NOTHING SIMILAR IS QUITE THE SAME
Small Porter Lamp £85.00
For a free copy of our brochure please call 01473 826931 or visit www.jim-lawrence.co.uk
25cm Empire Shade Limestone Herringbone Lovat Tweed £37.20
l i v e
T h e
l i f e . . . l o v e
T h e
S T y l e
& interiors
Coastal living cornisH Hideaway Harbourside cHapel coastguard’s cottage Quirky norfolk terrace Ideas for stylIsh summer gardens How to create a luxurious sanctuary batHroom
Call of the Sea
❖ laid-back blues, sHells & stripes
❖ a lifeboat-woman’s story ❖ easy seafood
The home of
modern country To find all stockists in this issue, turn to page 136
InterIors & InspIratIon 8 august Things we can’t live without 13 design news What’s new in interiors this month 64 • shopping trend Bring a little seaside calm to your home with ocean blues, shell motifs and deckchair stripes 70 seasonal decor Introduce a subtle pop of colour to your all-white scheme with classic blue floral patterns and crisp linens 78 • make a house a home Get your garden prepped for a long, sociable (and hopefully hot) summer ahead 84 • bathroom ideas Because you deserve a little spa-like luxury at home 94 kitchen islands Extend your worktop space with one of these handy additions 103 home tech Tighten up your property’s security
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105 kitchen project There’s truth to the old adage, good things come to those who wait
128
Country homes 14 • cornish cottage From rundown house to cosy holiday home, this characterful property has been made over by its interior designer owner 28 • west sussex chapel Searching for the perfect seaside home, this couple instantly knew this was the property for them
• ON THE COVER
38 • devon cottage Set within an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty close to the beach, this white brick house is the perfect weekend bolthole 48 • norfolk cottage This family have filled their home with reclaimed and vintage finds plus get-the-look ideas for every home
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COuNTRy HOMES & INTERIORS
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110 Gardens 98
14 seasonal food 128
• tastes of the cypriot coast Make the sea the star of your plate
135
in a country kitchen Our latest pantry additions
lIfestyle 58
• my country business
• garden elements Style up your fencing
110 lakeside spirit Wild and wonderful, this ever-changing garden is bursting with lush greenery 119 in a country garden Sit and admire your flowers on one of these stylish benches
Just for you 93
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reGulars 93
shopping directory All the contact details and websites featured in this issue
Sunbeam Jackie makes sun parasols with a cool, vintage vibe 69
designer profile Emma and Mike Vincent combined their skills to start their own furniture business in Devon
SubScribe t o d ay
121 • local hero Seasoned RNLI volunteer Gemma Gill saves lives in her spare time
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122 live life well Happy thoughts and ideas for fashion, eco, wellbeing and more 125 country passion Finding treasure on Cornish shores 127 a weekend away Rediscover the beautiful Kent coastline 146 my favourite view For Billy Boyter, there’s no place like home
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To find all stockists in this issue, turn to page 136 COuNTRy HOMES & INTERIORS
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& interiors 161 Marsh Wall, london e14 9aP Telephone 020 3148 5000 email countryhomes@ti-media.com eDiToRial DiReCToR Vanessa richmond GRoUp CReaTiVe DiReCToR Georgia hibberdine eXeCUTiVe eDiToR andrea Childs homeS ConTenT Team eDiToRial DiReCToR rhoda Parry 020 3148 7180 CommeRCial eDiToRial opeRaTionS DiReCToR Jane akers 020 3148 7313 hoUSeS eDiToR Vivienne ayers 020 3148 7194 ShoppinG eDiToR holly Phillips 020 3148 7195 neWS anD FeaTUReS eDiToR thea Babington-stitt 020 3148 7458 ConTenT eDiToR tara King 020 3148 7196 ConTRiBUTinG eDiToR sara Bird (style) 020 3148 7181 eDiToRial aSSiSTanT sally dominic 020 3148 7154
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GRoUp ChieF SUB-eDiToR/pRoDUCTion eDiToR sarah Farley heaD oF SUBS opeRaTionS Maxine Clarke hUB ChieF SUB-eDiToR amy hodge DepUTY ChieF SUB-eDiToR Jennie Filer SUB-eDiToR Chloe hay heaD oF aRT opeRaTionS alison Walter DepUTY aRT DiReCToR emma Jackson aCTinG aRT eDiToR hannah Bennewitz aRT eDiToRS Melanie Brown and Paula Jardine SenioR DeSiGneR Christina McQuillan DeSiGneR Charlotte holland WiTh ThankS To lara evans and rebecca halverson eDiToRial pRoDUCTion manaGeR nicola tillman DepUTY eDiToRial pRoDUCTion manaGeR Clare Willetts maRkeTinG head of marketing sian Cupid 020 3148 6487 Deputy head of marketing laura timms 020 3148 6239 pUBliShinG Group managing Director, lifestyle angela o’Farrell ea to Group managing Director donna McConnell 020 3148 5651 pRoDUCTion Group production manager steve twort 020 3148 5439 production manager John Botten 020 3148 5443 advertising production Co-ordinator Barry skinner 020 3148 2538 Digital producer andrew howe 020 3148 3366 CiRCUlaTion Circulation manager alan edwards 020 3787 9161 aDVeRTiSinG publisher & head of homes network Joanne o’hara 020 3148 7642 advertisement manager sharon Goode 020 3148 7631 international/luxury account manager Carole Bunce 020 3148 7620 Classified Sales executive Charlotte Beckett 020 3148 2511 Creative media manager emilie Morrissey 020 3148 3647 assistant Syndication manager efi Mandrides 020 3148 5485 ReGional aDVeRTiSinG Regional Sales Director Katrina hutchison 0161 601 3720 Sales manager (inserts) Canopy media Michael davie 07446 903582
The mood of the moment:
(BACKGROUND) The WAve velveT fabric iN MiNeRAl, £69.90M, liNWOOD
Blowing away the coBweBs
Vanessa x Have you found us on Instagram, yet? Follow @countryhomesmag to get a sneak peek at beautiful homes and the inside track on interiors-industry news, events and people. No influencers, just a gentle slice of idyllic country life to give you a little escapism every dayÉ
COUNTRy hOMes & iNTeRiORs
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Things we can’t live without...
august
Picking the sunniest waterside spot to relax with the latest must-read. Denim hammock, L225xW150cm, £179, Nordic House
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CoUNTRY HoMES & INTERIoRS
C o u n t R y d Ay S
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Wrapping bronzed shoulders in a chic lightweight layer. Pure linen stonewashed scarf in Dusk, £35, Jenny Aves
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4 1 A classic fedora made from fine straw and finished with an embroidered ribbon. SEP X Vanja Jocic Haleema Panama, £289, SEP Jordan. 2 Creating a unique wall display with artisan-made pieces. Bolga fan in Natural & Blue, H55xW41cm, £39, Lola & Mawu. 3 Cycling down country lanes. Made X Veloretti threespeed caferacer city bike in Pacific, £419, Made.com. 4 Elegant, eco alternatives to plastic water bottles. Sowden 0.35L stainless steel bottle in Blue/Yellow, £29, Hay at National Theatre Bookshop.
Setting a magical mood with a cluster of lanterns. Modern porcelain hurricanes, from £29 each; natural rattan lanterns, from £69 each; porcelain lanterns, from £29 each, all West Elm
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8 7 5 A gorgeous, handmade bedside addition. Pulegoso Piyush glass lamp in Lead Indigo, H49xW25cm, £150; linen shade, Dia45cm, £62, both Birdie Fortescue. 6 Graphic patterns and fringe edging. Screen-printed cushion in Navy, 50x50cm, £38, Relish. 7 Growing a mini ecosystem in a recycled glass terrarium. Canopy closed garden, H16.5xW24cm, £40, LSA International. 8 Sun-warmed garden aromas wrapped in musk and cedarwood. Vine Tomato candle, £30, Urban Apothecary. CoUNTRY HoMES & INTERIoRS
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Eating alfresco with our favourite people in the relaxing warmth of the sun. Stripe seat pad, £25; linen seat pad in Grey, £25; Seville tablecloth, £75; organic roll-top medium vase, £35; Aurelie medium vase, £50, all The White Company
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12 9 Delicious nibbles served on handcrafted platters. Acacia wood serving tray, H48xW13cm, £35, Bloomingville at Lillian Daph. 10 Dipping eggs and soldiers – the happiest way to start the day! Wave egg cup in Blue and Yellow, H6.5xDia4.5cm, £8, Jo Deakin. 11 Absorbent and lightweight woven looms. Turkish hammam bath towel in Azure Blue on Ecru, 100x180cm, £30, Larusi. 12 Enamelware that doubles as a decorative accessory. Enamel bowl in Green Grey, H14.5xDia45cm, £117, Joanna Wood.
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14 Serene white and azure blue accents in the bedroom. Romula duvet cover, from £228; Romula square pillowcase, £48; Adelle wall art, from £138; Vaya rug, from £58, all Anthropologie
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13 Stylish acacia and black metal perches. Hiba wood and metal outdoor bar stools, H92xW49xD46cm, £209 for two, La Redoute. 14 Hanging lush greenery in a unique planter. Pori hanging planter by Nkuku, H16xDia30cm, £59.95, Sue Parkinson. 15 Simple, stonewashed cotton table dressings. Saara napkins in Tourmaline by Bungalow, 45x45cm, £19.95 for four, The Hambledon. 16 Original potato-printed swallow designs. Flock fine bone china jug, H13xDia9cm, £20, The Humble Cut. 10
CouNTRY HomES & INTERIoRS
FEATURE HoLLY PHILLIPS
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cOUnTRy SHOpping
A sunbleached scheme of shell-inspired neutrals and beachcombing textures... Ashridge fabric in Linen, £40m; Westminster; Boulder White and Grey Birch Light active emulsion, £45 for 2.5L, all Sanderson at Style Library
Things we canÕt live without...
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❞ CouNTRY HomES & INTERIoRS
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NEW & iNTERESTiNg
Design news Pooky and Tori Murphy team up We’re super-excited about this new range from textile mastermind Tori Murphy and lighting brand Pooky. Aiming to add an extra dimension of colour and pattern into any room, the limited-edition collection features four designs: classic nautical Fastnet Stripe; Climbing Chevy; Cadogan Check, a graphic monochrome; and zesty yellow Seedling. Shown here, Pooky Claude ceramic lamp in Blue and White, £110, with Tori Murphy 36cm drum shade in Navy stripe, £130.
we’re hung up on Louise BoDy’s new waLL Designs This outsize fan is one of three distinctive new designs from Hastings-based designer Louise Body, which take the idea of wall decoration – fans, macramé – and reinterpret them in easyto-hang murals. Each design is created by hand, then digitally printed in the UK onto high quality non-woven paper. Paper fan mural, £275.
Liberty unveiLs nextgeneration taLent More than 5,000 hopefuls entered the #LibertyOpenCall to find the UK’s next big design talent, with supporters voting online for the patterns they wanted to see in store. The lucky winners are Natasha Coverdale, Duncan Grant, Emma Hill and Catherine Rowe, who will each have their work immortalised in Liberty fabric, available exclusively in store now. Shown is the Tana Lawn cotton by Natasha Coverdale, £27.50m.
FEATURE Holly pHIllIps
Be your own Barista at DenBy Pottery brand Denby brings café culture into the home with its new Brew range. You’ll find cups, mugs, teapots, coffee drippers and more, in mineral-inspired glazes. Shown are the Studio Blue coffee dripper, £30, and the Halo cafetière, £80.
Susie Watson launches teak garden range Susie Watson has extended her outdoor furniture range with her first teak pieces. This hand-carved garden lounger, £965, is our pick for an outside suntrap. Stable, strong and outstandingly resistant to the unpredictable British weather; simply add some extra cushions and a throw to cosy up the frame’s gentle curves.
Country Homes & InterIors
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Safe harbour With its thick stone walls and warm, wood-clad interior, this rundown house has become a cocooning holiday home for designer Jill Stein
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Country Homes & InterIors
c o r n i s h c o t ta g e
Exterior Grey woodwork was chosen to tone with the slate walls. Front door and windows painted in Anthracite Grey, Dulux Country Homes & InterIors 15
Living room The rustic flooring was created using reclaimed bricks. Built-in shelving along one wall provides space to display books and ornaments. Brick floor, Charles Howey. Cushions on window seat by Kate Stein, Stein’s Shop
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CouNTry HoMeS & INTerIorS
C o r n i s h C o t ta g e
G
etting her teeth into a project of her own was interior designer Jill Stein’s motivation for renovating this charming Cornish escape. ‘I had been working on five properties for a client and wanted to do something for myself,’ she says. ‘I didn’t have the budget for a sea-view property, so I went inland to a village I know well. Walking around, I saw this house for sale. It was a wreck, but at the right price, and it certainly ticked the “project” box.’ The deceptively large house was originally a Victorian barn and cottage, with later additions. ‘It was an interesting-looking place, as it was neglected and had been on the market for some time – but that was the challenge for me,’ says Jill. ‘There was a garage that I wanted to turn into a kitchen-diner. The central room in the house was the kitchen, but I thought it would work better as a living room. I also wanted to add another bedroom downstairs.’ Jill enlisted the help of her friend Tim Perring, a building contractor. ‘I didn’t need to employ an architect, as Tim and I worked out what to do by ourselves. We worked really well together and it was great to change our minds as we went along.’ Injecting extra period character into the property was a must. ‘As it’s a cottage, I wanted it to have a cottage feel,’ says Jill. The ceilings were opened up in many of the rooms and beams added to create drama. ‘Tim visited a reclamation yard and bought reclaimed beams that would make the house appear older,’ says Jill. ‘This worked especially well in the kitchen-diner – the former garage. I knew the features had to look as if they had been there for a long time. We removed plaster from some of the walls as I wanted exposed stone – but it just didn’t work.’ Jill was able to put many of her other ideas into practice, though. ‘I wanted to install a tiled floor, so we incorporated reclaimed terracotta bricks to lay in the living room and kitchen. We used wooden flooring throughout the rest of the house, which has stood up to wear and tear, and we added woodclad walls and ceilings in various rooms to emphasise the rustic look. I was keen to create a very traditional scheme rather than a contemporary one. I also wanted to inject warm colours.’ A more challenging task was the living room. ‘We put a Velux window in the ceiling to bring in more light but I didn’t like it,’ says Jill. ‘Not every room has to be flooded with light and I wanted to create an atmosphere in this room where people could gather for drinks. We built a window seat, which makes the room more intimate, and provides plenty of space to sit. I also installed a woodburner – most of the time we have cold weather, and the design has to accommodate that, as well as the few weeks of the year when the sun shines. I let out the house as a holiday home, so I didn’t want it to be cold and clinical. My aim was for people to walk in and feel cocooned.’ The structural work took a couple of years, but the interior decor went smoothly and Jill is thrilled with the end result. ‘I love the house. It’s such a great place – it’s looks so small from the exterior, but when you go inside, it goes on forever.’
At hom e wi t h. . . Owner Interior designer and businesswoman Jill Stein. Jill has three grown-up sons, Edward, Jack and Charlie. House Four-bedroom Victorian property comprising barns and a cottage with later extensions. Jill bought the house in 2015.
CouNTry HoMeS & INTerIorS
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wanted to create an atmosphere â??Iwhere people could gather for
drInks. we buIlt a wIndow seat, whIch makes the room more IntImate, and provIdes plenty of space to sIt
â?ž
Living room The rounded walls of the space proved a challenge. Sofa, upholstered in fabric by Andrew Martin. Cushions, Linum. Walls in Shaded White, Farrow & Ball 18 country homes & InterIors
C o r n i S h C o T Ta g e
Living room Jill decided to create a cosy space with a woodburner and lots of seating. To rent Jill’s cottage, visit rickstein.com/martindale
Kitchen Modern wooden cabinets create a streamlined look. Units, Iroka. Tiles, Topps Tiles. Fish plates by Kate Stein; tea towels, all Stein’s Shop
Exterior A cobbled patio creates an area to enjoy alfresco dining in the sun. Furniture, PR Home. Cushion fabric, Andrew Martin
country homes & InterIors
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C o r n i s h C o T Ta g e
Dining area Crittall-style windows create a stylish, modern feel while pendants add an industrial touch. Pendant lights, PR Home. Table, Sempre. Chairs, W Teri Walter
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Country Homes & InterIors
Country Homes & InterIors
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C o r n i S h C o T TA g e
Reclaimed beams weRe â?? used in many Rooms to make the house appeaR oldeR, instantly adding chaRacteR to the space
â?ž
TV room Jill has created a statement space by opening up the ceiling, incorporating reclaimed beams, and adding a wooden cladding feature wall. Wooden wall; flooring, both Havwoods. Floor lamp, PR Home
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countRy homes & inteRioRs
Guest bedroom A vaulted wooden ceiling makes a stunning feature. Throw, Pomax. Shell cushions, Cream Cornwall. Curtain fabric, Andrew Martin
Bathroom Cladding brings a coastal feel. Bath, Bathstore. Shutters, Blind Co. Towel ladder, similar at Wayfair
LIVI NG TH E DR EAM For Jill, creating a low-maintenance garden that complements the stylish interior of her holiday home was all important.
What was your idea behind the garden and its design? ‘As it’s a small garden, the idea was to have a paved area for relaxing and eating breakfast. Because it’s small, I thought it should have a cottage-garden feel with a few trellises to hide the oil tank, as well as to protect the seating area from the wind.’
