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L I V E

T H E

L I F E . . . L O V E

T H E

S T Y L E

& INTERIORS

AUGUST 2018 £4.40 US$8.99/AUS$10.50/NZ$13 RECALL 01/08/2018

AU G U S T 2018 £4.40 US$8.99/AUS$10.50/NZ$13

Shoreline style

DIP INTO CALM AND COLLECTED COASTAL LOOKS

COOL SHOWER ROOMS

COUNTRY KITCHEN FOCUS WHY ALL WHITE IS ALRIGHT!

Use your garden dawn to dusk ✢ SUN SHADES ✢ EXOTIC

PLANTS ✢ FIRE FOOD ✢ NIGHT LIGHTS

SLUMBER IN SOFT AND CURVY BEDS

The most beautiful

WATERFRONT HOMES NORFOLK COTTAGE ✢ ANGLESEY CLAPBOARD ARGYLL ECO BUILD ✢ WEST SUSSEX BOLTHOLE

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The home of

MODERN COUNTRY Interiors & inspiration 8 13 20 64

34 Country homes 24

118 TO FIND ALL STOCKISTS IN THIS ISSUE, TURN TO PAGE 137

•

ON THE COVER

AUGUST The things we can’t live without HOME NOTES MAKE A HOUSE A HOME Hang a swing in your garden ● ON THE WATERFRONT Shoreline flora and fauna inspire a style of timeless charm and laid-back living

GARDEN ILLUMINATIONS Shimmering tealights and gleaming lanterns to make your garden glow

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LET’S TALK OMBRE How to use this subtle blending of colour in the country home

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99 125

BATHROOM SPECIAL Country-cool wet rooms MODERN COUNTRY CLASSICS Garden sun shades ROOM ELEMENTS Curvy designs for country beds

HOME TECH App-controlled security gadgets COUNTRY KITCHEN FOCUS An all-white colour scheme complemented by a sparkling chandelier creates a look that’s full of glamour and style ●

● ANGLESEY CLAPBOARD HOUSE Like generations before them, this young family were enticed by the idyllic surroundings of North Wales

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ARGYLL NEW BUILD This contemporary country home makes the very best of its breathtaking panoramic views WEST SUSSEX BEACH HOUSE A light-filled waterside retreat brought a sense of space and peace to this family NORFOLK COTTAGE A once rundown fisherman’s cottage is now a tranquil seaside home-from-home

PLUS GET-THE-LOOK IDEAS FOR EVERY HOME

64 Country Homes & Interiors

Gardens 14 100

125

GARDEN NOTES ● A MAGICAL SPACE An exotic Hampshire garden on the site of an old Roman camp is filled with Mediterranean-style borders and prairie planting

Just for you

130

VISIT THE HENLEY CRAFT SHOW Enjoy a day at Stonor Park and visit the Country Homes & Interiors pop-up

SUBSCRIBE TO COUNTRY HOMES & INTERIORS

108

PLANT OFFER Pick a fruit tree for your country garden

114

TRAVEL OFFER Relax on an eight-day luxury Italian cruise and enjoy a special learn-tocook experience with Aldo Zilli

139

TRAVEL OFFER Book an amazing worldwide tour

Seasonal food 17 118

FOOD NOTES ● IT’S TIME FOR FIRE FOOD! DJ BBQ selects his favourite seafood recipes for sizzling summer entertaining

Lifestyle

18 78

TO FIND ALL STOCKISTS IN THIS ISSUE, TURN TO PAGE 137

•

ON THE COVER

Country Homes & Interiors

OUR FAVOURITE SHOP Select your pick of the bunch at Flowers by the Bridge MY KIND OF COUNTRY Why café owner and baker Emily Strange loves her Dorset home

109

MAKE LIFE LOVELY Happy thoughts and ideas for fashion, eco, wellbeing and more

113

OUR FAVOURITE PLACE Get back to nature at The Forge in North Wales

116

COUNTRY GOINGS-ON Interior designer Francesca Rowan-Plowden transforms Leeds Castle’s Battel Hall

130

MY COUNTRY BUSINESS Botanical artist Kate Nicol draws inspiration from Suffolk

146

MY FAVOURITE VIEW Why Padstow makes designer and restaurant co-owner Jill Stein’s heart soar

Regulars 136 137

COMING NEXT MONTH SHOPPING DIRECTORY All the contact details and websites featured in this issue

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Subscribe to Country Homes & Interiors today from £31.99 for 12 months (saving 45%). See page 62 for details.

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COUNTRY LIFE WITH US Tag us in your photos on Instagram @countryhomesmag #countrystyle

& INTERIORS 161 Marsh Wall, London E14 9AP Telephone 020 3148 5000 Email countryhomes@ti-media.com EDITOR Rhoda Parry CREATIVE DIRECTOR Emma Williams 020 3148 7184 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) EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Sally Dominic 020 3148 7154 CHIEF SUB EDITOR Anne Esden 020 3148 7188 HEAD OF SUBS OPERATIONS Maxine Clarke 020 3148 7136 SENIOR SUB EDITORS Marian McNamara, Fiona Mace HEAD OF ART OPERATIONS Alison Walter 020 3148 7113 ART EDITOR Meredith Davies 020 3148 7186 EDITORIAL PRODUCTION MANAGER Nicola Tillman 020 3148 7891 DEPUTY EDITORIAL PRODUCTION DESIGNER Clare Willetts 020 3148 7892 EXECUTIVE EDITOR Jane Akers 020 3148 7313

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TI Media Limited, 161 Marsh Wall, London E14 9AP, 020 3148 5000. Website: ti-media.com. ©TI MEDIA LIMITED 2018. Distributed by Marketforce (UK) Ltd, 5 Churchill Place, London E14 5HU, 020 3787 9001. Country Homes & Interiors, ISSN 0951-3019, is published monthly, 12 times a year. Manuscripts and illustrations are welcome but on the understanding that we cannot be liable for their safe custody or return. We are sorry that manuscripts and illustrations cannot be returned, nor letters answered or acknowledged unless sent with a stamped addressed envelope. Published monthly by TI Media Limited. Colour origination by Rhapsody. Printed in the UK by the Wyndeham Group. Country Homes & Interiors is sold subject to the following conditions, namely that it shall not, without the written consent of the publishers first given, be lent, resold, hired out or otherwise disposed of by way of trade at more than the recommended selling price shown on the cover (selling price in Eire includes VAT) and that it shall not be lent, resold, hired out or otherwise disposed of in a mutilated condition or in any unauthorised cover by way of trade or affixed to or as part of any publication or advertising literary or pictorial matter whatsoever. COUNTRY HOMES & INTERIORS MAGAZINE One-year full subscription rate (12 issues), including postage and packaging: UK £58.40; Europe €148.40; USA $148.40; Rest of world £175.60. For subscription enquiries from the UK, please call 0330 333 1113; from overseas, please call +44 (0)330 333 1113; or email help@magazinesdirect.com.

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Country Homes & Interiors

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

(BACKGROUND) CAPTAIN THOMAS BROWNS SHELLS WALLPAPER, COL OYSTER, £65 A ROLL, JOHN DERIAN FOR DESIGNERS GUILD

Things I’ve seen, done and loved this month Summer holidays are on the horizon with many of us seeking out waterside and shoreline destinations in which to relax. Breathing in sea air, enjoying the endless views and connecting with the natural rhythm of the tides has long been an antidote to everyday life, and the homes we travelled to this issue all tell of the timeless and therapeutic nature of living close to water. From a fisherman’s cottage in Norfolk (page 54) to a contemporary new-build eco home overlooking the Sound of Mull (page 34), the properties featured in the coming pages are filled with a need for space to feel carefree and alive. Inspired by estuary flora and fauna, this summer’s obsession with muted bird and shell designs is brought to life with easy-on-the-eye decorating ideas on page 64. I particularly love the inky and washed coastal colours chosen by our style team. If, like me, you love to be in the garden as much as possible, we’ve dawn-to-dusk ideas to help you make the most of outside spaces, from clever garden shades (page 92) to magical night lights (page 73). Plus, fire food recipes to ring the changes on the barbecue (page 118).

R hoda x

PS... We hope to see you in our pop-up marquee at the Henley Country Craft Show on 24-27 August. See page 21.

Things we can’t live without

AU G U S T

Picnicking with sea air and beautiful views. Striped tablecloth, col Blue & White, £79; Block striped ﬂeece throw, col White & Grey, £79; sham, col Blue, £49, all Lexington.

Country Homes & Interiors

C O U N T R Y D AY S

2 1

3 4 Seaview strolls in a retroinspired, soft cotton poplin sundress. Boskerris dress, £55, Seasalt.

1 Must-read decor inspiration for seaside dwellers. Relaxed Coastal Style by Sally Denning, £19.99, Ryland Peters & Small. 2 Displaying a tiered triumph in an elegant dome. Ivalo dome, H29.5xDia22cm, £68, LSA International. 3 Surf ’n’ turf grilled to perfection. Portable barbecue, H28xDia40cm, £120, Berghoff at Marks & Spencer. 4 Ombré blue accents. Recycled bottles, H32xDia6cm, £6 each, National Trust Shop.

* 6

5 8

A versatile layer for outdoor lunches and sundown cuddles. Wincanton stripe blanket-stitch throw, 130x170cm, £25, Pignut.

5 Transporting your senses to sunkissed Italy with scents of tomato and moss. Vine tomato signature candle, £20, The White Company. 6 Keeping a herb garden trim with fashionsavvy tools. Hedley balcony garden tool set, £29, Made.com. 7 Perching on candy stripes. Palm Springs aqua metal chair with Orange striped upholstery, H70xW75xD69cm, £250, Raj Tent Club. 8 A houseplant you never need to water! Coffea arabica terrarium, H28xDia17cm, £59, Pikaplant at Pad Lifestyle.

Country Homes & Interiors

C O U N T R Y D AY S

Whiling away afternoons at the water’s edge in stylish comfort. Hamptons stripe maxi cushion, 45cm sq, col Blue/Turquoise, £39.95 each; Hamptons throw, 130x170cm, col Navy Blue, £47.95, all Flo & Joe.

9 10

11 12 9 Treating your pooch to an accessory upgrade! Strawberry Fields collar, £15.99, Salt Dog Studios. 10 Rustic-industrial outdoor lighting. St Ives pendant, H38xDia31.8cm, £85, Garden Trading. 11 A compact, sand-resistant towel. American Dream towel, 160x80cm, £18, Dock & Bay. 12 A natural charmer for chopping or serving. Nordic Acacia board, 52xW12.5xcm, col Natural, £26, T&G Woodware.

* 13

14 15

13 Fun and games in quintessentially British style! Bex four-mallet croquet trolley set, H78xW19xD9.5cm, £69.99, John Lewis. 14 Keeping track of your suitcase at the airport. World canvas luggage tag, H7.5xW11.5cm, £6, Kikki.K. 15 Document holders with a twist! Lillian Farag passport holder, H14xW11cm, £24, Anthropologie. 16 Juicy, fruity summer travel essentials! Cherry cosmetic bag, 24x17cm, £22, Thornback & Peel. 10

Country Homes & Interiors

Sponge patterns on gorgeous pottery. Blue Stars mugs and Blue Shells mugs, from £14.95 each; Blue Stars plates and Blue Shells plates, from £12.95 each; Blue Shells bowl, £22.95; Blue Splatter dish, £89.95, all Emma Bridgewater.

Colour of

THE MOMENT

FEATURE HOLLY PHILLIPS STYLING (MOODBOARD) HOLLY PHILLIPS PHOTOGRAPHS (MOODBOARD) MAX ATTENBOROUGH

STYLE YOUR SUMMER HOME IN A FUN-PATTERNED PICNIC OF BREEZY CORNISH BLUES AND JUICY STRAWBERRY REDS, IN CLASSIC DESIGNS WITH A CHERRY-ON-TOP TWIST!

Wool throw, £75, Bronte By Moon. Beachbone herringbone ﬂooring, col White, from £174sq m, The New & Reclaimed Flooring Co. Claypaint, (from left) cols Polka Dot and Riding Hood, £40 each for 2.5L, both Earthborn Paints. Fabrics, (from top left): 1 Ashﬁeld col Carnelian, £55.60m, Linwood. 2 Totally Dotty linen, col Cherry Red, £52m, Olive+Daisy. 3 Cotton, col Midnight Blue, £27m, Willow & Hall. 4 Latika linen, £170m, Penny Morrison. 5 Hatley Blue, £75m, Cabbages & Roses. 6 Washed Linen, col Burnham Red, £64m, Neptune. 7 Whitehaven Mansions, col Harbour Blue, £55.60m, Linwood Fabrics. 8 Mendip cotton, col Blue, £110m, Fermoie. 9 Ditsy Fleur, col Ladis Blue, £54m, Olive+Daisy. Editions Woodblock Leaves wallpaper, col Denim, £20 a roll, Laura Ashley. Country Homes & Interiors

Home notes The great divide

The versatile Mafelda screen, £335 from Out There Interiors, is perfect for blocking out the sun, hiding unsightly clutter or dividing up a large space. Made from rattan and metal, the handmade screen measures H180xW139cm, folds in three for easy storage and adds a stylish touch to any home.

O U R FAV O U R I T E D E S I G N E R M A K E R

Mia Sarosi

FEATURE VIVIENNE AYERS PHOTOGRAPH (MIA SAROSI) BEN BOSWELL

Now producing ceramics inspired by nature from her workshop in Oxfordshire, Mia Sarosi began her career working as a painter in a pottery that specialised in reproduction Delftware. Mia set up on her own in 2001, and started focusing on porcelain after receiving funding from the Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust (QEST) in 2004. Tell us about your work... I form porcelain through throwing and then paint it by hand. I don’t use any moulds or transfers and I stick to a simple base of glazes and colours mixed using metal oxides. What inspires you? I love the translucency and strength of porcelain. It’s a difﬁcult medium to work with but I really enjoy the challenge. When it comes to decoration, I am inspired by nature, animals and botanicals. How long does each piece take? It’s hard to say because there are so many different

Tiles, from 11.8cm sq, from £8.30 each, Navajo and Cannes collections, Claybrook.

Pretty up with pattern

Platter, £125; vase, £72; jug, £38, all Mia Sarosi. processes. For each item you have to factor in the preparation of the clay, days of drying and ﬁring, as well as the likelihood of the piece coming out imperfect and having to be remade. What makes your work so special? The majority of potters focus on the making and glazing stages, but not many paint as well – that’s an extra touch that I do. What do you love about your job? I love being an artist and using my hands to make ceramics. I’ve worked with some lovely galleries, shops and museums over the years. Mia Sarosi, miasarosi. com.

With an emphasis on well crafted materials and a love of strong colour and prints, Claybrook has launched its debut collection of wall and floor tiles, with wooden planks and parquet flooring to come. We love the beautiful Navajo range, from £8.30 a tile, for the soft ethnic yet graphic designs that tap into the grey and blush trend. The handpainted tiles are inspired by the Native American people of the Southwestern States and their rich heritage of weaving and decorative arts.

PA R E D - B A C K E L E G A N C E Every home needs a little storage, and the beautifully crafted Amelia sideboard from Ercol, £1,140, H82xW150x D40xcm, is the perfect choice for an elegant, pared-back aesthetic. The whitewashed ﬁnish allows the grain of the wood to show through, while its turned legs and clean lines make it a key modern country piece. Country Homes & Interiors

Garden notes THE FLOWER NAME GAME With the holidays coming up, take the opportunity to get children enthused about what’s growing in their garden. Collect jam jars, fill them with water and ask little ones to see how many types of flowers they can pick – let them collect just one or two of each type to save your borders from being stripped! Place each flower in a jar and label them. Pick flowers in the morning and keep jars in a cool spot to ensure a long vase life.

How to create houseplant heaven

Go for a kinder cut

With indoor gardening very much in fashion, we take advice from the author of the new RHS Practical House Plant Book, Zia Allaway, on how to have success with them... What’s the biggest misconception people have about houseplants? People think they’re difﬁcult to look after. Many, including fern arums, snake plants and umbrella trees, can cope with long periods of drought and low light, making them ideal for beginners. Why do you think it is that houseplants have recently seen a real resurgence in popularity? Research shows how many houseplants improve air quality and can even help us to concentrate better, while books like this one are offering new and exciting ways to display indoor plants. I think people in rented properties with no access to a garden are discovering how plants can transform their homes. They can also take their plants with them if they move. 14

Country Homes & Interiors

Clear a meadow with time-honoured techniques

If you had to pick three tips from your book, what would they be? Firstly, choose a plant that suits your surroundings – a sun-lover such as echeveria (above) will fail in a gloomy home. Secondly, always plant in pots with drainage holes – plants will rot in waterlogged compost. My third tip is to buy a mister, as many plants like a humid atmosphere. RHS Practical House Plant Book by Zia Allaway and Fran Bailey (£14.99, DK).

What will you cut back your wildflower meadow with at the end of summer? Will you choose a mower, petrol brush cutter or garden shears? We love the classic technique of scything, which is eco-friendly, cheap, and quiet – as you sweep the blade through the grass, you’ll still hear birdsong. The trick for achieving Poldark perfection is to keep the scythe sharp and to hone the technique. Steve Tomlin from the Scythe Association of Britain and Ireland says, ‘Slide the blade on the ground around your body as if drawing a semicircle.’ For more tips and details of courses nationwide, visit scytheassociation.org.

Just what you need now...

Watering is a priority this month. To avoid getting tangled up in the hosepipe, we’ve found this handy Tap Hose Hanger – a simple but very practical idea suitable for all gardeners. Made from welded galvanised steel, it’s strong enough to be left outside all year. Simply hang over the garden tap and wrap your hose around it. H29xW9x D12cm, £13.50, Garden Trading.

FEATURE TAMSIN WESTHORPE PHOTOGRAPHS (JAM JARS) NICOLA STOCKEN; (ECHEVERIA) FRIEDRICH STRAUSS, BOTH GAP PHOTOS

Q&A WITH A SHARING GARDENER

+++$ %* , #! &$ #

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Food notes

We want this now...

Bring your barbecue with you this summer with CUBE from Heston Blumenthal’s Everdure. This compact (H23xW43x D35cm) design costs £149, has cool-to-touch handles and comes with a tray and bamboo prep board, both of which tuck into the cube, while leaving room for fresh coals. Find stockists at everdurebyheston.co.uk.

O U R FAV O U R I T E C H I L L I FA R M E R S

South Devon Chilli Farm Serve in shot glasses as a canapé – try with a nip of vodka, too!

FEATURE THEA BABINGTON-STITT PHOTOGRAPH (GAZPACHO) TONY BRISCOE. GAZPACHO RECIPE FROM THE GET-AHEAD COOK BY JANE LOVETT (£20, APICIUS BOOKS)

The perfect summer starter

Situated outside the village of Loddiswell, the aptly named South Devon Chilli Farm was set up by chilli enthusiasts Steve, Heather Kaz and Martin in 2003. Products are sold in the shop, online and in delis and farm shops across the UK. Heather tells us more... What’s so special about your produce? Our chilli preserves, sauces and chocolates are made with chillies grown here on the farm, with no artiﬁcial additives. We grow over 200 varieties of chilli altogether! How do you harvest? We hand-pick the chillies, starting in July with the mildest, and August/September for the hotter ones, but we continue picking until mid-December. Your favourite product? Chilli Jam has to come high up on the list – it has only a mild heat but is so delicious with cheese.

Any tips for using chilli in food? Sometimes people are wary of chillies because of their heat, but add a little at a time to your dish and keep tasting until you have the heat level you like. If you’ve made something too hot, try eating with a spoonful of yoghurt to help reduce the heat. What’s the best thing about running your business? We love introducing people to the vast array of chillies and showing that they are just as much about flavour as heat. It is also satisfying to supply specific types to the growing band of chilli aficionados around the country. Three words to sum up your company? Seed to sauce. South Devon Chilli Farm, southdevon chillifarm. co.uk.

Gazpacho is delicious and no cooking is needed! To make enough for 10-12, roughly cut 2 red peppers, 1 cucumber, 1 onion, 900g ripe tomatoes and 2 peeled garlic cloves into chunks. Soak a slice of white bread in water and squeeze out the liquid. Put the bread and veg in a liquidiser with 125ml olive oil, 1 tbsp sherry or red wine vinegar, 400g can chopped tomatoes or passata, 1 tbsp tomato purée, 1 tsp sugar, 2 tsp salt and some freshly ground black pepper (you might need to blitz in two batches). Sieve into a bowl, check seasoning and thin with cold water if too thick. Chill for at least 6 hours (overnight is best). Serve garnished with finely diced red pepper, cucumber, black pepper and drops of olive oil.

* B LU E S K I E S AHEAD

We’ve a new favourite in the freezer section, with the discovery of Blue Skies ice cream made from sustainably sourced Ghanaian coconuts. It’s vegan and gluten-free, so everyone can indulge! In Coconut, Mango & Passion Fruit, and Chocolate & Orange ﬂavours, it costs £4.99 for 450ml, Waitrose.

Country Homes & Interiors

OUT AND ABOUT

Pick up a ready-made bouquet of fresh flowers, or mix and match individual stems to design your own colourful bunch.

Susanna keeps her flowers personal with blooms she’s grown herself.

O U R FAV O U R I T E S P O T F O R F R E S H B L O O M S

Flowers by the Bridge

FIND BEAUTIFUL BUNCHES OF JUST-CUT BRITISH STEMS AT THIS CHARMING FLOWER STALL

WHAT’S THE STYLE OF THE STALL?

