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THE HOME OF

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November 2020

INTERIORS & INSPIRATION

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12 NOVEMBER Things that make us happy

17 DESIGN NEWS What's new in interiors this month

AUTUMN’S NEW LOOKS

Trends that will make you fall in love with your home again

78 86

SCANDI RUSTIC The perfect winter blending of styles ®

MAKE A HOUSE A HOME It’s all

about the lighting

HALLWAY IDEAS For a great first impression

102 CHOOSE THE BEST... Tasty-looking dining table

106 ROOM ELEMENTS Our pick of heated towel rails

KITCHEN PROJECT Go bold with dark blue cabinetry

117 HOME TECH Modern range cookers

RENOVATION GUIDE

COUNTRY HOMES 18

All you need to know about driveways >

DUTCH COUNTRY HOUSE

Offering the perfect mix of rural and town life, this listed property on the edge of a national park was exactly what this family were after

OXFORDSHIRE COTTAGE

This Cotswold stone holiday house is a childhood dream come true for its owner

40 °

ON THE COVER 50

KENT HALL HOUSE

Steeped in history, this beautiful, timber-framed property is as cosy and welcoming as could be ° WEST SUSSEX FARMHOUSE This character-filled, 17th-century farmhouse ticked all the boxes for these newlyweds

PLUS GET-THE-LOOK IDEAS FOR EVERY HOME COUNTRY HOMES & INTERIORS

GARDENS 123

WINTER’S COMING A month-by-month guide for caring for your garden this season

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INA COUNTRY GARDEN All you need to make your outdoor space snug and cosy on colder evenings

COUNTRY HOMES & INTERIORS CHRISTMAS SHOW Get your early-bird ticket today

SUBSCRIBE TO COUNTRY HOMES & INTERIORS

44’

SEASONAL FOOD 137

INA COUNTRY KITCHEN Our latest pantry additions

138

COLD COMFORT

Warm your cockles with these wholesome dishes

LIFESTYLE

ON THE COVER

RURAL HOTSPOT Looking to move? Consider Lyndhurst in the New Forest

64 MY COUNTRY BUSINESS Robina Jack shares her passion for working with clay

SUBSCRIBE TODAY COUNTRY HOMES &

INTERIORS

LOCAL HERO Rhiane Fatinikun is working to break down the stereotypes in the hiking community

132 LIVE LIFE WELL Happy thoughts and ideas for fashion, eco, wellbeing and more

135 COUNTRY PASSION eet

Discover a new kind of mindfulness - sketching outside

150 MY FAVOURITE VIEW

Country Homes & interiors 0951-3019 is published monthly by Future Publishing Limited, 161 Marsh Wall, London E14 9AP, England. Distributed by MarketForce (UK), 3rd Floor, 161 Marsh Wall, London E14 9AP (020 3787 9001). Covers printed at Walstead Peterborough and text at Walstead Bicester Limited in the UK. We are committed to only using magazine paper which is derived from responsibly managed, certified forestry and chlorine-free manufacture. The paper in this magazine was sourced and produced from sustainable managed forests, conforming to strict environmental and socioeconomic standards. mill holds full FSC (Forest The manufacturing paper contents 2020 Stewardship Council) certification and accreditation. All Future Publishing Limited or published under licence. rights reserved. All No part of this magazine may be used, stored, transmitted or reproduced in any way without the prior written permission of the publisher. Future Publishing Limited (company number 2008885) is registered in England and Wales. Registered office: Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All 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. If you submit material to us, you warrant that you own the material and/or have the necessary rights/ permissions to supply the material and you automatically grant Future and its licensees a licence to publish your submission in whole or in part in any/all issues and/or editions of publications, in any format published worldwide and on associated websites, social media channels and associated products. Any material you submit is sent at your own risk and, although every care is taken, neither Future nor its employees, agents, subcontractors or licensees shall be liable for loss or damage. We assume all unsolicited material is for publication unless otherwise stated, and reserve the right to edit, amend, adapt all submissions.

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The mood of the moment:

(BACKGROUND) RAPTURE & WRIGHT GUADELOUPE FABRIC

ASH, 102M,

FABRICS & PAPERS

HITTING PEAK COSY ‘You know you've hit peak cosy when...’ How would you complete this sentence? ‘The log basket is empty’, ‘l've worn loungewear all weekend! and ‘I’m Googling new soup recipes’ all spring to mind. Our Novernber issue is always a celebration of all things cosy, a collection of simple winter pleasures waiting to be found. Just when you think you're already crushing cosiness, here we are with some new ideas - from sherry-soaked mushrooms and comfy boot socks to bonfire cooking pots and welcoming hallways. Add to the mix a handful of beautiful country houses to savour, and you've got an hour orthree of serious me-time right here. But, if getting outside makes you happier than hunkering indoors, don’t miss our winter gardening feature - it'll keep you pottering and planning through the season.

Vanepsax P.S. Have you found us

Instagram, yet?

Follow @countryhomesmag to get a sneak peek at beautiful homes and the inside track on interiors-industry news, events and people. No influencers, just a gentle slice of idyllic country life to give you a little escapism every day...

UNTRY HOMES & INTERIORS

ISTMA W 2020

Our festive fair will be back at Stonor Park near Henley-on-Thames

26-29 NOVEMBER

Timed tickets 10am-1pm and 1pm-4pm THE BEST BOUTIQUE COUNTRY CHRISTMAS SHOW - SAFE, FRIENDLY AND FULL OF SEAS JINAL SFIRIT! e’re thrilled to be back at Stonor Park for our annual Country Homes & Interiors Christmas Show. Now in its fifth year, it’s an unmissable festive fair featuring our favourite makers and artisan brands. BUY ALL YOUR GIFTS With so many stands to browse, you can blitz your Christmas gift list. Find presents and accessories, fashion and beauty buys, home décor, kids’ toys, men’s must-haves and much more. Plus, there will be plenty of gourmet food and drink products on offer. FEEL SAFE & SECURE We're following expert guidance to keep our Christmas Show safe for visitors, with advance ticket sales, timed entrance to the event, a one-way route through our marquees and other safety measures in place. More details will be available nearer the time; see ichfevents.co.uk/ countryhomeschristmas for updates. EXPLORE OUR STAND Decorated by our stylists, our roomset will be full of inspiring festive décor ideas to recreate in your own home, featuring products from our partners Charnwood and Sanderson.

COUNTRY HOMES & INTERIORS

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LINDSEY B IMAGES Stunning photography, luxury gifts and homeware. lindseybimages.com

JARDINOPIA LTD Unique gifts for the home and garden. jardinopia.com

LOULOUBELLE LONDON Indulgent skincare and free gift wrapping. louloubelleskincare.co.uk

EMO.EPANOA.COM

*DISCOUNTED TICKET PRICES VALID UNTIL MONDAY 23 NOVEMBER 2020. PAY 10 INSTEAD OF 12 WHEN USING CODE EV286 AT CHECKOUT. ADDITIONAL COST FOR STONOR HOUSE TICKETS. TIMED TICKETS WILL BE SOLD ONLINE; CHOOSE 10AM-1PM OR 1PM-4PM

JEWELLERY BY SHIRLEY

SWOLE PANDA Luxuriously soft bamboo socks, scarves and boxer shorts. swolepanda.com

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for

Romantic Christmas.

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Handmade gemstone jewellery. etsy.com/shop/JewellerybyShirley

INDIGO AND ROSE

KAMINEE

Beautiful homeware with

Hand-embroidered tunies, dresses and jackets. kaminee.co.uk

DIMPLED HEART

Scandi feel. indigoandrose.co.uk a

Quirky pottery handmade in Stoke-on-Trent. dimpledheart.co.uk

EARLY BIRD TICKET OFFER Kock [ickefé. ® ®

Offer is

saving of

you pay 10

instead of 12.

Visit ichfevents.co.uk/countryhomeschristmas or call 01425 277988. Use code EV286 to claim your discount.

‘Tour the house’ tickets cost

Tickets will be sold for timed sessions, 10am-1pm or Tpm-4pm.

HOW TO FIND US Stonor Park, Henley-on-Thames,Oxfordshire RG9 6HF Stonor is located between the M4 and M40 on the B480 Henley-on-Thames to Watlington Road.

DISCOUNTED TICKET PRICES VALID UNTIL MONDAY 23 NOVEMBER 2020

COUNTRY HOMES & INTERIORS

114

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(e513

holder, 25 for set of three; large concrete tray, 59, all Nordic House

COUNTRY HOMES

INTERIORS

COUNTRY DAYS

A seasonal tablescape

for sundowner suppers.

Stanway bluestone table, 2,380; Harrington dining chairs, 275 each; Ashcroft round place-mats in Charcoal, 82 for six, all Neptune,

1 Warming up hard floors with Turkish delights for curious footsteps... Vintage rug in Yellow, from 1,020, Zeki Muren at Floor Story 2 Fun combination lighting that can grow, shrink or change shape whenever suits! The small one lampshade pendant, 255, MatchiMatchi 3 Clever cookware for open fire sizzles - that's the fireworks night chilli sorted! Outdoor cooking pot, 79, Toast 4 Gorgeous, reactive glazes to perk up a sad looking nook. Large stone vase in Yellow, 37, Graham and Green

Country checks with a contemporary attitude for conker smuggling).

Dalston Coat in Lovat/Tan, 435, Really Wild_

5 Adding interest in the living room with a shapely pedestal design. Anka side table in Black aluminium, â&#x201A;Ź169, Bloomingville 6 Bunches of gorgeous dried textures that will last a lifetime. Somerset dried bouquet in Pinks and Yellows, 35, Article Somerset 7 Ramping up the table talk with stoneware in an attentiongrabbing colour palette. Cosima 12-piece dinner set in Blue, 110, Habitat 8 Timeless designs with a difference for foraged feasts. Twist natural wooden cutlery, from 29 a piece, Rebecca Udall COUNTRY HOMES & INTERIORS

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Pink and Grey Striped, 12?” each; linen apron in Plaster 32, all Rowen & Wren

9 Adding texture, warmth and bright delight with a subtle weave. Herringbone wool blanket in Silver and Ink, 52, James & May 10 Seductive scents that remind us to pause and pamper. Love to Love You Baby leather and saffron candle, 34, Rockett St George 11 The grape connoisseur’s ultimate companion for an evening spent fireside. Wine breather carafe deluxe brass lid, 75, Menu at Pad Lifestyle 12 A comfy, snuggle-in spot for cosy nights at home. Celia armchair in Linden, 690, Arlo & Jacob

Getting organisation savvy with a wirework web of clip-on reminders.

13 Coming up ‘trunks’ in the bedtime style stakes. Elephant pyjama bottoms, 35, Sophie Allport 14 Replacing plastic in this household classic, complete with natural bristle brush. Enamel dustpan and brush, 32, Labour and Wait 15 Striking a spark on Bonfire Night. Dancers long triangle matchbox, 9.75, Archivist 16 An uber-tactile sofa addition bursting with unique character and energising colour! Knot cushion in Petrol, 99,