What plants did you use? ‘The plants I used are low maintenance – lavender and roses, and a wisteria as well.’
How does the garden complement the interior? ‘The garden is the first ‘room’ you come to on your arrival – it’s all about expectations and the fragrance of plants on a summer evening. This is a small garden but I hope it gives as much joy as the interior of the house.’
Guest bedroom An antique armoire and French chair add elegance. Chair, find similar at My Furniture. Armoire, antiques-shop find
c O R n i S H c O T TA G E
ON MY D OOR ST EP. .. Visit… ‘Diggory’s Beach, south of Padstow, because of its beautiful views out to sea and as it’s tucked away from the main beach. Also, visit The Minack Theatre (minack.com) – this amazing amphitheatre built into the cliff has the most incredible views on a sunny day. I also never tire of going to the Eden Project (edenproject. com) as it evolves each year.’
Shop at… ‘W Teri Walter (01841 532292) in Padstow for furniture and lovely things from around the world.’
Go for a meal at… ‘It has
FEATURE VIVIENNE AYERS PHOTOGRAPHS POLLY ELTES
to be The Seafood Restaurant, St Petroc’s Bistro, Rick Stein’s Cafe and Stein’s Fish & Chips (rickstein.com) in Padstow.’
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COuNTRY HOmES & INTERIORS
A different perspective.
Surround yourself with people who design rather than sell. Learn about materials and making that will stand the test of time. Invest in quality, sustainably and affordably. Experience a different kind of store. Kitchens from ÂŁ8,000. Sample paint pots from ÂŁ4.
gET ThE looK
Be inspired by Jill’s dining room Add a glow to dinner times with this sustainably made, gloss finished dome. Halong bamboo pendant light by Good & Mojo, H28xDia52xL350cm, £175, Houseology
Finish walls with a moody Cornish seascape. Storm’s Passing oil on board, H35.5xW40cm, £450, Matthew Hedges at Waveart
Keep water glasses topped up with this charming pitcher, or fill it with fresh blooms. Mackerel water jug by Wendy Bray, H19xW17x D11.5cm, £27.50, Rick Stein Shop
Wash your tabletop with a Mediterranean palette of azure blue and baked earth hues. Terracotta salad bowl, H7xDia32.5cm, £15, Waitrose & Partners
CH&I loves...
Jill’s style tip...
CH&I
give your bench some company with this friendly shoal design. Fish cushion, 45cm sq, £22, Batela
modern Country classic
invite classic Danish style into your space. Wishbone-style Y chair, H75xW59xD56cm, £145, Only Home
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COunTRY HOMeS & InTeRIORS
Homestead stone-effect tiles, £12.95sq m, Walls and Floors
Antique terracotta brick, £114sq m, Artisans of Devizes
Cast a relaxing, flickering glow with this modern industrial design. Kira metal lantern, H32xdia29cm, £49, The Farthing
Bergamo tumbled limestone, £66sq m, The Stone Floor Company
FEATURE HOLLY PHILLIPS
A white bAse And blonde wood open up A low-ceilinged spAce, while oceAn blue And terrAcottA Accents Add modern coAstAl style
STonE FlooRing
Part of Lux Group Holdings Ltd.
THE WORLD S MOST DESIRABLE KITCHENS
+44 (0) 2080 882927
smallbone.co.uk
28
Country Homes & InterIors
West sussex ChapeL
Dining area While hunting for statement pieces for this airy, open-plan space, Mandy came across a maritime-style clock, which provides a fabulous focal point. Clock, Restoration Hardware. Tanjore rattan table lamp and grey blue pleated shade, Oka
The house aT The waTer’s edge A Victorian chapel in a historic harbourside village has become the perfect weekend escape for Mandy and Grant McPherson
Living room The bespoke shiplap cupboard not only houses the television and fire, but also provides useful understairs storage. Cabinetry, JC Carpentry & Joinery; painted in a watered-down coat of Paris Grey by Annie Sloan. Arlington Bioethanol fire, Imagin Fires
H
aving scoured the south coast of England for months in their quest to find a property near the sea, Mandy and Grant McPherson were enchanted the moment they discovered the picturesque West Sussex village of Bosham. Minutes later, after setting foot in an historic converted chapel, the pair knew their search was over. ‘Suddenly, it all fell into place,’ says Mandy. ‘Within days of viewing this unique house, we snapped it up.’ Back in 2016, the McPhersons, who live in the Cotswolds, began hankering after a coastal bolthole. ‘Although we love our country home, it couldn’t be more landlocked,’ says Mandy. ‘Grant originally hails from a coastal town in Lancashire and he frequently talked about spending more time by the sea.’ The McPhersons decided to look for a second home, for weekends and holidays. Starting in Cornwall but quickly realising it was too far away to be practical, the couple searched further east until, in February 2017, they viewed a house on the Hampshire coast. ‘Disappointed by that viewing, we rang our son, Calum, who suggested we look at Bosham – a place he’d fallen in love with while visiting friends,’ says Mandy. Following Calum’s advice, the McPhersons did a swift online search of properties for sale in Bosham, and > 30
CounTry HoMES & InTErIorS
AT HOME WITH... Owners Mandy McPherson, a retired investment accountant, her husband, Grant, and Maddie, the Springador. They have two grown-up sons, James and Calum. House A two-bedroom converted chapel, dating from 1837.
West sussex ChapeL
Living room Mandy updated the lighting with smart wooden chandeliers that draw the eye upwards, accentuating the height of the chapel ceiling. Orb chandeliers, Cowshed Interiors. Cushions, from a selection, Oka
I had to strIke a balance ❝between defInIng each space whIle creatIng a cohesIve overall look
❞
Kitchen Mandy’s mother made loose covers for the bar stools out of old Hungarian grain sacks. Grain sacks, Station Mill Antiques
West sussex chapel
Stream The peaceful
Exterior deck Smart
stream, with its rickety wooden bridge, is situated at the back of the characterful chapel
garden furniture creates a delightful area to unwind. Dante garden furniture, John Lewis & Partners
were intrigued by a former chapel. They immediately arranged to see it. ‘Before the viewing, Grant and I took a stroll around the harbourside village and couldn’t believe our eyes,’ says Mandy. ‘It was breathtaking. As we sat down on a wooden bench on the quay to take in the view of boats bobbing gently in the wind, we understood why Calum had urged us to visit.’ Enthralled with the location, the McPhersons were delighted when they walked into the chapel. The doors opened on to a double-height living space, with stairs leading up to two bedrooms on a large mezzanine, with a view down to the open-plan ground floor. At the back of the property, a hidden deck makes a tranquil space to sit and watch the stream that slowly drifts by to the sea. The couple recognised the potential to transform it into a lovely, relaxed lock-up-and-leave home, without the upheaval of any structural work. ‘It was a blank canvas, crying out for TLC,’ says Mandy. ‘Although I loved the fact that it was so spacious, I knew I’d need to think carefully about the ground floor to strike a balance between zoning each area while creating a cohesive overall look.’ Determined to give the sitting area a focal point, Mandy and Grant designed a shiplap wall to include recesses for a television and feature fire, plus storage >
Exterior Model yachts give a nautical look to the chapel windows
CounTry HoMEs & InTErIors
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Main bedroom A rustic chest of drawers provides plenty of storage in this serene space. Chest of drawers, eBay. Lamp, lampshade and rug, all Restoration Hardware
areas to the sides. ‘With the chapel being so close to the water, I was keen to inject a New England flavour and introduced a palette of coastal hues, including greys and blues, to reflect the nautical surroundings,’ says Mandy. ‘I then added the occasional pop of red for impact. The key was being bold and not being afraid of choosing large pieces of furniture and artwork.’ Mandy has thoroughly enjoyed her interiors journey to create a personal, inviting coastal retreat. ‘Everyone has been so supportive of our venture,’ she says. ‘For example, the shop owners I bought the dining table from in Gloucestershire don’t normally deliver as far away as West Sussex. But they made an exception, as the gentleman had such fond memories of staying at his grandfather’s Bosham cottage.’ There’s no doubt that buying the coastal home has added a special dimension to the McPhersons’ life. ‘We adore our visits to Bosham,’ says Mandy. ‘In fact, we’ve recently decided to rent the chapel out when we’re not here, so others can enjoy the area too. Whether it’s a stroll around the harbour with Maddie, or exploring further afield, there’s just so much to do. In fact, neither Grant nor I feel we will ever tire of our exceptionally lucky find, or our new coastal lifestyle.’ Rent Chapel House at chapelhousebosham.com 34
CouNTry HoMES & INTErIorS
LIVING THE DREAM Buying a holiday home gave Mandy the chance to enjoy coastal living, both indoors and out.
What influenced your modern coastal style? ‘Inspired by the New England look of Martha’s Vineyard, I chose a palette of blues and off-whites to create a calm, laid-back feel. To enliven the scheme, I added muted red accents.’
How have you given your home a maritime look? ‘I’ve mixed unusual pieces found on our travels to Indonesia and Mexico, with cherished heirlooms and other carefully-selected items.’
How did you incorporate coastal texture? ‘I incorporated shiplap panelling, bleached wooden furniture and painted pieces. I love the rustic, Hungarian grain sack covers on our bar stools and the array of cushions in coastal and contemporary designs.’
WeSt SuSSex CHapeL
Guest bedroom Anchor-themed cushions inject a fun, jaunty feel. Cushions, Dunelm. Beds, Bed & Mattress Centre. Bedlinen, The White Company. Lamps, Restoration Hardware. Bedside tables, Ikea
I Introduced coastal ❝hues, IncludIng greys
Mezzanine Thanks to the sofabed, this previously unused space is ideal when extra guests come to stay. Sofa bed, John Lewis. Navy nautical throw, rug and basket, all HomeSense
and blues, to reflect our nautIcal locatIon
❞
Guest bedroom An eBay wardrobe has been upcycled in Annie Sloan’s Paris Grey to suit the muted grey scheme. Similar boat, Houseology. Walls in Skylight estate emulsion, Farrow & Ball
WEST SUSSEx cHAPEL
Visit… ‘West Wittering Beach (westwitteringbeach.co.uk) has become a firm favourite for long walks. It’s so tranquil and unspoiled, with golden sands and views out towards the Isle of Wight.’
Shop at… ‘Design Vintage (designvintage.co.uk) near Chichester stocks an eclectic mix of vintage and modern homeware.’ Go for a meal at… ‘The Crown & Anchor at Dell Quay, near Chichester (crownand anchorchichester.com) is an awardwinning pub and restaurant full of 16th-century charm and with stunning views over Chichester Harbour.’
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COuNTRy HOMES & INTERIORS
FEATURE JANET MCMEEKIN PHOTOGRAPHS ANDREAS VON EINSIEDEL
ON OUR DOORSTEP
GET ThE LOOk
Be inspired by mandy’s decked area Add a touch of coastal flair with a scattering of beautiful inky blue softies... Peony & Sage seahorse cushion, 45x45cm, £54.95, Catkin & Olive
There’s always time for afternoon tea! Serve it in this hand-thrown, British stoneware. Whichford tea set for two, £130, Soho Home
Made from durable teak and marinegrade stainless steel, this is designed to last. Poole outdoor wall light, £270, Comet Lighting
Reflect Mother Nature’s beauty with this metalframed statement piece. Gothic stone mirror, H83xW50xD4cm, £60, National Trust Shop
CH&I loves... Give get-togethers an elegant squish-factor with this season-proof set. Oakridge round bistro table with two high-back armchairs, £719, Bramblecrest
Watch time’s slow tick on an aged outdoor clock. Brockhurst indoor/ outdoor skeleton wall clock, Dia70cm, £82, Artisanti
OuTdOOR pAiNTS
Weathershield smooth masonry in Frosted Lake, £33.32 for 5L, Dulux
Garden matt in Bluebell, £9 for 0.75L, Ronseal
FEATuRE HOLLy PHILLIPS
MandyÕs style tip... Transform a rarely-used space inTo a sunTrap CH&I reTreaT wiTh TexTured modern furniTure and preTTy Country accessories classic
Garden Shades in Forget Me Not, £27.98 for 2.5L, Cuprinol
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Coastguard’s retreat
A white brick cottage close to a pretty Devon cove has been transformed by interior designer Georgina Pugh and her husband, James
Exterior Georgina has created a little outdoor dining area in front of the cottage. Table and chairs, Ikea. Cushion fabric, Romo. Similar life buoy, eBay
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D e v o n C o T TA G e
Being near such beautiful beaches drew the couple to this part of the world
Living room The long and narrow proportions made this space tricky to furnish, but Georgina solved the issue with an L-shaped sofa. Sofa; armchair, both Ikea. Cushion fabric, Andrew Martin and Ashley Wilde. Floor cushion, HomeSense
We ONly vIeWeD THe ❝ PrOPerTy ONce SO I HAD TO DrAW uP A flOOr PlAN TO mAke Sure All THe furNITure AND ArTWOrk WOulD fIT
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D e v o n C o T TA G e
Kitchen A wood-clad ceiling and maritime blue range cooker add coastal style. Range cooker, Aga. Blind fabric, Prestigious Textiles. Similar clock, The Farthing
I
nterior designer Georgina Pugh’s project to do up a holiday home in Devon for herself and her husband, James, might have seemed like a busman’s holiday – but that wasn’t the case. ‘I loved every minute of it,’ says Georgina. ‘I wanted to create a real home from home for us.’ The couple’s decision to buy a holiday home came after they had looked for a bigger house where they live in Hampshire, but couldn’t find anything suitable on the market. ‘So we chose to buy a holiday home instead and visit as many weekends as possible,’ says Georgina. ‘James had always gone to Devon for family holidays, so we took a trip to the area three years ago and I fell in love with it, too.’ Georgina and James discovered the former coastguard’s cottage, nestled in a hamlet just outside Salcombe, online. The setting couldn’t be more idyllic – the property sits within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is just a five-minute stroll from a sandy beach. There’s an enclosed courtyard garden at the front and a south-facing garden with views over farmland at the rear. ‘The day we went to view it turned out to be the hottest day of the year! We loved it at first sight and put in an offer that afternoon,’ says Georgina. ‘We loved the original features – there was an Aga and >
AT HOME WITH... Owners Georgina Pugh is an interior designer and founder of Georgina Murphy Interiors (georginamurphyinteriors.com) and her husband James is a land and development surveyor.
House A three-bedroom former coastguard’s cottage dating from the 1870s. The couple bought it in 2017.
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Dining area Georgina chose to keep the floors bare throughout the cottage for a rustic, country touch. Similar wood flooring, The New & Reclaimed Flooring Co. Ceiling light, Coach House. Curtain fabric, Romo. Painting, HomeSense
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Guest bedroom A calming, neutral colour scheme is an ideal choice for holiday rentals. Beds, Ikea. Mirror, Coach House. Pendant light, Amazon
LIVINg THE DREAM we’d both grown up with one, so it seemed like fate, and we liked the wooden floorboards and the fact it was such a light home. Because it was a coastguard’s cottage it had so much history behind it. Plus, it was such a short walk from the beach, too.’ The house didn’t require any structural work, so Georgina and James only needed to make cosmetic changes. ‘We had decorators in for a couple of weeks and an electrician to replace sockets, switches and light fittings. We painted the kitchen cabinets and replaced the handles to update it and painted or varnished all of the floorboards. We also chose new curtains and light fittings and a mix of new, upcycled and antique furniture,’ says Georgina. The house was done up in record time – the purchase completed in September and the house was finished by November. A pale, neutral palette was chosen for the entire property. ‘We wanted it to feel like our holiday home, but were mindful that we planned to rent it out, too,’ says Georgina. ‘As we would be having guests here, we invested in high-quality curtains, bedlinen, towels and comfy beds, which are so important in making it feel like a home from home. We did it on a budget so we picked up relatively inexpensive pieces and >
Buying a holiday home gave Georgina the opportunity to put all of her interior design experience into her own home
How was it trying out ideas on your own house? ‘It was so much fun! We always knew it would be let out to guests so wanted it to have a fresh, holiday cottage feel, with some coastalthemed pieces, but also to be practical.‘
What are the essential elements of holiday home decor? ‘The most important thing is to feel that the holiday has begun the second you walk through the door. You want to create a scheme that encourages happy times and memories, so nothing too precious.’
How does the house reflect your personality? ‘When we come to the cottage we want to relax and unwind and I think the soft colours reflect that.’