I set up my stall on a shoestring – collecting vintage ladders, wine crates, tin pails, vases and milk churns. Organically, a style arose. TELL US ABOUT THE FLOWERS…

During the summer, around half the flowers on my stall are from my allotment and the others come from local growers. I want to champion British flowers as much as I can while realising the need 18

Country Homes & Interiors

for Dutch flowers during winter, too. The flowers I grow myself are cut the evening before I sell them. HOW IS YOUR STALL DIFFERENT?

Using a combination of flowers, foliage and herbs, my bouquets have a slightly wild, just-picked look. My tag line is ‘Bridging the gap between you and your garden’. WHO VISITS YOUR STALL? So many different people stop by. There are the regulars, the builders who come past on their way home to ‘buy a bunch for the missus’, the ladies who are ‘just popping out for lunch’ and pick up a jam jar of flowers on their way, and those heading to the burial ground nearby. Every person who visits has a story, and that is what makes running my little stall so interesting.

WHAT CAN CUSTOMERS EXPECT TO FIND? A range of differently

priced bouquets as well as a selection of jam jars filled with seasonal flowers. In addition, I sell flowers by the bunch and stem that can be made up into a bouquet or bought loose. I also have cards, gifts, pots, homemade lavender bags and plants for sale. WHAT FLOWERS ARE POPULAR?

People are embracing the locally grown flowers – zinnias, dahlias, hips, herbs and scented English roses are all in demand. Flowers by the Bridge, West Meon Road, West Meon, Petersfield, Hampshire GU32 1JG, 07970 280077, flowersbythebridge.com. Open 9am-6pm on Thursdays and Fridays, and 9am-4pm Saturdays.

FEATURE VIVIENNE AYERS

Susanna Jarrett started in floristry 28 years ago and, after owning a shop for many years, downsized her business five years ago. Now, she has a flower stall at the side of her house, which is on a bridge over the River Meon, in Hampshire. She specialises in local flowers, many of which she grows herself.

C O U N T RY S T Y L E I C O N S

Make a house a home

A swing in the trees For a basic garden swing, try Garden Street. The Oak & Rope Company has personalised designs. Tassel trim, similar from VV Rouleaux.

Tie to a sturdy tree using colourful rope and put a pretty trim round the seat.

Country Homes & Interiors

A relaxing sway to while the time away… What’s not to love about a swing in the trees, whatever your age? This simple roped seat has swung its way into the hearts of country homeowners wanting carefree options for outdoor living. WHAT’S THE STORY? With such an elementary design, it’s not surprising that swings, in their various forms, date back to ancient times. Traditionally made from wood and rope, they were hung mainly from tree branches. In more recent times, swings were designed to be hung in different ways – often in metal frames in gardens and parks. In warmer climes, the swing seat has become a more significant piece of furniture, often found on garden decks and porches. Being more bench-like in design, these are hung by metal chains from a frame or ceiling and feature upholstery, canopies or cushions. WHICH STYLE TO CHOOSE Ideally, a tree swing needs a large, sturdy branch far enough from the ground to hang from, with appropriate pull and push room. For safety reasons, make sure it is located over level ground with adequate space to swing. If a suitable tree is unavailable, fix a treated metal or wood frame version in position in the garden. Or for a relaxing, grown-up treat, go for a supersized chair or bench version. STYLE IT UP Personalise your swing with paint or by adding trimmings to the seat and winding ribbons and flowers around the rope. Seats carved with a name or message on the edge are also available and make a lovely gift.

NEXT MONTH A BACK-OF-THE-GARDEN BRAZIER

FEATURE SARA BIRD PHOTOGRAPH TI-MEDIACONTENT.COM

IN OUR ONGOING SERIES, WE SELECT SIMPLE COUNTRY-STYLE HERO PIECES THAT LOOK BEAUTIFUL… AND FEEL EVEN BETTER

& INTERIORS

Summer

POPS UP AT

See the magazine brought to life

Henley Country Craft Show 24–27 AUGUST 2018

PHOTOGRAPHS BRENDAN O’SULLIVAN, POLLY ELTES

ountry Homes & Interiors will be popping up with a dedicated marquee at the Henley Country Craft Show this August Bank Holiday weekend, from 10am to 5pm. Set in the grounds of Stonor Park, Henley-on-Thames, our marquee brings together a curated collection from our favourite small businesses, including home accessories, fashion and jewellery. Plus, you can subscribe to the magazine at a special show rate. You’ll also be able to explore more marquees and outdoor markets from specialist craftspeople, enjoy a wide selection of artisan food and drink, and relax in the stunning landscape of the park with live music. Dogs are welcome, but cannot enter the Food & Drink Village or children’s play areas (with the exception of service animals). Get an exclusive tour of the beautiful stately home, full of rich history, with the special House + Event ticket (see below).

MEET, SHOP, BE INSPIRED YOU’LL FIND THE FOLLOWING EXHIBITORS IN OUR SUMMER MARQUEE...

& Co * Angels Atelier Chokerbali * Blockcraft * Creative Dezigns * Eltikki Jewellers * Follyies * Forever England * Indigo and Rose Homeware *

Who Lunch Boutique * Ladies Mette Høj Jewellery * Rohanna Jewellery * Simon Kemp Jewellers * The Laughing Seagull * Urban Wool Bedding * Valentte *

VISIT ICHFEVENTS.CO.UK * * TO BUY TICKETS OR CALL 01425 277988 Advance ticket prices are valid until 5pm on 20 August 2018 1-day ticket: Adults £8 in advance (£10 on the door); Seniors £7 in advance (£9 on the door). House + Event entry: Adults and Seniors £14. Under-16s free with adults. Free entry to the show with a valid for RHS/English Heritage card.

Country Homes & Interiors

ANGLESEY CLAPBOARD HOUSE

The family love the far-reaching view, out over Rhoscolyn’s bay, Borth Wen, towards Snowdonia.

Keeping memories alive HALCYON DAYS SPENT HOLIDAYING IN NORTH WALES INSPIRED SARAH CROSS TO BUILD A SPECIAL HOME THAT STRENGTHENS FAMILY TIES WITH A BYGONE ERA »

Country Homes & Interiors

The house has been thoughtfully designed to make the most of its unique coastal location. Cedral weatherboarding, Marley Eternit.

Harry reads a story to Lottie. Globo swinging chair, Simply Hammocks.

Sarah exploring on the beach with Lottie.

Hot tub The hot tub and handy outside shower have been a hit with all the family. Hot tub, Urban Cedar. Cushions, in Chevron and Stripe from the Sea Breeze collection, Osborne & Little.

ANGLESEY CLAPBOARD HOUSE

What makes this house a home… ‘The area is jaw-droppingly beautiful – and we are making irreplaceable family memories’

Dining area Floor-to-ceiling windows make the most of the exquisite view and ﬁll the space with light. Stripy seat pads, Romo. Pendant lights, table, bar stools, Neptune. Chairs, Ikea.

Country Homes & Interiors

Living room Situated on the first floor, this relaxed space has panoramic views. Worn Ash flooring, Amtico. Curlew cushion, Buy The Sea. Floor cushions, in Peony & Sage’s Seahorses in Amalfi Blue (top). Chair, Oka. Rug, John Lewis. Pendant light, Ian Mankin.

Country Homes & Interiors

Porch A jaunty anchor sets the coastal tone. Anchor, Anderson Gallery. Cushions, Peony & Sage. Striped bench seat pads, Romo. Baskets, Neptune. Walls, painted in Salt by Neptune.

ANGLESEY CLAPBOARD HOUSE

it hadn’t been for an incredibly stormy night back in 1882, it’s unlikely Sarah Cross would ever have built a stunning New England-style home in a magical, coastal spot in north Wales. ‘At the time, my great-great grandmother had travelled from London to Holyhead, with the intention of sailing to Dublin,’ says Sarah. ‘However, when rough seas meant the crossing was cancelled, she ended up staying in nearby Trearddur Bay.’ Having spotted Rhoscolyn across the headland, Sarah’s ancestor was enchanted by the view, and made a point of visiting there the following year. Her tales of this carefree coastal village piqued the interest of Sarah’s relatives. Soon, great-great aunts and uncles also began holidaying, and then building properties, in Rhoscolyn. ‘As a child, I was lucky enough to spend every summer here, staying with my extended family, in the house my grandparents bought,’ says Sarah. ‘I’ve such fond memories of playing in rock pools, lobster-potting and exploring with my brother, sister and cousins – just as previous generations of our family had done.’ When Sarah met and married David, the pair, who live in Cambridge, continued the tradition of holidaying here. ‘As our own children came along, we wanted to find a house in Rhoscolyn,’ says Sarah. ‘I yearned to create a little oasis where our family and guests could feel stress-free – a relaxed home-from-home.’ After searching for six years, the couple finally found a property they felt would be perfect to remodel. Just a 10-minute walk from the beach, the house has spectacular views over the fields and across Rhoscolyn’s beautiful bay, Borth Wen, towards Snowdonia. Having snapped up the house in May 2015, the family spent that summer living there. ‘Familiarising ourselves with the light and orientation of the property helped me formulate the design for our new home,’ says Sarah. ‘I knew that the main living spaces had to be on the first floor to maximise the views and felt that a large glazed balcony would create the indoor/outdoor living we wanted.’ After liaising with an architect and gaining planning permission, building work began in January 2016. ‘I’ve always admired New England homes and believed this style would look great, as well as being a nod to the coastal location,’ says Sarah. She took on the mantle of project manager and worked tirelessly for many months. ‘I was living and breathing the project remotely,’ says Sarah. ‘When the children were asleep, I’d often work late into the night, emailing the builders and suppliers. It was hard work but I loved every minute, and it was fantastic to see it all coming together.’ Because of the distance, Sarah could only visit the house about once a month. ‘The builders, AK Developments, were brilliant. I was so grateful for their positive “can-do” attitude.’ The holiday home is everything the family could have hoped for – and more. ‘When we arrive here, it’s amazing how quickly we all slow down,’ Sarah says. ‘We savour the simple pleasures – just as my great-great grandmother would have done, many moons ago.’ Little Fish Escapes, visit littlefishescapes.com. For Sarah’s interior design business, Little Fish At Home, visit littlefishathome.com. Alternatively, call 07979 861483.

Kitchen The island has been painted in Bone China Blue Deep by Little Greene. Island, Neptune.

AT HOME WITH... Owners

Sarah Cross, an interior designer who runs Little Fish At Home and Little Fish Escapes, a luxury property letting business, and her husband, David. The couple’s five children are Oliver, 12, Jonny, 10, Eloise, eight, Harry, seven, and Lottie, four.

House A six-bedroom, detached new build. The family bought the original property in 2015 and built their new home on the site the following year.

Country Homes & Interiors

Harry’s bedroom Sarah adores the fabric used for the curtains and cushions, so much so that it inspired the names of her businesses. Curtains and cushions, in Little Fishes by Olive + Daisy. Throw, John Lewis.

O N O U R D O O R S T E P. . . Visit… ‘South Stack Lighthouse (01255 245156, trinityhouse.co.uk). Located on a small island, it’s reached via 400 steps down the mainland cliffs and a bridge. You can tour the former engine room before climbing to the top to enjoy the amazing views.’ Shop at… ‘Anderson Gallery (01407 741831, anderson-gallery.co.uk) in Four Mile Bridge. As well as paintings, you’ll find a range of goods, from home accessories to one-off gifts. I’ve bought quite a few pieces for our coastal home from here.’ Go for a meal at… ‘The White Eagle Inn (01407 860267, white-eagle.co.uk), Rhoscolyn. It is very family-friendly, the home-cooked food is tasty and the views from the rear terrace are wonderful.’

ANGLESEY CLAPBOARD HOUSE Main bedroom A modern four-poster bed takes centre stage. Wardley four-poster bed, Neptune. Chair, table, Anderson Gallery.

Oliver (left) and Harry shrimping on the beach.

What we love most about living here… ‘The house flows extremely well. It’s an easy and very practical layout. Even with our relatively large family, we never feel on top of each other’

Main en suite Sarah chose a luxurious double-ended bath. Worcester bath, Victoria & Albert. Tiles, Mandarin Stone.

FEATURE JANET McMEEKIN PHOTOGRAPHS JEREMY PHILLIPS

Boys’ bedroom When designing the bunk beds, Sarah wanted them to have a proper staircase and portholes. Bunk beds, painted in Bone China Blue Deep by Little Greene. Sofa bed, Ikea.

Country Homes & Interiors

ROOM IDEAS

Be inspired by

Sarah’s dining area With a dramatic shape, refined metal finish and twinkling detail provided by a vintage-style Latimer bulb, this light fixture is perfect for ambient dinners. Browning lantern pendant, col Salt, £275, Neptune.

Treat your home to a smile-inducing reminder of summer holidays gone-by with a hand-stitched, wildflower design. Sea Campion embroidered framed picture, 25.4cm sq, £45, Poppy Treffry.

Treat your seating area to a stylish accent of practicality with a thermal-coated design that is cool in the heat and warm in the cold. Luna cushion cover, 45cm sq, col Duck Egg, £12, Julian Charles.

Chalky painted dining chairs add coastal chic with a twist of New England style.

Adorable name aside, this warming neutral is antibacterial, steamresistant and wipeable – ideal for food areas. Bread Basket kitchen paint, £20.50 for 2.5L, Crown.

Expertly crafted, this contemporary centrepiece can seat up to 10 dinner guests. Chester Grey extending dining table, £649, The Cotswold Company.

Sarah’s style secret Comfy seat pads and colour-wash cushions help make this an inviting area for family time, dining and entertaining. Modern Country Classic Banquette seating

Country Homes & Interiors

one side of the dining table, allowing you to maximise use of space in busy areas. Modern designs also often feature upholstered bench seat pads and hidden storage for extra comfort and functionality.

Where to buy…

•Tom Howley for innovative, space-saving ideas. •Horne Fine Furniture for bespoke handmade cabinetry. •Craftwood for design-led furniture with timeless upholstery options.

FEATURE HOLLY PHILLIPS

Traditionally popular in restaurants to encourage sociable dining, these built-in benches are working their way into family homes, too. They can be fitted into a corner breakfast nook, or simply stretched down

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Highlands hideaway AMANDA MARKHAM AND RODERICK JAMES DESIGNED AND BUILT THIS ELLIPTICAL ECO-HOUSE TO BE AT ONE WITH THE LANDSCAPE, WHILE MAXIMISING THE BEAUTIFUL VIEWS

ARGYLL NEW BUILD House A green roof on the south side settles the property into the landscape, while the more robust north elevation has smaller windows to help conserve energy. The Douglas fir deck surrounding three sides of the house provides plenty of water-facing seating. Adirondack chairs, Sustainable Furniture.

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Country Homes & Interiors

Living area Three large sofas are perfectly placed for watching the boats go by. Sofas, French Connection at DFS. Woodburner, Scan at Stirling Stove Centre.

With

AT HOME WITH... Owners Amanda Markham, an interior designer, and her architect husband, Roderick James. Roderick has worked in the area for 18 years establishing the Highland wing of his architectural practice. Between them they have five sons and seven grandchildren.

House Four-bedroom new build on the shores of the Sound of Mull. They moved here in 2016.

stunning panoramic views stretching some 20 miles, Eagle Rock is a breathtaking contemporary home with a commanding position overlooking the Sound of Mull, in a remote part of the Scottish Highlands. The house was designed by Roderick James’ architectural practice as part of a venture by the nearby Ardtornish Estate to build a new township of 21 individual homes. Roderick and his wife, Amanda Markham, were living eight miles away and had earmarked the site at Eagle Rock to build a house for themselves to use as a high-end rental. ‘But once the house took shape, we had a change of heart,’ says Roderick. ‘It had such a wonderful feeling about it, we decided we’d like to live in it ourselves. ‘We wanted to create a contemporary interpretation of the country house,’ says Amanda. ‘The sort of house that anyone can slip into. A lot of modern houses are so minimal that they feel rather cool and austere. That’s certainly not the case with Eagle Rock – it has a lovely warmth.’ Roderick says the unique elliptical shape of the house not only takes advantage of the views but also, ‘has a resonance with the old Scottish “broch” or fort’. Predominantly single storey, the building has a high-level viewing gallery around

Country Homes & Interiors

ARGYLL NEW BUILD

What makes this house a home… ‘It’s so easy to have lots of people to stay in this house. There’s plenty of space for everyone to hang out and relax’

Living area The couple find this spot an inspiring place to work. Painting by Catherine Forshall, Glasshouse Art. Table, David Colwell.

Living area The open-plan space is divided into kitchen, dining and lounging zones. Dining table, David Colwell. Plane, similar from Artisanti.

Kitchen Soft zinc worktops are easy to maintain and develop a patina over time. Worktops, Firth Plumbing. Stools, Nkuku.

What we love most about living here… Guest bedroom Quirky pieces provide additional, practical storage. USA post office sorting desk, hat and coat rack, both The Old Cinema.

‘The location is spectacular, and the views are forever changing with the seasons’

En suite A painted boat rudder from one of Roderick’s old dinghies is the focal point. Fixtures, Lefroy Brookes at the Bathroom Discount Centre. Flooring, Fired Earth.

ARGYLL NEW BUILD

Guest bedroom An eclectic mix of artefacts add interest. Shutters, Plantation Shutters. Snow shoes, The Old Cinema. Bed cover fabric, Andrew Martin.

a glazed internal courtyard. Downstairs there are four large double bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms and an expansive open-plan kitchen and living area. Two curved staircases lead up to the gallery, which provides additional guest accommodation, as well as a cinema, library and children’s play area. The outer walls of the north elevation enclose service areas, a cloakroom, larder and laundry room, while the unusual elliptical shape and the generous use of triple-glazed windows take advantage of the incredible views, providing a different aspect for each bedroom. The house was built using Douglas fir glulam beams and posts by Inwood which, along with the washed natural wood floors and limestone from the Lake District, immediately establishes the easy informality and warmth that the couple wanted to create. ‘We like to keep the colours muted and the fabrics simple so that these features stand out, as well as to reinforce the welcoming atmosphere,’ says Amanda. While Eagle Rock is a substantial house, they have made use of every part of it. The open-plan living space is split into several different areas including a cooking and food prep zone, a dining space, several lounging spots, and a home office area with two desks looking out over the stunning scenery. ‘It’s a wonderful and inspirational place to work,’

On the Isle of Mull, Tobermory is the closest town, accessible by boat or ferry from Lochaline.

Country Homes & Interiors

says Amanda. ‘When our children and grandchildren are here, the upstairs gallery, with the cinema, library, music room and study areas, is a real hive of activity. When it’s just us, we often watch movies or read a book up there, too.’ As with each house on the estate, the design of Eagle Rock is bespoke and exceptional green credentials are at its heart. Underfloor heating, heat pumps, 450mm of recycled newspaper insulation and light-flowing space help to ensure that, in terms of energy, the house costs virtually nothing to run. ‘These have always been touchstones of our architectural practice and our design philosophy,’ says Roderick. The house has a 15kW bank of solar photovoltaic panels, two woodstoves and a sophisticated control system to use and store every watt of solar-generated electricity as heat. ‘The house achieves 100% on its environmental impact rating and 99% for energy efficiency.’ Roderick has been designing houses since 1974, and he and Amanda have previously built three houses and have converted two houseboats, for themselves. To build Eagle Rock, they drew upon everything they’ve learned over the years, culminating in this magnificent 21st-century home. Roderick James Architects LLP, 01803 868000, roderickjamesarchitects.com.

Country Homes & Interiors

Triple-glazed French doors lead straight to an outdoor seating area. Glazing, Velfac. Blanket, The Cloth Shop.

FEATURE MONICA LOUDON PHOTOGRAPHS MARK NICHOLSON, (OPENER: HOUSE EXTERIOR) NIGEL RIGDEN

Main bedroom (Also below) The dressing area and wardrobes are hidden behind the bulkhead. Antique shutters, The Old Cinema. Aluminium trunk, similar from Smithers of Stamford.

ARGYLL NEW BUILD

ON OUR D O O R S T E P. . . Visit… ‘The spectacular Fingal’s Cave, Treshnish Isles and Iona to experience some of Scotland’s beautiful scenery and wildlife with Staffa Tours (07831 885985, staffatours.com).’

Shop at… ‘Seafare (01688 302277), our local chandlers, a boat ride away in Tobermory. It has a well-stocked shop with waterproof clothing and lots of useful gadgets.’ Go for a meal at… ‘The Whitehouse Restaurant (01967 421777, thewhitehouserestaurant. co.uk) in Lochaline. The chefs are fantastic and the food is consistently excellent.’

Guest bedroom Amanda has given each of the rooms its own character and identity. Screen, David Edmonds. Bedspread and cushions, both Woven Magic.

ROOM IDEAS

Be inspired by

Amanda’s bedroom Layer up the comfort factor with strong geometrics on a Navajo-inspired softy. Ohio star scatter cushion, 46cm sq, £27, Woven Magic at Wayfair. Fill your bedroom with soft lighting with this simple, fashion-conscious design. Emmett essentials table lamp, H35xDia18cm, col White, £15, Made.com.

Add interest, character and contrast to a classic country scheme with unexpected industrial accents in steel, copper, wood and concrete.

Evoke the nostalgic romance of luxury cruise liners and railway carriages with stylish storage. Lyska trunks, (largest) H44xW80xD45cm, £335 for 3, Out There Interiors.

