Country & Town House - September/October 2021 by Country & Town House Magazine

A LIFE IN BALANCE

The Art of Survival How galleries bounced back

GREEN ALERT Designers respond to climate SOS

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2021 £4.90

TWEAK! TWEAK! THE AESTHETIC DOCTORS’ GUIDE

LOOK WHO’S TALKING It’s time to get on board with AI

Sitting

PRETTY

THE INFINITE COOL OF SOPHIE COOKSON

Cover-V8 STG.indd 2

31/08/2021 09:46

BORN IN LE BRASSUS

AP_CountryTownhouseUK_RO_77350CE_BeYourself_BR_450x298.indd 1 Audemar Piguet.indd 2

24/08/2021 13:31

RAISED AROUND THE WORLD

AU D E M A R S PI G U E T B O U T I Q U E S LO N D O N : S LOA N E S T R E E T · H A R R O D S F I N E WATC H E S AP HOUSE LONDON : NEW BOND STREET

Audemar Piguet.indd 3

24.08.21 14:02 24/08/2021 13:31

ARX.indd 2

25/08/2021 17:13

ARX.indd 3

25/08/2021 17:13

BOODLES_ASHOKA_2021_CountryTownhouse_298x450_DPS.indd 1 Boodles.indd 2

21/06/2021 16:29

F A M I L Y

S T O R Y

Yasmin and Amber Le Bon wear ASHOKA ®

Boodles.indd 3

21/06/2021 16:29 13:42 21/06/2021

Contents

SEPTEMBER OCTOBER 2021

COLUMNS 18 20 176

THE GOOD LIFE Alice B-B on the treatment that gives her wings THE RURBANIST Professor Green LAST WORD Michael Hayman finds that love really is all around

STYLE 25 26 28 29 30 32 34

SPEAK NOW Art and fashion collide on a new podcast THE EDIT New season must-haves FIELD DAY Country style ON THE DOUBLE What does a royal warrant mean in this day and age? MY STYLE Lydia Millen THE MAGPIE Jewellery news WELL GROOMED Men’s style

HEALTH & WELLBEING 37 38 39 40 42 44 46 48

STAY GOLDEN Tips for skin hydration BODY LANGUAGE Olivia Falcon’s favourite facials THE SCOOP Are you tweakment curious? BODY & SOUL Feed the five senses TAKE TEN Fresh fragrances BEAUTY BUZZ New skin secrets LITTLE GREEN BOOK Your guide to green parenting. By Lisa Grainger GET THE LOOK How to get cover star Sophie Cookson’s low-key glam

CULTURE 51 52 58 60 62 64 66 68

WOMAN AT WORK Discover Laura Knight’s groundbreaking oeuvre SEASONAL DELIGHTS What to see, read and do HAVE YOU HAD YOUR FIVE A DAY? Poets to add to your autumn reading list THE EXHIBITIONIST The delights of Seven Dials ARTIST’S STUDIO Stuart Semple ROAD TEST Vauxhall’s nifty new electric SUV QUESTION TIME Michael Hayman on the interviews that have made him think SCARFES BAR Tabitha Goldstaub encourages us all to get with the AI programme

FEATURES 70

IN SWEET HARMONY Harriet Compston discovers how Sophie Cookson gets it all done IT’S SHOW TIME How Mayfair’s galleries survived the pandemic

6 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.CO.UK | September/October 2021

Contents-V7-LC.indd 6

27/08/2021 13:39

Clients who have invested in Banksy with Maddox Advisory enjoyed an average realised profit of 42.6% in 2020.

Maddox.indd 1

27/08/2021 10:02

Contents

SEPTEMBER OCTOBER 2021

FEATURES 83

THE FUTURE STARTS HERE The designers reshaping our material worlds for a greener future CLOSE TO THE ART The bond between art and fashion has never been stronger, says Marc Abbott

TWEAKMENT GUIDE 93

The ultimate insider’s guide to the treatments, doctors, gadgets and injectables to make the best of what nature gave us. Edited by Annabel Jones

INTERIORS 129

130 132 134 136

SLEEPING BEAUTY de Gournay goes for gold DESIGN NOTES Carole Annett’s world of interiors FOCUS Flower power TREND Water-inspired interiors CASE STUDY A handsome country home gets a new lease of life

HOTELS & TRAVEL 139 147 151

CONTINENTAL DRIFT Twenty seven incredible new European hotels A TASTE OF THE SPICE ISLAND Lauren Ho explores Grenada THE WEEKENDER Fish ‘n’ chips in Whitby

FOOD & DRINK 153

155 156

HUNKER DOWN Sally Clarke’s feelgood savoury bread and butter pudding GASTRO GOSSIP Foodie news THE HIGHLANDS GO HAUTE A whisky distillery with Michelin ambitions. By Richard Hopton

PROPERTY 159

160 ON THE COVER Sophie Cookson wears jumper and skirt by Cecilie Bahnsen and boots by Dior

FASHION TEAM Fashion director: Nicole Smallwood Photographer: Rachell Smith Make-up: Nathalie Eleni using Clé de Peau Beauté; Hair: Brady Lea at Premier Hair & Make-up using OSiS+ by Schwarzkopf Professional PREVIOUS PAGE Sophie wears shirt, dress and boots by Dior

162

164

PROPERTY OF THE MONTH A spectacular moated manor in Oxfordshire LET’S MOVE TO... ABERGAVENNY Wales’s best-kept secret IS THE GRASS ALWAYS GREENER? Itching to escape the rat race? Consider your options carefully, says Dr Soph FIVE OF THE BEST Houses with design heritage

REGULARS 12 14 158

EDITOR’S LETTER CONTRIBUTORS STOCKISTS

8 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.CO.UK | September/October 2021

Contents-V7-LC.indd 8

27/08/2021 13:40

Sabina Savage.indd 1

19/04/2021 13:48

Soneva.indd 2

24/08/2021 10:56

Soneva.indd 3

24/08/2021 10:57

world of the tweakment, whose magicians are talked about in hushed circles, and into whose hallowed Mayfair (mostly) portals I charged The Telegraph’s Beauty Editor-at-Large, Annabel Jones, to lead us gently by the hand. She shines a light on who offers what, the best doctors in the business and some tried and tested procedures that can offer life-changing results. Get illuminated from page 93. What happened to the Mayfair art world during the pandemic when the streets were empty and international buyers stopped arriving at Heathrow? It gathered together, it shared ideas and resources and it did what it does best – it came up with creative solutions. And one of the galvanising forces behind this wholesale collaborative spirit was Jo StellaSawicka, director of Goodman Gallery on Cork Street. Fiona McKenzie Johnston talks to her – and others – about how a focus on the local has invigorated the London art market to everyone’s advantage (p79). Art is, of course, what elevates us above the pure mammalian. It feeds our souls, enriches our minds and can turn an ecophobe into an activist. It’s powerful. And one of our foremost British fashion designers wouldn’t be where she is now without it. Marc Abbott talks to Stella McCartney about how artists have impacted her fashion design, as well as looking at the autumn/winter collections of other designers upon whom art sketches its significant influence (p87). Although I did have a fabulous week in Yorkshire (please get to the Hepworth Wakefield and Yorkshire Sculpture Park, if you possibly can), I’ve so far resisted a foreign holiday, given the dramas surrounding overseas travel. However, I’m almost at peak wanderlust. I yearn to smell a different air, tread on an unfamiliar soil and surround myself with sights, sounds and experiences that are not so damn habitual. A slew of hotels has opened recently on Continental Europe and while I’m only armchair travelling, I’m dreaming of visiting each and every one of the 27 we’re writing about from page 139. And travel writer Lauren Ho, lucky girl, made it all the way to the Spice Island of Grenada (p147). Let her pages fill you with pulsing heat, exotic tastes and a world that’s still out there.

Editor’s LETTER I have a confession. That photo you see to your left is me, yes, but it’s me nearly 10 years ago on my wedding day – my best self, I guess; without the slightly thinning hair; the evident frown lines and the podgier cheeks. But show me an editor or a journalist with a byline photograph who regularly updates it as they age, and I’ll show you that there is (not always but I would wager mostly) some professional hand behind their Colgate-white teeth, radiant smiles and crinkle-free foreheads. Welcome to the

EDITOR’S PICKS LISTEN Break out Culture and the House Guest podcasts are back this month after the summer break. I can’t wait! I’ve missed you...

USE We all have a reusable water bottle and coffee cup, but the genius of the Cupple is that it’s both in one

WEAR I’ve been a fan of Shrimps forever and this houndstooth top ticks my autumnal box

APPLY Apparently, women my age need a retinal cream. Mine’s Medik8’s Crystal Retinal 10, as recommended by Dr Uliana Gout

12 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.CO.UK | September/October 2021

Eds-Letter-V6-STG.indd 12

27/08/2021 13:41

Churchs.indd 1

10/08/2021 10:02

CON T R I BU TOR S

How London’s galleries got their mojo back, p79

The C&TH Guide to Tweakments, p93

Getting to know Sophie Cookson, p70

Exploring the Spice Island of Grenada, p147

Fiona McKenzie Johnston

Annabel Jones

Harriet Compston

Lauren Ho

Favourite part of autumn? Without a doubt, the art fairs and exhibitions put on by London’s commercial galleries. Also, pumpkin whoopie pies from Hummingbird Bakery. The exhibition you most want to catch? The Summer Exhibition at the Royal Academy – which is again taking place in the autumn. This year it’s being coordinated by Yinka Shonibare RA, and the theme is ‘Reclaiming Magic’ – which I think we all need to do! Favourite artist? Right now, today, Sean Scully. It changes all the time, though. Favourite gallery? I love the Royal Academy. Its shows have been astounding me for as long as I can remember – my grandmother used to take me as a child – and the shop is brilliant.

Favourite part of autumn? I love the back-to-school feeling of early autumn when the weather starts to ease and the trees begin to turn a vivid amber colour. Plus there’s nothing more satisfying than investing in that first seasonal purchase. The exhibition you most want to catch? Yayoi Kusama Infinity Mirror Rooms at Tate Modern. I went to see the most spectacular digital light exhibition at TeamLab in Tokyo three years ago and it has stayed with me ever since. Favourite artist? Frida Kahlo. I’ve always been drawn to Kahlo’s self-portraits and her fascinating backstory. Favourite gallery? The National Portrait Gallery. Portraits often have a way of telling a person’s story better than words can.

Favourite part of autumn? I like the way that September heralds a new start. The trees, resplendent with their fiery coloured leaves, always inspire happiness too. The exhibition you most want to catch? Constance Spry and the Fashion for Flowers at the Garden Museum. Set in a medieval church, opposite Lambeth Castle, the museum is magical with a huge collection celebrating all things garden. Favourite artist? Tess Morley – a shell artist who does beautiful mirrors among other pieces. The shells take me back to the Isle of Wight where I spent every summer as a child and used to collect them with my father. Favourite gallery? Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden in St Ives.

Favourite part of autumn? Crisp air, cosy nights, the colours of the changing leaves and knowing that Christmas is just around the corner. The exhibition you most want to catch? Light Years: The Photographers’ Gallery at 50. I collect photography and TPG is one of my favourite galleries to visit in London. Favourite artist? Zhang Kechun, a Chinese photographer who takes beautiful, minimal photos of China’s landscape. Favourite gallery? The Fife Arms in Braemar, Scotland. It is not technically a gallery, but it’s so filled with art, it might as well be. And also, it’s one of my favourite hotels.

W E L C OM E B AC K W H AT ’ S ON We took a short summer break, but our weekly What’s On newsletter is back this month. Don’t forget to sign up! countryandtownhouse.co.uk/whats-on-newsletter @countryandtown

countryandtownhousemagazine

countryandtownhouse

country-and-town-house

14 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.CO.UK | September/October 2021

Contribs-V5 STG.indd 14

27/08/2021 13:41

Nina Campbell.indd 1

25/08/2021 15:52

LUCY CLELAND EDITOR EDITOR-AT-LARGE ALICE B-B ASSOCIATE EDITOR CHARLOTTE METCALF MANAGING EDITOR AMY WAKEHAM CHIEF SUB EDITOR BELINDA BAMBER FEATURES ASSISTANT & SUB EDITOR SOFIA TINDALL FASHION DIRECTOR NICOLE SMALLWOOD BEAUTY DIRECTOR NATHALIE ELENI INTERIORS DIRECTOR CAROLE ANNETT CULTURE EDITOR ED VAIZEY EXECUTIVE RETAIL EDITOR MARIELLA TANDY SUSTAINABILITY EDITOR LISA GRAINGER PROPERTY EDITOR ANNA TYZACK MOTORING EDITOR JEREMY TAYLOR ONLINE EDITOR REBECCA COX JUNIOR ONLINE EDITOR ELLIE SMITH JUNIOR SOCIAL MEDIA EDITOR DANIELLA SAUNDERS ONLINE INTERNS CARINA MURPHY & CHARLIE COLVILLE CREATIVE & PRODUCTION DIRECTOR PARM BHAMRA PRODUCTION DESIGNER SAMUEL THOMAS FILMMAKER TRACER ITAL ADVERTISING SALES DIRECTOR ELLIE RIX SENIOR ACCOUNT MANAGER PANDORA LEWIS ACCOUNT MANAGER KATRINA GANE DIGITAL MANAGER ADAM DEAN SALES & ADMIN ASSISTANT BEA CERULLO TECHNICAL MANAGER HANNAH JOHNSON TECHNICAL DIRECTOR MARK PEARSON FINANCE DIRECTOR JILL NEWEY FINANCE CONTROLLER LAUREN HARTLEY PROPERTY & MARKETING ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR AND B CORP PROJECT MANAGER GEMMA COWLEY GROUP PUBLISHING DIRECTOR TIA GRAHAM MANAGING DIRECTOR JEREMY ISAAC CONTRIBUTING EDITORS STEPHEN BAYLEY, FIONA DUNCAN, OLIVIA FALCON, DAISY FINER, LYDIA GARD, AVRIL GROOM, MICHAEL HAYMAN RICHARD HOPTON, EMMA LOVE, MARY LUSSIANA, ANNA PASTERNAK, CAROLINE PHILLIPS, HOLLY RUBENSTEIN, MARCUS SCRIVEN THE EDITOR editorial@countryandtownhouse.co.uk FASHION fashion@countryandtownhouse.co.uk ADVERTISING advertising@countryandtownhouse.co.uk

PROPERTY ADVERTISING property@countryandtownhouse.co.uk ACCOUNTS accounts@countryandtownhouse.co.uk SUBSCRIPTIONS subscribe@countryandtownhouse.co.uk

COUNTRY & TOWN HOUSE is a bi-monthly magazine distributed to AB homes in Barnes, Battersea, Bayswater, Belgravia, Brook Green, Chelsea, Chiswick, Clapham, Coombe, Fulham, Holland Park, Kensington, Knightsbridge, Marylebone, Mayfair, Notting Hill, Pimlico, South Kensington, Wandsworth and Wimbledon, as well as being available from leading country and London estate agents. It is also on sale at selected WHSmith, Waitrose, Marks & Spencer and Sainsbury’s stores and independent newsagents nationwide. It has an estimated readership of 150,000. It is available on subscription in the UK for £29.99 per annum. To subscribe online, iPad, iPhone and android all for only £24.99 visit: exacteditions.com/read/ countrytownhouse. For subscription enquiries, please call 020 7384 9011 or email subscribe@countryandtownhouse.co.uk. It is published by Country & Town House Ltd, Studio 2, Chelsea Gate Studios, 115 Harwood Road, London SW6 4QL (tel: 020 7384 9011). Registered number 576850 England and Wales. Printed in the UK by William Gibbons and Sons Ltd, West Midlands. Paper supplied by Gerald Judd. Distribution by Letterbox. Copyright © 2021 Country & Town House Ltd. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is strictly prohibited. Materials are accepted on the understanding that no liability is incurred for safe custody. The publisher cannot be responsible for unsolicited material. All prices are correct at the time of going to press but are subject to change. While every care is taken to ensure information is correct at time of going to press, it is subject to change, and C&TH Ltd. takes no responsibility for omissions or errors.

PEFC/16-33-97 This product is from sustainably managed forests, recycled and controlled sources. www.pefc.org

Country & Town House is a member of CPRE (Campaign to Protect Rural England)

Please recycle

What to do with Country & Town House when you’ve finished reading it

Ideally, we’d love you to pass it on to a friend or a community place which might enjoy it (doctor or dentist surgery, community centre etc), but you can also rest assured that your issue can be recycled.

@countryandtown

Flannel-Panel-V2 STG.indd 16

countryandtownhousemagazine

The magazine (including cover) can be disposed of in your paper waste recycling bin.

countryandtownhouse

The outer plastic wrapping is made entirely from 100 per cent compostable material sourced from potato starch. It can be disposed of in a compost heap, your garden waste bin or your food waste bin (why not use it as a liner?). Please do not put it in your recycling.

country-and-town-house

countryandtownhouse.co.uk

27/08/2021 13:42

Islay

Teak Oiled Sides BY APPOINTMENT TO HRH THE PRINCE OF WALES MANUFACTURER AND SUPPLIER OF FOOTWEAR CROCKETT & JONES LIMITED, NORTHAMPTON

MADE IN ENGLAND | SINCE 1879

Our toughest version of the indispensable Islay featuring a cleated rubber sole, gunmetal eyelets, and a waterproof lining. The perfect winter boot.

CROCKETTANDJONES.COM

Crockett & Jones.indd 1

17/08/2021 11:07

COLUMN

The GOOD LIFE

Alice B-B has a new spring in her step, thanks to a Holy Grail massage treatment

’VE TRIED A LOT OF TREATMENTS. As a spa and wellness editor I’ve done the weird (having my vagina smoked at the Four Seasons Resort in Bali) and the wonderful (a shamanistic massage at the foot of a volcano at Deplar Farm in Iceland). And then there’s the solid stuff, the therapists and treatments you want in your arsenal of health. So, here’s one of my secrets: manual lymphatic drainage with Flavia Morellato. Flavia’s rhythmic massage stimulates the lymphatic system, guiding the flow of lymph back into the circulation system to flush out excess water and toxins. And the side effect is startling; an instantly defined body. Whether legs, tummy or back. I suffer with heavy legs – apparently a common hormone-related problem (bloody hormones). But after a treatment with Flavia, not only do I miraculously have a wellturned ankle but OH! The lightness of my legs. It’s like someone’s tied wings to my feet... So here’s my gift to you this month; Flavia Morellato. Memorise that name; then beg, borrow, barge your way in for an appointment (flaviamorellato.co.uk). FOR YEARS CONSERVATION WAS THE DOMAIN OF SCIENTISTS. But as the planet’s situation becomes more desperate, there’s an urgency for everyone to get involved. Take an organisation like The Conservation Collective; a global network of locally focused environmental foundations where each local member suggests grassroots ways of giving time and getting stuck in; whether that’s helping capture data on the dolphin population in the Cyclades, or clearing invasive species from woodland and taking part in bat surveys in Devon. So, when planning a holiday, maybe take time to check out what the local conservation efforts are. It’s a way of exploring deeper. And it can be fun. Because time’s up on self-serving holidays – it’s time to travel with purpose (conservation-collective.org). IT’S HARD TO BELIEVE… but once upon a time I was style editor at Tatler, swishing around at fashion shows, talking nonsense at parties and heading to Paris to cover the couture collections. If my old self was to meet my new self – she’d be horrified. Burberry coats, Louboutin heels and Roland Mouret slinky dresses ALL GONE! In their place holey jeans, pockets spilling over with dog biscuits, a vintage sweatshirt and Gore-Tex jacket. My mission: to find a new uniform that works for a muddy dog walk but also pulls together for a meeting. And I think I’ve found it. Nili Lotan; sophisticated takes on old classics, with enough twists to look fresh (nililotan. com). (P.S. I was never very good at fashion – I think my old self always wanted to be my new self.) n

THIS MONTH I’LL BE...

BOOKING Sarah Chapman’s new plumping Pep8 facial at her Skinesis Clinic in Chelsea (sarahchapman.com). TAKING my pick between aerial yoga, electrical muscle stimulation or cryotherapy at new wellness space Repose (repose-space.co.uk). WEARING Rainy day boots with a pop of colour thanks to Blundstone (blundstone.co.uk).

ILLUSTRATION BY MEI MEI, @MEIMEI_2503

‘After a TREATMENT with Flavia, the LIGHTNESS of my legs… It’s like someone’s tied WINGS to my FEET’

18 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.CO.UK | September/October 2021

Alice-BB-V4-LC.indd 18

27/08/2021 13:42

LEATHER FOOTWEAR | CLOTHING | ACCESSORIES FAIRFAXANDFAVOR.COM

Untitled-1 1 Fairfax & Favour.indd 1

20/08/2021 00:17 20/08/2021 10:01

INTERVIEW

The RURBANIST

Rapper Professor Green on surviving trauma, divisive politics, and escaping to the Atlas Mountains

What’s bringing you joy? My little boy [born in March 2021] – I’ve been lucky to have witnessed all the milestones that I may have otherwise missed because of work. What’s annoying you most? Divisive politics is quite frustrating, leveraging anger and blaming it on people with far more in common than a white working-class man’s upper-class counterpart. Whose mind do you wish you could change? My own sometimes. Synapses develop early and there was a lot of trauma in my early life, things we now know that predispose you to all the fun things, like anxiety, depression and addiction. Advice you’d give to your 15-year-old self? Hypothetically all sorts, but I’d be too worried to say anything other than ‘carry on’. I always use the butterfly effect as an example: the smallest piece of advice could have dramatically changed the course of my life. But I wouldn’t want to give myself any advice that might land me somewhere other than right where I am now. What could you have been arrested for? I was arrested for kidnap, blackmail, false imprisonment, and possession with intent to supply. I was raided and beaten by Scotland Yard’s kidnap unit and the police took every bit of my clothing as I was under observation; they said it was ‘evidence’. After being bailed and re-bailed I was given an NFA [No Further Action]. I was never charged. Must have been in the wrong place at the wrong time... Best life hack? Take Aguulp [a powerful blend of soluble fibre, prebiotics, vitamins and amino-acids]. I kid you not. That, infra-red saunas, ice baths, red light therapy and eight hours’ sleep. Country or city? Despite growing up in Hackney pre-gentrification, I’ve always been drawn to nature. Before Covid I was looking at land in view of the Atlas Mountains with hundreds of olive trees and space to build a modest home and live off the land. Karima McAdams, my partner, is half Moroccan and it’s quickly become a second home to me. One day... You wouldn’t know it but… I listen to more country music than rap. The book you wished you’d written? I’d say my own autobiography, Lucky [which came out in 2015], but I ended up having to do it in ten days because the person who transcribed it embellished it so heavily. Your greatest failure? No such thing as failures, just false starts and lessons. I wouldn’t have achieved what I have now had I not encountered a fair few of those. Your epitaph would read… He meant well.

Aguulp is available now, aguulp.com n

SCENT Fags and whisky. BOX SET The Wire. CHOCOLATE BAR The pink Tony’s Chocolonely. SONG Time of Your Life, by Green Day. DISH A Sunday roast. RESTAURANT Hawksmoor.

PHOTOS: GETTY IMAGES

PROFESSOR GREEN LOVES

20 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.CO.UK | September/October 2021

Rurbanist-V5 STG.indd 20

27/08/2021 13:43

Nouveaux Classiques Collection

COUNTRY and TOWN Roche Bobois.indd 1 HOUSE Uk_Profile_CNC_Sp_px_225x298_VECT_converted 1

17/08/2021 10:48 13:37 18/08/2021

DUBARRY CTH sep21 DPS.indd 1 Dubarry.indd 2

18/08/2021 10:45

Dubarry.indd 3

17/08/2021 16:27 18/08/2021 10:45

Some furniture is made for the here and now. Some is built to stand the test of time. At Neptune, we believe that the best can do both. Good design never grows old.

neptune.com/victoriasdiningroom

Neptune.indd 1

18/08/2021 12:52

STYLE PHOTO: © CLEMENT PASCAL FOR MATCHESFASHION

Edited by Mariella Tandy

Speak Now

Art and fashion are in constant conversation

Kicking off Matchesfashion’s new podcast series, Art Matches Fashion, is designer Gabriela Hearst, who is recorded in conversation with celebrated American artist Laurie Simmons. To mark the launch, Gabriela Hearst has also created a capsule collection of her signature responsible wool, silk and cashmere designs exclusively for Matches. Cashmere ladder dress, £1,460. matchesfashion.com

September/October 2021 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.CO.UK | 25

Style-Opener-V3-STG.indd 25

27/08/2021 13:43

STYLE | Shopping

The

EDIT Mariella Tandy’s new season style hits

SPRITZ AND GO

Three mists to keep in your handbag

This September, Boden turns 30. To celebrate, it has launched a new Best of Boden capsule, inspired by the bestselling and most well-loved pieces from the Boden archives. Roll neck, £30; Charlotte cardigan, £130; Alexia trousers, £90; lace-up boots, £160. boden.com

CRAFTY STUFF

Toast’s commitment to supporting and sustaining traditional textile techniques and craftsmanship is evident in its A/W ’21 Rewilding collection. Like what you see? Get involved with Toast’s Creative Residency, featuring a series of talks, creative workshops and live demonstrations from 21-23 October in the new Crafts Council Gallery in Islington. Cord skirt, £130; shirt, £115. toa.st

1 By Sarah Reviver hydrating mist. £30, bysarahlondon.com 2 Oskia Citylife facial mist. £45, oskiaskincare.com 3 Grown Alchemist Anti-pollution mist. £27, grownalchemist.com

HAIR TODAY

Born in the Cotswolds, Tabitha James Kraan’s range of organic haircare is built on the premise of skincare for hair. Using all natural ingredients, the hero 4 in 1 conditioner is hugely restorative and designed to be layered. Use it to detangle in the shower, as a leave-in for the hair or scalp, as heat protection, or as a co-wash. £25, tabithajames kraan.com

26 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.CO.UK | September/October 2021

The-Edit-V6-LC.indd 26

27/08/2021 13:44

The Smart One Barbour Snowhill jacket. £159, barbour.com

The Colourful One Burberry checked jacket. £890, netaporter.com

The Sustainable One Marfa Stance quilted coat. £595, marfastance.com

You can now rent your next statement gown via Harrods’ new partnership with My Wardrobe HQ, the popular fashion rental platform. The highly curated fashion rental edit will be available online as well as through a bespoke pop-up at the Knightsbridge store, allowing Harrods customers access to must-have pieces in a more eco-friendly and conscious way. From £23 for four-day gown rental. harrods.com; mywardrobehq.com

READY TO PLAY

ON THE RADAR

Warm yet stylish, cool yet cosy, the must-have for autumn comes in the form of a quilted jacket

ONE NIGHT ONLY

Labeca London’s range of separates stands out thanks to its wonderful fabrics and twists on much loved classics. Designed to be worn in every scenario from travelling to office wear, these pieces will become wardrobe heroes. Black knit romper, £149. labecalondon.com

The Masterpiece Chloé belted coat. £3,410, netaporter.com

The One That Goes With Everything Frankie Shop jacket. £170, netaporter.com

SNAP HAPPY

Anya Hindmarch fans will love her new range of crocodile accessories. Staying true to her fun yet organised ethos, these characters will add a touch of playfulness to any outfit. Mini trifold wallet, £225; phone pouch on strap, £250; Airpod case, £145; card case, £145. anyahindmarch.com

The Classic Totême quilted black jacket. £400, toteme-studio.com

September/October 2021 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.CO.UK | 27

The-Edit-V6-LC.indd 27

27/08/2021 13:44

STYLE | Trend

REALLY WILD Trousers, £275 HERD Wyre cardigan, £375

WESTLEY RICHARDS Jacket, £649 HICKS & BROWN Chelsworth fedora, £124

ON THE PULL

FARLOWS Laksen Ness jacket, £439

Chilly evenings and crisp russet leaves can only mean one thing – it’s boot season. There’s no better reason to invest in another pair, like these Regina boots from Fairfax & Favor. They’ll look just as good pounding pavements as they do striding through the countryside. £355, fairfaxandfavor.com

PHOTOS: UNSPLASH. FOR STOCKISTS PLEASE SEE P158

TUSTING Mini Cardington bag, £285

FIELD DAY

Look the part on your next trip out of town, says Mariella Tandy PURDEY Winter Story scarf, £295

House of Bruar Dress, £129.95

SABINA SAVAGE The Faithful Lamb silk shirt, £650

PAIRS SCOTLAND Mohair socks, £20

PAMPEANO Polo belt, £75

28 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.CO.UK | September/October 2021

Trend-V7 STG.indd 28

27/08/2021 13:45

Royal Warrants | STYLE FROM ABOVE: John Smedley Eco cashmere sweater, £295; Johan sweater, £295; Phila cardigan, £170; Payton top, £145, all johnsmedley.com

UNDER WARRANTY If they’re good enough for the Queen...

BARBOUR Barbour, founded in 1894, has received a total of three royal warrants, in 1974, 1982 and 1987, from the Duke of Edinburgh, the Queen and the Prince of Wales.

ON THE DOUBLE

John Smedley has become one of a select few brands to hold a double royal warrant. But what does it mean in this day and age? asks Sofia Tindall

here are not many conventions from the 12th century that we still follow today, but the royal warrant has stood the test of time and remains as sought-after by luxury brands today as it was in the 1100s. The very first royal warrant was awarded by Henry II to the Weavers’ Company in 1155, and some 858 years later John Smedley secured its first royal warrant of appointment as a ‘manufacturer of fine knitwear’ from Her Majesty The Queen, to give the honour its official wording. On 1 April this year, John Smedley secured a second royal warrant from the Prince of Wales as manufacturers of fine knitwear – making it one of the select few British brands to have earned a double honour. Originally the royal warrant took the form of royal charters awarded to guilds and trades, known as livery companies, which supplied goods and services to the sovereign households. Today, there are a few more hoops to jump through. Brands in quest of the coveted badge of honour need to have supplied a royal household for more than five years, and be able to demonstrate progressive environmental and sustainability credentials. On the latter count in particular, John Smedley passes with flying colours. Since it was founded in 1784 by John Smedley, the company

has resided in Lea Mills, Derbyshire. Today it sources ethically-produced fabrics and has implemented a sustainability programme to reduce waste, carbon emissions and chemicals in its production line. As of 2018 it has made a 60 per cent reduction in its CO2 emissions, and works with socially responsible suppliers to ensure all workers are treated fairly. A year of lockdowns has been a challenge for the brand, as for many. ‘The award comes at the end of one of the most difficult years our company has faced,’ says Ian Maclean MBE, managing director. He adds: ‘The accolade means so much to everyone involved in the design, and is a very welcome boost of morale for our staff.’ Nor is it a secret as to why the royal warrant is still a huge draw for customers – we can all appreciate the allure of sipping the same tea as the Queen, or slipping between Prince of Wales-approved bedsheets at night. More than that, it’s a reminder of why it remains an honour to be a British brand. Things might have moved on a little since the 12th century (not always positively, in the case of climate change) but at least you can enjoy a John Smedley knit safe in the knowledge that its environmental impact isn’t much different from one that might have been produced by the Weavers’ Company in 1155. n

PRESTAT Catering to the royal sweet tooth since 1902, Prestat was awarded royal warrants in 1975 and 1999.

JOHNSTONS OF ELGIN The knitwear brand, a mere 224 years old, gained a royal warrant from the Prince of Wales in 2013 for supplying tweed to the royal household.

HUNTER Hunter’s iconic British wellies have a pair of royal warrants from the Duke of Edinburgh (1977) and the Queen (1986).

September/October 2021 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.CO.UK | 29

Royal-Warrants-V4 STG.indd 29

27/08/2021 13:45

STYLE | Q&A summer outfits. Wardrobe failsafes?

Hermès Oran sliders, a good tote bag to throw all my essentials in (books, battery packs, a cardigan for when the temperature drops), a cute wicker basket bag and an Hermès Kelly belt. Favourite online shops?

I love H&M for timeless basics that can easily be elevated with luxe accessories, Karen Millen for premium high-street pieces and Farfetch and Mytheresa for luxury shopping and niche brands. Country walk? Country walks are part of everyday life in our house, whether it’s a hike across the fields or my walks with our mini dachshund, Porter. I love nothing more than throwing on a pair of Dubarry boots with Tala leggings and a Schöffel wool fleece. Favourite under-the-radar labels?

Vita Grace and Dissh.

MY STYLE

What will you be wearing to your next big event? It’s going to be hard to choose

Daily uniform? This season it’s tan leather accessories, offset by a clean crisp cotton-poplin dress or some neutral linens. It always looks completely timeless. Style crush? I look to the Duchess of Cambridge for sophisticated style with a focus on British heritage brands. For everyday style I admire digital creators such as Ashley Brooke, Rosie ‘The Londoner’ and Melissa’s Wardrobe. What makes you feel your best self? A pair of high waisted, double pleat linen trousers and a linen shirt. It looks totally effortless, but also smart while remaining comfortable and lightweight given the ever changeable weather in the UK. The cinched waist of the double pleats helps to create a truly flattering silhouette. Holiday wardrobe? I’m currently reading A Year in Provence by Peter Mayle, and dreaming of being in Provence, drinking wine, reading books and snoozing under olive trees. I’d take loads of linen dresses and separates from brands such Vita Grace, Dissh, Zimmermann and Faithfull The Brand. Power dressing? A great pair of sunglasses, perfect for dressing up no make-up days, and some gladiator sandals that really elevate

The Duchess of Cambridge wears Emilia Wickstead

Instagram: @ lydiamillen; YouTube: Lydia Millen n

1 Karen Millen sleeveless jacket, £179. karenmillen. com 2 Max Mara pinstripe linen trousers, £360. maxmara.com 3 Dubarry Longford boot, £379. dubarry.com 4 Intimissimi lace and silk top, £49; shorts, £39. intimissimi.com 5 Aerin Amber Musk, £145 for 100ml. esteelauder.co.uk 6 Hermès Birkin 30 in tan leather, £8,240. hermes.com 7 Hermès Oran sandal, £510. hermes.com

PHOTOS: SHUTTERSTOCK

Lydia Millen on timeless style and a royal sartorial crush

as I’ve compiled quite a wardrobe over lockdown but I wore a beautiful fiveyear-old Zimmermann dress to a wedding the other day. It made me realise how much I enjoy wearing the pieces that have stood the test of time but still make me feel incredible no matter how many times I wear them. Lounge lizard? A fresh pair of Intimissimi silk pyjamas. It does the best selection of elegant pyjama sets; I feel put together despite being on the way to bed. Style cheats? I always aim to add a little luxury touch to all my outfits. I love vintage Hermès Twilly scarves for attaching to handbags, wrists, or incorporating into hairstyles for a pop of colour that’s elevated by the silk fabric. Finishing touches? This is my favourite element of outfit planning, because you can take the most simple look and elevate it to something that looks and feels super expensive. A unique fragrance tailored to the season from Aerin also makes the perfect finishing spritz.