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D E v O n C O T TA G E
Guest bedroom A wrought-iron bed inherited from the family home makes a real style statement. Similar bed, Feather & Black. Throw, John Lewis & Partners. Cushions, Laura Ashley. Chandelier; bedside table; lamp, all Coach House
WE InvEsTED In HIGH❝ quAlITy BEDlInEn AnD ComFy BEDs As WE knEW WE WoulD BE HAvInG GuEsTs HErE
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Bathroom A white scheme keeps the look fresh. Similar mirror, Drench. Baskets, Ikea
Bedroom Coastal trinkets dotted around add to the holiday vibe. Oars, The Pack House. Similar basket, Heavenly Homes and Gardens
FEATURE vIvIEnnE AyErs PHOTOGRAPHS Polly ElTEs
ON OUR DOORSTEP managed to save money by upcycling some second-hand items. For instance, the dining table and chairs came from my old family home and we just repainted them. A lot of the furniture and accessories came from trade suppliers such as Coach House, through my previous job as an interior designer at Alexander James Interior Design.’ The couple went for a coastal theme to emphasise the location, but with an element of style to set it apart. ‘We wanted it to have a sense of the seaside and for it to be cosy and homely, but with an eclectic twist,’ says Georgina. The house has proved the perfect meeting place for family gatherings. ‘Just a month after the refurbishment was completed, we were able to spend Christmas here. We had both of our families round and it was extra special because it was the first Christmas we’d hosted.’ But the house works well at any time. ‘It’s an all-year house – summer is great because of the beaches but it’s lovely in winter, with a log fire and the Aga. We make sure we come every month so that we can enjoy all the seasons. ‘Buying this holiday home is the best decision we’ve ever made. Even if we come for only 24 hours, we feel like we’ve had a holiday. We have fresh sea air and the coast, but also countryside to walk in. It’s the perfect escape.’ To rent the cottage, visit soarmillcove.com
Visit… ‘Overbeck’s (nationaltrust. org.uk/overbecks), the seaside home of inventor Otto Overbeck, is a short walk from the cottage. Thanks to the microclimate, there is a beautiful tropical garden with palm trees and the most amazing mature hydrangeas, with incredible views overlooking the white sandy beaches on the Salcombe Estuary. It is often hard to believe you’re in the UK as the plants are so exotic.’ Shop at… ‘The Salcombe Deli (salcombedeli.co.uk) serves the most gorgeous pastries, salads, meats and cheeses. We love to go there for antipasti-style picnic supplies to accompany a delicious G&T from Salcombe Distillery Co.’ Go for a meal at… ‘The Millbrook Inn (millbrookinnsouthpool. co.uk) in South Pool is a charming old pub that has incredible service, wonderful food and a roaring fire. It’s on the estuary so can be accessed via boat, too.’
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gEt thE Look
Be inspired by georgina’s guest rooM Add an extra hug of comfort with this super soft, fringefinished blanket. Herringbone wool throw in Charcoal/ Silver, £57, Tweedmill at Amara
Illuminate your space with this rope orb pendant for a nautical nod with a difference. Rope globe three-light chandelier, H43x W43xL80cm, £94.08, Beautiful Halo
Layer the bed with airy-light linens for crisp appeal. 500-thread-count Egyptian cotton duvet cover, £60 for a single, Soak & Sleep
CH&I loves... AtLAs FAbrIc
With its handcrafted, distressed finish, this light will bring a touch of vintage French appeal to your bedside table. Calliston table lamp in Grey, H50cm, £79, Homelia
GeorginaÕs style tip...
FEAtUrE HOLLy PHiLLiPS
A pAlette of soft greys And muted neutrAls will give you A timeless finish Adventurous guests will appreciate this rustic, brushed metal piece, reminiscent of an antique trunk. Cairo metal and leather trunk bedside table, H42xD42xW50cm, £145, Shropshire Design
Galapagos fabric in Ocean Blue, £57m, Sanderson
modern Country classic Atlas fabric in Azure, £17.40m, Prestigious Textiles
Made in solid birch and painted in soft white, this frame design leaves plenty of room underneath to stow away guest travel bags or a handy sleepover trundle. Classic single bed, £395, The White Company
Explorer fabric in Antique/ Sepia, £31m, Voyage Maison at Ashley Wilde
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Exterior The chocolate box brick and flint cottage couldn’t look any more homely. uPVC coloured windows in Sage Green, Dawson Building Contractors
Next stop, the seaside It’s full steam ahead for style in Zara Dawson’s railway worker’s cottage, which she’s given a quirky refit with reclaimed train carriage boards and vintage cinema seats
N o r f o l k c o t ta g e
Kitchen-diner Zara had an old barn door turned into a dining tabletop, bringing a cosy farmhouse feel to the room. Similar table, Made in the Cellar at Etsy. Benches, Sunbury Antiques Market
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N o r F o l k c o t ta g e
Kitchen- diner As a nod to the cottage’s railway history, Zara chose reclaimed American oak carriage boards for the floor. Floorboards, Norfolk Reclaim
WE LovE ThAT WE gET To ❝ EsCApE ThE CITy AND ComE hErE To ENJoy DoWNTImE By ThE CoAsT
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Kitchen Rather than hiding your bits and bobs in cupboards, display them on open shelving instead. Scaffold board shelves, TC Industrial Vintage at Etsy
Kitchen For a unique look, Zara used salvaged materials for her storage. Similar potato chitting trays (used as drawers), WBC
D
espite having been one of the first Norfolk villages to get a railway line, Docking has been without a passenger service since the 1953 East Coast floods. What remains is a row of pretty railway worker’s homes, tucked down a quaint country lane. ‘This little dingy cottage was crammed full of burgundy crushed velvet sofas and dark pink carpets, but I just fell in love with it,’ says Zara Dawson. ‘It sits on the end of the row so it’s an odd shape, but its quirks are what makes it unique.’ Zara grew up in Norfolk but left when she was 16 to attend drama school in London, where she met her partner Lex James. ‘Norfolk is such a beautiful place, with miles of flat fields, soft golden sandy beaches and the coolest little cafés and restaurants,’ she says. ‘And since having our son, Jax, we see it with fresh eyes and love to spend lots of time here.’ As Zara’s father and brother run a renovation business, Dawson Building Contractors, they had plenty of help throughout the four-month renovation of the cottage. ‘I’ve inherited Dad’s love of history,’ says Zara. ‘We love going to vintage fairs together and second-guessing where the old pieces come from.’ The cottage was stripped to a stone shell and the windows, electrics, plumbing and pipework were >
AT HOME WITH... Owners Zara Dawson and Lex James live here with their son, Jax, three. The couple are directors of Golden Ticket London (goldenticket london.com), a property search and concierge company that finds houses for actors and crew to live in during movie shoots. House A Victorian railway worker’s cottage with three bedrooms.
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Living room By giving life to new things, Zara’s created an entirely unique home. Vintage theatre seats, Ardingly Antiques and Collectors Fair
all replaced. The previous owners were relocating to a retirement home and left behind all of their furniture. ‘We removed the kitchen island and sold all the units as they were brand new,’ says Zara. In their place, she has chosen a mix of organic materials and upcycled reclamation-yard finds. ‘I love reclaimed wood – the more rustic and full of history, the better. Dad did a great job converting some old potato chitting trays into kitchen drawers – they’re totally unique and we are able to store so much away in them.’ There are more quirks at every corner, such as the pair of vintage theatre seats, an American mailbox and a copper milk churn. Even the dining set tells a story. ‘We found a battered barn door at a reclamation yard,’ says Zara. ‘Our builders removed the lock, cleaned up the wood and turned it into a tabletop. The benches came from an old pottery workshop and are stained in clay powder – I love their soft, worn pink tone.’ Upstairs, there is a hidden gem inside the bedroom cupboard by the window – an emergency rope with written safety instructions on an old piece of card. ‘It’s a little piece of history that belongs to the cottage,’ she says. Having spent many weekends in tired-looking, large country homes or smaller cottages with fuddyduddy interiors, the couple spotted a demand for > 52
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Living room For an unusual side table, Zara painted an old American mailbox in chalk paint, then scratched through the surface to reveal green lettering. American mailbox, Norfolk Reclaim
N o r f o l k c o t ta g e
Living room Panelling the rounded bay window has given it depth and texture. Window shutters, The Norfolk Shutter Company
I wanted the cottage ❝ InterIors to be fun, fresh and brIght, whIch Is how I see norfolk
❞
Bathroom Zara used marble, brushed gold and brass to give this room a luxurious edge. Antique brass taps, Lefroy Brooks. Marble floor tiles, The Tile Shop Fitton Oake
Guest bedroom Farrow & Ball shades look great on period features, such as Zara’s panelling. Panelling in Teresa’s Green, Farrow & Ball
Guest bedroom Wooden door knobs are a stylish and low-cost way to hang mirrors or wall art. Similar knobs, Wickes. Bed, Feather & Black
well-designed holiday homes. So in 2014, following the purchase of their first cottage in the Cotswolds, Zara and Lex founded The Little Cottage Company. They also run another property business, Golden Ticket London, which finds houses for actors to live in while they’re on a movie shoot. The business is named after the golden ticket in Lex’s favourite film, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. ‘It all began when Lex’s friend was working on the film Hugo and he called to say he needed to find a house for Martin Scorsese to live in and did Lex know of anywhere?' Lex took the job on and built a business on the back of that call. ‘We grew the business from our dining table and now have offices in London, Barcelona and Los Angeles,’ he says. Since completing the renovation works, the cottage has flourished. ‘Dad does all the maintenance and my mum and aunty tend to the garden,’ says Zara. ‘One of the joys about being here is that everyone knows everyone. We spent our first night here on Christmas Eve, lit the fire and ate fish and chips. I love watching Jax learn to ride his bike in the country lanes and play on the beach, just as I did. And it’s great to share our enthusiasm for the cottage with guests, too.’ To book a stay at Little Norfolk Cottage, visit littlenorfolkcottage.co.uk 54
COunTry hOMES & InTErIOrS
LIVING THE DREAM Zara has made the most of the quirky features that make her holiday home unique, and added extra character with unusual finds
What attracted you to the cottage? ‘The rounded front really sold it to us. I love the flint stone walls and that every room is an unusual shape.’
Was it challenging furnishing unusually shaped rooms? ‘The most awkward rooms are always the most interesting. Our tilers commented on how refreshing it was working in a triangle-shaped room!’
Any standout design features or special items? ‘I’d seen a beer-pull lever cistern in a Jamie Oliver restaurant and loved it so much that I hunted one down. I’m not sure how you can be in love with a toilet cistern but I am with mine!’
N o r f o L k C o T Ta g e
ThIS IS A rEALLy SLEEpy, quIET ❝ vILLAGE, SO ThE COTTAGE ALWAyS fEELS pEACEfuL AnD COSy❞
Jax’s bedroom Inspired by sleeper train carriages, these custommade bunkbeds are a hit with Jax and his friends. Bespoke beds, Dawson Building Contractors. Suitcase, Sass and Belle COunTry hOMES & InTErIOrS
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n O R F O L k c O T TA G E
ON OUR DOORSTEP Visit… ‘The salt marshes at Blakeney Point, where you can also take a boat ride to see the seals or go alpaca trekking. We love taking Jax to the famous beach huts at Wells and eating fish and chips from Eric’s (ericsfishandchips.com) in Thornham.’ Shop at… ‘Joyful Living (joyfulliving.co.uk) in Thornham for beautiful interiors and Marshes & Flint (marshesandflint.co.uk) in North Creake for children’s clothes and toys.’ Go for a meal at… ‘Bircham
FEATURE Natalie Flaum PHOTOGRAPHS DarreN ChuNg
Stores Café (Instagram @bircham storesandcafe), near Dersingham, for breakfast. The Chequers Inn (chequersinnthornham.com) for a delicious dinner.’
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get tHe LooK
Be inspired by Zara’s bathroom... Create a coastal theme with this shoal of swimmers hung from a hook or doorknob. Wooden fish bunch in Natural Grey, £13.50, Gisela Graham
Perk up your space with this bouquet of pretty neutrals. Faux magnolia fern in vase, H23xW19x L12cm, £9.50, Marks & Spencer
CH&I loves... Wood CLAdding effeCtS
Achieve a timeless look with this alternative to wall-mounted taps. The Mull bath and shower mixer in brass, from £1,716, Drummonds
Boreas rustic reclaimed solid pine cladding, £69sq m, Havwoods
ZaraÕs style tip... update a nautical scheme with a soft grey palette, marble floors and gold or brushed-brass finishes CH&I
Slats wall mural in White, £36sq m, Murals Wallpaper
feAtURe HoLLy PHILLIPS
modern Country classic
Lather up in this luxurious design. Cambridge roll-top bath with White ball feet, H62x W78cm, £449.99, Soak
Soak up soapy footprints with this jolly, nautical rug. Sophie bath mat in Blue stripe, L50xW10cm, £12, Debenhams
Aquaclad motivo wall panels in Pezzo, £49.99 a pack, IPSL
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❝Our first order was
10 parasols for Glastonbury festival ❞ Parasol designers Katy and Charlie naPier
G
orgeous parasols made from vintage-style fabrics are the trademark of handmade parasol company Sunbeam Jackie. It’s no surprise that founders, Katy and Charlie Napier, are talented artists with a wealth of design experience between them. The inspiration for the business came in 2011 when Katy and Charlie were watching Werner Herzog’s film Cobra Verde, and a scene with villagers carrying parasols and parading their chief in a West African village caught their eye. ‘We thought the parasols were fantastic and we’d never seen anything like them before,’ says Katy. ‘There was a scene with a number of open parasols piled upside down and that really struck us. We wanted to make something similar.’ Katy studied fine art at the University of Brighton before completing an MA at Central Saint Martins in scenography. Charlie, meanwhile, also studied fine art, but at Falmouth University, followed by an MA at Newcastle University. After meeting Charlie on a film set, Katy later moved up to Newcastle where he had a job working
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on art installations at the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art in Gateshead. Katy also landed a job nearby working on costumes for the popular ITV show Vera. The couple had been looking to start their own business for a while. ‘I had grown up in a small hotel and saw my dad doing his own thing and being his own boss and that was instrumental,’ says Charlie. Then inspiration struck when the couple watched Cobra Verde. ‘We didn’t have the money to make a prototype so we bought a fishing umbrella from Argos and some funky bright fabric from Goldhawk Road,’ says Charlie. ‘Katy made a makeshift canopy for the parasol and we took it out to the Northumbrian countryside and took a great photo of Katy holding it. The parasol was unfinished but we sent the shot to Misty Buckley, a friend of a friend who does production design for live shows and events. We got an email back saying, “I’ll have 10 of those for the artists’ warm-up area at Glastonbury”. We didn’t have 10 – we didn’t even have one! So we enlisted the help of some furniture makers to help design and manufacture them, then we went fabric >
my country business
A photo of Katy with a prototype umbrella launched their business and orders soon followed
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What we love about our work...
we appreciate that the business gives ❝ us the opportunity to make our living as artists and the freedom of working for ourselves
❞
shopping at York racecourse car boot sale and spent £800 on vintage fabric – Katy’s aesthetic is layering and combining different styles of fabric – but we weren’t used to spending such a large amount of money.’ The couple had two months to get the 10 parasols completed. ‘We ended up assembling the parasol frames the night before Glastonbury!’ says Katy. Mark Homewood, the buyer for Designers Guild, and Josie da Bank, the creative director of Bestival, then spotted the parasols, too. ‘When Designers Guild ordered our parasols to sell in their shop that was a great seal of approval,’ says Katy. Having married and had their son, Sylvester, in 2011, Katy and Charlie decided to move Katy loves to layer different patterns and designs
down to Cornwall to be closer to family, and grow their parasol business there. The name Sunbeam Jackie was chosen as it was a nickname of a friend of theirs. ‘It wasn’t descriptive of anything – we didn’t want to describe what we did in a name in case we decided to do something different – it was our first lesson in branding,’ says Charlie. Charlie’s father wrote the name out and that became the logo design. Production of the parasols continued in Northumberland. ‘We were renting the parasols out at festivals, weddings and seasonal events, while we figured out what to do,’ says Charlie. The couple needed to think about growing the business and choosing their market. ‘We decided to use specialised no-expense-spared ash poles with stainless steel made by local craftsmen in Cornwall and that would define our market. So we redesigned the parasols and got European funding to build a website,’ says Charlie. Katy and Charlie bought a farm in West Cornwall and set up a workshop in the grain store there. They went to see Liberty buyer Bruce Lepere and he ordered 12 on the spot. Judy Hutson, owner of The Pig Hotels, then ordered some parasols and it was the start of another working relationship. Sunbeam Jackie now also supplies to lots of hotels, including Soho House, and interior designers around the world. ‘We’ve always known where the product needs to be seen – these are our bullseyes,’ says Charlie. ‘We’ve slowly built those connections. We knew the quality was there in terms of the manufacture. ‘Parasols in a commercial environment get a lot of use and we’ve now designed textile prints on outdoor fabric based on the vintage aesthetic,’ says Charlie. ‘There are 35 nuts and bolds and 84 rivets in every parasol so they look quite engineered.’ ‘We love what we do,’ says Katy. ’We’re working for ourselves in beautiful surroundings.’ Sunbeam Jackie, 07590 019835, sunbeamjackie.com
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my countRy buSineSS
Sunbeam Jackie also sells chairs and cushions
Each parasol is a unique mix of fabrics
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Prices start at around £2,500 for a unique handmade parasol
On Our dOOrstep... Visit… ‘Head out into the wild and discover the ancient sites in West Penwith. Also Godolphin (nationaltrust.or.uk/ godolphin) near Helston for its house and gardens.’
Shop at… ‘The quirky antique and design shops on Chapel Street in Penzance.’ Go for a meal at… ‘Pica Rico (07493 926342) in Penzance for an independent experience – its MexicanOriental street food is totally unique and is just the kind of thing Penzance needs more of.’