Whip up your woodwork with this subtle white, reminiscent of dreamy antique lace. Marbles eggshell paint, £60 for 2.5L, Earthborn Paints.

Made from reclaimed wood and recycled steel, this stylish piece makes a quirky bedside addition. Hyatt Jack stool, H50-65cm, £189, Little Tree Furniture at Barker and Stonehouse.

Amanda’s style secret Wake up a neutral palette with eclectic finds and warm textures.

Modern Country Classic Wooden ceiling

Country Homes & Interiors

modern and warm finish. Raw, weathered and light woods look great in coastal schemes, while a neutrally painted tongue-and-groove or shiplap installation is ideal for use in smart, modern schemes.

Where to buy…

•Armstrong for ceiling solutions with improved acoustic performance. •Havwoods International for wood cladding options. •Plaank for reclaimed and sustainable panels.

FEATURE HOLLY PHILLIPS

Hardwood planks are the new go-to material for ceilings, evoking a cosy touch of cabin chic. Combining honest durability with charming character, timber beams and wood panelling offer a clean,

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Room to breathe DRAWN BY THE LURE OF THE SEA, LAURA COLUCCI HAS CREATED AN IDYLLIC FAMILY HOME RIGHT BY THE WATERâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S EDGE

W E S T S U S S E X B E AC H H O U S E

Living area

Triangular windows and full-width glazed doors maximise both the light and the sea views. Flooring, Lordrite Wooden Floors. Bifold doors, windows, Internorm. Rattan pendant light, similar from Design Vintage.

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Country Homes & Interiors

W E S T S U S S E X B E AC H H O U S E

House The seaside location offers plenty of scope for hours of fun in the fresh air for all the family.

Hallway Tongue-andgroove panelling and a slate floor exude nautical charm. Slate tiles, Coastal Stone. Wall lights, Original BTC.

Laura Colucci and her husband, Paul, had no idea

AT HOME WITH... Owners Laura Colucci, a yoga teacher who runs Spritz Wellness (spritzwellness.com), and her husband, Paul, co-founder of a private-equity firm. They live here during the holidays with their sons, Luca, 10, and Connor, seven. House A five-bedroom detached timber-framed home, built in 2016.

that a day trip to the West Sussex coast would turn out to be such a turning point in their lives. ‘A friend had told us about the wonderful West Wittering beach and, from the moment we arrived, Paul and I were captivated,’ says Laura. ‘This day turned out to be the catalyst that inspired us to build our own beachside home, as well as the yoga studio I had longed for.’ In 2007, after the couple’s eldest son, Luca, was born, the Coluccis found themselves frequently escaping London life to spend more quality time together as a family. ‘Although we love so many aspects of living in the city, Paul and I grew up in Canada, surrounded by nature, and yearned for that same sense of space,’ says Laura. ‘We wanted our own family to experience that freedom, too.’ Over the next few years, the Coluccis found themselves returning to West Wittering with increasing regularity. ‘As we were visiting so often, we felt it made sense to look in this area for a house or plot to create our own bolthole – a coastal home that would give a real sense of bringing the outdoors in,’ says Laura. In 2012, a year after their second son, Connor, was born, the Coluccis rented a beachside property in East Wittering – an ideal base to begin their house-hunting

Country Homes & Interiors

Kitchen Laura was keen to incorporate a large island into the room so she could enjoy the magnificent views while cooking. Carrara quartz worktops, County Stone Granite. White pendant lights, Neptune.

What makes this house a home… ‘We’ve created a laid-back beach home where we can all switch off and enjoy being close to the water’

What we love most about living here... ‘We’re really keen on watersports and just love being able to pop down to the shore on a whim’

Dining area A rustic dining table and contrasting farmhouse chairs enhance the informal feel of the living space. Dining table, Heal’s. Chairs, The White Company. Units, Arundel Bespoke. Mirror, Sasche.

W E S T S U S S E X B E AC H H O U S E

Living area

TV room A large lobster painting sets the seaside tone. Lobster painting, bought at the Affordable Art Fair. Wooden ship’s lantern, Willow Lifestyle.

A wooden boat and crab print inject interest. Boat, similar from Houseology. Sea crab print, Nicola Watters.

mission. Eventually, after two years of searching, the couple came across just the right property. ‘The house looked very dated and was full of asbestos. However, the beachside location was exactly what we were looking for,’ says Laura. ‘We also loved the far-reaching views out to sea and towards the Isle of Wight. The property was undoubtedly ripe for knocking down and replacing with the home of our dreams.’ As soon as the house was theirs, in 2014, the couple began to discuss their ideas for a contemporary home with a local architect. When it came to the design, they found that their coastal renting experience gave them a tremendous head start. ‘Paul and I knew we wanted an “upside down” house to maximise the incredible views of the sea,’ says Laura. ‘We envisaged a Hamptons-style home with wooden cladding that would incorporate plenty of glass, a vaulted ceiling and an open-plan layout on the first floor.’ After tweaking the design several times, planning permission was finally granted for the timber-framed Scandia-Hus home. ‘While we were waiting for planning to go through, we were very fortunate to cross paths with Murray Johnstone, a neighbour who’d already built a couple of houses very close to our plot,’ says Laura. ‘Although I’d completed a self-build course in London, I realised that I’d need Murray’s expertise to project manage and, I have to say, this partnership worked extremely well. Murray’s recommended carpenter, Russell Crimes, was

En suite A freestanding bath creates a focal point in a simply styled room. Bath, BC Designs, painted in Ammonite by Farrow & Ball. Tiles, Topps Tiles. Panelling, painted in Strong White by Farrow & Ball.

Country Homes & Interiors

W E S T S U S S E X B E AC H H O U S E

fantastic, as were his suggestions for the other trades.’ As a result, the nine-month build, which started in March 2016, forged swiftly ahead, with Laura visiting the site regularly to keep a check on its progress. When it came to choosing materials, the couple were keen to use natural products. ‘We felt that cedar cladding would look good and weather well,’ says Laura. ‘Inside we opted for a combination of slate, brick and tongue-and-groove to inject a rustic, lived-in, feel. ‘In terms of the interiors, we wanted the walls to be painted in muted shades of white. I then introduced a subtle palette of colours to echo the hues of our coastal surroundings for the soft furnishings and furniture.’ The Coluccis certainly haven’t looked back since completing the final touches. ‘Our new home is such a wonderful retreat,’ says Laura. ‘We spend virtually every weekend and most of the boys’ school holidays here. My yoga studio is the most relaxing place to practise and teach in. When the doors are open in the summer I can hear the sound of the waves lapping on the shore. Here, we have the opportunity to kick back, relax and just enjoy being together.’ Laura Colucci Yoga, 07775 978798, lauracolucciyoga.com. 50

Country Homes & Interiors

Guest en suite Laura chose metro-style tiles for the shower and splashback in two tones of glossy grey. Wall tiles, Topps Tiles. Mirror, Ikea.

FEATURE JANET McMEEKIN PHOTOGRAPHS ANDREAS VON EINSIEDEL

Guest bedroom Blush pink soft furnishings add subtle colour to the neutral scheme. Painting by Ron Lawson, bought at the Affordable Art Fair. Blush pink throw, Design Vintage. Pale pink velvet cushions, Cox & Cox.

Main bedroom A sumptuous pin-tucked velvet quilt has been teamed with velvet and linen cushions to add texture and depth. Panelling, Neptune. Quilt, Cox & Cox. Bed, bedside table, Feather & Black. Wall light, Original BTC.

O N O U R D O O R S T E P. . . Visit… ‘West Wittering beach (01243 514143, westwitteringbeach.co.uk). We love going for walks here, and the boys adore playing in the sand.’

Shop at… ‘Something Fishy (01243 671153, somethingfishy.fish) in The Parade, East Wittering, is a traditional fishmonger that sells the freshest fish, caught on the day. The owner also organises fishing trips, from Chichester Harbour.’

Go for a meal at… ‘The Drift-In (01243 672292, witteringsurfshop.com) East Wittering. It’s one of our favourite local cafés. They serve great coffee, fresh juices and our boys are huge fans of the crêpes.’

ROOM IDEAS

Be inspired by

Laura’s living area Link your deck and living space with bifold doors to create a seamless transition from indoors to outside. Celebrate sailing with this scale model of a 1930s racer with mahogany hull and cotton sails. Dragon Olympic sail racer, H76.5xW99xD18cm, £185, Authentic Models at Houseology.

Inspired by sea urchins found on the Cornish coast, this steam-bent pendant is made from sustainable timber. Urchin pendant light in walnut, H30.5xdia55cm, £295, Tom Raffield at Heal’s.

Whether cosying up your sofa or acting as a colour-pop picnic blanket, this playful piece works a treat. Herringbone Woven Stripe throw, 180x120cm, £32, Oliver Bonas.

Laura’s style secret Create a laid-back scheme inspired by waterside living with a calming mix of chalky neutrals, pale wood tones and slouchy linens.

Walk barefoot across cool, bleached-look flooring. Valverdi Copse outdoor wood-effect porcelain paving, £41.64sq m, Green Garden.

Relax in style on this comfortable, weather-resistant wooden recliner. Tennessee deckchair, H94xW71xD90cm, £210, Home Loft Concept at Wayfair.

Modern Country Classic Deck railings

Country Homes & Interiors

from wood is always a popular choice, but there are now plenty of other no-maintenance options to choose from. From metal, composite, cable rail and tempered glass, there’s something to suit all tastes.

Where to buy…

•Jacksons Fencing for handcrafted designs •Wickes for simple DIY kits in wood and metal. •UKDeckit for stylish, easy-to-assemble kits made from Swedish Redwood.

FEATURE HOLLY PHILLIPS

Much more than a practical safety feature, these attractive railings help define the look of an outside space, providing a smart finish to your exterior architecture. Traditional decking balustrade made

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N O R F O L K C O T TAG E

Fishermanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dream CATHERINE DAVIS DUG DEEP TO TURN A DILAPIDATED SEASIDE COTTAGE INTO A COSY, CHARACTERFUL HIDEAWAY 54

Country Homes & Interiors

Kitchen Catherine (seen left, in Wells-next-the-Sea) has used a grey and blue palette as a nod to the cottageâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s coastal location. Walls, painted in Drop Cloth by Farrow & Ball. Units, Homebase. Handles, knobs, Neptune. Grey pendants, Ardingly Antiques Fair. Cushion, in Seahorses by Peony & Sage, Catkin & Olive.

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What makes this house a home… ‘The overwhelming sense of history and authenticity. We’ve worked hard to retain the raw, unspoilt charm that first drew us to the cottage’

Living room (Also opposite) A driftwood-style console table and mirror accentuate the laid-back, beachy feel. Console, mirror, Ardingly Antiques Fair. Rug, Ikea.

N O R F O L K C O T TAG E Catherine’s attention to detail extends to the exterior of this historic cottage. Woodwork, painted in Dix Blue; walls, in Off-White, both by Farrow & Ball.

Sometimes in life it’s worth taking a gamble. This

AT HOME WITH... Owners Catherine Davis, an occupational therapist, and her husband, Simon, an antiques dealer. House A two-bedroom former fisherman’s cottage, dating from the mid-1800s. They moved in in 2016.

was certainly the case for Catherine and Simon Davis who, trusting their instincts, bought a tumbledown fisherman’s cottage, without as much as a survey. ‘When we first viewed this property in Wells-next-the-Sea, it was a complete wreck, crumbling before our eyes,’ says Catherine. ‘However, the coastal location was idyllic and, from the moment we set foot inside, we were captivated by its charm and the vast potential to bring such a unique, historic property back to life.’ Back in 2015, the couple, who run a luxury B&B and glamping business in the grounds of their restored farmhouse in Foulsham, Norfolk, began yearning for a seaside bolthole; somewhere they could spend the occasional night or weekend away. ‘We love running Norfolk Courtyard, but it keeps us extremely busy, and when we want to unwind we often head to the beautiful north Norfolk coast,’ says Catherine. That May, having begun her online search, Catherine was astonished to discover Oyster Cottage was on the market. ‘I instantly recognised it,’ says Catherine. ‘Simon and I had peered through the windows of this derelict cottage several times and mentioned how heartbreaking it was to see such a characterful building in a terrible state.’ Keen to take a closer look, Catherine set up a viewing. ‘We were due to leave for New York the following

Country Homes & Interiors

Living room A pair of Ercol-style armchairs, snapped up from Gumtree, have been stripped and waxed for a more modern look. Blind fabric, Foy & Co. Woodburner, Arcadia Home Heating. Cushions, Country Home Antiques.

morning for Simon’s birthday treat, but realising this was too good an opportunity to miss, I hurriedly finished the packing and we raced to Wells for a 7pm appointment.’ The next morning, having discussed the pros and cons of buying Oyster Cottage while journeying to the airport, the couple decided to ring the estate agent to put in an offer. ‘There were clearly downsides,’ says Catherine. ‘The cottage hadn’t been lived in for 70 years and was a bankruptcy sale, which sounded complicated. Inside, it was horrific, with soil and old tiles on the ground floor. The rickety staircase was rotten and there was no proper bathroom, kitchen, water or electric.’ Although most buyers would have walked away from such a challenging project, the experienced renovators could see through the cobwebs and grime. ‘We loved the cottage,’ says Catherine. ‘It was so quirky and, despite decades of decay, it had a magical, romantic feel. This was a chance to buy what was probably the last renovation project of its kind in Wells.’ Ignoring an avalanche of warnings, the pair stuck to their guns and made an offer, finally clinching the deal on Oyster Cottage 11 months later. The couple had no idea that purchasing the cottage would take so long. ‘As soon as we arrived back in the UK, I began visualising staying in Oyster Cottage,’ says Catherine. ‘I even bought a bargain sofa from eBay, not

Country Homes & Interiors

A driftwood curlew, found at a craft fair, adds another coastal touch. Chest of drawers, Holt Antiques & Interiors Centre. Chair, mirror, Country Home Antiques.

N O R F O L K C O T TAG E

What we love most about living here… ‘The amazing location. We are just metres from the water’s edge and there’s such a relaxed vibe’

Guest bedroom (Also left) Rather than art, Catherine has hung a pair of ﬂags on the panelled wall. The cupboard was bought from a brocante in France. Flags, Holt Antiques & Interiors Centre. Bed, similar from The White Company. Fisherman’s pendant light, lamp, Ardingly Antiques Fair.

Main bedroom Damaged oars have been lovingly repaired and displayed on the wall. Oars, Holt Antiques & Interiors Centre. Vintage Amish barn star, Ardingly Antiques Fair.

N O R F O L K C O T TAG E

Bathroom A new Velux window floods the bathroom with light. Tiles, The Tile Shop. Basin, NBK Bathrooms & Kitchens.

☎

Country Homes & Interiors

ON OUR D O O R S T E P. . . Visit… ‘Holkham Hall (01328 713111, holkham.co.uk), just a couple of miles from Wells-nextthe-Sea. This is a fascinating 18th-century mansion and it has a very different feel from many other stately homes, since the family actually live there.’ Shop at… ‘Country Home Antiques (countryhomeantiques. co.uk) in Dereham. It’s a treasure trove of curated antiques for home and garden, from kitchen tables to old tools and enamelled signs.’ Go for a meal at… ‘The café at Wiveton Hall (01263 740515, wivetonhall.co.uk) in Wiveton, near Holt. It’s a quirky, relaxed spot in a converted corrugated barn with views out across the salt marshes. The home-cooked food is always tasty. We often combine a visit with a stroll around the grounds.’

FEATURE JANET McMEEKIN PHOTOGRAPHS ANDREAS VON EINSIEDEL

realising that it would be 18 months before the cottage would be fit for purpose and we could start moving furniture in.’ With their trusted team of builders hired, work on the six-month renovation finally began. ‘We wanted the cottage to have a pared-back, beachy feel with lime-washed beams and reclaimed flooring,’ says Catherine. ‘Rather than plastering the walls, we had them rendered to give an aged, undulating look. With regard to colours, I was keen to echo the coastal surroundings and chose a subtle palette of off-white, grey and blue, with a few red accents.’ There’s no doubt that this transformation tale has had some hairy moments. ‘Discovering that connecting the water mains was going to be a very hefty £10,000, rather than the £400 figure we’d been led to believe it would be, was a real low point,’ says Catherine. ‘It was also quite a shock to find that the beams in the roof weren’t actually attached.’ Thankfully, the builders, along with Catherine and Simon, surmounted every problem and, after a huge amount of effort, Oyster Cottage has a new lease of life. ‘We adore staying in our little coastal retreat and have received wonderful feedback from rental guests, too,’ says Catherine. ‘It was far from easy at times, but now when we look around, we’re so pleased that we didn’t give up on our dream.’ To rent Oyster Cottage, visit stayinwells.co.uk, or call 07969 611510.

ROOM IDEAS

Be inspired by

Catherine’s living room Pepper your seating with ikat-inspired, summery designs. Bordered Lakshmi cushion cover, 51cm sq, col Cobalt/ White, £54, Oka.

Hand-finished artisan accents in natural materials add interest and character to a coastal scheme.

Hang an authentic touch of beachside chic with this attractive piece. Perrine whitewashed wood mirror, 83x112cm, £115, Maisons du Monde.

Create a serene atmosphere for evenings, inside or out. Stainless-steel lanterns, H82x19cm sq, £145; H69x32cm sq; H100x 22cm sq, both £155, all Nordic House. A solid oak frame creates a striking cradle for sink-into upholstery. Frome armchair, H82xW75cm, col Beaulieu Lake Blue, £675, Croft Collection at John Lewis.

Traditional homes will suit this effortless grey-beige, inspired by the painter’s dust sheet. Drop Cloth, £45 for 2.5L estate emulsion, Farrow & Ball.

Catherine’s style secret Choose driftwood-inspired pieces for relaxed living with a beachy twist.

FEATURE HOLLY PHILLIPS

Modern Country Classic Reclaimed flooring Stylish, honest, brimming with history and always with a story to tell… Timber flooring traces its history back to the 18th century, when wood was abundant and the Industrial Revolution was in full swing. Now, as

the demand for a more sustainable approach to living increases, wood is being recycled and reused once more, resulting in beautifully rustic character. Popular choices include oak, redwood and Douglas fir.

Where to buy…

•Ted Todd for artisan timber. •The New & Reclaimed Flooring Co for genuine, timeless styles. •The Solid Wood Flooring Company for antiqued oak boards in various finishes.

Country Homes & Interiors

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On the

WAT E R F R O N T Dip into the restful nature of inked estuary fauna and flora. Seen on beautifully illustrated designs, botanical shoreline studies and wading birdlife tell the tale of everyday creek and inlet life. With colours reflecting the relaxing waterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s edge, patterns are matched with textures inspired by tidal imprints while furniture takes on a time-worn and tumbled look, against an easy-going backdrop of wicker and weathered wood details.

(BACKGROUND, OPPOSITE) WALLPAPER, ESTUARY BIRDS, £56 A ROLL, SANDERSON AT STYLE LIBRARY.

SEASONAL LOOKS

HEAD UPSTREAM All aboard for a day out rowing complete with picnic hamper and tableware, and cushions to keep things comfy. See page 72 for details.

Country Homes & Interiors

SOAK UP THE SUN Extend those outdoor lounging moments and add some shade to seating with a bespoke stylish sail. Dress a woven sofa and chairs with themed hero cushions for a smart look. See page 72 for details.

SEASONAL LOOKS

TAKE IN A VIEW Make a feature wall inspired by watching the world go by. Hang wallpaper covered in songbirds and blue skies and arrange a modern linen sofa alongside decorative details to reﬂect the water’s edge. See page 72 for details.

Country Homes & Interiors

SEASONAL LOOKS

GATHER WATERSIDE COLLECTIONS Place delicate coastal collections, linens and artwork in a painted glazed unit, with foraged ďŹ nds arranged casually on top. See page 72 for details.

Country Homes & Interiors

ENJOY A SEAFOOD SUPPER Sit down to a stylish table setting that gives a nod to the shoreline, with table linens featuring breezy stripes and bold ﬁsh designs. See page 72 for details.

DREAM OF DISTANT SHORES Use tidal patterned bedlinens for a water-lapped look. Add shell and marshland-inspired accessories and complete the scheme with a painterly estuary bird accent cushion. See page 72 for details.

SEASONAL LOOKS

STYLE UP A SHOWER DECK Wash and rinse in the open air with an outdoor shower area featuring reed, rush and shoreline buys. See page 72 for details.

Â»

Country Homes & Interiors

SEASONAL LOOKS

All the details

PRODUCTS AND PRICES

Pages 66-67

Pages 68-69

HEAD UPSTREAM Stackpole Headland picnic hamper, £65, National Trust. Grey vase, £24, Dassie Artisan. Cushions (from front): 1 Clouds, FJD6008/01, col Sky Blue, £65m, John Derian for Designers Guild. 2 Estuary Birds, 226426, col Mist/Ivory, £48m, Sanderson

at Style Library. 3 Navy Blue, £14, Sainsbury’s Home. Rafﬁa hat, £29.99, Zara Home. Brass Cargo lamp, £60, Nauticalia. Swell blanket, £75, Hart Interiors & Lifestyle. Black wooden stool, £82, Rowen & Wren. Glacier plate, £22, Lucia Fraser.