Design House Stockholm at Really Well Made

COUNTRY HOMES & INTERIORS

FEATURE HOLLY PHILLIPS PHOTOGRAPHS EMMA LEE/TI-MEDIACONTENT.COM

Farringdon memo board, 30, Garden Trading

COUNTRY DAYS

Things that make wg huipopey... WA SMARTER SNUGGLE-UP TIME INA BED MADE UP WITH PLUMP PILLOWS AND QUILTED STRIPES9

ees eee bed linen: -

Santorini bed linen, fram for a pillowease; Noah qui

210 fora double; Audle tapered lights, 195 each, all The White Company

COUNTRY HOMES & INTERIORS

FOR THE FULL TETRAD EXPERIENCE PLEASE CONTACT OUR PREMIER STOCKISTS LISTED BELOW Aberdeen Archibalds * Aberdeen Gillies Aberdeen Sterling Furniture * Abingdon Lee Longlands * Accrington Taskers of Accrington Banbury Bennetts * Banchory Taylors * Bangor Caprice * Barnstaple Pacfields » Barrow-in-Furness Siollers * Bath TR Hayes Battersea, London Barker & Stonehouse * Beverley Alexander Ellis Furniture Emporium * Birmingham Lee Longlands * Bo’ness Belgica * Boston Sack Siore * Brighouse Websters Furniture * Burton upon Trent Haynes Furnishings * Cardiff Arthur Llewellyn Jenkins * Carlisle Vaseys Chesterfield Brampton House Furnishers * Clitheroe Shackletons Home & Garden * Colchester Hatfields of Colchester * Crickhowell, Wales Webbs of Crickhowell * Darlington Barker & Stonehouse * Derby Lee Longlands * Dundee Gillies Dundee Sterling * Dunfermline Thomsons World of Furniture * Dumfries Barbours « Ealing, London Brentham Fumiture « Edinburgh Martin & Frost * Elgin Anderson & England * Exeter Stoneman & Bowker * Gateshead Barker & Stonehouse * Glasgow Forrest Furnishing * Glasgow Sterling Furniture Grimsby AW Robinson Furniture * Guernsey Scope Furnishing Guildford Barker & Stonehouse Harrogate Smiths: The Rink * Haverfordwest Furniture Directorye Hedge End Bracbeers * Holt Bakers and Larners * Hove Barker & Stonehouse * Hull Barker & Stonehouse Inverness Gillies * Inverness Sterling Furniture Inverurie Andersons Isle of Wight Bayliss & Booth Kilmarnock Tannahills Knaresborough Barker & Stonehouse * Leamington Spa Whartons * Leeds Barker & Stonehouse * Leicester Langtons Lincoln GH Shaw * Liverpool Taskers - Aintree * Llanidloes Hafren Furnishers * Malvern Rhubarb Home * Market Harborough Furniture Loft Montrose Buicks * Nelson Pendle Village Mill Newcastle Barker & Stonehouse * Northants, Heart of the Shires Texture Interiors Northants, Towcester, Texture Interiors Norwich Jarrolds * Nottingham Barker & Stonehouse * Perth Gillies Rainham G Lukehurst Ringweed Furleng Furniture * Salisbury Mylor Mawes * Sheffield Ponsford * Solihull Whartons » Southsea Design House * Stamford Stamford Garden Centre * Stratferd-upen-Aven Heme of ihe Sofa * Street and Weston-Super-Mare Living Homes * Swansea Arthur Llewellyn Jenkins * Teeside Barker & Stonehouse * Tewkesbury Pavilion Broadway * Tillicoultry Sterling Furniture Tunbridge Wells Hoopers * Waltham Cross Fishpools » Winchester Design House Windsor WJ Daniel » Worcester Holloways Home & Garden Furniture * Yeovil The Old Creamery * York Browns »

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION AND TO FIND YOUR NEAREST

NEW & INTERESTING

DESIGN NEWS Cath Kidston blinds Demonstrating vintage patterns with modern twist, iconic British designer Cath Kidston has teamed up with Blinds 2go to launch a delightful range of made-to-measure window dressings. Much-loved designs, including timeless florals, pretty polka dots and WaT even jumping dinosaurs, feature across a palette ranging from peaceful pastels to punchy primary colours. Each design is available as Roman blinds, from 31.95; roller blinds, a

from 25.70; and curtains, from 34.35. View the full collection at blinds-2go.co.uk.

KENT

TEI,

cee RUGS

CROSSLEY Bespoke rug designer

Amy Kent has collaborated with sustainable florist and stylist Willow Crossley to create a distinctive collection of rugs based on ‘a: British flowers of the four seasons. The colourful designs are crafted in Kathmandu, Nepal, hand-knotted using a traditional weave technique. The design shown here is Winter, 820sq m, amykent.co.uk. -

Jo Malone home scents The Townhouse Collection of new scented candles captures the mood of a celebrated, indoors moment. Six captivating concoctions include Pastel Macaroons and Glowing Embers for a mood-enhancing treat. 90 fora 300g candle from jomalone.co.uk and Jo Malone London boutiques.

FEATURE HOLLY PHILLIPS

Marlow four-poster bed in Walnut, 2,499; Cinnamon washed linen duvet cover, ing size, 169; Oxford

SPICY OFFERINGS FROM HEAL’S FOR AW20 The Marlow four-poster bed by renowned designer Tim Rundle showcases a seamless silhouette (no visible joints) and a smooth, tactile finish. Marlow’s luxurious bedlinen love-match comes in a bold new colourway, Cinnamon, a rich earthy tone evocative of autumn’s falling leaves and warming flavours.

New Country.side Collection paints

Norfolk-based Fenwick & Tilbrookis excited to present The Countryside Collection, with 30 beautiful coloursin a mix of new shades, special editions and classic favourites. Highlights include Herring‘s Lane, a warm greenish white, named after a quiet little lane in Burnham Market, and Oystercatcher- jet black to mimic the Norfolk coastline wader. All 47 for 2.5ltr at fenwickandtilbrook.com.

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fter living in the US for a few years, the van der Berg family moved back to their house in the Netherlands, which had been rented out during their absence. ‘With four children, it felt like we'd completely outgrown the space, says Antoinette. ‘But had my eye on this house, which was just across the road and much bigger. lt had extensive grounds, including a swimming pool, hockey pitch and an orchard. loved the idea of cooking with home-grown fruit and nuts!’ When the property came up for sale, Antoinette put in a call to the estate agent. ‘The airiness of the house is what attracted us - high ceilings, tall windows, lots of light!’ Another plus was that the grounds are adjacent to a forest and a national park, yet the house is close to a town, so it offered the perfect mix of country life with the hustle and bustle of community life. Antoinette and Lars had a clear idea of the renovations they wanted to do on the house. ‘We planned it all out in detail, says Antoinette. ‘The house is a listed property, not just because of the building itself, but because of its location in a conservation area. For every improvement or change to the property, we needed to obtain permission - from window frames, roofing and flooring to interior walls, everything had to be officially approved. ‘The work on the ground floor was extensive and we temporarily took up residence in the outbuilding (now my studio) while it was all going on. In the kitchen we opened up the ceiling to create a wonderful beamed cathedral-like roof space. We also replaced the kitchen and breakfast room floors with travertine, while the rest of the ground level flooring is herringbone oak. Upstairs, the ceilings on the first floor were in need of serious renovation, and while we've managed to replicate the originals, we've incorporated insulation to make the space much warmer: The work took six months and when it was finished the family moved into the house while the attic was renovated, which took another six months. Renovation of the grounds and the swimming pool took a further half a year. When it came to the interior, Antoinette opted for a palette of whites, greys and neutrals on walls, ceilings and floors to create a subtle backdrop. ‘The interior is an eclectic mix of styles - we've collected many beautiful pieces over the years and brought them back to the Netherlands, so there’s a mix of antiques, designer pieces, flea market finds and family heirlooms? The couple are thrilled with the end result. ‘We've put a lot of thought into making it the wonderful home it is. It’s minimalist in style, but warm and welcoming- it's like comfort blanket. We intend to relax and enjoy it for as long as possible, until it’s time to move somewhere smaller. ‘As we are next to a national park and a brook runs along our grounds, we have all kinds of visitors, such as foxes, snakes, deer and beautiful birds. And our garden gives endless views, always changing colours - skies, rain, storm, sun, snow... We love it all!’ |

AT HOME WITH Owners Antoinette and Lars van der Berg live here with their Rhodesian Ridgeback Beau. Antoinette is goldsmith and Lars works in finance. They have four a

grown-up children. They bought the house 12 years ago.

House A

listed detached threebedroom dating from the 1860s.

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The antique oil painting was inherited from Antoinetteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s aunt, while the piano is an heirloom from her sister. Find a similar rocking chair at Wayfair. Herringbone Palazzo Oak flooring, Direct Wood Flooring, would work here

DUTCH COUNTRY HOUSE

A corner seating arrangement feels sociable. Window dressings are kept simple throughout the house with curtains and blinds in natural linens. A deeper colour on just the one wall helps pull the scheme together with cushions in similar shades. For velvet cushions, try Made. Dark Lead Intelligent Matt emulsion, Little Greene, would work well here

Breakfast room

The large dresser is Swedish antique - its authentic flaked paintwork gives it lovely aged look. The Leandre dresser, Maisons du Monde, is similar a

Kilchen-diner The cabinets are Ikea carcasses with bespoke fronts. Lars made the high set of bar stools. Metod base cabinets, Ikea. Fiam bar stools, John Lewis & Partners, are similar

COUNTRY HOMES & INTERIORS

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‘We renovated the beamed ceilings upstairs and have incorporated insulation to make the bedrooms warmer. And the original floorboards have been re-finished too.’ Painting ceilings white creates a spacious feel. The Scenario quilted white bedspread, La Redoute, is similar

Shower room This en-suite bathroom was completely refurbished. The floor is matt finish Belgian bluestone, run throughout to give a sense of flow. The doors were taken from Antoinette’s previous home and sanded down to expose the wood. For similar tiles, try Topps Tiles. An otherwise bare white wall is the perfect place to hang this antique candleholder. For a heart wall sconce in this style, try Bowley & Jackson a

FEATURE GERALDINE NESBITT/COCO FEATURES, LISA FAZZANI PHOTOGRAPHS PEGGY JANSSEN/COCO FEATURES

COUNTRY HOMES & INTERIORS

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Heap your table with exotic tastes.

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AT HOME WITH Ownerss Katrin and Adrian Davey live here with their son Leo, eight, and Wiggles the Cockapoo. Katrin is a part-time media consultant and Adrian is CIO of a multi-national company.

House Atwo-bedroom Grade Il-listed terraced house, dating from the 16th century.

provenance was preserved when the railway bypassed its golden stone streets in the 19th century. It's that history which attracted Katrin and Adrian Davey, when they decided to buy a farmer's cottage - one of two converted from the kitchen wing of a 16th-century manor house, back in the 1700s - and transform it into their 21st-century bolthole. ‘We loved this area already and I'd always dreamed of living in the kind of chocolate box English country cottage I'd read about growing up in Germany, says Katrin. ‘The first time we tried to buy the cottage the sale fell through, but two years later it came on the market again and we sealed the deal, although an ancient codicil in the deeds held up completion! They eventually signed the papers in January 2019, and were keen to start work right away. With a solid structure, intact original features and a blank interior that hadn't been touched since the 1970s, the cottage had all the potential to become the perfect cosy hideaway Katrin had always longed to create. ‘| was still a bit nervous of the challenges of a listed building,’ she says, ‘but we hired a local builder with proven experience of working on properties like ours and he helped us navigate the building regulations. Our three-month refurb, though sympathetic and > COUNTRY HOMES & INTERIORS

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gentle, was pretty comprehensive, involving roof repairs to combat damp issues, tanking on the ground floor to sort out rising damp, rewiring, restoration of any original wooden beams still in decent condition - sadly, some could only be painted again - and installing a new kitchen, bathroom and downstairs loo, says Katrin, who project managed the renovations. ‘Damp was an issue in original parts of the house, where plaster had fallen off the walls. We decided not to replace it, but instead repointed the walls and left the original stone exposed as a feature. The key is to work with a building and not against it, and to be creative around some of the problems it throws at you. It was a challenging time, though, as had to work around the school runs and my part-time job. But our builder was great and I'm extremely passionate about this cottage, so it became my “baby”. It meant the work didn't feel like a chore’ There were more issues to contend with as the restoration went on, however. Repeatedly let down by their original kitchen company, a chance meeting with a local supplier saved the day. ‘They were dismantling an immaculate one-year-old designer kitchen from a client's house that we were able to buy and paint the shade of green I'd always wanted. It actually worked out better in the endl’ says Katrin, who by now was keen to get styling the interior of her Cotswold > |

COUNTRY HOMES & INTERIORS

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—™~ hideaway. ‘What wanted to create was a cosy, unfussy look, with simple, good-quality furniture and some 21st-century luxury touches. also wanted to enhance what was there - the oak beams, the Cotswold stone, even the discovery of the original inglenook behind plaster! took inspiration from the green surroundings of the countryside so our cottage would sit effortlessly in its beautiful locale,’ she says. For Katrin, the project proved much more fulfilling than she had expected. ‘I truly enjoyed the whole process of sourcing everything myself, from the kitchen and bathroom fittings, the furniture and bespoke window dressings, right down to the crockery and cutlery and all the little things that bring some individuality - like our green cactus lookalike salt and pepper mills and vintage plates in the old oak kitchen wall cabinet. even put dried flowers in the cute little metal frames on the kitchen wall. Luckily Adrian trusted me to create a lovely space for the family.’ With work finally complete, the Daveys now love family weekends in their Cotswold hideaway, which they rent out when they're not using it. ‘Being bypassed by the railway was the best thing for Burford and Wool Cottage as it enabled us to create a time capsule for today, the best of past and present. To see more of Wool Cottage, head online to |

ON OUR DOORSTEP

at... ‘Try Huffkins on Burford High Street (huffkins.com) for afternoon tea!’

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snugretreats.com/wool-cottage-burford

FEATURE MANDI MILLAR PHOTOGRAPHS FIONA WALKER-ARNOTT

Visit... ‘Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens (cotswoldwildlifepark.co.uk). We visit regularly as, no matter what the season, there's always something new to see. It's a great day out - and if it rains just bring a brolly! Also, Blenheim Palace (blenheimpalace.com) is a must if you love history or just enjoy a walk through beautiful manicured grounds.’ Shop at... ‘Burford Garden Company (burford.co.uk) for its chic home interiors and gift shop.’

