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Ourpickofthelatestinteriors buys, traveladventures, workshopsandmore
FelicityMarshallandher companyDaughtersofGaea
Onwelcomingguestsfor Halloween,stylishly
AdilapidatedSussexcottage hasbeengivena beautiful NewEngland-stylerenovation
Mixoldandnewtocreatean elegantrusticscheme
Thisunique,cuttingedge ecohomeinWestSussexisa havenforwildlife
Moderncountrystylewitha touchofScandiinspo
Bringingoriginalfeatures backhasmadethisDorset farmhouseshine
Eclecticpiecescombinefor perfectlycuratedstyle
ArestoredCotswoldcottage makestheperfectcountry escapeforthisfamily
Choicepicksinearthytones andrichberryshades
Embracegreenshadesinall theirglorythroughbeautiful patternsanddesigns
Masteryournextroomproject withinteriordesigner SarahPeake’sexperttips
Contemporarytimberkitchen schemeswithrealwow
Creatingfeelgoodspaces
IT’S TIME TO LIGHT THE FIRE
Getsetforcosynightsathome
Discoverthedelightsofthis jeweloftheSouthDowns
Resetyourlifestyleandmakethe movefromcitytocountryliving
WHATEVER THE WEATHER Getyourhomereadyforwinter
Reduceenergycostswithsmart insulationmadefromnatural materialssuchaswoolorstraw
CAREER SHIFT
Bright,gorgeousdahliasgave AndieMcDowelladazzlingnew careerduringthepandemic
Embracethespookyseasonwith
Halloweencraftideas
OUR DAILY BREAD
SabrinaGhayourtransforms adailystapleintodelicious
STEP UP YOUR GARDENING
Terracedgardensthatcreate uniquespacesoneverylevel
Introduceawallofcolour withclematis
Designtheperfectsmall
Whattoplantanddointhe gardenthismonth
Forageforedibleberries
ClodaghMcKennaonhunting forhedgerowtreasures
NovelistKamilaShamsie describesherfavourite writer’sretreatinDevon
Save25%withCox&Cox
Subscribeandreceiveafree EmmaBridgewatermug
Country Homes & Interiors 0951-3019 is published monthly by Future Publishing Limited, 121-141 Westbourne Terrace, London W2 6JR, England. Distributed by MarketForce (UK), 121-141 Westbourne Terrace, London W2 6JR (020 3787 9001).
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REDESIGNINGamagazineisabitlikemoving houseanddecidingwhichfurnituretotakewith youandwhichdoesn’tsuityournewlifeand homeanymore.There’ssomethingliberating aboutlettinggooftheoldandconsciously, carefullychoosingwhattoreplaceitwith.It’s whatwe’vedonehere–keepingthefeatures thatstillfeelrelevantandexciting,‘upcyling’
otherstogivethemafreshleaseoflife,and
newperspectiveandexpertise.
Thebiggestchangeisourlogo–ahugeshift foranybrand.Butjustliketherefreshinside ourpages,wefeltthatitwastimetorepresent onourcoverthevibrant,contemporarystyle beingembracedbyyou,ourreaders.Sohere’s tocelebratingbeautifullyrenovatedrustic propertiesandstunningnewbuilds;colourful, curateddecoratingandthebestinteriordesign ideas;gloriousgardensandexperttipsonhow tomakethembloom;andallthemomentsthat makebeinginthecountrysidesospecial.
We’vedubbeditthemagazineforrural dwellersanddreamers.Wehopewe’ve capturedyourstyleandspirithere.…
Cox&Cox,soyoucanstartautumninstyle.
NIKKI HOLLIER is a Chelsea Flower Show silver medallist and former winner of a CH&I My Country Business Award. The founder of Border in a Box will be sharing a planting plan with us; see page 134.
ANNA TURNS writes about sustainability and environmental issues from her home in Devon. She will be contributing a regular eco innovation page for us; her first, on natural insulation, is on page 105.
BILLY PEEL AND CHRIS McPHAIL are the dream team of designers who have worked so hard to make our new look as beautiful as it is. They deserve huge plaudits (and a lie down to recover). Thank you both!
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Diningoutdoorsatthistimeofyearcanberiskywiththe weather,butshouldittakeaturnfortheworse,bringthe outdoorsinwithaseasonallyinspiredtablesetting.Tuck
printednapkinstoaddalivelylayerofpattern. Charcoalnapkins,£48forsix,TheBlockHut
COUNTRY HOMES & INTERIORS 11 BY TARA KINGFelicity’sdesiretofurnish herownhomewith sustainableandstylish homewaresledtothe launchearlierthisyearofethical homewarebrand,Daughtersof Gaea.Inspiredbytraditional ofcushionsandthrowshasbeen printedinpartnershipwith female-owned‘Tharangini Studios’,Bangalore’soldest handcrafttextilestudio.
Didyoustartoutasadesigner? No,farfromit!Icompleteda Classicsdegreeatuniversityand alwaysbeeninterestedindesign, andwhenfurnishingmyhometwo yearsago,Ibecamepassionate
aboutchannellingmystyleand creativityintointeriorsanddécor.
TellusaboutDaughtersofGaea Transparentethicalvaluesare unusualinhigh-enddesign. Iwantedcommunityandfair employmentattheheartofmy brand,soIworkethicallyand sustainablywithfemale-led artisansfromacrosstheglobe.
Whatmakesthebrandunique? WhenyoubuyfromDaughters ofGaeayouknowthatyou’re investingnotonlyinalifelong pieceforyourhome,butyou’re alsohelpingtoempowerwomen workersacrosstheworld,while beingkindtotheenvironment, too.Everyproductiscreatedusing
naturalmaterialsandlow-impact dyestoensureminimumwaste throughtheproductionprocess.
What’stheinspirationbehind TheIndiaCollection?
Theboldcoloursandshapeswere drawnfromtraditionalIndian
silkandorganiccottoncanvas. Manyofthecushionsandthrows arereversible,withclashing patternsoneachside. I’ve just begunworkingontheMexico Collection,whichisbeingsewnby awonderfulwoman’sembroidery collectiveinOaxaca.
Sumupyourcreativestyle inthreewords… Artistic,whimsicalanddreamlike.
ThefounderofDaughtersofGaeachampions sustainableproduction,workingwithfemale artisanstocreateherdelightfulhomewares 12 COUNTRY HOMES & INTERIORS FelicityMarshallTakingthefustinessoutofbuyingart, interiorandfashiondesignersJoSampson andJennyCrosbiehavelaunchedArtorial, anewonlinedestinationforfashion-forward withinteriordesignerLauraStephensfor begineachprojectbybringingtogether amoodboardofimagery,materialsand sketches,thenworkwiththedesignerto thatencompasseverythingthereistolove andstripestovintagemapsandhand-drawn
Family-ownedBritishretailer BarkerandStonehousehasadded toitswell-establishedsustainable furniturecollectionwiththelaunch ofitsgreenestsofayet.Inspiredby mid-centurydesign,theLotus, £1,529,hasbeenconsciouslycrafted fromrecycledandrecyclable
Thecollectionalsoincludesa matchingsnugglechair,£1,059:both includingmustardandforestgreen, barkerandstonehouse.co.uk
Takeamoresustainableapproachtochildren’s toys(andkeeptheirbedroomsclearofclutter) withthehelpofBorrow&Nest,aplastic-freetoy rentalsubscriptionservice.Choosefavourites fromacuratedcollectionofpre-lovedwooden toysandhavethemdeliveredtoyourdoorin plastic-freepackaging.Keepforaslongasyour littleoneslovethem,thensimplyswapforanew plaything.Itcostsjust£17.99amonthtoborrow twotoysworthupto£150invalue–great
Borrowandnest.co.uk
Independent fashion brand Lowie has gained a cult following thanks to its honest approach to eco style. Each garment is handcrafted using natural fabrics produced in small, ethically run factories around the world, all visited by founder Bronwyn Lowenthal. What’s more, each garment comes with a lifetime of free repairs, guaranteed. With accessories and homewares on o er as well as clothing, it’s your one-stop sustainable shop – we love it. ilovelowie.com
Corduroy boiler suit, £175; Printed cord romper, £175; Snow jumper, £175; Pocket embroidered trousers, £168, all Lowie
Rick Stein’s flagship cookery school in Padstow, Cornwall, has reopened following an extensive refurb by kitchen design experts, Howdens. With a coastal interior scheme reflective of its shoreline setting, it’s the perfect place to try your hand at seafood cookery. Award-winning experiences range from one-day ‘catch and cook’ sessions, £225, to a four-day ‘ultimate fish and shellfish’ course, which include fishing trips and visits to local Cornish farms. rickstein.com/cookery-school
Perhapsitistheadventof lanternseason,withits dancingglowofcandlelight andeeriequietofshadowy cornersinsideandout,butIbelieve autumnisoneofthemostjoyfuland romanticmomentsintheyear.
Isthisairofenchantmentbecause OctoberbringsusHalloween, pumpkinsandthingsthatgobumpin thenight?Mostcertainly. HereatHill House,weembracethefun,mystery andthebeauty–wholeheartedly!
TheideaofcelebratingHalloween maynotbetoeveryone’staste,butit canbeagreatmarkingpointofthe momentbetweenautumnandwinter. Truthbetold,mypumpkinstendto appearthroughoutthehouselong beforeanyhintofwitch’sbrewtakes itshold.Thereissimplynothingmore jollythanabeautifullydecorated entrance.Sowhywouldonelimitthe enjoymentofseasonaldecoratingto markjustonedayornight?
Iliketodisplaycarefullyselected groupsofpumpkinsalongwithlarge tubsofchrysanthemumsonmy doorstepfromtheendofSeptember untilit’stimetoswitchoverfor Christmas.Thechrysanthemums ensurethatmyentrancemaintainsan airofmyusualcountryinteriorsstyle ratherthanpantomimetheatrics. Andtoavoidfallingtoofardownthe ‘spooky’trap,Itendtochoose pumpkinsingreyblues,paleyellows andchalkypeachhuestotonedown themoretraditionalorange.(Wecut thepumpkinsupafterwardsand keepthesmallonesforsoupand distributethelargeronesforlocal deersonothingiswasted.)Lanterns begintomaketheirannual
appearanceinlargernumbersonmydoorstepatthis point.Withtheirlong-lastingchurchcandles,they straddletheseasonsfromautumnuntillatewinter,without succumbingtokitschorcliché.
Theseasonalsobringsachangeinmyfamily’sculinary tastes.Spicesthatremindmeofmychildhood,suchas cinnamon,gingerandclove,comeintotheirownatthis everythingfrombiscuitsandsoupstohotdrinksand spicedciders.Irecreatethedishesandrecipesthatmy motherbroughtwithherandadaptedfromtheCaribbean. Heartyspicedstews,steamedsweetpotatopuddings,
recipesthatmarktheadventofHalloweenseasonforme.
Ofcourse,it’salsotheseasonforkeepingatubofsweets
tendtobeonesthatdemandapackofplayingcards,and ofdisappearing.Itmustbethemagicintheair!
