was also a famous painter.’ Evidence of Riv’s courageous use of colour is particularly noticeable in the hallway, where the ornate coving, beams, pillars and door frames have been picked out in a deep blue-green and there are vibrant paintings and cushions. In contrast, the master bedroom and bathroom have been decorated in quintessentially English wallpapers in soft colours, all put together with painted vintage furniture in a classically comfortable way. ‘I like our home so much – it reminds me of the house I grew up in in London,’ says Riv. ‘The stairs and hallway have the same generous proportions and at Christmas we can really make the most of them.’

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TERMS & CONDITIONS: Additional entrance costs may apply. Prices are per person, based on two sharing and subject to finite availability. Images used in conjunction with Riviera Travel. Offer operated by and subject to the booking conditions of Riviera Travel Ltd, ABTA V4744, ATOL 3430, a company wholly independent of 25 Beautiful Homes, published by TI Media Limited. Free amend up to 45 days before departure is only valid for entirely new bookings made between 1st September and 18th December 2020 and can only be used once. See website for details.

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TURNING ON THE CHARM Roaring fires and flickering candles give Claire and Ed Croft’s cottage an enchanting look FEATURE NAOMI JONES | PHOTOGRAPHY ROBERT SANDERSON/NARRATIVES

SITTING/ DINING ROOM Claire lays the table with foraged foliage and candlesticks in all sizes. Lorette solid elm dining table by AM.PM, £1,125, La Redoute, is similar. Hübsch studio chair in natural rattan with black frame (left), £289, Lagoon. Wishbone dining chair, £190, Design Vintage, has been inspired by this classic Hans J Wegner chair (right)

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home truths T H E P R O P E R T Y Cottage dating back to the 17th century L O C AT I O N Norfolk R O O M S Sitting/dining room, snug, kitchen, office, cloakroom, four bedrooms, three bathrooms P U R C H A S E D 2013 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘We had a London townhouse – this was our holiday home until we moved here full-time,’ says Claire.

KITCHEN Claire and Ed moved the kitchen so that the main living spaces felt better connected. The galley style works well for cooking while providing access to the sitting/dining room. Tribeca kitchen in Graphite, from £2,471 for eight units, Magnet. Walls in Shaded White modern emulsion, £49.95 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball

SNUG A feast for the eyes, this space combines original features, beautiful antiques and colourful accessories. Try the Charleston ﬂoor lamp, £168.90, Lights.co.uk. Scott armchair in Navy cotton velvet, £599, Made.com, would work. Velvet pom pom cushion, £19, Dunelm, is a match. Petrucci coffee table, £189.99, Wayfair, has this look

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hen you run your own business, preparing for your family’s festive celebrations can be a whirl of frenzied activity in the final few days. This is certainly true for Claire Croft, especially as she has two December birthdays to add to the mix. ‘Even though there are two years between them, our daughter Iris and son Olly were both born just days before Christmas, so this time of year is extra special – they’ll be turning 18 and 16 respectively so it’s a big one – and we love to decorate the house as lavishly as possible, even if work deadlines mean it has to be done super-fast!’ Time may be limited, but style is one thing that won’t be compromised in the Croft household. Claire, in her seemingly effortless way, will make sure that all the presents are wrapped, the

table is set, fires are laid and dozens of candles are nestled among an abundance of foraged foliage and her many decorative objects. Along with all her festive flourishes, Claire’s year-round style makes this Norfolk home an unpretentiously stylish haven. Off-whites and warm shades of grey throughout the house create a contemporary and unified backdrop for eclectic displays of antiques and artwork, collections and curios. ‘Claire is a bit of a magpie,’ smiles husband Ed, who is the marketing mastermind to Claire’s creative spirit in the family’s business, which makes luxurious yet affordable bathing products and scented candles (abahna.co.uk). ‘She’s always hunting round antique markets, fairs and junk shops. She has a really good eye and luckily we have very similar taste, so I never have to worry about what she’s going to