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COUNTRY HOMES & INTERIORS

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Roberta Ashleyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Kent Weald home is a marvellous medley of ancient timbers, mid-centuryfurniture and memorabilia 40

COUNTRY HOMES & INTERIORS

The low ceilings and doorways add to the house’s character. Similar quarry tiles, Tile Mountain

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accessories stand out against the black

AT HOME WITH... Owtoners Roberta Ashley lives here with husband Zefa Mongan and their three-year-old son Rudi. Roberta sources and sells rustic and vintage pieces through her online store Hunt the Pearl

tep through the door of Roberta Ashley's beautiful home and you feel as if you have gone back in time. Nestled deep in the Kent countryside, this stunning building with its original timber-framed construction oozes centuriesold charm. ‘It is so old that it actually predates the birth of Henry VIII, says Roberta, ‘which means that people have been knocking on this gloriously solid wooden door for more than five centuries!’ Once inside it is easy to imagine how it would have looked in medieval times, when the layout consisted of a large main hall open to the roof with a central fire, around which all members of the household would eat and socialise. At one end there would have been a buttery and pantry and at the other a parlour, which was probably used to receive guests. Above these would have been basic sleeping quarters, accessed by simple ladders. As you would expect, Roberta and her husband Zefa, on purchasing the house, were keen to do some research and unravel the layers of history. ‘It is Wealden Hall House, a type of architecture unique to the Weald, most common in Kent and East Sussex. Such properties were typically inhabited by yeomen who cultivated their own land and could afford to have their own dwelling built,’ says Roberta. Modern design interventions have happened over the centuries, most notably in the 1600s when a ceiling and > a

(huntthepearl.com, @hunt_the_pearl). Zefa is an interior architect.

House A Grade |I*-listed restored Wealden Hall House with a traditional timber-frame construction, built circa 1475, with three bedrooms.

COUNTRY HOMES & INTERIORS

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Kitchen Roberta and Zefa felt there were too many different colours in.the kitchen when they moved in, so they decided to paint everything a unifying black. Oak worktop and bar stools, Ikea. Similar pendant light, Fritz Fryer

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staircase were added to create a useable upstairs space, and the central hearth was moved to the side to be rebuilt as an inglenook fireplace. But the house retains so much of its architectural integrity that it is clear to see why Roberta and Zefa were so keen to call it home. ‘We were desperate to move out of London and wanted a distinctive property that we could make our own,’ says Roberta. ‘We love so much about country life and are both really passionate about architecture and interiors - Zefa is an interior architect and have a long-standing love for the world of interiors and antiques, and studied history at university. am fascinated by how people used to live’ They were reluctant to do any major changes; the only real modification was installing gas central heating, which, as the building has Grade II*-listed status, meant applying for and satisfying planning regulations. ‘The only heating we had when we arrived was an Aga and three wood burners, says Roberta. ‘We didn’t manage to install central heating in time for the first winter and there was lots of snow, so it was hard work running the fires and keeping the house warm. We really did feel we had a sense of what it would have been like to live in the Middle Ages!’ The interior has plenty of dark wood panelling and original beams that combine to create a warm, rustic vibe, particularly in the autumn and winter, so the > |

COUNTRY HOMES & INTERIORS

Dining

area

Zefa prefers mid-century. --~~ modern and Robertaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; likes vintage, so the house is a mix of the two. Similar dining table, Love Antiques. French antique mirror, Ardingly Antiques Fair. Vintage Eames chairs; vintage school chairs, all eBay

Bathroom The couple updated this room with painted tongueand-groove panelling. Panelling in Paean Black, Farrow & Ball. Similar bucket, Baileys Home

Main bedroom

ON OUR DOORSTEP Visit... ‘Kingdom (thiskingdom.co. uk) in Penshurst. Kingdom is a beautiful piece of expansive Kentish woodland that is perfect for walks on crisp, autumnal days. At its heart is a striking structure with a café that has incredible views of the Kentish Weald.’

Shop at... ‘Weathered & Worn (weatheredandworn.me) in Hadlow. This is a family-run shop and cosy café selling beautiful vintage homeware alongside homemade cakes and light lunch options.’ Go for a meatat... ‘The Poet (thepoetatmatfield.co.uk), set in a charming 16th-century building in the pretty village of Matfield in the heart of the Kent countryside. The everchanging menu makes great use of the finest Kentish and seasonal produce and never disappoints. The desserts are particularly special.’

COUNTRY HOMES & INTERIORS

couple chose a suitably muted colour palette for the walls. Being an old building, it was also full of nooks and crannies and wonky surfaces just waiting to be accessorised. ‘| couldn't wait to start styling the house,’ says Roberta. While husband Zefa prefers modernist pieces and is the collector of the couple's midcentury furniture, Roberta has a keen eye for vintage paraphernalia and loves visiting antiques fairs in the UK and France. It’s a passion she has turned into her successful online emporium Hunt the Pearl, which specialises in sourcing and selling rustic and vintage homeware - she runs the business from home. Throughout the house are intricate little cameos of relics from the past, such as glass bottles, industrial signage, ecclesiastical figurines and old kitchenware. ‘It's the perfect backdrop for my style and photography for the business, and, of course, it’s a really idyllic setting for family life; says Roberta. ‘It’s particularly special on a cold autumn evening when we all cosy up on the sofa with the wood burner on, candles flickering under the low ceilings, surrounded by all this wood!’ And with its location directly opposite the village pub and overlooking the village green, it means they are right in the heart of the community. ‘It feels like we get a front row seat to the village Christmas lights being switched on and the carol service in December, says Roberta. ‘We just love it!’

FEATURE SARA EMSLIE PHOTOGRAPHS RACHEL WHITING

The house still has some original patches of wattle and daub, most notably a large section in the couple's bedroom. Similar frames, Vinterior

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hile Holly Wharton lay on a white sandy beach in the Seychelles, she didn't think life could get much better - until an email arrived, revealing that her dream house was still on the market. ‘A couple of weeks before our wedding, this handsome farmhouse caught my eye during an internet search,’ Holly recalls. ‘Although it looked amazing, was so busy that didn’t have time |

to investigate further’ While Holly and husband, Charlie, relaxed on their idyllic honeymoon, she found time to email the estate agent. ‘The message was sent from the beach with a degree of trepidation as feared we may have missed the boat,’ Holly says. ‘l couldn't believe my eyes when, minutes later, we received the good news. The newlyweds arranged to view Poplars Farmhouse as soon as they returned home. At that stage, the couple were living in London and were keen to have a complete lifestyle change. ‘We were hankering after a rural location within easy reach of the coast, Holly explains. ‘Since my parents live in West Sussex, we knew this county offered the best of both worlds.’ On the couple's wishlist was a period house with land, an annexe and outbuildings. ‘Charlie’s exit date from the Navy was coming up and we agreed that this would be the perfect time for both of us to explore new avenues,’ says Holly. The couple were enchanted when, just days after their return to the UK, they walked up the long, > |

AT HOME WITH... Owners Holly Wharton, a former marketing manager and florist, and her husband, Charlie, a GP. House Four-bedroom farmhouse, dating from around 1640, and annexe (comprising a former cart house and thatched dairy barn), plus a separate threshing barn.

Kitchen Cream Shaker-style units have farmhouse charm, while the dark blue nge cooker anchors the scheme. Range cooker, Aga. Wooden chairs, find similar at Vinterior

Kitchen The spacious Belfast sink, which exudes farmhouse charm, overlooks the mature garden. Find a similar Belfast sink at Tap Warehouse. Find similar kitchen units at Homebase

COUNTRY HOMES & INTERIORS

gravelled drive and caught their first glimpse of the flint-and-brick farmhouse. ‘We'd been living right on the A3, with the noise of traffic and sirens, and this rural location was incredibly tranquil in comparison,’ Holly explains. ‘The garden was full of mature fruit trees, and to hear birdsong was so refreshing. When they set food inside, the property didn’t disappoint. They soon realised that the house, annexe and barn offered vast potential. ‘We loved the character, in particular the gnarled beams, capacious fireplaces and the sloping floors upstairs,’ says Holly. Although the Whartons could see that many areas needed updating, they were relieved that the kitchen had recently been installed. ‘Since neither of us had tackled a renovation project before and would be learning on the job, this was a major bonus,’ Holly adds. Having bought the property in December 2019, the couple got rid of the old carpets and hired decorators to give the whole house a fresh coat of white paint. ‘We decided to prioritise the living room, which was virtually uninhabitable,’ says Holly. ‘With gaps in the window frames and a huge void in the open fireplace, the room was so cold that you could see your breath. We replaced the frames and broken panes of glass, and installed a woodburner.’ To create a much-needed retreat while the project continued, the couple turned their attention to one of >

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ON OUR DOORSTEP... Visit...'West Wittering beach (westwitteringestate.co.uk) is beautiful, with golden sands and fabulous views out to the Isle of Wight. In the winter months, it’s less crowded and a fantastic place fora blustery stroll. The National Trust's East Head area is a stunning sand and shingle spit and well worth the walk.’

Shop at...'Design Vintage (designvintage.co.uk) in West Stoke, near Chichester, stocks a range of vintage and modern homeware, gifts and home accessories. It's in a great, rural setting and has a super café.’ Gofora meat at...'The awardwinning Crown & Anchor (crownandanchorchichester.com) at Dell Quay, near Chichester, boasts amazing views overlooking beautiful Chichester Harbour. Its roaring fires, stunning sunsets and friendly staff make it a firm favourite of ours.’

COUNTRY HOMES & INTERIORS

the bedrooms. ‘In the bedroom, and throughout the rest of the farmhouse, chose a fairly neutral palette, introducing soft, pastel tones of mainly blues, greens and pinks with a few surprise touches,’ says Holly. The emphasis was on giving Poplars Farmhouse a modern country look with a fresh, uncluttered feel, always mindful of retaining and enhancing the period features. While visiting the house every weekend, the couple gradually put their stamp on each room. ‘We tried to do as much work as we could ourselves, although we got plumbers in to install the new bathroom,’ Holly says. ‘Charlie laid floorboards and tiles with help from my dad and brother. In March, due to lockdown, the Whartons left their London flat and moved full-time to Poplars. ‘This meant we could devote more time to the house and finish all the jobs that needed doing, she adds. The care and attention to detail that the Whartons have lavished on the 17th-century dwelling shines out from every corner. ‘We absolutely love our new home and have been delighted with the feedback from guests who have been renting it when we go away,’ says Holly. ‘Poplars is such an inspiring place to live. It really is everything that we could have hoped for, and more.’ For information on renting Poplars Farmhouse, visit cabinsandcastles.co.uk and search for The Farmhouse |

FEATURE JANET MCMEEKIN PHOTOGRAPHS RACHAEL SMITH

bets:

WE'VE POURED SO MUCH ENERGY INTO GIVING THE FARMHOUSE A NEW LEASE OF LIFE99

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LET'S MOVE TO

Lyndhurst

LEAFY, HEATHY CAPITAL OF THE NEW FOREST, RICH IN WILDLIFE AND FOLKLORE he New Forest is famous for its ‘strings’ of wild ponies,

some 5000 of which, owned by residents with commoners’ rights, roam freely across the 220 square mile national park in Hampshire. Somewhat lesser known are the pigs, turned out in autumn to feed on fallen acorns under a system known as ‘pannage’. The animals are managed by the ancient society of Verderers, headquartered in Lyndhurst, the park’s administrative centre. Despite the functional edge, there is charm to the red-roofed high street of this small town. Wild heaths are only a short trot out, via Bolton's Bench, a hill steeped in legend.