30 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.CO.UK | September/October 2021

My-Style-V34 STG.indd 30

27/08/2021 13:46

Reno Stripe wallpaper. Rio Grande curtains. Morgan Chair in High Plains. Fair and Square Ottoman in Tulum.

Mesa Collection: Wallpaper, Print and Woven Fabrics www.thibautdesign.com tel: 020 7737 6555

Thibaut.indd 1

26/08/2021 09:30

STYLE | Jewellery ON THE MOVE

Messika’s latest high jewellery collection is an ode to movement, playing on contrasts between yellow and white diamonds and large and smaller stones. The edit of 16 pieces is a pear-cut lover’s dream. £POA, messika.com

EMPIRE STATE OF MIND Tiffany’s new collection was created in tribute to New York. The knot symbolises the city’s legendary ability to create everlasting connections between people and the city, and between its residents. From £3,000, tiffany.co.uk

Move with the times with Messika’s modern-yet-timeless new collection

The Magpie

Tiffany & Co yellow gold and round diamond earrings. £4,300, tiffany.co.uk

Mariella Tandy’s latest jewellery news

INITIAL THOUGHTS Three alphabet necklaces

1 Edge of Ember 14ct gold initial necklace. £265, edgeofember.com 2 Jennifer Meyer Turquoise letter necklace. £917, jennifermeyer.com 3 Shay Initial diamond and 18ct gold necklace. £1,705, matchesfashion.com

The inspiration for Boodles’ new Around the World in 16 Days collection comes from the 1960s, when its thenchairman, Anthony Wainwright, set out to travel around the world in 16 days, buying diamonds, pearls and precious gemstones along the way. His journey provides inspiration for a selection of one-of-akind rings using some very special stones. £POA, boodles.com ABOVE: Boodles ‘Paris’ ring, an important 5.80 carat lozenge shape diamond with additional baguette and brilliant cut diamonds set in platinum BELOW: Boodles ‘Havana’ ring, with a vivid yellowish orange pear shape diamond with rock crystal, enamel and diamonds set in 18 carat yellow gold

PHOTOS: © BENJAMIN DECOIN

ADVENTURE AWAITS

32 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.CO.UK | September/October 2021

Magpie-V3 STG.indd 32

27/08/2021 13:47

Giovani Raspini.indd 1

17/08/2021 11:13

STYLE | Men’s IT’S A SMALL WORLD...

Mr Porter has launched Small World, a curated selection of 33 global brands celebrating craftsmanship, responsibly made products and local communities. mrporter.com

THE TIMES THEY ARE A-CHANGING Autumn style staples

DIVER’S DELIGHT

Michel Herbelin has revisited its archives and introduced the Newport Héritage Diver, inspired by a diving watch designed by the brand in the Seventies. As well as epitomising sporty French chic, the automatic timepiece is water-resistant to 300 metres. £1,100, michel-herbelin.com

Well Groomed Matt Thomas carries you into the new season

ARTFUL ACCESSORIES

Your World is the new bespoke personalisation service from Stow, allowing you to commission an entirely unique accessory, hand illustrated by artist Patsy Rathbone. From £95 to £500, stowlondon.co.uk

ROOM FOR CRAFT

British shirtmaker Turnbull & Asser has opened a new craft concept at its Davies Street Mayfair store. The Room is a gallery-inspired space that will hold an inspiring, rotating collection of artwork and furniture for sale. turnbullandasser.com

FOUR OF THE BEST FR AGR A NCES

1 CONNOLLY Breton crew neck. £580, connollyengland.com 2 PAUL SMITH Work jacket. £200, paulsmith.com

Valentino Born in Roma Yellow Dream Uomo. £55, boots.com

Issey Miyake Fusion d’Issey Extrême. £71, theperfume shop.com

Acqua di Parma Oud & Spice. £199, harrods.com

Escentric Molecules Molecule 01 + Patchouli. £95, harvey nichols.com

3 PATAGONIA Arbor roll top backpack. £110, patagonia.com 4 C.QP Vegan Racquet trainers. £220, c-qp.com

34 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.CO.UK | September/October 2021

Well-Groomed-V4ST.indd 34

27/08/2021 13:49

A Tradition of Safari since 1812. Explore our artisanal leather goods and outdoor clothing collections.

westleyrichards.com

Westley Richards.indd 1

19/08/2021 11:49

The F L O R Fragrance Family

Fragrance Foundation.indd 1

08/01/2021 08:36

HEALTH&

WELLBEING

Stay Golden Keep hydrating, says Camilla Hewitt

If you’ve spent the summer soaking up some essential Vitamin D, make sure you continue to keep skin hydrated as the season shifts. Skin likes consistency so avoid the urge to have a long, hot shower or switch on the central heating too soon – fluctuations in temperature will only aggravate your sunkissed complexion. Glow Recipe Avocado Ceramide Recovery Serum strengthens the skin’s moisture barrier, making it ideal if you’re sensitive-skinned, or you’ve overdosed on sun. £38, cultbeauty.co.uk

Photographer: Kate Davis Macleod @ Well Curated Model: Anne Spoel @ Milk Model Management Make-Up & Hair: Camilla Hewitt @ One Represents using NARS and Davines. Isa Boulder swimsuit, £195. matchesfashion.com

September/October 2021 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.CO.UK | 37

HW-Opener-V3 STG.indd 37

27/08/2021 13:51

HEALTH & WELLBEING | Lifestyle

MIND & MATTER Soaps, spritzes and solutions

SPRITZ The Italian Riviera wrapped in an eye-candy bottle, a sparkling citrus fragrance with a splash of tart Calabrian bergamot. Bvlgari Allegra Riva Solare Eau De Parfum, £200. bulgari.com

BODY LANGUAGE

Forget airports – a facial is way more relaxing, says Olivia Falcon Tuscan grapeseed oil and Sicilian almond oil which he weaves in with an application of 24-carat gold leaves that give one the kind of megawatt glow we used to see on the red carpet. If you want to make a night of it, Flemings currently offers bed and breakfast with a 75-minute treatment (from £515 per night). Over on Harley Street in Dr David Jack’s elegant clinic you’ll fi nd the divine aesthetician Izabela Pawlitka, whose Meso facial (£375, drdavidjackclinic.com) uses the doctor’s best gadgets: his brightly-coloured lactic, mandelic and azelaic peels to exfoliate, Forma radio frequency for skin-tightening and painless mesotherapy injections with hyaluronic acid and peptides that hydrate from the inside out. There is also plenty of pampering massage so the experience is a treat rather than a trauma. Finally, in Mayfair’s South Molton Street, facialist Katharine Paterson’s 90-minute KMP Bespoke Signature Facial (£175, kmpskin.com) is just what you need if you feel down in the mouth. Katherine uses micro-currents and a very precise lifting and sculpting facial massage to make one look considerably friendlier, happier and fresher. Best of all, you come home glowing but without the post-holiday bloat. n

SOLVE Nutrition tips to boost energy and sleep, plus simple tactics to lose weight and reignite your libido. The Perimenopause Solution by Dr Shahzadi Harper and Emma Bardwell, £14.99. penguin.co.uk

SCRUB An instant upgrade for any sink or tub, this is loaded with hydrating British rapeseed oil and organic shea butter. Miller Harris Rose Silence Soap, £20. millerharris.com

PHOTOS: GETTY IMAGES

s a facial as good as holiday? Yes, dear reader, it really can be. For people who can’t be arsed with airports right now but need a break of some kind, let me introduce you to my speed dial of skin whisperers. Ninety minutes with these folk and you’ll feel rested, refreshed and friends will ask (enviously) where you’ve been. First up, I give you the fabulously flamboyant Pietro Simone, a Fendi-clad Italian whose positivity is infectious – his hands lift and sculpt your face like a Renaissance master. Pietro’s Italian Gold facial at Fleming’s hotel in Mayfair (£475, flemings-mayfair.co.uk) is a mix of spa, science and theatre. Prepare to be surprised as your skin is exfoliated with his signature cotton thread technique, in which he deftly scrapes thread across the skin to leave it butter soft. This is then followed with a remarkable dry facial massage that sharpens the jaw line and cheekbones and opens up squinty eyes. He uses his own range of products (available to buy exclusively from Harrods, harrods.com) that contain what he calls the Italian Bella Complex; the ingredients are based on the Mediterranean diet so think tomato seed oil,

38 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.CO.UK | September/October 2021

Body-Language-V2.BB.indd 38

27/08/2021 13:51

HEALTH & WELLBEING | Notes

The SCOOP Facing up to your genes and simplifying your skincare. By Charlotte Cole

PHOTOS: UNSPLASH

TWEAKMENT CURIOUS?

If you’re tweakment-curious but haven’t dared step over the rubicon into the world of aesthetic medicine, I suggest you book in for a hyperpersonalised consultation with the hugely affable Dr Uliana Gout at The LAM Clinic. Even if you end up doing absolutely nothing at all, an hour in her company is like a crash course in aesthetic education. She admits for consumers it can feel a bit like the Wild West and there’s a huge job to be done – but that’s her mission, to deconstruct its reputation of Bride of Wildenstein facelifts. Most aesthetic treatments deal with common skin complaints such as acne scarring, rosacea, sun damage and pigmentation. In the consultation, Dr Gout will cast her expertly trained Dr Uliana Gout eye over you as you make a series of unattractive gurning faces so that she can assess bone structure, muscle, tissue and skin to give you an overall picture of where you are in terms of strength, muscle loss, ageing etc – and where you might be heading. This is the fun bit as she asks you to show her pictures of your parents (so make sure you have some recent ones on your phone). Dad, I have you to thank for my mid-face structure (and cheekbones!) and the very big frown crease (gratifyingly explained as a ‘thinker’s line’); mum, not so much for the weaker chin zone. The point is that by looking at your parents, there is a certain amount you can predict genetically, though of course that’s not the whole story. I was also told to switch sides for sleeping as my repeated right cheek on the pillow was beginning to be apparent; and that I’m a mouth clencher, as evidenced by the slight overmuscularity at the jawline. You can finish up having absorbed a huge amount of information to tuck away in your brain cavity; or you can decide whether some Radiofrequency here or a Glow facial there might give you some practical experience, too. Consultation, £200; Glow facial, £320. london-aestheticmedicine.com

SHADY LADY

The latest buzzword in the world of hair colour is shatush. Similar to balayage except for the use of a cone to create a more gradual colour effect, it’s a freehand technique that only highlights hair that would be naturally brightened by the sun. Head to Neville Hair & Beauty and book in with Domenico Casella – he’ll leave you with a longer-lasting, fuss-free, super-natural colour that will see you through summer to the darker days of autumn. Just what you need. From £310, nevillehairandbeauty.net

SIMPLE SOLUTIONS

Dr David Jack – another of Harley Street’s foremost practitioners – is just about to relaunch his excellent range of skincare. Keeping things simple is his mantra with just three products, all reformulated with the finest, high grade ingredients and slimmed down packaging to reduce waste. Good Morning packs the vitamin C punch; All Day Long contains hyaluronic acid, vitamin E and is SPF 50; and Good Night is retinol-packed for healing while you sleep. All £89, drdavidjack.com September/October 2021 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.CO.UK | 39

The-Scoop-V3 STG.indd 39

27/08/2021 13:52

HEALTH & WELLBEING | Wellness

Body & SOUL

Camilla Hewitt fi nds beauty and wellbeing through our five senses

1 2 3

SIGHT

For centuries art has been a tool to connect both artist and audience with their emotions. Natural landscapes are often the subject of artist’s gaze; being in nature, or even viewing scenes of nature, provides a respite for our overactive minds, reducing blood pressure, heart rate and muscle tension. Lone Wave (2020) by Robert Roth

SMELL

There is a powerful connection between cognitive function and the olfactory system. In aromatherapy, citrus and peppermint notes are used to invigorate and uplift, while amber and vanilla comfort and calm. The Meditation Collection by Luna London is designed to help you sink into a deeply relaxing state. lunalondoncandles.com

TASTE

‘When it comes to food and our health,’ says Jasmine Hemsley, ‘our ability to taste is arguably the most important sense.’ According to Ayurveda there are six tastes (sweet, sour, salty, spicy, astringent and bitter) that form a ‘balanced meal’. If any of these are missing, we may leave a meal feeling unsatisfied. We can bring harmony to the mind and body by being selective about what we eat and in what quantities. jasminehemsley.com

TOUCH

SOUND

We all know loud sounds can provoke stress. But by using rhythm and frequency it is possible to shift our normal beta state (waking consciousness) to alpha (relaxed consciousness), and even reach theta (meditative state) and delta (sleep, when healing occurs). BlokSound is an hour-long session using instruments from harmonious gongs to Tibetan bowls. bloklondon.com

5 4

« CHECK IN: HOMEWOOD, BATH Inspired by a summer of sport? Olympic gold medallist Amy Williams has recently been appointed Homewood’s Wellness and Lifestyle ambassador and will be running monthly fitness classes and private training sessions at the hotel, together with wellness retreats in September and December 2021. Whether you are new to working out or addicted to exercise, Amy offers a wealth of advice on achieving goals, balancing a busy lifestyle and being mindful of your body. BOOK IT: Retreats start from £1,400 per person full board. homewoodbath.co.uk

PHOTOS: GETTY IMAGES; NICK HOPPER PHOTOGRAPHY

Touch is the first sense available to us when we are born, stimulating the release of oxytocin, the ‘cuddle hormone’. Book in for an Ayurvedic yoga massage, which has the added benefits of massage and yoga stretching. Not only does this create a greater sense of security, but it also allows for deeper relaxation by dissolving both physical and emotional blocks. triyoga.co.uk

40 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.CO.UK | September/October 2021

Body-Soul-V2.BB.indd 40

27/08/2021 13:53

D A M E Z A N D R A R H O D E S , I N T E R N AT I O N A L F A S H I O N D E S I G N E R

savoirbeds.com

Country&Town House_Savoir ZRhodes Advert.indd 1 Savoir.indd 1

23/08/2021 18:55:13 24/08/2021 10:00

HEALTH & WELLBEING | Take Ten

TURN HEADS

Walking down the street will never be the same again. By Nathalie Eleni

Clean Reserve Rain Eau de Parfum Fresh and light, here white flowers, bergamot, vetiver and patchouli are beautifully blended to describe the scent of clean air after a rainfall. £82 for 100ml, spacenk.com

Penhaligon’s Racquets Eau de Parfum Lemon and leather are entwined for the perfect mix of bright and bouncy in this fresh and spirited scent. £144 for 100ml, penhaligons.com

Barbour For Her Eau de Toilette Crisp citrus and green notes glide into a sweet floral burst of jasmine and rose in this new scent from Barbour, beautifully sealed with a gourmand tonka and orris base. £69 for 100ml, barbour.com

Tom Daxon FUYU Eau de Parfum Bold and charismatic, here sensual musks, powdery iris and exotic jasmine work harmoniously to create a standout fragrance. £155 for 100ml, tomdaxon.com

Cochine Tuberose Absolute & Sandalwood Eau de Parfum Developed in collaboration with master perfumer Maurice Roucel, combining explosive tuberose with provocative rich leather and sandalwood. £110 for 100ml, cochine.co.uk

Byredo Blanche Eau de Parfum Conjuring clean skin beneath fresh sheets, an aldehyde hit softens into delicate rose with sensual musk flirting in the background. £122 for 50ml, byredo.com

Thomas Kosmala No 4 Après L’Amour Eau de Parfum Seductive and spellbinding, top notes of bitter orange and lemon zest lead down to a wood, musk and amber base. £140 for 100ml, harrods.com

Miller Harris Oud Éclat Eau de Parfum Delicately smoky oud used delicately as a top note, cocooned by a rich base of moss and musk. £160 for 100ml, millerharris.com

Acqua di Parma Lily of the Valley Eau de Parfum Lily of the valley is layered between citrus bergamot and grapefruit with a musk base to create this dreamy new fragrance from Acqua di Parma. £199 for 100ml, selfridges.com

PHOTOS: PEXELS

Stories No. 2 Eau de Parfum The scent of a summer garden, opening with Bulgarian rose, spiced with ginger, cardamom and green tea. A delicious fullbodied perfume. £150 for 100ml, storiesparfums.com

42 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.CO.UK | September/October 2021

Beauty-Take-Ten-V3 STG.indd 42

27/08/2021 13:54

Helping you optimise your health, feel empowered in your body, and live symptom free! www.louisadobbsnutrition.co.uk TEL: 07793114057

Louisa Dobbs.indd 1

24/08/2021 10:23

HEALTH & WELLBEING | News

Beauty BUZZ New skin secrets and lashes get lifted. By Nathalie Eleni GENTLY DOES IT

This wonder serum from Osmosis Beauty uses liposomal retinaldehyde, a gentle derivative of vitamin A that’s ideal for even sensitive skin. A combination of seven liposomal antioxidants and soothing botanicals restore the lipid barrier and reduce inflammation all while encouraging the skin’s cell renewal process. Osmosis Beauty Calm gentle retinal serum, £68. harveynichols.com

Photo: @fifinewbery Make-up: @nathalieeleni_beauty using Lashify Control Kit Hair: @callyborghair Model: Clover at Profile Models

SKIN SAVIOUR

Shiseido’s bestselling serum has been updated to contain even more powerful ingredients that are clinically proven to improve hydration, smoothness, and wrinkles. Shiseido Ultimune Power Infusing concentrate, £83 for 50ml. shiseido.co.uk

TAKE A MOMENT

Clé de Peau Beauté’s decadent anti-ageing ritual treatment is now available exclusively in Harrods’ reimagined beauty suites, where your complexion, mind and soul will go on a delightfully radiant journey alongside a neck, décolleté, head, back and hand massage. £250, harrods.com

GO BIG OR GO HOME

A new way to lash! Lashify Control Kit is all you need to easily apply beautiful lashes at home. First cleanse your lashes, coat them with the bonding liquid, and then apply the lashes under your natural line, with supernatural results. £115, candour beauty.com

HOW TO… REDUCE PIGMENTATION Adding a high-percentage cosmeceutical vitamin C serum to your daily routine, such as Obagi Professional-C Serum 20 per cent (£128, lookfantastic.com), will protect cells against further daily damage, and help to correct uneven skin tone. A high-protection SPF is also vital to prevent further damage. The Photo Facial, using the Stellar M22 device recently launched to the UK, will improve pigmentation and skin clarity. Available with Dr Marwa at the Wellness Clinic. harrods.com

PHOTOS: GETTY IMAGES

WITH DR MARWA ALI, AESTHETIC DOCTOR AT THE WELLNESS CLINIC IN HARRODS

44 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.CO.UK | September/October 2021

Beauty-Buzz-V3 STG.indd 44

27/08/2021 13:54

LONDON 53 SLOANE SQUARE SW1W 8AX MARLOW 153 HIGH STREET SL7 1AB

R E A L LY W I L D C LOT H I N G .C O M

Really Wild.indd 1

20/08/2021 16:08

HEALTH & WELLBEING | Sustainability

MY LITTLE GREEN BOOK Lisa Grainger shares an expert’s tips on how to be a greener parent

en Gale started her environmental journey by buying nothing new for a year – and eight years later is the author of the acclaimed Sustainable(ish) Guide to Green Parenting (Bloomsbury, £12.99). Green parenting doesn’t mean ‘becoming a full-on vegan, bike riding, yurt dwelling crusty,’ she insists, but giving ‘a monkey’s about the future our kids are facing.’ Here she offers a few tips on how to parent in a greener way.

DON’T BE SO OVERWHELMED THAT YOU DO NOTHING

WORK TOGETHER TO REDUCE PLASTIC

Over half of emissions are the result of household consumption, so greening our households is essential. Take it one step at a time – and remember there are myriad shades of green. One small green step will give you the momentum for the next one.

Get everyone in the house to put their plastic in a container for a week, then count or weigh it, and make charts to show where it came from. Getting everyone to work together is more inclusive than being the big meanie who bans Innocent Fruit Tubes.

RESIST THE LURE OF PARTY TAT

SHARE THE LOVE

NURTURE A LOVE OF NATURE

Get out and about with Frugi’s new season collection of eco and ethical clothing for kids (welovefrugi.com). On walks, identify bugs with the WWF’s Seek app and pick up litter for recycling – Waterhaul’s handy pickers are made from recycled ocean plastic (waterhaul.co).

Instead of trying to show love by buying children new things, teach them the fun of swapping pre-loved treasures instead. Explore car boot and NCT sales, eBay, Preloved and Craigslist, as well as ilovefreegle.org; freecycle.org; olioex. com and buynothing project.org.

DON’T BE A LUNCHBOX LITTERBUG Rather than filling children’s lunchboxes with single-use packets, buy a long-lasting bento box, tiffin tin or washable pouches from NomNomKids (nomnomkids.co.uk). Klean Kanteen’s insulated bottles have interchangeable lids that can be adapted as children grow (kleankanteen.co.uk).

PHOTOS: GETTY IMAGES; PEXELS

The Party Kit Network has everything you need to throw a green party, from hireable party kit to re-useable pass-the-parcel bags (partykitnetwork.uk). Hang paper pom-poms and scatter beach balls. Try PlasticFreePartyBags.com, and littleotterparty supplies.co.uk – or give an RHS Seedbomb to plant at home (rhsplants.co.uk).

46 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.CO.UK | September/October 2021

Little-Green-Book-V4ST.indd 46

27/08/2021 13:55

Frugi.indd 1

18/08/2021 10:59

HEALTH & WELLBEING | Get The Look

Fresh FACED Nathalie Eleni on how to get cover star Sophie Cookson’s low-key glam

ctor Sophie Cookson, star of Infinite, brought endless amounts of style, edge and poised panache to the C&TH September/ October cover shoot in east London. To go alongside covetable new season looks from Alexander McQueen, Fendi and Bottega Veneta, I created a beauty look that embraced the low-key glamour of the AW’21 catwalks, where designers Erdem and Molly Goddard embraced fresh, naturallooking skin and cherry-red lips.

Make-up: Nathalie Eleni using Clé de Peau Beauté Hair: Brady Lea at Premier Hair & Make-up using OSiS+ by Schwarzkopf Professional Photography: Rachell Smith

Get the look How to recreate Sophie’s fresh skin and bright lips

1 2

Buff in Clé de Peau Beauté’s Radiant cream foundation, £108.

Sweep Clé de Peau Beauté’s Luminizing Face Enhancer, £75, onto cheekbones and eyelids for a subtle glow.

Dust on Clé de Peau Beauté’s Translucent loose powder, £100, for a radiant finish.

Add a slick of Clé de Peau Beauté’s Perfect Lash mascara, £44, for subtle volume and length.

Finally, pat on Clé de Peau Beauté’s matte lipstick in Unapologetic, £50, with your finger for a softer finish. Available at cledepeau-beaute.com

UNLOCK YOUR RADIANCE Receive a free deluxe miniature of Clé de Peau Beauté’s La Crème (worth £50), available exclusively at the Clé de Peau Beauté counter in The Beauty Halls at Harrods, using code Country & Town House* *Subject to availability. While stocks last. Valid until 31/12/21

48 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.CO.UK | September/October 2021

Get-The-Look-V7-LC.indd 48

27/08/2021 14:53

West One Bathrooms.indd 1

19/08/2021 17:41

BY TICKET 9-11 SEPTEMBER 2021 LONDON & ONLINE VIEWING ROOM

26/08/2021 18:02

EOTC.indd 1

eyeofthecollector.com

BY INVITATION 8 SEPTEMBER 2021

CULTURE Woman at Work

A trailblazing artist who became the first elected female member of the Royal Academy in 1936, Laura Knight is the subject of a new exhibition in Milton Keynes. It’s an in-depth look at a career that often focused on women at work, as well as backstage portraits, like this one of ballerina Lubov Tchernicheva, who danced with the Ballets Russes. Laura Knight: A Panoramic View, 9 Oct to 20 Feb 22. mkgallery.org

Lubov Tchernicheva (1921) by Laura Knight

September/October 2021 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.CO.UK | 51

Culture-Opener-V4 STG.indd 51

27/08/2021 14:01

CULTURE | What’s On Snow Pines (2004) by Helen Frankenthaler

SEASONAL DELIGHTS Autumn events to book today. By Ellie Smith

ON BEAUTY GOOD ON PAPER

Firle Place, the Sussex manor house where Autumn de Wilde’s Emma was filmed, is a spectacular sight year-round – but even more so now it’s hosting a Regency-inspired exhibition. Created by paper textile artist Stephanie Smart, The Regency Wardrobe features 11 life-sized outfits formed of thread and paper alone. Until 26 October 2021, firle.com

Opening ten years after her death, a new exhibition at Dulwich Picture Gallery will showcase the woodcuts of abstract artist Helen Frankenthaler. Works range from her first woodcut East and Beyond to her later triptych Madame Butterfly, which measures over two metres in length and will occupy an entire room. 15 September to 18 April 2022, dulwichpicturegallery.org.uk

Four-times Oscar-nominee Saoirse Ronan is joined by her Mary Queen of Scots co-star James McArdle in a retelling of Macbeth at the Almeida that gives the Shakespearian tragedy a feminist edge. 27 Sept to 20 Nov, almeida.co.uk

For its 20th-anniversary event, the Oxford Lieder Festival will focus on the theme of nature, exploring how it has inspired poets and composers for centuries. Over 80 shows will take place across both the concert hall and outdoor spaces around Oxford, starring the likes of Christiane Karg and Ian Bostridge (above). 8–23 October, oxfordlieder.co.uk

LATE BLOOMER

Chelsea Flower Show is back this September. Usually held in May, the change in season will present new challenges for the garden designers, with a highlight set to be the NHS tribute garden by Naomi Ferrett-Cohen. 21–26 Sept, rhs.org.uk

52 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.CO.UK | September/October 2021

Whats-On-V4-LC.indd 52

27/08/2021 14:03

PHOTOS: © GETTY; © KEITH PATTISON

TREADING THE BOARDS

BACK TO NATURE

PHOTOS: © THE HOUSE OF EMBROIDERED PAPAER; SIM CANETTY-CLARKE

PARTY ON

Festival season isn’t over just yet: we’ve got Henley to look forward to this September. The country’s only black-tie festival, Henley always brings a stellar music line-up – this year includes James Blunt, Madness and Sophie ElIis-Bextor – alongside an eclectic mix of fine dining, comedy and art. 15-19 September, henley-festival.co.uk

Lines of Possibilities: Taiwanese Rush Weaving exhibition is taking place at the OXO Tower, 30 Sept to 10 Oct

The Critical LIST

Big releases to bookmark

THE C&TH GUIDE TO…

LONDON CR AFT WEEK

What to see and do at the capital’s annual artisan festival

ear after year, London Craft Week (LCW) shines a light on some of the most exciting makers, through a programme of workshops, experiences, pop-ups and exhibitions. The festival returns to the capital for its seventh edition this October, with a special focus on sustainability.

IN GOOD COMPANY Lucille Lewin and

SUSTAINABLE LUXURY Numerous makers showcased at LCW are exploring more sustainable ways of crafting beautiful things. London-based Tasmanian designer Brodie Neill uses hydrowood to revisit the indigenous timbers of Tasmania (6 Motcomb

THE FUTURE OF FASHION Another

theme for 2021 is the evolving fashion industry, delving into both intricate crafting processes and questions surrounding its environmental impact. A talk led by the British Fashion Council and the Institute of Digital Fashion looks ahead to 2040 (6 Oct, The London EDITION 10 Berners Street, W1), while Abiola Onabule invites us into her workshop to learn about adire cloth, made by Yoruba dyers in south west Nigeria (10 Oct, Victoria & Albert Museum, Cromwell Road, SW7 )

The Sublime Craftsmanship of Olivia Von Halle and Jenny King Embroidery: demo on 9 October, 10-4pm at Olivia Von Halle, 190 Pavilion Rd, SW3

Nathaniel Parker returns as Henry VIII in the stage adaptation of the final book of Hilary Mantel’s trilogy, The Mirror and the Light. 23 Sept to 28 Nov, themirror andthelight.co.uk

FILM

NEW TRADITIONS A showcase of modern

bamboo art brings together contemporary artisans from Asia who use the material, drawing attention to its versatile, texture, form and natural qualities. (180 The Strand, WC2) 4-10 October, londoncraftweek.com

PHOTOS: © GETTY; © KEITH PATTISON

PHOTOS: © THE HOUSE OF EMBROIDERED PAPAER; SIM CANETTY-CLARKE

Nicole Farhi both left careers in fashion to work as full-time sculptors. The pair have joined forces for an exhibition that celebrates creativity and friendship, taking place in Lewin’s beautiful Victorian schoolhouse home in Marylebone. (No 7, 78 Chiltern Street, W1).

Street, SW1). The Mills Fabrica, meanwhile, spotlights the innovations driving positive change in the fashion and food industries (Fabrica X, Cottam House, 36-40 York Way, N1).

Laurie Nunn’s hit show Sex Education is back on our screens. Otis, Maeve and the gang return to Moordale, where Girls star Jemima Kirke has taken over as the new headmistress. Out 17 September, Netflix

Unveiling the Serapian Mosaico Edition of the Iconic Catilina Chair at Serapian, 250 Brompton Rd, SW3, 4-9 Oct, 11-6

Loved Everybody’s Talking About Jamie in the West End? Now you can watch it from your sofa, thanks to a new Amazon Prime movie starring Max Harwood and Lauren Patel. Out 17 September, Amazon Prime

THEATRE Literary superstar Sally Rooney works her Normal People magic once again in her latest novel, Beautiful World, Where Are You (Faber & Faber, £16.99), which follows the lives of four young protagonists living in Ireland.

BOOK

September/October 2021 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.CO.UK | 53

Whats-On-V4-LC.indd 53

27/08/2021 14:03

CULTURE | What’s On

PREVIEW

MY Cultural LIFE BAFTA-winning actor Adeel Akhtar stars in Everybody’s Talking About Jamie

I’m tuning into... Conan O’Brien

Needs a Friend podcast. I’m reading... Mental Fight by Ben Okri.

I have just finished Shuggie Bain by Douglas Stuart. The last thing I watched was...

Don’t F**k with Cats: Hunting An Internet Killer on Netflix. I’m most looking forward to seeing... Kevin Morby or Waxahatchee

separately or together. My favourite painting is... Any of

the Arrival of Spring series by David Hockney in Salt Mill Gallery, Saltaire. My favourite film of all time is... FROM ABOVE: Candice Carty-Williams; Elif Shafak; Caleb Azumah Nelson; Cliveden House

Too difficult to answer – I don’t think I could name just one but Joanna Hogg’s The Souvenir (2019) is the most impactful film I’ve watched recently. The music I always have on repeat is... Max Richter and Big Red Machine. My ultimate cultural recommendation is... Take a

walk over Waterloo Bridge and down to the South Bank. My cultural guilty pleasure is...

Watching Gogglebox. Everybody’s Talking About Jamie is out on 17 September with Amazon Prime

54 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.CO.UK | September/October 2021

Whats-On-V4-LC.indd 54

27/08/2021 14:03

PHOTOS: UNSPLASH

utumn is the season for book lovers, with literary festivals popping up all over the country. The world’s oldest is Cheltenham Literature Festival, which returns this October with an eclectic programme of over 500 events. Each year the festival welcomes some of the biggest names in the literary and entertainment worlds: this year that includes Booker Prize-winning Bernadine Evaristo and Talk Art podcast hosts Russell Tovey and Robert Diament (817 October 2021, cheltenhamfestivals.com). Also not to be missed is Cliveden Literary Festival, which takes place among the spectacular surroundings of British country estate Cliveden House. It’s a newer addition to the literary festival calendar – though the venue has been a magnet for writers since its inception in 1666, having hosted everyone from Alexander Pope to JM Barrie. The star-studded line-up for 2021 features names like Sebastian Faulks, Elif Shafak, Kate Mosse and Dan Jones (23–24 October, clivedenliteraryfestival.org). In the capital, meanwhile, literary events are centred around the Southbank Centre. The 2021 London Literature Festival’s theme is friendship, with discussions led by exciting novelists like Candice Carty-Williams, Tahmima Anam and Caleb Azumah Nelson. Festivalgoers can also get involved with poetry workshops and discuss some of life’s big questions with Grayson Perry (21-31 October, southbankcentre.co.uk).