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B AT H R O O M It’s no surprise that a couple who make bath products would have such a luxurious place to bathe. Painted screens by de Gournay. Arezzo matt white solid stone curved bath, £999.95, Victorian Plumbing, is a close match. Marlborough terracotta square tiles, £42sq m, Artisans of Devizes, would give you a similar look

MASTER BEDROOM The wood-burning stove adds to the cosy feel of the room. Fire surround in Down Pipe estate eggshell, £27 for 750ml, Farrow & Ball. Bobcat faux fur, from £99, Furthrows.com, would work. Morris & Co Kennett bedspread in Indigo/ Gold, £260, Bedeck, is an alternative option. Try the range of cushions from Clarissa Hulse, from £40 each

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bring home!’ As well as being a wonderful place to host Christmas, the 17th-century cottage used to be an escape for the Crofts themselves:. ‘When Ed and I were living in London, we used to visit here on a regular basis,’ says Claire. ‘It was my parents’ holiday home – they bought in the 1970s when my brother Tim and I were still living at home in Yorkshire, so it has a lot of fond memories for the whole family.’ Claire and Ed bought the house from Claire’s parents seven years ago and carried on using it as a bolthole for the first two or three years, but then moved there full-time. The couple were fortunate that Claire’s parents had done most of the major restoration work to transform the former beetle-infested wreck, but Claire, who trained as an architect, and Ed have definitely put their stamp on the place to make it work for them as a permanent home. ‘We felt the rooms were generally under-used,’ says Claire,

‘and we would spend most of our time in the cosy room at the far end of the house, which used to be the kitchen-diner but is better suited as a snug.’ To give the house a sense of flow and make use of every inch of space available, they knocked through to an adjoining barn that was only really used for storage to create an impressive double-height sitting/dining room and moved the kitchen into the middle room so that it’s right at the heart of the house. ‘It makes more sense to have the kitchen next to the room where we entertain, too,’ says Claire. ‘Now we use the whole house and the snug feels rightly tucked away from the hustle and bustle, and is perfect for the four of us when we’re unwrapping our presents in front of the fire on Christmas morning or when it’s just Ed and me relaxing with a glass of wine in the evenings.’ ‘We certainly have no regrets about leaving the city behind,’ adds Ed, ‘and we intend to stay here as long as we possibly can.’

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Setting the scene Neil Honor and Jonathon Pegg’s stunning listed home was the catalyst for a whole new chapter in their life FEATURE SERENA FOKSCHANER | PHOTOGRAPHY PAUL MASSEY

SITTING ROOM With its oak beam and sophisticated fireplace, this is the perfect spot for cosy winter evenings. European silver fir Christmas tree, £249, Balsam Hill. All decorations from the Curated Christmas Collection by Catesbys. Isamu Noguchi coffee table, £1,640, The Conran Shop

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c o u ntry | 25bh H A L LWAY Natural greenery, candles and touches of gold bring a warm, festive atmosphere to this entrance space. The mixed berry festive foliage wreath, £159, Balsam Hill, is similar. Gold tree lanterns (below), from £10 each, Catesbys

home truths THE PROPERTY Grade II-listed former rectory, dating back to 1788 L O C AT I O N Rutland R O O M S Sitting room, dining room, kitchen, rear hall, cloakroom, six bedrooms, two bathrooms P U R C H A S E D 2016 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘We lived in Cambridge before moving here,’ says Neil.