THE ESTATE AGENT’S WINDOW Modern-day Lyndhurst is typified

by turn-of-the-century architecture, with thatched houses providing a deeper link to the past. The hot tip for autumn 2021, from Ben Shiers of Fells Gulliver estate agents, is

Lyndhurst Park, Georgian-style hotel that fell into disrepair but is reopening as new villas and apartments with ‘a mix of luxury and places for first-time buyers, too’. BUTCHERS, BAKERS & COFFEE MAKERS Sellers of handmade fudge and artisan wood sculptures intermingle with a camping shop and Maserati showroom around the high street. New Forest Butcher is the place for local free-range venison and beef - and no one worth their salt should miss out on delicious pannage pork. Town centre traffic is one drawback but Woods Cyclery has all you need to get things rolling by bike around the park's 140 miles of off-road routes. COUNTRY LIFE & CULTURE A major autumn highlight is the ‘drifts’, a thrilling chase to round up

FEATURE SOPHIE GALE PHOTOGRAPHS FELLS GULLIVER ESTATE AGENTS, DEREK PAYNE/ALAMY STOCK PHOTO, THENEWFOREST.CO.UK

is the independent New Forest Small School offering holistic education. In nearby Totton, Hounsdown is an ‘outstanding’

the ponies before winter sets in. ‘They're quite a spectacle, says one ‘commoner’, ‘with just a hint of the Wild West’ Lyndhurst’s Heritage Centre is full of gems - one that glints is the looking glass that belonged to Alice Liddell, who inspired Lewis Carroll. Also eyecatching is St Michael and All Angels church, with stained glass by William Morris. SCHOOLS Main primary St Michael and All Angels is rated ‘good’. So too

secondary science college. GET AROUND London can be reached in two hours by car, or in just 90 minutes by train. Yachting hotspot Lymington is about a 15-minute drive a way, while larger centres of Southampton and Bournemouth, both with airports, are no more than half an hour away. IN THE AREA Walking trails, such as

Blackwater Tall Tree, are lined with

gigantic redwoods and the oldest Douglas firs in Britain.

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COUNTRY HOMES & INTERIORS

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and rewarding ® CERAMIC ARTIST, ROBINA JACK

onversations with the artist Robina Jack are very much like her work: fascinating, colourful, exuberant and thoughtprovoking. Her life has been one of adventure, unexpected twists and turns, good times and bad, with a dose of serendipity thrown in for good measure. ‘l suppose did have quite an unusual, and wondertul, childhood, she laughs. ‘My father had a farm in Oxfordshire, and when my mother inherited some money, she decided to buy a small farm in the heart of Exmoor in Somerset, too. The family more or less shuttled between both: when was sent off to boarding school located between them, my father would turn up with bullocks in transit in his trailer!’ She was not, she admits, a particularly academic student but knew from an early age that she wanted to do something ‘hands on and creative’. Her elder brother, Charles, who sadly died as a young man, was an artist and designer, and Robina decided to follow a similar path. She studied art at Oxford in the late 1960s (‘the technical college, just to be clear!’), then went briefly on to Wimbledon Art School, but at that point she lost all |

COUNTRY HOMES & INTERIORS

confidence. ‘It was all about conceptual art at that time, and the lecturers weren't at all encouraging. thought, “Why am doing this? I'm hopeless!” Robina took an abrupt about-turn, gaining a degree in philosophy and English instead, before going on to teach at a primary school in east London. Then she spent an eventful year travelling across the world on the famous hippie trail. ‘When got back home, a good friend of my late brother Charles who I'd always imagined would introduce me to the man I'd marry - suggested went for a job as a park gardener, and ended up at London's Regent's Park,’ she explains. It was here she met her husband, the sculptor Guy Taplin. ‘He was looking after the Royal Parks wildfowl collection at that time,’ she recalls, ‘l always thought in a strange way my brother did have a hand in us meeting; it was fate.’ Once married, the couple initially lived in London, and Robina began combining her gardening job with a course in stained-glass work at the Central School of Art and Design. ‘I'd seen the windows in Chartres Cathedral and felt so inspired,’ she recalls. And this time, the experience was completely > |

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COUNTRY HOMES ,

INTERIORS

[love mest... @@ THE KILN! SOMETIMES CAN'T SLEEP AS I'M SO EXCITED ABOUT WHAT WILL COME OUT OF IT IN THE MORNING99 |

different, and finally Robina felt that she’d found her vocation. With the arrival of their children Nancy and Sam - who were both later to follow in their parents’ artistic footsteps - the family made the move to a village deep in rural Essex, and to a house which the couple still live in today. ‘| worked from a studio shed in the garden - just as do now - creating stained-glass panels, and over the years suppose my own style gradually developed,’ says Robina. Guy, meanwhile, had been exhibiting sculpture for some time. ‘Gallery owners would visit us to discuss his work, and when |

they saw mine they'd say, “We'll take Robina’s work as well", so it was all rather simple, really, she recalls modestly. ‘Once diversified into ceramics, the galleries that knew me were also willing to exhibit those pieces.’ This change of direction happened alongside a rising concern about the chemicals she was using to create her acid-etched stained-glasswork. ‘| knew it was dangerous,’ she admits, ‘so when a friend suggested taking pottery classes, agreed. Robina found an immediate affinity with clay. ‘Lloved its endless malleability’ she explains. ‘It felt so much freer than working with glass and all its limitations. Despite the different medium, Robina’s work remains as distinctive and recognisable as ever. ‘As with the glasswork, I’m driven by pattern and colour - and almost always include a framework of different borders to show off a central motif, she says. Nature, animals and even her husband's collection of seafaring memorabilia are a constant source of inspiration for her slipware designs, which have a nostalgia and charm that seems to hark back to another time. ‘| work on six or seven pieces at a time, using a limited range of colours - ones that simply make me feel good, although I've yet to find a shade of purple that would survive firing. ‘Both Guy and still head off to our studios every day, she continues. ‘| don't have a routine as such, but always have objectives regarding what need to produce that week. If have an exhibition coming up, for instance, might have anything from six to 70-plus pieces to make, so have to be disciplined with my time. ‘But whether I’m working towards an event or doing a private commission (| especially love pet portraits!), find it endlessly engaging and exciting. cannot ever imagine a time when don't want to create!’ Robina’s next exhibition will be at the David Messum Gallery (messums.com) |

2-24 December; robinajack.com

COUNTRY HOMES & INTERIORS

MY COUNTRY BUSINESS

by Robina. brifgs flashes of colour and light into her studio

COUNTRY HOMES & INTERIORS

ON OUR DOORSTEP... fst...

‘The Nottage Maritime Wuaysurygeuny

Wivenhoe Quay, Essex, has a little museum packed with everything from paintings and photographs to models and artefacts, which is endlessly fascinating.’ ‘Mop «at... 'The Wivenhoe Bookshop (wivenhoebooks.com) is housed in a lovely 17th-century clapboard building. It’s an independent with a friendly knowledgeable team, and it also holds workshops and events.’

Gofor amealat...

‘The Loft Tearooms (thelofttearoom.com) are in an Edwardian sail loft in Tollesbury marina and so quirky and charming. They play vintage records, and it's a lovely place for a light lunch or tea and cakes after a good walk.’

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MY COUNTRY BUSINESS

SMALL BUSINESS ADVICE

HOW TO WORK WITH A GALLERY GALLERY DEALERS REVEAL THE BEST WAYS TO SELL YOUR PIECES

FEATURE SHARON PARSONS PHOTOGRAPHS ALUN CALLENDAR

There are a number of ways for an artist to present - and hopefully sell - their work, and a gallery exhibition is, of course, top of the list. ‘A dealer can help get an artist across the rubicon to a place where they're recognised,’ says gallery owner David Messum (messums.com), who has frequently represented Robina Jack (along with the work of her husband Guy Taplin, daughter Nancy, and late son, Sam). BE UNIQUE ‘There are a lot of good artists out there, but a gallery has to be very selective,’ he explains. ‘You know real talent when you see it - it’s a gut instinct. An artist like Robina has integrity. These kinds of artists go entirely for what they believe in, and find things that we don't always see ourselves.’ Gilly Wyatt Smith, who owns the Yew Tree Gallery (yewtreegallery.com) in Morvah, Cornwall, where Robina’s work is also often shown, agrees. ‘I’m drawn to work that fills you with excitement and delight - it has to be completely unique,’ she explains.

the

@@HERE

pb: uric VBALLERY OWNER Recognising talent is one thing, but it's the abiding relationship between both gallery owner and artist which is key. ‘It's so important - spend a lot of time getting to know artists and learning what drives and inspires them,’ says Gilly. ‘Our role is to guide, not instruct, adds David. ‘For instance, we'd never suggest an artist produces a certain type of work because it sells well: that would shrivel creativity, and an artist needs to be free to find ways to express themselves. What we aim to do is support and help where we can.’

BE GUIDED

GET EXHIBITION READY Preparing for an exhibition is a considerable undertaking and requires much thought. A contract will be in place, although as David points out, ‘We will always work closely with the artist to construct one that is fair and suits both parties.’ ‘We discuss in advance what is to be produced, and crucially when the work needs to be ready,’ explains Gilly. ‘It’s also important that a few pieces are finished well in advance so that we

one legsow

can get good quality images for publicity purposes and so on.’

KNOW THE DEAL Typically, a gallery will take around 50% of any sale achieved. ‘A commercial gallery has to make a profit, of course,’ David says. ‘But our role includes valuable marketing promotion in various forms, as well as showing the artists’ work to best advantage. Not least, for the artist, having a reputable gallery on their resumé is always very useful.’

TRY OTHER OPTIONS Art fairs fall broadly into two categories: one is where artists’ work is represented by a gallery; the other is where artists represent themselves which gives potential customers and dealers the opportunity to spot emerging new talent. Consider a local art festival or event, too, when typically work is displayed across a region in open studios and galleries. ‘It's great way to get started if you've never exhibited before, and it’s a collaborative, supportive community,’ says Gilly. a

[ve learuf...

NO SUBSTITUTE FOR HARD WORK AND, NO MATTER HOW TOUGH LIFE IS SOMETIMES, IT WILL UNDOUBTEDLY GET YOU THROUGH8® |

COUNTRY HOMES & INTERIORS

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PATCHWORK EFFECTS

Chair in Marla Aqua, 59m; curtains in Imri Aqua, 89m, both Jane Churchill at Colefax & Fowler

Heavily patterned furnishings bring a fusion of global influences and a feeling of handcrafted charm into the home. Rebelling against the matchy-matchy coordination of traditional decorating, this characterful story encourages unabashed pattern clashing. Go free reign with an eclectic mix of paisley, spotted, zig-zag and ikat designs, layered in a tonal palette for exuberance that doesn’t overwhelm.

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Cabinets have been given architectural frontages that elevate them from traditional utility pieces. Tessellating puzzle effects and graphic shapes hint at an Art Deco revival, while finishes ranging from aged brass to gloriously grainy wood add another dimension to these designs. As light plays across the surface, the 3D effect is enhanced further.

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LAYER UP Longer nights signal that it’s time to make your

nome cosy, and layering your lighting will

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about ambient, accent and task lighting, with overhead, floor, table or wall lamps, so you can soften the mood

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COUNTRY HOMES & INTERIORS

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For those wanting m ore than simple pendant without going into glamorous chandelier territory, a cluster of glass glo bes will achieve understated elegance and ample illumination. Handmade in Yorkshire by Glow Lighting, these glass spheres can be customised by colour and size. Choose vintage-style LED filament bulbs for a flattering yellow light and extra charm. a

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MAKE A HOUSE A HOME

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HAVING LIGHTS WIRED ON DIFFERENT CIRCUITS ENABLES YOU TO SWITCH LIGHT LEVELS EASILY99 @@

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DIVIDE AND coNaquEeR With open-plan living, lighting can be used to help define zones. A row of pendants above an island will not only provide additional task lighting when you're preparing food, they will add character to your kitchen, too. Run the pendants ona different circuit to ceiling spotlights, so you can switch them on and plunge the rest of the kitchen in darkness, to soften the mood while dining.

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SPACE SAVER you don't have tons of room on your bedside cabinets to place a reading light and your favourite novel, or you just like to keep surfaces clear, install wall lamps instead. The Page Turner wall lamp from Loaf can be plugged into an electric power point, so there’s no wiring required. If you prefer a cleaner look, without trailing cables, Original BTC and Jim Lawrence both have a beautiful selection of dimmable wall lights. If

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BATHROOM BOOST Wall lamps placed either side of the mirror are a boon for beauty routines when used in conjunction with an overhead light. Or switch on just the ÂŤlamps when you want to wind down with a relaxing soak in the bath. Because of its proximity to water, bathroom lighting Must have an ir

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LOCAL HERO

Black women 0

hiking, too!”