‘For us at Hill House, the emphasis is on the fun rather than the fearful, and the wholesome rather than the frightsome’
Ourcolumnistwelcomesguests –andghouls–withadecorated doorwayandHalloweenfun
Nothing creates autumnal ambience quite like flickering candlelight… Based on Backridge Farm in the heart of the Ribble Valley, The Melt Co ethically produces handmade candles in a variety of sizes and styles, with ingredients and packaging sourced from local Lancashire suppliers. Known for its unusual fragrance combinations, there are scents to suit every season – with its subtle spice, we think Nocturne is the perfect aroma for this time of year. Prices start at £9.95 for a travel-size candle, themeltco.com
Put your own stamp – literally –on your interior schemes with block print designs you can complete by hand at your kitchen table. In Modern Block Printing, artist Rowan Sivyer demonstrates a range of easy projects, from gift cards and wrapping to ideas for homewares such as cushions and lampshades; £15.99, Hardie Grant Books.
Consider swapping your plastic clothes pegs for a longer-lasting version instead. The one-piece steel construction and lifetime guarantee of Pincinox clothes pegs, £21 for a pack of 20, means you’ll never need to worry about breakages, and they’re rust-free so your clothes are safe from stains. Available at uk.buymeonce.com
Asfounderoftravel companySlowAdventure, SaraMairBellshawaimsto openoureyestoanewtype oftourism;onethat’s community-led,values chancetogivebacktothe placeswe’revisiting.
‘Whenwethinkof outdooradventure,we tendtothinkofadrenalinepumpingsports.Aslow adventureistheantithesis ofthat,’Saraexplains. ‘It’sabouttravelling throughwildplacesand naturalspaces,connecting withlocalpeoplewho wanttoshareauthentic experiences.It’sabout slowingrightdownsoyou noticeeverymoment.’ adventuringrepresents amoresustainabletravel
choice,withgreenforms oftransport,nature-based accommodation,and locallysourcedfood.‘At SlowAdventurewealso wanttogiveexplorersthe chancetogivebacktothe placesthey’revisiting. Fromhikingandsailing toforagingandwildyoga, there’sahostofunique experiencestobehad –alldesignedbylocal peoplewhoarepassionate aboutsupportingtheir ruralcommunitiesand regeneratingtheirnatural spaces,’Sarasays.
FIND OUT MORE … Findaslowadventurethat suitsyou–theystartfrom £190perpersonpernight, includingaccommodation, foodandactivities.Book atslow-adventure.com
Innovativewallpaper brandDadocontinuesits imaginativeapproachto designwiththelaunchofits colourfulcollaborationwith Cameroonian-borndesigner AmechiMandiofAmechi traditions,textilesand hisjoyfulprintshavebeen reworkedintoaseries ofbeautifulwallpapers, strikinggeometricinspired
TIME WELL SPENT…
DISCOVER… App ‘What’s that Bumblebee’
of bumblebee is buzzing around your garden. Free for Apple and Android, bumblebee LISTEN… fast lane – you’ll be health and happiness.
FOLLOW… keeper) @pollyfern
images of her striking,
Waiting for the flickering flames to be reflected in the mirror behind – a collection of antique mercuried candlesticks in Tracey Gill’s home; see next page. Similar drawers, Oka. Similar candlesticks, Primrose & Plum
A dated cottage in rural Sussex has been extended and remodelled into a beautiful country home that combines the best of old and New England
EXTERIOR Vintage zinc planters placed either side of the path add a sense of formality to the front door. Similar planters, Goose Home and Garden
VERANDA In the cooler months, cosy blankets and lanterns create a cocooning feel on the pretty veranda, which is used all year round
TraceyGill’scharacterfulweatherboardedhouse,with itshandmadeclaytiledroof,verandaandmanicured tobelieveitisbarelyfouryearsold.‘Ourfocuswhen
leadingtotheverandacreatesthe agalleriedmasterbedroomthat
‘Wearenearaverylovelyvillage,setinthreeacres inneedofrenovation,however–a diminutive,datedcottage,worlds awayfromthestylishhomethat
decidedtolearnhowtotileanddida
concreterooftiles,modernleaded lightwindows,Artexedwalls,old
Howfortunate,then,thatitfellinto ahomecomingforherfavourite thisrenovationreliedonitsexterior
whiteweatherboardunifyingtheold cottageandthenewextendedsection.
measure,withtheoriginalhousenow
AT HOME WITH OWNER Tracey Gill lives here. She is a property designer/location house owner.
HOUSE A five-bedroom white weatherboard house in East Sussex.
removed,theboardswere usedtocreateaheadboard forthemasterbedroom.
thenumerouscastiron radiatorsinthehouse,she havethemshotblasted,
Olddressershavebeen inthebathrooms,anda foundinthegardenhas certainly,thiswoman’streasure! Thehouseandoutbuildings, includingseparatestudio,are availabletorentasashootlocation. Instagram@ruralrefurbfordetails.
KITCHEN AREA Reclaimed pieces add a modern rustic touch and a warm contrast to the pure white walls. A reclaimed engineer’s bench has been repurposed as an island for a sociable space. Units in Charcoal and Light Grey, DIY Kitchens. Floor tiles, Topps Tiles
DINING AREA The space has been designed for year-round entertaining and socialising, with doors leading directly onto the veranda and a large table that comfortably seats eight. Different styles of chairs have been stripped back and painted the same shade of white for a unifying effect. For similar table and chairs, try Home Barn
ENTRANCE HALL Vintage furniture features throughout Tracey’s home, providing authentic country-style charm. Here, a carpenters’ bench with original working vice takes pride of place. Walls painted in Dulux Matt White emulsion. Bench, Ardingly Antiques Fair has similar
SNUG Bespoke shelving made by a local carpenter maximises the book storage in the old part of the original house, disguising the fact that the walls in this room aren’t perfectly straight. Shelving painted in RAL 7047. Find sofas in similar checked fabric at Next
The pitched ceiling and galleried dressing room create a sense of luxury. Headboard made from reclaimed wooden boards. For similar, try Retrouvius. Mirror and bath, Ebay. Chandelier, Litecraft
EMSLIE
SIMPLE PLEASURES… ‘Walking Bertie the labrador at dawn down the field to the stream with a mug of coffee as the sun rises.’
MY FAVOURITE VIEW… ‘From the bedroom, soaking in my bathtub with the French doors open, looking out over the land to the tree lined horizon.’
SHOP AT…‘TN22 Sussex (TN22sussex.co.uk) for lifestyle goods, plus vintage and re-worked furniture. There’s lots of inspiration and advice to be had here from owners Steve and Janie. There’s always something new to see.’
GO FOR A MEAL AT… ‘The Hurstwood (thehurstwood. com), a beautiful village pub serving up wonderful food!’
Recognising the potential in a neglected site, Dan and Nina Rowland created a stunning sustainable home centred on a natural swimming pond
REAR EXTERIOR On warmer days, the large sliding doors are pushed back, creating a seamless link between inside and out. Sliding doors, Cortizo
Livingherefeelsasthoughwe’re immersedinanever-changing naturalenvironment,’saysDan Rowland,who,withhiswifeNina, hasdesignedandbuiltacutting-edge ecohome,completewithanatural swimmingpond,inWestSussex.
‘It’sbeenalabouroflove,but
hardwork.Oneofthemostrewarding aspectsisseeingourchildren’sfaces astheymarvelatswallowsswooping downtowashtheirwingsinthe shimmeringwater.Thisunique,closerelationshipwith natureconstantlyimpactsoneveryaspectofourlives.’
inLondonandlongedformorespaceandanenhanced qualityoflife.
‘I’mahugeadvocateofbiophilicdesignandhowits symbiosiswithnaturecanhaveapositiveimpactonthe wellbeingofaproperty’soccupants,’saysDan,who studiedpsychologybeforebranchingintoarchitecture. Determinedtocreatetheirownbiophilichome,thepair beganscouringtheinternetforasuitablecoastalsite.
AssoonasNinaspotteddetailsforthisplotwithitsdated 1930shouse,anovergrownpaddockandlargepond,she feltinstinctivelythatthiscouldbetheone.It’sonthe outskirtsofBosham,avillageinWestSussex.‘We’d previouslyvisitedfriendswholivenearbyandknewitwas anunspoilt,beautifulandtranquilareaclosetoChichester HarbourandtheSouthDownsNationalPark,’shesays.
buyersweren’tinterested,astheunattractive,stagnant pondwasobviouslyahugestumbling block,’saysDan.‘ButIcouldseehow thehomecouldconnectwithits surroundings,andknewthiswas agoldenopportunity.’
Theexcitedpairbegan formulatingplans–theirideas crystallisingfurtherwhenDan croucheddownbesidethepond. ‘Eventhoughthewaterwassludgy
Thislightbulbmomentinspired himtodesignthehousewiththe mainlivingareaattherear. ‘I visualisedabright,airyspace
withlargeslidingdoorsthatwould maximisethesouth-facingaspect,’ saysDan.‘Iwantedtocreatethe
almostseamlesslyoverwhatwould becomeacrystal-clear,natural swimmingpond.’
Havingputtheirpropertyonthe marketin2016,DanandNina,who waspregnantwiththeirsecond childLexi,relocatedtotheexisting house(whichwouldeventuallybe
bedroomhomewasbuilt.
Despitesomehurdles,the tenaciouspairfocusedonachieving theirgoalandgraduallythethreestoreyhouse,builtfromstructural insulatedpanels(SIPs),andcladin Siberianlarch,becameareality.
Determinedthattheinteriorwould complementtheexterior,Nina sourcedmaterials,furnitureandsoft furnishingstogivetheirhomea relaxed,modernfeel,incorporating anatural,texturalpalettecontrasting withsharper,slickerdetails.The resultisasun-drenchedhomewitha calmyetstimulatingambience.Since appearingontheGrandDesigns televisionseries,thecouple’sStudio Fusearchitecturalpracticehasbeen inundatedwithrequestsfromclients keentocreatebiophilichomes.
ourguestsandclientsdowhenthey crossthesteppingstones,’saysNina. ‘There’sarealsenseofadventure, creativityandfunthateveryone immediatelysenses.It’spureescapism. Forfurtherinformation,visit studiofuse.co.uk
OWNERS Dan and Nina Rowland, their daughters Isla, seven, and Lexi, six, and cocker spaniel, Maisey. Dan and Nina run their own architectural/design practice, Studio Fuse.
HOUSE A five-bedroom, detached new-build house.
KITCHEN For a seamless look, Nina included a white induction hob. Hob, Smeg. Black wall cupboards, House of Sloane. Tap, Quooker. Handles, Dowsing & Reynolds. Quartz worktops, Granite Kitchen Services
LIVING AREA The blue corner sofa creates a sense of cohesion between the natural swimming pond and main living space. Sofa, Swoon. Sheepskin, John Lewis & Partners. Cushions and throw, H&M Home. Coffee table, DFS
KITCHEN Vertical wooden panelling softens the modern scheme. Black pendant, ideas4lighting.com, painted in Dulux black matt eggshell. Cushions, H&M Home. Table, Habitat. Bench, Rose & Grey
STAIRCASE Dan paired the elegant steel balustrade with an oak handrail for this light-drenched space. The sweeping staircase adds drama. Jutland engineered oak flooring, Havwoods
A freestanding bath frames the beautiful views. White bath, Lusso Stone. Brass taps, The Watermark Collection. Pendant light, Lyngard. Curtains, Curtains 2go
The couple wanted this scheme to be relaxed and understated. Bedlinen and bedside table, both H&M Home. Bed, John Lewis & Partners. Porcelain lights, deVOL
‘Iwantedtheinteriortocomplementthe exteriorofourhome,soIusednatural, texturalmaterialsandfurnishings alongsidesharper,slickerlinesanddetails’
FRONT EXTERIOR A shingle drive leads to the couple’s cantilevered flint home, clad in Siberian larch, and located on the fringe of a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)
SIMPLE PLEASURES... ‘There are so many pinch-me moments, from being able to start the day with a swim in the pond, to watching the girls make “potions” from the petals and herbs in our garden’
MY FAVOURITE VIEW... ‘Looking out of the kitchen to see dragonflies hovering over the water lilies, and the occasional deer stopping for a drink.’