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f u t u r e p l a n s â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;We are expanding the business further into buying and selling art and want to use the dining room as a galleryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; 12 4 | 2 5 B H D EC E M B ER 2020

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tanding proudly at the end of a tree-lined driveway and surrounded by rolling parkland, Yew Tree House looks like a parsonage from a Jane Austen novel. The setting is idyllic all year round but the house’s current residents Neil Honor and his partner Jonathon Pegg say that it never looks better, or feels cosier, than during the festive season. In 2016, the couple were living in Cambridge and running their interior business, Catesbys (catesbys.co.uk), from a shop in the historic city centre. They discovered Rutland by chance during a weekend away and an online search led them to Yew Tree House. Instantly smitten, the pair decided to take their lives in a different direction. ‘Not

only did the house present the opportunity for a wonderful rural lifestyle but it also gave us the impetus to take the leap and move our business online,’ explains Neil. Taking their cues from the property itself, Neil and Jonathon had all the rooms painted in neutral shades before moving in but have since introduced more colour. ‘It was crucial to us that the wall colours were just right as they serve as a backdrop for our collection of modern and contemporary art,’ explains Neil. ‘We found our pieces definitely sing out far better against bolder hues.’ The kitchen, too, presented a challenge with its lack of fitted cabinetry. By chance, the removal men placed a pair of bookshelves in the kitchen where they fitted the dimensions

DINING ROOM ‘In a country house, floral arrangements look better when they are a little unstructured,’ says Jonathon. ‘Anything too formal wouldn’t suit this setting.’ Acorn pedestal dining table, £1,189, La Maison Chic. Leather and wood dining chairs, £595 for a pair, Cox & Cox KITCHEN A carpenter created the freestanding bench. ‘It works brilliantly as a food preparation area, as well as a place for casual dining,’ says Jonathon. Bench made to order by Flavell Trading; painted in Down Pipe estate eggshell, £64 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball. Clockhouse stools, £120 each, Garden Trading

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exactly and so remain, creating open shelving for cookware and recipe books. Jonathon is a talented cook and loves the feel of a traditional working kitchen. ‘In keeping with its Georgian origins, the kitchen feels practical and functional yet at the same time, warm and welcoming,’ he says. The sitting room is another favourite spot and is perfect for entertaining friends around the roaring fire on winter days. ‘At Christmas we dress the house from top to bottom using plenty of fresh foliage gathered locally on dog walks and really throw ourselves wholeheartedly into the season,’ says Neil. For Jonathon, Christmas Eve is the most magical day of the year and the culmination of a very busy period of work for the pair. ‘Normally, each year we try to spread some

cheer by hosting a Christmas lunch at the beginning of December for our close friends as well as a drinks party for our neighbours. By Christmas Eve we’re ready to relax with homemade sausage rolls and a glass of wine in front of the TV.’ In the past, on Christmas Day the couple would alternate between hosting a celebration at home and dining out with friends, often delaying opening presents until Boxing Day to prolong the excitement. The days that follow would usually be filled with walks, films by the fireside and grazing on leftovers until New Year, which is celebrated in style with champagne and smoked salmon. ‘We cherish those days as a welcome pause in the festive frenzy before we begin our planning for the next year.’

BEDROOM The clean, simple lines of a four-poster bed provide a dramatic focal point. The Beaumont four-poster bed, £795, The White Company, would suit this scheme. Les Ottomans cushions, from £59 each; spiral lamps, £99 each, all Catesbys. The industrial Kimberley wall mirror, £115, The Farthing, is similar MASTER BEDROOM Crisp white linen, a classic upholstered bed and well-chosen lighting combine for a scheme that’s both practical and elegant. Bed, handmade to order, from £1,600, John Ryan by Design. Bedside table, £250, Signature Hardwood. Slim metal bedside lamp, £75, Cox & Cox

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FAMILY TRADITIONS Liz Lamour and her husband Corentin have updated the cottage that his grandparents built FEATURE NAOMI JONES | PHOTOGRAPHY BRENT DARBY/NARRATIVES

LIVING AREA Liz enjoying the festivities; Molly on the rocking chair, Róisín on the hearth and Dara. Boxborough rocking chair, £179.99, Wayfair. Jøtul F3 Ivory enamel log-burning stove, £2,279, RW Knight & Son