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my Country busIness
How to grow your small business
feature vIvIenne ayers PhotograPhs polly eltes
It wasn’t untIl Katy and CharlIe started to scale up Sunbeam Jackie that they were forced to make some important decisions, including whether to manufacture the parasols abroad. ‘The parasols are expensive to make so we needed to get the production cost down,’ says Charlie. ‘We tried using plastic instead of stainless steel for the hinges but it created an inferior product and was only 20 per cent cheaper. We also looked at having the parasols produced really cheaply in China, but decided on the more expensive option of having them locally crafted – this defined our market.’ Emma Jones, founder of Enterprise Nation, a network of small businesses and advisers with a community of more than 75,000 people, says that you’ll know when the time is right to scale up because you’ll have so many orders you won’t have a choice. Here, she shares some of her top tips for when that time comes… looK at the fInanCes ‘Finance is an important issue when businesses are going through rapid growth – you can end up paying for a big order upfront
and then having to wait 60 days to be paid. To counteract this, you may need to invest previous profits or look at getting some extra funding.’ have aCCess to more money ‘There are different forms of quick money you can access. Market Invoice (marketinvoice.com) allows businesses to sell their unpaid invoices to them to provide working capital. It pays your invoice immediately, minus a small percentage, and then recoups the money. Another option is Funding Circle (fundingcircle.com), which loans finance to small businesses, transferring the money the very next day.’ taKe on staff ‘As you’re scaling up your business you’ll need employees to do things like send out invoices and post on social media for you, so that you can focus on developing great products and building your customer reach. Aim to recruit people who have different skills to you. For example, if you’re not business-minded, then hire someone who understands leverage opportunities. Get a good accountant, too!’
taKe stoCK of your busIness ‘You should take some time out four times a year to work on the business, rather than in it, so you can assess your strategy, check that you have the right customer group and that your product is in the right places. Get someone in to help with strategic thinking – Enterprise Nation has a marketplace for coaches and strategic advisors. You might decide to employ someone to help you intermittently, or you may decide to recruit someone to the executive team. One of the best businesses I know has three co-founders – one is responsible for business development, one for the product and one concentrates on the finance. It’s the perfect combination of ingredients for success.’ don’t forget soCIal medIa ‘It’s very easy to let your social media presence slip when you’re busy, but remember that if you don’t post for a while, people may assume you’ve gone bust, so keep up to date with that or outsource it to someone else.’ for more information about enterprise nation, visit enterprisenation.com
The one lesson we’ve learnt...
understanding how to grow ❝ your business while simultaneously simpliFying things is key ❞ Country Homes & InterIors
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CH&I loves... Coastal style Break out of your shell with this softer, sand-between-thetoes take on classic beach-inspired interior schemes
Earn your styling stripes with striking table dressings and cosy rugs lining your benches. Keep it simple with stripes or mix and match with co-ordinating plains. Table runner, £34; napkins, £13.50 for two; place mats, £18 for two, all Nordic House 64
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SHOppING TREND
Soft, breathable layers, made from sustainably sourced linen, are key for restful summer nights. Ruoste blanket in Blue/ Turquoise, £139; cushion covers, £50 each, both Lapuan Kankurit
MAKE IT COUNTRY Switch the traditional red and blue maritime palette for a softer scheme of faded corals, sea-glass blues and sun-bleached, sandy neutrals. The look is less seaworthy and shipshape, more beachcomber charm, with relaxed, tumbled linen stripes and rockpool-inspired designs on soft furnishings and accessories. Every seashell has a story to tell, so why not let your home do the same?
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1 D EC KC HAI R Ideal for snoozing in the sun. Stripe deckchair, £95, Ian Mankin 2 BU NTI NG Signals the garden party has started. Bunting, £37.95, Tori Murphy 3 CU S HIO NS Weatherresilient canvas is perfect for outdoors. Shell Bay cushion, £49, Designers Guild
CH&I
modern Country classic
4 MUS S EL EATERS Have fun with pincers! Mussel eaters, £34.95, Burton Blake 5 D ECORATIVE VAS E Add a little curiosity. Shell vase, £39.99, Zara Home
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ShoPPiNG TREND Take a deep-sea dive into the naturalist trend. Shells wallpaper in Dusty Rose, £85 a roll, Katie Scott at Ferm Living
Add light, informal pattern with jaunty ticking stripes. Mappleton fabric in Blush; Buckton fabric in Blush, both £19m, Studio G
Our expert says…
Fluid stripes in ❝ washed-away ombrÉs
give a sense oF Far horizons, helping recreate the calming vibe that comes with being surrounded by coastal landscapes
hoLLy PhiLLiPS, style content editor
❞
6 BED Stripes have jumped from pyjamas to the bed! Arles king-size bed in Cloth Regimental Basil, from £1,116, Sofas & Stuff.
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7 CA ND LES Set the scene with these treasures. Shell shaped candles, £7.99 for set of three, Zara Home.
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8 TAB LE LA MP Be reminded of the seaside, even if you live miles from a beach. Arisaig table lamp in Grey, £195, Oka. 9 MU G Wavy lines on handcrafted ceramic. Mug, £18, Paige Mitchell at Room 356.
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FEATURE HOLLY PHILLIPS
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ST ALBANS
Serious Cookers for Serious Cooks TM
01202 733011 | www.lacanche.co.uk | info@fdef.co.uk LACANCHE, BURGUNDY, FRANCE SINCE 1796
Kitchen by Sculleries of Stockbridge
DESignER pRoFilE
Meet Emma & Mike Vincent,
furniture designers
How did Vincent Trading come about? Mike has always been a joiner and after relocating to Devon to be near the sea, he decided he wanted to go it alone. I have a degree in business management and had been wanting to start my own creative business too, so it just made sense to do it together. My love of modern rustic determines our standard range, but we also design custom pieces.
FEATURE TARA KIng
What’s the ethos behind your business? We live for the beauty in imperfection, championing a move away from mass-produced items, which all look identical, in favour of those with character and history. Trees are a great planet-friendly source of building materials as long as they’re grown and felled responsibly. We mainly use reclaimed scaffolding boards sourced from Cornwall as they’re often only used for short periods of time – a shame considering the energy that has gone into making them! The timber is still perfectly strong, great for producing furniture that will last generations. Where do you find inspiration? The wood itself holds endless stories. Sometimes a particular reclaimed piece will arrive and I can tell straight away it deserves to be turned into something special. Instagram is full of inspiration, too. I love its community feel; it’s a great way of meeting other designers and sharing creative ideas.
Storage boxes, from £50 each
Reclaimed wood table, from £650; wooden benches, £300 each
Where do you sell your products? We mainly sell our pieces via our website, but we are also part of a small collective based in our local area called Devon Pop Up Creatives. Together, we arrange small events for a unique shopping experience. What do you love most about living and working by the coast? Although work keeps us really busy, being so close to the sea means we can easily take five minutes out of our day to watch the tide come in and see the sun set, or take our dog, Lola, for a run along the beach.
Do you use social media for your business? our work is very visual, so we spend most of our time on Instagram. It’s a great place to build relationships with other designers and share creative ideas. We’re growing quickly and find that a lot of our website traffic and sales seem to come from Instagram. What words of wisdom do you have for anyone thinking of starting a business? The most important thing is to just get going, even it’s only one hour a week. Don’t compare yourself to others, just do what’s right for you. Sum up your style in three words. Timeless, modern and rustic. Vincent Trading, @vincenttrading, vincenttrading.co.uk
3 more woodworkers to watch... RevIve JoIneRy uses a mix of sustainable materials to craft its signature banquet tables. 01273 965110, revivejoinery.co.uk TeDWooD produces beautiful furniture from sustainable British wood. 01243 572567, tedjefferis.co.uk FoRge CReATIve uses offcuts to create its gorgeous products. forgecreative.co CoUnTRy HoMeS & InTeRIoRS
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Cool & Calm Add an elegant twist to simple white decor with classic blue floral prints, soft-but-crisp cotton and touches of black
Make a seat the star Choose a modern shaped chair with a striking floral pattern as a feature piece, and cool the sun’s rays with breezy voiles at the window.
SeaSonal decoR
Create a loose and lovely floral display A simple arrangement of hand-picked flowers brings the freshness of the garden to a shelf or mantel.
Country Homes & InterIors
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SeaSonaL decor
Hang Statement SHadeS DIY a feature pendant by hanging a cluster of miniature shades in mix-and-match tonal patterns.
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Country Homes & InterIors
Set a Simple table Take a less-is-more approach and create an informal feel by combining floral motifs in shades of blue and white for a refined touch.
SeaSonaL decor
add ruStic character Introduce a ‘hero’ vintage piece in a distressed finish to give a white room texture and unique character – as well as storage for spare linens.
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Country Homes & InterIors
Float away in Summer dreamS Dress your bed in layers of crisp cottons, mixing blue-and-white prints and touches of lace for a fresh and pretty look.
SEASonAl dEcoR
All the detAils, products & prices
PAgES 70–71
Walls in Berrisford Blue chalky interior matt emulsion, £47.50 for 2.5l, M&l Paints. Morum rug in Beige, from £55, ikea. large scale howards style armchair, £1,650, lorfords, would work; upholstered in Caldbeck indigo linen, £79m, gP&J Baker. high stool, from a selection at Pale & interesting. rivo droite bistro tray table, £25, garden trading. textured teal cushion cover, £30, Secret linen Store. newark desk lamp in Matt Black, £259, Jim lawrence. Faded peony teacup and saucer (saucer not shown), £75, ralph lauren home. nara grey glass bud vase, £28 for two, also home. ink drawing card, £3.25, Studio Sophie. Bottle
hang statement shades lampshades (clockwise, from top left) Blue Pansy shade, from £60, rosi de ruig. Candle shade in Black isabelle linen, £21.40, Jim lawrence. turkish Marble shade, from £65; dandelion shade in navy, from £63, both rosi de ruig. Candle shade in royal oyster silk, £16.70, Jim lawrence. Black twisted flex, from a selection at rosi de ruig.
set a simple table PAgES 72–73
Bergen oak dining chair in Black, £400 for two, Cox & Cox. Bistro chairs in teal, £60 for two, garden trading. Pondicherry seat pad in indigo, £19.95, grand illusions. Mulaayam
add rustiC CharaCter
PAgES 74–75
Fretwork armoire, £1,200, Pale & interesting. (on shelves, from top left) konstanse cushion, £5, ikea. Celine Blue bedlinen, from £28 for a pillowcase, Cologne and Cotton. tiny Stripe teal bedlinen, from £14 for a pillowcase, Secret linen Store. Bild flower poster, £12 for set of three, ikea. Seat pad, as before. glass jar vase, £3.50, Pale & interesting. Wire basket, £14.95, grand illusions. Cutwork bedlinen, from £26 for a fitted sheet, Cologne and Cotton. orchard ditsy duvet cover, from £55 for a single, Joules. Tea towels, from a selection at Bungalow. Table linen, from a selection at Birdie Fortescue. Seat pad in lindos China Blue, £19.95, grand illusions.
vases, £3.75 for set of three, ikea. Pepparkorn vase, from £6, ikea. large hammered tapered pitcher, £25, French Connection home. Meadow carafe, £19; tumbler, £7, both emma Britton.
Create a loose and lovely floral display green dish, £12, lucy and Jane Ceramics at Folksy. Meadow carafe; tumbler, both as before. garden Vine pitcher, £100, ralph lauren home. large hammered tapered pitcher, as before. Pepparkorn vase, as before. old style dutch plant pot, £6.50, grand illusions.
tablecloth in Soft denim, from £95; napkin, £10, both Birdie Fortescue. Mini bowls in Jazzy Moss, price on request, Bungalow. Faded Peony salad plate, £34, ralph lauren home. Fargrik dinner plates in light green, £1.75 each, ikea. orchard breakfast cup and saucer, £34.95, highgrove royal gardens. Meadow tumbler, as before. luxe small glass tumbler, £4, French Connection home. napkins, price on request, Bungalow. gary cutlery in Copper, £15.99 for 16-piece set, Wayfair, is similar. garden Vine ice cream bowl, £40; Faded Peony sugar pot, £65; garden Vine teapot, £165, all ralph lauren home. tonsatta vase, £16, ikea.
float away in summer dreams Celine Blue square pillowcases, £30 each, Cologne and Cotton. tiny Stripe teal bedlinen, from £14 for a pillowcase, Secret linen Store. orchard ditsy pillowcases, £15 each, Joules. andas cushion, £37, also home, is similar. textured teal bed throw, from £79, Secret linen Store. Vintage hook, from a selection at Pale & interesting. Bottle vase, as before. Pedestal table, £265, grand illusions. garden Vine pitcher in Black, £100, ralph lauren home. Fargrik side plate in light green, £1.25, ikea. Piyush glass lamp in Slate, from £125, Birdie Fortescue.
STAy on SET go behind the scenes of our photo shoots and book a stay at one of the lovely location houses owned by beach studios beachstudios.co.uk paleandinterestingholidays.com
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Country hoMeS & interiorS
FEATURE And ART diRcEcTion Sara Bird STyling Selina lake PhoTogRAPhS Max attenBorough STylE ASSiSTAnTS Sarah Prall, lynSey Fox
make a seat the star
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Create a sociable
summer garden A long, warm evening, a few friends, a delicious meal… Style up your outdoor space ready for some fun in the sun
H av e f u n w i t H g a r de n g a m e s Traditional outdoor games are a great way to break the ice and keep all ages entertained. From badminton and croquet to bats and balls, Amara has a great selection to choose from. Position deckchairs so that those who aren’t playing can cheer from the sidelines. Chairs, £85 each, Garden Trading
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CounTry HoMes & InTerIors
make a house a home
OutdOOr entertaining
keep i n g it c l as sy Get the whole family on their feet to play a round or two of this country classic. Malibu croquet set, ÂŁ50, Amara CounTry HoMes & InTerIors
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make a house a home
Make your party ecofriendly with wooden cutlery, paper straws and reusable napkins
M i x u p a s p i c ed pe ar M oj i to This refreshing and fruity mocktail is a must for any garden party. You’ll need 10-12 mint leaves, 100ml pear juice, 3 lime wedges, 10ml sugar syrup, 15ml cinnamon syrup, 25ml sparkling water. Put the mint leaves in a tall glass and add a drop of pear juice, just enough to wet the leaves. Muddle for a few seconds. Squeeze in the juice from the lime wedges and then add them in whole, followed by the sugar syrup. Add the cinnamon syrup and stir. Fill the glass two-thirds with crushed ice, add the rest of the pear juice and sparkling water, then garnish with extra lime wedges and mint leaves. Find more recipes in The Virgin Cocktail Garden: Refreshing Mocktails And Botanical Cocktails Made From The Finest Fruits And Herbal Infusions by David Hurst (£12.99, Modern Books).
Make cocktail hour an alfresco affair
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counTrY HoMeS & inTeriorS
let th er e be war mth A real wood fire will keep you cosy on chillier evenings. Blooma Diogo chiminea, £41, B&Q
s e t th e s ce n e entertaining in the garden is so much easier when it feels like an extension of your living area. outdoor sofas and armchairs create a cosy setting, while pouffes, side tables, cushions and throws are a clever way of blurring the lines between indoors and out.
our expert says…
STick To nATurAl ❝ MATeriAlS AnD A neuTrAl PAleTTe To coMPleMenT nATure’S BeAuTiFul BAckDroP AnD creATe A wArM, welcoMing Feel tara king, style content editor
❞
Burford garden six-seater dining table, £499; benches, £220 each; woven dining chairs, £260 each; jute pouffe, £79; alpaca throw in charcoal, £200; Mora stripe cushion in grey, £45; Hanover velvet cushion in graphite, £40, all John lewis & Partners
Cr e at e a sh ady sp ot While sturdy parasols are a practical choice for comfortable alfresco dining, a relaxed sun canopy provides a hint of shade for when you’re lounging. Drape fabric along a branch, or use wooden poles sunk into the grass and a couple of tent pins to anchor lines from the top of the poles to the ground.
CH&I
modern country classic
Harmondsworth sunloungers, ÂŁ1,105 each, Neptune
make a house a home
glass jar fairy lights, £30, The White Company
Make a citronella candle
L ig ht up the n i ght Ensure your garden remains a hive of activity after the sun goes down by creating that perfect evening glow. Whether you go for task or feature lights, make sure they’re designed for outdoor use even if your garden is semi-covered. Solar options are a great choice for areas away from power outlets, while subtle fairy lights are a stylish way to create a party feel.
Feature Tara King
3 oF th e b e st o u t d o o r c u s h i o n s
1
2
3
1 . Simple stripes bring a nautical feel. Stripe cushion, £39, West Elm 2 . Painterly florals add a pop of colour. Manchu cushion, £55, Designers Guild 3. This leaf motif blends in seamlessly with nature. Leaf outdoor cushion, £20, John Lewis & Partners CounTry HomES & inTEriorS
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Similar bathroom, from £15,000, Imperfect Interiors. Cuba tiles, from £100sq m, Terrazzo Tiles. rug, from £325, The White Company
pick pattern for floors
The secrets of a
sanctuary bathroom
Beth Dadswell, founder of Imperfect Interiors, recommends restricting pattern to below eye level. ‘Patterned tiles add colour, energy and character to bathrooms but I suggest keeping the floor as the main feature,’ she says. Here, she has used a jute rug and soothing pink walls to mellow and blend the patterned tiles. ‘Choose between Moroccan, traditional or more modern tiles,’ says Beth.
yes, it needs to be functional, but that doesn’t mean your bathroom has to be a boring white space. try these ways to give your at-home spa character, colour and a dash of decadence… 84
COuntry HOMes & InterIOrs
b at h r o o m i d e a s
Hampshire bath, from ÂŁ1,595, Victoria & Albert Baths. interior design, Miriam Barrio
try tonal geometrics Geometric patterns will take your bathroom in a fresh direction. High-contrast 3D designs feel particularly dynamic on floor tiles. On vertical surfaces, it’s better to source geos in tonal hues that are less likely to unbalance your depth of field in the morning. Here, the burnt umber tiles tone beautifully with brass, while a traditional roll-top bath provides a classic twist that helps keep the contemporary tiles in check.
b at h r o o m i d e a s
introduce WallPaPer
Walls in Aspa Green, £90m, Sarah Van Rennen for Penny Morrison at The Fabric Collective. Similar bathroom, from £12,500, Stuart Barr CDR and Barr Design
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CounTry HoMeS & InTerIorS
‘Wallpaper works really well in bathrooms,’ says interior designer Penny Morrison. ‘A large, light-filled bathroom can take bright, fun patterns and large-scale prints, while small, dark bathrooms are best suited to deep, moody designs.’ Protect your investment with a quick coat of Decorators Varnish (£19.37 for 1L, Polyvine) and sheet glass splashbacks.