ADEEL AKHTAR PORTRAIT BY SARAH CRESSWELL @SARAHCRESSWELLPHOTO, ASSISTANT: JONNY GREENWOOD, STYLIST: SABINA HARPER @SABINAHARPER, GROOMING: ESZTER HERCSIK @ ESZTERHERCSIK

Ellie Smith on the literary festivals to bookmark this autumn

AT ONE WITH THE WORLD Richard Hopton reviews three books about nature and the environment

THE EASTERNMOST SKY Juliet Blaxland

PHOTOS: UNSPLASH

ADEEL AKHTAR PORTRAIT BY SARAH CRESSWELL @SARAHCRESSWELLPHOTO, ASSISTANT: JONNY GREENWOOD, STYLIST: SABINA HARPER @SABINAHARPER, GROOMING: ESZTER HERCSIK @ ESZTERHERCSIK

CULTURE | Books

The building that was the eponymous hero of Juliet Blaxland’s previous memoir, The Easternmost House, was condemned and then demolished in early 2020, the latest victim of the coastal erosion that is eating away at East Anglia. In her engaging new book she peers into the future to examine how we might confront the environmental challenges we face. Her starting point is coastal erosion, but the author ranges widely, covering questions of food provision, (re)wilding, shooting, hunting, and much besides. Blaxland is an acute observer, steeped in the ways of the countryside, its communities, and its traditions, who cares deeply about the damage we inflict on our environment. She is clear-eyed about the contradictions that confuse any debate about the future of the countryside, but also about the need to act. Meanwhile, the North Sea advances, remorselessly. Sandstone Press, £14.99

NOTES FROM A SUMMER COTTAGE Nina Burton

Nina Burton is Swedish, a writer whose scientific, philosophical and literary background infuses her new book with a combination of scientific detail, acute observation, everyday anecdote and whimsical speculation. The result is beguiling. It tells the story in a series of linked essays of the restoration of a cottage in the Swedish countryside during the course of one summer. The essays are nominally about the wildlife that lives in and around the cottage – the birds, bees, ants, fish, foxes, and the trees and other flora – but in fact cover much more ground. The history of zoological and botanical enquiry and discovery rubs shoulders with fascinating detail about the life cycles of the species in question, all leavened with Burton’s inquisitive sense of wonder at the world around her and her part in it all. Mudlark, £14.99

GOSHAWK SUMMER James Aldred

In this enchanting book, wildlife cameraman and filmmaker James Aldred tells of his vigil in the New Forest during lockdown in the spring and early summer of 2020, filming a pair of nesting goshawks. Working in a hide, 50 feet above ground in the forest canopy, it was a labour of love, requiring patience, skill, stealth and luck. Goshawks are remarkable creatures, ‘secretive yet bold’, Aldred writes, ‘skulking yet brazen’. ‘Shrouded in shadow, they have an inner fire which burns white-hot.’ The goshawks are the book’s central characters but there is much else besides, not least the foxes and curlews captured by Aldred’s lens. The book is also a rumination on the New Forest itself, on the natural world and on man’s relationship with the countryside – brought into sharp focus by lockdown and its aftermath. Elliott & Thompson, £14.99

September/October 2021 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.CO.UK | 55

Whats-On-V4-LC.indd 55

27/08/2021 14:03

CULTURE | Books

BIBLIO FILE Memoirs that give voice to trauma. By Belinda Bamber

UNDER THE COVER WITH…

ASHLEY C. FORD

The Oprah-approved author on life after truth-telling

I’d braced myself for... my siblings to

through writing. Ashley’s growing acceptance of human frailty, including her own, recalls the mighty Maya Angelou’s I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings (Little, Brown, £8.99). When Ashley realises ‘rape isn’t sex’, she learns to celebrate the beauty of her own body. Now married to a man called Jessy, while identifying as ‘queer’ – because she believes love shouldn’t be defined by gender boundaries – Ashley’s description of how, as a young girl, she learned to split her identity to escape trauma, echoes the gripping work of her mentor Roxane Gay in Hunger and An Untamed State (both Little, Brown, £8.99). The clear voice that emerges here transcends victimhood through honesty and acceptance.

UNMISSABLE AUTUMN READS RETHINK your role as a feminist with Against White Feminism by brilliant Rafia Zakaria (£14.99, Hamish Hamilton). REJOICE in Oh William!, the sequel to My Name is Lucy Barton, by heaven-sent Elisabeth Strout (£14.99, Penguin, out 21 October). REVEL in the fictional story of Matisse and his models in Cut-Out by magical Michele Roberts (£14.99, Sandstone Press).

My favourite coming-of-age book...

is Walk Two Moons by Sharon Creech, for the way it deals with grief, childhood and the first hints of independence. Language... has always and will always change. Being resistant to change, such as the evolving language used to describe gender and sexuality, is pretty futile. Feminism... is one part of being aware of what’s happening in the world, so I can do something about it. My favourite British writers...

include Zadie Smith, Emma Gannon and Bolu Babalola. Somebody’s Daughter: A Memoir by Ashley C. Ford (Manilla Press, £16.99) n

PHOTOS: UNSPLASH

defining coming-of-age moment for any child is discovering the fallibility of your parents. For those in violent homes, that shock comes sooner than most. In her memoir Somebody’s Daughter (see Q&A), Ashley C Ford, a young black girl from Indiana, feels truly seen and loved by her father. But he’s been in prison since she was tiny, while her struggling mother lashes out at home. Unable to speak of her anxieties – not even of being raped by her boyfriend – teenage Ashley is poleaxed by finally discovering why her father’s incarcerated. Determinedly, she studies hard, goes to college, and starts to find her voice

hate the book, but each has reached out with loving encouragement. My mother loves me but she most likely will never read it. My father has started it. Looking back... I have compassion for my younger self. I thought she was weak and allowed me to get hurt. Now, I see she did her best to save me. I regret... the harm I’ve caused myself and others, but I don’t regret how I’ve learned to love and accept myself. I would tell my 12-year-old self... that her changing body is not inherently an invitation, that inappropriate men are predators. Don’t bully yourself... the world will send you all the bullies you need. Be on your own side. Care about what happens to you. Self-love comes with care. If I hadn’t... felt silenced as a child, with such a need to tell my story, I would have tried to become an actress.

56 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.CO.UK | September/October 2021

Whats-On-V4-LC.indd 56

27/08/2021 14:03

Ball gowns for light bulbs upmarket style, street-market prices

Pooky.indd 1

www.pooky.com

05/08/2021 09:12

CULTURE | Books

Have You Had YOUR FIVE A DAY? Allie Esiri on the poets to add to your autumn reading list

hile my previous books have largely focused on the poems themselves, A Poet for Every Day of the Year is invested in the individuals behind the lines. I’m delighted with the opportunity to include some of the very finest, if not duly recognised, poets, moving beyond the usual, rather stale, almost exclusively deadwhite-male-dominated format. My book will introduce the reader to dozens of figures shaping the poetry world today, alongside all the classic names you’d expect to find in such a collection. And to give you a taster, in these pages I’ve chosen five of my favourite contemporary poets, those I think everybody should discover.

LEMN SISSAY

Many poets have had inspirational life stories, but few I think endured as much heartbreaking adversity as Lemn Sissay did before becoming a national poetry icon. The son of an Ethiopian immigrant, he was separated from his mother as a child after being mistakenly given up for adoption, when she had only intended him to be put into temporary foster care while she completed her studies. He was then sent to a Christian family who anglicised his name, ensuring he was lost in the system before they too returned him to care. But through all this pain he found a trusty companion in poetry. He began selfpublishing his work when he was 18 and has since forged a career that has seen him win an MBE, become the official poet of the 2012 Olympics and be elected chancellor of the University of Manchester. His memoir My Name is Why (Canongate, £9.99) blew me away.

I’m honoured to be the chair of judges for the 2021 CLiPPA Prize, for which the effervescent spoken word poet Nikita Gill has just been shortlisted for her printed collection SLAM! You’re Gonna Wanna Hear This (Pan Macmillan, £7.99), in which she collects an array of spoken word slam poetry dominating the poetry scene today. Gill’s career as a writer began when she was just 12, after a non-fiction story she wrote about her grandfather was published in a newspaper. She’s never looked back, becoming a leading figure in a new generation of poets who achieved their breakthrough by posting their verse on social media. The fact that she’s now getting such critical recognition just goes to show that popularity and accessibility do not at all diminish a sense of literary legitimacy. Great poetry doesn’t have to be academic or obscure or even printed on the page – it just needs to speak to our humanity.

PHOTOS: MARIAN DELYTH; PEACE OFURE; ADAM DOCKER; AIDA MULUNEH

NIKITA GILL

58 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.CO.UK | September/October 2021

Allie-Esiri-V3.BB.indd 58

27/08/2021 14:04

RAYMOND ANTROBUS

ROGER ROBINSON

Raymond Antrobus has become one of the biggest stars of the poetry world, the first to win the prestigious Rathbones Folio Prize for literature in 2019 with his collection The Perseverance (Penned in the Margins, £9.99) as well as scooping up the Somerset Maugham Award and the Ted Hughes prize. The latter was particularly bittersweet for Antrobus, who is deaf, since Hughes (who sounds a far from pleasant man) once wrote a poem in which he callously described deaf children as ‘alert and simple/ like faces of little animals’. In a bold response, Antrobus struck out Hughes’ words in black pen and wrote his own poem: ‘Ted is alert and simple.’ His second book, All The Names Given, is out now (Macmillan, £10.99).

PHOTOS: MARIAN DELYTH; PEACE OFURE; ADAM DOCKER; AIDA MULUNEH

Roger Robinson is one of my favourite contemporary UK-based poets, and anyone who’s followed his career would have felt that the TS Eliot prize he won for his fourth collection, A Portable Paradise (Peepal Tree Press, £9.99), was a long time coming. A self-proclaimed ‘British resident with a Trini sensibility,’ Robinson spent much of his childhood in Trinidad before moving back to England in his late teens, and his most recent work has explored what it means to be Black and British. I would urge anyone who wants to better understand our country today to read his devastating poem about the Grenfell disaster, as well as his other brilliant poetic responses to the Windrush scandal, the London riots, and the NHS. More broadly, his work is about using poetry to break down barriers and build bridges between people from all backgrounds. He has said that poems are like ‘empathy machines’, and few people can have put it better.

GILLIAN CLARKE

I love how proud the Welsh are of their poetic heritage – they still hold Eisteddfods (competitive poetry festivals) almost a millennium after the first recorded literary meeting of the kind. One of the biggest champions of poetry in Wales is its former national poet Gillian Clarke. As she once put it: ‘Poetry is the national art in Wales. It’s an unbroken ancient tradition.’ Her own work, most recently The Gododdin (Faber, £14.99), is defined by a musicality I find irresistible. Five years ago, she went on a road trip with fellow poets Carol Ann Duffy, Jackie Kay and Imtiaz Dharker (all included in my book), a journey that took them from Falmouth in Cornwall to St Andrews in Fife. What wouldn’t I give to have been squashed into the back of their Mini with them.

A Poet For Every Day of the Year, edited by Allie Esiri, is published on 16 September (Pan Macmillan, £20)

September/October 2021 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.CO.UK | 59

Allie-Esiri-V3.BB.indd 59

27/08/2021 14:04

CULTURE | Column

The EXHIBITIONIST Ed Vaizey explores the bustling charms of Seven Dials

Love Is In The Air (Flower Thrower) by Banksy at The Art of Banksy exhibition; Lumas Gallery; The Seven Dials Monument;

London’s under-appreciated cultural quarters. I had my first job here, working for the Contemporary Art Society Market in Smith’s Galleries (now the Seven Dials Market), and it was a joy to revisit the area. My first stop was the Lumas Gallery. It offers photo art at affordable prices, with household names such as Damien Hirst and Jeff Koons represented. It’s also a kind of up-market Snappy Snaps, where you can have your photos transformed into huge museumquality pieces to hang on your wall. (lumas. com). An unofficial exhibition of Banksy’s works called the The Art of Banksy is nearby. It’s a temporary venue, and while I remain a Banksy-sceptic, you cannot help but admire his ingenuity (artofbanksy.co.uk). As well as high-end shops, there are also lesser known retailers. I loved coming across the leather crafts shop Nappa Dori. Nappa Dori is huge in India, with many outlets, but this is its first shop in the UK. It has dozens of different leather bags and cases, all hand crafted and reasonably priced (nappadori.com). A day in Seven Dials will leave you feeling peckish, and I was genuinely thrilled to discover The Barbary in Neal’s Yard, named after the original developer of Seven Dials. The Barbary, as its name implies, serves exquisite North African cuisine, from delicious lamb chops to perfect halloumi, and wonderful cocktails (thebarbary.co.uk). Days out often revolve around a visit to a place – a museum or a castle. But a wonderful alternative is a place like Seven Dials, arguably London’s first shopping mall, and still a go-to destination. sevendials.co.uk n

PHOTOS: © JAKE PHILIP DAVIS

verybody knows London is a series of villages that have fused together over time, creating the world’s greatest city while retaining identities of their own. London has never, unlike Paris or New York, been ‘planned’. After the Great Fire, the architect Christopher Wren put forward a master plan of grand boulevards and streets, but before it could be considered or acted on, London’s bustling merchants had put their shops back up, and life went back to normal. One of the few exceptions to this rule is Seven Dials, nestled between Soho and Covent Garden. Many will have visited and walked through its seven streets, but few will know its provenance. It was built by a politician and property developer called Thomas Neale (thus proving the association between pols and property guys has been going on for a while) in 1693. Neale was an amazing guy, and I’m astonished there has never been a biography of the man. He not only built Seven Dials but put forward the precursory idea for the Bank of England and also started the first National Lottery. Seven Dials fell into disrepair in the 19th century and became a notorious slum. Like its neighbour Covent Garden, it was scheduled for demolition in the 1970s, only to be saved and restored thanks to the zealous campaigning of a number of passionate individuals. Thank goodness it was saved. Seven Dials is now home to seven bustling streets of galleries, shops, hotels and theatres, and well worth a visit as one of

60 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.CO.UK | September/October 2021

The-Exhibitionist-V5-LC.indd 60

27/08/2021 14:04

Our pure new merino wool Alpine cardigan shines with the interwoven colours of its traditional Fairisle design, and beautifully demonstrates the combination of premium materials and expert craftsmanship that you’ll find throughout our Autumn/Winter collection, making classic style more accessible than ever for both town and country

ALPINE CARDIGAN

TT21800 | £159.95 (Avaliable in 4 colours) To order any item or request a copy of our mail order catalogue please call 01796 483 236 or visit us online

WWW.HOUSEOFBRUAR.COM The House of Bruar by Blair Atholl, Perthshire, PH18 5TW

House of Bruar.indd 1

20/08/2021 16:03

CULTURE | Art Multidisciplinary artist Stuart Semple is passionate about democratising the art world

STUART SEMPLE ine million people live in London, but 57 million other people live elsewhere in England. What culture have they got, you know, what’s really there?’ Stuart Semple’s irritation is palpable. Since moving from London to Bournemouth, the multidisciplinary artist has found the difference in cultural life stark. ‘We need to see work, it’s fundamental. There are lots of local artists here but where is the international perspective?’ Stuart feels we need to democratise art. He recently released a luminous pink powder paint, The World’s Pinkest Pink, selling it online under the condition that the buyer was not Anish Kapoor, a response to Kapoor’s own copyrighting of an ultra-black, lightabsorbing matte paint that he invented and ring-fenced for himself. In Stuart’s Bournemouth studio 15 assistants buzz around a vast space set over two floors. A 20-foot wooden skate ramp sits next to huge arched windows that look out onto the high street. Another 25 assistants are at home: they’ve been on rotation during Covid. Together, they work on projects like Stuart’s Happy Cloud performance when ‘eco-clouds’ (made from Helium and soap) in the shape of smiley faces were released from Tate Modern during the 2009 recession. In the middle of the room, two garden sheds are editing suites for digital projects. An assistant has mocked up a miniature theatre where plasticine dinosaurs fight in a cardboard rainforest. In another corner, a lab creates acrylic and powder paints in neon shades, the luminosity a classified secret. On the other side of a stud wall is a teenage bedroom, complete with a poster of Keanu Reeves in The

Matrix and a lava lamp. ‘I never want to lose that curiosity to experiment,’ Stuart says. Has he ever slept in there? ‘For a couple of hours following a 40-hour work stint,’ and ‘maybe after the Christmas party.’ It feels like an art school, but maybe this isn’t a coincidence. During Stuart’s first year studying at Bretton Hall in the Yorkshire Sculpture Park he suffered a severe allergic reaction and went into anaphylactic shock. ‘I nearly died – it was very, very traumatic. After that point, I made very different work. It really made a massive impact on my whole life,’ he says. Today, he splits his time between this studio and another on the other side of town. Here, he creates huge canvases that portray riots and police brutality. In one, a woman sits drunk on the floor, a young man helping her up. ‘This is supposed to make you think about perspective,’ says Stuart. ‘A man would look at this and think “that’s nice – he’s helping”, whereas a woman might view this as a threatening situation. “Where is he taking her?”’ Back to Stuart’s mission to democratise art and spread culture around the UK. This summer he opened GIANT, an arts centre in the heart of Bournemouth. Based in the old Debenhams building, there’s ‘big thematic group shows and new work from artists in residence, plus a reading room, an archive and a massive education programme. And a monthly nightclub – late night, until two in the morning. Like the edgiest London nightclub ever.’ The question is – will Anish Kapoor get an invite? GIANT, The Bobby’s Building, The Square, Bournemouth, BH2 5LY. giant.space n

PHOTO: © CAITI GROVE

‘N

Caiti Grove talks democratising art and near-death experiences with the headline-grabbing artist

62 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.CO.UK | September/October 2021

Artists-Studio-V3 STG.indd 62

27/08/2021 14:05

HAVING THE COURAGE AND SELF-CONFIDENCE TO IMAGINE THE RENAISSANCE OF GIN SINCE 1999. IS IT MADNESS OR GENIUS?

STRAWBERRY & CRACKED BLACK PEPPER GIN &TONIC 50ml Martin Miller’s Original Gin 200ml premium tonic water Quartered strawberries Cracked black pepper Ice cubes 1. Chill glass with ice and empty any residue water from the melted ice. 2. Serve Martin Miller’s Original Gin over the ice. 3. Add the quartered strawberries 4. Pour the tonic water gently to preserve the bubbles. 5. Stir lightly. 6. Garnish with a twist of cracked black pepper

Official partners of Affordable Art Fair Battersea, Autumn 2021

Please enjoy Martin Miller’s Gin responsibly

Martin Miller.indd 1

@MARTINMILLERSGIN_UK WWW. MARTINMILLERSGIN.COM

18/08/2021 10:41

Vauxhall Mokka-e Elite Nav Premium PRICE £32,080 BATTERY 50 kWh lithium-ion POWER 136 PS 0-60MPH 8.7 seconds RANGE 201 miles

Road Test

STREAMING Black Coffee In Bed – Squeeze

Jeremy Taylor drives Vauxhall’s battery-powered, multipurpose family car (with a very silly name)

TOWN I hoped Vauxhall might have got the message after launching

COUNTRY Small electric cars aren’t best suited to long journeys because

a car called Adam. It’s not quite as funny a moniker as the Ford Probe, Mitsubishi (no) Carisma or the, ahem, Dodge Swinger, but then along came the Mokka. Apart from sounding like a sickly latte, the electric version of Vauxhall’s compact SUV is actually delightful to drive. Even better, it looks fantastic and is every inch as desirable as the excellent – but more expensive – Volvo XC40 Recharge. Which is a good thing because my test car was ‘green’ in every sense. Mamba Green to be precise and wow! the colour really stands out in a supermarket car park. The high seating position affords great all-round visibility for parking, as well as avoiding London’s kamikaze e-scooter riders. A rapid burst of acceleration from the battery pack also gives the Mokka-e a nifty turn of speed that’s sadly missing from its petrol siblings. Feather-light steering won’t appeal to enthusiastic drivers but makes urban manoeuvring a doddle. A pair of six-foot adults can fit on the back seat with ease but boot space isn’t that impressive, impaired by the battery paraphernalia beneath. The buttons and dials have been swept away in favour of a digital dashboard, complete with a ten-inch touchscreen. Hook up to your mobile phone and enjoy the ride.

they don’t have the battery capacity to cope. Vauxhall claims the Mokka-e is good for 201 miles between charges, but realistically you can expect around 160. That figure tumbles away rapidly in the sportier gearbox settings, while Eco mode wipes out any hope of purposeful acceleration. Still, that’s a common fault with all electric cars and not just the Vauxhall. If you want to go fast, pay more and buy a Tesla. After years of driving electric cars, I still feel a buzz pressing the start button and gliding away in silence. The Mokka also has a regeneration mode that helps recharge the batteries when braking. Consequently, I found myself on a permanent economy drive. Our top-of-the-range Elite version featured just about every conceivable extra too – the standard safety package includes forward collision alert, driver drowsiness alert and a host of other features to keep you safely between the white lines. If that all sounds mind-boggling don’t panic, the Mokka-e isn’t a complicated machine. It’s a great first step into the world of electric cars for a small family buyer. I can’t say the trim quality feels especially premium but the Vauxhall is still a lot of car for the money.

RATING: 4/5 HANDBAGS

RATING: 3/5 WELLIES

64 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.CO.UK | September/October 2021

Cars-V2. BB.indd 64

27/08/2021 14:05

Driving | CULTURE

THE DRIVE

DESTINATION: CABALVA ESTATE, HAY-ON-WYE

Francis Kilvert never restricted his word count describing a rural scene – especially if several hundred were available. His voluminous diaries on British country life in the 19th century are packed with forensic detail and often compared to the writings of Thomas Hardy. Despite its remoteness, Cwm Pelved farmhouse, spectacularly situated on a hillside near Hay-on-Wye, didn’t escape his attention. When the learned Reverend explored the Welsh Marches he ensured the house was immortalised for generations to come. Now restored to a six-bedroom selfcatering property, Cwm Pelved is part of the Cabalva Estate, with lush green fields and woodland stretching down to the banks of the River Wye below. In the distance are Hay Bluff and the Black Mountains – on a clear day guests can see as far as the Malvern Hills in Worcestershire. Cwm Pelved is an extraordinary setting. With no near neighbours and only the cries of sheep and red kites to disturb the peace, it’s unlikely much has changed here since Kilvert wandered along the nearby Offa’s Dyke trail with notebook in hand. It’s ten minutes to the bustling book town of Hay-on-Wye, a refreshing mix of independent bookshops, cafes and galleries. However, I imagine many guests just pull up a seat in the garden, open a good novel and don’t move until the sun gently sinks beyond the hillside. As the setting suggests, this is definitely a location best-suited to a four-wheel drive. So for this adventure I’ve chosen an SUV with genuine go-anywhere ability, loaded with equipment and ultimately responsible for creating the luxury SUV sector. The Range Rover celebrated its 50th

Cym Pelved farmhouse enjoys an extraordinary location

birthday in 2020 and is still the king of the off-road. Land Rover will launch a new version next year in an everchanging line-up of vehicles that will eventually include six all-electric models. The ultimate version is the Autobiography Dynamic I tested on this trip, hugely expensive but powered by a petrol engine that returns sports car-like performance figures. It’s also dripping in luxury equipment, such as rear entertainment screens, reclining back seats and even pre-heaters to take the chill off the cabin. You might wonder at the sense in driving a £144,000 car up the rutted track to Cwm Pelved but that’s what the Range Rover was designed for. All it needs now is an all-electric model and the peace of this glorious setting will be fully restored for the next generation of guests.

IN THE BOOT WINTER WARMERS CIMALP’s Advanced waterproof jacket and trouser set is a stylish combo for staycationers. Jacket and trousers, both £332. cimalp.co.uk

BOOK IT: From £1,650 for seven nights, six-bedroom house. cabalva.co.uk

PACK IT IN Made in Carlisle from canvas and vegetable tanned leather, Chapman’s Weekender has bags of style. £650, chapmanmade.uk

Range Rover SV Autobiography Dynamic PRICE £144,265 ENGINE 5.0-litre V8 petrol POWER 565 bhp 0-62MPH 5.1 seconds ECONOMY 18.9mpg (combined) STREAMING Into The Mystic – Van Morrison

OFF-BEAT FEAST The Extra Mile is a collection of cool foodie locations just off the motorway – avoiding packed service stations. £14.99, theextramile.guide

September/October 2021 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.CO.UK | 65

Cars-V2. BB.indd 65

27/08/2021 14:05

Question Time oes anyone have any questions for my answers?’ These are the words often attributed to the legendary US diplomat Henry Kissinger who once famously opened a White House press conference thus. Think about it for a moment. Whatever you ask, I have a message and I am going to say it. For decades this style of message control has been the playbook for the powerful and to my mind there are a lot of problems with it, especially now. First and foremost because the many challenges facing the world demand that we think about what it is that we are being asked and that we respond with authentic answers, not oft-repeated messages. The art of the question – you know the one, the one that gets you to sit up and think, drop the stump speech and provide an answer that really matters to you. It’s been a quest for me to help make this happen in a course of interviews with an incredible cast of characters. It’s the podcast I present, and it’s called Change Makers. Think The Canterbury Tales for a digital age. Then: the butcher, the baker, the candlestick maker. Now: the campaigners, the creators, the connectors and contrarians. Fresh ideas and inspirational life stories

from people making a difference, a tapestry of tales of our time and stories to inspire. It is a collection of conversations that seeks to capture something of the radically diverse conditions in which we live today – from activists seeking social justice to climate campaigners, inspiring entrepreneurs and Nobel laureates. The result is a platform for people with a passion to delve into what makes them tick and the joy, difference and contribution this empowers them to bring to the world. One of the things I love about the conversations is challenging my own pre-conceived perceptions. To paraphrase, interviews are like a box of chocolates; you never know how you’re going to feel about who you meet or what you might learn from them. The unexpected turns are those that keep you thinking on your feet. As the interviewer you need to follow the answer, wherever that might take you. One enduring trait I have learned along the trail is that good change comes from caring about things. Kindness is often the superpower that gets things done. It’s the fuel for positivity and it powers resilience. Take the fashion model and climate activist Arizona Muse whose

66 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.CO.UK | September/October 2021

Michael-Hayman-V4-LC.indd 66

27/08/2021 14:07

PHOTOS: GETTY IMAGES; UNSPLASH; PEXELS

‘D

Podcast host Michael Hayman recollects the conversations that have made him stop and think

Podcast | CULTURE

‘I have learned that GOOD change comes from CARING about things. KINDNESS is often the SUPERPOWER that gets things DONE. It’s the fuel for POSITIVITY and it powers RESILIENCE’

PHOTOS: GETTY IMAGES; UNSPLASH; PEXELS

CLOCKWISE FROM FAR LEFT: Arizona Muse; Gordon Brown; Dr Scilla Elworthy; Yanis Varoufakis; Edeline Lee; Sheree Atcheson

love for the planet leads her to deliver this call to action: ‘This season’s must-have is the continuation of life on earth.’ And, critically, ‘Let’s enjoy doing it, enjoy our lives and enjoy our connection with the world.’ I didn’t have to travel a long way to understand that adventurer Charley Boorman’s road trip for life rests on the premise that if you say you’re going to do something then do it because you will be much happier. For screenwriter and actor Mark Gatiss his call-out is that while ‘history is a burden, stories can make us fly’. These were words he wrote for Doctor Who, but they also speak to a truth about the world and how we see it. Immersive, performative and creative, designer Edeline Lee is the antithesis of what she calls a ‘culture of consumerism’ that tries to ‘fill the never-ending hole’, making us ‘insecure’ and ‘disempowered’. From Edeline, I learned that a search for meaning fuels her career in fashion, while legendary children’s author Sir Michael Morpurgo is fuelled by love, hope and wonder; can we look on the bright side of life to help us understand the world, even in the most testing of times? Sheree Atcheson’s message was this: ‘Demand more’. An incredible activist, adopted as a baby in Sri Lanka, the diversity and inclusion

leader is defying traditional barriers for both women and ethnic minorities in tech so that she can make change happen. And how do you deal with a bully without becoming a thug? A different question posed by threetime Nobel Peace Prize nominee Dr Scilla Elworthy, when she made the case for peaceful change which, for her, starts with taking the time to breathe and make sure you listen. On the world stage, the former Prime Minister Gordon Brown offered advice on how to overcome the most pressing problems we face. While the Greek-Australian economist and firebrand Yanis Varoufakis, instead of a conversation about certainty spoke of the denouement of doubt. It all leaves me wondering how people will look back at this age; the age of the lockdown. Did we learn the lessons and reset our lives and rethink the way we show respect for the world? Or did we miss the opportunities that change presents? One thing is for certain: we will need ever better answers for a world full of questions waiting to be asked. Michael Hayman is the founder of Seven Hills and host of the Change Makers podcast. changemakers.works n September/October 2021 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.CO.UK | 67

Michael-Hayman-V4-LC.indd 67

27/08/2021 14:06

CULTURE | Interview

Charlotte Metcalf learns how to talk to robots with Tabitha Goldstaub PORTRAIT BY ALEXANDRA DAO

IN BRIEF PENTHOUSE OR COTTAGE?

Tricky question – my partner’s a Suffolk farmer but I’m a town mouse. MICHELIN STAR OR COUNTRY PUB?

A London pub is the real answer – my favourite is The Island in Kensal Rise. WINE OR TEA?

Wine.

THEATRE OR GARDENING?

Growing veg in London and Suffolk keeps me sane. KILLER HEELS OR COMFORTABLE BROGUES?

Killer trainers. DOG OR CAT?

Is it bad to say neither?

f Tabitha were not so likeable, she’d be downright intimidating. She’s only 34 and yet her stellar rise as a serial tech entrepreneur could make Elon Musk quail. At just 24, she co-founded video streaming platform Righster, which floated for £20.4m two years later. She went on to co-found CogX, which started hosting small dinners to help people understand Artifical Intelligence (AI). It quickly mushroomed into a festival attracting over 105,000 attendees online or in person. Today she chairs the government’s AI Council, supports the Alan Turing Institute and has written a book, How to Talk to Robots. How on earth can a technophobic woman like me have a conversation her? Yet Tabitha is delightfully disarming, chattering openly about her dyslexia and privileged background. ‘My mother [Jane Procter] was editor of Tatler, so I was lucky enough to grow up in the fascinating world of magazines,’ she says. ‘At Bedales school I was told I could do whatever I wanted. It gave me the confidence to live with my dyslexia.’ Nevertheless, it was still a gigantic step from there to becoming one of Britain’s most influential women in tech. How did it all start? ‘I didn’t get into tech, it got into me,’ she laughs, ‘I was at Wimbledon Art College when Facebook launched. I saw the phenomenal immediacy with which friends could communicate. Nowadays, there are multiple ways to show off our personalities but then it was amazing. The fact you didn’t need a door to walk into other people’s lives blew my little mind.’ She became fascinated by the internet, attending the London College of Communication, where she began doing website design. ‘I was far too dyslexic to learn coding, but I really enjoyed working out how to do something entirely different – I felt like Kung Fu Panda in training.’ After graduating Tabitha joined the online television network T5m, helping it monetise its content. T5m’s CEO Charlie Muirhead became her co-founder at Righster and the rest is history. ‘Basically, I was the person good at getting stuff online and knew about optimisation,’ she explains. ‘This was still the era when TV involved great big tapes, but we were livestreaming shows for London Fashion Week, though I was the totally uncool nerd in the back room.’ Tabitha began researching AI and became ‘fearful’ at what she found. ‘The reality is the world is sexist and AI exacerbates that,’ she says. ‘Tech teams are largely white males, so the data is skewed towards men. That’s changing, thanks to the pioneering research of women

like Caroline Criado Perez, but back then I was shocked.’ Tabitha’s book is her calling card entreating women everywhere to engage with AI. ‘I was talking to women at Riposte magazine about why AI matters and became quite tearful when I saw that none of them were aware how AI was coming after their jobs,’ she remembers. ‘HarperCollins approached me after that. When they said the book could sell in Topshop I thought, “Hell, yes!” I got pregnant, Topshop’s no longer there and Covid happened, but with a baby on my boob, I got it done.’ Now her son is two and she and her partner Ed divide up their parenting roles – ‘I’m minister for Education and Health and Ed is the Home Office and the Treasury.’ The book is a bible for all tech novices, written in straightforward language designed to persuade us of AI’s benefits and smash through the gobbledygook barriers erected by tech-bro culture. ‘My mum asks Siri to find her phone torch or switch on Radio Four,’ Tabitha says. (I grin with recognition.) ‘We’re already using AI all the time without realising it.’ The book contains fascinating interviews with women like Martha Lane Fox, Hannah Fry and Jeanette Winterson. I recommend every technophobe to read Tabitha’s book, but meanwhile she’s full of simple tips for making AI more user-friendly. ‘Activate your Siri or Alexa and get used to talking to it. Find a book or a podcast that resonates. Join a local group or start one and invite an AI expert to come and talk to you. Then learn to protect yourself. You have more agency than you think and a legal right to an explanation and to know how much data platforms like Facebook have on you.’ I tell her I recently had a conversation with someone who believed the biggest threat to the next generation was AI. ‘That’s why we need to get AI into the school curriculum, get kids asking questions that encourage cognitive reasoning,’ she nods. ‘Forget learning about the Tudors! Kids need to be taught to think and apply their knowledge. AI is the future, it’s inescapable so let’s get it working for us rather than feeling threatened by it.’ Somehow, knowing Tabitha is in the world makes me feel that the day robots conquer the universe might just be a little further off. How to Talk to Robots by Tabitha Goldstaub has just come out in paperback (Fourth Estate, £8.99) n

68 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.CO.UK | September/October 2021

Scarfes-Bar-V3.BB.indd 68

27/08/2021 14:08

Artificial intelligence expert Tabitha encourages technophobes to get involved and learn to protect themselves

Scarfes-Bar-V3.BB.indd 69

27/08/2021 14:08

Sophie-Cookson-Feature-V5-LC.indd 70

27/08/2021 14:09

IN Sweet Harmony Sophie Cookson may be juggling many roles, but she keeps each ball aloft with alacrity, says HARRIET COMPSTON

FASHION DIRECTOR NICOLE SMALLWOOD PHOTOGRAPHER RACHELL SMITH

FASHION Bomber jacket, skirt and boots, all Alexander McQueen BEAUTY Sophie wears make-up by Clé de Peau Beauté

Sophie-Cookson-Feature-V5-LC.indd 71

27/08/2021 14:09

FASHION Dress and Bodysuit, Bottega Veneta @ Matchesfashion BEAUTY Sophie wears Clé de Peau Beauté Lipstick in Triumphant Tawny and The Lipliner in Beige No 1

have this magic touch where I create gremlins in technology,’ says Sophie Cookson, plugging in for our Zoom call. Having just put her one-year-old daughter down for a nap, she’s looking fresh-faced in a knitted navy-blue crochet top and high-rise flares. ‘If you hear a scream that’s because my baby has decided to wake up at a really annoying time.’ But her daughter is as good as gold – and we start talking about her new film, Infinite, with Mark Wahlberg and Chiwetel Ejiofor. A Matrix-style sci-fi thriller, Infinite follows a secret society of people who are continually reincarnated. However, the villain Bathurst (Ejiofor) is tired of the cycle and has created

a weapon to destroy the world. Thirty-one-year-old Sophie plays Nora, an ‘infinite’ who is fighting to save mankind. ‘Nora is a complicated threedimensional woman which we don’t often see in this genre,’ she says. ‘As soon as I read the script, I thought, “Oh my gosh, how am I going to do this?”’ The action scenes were ‘brutal’, says Sophie, whose training involved weights, martial arts, boxing and weapons training. Mark Wahlberg was a big help, though. ‘He’s a pro so it’s always a good feeling when you’re doing incredibly difficult stunt sequences with someone who’s secure in their knowledge of what that entails. You just feel safe, which means you can go the extra mile.’ Sussex-born Sophie is no stranger to action films. After studying History of Art, Spanish and ‘a bit of Arabic’ at Edinburgh University, she moved to The Oxford School of Drama, but dropped out in 2014 after being offered a part as a gun-toting secret agent in Kingsman: The Secret Service with Colin Firth and Taron Egerton. The action was less full-on than Infinite but nevertheless an ‘adventure’ and a great learning curve. ‘You don’t grow unless you are doing something which you are not ready for. It’s really good to throw yourself in because you are constantly learning from people who are more experienced.’ After Kingsman came The Huntsman in 2016, then Gypsy on Netflix, a psychological thriller partly directed by Sam TaylorJohnson and starring Naomi Watts. It hit the headlines for the intimate scenes between Watts and Cookson’s characters, though Sophie was unperturbed. ‘I am interested in portraying all aspects of human life. Sexuality is a key component of what it is to be human,’ she explains. Sophie then made her West End debut in 2018 in Killer Joe opposite Orlando Bloom, appearing the following year in Michael Winterbottom’s film Greed, a satire based loosely on the life of Topshop’s Sir Philip Green. It was The Trial of Christine Keeler on the BBC in 2019 that took Cookson’s career to another level, with her exquisite

72 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.CO.UK | September/October 2021

Sophie-Cookson-Feature-V5-LC.indd 72

27/08/2021 14:09

FASHION Coat, Paul Smith; Dress, Stella McCartney; Boots, Paul Smith; Chair by Maison Arabella Objets BEAUTY Sophie wears Clé de Peau Beauté Face Luminizing Palette No 18

Sophie-Cookson-Feature-V5-LC.indd 73

27/08/2021 14:09

‘You have to keep on topping up as an actor, to be living your own life to give your work life. I want to keep living and working in equal exciting harmony’

Sophie-Cookson-Feature-V5-LC.indd 74

27/08/2021 14:09

FASHION Dress and Blouse, Simone Rocha; Boots, Dior BEAUTY Sophie wears Clé de Peau Beauté Face Luminizing Palette No 18 and Clé de Peau Beauté Cream Blush in Fig

Sophie-Cookson-Feature-V5-LC.indd 75

27/08/2021 14:09

FASHION Shorts, body and boots, all Philosophy di Lorenzo Serafini; Chair by Maison Arabella Objets BEAUTY Sophie wears Clé de Peau Beauté Eye Color quad in Golden Age

performance in the title role. ‘I wanted to get behind the headlines and scandals surrounding Christine and find out who the real person was. What’s exciting about being an actor is that you can readdress history. I felt a responsibility to vindicate Christine and challenge preconceptions people had about her’. Written by Amanda Coe, the series was produced by an all-female crew – an experience Sophie describes as ‘really invigorating’. With such strong, complex roles on her CV, it’s not surprising to hear Sophie looks for a ‘challenge’ in her parts – plus depth of character. ‘Being human is complicated. I like to see that reflected on-screen. Life isn’t straightforward. Humans are far from that and we are all wrestling with our responsibilities, our identities.’ However, such challenges have consequences.