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25bh | c o u ntry KITCHEN-DINER Liz designed a simple, modern cook space to allow the character of the cottage to shine through. Try the Road House Deluxe leather dining chairs, £139 each, Where Saints Go. Find vintage blue Formica kitchen tables at Vinterior

home truths THE PROPERTY Stone cottage built in 1940 L O C AT I O N Brittany, France R O O M S Kitchen-diner/living area, two bedrooms, bathroom P U R C H A S E D 2000 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘I was living with my parents back home in Ireland and Corentin grew up not far from here in a converted mill house,’ says Liz.

ith large expressive skies and tall grasses dancing in the breeze, there’s a lot to fall in love with in this small hamlet in Brittany, northwestern France. ‘The landscape is very similar to where I grew up in Ireland,’ says Liz Lamour, who met her husband Corentin while she was working at his family’s nearby restaurant as a 19-yearold. Back then, the farm and all the barns and cottages in the hamlet belonged to Corentin’s grandparents, Louise and Isidore. ‘This cottage used to be their home,’ says Liz. ‘They had built it themselves from stone brought in from the ﬁelds, so it has an incredibly rustic feel.’ After Louise and Isidore passed away, Liz and Corentin took over the farm and moved into the cottage. ‘It was such a wonderful place to start our married life. Our son Dara and our eldest daughter Molly were born here,’ says Liz, who now runs the holiday cottage side of the couple’s business (roselouisemarie. com), while her husband tends the animals and cares for the crops. Over the years, the family have made improvements to the house but have always tried to be

sensitive to the building and its history. ‘I love wallpaper, for example, but it wouldn’t feel right to use it here; instead, we’ve kept the texture of the stone exposed and added dashes of colour with a few painted walls,’ she says. The ethos of making minimal changes is not a new concept, however, as Liz – now mum to two more daughters, Una and Róisín – explains: ‘During the time Louise lived in the cottage, it was managed and maintained in typical farmer’s fashion – make do and mend, whether things matched or not. Corentin and I have tried to celebrate that part of its history; so when we took the wall down between the hallway and the living area, for instance, we didn’t worry about the fact that we now have chequerboard floor tiles in two different colourways side by side.’ Liz has always been keen to work with what is available while adding her own modern twist, and has complemented the cottage with antiques, vintage and contemporary finds. But come Christmas time, it’s all about celebrating the traditions. The family like to close down the farm, along with all the cottages, and have the place to themselves. One of their newer traditions is to light loads of candles and make mulled wine for the grown-ups and spiced cider for the children. They then all gather around the fire to open a few presents. ‘We also remember Louise and Isidore and what their lives were like during this time of year,’ says Liz. ‘I’m very glad we can pass on memories from both sides of the family to our children while creating new ones with them.’

LIVING AREA A mix of contemporary and antique furniture gives all the rooms an eclectic aesthetic. Doris two-seater, £449, Made, is similar. Burnt Gold mohair throw, £125, Bronte By Moon. The Midas side table, £178, Graham and Green, has this look

B AT H R O O M Even the wash space has been treated to some seasonal style. Cupboard in Pitch Blue estate eggshell, £27 for 750ml, Farrow & Ball MASTER BEDROOM Liz painted a chequerboard pattern on the floor, which looks like a rug at first glance. Furniture and floor in Plummett estate eggshell, £27 for 750ml, Farrow & Ball

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H A L LWAY The all-white scheme is softened by French-style furniture and a festive Christmas garland. Elise White console, Â£271, Melody Maison

HAPPY ENDING When her house-buying plans hit a snag, Natalie Bowles bought the property next door instead and transformed it into her dream space FEATURE ALISON GIBB | PHOTOGRAPHY COLIN POOLE

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home truths THE PROPERTY 1950s three-bedroom semi-detached house L O C AT I O N Kent R O O M S Sitting room, kitchen-diner/living area, utility room, cloakroom, three bedrooms, bathroom P U R C H A S E D 2017 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘We lived in a smaller house a few miles away,’ says Natalie.