Rhiane Fatinikun founded a hiking group for black women, challenging stereotypes with every hill climbed I was on train in January 2019 a when I watched a group of hikers climb aboard, looking happy and healthy after their walk, and found myself thinking, ‘I want to do that!’ had never hiked before - despite being a keen athlete and |

having grown up in Lancashire, surrounded by hills. stuck my phone out of the window, snapped the passing hills, and posted the image online, inviting people to join my new group, Black Girls Hike. For socio-economic reasons, our countryside tends to be much FEATURE SOPHIE GALE PHOTOGRAPHS RHIANE FATINIKUN, BETH SQUIRE, ALAN NOVELLI/ALAMY STOCK PHOTO

more the domain of white people than black people. have simply |

never seen myself reflected in any of the marketing related to hiking - let alone in the faces you encounter out on the hills. realised that creating a safe and friendly support network through which black women could venture into the great outdoors would be a way to initiate change. I started small for our first walk - an amble around Hollingworth Lake in Rochdale. Fourteen of us |

set off, only three of the walkers

being people already knew. Yet there was an immediate sense of |

community, putting us all at ease. find that at work, in an office, small talk often sets the tone, but what was enlivening on that first walk was that conversations went straight to the important issues in life. |

The hikes now happen twice a month, often attracting newcomers, but with the same core group. Over time we have tackled more challenging elevations, though| always vary the terrain to keep it accessible. Without doubt my favourite excursion was climbing Mount Snowdon in September 2019. Seventeen of us took part and all of us reached the summit as the clouds cleared, revealing stunning views. Not all routes have been so successful though. There was one foggy day at Dovestone Reservoir on Saddleworth Moor in May 2019 when we got quite lost. That was my prompt to seek out training and obtained my Mountain Skills certificate in the Lake District the following month. am currently |

progressing to Lowland Leader on an Outdoors Leadership course.

The trips have helped with mental health for all of us. As Black Lives Matter has so powerfully highlighted, racism permeates life for black people. Often dramatically, or sometimes through smaller acts of everyday stereotyping that still eats away at your sense of self. Talking this through with people who experience the same situations helps us to process it all. That is why my next project is to expand the hikes into therapeutic retreats for black women, as well as training up more black female walking instructors to start to make inroads into what is male-dominated, and predominantly white, industry. From a chance moment of inspiration on a train, so much has resulted and the success seems almost surreal. hope more black women will get out into our beautiful countryside, forging new paths. To learn more, or to contribute, see gofundme.com/f/black-girlsa

hike-healing-retreats COUNTRY HOMES & INTERIORS

NED

FROM CALM AND RE TO PRETTY OR BOLD, HALLWAYS ARS OPPORTUNITY TQ MAKE THOSE IMPRESSIONS {COUNT REALLY

Cal

In a small or narro v space, take the eyes upw ards by hanging a stateme nt lighting fixture. It will acce rtuate the ceiling height and make the space feel bigger han itis. Also, make the most of inderstairs voids. In this sche re, where the staircase turns, the owners have balanced built-in cupboards with an open alcove housing a bench seat. This, coupled with the neutral palette, creates a further feeling of openness.

FRESH THINK ING

Large Plum light, Ay Illuminate at Holloways of Ludlow. Inverse Grey Salon tiles, 137.50sq m, Bert & May

460,

â&#x20AC;&#x201D;

HALLWAY IDEAS

TAKE A SEAT With their dual purpose of storage and seating, ottoans are among the

hardest-working pieces of furniture for the home. Find space for one in the and it can be used to hide all manner ofwinter and sports wear, keeping the floor space pleasingly free of household clutter. Plus, unlike a built-in window seat, you can move an ottoman around easily, so you can free up space in a pinch.

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Eloise ottoman in Chloe denim, from: -~ 610; Edinburgh console table, 575; scatter cushions, from 62 each, allNeptune-

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- 92 COUNTRY HOMES & INTERIORS

DOUBLE UP If the layout of house a doesn't allow for generous boot room, another idea is to create an ante room by adding a glazed internal . door. Artic noke added this internal oa k door to create a weather salve between the inside and outside. â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;The 2 designed to

er -

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dHerri gbo Naked Flooring. Large Edinburgh console table, 1,250; Fairfax lamp, 111; Somerton under-console baskets, 60.99,

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NATURAL BEAUTY To set things off on an elegant note, use plenty of natural materials and neutral tones in a hallway, then inject just a splash of colour on the upholstery to add some energy and brightness. Decorator Emma Sims-Hilditch drew inspiration from the colours and scenery of the surrounding Scottish Highlands when it came to decorating this hallway, selecting a scheme of burnt ochre and mossy green, paired with soft tones on the furniture and a neutral herringbone floor rug. Nl

HANG TIGHT While it’s not the most economical route, the advantage of having a piece of built-in joinery in a hallway is that it can make the most of all the available corner space — something that could never be achieved with an off-the-shelf option. This design by Humphrey Munson has lift-up bench seats revealing deep storage to keep shoes and bags out of sight, while coat pegs and a shelf for hats keep those items organised.

COUNTRY HOMES & INTERIORS

HALLWAY IDEAS

Bespoke joinery,

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Millier. Fine open weave s heer curtains in Ribei â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;a, 215.90m, Lizzo. Ma toc cushions, 225 e ch, Bernie de Le Cuor a at LuxDeco

STORE

In any family house, items have a tendency to migrate from room to room, so when space planning, consider all the storage and joinery opportunities available. Low-level storage units in multiple rooms - ottoman-style furniture, sideboards and cabinets - means games, toys and clothes can be quickly tidied away at the end of the day without creating extra work for tired parents.

SERENE SCENE

Antique Swedish in Almora Stripe, 42m, Jane Churchill at Colefax and Fowler. Door in Green Blue estate eggshell, 64 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball

bench

COUNTRY HOMES & INTERIORS

Antique pieces and French brocante-style buys lend a hallway immediate charm. Pale pastels and washed-out blues create a restful and relaxed colour scheme for this hallway belonging to Pam and Nick Cox of Ham Interiors. To maintain this feel, refrain from introducing surface space as doing so will stop clutter from building up and detracting from the overall serenity.

Walls

in Shaded White modern emulsion, 47.50 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball. Trunk, 119, Scumble Goosie

CLEAN LIVING All hallways ideally need somewhere close to the door to harbour house keys and other essential items, but if thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not possible, draw the eye into the home by creating a display table in a nook under the stairs and decorate it with a few favourite items. White walls, natural floorboards and accents of fresh green from house plants finish the look here.

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is principally a passing doesn't mean it should be treated with space, a second-rate decorating approach. Hanging beautiful curtains at the windows and artwork on the walls and using attractive furniture anchors a hallway and helps to generate a warm and welcoming entrance. Here, Stephanie Dunning of Dunning & Everard has used a large French console table under which lie useful storage baskets.

Or Corn

paint is a safer surface choice, but a pretty patterned wallpaper is a great way to add an instant hit of personality to hallways. Plus, as you don't tend to spend too long ina hall, you're not likely to get as tired of a busy scheme as you might in a living space or bedroom. Complement the colours with co-ordinating furniture pieces and lots of natural materials to keep the look grounded.

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COUNTRY HOMES & INTERIORS

an area of high traffic, many think that

FEATURE ARABELLA YOUENS PHOTOGRAPHS RICHARD POWERS/ TI-MEDIACONTENT.COM, BRENT DARBY, ALEXANDER JAMES

WALL ART

ORGANIC QUALITY

A gorgeous addition for

dining rooms and open-plan kitchen-diners alike, this chic statement piece teams a bleached mango wood surface with a brass-plated iron frame, resulting in a stunningly simple contrast between natural and forged materials. Chevron large dining table, 699,

Atkin & Thyme

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102

COUNTRY HOMES & INTERIORS

ASWEDISH SPREAD 3

5 ,

Pretty pearl beading and hand-carved flowers at the top of each leg make this gently curved character an ideal choice for timeless schemes. Bespoke options are available in a variety of shapes, sizes and finishes. Oval pearl eight-seater dining table, from 885, Scumble Goosie

FARMHOUSE FANCY & Made from top-to-toe solid oak, this is a classic country gem. Useful drawers at either end provide storage for cutlery and linens, while the tongue-and-groove style top lends a comforting sense of heritage. Moreton six-ten seater extending dining table in natural oak, 2,150, Neptune

THE ART OF TABLESCAPING TO TRANSFORM DINNER PARTIES INTO ONEOF-A-KIND EVENTS. YOUR GUESTS WILL @@ MASTER

BE WOWED99

ASIMPLE SILHOUETTE

An attractive parquet finish pairs with utilitarian legs for a pared-back appeal that's perfect for everyday dining. Hairpin large dining table, 399, John Lewis & Partners

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4 FAMILY FUEL-UP

Serve rustic charm at gatherings small and large, courtesy of this extending hero. Crafted from reclaimed elm wood, the perfectly imperfect characteristics of its recycled timber tell a story or two at mealtimes. Single column reclaimed elm extendable table, 1,650, Graham and Green

COUNTRY HOMES & INTERIORS

FURNITURE BUYERâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S GUIDE

BUTTERFLY EFFECT

Invite your favourite people over and get the fortune cookies snapping around this dramatic piece. With curvaceous legs that resemble Chinese calligraphy, it's the ideal solution if you need to suddenly squeeze in a couple of last-minute guests. Kaishu extendable dining table in Black, 3,250, Oka

AARTISAN ROMANCE

This Gustavian-inspired beauty features a decorative, hand-carved scalloped apron on elegant tapered legs. It's available in a range of authentic Swedish hand-painted antiqued patinas. Viktor dining table, 3,250, Georgia Lacey

& DESIGNER STYLE From award-winning designer Matthew Hilton, this fine piece showcases skilled carpentry in its solid wood legs and exquisite mitred joints. Its butterfly leaf mechanism creates extra space in a jiffy. Dulwich round extending

dining table, 1,870, Caca

Haale

EXPERIMENT WITH ASSORTED SEATING OPTIONS, INCLUDING INDIVIDUAL STOOLS AND BENCHES, FOR AN UPDATED APPROACH TO DININGS9 @@

AMAJESTIC BEAUTY

Create a luxe effect with legs turned in all the right places... Generously seating up to 10, this grand diva showcases a gorgeous two-tone pattern of blonde European walnut and American walnut inlays. Botticelli extendable dining table, 1210

Perch & Parraw

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goodnes blends a with acccbmmodating size. Its beaut iful natural oak finish oo: rustic warmth. RAALA mall

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COUNTRY HOMES & INTERIORS

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LIFE

THE SLOW LANE

Beds, Sofas and Furniture for Loafers

Towel rails to

WARM TO

HERITAGE STYLES, FABULOUS FINISHES AND THE LATEST TECHNOLOGY TO KEEP YOUR BATHROOM TOASTY AND YOUR TOWELS FLUFFY - THESE TOWEL RAILS ARE ON OUR HOT LIST! Noir round radiator, from 200, Bathstore

BACK TO BLACK There's no need to shy away from contemporary styles when you live in a country home. A towel rail with modern matt black finish will stand out against a pale wall and give your bathroom gravitas. Many models offer a dual-fuel option, meaning they can be plugged in as well as plumbed in, so you can still have warm towels when the central heating is off. a

650,

106

COUNTRY HOMES & INTERIORS

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ROOM ELEMENTS

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CLASSIC COMBINATION For larger bathrooms, there’s now the option of a radiator-towel rail combo, which will both heat the space and keep your towels dry. ‘These models are great for those living in older country properties who prefer a classic

look, says Andy Keeley, marketing manager at Bisque. ‘They can be colour-matched to Farrow & Ball or Little Greene paint shades.

BJ2 towel rails, from 1,285 each, CP Hart

— PERFECTLY PLACED Think about how you use your bathroom and work out the best spot for your towel rail. A well-placed wallmounted model will free up valuable floor space and ensure you have a warm towel exactly where you need it. Asimple ladder shape with clean lines is an unobtrusive choice if you prefer your free-standing tub or walkin shower to do the talking style-wise.

BACK IN TIME No longer just a functional piece, a heated towel rail is an essential part of your bathroom design. There are plenty of heritage styles available, with elegant ball joints that suit a period property. Most suppliers offer a BTU calculator so you can choose the right size for your space. Don't be afraid to double up having two towel rails can be a smart choice. COUNTRY HOMES & INTERIORS

107

TOP SHELF A radiator that incorporates a built-in shelf is great if your room lacks storage space, or you like a stack of fresh, clean - and toasty towels at

Not only that, the bars below ensure there’s your fingertips. room for damp towels to dry. It’s convenient to have one at the end of the bath; just make sure it’s positioned at a comfortable height. Similar styles with more bars are available, too.

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HeatQuick Spindle towel radiator, 120, Radiatorsonline.com

THE BEST ORGANIC COTTON TOWELS Hi

FEATURE JACKY PARKER

Wrap yourself up in these soft and stylish threads

108

Five-bar floormounted towel

1. Eden towels, from 12 each, Sheridan 2. Ventosa towels, from 12 each, Urbanara 3. Como towels, from 12 each, The Fine Cotton Company COUNTRY HOMES & INTERIORS

rail, from 2,742,

Drummonds

ROOM ELEMENTS

FLOOR SHOW If

you have beautiful panelled walls

or other architectural features, it may be more suitable to have a floormounted towel rail. Most off-the-shelf models are available in a range of

heights and widths, but a custom size will ensure an exact fit for your space. It's worth bearing in mind that larger diameter pipes will dry your towels faster and those manufactured from brass will retain heat more efficiently.

fc know...