‘Acting is such an exposing profession. It’s hard putting yourself out there. You can’t be an actor unless you are willing to show vulnerability, which comes at a cost.’ Now celebrating her first child with her partner, actor Stephen Campbell Moore (known for The History Boys and formerly married to Claire Foy), Sophie’s enjoying a new chapter. She spent lockdown 3.0 getting back into shape, despite being an excellent baker (try her coffee mascarpone cake). ‘I was like, “Right, put the biscuits down, start training!” For me, there’s something about giving birth that makes you want to reclaim yourself [afterwards] because your body has been someone else’s vessel and home for so long and you do sacrifice that. I felt it was necessary for me to say, “Okay, I am going to take this back.”’ When we speak, Sophie is about to start filming ITV’s new series, The Confessions of Frannie Langton. Set in the 1800s, it tells the story of Jamaican slave girl, Frannie, who’s brought to London and given to a Frenchwoman and her husband. Fannie and ‘Madame’ end up falling in love, with tragic consequences. Sophie plays the Frenchwoman. ‘It’s a great depiction of the complexities of life in the 1800s,’ she says, ‘and the moral battlefield of what it is to have a plantation, to be an abolitionist, [or] to be of a different race in an incredibly white culture. It’s about pushing the boundaries of conformity.’ Determined to achieve a good life balance, Cookson fills her rare spare moments with playing the piano, improving her Italian and watching culinary travel shows. ‘You have to keep on topping up as an actor, living your own life to give your work life. I want to keep living and working in equal exciting harmony.’ Since the birth of her child with Stephen, ‘there are a lot of balls to juggle: mother, partner, actor, my own self. You really do prioritise that little person above everyone else.’ As Cookson’s daughter continues to sleep soundly, it looks like she’s doing a pretty good job. n

76 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.CO.UK | September/October 2021

Sophie-Cookson-Feature-V5-LC.indd 76

27/08/2021 14:09

FASHION Coat, Knit Bralette and Skirt, all by Fendi; Boots by Christian Louboutin Lounge chair and stool by Maison Arabella Objets BEAUTY Sophie wears Clé de Peau Beauté Cream Blush in Fig TEAM Photographer’s assistant: Cam Smith Hair: Brady Lee at Premier Hair & Make-up using OSiS+ by Schwarzkopf Professional Make-up: Nathalie Eleni using Clé de Peau Beauté Film: Tracer Ital Set Design: Maison Arabella, maisonarabella.com STOCKISTS: PAGE 158

Sophie-Cookson-Feature-V5-LC.indd 77

27/08/2021 14:09

Borgia www.baobabcollection.com

Baobab.indd 1

26/08/2021 13:12

IT’S SHOW TIME Mayfair galleries have staged a comeback, with London at the centre of global art, says FIONA MCKENZIE JOHNSTON PORTRAIT BY ALEXANDRA DAO

Jo Stella-Sawicka is the director of Goodman Gallery on Cork Street and was instrumental in uniting Mayfair’s art galleries to tackle the Covid crisis together

September/October 2021 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.CO.UK | 79

Mayfair-Arts-V4-BB.indd 79

27/08/2021 14:10

CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE: Avian Blush, FLUX Series by Alia Ali (2021) from Photo London; If I’ve Ever In The Lam by Douglas Cantor (2021) from Guts Gallery; Infinity Mirrored Room - Filled with the Brilliance of Life by Yayoi Kusama (2011/2017) from Tate Modern; Justice For All by Yinka Shonibare (2019) from Stephen Friedman Gallery; Cheval de Turin by Adel Abdessemed (2012) from Albion Fields

Michael Hue-Williams has opened a new sculpture park, Albion Fields, in collaboration with galleries including Goodman, Marion Goodman and Lisson; vast pieces by artists such as Ai Wei Wei, Richard Long, Rachel Whiteread and David Adjaye range across 50 acres of rewilded Oxfordshire countryside. And turnover of exhibitions in general has increased. ‘Our shows used to run for five or six weeks – we’re now changing them every month,’ says Hannah Watson, co-founder and director of TJ Boulting in Fitzrovia. The apex of teamwork came in June this year. At a time when most organisations in the WhatsApp group would traditionally have been at Art Basel, they were instead collaborating on the first ever London Gallery Weekend, which garnered an extraordinary 40,000 visits across 120 spaces. Visitors were encouraged to venture into new spaces, while children had their own guide by the Royal Society of Sculptors, plus stickers and colouring books. ‘I spent a day visiting the south London galleries; it was both stimulating and fun, and I discovered some really good artists,’ says jeweller Christopher Thompson Royds. The Mayfair support system triumphed again when Guts Gallery, which specialises in under-represented new-generation artists, was given a pop-up in Soho by Sadie Coles HQ. ‘There’s a desire to support the gallery ecology, we all want to see each

PHOTOS: © JONTY WILDE; © KATE ROTHKO PRIZEL AND CHRISTOPHER ROTHKO

utumn is traditionally boom time in the London art world, but this year promises something even more uplifting than usual: a programme that bridges the best of what was missed in 2020 together with new sense of zest and global ideals, post-pandemic. September will see Photo London returning in all its beauty to Somerset House, and in October Frieze London and Frieze Masters will again be in full, exhilarating swing in Regent’s Park. Alongside all this, London’s commercial galleries – including new Frieze venue, no9 Cork Street – have put together a schedule of fascinating shows. Rewind to December 2019, and the optics were skewed towards a whirligig of travel, parties and Dada-ist gestures, such as Maurizio Cattelan’s banana taped to a wall, sold twice at Art Basel Miami for $120,000 each. (A third was eaten without payment by fellow artist David Datuna, who retrospectively labelled his sabotage a ‘performance piece’: Hungry Artist.) When Covid hit, ‘there was panic,’ recounts Jo StellaSawicka, director of Goodman Gallery on Cork Street. Travel was impossible, buying art was the last thing on anybody’s mind (unless it was loo paper designed by critic and sometime artist Kenny Schachter) and ‘I had artists ringing me in tears genuinely thinking they were going to become homeless because their shows were cancelled,’ recalls Ellie Pennick, founder and director of Guts Gallery, one of London’s youngest platforms. ‘I didn’t think we’d survive, either.’ A WhatsApp group of approximately 80 galleries was set up, initially as a support group, but the focus quickly changed. ‘We felt a cultural responsibility, we wanted to give something to the public,’ explains Jo. ‘And what is the point of art if no one sees it? We knew that even with the limitations of lockdown, we had to find a way.’ Initially, this meant online. Artist interviews and studio visits via Zoom or Instagram Live democratised an experience usually only available to major collectors and journalists, making it possible for an increased number of attendees to explore the working environments of artists in New York, Lagos, Durban or Berlin – and ask questions. ‘People really engaged,’ says Paddy Barstow, Director of PM/AM on Golborne Road. ‘Demand, still, is only rising – despite the reported Zoom fatigue.’ When it comes to real-life viewing, ‘We’ve been open more than museums and public collections because the government classes us as “non-essential retail”,’ points out Stella-Sawicka. And while there has been reduced capacity at, for instance, the Yayoi Kusama show at Tate Modern (at the time of writing, it was fully booked until the end of October), a new body of work by the same artist was at Victoria Miro this summer. ‘Commercial galleries stage proper exhibitions – yes, smaller than a major institution, but of equal importance, and, notably, free. We’re also able to be more flexible, and speak to the moment,’ says Stella-Sawicka, who mounted a show about the Black Lives Matter protests as they were taking place. That elasticity has been practised everywhere. Stephen Friedman Gallery un-veiled a former internal viewing room to exhibit Yinka Shonibare’s Justice for All in the window facing Old Burlington Street. It ‘was lit up 24/7’, recounts Mira Dimitrova, director of sales, with such success that it ‘enabled us to present a greater variety of projects’ long-term. Similarly, Saatchi Yates, which opened on Cork Street during the pandemic, decided to hang its private sales for public viewing. ‘Often this aspect of a gallery’s work is hidden – but we’re dealing in masterpieces!’ explains Phoebe Saatchi Yates, co-founder and director. 80 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.CO.UK | September/October 2021

Mayfair-Arts-V4-BB.indd 80

27/08/2021 14:10

HOT TICKETS

Five must-see gallery exhibitions in London

Theaster Gates, White Cube Mason’s Yard Coinciding with the Whitechapel Gallery’s exhibition A Clay Sermon, dedicated to Gates, White Cube is part of a multi-venue presentation of his practice across London, introducing some of his newest works. 17 September to 30 October, whitecube.com

Jazz and Blues at Night, Goodman Veteran South African painter Sam Nhlengethwa’s first solo show in London reveals his passion for jazz; there’s even a listening lounge. Until 25 September, goodman-gallery.com

PHOTOS: © JONTY WILDE; © KATE ROTHKO PRIZEL AND CHRISTOPHER ROTHKO

The Gaze, TJ Boulting Curated in collaboration with arts journalist Louis Wise, TJ Boulting is presenting an examination of the queer gaze, juxtaposing and comparing historical and contemporary art. 14 Oct to 20 Nov, tjboulting.com

other succeed,’ explains Stella-Sawicka. ‘The city needs emerging galleries, because no Goldsmiths graduate is going to go straight to being represented by Hauser & Wirth, or Lisson, or us. Equally, from an enthusiast’s perspective it’s so satisfying to discover an artist at a show early in their career, and stay with them.’ Certainly, the enthusiasm of London-based collectors is reflected in the sales made over London Gallery Weekend (‘although that wasn’t the driving force,’ adds StellaSawicka), and throughout the pandemic, contrary to initial fears. There was also a noticeable drop in the age of buyers. ‘We’ve got 25-year-olds collecting significant art,’ report both Pennick and Saatchi Yates (who was approached by a ten-year-old trying to purchase a painting with his pocket money). ‘But what was loveliest about those three days was hosting visitors here, “at home”,’ says StellaSawicka. ‘Not only does the design of every gallery reflect its ethos – and often London’s history – but you also have more time than you would at a fair and it’s more intimate. Also, while I love a party, the lack of champagne proved that it isn’t essential: conversations focussed on the art.’ Jo Baring, director of the Ingram Collection, agrees. ‘I think what all collectors have realised is that while

travelling to see art is fun, it’s by no means essential. There is so much here, especially in London,’ she says. In that vein, the new gallery space by Frieze, set to launch this October, will offer residencies to international galleries. ‘No.9 Cork Street allows these galleries to stage ambitious pop-up shows, bringing the best of the international art scene to London audiences. With three gallery spaces and an additional events space, the idea is to create a collaborative environment for conversation between participating exhibitors,’ explains Eva Langret, artistic director of Frieze London. Which is not to discount the importance of the fairs; nowhere can you get a quicker snapshot of trends or see a more diverse quantity of art in one space. ‘We’ll be at Photo London – one of our gallery artists, Shirin Neshat, is this year’s Master of Photography and has a solo exhibition, Land of Dreams, running at the fair – and we’ll be at Frieze London,’ says Stella-Sawicka. ‘But please also come and see us at home, on Cork Street. We’re not only for collectors, we’re for everybody.’ So go! Because what the new Frieze space really proves is that, post-pandemic, London’s gallery scene is thriving. n

Mark Rothko, Pace Gallery Pace opens its new gallery on Hanover Square with an exhibition of Rothko’s jewel-like paintings on paper, like the above: Untitled (1968). 8 October to 13 November, pacegallery.com

No.9 Cork Street The first three galleries to take up residency in Frieze’s new project are James Cohan from New York, Commonwealth and Council from LA, and Proyectos Ultravioleta from Guatemala, each presenting a variety of artists. 7-23 Oct, frieze.com

September/October 2021 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.CO.UK | 81

Mayfair-Arts-V4-BB.indd 81

27/08/2021 14:10

E XC I T M E N T O N TA P AU T U M N R AC I N G W E E K E N D & A S C OT B E E R F E S T I VA L F R I DAY 1 S T A N D S AT U R DAY 2 N D O C TO B E R Thrilling racing, an outstanding selection of beers and a mouth-watering BBQ feast combine to guarantee excitement on tap as the popular Ascot Beer Festival in association with CAMRA returns. Fine Dining from £175 +VAT pp Tickets from £20pp - Book now at ascot.co.uk

ARW21_CTH_FULL PAGE_225x298mm.indd 1 Ascot.indd 1

24/08/2021 11:05 24/08/2021 11:26

Future The

STARTS HERE As humanity faces impending environmental disaster, we need to radically change the way we live. The green design movement has some ideas, says AMY WAKEHAM

Heatherwick Studio’s air-cleaning Airo car

Planted-V6-LC.indd 83

September/October 2021 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.CO.UK | 83

27/08/2021 14:10

PHOTOS: © SHANNON MCGRATH

he latest report from the UN is terrifying – a ‘code red for humanity’, according to Secretary General António Guterres. ‘It is unequivocal that human influence has warmed the atmosphere, oceans and land,’ the new report says, warning of increasingly extreme heatwaves, droughts and flooding, and the key temperature limit being broken in just over a decade. In the face of impending environmental disaster, we’re slowly (perhaps too slowly) rethinking how we live, and the products that shape our lives. Leading the charge is an ambitious new green movement in the design industry, made up of product designers and architects keen to reimagine our material worlds. ‘Ultimately, we designed ourselves into the environmental catastrophe we find ourselves in and we must hope we can design our way out,’ says Deborah Spencer, the brains behind new eco-design festival Planted, which comes to Kings Cross this September, showcasing leading sustainable design brands that place the environment at their core, alongside naturebased installations, plant-based products and a forward-thinking programme of talks. ‘Designers are creative thinkers who challenge norms and lazy stereotypes and never have we needed radical thought more than we need it right now,’ continues Deborah. At the grassroots of the green design movement are companies creating products that are, quite simply, better – for us, for the environment, for the people making them. For many designers, this means abandoning the consumerist mindset, and instead embracing craftsmanship and environmentally friendly materials, to make products that will last for decades or even centuries. ‘Same-day delivery and the one-click purchase culture fuels desire and ease for quick purchases. This is a global environmental threat, and we are all responsible,’ says Mark Tremlett, co-founder of Naturalmat, which has been making mattresses from raw materials that are natural, sustainable and, wherever possible, certified organic, since 2000 (naturalmat.co.uk). ‘Whether it’s for mattresses, socks, or headphones, good design combined with exceptional materials and craftsmanship can push back against this,’ he explains. ‘If we can train ourselves out of this habit by buying for quality and longevity this problem can be mitigated. What is hopeful is the spotlight on green design and growing support for the values that underpin what ethical design companies produce.’ And it’s not just how we make new things, it’s how we dispose of them once we’re through with using them. ‘I think that the starting point of today’s good design is not only measuring the impact of the resources it will take to create but

knowing how the project will end its life with either the least damage to our environment or a scheduled upcycle into something else,’ Mark continues. For Naturalmat, this means a circular business model that ensures nothing ends up in landfill, and that all its mattresses are either reused or recycled at the end of their lives. Another new way of thinking is considering not just how much a product negatively impacts the environment, but how it can positively impact it, too. One example of this is the ground-breaking Airo car created by Heatherwick Studios (heatherwick.com). Designed for IM Motors, which will put it into production in 2023, the car is fully electric and autonomous, and equipped with a state-of-the-art HEPA filtering system that actively cleans the air as it passes through the under-carriage, leaving the environment around it cleaner. Inside, the front seats can swivel backwards, with a four-leaf table for dining and social activities, while a foldaway screen creates a gaming or movie pod, and the seats fully recline to form a spacious double bed. Key to this innovation was Heatherwick Studio’s experience, not as car makers, but as product designers and architects. ‘We tried to take a really

84 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.CO.UK | September/October 2021

Planted-V6-LC.indd 84

27/08/2021 14:11

PHOTOS: © SHANNON MCGRATH

big world view of this project, and not just see it as a transportation project,’ explains partner and group leader Stuart Wood. ‘Could we go further than just not polluting? Could we actually make our cars an active agent for positive change? And that felt to us like quite a powerful gesture for the buyer, but also for the manufacturer to say we’re going beyond just being a high-performing vehicle, we’re actually contributing to the health and wellbeing of a city.’ This holistic view of the future of urban life is shared by Oliver Heath, sustainable design consultant and another co-founder of Planted (oliverheath.com). He points out that the building and construction industries are responsible for 39 per cent of global carbon emissions, according to the World Green Building Council. ‘We don’t have an endless supply of materials,’ he continues, ‘and we need to make sure that we make better use of what we have, and how we use it.’ Instead, Oliver advocates for a design approach called biomimicry, wherein we learn from strategies found in nature to solve human design challenges, and in turn help to restore the environment. He uses a tree as an ideal example of a circular economy – it takes energy from the sun, and water and nutrients from the ground, while simultaneously storing carbon, and providing nutrients when its leaves fall.

FROM TOP LEFT: Naturalmat’s mattresses are made from sustainable natural materials; Planted, the world’s first zero-waste design festival, will host a variety of talks about planet-friendly design; Fisher & Paykel (fisherpaykel.com) is exhibiting at Planted

GENERATION GREEN Brands making a difference

‘We really need to be shifting from a carbonintensive approach, using materials like concrete and steel, to lower-carbon solutions such as timber and mycelium, and bio-based materials that lock carbon in,’ he advises. But living greener also means rethinking our cities, and how we live in them. Oliver is keen on integrating nature into urban spaces – but it’s not just about investing some pot plants or greening a few roundabouts. ‘It shouldn’t just be that cities are man-made objects and nature exists beyond that – it’s about welcoming nature in all sorts of different ways,’ he says. ‘That means how we think about parks, water run-off, how we consider wind and air pollution, and many benefits that nature can bring to balance out moisture, humidity, to prevent the “urban heat island” effect, to prevent flooding in cities by increasing run-off with trees and vegetation, increasing biodiversity and pollinators. There are so many benefits that nature can bring to our experience as occupants of cities, and likewise in our support of nature.’ Effective design choices can also have a positive impact on humans’ overall health. ‘Nature can support our physical and mental wellbeing, help us to reduce stress, recuperate from physical and mental fatigue, and enhance our sense of community to make our society more resilient,’ explains Oliver. Plus, the benefits come full circle. ‘If we make people feel they’re connected to nature, that it’s central to their health and wellbeing, then maybe we can get them to be more caring and responsible for the wider global environment.’ From how we live to what we buy, there’s a lot that needs rethinking. The green design movement is a start, but it’s up to us, the consumers, to really demand radical change. Because it’s not just about being neutral and minimising our footprints any more; it’s about actively enacting positive change, to leave the planet in a better shape than we found it. ‘It has to be about more than sustainability,’ argues Tom Kay, founder of pioneering, planetfriendly, B Corp-certified, outdoor brand Finisterre (finisterre.com). ‘It has to be about being regenerative, restorative, and not just maintaining the status quo, but making the world a better place.’ Planted is at Kings Cross from 23-26 September, planted-cities.co.uk n

VESTRE Norwegian manufacturer Vestre has been creating social meeting places for over 70 years. It shapes its business ethos around nine of the 17 UN Sustainable Development goals (SDGs), including becoming the first climate-neutral outdoor furniture manufacturer in the world nine years ago and using environmentally certified Scandinavian timber. vestre.com ANGLEPOISE An instantly recognisable British brand, Anglepoise has been making lamps since 1932. As of January 2020, all its lights bought for a domestic setting are covered by a lifetime guarantee, and the brand promises to service all its products as a riposte to the culture of products that are designed for obsolescence and destined for landfill. anglepoise.com

ANOTHER COUNTRY Taking inspiration from unpretentious British country houses as well as Shaker design, traditional Scandinavian and Japanese woodwork, Another Country is a contemporary furniture brand that makes high-quality wooden pieces that are built to last, conceived with their entire life cycle in mind, and made to order to minimise waste. anothercountry.com BENCHMARK A British brand with a love of craft and craftsmanship. Benchmark, founded by Sean Sutcliffe and Terence Conran in 1984, makes furniture from its workshops in Berkshire and Dorset. Everything is built to last 100 years, and environmentally friendly practices are baked into the brand, from ethical sourcing of raw materials to non-toxic finishes. benchmarkfurniture.com

September/October 2021 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.CO.UK | 85

Planted-V6-LC.indd 85

27/08/2021 14:11

WHO’S ON THE HOT LIST THIS YEAR? Meet our 50 Finest Interior Designers 2021/22 From small studios to international outfits, you’ll find your perfect project partner in our 50 Finest edit of interior designers

countryandtownhouse.co.uk/interiorsguide @countryandtown

Interiors-GBBZero-V5-LC.indd 86

countryandtownhousemagazine

countryandtownhouse

country-and-town-house

27/08/2021 14:53

Stella McCartney has joined forces with Japanese artist Yoshitomo Nara on a line of unisex clothes that embody a spirit of youthful resistance

CLOSE TO THE ART

Whether through collaboration or inspiration, the bond between the worlds of art and fashion has never been stronger, says MARC ABBOTT September/October 2021 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.CO.UK | 87

Art-Fashion-V3.BB.indd 87

27/08/2021 14:11

PHOTOS: RUTH OSSAI

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Vivienne Westwood; Acne Studios; Preen by Thornton Bregazzi; Bethany Williams; Loewe

‘As the worlds of ART and FASHION continue to intertwine, I firmly BELIEVE that one world CANNOT live without the OTHER’

88 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.CO.UK | September/October 2021

Art-Fashion-V3.BB.indd 88

27/08/2021 14:11

PHOTOS: RUTH OSSAI

‘O

ne of my guiding pillars in design is always art. I am constantly drawing inspiration from the art world, and it has played such a significant role in past and upcoming collections,’ says Stella McCartney, a woman whose collaborative thirst has for many years blurred the boundary between fine art and fine clothing. ‘Each time I collaborate with an artist, the process is distinctly special. And I have been lucky enough to work with many great artists of our time, which is something I never take for granted.’ This year, Stella has led a phalanx of fellow designers finding inspiration from, or collaboration with, painters, illustrators, ceramicists and sculptors. For 2021, she has joined forces with Japanese artist Yoshitomo Nara for her unisex ‘Shared’ collections, the artist’s bold, playful and punkish characters embodying a spirit of youthful resistance that’s perfect for our times. ‘For me, I find I am most energised when I immerse myself in a collaborative environment where ideas can feed off each other creatively,’ adds Stella. And she’s far from alone in this. In a similarly cartoonish sphere, Loewe’s creative director, Jonathan Anderson, released a springtime collection bearing imagery from Studio Ghibli’s late-80s anime classic, My Neighbor Tortoro. Jonny Johansson’s Acne Studios also injected some vibrancy into British summertime when it launched a pop culture-inspired capsule in cahoots with Los Angeles-based ceramicist Grant Levy-Lucero. ‘I’m constantly drawn to absurdity and branding,’ says Grant. ‘That was the starting point of this collaboration – taking these things and making them more sincere.’ The collection’s flared trousers, tote bags and casual wear are decorated with designs inspired by hand-painted signage, particularly flour sacks. This ‘sincere’ approach is mirrored by the democratising nature of young British designer Bethany Williams’s spring/summer ’21 collection. Entitled ‘All Our Children’, it celebrates the spirit of the Newham, Londonbased Magpie Project – a scheme that works with children and mothers who are homeless, or at risk of becoming so. Williams included families helped by the project in the design process, teaming up with artist Melissa Kitty Jarram to transform the children’s art workshop-drawings into prints and patterns that appear on the finished garments. The bold, energising pieces, many of which were produced from deadstock fabric, recycled and organic materials, are a triumph of grassroots collaboration. This closeness to family, particularly during pandemic-imposed lockdown, also supplied the creative spark at Preen by Thornton Bregazzi. Its spring/summer ’21 collection from the husband-andwife team of Justin Thornton and Thea Bregazzi was inspired by their children’s involvement in domestic kintsugi – the Japanese art of taking broken pottery and remaking it. Using leftover fabrics and fragments from previous collections, the resultant reassembled pieces exemplify the spirit of repurposing, recycling and rebuilding. Arizona Muse shone like a sapphire in a dress from the collection on the cover of Country & Town House’ s own Great British Brands 2021 earlier this year. And precious stones have been at the heart of 16Arlington’s wonderfully frivolous, art-inspired pieces, influenced by Hubert September/October 2021 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.CO.UK | 89

Art-Fashion-V3.BB.indd 89

27/08/2021 14:11

Duprat’s ‘Caddis’ collection – one that almost defies categorisation, with the French artist embellishing caddisfly larvae with protective cocoons fashioned from diamonds, coral, opal and gold leaf. 16Arlington’s founders, Marco Capaldo and Kikka Cavenati, saw a spark in this marriage of the precious and (arguably) grotesque, which led them to explore the notion of being trapped – something we can perhaps all sympathise with, having lived through the past 18 months. The intricate application of crystals on their evening gowns, allied to earthy, glowing tones, imitates the encasement of Duprat’s caddisflies, while the collection of showstopping evening and outerwear, not to mention jewellery, is imbued with a darkness and restraint that echoes its off-kilter inspiration. Young British talent Bianca Saunders also takes a sideways look at the design process, with the latest items in her ongoing work with Wrangler featuring a print created from creased denim superimposed on actual denim, drawing inspiration from Jean Cocteau. Artistically embellished denim appears at Vivienne Westwood, too, although Dame Vivienne harks back to the 18th century, revisiting a familiar theme for her work: François Boucher’s 1743 oil painting, Daphnis and Chloe. The French Rococo artist’s work has inspired the designer for decades, with elements of Boucher’s painting appearing on a Vivienne Westwood corset as long ago as 1990. For the autumn/winter ’21 collection, its characters – lounging in their erotically-charged pastoral scene – are found on divine dresses, denim and even puffer coats from the inimitable grand dame of British fashion. And from a grand dame to the grand duke of Dior, the seemingly unstoppable Kim Jones. His history of artistic collaboration has proved to be the most winning of formulas, with highlights of the Dior Men artistic director’s hook-ups featuring a diverse roll call of 20th-century artists, including Kaws, Hajime Sorayama, Raymond Pettibon, Daniel Arsham, Amoako Boafo and Kenny Scharf. For winter ’21, Jones worked with British painter Peter Doig, who hand-applied illustrations to the collection’s millinery, and whose paintings are reproduced on what might best be termed ‘ceremonial wear’ as well as on the eye-catching luxe knitwear we’ve come to expect from Jones’ studio. Looking to the future, the spring/summer ’22 menswear collection from Alexander McQueen also gives a nod to the past. Creative director Sarah Burton took her inspiration from the work of painter, printmaker and poet William Blake’s illustrations for Dante’s Divine Comedy, in a collection that not only provides stunning statement suiting in ‘Blake’ design printed wool but also embraces gender fluidity with a T-shirt dress featuring an embroidered bodice and skirt in shredded chiffon, tulle and organza. The collection is said to ‘draw on the concept of imagination as a pure form of escapism, centring around lightness, air and water – on beauty emerging from darkness.’ Which perfectly encapsulates the way most of us are thinking – and beginning to live – as the stalled, limbo-like essence of this century’s third decade moves slowly but surely towards one of hope, re-emergence and collaboration. And for many of us, Stella McCartney included, that’s something we can’t be without. ‘Since I was little, I have been surrounded by inspirational minds: musicians, artists, authors and architects,’ says Stella. ‘And as the worlds of art and fashion continue to intertwine, I firmly believe that one world cannot live without the other.’ 90 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.CO.UK | September/October 2021

Art-Fashion-V3.BB.indd 90

27/08/2021 14:11

OPPOSITE PAGE FROM TOP: 16Arlington; Dior; Bianca Saunders x Wrangler THIS PAGE: Alexander McQueen

AFFAIRS OF THE ART

Stella McCartney’s top three artist collabs

Erte (2020) ‘I met Erte, who is an incredible artist, at a young age on an aeroplane with my parents, flying to New York. I have always admired his work and never imagined I would have the opportunity to collaborate with him. However, many moons after that first meeting, I was lucky enough to incorporate some of his never-before-seen archival prints into our special winter 2020 show.’

Yoshitomo Nara (2021) ‘Living through this global pandemic and watching the young activists really rise up it made me think about the work of living legend Yoshitomo Nara, whom I’ve long admired. So I asked him to collaborate on our new genderless line. Nara is fluent in the style of youth revolt and is considered to be the pioneer of the Japanese neo-Pop movement, hence why I call him a living legend! I am beyond honoured to have worked with Nara on his first-ever fashion collaboration.’

Sheila Hicks (2019) ‘I was also honoured to work with Sheila. Everything is sensory with the way she works. She is spirited and has light all around her; she’s joyous. I’ve always been a huge, huge admirer of her creations, and I think she’s been very influential in the fashion industry, to many fashion designers. I was lucky enough to work with Sheila for my winter 2019 collection, as well as more recently with our McCartney A to Z Manifesto, where she customised some of our Falabella handbags.’ n

September/October 2021 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.CO.UK | 91

Art-Fashion-V3.BB.indd 91

27/08/2021 14:12

Mandarin Stone.indd 1

17/08/2021 11:14

TWEAKMENT THE C&TH

Edited by Annabel Jones

GUIDE

Nature knows best. But science has a few party tricks...

TW-Cover-V3 STG.indd 93

27/08/2021 14:23

TWEAKMENT GUIDE

Contents 98

THE AGE OF INSOUCIANCE Cutting-edge aesthetics for radiant ageing

100

THE INBETWEENERS Have you had your athome gadget fix?