SITTING ROOM Natalie chose a pale grey backdrop, then layered it with similar-toned furniture, cream cushions and a sheepskin rug to create a cohesive look. Pudding sofa, £1,295; cream scatter cushions, £25 each; Flatster footstool, from £395, all Loaf. Bow mirror, £199, John Lewis & Partners, has this look

hile Natalie Bowles and her husband Phil were looking to move house, they originally set their sights on a three-bedroom semidetached property. ‘We tried to buy it three times, but the purchase fell through each time, and we eventually realised it just wasn’t meant to be,’ says Natalie, who runs

her own hand wash company, Fox & Fig. Then fate took a hand. ‘By coincidence, the house next door came up for sale, so we were able to buy that one instead,’ she says. Natalie soon realised that the house they were buying had distinct advantages. ‘Because the property had remained untouched we were able to put our own stamp on it,’ she says. ‘We could take the

house back to its bare bones and achieve the layout that we’d admired so much next door. It was the only house in the street that hadn’t been extended, so we knew we’d be able to install exactly the features we wanted.’ Natalie, Phil and their son Jack, aged 15, moved in 2017 and hit the ground running. ‘We put a lot of our furniture 2 5 B H D EC E M B ER 2020 | 13 3

f a v o u r i t e f e a t u r e ‘The lantern roof light in the kitchen – it floods the room LIVING AREA A dark coloured console desk and stone add contract and texture. Chantilly Dusky Black console desk, £299, The Cotswold Company, has this look DINING AREA Part of the new extension, this is where the family have their Christmas lunch. Try the Henley dining chairs, £790 for two, Neptune. Bjursta table, £129, Ikea, is similar. Montgomery chandelier, £132, Maisons du Monde, has this look

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into storage and we lived on site,’ says Natalie, who had clear ideas of how she wanted to renovate her new home. ‘We started by replacing all the woodwork and doors,’ she says. A local carpenter worked on all of the skirtings and architraves before moving onto the staircase bannisters and spindles. Natalie also revamped the two existing fireplaces. ‘We installed central heating and rewired the house as well, redecorated throughout and also refitted the bathroom,’ she says.

Having completed all this work, they then took a well-earned six-month break before tackling the kitchen at the start of 2018. A new extension gave them space for large kitchen with a dining area, leading into a cosy TV snug. With classic greypainted Shaker cabinetry and a lantern roof light, the kitchen is the focal point of Natalie’s remodelled home. A striking feature of Natalie’s home is the sense of visual continuity. ‘I know my style and I visualised the way I wanted it

tow n | 25bh KITCHEN ‘I thought my dream kitchen was out of my budget,’ says Natalie. ‘But I dropped into a shop in London one day and found the cabinetry I’d been looking for on sale.’ Bespoke Shaker-style cabinetry, Eclectic Interiors. Quartz worktops, price on request, Silestone

with light, but the solid surround ensures the room is never too hot on a sunny dayÕ to look,’ says Natalie. ‘I love interiors magazines and studied them carefully before creating mood boards for each room.’ Natalie’s vision was to create a restful scheme in pale, soothing colours, with a hint of French country style. ‘I chose a neutral backdrop, using whites, taupes and greys,’ she says. ‘I love French furniture and traditional French Provençal style, with its classic, subtle colours.’ Keeping her scheme in mind, Natalie adapted vintage finds and high street buys from a variety of

sources. ‘You don’t have to spend a lot of money – you just have to be clear about the look you’re aiming for,’ she says. With its calming palette, Natalie’s home is a sanctuary at the end of a hectic day, especially at Christmas. ‘Life is so busy, on Christmas Eve we like it to be just the three of us,’ she says. ‘We have treats while watching Christmas movies and completely relax. Christmas Day is spent with our wider family, celebrating and enjoying each other’s company. It’s such a special time of year.’