SHOP AT... ‘I’m a big fan of Design Vintage (designvintage.co.uk), their West Stoke branch is just a five-minute drive away. I love their styling and textural colour palette, which is aligned with our pared-back style.’
GO FOR A MEAL AT... ‘The Crown & Anchor at Dell Quay (crownand anchorchichester.com). It overlooks beautiful Chichester Harbour and is a wonderful place for a meal and to watch the most beautiful sunsets.’
GARDEN Every day is a new adventure in the beautifully designed garden with its meandering walkway. It’s a haven for wildlife, which are attracted to the natural swimming pond
Matt and Alice Cobon have put their heart and soul into creating an architecturally beautiful home that’s a perfect example of modern rural living
KITCHEN The kitchen island makes the most of the barn’s large dimensions. ‘It’s the social hub of the house and we love to gather round it while preparing meals.’ Kitchen cabinetry and worktops, DeVol. Vintage ladder, Bridport Antiques
Butwithitsadjoiningbarnandseries propertyinawaythatbridgedthe asthenewkitchen/livingarea,and periodcharacterbackintothe renovationwithoutworryingabout
AT HOME WITH OWNERS Former fund manager Matt Cobon lives here with his wife, Alice, and two children, Clemmie, eight, and Gracie, six. PROPERTY An early 19thcentury stone farmhouse and converted barn in West Dorset, bought in 2013.
extensionwasbuilt,connectingthe space,withahiddenpocketdoor includingtheinglenooksand
withstunningviews,andanensuite, wherealargecopperbathnow
Cobonshavecontinuedto developthehouseoverthe andinthegardensyou’ll Mediterraneanseatingarea andanoutdoorkitchen interestingpiecesthatsit lightingandourcollection
Wehavealsobeen yearsagoandrestoredthevegetable nowprovideuswithanabundance couplerentoutthehouse,plustheir special,wewantotherstoenjoyit FindthepropertiesonAirbnb; searchReinventingtheFarm,for thefarmhouse,andTheShedat DorsetFarm,forthestable.
ithbusyLondonlives,we’dalwayslovedescapingtoDorset,’says
KITCHEN The vintage signage, haberdashery drawers and cinema seats add the couple’s sense of fun and personality to the room. Vintage haberdashery drawers, Ebay. Skeleton poster, Crooked Horn Antiques. Cinema seats and Stop sign, Somerset Antiques and Interiors
‘Ourhomeiscomfortableand stylishinequalmeasure.Breathing lifebackintoitswallshasbeensuch anenjoyableandcreativeprocess’
LOUNGE The lounge comes into its own as the nights draw in. ‘We wanted the room to have a speakeasy feel, so opted for dark painted walls with maximalist décor and furnishings.’ Sofa, Muuto. Throw, Cox and Cox
LANDING Reconditioned floorboards run throughout the upstairs adding warmth, charm and a cohesive feel to each space. Pendant light, Tom Dixon. Banisters painted in Ice Storm 3, Dulux
EN SUITE The freestanding copper bath, which looks striking against the royal blue tiles, was the first thing the couple bought for the house, adding that allimportant touch of luxury. Try the Coln copper bath, London Encaustic, and Rustico ceramic wall tiles, Crown Tiles
MATT AND ALICE’S COUNTRY LIFE SIMPLE PLEASURES… ‘Being able to immerse ourselves in our natural surroundings, growing and foraging different produce and watching nature ebb and flow.’
MY FAVOURITE VIEW… ‘The top of the wildflower meadow. There is an amazing view over the fields and around the valley. We decamp there in the early evenings to watch the sunset, sit around a fire and watch the stars appear. It’s magical!’
SHOP AT… ‘Crooked Horn Antiques (@crooked hornantiques) in Crewkerne owned by Ariane Premont is my go-to interiors shop. It’s packed full of interesting and decorative antiques; Ariane has a wonderful eye.’
GO FOR A MEAL AT… ‘The Tytherleigh Arms (thyherleigharms.com) on the Devon and Dorset border is our local. A 16th-century coach house set in idyllic countryside with an excellent seasonal menu, it never disappoints.’
EXTERIOR The 19th-century farmhouse has been restored to its former glory and connected to the converted barn
This lockdown project ‘pandemic buy’ became the perfect antidote to city life for Rachel Southern
LIVING ROOM Key to the look was bringing in earthy outdoor colours with playful touches, such as stripes, tartan and a yellow window seat, so the scheme wasn’t too stuffy. Sofa, Sofa.com. Cushions, Zara Home. Window seat cushions, Colefax and Fowler. Wooden chair and coffee table trunk, Ebay
LIVING ROOM Laura chose a soft neutral paint to complement the exposed stone walls. Walls painted in Thames Mud by Little Greene. Rug, Crucial Trading. Bureau, antique from family. Botanical prints, antiques fair. Blind and door curtain fabric, Tinsmiths
hecottageremindsmeofmygrandma’s house–Iknowshewouldhavelovedit,’ saysRachelSouthernofherCotswolds bolthole,anidyllicpropertythatdates fromthemid1600s.Originallyabarn adjoiningthenextdoorfarmhouse,it waslaterconvertedintotwosimple ‘oneuponedown’cottages.Theninthe early1900s,itwasknockedthroughto createasinglehome.
Racheldescribesitas‘apandemicbuy’.
HavingpurchaseditinFebruary2021,buildingwork commencedinMarchandtheinteriorwascompletedby theendofSeptember.‘OurmainhomeisinLondonbut wewantedsomewhereclosertofamilythatallofuscould enjoy,butwhichwouldalsogeneratesomeincomeby rentingitoutoccasionally,’saysRachel.‘Lockdowngave methetimeandspacetodoit.’
Therenovationfocusedonkeepingasmanyoriginal featuresaspossible.‘Beamswerestrippedandrepaired
disintegratedandwehadtosourcesimilarboardsand foundoneinareclamationyardinGloucesterbutviewing everythingonamobilephoneinavideocallwasn’teasy!’
Becausetheinteriorwasdated, Rachelturnedtoherfriendinterior designerLauraStephens (@laurastephensid),whohad workedonherLondonhome,for help.Laura’sbriefwastobringinthe coloursofthelocalsurroundings andintroduceearthytones.‘Rachel wantedthecottagetofeelauthentic andsimple,’saysLaura.Heraim
toanother,creatingacosylookin keepingwiththecottage’sroots.
Thearchitectureofthehouse
lowceilingsandbeams,theoldpart
ofthecottageisdarkandLauraand Rachelwantedtoembracethatwhile ensuringitdidn’tfeelcave-like. ‘Thefrontdooropensontotheliving room,’saysRachel,‘andwewanted ittobeaseparateroomwherethe adultscouldrelax,withaschemethat didn’tfeeloverlydesignedandasifit hadcometogetherovertime.’
TThekitchenextensiondatesfrom morerecentyears,andadeep,rich redwaschosentorepainttheexisting woodcabinets.‘Itwasabravemove butIlovethecolour,’saysRachel. Thewalnutworktopwassanded andoiledandtongueandgroove
tobringcolourandcharacterinto theroom,’saysLaura.Everything abovethecabinetswaspainted awarmcreamtobalancethered cabinets,whilenostalgictouches suchasenamelwarewereadded.
Therearenodsthroughoutthe cottagetoRachel’sloveofbotanicals, ontheupperlandingtotheCathy Nordströmwallpapersinthe bathroomandguestbedroom.
‘Ilovetheyellowwallpaperinthe guestroom,’saysRachel.‘There’sa goldenglowinthatroomwhenthe suncomesinthroughthewindow.’
loveithere,’saysRachel.‘Laurahas helpedcreateahomethatretainsall thecharacterandworksasaplaceto spendtimewithfamilyandfriends.’ WellCottageisavailableto rent; visitSandandStone, sandandstoneescapes.com
AT HOME WITH OWNERS Rachel and Luke Southern, who both work in advertising. They have a son, Rafferty, 13, and a cat called Honey.
HOUSE The cottage dates back to the 17th century and has three bedrooms and two bathrooms.
The cottage was once a barn adjoining the next door farmhouse. Doors and windows painted in Wood Pigeon, Dulux
KITCHEN The space has a period feel with a modern twist. An unattractive island was removed but the handmade wooden cabinets were retained and repainted a deep, rich red. Cabinets painted in Arras by Little Greene. Cabinet handles, Armac Martin. Blue pendant lights, Mullan Lighting
This picturesque outdoor space has a Provençal feel. Because it’s a suntrap, it’s the perfect place for alfresco dining. Table, chairs and bench, antiques fair. Cushions and tablecloth, Tori Murphy
‘Wewantedtouselotsofcolour. Wedidn’twantittolookthesame aseveryoneelse’scottage’
GUEST BEDROOM The iron bedstead was painted black to ground it. Stripy cushions prevent the scheme from becoming chintzy. Bed, The Original Bed Co. Velvet throw, Niki Jones. Striped cushions, made from fabric from The Cloth Shop. Lamps and lampshades, Pooky. Bedside tables, Loaf
BATHROOM Laura wanted to make an impact and so chose red tiles with a rustic, artisanal feel. ‘We love this colour and wanted to bring in the shade that was used elsewhere,’ she says. Tiles, Tiles Direct. Mirror, Ikea. Shower, Aston Matthews. Wall light, Pooky. Panelling painted in Nether Red by Little Greene
SIMPLE PLEASURES... ‘Sitting in the garden and hearing the wonderfully relaxing sound of horses’ hooves walking by.’
MY FAVOURITE VIEW... ‘The field at the back of the cottage especially when the deer are looking curiously into the garden.’
SHOP AT... ‘C’est Tout interiors (@cesttoutinteriors) where we love to scour for vintage finds.’
GO FOR A MEAL AT... ‘The Royal Oak (royaloakramsden. com) for cosy roaring fires in the winter, and a perfect courtyard garden for lazy summer evenings.’
GUEST BEDROOM Rachel loves botanicals so Laura chose a mustard leaf-print wallpaper. Wallpaper, Cathy Nordström. Mustard throw, Niki Jones. Chest of drawers painted in Brinjal by Farrow & Ball. Blind fabric, Designers Guild. Cushion, GP&J Baker trim and velvet. Rug, Cox & Cox
1 MANGO WOOD Maison side chair in Albany and Moss Grey, £209, Barker and Stonehouse 2 PRESSED FLOWERS Oval lacquer frame with a pressed delphinium, £180, Matilda Goad 3 AVAILABLE IN FIVE COLOURS Scalloped bedside table in Red, from £1,610, Vanrenen GW Designs 4 REGENCY STYLE Keswick stripe fabric in Leaf Green and Ivory, £21.50m, Tinsmiths
HANDMADE CERAMIC Cecilia pendant, from £37, Pooky
VICTORIAN-VIBE
PALETTE Sage Green absolute matt emulsion, from £26 for 1ltr, Little Greene
CRAFTED AND PAINTED BY HAND Bobbin dressing table in Ruby, £1,317, Chelsea Textiles
STYLISH FILING Odonata box files, £65 for set of three, Oka
INSPIRED BY BARLEY TWIST FURNITURE Red twisted table lamp, £95, Birdie Fortescue 10 FOR BEDS OR CHAIRS Harbour stripe frilly cushion in Radish, £75, Tori Murphy
Ourhomestruly comeintotheir owninautumn, becoming ourultimatecosyzoneas theweatherturnscooler outside.Createyour visionofstyle,warmth andcomfortwiththenew collectionfromCox&Cox.