103

IS THE TRADITIONAL FACELIFT OVER? Say ‘so long’ to the scalpel and ‘now!’ to new-wave machines and treatments

108

YOU, ONLY BETTER The inside track on ingenious injectables

113

AND THE AWARD FOR BEST TWEAKMENT GOES TO... Our team puts terrific tweakments to the test

125

ADDRESS BOOK C&TH’s little black book of ace aesthetic doctors

ON THE COVER Amber Dumighan @ Linden Staub wears oneshouldered white swimsuit by Violet Lake and five-row marquise Illusion style white gold and diamond earrings by David Morris FASHION TEAM Photographer: Matthew Shave; Fashion editor: Ursula Lake; Hair: Alex Price at Frank Agency; Make-Up: Kenneth Soh at the Wall Group using Clé de Peau Beauté; Nails: Cherrie Snow using The Dior Manicure Collection and Miss Dior Hand Cream. For stockists see p158.

EDITOR’S LETTER

e’re entering an exciting era of looking at facial beauty in a new way. At last, the term ‘antiageing’ is no longer deemed appropriate language for our times. How can anyone be against ageing when it comes with wisdom, self-acceptance and a richer understanding of what makes us feel beautiful in our skin? Youth is not to be found in a syringe, but in our zest for life and how well we care for our skin and body, both internally and externally. Ageing authentically and naturally doesn’t mean letting go, it simply means embracing the best version of you at every stage of life. The first-ever Country & Town House Tweakment Guide helps you seek practical advice about the rapidly advancing ‘tweakment’ scene by examining the pros, cons and insider knowledge around any tweakments you may be considering, as well as new ones you won’t have heard of yet. These pages offer a variety of viewpoints from well-respected cosmetic doctors and surgeons on everything from injectables to face-tightening energy devices and DIY facial gadgets. And we haven’t just consulted those in lab coats – our team has put 16 of the most asked-about tweakments to the test, with an honest account of what each one entailed, from a play-by-play account of the procedure itself to the pain factor and downtime needed afterwards. We also gaze into the crystal ball of aesthetic surgery and ask whether technological advancements will soon replace the scalpel. See what you think. I hope you find our guide positive, useful and thought-provoking…

94 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.CO.UK | September/October 2021

TW-Eds-Letter-V2.BB.indd 94

27/08/2021 14:23

P R O M OT I O N FROM LEFT: Caroline Issa; interior and exterior of Ouronyx in St James, London

MEET THE FUTURE OF LUXURY FACIAL AESTHETICS Why Ouronyx is the most sought-after new clinic on London’s medical beauty scene

magine a clinic with the discretion and bespoke touches of a private members’ club. One that is so chic it could be mistaken for a five-star spa, or indeed an art gallery given the minimalist bar that serves as a reception desk and digital works by artist Dominic Harris that adorn its pristine walls. This is Ouronyx, a game-changing clinic on London’s St James’s Street – not to mention the new name in medical beauty that’s poised to shake up the world of facial aesthetics. Luxury, expertise and a deeply personal patient experience are the beating heart of this clinic, which is hardly surprising given the powerhouse couple at its helm: Marc Princen, former executive vice-president at Allergan, the makers of Botox, and Ida Banek, a professor of psychology. From the plush, airy interiors that are a million miles away from the dusty waiting rooms of old, to its unique psychology-led approach, this place is serious about tearing up the blueprint for aesthetic clinics. All importantly, this includes honing in on the emotional aspect of facial procedures, which cannot be understated. Upon checking into the clinic, a simple psychometric test will determine a patient’s aesthetic and emotional goals, as well as their fears and personality. This informs their treatment plan and ensures they get the results – and reassurance – they desire.

Ouronyx is hot on science and technology, too. Indeed, the clinic is the first in the UK to use a state-ofthe-art 3D visualisation system, which reveals wrinkle depth, percentage of collagen and skin texture in the most minute detail. This means the team can assess your face from multiple angles and precisely measure the performance of procedures – for example, the improvement in wrinkle depth after Botox. The greatest point of difference, however, is Ouronyx’s face-only menu. Whether you opt for expertly administered Botox, fillers or glow-boosting Profhilo, a light refresh or something more noticeably contouring, sensational skin awaits in one of the decadent treatment rooms on the lower ground floor. Of course, the driving force behind Ouronyx are the resident doctors, all of whom are the best in the business, including aesthetic doctor Marco Nicoloso, whose dexterous needlework sets him apart. The clinic also prides itself on its policy of complete transparency, whether about the cost of its treatment plans or expected results, so there’s never any unwelcome surprises. No wonder best practice takes on a whole new meaning here. Ouronyx, 20 St James’s Street London SW1A 1ES +44 (0)20 4542 1697. ouronyx.com

September/October 2021 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.CO.UK | 95

Ouronyx-ADV-V5-LC.indd 95

27/08/2021 14:50

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

DESCRIBE YOURSELF IN 3 WORDS.

Passionate. Pioneer. Aesthete. WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB?

I am at my happiest when I am in my clinic. I love the highly technical skills involved with my job and combine these with an artistic sense to do my best for my patients. I believe in always learning and never resting on my laurels. WHAT PROMPTED YOU TO STEP AWAY FROM THE SURGICAL SIDE OF COSMETIC SURGERY?

The game changer.

I qualified as a cosmetic facial surgeon in 1982 and enjoyed practicing in France, England, and the US for 25 years. In 1993, I developed the concept of ‘AgeingMaintenance’ and pioneered new non-surgical procedures to restore, remodel and sculpt the face. I wanted to be able to achieve results in a gentler way, which became possible with technological advances in the industry. With regular maintenance, taking care of your skin from an early age - using good quality cosmeceutical products – and occasional ‘tweakments ’, I firmly believe that I can offer my patients an alternative to surgery.

“Ageing–Maintenance” treatment pioneer Dr Jean-Louis Sebagh shares his passion for skin care with Isabella Ross. WHAT DO YOU MEAN BY “REGULAR MAINTENANCE”?

Ageing-Maintenance aims to maintain natural beauty for as long as possible. Cosmetic Ageing-Maintenance and ‘tweakments’ aim to restore what is lost through the ageing process – a subtle but very effective way to preserve a youthful glow and age gracefully. I make a distinction between Ageing-Maintenance and cosmetic procedures for beautification. HOW DO YOU DEFINE BEAUTIFICATION?

For me, beautification means using cosmetic procedures to improve on what nature has already provided. If these procedures are performed well, wonderful results can be achieved. A good ‘tweakment’ to improve a jawline, lip or cheek volume, for example – and other minor procedures – is easy and safe when performed by a surgeon.

Dr Sebagh.indd 1

WHY DID YOU LAUNCH YOUR ADVANCED AGEING-MAINTENANCE SKIN CARE RANGE?

In 2000, I created a skin care line called Meaningful Beauty for Cindy Crawford in the US. Five years later, I launched my eponymous cosmeceutical brand. It was and is important to me to try and provide everyone, regardless of age, sex or skin type, the opportunity to have their best skin possible. The first Dr Sebagh products launched were the award winning Serum Repair, with hyaluronic acid, the cult Deep Exfoliating Mask and patented Pure Vitamin C Powder Cream, which remains the purest form of Vitamin C on the market today. WHAT IS THE BIGGEST MISTAKE PEOPLE MAKE WITH THEIR SKINCARE?

People need to know the needs of their skin. One of the biggest mistakes is to be influenced by marketing without knowing enough about ingredients and your skin’s needs. Feed your skin using the same knowledge and awareness you use to feed your body. Low quality skin

27/08/2021 10:57

WHAT ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO IN 2022?

The opening of the new Dr Sebagh HQ, based in Chandos House – one of the most beautiful and historic buildings in London. At first, I was reluctant to move my clinic, but I am now looking forward to it and trust my patients will approve of the change. IF YOU COULD HAVE ANY OTHER JOB, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

I could not imagine doing anything else. LONDON OR PARIS?

I love Paris but London is my home. WHAT ARE YOUR CARDINAL SKINCARE RULES?

care, like junk food, does not help in the long run. Also, skin care maintenance should start at a young age. Prevention is key and you will reap the benefits later in life. WHICH PRODUCT FROM THE DR SEBAGH RANGE DO YOU PERSONALLY USE MOST?

I have normal skin and usually mix a combination of Serum Repair, Rose de Vie Serum and Supreme Maintenance Youth Serum, which has the highest concentration of active ingredients of any skin care product on the market today. I do not focus on just one serum as my serums are designed to be mixed and complement each other.

TELL ME ABOUT THE DR SEBAGH SERUM BAR.

The ethos behind my Serum Bar is that a ‘cocktail’ of my serums is beyond anything any brand can offer in a single pot of cream. A good, well formulated pot of cream is ‘Ready to Wear’ skincare. By mixing serums, you can tailor and substantially increase the percentage of active ingredients to suit your skin’s needs, which can change daily. This transforms your skin care regime into ‘high- end couture’. CAN YOU SHARE YOUR FAVOURITE ‘TWEAKMENTS’ AT THE DR SEBAGH CLINIC?

Botox, Hyaluronic Acid fillers, Ultrasound, Radio frequency and threads are essential in our Ageing-Maintenance toolbox. At the moment I am seeing wonderful results with my thread lift technique – whether a full face, jawline or brow. Going forward, I believe that lifting threads will play an essential role in the treatment of the ageing face. WHAT ARE YOUR GREATEST ACHIEVEMENTS?

Being the first to use Hyaluronic Acid fillers and Botox in the UK and France. It is how I earned the nickname ‘ the King of Botox’. Also, my new thread lift technique. It was my goal to create a facelift without surgery. After 40 years, I have finally achieved it. WHAT IS YOUR MORNING ROUTINE?

For me, a perfect morning starts with meditation, Pilates and an ice-cold shower. A clear mind and an invigorated body sets me up for a long day at the clinic. DR SEBAGH LONDON CLINIC, 25 WIMPOLE ST

Dr Sebagh.indd 2

Cleanse, exfoliate, purify, moisturise, hydrate and protect – each step is important. Stay out of the sun and try to avoid sugar as much as possible.

FINALLY, CAN YOU OFFER ONE CRUCIAL PIECE OF ANTI-AGEING SKIN CARE ADVICE OUR READERS MIGHT NOT HAVE HEARD?

Yo-yo dieting is one of the worst things you can do. Fat lost and regained constantly stretches skin, making it saggy. I always give my patients the same advice; “Pick a weight and stick to it, your face and body will thank you later!” To be clear, I don’t want patients to become overly obsessed with dieting – a sensible, well-balanced diet coupled with a healthy lifestyle will have a great impact on your skin and how it looks. Contact the Dr Sebagh clinic for further information or to book a consultation or treatment. Dr Sebagh 25 Wimpole Street London W1G 8GL +44 (0)20 76370548 drsebagh.com

27/08/2021 10:57

TWEAKMENT GUIDE

THE AGE OF INSOUCIANCE

Hoorah for an excuse to try out some mind-blowing new products and treatments – every new age is just a new aesthetic. Wear yours like you cared, says Annabel Jones NEED A POST-PANDEMIC REBOOT?

If you’ve hit a trough post-pandemic and that online downward dog practice no longer wags your tail, head to molecular wellness clinic BelleCell for their Lockdown Bounceback Package (listed on the website under Biohacking, no less). Forget that new designer handbag and save instead for five hours of sci-fi-sounding treatments like Hyberbaric Oxygen Therapy to promote regeneration, the Infrashape Sauna Vacuum Pod (pictured) for fat burning and lymphatic drainage, LPG Endermologie to smooth and tone lacklustre skin (or cellulite), plus a nutrition consultation and digital skin analysis including a 3D Body Scan and Body Composition. A bionic new you, from £595. bellecellclinic. com

NATURAL GLOW September’s back-to-school feeling usually propels us to the foundation counter in search of a fresh face. Meet Bare Minerals’ new Original Liquid Mineral Foundation SPF20. With 88 per cent naturally derived ingredients, this vegan, glow-giving base is packed with ingredients such as peptides, squalene and prickly pear extract to hydrate skin, minimise pores and reduce redness. Available in 30 shades. £31, boots.com

SKIN FOOD Augustinus Bader’s The Cream became a cult product due to its game-changing TFC8 (trigger factor complex) that tricks the skin into healing itself, a discovery Professor Bader found out through his work in treating burns victims. Available from October, Augustinus Bader’s The Skin supplements contain the ingestible equivalent, Epigenetic Rejuvenating Complex, that stimulates sluggish dermal cellular activity for an inside-out glow. Need convincing? The clinical trials are compelling: hydration improved by 160 per cent in 12 weeks, skin firmness by 180 per cent and skin texture smoother by 200 per cent. £126, augustinusbader.com

POSITIVE AGEING ‘Anti-ageing’ has been replaced by the concept of ‘ageing well’, according to a recent Avon survey, in which 4,000 women revealed that 55-pluses no longer feel insecure about wrinkles but are more concerned with ‘ageing authentically’. Tell us about it. We rate Dr Vicky Dondos’ new book The Positive Ageing Plan, which sets out her upbeat laws on how to look ‘good’ rather than ‘younger’, gives advice on knowing your own skin and finding the best products that work for you, as well as radiance-boosting lifestyle tips, nutrition and self-acceptance. £14.99, Penguin

LUXURY MEETS CLINICAL Not a white coat or bright light in sight, Dr Nyla’s new flagship clinic on London’s Dover Street is decked out like a five-star hotel spa, with opulent gold-veined flooring throughout and a flower-filled, candle-lit entryway. With her peerless aesthetic eye, the awardwinning cosmetic practitioner has raised the wellness bar to just where we want it, focusing on beauty inside and out. Seven treatment rooms, top practitioners and state-of-the-art technologies, including Dr Nyla’s signature Transformation Facelift. Once you check in, you won’t want to leave. doctornyla.com

98 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.CO.UK | September/October 2021

TW-News-V2.BB.indd 98

27/08/2021 14:24

P R O M OT I O N

LESS IS MORE The award-winning medical aesthetician Alexandra Haq prefers a more holistic style when it comes to treatments

all it the curse of Zoom. Constantly seeing our faces reflected back to us has made us more aware than ever of cheeks that are no longer as plump as they once were and forehead lines that are becoming an increasing cause of frustration. No wonder the desire for cosmetic ‘tweakments’ has accelerated since the pandemic. Given the rise in popularity of aesthetic enhancements, choosing the right Alexandra Haq is an award-winning practitioner is more important medical aesthetician known for than ever. You can often gauge her ‘less is more’ approach an aesthetician’s style from their website and Instagram by viewing their before and after pictures. Most importantly, you want them to have a solid background in cosmetic procedures. With a client book that’s full to bursting, Alexandra Haq, an awardwinning medical aesthetician and skincare expert, is renowned for her ‘less is more’ approach. Whether it’s ‘Baby Botox’ (tiny sprinklings of Botox to relax the muscle); Profhilo, the equivalent of injecting moisturiser into the skin; or collagen stimulation therapy, which harnesses your body’s natural powers to heal and tighten skin, she instinctively knows how to make a face look fresher, more youthful and the best possible version of itself. Alex’s credentials speak for themselves (not to mention her glowing skin and fabulous bone structure, which make her the best example of her own work). When she graduated from Queen’s University in Belfast, it was with a degree in both nursing and law. With a keen interest in facial anatomy, a career in aesthetic medicine soon beckoned. That was over a decade ago. Since then, Alex spent the best part of five years working in a multidisciplinary aesthetic clinic and became a member of the

British Association of Cosmetic Nurses, keen to create an ethical, safe and holistic approach to patient care. She went on to establish her own practice, AM Aesthetics, with clinics in Belfast and, more recently, 10 Harley Street in London, where Alex is now based. Appointments with her are very much in demand, largely because she offers a 360-degree holistic experience, combining aesthetic wellness and injectable treatments with dermatology and nutritional services. In short: beauty inside and out. Alex has become famous for her natural-looking needlework, especially lip fillers (Glamour.co.uk recently listed AM Aesthetics as one of the top clinics in the UK for lip augmentation). Her ultimate aim? To provide five-star cosmetic treatments in a friendly, relaxed environment. As one happy client on her website commented: ‘Alex is amazing, she is professional yet personable. She is naturally gifted with a needle!’ To find out more about AM Aesthetics, email amclinic.no.10@gmail.com; @am.aesthetics; amaesthetics.clinic

September/October 2021 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.CO.UK | 99

AM-Aesthetics-V2-PBAW.indd 99

27/08/2021 14:50

TWEAKMENT GUIDE

The INBETWEENERS

Sales of facial gadgets have experienced triple-digit growth over the past year. But are they worth the investment? Fiona Embleton investigates

ur skincare routines have seriously stepped up a gear over the past year, especially in the tool arena. Suddenly creams and serums alone are no longer enough as we look for smarter ways to target the cells beneath the surface where the magic happens. Of course, nothing beats a professional laser or LED treatment, but the latest facial gadgets are so high-tech they can help keep skin dewy and glowing in between clinic appointments.

causes small injuries in the skin, which send a signal to get extra collagen and elastin to the site for long-term firmness. Try the Sensica SensiLift Mini (£179, lookfantastic.com). Meanwhile, facialist Shani Darden has been using sound waves in her treatments for over 16 years. The vibrations in her Facial Sculpting Wand (£430, cultbeauty.co.uk) boost circulation, increasing skin’s oxygen uptake and stimulating the muscles for glow, contour and deep-down collagen production.

Some devices allow you to switch between all colours for a more bespoke approach to your skin woes. Arguably the most powerful (and expensive) of these is the Cellreturn Platinum LED Mask by Angela Caglia, with 1026 LED lights (£1,740, net-a-porter.com). For a less pricey option, try the Unicskin UnicLED Korean Mask (£315, net-a-porter.com).

BEST FOR SKIN-TIGHTENING

GLOW-INDUCING LED

For those dipping their toes into the gadget waters for the first time, microcurrent is a good place to start. ‘Microcurrent makes the muscles contract in the same way as a gym workout,’

Stormtrooper-esque LED face masks have become Instagram bait. But light therapy was first used by Navy Seals and athletes for wound healing. A ten-minute LED session

Dermatologists agree that looking younger is about creating fullness in the face –which is just one of the benefits of the Lyma laser (£1,999, lyma.life.co.uk). At the top end of the market, it emits medical-grade infrared and is a hundred times more powerful than

says laser expert Debbie Thomas (dthomas.com). ‘Each time the muscle contracts and relaxes it becomes stronger and tighter.’ The palm-sized Foreo Bear (£279, cultbeauty.co.uk) combines microcurrent with sonic pulsations to boost circulation and banish 7am face puff. Also energising your facial muscles for an HIIT-like workout is FaceGym’s Electrical Muscle Stimulation Mask (£415, net-a-porter. com). Using EMS (electrical muscle stimulation technology), it restores your cheeks to their former perky position. Radio frequency is popular too. It works by heating up both the surface and underlying skin, causing collagen fibres to contract. It also

helps to recharge the ‘battery’ in skin cells that becomes sluggish with age. The most proven of these LEDs is red and infrared light, which encourage your skin’s hydration and collagen-producing efforts. Blue light is absorbed by acne-causing bacteria, which effectively kills it off. There’s also green for pigmentation and yellow for reducing inflammation. The Light Salon’s Boost LED Face Mask (£395, thelight-salon. com) with red and near-infrared light is a good entry-point option that wraps around your face like a high-tech silicone sheet mask. For crow’s feet, try the Peep Club Heated Eye Wand (£60, peepclub.com).

traditional LED when it comes to driving cell renewal. ‘It’s so good at immediately taking down redness that I’ll often use it as the final step in a treatment,’ says Country & Town House’s beauty director, Nathalie Eleni. Used for ten to 30 minutes (building up over time) three times a week, Eleni agrees it’s the closest you can get to a professionalgrade treatment. As for the future of facial gadgets? ‘They’re only going to become more sophisticated,’ predicts Thomas. ‘They will simply become a staple in skincare, no different to using a mask.’ Proof then, that the future of beauty is only getting brighter. n

THE ULTIMATE LASER-LIKEY

100 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.CO.UK | September/October 2021

TW-Gadgets-V4-PB.indd 100

27/08/2021 14:24

The LYMA laser is a game-changer for at-home aesthetic selfcare

TW-Gadgets-V4-PB.indd 101

27/08/2021 14:24

P R O M OT I O N

‘LOOK GOOD, NOT DONE’ Dr Yusra’s dental and maxillofacial surgical background brings a fresh understanding of facial structure to aesthetics

ne of the few practices in the country that combines psychological wellness with aesthetics, Dr Yusra Al-Mukhtar’s flagship award-winning clinic in Liverpool is popular with patients seeking aesthetic tweakments using her medical knowledge and artistic eye. ‘I used to paint but now I sculpt faces and bodies.’ And the results are outstanding. Dr Yusra’s mission is to ‘help patients feel confident in their own skin and empowered to put their best self forward with a bounce in their step. Radiance on the outside, wellness on the inside.’ Originally trained as a dental surgeon, Dr Yusra is a member of the British College of Aesthetic Medicine and Associate Member of the Royal College of Surgeons and has been awarded Best Young Dentist in the North, two years in a row at the prestigious Private Dentistry Awards, she was also a finalist in the Aesthetic Awards. With two satellite aesthetic clinics in Harrow on the Hill and Harley Street, her specialty in non- surgical rhinoplasty sees patients – in usual times – fly in from the US and Australia for nasal correction. Using injectable fillers such as Teoxane, the results of this nonsurgical ‘nose job’ are comparable to going under the knife with no

Dr Yusra is known just as much for cosmetic dentistry as for her excellent range of tweakments

downtime and instant results – in just ten minutes. Her ALR – Align, Lift, Refine – technique aligns any bumps on the nose, lifts the tip and refines any asymmetries using filler which lasts for 18 months. ‘Patients often feel conscious and even held back by their appearance, some may have been bullied,’ Dr Yusra says. ‘This treatment is liberating and life-changing.’ Dr Yusra clinics’ dedicated Sculpt suite is home to Coolsculpting, which can reduce fat in the treated area by up to 27 per cent in one session, with the double chin being one of the most common areas. Dr Yusra says, ‘You can also resculpt the whole body with Coolsculpting and it’s very popular post-partum on the abdomen.’ Offering a wide range of aesthetic treatments from no-knife face lifts with Ultracel to Hydrafacial, hair loss restoration, micro-needling and over 20 different skin peels to target acne, fine lines and wrinkles and pigmentation, the clinics’ team of experts are on hand to help – not forgetting the north’s best medical artistry from Dr Yusra herself. +44 (0)333 224 4666. dryusra.com

102 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.CO.UK | September/October 2021

Dr-Yusra-ADV-V6 STG.indd 102

27/08/2021 14:50

TWEAKMENT GUIDE

Is the

TRADITIONAL

facelift over

With non-surgical face-tightening treatments advancing at lightning speed, Annabel Jones investigates whether it’s now possible to achieve facelift results... without going under the knife September/October 2021 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.CO.UK | 103

TW-Face-Lift-BB.V3.indd 103

27/08/2021 14:25

TWEAKMENT GUIDE

Dr Marwa Ali uses devices such as the ULTRAcel Q+ and the Lumenis Stellar M22 that can work wonders for tightening skin

n the hands of a great surgeon, a traditional surgical facelift is considered the gold standard, especially if you’re looking to regain the smooth facial contours you had in youth. But over the past five years, advanced skin-tightening machines combined with brow-lifting and jaw-sculpting injectables have slowly been stealing their share of potential surgical patients with their little-and-often approach to turning back time. There’s certainly nothing more transformative than surgically pulling back skin that’s lost its fight with gravity, but many aesthetic doctors believe that, if you start soon enough, a combination of cosmetic treatments – from fillers to ultrasound and thread lifts – can achieve the same results as a face tuck but with less invasive methods and little downtime. Of course, results from filler depend on how loose your skin is. Cosmetic practitioner Dr Wassim Taktouk from The Taktouk Clinic points out that non-surgical treatments have their limitations. ‘We are a long way off the end of the surgical facelift, but there are lots of tweakments we can do in the interim to stave off the scalpel,’ he says. Taktouk is a master with filler and Botox and trains other practitioners on the subtle art of injecting well. The magic is in understanding where and how to inject it for facelift-worthy results. ‘There are five layers of tissue in the face,’ says Dr Taktouk. ‘The outer skin, two layers of fat [one superficial and one deep], muscle and bone. Everyone loses volume in

the layer of deep fat, which is hard and immovable and requires a firm hyaluronic gel injected close to the bone to replace lost volume. Whereas the superficial fat closer to the skin is dynamic and requires what’s known as ‘resilient hyaluronic acid’ that moves and stretches with the skin so it looks natural and undetectable. It’s all about correctly matching the tissue you are replacing.’ One thing fillers can do that a facelift can’t is replace jawline structure. ‘As we age’, says Dr Taktouk, ‘there is some bone reabsorption that can cause us to lose the angles in our jawline. With less bone to hang on to, the tissues that were being held in place begin to move forwards; the chin shrinks and the jawline is less angular. By carefully injecting filler close to the bone you can replace volume… which creates a more youthful-looking jawline.’ In combination with other methods, new generation thread lifts can also delay surgery by tightening sagging jowls, heightening cheekbones and reducing marionette lines (sad lines around the mouth). Former GPs Dr Victoria Manning and Dr Charlotte Woodward from River Aesthetics are considered leading experts and offer three such procedures at their clinics in London, Hampshire and Dorset, including the Silhouette Soft thread lift. This involves suturing sagging skin with superfine absorbable threads inserted via a needle beneath the subcutaneous layer of fat, which

are then pulled taut to lift the skin. Not only does Silhouette Soft tighten, it also helps stimulate long-term collagen production, for firmer, bouncier skin texture. And recognising that tight skin doesn’t always equate youthful skin, they developed the River Lift, which combines volume-replacing filler with Silhouette Soft threads, for those clients who need both lifting and plumping. But even needles are considered too invasive for some medics. Enter the new generation of energy devices that deliver lasers, ultrasound and radio frequency to firm and sculpt the face. Dr Nyla, who has clinics in Cheshire and London, predicts machines will replace the scalpel in years to come. ‘I have every machine at my clinic,’ she says, ‘so I have no bias towards one device or another. I can use all of them in combination or just one protocol, depending on the client’s specific needs.’ She adds, ‘I’ve seen some amazing results with machines alone that are akin to a facelift, if not better, because they improve the quality of the skin at the same time.’ Dr Nyla uses a combination of energy devices for each skin concern. These include fat-dissolving technologies such as CoolSculpting or Aqualyx to reduce a double chin, radiofrequency to sculpt and tighten, ultrasound to reach the SMAS layer (the deeper tissue that surgeons target) and surface treatments like mesotherapy that plump and rejuvenate the skin’s surface. While the full benefits can take three months to actualise, the end result is often dramatic. ‘It can be quite emotional to see clients at the end of their treatment plan,’ she says. ‘Some women can look unrecognisable.’ Many practitioners rely on injectables alongside energy treatments, but for Dr Nyla, the syringe is gradually taking a back seat. ‘Five years ago patients would lean towards Botox and filler first,’ she says. ‘Now 80 per cent of my treatment plans predominantly use energy devices.’ Known for her less-is-more approach, Dr Marwa Ali at Harrods Wellness Clinic agrees that clients are looking at their skin through a more holistic lens. ‘For some patients,’ she says, ‘a surgical facelift is the best option and can be fundamental in improving lost confidence. However, many patients nowadays don’t mind some signs of ageing and are more interested in attaining superb skin quality with a youthful glow.’ She explains: ‘With devices such as ULTRAcel Q+, which uses high intensity, frequency ultrasound to tighten, particularly on the jawline, combined with machines that help to create a luminous, even, skin texture, it takes the focus off specific ageing concerns,

104 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.CO.UK | September/October 2021

TW-Face-Lift-BB.V3.indd 104

27/08/2021 14:25

Rose diamond cut palm ring, David Morris

such as a few lines and wrinkles.’ Dr Marwa also uses the Lumenis Stellar M22, which targets pigmentation, treats broken blood vessels and stimulates collagen for a clearer, smoother and younger-looking complexion. FaceTite is perhaps as close to surgery as it gets – a radiofrequency energy delivered with a probe inserted underneath the skin with small incisions to heat up and contract the skin, while killing off some of the fat cells and shortening the collagen fibres that cause jowls and a double chin. It’s known in the US as ‘shrink-wrapping’. Dr Judy Todd, an expert in FaceTite and Morpheus8, points out that although the results can be superb and last for up to five years, it’s by no means a non-invasive process and comes with four to five days downtime and some swelling. ‘FaceTite works best on those in their late ’30s to early ’50s with some fat to work with,’ she explains. ‘Those with more progressive sagging, or a thin face without much fat beneath the skin, wouldn’t be good candidates.’ Has the old-school facelift been unfairly targeted by the lure of technology? Plastic surgeon Dr Olivier Amar thinks so. Indeed, while facelifts may have taken a dip since less invasive treatments have advanced, surgical techniques have also moved on leaps and bounds. ‘Fifteen years ago,’ he says, ‘if you had a facelift there was a lot of recovery time, but surgical techniques have evolved since then. NIP & TUCK We don’t always have to Facial contouring cut through the muscle with Dr Wassim to achieve a good result; Taktouk at the you can now have a Taktouk Clinic, micro- or mini-facelift from £595. drwassim with minimal incisions taktouk.com that restore tension in the face harmoniously.’ Lumenis Stellar Moreover, a miniM22 with Dr Marwa Ali at facelift can cost no more Harrods Wellness than some of the energy Clinic, from £550. device treatments, that harrods.com many surgeons also Silhouette Soft have access to. ‘We often thread lift with Dr combine minor surgical Victoria Manning lifts with skin treatments, or Dr Charlotte whether that’s by Woodward at River Aesthetics, injecting the patient’s from £2620. rivera own fat to restore lost esthetics.com volume or by utilising FaceTight with microneedling or radio NeckTite and frequency devices,’ Morpheus8 with he says. ‘Depending Dr Judy Todd, on the client, surgery from £5,200. is sometimes the drjudytodd.com more natural option. Micro surgical Everything has its place; facelift with Dr it’s about creating the Olivier Amar from £8,500, best treatment plan for olivieramar.co.uk each client.’ n

TW-Face-Lift-BB.V3.indd 105

27/08/2021 14:25

Known for her holistic approach to aesthetics, Dr Nyla is opening her second medispa in London next month on Mayfair’s Dover Street

Dr-Nyla-ADV-V5-LC.indd 106

27/08/2021 14:51

P R O M OT I O N

TRANSFORMATIONAL GLOW

From her f lagship London medispa and sought-after signature treatments to her highly anticipated new skincare range, Dr Nyla’s 360-degree approach to skin rejuvenation delivers transformative results

r Nyla Raja is best known for her holistic approach to age rejuvenation and her bespoke combination of cutting-edge technologies that firm, tighten and illuminate the skin. With a reputation for achieving powerful, naturallooking results without relying on injectables, it’s no wonder that the queen of glow has a 700-strong wait list and an awe-inspiring flagship medispa opening its doors in London’s Dover Street next month. Her philosophy for enhancing each client’s natural beauty, along with her in-depth knowledge about how skin ages – combined with the most advanced technologies – is at the heart of Dr Nyla’s practice.

A NEW GENERATION MEDI-SPA With clinics in Cheshire and Harley Street, Dr Nyla’s new flagship medispa is opening on London’s Dover Street this October. The luxury destination clinic boasts concierge service with the most advanced treatments in a five-star spa environment. The medispa is decked out with gold-veined concrete flooring in flower-filled, candle-lit rooms, where clients will benefit from a menu of therapies including Coolsculpting Elite, EmSculpt and Morpheus8, along with Dr Nyla’s signature treatments such as Collagen Banking, a therapy designed to stimulate and store collagen for enduring skin quality, and The Transformational Face Lift. Designed by Dr Nyla herself, this ultimate non-surgical procedure harnesses ultrasound and radiofrequency to lift and tighten combined with skin-boosting microneedling and dermal and anti-wrinkle injections for firm, ever-fresh skin that lasts up to 18 months.

THE ULTIMATE SKINCARE To help clients to maintain healthy skin at home, Dr Nyla Skincare is set to shake up the cosmeceutical landscape. A range of refillable skincare meticulously chosen for its clinically proven results, each formulation delivers advanced skincare science with a pampering experience. Hero products include the Prejuvenating Serum, a super skin elixir with plant stem cells to boost cell renewal, and Rejuvenate Night Cream harnessing encapsulated retinol, hyaluronic acid and antioxidants to restore and promote cell turnover, complemented by the Radiance Rich Day Cream, a fast absorbing cream with a gold-encapsulated peptide complex proven to boosts collagen synthesis for brighter, firmer, more luminous skin. Dr Nyla, 32 Dover Street, London W1 +44 (0)800 009 6661. doctornyla.com

September/October 2021 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.CO.UK | 107

Dr-Nyla-ADV-V5-LC.indd 107

27/08/2021 14:51

YOU, ONLY

TWEAKMENT GUIDE

BETTER THE INSIDER’S GUIDE TO (NATURAL-LOOKING) INJECTABLES

There’s more to injectables than a quick shot of Botox and filler. Here’s everything you need to know, from the basics to the latest techniques, and how not to get botched. By Rosie Green 108 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.CO.UK | September/October 2021

TW-Injectables-V4-PB.indd 108

27/08/2021 14:26

In the right hands, injectables can deliver incredible results White textured swimsuit, Eres; rose cut white diamond ring Palm ring, David Morris

TW-Injectables-V4-PB.indd 109

27/08/2021 14:26

WHAT PLACE DO INJECTABLES HAVE IN AGEING WELL? After all, there are now high-tech machines that can mimic the effects of a facelift without the need for needles or scalpels, and for some that’s more than enough. But in terms of ROI (return on investment), injectables are still the beauty experts’ number one choice. Dr Alexis Granite, one of London’s most well-respected dermatologists agrees: ‘They are one of the most important tools for anti-ageing.’ Dr Sophie Shotter, another respected cosmetic doctor, says if people want to see quick results then her go-tos are still Botox and filler. ‘Volume loss and lines at rest are the most common concerns,’ says Dr Granite, ‘and Botox and filler address these very well.’