Waterloo basin mixer in Incaloy Gold, from £680; Waterloo shower, from £152; BJ5 towel rail, £1,322, all CP Hart
Paint in dark green Shamelessly dramatic but not as out-there as jet black, green is the smart way to go dark. And, with its nature-based connotations, this on-trend hue will feel right at home in the countryside. ‘Dark green is a strong colour story, perhaps due to a wider awareness of environmental issues but also because it has a depth and variety that works so well with other emerging shades like earthy browns and deep maroons,’ says CP Hart designer Annabel Williams. Leave the upper walls pale to keep the overall look uplifting.
try tiny tiles When it comes to tile trends, exploring shapes can be just as rewarding as tracking down the latest fashion-forward colours. Hexagons and fish-scales are still strong but more recently, circular mosaics are gaining ground. ‘Penny tiles are small and sweet, and offer a modern twist on classic square mosaics, while retaining that luxe look,’ says Hamish Smith, creative director at Ca’Pietra. ‘They look great popped in a recess near the bath or shower, but for maximum impact, go floor-to-ceiling with a fabulous feature wall.’
Yoga Penny mosaic tiles in Blush, £138.60sq m, Ca’Pietra
CounTry HoMeS & InTerIorS
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B at h R o o m i d e a s
Bath, painted in Farrow & Ball’s Sudbury Yellow, £1,767.80; Tissino basin, £115, both BC Designs. Project by Aquajade Bathrooms
paint youR Bath Often a single pop of colour is all it takes to make a bland bathroom interesting, but if you’re feeling nervous, go for a surface that’s easy to refresh. ‘A paintable bath is an excellent opportunity to experiment with different colours without necessarily making a long-term commitment,’ says Barrie Cutchie, design director at BC Designs. ‘Make sure you choose an external eggshell paint for a hard-wearing finish that won’t be affected by condensation or splashes.’ For a burst of sunshine, try a Moroccan-inspired yellow.
Revive old patteRns
Antique reclaimed tiles, from £138sq m, Maitland & Poate
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COunTRy HOMes & InTeRIORs
Tune into the vintage trend and do your bit for the planet by sourcing salvaged tiles in delicate patterns. ‘Antique tiles are an ideal way to add interest, a little piece of history and unique design to your home,’ says Chris Gulson-Brook, founder of Maitland & Poate. The beauty of reclaimed encaustic tiles is that you can choose how bold you want the colour to be. ‘The deeper we restore each tile, the more vibrant the coloured pigments are revealed. But we can just apply a gentle cleaning for a more subtle effect,’ says Chris.
Copper bateau bath, £6,600, Catchpole & Rye. East Hampton marble basketweave mosaic tiles, £149.99sq m, Fired Earth
add waRmth with colouRed metal Follow the fashion crowd and use the peachy tones of polished copper to bring warmth and richness to the heart of your bathroom. Here, interior designer Ruth Milne has positioned an impressive copper bateau bath centre-stage to spread the glow. Monochrome floor tiles help ground the shiny copper. ‘I love how the delicate basketweave pattern of the floor is reflected on the surface of the copper,’ says Ruth.
b at h r o o m i d e a s
Single Locky vanity basin in Antique Bronze finish, from £4,140, Drummonds. Claesson Koivisto Orchard encaustic tiles, from £132sq m, Marrakech Design at Edinburgh Tile Studio
Use pink as a neUtraL Pink plays nicely with bold contrasting colours, but is equally happy amid other neutrals. In country bathrooms, dusky, vintage pinks feel particularly at home – try Farrow & Ball’s Setting Plaster or Pink Ground shades. Mix with fresh green accents, as Drummonds has done here, to keep a shared bathroom feeling fresh and gender neutral. ‘Botanical prints and leaf-inspired tiles pair beautifully with pale pink walls,’ says James Lentaigne, creative director at Drummonds.
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CouNtry HoMES & INtErIorS
Artemis bath, from £3,995, Ashton & Bentley
bring natUre inside If you’re blessed with a garden that isn’t overlooked, leave your bathroom windows undressed and let the natural landscape form part of the interior decor. ‘We’re increasingly seeing people draw inspiration from nature and the outdoors to create a truly restful bathroom,’ says Ed Carey, managing director at Ashton & Bentley. ‘Natural textures, such as wood and slate, paired with a light, neutral colour palette will help to create a calm, refreshing environment, perfect for unwinding after a busy day,’ he says.
Calacatta Amber marble tiles, from £65.57sq m, Mandarin Stone
Look again at marbLe Each year sees fresh tweaks on this longstanding linchpin of luxury bathrooms. We’re currently seeing creamier varieties of marble coming through, like this Calacatta Amber tile, which is threaded with gold and umber veining. ‘Its warm and elegant tones offer a softer alternative to the cool grey marbles that have been dominating in the past few years,’ says Louisa Morgan, marketing director at Mandarin Stone. ‘Give marble an extra modern twist by combining large tiles with slender ones in a herringbone format.’ CouNtry HoMES & INtErIorS
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B AT H R O O m i d E A S
BlUR THE linES
Similar bathroom, £12,500, Stuart Barr CDR. Sybilla encaustic tiles, from £130sq m, Huguet Mallorca. Luxe thermostatic shower set in Matte Black, £495, Lusso Stone
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COUNTRY HOMES & INTERIORS
FEATURE LINDA CLAYTON PHOTOGRAPHS (HIT THE FLOOR) CHRIS SNOOK, (MAKE MODERN WORK) JOSE HEVIA, (BE BOLD WITH PATTERN) MIKE GARLICK, (ADD WARMTH WITH COLOURED METAL) CARMEL KING
Faded shades mute the bold impact of modern patterns, making them altogether more liveable. ‘These handmade geometric tiles by Huguet Mallorca will resonate way beyond the current geometric trend. Their soft matte finish and subtle colours form the perfect background for contemporary matte black fittings,’ says Rachele Bowley, lead designer at Stuart Barr CDR. Choose floor tiles in natural stone tones and add a rustic wooden ladder to keep strong black brassware country-friendly.
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XCH CODE: 41AU
Choose the best‌
kitchen island
clAssic fARmhouse Traditional, rustic and simple! The hand-painted finish, oak top and beaten metal detailing on this freestanding beauty are the loveliest combination of quality materials, functional design and practicality. suffolk chopping block, h85.7x w80xl50cm, ÂŁ995, neptune
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countrY homes & interiors
FURNITURE BUYER’S GUIDE
Rustic sous chef Prep, carve and perform a multitude of kitchen tasks with this solid spruce design, which has a wonderfully rustic and durable zinc top. You can pop your large pots or recipe books on the lower slatted shelf for easy access. aldsworth butcher’s block, h82xw70xd50cm, £290, garden trading
All in white It’s not all about the in-vogue fixed island… This robust yet elegant solid beech piece will create a sturdy focal point. Its country-fresh white finish and Shaker-style cup handle make it a fitting choice for both traditional and contemporary spaces. foxhill kitchen island/butcher’s block, h92xw100x d60cm, £994.99, eddingtons at john lewis & partners
foR kitchens thAt ❝ cAn’t quite squeeze in A fixed islAnd, moveAble designs ARe An AttRActive AlteRnAtive
❞
compAct wondeR Practical storage and spacesaving proportions – yes please! This helpful unit includes a 12-bottle wine rack and generous drawer for utensils, plus a shelf space beneath and rails at either side for tea towels and oven gloves. The heat resistant granite top will make budding pastry chefs happy! westcote blue small butcher's block with wine rack, h85xw82x d58cm, £399, cotswold co
solid woRktop Classic good looks, a sturdy demeanour and four wheels (two lockable) make this quality British design the ultimate stylish storage solution. new england trolley in cream with acacia top, h89xw55xl80cm, £599, t&g woodware countrY homes & interiors
95
FURNITURE BUYER’S GUIDE
inDustrial eDge Wheel in this chic iron kitchen trolley, featuring drawers to stash a multitude of chef’s tools and a sleek marble grey top to keep things cool as a cucumber. Sleek in style and with buckets of space, it makes the perfect assistant in the kitchen. Metal kitchen storage trolley or island in Black, H92xW61xL152cm, £1,650, The Forest & Co
Chop Chop! Partition your space or provide an extra work surface with this pairing of a pine and oak veneered base with a concreteeffect top. Two wooden boxes below an open shelf and two
smaller drawers provide optimum storage to hide any evidence of bake-off disasters! Dakota oak butcher’s block, H85xW70xD45cm, £349, Barker and Stonehouse
piCk a ❝ Design with
rails for tea towels anD shelVes for pots anD Chopping boarDs to utilise all the spaCe Versatile station
With a sturdy aged black metal frame, this utilitarian mover and shaker can cater for all requirements. Use as a welcoming breakfast station for overnight guests, fill with tipples and glassware for a relaxed cocktail soirée (there’s a handy bottle rack), or equip with a team of kitchen essentials for at-hand convenience. Industrial bar trolley, H89.5xW41.5x L76cm, £299, Nordic House 96
COuNTrY HOMeS & INTerIOrS
DistresseD by Design Welcome homespun authenticity indoors with this striking central work space. Made from recycled, weathered pine and featuring an aged, metal bottle opener at the front, this chunky number can alternatively hunker down as a handsome side table. Colette reclaimed rustic butcher’s block, H91xW100xD60cm, £565, Modish Living
FEATURE HOLLY PHILLIPS
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AWA R D -W I N N I N G R I V E R C RU I S E S Burgundy, the River Rhône & Provence cruise with Oz Clarke 8 days from only £2,199pp | Departing 30 September 2019 Throughout your cruise you will not only taste a selection of specially selected wines, learning all you need to know about the classic grape varieties, Oz Clarke will also host a series of events, starting with a talk on the past, present and future of wine, where he will share his extensive knowledge and expertise from what makes great wine; the wine scene today: old versus new world; to how to taste like a wine professional and an evening with dinner and question and answer session. From the lush green vineyards of Burgundy to the sun-kissed hills of Provence and the wild ruggedness of the Ardèche gorges to medieval Avignon – every day is full of fascination. Cruise includes: • Oz Clarke’s hosted talk, dinner and wine tastings featuring a selection of wines • Tour of medieval Avignon and the stunning Pope’s Palace • Guided tour of Arles, with its extraordinary Roman remains • Visit to the Pont du Gard • Tour of the astonishing Ardèche Gorges • Cruise the spectacular Rhône valley • Visit to charming Vienne • Visit to Beaune, plus a wine tasting • Guided tour of Lyon and its gastronomic capital • All meals on board, including welcome cocktails and dinner, plus the Captain’s Dinner • Return flights from a selection of regional airports or standard class seat on Eurostar from London St Pancras International • Seven nights on board in your choice of luxury cabin or suite, all with river view • Services of a Riviera Travel cruise director and concierge
To book or request a brochure, call 01283 523454 or visit cohriviera.co.uk Additional entrance costs may apply. Prices are per person, based on two sharing and subject to finite availability. Images used in conjunction with Riviera Travel. Offer operated by and subject to the booking conditions of Riviera Travel Ltd. ABTA V4744, ATOL 3430, a company wholly independent of Country Homes & Interiors, published by TI Media Limited. Prices correct at time of going to print.
Garden elements
Beautiful
garden borders
From living Fences to prettily positioned pathways, push the boundaries with these clever ways to deFine an outdoor space Neva fence range, from £29 for three slats, B&Q
Bespoke touch In exposed gardens, perforated screens will create sheltered nooks, and positioning two or three screens on either side of a small garden, either at 90 degrees to the boundary or angled away from the house, can make it look larger. Made of reinforced composite and aluminium, the Neva range at B&Q is modular, allowing you to buy sections and slot them together. 98 couNTRy HoMEs & INTERIoRs
Roman arch, £300; wirework trellis panels, £185 each, all Garden Requisites
Grow your own A living screen and archway in the form of scented climbers makes for an informal border in a cottage-style garden. ‘Wirework trellis panels offer the best support for plants to grow, creating an evergreen boundary that doubles as a habitat for birds, butterflies and bees,’ says Hilary Thurman of Garden Requisites. Wildlifefriendly varieties include dog roses, honeysuckle and wisteria.
Montreaux fourseater dining set, £699, Dobbies Garden Centres
store in style sheds and storage boxes can be bulky and impractical, particularly in smaller gardens. Maximise space by building storage into your borders. cupboards with doors are great for hiding away tools, furniture and out-of-season accessories, while exposed shelves can offer a touch of styling, such as rustic logs, outdoor tableware or potted herbs and blooms.
Beautiful curves Incorporating a curved wall into your garden design creates a sense of movement and direction in a garden, tricking the eye into thinking it’s bigger than it actually is – useful for narrow or small garden spaces. ‘our customers often find that a curved wall adds much-needed interest, transforming an otherwise simple garden space into something extra special,’ says claire Blake, head of product management at Marshalls.
Our experT says…
pRIvAcy WITH ❝ENsuRE A lIvING fENcE By GRoWING plANTs closE ToGETHER. BRANcHEs ANd lEAvEs WIll Bulk ouT, fIllING ANy GAps Tara King, content style editor
❞ Marshalls Croft stone wall, £4.30 a stone, Travis Perkins
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a different track wooden railway sleepers are an excellent alternative to brick or concrete for building retaining walls, or creating raised beds. ‘oak is a great option in country gardens as the wood ages beautifully and you can create different heights to add interest,’ says wayne Cocker of south Hams Fencing.
set in stone A raised terrace breaks up a space, offering a secluded area that is protected from the wind. building a wall is eco-friendly – particularly if it is constructed from local stone. ‘If an existing boundary wall isn’t attractive, cover it in cedar cladding,’ advises wayne Cocker.
For similar outdoor sofas, try John Lewis & Partners
3 of t he B e st Great for growing flowers or veg, move these dividers around to suit your space
feature TArA KInG
traditional Build
1 . Made-to-measure options in varying heights create a bespoke feel. Raised beds, from £145, WoodBlocX 2 . Dark grey is a stylish alternative to plain wood or metal. Latchmere raised planter, £120, Garden Trading 3. Add interest with an eye-catching hexagonal shape. Absco raised garden bed in Merino, £24.95, Homebase
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A brick wall is a real bonus in any garden, particularly if it is of good brick stock and has weathered to complement the period of your house. Take advantage of any small holes and turn them into planting pockets for succulents or alpines. This low-height design provides an effective border for a sociable space without cutting off your view of the garden beyond.
garden elements
Salvadore indoor/outdoor stripe rug, from £14.99, Carpetright
Need to know...
garden boundaries ■ Before putting up a Boundary wall, you are legally obliged to consult your neighbours, although this law does not apply to fencing. If your house borders a listed building, any changes to your boundary may also require planning permission.
■ ensure Boundary walls and fences are no higher than the 2m legal limit. Hedges and trees may be taller, as long as they are maintained and don’t cast too much shade on neighbouring homes. In areas with open-plan front gardens, there is often a restriction on fences or hedges and planning permission must usually be sought – see hedgeline.org. ■ the two most common Boundaries are walls and fences. The general rule is if the ‘good’ side of the fence faces into your neighbour’s garden (that is, the struts or posts are on your side), it’s up to you to maintain it. Check the deeds of your house. ■ while hedges do make for an effective garden Boundary, they can take up space, so may not suit smaller gardens. Consider the style of your garden; this will impact your choice between wild and rustic or a more formal, clipped design. ■ if your garden is overlooked, create both privacy from overhead windows and shade with a pergola, awning or the canopy of an oversized tree. As a tree matures, prune away lower branches to well above head height to create a raised umbrella effect.
Bradstone Old Town edging in Grey Green, from £12.81m, Simply Paving
Our expert says…
InvITe exPlorATIon, ❝eITHer vIA obvIous PATHwAys or THrouGH GAPs In Any boundArIes, suCH As ‘wIndows’ In HedGes or PorTHoles In wooden sCreens
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tara King, content style editor
elegant edging Garden edging is a neat way to define a space, separating flowers and plants from grass. Popular choices include brick and concrete, while creative options range from logs and shells to recycled roof tiles. This round-top stone edging has a weathered effect, perfect in a country garden. CounTry Homes & InTerIors
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Original Art & Limited Edition Prints w w w . r u n w a y - g a l l e r y. c o m / c o u n t r y h o m e s a n d i n t e r i o r s in association with
Pictured: Rule Brittania by SYRETT, limited edition print, ÂŁ495
HOME TECH
Buy the bestÉ
smart home security gadgets
We all value the security of our homes, so it’s no surprise smart security is so popular. there is noW a Wide array of easy-to-install devices that let you monitor your home, Wherever you are Best for BIG BROTHER-STYLE SECURITY Arlo Ultra 4K wire-free security camera system, £449.99 for one camera, Amazon With crystal clear 4K HDR video quality, the new Arlo Ultra is a must-have if you’re looking for an extra pair of eyes to guard your home. The built-in motion-activated spotlight and 180 degree field of view ensure you won’t miss out on any footage, while the HD picture quality allows you to zoom in on important details like number plates. Weather resistant and wire-free, it comes with a year’s subscription to Arlo’s Smart Premier service (normally £6.49 per month), which keeps footage for up to 30 days.