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A raffia shade and green base will add rabble-rousing energy to any corner. Boster table lamp, £80; straight empire shade in Natural rattan, £32, both Pooky
Thecolourofharmony,greencan beinterpretedinendlessshadesand patterns,withouteverlosingitscool
Wall in Card Room Green estate emulsion, £52 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball. Curtain in Green Sherborne Ticking, £45m, Baker Lifestyle at GP & J Baker. Banquette sofa, from a selection at Kingcome; upholstered in Casidy Green, £59m, Jane Churchill. Rander ceramic stool, £225, Oka. Luna woodblock print, £80, Glassette. Rhombus rug, from £195, Birdie Fortescue
Wall, as before. Cane oval mirror, £580, Salvesen Graham. Small cane side table in Celadon, £425, Trove. Fleur Orientale linen fabric in Pale Birch, £150m, Designers Guild. Sofia armchair in Artichoke, from £1,585, Ceraudo. Cavea rug, £675, Late Afternoon. Hatfield recycled glass vases, from £58, One World
Floralorstripe–upholsterfurniturein yourheropattern,thenuseitsopposite asyouraccentdesign.Strengthor delicacyisthedecidingfactor
Compton wallpaper in Gorse Green, £119 a roll, Ben Pentreath for Morris & Co
Wall and ceiling painted in Windmill Lane intelligent matt emulsion, £56.50 for 2.5ltr; kitchen units in Córdoba, intelligent satinwood, £79.50 for 2.5ltr, both Little Greene
Prettypatternorplainpaint,both inspiredbynature,blurtheboundaries betweenoutdoorsandin.Pairwith rusticwoodforaforestfeel
Blossom wallpaper, £74.35m, Lewis & Wood. Gustavian sideboard, £2,222, Chelsea Textiles. Lamp base, £280; cane lampshade, £155, both Matilda Goad. Leggy candleholder, £68, Glassette. Green leaf bowls, £19 each, Daylesford. Tulip bowl, £120, Partnership Editions
Seto Mini wallpaper, £109 a roll, Brook Perdigon at The Fabric Collective. Rosemoor king-size bed, from £2,155; organic cotton bed linen set, all Homes & Gardens x Naturalmat. Head and footboard in Jardine, £85m, Colefax and Fowler
Likeacountrymeadoworgardenfoliage, asoftgreenistheperfectbackdropto toaddweighttoyourscheme
Whenyourdailycommuteistoyour
Workingfromhomegivesyoutheopportunity tomakeyourworkspaceyourown;nogrey feellikeaplacewhereyouwanttospendtime. ‘Whendesigningthisstudy,Iwantedtoinject tailoredway,soasnottoupstagetherestofthe space.Thecurtainshavethiswonderful,loud, yellowpatternbuttheyarealsoinavery traditionalstyle,withastructuredpelmet. Andthenavybluecontrastedgeactsasaclean dividinglinebetweentheboldyellowpattern andtheviewthroughthewindow,’says SarahPeake,founderofStudioPeake.
Thetypeofworkyoudofromhome–and –willdetermineyourstorageneeds.Bespoke storageisthebestwaytomaximisetheavailable neededtobemultifunctional.Ourclientwanted tocreateaspacethatcouldserveasawrapping
roomforcelebrations,aswellasafunctioning
Allofthecustomcabinetrywasdesignedto wrappingpaper,tags,tapeandeverythingin between,’explainsMindyGayer,founderof MindyGayerDesigns.
It’svitalthatyouhavegoodlighting,bothto toavoideyestrainoruncomfortableglare frombadlydirectedlamps.Whileapendantor walllightsmayprovideampleambience,your ‘Lightingiskeytocreatingamoodofproductivity.
Agooddesklightcanliftthespiritsandincrease concentration,’saysCharlieBowles,directorat OriginalBTC.‘Lookforstreamlineddesigns withshadesthatcanbeangledtocastlightwhere it’smostneeded.Abonechinashadewillcreate asoftwelcomingenvironment,whileametal shadewillconcentratelightonpaperwork.’
Thenaturalworldiscelebratedforitspower toinspireanditsabilitytoaidconcentration andreduceanxiety.Soitmakessensetobring thepowerofplantsintoyourworkspace. ‘Incorporatelargehouseplantsintoyour plantsondesktops,windowsillsandshelving,’
suggestsIreneGunter,founderofGunter&Co. ‘Groupplantsofvaryingheightstogethertocreate astunningmixoftexturesandcolourstomimic nature.Otherwaystobringafeelingofthenatural colours,sourcenature-inspiredartworksand thinkabouthowyoucanmaximisenaturallight.’
Thedeskisoneofthemostimportantpiecesof treatedassuch.Choosethelargestdesign possibleandtrytopositionyourdeskinfrontof thewindowtocapitaliseonthenaturallight. Thisisn’tonlygoodforyoureyesandwellbeing
videocall.‘Whenworkingforlonghoursit’s reallyimportanttohavefreshairandit’sniceto lookoutsidewhenyoureyesneedabreakfrom thescreen,’advisesKateGuinnessofKate GuinnessDesign.Controlthelightlevelswitha prettyblindwhichwill‘giveyousomethinglovely togazeonwhenyouneedinspiration,’addsKate.
Masteryournextroomprojectwithinteriordesigner
SarahPeake’sexperttipsonusingswatchesandmaterials toplanyourdecoratingtheme
We’veallseentheprettypictureson complexthansimplygroupingtogetheraload
willrunthroughyourdesign?’
DON’T FORGET THE HARD FINISHES
START WITH THE LARGEST AREAS FIRST willdictateandanchorthecoloursinthewider
Thiswillhelpwhenitcomestoturningyour IT’S A MARATHON, NOT A SPRINT CONTEXT IS CRITICAL
CONTRAST IS KEY
FIND SOME COMMON THREADS
poppingup,orapatternthatrecursinseveral isimportantalsotohavestructure–youdon’t
CURATED LOOK
From swatch to finished space: interior designer Sarah Peake enjoys the room she planned from her moodboard (shown behind)
The Haberdasher’s kitchen, from £30,000, deVOL, devol kitchens.co.uk
Nakedandnatural,thenewwoodkitchensareforgoing paintedcover-upsandrevealingtheirtruerusticbeauty
Recyclableandrenewable,timberfromsustainably managedforestsmakesitamoreenvironmentallyfriendlychoicethanmanyothermaterials–another reasonthatitsnaturalbeautyisbeingcelebratedintoday’s kitchens.‘deVOLhasalwaysbeencarefultouse sustainablysourcedwoodforallourfurniture,’says
HelenParker,creativedirector.‘Theyareveryappealing topeoplelookingforsomethingthatwillstandthetestof time,bothpracticallyandintimelessdesign,’sheadds.
Letwoodshineindesignsthatshowcaseitsindividual grainandhoney-colouredtones,likethiskitcheninspiredby mid-centuryhaberdasherycounters,handmadeinoak.
Kitchen from £35,000, Figura, figura.co.uk
Thenaturalbeautyandwarmthofwood,combined withitsstrengthandresilience,makesitidealforall kindsofcabinetry.Butifanall-woodkitchenseemstoo heavy,whynotcelebrateitsspecialqualitieswitha centralstandoutfeature,suchasanisland?‘Wood looksbetterasitagesandgainsevenmorecharacter,’
suggestsGilesSlater, founderanddesigner,Figura. Here,Europeanoakhasbeenusedtocreateafocal point,designedasthewelcominghuboftheroom.The warmcolour,beautifulgrainandstructureofthetimber standsoutagainstthecoolblue-paintedtallcupboards, whichformthebackdropofthekitchen.
Onewaytointroducemoderncharactertoakitchenisto playwithtexture.Woodworkswellwhenlayeredwith othernaturalmaterials,suchasmarbleandgranite,and canbeusedtoprovidegentlewarmthwhencontrasted againstpolishedsteelandglass.Slattedandribbed texturescanbeusedtofurtherelevatethedesign,
introducingthree-dimensionalfeaturesthatcatchtheeye andmaketheroomunique.
Inthispaintedkitchen,slattedtimberhasbeenusedto concealtheextractorhoodabovethehob.‘TheSkogwood panellingsuccessfullyaddsasenseofdepthandtextureto
Kitchen from £45,000, Sola Kitchens, solakitchens.com
Kitchen from £30,000, Papilio, wearepapilio.co.uk
‘Historically,timberwasviewedasanecessityinthe constructionofakitchenandconsequentlywas oftendecoratedwithpainttohideit,’explainsMatt
woodwithcolourisagoodwaytorampuptheimpactof adesign,especiallyifboldanddeephuesareusedto
contrastwiththetimber.Here,themellowbeautyofthe Francesca’sPaintsandaspeciallymixeddeepblue. ‘Thetimberbringsanelementofsoftnessandnature which,whenpairedwiththepaintcolours,bringsintrigue andbalance,’saysMatt.
Kitchen from £30,000, Roundhouse, round housedesign.com
Always follow your supplier’s specific maintenance and cleaning instructions for your kitchen furniture.
Wooden kitchen doors are often finished with a lacquer to protect against staining and scuffing, so typically there won’t be much upkeep – a simple wipe down with a clean and soft damp cloth should suffice.
Be sure to wipe up spills when they happen as delay may cause the acidic ingredients of food to react with the lacquer and ultimately strip the doors of their protective finish.
Do not allow water to remain in prolonged contact with wood, as this may cause staining and warping.
Some cupboard doors may require re-polishing with a clear, natural spray wax to keep them looking their best; follow manufacturer’s guidelines.
Timberisavailableinmanyvarieties(withoakandwalnut somewithconsistentverticalgrain,otherswithrichly stainstooilsandwaxes,canalsobeusedtoenhancecolour andgrain,aswellasprotecttimber.
InthisMetroUrbokitcheninmattlacquergreen, sectionsofroughsawnoakaddarustic,homelyquality, whilethegreenshadegivesitamodernedge.‘Byusing woodinakitchenwithcontemporarycabinetryandtiled
OliMoss,seniordesigner,Roundhouse.
Whatweseearoundusisparamounttoourhappiness.If somethingmakesussmile,itcreatesareactioninthebrain andreleaseshormones,includingdopamineandserotonin. Ithinkoftheseobjectsas‘happytriggers’.Ourpossessions canbringuscomfortandsecuritywhenweseethemon display.Theyevokehappymemoriesoftravelsortime spentwithlovedones.So,whetherit’safavouritecolour, photographs,akeepsakeorartwork,thinkaboutyourown happytriggersandtrytoincorporatethemintoyourhome.
Thesoundswehearwithinourlivingspacesareproven toplayamassiveroleinourhappiness.Ifpossible,sit somewherequietandnearawindowsothatyoucanenjoy
considerlisteningtoanaudiorecordinginstead.Studies, includinga2020surveybytheNaturalHistoryMuseum, havefoundthatlisteningtobirdsongcanlowerourstress levels.Anotheroptionistolistentomusic,whichcanbe justasupliftingorrelaxing.
andexperienceofwellbeinginaspace,saysPippaJameson. Here’showtotapintooursensestocreateabeautiful,feel-goodhome
Touchhasamassiveimpactonourbodies,includinghow theyarebestsupported.Forexample,oneofthemost commoncausesoflowerbackpainispoorsittingposture. Weshouldalsobeaskingourselveswhetherthefabricswe sleepunderarebreathableormakeussweatatnight.Are theysofttothetouch,providingapositivesensorystimulation, multisensoryconnectionsthroughtouch,wecancreate positiveemotionalexperiencesineveryroomofthehome.