RESEARCH YOUR INJECTOR FIRST Just as you wouldn’t hand a 17-year-old salon trainee a pair of scissors and expect to receive a sophisticated haircut, hoping for great injector skills from a therapist who has been on a three-day course is foolhardy. In fact, when it comes to filler, there’s currently a lack of government regulation about who

can administer it, which can result in rudimentary results such as overfilled cheeks and lips. Dr Alexis Granite says that, to get the best results, visiting someone who is ‘specialised’ is key, preferably a doctor. ‘You have to have been doing it [injecting] a long time and have treated lots and lots of people to find out what works and what doesn’t.’ She says it’s important that injectors are ‘constantly learning, trying out new techniques and products’.

STEALTH TECHNIQUES EQUAL NATURAL RESULTS Fifteen years ago injectables were much more of a blunt tool. Wrinkles were ironed out and volume injected, but faces were often left stiff and puffy. ‘That frozen domed forehead and overly arched eyebrows that one used to get from Botox looks outdated now,’ says Dr Vicky Dondos. Ditto pillow face and trout pout from fillers. ‘Now,’ she says, ‘my clients want to look effortless, like the best versions of themselves, to press pause on ageing and maybe to look a little less tired, cross or sad.’ Cosmetic practitioners like Dr Dondos have therefore mastered techniques that give a more subtle effect. Think baby Botox, where a lower dose is ‘sprinkled’ over much more of the face than previously, thus blurring lines rather than eradicating them. Dr Dondos has also started reducing the dose in the upper face for her 40-plus clients, making sure as the lower face ages the contrast doesn’t look too great. Filler has moved on too. ‘Now it’s used to subtly lift and contour rather than fill lines,’ says Dr Dondos. And new areas for filler use are being discovered all the time. Fillers used to be limited to cheeks, lips and nasolabial folds (nose to mouth lines), but now

pros use it in the temples to lift the upper face and soften hollowing that can occur through lack of deep fat in the area, and in the jawline to sharpen and pull back a slack jaw that’s caused when the bone recedes with age. Filler can make noses look smaller and the neck younger. Dr Shotter has even started using it behind the hairline, as does Dr Michael Prager, to create a soft lift that’s hidden from plain sight.

WHY INJECTABLES WORK BETTER IN PARTNERSHIP Botox, fillers and skin boosters are the gold standard triple threat to ageing. But insiders know that to really boost skin and press pause you need more than just injectables. A hybrid, multipronged approach is the stealth way to your best skin and the top cosmetic doctors each have their own recipes for skin success. Dr Dondos uses ultra-low dose Botox over the entire face. ‘I combine super-diluted Botox with filler and PRP (platelet rich plasma) and needle it in. This is great for fine lines, evening out redness and delivering a megawatt glow!’ Dr Granite believes you don’t want to keep pumping more and more filler in as patients get older, so she suggests her patients combine injectables with machinebased treatments like the ultrasound Ultherapy or radio frequencypowered Morpheus 8, to lift and firm. She adds that ‘injectables don’t treat pigmentation and redness so I would also combine them with IPL treatments if needed’. And don’t forget lifestyle matters too. Remember ‘the three S’s,’ says Dr Dondos: ‘Get enough sleep, wear SPF and manage stress.’

PATIENCE AND INVESTMENT PAY OFF Your face is not somewhere to cut costs or scrimp on time. A decade or so ago, injectors were under pressure to keep treatments to one session and to make the effects last as long as possible. The thinking now among the experts is little and often. ‘If you are pushed to show maximum impact in one session you are going to end up in trouble,’ says Dr Dondos. ‘I’m so lucky that my clients give me the time, financial commitment and trust to work with a longer-term

110 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.CO.UK | September/October 2021

TW-Injectables-V4-PB.indd 110

27/08/2021 14:26

PHOTOS: UNSPLASH; GETTY IMAGES

he beauty cognoscenti know that injectables are a guaranteed route to glowier, dewier, more youthfullooking skin. In the right hands the needle can deliver truly incredible results – boosting skin radiance, restoring volume and smoothing fine lines, as well as subtly lifting and sculpting. Yet those in search of a natural look tend to view them with a degree of trepidation. The overfilled faces, inflated lips and frozen foreheads we’ve all seen on our screens means many are (rightly) wary of them, fearful of looking fake and plastic. But the difference between looking like an overblown reality TV star and looking like your best self is merely down to knowledge. Curious about Botox, tempted by filler, but don’t know where to begin? Then look no further than this guide. We reveal the dos, don’ts, best practices and subtle methods that can help you look great, but never ‘done’.

TWEAKMENT GUIDE

plan to get their skin to its optimum. In fact, if your practitioner wants to spread your appointments out, to administer less product at a time, consider that a sign of a seasoned pro.

and to wait for three days or so to see results. The effects can last from between three to six months.

FILLER Best for recreating youthful volume, lifting the face and refreshing the skin, fillers are made up of hyaluronic acid and work instantly and overtime to improve skin quality and restore plumpness lost with age. During treatment a liquid gel is injected into your skin. It can be used anywhere on the face, but most commonly in lips, temples, cheeks, chin and jawline. Traditionally used to fill specific lines, it’s now much more about enhancing the contours and proportions of the face. A skilled injector will use different densities of gel for different areas for subtle results. The treatment takes from between five to 45 minutes to perform. Your face may be a little puffy afterwards, but this will go in days and the results last from three to 18 months.

WHAT’S NEXT? Many doctors now use a cannula technique to deliver more product and supercharge the effects. And as skin boosters become less expensive cosmetic doctors are using them on the body to address crêpey skin on the knees, arms and belly. The filler Sculptra is also being used to plump up buttocks. Watch this space...

INSIDE THE SYRINGE... BOTOX

PHOTOS: UNSPLASH; GETTY IMAGES

Best for smoothing out lines and lifting brows, botulinum toxin works by blocking the nerve signals to the muscle and weakening overactive facial muscles, thereby softening the wrinkles they cause. The end result is diminished unwanted facial wrinkles and a softer appearance. While Botox is the most commonly talked about brand, other types of botulinum toxin injections include Dysport and Xeomin (recently reviewed by Goop founder, Gwyneth Paltrow). While one isn’t necessarily better than another, it may be worth asking your practitioner which type they use and check that it is MHRA-approved. Very effective at smoothing out crow’s feet and frown lines, it can also lift the corners of the mouth, make the jawline and neck look firmer, open up the eyes and lift the brows. Expect anything between three and 30 injections, a little pain as the needle goes in,

SKIN BOOSTERS Best for those nervous about filler but who want a healthy glow, skin boosters deliver intense hydration, stimulate elastin and collagen while reducing crêpeyness. A relatively new development in the world of injectables, skin boosters are shallow injections of hyaluronic acid that act like an inner moisturiser. They are thinner than fillers and don’t change the contours of your face, but instead spread out under

the skin, hydrating, giving bounce back and smoothing it out. Profhilo is the most well-known, but there are new options like Belotero Revive, which Dr Granite thinks delivers superior results. After the treatment skin looks instantly glowier and more rested as the hyaluronic acid draws moisture into the dermis. But the real genius is the bio stimulation that happens deep in the skin to kickstart new collagen and elastin and thus give a cushiony bounce and firmness back to lacklustre complexions. Each injection (there’s a multitude in one session) feels like a little sting and the bumps remain visible, from a few hours to a few days. You’ll need two appointments six weeks apart to get the best results, which can last up to six months.

PRP Best for rejuvenating dull, dehydrated skin, platelet rich plasma (PRP) stimulates collagen, gives skin a glow and helps it function optimally. The treatment involves taking a small amount of blood from your arm and spinning it in a centrifuge to separate out the part of the blood that’s rich in platelets/growth factors. This is then injected into your face (or whichever part of the body you want treated) to stimulate regeneration and give skin an anti-ageing boost. Best combined with other treatments like skin boosters, expect a day of redness afterwards, then an immediate glow, with the best results showing after four to six weeks.

BOOK A CONSULTATION Dr Alexis Granite: dralexisgranite.com Dr Sophie Shotter: drsophieshotter.com Dr Vicky Dondos: medicetics.com/about-us/our-doctors Dr Michael Prager drmichaelprager.com n

5 DOS AND DON’TS

DO Seek a recommendation. DON’T Scrimp: this is your face we are talking about. DO Make sure your injector belongs to a regulatory body – BCAM and GMC. DON’T Be overly polite: it’s important to say what you are looking for. DO Look at the faces of the staff for an idea of the injector’s aesthetic. September/October 2021 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.CO.UK | 111

TW-Injectables-V4-PB.indd 111

27/08/2021 14:26

P R O M OT I O N

TIME FOR A NEW YOU Tempus Belgravia is the aesthetic clinic that focuses on making you feel good from the outside in

star in the world of aesthetic clinics, Tempus is not only the chicest of destinations, it also has a genuinely holistic offering empowering clients to take time to discuss their individual concerns. Its Nu Yu concept was conceived to provide an overall approach to self-improvement in face, body and mind – underpinned by honesty – with treatments ranging from Tempus Belgravia takes a holistic non-surgical tweakments such as facial approach to treating muscle relaxing injections (using the your body, with gold-standard fillers such as Restylane massage and counselling as part and Juvéderm) and body contouring, to of its offering hormone therapy and psychotherapy. Tempus is led by a team of highly skilled experts: Dr Nada, a globally renowned dermatologist, who also has clinics in the Middle East; Dr Nadine, a plastic surgeon who also founded Proximie; Dr Veerle, a plastic surgeon; and Dr Kuldeep, the medical director who teaches at world-leading conferences. All of them believe in the importance of talking through individual client needs and a highly bespoke approach when it comes to treatment. A full and wide-ranging menu of tweakments, some of which use the most cutting-edge technology around, can also be taken in combination to provide first-class results. Take the Focus Dual, for example, that combines both radiofrequency micro-needling and high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) to lift eyebrows, define the jawline, even

out scars, reduce wrinkles, open pores, and even reduce eye-bags – with no downtime and immediate results. Alternatively, for those who aren’t keen on injectables or just hate needles, the new PRX-T33 peel is groundbreaking. Without any downtime, it not only reveals a younger dermis but also accelerates collagen and elastin production for a more youthful appearance and can also improve the appearance of scars, melasma and hard-to-treat stretch marks. With the option to finish off these results-driven treatments with Profhilo or skin boosters, it really can peel back the years and make you feel your best self. When it comes to the body, tailor-made programmes are prescribed after a doctor-led consultation. On offer is both VelaShape lll, a medically proven device to tone, firm and reduce fat on the legs, thighs, flanks, buttocks and abdomen, all when lying down and relaxing; and Onda, another body contouring system, which the doctor may also prescribe as part of your treatment plan. A truly holistic clinic, let’s leave the last word to a happy Tempus client: ‘The entire team at Tempus has been just wonderful: knowledgeable, approachable and professional. The treatments I’ve had there have been exceptional. It is certainly now my go-to clinic for all my skincare and aesthetic treatment needs.’ Contact Tempus for a complimentary consultation and quote Country & Town House when booking. Tempus Belgravia, 11a West Halkin Street, London SW1X 8JL. WhatsApp: 07538037973; Instagram: @tempus_belgravia; Facebook: Tempus Belgravia. +44 (0)20 8037 3265. tempusbelgravia.co.uk

112 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.CO.UK | September/October 2021

Tempus-ADV-V6 STG.indd 112

27/08/2021 14:51

TWEAKMENT GUIDE

AND THE

AWARD

for BEST tweakment G OES TO...

Sixteen of the best face and body treatments, tried and tested by our beauty experts

September/October 2021 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.CO.UK | 113

TW-Tried-Tested-V3-LC.indd 113

27/08/2021 14:26

TWEAKMENT GUIDE uses the Ultherapy machine to assess the quality of your skin and the depth it would be most beneficial to treat at. The zones of the treatment area are then marked out in a grid and the applicator is moved over the area with one zap applied to each square until the whole area is covered. Ouch factor: Depends on your pain threshold, but most people agree it’s not pleasant. While the individual zaps are totally bearable, after repetition they become wearing and a little uncomfortable. Downtime: Expect minor redness that fades within hours. Rating: The results are subtle, but that’s what makes it good. Expect to leave with skin instantly tighter and glowier, though the real impact takes a few months to kick in and the long-term benefits can last up to a year or more. Book it: From £1,200 for a brow lift at Cosmetic Skin Clinic. cosmeticskinclinic.com

INVISIBLE LIP FILLER BEST FOR: SUBTLY PLUMPING THE LIPS AND DEFINING THE LIP LINE

What happens? While the very idea of lip filler may conjure unflattering images of overblown pouts, there’s a much more subtle option available. A select few cosmetic doctors know how to use lip filler subtly and expertly to restore structure and volume that’s been lost through the ageing process, and/or to add balance and harmony to the face, in an indiscernible way. One of these doctors is lip queen Dr Sophie Shotter, who achieves a subtle enhancement that even the most beady eye struggles to spot. So what’s the process? Climb onto Dr Shotter’s treatment bed and expect half an hour of injections both into the lips and on the lip borders to add fullness and definition. Sophie injects small and precisely placed amounts of filler with a fine needle. Less is more. Ouch factor: Ouchy. The numbing cream helps, but the lip area can feel more sensitive than anywhere else on the face. Downtime: This varies from patient to patient, but usually your lips are puffy immediately after treatment. And for the first 24 hours or so, the swelling tends to become

worse before it gets better. Bruising is possible for a few days, so plan well ahead of a big event or important meeting. Rating: It’s instantly revitalising and beauty-boosting. Book it: From £475 with Dr Sophie Shotter, at Illuminate Skin Clinic. illuminateskinclinic.co.uk

ULTHERAPY BEST FOR: SCULPTING AND TIGHTENING THE SKIN ON THE FACE AND DÉCOLLETAGE

What happens? Ultherapy harnesses ultrasound to deliver energy into the deeper layers of the skin to tighten and firm. It works by creating micro injuries deep in the skin to kick-start the regeneration of collagen and elastin. This reverses (and prevents) sagging skin, skin laxity, turkey necks and drooping eyelids. You’ll need to arrive 30 minutes before your appointment for an application of numbing cream and you can also ask for anti-anxiety medication like Valium if you’re feeling nervous. Once you’re on the treatment bed the practitioner

BEST FOR SOFTENING CRÊPEY HANDS

What happens? Hands are one of the first areas to show ageing thanks to their thin skin and nearconstant sun exposure (exacerbated if you have low body fat). A Glow Rehab session can help counter this. A-list injector Dr Maryam Zamani starts with PRP microneedling, which entails taking a vial of your blood, and spinning it in a centrifuge to separate out the platelet-rich plasma from the red blood cells. The plasma is then injected back into the skin to stimulate new collagen production, which reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and improves skin tone and clarity. There are several injections (around ten). After this, Dr Maryam uses a laser treatment to target uneven skin tone and stimulate more collagen. The last stage is yet more injections – this time of Profhilo, a super-fine liquid filler that gives skin a pleasing plumpness. Ouch factor: The injections sting, but the discomfort dissipates quickly. The laser is only slightly uncomfortable, though needle phobics might struggle. Downtime: Initially hands look puffy and swollen but this subsides within hours. Rating: Your hands look like yours, but from five years ago. The treatment is expensive but results are immediate and very satisfying. Book it: From £2,000 with Dr Maryam Zamani. drmaryamzamani.com

PHOTOS: GETTY IMAGES

GLOW REHAB HAND REJUVENATION

114 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.CO.UK | September/October 2021

TW-Tried-Tested-V3-LC.indd 114

27/08/2021 14:27

PHOTOS: GETTY IMAGES

Vesper swimsuit, Violet Lake; White diamond cuff bracelet set in white gold, David Morris

TW-Tried-Tested-V3-LC.indd 115

27/08/2021 14:27

TWEAKMENT GUIDE therapist presses the hand-held IPL flashgun to the skin and zaps to treat the blemished area, moving and repeating until all areas have been treated. Downtime: If treating pigment, downtime can last up to a week (usually five days) while the brown spots darken, come to the surface and flake away. For treating redness or minor unevenness in skin tone, you can expect a mild, 20-minute flush. Ouch factor: For the split-second your skin is being zapped it feels like a splash of hot spitting fat. It might also feel a bit buzzy or tight for 30 minutes or so afterwards. Rating: Excellent for treating rosacea and for getting rid of the pigmentation normal skincare won’t budge. Book it: From £240 for a single treatment, though a course of three at £650 is recommended, at Medicetics. medicetics.com

6 4

RADIO FREQUENCY FACIAL WORKOUT BEST FOR: AN IMMEDIATE LIFTING EFFECT FOR A BIG EVENT

What happens? This radio frequency treatment helps stimulate collagen and elastin production that will plump, lift and tighten your face. Radio waves penetrate up to 25mm deep, tricking the dermis into thinking it needs to boost its natural renewal process. After that, the hand massage ‘workout’ begins, with techniques including knuckling, pinching and whipping – all more tolerable than they sound. This stimulates blood circulation and boosts the lymphatic system, increasing cell renewal. Just like a body workout, massage starts with a warm-up, getting more rigorous before a gentle cool-down. (Note: you mustn’t have Botox or fillers at least a month before this treatment.) Ouch factor: There’s an initial ice-cold sensation from the toothbrush-sized facial roller, but it warms up quickly as it moves around. The massage is brisk but comfortable. Downtime: You’ll emerge with a blushed face from the radio-frequency treatment, but should be back to your usual skin tone by the time you leave.

Rating: Skin looked bright and stimulated, with a temporary heightening of cheekbones and eyebrows. Ideal for a pre-dinner lift. Regular treatments help bring longer-term effects. Or keep up the good work at home with a tailored online workout and dynamic online classes via the website. Book it: From £225 for a 70-minute workout plus ten-minute consultation. facegym.com

IPL SKIN TONE PERFECTOR BEST FOR: ADDRESSING UNEVEN SKIN TONE, TREATING SUN DAMAGE AND REDNESS

What happens? Intense Pulsed Light treatments are the gold standard for blitzing pigmentation and treating areas of redness and broken capillaries. The beauty editor’s go-to is Dr Vicky Dondos and her team at Medicetics. Pre-appointment avoid the sun’s UV rays and fake tanning treatments (especially important for pigmentation) and continue to avoid them for a few weeks afterwards. You’ll also need to be patch-tested for adverse skin reactions. At the treatment, skin is first cleansed and a cooling gel applied before the

TRANSFORMATION FACELIFT BEST FOR: LIFTING, TONING AND CLARIFYING THE COMPLEXION

What happens? A triple whammy of radio frequency, Ultracel and hyperbaric oxygen therapy, the Transformation Facelift is a bespoke collagen-banking facial designed by Dr Nyla herself. Perfect for the 40s-60s age group, it prompts the body to stash collagen in reserve. The transformation occurs when micro-traumas to the skin encourage the body’s own healing mechanisms to produce abundant collagen – the secret of firm, cushiony skin. First a cooling gel is applied in sections. Then a radio frequency wand is passed over each area – this part is actually relaxing as you feel it gently warm up. In phase two the Ultracel machine works on the skin’s deepest SMAS muscular layer. The head of the machine is moved up and down each zone for about 20 pings, all around the face and neck area. Finally, a pampering oxygen facial provides a wonderful cooling feeling after the previous steps, and uses hyperbaric oxygen to penetrate serums deep into the dermis. Ouch factor: The radio frequency and oxygen steps are relaxing, but the Ultracel can be painful – think of being pinged by a heated elastic band. Downtime: No redness or side effects to report here. Rating: Your skin appears radiant and refreshed, though best results are seen after six to 12 weeks. Regular treatment is recommended, every 12 to 18 months. Book it: From £1,500 with Dr Nyla. doctornyla.com

116 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.CO.UK | September/October 2021

TW-Tried-Tested-V3-LC.indd 116

27/08/2021 14:27

P R O M OT I O N

A HOME COUNTIES HAVEN FOR AESTHETICS

Led by Dr Selena Langdon, Berkshire Aesthetics provides a highly personal and consultative approach to aesthetics

erkshire Aesthetics has truly established itself as an oasis for those seeking the best possible treatments in a patient-focused clinic. In late 2019, the clinic relocated to a new purpose-built site from which it provides cutting-edge aesthetic treatments in a discreet and relaxed rural setting on the edge of Pinkneys Green. Founded by Dr Selena Langdon, Berkshire Aesthetics adheres to a ‘patient first’ approach. For Dr Langdon and her highly experienced team, this means the patient is at the centre of everything they do. Time is spent consulting with patients to understand their aesthetic concerns, as well as their emotional needs and motivations. With a complex and growing choice of treatments for patients, it is of utmost importance each is given as much information as possible and an opportunity to ask questions without the fear of pressure, rushed commitment, or judgement. Berkshire Aesthetics offers the most sought-after treatments, including dermal fillers, anti-wrinkle injections, medical-grade skincare, lasers, and many of the world’s leading device-led procedures. Notably, in 2020, Berkshire Aesthetics was named the number one clinic in the country for Ultra Femme, a radiofrequency treatment for stress incontinence and vaginal laxity. Other services targeting female health include Emsella, which rebuilds pelvic floor strength, and bioidentical hormone replacement therapy. The BHRT service is provided by Dr Paris Acharya, who is not only

With its discreet, rural location Berkshire Aesthetics is popular with London and Home Counties residents, as well as international clients due to its proximity to Heathrow

highly skilled in hormone therapy but also an expert in injectable treatments and APTOS and PDO threads. Dual qualified in both medicine and dentistry, Dr Paris brings expert knowledge with a patient-centric approach that is perfectly aligned with the culture of Berkshire Aesthetics. Consistently rated as one of the best Coolsculpting clinics in the UK, Dr Langdon has built an international reputation as an expert in the delivery of the treatment with her proprietary approach, called the CoolCodes®. Extending her focus on body treatments, Berkshire Aesthetics was the first to receive the new Morpheus8 body handpiece, which is offered alongside other leading body treatments including Emsculpt and Vanquish. These treatments from BTL can help to build muscle while also melting away fat. Throughout 2021 Dr Langdon has been focused on developing the clinic’s surgical offering with plans for a day surgery suite progressing well. In the meantime, a strong referral network has developed with Dr

Langdon working alongside many leading plastic and ophthalmology surgeons and dermatologists. Her patients are always offered the best possible treatment options whether they are in-clinic or where appropriate with other leading experts. Dr Langdon’s commitment to her patients, along with the exceptional treatment outcomes she achieves, has seen her profile grow not only with patients but also with many of the world’s leading aesthetic companies. As a doctor who is passionate about raising professional standards, her enthusiasm for her work has meant a growing practice that serves the needs of patients in the Home Counties and beyond. Many regular international patients take advantage of Berkshire Aesthetics’ proximity to Heathrow and world-class dining and accommodation options. Berkshire Aesthetics is an exceptional clinic in a discreet rural location. The highly experienced front of house and therapy teams support Dr Langdon in her steadfast belief that aesthetic treatments should be delivered responsibly and with the utmost care for the patient and their physical and emotional needs. Berkshire Aesthetics Robin Hood, Furze Platt Rd Maidenhead SL6 6PR +44 (0)1628 202028 berkshireaesthetics.com

September/October 2021 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.CO.UK | 117

Berkshire-Aesthetics-V5 STG.indd 117

27/08/2021 14:52

TWEAKMENT GUIDE

MESOTITE BEST FOR: AN INSTANT SKIN GLOW-UP BEFORE A BIG EVENT

What happens? This tri-layer, non-surgical medi-facial starts with radio frequency currents to promote skin-tightening, while stimulating collagen and elastin formation. A cold gel is applied before a warm pad heats skin to 43 degrees, which is moved expertly across the face so it never feels unbearable. Next, the mesodermal layer of the skin is attended to as three different peels are layered on. A lactic peel aids exfoliation, an azelaic peel counteracts redness and blemishes, while a mandelic acid peel addresses skin pigmentation. Then comes mesotherapy: a series of superfine injections bursting with vitamins, minerals and amino acids. With tiny pinpricks, you can practically feel the skin plumping as the nourishing cocktail permeates. Older, dehydrated skin sings in gratitude. The revelation is dermaplaning, also known as ‘skin scraping’ where your skin is shaved with a tiny scalpel. This sounds grisly – peach-fuzz facial hair and old, dead skin is sloughed off to enable proper penetration of products post-treatment – but skin is left alabaster smooth. Finally, there is a facial sculpting massage. The therapist scoops up your facial muscles in her hands and pummels them until the blood pounds in your cheeks. Ouch factor: Nope. The peels are briefly itchy. The most discomfort is the force of the facial sculpting. Downtime: None whatsoever. Rating: Although longer-lasting results are achieved with regular treatments – start with three spaced three weeks apart – the immediate difference to skin texture and tone is outstanding. Book it: £375 with Dr David Jack. drdavidjackclinic.com

COOLSCULPTING BEST FOR: AREAS OF STUBBORN FAT THAT CAN’T BE SHIFTED BY DIET AND EXERCISE

What happens? CoolSculpting treats the prescribed area by freezing fat cells that are then metabolised naturally before being excreted via your body’s own lymphatic system. What’s best is that once the treated fat cells are frozen, they crystallise and die, so results are permanent. Encouragingly, Dr Galyna says she’s the only qualified medical doctor in the UK to have studied at the CoolSculpting University at The Zeltiq Headquarters in California. She secures the appropriate-sized applicator, which feels akin to attaching a piece of frozen salmon under the

chin for 45 minutes. You’ll feel an intense shot of cold, although that subsides soon after the initial shock. Ouch factor: After that initial shock of cold, there’s a feeling of intense pins and needles and some pain for about two minutes while the area thaws and is massaged. This discomfort passes quickly, though, and meantime Dr Galyna guides you through breathing and distraction techniques. Downtime: None, apart from mild redness and tenderness for three to four days. Rating: Results are seen from four weeks but the majority see a difference at eight weeks onwards. After the first week, skin looks and feels tighter and contours smoother. Book it: From £850 per area with Dr Galyna at Rita Rakus clinic. drritarakus.co.uk

PROFHILO BEST FOR: A HEALTHY AIRBRUSHED LOOK THAT’S BETTER THAN ANY INSTAGRAM FILTER

What happens? This skin remodelling treatment sees hyaluronic acid, which works to keep skin dewy and plump, injected directly into the skin. A glowing advert for her trade, Jo Akinloye is a trained nurse whose expert approach is drawing the ‘country set’ to her idyllic, flower-strewn clinic near Malmesbury. Profhilo is especially popular with the over-40s and those not yet ready for the expression-altering effects of Botox. Numbing cream is applied in preparation for ten strategically placed bio-aesthetic points (‘baps’) on the face, and five on the neck. Jo then marks the points of entry, old-school style, with pen and ruler. You’ve perhaps never had a needle so close to your face, but it’s worth knowing that each injection will spread to around a 4cm circumference. Ouch factor: There’s no denying the needle’s short sharp prick so breathe methodically through the process – it’s still less painful than a bikini wax. Downtime: You may feel tender and look like you’ve suffered from some raised insect bites, which can last 12 to 24 hours; occasionally, some people suffer mild bruising. Rating: The most natural, magic-wand results. Remarkably instant, your face and neck appear hydrated from the inside out, wrinkles are smoothed over and skin is left firmer and with a radiant sheen – an effect that is stimulated and enhanced over time. In fact, this treatment typically takes four to six weeks to work properly since the hyaluronic acid takes some time to dissolve fully into the dermis. A second session

is booked in one month after the first. Book it: £575 for two syringes of one ml each, spaced one month apart, at Natural Face Aesthetics. naturalfaceaesthetics.com

NONSURGICAL RHINOPLASTY (AKA THE LIQUID NOSE JOB) BEST FOR: CORRECTING

VISIBLE NASAL IMPERFECTIONS

What happens? Also known as medical rhinoplasty, this is the non-surgical alternative to a nose job and is especially effective for delicately correcting structural defects such as dorsal hump deformity or asymmetrical deviation, with immediate results. Before the treatment, Dr Yusra starts with a sensitive verbal consultation in which she attends to patients’ expectations, concerns and the psychosocial impact of their perceived imperfections. She then assesses the nose from the front and side to determine treatment suitability. With facial harmony always her goal, Dr Yusra assesses the nose’s proportionality in relation to the patient’s other facial features and sometimes suggests slight augmentation elsewhere to achieve a flawlessly balanced profile. Then the magic begins. The nose is marked up with a topical anaesthetic, then hyaluronic dermal filler is injected into strategic points of the nose, starting with the bridge. Dr Yusra has developed a genius, three-step, micro-droplet technique, which is minimally invasive and uses tiny microneedles to minimise trauma. Her ALR (Align, Lift and Refine) technique begins by injecting to align and straighten the nose; the second prick seeks to lift a drooping tip, while the final one refines symmetry. Just a couple of moments after treatment the results are in. Ouch factor: Thanks to local anaesthetic the treatment is virtually painless, especially in the bridge area where you feel only a slight pinch. The tip was slightly more uncomfortable but by no means intolerable. Downtime: Swelling or redness is minimal and you can get back to normal life straight away, with the exception of keeping the area clean and avoiding make-up for 12 hours. Rating: Life-changing. The treatment tends to last 12-18 months; some patients even get two years out of it while others may need a top up after a year. After two or three treatments the nose usually holds its shape for many years, and is unlikely to revert back to its original shape. Book it: £775 with Dr Yusra. dryusra.com

118 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.CO.UK | September/October 2021

TW-Tried-Tested-V3-LC.indd 118

27/08/2021 14:28

Eye mask by Dr Dennis Gross

TW-Tried-Tested-V3-LC.indd 119

27/08/2021 14:28

TWEAKMENT GUIDE during which you’ll feel a prickly sensation. Soothing gel is applied to relieve the tightness that follows afterwards, and you’ll be given a Futurology Beauty Cooler fridge that contains your recovery kit, including a post-treatment gel, cleanser, sunscreen, and your unique Plasma Powder Serum that you will use for the next 30 days. Ouch factor: It feels prickly at times and areas such as the forehead and around the eyes can feel more uncomfortable. Downtime: Skin feels tight and very sensitive to light, though with one night’s sleep the tightness eases, replaced by a little redness. By day three skin is glowing, complexion is brighter and more even, with reduced scarring and pores. Rating: If you’re looking for even-toned, clear skin with a healthy glow that keeps getting better – for up to a year – then this is for you. Well worth the price tag. Book it: £2,300 per session and £5,900 for three (recommended) at EF Future Health. ef-futurehealth.com

EVOKE BEST FOR: PAIN-FREE JAW TIGHTENING, CHEEKBONE LIFTING AND DOUBLE-CHIN REDUCTION

What happens? A veritable miracle, Evoke lifts the jowls, melts chin fat and sculpts cheekbones, with no discomfort. The two-step procedure starts with gel applied to cheekbones – the patient sports what looks like a micro-crash helmet – and radio frequency of up to 43°C is transmitted, gradually heating up the subdermal layer of the skin to contract existing collagen and increase production. The result acts like a pulley – little wonder radio frequency is referred to as the ‘shrink-wrap’ of facial procedures. The second part focuses on chin and jowls, with each area taking under 30 minutes to treat. Evoke is also the first FDA-cleared, hands-free device for the face and submental area, allowing for minimal contact during these touch-anxious times. Ouch factor: It gets warm but genuinely no pain is felt. Downtime: Potentially a bit of redness, but otherwise good to go. Rating: After just three treatments, each a week apart, there was a noticeable lift to cheekbones, and jowls were reduced. Double

chin resembled a red ski run rather than a black, and results continued after three months, with the odd maintenance session. Book it: £475 for both areas per session; for full-course rates call Lisa Franklin Clinic Privé. lisafranklin.london

BEST FOR: THOSE SEEKING LONGLASTING ‘BENJAMIN BUTTON’ RADIANCE

What happens? This next-level Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) uses cutting-edge technology, bespoke ‘needling sequences’ and serious skincare to boost collagen. Your blood is taken on the day, for use in the treatment, but spun also for your very own Plasma Power Serum to take home later. Your therapist applies numbing cream while assessing your skin to devise your optimum needling sequence. The needling punctures the skin at a rate of 7,000 RPM, increasing collagen by an impressive 400 per cent over three treatments, each four weeks apart. Needling lasts for 15-20 minutes,

120 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.CO.UK | September/October 2021

TW-Tried-Tested-V3-LC.indd 120

FUTUROLOGY SUPER PRP

BEST FOR: BREAKING DOWN FAT DEPOSITS AND STOMACH FLANKS

What happens? Venus Bliss is a pain-free way to tackle stubborn pockets of body fat using a combination of advanced technologies that, unlike some other non-surgical fat reduction treatments, have no post-treatment swelling, bruising or discomfort. Diode laser applicators are strapped onto the problem area, which feel comfortable apart from a little coldness at the start. In each 15-30 minute session the lasers slowly heat up until they reach the temperature required to break down fat and begin liquefying adipose tissue, which the body naturally removes through the lymphatic system. A second applicator that combines Multi-Polar Radio Frequency and Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields (a combination of energies to boost collagen and elastin fibres) strengthens connective tissues to tighten and streamline body contours – bonus! Ouch factor: You’ll barely feel a thing. Downtime: The treatment is comfortable and requires no downtime. It’s worth noting, however, that you have to commit to a full course of treatments (most people need six to eight treatments per area) to get the full results, plus you need to allow time for the fat to be expelled, so it’s not a quick fix. Treatments can be done once a week and easily slotted into a coffee or lunch break. Book it: From £900 per area at The Prager Clinic. pragerskincare.com

PHOTOS: GETTY IMAGES

VENUS BLISS

27/08/2021 14:28

PROMOTION

WELL-AGEING INNOVATOR Doctor Rita Rakus enjoys an undisputed reputation as the London Lip Queen and has more than 25 years’ experience treating well-heeled celebrities and socialites

warded by the Royal Society of Medicine in recognition of outstanding work in the field of cosmetic medicine, Dr Rakus’s dedication to excellence, patient wellbeing and her intuitive use of technology is what keeps her patients coming back, year after year. Her clinic is home to some of the best high-tech devices for face and body rejuvenation, and she is a global ambassador for Hydrafacial and BTL. Yet it is her bespoke treatments that are some of the most sought after, including the new Frontier Facelift: a six-step protocol that targets each layer of the face with a combination of UltracelQ+ ultrasound with deep-cleaning Hydrafacial and ProDeep laser to lift, refine and detoxify the skin, followed with Endolift and coupled with a bespoke skincare regime of Universkin products, for unbeatable face sculpting results. A leader in innovation, Dr Rakus relies on the best in their field, with a team of practitioners chosen for their specialist skills. Find your treatment solution from these renowned aesthetic experts.