Buying towel rails THINK AHEAD Towel rails have traditionally been plumbed in and connected to your central heating (closed) system, so they're only on when the radiators are. However, some can be connected to the hot water (open) system, so they stay warm even when the heating is off. Mf

& DUAL FUEL IS A FLEXIBLE CHOICE Many models can be both plumbed in and wired

to an electrical point, for extra flexibility. ELECTRIC-ONLY MODELS These can be switched on and off as required, but any towel rails that use electricity cannot be close to a water source, so above the bath or at the end of an open shower is a no-no. _] MEASURE THE ROOM, INCLUDING ANY ‘WINDOWS Most suppliers will have a BTU (British Thermal Unit) calculator on their website, which enables you to work out the size of towel rail you will need. 4 COORDINATE WITH YOUR OTHER FIXTURES AND FITTINGS You may have fallen in love with an antique bronze finish, but it will need to work with your chosen brassware.

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Hamlet brass towel warmer, from 632.40, Vogue UK

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YOUSEF MANSURI, HEAD OF DESIGN AT CP HART

FINE VINTAGE If space is at a premium in a small en suite or downstairs cloakroom, a wall-mounted towel warmer will provide the luxury of cosy,

dry towels without taking up too much of your wall. By going for a traditional design and antique finish that will complement your scheme, you'll turn a practical piece into an attractive feature, while vintage-style valves will provide an elegant finishing touch. COUNTRY HOMES & INTERIORS

109

COUNTRY HOMES & INTERIORS PARTNERSHIP

CABINET OF CURIOSITIES

CELEBRATE NATURE'S HIDDEN BEAUTY WITH A STRIKING WORK OF ART BY RUNWAY GALLERY ARTIST, EVI ANTONIO Driven by the desire to reveal nature's spectacular hidden intricacies, British artist Evi Antonio combines digital technology with traditional oil glazing techniques to express her vision of the natural world. Represented by Runway Gallery, an online showcase of contemporary art, Evi looks to create the same sense of curiosity and wonder that a museum specimen cabinet holds.

feel that my hand and a brush have been involved. It gives me personal satisfaction and adds a further depth to my art.

graduating with a degree in scientific and natural history illustration from Middlesex University, worked as |

a natural history illustrator.

My dream of living in the countryside was realised when moved to Ware in Hertfordshire, where ran a successful illustration agency with my husband from our studio on the Amwell Nature Reserve. was able to immerse myself in my surroundings and look to the beauty of nature for my |

1710

COUNTRY HOMES & INTERIORS

inspiration. After having and raising two children, returned to the studio, but decided to explore a new contemporary fine art form. I'd used watercolour paints at the start of my career, then as technology moved forward, taught myself Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop. applied the same skills I'd |

â&#x20AC;&#x201D;

developed traditionally to my new technique and I've never looked back. I've always hand-finished my prints with paint

usually source a specimen to work from. need the real thing in front of me.

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PEACOCK AT SHOREDITCH,

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;a,

My work took a new direction after moving back to London in 2017 and I've focused on the beauty, symmetry and patterns in nature, mainly butterflies. It's highly detailed and presented in a circular format. The pieces are versatile, but work especially well hung next to taxidermy frames, nature books and flowers. Buy beautiful, affordable artwork from Evi Antonio and other artists at runway-gallery.com

450;

Butterflies, insects and lobsters are common themes in my work. want to share my sense of awe and wonder for the creatures that co-exist in our world: an appreciation for the miracle of nature and its intricate details. I've always been inspired by the lithographic plates and hand-coloured of the h - engravings 19th century, which were used to document the scientific discoveries of the time. So I'll

FEATURE JACKY PARKER ARTWORK (FROM TOP} MORPHO ON BRICK LANE, GREAT EASTERN BLUE, 1,250, ALL EVI ANTONIO AT RUNWAY GALLERY

grew up in north London and dreamt of the countryside. was fascinated by the images in early natural history books and always loved drawing. can't remember when didn't carry a sketchbook and pencils with me. After

glazes and varnish because still like to

PROJECT PROFILE

Dark &

HANDSOME CLASSIC SHAKER CABINETRY, PAINTED IN MIDNIGHT BLUE WITH PEWTER HARDWARE, GIVES THIS RURAL SCOTTISH BARN CONVERSION A STYLISH EDGE

Otoners Sandy Maxwell-Forbes, centre director for the Great Tapestry of Scotland, lives here. House Aconverted barn in the Scottish Borders,

with four bedrooms.

Project Anew kitchen and utility boot room to replace battered, out-of-date units.

Kitchen 7x4.25m Designer Camilla Pringle, director, Peden & Pringle.

Cabinetry

Bespoke traditional in-frame kitchen in Little Greene's Basalt, by Peden & Pringle. COUNTRY HOMES & INTERIORS

1114

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fter living in Edinburgh for 12 years, Sandy Maxwell-Forbes made a major life decision. ‘City life was just not for me,’ she says. ‘Every month, found myself travelling to the Scottish Borders, where used to live and still have wonderful community of friends, so as soon as saw this house for sale in a peaceful hamlet, felt it was time to move! Surrounded by fields, stone dykes and hills, not far from where her three horses are stabled, the 200-yearold stone house appealed instantly, but its kitchen was less than ideal. ‘It was poor quality and badly planned, so knew it needed to be replaced,’ recalls Sandy. ‘In my head, stripped out the fittings and could see that it was a fantastic room with plenty of space! While living in Edinburgh, Sandy’s commute to work took her past the Peden & Pringle kitchen showroom. ‘| used to sit in traffic, admiring the window displays,’ she says. So she headed in to meet director Camilla Pringle as soon as the house purchase was complete. ‘l wanted |

1712

COUNTRY HOMES & INTERIORS

classic cabinetry in keeping with the age and rural location of the house, but with plenty of warmth and an injection of wow, she says. ‘Camilla was expert in turning my jumble of ideas into a concise plan’ Sandy specified bold use of colour and plenty of storage for food, especially important on the occasions when the house gets snowed in during the winter months. She admits, however, to being totally uninterested in cooking, although Camilla did persuade her to include a good range of appliances in the room for use when a local chef comes to cater for one of her regular parties. ‘My focus was absolutely on creating an inviting space that can enjoy with friends, says Sandy. The island is key to the success of the design. ‘I did have a wobble when saw the size of it drawn on the floor, she says. ‘But Camilla was spot on - it is the place where everyone congregates for drinks and makes the heart of the room.’ Does she miss city life? ‘No! Edinburgh is a wonderful place,’ she says, ‘but moving here was absolutely the right thing to do - it is idyllic’ |

KITCHEN PROJECT

cupboard is designed to Ne leery

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HE CUSTOM DETAILS ON THE CABINETRY MAKE THE KITCHEN FEEL VERY PERSONAL99 @@

cooking zones and touch-control operation

UTILITY

ROOM

KITCHEN

THE LAYOUT The rectangular kitchen has L-shaped cabinetry with a large central island that forms the sociable hub of the room. The sink run includes dishwasher and bin with wall cupboards for storage, at right angles to a tall run which houses built-in appliances and a central larder unit. Beyond the built-in fridge freezer, a door leads into a utility boot room with laundry centre and coat storage.

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COUNTRY HOMES & INTERIORS

113

ared corner posts meless

SMART EXTRACTION

DARK & HANDSOME

CLEVER DESIGN

SOLUTIONS 1714

COUNTRY HOMES & INTERIORS

can be tricky to create a satisfactory extraction solution in a low-ceilinged room. Sandy and Camilla felt that an island hood would block the eyeline It

across the room, so the compact ceiling unit was an unobtrusive choice. Its slimline shape fits

neatly between the ceiling joists, with concealed ducting running to the outside of the property.

KITCHEN PROJECT

BOLD COLOUR The dark blue-black painted finish of the cabinetry creates instant impact. ‘Strong colour adds interest and character, says Camilla. ‘This room has a relatively low ceiling, given the age of the property, and nota huge amount of natural light, so it can be tempting to pick light shades. But that can end up making a space feel bland, whereas this dark hue creates tremendous depth, while the mirrored splashback acts to reflect the available light back into the room.

IROKO-TOPPED ISLAND Choosing warm, natural

timber worktop is a great way to add

colour to a kitchen, here contrasting with

the crisp white quartz worktop of the sink run. ‘Iroko is a naturally “oily” timber and one of the best for repelling water, making it good choice for a kitchen work surface, explains Camilla. The worktop is chunky 40mm thick and finished with a natural oil, which needs to be reapplied once a year for best protection of the timber. a

furniture features a cockbead detail on the frame and ovolo moulding to the doors to add a subtle, but not fussy, refinement

g splashback

THE DETAILS

The

CABINETRY Traditional in-frame bespoke kitchen, from 25,000, Peden & Pringle, painted in Basalt intelligent eggshell, 66 for 2.5ltr, Little Greene.

SURFACES lroko island worktop, around 225m, Peden & Pringle. Lagoon quartz surface worktop, from 400sq m, Silestone. Lucca tumbled limestone floor tiles in 60cm x random formats, 79.96sq m; Rococo Mercury mirror glass splashback tiles, 15x30cm, 183.82sq m, both Ca’ Pietra. Walls in French Grey intelligent matt emulsion, 51.50 for 2.5Itr, Little Greene.

APPLIANCES B57CR22NOB oven, 1,049; C17MRO2NOB compact oven with microwave, 1,129; TS56FD50X0 induction hob, 909; KI7853D30G integrated fridge freezer, 1,138; S515T80D fully integrated dishwasher, 758, all Neff. Heaven compact ceiling extractor, 1,045, Faber.

FEATURE AMELIA THORPE PHOTOGRAPHS PAUL CRAIG

SINKS & TAPS lonian tap in Pewter, 575, Perrin & Rowe. Icerock 3332-NA sink, 490, Kohler.

UTILITY BOOT ROOM [Cabinetry and Lagoon worktops match those of the kitchen] Similar WAT32480GB washing machine, 749; similar WIWH7660GB tumble dryer, 749, both Bosch. lonian tap with rinse in Pewter, 790, Perrin & Rowe. Butler 600 sink, 472, Shaws of Darwen.

COUNTRY HOMES & INTERIORS

115

HOME TECH

Buy the best...

RANGE COOKER FOR SUBLIME ROASTS

WITH PLENTY OF COOKING AND BAKING SPACE TO HELP YOU RUSTLE UP A FEAST, RANGES ARE THE IDEAL CHOICE FOR THOSE WHO LOVE TO COOK

BEST FOR

UNCLUTTERED SIMPLICITY

110+ in Dusky Blue, 9,265, Everhot Available in a choice of 20 colourways, this model features three ovens ~ for roasting, baking and slow eo 6A cooking respectively - while the fourth door is where all the oven controls are hidden, affording this range’s clean, pared-back design. On top, one lid reveals two cast iron plates together with a two-zone induction hob on the other side - the perfect mix oftraditional and contemporary cooking tech.

esi

es —

BEST FOR

COMPACT COOKING ICBDF304, 10,080, —

3-am

‘S available in a choice

HOB OPTIONS Traditionally, range cookers feature hotplates and many still do, though the practicaliy and

responsiveness of gas and induction have their appeal to seasoned cooks, so the majority of companies now offer a choice of hob type on their models.

FEATURE GINEVRA BENEDETTI

MULTIPLE OVENS Depending on the size of range

cooker you want (and have space for), you can choose between having one large oven or multiple cavities allowing you to cook a roast, bake a cake, warm plates and grill vegetables, all at the same time. @

Wolf

you lack the space or simply don't need multiple ovens, but could benefit from a larger single one, this dual-fuel model is an excellent option. Compact on the outside yet roomy within, the two fans in the 111-litre oven offer 25% faster cooking times than standard ovens and the four gas hobs present ample cooking space, too. What's more, the pyrolytic cleaning mode incinerates any dirt and grime within the oven cavity, turning it into a thin layer of ash. If

SMART FINISHES The majority of those who

purchase a range cooker will consider looks to be as important as functionality. Depending on your personal style, there are plenty of options to choose from, between contemporary stainless steel models and colourful enamelled designs so you'll be spoilt for choice.