Whatweeatandwhereweeatgohandinhandwithour wellbeing.Eatingtogetherasafamilyregularlyhasmany importantsensoryconnectionatmealtimes,whereasa welcomingspacewillencourageeveryonetositdown together.Mealpreparationandtablesettingcanbe delegatedandcookingrotasdrawnupsothewholefamily cangetinvolved.Choosearegularmealtimeandmakeita
positivesensoryresponseswithinourhomes.Theycan alsoevokefeelingsthatchangeourmoodandhelpto createaninvitingandhomelyspace.Syntheticair freshenersandfragrancescanbeharmfultoourbodies,so
source.Anaturalbeeswaxcandleisthecleanestintermsof toxicity,butburnsquicklyandmaynothaveasmanychoices intermsofscentsassoycandles,alsoatoxin-freeoption.
TheSensoryHomeby Pippa Jameson (Ryland Peters & Small). CH&I readers can buy a copy for the special price of £20 (RRP £25). To order, go to rylandpeters.com and use code SENSORYHOME5 at checkout. Offer valid until 31 October 2022. Free UK p&p
Cleanyourchimney,orderyourlogsandsettledown withthesehearth-warmingtips
LBOOK A PROFESSIONAL CHIMNEY SWEEP
CONSIDER YOUR LOG STORAGE
ADD THE FINISHING TOUCHES
CLEAN YOUR FIREPLACE
GATHER YOUR WOOD
TRANSFORM THE RITUAL OF TENDING THE FIRE from Cinderella drudgery to mindful moments by embracing its tech-free connection to hearth and home
Seasonedhardwoodssuchasash,oak,beech andbirchwillburnthecleanestandlongest withabrightflame.Avoidsoftwoodssuchas pineandfir,whichproducemoresmoke
TheruraltownofLewes(seeoverleaf)sawhousepricerises of 16.7%lastyear. Cannyinvestorsmightlookdownthe roadinstead–‘nextbest’homebuyerscansavethousands astone’sthrowfrompropertyhotspots.‘Byshiftingyour search,you’lloftenmakeconsiderablesavingsandstill enjoythesameareasasthosepayingmoreforthepleasure,’ saysestateagentJamesForresterofBarrowsandForrester.
DesignerWilliamMorrisreputedly describedLewesinEastSussex,which istraversedbytheRiverOuseand surroundedbytheSouthDowns,as ‘lyinglikeaboxoftoysunderagreat amphitheatreofchalkhills...’Hisplayful analogystillholdstruewhenwanderingthe narrowalleyways–‘twittens’,inthelocaldialect. Toysoldierstheremaynotbe,butmedieval castleruins,builtaftertheNormanConquest, standguardoverthe17,000-someresidents. ‘Lewesislovely,’saysone.‘Thereisbustlebutit’s relaxed,notheavinglikenearbyBrighton.’
dissidenceechoesdowntheages:frombattles thatvanquishedroyaltyinthe1200s,to17 lionheartedmartyrsburnedatthestakeinthe 1500s,andassociationstofamousfreethinker TomPaine.Somethingofthatardourbursts fortheveryNovemberinawildlyrumbustious
ProbablynotthenightMrMorriswasintown.
Youwillneedtospendthebestpartofamillion poundsforafour-bedroomperiodhomein Lewescentre.Demandhasbeenboostedbyan
HIT THE TOWN Explore Cliffe High Street for antique finds; Lewes Castle, built after the Battle of Hastings by supporters of William the Conqueror; Lewes Cliffe houses
veryattractive,’saysGaryMarplesofStruttand Parkerestateagent.‘Wehaveseena20% increaseinoursaleswithLondonbuyersduring thepastcoupleofyears–anditisnowthenorm toreceivemultiplebidsabovetheguideprice.’
StAnne’sandSouthover.Outlyingvillages
Youwouldn’twanttobeachainshopinLewes. Theutilitarianbrandingwouldstickoutamile –andnotinagoodway–amongbountiful boutiques.Also,theygetshortshrift.‘They alwaysendupclosingonlyweeksafter theyopen,’saysoneveteranvendorat TheNeedlemakers.Thischaracterfularcade, withhugebeams,tetheringringsandcobbled
donatingitslastbox,uponclosingin1908,tothe museum.OthergemsincludeFlintOwlBakery,
–andimmaculatelydolled-uphomewareshops, suchasClosetandBotts,andFreight.Don’t forgettopaywiththesoon-to-be-reissued ‘Lewespound’–thetown’sowncurrency.
Thisartsylittletownhasplentytofeedthesoul. Climbwindingpathsupruinedbattlementsto be‘kingofLewescastle’,whereyouwillbe
Openairtheatretakesplacehereoccasionally, orthereisthethrivingLewesLittleTheatre. NourishyourselfatthealternativeZuCafe.
PrimaryschoolsaboundinandaroundLewes–somethinglike25inall.‘Outstanding’Chailey
andsecondaryprovision.Forage12andup,the Priory,andtheprivateLewesGrammar,carry cachetlocally.Forthoselesstiedtotickboxes, RingwoodWaldorforHopeSussex.
LewestoLondonbytraintakesjustoveran hour,directtoVictoria;drivetimeisaboutthe same.Brightonisonly20minutesaway,bytrain orcar;it’smarginallymoretoothercoastal townssuchasWorthingandEastbourne.Seaford beachisineveneasierreach.Fortyminutesby cartoGatwick,or30minutesdirectbyrail.
Hampersatthereadyforopen-airoperaat Glyndebourne–MozartandPucciniareonthis year’sprogramme.StaydressyforPlumpton racecourse,ortaketimetorelaxatTheSecret Campsite,where‘dormousenests’,orspherical canvastreetents,swaybetweentheoaks.
Buildingtrendsinthecountrysideare changing,asgroundbreakingprojects inLewesandbeyonddemonstrate. OntheoutskirtsofLewesliesaformer industrialestatewhichismakingway forThePhoenixProject,acar-free vision,with700units.Someindustrial buildingswillberetained,andariver walkwayconnectswiththetown.
Amongmaterialstobeusedare Sussextimber,hempandlimeplaster. Interestingly,therearenowcompanies inthesectorwhogofurther.Flatpack manufacturerBaufritzemploys chemical-freematerialsandshielding
AcentralplankofthePhoenixbuild iscommunalliving. Elsewhere, Trivselhusiscreatingfamily-focussed Scandi-inspireddevelopmentswith open-planinteriors andnegligible energybills.Theyhave21homesin Surreyand42inCambridgeshire.
PhoenixdeveloperHumanNature hasmoreprojectsplannedforNorfolk andCambridge.Meanwhile,near Bristol,WaterLillieseco-villagehas33 plotswherehomesaredesignednotby developers,butresidentsthemselves.
This three-bedroom mid terrace is minutes from the centre, with an outdoor courtyard. Inside, 36 South Street is stylish, with a freestanding copper bath set into an alcove of the main bedroom. There are French doors, skylights and woodburner, for a guide price of £645,000.
This delightful four-bedroom Edwardian townhouse is slap bang in the centre of things. There are three light-filled floors, with original fireplaces and cornicing at 23 De Montfort Road. And a terraced garden too. Coming in at a guide price of £1,000,000.
This Grade II-listed Georgian beauty sits in the lea of Lewes Castle and is sure to knock socks off. There is a stucco façade and porch with Doric columns, plus five double bedrooms and a walled garden. Clearly a one-off, Castlegate House has a guide price of £2,450,000.
PHOTO, STRUTT AND PARKER
Resettingyourlifestylesatnavandrelocatingfromcityto
successfulrelocatorsabouthowtheymadethemove
‘I LEFT SUBURBAN LIFE AND NEVER ONCE LOOKED BACK’
LifecoachandauthorofHowtoRelocate, NatalieTricelivesinDevonwithherhusband OliverandsonsEddieandLucas. ‘Therearelotsofreasonsyoumightdecideto
Gettingclearonwhereyouwanttobeisreally
whathomelookslikeforyou.
youcanworkfromhome.Schools(andwhether aremotelocationwillturnyouintoyourtweens’
sexualityorreligionwillbewelcomed.
‘Whenyou’vedecidedwhereyouwant canreallygettoknowtheareabeforeyou libraryandtakeaways. andconformityleavemy shoulders.Irolleddown sunglassesandbreathed I’veneverlookedback.’ HowtoRelocate: TheUltimateGuideto StartingOverSuccessfully (Robinson,£13.99)
VV Brown, above, and Natalie Trice, below, both did their homework before making a move to the countryside
‘I GAVE LOCATIONS MARKS OUT OF 10’ Homewaredesigner andsingerVVBrown decampedfromcityto countryin2016withher husbandDaniel.They GraceandJosephine. ‘Westartedbylooking atallthecommuter scoredthemwithasystem
schoolsandtheLondoncommute.Wegave eachvariableamarkoutof10.Aftergoing backwardsandforwardsandvisitingamillion villagejustoutsideMiltonKeynes.Itgaveusthe blackhairsalon?AndwouldImissthe withinminutes.ThecountrysideiswhereIwant timemachinewasgoingtobeourforeverhome. burstofcolour.Wehadgoneforneutralshades colourinaworldfullofgrey.’ SeeVV’shomewareat thehouseofpatan.com
Get ready for winter storms and rain with these pro tips for protecting and sealing the exterior of your property
Therearemanythingstoloveabout autumn–thecrunchyleaves,thewarm
nameafew.However,italsobringswind,
mentionthepromiseoffrostsandpossiblysnow laterintheseason.Beforetheweatherturns, taketheopportunitytoweatherproofyour hometoensurethatitisreadytofacewhatever theskythrowsatit.
Ifyoutakeonlyonesteptoweatherproofyour home,thencheckingtheroofisessential.Todo this,eithergetouttheladdersorstandacrossthe streetoratthebottomofthegardenandassess theroofwithbinoculars.Ifyouseeanycause forconcern,askaroofertoconductathorough inspectionfrombothinsideandout.
‘Goodroofmaintenanceisvitaltoavoidwater damagetoabuilding’sfabric.Slippedslatesor tiles,failingleadworkandroofvalleysblocked bydebriswillallwreakhavocifneglected,’says RogerHunt,authoroftheOldHouseHandbook (£21,FrancesLincoln).
Whencheckingyourroofensurealltiles
ensurethere’snospaceforwateringress;look onthegroundforanyroofdebris;andinspect insidetheloftfordampareas,chinksoflight
Check your roof and guttering is in good condition before winter sets in and get a reputable roofer to make any necessary repairs
ordislodgedtiles.‘Roofsshouldberepaired
repairsandarelikelytopreventthefuture reuseofmaterials,’addsRoger.Alsoremove anymossandleavesfromtheroofasthesewill trapmoistureandleadtodampnessandrot.