SOAK UP THE SUN Tresco armchair, £620; 3-seater sofa, £1,230; Tuscany coffee table, £710; Tarragon small grey plant pot, £10, all Neptune. Blue herringbone blanket, £35; hanging metal cage plant pot holder, £12; Murlough Bay melamine beaker, £4, all National Trust. Brockworth throw, col Monsoon/White, £45; Dorset Blue enamel kettle, £45, both Garden Trading. Cushions (from left): 1 Andas, £35, Also Home at &Hobbs. 2 Clouds, as before. 3 Blue, £22, Debenhams. 4 Captain Thomas Browns Shells, FJD6003/02, col Oyster, £65m, John Derian for Designers Guild. Musango Stripy mug, £16.80; Libby Ballard Ceramics vase, £40, all &Hobbs. Oyster bowl, £55, Dassie Artisan. Glass ﬂoat, £4.49; bird, £11.99; Brass and copper lamp, £120, all Nauticalia. Striped napkin, £14 for 2, Rowen & Wren. Sail, Pampero, F7160-03, £125m, Osborne & Little. Ceramic plant pots, large, £15; small, £5; plants, from a selection, all Dobbies. Tennis shoes, £35, Bensimon. Shai jute rug, £160, Dassie Artisan.

TAKE IN A VIEW Wallpaper, Chimney Swallows, PJD6003/01, col Sky Blue, £65 a roll, Designers Guild. Pablo 3-seater sofa, £2,239, Barker and Stonehouse. Cushions: 1 Pampero, F7160-02, £125m, Osborne & Little. 2 Henri, col Taupe, £36, Dassie Artisan. 3 Powder velvet, £34.99, Dobbies. Grey striped throw (on sofa), £15; blue throw (in basket), £15, both B&Q. Jute pouf, £120, Igigi General Store. Nordal cushion, col Slate Grey, £40, Homage. Open weave seagrass baskets, £95 for 3 assorted, Cox & Cox. Vintage side table, £225, Sunbury Antiques Market. Brenna table lamp, £168, Rowen & Wren. Parisian Maison Grey Ceramic jug, £12, Sainsbury’s Home. Tealight holder, £9.99, Zara Home. House, £40, Amanda Banham Ceramics. Binoculars, £55, Reason Season Time. Riviera large bowl, (as planter), £65, Dassie Artisan. Betty Shorebird, £10; Metal hanging plant holder, £8; both The National Trust. Konstsmide Festoon lights, £59, Amazon. Grass plants, Dobbies. Natural Lohals rug, £55, Ikea.

GATHER WATERSIDE COLLECTIONS Wallpaper, Estuary Birds,

B&Q. Natural Lohals rug, as before. Box; wooden house, similar from Notonthehighstreet.com.

£56 a roll, Sanderson at Style Library. Cabinet, £425, Sunbury Antiques Market. Ashton chair, £89; basket, £49, both Barker and Stonehouse. Tarragon pot, as before. Boat, £150, Neptune. Small bowl, £11, &Hobbs. Bottle vase, £7.75 for 3, Pipii. Tide vase, £68, Lucia Fraser. Seashell print, £250 for 6, Oka. Original shell print, £6.50, Ninska Prints at Etsy. Display treasure trove, £70, Wireworks. Lapwing, £285, by Abigail Brown. Seascape painting, £40, Packhouse. Green Seaweed watercolour, £100, Lisa Le Quelenec at Etsy. Glass dome, £24, Rowen & Wren. (In cabinet) Crate, £15, Packhouse. Bird print, £265 for 12, Oka. Jug, £19.50, Falcon Enamelware. Oyster cup, £11; grey and black vase, £24, both Dassie Artisan. Branch Out print, £30, Kitty Hillier. Bottle, £30, Sunbury Antiques Market. Seagrass tray, £20, Homage. Linens, Zara Home and

DREAM OF DISTANT SHORES Pages 70-71

Country Homes & Interiors

Walls, painted in Cotton I, £48.50 for 2.5L emulsion, Paint & Paper Library. Avery kingsize bed in Stone brushed linen cotton, £1,100, Sofa.com. Collaby kingsize quilt cover set, £149, Sheridan. Striped pillowcases, £9.99 each, Zara Home. Cushions: 1 Blue Coral, £22, Debenhams. 2 Estuary Birds, 226426, col Mist/Ivory, £48m, Sanderson at Style Library. 3 Gurli cover, col Beige, £1.75, Ikea. Blue knitted throw, £66, Debenhams. Crocus blanket wrap, £50, Dassie Artisan. Hanging planter £18, Burgon & Ball at Le Petit Jardin. Plant, from a selection, Dobbies. Painting, £40, Packhouse. St Mawes stool, £95; Stockholm lamp, £90, both Garden Trading. Bud vases, £16.50 for 2, Cox & Cox. White house tealight holder, £16, Lucy and Jane Ceramics at Etsy. (On shelf) Bird print from Marshland and Freshwater Birds by Jiri Felix, Amazon. Small houses, £40 each, Amanda Banham Ceramics.

ENJOY A SEAFOOD SUPPER Spindle back chairs, £165 each; jug, £28, all Garden Trading. Antique wood chair, £90; stool, £70, Sunbury Antiques Market. Striped tablecloth, £76; Striped napkins, £14 for 2, all Rowen & Wren. Runners, Laghetto, F7173-01, £87m, Osborne & Little. Oyster platter, £65; side plate, £14, both Dassie Artisan. Glacier dinner plates, £36 each, Lucia Fraser. Libby Ballard side plates, £24 each; bowls, £11, black napkin, £10, all &Hobbs. Beldi glasses, £24 for 6, Raj Tent Club. White rim glasses, £5 each, Packhouse. Landscape napkins, £17.99 for 4, Zara Home. Salcombe cutlery, £71 for 24 pieces; Tarragon pot, £15, all Neptune. Seagrass bowl, £20, Homage. Washi tape, 50p, Hobbycraft. Seaweed print, £103 for 4, Nautical Nell at Etsy. Rocky Shore print, £30, Kitty Hillier.

White house, as before. Glacier side plate, £22, Lucia Fraser. Creamer jug, £24, Rowen & Wren. Isle of Wight painting by Doreen Howard-Baylis and all other items, stylist’s own.

STYLE UP A SHOWER DECK Shower, £467, The Cast Iron Bath Company. Towel ladder, £95, Rattan baskets, £150 for 3 assorted, Cox & Cox. Oars, £115 for 2, Mole & Velvet at Etsy. Duckboards, £80 each, Wireworks. Blue checked towel, £30; wafﬂe towel, £18.95; wooden stool, £42, all &Hobbs. Bondi hamman towels, £36, Hart Interiors & Lifestyle. Blue striped bath sheet, £30; galvanised planter, £8, both Packhouse. Bath products, from £6, Shizen Remedies. Iris Hantverk bath brush, £24, Le Petit Jardin. Stone dish and brush, from a selection, Igigi General Store. Curlew, similar from Coastal Home. Bottle vase, £10, National Trust. Tennis shoes, as before. Grasses, Dobbies.

NEXT MONTH A SUNSHINE STATE OF MIND

FEATURE AND ART DIRECTION SARA BIRD STYLING SELINA LAKE STYLE ASSISTANT SARAH PRALL PHOTOGRAPHS DAVID BRITTAIN

Pages 64-65

T H I N G S T H AT M A K E U S G O O O H !

Garden

ILLUMINATIONS LIGHT THE NIGHT IN FIREFLY STYLE WITH OUR GLOWING ROUND-UP OF CANDLE HOLDERS, FROM LANTERNS TO VOTIVES

Floor and standing lanterns

Lead the way with a gently ﬂickering trail of sculptural shapes, detailing intricate cut-out patterns inspired by magical lands.

(On bench from left) Delicate cut-out lantern, £45, Cox & Cox. Lantern with netting, col Red, £49.99, Zara Home. Hurricane lantern, col Sparkling Iron, £29.99, Oggetto. (On ground, from rear left) Natural bamboo hurricane, £79.95, Nordic House. Elegant ﬁligree lantern, £75, Cox & Cox. Rope hurricane jar, £169, Lexington. Venice patterned lantern, £34.99, Garden Leisure at Notonthehighstreet.com. Bronze Moroccan candle holder, £35, Nisi. Geometric lantern, £60, Cox & Cox. Enamelled lantern, col Blue, £49.99, Zara Home. Leather lantern, £59, Lexington.

Country Homes & Interiors

Hanging beauties Suspend a staggered assortment of lanterns on twines and ribbons to cast an enchanting spell overhead.

Country Homes & Interiors

(From left) Glass tealight holder, £17.99, H&M Home. Ceramic tealight hurricane, £19.50 for 3 assorted colours, Nordic House. Mini hanging lantern, £12, The White Company. Hanging brass sky lantern, £24, Rowen & Wren. Speckled hanging votive, col Coral, £6, Anthropologie. Fleur De Lys garden candle lantern, £29, The Flower Studio at Notonthehighstreet.com. Mokomo hanging lantern, col Brass, £19.95, Nkuku.

FEATURE & STYLING HOLLY PHILLIPS PHOTOGRAPHS MAX ATTENBOROUGH NB NEVER LEAVE BURNING CANDLES UNATTENDED

T H I N G S T H AT M A K E U S G O O O H !

Tealight votives Create a glimmering centrepiece at sunset suppers with a seductive cluster of mottled metallics and blown glass in evocative Mediterranean blues.

NEXT MONTH KITCHEN LINENS

(From left) Hurricane, col Antique Copper, £10, Nordic House. Ornate lantern, col White, £12, The Wedding of my Dreams. Glorious tealight holder, £32 for 6 assorted, Rockett St George at Liberty. Vintage-style ﬁligree hurricane lantern, £8.80, by Red Lilly at Notonthehighstreet.com. Tealight, col Smoke Grey, £12 for 3, Nordic House. All-sorts tealight holder, £5, Rockett St George at Liberty. Seagrass tealight holder, £10, The White Company. Davenport tealight holder, £10, Rockett St George. Tealight holder with jute netting, £9.99, Zara Home. Glass star tealight holder, £5.50, India May Home. U-turn tealight holder, col Cobalt (one part shown), £35, Nisi.

Country Homes & Interiors

! ( %! !$ ( %! ' '"

$ %"$ ( %! %!$ " & $

C O U N T RY T R E N D

Let’s talk...

OMBRE Borrowed from the French word for ‘shaded’, this effortlessly painterly trend embraces the gradual blending of one colour or tone, from light to dark. Ombré first came into fashion in 1840 and was used throughout the 19th century as a fabric printing and dyeing technique to produce gradated colour designs. Home decorating styles are translating this fluid look across a multitude of products including wallcoverings, floor tiles, glassware, lighting and decorative accessories. From effortlessly gentle with a bohemian edge, to bold and dramatic with a sophisticated air, this latest ‘no rules’ style celebrates the perfectly imperfect in creative, imaginative ways in the dreamiest of blues.

THE SOFT TOUCH Ombré cushion, 50cm sq, col Ink, £20, Graham & Brown.

THE LIGHTING Eclectic hand-blown pendants, from £67 each, The Forest & Co at Notonthehighstreet.com.

LOVE THIS LOOK? THEN TRY… ✽ Making a captivating colour statement on walls with sweeping wallpapers. Updating your bedroom with breezy, tonal bedlinen and graded, pooling sheers. ✽ Creating this effect on plant pots and table linen using a dip-dyed technique. ✽ Painting stairs or drawers in tonal shades for an eclectic twist. ✽ Uplifting your dinnerware collection with a few artisanal ceramics finished in watercolour hues.

THE SERVEWARE

✽

Organic ombré crackle dinnerware, from £6, West Elm.

THE COSY FEATURE RUG Paintbox rug, 230x 170cm, col Teal, £990, Bluebellgray.

THE ACCESSORY Dip-glazed ombré tall vase, H12cm, col Turquoise, £4.50, Sass & Belle.

THE FOCAL POINTS

FEATURE HOLLY PHILLIPS (BACKGROUND) OMBRE STICKER PRINT, FROM £19, PIXERS

Savoie wallpaper, £225 a roll; Savoie linen curtain, £195m, both col Cobalt, Designers Guild.

THE HERO PIECE Originals loveseat, H78xW117x D53cm, col Graded Oceanic, £875, Ercol at Hafren Furnishers.

NEXT MONTH MONOCHROME

Country Homes & Interiors

M Y K I N D O F C O U N T RY

‘BAKING IS MY PASSION – I CAN’T IMAGINE DOING ANYTHING ELSE!’ Caterer and café owner, Emily Strange

mily Strange grew up on the family farm on the Isle of Purbeck in Dorset, and from an early age appreciated good food and hospitality: her grandparents ran a café in the area, as did her mother, where Emily helped out with the cooking as a child. She started Love Cake in 2010, selling her bakes at country fairs, supplying cafés and catering for private parties, before taking a leap of faith the following year and opening her own café-cum-deli in the seaside town of Swanage. In 2012, Doris, a vintage ice-cream van, joined the ranks and is now in regular attendance at events. We headed to this idyllic part of the Jurassic coast to meet Emily – and, of course, Doris!

TELL US MORE ABOUT YOUR HOME... I bought my Victorian terraced cottage in Swanage three years ago, and have renovated it from scratch – it’s still a work in progress. It was virtually uninhabitable when I moved in: I slept on a mattress on the floor for the first few months, and didn’t even have an oven – I ate all my meals in the café for the first two years. The long wait has made me appreciate my new kitchen even more though, and I love having friends over for dinner. My next project is the garden – I would like 78

Country Homes & Interiors

to grow herbs and vegetables and maybe have a few chickens scratching around. CAN YOU ENVISAGE EVER LIVING ANYWHERE ELSE? I really can’t. My heart is in Purbeck and although I love visiting different places, I’m always pleased to come home. This entire area is so special – not only is it beautiful and unspoilt but there’s a great sense of community. So many artists and artisans live here, and the local food scene is growing. It’s really important and gratifying to see it develop. DID YOU ALWAYS WANT TO WORK WITH FOOD? I think it’s in my blood. I never liked school, and couldn’t wait to leave. I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do, but I’ve always been creative and had a natural aptitude for cooking and baking, so catering seemed like a natural fit. I never had any formal training, though my mum influenced me in the kitchen when I was growing up. WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB? When I was 18, I became a chalet girl in France – I loved it so much, I did the winter season for five years. Early on, I worked with an Australian cook: she taught me so much

C O U N T RY H O M E S & I N T E R I O R S

Emily’s café in Swanage high street is popular with locals and visitors.

Doris – an old but able Bedford ice-cream van – helps to draw the crowds when Emily caters for events and festivals.

The stylish logo was designed by Blue Walnut.

A fresh scone with homemade jam and clotted cream – delicious!

Teapots in jolly colours add to the café’s quirky charm.

Vintage, mismatched crockery is stacked in old wooden crates. The picturesque ruins of nearby Corfe Castle.

The specials are updated every day – and show there’s more to Love Cake than just cake!

I couldn’t live without...

‘MY COOKBOOKS! I’VE GOT SO MANY, AND NEVER GET TIRED OF DIPPING IN AND OUT OF THEM. I’VE FINALLY GOT SHELVES IN MY KITCHEN, SO I CAN HAVE THEM ON DISPLAY’

Emily and the team get through an average of 120 eggs a day.

Beautiful Swanage beach is Emily’s favourite place to start the day with Barney, who is half Bassett Hound, half Cocker Spaniel.

Country Homes & Interiors

M Y K I N D O F C O U N T RY

about cooking for big parties of people. That really stood me in good stead for the future. HOW DID THE NAME LOVE CAKE COME ABOUT? In the early days when I was only baking, it simply summed up what we were all about, added to the fact that everyone loves cake. When I opened the café, which offered other food, I did think about changing the name, but by then Love Cake had become a brand, and I didn’t want it to get confusing. Local people know we do much more, but we make sure that visitors are aware, too, with prominent menus and a big blackboard with the daily sweet and savoury specials on it.

FEATURE SHARON PARSONS PHOTOGRAPHS RICHARD GADSBY, GREGORY DAVIES/ALAMY STOCK PHOTO

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR COOKING STYLE? Rustic and simple with an emphasis on taste – I’m not into novelty cakes – and everything we create uses the best local ingredients. Many of my bakes are classic, but I give them a twist: our Victoria Sponge, for instance, has been renamed an Eton Mess Cake because it’s filled with fresh cream, crushed meringue and berries. HOW DID DORIS COME INTO YOUR LIFE? I was looking for something that would make Love Cake stand out more than the usual market stall at parties and events, and decided a vintage vehicle would be ideal. I found Doris – a 1973 Bedford ice-cream van – on eBay, and it was love at first sight. We gave her an overhaul and added a smart new pink and cream livery. WHAT’S SO SPECIAL ABOUT HER? Doris is a character and proved an instant hit with customers – she’s great for adding a bit of informal vintage style to an event, especially when she’s dressed up with bunting and her counter is laden with cakes. She is an old lady, though, so we have to take care of her. Once, she broke down en route to a fair and we had to use a pair of tights as a fan belt! WHAT’S THE SECRET OF YOUR SUCCESS? I thrive on hard work and love a challenge. Running a catering business can be tough, especially in the summer when the area is busy with tourists and we’re booked for a lot of events: I am often in the kitchen at six in the morning to get everything made. Luckily, I have a great team – my colleagues

NEXT MONTH STARBED HIDEAWAYS

E M I LY ’S C O U N T RY V I B E What do you love most about August in Dorset? Enjoying the long evenings in my garden or at my favourite pub, The Square & Compass at Worth Matravers. What’s your favourite summer supper? A great tomato, mozzarella and basil salad with good olive oil and balsamic vinegar, along with crusty bread.

Jenny and Julia are talented bakers. Of course, I get tired, but putting my energy into something I love means I never feel jaded. WHAT ABOUT PLANS FOR THE FUTURE? I’d love to open for evening meals a few nights a week and expand the deli side of the business: we have limited space in the café, but there’s so much interest in the products we sell – mostly from local producers – that there must be a way! WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE LOCAL SHOP? The Mulberry Tree Gallery is packed with beautifully displayed gifts, cards and, of course, fantastic artwork – much of it by local artists. I bought a limited-edition map of Purbeck by Sasha Harding – I can’t wait to hang it up once my sitting room is decorated. DESCRIBE YOUR PERFECT DAY OFF... They happen rarely, but when I do have time to myself, I love rummaging around vintage or antique shops – the towns of Bridport and Honiton are favourite spots – followed by lunch in a great gastropub or restaurant: it’s a treat to be the customer for a change! WHERE DO YOU TELL VISITORS TO GO ON THE ISLE OF PURBECK? I tell people to make the most of the wonderful scenery. The walk up from Studland village to Old Harry Rocks and then along the coastline is hard to beat, while the view down the valley from the garden at The Scott Arms in Kingston is incredible: the ruins of Corfe Castle far below look like something from a fairytale. Not least, of course, there’s lovely Swanage beach – the further away from the town end the better, as it’s so much quieter. ☎ Love Cake, lovecakecatering.co.uk. Country Homes & Interiors

(BACKGROUND) TILES, ARTWORKS, COL LONDON STONE, £114.95sq m, ORIGINAL STYLE

BAT H R O O M S P E C I A L

country-cool

wet rooms THE LATEST SHOWERING SOLUTIONS FOR COUNTRY HOMES ARE AWASH WITH STYLE AND PRACTICALITY. FROM BEAUTIFUL BRASSWARE TO POWERFUL SHOWERS, WE TAKE A LOOK AT THE COOLEST OF DESIGN IDEAS »

Country Homes & Interiors

Grid panels, H210xW80cm, from £1,233; Nero shower rose, col Satin Black, £280; Nero hand shower, £229, all Aston Matthews.

In the frame Having made a major comeback architecturally, Crittall-inspired steel glazing is now being reproduced on a smaller scale inside the home. ‘After several years of minimal, frameless shower enclosures, these Crittall-style panels feel refreshingly different and bring an industrial hint that works well in both modern and classic homes,’ says Howard Birch, director of Aston Matthews. ‘We would recommend that the metal frame is only applied to the exterior of the glass, to allow for easy cleaning inside.’ 84

Country Homes & Interiors

BAT H R O O M S P E C I A L

Dalby shower with straight arm and 30cm rose, £2,970; L-shape shower enclosure, from £3,340; 5-bar dual-fuel heated towel rail, £3,318; all ﬁnished in unlacquered brass, Drummonds.

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LOVES

Barber & Osgerby Mews tiles, col Ink, £POA, Mutina.

Beautiful brass With warm metals now such a key look for bathrooms, brass has become an important decorative choice for fittings and accessories in the shower, too. ‘Brass ages to a beautiful patina, but choose a lacquered finish if you prefer a non-tarnishing look. Or, if you want a vintage feel from day one, go for a hand-patinated finish,’ says James Lentaigne, director of Drummonds. ‘Copper can also be lacquered to maintain the colour and shine, but an unsealed finish allows a verdigris patina to develop gradually.’

Country Homes & Interiors

BAT H R O O M S P E C I A L

Stay flexible It’s hard to deny the classic simplicity of a lone fixed shower rose, but not adding a separate hand shower is nothing short of a missed opportunity. Perfect for those days when there’s no time or need to wash your hair, a hand shower on a flexible riser rail will allow you to direct the water lower down. ‘They are also useful for rinsing the shower after use and general cleaning,’ adds Helen Shaw, marketing manager at Roper Rhodes. Go for a concealed shower valve, which allows the majority of the pipework to be hidden behind the tiles, for a neat, sleek look. York concealed dual-function shower system, £625, Laura Ashley Bathroom Collection.