FEATURE GINEVRA BENEDETTI
This camera features a privacy shutter that lowers automatically when you return home. Indoor security camera, £139, Somfy
n SECURITY CAMERAS There’s a wide range to choose from on the market, with both the indoor and weatherresistant outdoor options capturing crisp, HD video. It’s worth noting that there’s a time limit on how long recordings are kept, with most brands requiring you to sign up to a monthly subscription service. n VIDEO DOORBELLS Not going to be home for a delivery? These clever devices alert you (via your smartphone) when someone’s at the door so you can see and talk to them directly. They also double as a security camera that you can stream from in real time, should you be concerned about your home’s safety. n SMART LOCKS Eliminating the need for a physical key, these neat locks turn your smartphone into one instead. Perfect for holiday homes, you need simply share access codes with guests when they visit. n SMART ALARM SYSTEMS Traditional security companies including Yale and ADT have integrated smart features to their home alarm systems giving you the ability to turn the alarm on and off remotely as well as watching live video streams, all via your smartphone.
Best for KEYLESS ENTRY Nuki Smart Lock 2.0, £200, Nuki Nuki turns your phone into a smart key so the act of just walking to your front door (with your phone in your pocket or handbag) automatically unlocks the door for you – and, crucially, locks it again behind you when you leave. Easily attached to the inside of a door in less than three minutes, you can team it with the Nuki Bridge to allow you full remote access to the lock via your smartphone even if you’re not there, eliminating the need for spare keys for tradespeople and guests. Brilliantly useful for teens who have a habit of losing their keys (and remarkably, not their phone…).
Best for FRONT DOOR SECURITY Nest Hello, £329 including installation (£229 without), Nest Replacing your existing doorbell, Nest Hello features a 2K HD camera that you can access 24/7 on your smartphone when someone rings the doorbell. Whether it’s the postman or a would-be burglar, you can see any visitors clearly, even talking to them directly. Subscribe to Nest Aware from £4 a month and your device will be able to differentiate between a stranger and someone you know, as well as storing video history for up to 30 days. CoUNTRY HomES & INTERIoRS
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country homes & interiors pa r t n e r s h i p
Buy art online
Artist Louise DeAr’s Love of Life AnD the seA is refLecteD in her gLittering, gLAmorous works, AvAiLAbLe At runwAy-gALLery.com
Where do you find inspiration? My favourite place is the sea. I swim in the sea every day, and the glitter in my work represents the sunlight twinkling on the water. I also love to walk, which gives me the chance to photograph nature at its most beautiful. I’m in the process of moving my studio from Brighton to the south of France. My plan is to work for a couple of weeks at a time, returning to London for meetings and the monthly salon for our art movement The Beautalists, of which I’m a founding member. Describe your style My work is full of joie de vivre, vibrant colours, glitter and crystals that shimmer and sparkle. They 104
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nearly always portray beautiful women. The line I use to paint these gorgeous girls is pure mark making, and it’s as distinct as an individual’s handwriting. Each and every line has to be alluring, to create the seductive effect of the whole. The eyes and lips are very much a signature of my style. What effect do you want your work to have? I want it to make people smile, and to evoke the feel of a happy memory, like walking along a sunny shore or snuggling up with a lover, and add a touch of sparkle to their daily lives. When you’ve created originals, you sometimes produce these as limited edition prints, can you tell us about this process I work closely with a master printer to reproduce my prints on tactile paper, which is then embellished with different finishes, such as gold leaf and high-gloss varnish. I then hand finish a select few by creating more layers – adding gloss paints, glitters, sequins, stickers and crystals, making each individual piece a unique work. What should someone look for when buying art for their home? Buy from the heart and what you
love. You’ll be looking at it every day, so have something that makes you feel good. My works are created with passion and I think that shows. They excite and entice their viewer, and people who love them do get quite addicted. I have clients who began buying prints, went on to buy hand-finished prints, before moving up to originals. My biggest collectors have up to 18 pieces in their home.
Next moNth Jake Mosher’s artwork, created in the wilds of Montana, interprets the splendour of the natural world.
Yum Yum, £1,750; V.I.C.E, £9,995; Coo .. EE! splash, £165, aLL LouIsE dEar
Louise Dear is one of a number of artists featured in the Runway Gallery, an online showcase of contemporary art. From her studio by the sea in East Sussex, Louise creates multilayered works on aluminium panels, full of texture and intriguing materials. Here, she tells us about the inspiration and process behind her shimmering, sensual artworks.
K I TC H E N P R OJ E CT
The island unit features a large bowl sink that’s positioned to allow Claire to join in conversations, gaze out to the garden or watch television while prepping dinner
PROJECT PROFILE Owners Claire and
The best things
in life...
It took fIve years for ClaIre and andrew Brooks to get theIr dream kItChen, But the elegant spaCe was worth the waIt
Andrew Brooks live here with their three sons and their black Labrador.
House A five-bedroom, detached Georgian farmhouse in Hampshire. Project Moving the kitchen to a south-facing room, and renovating an outbuilding to create a utility room.
Kitchen size 9.7x5.3m Designer Darren Taylor, Searle & Taylor.
Cabinetry Signature bespoke kitchen, painted in Little Greene’s Slaked Lime and French Grey, Searle & Taylor. Country Homes & InterIors
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The interior of the glassware cabinet is painted in a pretty vintage pink and features low-level lighting that helps create a relaxed mood
Formerly the grand drawing room, the kitchen has beautiful original features
O
ur dream was to live in the countryside with the children, a dog and chickens running safely around the garden,’ says Claire Brooks. ‘It took a long time to make it happen, but our beautiful Georgian farmhouse in Hampshire ticks every box for us.’ Former Londoners, Claire and her husband Andrew had spent four years looking for the perfect place to settle, so they wasted no time putting their stamp on their new home. Admittedly, Claire’s vision of a light-filled family kitchen required a little extra patience. ‘The kitchen was originally on the other side of the house. It was north-facing, old and extremely cold,’ says Claire. ‘We decided to move it into the drawing room, which had large floor-to-ceiling Georgian windows and opened straight out onto a beautiful walled garden.’ The ground works alone took two months, as the floor had to be dug up to lay new plumbing and electrics. The task wasn’t made any speedier by the need to protect and retain the many original Georgian features that the Brooks had fallen in love with. ‘It turned out to be a huge job but, again, it was worth the wait, not least
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because we took the opportunity to install underfloor heating,’ says Claire. They obtained seven quotes from various kitchen companies, without finding ‘the one’. ‘Nobody seemed to get what we wanted and always said we’d have to compromise because of all the windows,’ says Claire. Then a friend suggested they try bespoke cabinetmakers Searle & Taylor, who immediately understood the couple’s ideas. Claire’s brief was to create an elegant and calm but functional room that naturally incorporates the existing architecture. ‘I wanted a layout that would let me cook, socialise and spend time with my family all in one room,’ she says. The island plays a pivotal role in this, positioning Claire at the heart of the kitchen. Searle & Taylor also understood Claire’s wish for a kitchen that would look attractive when entertaining. The built-in appliances and TV can be hidden away to achieve a relaxing, living-room feel when friends visit. Moving to the country may have turned out to be a bit of a drawn-out mission for the Brooks but they have no regrets. ‘It has transformed our lives and having this beautiful kitchen is the icing on the cake,’ says Claire.
K I TC H E N P R OJ E CT
Handmade splashback tiles with a pretty crackle-glaze surface shimmer in the sunlight
I love everythIng ❝ about our new kItchen. It took a long tIme to plan but I wouldn’t change a thIng
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Claire chose the Total Control Aga as the timer function can help reduce running costs
rAnge
dining AreA
seATing AreA
With two existing floor-to-ceiling sash windows, plus a large bay window, fireplace and three doorways to accommodate, wall space for kitchen cabinetry was severely limited. To counteract this, the layout is arranged around a generous island, with two large dressers acting as storage for small appliances and dinnerware. This allowed the only uninterrupted wall to be dedicated to Claire’s beloved Aga, which forms a focal point befitting a country farmhouse kitchen. CouNTry HoMeS & INTerIorS
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The besT Things in life
3
clever design solutions
A pantry cupboard provides extra storage for food, while appliances are hidden away in a tall cupboard
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Limited wall space in the kitchen means Claire couldn’t be without her utility room, which was formerly an old outbuilding. ‘I knew I’d spend a lot of time in here, so I wanted it to look as lovely as the kitchen,’ she says. As well as the usual laundry appliances, Claire requested a pantry cupboard for bulk-buys and an extra fridge and freezer. ‘The utility is spacious enough to prep veggies and arrange flowers straight from the garden, too, so we don’t end up trailing mud through the house,’ she says.
K I TC H E N P R Oj E CT
CABINETRY Signature Bespoke kitchen, painted in Little Greene’s Slaked Lime and French Grey Intelligent Eggshell (both £64 for 2.5L), from £30,000, Searle & Taylor. Utility room cabinetry, painted in Blue Vein architects eggshell, £68 for 2.5L, Paint & Paper Library.
SURFACES Quartzite worktops in White Macaubas, from £350sq m, Sensa at Cosentino. Walls painted in Slaked Lime deep intelligent matt emulsion, £50 for 2.5L, Little Greene. Vintage splashback tiles in Silk, £99.44sq m, Marlborough Tiles. Tumbled limestone flooring, from £38.40sq m, Beswick Stone.
APPLIANCES Five-oven Aga Total Control in Dartmouth Blue, from £13,825, Aga Living. G 6660 SCVi dishwashers, £1,299 each, Miele. ICBN3386 integrated fridge-freezer, £2,099, Liebherr. N53TD40N0 induction hob, £729; C17MR02NOB compact combi microwave oven, £1,129, both Neff.
SINKS & TAPS 6625-0 Iron/Tones Smart Divide sink in White, £1,022, Kohler. 1537 Parthian sink mixer tap with filtration and rinse in chrome, £963.12, Perrin & Rowe. Classic Pro3 boiling water tap in chrome, £799, Quooker.
A small glazed top panel in the dresser emits pink-tinted ambient lighting in the evenings
ACCESSORIES Curtain in Stepping Stone Paisley in Mineral, £75m, Ralph Lauren at Designers Guild. Weathered Oak bar stools, £160 each, Notonthehighstreet. com. Large Lansdown glass pendant lights, £305 each, Jim Lawrence. Similar dining table, £1,995, Oka
FEATURE LINDA CLAyTON PHOTOGRAPHS PAUL CRAIG
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Having bifold doors on a dresser means that it can be left open when in use, without open doors getting in the way. The built-in oven is a combination microwave that’s put to good use in warmer weather when the Aga is switched off. The other dresser, in the dining area, stores both decorative glassware and logs for the fire. The idea of painting the interior of the dressers in Paint & Paper Library’s Temple shade came to Claire in the middle of the night. ‘I was trying to think of a way to add a bit of softness and realised bringing in a touch of pink would work,’ she says.
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The blank black screen of a television isn’t the most attractive decorative feature and can feel like a technological intrusion, especially when enjoying relaxed family meals or entertaining. Seen only when in use, the Brooks’ TV is tucked inside a reduceddepth cabinet, and rises up on an electrically powered lift at the touch of a button. ‘It’s strategically placed so that I can see it while I am busy at the kitchen sink, but guests don’t need to know it’s there,’ says Claire.
The television drops down, out of sight, when not in use
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lakeside spirit In a magical setting close to the sea, the ‘boat house’ garden designed by Phillippa Lambert blends historical roots with contemporary design 110
Country Homes & InterIors
isLe of wight gARden
Lakeside planting of Australian tree ferns, veronicastrum, ornamental grasses and hostas
Country Homes & InterIors
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Haddon Lake House, a contemporary Japaneseinfluenced ‘boat house’ with decks over a lake, uniting architecture with landscape
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At home with.. . Owners Phillippa Lambert, a landscape designer, and husband Steve, an architectural illustrator. House A contemporary self-build in an historic setting in St Lawrence on the Isle of Wight. Features A two-acre, 19thcentury garden incorporating a third-of-an-acre lake edged in woodland paths. A Japanese-style courtyard leads to a walled kitchen garden with a period greenhouse.
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iewing this tranquil landscape as the sun sets, it is impossible to envisage anything other than a garden vibrant with plants, woodland echoing with birdsong, and untroubled reflections upon the clear waters of the lake. But when Phillippa and Steve Lambert first visited in 2001, they describe a scene that is unrecognisable today: ‘It was complete dereliction.’ The once-magnificent 19th-century gardens were consumed by a tangle of undergrowth, rubbish was strewn throughout, and the lake was clouded and silted up. ‘Yet, somehow, the garden still retained a beguiling grandeur,’ they recall. ‘We recognised we could make a difference to a lost historic landscape.’ Phillippa and Steve have fully realised that potential through carefully crafted design, while always keeping in sympathy with a historic site. The garden is now one of many design themes interacting within a relatively small space. ‘But there is always just enough area for the transitions not to seem forced or incongruous – the original design of the site dictated this,’ Phillippa points out. Having lived and gardened on the Isle of Wight on and off for 50 years, the couple were very aware of local conditions and the favourable microclimate. The garden is located on the wooded slopes of Undercliff, a narrow tract of land that skirts the island’s southern coastline. The name ‘Undercliff’ derives from an escarpment that backs this sheltered area. ‘It makes our garden warmer than elsewhere on the island,’ explains Phillippa. This nurturing environment is ideal for an array of exotic plants that fill the semi-tropical borders around the house – Paulownia tomentosa, hardy bananas, salvias and ginger lilies. ‘We take cuttings where possible, and wrap up specimens that are too large to move,’ she says. Occasionally temperatures drop below zero >
isLe of wigHt gaRden
the garden ❝ is constantly
evolving. i experiment with annuals and the borders change radically every year
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The fully restored Victorian walled kitchen garden is planted with a mix of annual flowers, asters and verbena bonariensis
CH&I lovesÉ recycling materials and truly tender species such as aeoniums, daturas and strelitzias are overwintered in the glasshouse. ‘The garden is always evolving, and these borders change radically every year,’ Phillippa adds. It is a similar story in the walled potager, a reinstatement of the original early Victorian kitchen garden. ‘I experiment with annuals and I’m always looking for the perfect blue contrast to the reds and oranges of the cannas and dahlias,’ she says. To date, the best shade she has found is Ageratum ‘Everest Blue’, one of countless plants grown annually from seed or cuttings in the Alitex greenhouse. ‘It’s absolutely essential – I like the look of overflowing abundance, and the only way to achieve that is with many, many plants.’ After a century of decline, the original walled garden housed a tropical bird park until 1996. ‘Planning permission was given to build a contemporary house on the site, on the proviso that the landscape be restored within two years,’ Phillippa explains. ‘Initially, our greatest challenge was demolishing structures and getting rid of the rubbish.’ Derelict metal bird cages had to be dismantled whilst a network of drains needed clearing. ‘We then carefully reinstated the kitchen garden, complete with period-style greenhouse, cold frames, potting shed and paths arranged in a decorative potager design that embraces annuals, herbs, fruits and vegetables.’ Following the line of the original Victorian path, a central brick path is lined with repeated clumps of evergreen Euphorbia ceratocarpa, creating a golden-green haze. Access paths separate the area into 16 beds, as well as six raised beds built from locally grown timber. Permanent structure is provided by olive and bay trees which are kept in shape with a light clipping twice a year. At > 114
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When you are restoring or relandscaping a garden, have a ‘make do and mend’ attitude. The Lamberts re-used plants and materials such as stone wherever possible, following ‘green’ strategies throughout the garden. Here’s what they did... • Old stone was re-used to repair the lakeside wall, as well as to redefine the original Victorian paths. • The woodland was cleared of debris, revealing a number of healthy trees – limes, sycamores, yews, black poplars and horse chestnuts. • Lakeside paths were resurfaced and borders prepared, using a mixture of silt from the lake, top soil compost and horse manure. • A large underground reservoir now collects rainwater from the house and outbuilding roofs, supplying an irrigation system. • A small pond was excavated using a mini-digger, and a waterfall was supplied via pipework from springs at the top of the site.
isLe of wighT gArden
The variety ❝ of moods and atmospheres make this garden special. As a visitor once wrote, it is a miniature ‘Lost Gardens of Heligan’ in a magical seaside location
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A brick path, leading through the walled kitchen garden to the greenhouse, is edged in Euphorbia ceratocarpa, interspersed with dahlias and clipped bay trees
The kitchen garden is planted with dahlias, geraniums and cannas. Clipped olives, box and bay trees add structure
their feet is a glorious array of dahlias that peak from August in combination with asters, heleniums, verbena bonariensis and gladioli. Japanese design clearly has a particular resonance with the Lamberts. ‘It brings simplicity and calm that contrast with the more ebullient areas of the garden,’ explains Phillippa. The influence of Japanese style is evident in their self-build home, a contemporary ‘boat house’ that extends its decks over the newly dredged lake. ‘The design unites the architecture of the house with the landscape, providing studios for us both,’ she notes. On the other side of the house, Japanese design pervades a sheltered courtyard. ‘This courtyard is the only element that is truly contemporary,’ she explains. ‘The courtyard serves as an anteroom, providing a cool contrast to the riot of colour in the walled garden, and to the lush profusion of the adjacent, semitropical borders.’ Some eight years ago, a slate sphere was installed to create a focus in the courtyard, made to Phillippa’s design by a talented friend, Glenn Cooke. Apart from help with specialist tree surgery, Phillippa and Steve manage the gardens themselves in their spare time. Theirs is not an ‘expert’ garden, they insist, nor do they try for technical perfection in any sense. ‘“Make do and mend” and self-sufficiency are the motivation for all the growing in the walled garden,’ they explain. ‘In essence, this site goes back to the philosophy of ancient gardens in sustaining the body as well as the soul.’ Pre-arranged garden visits for groups of 15-35 people take place until 30 September with donations to the local hospice. Two holiday cottages within the gardens are available for rent. Visit lakehousedesign.co.uk. 116
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On Our dOOrstep… Visit… Mottistone Manor Gardens and Estate, near Brighstone. A lovely National Trust garden with an Elizabethan manor at its heart (nationaltrust.org.uk).