MASTER BEDROOM An upholstered bed topped with a silver eiderdown is the perfect way to create a luxe look. Rosalie bed, from £620, Sofa com. Hotel Silk grey bedspread, £280, John Lewis & Partners. Tibetan sheepskin rug, £255, The White Company, has this look B AT H R O O M By removing a wall, Natalie managed to fit in a free-standing bath as well as a supersize shower. Burlington Admiral free-standing bath, £1,319, Victorian Plumbing

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FESTIVE FLAIR

Colour is never far away in Leoma Harper’s Victorian home but it’s this season when the house really shines FEATURE KAREN WILSON | STYLING LEOMA HARPER & HOLLY PHILLIPS | PHOTOGRAPHY BRENT DARBY

EXTERIOR As well as the beautiful period features, Leoma and her family love the house’s peaceful location with river and park nearby. Try the lead-effect planter, from £34.90, Terrace Gardener

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D R AW I N G R O O M The dramatic chandelier shows off the elegant proportions of this room. Esme chandelier, £557, Sweetpea & Willow, would work. Philo large sofa, from £1,275, Arlo & Jacob, has this look. Igara mango wood terrarium, £140, Nkuku. Walls in Chateau elite emulsion, £51 for 2.5ltr, Zoffany

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home truths THE PROPERTY Detached Victorian house L O C AT I O N Surrey R O O M S Sitting room, drawing room, kitchen-diner, utility room, playroom, ﬁve bedrooms, (two en suite), two bathrooms P U R C H A S E D 2015 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘We had a smaller house in Richmond,’ says Leoma

DINING AREA ‘The branch is from the garden and was ﬁrst put up two Christmases ago,’ says Leoma. French cabinet, £800, Sunbury Antiques Market; in Railings estate eggshell, £64 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball. Woodcroft Colonial table, £2,495, One World. Replica Hans J Wegner wishbone chairs, from £183 each, Swivel. Try the Newport lantern, £88, Maisons du Monde

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or Leoma Harper, moving into a large detached period property five years ago proved to be a good decision. As well as giving her and her husband a lot more space for their money, it provided a bigger garden for their daughter, seven, and son, four. ‘With its period features and high ceilings, this double-fronted Victorian house ticked all the boxes on our wish list and we loved the peaceful location,’ says Leoma. But there was a lot of work to do – the house was grey and bland when the couple moved in. Some original features had been removed, other areas had been updated for the purpose of selling, and parts had not been touched at all. ‘We spent the initial four months putting back period features and revealing fireplaces that had been bricked up, as well as adding wooden flooring and new radiators,’ says Leoma. By introducing wall panelling in the hallway and drawing room, further character was reinstated. ‘We were very lucky to inherit a nice kitchen and bathrooms that only needed a lick of paint,’ says Leoma, an interior stylist and Instagram blogger @styletheclutter. ‘But the dated laundry room and cloakroom needed a complete overhaul.’ Opening up the wall between the orangery and playroom greatly enhanced the flow, too. Once the structural work was out of the way, Leoma was able to turn her hand to the decor. ‘My style is inspired by rustic French and contemporary Scandinavian design, but since starting my interiors business, styletheclutter.com, I’ve become a lot bolder with colour,’ she says. ‘I began with

KITCHEN The bars stools, peg rail and bench add natural accents to bring warmth to the scheme. Kitchen units in Slate II oil eggshell, £72 for 2.5ltr, Paint & Paper Library. Oak Shaker 15-hook coat rack, £70, Etsy. Antique wooden bench, £155, Home Barn, is similar. Wicker counter stools, £250 each, Cox & Cox

SITTING ROOM Rich blue walls are both fresh and dramatic. Walls in Stiffkey Blue estate emulsion, £47.95 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball. Christmas tree, from £60.95, Pines and Needles. Bouji accent chair, £199, Made. Marble rectangular coffee table, £549, Dwell, would work here