Tile tales Big-impact tiles will help draw the eye right to the back of your showering space, making the room feel bigger and also providing a decorative feature similar to wallpaper. ‘Fish-scale tiles are a really high-impact trend this year. Also known as fan tiles or scallop tiles, they are especially great for lending showers a Moroccan or beach-inspired influence,’ says Sian O’Neill, head of marketing at Topps Tiles. ‘For best results, we suggest using a 5mm grout joint to really highlight the striking shape.’ A panel of frameless glass will keep shower spray contained, without obstructing the pretty pattern. Syren Nordic Blue ceramic tiles, £80.91sq m, Topps Tiles.

Country Homes & Interiors

Aegean bath, from £4,003, The Albion Bath Company. Similar shower, Hartlebury exposed shower valve in vintage gold, £750, Heritage Bathrooms.

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Similar hexagon matt white mosaic tiles, £57.79sq m, Topps Tiles.

Splash out Wet rooms are not just for showering. This stylish bathroom has been completely tanked allowing its owner to splash around either under the generous twin showers or in the chic double-ended tub. ‘It was designed for an ex-American football player so, needless to say, he needed a bigger shower area than most,’ reveals US-based interior designer Leanne Ford. ‘By tanking the whole room, we really gave him the freedom to shower and bathe without worrying about water damage. I’m not sure why more people don’t do it to be honest!’

Similar bathroom, around £35,000, West One Bathrooms.

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Metal tiles, col Copper, from £295sq m, Aparici at West One Bathrooms.

Step up Although beautiful, exposed beams can cause problems with bathroom planning. ‘In this country home, the floor of the bathroom was essentially the ceiling of the living room below – so there was nowhere to hide plumbing under the floorboards,’ recalls Louise Ashdown, head of design at West One Bathrooms. ‘The solution was a raised shower enclosure that creates a void for the waste and pipework.’ Making a feature of the tray plays down an unusually high install. ‘Ambient lighting along the plinth also creates a statement look,’ says Louise.

BAT H R O O M S P E C I A L

Jet packed In awkward spaces, it pays to think outside the box. Here, Martin Moore designer Toni Silver overcame the obstacle of a steeply sloped shower area by installing four powerful body jets instead of a regular showerhead. Providing full-body coverage more than compensates for the lack of head height. ‘Dornbracht consulted on the exact position of each body jet to make sure the flow steered well clear of the original timbers,’ she recalls. The woodwork was also given a waterproof coating to protect it from moisture damage.

Water bar concealed body sprays, £1,130 each; xTool concealed thermostatic shower, £2,591; all in matt platinum ﬁnish, Dornbracht. Honed Cream and Belgian Blue limestone tiles, £114sq m, Martin Moore Stone.

Country Homes & Interiors

BAT H R O O M S P E C I A L

Ambience Blue Steel ceramic wall tiles, £32.75sq m, Renaissance Collection, Craven Dunnill.

A floor-level shower base offers uncluttered simplicity. ‘The floor still requires falls to either a central or linear drainage outlet to ensure that the water freely drains away, but the benefits outweigh any extra installation efforts,’ says Steve Whitehurst, marketing and sales director at Craven Dunnill. There are two ways to achieve a flat shower base. You can fully tank the space or fit a slimline tray, such as Kaldewei’s Conoflat, which sits flush with the floor.

9 Old meets new

Hi-Macs acrylic stone, from £300 linear m, Design and installation by Solidity.

Country Homes & Interiors

In this barn conversion, composite fabricator Solidity used Hi-Macs acrylic stone to achieve a watertight wet room, merging ultra-modern, high-performance materials with the rustic timelessness of original beams. Forming a basin and storage in the same material provides a sleek, easy-to-clean space. ‘The acrylic element in Hi-Macs means it will flex with the movement of an old building, whereas tiles could prove too rigid,’ explains Solidity’s managing director, Chris Cook.

NEXT MONTH THE MASTER BEDROOM

FEATURE LINDA CLAYTON PHOTOGRAPHS (1) AMELIA HALLSWORTH, (5) ALEXANDRA RIBAR, (7) DARREN CHUNG, (9) DAVID STILL

8 On the level

10 Open up In loft conversions, or any shower room built under the eaves, an open shower can dramatically boost natural light flow and the overall sense of spaciousness. ‘If your space is on the snug side or has sloped walls, we’d also recommend larger format tiles in the shower,’ adds Jayne Adamson, head of retail marketing and brands at British Ceramic Tile. ‘Bigger tiles offer a more seamless design that creates the illusion of a larger space. They also result in fewer grout lines, which is a major plus on the cleaning front.’

New Brighton Pier gloss wall tiles (in shower), and New Brighton Sand Gloss wall tiles, (around vanity), both £29.60sq m, British Ceramic Tile.

reasons to love

GARDEN SHADES STAY AS FRESH AS A DAISY IN THE GARDEN THIS SUMMER WITH A PROTECTIVE, STYLISH SUN CANOPY

Classic design

Find a secluded spot in the garden and set up this beautiful tent to enjoy a leisurely afternoon tea or relaxed cocktail hour. Tea tent, 180x120cm; roof H240cm, Â£1,250, Raj Tent Club.

Country Homes & Interiors

FEATURE HOLLY PHILLIPS

M O D E R N C O U N T RY C L A S S I C S

Protect your barbecuing triumphs (and guests!) from the great British summer. Farwell pergola with protective cover, H220xW300x D300cm, £374.99, Robert Dyas.

Flexible shade

Pop an outdoor dining set or sofa under this rotating umbrella for hours of peaceful relaxation as the sun moves round. Chichester rotating cantilever parasol, H230xdia300cm, col Sand, £389, Bramblecrest at Internet Gardener.

Pull-back cover

Asymmetric style

Entertain in your country garden with this contemporary twist on a traditional parasol. It’s quick to assemble and weather- and rust-resistant. Sail gazebo, H260x350cm sq, £299, Wyevale Garden Centres.

Balinese artwork

Featuring a hand-painted lotus design in gold ink, playful fringing and beaded tassels, this is an exotic addition for the garden.

Tracy parasol, H230x Dia200cm, £399, East London Parasol Company.

6 Elegant arch

Come rain or shine, plan everything from picnics to parties under this generous shelter. VidaXL gazebo, H260x W400xD300cm, £218, ManoMano.

7 Spontaneous pop-up Thanks to its quick set-up system, this gazebo is the perfect solution for impromptu gatherings. Garden gazebo, H240x240cm sq, £20, Tesco.

Simple sail

A UV-resistant, easy-to-install cover could be all you need over a sunny terrace. Sun triangular shade sail, 285x360cm, £69, Relaxdays at Wayfair.

NEXT MONTH LARDERS

Sustainable beauty

Gather under the impressive three-metre span of this well-crafted umbrella with a sturdy frame made from sustainable bamboo. Parasol with granite base, parasol, H308xdia300cm; base, H12x67cm sq, £560, Garden Trading. Country Homes & Interiors

Curvy designs for country

BEDS

CHOOSE SOFT, INVITING UPHOLSTERY AND A SHAPELY HEADBOARD FOR THE ULTIMATE IN LUXURIOUS COMFORT WHEN YOU CHOOSE THE RIGHT COUNTRY-STYLE BED, everything else in the room simply falls into

place. The current trend for curvy upholstered headboards and beds doesn’t just bring softness to a scheme, it allows fabrics to play a main part in setting the tone and mood. THINK ABOUT COLOUR ‘Our best-selling colour is

Harbour Mist grey velvet,’ says Jacquie Dunton, founder and design director, Sweetpea & Willow. ‘All grey hues in velvet and linen are popular; jewel colours are the next contenders, but people also adore our pink velvets, usually used on furniture with an art deco twist. If you are not daring enough to go with pink velvet on a bed, then pink bedroom chairs are a good compromise.’ WHILE THE SUMPTUOUS upholstered Louis-style beds

to be found at And So To Bed and Simon Horn still have their place, modern interpretations have sprung up to widen the options. ‘French-inspired beds and headboards are still going down a storm due to their timeless appeal and ability to create a lovely boutique-hotel feel,’ says Charlie Marshall, founder, Loaf. ‘A new French-style bed has all of the chic and none of the squeak of an original antique version – plus, it is more generous in size and costs a fraction of the price.’ SIMPLY BY REPLACING THE HEADBOARD on an existing bed, a room can be given a fresh new look. Loaf has a good selection. Buttoned designs have a certain retro chic, tall headboards bring dramatic impact to a room, and curvy wings add to a feeling of well-being, warmth and security. 94

Country Homes & Interiors

Olivia kingsize bed in Lustrous Blossom Luxury Velvet Plus, £2,790, Sweetpea & Willow.

ROOM ELEMENTS

High style

‘I simply love the understated glamour of this bed – for a truly restful experience, just lean back and relax against its plump panels,’ says Jacquie Dunton, founder and design director, Sweetpea & Willow. ‘It’s part of our bespoke Handmade in London range, from which you can choose the size, height, shape, design and colour of your bed. We offer a variety of fabrics, including cottons, velvets, linens and leathers or, alternatively, we can upholster with a fabric that you supply.’

Widham kingsize bed in French Blue Cotton, £1,185, Willow & Hall.

2 Cool cotton

‘Old and new concepts have come together to create a classic statement bed that fits seamlessly into a country home,’ says Sarah Massouh, founder, Willow & Hall. ‘The clean lines of the design combined with the subtle curves of the scrolled headboard and footboard will bring a stylish focal point to any country bedroom. Solid wood feet add a traditional touch, while the contemporary low frame and soft cotton upholstery have a relaxed feel and help to keep the whole look light and airy.’

DID YOU KNOW? BEDSTEADS AND BED FRAMES USUALLY HAVE A SLATTED BASE

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Similar mother-of-pearl side table, £450, Graham & Green.

TO SUPPORT THE MATTRESS. A DIVAN BED IS A MATTRESS AND BASE SET, WITH THE BOARD BASE COVERED IN FABRIC. AN OTTOMAN BED HAS A BASE THAT LIFTS TO REVEAL MASSES OF STORAGE WITHIN.

Country Homes & Interiors

Henrietta kingsize bed in Warwick Amatheon Lead, £2,199, Feather & Black.

3 Roll up

‘Upholstery in warm, tactile wool makes this bed all the more inviting,’ says Nicky Line, creative and product director, Feather & Black. ‘The classic shape, with deep-buttoned, scrolled headboard and footboard, gives it a glamorous feel that will make it the talking point of any bedroom. This softer and cosier version of the ever-popular wooden sleigh bed can be upholstered in a huge range of house and designer fabrics to suit your style.’

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Similar faux fur navy throw, £120, John Lewis.

Country Homes & Interiors

ROOM ELEMENTS

Regal super-kingsize divan bed with drawers, Regal Signature mattress, and Elizabeth Euro-wide winged headboard, £8,646, Hypnos.

3 OF THE BEST...

Bedroom ottomans STASH BLANKETS, PILLOWS AND MORE OUT OF SIGHT YET WITHIN EASY REACH

Available in a wide selection of fabrics, both plain and patterned. Jupiter blanket box in Easy Velvet Sorbet, H49xW128xD45cm, £495, Arlo & Jacob.

From the Allegra Hicks range, this also comes in velvet, to match the Lulu bed. Lulu ottoman in Drop Weave, H46xW130xD47cm, £449, Made.com.

4 Supreme comfort

‘The instant way to a great bedroom scheme is to choose a beautiful headboard that makes the bed the centrepiece,’ says James Keen, managing director, Hypnos. ‘The winged sides, deep buttoning and soft chenille fabric give this headboard a regal feel, creating a luxurious and grand atmosphere. And when that is teamed with a handcrafted, pocket-sprung mattress made using only natural and sustainable fillings, you have the most comfortable bed, tailor-made to your specific requirements.’

Lovely detailing, including hand-carved ﬂoral motifs and piped edging. Rose Mist ottoman blanket box, H65xW144xD49cm, £550, John Lewis.

* Antoinette kingsize bed with footboard, in grey velvet, £1,695, Graham & Green.

5 French classic

‘Your bed should stand the test of time – and traditionally styled designs do just that,’ says Jamie Graham, creative director, Graham & Green. ‘Indulgent, ornate carved headboards are seeing a revival this season. Inspired by traditional French designs, this classic statement bed is finished with intricate details carved into the mango wood frame. We’ve given this design a contemporary twist by upholstering the headboard and footboard in a sumptuous grey velvet.’

Country Homes & Interiors

ROOM ELEMENTS

Round number

‘This retro design picks up on the trend for 1970s-inspired furniture,’ says Adam Black, co-founder, Button & Sprung. ‘We still wanted the bed to retain a contemporary feel, so decided to keep the buttoning in the headboard quite subtle to achieve this. In this design, Scandi simplicity, popular for several seasons now, has been replaced by more rounded comfort. The bed is available in divan, bed frame or ottoman versions with a choice of four leg styles and you can choose from more than 150 fabrics.’

DESIGN TIP A POCKET-SPRUNG MATTRESS IS A SUPPORTIVE CHOICE, OR GO FOR LATEX OR MEMORY FOAM – A MATERIAL THAT RESPONDS TO YOUR TEMPERATURE AND BODY WEIGHT. SPRUNG

7 Stay cosy

‘Shapely headboards are growing in popularity,’ says Charlie Marshall, founder, Loaf. ‘With a headboard inspired by the rounded back of our popular Pudding sofa, this new bed can completely change and soften the feel of the room. We love its combination of soft curves and shaped oak legs. It is upholstered in velvet, which always lends itself really well to beds and headboards. This blush colourway shows off the shapely curves and art deco design influence.’

MATTRESSES CAN HAVE A MEMORY FOAM TOP, FOR THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS.

Curveball kingsize bed in Rose Quartz Clever Deep Velvet, £1,375, Loaf.

FEATURE CAROLINE RODRIGUES

Jasmine kingsize divan bed in Lagoon Rich Velvet, £1,095, Button & Sprung.

Choose gently curved legs to reflect the rounded theme of the rest of the bed without overpowering the final look. 98

Country Homes & Interiors

NEXT MONTH PATTERNED CARPETS

HOME TECH

away-from-home

SECURITY GADGETS THE LATEST APP-CONTROLLED TECHNOLOGY OFFERS PROTECTION AND PEACE OF MIND... WHEREVER YOU HAPPEN TO BE

Video doorbell 2, £179, Ring.

Best for…

ANYONE WHO’S EVER LOST THEIR KEYS

Conexis L1 Smart Lock, £269.99, Yale Designed for DIY installation to PVC and composite doors with multi-point locks, this smart Bluetooth door lock lets you secure your home simply by touching your smartphone (iOS or Android) to the control plate and twisting it 90°. It uses a secure app and cleverly allows you to grant access to family or friends for a set period of time – great if you’ve arranged for someone to water the garden while you’re on holiday. The lock also comes with a key fob and key card if someone doesn’t use a smartphone.

2 Best for…

ALL-IN-ONE SECURITY

FEATURE CHRIS HASLAM

Thanks to the rise in wi-fi-connected gadgets and smartphones, you can now protect your home with app-controlled smart cameras, alarms, locks and even a doorbell. Designed to be easily installed, the latest security cameras have motion sensors

built in, and will alert you instantly to any unusual activity. Some brands now offer allweather battery-powered security products, such as advanced floodlights that can take pictures, and smart doorbells that let you see and talk to the person at the door.

DID YOU KNOW? WHILE THERE HAS BEEN A DROP IN DOMESTIC BURGLARIES – POSSIBLY DUE TO THE INTEREST IN SMART HOME SECURITY – REPORTED BREAK-INS IN SHEDS, GARAGES AND OUTHOUSES HAS INCREASED.

Somfy One, £229, somfy.co.uk Amazingly, given its small footprint (H110xDia90mm), the Somfy One squeezes in a high-resolution camera with motion and temperature detection and an ear-splitting 90dB siren. It’s also compatible with a host of other smart gadgets including Nest products and Amazon Alexa voice control. You can also adjust the sensors’ sensitivity and set it to ignore certain areas – low down at cat height, for instance. Clever stuff!

3 Best for…

STYLISH SECURITY

Hive View, £189, Hive The smart-home brand Hive has expanded rapidly with a host of smart lighting and security sensors. Its latest camera is a thing of beauty (for home security at any rate!). The wi-fi-connected Hive View comes in black and brushed copper or white and champagne gold, boasts 1080p high-resolution image quality, multi-angle stand mount, motion detection and, it can be removed from the stand and used completely wirelessly for up to an hour. Unlike many smart cameras, you can even view up to 24 hours of recorded video without the need for an extra subscription. Country Homes & Interiors

HAMPSHIRE GARDEN A small perennial bed with a cloud-pruned conifer at its centre leads the eye to a pretty potager with raised beds and a greenhouse.

A magical space WITH VIEWS OF WATERSHIP DOWN, ADAM AND HEIDI VETERE’S GARDEN IS FILLED WITH MEDITERRANEAN AND EXOTIC INFLUENCES

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A seating area is positioned to enjoy the sound of running water, courtesy of a small fountain sited between fan-trained nectarines and ﬁgs.

AT HOME WITH... Owners Adam Vetere, a garden designer, and his wife, Heidi, a teacher.

House A 1920s single-storey villa redesigned in 2008 to add a ﬁrst ﬂoor.

Garden A sloping one-acre garden of contrasts, from a deck with potted exotics, through cottage garden planting past desert dwellers to swathes of prairie-style planting and Mediterranean borders. A knot garden overlooks a potager and a paddock contains espaliered fruit trees and an orchard.

is rare for a garden to merge so readily into an ancient landscape, but the planting at Old Camps harmonises perfectly with the surrounding Hampshire countryside. ‘The first time I came down the drive and saw the stupendous view towards Watership Down, I was hooked,’ recalls Adam Vetere. Tucked away on a hillside in the village of Headley, Old Camps is built on the site of a former Roman camp. It is now a decade since Adam, his wife Heidi, and their young son Luke moved in. While the bungalow they had bought was being transformed, Adam used the architect’s ground plan to map out a design for the garden that would wrap around the house on three sides. Paying homage to formality, a knot garden and potager lie to the west of the house, while to the east there is a cottage garden, incorporating some of the original roses and phloxes, which harks back to the original house. The remainder of the garden has a more contemporary feel, with a bed of exotics more usually found in the sub-tropics, and long twin borders – one filled with drifts of perennials and ornamental grasses, while its opposite number is home to Mediterranean sun-lovers. ‘My father is Italian and as a child we holidayed there every other year, so I came to know and love the plants in this region,’ says Adam. The garden is very much a family affair. Luke, now 17, helps maintain the lawn, while Heidi is chief propagator, ensuring that each spring the glasshouse is full of vegetable plants for the potager, as well as the many annuals and perennials that inject seasonal colour. Prior to following a new career path in garden design, Adam worked for an engineering company, travelling

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HAMPSHIRE GARDEN

A colourful late-summer border, backed by towering banana plants, with Echinacea purpurea and ‘Firebird’ and ‘Mel’s Orange Marmalade’ dahlias.

What we love most about this garden...

This raised bed has been planted with yellow courgettes.

‘Seeing it shortly after dawn, with dew on the grass and mist hanging in the field. It’s completely awe-inspiring’

The remodelled house seen beyond spikes of Kniphoﬁa ‘Flamenco’, Trachycarpus fortunei, T. wagnerianus and carpets of pink lampranthus.

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A sinuous grass path winds between borders planted with acers on one side and roses on the other.

abroad extensively, and it was during these overseas trips that he found inspiration from many different planting styles. â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;I saw prairie planting in America, desert plants in the Middle East, and exotics while visiting Singapore and Thailand,â&#x20AC;&#x2122; he says. â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;The challenge has been understanding each individual plantâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s needs and meeting them in this country. I love exotic plants, but they are demanding. However, if you play to their strengths, they reward you with lush architectural foliage and fabulous flowers.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; Another challenge has been cost, and Adam spent hours trawling the internet for discounted plants. â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;At one nursery that imported Italian plants I found the â&#x20AC;&#x153;sickbayâ&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x201C; for a few hundred pounds I bought plants worth thousands of pounds which, after a year of TLC, recovered and flourished,â&#x20AC;&#x2122; he says. The Veteres carried out the hands-on gardening, only needing help with some hard landscaping. Fortunately, the one-acre sloping plot was largely terraced with limestone retaining walls â&#x20AC;&#x201C; there is a 2.5-metre drop from the new deck beside the house to the long Mediterranean-style border below. â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;This meant I could plant trees, such as palms and pencil-thin cypresses, that you can see through or round, creating a feeling of enclosure and intimacy, but without blocking the view,â&#x20AC;&#x2122; says Adam. The garden is designed to create a sense of the unexpected. The first surprise is a miniature ericaceous border in which acers and azaleas part to allow glimpses of the landscape above a willow hurdle boundary fence. There are many more vantage points within the garden, drawing the eye out over fields to the point where Hannington Hill meets the horizon. This is

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Country Homes & Interiors

Modern Country Classic

The potager Designed with geometrical beds around a central focal point, a potager is productive and attractive. Ĺ&#x2DC; &UHDWH UDLVHG EHGV WKDW DUH square, rectangular, triangular or L-shaped but always symmetrical. The layout can be designed to ďŹ t a speciďŹ c space, with fruit, vegetables, herbs and ďŹ&#x201A;owers intermingling in the beds. Ĺ&#x2DC; %XLOG UDLVHG EHGV ZLWK JUDYHO boards attached to wooden stakes inserted at 1m intervals. The sides should be high enough to avoid undue bending, but not so tall as to block the view â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 40cm is ideal. Line with heavy-duty plastic to protect against rot. Ĺ&#x2DC; 1DUURZ EHGV XS WR P ZLGH make tending and harvesting easier. Ensure paths are at least FP ZLGH WR ĹľW D ZKHHOEDUURZ

HAMPSHIRE GARDEN

What makes this garden so special... ‘It’s a magical space that also incorporates the most stunning view’

The sloping one-acre garden has glorious views of Hannington Hill near Watership Down.