BODY

NOSE & FACE

LIPS

DR GALYNA SELEZNEVA Harnessing the power of machines, Dr Galyna’s treatments blend the most proven devices from muscle-honing EMsculpt and pelvic floor restoring EMsella to fat-abolishing Cristal Ice. The newest to land is the revolutionary EMsculpt NEO (see page 122), a supercharged toning device that streamlines hard to tone areas such as triceps and saddlebags, offering simultaneous fat elimination and muscle building.

DR KAMBIZ GOLCHIN An ENT (ear, nose and throat) facial plastic surgeon, Mr Golchin is an expert in injectables. Alongside Dr Rakus, Mr Golchin has devised the Nose-Face-Balance concept. Using subtle injections to the face and nose, with Dr Rakus (the ‘London Lip Queen’) performing the lip enhancement, they create a perfect balance for those who don’t want to go under the knife.

DR RITA RAKUS New to the clinic is ProDeep laser that can rejuvenate the lips and skin with minimal downtime. To achieve a pretty, shapely result Dr Rakus has combined ProDeep Laser with the most innovative technologies to plump, soften and reduce lines around the mouth and lips with a bespoke prescription of Universkin skin and lip products for a smooth, glowing pout.

DR RITA RAKUS AROUND THE WORLD International locations in Cannes, Dubai and Los Angeles. Dr Rita Rakus Clinic, 34 Hans Road, London SW3. +44 (0)20 7460 7324. drritarakus.co.uk

September/October 2021 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.CO.UK | 121

Rita-Rakus-ADV-V8-LC NEEDS PAGE NO.indd 121

27/08/2021 14:52

TWEAKMENT GUIDE tighten. The added stimulation of collagen production improves skin quality, laxity and the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Double chins, tums and fatty problem areas can also be zapped. Although only one treatment is needed (certain problem areas may need more) you will see and feel some tightening straight afterwards, but best results are generally seen two to three months later when the collagen regeneration has fully kicked in. Ouch factor: Treatment can be anywhere between 15-90 minutes depending on the treatment area and is completely pain-free. Downtime: None whatsoever. Book it: From £650 to £4,500 depending on the area being treated. With Dr Marwa Ali at Harrods Wellness Clinic. harrods.com

EMSCULPT NEO BEST FOR: CORESTRENGTHENING PAR EXCELLENCE

What happens? The famous EMsculpt of ‘20,000 sit-ups in half-anhour’ fame has had an upgrade with the new NEO version, which has smaller applicators that can treat nine different areas of the body. Building on its already impeccable credentials for fat reduction and muscle-building around tums and bums, we love that it’s not only aesthetically proficient but also beneficial for your health (good core strength aids posture and helps against injury). You lie on the bed while Dr Galyna focuses the device on the area of concern. When she turns on the dial (low to begin with) a thrumming noise begins as radio-frequency energy and high-intensity, magnetic field energy hit your muscles, which start to contract involuntarily – eek! The fat cells are permanently damaged, while muscle builds at a rate unachievable during any other kind of workout. Ouch factor: ‘Weird’ is the feeling that most springs to mind. There is slight discomfort, but not much; your muscles soon get used to the contractions, which

increase as the half-hour session goes on. Downtime: Zilch, but don’t do sit-ups for a day or two. Rating: Confidence-boostingly effective. Core muscles feel really knitted together; bottom is noticeably perkier. Real results kick in after a few weeks. A minimum course of four is recommended. Book it: From £3,000 per course with Dr Galyna at Rita Rakus Clinic. ritarakus.co.uk

ULTRACEL Q+ BEST FOR: TIGHTENING AND CONTOURING FACE AND BODY

What happens? Using linear-shot ultrasound technology, the latest ULTRAcel Q+ treatment works three times faster than other HIFU (high intensity focused ultrasound) devices on the market. It works its magic by delivering the ultrasound in a more sophisticated way, with little to no discomfort. The ultrasound is focused on different layers beneath the skin surface, such as the SMAS (the layer that surgeons target while performing a face lift), causing the facial tissue to contract, lift and

BEST FOR: SOFTENING FINE LINES AND LIFTING A FURROWED BROW

What happens? Botox blocks the signal to the facial muscles to prevent them from contacting. Baby Botox is injected in tiny amounts to disperse the effects, thus softening expression lines without being detectable. In other words, with this approach you won’t emerge with a gauche frozen forehead. Dr Wassim’s method is all about facial harmony. By taking a photograph of your face from various angles, he discusses your areas of concern before designing a bespoke treatment plan. Typically, Botox is injected into the crow’s feet area and between the brow, yet little adjustments make all the difference to a natural look. For instance, Dr Wassim may inject a little at the side of the nose to soften the crinkles that can become overly active when relaxing coordinating muscles in the eye area, or inject a tiny amount into the chin to help redefine the jaw area (and prevent the chin developing a Punch and Judy-style upward tilt as we age). Ouch factor: Botox is minimally invasive and virtually pain-free, although this will vary according to your tolerance for needles. Downtime: It will take a few days for the results to take effect as the toxin develops. After three weeks the brow line appears lifted and expression lines soften, with some natural movement still intact. Rating: With a highly skilled doctor like Dr Wassim, this is the fastest way to lift and refresh a drawn and heavy face and minimise forehead and crow’s feet lines. Book it: From £295, with Dr Wassim Taktouk. drwassimtaktouk.com n

PHOTOS: UNSPLASH

BABY BOTOX

122 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.CO.UK | September/October 2021

TW-Tried-Tested-V3-LC.indd 122

27/08/2021 14:28

PHOTOS: UNSPLASH

White swimsuit, Jade; white diamond Rhapsody necklace set in white gold, David Morris

TEAM Photographer: Matthew Shave; Fashion editor: Ursula Lake; Hair: Alex Price at Frank Agency; Make-Up: Kenneth Soh at the Wall Group using Clé de Peau Beauté; Nails: Cherrie Snow using The Dior Manicure Collection and Miss Dior Hand Cream STOCKISTS: PAGE 158

TW-Tried-Tested-V3-LC.indd 123

27/08/2021 14:29

P R O M OT I O N Dr Saira Vasdev (below) gives a glow to her clients at the Skin & Sanctuary clinic

HOW TO ‘COLLAGEN BANK’ WITH THE PERFECT GLOW

‘C

By marrying a peel with Prof hilo, this exclusive treatment at the Skin & Sanctuary clinic transforms dull, lax skin

ollagen banking’ is the new buzz phrase in beauty. From the age of 25, our bodies stop producing as much collagen as they used to. Add to this a loss of one per cent collagen per year, and it’s no wonder that skin can start to look dull and lax. So using high-tech skin treatments to shore up a ‘bank’ of collagen while we are still efficient at making it is a bit like an insurance policy for your face. Enter The Perfect Glow, a new two-step skin revitalising treatment exclusive to London’s Skin & Sanctuary Clinic, which works to both transform the surface of the skin and plump it up from deep within. The treatment starts with The Perfect Peel, a mediumdepth chemical peel made up of a powerful cocktail of ingredients including five different acids (kojic, retinoic, salicylic, TCA and phenol), vitamin C and key minerals. But the real hero here is glutathione, a gold standard antioxidant, which fights oxidative stress while also having an intense brightening effect on patches of pigmentation. The peel is combined with Profhilo, a next-generation injectable, which harnesses the skin’s own regenerative powers. It contains one of the market’s highest concentrations of hyaluronic acid – a similar ingredient to that found in your moisturiser – to both deeply hydrate and boost collagen and elastin production. ‘As standalone

treatments both The Perfect Peel and Profhilo deliver on all levels,’ says Dr Saira Vasdev, who designed The Perfect Glow treatment. ‘When used together as part of our signature protocol, I discovered that their synergistic effects provided a more complete rejuvenation with truly transformative results. The glow was off the charts and my patients were happier than ever.’ The Perfect Glow has significant collagen banking benefits, too, by improving the quality of skin – think increased firmness, luminosity, faded pigmentation and softened lines – while also acting preventively to help slow down the ageing process. Win-win. Note: there is some downtime involved so it’s wise to book The Perfect Glow around WFH days. Expect three days of intense peeling, followed by three to five days of milder sloughing and sensitivity. Small bumps may be present immediately after treatment at the injection sites but these usually disappear within 24 hours. Minor bruising may occur. An aftercare pack is provided, which contains retinol-infused wipes and a post-peel moisturiser (rich in hydrocortisone, glutathione and vitamin C) to further enhance results at home. To find your Perfect Glow, contact Skin & Sanctuary on +44 (0)20 3905 5555. skinandsanctuary.com

124 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.CO.UK | September/October 2021

Skin-Sanctuary-ADV-V2-CLIENT-APPROVEDAW.indd 124

27/08/2021 14:52

TWEAKMENT GUIDE

THE AESTHETIC DOCTOR DIRECTORY With cosmetic medicine it’s not what you have, but who you see, that matters

Dr Marwa Ali at Harrods Wellness Clinic

Dr Ifeoma Ejikeme at The Adonia Medical Clinic

Dr Uliana Gout at LAM Clinic

Dr Selena Langdon at Berkshire Aesthetics

Clients travel far and wide for Dr Ali’s expertise. From undetectable tear-trough filler to light injectable enhancements combined with HIFU and IPL, luminous skin quality is her thing. harrods.com; @dr_marwaali

Head to her Instagram feed for targeted skincare advice. Dr Ejikeme offers treatments from PRP (platelet rich plasma) for hair loss to microneedling for skin rejuvenation. adoniamedicalclinic. co.uk; @dr_ifeoma_ejikeme

President of the British College of Aesthetic Medicine, Dr Gout’s ‘intelligent aesthetic’ technique uses complementary procedures that target every layer of the face. london-aesthetic-medicine.com; @LAM_Clinic

A trained plastic surgeon, Dr Langdon is a highly skilled aesthetic doctor and a leading expert in injectables and CoolSculpting. berkshireaesthetics.com; @berkshire_aesthetics

Dr Joney De Souza

Dr Tijion Esho at the Esho Clinic

Alexandra Haq at AM Aesthetics

A rising star, Dr Esho often speaks out against cosmetic procedure fads. His signature treatment, The Esho Touch, involves a tailored prescription of filler and anti-wrinkle injections. eshoclinic.co.uk; @drtijionesho

Specialising in subtle facial rejuvenation, this award-winning aesthetician with clinics in Belfast, Foyle and London is renowned for her ‘less is more’ approach to ageing. amaesthetics.clinic; @am.aesthetics

Dr Victoria Manning and Dr Charlotte Woodward at River Aesthetics

Dr Vicky Dondos at Medicetics

Dr Rhona Eskander at Chelsea Dental Clinic

Dr David Jack

Author of The Positive Ageing Plan, Dr Dondos believes in a gentle inside-out approach to natural beauty. Beauty editors prize her injectable skills as being rejuvenating and undetectable. medicetics.com; @drvickydondos

An award-winning cosmetic dentist with the eye of an artist, Dr Eskander specialises in everything from ultra-natural veneers to minimal edge bonding. chelseadentalclinic. co.uk; @drrhonaeskander

A pioneer in new technologies, Dr De Souza delivers luminous skin quality through his layering of laser modalities to reduce pigmentation, firm facial contours and tighten sagging jaw lines. drjoneydesouza.com; @drjoneydesouza

Thanks to Dr Jack’s delicate touch and ‘naturally beautiful’ approach, you’ll never look overdone. If you’re nervous about injectables, Dr Jack is your go-to for natural-looking results. drdavidjackclinic.com; @drdavidjack

Known for a holistic inside-out approach, they are leading experts in Silhouette Soft, a subtle thread-lift treatment to reduce sagging. riveraesthetics. com; @riveraesthetics

Dr Marco Nicoloso at Ouronyx Dr Marco Nicoloso isn’t a fan of aesthetic trends and takes a holistic approach to the face. He’s renowned for creating a subtle look, which has gained him a loyal client following. ouronyx.com; @ouronyx

September/October 2021 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.CO.UK | 125

TW-DR-Directory-V3-LC.indd 125

27/08/2021 14:29

TWEAKMENT GUIDE

Dr Michael Prager at The Prager Clinic Offering what he calls ‘cosmedical wellbeing treatments’, Dr Prager specialises in natural-looking injectables that subtly boost your confidence. drmichaelprager.com; @drmichaelprager

Dr Tracy Mountford at Cosmetic Clinic Dr Mountford has decades of injectables experience and an intuitive approach to rejuvenation. Her bespoke treatments include other, non-needle therapies. cosmeticskinclinic.com; @tracy_mountford

Dr Frances Prenna Jones Her own flawless skin is Dr Prenna Jones’ best advocate. Her subtle enhancements, including enviable Botox skills, make her the fashion elite’s best-kept secret. drfrancesprennajones. com; @drfrancesprennajones

Dr Nyla Raja A master dermatologist with the widest range of new-tech energy devices around. From laser to ultrasound and radio frequency, Dr Nyla’s approach is all about targeting the correct layers of the skin to encourage self-healing. doctornyla.com; @doctornyla

Dr Sabrina Shah-Desai at Perfect Eyes Ltd

Dr Leah Totton

Dr Sabrina Shah Desai is the goto eye expert – her knowledge is unparalleled. Her signature, multi-approach, eye-refreshing treatment is The Eye Boost. perfecteyesltd.com; @drsabrinashahdesai

The former Apprentice winner is best known for her threepronged Dr Leah Lift, which combines Ultherapy, a Silhouette Soft Thread Lift and an Obagi Blue Radiance Peel, for longlasting rejuvenation. drleah.co.uk; @drleahtotton

Dr Sophie Shotter at Illuminate Skin Clinic

Dr Stefanie Williams at Eudelo

From ‘Profound’ face-tightening treatment to the most subtle lip filler, Dr Shotter believes all work should look ‘invisible’. She also advises on effective at-home maintenance. illuminateskinclinic. co.uk; @drsophieshotter

Dr Williams is a genius at correcting all kinds of pigmentation, with her medicalgrade facials and combination approach of peels, laser, IPL and freezing techniques. eudelo.com; @drstefaniew

Dr Jean-Louis Sebagh

Dr Wassim Taktouk

Dr Maryam Zamani

A former surgeon, with 30 years’ aesthetic experience, Dr Sebagh performs face and neck lifting with cosmetic medical procedures to achieve naturallooking results with less risks and side-effects than surgery. drsebagh.com; @drsebagh

A leader with an ‘honesty is the best policy’ philosophy, Dr Taktouk is the insider’s go-to doc. A master at subtle facial contouring, he’s loved by women and men seeking no-tell tweakments. drwassimtaktouk. com; @drwassimtaktouk

A consultant oculoplastic surgeon, Dr Zamani’s passion for facial aesthetics includes her popular skincare line and sell-out LED facial device. She knows skin is all about balance. drmaryamzamani.com; @drmaryamzamani n

Dr Rita Rakus The indisputable ‘London lip queen’, Dr Rakus is known for creating the perfect pout. Her Knightsbridge clinic has top cosmetic practitioners and high-tech machines including EMSculpt Neo. drritarakus.co.uk; @drritarakus

126 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.CO.UK | September/October 2021

TW-DR-Directory-V3-LC.indd 126

27/08/2021 14:29

LIVING A BALANCED LIFE 6 issues for only £19

PRINT ISSUES OF C&TH, PLUS SUPPLEMENTS & INSTANT ACCESS TO EVERY DIGITAL EDITION

countryandtownhouse.co.uk/subscribe @countryandtown

Regular-House-Ads-V2 STG.indd 8

countryandtownhousemagazine

countryandtownhouse

country-and-town-house

27/08/2021 14:54

There’s a lot that goes into your bathroom before you do.

At Ripples, we work slightly differently from others. Our talented bathroom designers try to get to know you first. They chat with you about what you like and what you don’t like. They go over your ideas, your torn out pages from magazines, your Pinterest boards – whatever it is that inspires you. Before we do anything, we find out exactly what you’re looking for, and then we make sure as much of you goes into our ideas as possible. We don’t do

one size fits all solutions, but we do take dreams and ideas and turn them into bespoke designs for your new bathroom. From the moment you step into our showroom to the moment you step into your new bathroom, we make the whole process as smooth and stress-free as it can be. It’s the Ripples effect. Let’s have a chat about what we can do for you.

C R E AT I N G B E A U T I F U L B AT H R O O M S S I N C E 19 88 0 8 0 0 107 070 0 | ripplesbathrooms.com BATH, BEACONSFIELD, BIRMINGHAM, BOURNEMOUTH, BRISTOL, CHELMSFORD, CHICHESTER, HARPENDEN, LONDON, NEWBURY, SOLIHULL, WINCHESTER, WOKINGHAM

National ad Country & Townhouse 225 x 298 +3mm.indd 1 Ripples.indd 1

23/08/2021 17:05 15:22 23/08/2021

INTERIORS Edited by Carole Annett

Sleeping Beauty

PHOTO: © MIGUEL FLORES-VIANNA

Sweet dreams are made of this; Michael S Smith designed this bewitching hand painted wallpaper installation, named ‘Botanical Studies’ with de Gournay. Its backdrop, a sumptuously autumnal gold bedroom, was designed by Edward Hurst. degournay.com

September/October 2021 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.CO.UK | 129

Interiors-Opener-V4 STG.indd 129

27/08/2021 14:12

INTERIORS | News WING IT Arte and Moooi has launched a wallcovering collection including Mimic Moth, a 3D suede-look inspired by fluttering creatures. £269 p/m, arte-international.com

ENGLISH ROSE Bodice table lamp, £1,175, and 12” oval drum shade, £200. bella-figura.com

CULTURE CLUB Fair Trade Sivas vintage Turkish runner rug. £390, iansnow.com

Design NOTES

BERRY LOVELY Ashmead linen in navy. £89 p/m, colefax.com

BRING ME FLOWERS Jardin linen/cotton, Rust on Ecru by Paolo Moschino for Nicholas Haslam. £130 p/m, nicholashaslam.com

PHOTOS: GETTY IMAGES

Instant autumn updates. By Carole Annett

PURE AND NATURAL

Handmade in Devon, Naturalmat’s Appledore raw hardwood bed features an upholstered headboard filled with organic coir, recycled denim and organic wool. From £1,860 for a king size. naturalmat.co.uk

130 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.CO.UK | September/October 2021

Design-Notes V3 PB.indd 130

27/08/2021 14:13

WALL FLOWER Olive Leaf wall light with clear and amethyst glass drops. £4,380, coxlondon.com

LIFE AND LEGACY Bahavana cotton, desert colourway, from Orejen, a debut collection by The Black Artists and Designers Guild for S Harris. Five interior designers working together, paying tribute to nomadic artists. £317 p/m, turnellandgigon.com

NEW SWOOSH

Apollo illuminated shower fitting by Brian Sironi for Antonio Lupi. £1,267, westonebathrooms.com

LABOUR OF LOVE Royal Silk embroidery from the new Masterpieces collection at Schumacher. Hand-woven silk and linen featuring 58 hand-dyed colours. £2,196 p/m, fschumacher.com

SPOT ON Inspired by grand 18th-century living, Margaux rosette. £42 each, samuelandsons.com

PHOTOS: GETTY IMAGES

CHEERS

MULTI GRAIN

Pale oak Kendal bedside table, £479 and matching Cartmel king-size bed, £2,999 by Says Who at Heal’s. heals.com

The bar at Smallbone’s new flagship in Knightsbridge – featuring Kaia ‘Golden Fleece’ lighting and 1,500 3D tiles. smallbone.co.uk

September/October 2021 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.CO.UK | 131

Design-Notes V3 PB.indd 131

27/08/2021 14:13

INTERIORS | Focus

SEATS OF YEARNING

Sit pretty on these five statement chairs

Sofa Workshop Derby swivel chair. £845, sofaworkshop.com

FLOWER POWER

Life is sweet under a cascade of blossom or stepping through a meadow

Oficina Inglesa Pille fauteuil armchair in cherry wood finish. £1,450, oficinainglesa.com 3

Anbôise Fortingall armchair upholstered in green Lewis & Wood velvet. £1,900, anboise.com

4 Andrew Martin Martha chair. £375, andrewmartin.co.uk

1 KERPOW – a powerful punch of daisies – sofa upholstered in Burst, Brick, £350 p/m and bolster cushion in Charm, Flax, £140 p/m, both by Kirkby Design. kirkbydesign.com 2 Nature inside and out with the Natural Trust collection at Sarsen Stone Group. From £60.20 per sq/m. artisansofdevizes.com 3 The sun is always out with Designers Guild Assam Blossom wallpaper, £195 p/roll. designersguild.com 4 A floral-filled cloakroom – Avon butter brass bathroom wall lights, £165 each by David Hunt Lighting. davidhuntlighting.co.uk. Styled with the Bisque radiator (bisque.co.uk) and Sakura wallpaper by Little Greene (littlegreene.com).

Arlo & Jacob Vesper velvet chair. £595, arloandjacob.com

132 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.CO.UK | September/October 2021

Focus-V2 STG.indd 132

27/08/2021 14:13

THE INTER IOR DESIGN SHOW FOR PROFESSIONALS 10 th — 13 th Octobe r 2021 Olympia London 16 th — 18 th Nove mbe r 2021 Vir t ual eve nt

2021026 Decorex Decorex.indd 1 ad - CTH 225x298+3mm.indd 1

26.08.21 09:20 26/08/2021 17:11

INTERIORS | Trend FARROW & BALL Aranami wallpaper. £109 p/roll, farrow-ball.com

COTSWOLD COMPANY Wilmslow one drawer nightstand. £130, cotswoldco.com

SUSIE ATKINSON Parsons table lamp. £1,400, susieatkinson.com

COLLIER WEBB Clandon wall light. From £1,320, collierwebb.com

GRAHAM AND GREEN Round framed scallop shell print. £27.95, grahamandgreen.co.uk

Fisherman’s FRIEND

NINA CAMPBELL Belle Île fabric. £87 p/m, osborneandlittle.com

Water, water everywhere… And there’s never been a better time to dip your toe in the coastal trend. Lose yourself in a sea of scalloped edges, whitecrested maritime blues, sea foam green, and thalassic mythical monsters. By Sofia Tindall

GIOVANNI RASPINI Silver ice bucket. £6,150, giovanniraspini. com

WAX LYRICAL Light the way

OKA Small Elne champagne flutes, £50 for four. oka.com

HOST Marlene ruffle cushion. £74, hosthome.co.uk

1 MONTES & CLARK Mermaid candlestick. £65, montesandclark.com

RUTLAND LONDON Kensington column radiator. From £940, rutlandlondon.co.uk

BUCHANAN STUDIO Studio chair in Indigo. £2,394, buchanan.studio

2 POLKRA X FEE GREENING A Squad of Squid matchbox. £10, polkra.com 3 LALIQUE Noir Premier Plume Blanche 1901 candle. £59, lalique.com

134 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.CO.UK | September/October 2021

Trend-V2 STG.indd 134

27/08/2021 14:14

................................................

Winstons.indd 1

26/08/2021 14:05

Through reintroducing COLOURS and MOTIFS of the English GARDEN and mixing new and ANTIQUE pieces, Lucy SENSITIVELY returned the interiors to their original GLORY

INTERIORS | Case Study

136 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.CO.UK | September/October 2021

Case-Study-V4-LC.indd 136

27/08/2021 14:14

Keeping up Appearances Lucy Marsh gives a rambling country home a new lease of life, finds Sofia Tindall

The English country home aesthetic is mixed with influences from afar and shots of bright colour

t would be difficult to find a better example of a dream interior designer project than this handsome English village house. A 17th-century former bakehouse in Hampshire, it was ‘bought seven years ago, but a fire meant building and redecorating decisions had to be rushed,’ recalls Lucy Marsh, who founded her eponymous design studio in 2010. ‘The brief from the husband was to be brave,’ she continues, ‘adding colour, texture and pattern, while the wife wanted one-off decorative pieces, beautiful wallpapers and fabrics, art and accessories.’ With her special talent for restoring sparkle to rambling country houses, Marsh was the perfect candidate for the job. An instant client chemistry meant the process went like clockwork from start to finish. Through reintroducing colours and motifs of the English garden and mixing new and antique pieces, Lucy sensitively returned the interiors to their original glory, offset by a certain military flair from start to finish. While the theme may feel distinctly flora Britannica, some influences from far-flung locations are cleverly woven in. ‘Africa is a big part of the family’s life,’ Lucy explains, ‘and animals, particularly African animals and birds, were a major theme in their existing possessions, which needed to be blended in with new items.’ To realise this fusion, Lucy designed bespoke cushions and commissioned art by sculptor Patricia Mitchell and Jazzy Westinghouse. The country residence theme makes a comeback in the hallway, an unusually large statement space that Lucy covered in wallpaper by Lewis & Wood. ‘It’s an impactful design that brings wow factor to a space and is perfect for this country house setting,’ she comments. Equal thought went into the detail, where Lucy added her own homeware designs, such as Fermoiecovered lampshades, scatterings of textured cushions and antique French chairs reupholstered in Soane fabrics. A love and respect for heritage British designers shines through: Colefax & Fowler, Fired Earth, Little Greene and Farrow & Ball make regular appearances. ‘I adore the drawing room,’ says Lucy, ‘which features Soane Pineapple Frond in watermelon, one of my favourite fabrics. We also upholstered a brass club fender in a stunning Guy Goodfellow weave for additional seating.’ She concludes: ‘It’s the perfect place to sit and have a conversation in front of a roaring fire.’ lucymarshinteriors.com n

September/October 2021 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.CO.UK | 137

Case-Study-V4-LC.indd 137

27/08/2021 14:14

F LY NOW LJ

Leading private jet char ter company. + 41 22 782 12 12 | l unajets.co m | G e n eva · Lo n d o n · Pa ris · Mo n a co

Lunaj ets i s a f l i g ht bro ke r and as such arranges car r iage by aur by sim ply c har ter ing airc raf t from third-par t y airc raf t o p e ra to rs, a ct i n g a s a g e n t , in t he na m e a nd o n be half of its custo me rs. Lunajets only ac ts as an inter m ediar y, does not itself operate airc raf t an d i s n ot a co n t ra ct i n g o r a n ind i re c t ca r r i e r.

Luna Jets.indd 1

26/08/2021 14:08

HOTELS&

TR AVEL Continental

DRIFT The 27 new European hotels to explore next

Float away at chilled-out luxury hotel Oku Ibiza

September/October 2021 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.CO.UK | 139

27-Hotels-V5ST.indd 139

27/08/2021 14:15

HOTELS & TRAVEL | Guide

Only a ten-minute drive from San Antonio but a world away from Ibiza’s party scene, Oku Ibiza is a laid-back escape perfectly positioned for beach-hopping in the south-west of the White Isle (don’t miss the Cala Gracioneta beach club just down the road). Minimalist, pared-back rooms are split between a trio of low-rise buildings that surround the 50m pool (there is a smaller pool for families) where there’s a juice bar, yoga shala and spa treatment rooms. A DJ plays chilled-out beats before dinner at Japanese-inspired Oku Restaurant, overseen by executive chef Mark Vaessen (ex-SushiSamba); must-try dishes include wagyu gyoza, black cod and honey miso eggplant. BOOK IT: Doubles from €360 B&B. okuhotels.com

SIX SENSES, Ibiza

The arrival of sustainablewellness group Six Senses on the White Isle confirms Ibiza’s entry into the super-luxe league. Adding to its credentials, this is the first sustainable BREEAM-certified resort on the island, meaning it’s been independently assessed for its responsible build. Immerse yourself in this 20-acre haven in the north of the island, where seasonal and organic food is overseen by Eyal Shani, founding father of new Israeli cuisine, and a world-class spa is yours to wallow in. Come for wellness retreats by yourself, for letting your hair down with friends or for romantic breaks with lovers. BOOK IT: Doubles from €1,080 B&B. sixsenses.com

MARBELLA ELIX, Greece

If over lockdown you consoled yourself with visions of pellucid Grecian oceans, silky sand beaches and cliffs peppered with flourishing greenery, set your sights for MarBella Elix. With staggering surroundings and sea views, this five-star hotel is in the (relatively undiscovered) Parga region. You won’t want to do much more than sprawl with a book in front of one of the infinity pools or paddle in the Ionian Sea, but a perfect ending to each day is the authentic Greek cuisine prepared by renowned chefs in the restaurant. BOOK IT: Olympic Holidays offers seven nights in October from £637pp with flights from Gatwick. marbella.gr

IKOS ANDALUSIA, Spain

There are few places more tranquil than Ikos Andalusia, skirted by the Med and the sands of Playa de Guadalmansa. Which makes it all the more impressive that it’s located near Marbella, just a 55-minute drive from Málaga airport. As the fifth and newest addition to Ikos’ ultra-luxury portfolio, it’s an oasis of outdoor gardens and swimming pools. Cool, contemporary interiors take over indoors, along with seven restaurants serving Michelinstarred cuisine. Two complimentary kids’ clubs keep little ones entertained, leaving you free to pick between a restorative session in the spa or sweating it out at spin and yoga classes. Or just to relax. BOOK IT: Doubles from €392, allinclusive. ikosresorts.com

PARCO DEL PRINCIPE, Italy

Tucked in the lush countryside between Tuscany and Umbria, Parco Del Principe is ideal for those wanting to get back to nature. The hotel dates back to the late 1700s, where it served as a meeting place for important personalities from Rome and Florence. As well as luxuriating in the opulent rooms, modern-day guests are encouraged to take full advantage of the idyllic setting: dine outside in the sprawling gardens, taste local produce and a selection of fine wines, play sports, or visit any of the nearby villages and cities for a fantastic day out. A great find for culture vultures and Italophiles. BOOK IT: From €10,000 per week. parcodelprincipe.it

AIRELLES CHÂTEAU DE VERSAILLES, Le Grand Contrôle, Versailles, France

If you’ve been holding out for that fairytale hotel for the blow-out break post-pandemic, look no further. Le Grand Contrôle is the first hotel to open within the Palace of Versaille. The building itself, originally built by Louis XIV’s favourite architect, Jules Hardouin-Mansart in 1681, has been restored to offer just 14 jawdropping rooms and suites, fit for a king or queen. And as for the food, none other than Alain Ducasse (and his 20 Michelin stars) is at the helm of an experience that is less hotel dinner, more theatrical extravagance. You’ll be blown away. BOOK IT: From €1,700 B&B + afternoon tea, butler and tours. airelles.com

THE ROOSTER, Antiparos, Greece

One of the smaller Greek islands, yet all the more perfect for it, Antiparos has laid-back luxury by the bucketful. The Rooster is yet another reason to head to this idyllic Aegean jewel, offering a slow-living retreat for travellers who really want to connect with their surroundings – and disconnect from the tinnitus hum of modern life. There are 17 very private suites, villas and houses, built with space in mind, yet with areas to embrace human interaction should you so wish. Your wellness needs are well taken care of with spa menus, treatments and massages – and you can grab a mountain bike, go diving, hiking or hire a boat to make the most of this exquisite location. BOOK IT: Doubles from €580 B&B. theroosterantiparos.com

HOTEL ARISTIDE, Syros, Greece

One for aesthetes, this luxury boutique hotel is filled with artworks – in the bar, the bedrooms, and even the bathrooms. In fact, the hotel also boasts its very own art gallery and artist residency programme. Art aside, the nine-bedroom property – a restored neoclassical mansion – is serious about sustainability. Its tree-planting project works to offset guests’ travel carbon footprint, you won’t find any singleuse plastics about (even the slippers are biodegradable), and most of the produce is sourced locally and organically. Its garden bar, sea views and picturesque location are just the icing on the cake. BOOK IT: Doubles from €230 B&B. hotelaristide.com

ANGSANA CORFU, Greece

A brand-new resort located on the Greek island of Corfu (and Banyan Tree’s first European property), this holiday destination is the latest hot spot in luxury travel. The hotel houses 159 stylish rooms and suites, but for those who desire a little more seclusion, there are also 37 private pool villas, each complete with spectacular sea views. Elsewhere on the resort you’ll find an award-winning spa, four restaurants (including fine dining by Michelin-starred chef Ettore Botrini), a private beach and an infinity pool (the largest on the island). All this just a short drive from historic Corfu town and its 15th-century fortress. BOOK IT: Doubles from €149 B&B. angsana.com

OKU, Ibiza

140 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.CO.UK | September/October 2021

27-Hotels-V5ST.indd 140

08/09/2021 14:38

5 6

27-Hotels-V5ST.indd 141

September/October 2021 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.CO.UK | 141

27/08/2021 14:15

12 10

13 14

15 16

142 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.CO.UK | September/October 2021