Shop at… The Coastal Gardener (thecoastalgardener.co.uk), a small specialist maritime plant nursery run by Gerry Price at Fakenham Farm in St Helens.
Go for a meal at… Thompson’s in Newport. A contemporary British restaurant run by chef Robert Thompson (robertthompson.co.uk).
iSLE OF wiGHT GARDEN
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Phillippa’s hot colour dahlias 1 Dahlia ‘American Dawn’, in sumptuous shades ranging from pink to apricot. 2 Dahlia ‘Karma Irene’ has a waterlily-type appearance. Flowers from midsummer. 3 Dahlia ‘Totally Tangerine’, an anemoneform dahlia that attracts bees. 4 Dahlia ‘Magenta Star’ bears vivid pink single flowers above very dark foliage. 5 Dahlia ‘Roxy’ bears single magenta flowers above deep purple pink foliage. 6 Dahlia ‘Waltzing Mathilda’, a semi-double cultivar loved by bees. Flowers from July. 7 Dahlia ‘Murdoch’, a red decorative dahlia flowering from midsummer.
FEATURE AND PHOTOGRAPHS nICOLA STOCken
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8 Dahlia ’Karma Fuchsiana’, decorative with almost luminous, rich pink flowers.
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F U L LY E S C O RT E D T O U R S
Dubrovnik, the Dalmatian Coast and Montenegro
Classical Spain - Seville, Córdoba and Granada
Selected departures up to October 2019 8 days’ half-board from only £899pp. Price includes: Guided tour of Dubrovnik the ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’ Visit to Krka National Park and its series of stunning waterfalls and lakes Visit to Mostar, with its iconic bridge Tour of beautiful, unspoilt Montenegro with visits to the UNESCO-listed towns of Perast and Kotor Guided tour of Split including entrance to Emperor Diocletian’s monumental palace Visit to medieval Trogir, one of Dalmatia’s most seductive old ports Explore the Dalmatian coastline, studded with perfectly preserved Venetian-influenced villages Return flights from the UK Seven nights’ fourstar hotel accommodation with breakfast and dinner The services of our experienced and insightful tour manager
Selected departures up to November 2019. 7 days from only £599pp. Price includes: Visit to medieval Ronda, one of Spain’s most spectacularly situated cities Visit Granada’s stunning Alhambra, one of Europe’s most romantic palace fortresses Guided tour of Seville and spend an evening sampling delicious tapas Visit to Córdoba with a guided tour of the Mezquita - probably the most beautiful mosque ever constructed - entrance included Return flights from a selection of regional airports, plus all hotel transfers Six nights in three-star superior and four-star accommodation, with breakfast The services of our experienced and insightful tour manager
Pompeii, Capri and the Bay of Naples
The Azores
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Selected departures up to October 2019. 8 days from only £699pp. Price includes: Discover the ancient Roman town of Herculaneum with a local guide Delve deeper into the mysteries of Pompeii on a guided tour and visit the Naples Archaeological Museum Take a full-day tour of the breath-taking Amalfi coast Spend the day visiting the stunning island of Capri Enjoy a walking orientation tour of Sorrento Return flights from the UK Seven nights in a choice of conveniently located accommodation rated three-to four-star superior, plus breakfast and dinner (stays at the Hotel Mediterraneo are on a bed-and-breakfast The services of our experienced and insightful basis) tour manager
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Selected departures from September to November 2019. 8 days from only £1,099pp. Price includes: Explore the natural and man-made wonders of São Miguel, Faial and Pico Marvel at the crater lakes of Sete Cidades and Furnas See the mighty peak of Pico volcano Experience the otherworldly landscape of Capelinhos and learn about the Azores’ volcanic origins at its superb museum Discover Faial and stroll through Terra Nostra taking a dip in hot springs Discover the UNESCO-listed volcanic vineyards of Pico and visit a wine museum Return flights from a selection of UK airports, plus all hotel transfers Domestic flights and ferry crossings as detailed Seven nights in four-star accommodation, with breakfast and one dinner The services of our experienced and insightful tour manager throughout
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To book or request a brochure, call 01283 523454 or visit cohriviera.co.uk Additional entrance costs may apply. Prices are per person, based on two sharing and subject to finite availability. Images used in conjunction with Riviera Travel. Offer operated by and subject to the booking conditions of Riviera Travel Ltd. ABTA V4744, ATOL 3430, a company wholly independent of Country Homes & Interiors, published by TI Media Limited. Prices correct at time of going to print.
In a country Garden
comfortable weave Frame woven garden bench in Olive, H77xW110xD81cm, £385, by Woood at Cuckooland
relaxed eleGance Wrought iron garden bench, H80xW150xD60cm, £650, Susie Watson Designs
retro revIval Brighton bamboo bench, H82xL68xW116.5cm, £129, Wyevale Garden Centres Iron slats Odee outdoor bench, H89xW130xD72.5cm, £395, Shimu
ornate vIntaGe Antiqued black metal garden bench, H98xW110xD67cm, £163.95, Melody Maison
A stylish bench to perch in the sun slender curves Acacia bench, H75xW128xD47cm, £295, Cox & Cox
provenÇal chIc Two-seater folding bistro bench in Navy, H82xL82xW45cm, £50, George & Stone
IndonesIan InspIred Chastleton teak daybed, H85xW164xD91cm, £600, Garden Trading
feature HOLLY PHILLIPS
Did you know? Wood is a popular pick for garden benches. acacia is the most durable and eco-friendly. other options are cedar, cypress, redWood and teak
aGed teaK Leona garden bench, H93xW150xD70cm, £630, Sweetpea & Willow COuNTrY HOMeS & INTerIOrS 119
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Lines open Monday - Saturday 8am - 6pm UK time Offer closes 31st October 2019. Offer open to new subscribers only. All prices are discounted from the full subscription rate advertised in each title, include P&P and are correct at time of going to press. Please allow up to six weeks for delivery of your first subscription issue (up to eight weeks overseas). TI Media Limited may cancel a subscription and provide a pro rata refund if it ceases to publish the relevant title for any reason. For full terms and conditions, visit www.magazinesdirect.com/terms. For enquiries please call: +44 (0) 330 333 1113. Lines are open Monday - Saturday 8am - 6pm UK Time or e-mail: help@magazinesdirect.com. Calls to 0330 numbers will be charged at no more than a national landline call, and may be included in your phone provider’s call bundle.
local Hero
From Far leFt Gemma takes a well-earned break during an intensive training exercise. Gemma and crew leave Aberystwyth harbour on a rescue call out. BELOW The RNLI’s Flood Rescue Team, made up of volunteers from across the country and all walks of life
❝Saving people’s lives ❝
with the RNLI is hugely rewarding
FeatUre Janet McMeekin PHotoGraPHS eleri roberts, Phil griffith, Mark barker
Sailing has long been Gemma Gill’s passion, but it’s her years spent volunteering with the RNLI that gives her true satisfaction Sailing has always been in my blood. i was born in the seaside town of north berwick, scotland. My parents were keen sailors and, when i was a baby, they’d pop me safely in a basket on their boat, before heading out to sea. i loved the feeling of wind in my face and being out in the fresh air. aged 16, i crewed on the tall ships and have fantastic memories of sailing around the Uk and europe. I can be helming a lifeboat with a helicopter hovering overhead while a casualty is pulled to safety in choppy seas. i joined the royal national lifeboat institution when i went to aberystwyth University, as i’d always been passionate about the charity’s work. i discovered the training was exceptional. after qualifying as a crew member, i learnt to helm the lifeboat and, later, drive the lifeboat tractor. after graduating, i stayed in aberystwyth for 18 years, juggling my rnli duties with jobs in teaching and social services. I love the diversity of the rNlI. Volunteers come from all walks of life, including mechanics, farmers, accountants and paramedics. they are all different genders and
nationalities. We are like the largest family in the Uk, working closely together and relying on each other. there is a huge bond of trust between volunteers. the moment the pager beeps is always an adrenaline rush. friends and colleagues soon got used to me disappearing erratically during meetings and meals out. i’ve attended many memorable, often dangerous, calls. two of those featured on Saving Lives at Sea – a bbc series about rnli rescues. one very dark, stormy night in 2009, I arrived at aberystwyth lifeboat station to hear terrible screaming. it turned out that a man had been washed off the harbour wall, where huge waves were breaking. the sea was really rough and, before the lifeboat went out, we were briefed about what to do if the vessel capsized. thankfully, minutes later, the police informed us that the man had been washed up inside the harbour and was alive. It’s very special to meet those who wouldn’t have survived if we hadn’t rescued them. i find it so humbling when they shake my hand, or introduce me to their children.
today, I operate boats in rivers, encountering hazards from cars to lamp posts, bins to barbed wire, and even the odd dead sheep. it’s part of my work for the rnli’s flood rescue team, which i was asked to join in 2015. our role is to help carry out search and rescue operations in the Uk, wherever severe flooding puts lives at risk. People are normally frightened and upset about leaving their homes and belongings, particularly cherished family photographs. however, with water levels rising, it’s our job to evacuate the occupants safely and swiftly. a couple of call-outs have occurred during the festive season and to see christmas trees floating in people’s murky, waterlogged living rooms is heartbreaking. last year, I became one of only 14 full-time lifeboat trainers in the country. i'm based at the rnli headquarters in Poole, Dorset, and my role involves training lifeboat crew volunteers. i find it a privilege to support the new generation coming through. it’s like no other job in the world. Feeling inspired to become a volunteer for the rNlI? Visit rnli.org/volunteer coUntry hoMes & interiors
121
Live Life Well
HealtH, Happiness, fasHion, travel, pets, pastimes and otHer tHings to make life lovely wHat to pick, see & do Pick... raspberries, in season until October Explore... UK holiday spots in a retro camper van (quirkycampers.com)
For a refreshing treat, put 150g crushed raspberries and 100g caster sugar into a bowl, mix in 500g low-fat yogurt and stir gently until the sugar dissolves. Pour into moulds and freeze overnight
Enjoy... delicious food, music and family fun at The Big Feastival in the Cotswolds, 23-25 August, ÂŁ62 for an adult ticket (thebigfeastival.com)
FEATURE TArA King PHOTOGRAPH AlAmy
Discover... workshops and stalls at the Country Craft Show, Henley-onThames, 23-26 August, ÂŁ10 (thecraftshows.co.uk)
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COUnTry HOmeS & inTeriOrS
Live Life weLL
Therapy for your hair turn to the ancient tradition of indian ayurvedic hair oiling (essentially regular scalp massages with deep conditioning treatments) to keep your hair in a happy place this summer. amla, peppermint and grapefruit blends, from £24 for 25ml, alchemy.
listen up! Swim in SuStainable Style British brand Bower’s latest collection of swimwear has been crafted from Econyl, an ecofriendly, vegan fibre regenerated from consumer waste such as discarded fishing nets found in the ocean. Choose from a range of bikinis, swimsuits and cover-ups.
More people than ever are starting to appreciate the importance of plants in our day-to-day lives, and this podcast celebrates all the reasons why! Discussing so much more than just gardening, self-confessed plant geeks Michael Perry and Ellen Mary cover a broad range of plant-based subjects, from vegan clothing and edible flowers to the wellbeing properties of houseplants. Listen and subscribe via theplantbasedpodcast.net
3 ways to…
eat ethically Look for organic certification these foods have come from farms that have higher animal welfare standards and don’t use synthetic pesticides. also look for the fairtrade logo for an indication as to whether the food’s producers are getting a fair deal. eat in season Buying ingredients that are readily available in the Uk is an easy way to reduce your carbon footprint. avoid packaging where yoU can fill a lightweight, reusable bag with loose fruit and veg. for meat, fish or cheese, visit the respective counters with your own containers or buy directly from an independent butcher or deli.
treat your feet
Swap winter slippers for a cool woven pair, £24, Yonder Living. Sustainably made from all-natural grasses, they naturally soften over time for a bespoke fit, and they’re biodegradable, too – win win! Country Homes & InterIors
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3 of our favourite…
roll-top rucksacks Summer adventures in the bag eco o pti on Made from recycled polyester, this eye-catching design features hidden pockets and an inner laptop sleeve. Bernt, £129, Sandqvist
Whatever the W eath er as summer can be unpredictable, this pretty pack has a waterproof coating to ensure your belongings stay dry.
Preserve haPPy memories
hajo backpack in Salmon, £86, Ucon acrobatics
Hark back to pre-digital days and record a happy holiday in the form of sketches, images and natural finds. Invest in a scrapbook and a glue stick, as well as decorative paper for mounting. If you’re including pressed flowers or foliage, interweave the pages with blotting paper.
on yoUr Bi ke a masterpiece in minimal design, this lightweight bag is a great option for keen cyclists – choose from seven colours.
SeaSide ScentS
Lead the way British pet brand ralph & co stands out from the pack with its top quality range of beds, toys and accessories. the Lincoln herringbone lead, £29.99, is the latest addition to the country collection. Durable, hard wearing and crafted from the finest tanned leather and upholstery fabric, discerning dogs (and their owners) will love its smart and sophisticated look. 124
Country Homes & InterIors
Even though it’s based in southeast London, lifestyle brand Join specialises in creating vegan home fragrances inspired by the Cornish coast. Join’s diffuser range includes ten signature scents, each one with its own unique wellbeing benefits. We love Pebble, £27 for 98ml.
FeatUre tara kIng photoGraphS (eat etHICally) alamy stoCk pHoto, (preserve Happy memorIes) sImon sCarboro/tI-medIaContent.Com
Smith roll pack, £115, home of Millican
LivE LiFE wELL
For Sarah, there’s nothing more calming than the sound of the sea
My country passion
FEATURE Tara KInG
cornish beachcombing I believe any child that has grown up loving the beaches of Cornwall is a beachcomber at heart. For some, it’s a serious hobby (think early morning starts and metal detectors) but for others, like me, it’s a method of relaxation. It takes me back to a childhood spent sifting through sand for hidden treasures, my dad crouched down next to me helping to identify the things I’d found. Now as a grown woman, my windowsills are filled with a curated collection of favourite finds. The best time to beachcomb is after a big storm. So many wonderful things wash up on the shores and the sand gets churned up, so they’re much easier to spot. I’ve even found some bits of bottles that date back to Victorian and Georgian times,
most likely from shipwrecks, after rough weather. In the summer months, the beaches of the Isles of Scilly are my favourites to explore. I’ve found some very pretty sea glasses there. Kynance is one of Cornwall’s most mystical beaches and is extremely popular with tourists on sunny days, but in winter, it takes on a different personality altogether. It has a real wildness about it – it’s almost otherworldly. My husband loves to beachcomb too, and often we’ll go together. We live right next to the ocean so we’re fortunate that we’re able to visit the beach on a whim. We wander along chatting, occasionally drifting off to look for things on the shoreline. The sound of the waves makes for a wonderful, meditative mood. In
fact, beachcombing is great for both physical and mental wellbeing. If I’m feeling a little rundown or lethargic, it’s more often than not remedied by a dose of fresh sea air. It’s such a wonderful way to blow away the cobwebs and escape the daily grind. With day-to-day life busier than ever, it’s never been so important for us all to slow down, recharge, and fully appreciate the little joys nature has to offer, and beachcombing encourages exactly that.
Read this...
Discover more of Sarah’s beachcombing finds and tales of life by the sea on her inspirational blog, Salt & Sea Stories (saltandseastories.com) CounTry HoMeS & InTerIorS
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next mOnth In
& interiors
Celebrate summer! ■ Joyful summer styling ideas for your home and garden ■ sunshine feasting with the flavours of Provence ■ style secrets for a more organised kitchen ■ give your bedroom the boutique-hotel look Plus... steP inside gorgeous homes, choose cosy & chic carPets, discover botanical Printing neW seCtIOn rural hotsPots: the country destinations everyone wants to move to
On sale 1 august 2019
lIve lIFe Well
LEFT Sleep soundly after a long, luxurious soak in the dreamy, freestanding tub. BELOW Enjoy hearty fare in the buzzing restaurant
A Weekend AWAy At
The Rose
Head to deal on tHe Kent coast for a cosy stay in tHis boutique boozer
H
ard to believe, but just a couple of years ago, this pretty seaside pub was one of the most rundown in town. that all changed when newlyweds christopher Hicks and alex Bagner took on the property, with the vision of transforming it into a stylish melding of pub, restaurant and guest accommodation. the rose’s new incarnation, unveiled last year, proved an instant hit with both locals and holidaymakers discovering Deal for the first time. With staycations on the rise and the kent coastline reclaiming its reputation as a beautiful holiday spot, the rose is a good address to have tucked up your sleeve for a weekend away.