Thechimneyisavulnerablepartofthehouse –itspositionprotrudingfromtheroofmeans
andsnow.Minorcrackscanberepairedwitha patchingcementor100percentsiliconecaulk. However,ifthecracksaremoremajor,youare likelytoneedprofessionalhelp.Itisalsoworth consideringinstallingachimneycaporcowl, willreducedowndraughtsandimproveyour AccordingtotheBuildingsResearch Establishment,havinganopenchimneyis comparabletoleavingawindowopenallthe investinginaremovablechimneydraught (chimneysheep.co.uk).Ratherthanthe permanentchimneyballoon,itcanbelodged
draughts,makingyourhomewarmerandmore
Whileyouhavetheladdersout,usethe opportunitytocleanoutguttersandunblock drains–removingleavesanddebrisprevents walls.Whileclearing,checkthatallthe gutters,gulliesanddownpipesarestillingood condition.Agutterbrush(guttersupplies.co.uk)
blockingdrainageofwater, tostopdebris
thehome,theyareallsusceptibletodamage inwet,freezingorwindyweather.Lookfor ofdamp)–treattheseissuesimmediately,with temporarymeasurestopreventfurtherfaults orwateringress.Thesecanthenberemediedby
IT’S ELEMENTAL Prepare for the elements by checking your home’s exterior for cracks and rot
aprofessionalinthewarmerweather.‘Freezeearthincoldweathercancausecracking, partsareparticularlysusceptible,including parapets,copings,cornicesandchimneys. Damagecanbeminimisedbycontrolling dampness.Avoidinappropriatecementmortars andimperviouswallinsulationastheyinhibit ‘breathability’,’advisesDouglasKent,technical andresearchdirectorattheSocietyforthe ProtectionofAncientBuildings.
Onewaytocontroldampnessistoprotect yourwood,brickorstoneworkfromtherain. ‘Drivingraincansoakthroughmasonryover twofeetthickinaslittleas24hours,’says BuildingProducts.‘Ifyourhousehasapainted unpaintedbrickorstonethentheapplicationof apremiumgradeclearwaterrepellentorcream willlikelybeyourbestoption.Selectapremium brandfromoneofthespecialistmanufacturers
thanaDIYoptionandensureyourrepellentis 100percentbreathableandwillworkwithlime mortaraswellasbrick,stoneandwood.’
Identifytheentrypointsofanycoldairand takeappropriatestepstocontrolthis.DIY
Regularly clean your windows and get any damaged parts fixed; protect front doors from draughts to keep your home energy efficient
metalorwoodenwindowframes.Outside,make sureyourwindowsillsarecleartoletwater drainawayratherthanpooling.
Protectyourpipesbyinstallingfoaminsulation
andskirtingboardsusingdecorator’scaulk. Youcanalsohireaprofessionaltodraughtproofyourhouse,atacostofaround£225for thetypicalsemi-detachedpropertyinBritain.
Takesometimetochecktheconditionofyour windows.Wherepossible,openthemtocheck
damagedorloosehinges,rottentimber, missing,looseordamagedputty,crackedor peelingpaintworkandloosejoints.Thesecan
Withthecolderweatheroutsideandthe heatingonindoors,itislikelythatyouwillget abuildupofcondensationonyourwindows overnight.Ensureyouwipeyourwindowsdry eachmorningtopreventmoisturecausing damagetopaintworkorleachingintoyour
‘Ifyoususpectproblemswithpipesyou ontorelievepressurewhileanyicemeltsand alsouseahairdryeroraheatguntothawfrozen heatingproductmanagerofBestHeating. ‘Temporarilymendapipebybindingittightly withclothorheavy-dutytapeandcontacta
VENTROLLA ventrolla.co.uk
Afteraheavysnowfallclearsnowfromthe parapetandvalleygutters.‘Removingthe snowstopsmoistureseepingthroughjoints. Bemindfulofyoursafetyandusewoodenor plasticshovelstohelpshift thesnow.Duckboards orelectricheatingtapes canbeprovidedtokeep guttersclearofsnow.Snow
KINGFISHER BUILDING SUPPLIES kingfisheruk.com
STORMGUARD stormguard.co.uk
ENERGY SAVING TRUST energysavingtrust.org.uk
reducetheriskofsnow oricebreakingawayand damagingglassinroofs below,’saysDouglas.
Reduceenergycosts–andyourcarbonfootprint–withsmart insulationmadefromnaturalmaterials
Conventionalinsulationismadefrom
ofheatislost throughthe wallsand25% viatheroof
WOODFIBRE
CORK
SHEEP’SWOOL
BUY Leading UK suppliers such as Eco Merchant are part of the ASBP’s natural fibre insulation group, asbp.org.uk
CONNECT SuperHomes is a network where homeowners, suppliers and organisations share best practice in energy efficiency, superhomes.org.uk
AnnaTurnsisan environmentaljournalist andauthorof (£14.99,Michael O’MaraBooks)
Gather a harvest bouquet with rosehips, amaranthus, mini thistle, Chinese lantern, strawflower, wild sage, black phlox, foxtail millet and Nigella
‘Thestartofautumnisalwaysaboutgratitudeforme.And whatbetterwaytoshowthisthantocelebratethebountyof theseason’sharvestandallthethingsthatmakeautumnso specialwithatonalarrangement.Placethisattheheartof yourhome,perhapsonakitchentableorvintagedresser.’ AngelaMaynard,author,ModernDriedFlowers (£16.99,WhiteLionPublishing)
FlowergrowerandfounderofDahliaBeach,AndieMcDowell
WhenAndieMcDowellsetherselfachallenge in2020–totransformherunassuming Oxfordshiregardenintoariotofcolourand openitundertheNationalGardenScheme threemonthslater–shewasn’ttoknowthatitwouldbethe beginningofanextraordinarynewventure.
‘Beforethepandemicstruck,Ihadareallysuccessful weddingvideobusinesswithateamofsixandhundreds ofbookingsinplace,’sheexplains.‘Overnight,everything collapsedasweddingswerecancelledandwehadtogo intoliquidation.Itwasanightmare.’
Togivehersomethingtofocuson,sheandherfamily –husbandJohnnyandtheirchildrenMollie,Oscarand bedandplantedhundredsofdahliatubers.‘Although I’vealwaysbeeninterestedingardening,I’mcertainlyno expert,butIknewtheseplantswouldgrowfastandlook amazing,’Andierecalls.Shewasright.
Visitors,alongwithhergrowingbandofInstagram followers,wereentrancedbythebeautifulcolour-
likeanamazingseaofpetals.Everyonesuddenlywanted todipintodahlias.
‘IamabitofanentrepreneurandIcouldseethat therewasanicheopportunityforabusinessfocussed onthisincredibleplant,’saysAndie,whoworkedinTV productioninLondonbeforemovingwithheryoung familytoOxfordshireeightyearsago.Andsoher company,DahliaBeach,wasborn.
Andie’soriginalinitiativewastosupply‘agardenin seedssuchascosmosandzinnias.‘Wecolourcoordinated variouscollectionstomakeitsimpletochoose,’she explains.‘So,forinstance,“Hawaii”isamixoforange
LEFT Andie at Dahlia Beach Flower Farm where you can pick your own dahlias between August and October each year
ABOVE ‘Dahlias are incredibly long-lasting,’ says Andie. ‘Once they bloom, you can pick them –they reflower every few weeks’
BELOW Andie exhibited at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show in 2021 and Dahlia Beach was one of the most photographed exhibits
RIGHT ‘Dahlias are originally from Mexico and the varieties, shapes and colours are so diverse,’ says Andie
andpinkvarieties,while“Seychelles”ispastelsand creams.’Inaddition,everybuyergetsaccesstotheDahlia BeachClubonFacebookwhereAndiepostsvideos,and thecommunitysharestheirgrowingadventures.
Togetstarted,Andiecontactedvariousplantsuppliers
–andordered4,000tubersfor£4,000fromoneofthem. ‘Weweresoworriedaboutmoney,Iborrowed£5,000 frommymumanddadtogetstarted,andekeditoutreally carefully.ThatNovember,Ieventaughtmyselftobuild myownwebsitetokeepcostsdown,usingaDIYtemplate.’
This,alongwithherhonest,inspirationalpostsonher allmyGardeninaBoxproductsbeforeI’devenposted werewithmerightfromthestartandreallysustained me,especiallywhenthingsdidn’tgowell.Irememberthe messagesofsupportIgotaftercryingonInstagramwhen Iwasfacedwithalltheunfathomablecustomsimport
ceilingwithcratesoftubers,localfollowersjustarrived unannouncedatmyhousetohelpmeboxupalltheorders.’
Withsomuchinterest,Andiedecidedtocreateapickyour-owndahliafarm,andMilletsFarmCentreinSouth Oxfordshireleasedheranacreoflandtodoso.Itproved anunprecedentedsuccess–whentheDahliaBeachFlower FarmopenedfromAugusttoOctoberlastyear,over workshopsshowedhowtomakebeautifulbouquets.
gloriousbouquetswhichweresoldatLondonfarmers’ marketseveryweek.Thisschemehasprovedsopopular withawarehouseforstorage,andinAprilplanted10,000 tubersfortheupcomingseason.‘Weintendtocreate500 bouquetsaweekformarketsandhomedeliveries,’she says.‘There’salottothinkabout,frompickersandpackers says,undaunted.‘Butwe’llgetthere!’
IffurtherproofwasneededofAndie’scan-dospirit,
afterwinningagoldmedalattheBlenheimPalaceFlower FestivalandacommendationattheRHSHamptonCourt FlowerFestival,shewasacceptedasanexhibitoratthe RHSChelseaFlowerShowin2021.‘DahliaBeachwasone ofthemostphotographedexhibitsandevenappearedin thenationalpress,’Andiesays.‘Thisyear,Iwasinvitedback andgiventheDirectorGeneral’sAwardforhelpingto attractingnewaudiences.Icouldnotbeprouder.’
whichmeansthatsheandhusbandJohnny nowhavean opportunitytobalancetheirfamilylife,andultimately havemoretimetoworkandlivetogetherintheirbeautiful Oxfordshiresurroundings.
‘It’samazingtothinkthatjustovertwoyearsago,I ordered4,000dahliatubersonahunch,’Andiesays.‘This year,theorderwasfor30,000!MyDutchsupplierthinks I’macrazyEnglishwoman–butinagoodway,Ithink!’ DahliaBeachdahliabeach.co.uk;@dahliabeach MilletsFarmCentreMilletsfarmcentre.com
More than 800,000 new businesses launched in the financial year to 2021 as the pandemic gave people an opportunity to reassess their careers.
Although Andie shifted between two very different ventures, her creative instinct and ability to communicate with customers via Instagram helped her to bridge the gap.
Business coach Nicola Wilkes, founder of Seriously Stylish Business, has some tips if you’re thinking of making your own career shift.
‘You are probably already starting with a lot of knowledge and experience which means you will have transferable skills,’ says Nicola. ‘Give yourself permission to make that change – and be ready for whatever comes up along the way.’
It takes a lot of confidence to change careers so it might be beneficial to pursue your new business as a side hustle, while continuing your main job.
‘It’s essential to consider the practicalities and financial implications before you make your move,’ Nicola says. ‘You might stay in your role and build up a fund to sustain you for six months before you go for it,’ she says. ‘Alternatively, draw a line in the sand – write down the date you are going to ditch your old job, and embrace the new.’
Having coaching or mentoring sessions can help you gain focus. ‘A coach can help you set achievable goals, work out how you are going to get there, and identify any gaps in knowledge, skills, or finance,’ Nicola says.
This is a necessity, says Nicola. ‘Build up contacts in the area you want to move into. We live in a 360 degree world of both real and social media contacts, so use all avenues to meet like-minded people.’