A prairie-style border planted with Echinacea purpurea, Miscanthus sinensis ‘Zebrinus’, Kniphoﬁa ‘Flamenco’, Monarda ‘Blaustrumpf’, Crocosmia ‘Lucifer’, Helenium ‘Sahin’s Early Flowerer’, Hemerocallis fulva, Lilium tigrinum and Stipa gigantea.

Watership Down territory, complete with the rabbit burrows that inspired Richard Adams to write the novel of the same name. A hot, south-facing bank, known as the Desert Bed, is planted with yuccas, agaves, aeoniums, Astelia chathamica, and a dwarf fan palm, Chamaerops humilis. Adam’s chosen exotics in the lower borders include a pair of loquat trees, Eriobotrya japonica, along with ginger lilies, cannas, and the pineapple guava, Acca sellowiana, a native of New Zealand. ‘My local garden centre advised against growing it, but I enjoy the challenge of seeing what will grow here.’ There are also four leafy Japanese bananas, Musa basjoo, which, come autumn, are stripped of the leaves so that each stem can be protected in winter by a thick layer of straw wrapped in horticultural fleece. The prairie-style border peaks during mid- to late-July, aglow with red Kniphofia ‘Flamenco’, Crocosmia ‘Lucifer’, Helenium ‘Sahin’s Early Flowerer’ and Coreopsis grandiflora ‘Early Sunrise’ among others. As the flowers fade, a golden halo of seed heads atop a Stipa gigantea intensifies in a sinking sun. Then, in autumn, clumps of Miscanthus sinensis come into their own, interspersed with gem-like Michaelmas daisies. It is all overlooked by a bench, a quiet spot to enjoy this very special place. ‘I can’t imagine life without the garden,’ says Adam. ‘We spend so much of our lives out here: it’s somewhere we can truly relax and unwind. It’s a real tonic.’ ☎ Old Camps is open for the NGS on 4 and 5 August, ngs.org.uk. Groups by arrangement until 30 September, call 07720 449702. Adam Vetere Landscape & Garden Design, adamvetere.co.uk. 106

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ON OUR D O O R S T E P. . . Visit... ‘Hillier’s Arboretum at Sir Harold Hillier Gardens (hilliergardens.org.uk) in Romsey for its amazing collection of trees.’

Shop at... ‘Wolverton Plants, (01635 298453) – you’ll ﬁnd a wide variety of herbaceous perennials and shrubs.’ Go for a meal at... ‘The Wellington Arms (thewellingtonarms.com, 0118 982 0110), an award-winning country inn on the Hampshire/ Berkshire border in Baughurst.’

HAMPSHIRE GARDEN

Adam’s colourful picks for summer 1 Rudbeckia fulgida var. sullivantii ‘Goldsturm’ ﬂowers until October. 2 Hemerocallis fulva is a perennial day lily, ﬂowering in mid- to late-summer. 3 The coneflower Echinacea purpurea has a clump-forming habit. 4 The blooms of Verbena bonariensis are loved by bees and butterflies. 5 Dahlia ‘Firebird’, a semi-cactus dahlia with bright red and yellow flowers. 6 The orange blooms of tiger lily Lilium tigrinum have tiny black speckles. 7 Acca sellowiana, known as pineapple guava, is a native of New Zealand.

FEATURE AND PHOTOGRAPHS NICOLA STOCKEN

8 Red hot poker Kniphoﬁa ‘Flamenco’ has vibrant, long-lasting flower spikes.

NEXT MONTH LATE-SUMMER COLOUR IN HEREFORDSHIRE

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PL A N T OFFER S PAT I O A P P L E T R E E S

Buy 1 get 1 FREE

Imagine an orchard on your own patio! These patio Apple trees have been specifically bred for their dwarf habit making them ideal for growing in large containers. Height if containerised: 1m (39in). Spread if containerised: 45cm (18in). Supplied as a 9cm potted plants. A. Apple ‘Gala’ - A reliable cultivar producing attractive, red flushed fruits with a surprisingly sweet flavour when eaten straight from the tree, and make a delicious juicing apple. Rootstock: M27. B. Apple ‘Golden Delicious’ - This easy to grow variety produces good yields of attractive goldengreen apples that store well over a long period after harvesting. Rootstock: M9.

Buy 1 for only £9.99 & GET 1 FREE

PATIO FRUIT TREE COLLECTION C

Pear ‘Doyenne du Comice’

Cherry ‘Sylvia’

Plum ‘Black Amber’

5 plants (worth £49.95) Now £39.99 1 of each (A) Apple Gala, (B) Apple ‘Golden Delicious’, (C) Pear ‘Doyenne du Comice’, (D) Cherry ‘Sylvia’ & (E) Plum ‘Black Amber’

How your patio fruit trees arrive

Offer available to readers on the UK mainland only. Offer subject to availability. Your contract for supply of goods is with Thompson & Morgan, a company wholly independent of Country Homes & Interiors, published by TI Media Limited. Cardholders call direct on 0844 573 1686 quoting TM_XCH4. *Calls cost 7p per minute plus your telephone provider’s access charge. The order lines are open seven days a week, 9am to 6pm, (voicemail at other times). Alternatively, please complete the coupon in BLOCK CAPITALS. Remittance may be made by MasterCard, Visa, Maestro, postal order or cheque (name, address and TM_XCH4 on the back of cheque, please), crossed and made payable to T&M. Please note that we cannot deliver this product to the following postcode areas: HS, IV41-IV56, KW15-KW17, PA34, PA41-48, PA60-PA78, PA80, PH40-PH44, TR21-TR25, ZE1-ZE3. Savings shown are based on the equivalent of multiples of the cheapest pack size. Closing date: 28 July 2018. Plants despatched from July 2018. All orders will be acknowledged by letter or email advising you of the expected despatch date.

H OW T O O R D E R

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Make Life Lovely

FASHION, WELLBEING, ECO, PETS AND OTHER NICE THINGS

GET THE FEEL FOR ECO BLANKETS

Perfect for use as picnic or beach blankets, or simply for wrapping up on summer evenings outdoors, these beautiful throws, £45 each from Weaver Green, are hand-woven from recycled plastic bottles. Soft to the touch, they’re waterproof, stain resistant and hard wearing, and they can be machine washed. They come in a range of colours and in three designs: Diamond, Oxford Stripe and Herringbone.

* OCEAN CURRENT Offset sea breezes in laid-back style with this nautical cardi in a pretty shade of sky blue. Made from 100% cotton, the Whale of a Time cardigan in Dolly Blue costs £69 from Goose Collection.

SPRITZ AWAY Keep cool in the heat with the intoxicating fragrance of AS Apothecary’s Orange Blossom Aromatic Water. Each year, AS Apothecary travels to Cyprus to harvest the blooms for four days and distil for three – the resulting spritz is perfect for holidays or at home, £19 for 50ml.

Experience art in the landscape Head for Kielder Water and Forest Park in Northumberland where visitors can enjoy spellbinding art and architecture in a landscape setting as part of the Kielder Art & Architecture programme. It is free to visit, or join curator-led tours on selected dates for £10 per person or £25 for a family group. Call 0845 155 0236 or go to visitkielder.com.

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EXCLUSIVE TO SUBSCRIBERS

Join Rewards today and get even more from your magazine subscription at no extra cost. Enjoy exclusive handpicked offers and unique giveaways every month.

& INTERIORS

Save 25% on a family ticket to the Horse of the Year Show

Get 35% off your first three Gousto recipe boxes*

Save 20% on Spitfire Heritage Gin and Supermarine Vodka

Get 20% off BLOOM silk flowers**

REDEEM YOUR REWARDS TODAY AT

rewards.countryhomesandinteriors.co.uk *New Gousto customers only. **New BLOOM customers only. The Rewards scheme is available for all active print subscribers of magazines published by TI Media Limited, free of charge. Digital subscribers also get access, as long as the subscription has been purchased directly through the publishers at magazinesdirect.com. Full terms and conditions are available at mymagazinerewards.co.uk. For enquiries, contact help@magazinesdirect.com or call 0330 333 1113 (Lines are open Monday—Saturday, 8am—6pm UK time)

HAPPY THOUGHTS AND IDEAS

3 REASONS TO LOVE…

Taken from Wreaths: Fresh, Foraged & Dried Floral Arrangements by Katie Smyth & Terri Chandler, photographs by Kristin Perers (£14.99, Quadrille).

WILD SWIMMING TAKEN FROM THE MINDFUL ART OF WILD SWIMMING BY TESSA WARDLEY (£8.99, LEAPING HARE PRESS).

Mindful wild swimming 1 IT EASES STRESS Swimming in the solitude of wild waters, free from stress and social pressures, is soothing for mind and body. It becomes meditative as you relax and focus on breathing. 2 IT’S GOOD FOR THE BRAIN Swimming has been shown to stimulate neurogenesis – the process by which stem cells generate new neurons for the growth and development of brain tissue. 3 IT’S A FANTASTIC BONDING EXPERIENCE The support and companionship gained from wild swimming with others provides more than added safety. The shared experience accentuates the feeling of wellbeing and happiness.

KEEP IT DRY A must-have for holidays involving swimming, surfing and sailing, or even for travelling and camping at festivals, these Dry Bags are guaranteed to protect your belongings and keep them dry. Available in five eye-catching colours, Purple, Pink, Orange, Green and Blue, the bags flat-pack and are available in three sizes. From £14.50, The Holiday Shop London.

Make kitchen herb bundles Add rustic charm to your home by hanging bundles of herbs. Not only will they look good, but you can either use the herbs fresh, or let them dry out, for cooking. Pick herbs from the garden early in the morning, on a dry day, and choose different textures, colours and scents to make up your bundles.

Relax in a sauna robe If you’re looking for a light, cool summer cover-up that’s ideal for holidays, Volga Linen’s new Sauna robe, £199, ticks all the boxes. Inspired by relaxed Aegean style, it’s made from a soft open-weave linen with a hem-stitch detail on the cuffs. Along with the matching lightweight and highly absorbent and fast-drying towel, £65, it’s perfect for packing as it hardly takes up any space. Both the robe and towel are available in Woad (seen here), White or Natural.

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HAPPY THOUGHTS AND IDEAS

BUY BRITISH

Herdysleep Founded by Lake District brand Herdy in collaboration with luxury British mattress makers Harrison Spinks, Herdysleep was launched in 2017, offering quality British-made mattresses. Traditionally tufted and finished by hand, each mattress contains up to 6,000 pocket springs and a blend of cotton, cashmere and wool from local Herdwick sheep (at least one fleece goes into each mattress). Available to buy direct from Herdysleep or at Barker and Stonehouse, prices start at £649 for a single.

CHARGE UP WITH SUNSHINE ENERGY Whether you’re hiking, camping or travelling, the Maniska foldable solar charging panel, £39.99 from 7 Day Shop, is the ideal charger for those who love the great outdoors but want to stay connected. It works with iOS and Android devices.

FEED WELL Make sure your faithful pal stays healthy and happy with Pooch & Mutt’s new range of nutritious food for dogs. Packed full of meat and veg, they contain no cereals or fillers. The £4.99 a box range comes in four different varieties to suit all dogs.

* Cool coastal glampsites

HEAD TO THE GREAT BRITISH COASTLINE WITH OUR PICK OF SEASIDE STAYS

Bach Wen Farm, Clynnog Fawr, Gwynedd

Sitting atop the low clay cliffs that back rocky Clynnog Fawr Beach, this simple glamping set-up comprises two arch-shaped pods bookending a beautiful hidden glade.

Elmley Nature Reserve, Isle of Sheppey, Kent

Despite being a Site of Special Scientific Interest, Elmley National Nature Reserve is still a family-run farm renting out shepherd’s huts and compact wooden cabins.

Cotna Eco Retreat, Gorran, Cornwall

The beaches of Gorran Haven, Hemmick and Vault are an easy half-hour walk from your fully furnished Mongolian yurt, cosy shepherd’s hut or strawbale studio.

Taken from Cool Camping: Coast by Andrew Day, Martin Dunford, David Jones, Jonathan Knight and James Warner Smith (£16.95, Punk Publishing), which features 66 hand-picked UK campsites (all within one mile of the sea), as well as 20 glamping alternatives (coolcamping.com).

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FEATURE VIVIENNE AYERS PHOTOGRAPH (WILD SWIMMING) MINT IMAGES LIMITED/ALAMY STOCK PHOTO.

3 OF THE BEST…

OUT AND ABOUT

Sheena and Jamie Corry’s guests can enjoy toasting marshmallows over the campfire.

Bringing a little luxury to camping, The Forge tents feature real beds and carpeted floors.

THE BEST PLACE TO DETOX FROM MODERN LIFE

The Forge

FEATURE THEA BABINGTON-STITT

SWITCH OFF YOUR MOBILE AND ENJOY GETTING BACK TO NATURE AT THIS WELSH RETREAT In 2015, Jamie and Sheena Corry decided to leave behind their busy London lives to bring up their children in the countryside. They bought a 20-acre plot in Corwen, North Wales, with the intention of creating a smallholding and business. They already had an established company, The Wild Bushcraft Company, offering a range of courses from survival skills weekends to deer stalking, so to continue the country living theme they set up The Forge. A camping retreat, it gives people the chance to take a break and spend some precious time outdoors. HOME COMFORTS The site is made up of luxury glamping bell tents, with names inspired by the nearby Welsh peaks – Liberty, Idris and

Arenig. The tents have all been designed to allow an authentic back-to-nature experience, while including mod cons to help ensure a comfortable stay. Each suitable for four people, the tents feature a double bed and two singles, LED lighting, a fully equipped kitchen, composting loo and hot shower, as well as carpeted flooring and piles of cushions and blankets to keep you cosy. They all have a wooden deck, and – our favourite – Arenig also has a private campfire. PICK YOUR OWN Welcome hampers filled with treats from the farm and local area are provided, and Jamie and Sheena will happily advise you on the best places to eat and drink nearby. Since you’re based on the smallholding itself,

you can also have a go at collecting eggs, picking fruit and veg to cook in your tent, or learning how to make chutneys and jams. There are also plenty of food experiences on offer, from game cookery lessons to wild-food foraging. LEARN A NEW SKILL The Forge also offers digital detox retreats to help you reconnect with the natural world – expect stargazing, mindfulness and wellbeing experiences. If you’re after a more active break, Jamie runs bushcraft skills sessions and can help organise anything from white-water rafting to canyoning, canoeing and mountain biking. HOW MUCH? £90 per tent per night. Cae Einion, Corwen, North Wales LL21 9BY, 01490 412972, theforgecorwen.co.uk.

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ULTIMATE ITALY CRUISE with A ldo Zilli

JOIN OUR EIGHT-DAY MEDITERRANEAN VOYAGE ON A MAGNIFICENT TALL SHIP WHERE YOU’LL BE JOINED BY ALDO ZILLI FOR AN EXCLUSIVE LEARN-TO-COOK EXPERIENCE

here’s no better way to experience the wonders of Italy than on our new eight-day Ultimate Italy cruise, sailing from Rome down the Amalfi coast to Sicily in spring next year. Plus, who better to enjoy it with – including all the foodie highlights – than the charismatic chef and restaurateur Aldo Zilli. Aldo Zilli is best known for his successful restaurants, including Signor Zilli and Zilli Fish. Born in Abruzzo, he will be sharing his knowledge of Italian food during this exclusive trip. We’ve partnered with tall-ship cruise specialist

Star Clippers and you’ll be sailing on the 439ft Royal Clipper – the pride of the fleet. It’s the largest full-rigged sailing ship in the world with modern facilities (including three swimming pools!), luxury cabins and a three-tiered dining room, plus a library, health club and spa. As well as meeting Aldo, and hearing about his life and career in an exclusive talk, you’ll also enjoy two cooking demonstrations on board and join him for a special lunch in Amalfi. ‘I’m over the moon to be travelling to some of my favourite parts of Italy,’ says Aldo. ‘I’ll be teaching you as well as learning about the different foods this amazing region has to offer.’

& INTERIORS

T RAVE L

The magnificent 439ft tall ship Royal Clipper.

Exclusive experience

You can enjoy a two-day pre-trip stay in Rome.

Your exclusive itinerary DAY 1: FLY TO ROME

You’ll fly direct from London to Rome – where you could opt for a two-night pre-stay – home of St Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel, plus two of the Roman Empire’s architectural marvels, the Pantheon and the Colosseum. You’ll then board your home for the next seven nights, the majestic Royal Clipper – which, with its 42 sails, is the world’s largest full-rigged sailing ship.

DAY 2: PONZA & PALMAROLA

Today we’ll disembark in unspoilt Ponza, one of the beautiful Pontine Islands off the Italian coast. Behind its busy harbour lie rows of pretty, pastel-coloured houses, and we’ll explore its charming streets. Our next stop is the spectacular and largely uninhabited island of Palmarola, with its rocky coast dotted with natural grottoes, bays, cliffs and crags. Exclusive Country Homes & Interiors experience: Aldo Zilli will give an informal private talk and Q&A on board Royal Clipper, where you will discover more about his extraordinary life and career as a chef and restaurateur.

DAY 3: SORRENTO

With sweeping views across the Bay of Naples, Sorrento is home to atmospheric medieval streets and beautiful baroque churches. Exclusive Country Homes & Interiors experience: Today you’ll join Aldo Zilli for an alfresco cocktail party before, in the late afternoon, he gives a pre-dinner cooking demonstration on board Royal Clipper.

DAY 4: AMALFI

This picturesque town boasts great views and historical highlights and you’ll join an included guided walk around the cobbled streets. Exclusive Country Homes & Interiors experience: After the walk, Aldo will prepare local specialities in a cookery demonstration at the Restaurant Sensi. You’ll enjoy an included two-course lunch based on the dishes Aldo has prepared before returning to the ship.

DAY 5: TAORMINA, SICILY

Royal Clipper will travel at full sail through the Strait of Messina towards Taormina, the stunning town that clings to the side of Mount Etna. In the afternoon, there’s an optional excursion** to the estate of the aristocratic di Villagrande family, where you will be welcomed by the Baroness in person.

DAY 6: LIPARI

Today we’ll visit Lipari, the largest of the cluster of UNESCO-protected volcanic islands known as the Aeolian Islands. We’ll walk the narrow streets to the medieval castello and unwind by the sea at a secluded beach. Look out for fiery eruptions from the nearby island of Stromboli as we sail past.

Relax on board Royal Clipper in your luxury cabin.

WHAT’S INCLUDED

Direct return ﬂights Seven nights’ luxury accommodation on board Royal Clipper All meals on board An exclusive talk and Q&A, two private cooking demonstrations, lunch in Amalﬁ and an alfresco cocktail party with Aldo Zilli*** All activities and excursions as listed in the itinerary The services of an expert tour guide

THE DATES 11-18 May 2019

THE PRICE

From £2,249pp* *Based on two sharing, subject to availability. Flights are based on a London departure. Regional ﬂights available at a supplement. Single supplement: £1,000. **Charges apply. ***Timings of Aldo’s events subject to change. This trip is ATOL-protected. For full T&Cs visit: countryhomes.tripsmiths.com/italycruiseCHI

HOW TO BOOK

Call 020 3733 5475 Quote ref TS ULTIMATE ITALY Visit countryhomes.tripsmiths.com/italycruiseCHI

OUR PARTNERS The travel experts

DAY 7: AT SEA

Today we’ll experience the splendour of travelling across the sea on Royal Clipper, as she sets sail on the voyage north towards Rome.

DAY 8: ROME

Your journey ends in Rome, from where you’ll fly home direct to London.

Iglu Cruise is an award-winning agent. Star Clippers offers luxury cruises on a ﬂeet of tall ships; iglucruise.com; starclippers.com.

Tripsmiths partners with leading tour operators and global media brands to deliver exclusive travel experiences; tripsmiths.com.

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WORD OF MOUTH

COUNTRY GOINGS-ON

Francesca Rowan-Plowden redesigns Battel Hall IN THIS NEW SERIES, WE SEEK OUT UNIQUE EVENTS AND LAUNCHES, AND MEET THE PEOPLE BEHIND THEM

estled in the North Downs, Leeds Castle’s newly restored Battel Hall is open to stay in for the first time in its 700-year history. This beautiful manor house renovation was overseen by interior designer Francesca Rowan-Plowden. We headed to Kent to see how she took an historic hall and turned it into a luxurious home from home for special gatherings and weddings...

bedroom, I used Lewis & Wood’s Doves wallpaper because it felt like a modern version of Lady Baillie’s own bedroom, but I added the dark chinoiserie, and Lewis & Wood Alhambra curtains. It made it feel modern day and spiced it up.

HOW DID YOU GET INVOLVED WITH RENOVATING BATTEL HALL? My look is English eclectic and I’ve got a good understanding of heritage and listed buildings having lived in a National Trust property, Lamb House in Rye. Debbie Matthews, head of hospitality at Leeds Castle, visited the stately home Goodnestone Park in Kent, which I decorated, and asked me to pitch for this project.