Feature Patrick Hamilton courtney
A warm welcome awaits you at The Rose
FaSHION FOrWarD the rose’s
interior design was a joint effort by london-based fashion and decor stylist michelle kelly and design studio Harding & read (who previously oversaw the interiors at the luxury Beaverbrook Hotel in Surrey). the results are delicate, feminine and joyfully colourful, with a palette of pink, mint green and ochre running throughout. kelly’s influence can be seen in the slightly retro look, with vintage furniture, accessories and textiles bringing a cool, offbeat vibe. the rose also has an artistic streak, with pedigree wall art sourced by margate’s carl Freedman Gallery. BIte tO eat Deal’s hottest ticket for brunch, lunch and dinner, the rose’s restaurant is now the beating heart of the operation. rachel o’Sullivan is the head chef – formerly of london’s Polpo, a restaurant noted for its exceedingly yummy,
unpretentious italian food. the enticing menu includes favourite comfort food dishes such as mac and cheese and chicken schnitzel, as well as some more inventive options, such as lamb shoulder with olives and pickled lemon. you won’t want to leave without trying a bacon sandwich either – it comes with the rose’s delicious signature rhubarb ketchup. Out aND aBOut Deal, much like margate and ramsgate, has seen a period of regeneration, and its quaint streets are now filled with wine bars, antiques shops and laid-back cafés. the cobbledtogether fisherman’s cottages give the town a picturesque, chocolatebox atmosphere, and the beach is only a few minutes walk from the heart of the pretty old town. the rose, 91 High Street, Deal, Kent Ct14 6eD, 01304 38127 therosedeal.com
While you’re there... Walmer CaStle
mIKe’S BIKeS
FISH & CHIpS
This nearby Tudor castle is steeped in history but the biggest draw today are the stunning formal gardens. Dating back to the 18th century, they are lovely to stroll through on a warm, sunny day.
Head down to Hut 55 on Marine Road and rent a couple of bicycles from Mike to explore the local area – we recommend riding them over to Kingsdown Beach or Sandwich Bay.
A trip to the seaside wouldn’t be complete without a taste of Britain’s national dish. Head over to the charming Middle Street Fish Bar and grab a box to eat on the seafront. country HomeS & interiorS
127
seafood orzo risotto >
Tastes of the Cypriot COAST InspIred by hIs chIldhood In cyprus, Theo MIchaels creaTes recIpes where The flavours of The sea Truly shIne
good times, good food
sea bream and watermelon ceviche >
counTry hoMes & InTerIors
129
salted sea bream with lemongrass and thyme >
130
countrY homes & interiors
good times, good food
Cook’s note...
You can substitute sea bream with sea bass, just ensure You use the freshest fish possible countrY homes & interiors
131
good tiMes, good Food
Seafood orzo riSotto At the heart of this dish lies kritharaki, a side dish of orzo simmered with tomatoes that’s a staple on our cypriot table. i had it as a kid and now, a generation
My ceviche is inspired by the memory of buying watermelon from a farmer’s open-top trailer in cyprus,
later, i frequently make the same to satisfy the growing appetites of my own gorgeous sprogs.
down my chin and the salty breath of the sea.
serves 4
serves 2 As A stArter, or 4 As A Meze
1 onion, diced 4 garlic cloves, sliced 360g orzo pasta
A couple of handfuls
then eating the sweet fruit with the juices running
1tsp finely diced fresh
of prawns 200g sliced squid
1 sea bream fillet, approx 120g 1 garlic clove
½tsp smoked paprika 160g diced tomatoes
400g firm white fish fillets, such as cod or
Freshly squeezed juice of 2 lemons
chopped coriander leaves 1tbsp olive oil
125ml white wine
monkfish, cubed
70g watermelon, flesh
salt
A pinch of saffron threads About 2l chicken stock
75g petit pois A splash of ouzo
diced into ½-inch cubes 20g red onion, finely diced
crisply toasted pitta bread, to serve
A small handful of finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
salt and freshly ground black pepper olive oil, for cooking
A pinch of dried chilli A pinch of fennel seeds
and drizzling Freshly squeezed juice
A couple of handfuls of live mussels or clams, cleaned
of 1 lemon
1 In a large, deep-sided frying pan, fry the onion in a little olive oil for 5-10min, until soft but not coloured. Add half the garlic, the orzo and smoked paprika. Fry the orzo for a couple of minutes before adding the tomatoes, wine and saffron to the pan. 2 Reduce the wine until almost gone, season, then add half the stock. Simmer gently, giving it an occasional stir, until the stock is absorbed. Add the rest of the stock in batches, until the orzo is cooked through but has a tiny bit of chewiness; this will take around 20-30min. You may need a little less or more stock depending on the size of your orzo. It will thicken as it cools, so keep some stock by in case you need to loosen it later. 3 Once the orzo is done to your liking, remove from the heat. Add most of the parsley and the chilli flakes and let it rest. (At this stage, you already have a simple kritharaki that makes a perfect side dish.) 4 Next, add a little olive oil to a clean pan, add the fennel seeds and remaining garlic to warm through. Introduce the shellfish and fish to the pan and fry for 1min. Add the petit pois and a tablespoon or two of water and cover to cook the seafood for just a few minutes. Remove the lid and let any residual water evaporate, discarding any mussels that do not open. Add a splash of ouzo and reduce until almost gone. Remove from the heat and pour the contents into the cooked orzo and fold through. 5 Add a little more stock if it’s too thick. Taste for seasoning, pour onto a platter, sprinkle with parsley, a drizzle of olive oil and a squeeze of lemon juice.
132
Sea Bream and Watermelon CeviChe
country homes & interiors
red chilli A generous pinch of freshly
1 If it isn’t already prepared, prepare the fish fillet by skinning and deboning it, and cutting away the darker meat that runs lengthways along the fish where the skin was. The easiest way to do this is, once the fillet is skinned and deboned, simply turn it over (skinned-side up) and cut a ‘V’ lengthways along the middle. Once done, cut the flesh into ½-inch cubes. 2 Gently crush the garlic clove to just break the shell but keep the clove whole, more or less. 3 Add the garlic, cubed fish and lemon juice to a bowl, ensuring the fish is completely covered by the lemon juice. Let it ‘cook’ for 15min, by which time it will have turned opaque. 4 Remove the fish from the lemon juice, shaking off any excess liquid, and place the fish in a clean bowl (reserving the liquid). Add the watermelon, red onion, chilli and coriander a little at a time, tasting to ensure the flavour is evenly balanced. Once done, add the olive oil, a pinch of salt and a teaspoon of the reserved lemon liquid. 5 Serve immediately. It goes well with some crisply toasted pitta bread. >
grilled octopus with squid ink lentils >
Cook’s note...
Ask your locAl fishmonger to show you how to prepAre An octopus for cooking country homes & interiors
133
GOOd TimeS, GOOd FOOd
salted sea Bream with lemOnGrass and thyme
Grilled OctOpus with squid ink lentils
Buy the freshest sea bream you can source, preferably from a sun-wizened Greek fisherman standing on
Whenever you are going to grill, barbecue or fry an octopus, it always starts with a slow braise to tenderize
the edge of his boat in his ripped shorts and smoking
it. Cooking it on a barbecue is wonderful. The raw
a cigarette. Failing that, my advice is take the time to get to know your local fishmonger.
heat of hot coals combined with the charcoal smokiness is divine, but a super-hot grill makes a good
ServeS 4
alternative, as used here.
ServeS 8–12 4 whole sea bream, gutted (ask your fishmonger
FOR THE DRESSING
to do this) A handful of fresh
1 stalk lemongrass
200g pre-cooked
A few drops of freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 octopus, about 2kg, prepared 2 dried bay leaves
thyme sprigs
1 garlic clove, crushed
3 garlic cloves
½ red onion, thinly sliced
4 lemongrass stalks 100g sea salt flakes
A handful of freshly chopped flat-leaf parsley
1 lemon ½tsp sumac
1 fresh red chilli, deseeded and finely sliced
Olive oil, for oiling and drizzling
A pinch of dried chilli (optional) Olive oil, as required
A generous pinch of finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
Salt and freshly ground black pepper Olive oil, for drizzling
1 Cut two diagonal slits in the flesh of each fish on one side. Push a couple of sprigs of thyme into each slit, then repeat on the other side. Push a lemongrass stalk through the mouth of the fish, so it goes all the way through into the cavity of the fish, then fill each fish with the remaining thyme. 2 Lightly oil each fish and sprinkle half the salt over one side of the fish, do the same for the other side. You’re not going to be eating the salt, so add more if they are not well coated. 3 Place the prepared fish onto the preheated barbecue/outdoor grill over direct medium heat for about 5-6min, or until the fish is charred. Use a fish knife or spatula to turn the fish over – turn them topside down, so the stuffing doesn’t fall out. Cook for another 5-6min until cooked through. Remove the fish and place onto a large chopping board. 4 To make the dressing, peel off a few leaves from the lemongrass stick, then finely chop the centre. Add a small squeeze of lemon juice, the garlic, a little olive oil and enough finely chopped parsley to create a thick dressing (a pinch of chilli flakes wouldn’t go amiss here either). Serve the fish with the dressing.
Recipes taken from Orexi! by Theo Michaels (£16.99, Ryland Peters & Small), with photography by Mowie Kay
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COuNTRy HOmES & INTERIORS
Puy lentils ½tsp squid ink
1 Place the prepared octopus in a large pot with a few generous pinches of salt, the bay leaves and 2 of the garlic cloves. Pour over enough cold water to cover fully. Bring to a simmer and cook gently for about 45min, until you can pierce the flesh with a knife with little resistance. Don’t overcook it, as the suckers on the tentacles will start to come off. Octopus has a habit of floating, so either place a lid on the pot or place a small saucer on top of the octopus to help keep it submerged. 2 Put the cooked octopus into a bowl with a few glugs of olive oil to stop it sticking. Peel a few strips of rind from the lemon and add to the bowl. Set this aside until ready to cook. 3 Meanwhile, mash the last garlic clove to a pulp with a little salt. Whisk with a few glugs of olive oil and squeeze in about half the amount of lemon juice to oil. Add the sumac and finely chopped parsley and mix. 4 Mix the Puy lentils with the squid ink and season with a little pepper. When you are ready to grill the octopus, separate the tentacles with a sharp knife and slice the hood into four pieces. Get the grill as hot as possible. Shake off the excess olive oil from the octopus, season with a pinch of salt, then grill it close to the heat for a few minutes until it crisps up. Turn the pieces over and char the other side. Remove and brush over the garlic-lemon-sumac dressing. 5 Sprinkle the squid ink Puy lentils over a large platter, distribute the sliced red onion amongst the lentils, then randomly place the octopus over the top. Taste for seasoning and finish with a little sliced red chilli.
IN A COUNTRY KITCHEN
Cooks’ NEWs
Steel yourself A good pan is hard to find, especially one that performs as smartly as it looks, but the newest stainless steel creations from Le Creuset are ticking all our boxes. Made from three-ply stainless steel, the range uses multi-layer technology to spread heat evenly and gently. That means faster, more efficient cooking. Stainless steel pans, from £80, Le Creuset
SEASON TO TASTE It’s easy to forget about the importance of good seasoning, but any chef worth their – ahem – salt, knows that this is the most important ingredient to have in a kitchen. Founders of Halen Môn, the Anglesey Sea Salt Company, have written an enthralling, practical and inspiring guide to change the way we think about this classic seasoning. Do Sea Salt – The magic of seasoning by David, Alison and Jess Lea-Wilson (£8.99, The Do Book Company)
FEATURE THEA BABINGTON-STITT
She SellS Sea ShellS Inspired by her walks along the Jurassic Coast, Sophie Conran created the Shell collection for Portmeirion. This tactile new range of porcelain (including serving bowls, platters and plates) is focused on the shape of shells, the feel of them in the palm of your hand and the warm neutrals of the sun-bleached treasures. They’re just the thing for serving up a seafood lunch. White porcelain shell serving bowl, £42; bowls, £26 for two; platter and bowl, £58; silver oyster dish and spoon, £39, all Sophie Conran at Portmeirion
Flavours of the sea Seaweed isn’t just for sushi! Founded three years ago in Devon, Ebb Tides hand-harvests the best of British seaweed – including dulse, kelp and laver – to be used in cooking. Whether you’re making something as simple as beans on toast, or whipping up a more elaborate dish, seaweed is an unusual and delicious way to add heaps of flavour. We’ve been using the peppery Sea Salad Shaker, £4.70, on everything; visit ebbtides.co.uk COuNTry HOmES & INTErIOrS
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Shopping directory
You’ll find all the companies in this month’s issue here AGA 0800 111 6477 a agaliving.com ALCHEMY alchemyoils.co.uk ALExANDER JAMES INTERIOR DESIGN aji.co.uk ALSO HOME 01483 608611
HOMEbASE 0345 077 8888 homebase.co.uk HOMELIA 0800 107 3664 homelia.com HOMESENSE 01923 473561 homesense.com HOUSEOLOGY 0330 363 0330 houseology.com
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alsohome.com AMARA 0800 587 7645 amara.com AMAZON amazon.co.uk ANDREW MARTIN 020 7225 5100 andrewmartin.co.uk ANNIE SLOAN 01865 803168 anniesloan.com ANTHROPOLOGIE 0800 0026 8476 anthropologie.com
HUGUET MALLORCA
huguetmallorca.com
IAN MANKIN 020 7722 iIKEA 0997 ianmankin.co.uk 020 3645 0000
ikea.co.uk
IMAGIN fIRES 01443
203994 imaginfires.co.uk
ARDINGLY INTERNATIONAL ANTIqUES & COLLECTORS fAIR 01636 702326 iacf.co.uk ARTISANS Of DEvIZES
IMPERfECT INTERIORS
imperfectinteriors.co.uk IPSL 01604 665361 ipsl.co.uk IROKA 01736 757333 iroka.co.uk
01380 735888 artisansofdevizes.com ARTISANTI 0345 259 1410 artisanti.com
JC CARPENTRY Jjccarpentryjoinery.co.uk 07875 626546
ASHLEY WILDE
01707 635201 ashleywildegroup.co.uk ASHTON & bENTLEY
01902 837436 ashtonandbentley.co.uk b&q 0333 014 3098 B diy.com bARKER AND STONEHOUSE
0333 920 1119 barkerandstonehouse.co.uk bATELA batelauk.com bATHSTORE 0800 023 2323 bathstore.com bC DESIGNS 01206 827100 bcdesigns.co.uk bEAUTIfUL HALO
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m y FA v o U R i T E v i E w
As a child, Billy would go crabbing from the wall of Cellardyke harbour
My favourite view...
Cellardyke harbour in fife, Scotland My restaurant is only five minutes away from where I grew up, in a town called Cellardyke in Fife. The house I lived in as a child had views from the living room onto the water. On a nice day when the sea was flat, there was nothing better than looking out and seeing the Isle of May just off the coast. And on a blustery day, I’d sit by our coal fire, feeling cosy, watching the waves smashing over the harbour wall.
This part of Fife is a good spot for fishing, so as well as anglers casting their lines from the harbour wall, there are a lot of small peel boats. Growing up, we used to go down in the summer with a little crab line, drop it off the edge of the harbour and pull up crabs for fun before throwing them back in. I’m from a family of fishermen, so I do still try to fish. It’s a bit harder now finding the 146
COuNTry HOmES & INTErIOrS
time with a restaurant and a family, but when I can I’ll nip away for a morning and fish off the harbour at Cellardyke or just off the rocks at low tide. The last time I was out I caught a pollock, which I had for my tea that night, simply grilled with some garlic and a bit of butter on it. Perfection. It’s also a really popular area for sea kayaks – a lot of people paddle across to the Isle of may but I’ve not been brave enough to venture that far! But this year I went out a few hundred metres off the shore with a fishing line, then just drifted along with the tide trying to catch some fish. There was a yacht a lot further out than me and I could hear people cheering and clapping and I turned around and there was a pod of dolphins in between us – they must have been out trying to catch the fish
as well! That was quite amazing. during the summer you get a lot of dolphins and porpoises coming in and, if you’re lucky, you’ll get a wee glimpse, and this was definitely the best view I’ve ever got of them. In a way, the coast means everything to me. I’ve always lived by the sea and it’s an important part of my life; I couldn’t really imagine being away from it. I’m so lucky to be based where I am. I can basically go from being in the kitchen – a really busy, stressful environment – and within two minutes I can be out along the coast away from everything. It’s such a relaxing place to be. I love it in all conditions; it’s forever changing and that’s what I love about it. Billy is the chef patron of Michelinstarred restaurant The Cellar. thecellaranstruther.co.uk
FEATURE THEA BABINGTON-STITT PhoTogRAPh (CEllAdykE HArBOur) POrrIdGE PICTurE lIBrAry/AlAmy STOCk PHOTO
Chef Billy Boyter grew up on the coast of Fife, and still lives and works near his home town. He tells us why the view of this harbour is so special to him...