Seriouslystylishbusiness.co.uk
‘Myapproachtogardeningisfun,cool andvibrant...Iwantanyonetofeel theycanhaveagoandseeamazingresults’
Embracetheseasonofspooks,ghoulsandthingsthatgobumpin thenightwiththesefiendishlystylishHalloweenmakes
Strangerthings
Addaspookytouchtowallswith embroidery‘webs’.Mountcrocheted doiliesontoembroideryhoopsthen hangonawall.Ifthedoiliesaretoo small,cutandfastentolinenwitha littleiron-ontape.Arrangethewebs inclustersanddresswithspidersof allsizestoscaretheunaware!
Try Hobbycraft for embroidery hoops Crochet doilies, Ebay. Preserved flowers, Dowsing & Reynolds
Dressmantlesandshelveswith fauxbirdskeptunderglassfora sophisticatedyetsinisterlook.Perch thebirddecorationsontotwiggy branchesandwireintoplace.Mini pumpkinsandseasonalfoliageadd tothechillingatmosphere.
For similar cloches, try Lights4fun. Birds and decorations from a selection, Amazon
Makeaspine-chillingsceneatyour frontdoorwithpumpkin-loaded lanterns.Usethepumpkinsasthey comenaturallyorgivethemacoat ofpainttoadddrama.Addafew leavesandspidersforaseasonal scarytouch.
Paints from a selection at Earthborn.
Lanterns, Lights4fun
Rescuewinebottlesandrecycleinto chillingcandleholderswiththehelp ofsomedrippedwax.Cleananddry thebottles,removinganylabels. Insertatallcandleintothetop,then withanotherlitcandledripwaxdown thesidesofthebottle,turningto coverallsides.Putthebottlesto onesidetodrybeforeplacingona diningtable.
Halloween decorations, try Hobbycraft. Vintage linens, Ebay
Mockupminispiritstohoverand hauntathome.Usinglace-edgetable linens,drapeoverpolystyrenecraft balls.Alittledoublesidedtapewill keeptheclothsinplace.Smooth overtheballtocreatethefaceand figureshape.Attachalengthof invisiblethreadintoplacewith smallstitchatthetopofthefigure andhangfromtheceiling.
Vintage linen cloths, Ebay
Givepumpkinsamysterious makeoverwithsomepaintandpetals. Washanddry,thengiveapumpkin acoupleofcoatsofpaint.Drawa templateofamoonontosomepaper, thantransferwithpenontotheside ofthepumpkin.Covertheshape withdoublesidedtape.Pickpetals andstickonthepumpkintofitthe moonshape.Arrangeonacakestand amongseasonaldecorandtreats.
Paint from a selection, Earthborn. Cake stand, Sophie Conran. Halloween macarons, from a selection, Emma Dodi Cakes
Whosaysthekidsshouldhaveallthefunat Halloween?Turntrick-or-treatingintoan all-agescelebrationwithafewspookyupdates toyourseasonalstylingandcentrepieces
In her new book Persiana Everyday, Sabrina Ghayour transforms pitta, baguettes and tortillas into delicious parcels of flavour
SPEEDYLAMBSHAWARMA
SERVES 2-4
Idoloveakebab.Admittedly,this isnottheworld’sbest-keptsecret, asovertheyearsIhavewrittenmany kebabrecipesusingeverykindof meat.Thisismygo-towhenIwant goodvalueandquick,easyresults.
Vegetable or olive oil
500g lamb neck fillets, trimmed of any thick top layer of fat
50g butter
1tsp garlic granules
1tsp ground cumin
1tsp ground coriander
½tsp cayenne pepper (or chilli flakes if you prefer)
Maldon sea salt flakes and freshly ground black pepper
TO SERVE
Tortillas
Greek or natural yogurt
Thinly sliced red onion
Sliced tomatoes
Sliced pickled cucumbers Coriander leaves
1 Heatafryingpanoverahighheat and,oncehot,rubsomeoilontoboth hotpanandsearoneachsidefora minute,justtoseal(thereisnoneed tocookthemeatthrough).
2 boardand,usingasharpknife,cut themintowafer-thinslicesasbest youcan.Don’tworryaboutgetting wholeslices–justdowhatyoucan tomakethemniceandthin.
3 Returnthelambslicestothepan withthebutter,garlicgranules, spicesandagenerousamountofsalt andpepper.Stir-fryoverahighheat foracoupleofminutesuntilthemeat iscookedbutstilllovelyandtender, thenremove.
4 Servethelambpiledintotortillas needsnoaccompaniment.
halloumiisaCypriotstapleandfattehisanArab recipe,whentwothingsaresoincrediblydelicious, Ican’tresisttheurgetobringthemtogether.
250g block of halloumi cheese
Vegetable oil
250g minced beef
1tsp ground cumin
1tsp paprika
1tsp garlic granules
2tbsp pomegranate molasses
Handful of pomegranate seeds
Handful of chopped fresh coriander
Maldon sea salt flakes and freshly ground black pepper pitta bread, to serve
150g Greek yogurt
2tbsp tahini
1 garlic clove, minced Juice of 1/2 lemon
1 Cuttheblockofhalloumiinhalflengthwayssoyouhave twolongrectangularpieces.Cuteachpieceintofourequal
2 Heatafryingpanoveramedium-highheatanddrizzlein alittlevegetableoil.Addthemincedbeefandimmediately clumps,addingthespicesandgarlicgranulesasyoudoso. Seasongenerouslywithsaltandpepperandcookuntilthe meatiswellbrowned,thensetaside.
3 Heatanotherfryingpanoveramediumheat,pour inabout1cmvegetableoilandbringtoagentlefrying temperature(addabreadcrumb:ifitbubblesnicely withoutsizzlingtoomuch,theoilishotenough).Linea platewithadoublelayerofkitchenpaper.Addthehalloumi tothehotoilandfryuntiladeepgoldenbrownonallsides.
4 Meanwhile,placeasaucepanoveragentleheat,addthe tahiniyogurtingredientswithagenerousamountofsalt andpepperandstiruntilwellmixed.Ifnecessary,addsome lukewarmwatertothinitdowntotheconsistencyofthick doublecream.Warmthrough,thenremovefromtheheat.
5 Oncethehalloumiiscooked,removefromthepanwitha slottedspoonandtransfertothepaper-linedplatetodrain.
6 topwiththemincedbeef,followedbythetahiniyogurt, pomegranatemolassesandseedsandthecoriander. Serveimmediatelywithtoastedpittabreads.
Cheese,thyme&walnut flatbreadswithhoney
MAKES 2
so versatile. Inspired by the French
minutes and you can use whatever you have lying around the kitchen to top them.
2 mini tortilla wraps
30g vegetarian Stilton or soft goats’ cheese
Handful of walnut pieces
2 good pinches of dried wild thyme
1tbsp clear honey
1 setting.Lineabakingtraywith bakingpaper.
2 IfusingStilton,crumblehalfofiton toeachtortilla,leavinga2.5cmclear borderaroundtheedge.Ifusingsoft goats’cheese,spreadhalfofitonto eachtortilla;leavea2.5cmclear borderaroundtheedge.
3 Sprinkleoverthewildthymeand walnutsandbakefor4-5minutes untiltheedgesofthetortillasare browned.
4 Drizzlewiththehoneyandserve immediately.
Lamb,barberry,pinenut &pulbiberkofta
LookingbackatallthekoftarecipesIhavewrittentodate, IrealisethatinmostIuseacombinationofspices,aromatics andanelementofcrunchtomakethemspecial.Thisworks sowellasastand-alonekoftapiledintoabaguetteorin tortillaswithsomeharissa-spicedyogurtandsalad.
500g minced lamb (20% fat)
4 spring onions, thinly sliced from root to tip
1 heaped tbsp dried wild oregano
2tbsp dried barberries
2tsp pul biber chilli flakes
1tsp cumin seeds
1tsp ground coriander
2 garlic cloves, crushed
50g pine nuts
1 withbakingpaper.
½tsp bicarbonate of soda
Maldon sea salt flakes and freshly ground black pepper
TO SERVE (OPTIONAL)
2 mini baguettes
Sliced pickled cucumbers
Thinly sliced spring onions
Handful of pomegranate seeds
Sprigs of dill
Mixed salad leaves
Greek yogurt with harissa
2 amountofsaltandpepperand,usingyourhands,work themtogetherreallywellforacoupleofminutesuntilyou haveanevenlycombinedpaste.
3 Dividethemeatmixtureintoeightportions(tobeas preciseaspossible,youcanweighthemixture,thendivide it)andshapeeachintoaneven-shapedsausageabout 9-10cmlong.
4 dependingonhowhotyourovenis,untilbrownedontop. theirownwithrice.
PersianaEveryday by Sabrina Ghayour is published by Aster (£26)
LAMB, BARBERRY, PINE NUT & PUL BIBER KOFTA
Thinkofautumnandwinterastimeforawildlifetakeover inthegarden.Startbyleavingthebedsandborder tidy-upuntilthespringtimetoprovidefoodandshelter forvisitingcreaturesinthecoldmonths.Hedgehogsliketo hibernatebeneathornamentalgrasses,insectsmaketheir homesinhollowplantstems,andbirdswillraidthe‘pantry’
Beautiful, well-designed terraced gardens are proving an opportunity to create unique outdoor spaces, on every level
ABOVE In this design by Sean Butler, gabion walls, filled with recycled hardcore from the original patio, act as retainers
OPPOSITE In a scheme by Acres Wild, a long flight of steps breaks up the journey, followed by wide steps that slow the pace
TOP RIGHT Terrace levels have been created with a mix of blockwork, a hardwood deck and porcelain tiles in this garden by The Galium Garden
RIGHT Here, Marlene Lento has added a water feature to provide a gentle transition from the house to the lower garden, avoiding having railings obscure the view
Timber and hoggin steps in this terraced garden by Nigel Philips are softened by perennial planting, including calamagrostis, salvia, perovskia and lavender
Acontemporarycountry-styleinteriorwouldn’t becompletewithouthouseplants–there’sno betterwaytobringtheoutsideinandcreatea senseofharmony.Butjustasimportantarethe potswedisplaytheplantsin.Therightvesselisavaluable additiontoourdécorand,fortunately,theRHShasboth.
Thisrangeofinteriorpotsispartofanexclusive collectiondevelopedbytheRHSandinspiredby 17th-centuryengravingsbyDutchprintmakers
CrispijnvandePasseandSimondePasse.They’rejustone exampleoftheuniquehomewares,stylishgifts,gardening toolsandaccessories–and,ofcourse,plants–available
RHSgardencentres.Browseonlineforexpertadviceand
shopfromthecomfortofyourgardenchair, orvisityourlocalRHSgardencentreforinspiration.
Get ideas and inspiration for your home and garden by visiting the RHS online and instore today…
TO BROWSE the home and lifestyle shop online, visit rhsshop.co.uk.
TO FIND your local RHS Garden Centre, visit rhs.org.uk/ gardencentres
Style a bookshelf with unique pots and plants from the RHS online shop and garden centresPopular and showy, clematis offer a wide range of flower shapes, sizes and colours to suit any garden setting
CLEMATIS ‘NIOBE’ is a longflowering choice, gracing gardens with its deep-claret blooms from early spring through to autumn
Whether adorning fences and walls, scrambling up pergolas or winding through herbaceous
bells to large dinner plates, in a wide spectrum of colours, from deep blues and purples to the palest ephemeral pink.
tall-growing climbers and more compact bewitching blooms.