TAKE US THROUGH THE PROCESS... There are five en-suite bedrooms and three reception rooms here. I start with the colours, then move on to fabrics, then when I get to the furniture I think about what I’ve bought and what will fit, so there is an element of instinct. I was bold in my colour choices, like the Farrow & Ball Book Room Red walls in the Peony bedroom. I find when people stay in these places they like dramatic hues – it’s escapism.

HOW DID THE HISTORY INFLUENCE YOU? I researched a lot about Leeds Castle, from Henry VIII up until its last private owner, Lady Baillie, a glamorous 1930s American heiress. She loved chinoiserie, so I included plenty of this style in the house like the bespoke handpainted de Gournay wallpaper in the morning room. Lady Baillie also had a passion for birds, so all around Battel there are bird prints, birds in the fabric, pictures of birds. In the master

WHAT ABOUT THE FINAL STAGES? Once I’ve bought everything, I’ll stay in the property for about a week, and I just keep moving the furniture around the rooms. So, for Battel, I imagined I was a bride and think, ‘Where would I hang my wedding dress?’, and ‘Where would I have my hair done?’. I want it to feel like a home away from home, but with five-star luxury.

Battel Hall is available for rent and sleeps 10, battelhall.leeds-castle.com. Contact Francesca Rowan-Plowden at rowanplowden.com. 116

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FEATURE THEA BABINGTON-STITT PHOTOGRAPHS DAVID CURRAN PHOTOGRAPHY

HOW DO YOU SOURCE FOR YOUR PROJECTS? I like to find individual pieces from antique markets, like Ardingly and Newark. Sometimes I look for a specific piece, but mostly I just see what I like. Clients can find it a bit alarming when I spot something and I say, ‘It’ll go somewhere, trust me!’

The magniﬁcent Leeds Castle in Kent has stood here for almost 900 years.

‘WHENEVER I TAKE ON A PROJECT IN A HOUSE LIKE THIS, I GET QUITE OBSESSIVE ABOUT RESEARCHING THE HISTORY’ Built in the early 14th century, Battel Hall is a hidden gem in the grounds of Leeds Castle.

The galleried entrance hall includes period features, and makes an impressive welcome. The Peony room – Francesca has decorated all the bedrooms in an ‘English eclectic’ style with bold colours and country house fabrics.

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time for

FIRE FOOD! Get your barbecue going and make these summery seafood dishes. American-born, UK-based DJ BBQ is passionate about charcoal grilling and the delicious effect it has on food. Here are a few of his favourite seafood plates that will satisfy even the hungriest of families

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GOOD TIMES, GOOD FOOD

Loaded lobster rolls Â»

GOOD TIMES, GOOD FOOD

LOADED LOBSTER ROLLS

BEER CLAMS

Lobster is what everyone loves to eat, so give the people what they want! It’s always a special day when this dish is on the grill.

I’ve lived in Portugal for three summers and spend most of my holiday time visiting friends and family in the Algarve. Yet still, my take on this Portuguese classic remains one of my favourite dishes in the world.

SERVES 4

SERVES 3-4 100g salted butter 2 garlic cloves, sliced 1 chilli, sliced 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves 2 whole raw lobsters (about 600g each), halved lengthways Juice of ½ lemon

1kg clams 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil 10-12 garlic cloves, smashed 150ml lager Small bunch of fresh coriander, stems and leaves separated and chopped

To serve

4 burger buns 4 tbsp mayonnaise ½ bunch of fresh chives, snipped

Baguette or toasted sourdough Juice of 1 lemon Sea salt and black pepper

1 Get a nice bed of coals cooking. Once

1 Put the clams in a sink full of water for a couple of hours to purge them of sand and grit. 2 Place a large lidded pan over direct heat, then add the olive oil. When it’s hot, add the garlic and get it cooking. As soon as the garlic starts to colour, add the beer and coriander stems, then season with salt and pepper. Bring to the boil and add the clams. Stick on the lid and give the pan a good shake. When the liquid comes to a boil again, give it another shake and cook until the clams open up, roughly 5-7 minutes. 3 Pour everything into a serving dish, including the sauce as you’ll definitely want to mop it up with some lovely baguette or toasted sourdough. Top with lemon juice, chopped coriander leaves and some more freshly ground black pepper.

they’ve hit core temperature and have started to ash up, then you are good to go. Meanwhile, melt your butter in a small pan and add the garlic, chilli and thyme leaves (you can do this in the kitchen or on the grill itself). Once the butter starts bubbling, take it off the heat and set aside. 2 Blow the ash off the coals, then lay the lobster halves flesh-side down on the coals for 1-2 minutes, depending on the size of your lobster. Once you have a nice char, gently turn them over and brush with the flavoured butter. Cook for another couple of minutes shell-side down, brushing with more butter every 30 seconds. The meat will pull away from the shell when it’s cooked and it’s time to take them off. 3 Leave the lobster to rest on a metal tray for a few minutes and pop the remaining butter back on the grill to keep warm. 4 Gently remove the flesh from the tails and claws. Brush again with the butter. Finish with the lemon juice. Toast the buns. Spread a dollop of mayo on the base of each bun, pile high with the lobster meat and then sprinkle over the chives.

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Beer clams

GOOD TIMES, GOOD FOOD

Spicy mackerel melt

SPICY MACKEREL MELT A really healthy ﬁsh with lots of essential oils, mackerel has a great texture and is delicious cooked over ﬁre. Fish can sometimes be daunting to cook on a grill, but this is a foolproof recipe that both kids and adults will love.

SERVES 4 2 large mackerel, gutted and patted dry 4 slices of sourdough bread A bunch of spring onions, roughly chopped, plus a few extra, sliced, to garnish 2 heaped tsp mayonnaise 100g mature Cheddar cheese, grated Sea salt and black pepper 1 red chilli, sliced, to garnish

Prawn tacos with grilled watermelon salsa

1 Lightly score the fish skin, season and

cook on the grill over a direct, medium heat. After 2-3 minutes, use a fish slice to turn the mackerel over. Cook for 2-3 minutes, then move the fish to the indirect side of the grill and cover with a lid for 2-3 minutes, until just cooked. Set aside to rest for 5 minutes. 2 Lightly toast one side of the sourdough slices on the grill. Remove the skin from the fish and flake the flesh into a large bowl, removing the bones as you go. Gently fold in the spring onions and mayo. Season. 3 Spread the mackerel mixture onto the toasted side of the bread. Sprinkle the cheese over the top and place on the indirect side of the grill, with the lid on, until the cheese is melted. Garnish with the extra spring onion slices and the chilli to serve.

PRAWN TACOS WITH GRILLED WATERMELON SALSA Who said you couldn’t grill watermelon? Well, pretty much everyone. But then I started doing this recipe one summer and it became an instant hit.

For the salsa 2 medium-sized watermelon slices 1 red onion, ﬁnely chopped Handful of fresh coriander leaves, chopped 1 green jalapeño chilli, deseeded and chopped Juice of 1 lemon 1 Remove the rind from the watermelon

slices and grill over direct heat until a dark char appears on the red fruit flesh. Once both sides have a good colour, take them off the heat and leave to cool. Don’t worry if bits of the fruit go black – it’s all flavour. 2 Prepare the salsa by mixing the onion, coriander, chilli and lemon juice in a bowl. Chop the watermelon and mix it in, too. 3 Rub the chilli and salt over the prawns, and grill over direct heat for about 5 minutes or until the prawns are cooked through. Leave to cool slightly, then de-head the prawns. Toast the wraps on the grill. 4 Now it’s time to assemble. Fill the wraps with the prawns and salsa. Fold and enjoy.

PHOTOGRAPHS DAVID LOFTUS

SERVES 4-6 12 extra-large tiger prawns, head on, tail shell removed, de-veined 1 jalapeño chilli, sliced lengthways and de-seeded Soft tortilla wraps Sea salt

NEXT MONTH ORCHARD FRUIT CAKES AND TARTS

Recipes taken from Fire Food: The Ultimate BBQ Cookbook by DJ BBQ (£15, Quadrille).

C O U N T RY K I T C H E N F O C U S

ALL WHITE NOW JULIA AND NIGEL ROBINS REVIVED ORIGINAL FEATURES AND ADDED BRAND-NEW ONES TO CREATE A SHAKER KITCHEN FULL OF GLAMOUR

PROJECT PROFILE Owners Julia and Nigel Robins, who live here with their daughter Ella, 10, son Harrison, six, and Misty the cat.

House A four-bedroom detached timber-frame house in Warley, Essex.

Project A tired conservatory was replaced with a rear extension to create

a light-ﬁlled and spacious family kitchen that opens onto the dining room.

Kitchen size 5.2x4m Designer Anna Gooding at Stanford Design.

Cabinetry 1909 Kitchens’ In-frame Shaker kitchen, painted in Farrow & Ball’s Wevet, supplied by Stanford Design.

Height-adjustable stools make the perfect seating for the children to have breakfast or do their homework.

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Sandblasted beams have been cleverly incorporated into this stylish new space.

CH&I

LOVES

Similar silver shallow six-arm chandelier, £269, Nicky Cornell.

‘The quartz worktops are really practical, so there’s no need to fret over spills or stains’

Ironically, the characterful beams that now

make Julia and Nigel Robins’ kitchen sing, very nearly stopped them buying their home three years ago. Having lived nearby, Julia had always liked the exterior of the timber-framed property and when the house came on the market, and they were ready to move themselves, they went to view it. ‘The darkstained beams really put me off,’ says Julia. ‘I was so disappointed because the location is so green and peaceful; perfect for raising our children.’ Fortunately Nigel, an architect, had a plan which was enough to convince Julia. It involved sandblasting all the beams and adding a generous extension with plenty of glazing to bring in the light. ‘We ended up replacing everything except the beams, which are structural, and now they are one of the features we love the most,’ says Julia. The only drawback of building the extension was that the main supporting beam ended up in the middle of the new kitchen. ‘The beam had to look like a purposeful feature, not an inconvenience,’ says 126

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Julia. Enter local kitchen designer Anna Gooding of Stanford Design, who Nigel works with professionally. ‘I spoke to a few kitchen companies, but when Nigel introduced me to Anna, I was immediately impressed,’ says Julia. ‘She knows her stuff and the showroom was so inspiring.’ With Anna’s help, a simple U-shape layout was agreed. And, in a moment of sheer genius, the island unit was built around the beam, bringing it into the design story, while not letting it get in the way. Fortunately, planning the overall design style and colour scheme proved far easier. Based on one of the displays Julia had fallen for in Stanford Design’s showroom, the crisp, white Shaker-style units were dressed up with glamorous antiqued mirror splashbacks and a sparkling crystal chandelier. ‘My taste is quite classical and I felt the rustic beams demanded a traditional style, but Nigel is all about contemporary design,’ says Julia. ‘We settled on a modern-classic look and we all love how fresh and uplifting the room now feels – it’s truly the heart of our home.’

C O U N T RY K I T C H E N F O C U S

Larder

Fridge Freezer

Pantry

The layout

Hob Sink

Ovens

Larder

A pantry unit sitting on the worktop is used to house the toaster and tea caddies.

A U-shape layout offers maximum storage and an efﬁcient cooking space. Julia and Nigel moved the utility room door to allow the built-in ovens to be installed side-by-side. Providing at least 90cm-wide ﬂoor space around the island ensures easy movement throughout.

The built-in extractor fan and slimline hob help to retain the kitchen’s modern-classic look.

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design solutions TO INSPIRE YOU

1 A crystal chandelier brings an extra special touch to this understated kitchen.

GLAM TOUCHES

Julia’s kitchen may be predominantly white, but it’s far from boring. Details such as the antiqued mirror splashback and dramatic chandelier add layers of interest. ‘The chandelier is on a separate switch and I often use it as the sole light in the evenings. The shimmery reflection in the splashback is lovely,’ says Julia.

C O U N T RY K I T C H E N F O C U S

EY E - L EV E L OV E N S

One of the most obvious advantages of having the ovens at this height is the ease in which food can be put in, taken out, and monitored, without bending down. Compared with undercounter installation, ovens fitted at eye level are also considered safer for young children. In this kitchen, a regular single oven sits alongside a combi-microwave for maximum functionality.

The matching fascias of the single oven and combi-microwave enhance the room’s seamless look.

I N S TA N T B O I L I N G WA T E R

The Quooker boiling water tap is Julia’s favourite feature. ‘Of course it’s great for making hot drinks, but one of the biggest plus points is when we come home late from after-school clubs and the children are famished. I can get the pasta cooking in superquick time,’ she says. As a three-in-one tap, it also dispenses regular hot and cold water. A filter can be added for drinking water if required.

A sleek tap complements the clean lines of the quartz worktop.

The details CABINETRY

FEATURE LINDA CLAYTON PHOTOGRAPHS PAUL CRAIG

1909 Kitchens’ In-frame Shaker cabinetry, painted in Farrow & Ball’s Wevet, from £21,500, Stanford Design.

SURFACES Verona 3cm-thick composite quartz worktops, from £250sq m, CRL Stone. Amtico Spacia luxury vinyl tile ﬂooring in Traditional Oak, from £70sq m, supplied by Choice Homes. Antiqued mirror splashback, from £540sq m, Global Topz. Walls, painted in Pure Brilliant White matt emulsion, £19.99 for 10L, Dulux.

APPLIANCES EH801FVB1E Q100 ﬂush-ﬁt induction hob, £899;

HB676GBS6B iQ700 single oven, £949; HM676G0S6B iQ700 oven with microwave, £1,549; SN66P150GB integrated dishwasher, £719, all Siemens. Cache 800 inset extractor fan, £702, Westin.

SINK & TAP Fusion Round boiling water tap in Polished Chrome with Pro3-vaq tank, from £1,150, Quooker. Subline 500-U Silgranit undermount sink, £420, Blanco.

ACCESSORIES Style bar stools, col White, £59.99 each, Atlantic Shopping. Grace Antique roller blind, from £35, Wilsons Blinds.

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‘I AM AT MY HAPPIEST CREATING ORIGINAL HANDMADE DESIGNS’ Ar tist Kate Nicole

ased in the heart of Suffolk, Kate Nicole creates botanical paintings, influenced by the local landscape, featuring silhouettes of cow parsley, dandelions, hydrangeas, alliums and ferns. Framed in old French frames, the paintings exude a chic simplicity and a muted, faded palette – a trademark style now synonymous with Kate’s flourishing business, Oyster Bridge & Co. Complementing her one-off pieces is a beautiful collection of hand-painted cards, hand-cut garlands and delicately written gift tags, poems and sayings. ‘Creativity has always been part of my life,’ she says. ‘I grew up in Suffolk, in homes bursting with inspiration – my parents own a decorative homeware business, Rosehip in the Country, and were always coming back from trips to France with unusual brocante finds and interesting antiques; and Mum would make special pieces out of old fabrics. She instilled a love of creating in me.’ Kate studied A Level Art and completed a one-year Art Foundation in Fashion and Textiles. ‘I always intended to go to university, but by the end of the course 130

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I wanted to go off and explore.’ At 18, Kate booked a one-way ticket to New Zealand, spending a year working and travelling before moving to Australia for two years, where she worked planting trees in the rainforest and as a snorkelling guide where whale sharks and manta rays kept her company on the Ningaloo Reef. ‘I fell in love with a place called Oyster Bridge and would spend hours sketching and taking photos – never imagining that it would inspire the name of my future business. ‘In Australia, I lived in a caravan in Coral Bay and made friends with another creative. We set up a screenprinting area in my caravan, designing and making our own stencils to print on to T-shirts. We sold these to locals and passing travellers, as they stopped by to enjoy the reef.’ After two further trips, working in the Seychelles and on a remote Scottish island, Kate returned home. ‘It was a hard phase, and I knew that I needed to settle down and work out which direction I wanted to go in. On the way home from the airport, we stopped in a local town and Mum pointed

M Y C O U N T RY B U S I N E S S

Kate with a collection of her ﬁnished paintings and a series of antique frames sourced from various brocantes throughout France.

‘My paintings are affordable enough to treat yourself – but not everyday’

What I love most... ‘THE SPONTANEITY OF CREATING WORK THAT IS SO VARIED – WORKING ON SPECIAL COMMISSIONS AND MAKING BEAUTIFUL PACKAGING TO ADD THAT FINISHING TOUCH’

out a shop front, saying that she would love some help on a new project: moving her business, Rosehip, from a barn at home into a small shop, selling all things French, rustic and handmade. ‘My parents had owned shops before, but helping to launch this new venture marked a turning point for me. I helped them set up, and took on another part-time job, too. My days off were spent painting and stitching. ‘Before travelling, I had created a stitched hydrangea painting that had been much admired. Now I began to fine-tune my style, and showed my first collection of large-scale botanical paintings six months later, in 2012, at Rosehip and at another shop, The Bell Jar, in Norwich. This was the start of Oyster

All of Kate’s botanical paintings are machine stitched in silk or beautifully toned threads.

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Bridge & Co and I haven’t looked back.’ The business was started without any investment. ‘I lived at home and saved to buy paints, papers, a sewing machine, threads and frames. Everything has evolved organically and a friend taught me how to frame to keep overheads down.’ Kate’s studio, based at her parents’ rural Suffolk farmhouse, looks out over cornfields and wild hedgerows to the front, and to a quintessentially English country garden at the back. The peaceful white-washed, beamed room with its wonky red brick floor is an airy space, full of creative nooks containing moodboards and endless inspirations for Kate’s work. Antique armoires and time-worn desks are home to papers, collected dried flowerheads and old French pots filled with paintbrushes. ‘Being original is important to me, I never reproduce paintings; they evolve naturally with their unique details. Beautiful packaging is also important – I want my parcels to be a joy to open; it’s part of the magic.’ Kate’s highly coveted work is sold via Instagram, online with Rosehip and a few other independent stockists, and at exclusive fairs, including The Decorative Living Fair and The Country Brocante. ‘Social media has raised my profile and has generated lots of bespoke commissions, along with branding and logo work for specific clients. I love the diversity and freedom that comes with your own business. My pieces are affordable enough to treat yourself, but not everyday. My designs are constantly evolving and I’m constantly working on new collections. ‘Coming back to Suffolk has proved the catalyst for so much: the start of my business and a new timber-framed home that my boyfriend Ali has just finished building for us. I have a small workspace there, too, but will keep my studio at my parents’. It has been the inspiration for everything and I am very grateful.’ Kate Nicole, Oyster Bridge & Co, 07979 142078, @oysterbridgeandco.

M Y C O U N T RY B U S I N E S S

The sense of peace and light in Kate’s studio is perfect for her creative work.

Vintage-style ﬂoral paintings ﬁll Kate’s studio.

Surrounding ﬁelds are a source of inspiration.

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@ ON OUR D O O R S T E P. . . Visit…‘Dollops Wood (polstead. onesuffolk.net) near Polstead, a beautiful woodland walk famous for its bluebells, but magical at any time.’

Shop at…’Mora Lifestyle (07769 662782, moralifestyle.co.uk) in Norwich. It sells beautiful homewares, clothing and accessories. The tones, textures and pieces are perfectly curated.’

Go for a meal at…‘Wyken Vineyards (01359 250287, wykenvineyards.co.uk) in Bury St Edmunds. A beautiful location, great food and delicious wine from their own vineyards.’

Kate outside her family home with Hattie the Spaniel.

M Y C O U N T RY B U S I N E S S

Small business advice

HOW TO GET STARTED WITH NO FUNDS Follow our simple step-by-step guide to create a successful format

Starting a business with no start-up funds sounds tricky but if, like Kate, you are prepared to work hard while developing a business, then your dream could become a reality. Believe you can and the world could be your oyster… Start your business when the time is right for you. Kate always imagined working for herself, but took time to work out what she wanted to do. Don’t be afraid to follow your own path – not being pigeon-holed may help your creative freedom. Follow your passion. Kate grew up loving to paint, sew and write. Develop a business that plays to your strengths and creative energies.

FEATURE ALI HEATH PHOTOGRAPHS ALUN CALLENDER

Test the water. Before taking the plunge, trial sales as a pop-up within established retail businesses. This gave Kate the positive reinforcement that she needed and the impetus to turn an idea into a fully ﬂedged business. Have back-up income. Juggling two part-time jobs provided Kate with valuable income, enabling her to invest in her business. Collaborate and build relationships. Kate was lucky to be able to sell her

work through Rosehip in the Country, but she also sought out new sales channels both locally and nationally. Building a relationship with a gallery in London and Norfolk at the start of her business helped to raise her profile, and attracted new customers and bespoke commissions. Remember, when collaborations no longer work for you, do not be afraid to walk away. Attend events. Deciding which fairs to attend is key. Visitor profiles need to match the audience you are keen to attract. Choose wisely as events are costly and the right brand associations are important. Kate attends events such as The Decorative Living Fair and The Country Brocante, in conjunction with Rosehip in the Country. They share a stand to keep costs down and benefit from the synergy of selling complementary items in room-style settings. Kate also chooses a random event each year to try something new and to keep her on her toes. Make the most of social media. Learn to take great photographs and create a social media presence that is inspirational and consistent in style and approach. A cohesive look will let buyers know what you are about and encourage repeat traffic. The feed

@local_milk on Instagram offers great advice on building a strong profile. Be original. Social media attention has also had a negative impact on Kate’s business in terms of copycat work. Stay true to your own ethics for originality, honesty and respect. Customers will recognise when ideas are yours or a poor copy of someone else’s. Being unique also means that you have the capacity to constantly produce new ideas. Take responsibility. Learn to master all the skills that could cost you money. Photography, social media, website design, packaging design, and, in Kate’s case, framing, can all be self-taught. Create a memorable brand image. A statement brand image will create the impression of a professional start-up. If you are not creative, try to trade services with a local designer. Listen to advice. If finance is not your thing, then take advice from someone who understands. Kate’s dad reminds her to chase invoices, manage cash flow, forecast sales and think ahead. Poor financial control will make it hard for your business to succeed. The website greatbusiness.gov.uk/where-to-getstart-up-advice has lots of helpful links.