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TT ——

BEST FOR VARIED COOKING SPACE

Victoria TR103GR in Slate Grey, 2,299, Smeg Between the six gas cooking zones on top and the three electric ovens beneath, there's plenty of cooking space on this classic enamelled range. The ovens vary in size from 36 to 84 litres, two of which have

integrated grills. Plus, they're all easy to clean thanks to the special steam function that loosens burnt on food and drips from the cavity. COUNTRY HOMES & INTERIORS

117

RENOVATION GUIDE

All you need to know DRIVEWAYS NOT JUST SOMEWHERE TO PARK THE CAR, A NEW DRIVEWAY WILL BOOST YOUR PROPERTY'S VALUE AND ADD THAT ALL-IMPORTANT KERB APPEAL WHAT DO I NEED TO CONSIDER? If

you're building

a new

driveway,

rather than replacing an existing asphalt or concrete one, think about how much space you can spare. For an average-sized car, you'll need a minimum three-metre width, more for larger vehicles or for parking more than one car. When choosing materials, think about

your propertyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s exterior or garden walls, as you'll achieve a better look overall if they complement each 1718

COUNTRY HOMES & INTERIORS

other. Another important factor to consider at the initial stage is where rainwater will go.

ARE THERE ANY REGULATIONS? Yes, you will have to either lay a permeable surface, provide a permeable drainage system within your property, or apply for planning permission to use a drain. Permitted development rights that previously allowed homeowners to pave their front gardens without planning

permission were changed in 2008, in order to prevent flooding and pollution of watercourses. Permeable surfaces or permeable drainage systems allow rainwater to soak through into the ground below. This is not only good for flood prevention (as public drains won't have to deal with excess rainwater after downpour), but your garden will need less watering and you're unlikely to step into a puddle on your driveway, too. a

DO NEED PLANNING PERMISSION FOR HARD |

(IMPERMEABLE) SURFACES? Only if the surface area is more than five square metres and you're intending to direct rainwater to a drain (whether on your property or public road). Rainwater has to go somewhere, so a better way, which complies with the current Sustainable Drainage Systems (Suds) legislation and doesn't require planning permission, is to create or install a

drainage

system that directs rainwater to run into a permeable area, such as a soakaway. Marshalls’ Driveline Drain or Channel can do this. Those who live in a conservation area, national park, or Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty may still need to apply for planning permission to build a driveway. So if that’s the case, check on the

government's planning portal at planningportal.co.uk.

WHAT'S A SOAKAWAY? It's a hole dug into the ground that is then filled with coarse stone and rubble. It allows water to filter through and soak back into your lawn or flowerbeds. It can be covered with suitable plants, gravel or cobbles and turned into a decorative feature. Your installer can advise where to locate it.

WHICH SURFACES ARE PERMEABLE? Gravel (or aggregate) is a

popular choice and the one most associated with country houses. It's good for drainage, as rainwater will seep into the ground below. The serunch factor will alert you to visitors (welcome or otherwise), so it's good for security and it's one

of the least expensive options, too. Companies, such as Stone Warehouse, offer a huge choice of stone aggregates, from pale limestone and yellow shingle through to red granite or black basalt, and even recycled slate. ‘Fourteen to twenty millimetre gravel is best for drives, as anything smaller may get stuck in tyre treads, and angular stones bed together better for smoother surface, says Sue Jackson, manager at Stone Warehouse. ‘It’s worth using a gravel grid to keep the stones in place, but you may still need to sweep or top up the gravel from time to time.’ a

Permeable paving

is a

good

option if you like the look of traditional paving, as it’s specially developed so that surface water can pass between the blocks into a sub-base and drain away naturally, so you won't need to > COUNTRY HOMES & INTERIORS

119

RENOVATION GUIDE

CLOCKWISE, FROM LEFT Shingle echoes the mixed tones of the property's exterior; natural stone Elemental Driveway Paviors from Stonemarket give an

elegant appearance; Woburn Rumbled Infilta in Rustic by Bradstone, 32.49sq m, Simply Paving

WHAT ARE THE OPTIONS FOR HARD SURFACES? Block paving can be laid in different patterns and formations to suit the style of your home. It's made from concrete, clay bricks or natural stone and is available in various tones and textures, from greys and blacks to sand and red brick hues, with finishes from smooth to sawn. The blocks can vary in size from around 10-500mm and are a budget-friendly option. Cobbles and setts are often made from natural stone (although some are made from concrete to resemble stone) and can have riven, sawn or tumbled surfaces 120

COUNTRY HOMES & INTERIORS

for an antique or timeworn appearance. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s more expensive than block paving but can provide a characterful entrance to a period country property. Paving slabs will need to be a minimum of 50mm thick to withstand the weight of a car, and may need a sub-base, so check suitability with the supplier. All of these hard surfaces can be easily maintained with a regular sweep and an occasional jet wash. But, seek specialist advice for oil spills, as treatment will depend on the stone or surface you choose.

WHAT ABOUT THE EDGES? essential to have edging, but it will smarten the look and create a neat border. There's a wide choice available, from traditional Victorian or rope-top style cast concrete, to timber railway sleepers or hewnstone kerbs. You can buy it from your supplier alongside your chosen surface material. It's not

CAN I HAVE THE KERB DROPPED? You will need to apply for planning permission for this, and the kerb may need strengthening.

DO I NEED TO USE

A PROFESSIONAL? It depends on the surface you choose, but for anything other than gravel, it is advisable. Most suppliers will be able to provide advice on installation.

WILL A DRIVEWAY ADD VALUE TO MY PROPERTY? An attractive exterior and off-road parking add to a property's appeal, value and desirability.

ow pick of driveway suppliers Sourcebook For block paving, cobble setts and edging Marshalls, marshalls.co.uk

m For gravel and chippings Stone Warehouse stonewarehouse.co.uk m For resin bound permeable driveways Sureset 0800 612 6501 sureset.co.uk m For driveway paving Paving Superstore, pavingsuperstore.co.uk m For further paving options Simply Paving, simplypaving.com

FEATURE JACKY PARKER PHOTOGRAPHS TI-MEDIACONTENT.COM

install drainage system. Marshalls and Stonemarket have a choice of colours and sizes, as well as coordinating edgings and borders, much like traditional paving. Resin bound permeable driveways are manufactured from natural aggregate and bound in resin so it's a neater alternative to gravel as the stones are not loose. It's a pricier option and will need maintenance, but can be laid over an existing asphalt or concrete driveway and comes with a 21-year guarantee.

VW’

DAIKIN It’s time to make a

change

for good

to 5,000

Get Green Homes Grant funding for a Daikin Altherma heat pump. .

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GARDEN SPECIAL

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ITâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S TIME TO: PO fp Gare en Cut down spent flower stems but leave some as cover for insects. Cut flowers such as spent alliums and honesty for winter flower arrangements. Remove weeds, fork over the soil and add mulch.

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Gevose, Bring herbs indoors.

Put sprigs of mint in water to root,

then pot them up with multipurpose compost. Divide and pot up chives, parsley and tarragon. Sow basil seeds, several to a pot and water regularly.

Fe eds feeee iessfecs Dig a hole wide and deep enough for the plant's base so it sits just below soil level. Add mycorrhizal FRirgas?

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fungi such as Rootgrow at the bottom of the hole. Backfill, firm in place with your feet and water well. Hammer in a stake at one side and tie in the tree Support young trees with a stake to help support root growth

COUNTRY HOMES & INTERIORS

to support it as it grows.

t re re

GARDEN SPECIAL

Take hardwood

rose cuttings Make a thin trench with 1 your spade's edge,

about 15cm deep. Fill the base with sharp sand, or use a deep pot filled with sand. Use hormone rooting powder at the bottom. Take cuttings when leaves have fallen. Choose a pencil-thick stem and cut it off just above a leaf node. Divide into 22cm lengths, with the top end slanted and the bottom end level, just below a leaf node. Push each cutting into the sand, with the slanted cut uppermost (so you know it's the top). Only the top 7-8cm should be sticking out.

Backfill, water and label. Plant out next autumn.

Try this method for fruit bushes, buddleia, yew, rosemary and hydrangea.

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ACERS Japanese maples burst into their signature reds and oranges this month. Good varieties are ‘Osakazuki’ and *Sango-kaku’. Height 2-5m.

AERINE BOWDENII With striking pink flowers, they need a south-facing position and hot, dry conditions to flower well. Height 60cm.

PYRACAN'THA Aprickly

evergreen, choose from red, orange or yellow. The ‘Saphyr’ is disease-resistant. Height 3m. COUNTRY HOMES & INTERIORS

125

Early winter 4

ITâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S TIME TO: and Lalips Check bulbs firm and free from mould.

lips hate wet feet, so choose ry spot or add grit to the Anting hole, or plant in pots lo or three times the bulbâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

potted ones under cover over winter and keep them dry.

Plant deciduous

hedging Bare-root plants are

cheap now, and hedges are great for wildlife. Dig a trench pth, pointy side up. Cover 30-45cm wide, one spit deep. h wire mesh until spring. Remove weeds. Space the dahlias down Trim plants out 30-50cm apart ina en their stems are blackened __ line. Mix the soil with organic matter and backfill, so plants frost. In colder areas, lift the are level with the soil. Mulch bers, dry off and store insand ler winter. In warmer areas, to deter weeds. Keep wellwatered while plants establish. e plantsa5cm mulch. Bring

126

COUNTRY HOMES & INTERIORS

Hedging is an ideal nesting place for birds come spring. Leave out a good-quality seed or nut mix to keep birds fed over winter

GARDEN SPECIAL

Plant bulbs Jor afestive indoor

display To

grow paperwhite

1 narcissi, amaryllis and hyacinths, nestle bulbs into a dish filled with pebbles.

Add water, ensuring

it is

only just touching the bottom of the bulbs.

Alternatively place bulbs in a pot of compost and place in a cool, well-lit room for scented flowers in December.

CLEMATTS CIRRHOSA VAR. PURPURASCENS

‘FRECKLES’ An easygoing winter clematis that blooms from November to March. Height 4m.

FATSLA JAPONICA The evergreen castor-oil plant looks good this month. It likes part shade. Height 3m.

ORNAMENTAL

CABBAGES Colourful additions to winter pots. They colour up as temperatures drop. Height 25cm. COUNTRY HOMES & INTERIORS

127

December

I'S TIME TO: Winter-proof your garden Prune long whippy shoots on roses so they don't suffer wind-rock, and move pots away from windy areas. Put pot feet under containers so the soil won't freeze. Buy tap covers for your outdoor taps.

Plant scented shrubs Plant deciduous scented winter shrubs like Hamamelis (witch hazel}, Lonicera x purpusii (winter honeysuckle), or

Chimonanthus praecox

128

COUNTRY HOMES & INTERIORS

(wintersweet) in your front garden, or where you'll see or smell them from the house. You can also move deciduous shrubs while theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re dormant if the soil isn't waterlogged or frozen.

Spruce upfor Christmas Clear paths of moss or lichen so visitors donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t slip in icy conditions. Plant some evergreen topiary ora berried shrub like skimmia near

your front door. Pop welcoming solar tea lights on a windowsill.

GARDEN SPECIAL

Maine G

Christmas Spray

Much quicker and easier than wreaths, sprays look just as good. Use offcuts from your Christmas tree or garden greenery such as holly, jasmine, ivy, eucalyptus or rosemary.

Cut greenery and putin 1 a bucket to soak for a few hours. Make it into a ‘bouquet’ and tie with a covered elastic band, with ivy or jasmine trailing down.

Attach a sprig of berries or baubles. Or thread

FEATURE GERALDINE SWEENEY PHOTOGRAPHS GARDEN EXPOSURES, ALAMY

battery-operated fairy lights through the foliage. Add a pretty Christmas ripbon to hide the elastic band, turn upside down and attach to your front door.

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CHRISTMAS ROSEA hellebore that looks decorative in a pot, plant out for flowers next year. Height 30cm

OLY The perfect plant for December. For berries, choose varieties like flex aquifolium ‘Pyramidalis’. Height 5m. PRONUS X SUBHIRTELLA

An elegant winter-flowering cherry. ‘Autumnalis Rosea’ gives warmer pink tones in winter. Height 6m. COUNTRY HOMES & INTERIORS

129

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Rikon ed

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FEATURE JACKY PARKER

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When she's not trekking across the polar ice caps or inspiring others with her books and talks, travel writer and author, Kari Herbert, enjoys sketching by the sea live in the far west of Cornwall. There's so much to love about this place, from the gentle southern bays of the peninsula, to the ancient stones set in moorland, and the ocean-pounded cliffs of the north. There is both stillness and drama. started mindful sketching outside after I’d finished creating Explorers’ Sketchbooks, a book about intrepid individuals who explored the fringes of the world and drew their experiences in journals. These explorer artists were so inspiring, and longed to have the confidence to create field sketchbooks too. began writing a blog for the Newlyn School of Art and met several wonderful tutors who gave me the courage to be more creatively playful, and to express a |

FEATURE JACKY PARKER

fleeting moment orfeeling on paper. We used the most basic materials -ascrap of paper, a stick and some ink. There was no pressure to create anything skilful or beautiful. To begin with we even had our eyes shut. It became like a meditation - opening our senses to the texture of the

atmosphere of wherever we were standing and simply making marks with whatever we had to hand. It sounds a bit ‘out there’, but it’s surprisingly cathartic. The beauty of this practice is that you don't need to be an artist, and you don’t need to share your creations with anyone. It's private experience, and an intriguing way to capture moment in your life when you are really a

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emotional wellbeing. keep it as something for myself, but it feeds my other work, too. Now, am an illustrator as much as a writer. The key for me is to keep the play sketching separate and not to be too concerned about what am creating in that moment. love to be anywhere rugged or by the sea - anywhere that can feel the wind in my hair, the earth beneath my feet and hear birds |

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Kea this... Be inspired to create your own outdoor sketches with Kari’s book, Explorers’ Sketchbooks (29.95, Thames & Hudson). See ‘& more at kariherbert.com # and on Instagram @kariherbertartist and @kari_herbert

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COUNTRY HOMES & INTERIORS

137

GOOD TIMES, GOOD FOOD

VARSALA CHICKEN WITH ROASTED GARLIC, RAISINS &€ ALMONDS

TRAY -BARKED POTATOES WITH MUSHROOMS, CHESTNUTS & SHERRY

Couscous is given the Sicilian touch with pan-fried chicken cooked with Marsala. And here’s the trick: couscous likes a sauce. Never serve it plain as pebbledash. You could use chicken breasts for this recipe, but find bone-in thighs or legs are more flavoursome.