1
roots in the shade and top growth in the sun. ‘Don’t grow clematis on a south-facing wall,’
intertwined or reaching through trees and is among the most popular plants to be grown in our gardens.
RAYMOND EVISON CLEMATIS The founder of The Guernsey Clematis Nursery, who has bred clematis for six decades, raymondevisonclematis.com
THORNCROFT CLEMATIS Awardwinning specialist family business supplying mail-order clematis, thorncroftclematis.co.uk
TAYLORS CLEMATIS Supplies hundreds of varieties of the popular climbers from its nursery in South Yorkshire, taylorsclematis.co.uk
1 C. ‘SUPER NOVA’ is a relatively new variety from the tough and vigorous viticella group, which flowers in late summer
2 C. I AM LADY Q, another from the viticella group, flowers freely from June to September and is robust and easy to grow
6 C. UROPHYLLA ‘WINTER BEAUTY’ ‘Flowers December to March with masses of white bells,’ says Chris Cocks, Taylors Clematis
3 C. CORINNE is totally winter hardy and is best grown in semi-shade where its flowers will not fade prematurely
4 C. VICKI has beautiful deep pink-coloured flowers and looks superb with wall-trained roses and other shrubs
5 C. DIANA’S DELIGHT ‘With its mid-blue flowers, this looks striking planted with grey foliage plants,’ says Raymond Evison
WhenI’mdesigningaplantingplan, manyofmy clientssaytheylove purple.Lavenderispopular,but here’sanideaforasmallborder thatyoucaneasilycreateinyourownsunny
simplyaddmoreplants(inoddnumbers)if
CERCISCANADENSIS‘RUBY FALLS’
Althoughthisisclassedasatree,itisidealfora smallspacesuchasacourtyardorfrontgarden asitgrowsonlytoaround2mtalland2mwide. Ithasstunningheart-shapedpurpleleaves, whichunfortunatelydisappearintheautumn. Itprefersasunnyspotinmoistbutwell-drained soil. Itrequiresminimalmaintenancebut remembertokeepitwatereduntilit’s establishedandalsoduringsunnyweather.
Thisisafantasticperennialplantwith slender stems,whichgrowtoaround1-2mtall,and a
pollinators.Itdoesn’ttakeupmuchspacebut addsheightandinterestinanyborder.It’salsoa sunlover,butcantoleratepartshade,too.Fora shorterversion,choose‘Lollipop’,whichgrows toaround60cmtall.Cuttheoldgrowthbackin thespringratherthantheautumn,asthiswill reduceanydiebackinthewinter.
PENSTEMON‘PENSHAM CZAR’
Iliketoincludeapenstemoninmydesignsfor manyreasons–there’sacolourtosuitany
tallstems(toaround70cm)withboldpurple swathestheylookstunning.Althoughtheywill diebackduringthewinter,youcanprolongthe
Theymayneedprotectingduringthewinter monthsiftheweatherisparticularlyharsh.
Grassesaregreatforaddingmovementand winterinteresttothegarden.Thislow-growing tuftedgrassisidealforthefrontoftheborder.
whichlooksfabulousplantedindrifts.Ithas narrowblue-greentogrey-bluefoliageand
HYLOTELEPHIUM‘DREAM DAZZLER’ (SUNSPARKLER SERIES)
Commonlyknownasasedum,thisisalowgrowing,clump-forming,deciduoushardy perennialwithsucculent-likepurple-grey foliagewithbrightpinkedging.It’ssopretty andidealforthefrontoftheborderasitonly growstoaround40-50cmtall.Itprefers sunshine,andifyouplantitinashadierspot,the
Octoberandlikesafree-drainingsoil.
NikkiHollierisapreviouswinneroftheCountry Homes&InteriorsMyCountryBusinessAwards andfounderofBorderinaBox,borderinabox.com
For a small border filled with glorious purple flowers and foliage, follow this plan from garden designer Nikki Hollier
Cercis canadensis ‘Ruby Falls’
Verbena bonariensis
Penstemon ‘Pensham Czar’
Festucaamethystina
HOLLIER
What to plant, this month’s green-fingered tasks, and colourful displays to enjoy. It’s gardening from the ground up
Theserequireashelteredspot,but theywillbringbrightnesstobeds inautumnandwinter. Theyneed ericaceoussoilandpartialshade. Seenhere,C.sasanqua‘LeslieAnn’.
ThefeastofMichaelmasfallson 29September,butthedaisiesnamed foritwillbloomwellintoOctober. Thesecottage-gardenfavourites preferasunnysiteandgoodsoil.
brightspikeswilllightupautumn borders,ifyoudeadheadthemafter infullordappledsunandrichsoil.
‘PURPLE HILL’
This scented miniature iris is ideal for planting in tubs by a doorstep or on a patio for early-spring cheer. Plant 5cm apart with leaves and buds facing to get the most sunlight. A warm, well drained site is a must. You can also force on a sunny windowsill to flower in late winter.
‘SILVER CHIMES’
‘Silver Chimes’ has beautiful silvery white petals around a pale ivory trumpet on quite short stems. This is a huge producer, which you can harvest hard over several weeks. Plant pointy end up, 10-15cm deep with 8-10cm between each bulb.
There’s nothing like alliums for their sparkler explosions of colour in May. A.cristophii has huge heads, with seedheads almost as good as the flowers. Plant bulbs 15cm deep, 20cm apart, somewhere permanent.
Cauliflower is a hardy vegetable. Sow seeds in modular trays with a depth of 1.5-2cm. Grow seedlings on in a bed with good sun exposure, in nutrient-rich and moist soil spaced roughly 60cm apart.
RAKE UP fallenleaves fromthelawnand borders,addtoa composterandleave todecomposeintoa nutritiousleafmulch forfutureyears.
MOVE evergreenshrubs whilethesoilisstill warmandthereisless needforwatering, butleavedeciduous varietiesuntilthey aredormant.
DIG OVER unplanted areasofbedsand bordersusingagood spade,toallowfrosts tobreakupthesoiland improveitsstructure.
Asparagus loves the summer-warmed soil in October and, contrary to popular belief, can be sown now. Plant in separate rows, setting individual crowns 40-44cm apart, and leave 1.2m between rows.
Peas can be sown until the beginning of November in milder areas. This will ensure the crop of delicious green pods are ready for spring. Stagger a few pea sticks either side of your rows to keep away pesky slugs.
LIFT AND STORE dahlia tubers.Cutthestems backtoabout10cm, leaveupsidedownto allowwatertodrain fromstems,thenstore inacool,dryplace.
MrMitford,kitchengardeneratHawkstoneHall,shareswhattoplantthismonth
IDENTIFY AND THAT YOU KNOW ARE SAFE TO EAT
Rgatheringwildberriestomakepies
THE ULTIMATE PYO HARVEST Pick from the wealth of berries growing wild and enjoy your share of nature’s bounty
huntingforberrieswheresuppliesare
Whatarethestandardrulesforforagingin thewild?
Whenisthebesttimetoforageforwild berries?
Howdoyouforagesafely?‘Youneedtoknow
TOTALLY WILD UK runs foraging courses throughout the year, which include lunch made from the wild and foraged ingredients, totallywilduk.co.uk
FAT HEN, run by Caroline Davey, is a wild cookery school in Cornwall, offering foraging and cookery courses, the-fat-hen.co.uk
THEFORAGINGPOCKETGUIDE, (£14.99, Wild Food UK) details 120 different species of trees and plants that grow wild, with tips to identify and avoid poisonous lookalikes, wildfooduk.com
Whatisthebestwaytoharvestthefruits? throughthebushesfor fortheplanttobeableto regenerateandforothers
Gatheryourbasketandexplorehedgerowsandwoodlandsinsearch ofedibleberriesthatareripeforpickingfromthewild
Thechefandsmallholder goeshuntingforhedgerow treasurestopick
Autumnismyfavouritetimeofyear, especiallynowthatIliveinthecountryside. Ilovethegoldenbrownandredcoloursofthe
wildblackberriesandsloes;crabapplesready topickinthewalledgarden;andthewoods carpetedwithwildmushrooms.
,andthelightis lovelyandsoft,Igrababasketandajumperand
beenoutandripeforthepastfewweeks,and probablythebestcropI’veseeninafewyears duetothegoodsummer.Everyyearwemake about30-40jarsofblackberryjam,andevery yearwehaveanautumnlunchinourwoods forourfamilyandfriends,whereeveryonegets totakeajarhomewiththem.
.Placeonekiloof blackberrieswith500gjamsugarintoalarge bottomedpan.Simmeronalowheatuntilthe sugarisdissolved,thenincreasetheheatand placingaspoonfulonachilledsaucer;once alittle,it’sreadyandhasreachedsetting point.Potitintosterilisedjarsand,voila,you havedeliciousblackberryjam.Itis,ofcourse, deliciousontoastandscones,buttryitswirled intoyoghurtorporridge,orusedasasauce forroastpork.
tomakea deliciousblackberrypietohavefordessert
blackberriesinfusedwitharomaticcinnamon andcitruslemonzest.Pastrycanseemabit dauntingtomanybutthisrecipeisveryeasy tomake.It’sasimplemethod,creamingallthe ingredientstogetherwithamixerandchilling inthefridgesothatit’slovelyandshort (crumblywhenbaked).
ABOVE Autumn evenings are made for foraging for blackberries and sloes, says Clodagh
LEFT The fruits of her labours: blackberry pie with a sweet shortcrust pastry lattice top
NEXT MONTH Clodagh does a hatchet job on her firewood
ABOVE Totleigh Barton was the first ever Arvon centre and is a 16thcentury manor house in Devon
RIGHT Kamila has won many awards for her writing, including the Women’s Prize for Fiction 2018
Theaward-winningnovelist swapscitylifeforawriter’s retreatinDevon
Myperfectcountrysideescapeisa16th-century manorhouseinTotleighBarton,Devon.Ithaslong beenanArvonFoundationwritingcentre,andI’ve beengoingthereforalmost20yearsasatutoror guestlecturer. Myroomisinaconvertedgooseshed justupthepathfromthemainhouse,andallaround restmyeyesandescapeLondonlife,althoughIadmit tobeingterrorisedbythecowsthatgrazenearby.
Ienjoyanalmostcompletetechdetox.There’sno Wi-Fiandpoormobileservice,somydaystartsby wavingmyphoneintheairtotrytogetaconnection. Althoughtutoringisintensive,there’sthepleasureof beingpartofguidingotherpeople’swritingprocess whilenothavingtodoanywritingofone’sown.
Iwilltrytogotherewithafriend.GillianSlovoand Ihavetaughttogethertwiceandthoughweseeeach otherofteninLondon,itfeelslikeaholiday–ora workingholiday.Wegoonlongwalkstogetherin thecountrysideeveryafternoon,endingupatthe HalfMoonpubinthenearbyvillageofSheepwash.
LunchmagicallyappearsintheArvonkitchenat theendofamorningteachingsession.Tutorsand studentseattogetheronbenchesaroundavastwood leftoversfromdinner,salads,quiches,orDIY sandwiches.Thestudentstaketurnscookingmeals.
Myco-tutorandIwillreturnfromourwalkand somethingdeliciousisalreadybeingprepared.
Ispendbreaksreadinginthebeautiful groundsandthedayendsconvivially,inabarn, withlibationandgoodconversation.
Kamila’snewbookisBestofFriends(£18.99, Bloomsbury).SheisappearingatLondon’s SouthbankCentreon28September,tickets £15;visitsouthbankcentre.co.uk