H A L LWAY ‘I painted the balustrade dark to make a strong statement,’ says Leoma. Balustrade in Black Blue estate eggshell, £64 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball. Rustic teak bench, £175, Cox & Cox, is a match. Oval Capiz chandelier, £698, Anthropologie

the blue front room when we moved in, followed by the green-blue master en suite, our pink bedroom and then the pink drawing room. Leoma says she also loves injecting unexpected subtle colour pops, such as on the inside of doors and on furniture she upcycles. A sense of cohesion was created throughout the house by repeating dark colours on the hallway balustrade, orangery doors, dining table legs and kitchen island. ‘Although I create plans, mood boards and layouts for my clients, when it comes to our home I’m a lot more spontaneous,’ says Leoma. ‘I love mixing up pieces from my favourite stores alongside items picked at local antiques shops or markets. I’m also a big upcycler, and I love nothing more than making something we’ve already got fit perfectly into a newly decorated space.’ Though stunning all year round, this house really comes to life at Christmas and the festive decorations always begin with a special Advent calendar. ‘Last year it was little house boxes with treats inside hanging from a branch in the playroom,’ says Leoma. ‘Then in early December I’ll add decorations to the mantelpiece, staircase and the hanging branch over the dining table.’ To suit the house’s high ceilings, lavishly adorned Christmas trees take centre stage in various rooms and Leoma will always make the wreath for the front door using foliage from the garden. ‘In previous years there’s been a lot of copper, gold and green,’ she says, ‘but I have already decided I’m going even more colourful this year.’

tow n | 25bh MASTER BEDROOM ‘Pink is so warm and inviting and works well teamed with either light or dark colours,’ says Leoma. Antoinette double bed, from £1,095, Loaf, has this look. Walls in Pink Ground estate emulsion, £47.95 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball. Finley velvet armchair, £890, Rowen & Wren. Christy Jaipur throw in Turmeric, £140, Amara, is similar

EN SUITE Bold colour choices are key to this sophisticated look. Bath in Black Blue estate eggshell, £64 for 2.5ltr; walls in Oval Room Blue estate emulsion, £47.95 for 2.5ltr, both Farrow & Ball. Try the hexagonal brass lantern, £49, ZaZa Homes. The Cali Berber-style bath mat, £15, La Redoute, would suit this space

GUEST BEDROOM ‘To create a tranquil feel here we painted the floorboards white,’ says Leoma. Floorboards in Eicó Antique White floor paint, £56.58 for 2.25ltr, Celtic Sustainables. Bedside cabinet in Sulking Room Pink estate eggshell, £64 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball. Try faux strelitzia, £105, Blooming Artificial. Bamboo print cushion, £25, Trouva

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25bh | i d e a s to s h a r e The beautiful and grand Café Riggs in Washington DC serves an all-day menu for every occasion

ROOM ENVY

his is a space with some considerable pedigree. What you’re looking at above is Café Riggs, an all-day dining restaurant inspired by the 19th-century grand cafes of Europe. It occupies an imposing space on the ground ﬂoor of Riggs Washington DC, a new hotel based in what was once the Riggs National Bank. Known as the ‘bank of presidents’ – Lincoln and Nixon are reported to have kept coffers here – these walls could surely tell some stories, but these days they instead gaze down at diners munching on steak frites. Still, the property’s glory days have left behind a spoil of impressive architectural details that instil a sense of grandeur. The ﬁrst thing you notice is the heavy garnet-coloured curtain at the far wall. It serves no real purpose 14 6 | 2 5 B H D EC E M B ER 2020

other than creating a dramatic feel and adds to the theatrical vibe of this over-the-top room. Seating shifts between glamorous seventies-style club chairs and Victorian antiques, a combination that might sound incongruous but is made to work with well-paired velvet upholstery in a host of citrine, ruby and aquamarine tones. This might seem like a look that will draw little inspiration for your own home – after all, few of us have Corinthian columns accenting our sitting rooms – but there’s something to be learnt from the bold combination of jewel shades, noble materials and pale walls. The cafe comes across as playful in its use of colour, but that’s all been brought in through ﬁxtures and furnishings; the backdrop, much like banks in general, is all rather austere and serious.

FEATURE PATRICK HAMILTON COURTNEY PHOTOGRAPH JENNIFER HUGHES

Each month we bring you a scheme that delights, dazzles and intrigues