The one lesson I have learnt...

‘ALWAYS DO YOUR OWN THING. BE ORIGINAL, INSPIRED, RESPECTFUL AND HONEST IN WHAT YOU DO’ NEXT MONTH HELEN BRENT-SMITH OF APPLE JUICE MAKERS, DAY’S COTTAGE

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NEXT MONTH IN

& INTERIORS

Get a sunshine state of mind!

•Use hot colours and designs for slow summer style •Discover homes across the UK where a new life awaits •Meet women running hospitality and food businesses •Bake fruity and flowery cakes and tarts PLUS... Lovely larders, dreamy master bedrooms, quiet-pattern carpets and why we love monochrome ON SA L E 2 AUGUS T 2 018

Shopping DIRECTORY YOU’LL FIND ALL THE COMPANIES IN THIS MONTH’S ISSUE HERE

AS APOTHECARY 07979 926831 asapoth.com ABIGAIL BROWN 07940 497488 abigail-brown.co.uk AFFORDABLE ART FAIR 020 8246 4848 affordableartfair.com ALSO HOME 01483 608611 alsohome.com AMANDA BANHAM CERAMICS amandabanhamceramics. bigcartel.com AMAZON amazon.co.uk AMSTRONG 0800 371 849 armstrongceilings.com AMTICO 0121 745 0800 amtico.com &HOBBS andhobbs.com AND SO TO BED 0808 144 4343 andsotobed.co.uk ANDERSON GALLERY 01407 741831 anderson-gallery.co.uk ANDREW MARTIN 020 7225 5100 andrewmartin.co.uk ANTHROPOLOGIE 0800 0026 8476 anthropologie.com ARCADIA HOME HEATING 01328 800369 arcadiahomeheating.co.uk ARDINGLY INTERNATIONAL ANTIQUES & COLLECTORS FAIR 01636 702326 iacf.co.uk/ardingly ARLO & JACOB 0333 222 1643 arloandjacob.com ARTISANTI 0345 259 1410 artisanti.com ASTON MATTHEWS 020 7226 7220 astonmatthews.co.uk ATLANTIC SHOPPING 0121 230 1644 atlanticshopping.co.uk

B&Q 0333 014 3098 diy.com BC DESIGNS 01206 827100 bcdesigns.co.uk BARKER AND STONEHOUSE 0333 355 9321 barkerandstonehouse.co.uk BATHROOM DISCOUNT CENTRE 020 7381 4222 bathdisc.co.uk BENSIMON bensimon.com BLANCO 01923 635200 blanco.co.uk BLUEBELLGRAY 0808 164 0130 bluebellgray.com BRITISH CERAMIC TILE 01626 834774 britishceramictile.com BRONTE BY MOON brontebymoon.co.uk BUTTON & SPRUNG 0333 320 1801 buttonandsprung.com BUY THE SEA 01460 57405 buythesea.co.uk

CRL STONE 01706 863600 crlstone.co.uk CABBAGES & ROSES 020 7352 7333 cabbagesandroses.com

FLOWERS BY THE BRIDGE 07970 280077 ﬂowersbythebridge.com FOY & CO 01446 771210 foyandco.co.uk FRENCH CONNECTION 0333 400 3285 frenchconnection.com GARDEN STREET 0333 577 1926 gardenstreet.co.uk GARDEN TRADING 01993 845559 gardentrading.co.uk GLASSHOUSE ART 01803 833146 glasshouseart.co.uk GLOBAL TOPZ 01442 877600 globaltopz.co.uk GOOSE COLLECTION 0161 338 3986 goosecollection.co.uk GRAHAM & BROWN 0800 328 8452 grahambrown.com GRAHAM & GREEN 01225 418200 grahamandgreen.co.uk GREEN GARDEN 0333 320 7036 greengardenpaving.com

H&M HOME 0344 736 9000 hm.com HAFREN FURNISHERS 01686 414000 hafrenfurnishers.co.uk HART INTERIORS & LIFESTYLE 01342 825063 hartinteriorsandlifestyle.co.uk HAVWOODS 01524 737000 havwoods.co.uk HEAL’S 0333 212 1915 heals.co.uk HERDYSLEEP 0800 294 8666 herdysleep.com HERITAGE BATHROOMS 0330 026 8501 heritagebathrooms.com HIVE 0333 2029627 hivehome.com HOBBYCRAFT 0330 026 1400 hobbycraft.co.uk HOLT ANTIQUES & INTERIORS CENTRE 01263 478110 holtantiquesandinteriors.co.uk HOMAGE 01273 933144 homageonline.co.uk HOMEBASE 0345 077 8888 homebase.co.uk HORNE FINE FURNITURE 01865 236300 horneﬁnefurniture.co.uk HOUSE OF FRASER 0345 602 1073 houseoffraser.co.uk HOUSEOLOGY 0330 363 0330 houseology.com HYPNOS 01844 348200 hypnosbeds.com

CATKIN & OLIVE catkinandolive.co.uk CHOICE HOMES 01277 217143 choicehomesltd.co.uk CLAYBROOK 0207 0521 555 claybrookstudio.co.uk COASTAL HOME 01625 578105 coastalhome.co.uk COASTAL STONE 01243 537686 coastalstone.co.uk COTSWOLD COMPANY 0844 984 0444 cotswoldco.com COUNTRY HOME ANTIQUES 07969 611510 countryhomeantiques.co.uk COUNTRY STONE GRANITE 01243 544770 countrystonegranite.co.uk COX & COX 0330 333 2123 coxandcox.co.uk CRAFTWOOD 01202 485115 craftwood-uk.com CRAVEN DUNNILL 01746 761611 cravendunnill.co.uk CROWN 0330 024 0281 crownpaints.co.uk DASSIE ARTISAN 01290 211147 dassieartisan.com DAVID COLWELL 01686 430434 davidcolwell.com DAVID EDMONDS 020 8453 1113 DEBENHAMS 0344 800 8877 debenhams.com

DESIGN VINTAGE 01243 573852 designvintage.co.uk DESIGNERS GUILD 020 7351 5775 designersguild.com DOBBIES GARDEN CENTRES 0131 561 6406 dobbies.com DOCK & BAY dockandbay.com DORNBRACHT 024 7671 7129 dornbracht.com/en-gb DRUMMONDS 020 7376 4499 drummonds-uk.com DULUX 0333 222 7171 dulux.co.uk EARTHBORN 01928 734171 earthbornpaints.co.uk EAST LONDON PARASOL COMPANY eastlondonparasols.com ERCOL 01844 271800 ercol.com

FALCON ENAMELWARE 020 7837 9749 falconenamelware.com FARROW & BALL 01202 876141 farrow-ball.com FEATHER & BLACK 01243 380600 featherandblack.com FERMOIE 01672 513723 fermoie.com FIRED EARTH 01295 814396 firedearth.com FIRTH PLUMBING 01463 729482 firthplumbing.co.uk FLO & JOE 01865 821101 floandjoe.co.uk

IAN MANKIN 020 7722 0997 ianmankin.co.uk IGIGI GENERAL STORE 01273 775257 igigigeneralstore.com IKEA 020 3645 0000 ikea.co.uk INDIA MAY HOME indiamayhome.co.uk INTERNET GARDENER 0845 094 1707 internetgardener.co.uk

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JACKSON FENCING 0800 408 2234 jacksons-fencing.co.uk JOHN LEWIS 0345 604 9049 johnlewis.com JULIAN CHARLES juliancharles.co.uk

KIKKI.K 020 7240 7807 kikki-k.com KITTY HILLIER 07891 823459 kittyhillier.co.uk

LSA INTERNATIONAL 01932 789721 lsa-international.com LAURA ASHLEY 0333 200 8009 lauraashley.com LAURA ASHLEY BATHROOM COLLECTION 01225 303929 lauraashleybathroomcollection.com LE PETIT JARDIN 01892 541152 le-petit-jardin.com LEANNE FORD leanneford.com LEXINGTON 00 46 854 55 5800 lexingtoncompany.com LINWOOD FABRICS 01425 461176 linwoodfabric.com LITTLE GREENE 0845 880 5855 littlegreene.com LOAF 0845 468 0698 loaf.com LORDRITE WOODEN FLOORS 01243 790070 lordritewoodenﬂoors.co.uk LUCIA FRASER luciafraser.com

MADDY VINTAGE HOSTESS AT ETSY etsy.com MADE.COM 0344 257 1888 made.com MAISONS DU MONDE 0808 234 2172 maisonsdumonde.com MANDARIN STONE 01600 715444 mandarinstone.com MANOMANO 01766 808005 manomano.co.uk MARKS & SPENCER 0333 014 8000 marksandspencer.com MARLEY ETERNIT 01283 722588 marleyeternit.co.uk MARTIN MOORE STONE 0330 311 6574 martinmoorestone.com MIA SAROSI 01865 708688 miasarosi.com MUTINA mutina.it

NBK BATHROOMS & KITCHENS 01603 219957 n-b-k.co.uk NATIONAL TRUST SHOP 0300 123 2025 shop.nationaltrust.org.uk NAUTICALIA 01932 235550 nauticalia.com NEPTUNE 01793 427300 neptune.com NICKY CORNELL 0845 604 0244 nickycornell.com NICOLA WATTERS nicolawatters.com NISI LIVING 01275 390521 nisiliving.co.uk NKUKU 0333 240 0155 nkuku.com NORDIC HOUSE 01872 223220 nordichouse.co.uk NOTONTHEHIGHSTREET.COM 020 3318 5115 notonthehighstreet.com

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OGGETTO 01305 881010 oggetto.com OKA 03330 042 042 oka.com OLIVE + DAISY 07447 628186 oliveanddaisy.co.uk OLIVER BONAS 020 8974 0110 oliverbonas.com ORIGINAL BTC 020 7351 2130 originalbtc.com ORIGINAL STYLE 01392 473000 originalstyle.com OSBORNE & LITTLE 020 8812 3123 osborneandlittle.com OUT THERE INTERIORS 020 8099 7443 outthereinteriors.com

PACKHOUSE 01252 781010 packhouse.com PAD LIFESTYLE 0131 225 9012 padlifestyle.com PAINT & PAPER LIBRARY 0845 880 5844 paintandpaperlibrary.com PARTY ARK 01780 723075 partyark.co.uk PENNY MORRISON 01547 560460 pennymorrison.com PEONY & SAGE 01289 388650 peonyandsage.com PIGNUT pignut.co.uk PIPII 01342 823921 pipii.co.uk PLAANK 01525 218900 plaank.com POOCH & MUTT 020 3011 1567 poochandmutt.com POPPY TREFFRY 01736 795494 poppytreffry.co.uk

QUADRILLE PUBLISHING 020 7601 7500 quadrille.co.uk QUOOKER 0345 833 3555 quooker.co.uk

RAJ TENT CLUB 020 7820 0010 rajtentclub.com REASON SEASON TIME 020 3651 8194 reasonseasontime.co.uk ROBERT DYAS 0800 707 6677 robertdyas.co.uk ROCKETT ST GEORGE 01444 253391 rockettstgeorge.co.uk RODERICK JAMES 01803 868000 roderickjamesarchitects.co.uk

ROMO 01623 756699 romo.com ROWEN & WREN 01276 451077 rowenandwren.co.uk SAINSBURY’S HOME 0800 636262 sainsburyshome.co.uk SALT DOG STUDIOS 01227 265211 saltdogstudios.co.uk SASCHE 07944 336339 sasche.co.uk SASS & BELLE 020 7346 0117 sassandbelle.co.uk SEASALT 01326 640075 seasaltcornwall.co.uk 7 DAY SHOP 7dayshop.com SHERIDAN 01925 453410 sheridanaustralia.co.uk SHIZEN REMEDIES 07588 380732 shizenremedies.com SIEMENS 0344 892 8999 siemens-home.co.uk SIMON HORN 020 7723 2925 simonhorn.com SIMPLY HAMMOCKS 01748 471299 simplyhammocks.co.uk SMALLABLE 020 3445 0146 smallable.com SMITHERS OF STAMFORD 01780 435060 smithersofstamford.com SOFA.COM 0345 400 2222 sofa.com SPRITZ WELLNESS spritzwellness.com STANFORD DESIGN 01277 260646 stanford-design.co.uk STIRLING STOVE CENTRE 01786 440028 stirlingstovecentre.co.uk STYLE LIBRARY 020 3457 5862 stylelibrary.com SUNBURY ANTIQUES MARKET 01932 230946 sunburyantiques.com SUSTAINABLE FURNITURE 01726 884123 sustainable-furniture.co.uk SWEETPEA & WILLOW 0345 257 2627 sweetpeaandwillow.com

T&G WOODWARE 01275 841841 tg-woodware.com TED TODD 020 7495 6706 tedtodd.co.uk TESCO 0800 323 4050 tesco.com

THE ALBION BATH COMPANY 01255 831605 albionbathco.com THE CAST IRON BATH COMPANY 01723 585896 castironbath.co.uk THE CLOTH SHOP 020 8968 6001 theclothshop.net THE COTSWOLD COMPANY 0333 200 1725 cotswoldco.com THE HOLIDAY SHOP LONDON 07785 541214 theholidayshop.london THE NEW & RECLAIMED FLOORING CO. 020 7250 1108 reclaimedﬂooringco.com THE OAK & ROPE COMPANY 01227 469413 theoakandropecompany.co.uk THE OLD CINEMA ANTIQUES 020 8995 4166 theoldcinema.co.uk THE SOLID WOOD FLOORING COMPANY 01666 504015 thesolidwoodﬂooringcompany.com THE TILE SHOP 020 8968 9497 tileshoplondon.co.uk THE WEDDING OF MY DREAMS 0844 693 1449 theweddingofmydreams.co.uk THE WHITE COMPANY 020 3758 9222 thewhitecompany.com THORNBACK & PEEL 020 7831 2878 thornbackandpeel.co.uk TOM HOWLEY 0161 848 1200 tomhowley.co.uk TOPPS TILES 0800 783 6262 toppstiles.co.uk UKDECKIT 01484 646510 ukdeckit.co.uk URBANARA 0800 779 7527 urbanara.co.uk URBAN CEDAR 01934 833844 urbancedarhottubs.co.uk

VV ROULEAUX 020 7224 5179 vvrouleaux.com VELFAC 01536 313552 velfac.co.uk VICTORIA & ALBERT 020 7351 4378 vandabaths.com VOLGA LINEN 01728 635020 volgalinen.co.uk

WAITROSE 0800 188884 waitrose.com WAYFAIR 0800 169 0423 wayfair.co.uk WEAVER GREEN 0844 414 2155 weavergreen.com WEST ELM 0800 404 9780 westelm.co.uk WEST ONE BATHROOMS 0333 011 3333 westonebathrooms.com WESTIN 01484 421585 westin.co.uk WICKES 0330 123 4123 wickes.co.uk WILLOW & HALL 020 8939 3800 willowandhall.co.uk WILSONS BLINDS 0333 800 2999 wilsonsblinds.co.uk WIREWORKS 020 7684 6488 wireworks.co.uk WOVEN MAGIC 01212 706833 wovenmagic.com WYEVALE GARDEN CENTRES 0344 272 3000 wyevalegardencentres.co.uk

YALE 0845 302 4765 yale.co.uk ZARA HOME 0800 026 0091 zarahome.com

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

INTERNORM internorm.com/ uk-en/internorm/ INWOOD 01825 872550 in-wood.co.uk

F U L LY E S C O RT E D T O U R S

Vietnam & Cambodia

South Africa

Selected departures up to November 2018 and January to November 2019. 16 days from only £2,159pp. Price includes: Stay and tour Phnom Penh Visit the ancient city and temples of Cambodia’s Angkor Tour of Vietnam’s beautiful capital Hanoi by cycle rickshaw Take a leisurely cruise aboard a converted Chinese junk in Halong Bay’s outstanding limestone archipelago Visit the awe-inspiring Citadel and Forbidden City in Hue Stay in the heart of Saigon visiting the Cu-Chi tunnels Be inspired by the shimmering rice-paddies studded with gentle buffalo Enjoy a full-day trip on the mighty Mekong River delta Return flights from the UK Four- and five-star hotel accommodation with daily breakfast, plus five meals The services of our experienced and insightful tour manager

Selected departures up to November 2018 and January to November 2019. 16 days from only £2,199pp. Price includes: Tour the Zulu War battlefields with a specialist guide Full-day safari in the Kruger National Park Stay in the Western Cape’s Winelands, with a cellar tour and tasting Stay three nights in Cape Town, seeing Table Mountain Explore Cape of Good Hope and Cape Town’s Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens Visit Johannesburg’s Apartheid Museum Gaze at the Blyde River Canyon Visit Hermanus for the finest on-shore whale watching* Return flights from the UK Stay in hand-picked four-star and three-star hotels with daily breakfast, two lunches and three dinners The services of our experienced and insightful tour manager Departures available for solo travellers

** *

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Optional Rovos Rail extension – 18 days from £4,299pp

Japan – Land of the Rising Sun

India

Selected departures up to November 2018 and March to November 2019. 13 days from only £3,339pp. Price includes: See the famous sights of Tokyo – the Meiji shrine, Omotesando Street, fashion-setting Harajuku and the Akihabara electronic town Enjoy astonishing views of Mount Fuji from Lake Kawaguchi and the hot-spring, mountain spa resort of Hakone Travel at 189 mph on the incomparable high-speed bullet trains Reflect on the horrors of war at Hiroshima’s Peace Park and museum Explore Kyoto on a guided tour, experiencing the former imperial capital and the essence of traditional Japan Discover Nara, Japan’s first capital with its huge bronze Buddha, on a guided tour Opportunity to learn origami, traditional flower-arranging or Japanese cooking Return flights from the UK Handpicked accommodation rated four-stars, with breakfast and three meals included The services of our experienced and insightful tour manager

Selected departures up to November 2018 and January to November 2019. 11 days from only £1,489pp. Price includes: A wonderful tour of northern India’s ‘Golden Triangle’ See the breathtaking Taj Mahal bathed in soft morning light Panoramic city tours of both Old and New Delhi seeing all the major sights Enjoy a guided tour of the 400-year-old deserted Moghul city of Fatehpur Sikri Driving safari in Ranthambore National Park, the best place in India to spot the elusive tigers Explore the ‘Pink City’ of Jaipur, capital of the desert kingdom of Rajasthan with a guided city tour Marvel at the extraordinary location and beauty of Amber Fort Return flights from the UK Stay in hand-picked three to five-star accommodation with daily breakfast and seven meals The services of our experienced and insightful tour manager Departures available for solo travellers

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Optional Shimla extension – 15 days from £1,969pp

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. *Dependent on season.

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M Y F AV O U R I T E V I E W

‘The coastline of Cornwall lifts my soul’ Sitting on the terrace above The Seafood Restaurant in Padstow offers an unparalleled view looking across the estuary to Rock. It’s the most wonderful place to take your book and a drink and just soak in the salt-laden air as you listen to the gulls flying above.

Below us is the River Camel, which runs right up to Wadebridge, but between us and the river is what I call the ‘Knightsbridge-On-Sea’ of the locality – Rock, Trebetherick, Polzeath… They’re full of holiday homes and so lovely, but completely different to Padstow, which is an old fishing port. The area has a very good name now, but back in the olden days it was slightly looked down upon, I think! From our restaurant we can see the areas on that side of the estuary and all the way down to the mouth of the Camel. When we first started, all our customers used to pootle over on water taxis from the other side for their dinner, which was great!

The Seafood Restaurant, which my business partner, Rick, and I own, has rooms above it, including Porthilly (above), which is one of two with estuary views. About 10 years after we set up the business, we converted the flats upstairs into rooms so our guests would be able to stay after coming to eat with us. I did the interiors at the time, and 146

Country Homes & Interiors

have upgraded them over the years, but Porthilly and its neighbour, Daymer, have just had makeovers. I kept the terrace very simple, decked with seats and pot plants that can cope with the salty winds coming over the water. Indoors, my interiors have a definite ‘less is more’ feel. There’s a different atmosphere and a different light when you’re coastal, and interiors should reflect that, which means light colours and simplicity. Our daughter-in-law works for us now and she created the most beautiful coastal designs for Porthdune, our in-house range of candles and toiletries. I love how they reflect my interiors and the estuary outside – she’s a very talented girl.

I live outside of Padstow, on the next bay along, and the whole area inspires me and lifts my soul. Those same cliffs you can see from the Porthilly room are wonderfully rugged and re-energising up close. It’s the Atlantic coast, so while the weather can be changeable, when you have a summer’s day and it’s lovely and hot, there’s nowhere else you’d want to be. Cornwall has a very wild and dramatic coastline, and that’s part of why I love it so much. It has its own identity – it really doesn’t feel like part of England at all and that’s why, to me, it’s so special and different from the rest of the UK. For more information, visit rickstein.com.

FEATURE THEA BABINGTON-STITT PHOTOGRAPHS (PORTHILLY ROOM) JILL STEIN/THE SEAFOOD RESTAURANT, (JILL STEIN) ANNA McCARTHY

Jill Stein, interior designer and co-owner, Rick Stein restaurants

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