Waxy potatoes, mushrooms and chestnuts sit very well together on a plate. Add a good slosh of sherry and you have a middle-of-the-week meal that is as impressive as it is easy. might serve this with some crusty bread or bruschetta on the side to mop up the juices, if feel especially hungry.

SERVES 4

8 skin-on, bone-in

50g raisins, soaked in

chicken thighs 50g flaked almonds Atbsp olive oil 1 whole garlic bulb, cloves separated and unpeeled 150ml Marsala (or use medium sherry) 400ml boiling chicken stock or water 2 bay leaves, scrunched

warm

water for at least 5 mins, then drained

200g couscous Yotsp salt, plus more to season Freshly ground black

pepper 1 small bunch of flat-leaf parsley, leaves picked and roughly chopped, to serve

1kg medium-small potatoes, diced or sliced 7 large cloves of garlic, 4 unpeeled and smashed, 3 peeled and finely sliced Atbsp good olive oil, plus more to serve 3 good thyme sprigs, leaves picked 500g chestnut or button mushrooms, sliced

Season the chicken all over with salt and pepper. 2 Dry-roast the almonds in a large saucepan or casserole over a moderate heat for 2 mins, until golden brown, remove from the heat and put to one side on a plate to cool. 3 Heat the olive oil in the same pan over a moderate heat. Add the chicken and fry for 5 mins on one side, until deep golden brown. Add the whole garlic cloves and turn over the chicken to fry on the other side for a further 5 mins, until deep golden brown all over, but not fully cooked through. 4 Pour the Marsala (or sherry) into the pan and cook for 2 mins to evaporate some of the alcohol, then add 100ml of the stock or water along with the bay leaves. Cover with a lid and cook for 10-15 mins, until the chicken is cooked through. Add the raisins for the last min of cooking to warm through. Check the seasoning, adding more salt and pepper to taste. 5 While the chicken is cooking, put the couscous in a mixing bowl and cover with the remaining 300ml of boiling stock or water and add Ytsp of salt. Cover and set aside for 10 mins to soften. 6 To serve, fluff the couscous with a fork and divide it between the plates or bowls. Add the chicken and whole cloves of garlic before pouring over a good amount of sauce. Sprinkle with the toasted almonds, then the chopped parsley, to serve. a

parsley, finely chopped 100g Manchego cheese or Parmesan Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Preheat the oven to 220°C/Gas 7. Line a baking tray with baking paper. Spread the potatoes out onto the lined tray along with 4 smashed cloves of garlic, the olive oil and the thyme, and season with salt and pepper. 2 Roast for 15-20 mins, until the potatoes are softened but not yet fully cooked through. 3 Add the mushrooms, sliced garlic and sherry to the potatoes, mixing together to distribute evenly, and cook for a further 20-25 mins, until the mushrooms and potatoes are cooked through and have taken on some colour. Remove from the oven and add the chestnuts and parsley, mixing well. Check the seasoning, adding more salt and pepper, if you like. 4 Using a potato peeler, shave the Manchego or Parmesan over the mushrooms and potatoes, sprinkle with more oil if you like, and serve. 1

3tbsp dry or medium sherry 75g chestnuts, roughly chopped Y small bunch of flat-leaf

CAVOLO NERO POLENTA SOUP

MALAGA QUINCE RAISINS & OLOROSO SHERRY

Take a slow, steady start with the crucial trio of onions, carrot and celery cooked down to a soft, sweet base (a soffritto), then hit it with the remaining ingredients, layer, after layer, after layer. You can't rush a good soup. A large chunk of Parmesan, grated all over to finish, is essential.

A quince cannot be hurried along as it cooks. If this happens, the fruitâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s flesh will disintegrate and you won't get the perfect, yielding, ruby-hued interior that quinces are capable of giving. In this recipe, the sherry is simmered down along with Malaga raisins. These are classic flavours for an autumnal dessert, served with good vanilla ice cream.

SERVES 4

SERVES 4 3tbsp good olive oil, plus more to serve 1 onion, finely diced 1 carrot, peeled and finely diced 1 celery stick, finely diced 6 sage leaves, finely chopped, or 2 good rosemary

sprigs, leaves picked and finely chopped 3 cloves of garlic, finely chopped

500g cavolo nero, tough middle stalks discarded, leaves sliced into ribbons 1ltr hot chicken or vegetable stock or water 80g fine polenta 1 x 400g can of borlotti or cannellini beans, drained and rinsed Juice of 12 lemon, or to taste Salt and freshly ground black pepper Parmesan, grated (shredded), to serve

Heat the oil in heavy-based saucepan over a moderate heat. Add the onion, carrot and celery, and cook for 10 mins, until the onion is soft and translucent. Add the herbs and the garlic, and cook for a further 2 mins, until fragrant. Add the cavolo nero and cook for 8-10 mins, until the leaves are well wilted and reduced in size. 2 Add the stock or water and season to taste with salt and plenty of freshly ground black pepper, then gently simmer for 15 mins, until the cavolo nero is completely tender. Finally, add the polenta in a thin, steady stream, stirring all the time, so it mixes in well among the cavolo nero and other vegetables. 3 Reduce the heat slightly to moderate-low and simmer until the polenta is fully cooked out (about another 15-20 mins). Add a little more liquid if the soup gets too thick during this time. About 2 mins towards the end of the cooking time, add the beans to warm through. Simmer until the flavours are melded and the soup tastes good. Check the seasoning, adding more salt and pepper, as necessary, and the lemon juice to taste. 4 Serve the soup in warmed bowls with plenty of Parmesan grated (shredded) on top and a good slug of olive oil. 1

100g caster (superfine) sugar About 5tbsprunny honey Juice of 1 lemon 100ml dark oloroso sherry (or any medium sherry)

4 quinces, peeled, quartered and cored 80g Malaga raisins (or any big raisins, such as flame raisins)

1 Mix the caster sugar, honey, lemon juice and sherry with 400ml of water in a large non-reactive saucepan and place over a moderate heat. Bring to a simmer. 2 Drop the quince quarters into the pan of simmering liquid. Cover with a round of baking paper directly on top of the quinces to prevent discolouration, then put a lid on the pan. 3 Simmer the quince pieces gently over a low-moderate heat for 45 mins to 1% hrs, until cooked through and tender when pierced with a knife or skewer. Remove from the heat, put the cooked quinces on a plate and keep warm. 4 Put the pan with the cooking juices back on the heat and turn the heat up high. Reduce the liquid until syrupy, rich and dark (about 3-5 mins), adding the raisins as you boil it down. Add the quince back to the pan when the syrup is ready and serve warm.

Home Cookery Year by Claire Thomson (30, Quadrille) Photographs: Sam Folan

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For all our product listings, visit about-the-house.co.uk DAVID BOWIE MUSIC ICON TEA TOWEL This bright and bold statement tea towel will make drying up all the more fun. This is just one in a range we have available Amy

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Combining modern and retro influences, this super, smart Oslo WhiteTV Unit is sure to complement almost any interior scheme. Measuring L180 x D.38 x H.57.5cm, it is great if you've got a large TV to display, as well as giving a wealth of storage space for housing entertainment systems, consoles, DVDs and anything else. Normally 139, now 109. To get your 30 discount use code CHOCT20 at outandout.com or call 02037 728 752 by 01.11.20. Delivery Excluded.

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Winehouse, Freddie Mercury and George Michael are few more we have in stock. The colours are vibrant and the art work is strong and eye catching. Designed and made in England on 100% cotton, they make ideal gifts for those hard to buy for friends and look great in the kitchen as a set. Only 13.00 + postage.

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The Marbella chaise-style lounge set is the perfect addition to your outside space. This offer includes a three seater sofa, fitted ottoman with cushion and matching armchair with thick seat and back cushions. Also a matching coffee table with high quality tempered-glass top that makes it ideal for relaxing outdoors.

As autumn approaches and we draw the curtains, these stunning candles (16 for 4) and holders (from 18) are the perfect addition to a cosy setting. They're available in subtle and bold tones, so can match with dĂŠcor or make an eye catching statement. They are perfect for special occasions and these unique candles make a wonderful gift. 8 hour burn time, non-drip stearin wax, cotton wick, no animal derived ingredients, ecological colour dyes. www.gingerzebra.shop

Was 599, now 499 when you quote CHOCT20A, a saving of 100! Visit outandout.com or call 02037 728 752 by 01.11.20. Delivery Excluded.

BOTANICAL GIFT BOX A perfectly selected range of gifts for those who love plants in their home and spending time in the garden. Box includes: Beebomb - wild flower seed pellets, Planter pot - ideal for a succulent, Veggie patch seeds, Patterned hanging pot, Jute garden string, Sarah Edmonds bold bird badges x2 Items individually wrapped RRP 40 - 5 OFF with code BOXS Some contents may vary on colour/style according to stock availability. More boxes to send to loved ones to show your thinking of them are

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Normally 139, now 109. To get your 30 discount use code CHOCT20 at outandout.com or call 02037 728 752 by 01.11.20. Delivery Excluded.

About the House and the companies shown in this advertisement feature are wholly independent of Country Homes & Interiors Magazine. Care has been taken to establish that the advertisers are legitimate. It is recommended that you carry out your own checks before making a purchase. When making a purchase we recommend payment by credit card.

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MY FAVOURITE VIEW

The English countryside really comes into its own in the autumn months

MYFAVOURITE VIEW...

barlaston Downs, 3 Staffordshire

The wild and wonderful Downs near her childhood home is a place of peace for Rachel Shenton, star of the new TV series All Creatures Great and Small |

undulating countryside surrounding thick woods with a stream at the bottom- it’s a really special place and my favourite spot year round. I've been going to the Downs since was young, and it’s remained a constant place of beauty for me to return to; knowing that it’s always there is a very solid, reassuring thing. When was living in Los Angeles, of course craved coming home and spending time with my family, but was also homesick for walking there and being away from it all. remember my mum would Facetime me when she was walking in the Downs and I'd be incredibly |

150

COUNTRY HOMES & INTERIORS

jealous! Although I’m closer to home now, living and spending most of my time in London, it remains an area always long to come back to. There are so many variants to how I've experienced the Downs. I've enjoyed being there alone, with friends, my husband Chris, my mum - it's equally as lovely each time. We also accidentally shot a film poster there, too. My short film The Silent Child was shot in and around Staffordshire and once, when on a break, we went to the Downs to have lunch and the cinematographer ended up taking a few pictures of me playing with Maisie (the little girl in the film) and one of those shots ended up becoming the poster for the film. So it’s a place that’s really in every part of my life in some |

way. often think about how fortunate am to have grown up surrounded by beautiful countryside. But, although not everyone has had that, think that this strange period we have just lived through has maybe encouraged more people to discover new pockets of the UK that they wouldn't normally have sought out. Perhaps that’s something positive to have come out of this year. We are so spoilt living here - it may seem to some at first that all the areas of the UK countryside look the same, but actually each wild spot is full of different images, and every area has its own quirks and idiosyncrasies that make it that little bit more special. See Rachel in All Creatures Great and Small on Channel 5 |

FEATURE THEA BABINGTON-STITT PHOTOGRAPHS CHRIS OVERTON, ALAMY STOCK PHOTO

Growing up in Stoke-on-Trent meant was lucky to be close to a beautiful area called Barlaston Downs, also known as Downs Banks. There are miles of unspoilt,

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