27-Hotels-V5ST.indd 142

27/08/2021 14:15

Guide | HOTELS & TRAVEL

PARAGON 700 BOUTIQUE HOTEL & SPA, Puglia, Italy

Known as the ‘Red Palace’ because of its striking red brick exterior, Paragon 700 was formerly the home of Ostuni’s first mayor, Don Paolo Tanzarella. Today, owners Pascale and Ulrike have transformed the historic building into a luxury hotel, while retaining its Puglian character and charm. Located within the whitewashed city of Ostuni, guests will enjoy the hotel’s underground Spa 700, private garden, and 15m outdoor pool. Meanwhile, each of the 11 rooms boasts its own decor and is a seamless blend of old and contemporary: think frescoed ceilings, sunken bathtubs and open fireplaces. BOOK IT: Doubles from €300 B&B. paragon700.com

SAN DOMENICO PALACE, Taormina, Sicily

San Domenico Palace has a rich history dating back to the 14th century, when it served as a convent until the late 1800s. More recently it’s been a luxury hotel for the rich and famous, with guests including Oscar Wilde, Audrey Hepburn and King Edward VII. Now in the Four Seasons stable, you can stay in a sea-view room with a terrace – where you start the morning with views over Taormina Bay – and take advantage of the hotel’s Italian gardens, spa, clifftop infinity pool, and restaurants. It’s the perfect setting for a relaxing, romantic getaway. BOOK IT: Doubles from €950 B&B. fourseasons.com

IBIZA GRAN HOTEL, Ibiza

We’re all in need of a little restoration after the past year. Enter Ibiza Gran Hotel, which relaunched this summer with a series of new experiences to replenish mind, body and soul. Bob along the coast in a llaüt, a traditional Ibizan sailing boat; get lost among the vines at Ibiza’s finest organic winery, Bodegas Can Rich, followed by a wine tasting with Ibiza Gran Hotel’s master sommelier; learn about preserving life in the Balearic Sea with marine biologist and photographer, Manu San Félix. Alternatively, you could just stretch out by the azure swimming pool, and take in the view over Formentera. BOOK IT: Doubles from €230. (Closed 16 Oct 21 to April 22). ibizagranhotel.com

ROSEWOOD VILLA MAGNA, Madrid, Spain

Luxury group Rosewood Hotels is opening in Spain on 15 October, at Rosewood Villa Magna, Madrid. Renowned Spanish architect Ramón de Arana’s complete refurbishment of this historic property on the Paseo de la Castellana has luxuriously minimal interiors by BAR Studio. ArtLink is curating the hotel’s contemporary art collection, and landscape architect Gregorio Marañón has transformed the gardens into modern oases. Michelinstarred chef Jesús Sánchez is launching a signature restaurant, Amós, bringing the flavours of Cantabrian cuisine to this new destination hotel. BOOK IT: Doubles from €750 B&B. rosewoodhotels.com

ONE & ONLY PORTONOVI, Montenegro

Fringed by luscious forest on one side and lapped by Adriatic waters on the other, the new opening from the five-star resort group doesn’t let the side down when it comes to bliss-out standards of luxury and paradisaical surroundings. One day you could find yourself exploring lagoons and ancient cave structures in the Kumbor Strait, the next, clinking glasses at one of the many vineyards. Or simply wander through Montenegro’s walled towns, soaking in dramatic mountainscapes and the colonnaded architecture that inspired the hotel’s interiors. BOOK IT: Doubles from £716 B&B. oneandonlyresorts.com

SANI RESORT, Halkidiki, Greece

This sprawling, elegant, luxury resort in northern Greece is the epitome of escapism. Featuring five award-winning hotels, Sani Beach, Sani Club, Porto Sani, Sani Asterias and Sani Dunes, the Halkidiki escape is nestled in a 1,000acre resort surrounded by stunning coastline and lush pine forests. Explore the private marina, hone your skills at the Rafa Nadal Tennis Centre or train the kids for future stardom at the Chelsea FC Foundation. There are also five tranquil spas to choose from, offering treatments designed by renowned French skincare brand Anne Semonin. BOOK IT: Doubles from €129 half-board at Sani Beach. sani-resort.com

KALESMA MYKONOS, Greece

Away from tourist hubs, the collection of whitewashed houses at Kalesma Mykonos is designed to resemble a traditional Aegean village. The hilltop spot means guests can enjoy sunrise and sunset as well as panoramic views over Ornos bay. Whether you stay in one of its 25 suites or a larger villa, expect a private terrace and your own heated pool. With day trips to hidden coves, shopping hotspots and local eateries, it’s a perfect base for exploring the island. Alternatively, stay in to enjoy one of Kalesma’s three dining options, a personal yoga session, or spa treatment from the comfort of your own room. BOOK IT: Suites from €1,200 B&B; villas from €2,800. kalesmamykonos.com

MANDARIN ORIENTAL RITZ, Madrid, Spain

Back in 1910, King Alfonso VIII decided he wanted to replicate the Ritz Hotel, Paris, in the Spanish capital – and so Madrid’s Mandarin Oriental Ritz was born. Over a century later, the landmark building has undergone an extensive restoration, spearheaded by architect Rafael de La-Hoz alongside French designers Gilles & Boissier. While the hotel’s belle époque character remains, it now sports a chic new look, with 153 modernised rooms alongside sleek spa facilities. Michelin-starred superchef Quique Dacosta oversees five tempting new culinary concepts. BOOK IT: Doubles from €640 B&B. mandarinoriental.com

CASA PACHA, Formentera

Pacha hotels are known for their wild parties, but Casa Pacha – located on the smallest and most tranquil of the Balearic Islands, the idyllic, sun-soaked Formentera – could not be more peaceful. Decorated throughout with calming natural materials and a mere step from the white sands of Migjorn beach, it’s built for relaxing. Rooms range from doubles with sea views on either side to suites with direct access to the dunes. The hotel’s chiringuito beach bar serves classic dishes (think fresh grilled fish, seasonal veg and sunset tapas) under canvas parasols. A hotel that makes chilling-out look oh-so-chic. BOOK IT: Doubles from €400 B&B. casapacha.com

September/October 2021 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.CO.UK | 143

27-Hotels-V5ST.indd 143

27/08/2021 14:15

HOTELS & TRAVEL | Guide

Brand new this summer, Omma Santorini is perched on a secluded hilltop and perfectly positioned for the ultimate escape, with 360-degree sparkling sea views of the Caldera and the Aegean Sea and beautiful sunsets. There are 25 intimate rooms and suites in this Greek sanctuary, plus five discreet villas with private pools and sea views, set in their own 1.23 acres of unspoilt landscape – a home away from home. Enjoy the showstopping, double-level, signature infinity pool that overlooks the Caldera, one of the largest pools on the island. BOOK IT: Villa with seaview, from €1,760 B&B. ommasantorini.com

PALAZZO FIUGGI, Italy

Why visit Rome if it’s not to fill up on pizza, wine and la dolce vita? Detox afterwards at Palazzo Fiuggi, just 50 minutes south of the capital. It’s the perfect place to restore your inner glow and address the effects of overindulgence. A personalised menu of biodynamic ingredients at its three Michelin-starred restaurant heals from the inside, while hydrotherapy in the Fiuggi waters (thought to have cured the illnesses of Pope Boniface VIII and Michelangelo) gives a deep detox. Top it all off with reinvigorating yoga, pilates and restorative Ayurveda therapies. BOOK IT: Intro Wellness Programme from €3,945. palazzofiuggi.com

RUBY LUNA, Dusseldorf, Germany

A short walk from Dusseldorf’s old town in the former Commerzbank building, Ruby Luna, one of Ruby Hotels’ newest openings, is themed around outer space. An open ground floor gives the illusion of floating, while a concrete ramp to the basement is decked out with glass panels to offer a bird’s eye view of the ground below. The 13th-floor Observatory Bar, meanwhile, offers panoramic views of the starry night sky. All 206 bedrooms are designed for uninterrupted sleep, with blackout curtains, soundproofing and ultra-comfy beds. BOOK IT: Doubles from €74 B&B. ruby-hotels.com

THE MAYBOURNE RIVIERA, Côte d’Azur, France

The newly opened Maybourne Riviera offers unrivalled views of the Mediterranean coastline, from Monte Carlo to Roquebrune-Cap-Martin. It’s the fifth opening from the Maybourne Hotel Group, the name behind Claridge’s and The Connaught, so ultimate luxury is guaranteed. All 69 rooms feature private terraces overlooking the sea, while chef Mauro Colagreco (of three-Michelin star Mirazur in nearby Menton) heads up the glitzy rooftop restaurant. There’s also an impressive spa and – the cherry on top – access to the nearby private Maybourne Riviera Beach Club. BOOK IT: Doubles from €875. maybourneriviera.com

VILLA LA LAVANDAIA, Tuscany, Italy

A jewel in the heart of the Tuscan countryside, Villa La Lavandaia offers guests some of the most breathtaking views of Italy’s landscape. Featuring two master bedrooms, a partially-covered terrace, heated pool and sundeck, the villa is perfect for a relaxing getaway. It’s part of the Borgo Pignano luxury resort, meaning guests will have access to facilities such as the spa, art gallery and restaurant. Being within an hour’s drive of Siena and Florence makes it an ideal base for exploring some of Italy’s greatest cities, galleries and tourist destinations, too. BOOK IT: Doubles from €1,200 B&B. borgopignano.com

CAN FERRERETA, Santanyí, Mallorca

Inspired by the colours, flavours and textures of Mallorcan village life, Can Ferrereta is a new 32-room boutique hotel on the island’s less-explored south-eastern coast. It’s the second project from the team behind the renowned Sant Francesc in Palma, so expect tranquil rooms decorated in earthy tones, a jewel-bright swimming pool and luscious gardens. Admire the contemporary art on the walls, stretch out for a multi-sensory massage in the Sa Calma spa, and feast al fresco on seasonal Mediterranean fare at in-house restaurants Ocre and La Fresca. BOOK IT: From €315 B&B, 14 years +. hotelcanferrereta.com

ROCCO FORTE PRIVATE VILLAS, Sicily

White sand beaches and orange groves stretch as far as the eye can see here at Verdura Resort, where you can book one of the Rocco Forte Private Villas for an unforgettable family holiday. The team will ensure your holiday is tailored to you, with groceries delivered to your door, daily housekeeping, and access to all Vendura Resort’s facilities. Spend afternoons exploring Sicily’s untouched beaches, playing golf on the coastline, or relaxing in the Rocco Forte Spa. In the evening, dine al fresco under the stars in the villa courtyard or head over to one of the resort’s many restaurants for dinner and drinks. BOOK IT: Three-bed villa from €2,320. roccofortehotels.com

METT HOTEL & BEACH RESORT, Bodrum, Turkey,

METT Hotel & Beach Resort is a sprawling luxury retreat. Choose between an elegant guest room (perfect for couples) or a premium suite, where the private pool and garden make for an ideal family holiday. During the day, you can gaze out over the Aegean from a poolside cabana or relax in the traditional spa. For the evening, the resort has four restaurants to choose from and latenight performances to be enjoyed over a cocktail. There are also organised trips to The Halicarnassus – an ancient Greek city and one of the seven wonders of the ancient world – and bustling Bodrum. BOOK IT: Garden Deluxe Rooms from £500. mettsocialliving.com

ÉVORA FARM HOTEL, Portugal

Nestled in the untouched Alentejo region of Portugal, Évora Farm Hotel is 56 rooms and five villas set within 11 hectares of sun-kissed countryside. The pleasingly minimal interiors are done with a light touch, with a soothing palette interspersed with natural wood touches. Here, you’ll spend your time basking in one of the five swimming pools, being pampered in the spa, or exploring the surrounding olive groves, vegetable gardens and orchards. These supply the ingredients for À Terra, the hotel’s restaurant that celebrates the local produce of the Alentejo region, known as Portugal’s agricultural hub. BOOK IT: From £130 B&B. evorafarmhotel.com n

OMMA SANTORINI, Greece

144 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.CO.UK | September/October 2021

27-Hotels-V5ST.indd 144

27/08/2021 14:15

21 22

25 26

September/October 2021 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.CO.UK | 145

27-Hotels-V5ST.indd 145

27/08/2021 14:16

L IN AU O NC CT H O IN BE G R

T H E F U T U R E O F LU X U RY I S G R E E N

As we approach the United Nations Climate Change Conference 2021, COP26, this October sees the launch of a special edition of Great British Brands, the annual bible of home-grown excellence. Great British Brands ZERO is a call to arms for companies to join the all-important Race To Zero, the global campaign to rally businesses to strive for a healthy, resilient, zero carbon recovery that prevents future threats, creates job opportunities, and unlocks inclusive, sustainable growth.

GBB ZERO tells the stories of 26 luxury brands who are forging a route map for others to follow. With essays by Lucy Siegle, Sian Sutherland and activist Clover Hogan, examining everything from eco-anxiety to the problem with packaging, GBB ZERO will shine a light on the challenges faced by both brands and consumers, while also providing hope, rationale and inspiration for those yet to commit to this all-important race.

countryandtownhouse.co.uk/gbbzero @countryandtown

Interiors-GBBZero-V5-LC.indd 146

countryandtownhousemagazine

countryandtownhouse

country-and-town-house

27/08/2021 14:54

Escape | HOTELS & TRAVEL St George’s harbour is dotted with pastelbright houses among the emerald forest

A Taste of the SPICE ISLAND Lauren Ho discovers a slice of low-key authenticity in the Caribbean

PHOTOS: DIETMAR DENGER

t’s six o’clock in the morning and as I crack open my patio door condensation immediately shoots up the glass as a waft of hot, thick air forces its way into my cool room. Outside, as the pastel hues fade from the sky, everything is still, the only sound a lethargic lapping of the sea as it gently licks the shore. Welcome to quarantine in the Caribbean. More precisely, welcome to quarantine at Calabash, an intimate beachside bolthole on the south-eastern coast of Grenada. Tucked away in the eastern Caribbean Sea, towards the southern end of the Grenadines island chain, this former British colony has so far managed to navigate the pandemic successfully, with only 178 Covid-19 cases and one death out of its population of about 112,000. However, with tourism accounting for about 40 per cent of its GDP, isolation from the outside world has had a significant impact, creating a domino effect on interconnected industries, from fishing to farming. Today the country is cautiously reopening and, at the time of writing, it is one of a handful of destinations on the UK’s green list. That said, green doesn’t necessarily mean ‘go’. Access is complicated, with requirements including lots of form-filling, pre-arrival PCR tests, a swab on entry, and

quarantine at a hotel – such as Calabash – while you await the results. And so, duly isolated, I spend my time drifting between napping on the beach, swimming in the pool and alternating between the hotel’s two restaurants, one of which serves up an exquisite fine-dining menu with dishes like sous-vide duck breast served with plantain croquettes. Twenty-four hours later, a negative test result releases me to explore the best the Spice Island has to offer. ‘It’s just a bit of liquid sunshine – it won’t last long – it’s why Grenada is so lush,’ booms my driver Roger, as warm, fat raindrops begin to pelt the windscreen of our minivan, culminating in a downpour that lasts about five minutes. My energetic and knowledgeable guide for the next few days, Roger jokes that Grenadians do lots of involuntary exercise. ‘Wherever you go in Grenada, you’ll always find a hill,’ he says as he revs his minivan up a sharp incline. Indeed, just at 134.6 square miles in size, it’s from above that Grenada’s jungle-swathed, rippling contours are most apparent, its interior a sweep of emerald-green rolling hills, dizzying slopes, and cascading waterfalls, all of which crescendoes with the 840-high Mount

The island is EMBELLISHED with a FRINGE of bays, inlets and no less than 54 BEACHES – NINE with BLACK sand

September/October 2021 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.CO.UK | 147

Grenada-V3-BB.indd 147

27/08/2021 14:16

HOTELS & TRAVEL | Escape CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: One of Grenada’s mona monkeys; a villa at Calabash hotel; Aaron Sylvester of Tri Island Chocolate; Silversands beachfront villas

St Catherine. Beyond that, the island is embellished with a fringe of bays, inlets and no less than 54 beaches – nine with black sand – including the popular Grand Anse. Here, its mile-and-a-half curve of powdery white sand is lined with idyllic windswept palm trees and a smattering of resorts such as Mount Cinnamon and Silversands, the island’s newest and newsiest hotel, thanks to its sleek architectural design and dramatic 100-metre-long pool. After a morning spent trekking the muddy paths of Grand Etang National Park, a lush rainforest reserve high in the mountains that’s thick with dense jungle, cheeky mona monkeys and a riot of vivid tropical flowers, I ravenously anticipate our next stop, which is, as Roger says, a surprise. As he steers his minivan through the twisty roads, we pass a kaleidoscope of brightly-painted timber homes, dazzling emerald-green hillsides dotted with wonky stilted houses, and trees heavy with ripe mangos, avocados and, of course, nutmeg, before arriving at the spectacular Annandale Falls. Here, at the newly-opened Wild Orchid, a simple timber restaurant and bar, I get a front-row perch at the viewing window, which perfectly frames the thundering waterfall. In other words, a dramatic backdrop from which to tuck into simple dishes like coconut shrimps, best washed down with a deliciously strong, minty mojito. Aside from its abundance of spices and delicious chocolate, rum is also a huge part of Grenadian culture, with specialist stores found on nearly every corner. ‘One of the top things to do in Grenada is a tour of the local rum shops,’ affirms Danny Donelan, owner of Savvy Sailing. ‘Each one has its own local mood, character, and vibe. Nimrods in Woburn is my

favourite.’ Savvy Sailing uses traditional Carriacou sloops – handcrafted wooden sailing boats that were close to extinction a few years ago – to provide authentic local experiences, something Danny is passionate about. So aboard Savvy, rum punch in hand, we drift lazily along the island’s coast, past silky beaches, intimate coves and the capital of Saint George’s, its tumble of red-tiled roofs nudging against a lush volcanic mountain sprinkled with colourful homes. ‘Grenada has a little of everything to offer,’ he says, when I ask him what makes the island so special. ‘Both white and black sand beaches, waterfalls and rivers, 200-year-old spice plantations turned chocolate-making factories, and spectacular snorkelling and dive sites. We are also one of the safest places in the world, but what truly sets us apart is our people – it’s so easy for visitors to make friends and experience our culture through the eyes of locals.’ Certainly, of all the things I discover during my visit, perhaps the most unexpected is how approachable and refreshingly underrated this island nation is. Unlike many of its Caribbean neighbours, Grenada has quietly slipped under the radar, its low-key approach resulting in a laid-back blend that sits in the sweet spot between being mainstream and off the beaten track. Over the next few years, with plans to double the number of hotel rooms, brands like Six Senses are due to launch on the island, but I have no doubt Grenada will retain its relaxed authenticity and deservedly take its moment to shine. Lauren Ho was a guest of Grenada Tourism (puregrenada.com) and Virgin Atlantic (virginatlantic.com)

BOOK IT: From £505pp return London Heathrow to Grenada, virginatlantic.com; Calabash Hotel, from $595+taxes double room B&B (upgrade to halfboard if staying four nights or more, until 30 Oct), calabashhotel.com; Silversands Hotel, from $880+taxes double room B&B, silversandsgrenada.com n 148 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.CO.UK | September/October 2021

Grenada-V3-BB.indd 148

27/08/2021 14:16

THE PERPET UAL JOURNEY FOR INDEPENDENT MINDS

patinahotels.com/maldives reservations.maldives@patinahotels.com patinamaldives

Patina.indd 1

11/08/2021 10:16

15 %

OFF

plus

FREE DELIVERY & RETURNS Offer expires 31/12/2021 USE CODE: AW 21C T H

7675 STATEMENT DONEGAL JUMPER £108 £91.80

C E LT I C A N D CO.COM | 0333 40 0 0 04 4 Celtic & Co. create knitwear, footwear and outerwear in classic designs from natural materials, that are kind to the environment and a pleasure to wear. Clothes you’ll keep coming back to – year after year. Celtic & Co™. is a registered trademark of Celtic Sheepskin & Co. Ltd. T&C’s: This offer is only valid on full-priced items and cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Standard free delivery to UK mainland only. To redeem use online or over the phone when placing your order. Offer expires 31/12/2021.

Celtic & Co.indd 1

24/08/2021 17:40

The Weekender | HOTELS & TRAVEL Whitby is a wonderful launchpad from which to discover North Yorkshire

WHITBY Fabulous fish and chips, crabbing and culture, this seaside town has it all, finds Lucy Cleland

THE E S SEN T I A L S Whitby Abbey was the inspiration for Bram Stoker’s Dracula

here’s something distinctly poignant about a British seaside resort. Is it the strident keening of the seagulls that fractures other sounds of grey sea lapping wooden boat hulls, brass bands in the bandstand or the chunt of money sluicing in slot machines in beach-side arcades? You wonder what becomes of these frenetically busy places (where, please believe me, you absolutely need to book in somewhere for dinner each night way in advance), when the sun has long gone and the tourists disappear. I bet the locals love reclaiming their wonderful location once more. Whitby, on the North Yorkshire coast, is overlooked by the ruined Abbey (which inspired Bram Stoker’s Dracula after the author visited the town in 1890), standing imposingly on the blustery headland. It has higgledy-piggledy streets and houses that are best seen from the vantage point of a boat (you can do everything this way – from a pirate themed 20-minute whizz out of the harbour and back, to sunset mackerel fishing trips and eight-hour cruises to spot whales and dolphins). You won’t be short of fish and chips Once you’ve exhausted the endless fish and chips shops (a Mister Chips fresh fishfinger sandwich is a must), ghost trails and crabbing on the sandy beach with its bonny bright huts, there is a world beyond Whitby that should be explored while there. A few miles north (leave early on a hot day if you want to find a parking place), lies Robin Hood’s Bay, an exquisite fishing village and former smuggling haven, where at low tide, there are rock pools aplenty (find a fossil if you can) and teensy, tiny streets to explore while licking ice creams. For walkers, the world is your oyster – with endless trails along clifftops and moors alike, but why not combine the two in an eight-kilometre circuit walk called Hawsker that starts at Swan Farm, just a short drive out of town. Once back in Whitby, it’s time for a drink on the balcony of The Coastal Townhouse, a four-bedroom modern apartment with views over the harbour, before heading out, perhaps, for another portion of chips. When in Whitby…

STAY The Coastal Townhouse is the perfect place from which to get the best out of your weekend. Minutes from all the action, it’s also wonderfully peaceful, clean, modern, superbly comfortable and welcomes dogs. From £135 a night. homesandvillasbymarriott.com

EAT Fish – and lots of it. The Magpie Café (magpiecafe.co.uk) is the best known but quite frankly you really won’t eat bad fish anywhere. Out of town, try The Stables for ace homemade pub grub and killer roasts (inncollectiongroup.com).

DO Robin Hood’s Bay

Take the steam train from Whitby to Pickering that wends its way through magnificent scenery. It includes a stop at Goathland, which became Hogsmeade Station in the first Harry Potter film. nymr.co.uk n

September/October 2021 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.CO.UK | 151

Weekender-V2 STG.indd 151

27/08/2021 14:17

P R E S E R V E Y O U R F A M I LY H I S T O R Y

IT’S TIME TO TELL YOUR STORY Everyone has a book in them. It’s called an autobiography. You might think, who would be interested in my story? But make no mistake, everyone’s life is interesting, with extraordinary moments. Only you are you, and no-one else can tell your story. Writing about your life is your legacy to your loved ones. It will immortalize your experiences, your hopes, your dreams, and everything you learned along the way. For generations to come, your descendants can connect with you and gain wisdom and strength from your life. What better gift could you give them? Many of us think of turning our lives into words but putting pen to paper can be daunting. Where on Earth to begin? What do I include? How will I find the time? LifeBook, the world’s leading private memoir and autobiography service, is here to help. We work with

Life Book.indd 1

thousands of people across the world, helping them to capture their stories and write the book of their life. If you choose to chronicle your life with LifeBook, our expert and dedicated team will make everything easy. Six people will work with you: a project manager, a locally based interviewer, a ghost-writer, an editor, a typesetter and a proofreader. Everyone will work together with you to craft your memories into a handcrafted volume of your life, with your voice shining through each page and every chapter. Ensure your legacy lives on by putting the stories that matter most to paper. For the generations of your family to come – gift yourself or a loved one a LifeBook project. It’s time to tell your story. Find out how by calling us on 0808 250 8305 or visit lifebookuk.com/CT

30/06/2021 15:42

PHOTO: LIZZIE MAYSON

FOOD&DRINK

Hunker Down

Nights are drawing in… it’s time to loosen waistbands with some feel-good Sally Clarke food September/October 2021 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.CO.UK | 153

Food-Drink-Opener-V2 STG.indd 153

27/08/2021 14:17

FOOD&DRINK | Recipe

Sally Clarke’s eponymous restaurant, shop and bakery are beloved by their Kensington neighbours

Most vivid childhood food memory? The ice cream

cake that my parents bought from a local bakery for my birthday: too much sugar, too much colour, but delicious to my four-year-old taste buds.

PICTURED ON PREVIOUS PAGE

Favourite ingredient that is in season right now?

White peaches from France or Italy, which I’m using in salads with landcress and buffalo mozzarella; sliced fresh and sprinkled with lime or lemon juice; or baked with vanilla and cinnamon, served with soft meringue or as part of a Clarke’s classic trifle.

INGREDIENTS SERVES 4-6 — 12–14 thin slices baguette or wholemeal bread — 30g butter — 2tsp chopped thyme or 1tsp chopped dried herbs — 100g grated cheddar cheese — 4 free-range or organic eggs — 50ml milk — Salad or crudités, to serve

Biggest mistake you’ve made in the kitchen? Trying

Foodie TALES Chef and food writer Sally Clarke

to make fresh pasta with a purée of roasted red peppers. We got the ratio wrong, and it ended up as a soup rather than a tagliatelle. This was 25 years ago. Most memorable meal out and what made it so special?

It has to be one of the meals I have eaten at Chez Panisse in Berkeley California. It amazes me that even after almost 50 years, it is still the best in the world. Do you have any unusual rules in your kitchen? Lots of pleases

and thank yous, and no sitting on the work bench. These are both common sense to me, but sadly not universally understood or followed. What’s in your fridge right now? My homemade jam,

Fen Farm butter, Cacklebean eggs, comte cheese from Mons Cheesemongers and herbs from my mother’s garden. Least favourite ingredient in the kitchen? Saffron –

although I like it when very modestly and gently used. Sadly most chefs overuse it. First Put on Your Apron (Sally Clarke Ltd, £30) is available nationwide at sallyclarke.com n

PHOTOS: GETTY IMAGES; LIZZIE MAYSON

What was the first dish you learnt to cook? A rice pilaf,

using Uncle Ben’s rice and a Knorr chicken stock cube.

Savoury bread and butter pudding with cheese and herbs

pread the bread slices with butter on one side. In an ovenproof dish with a capacity of approximately 1.2 litres, lay the bread slices neatly overlapping one another, and sprinkle with half the chopped herbs and half the grated cheese. Whisk the eggs with the milk and some sea salt and freshly ground pepper until smooth and frothy. Carefully pour the egg mixture into the dish, making sure that the slices are evenly covered. Scatter the remaining herbs and cheese over and leave to soak for 10–20 minutes. Heat the oven to 180°C/fan oven 160°C/mark 4. After 10–20 minutes soaking time, place the dish in the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes or until the egg has puffed and the bread has turned golden brown all over. Pierce the centre with a sharp knife and if the egg runs liquid, place the dish back into the oven for a few more minutes. If the egg starts to colour before it is cooked in the centre, cover loosely with aluminium foil to continue the cooking without burning the top. Serve as soon as possible with a salad of various leaves or raw vegetable crudités of celery, fennel, carrot or radishes, for example. Leftovers may be chilled overnight in the fridge, then sliced like a cake for a lovely picnic or lunch-on-therun idea.

Food philosophy? Keep it simple, keep it seasonal and buy local whenever you can.

154 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.CO.UK | September/October 2021

Recipe-V3 STG.indd 154

27/08/2021 14:18

News | FOOD&DRINK

CATCH OF THE DAY Fish and chips at the seaside? Old news. Just launched on Worthing seafront, Kenny Tutt’s Bayside Social gives coastal cuisine a new vibe. Think sea bream ceviche, cockle pots and fig leaf pavlova. baysidesocial.co.uk

GROUND ZERO A former air raid shelter beneath Clapham has been cleverly re-purposed for sustainable farming – using 100 per cent renewable energy and up to 70 per cent less water. Growing Underground Superfood salad mix, £2.64. farmdrop.com

Gastro GOSSIP Key ingredients for a cosy weekend. By Sofia Tindall

BON APPÉTIT

Golden autumn days are on their way. Give evenings huddled round the campfire a serious upgrade with Gozney’s Roccbox pizza oven, which delivers a perfect Neapolitan in just 60 seconds. £399, gozney.com

TEA AND TOAST

DOWN THE RABBIT HOLE

Between wandering through buttermilk-hued university buildings and under the Bridge of Sighs, newly-opened The Alice is an Oxford must visit. Theatrical, dapper interiors meets classic British cuisine by Chris Emery. graduatehotels.com

Sparkling tea is the new Earl Grey. Following suit from the likes of Fortnum & Mason, Jing Tea has launched its first – a jaunty vegan number with notes of green tea, honey and fresh jasmine. £17.95, jingtea.com

September/October 2021 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.CO.UK | 155

Food-News-V5-LC.indd 155

27/08/2021 14:18

FOOD & DRINK | Review

The HIGHLANDS GO HAUTE Richard Hopton visits the ambitious new Lalique restaurant at The Glenturret

estled in a wooded valley beside the River Turret in the glorious Perthshire countryside is an exciting new experiment. The setting could scarcely be more traditional: the low, whitepainted, stone distillery with ‘Glenturret’ picked out in black lettering; massed oak casks waiting to be filled with a malt whisky that will delight connoisseurs the world over. And, just a few yards away, a fine-dining restaurant that is changing the face of haute cuisine in Scotland. The Glenturret has claims to be the oldest working distillery in Scotland, having produced its first whisky in 1763. In March 2019, it was acquired by Lalique in partnership with the Swiss entrepreneur Hansjörg Wyss; the new owners were determined to restore Glenturret to its rightful place among the great whiskies of Scotland after a long period of anonymity. The relaunched brand – in a fine-looking art decoinspired bottle – has won no fewer than 31 awards in recent international spirit tastings. The Perthshire HQ has long welcomed visitors but the new owners had a greater ambition: to open a fine-dining restaurant in the distillery. To this end, part of the building has been reconfigured to create a dining room, kitchen, bar and wine-tasting room. The owners have recruited Mark Donald, an established star of the Scottish culinary scene with a starry CV that includes stints at Noma, Hibiscus and Number One at The Balmoral. The restaurant is tied

FROM TOP: Raspberry, liver, and cocoa amuse-bouche; North Ronaldsay mutton with morels; raw langoustine with buttermilk green juice; the new Lalique restaurant at The Glenturret; star chef Mark Donald

to the distillery by more than mere physical proximity: it is dedicated to reflecting in its food the alchemy of creating fine whisky or, as John Laurie, the managing director of The Glenturret, puts it, ‘bringing the distillery into the restaurant’. A good example of this is Mark’s wonderful malted barley sourdough bread, which reproduces in edible form the essential ingredients of whisky. Mark is committed to using the best local ingredients: Highland Wagyu beef, Scottish lamb, fish and shellfish as well as ingredients – wild garlic, morels, sweet cicely – foraged in the woods surrounding the distillery. The Glenfizz cocktail with which we started the evening included dandelion cordial made from plants picked in the distillery grounds, and was served with a raspberry, liver, and cocoa amuse-bouche – an unforgettable treat. The Scottish cherrystone clam, served raw in its shell with gooseberry and pepper, was succulent and subtle. The main course of mutton with asparagus, morels and a haggis waffle was Scotland on a plate. All Mark’s dishes were immaculately balanced, innovative and wonderful to eat. While this partnership between fine whisky and haute cuisine is a new departure for the whisky industry, it’s commonplace in the wine world: Lalique’s chairman and CEO, Silvio Denz, is an oenophile who owns an enviable collection of French grands vins, including Château Lafaurie-Peyraguey, which boasts a restaurant with a Michelin star. Will the Glenturret follow suit and become the first whisky distillery to headline the Guide? Only time will tell, but with Mark at the stove its ambitions are clear. Tasting menu, £110 per person. theglenturretrestaurant.com n

156 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.CO.UK | September/October 2021

Restaurant-Review-V3.BB.indd 156

27/08/2021 14:19

In Partnership with

HowTheLightGetsIn L O N D O N 2 0 21

T H E WO R L D ’ S L E A D I N G F E S T I VA L O F I D E A S A N D M U S I C I S BAC K 18 / 19 S E P T E M B E R | H A M P S T E A D H E AT H

10 13 0 200

STAG E S EVENTS SPEAKERS & PERFORMERS

2 0 % O F F F E S T I VA L T I C K E T S

“

HTLGI.indd 1

F O R C O U N T RY & T O W N H O U S E R E A D E R S U S E P R O M O C O D E C O U N T RY 2 0 O N C H E C KO U T

Europe’s answer to TED - Total Politics -

A truly unique offering - The Independent -

25/08/2021 14:04

Stockists ALEXANDER MCQUEEN alexandermcqueen.com BARBOUR barbour.com BOTTEGA VENETA @matchesfashion.com

HICKS & BROWN hicksandbrown.com HOUSE OF BRUAR houseofbruar.com JADE SWIM jadeswim.com

BURBERRY @netaporter.com

MAISON ARABELLA maisonarabella.com

CECILIE BAHNSEN ceciliebahnsen.com

MARFA STANCE marfastance.com

CHLOÉ @netaporter.com

PAIRS SCOTLAND pairs-scotland.com

CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN christianlouboutin.com CLÉ DE PEAU BEAUTÉ cledepeau-beaute.com

PAMPEANO pampeano.co.uk PAUL SMITH paulsmith.com

DAVID MORRIS davidmorris.com

PHILOSOPHY DI LORENZO SERAFINI philosophyofficial.com

DIOR dior.com

PURDEY purdey.com

DR DENNIS GROSS drdennisgross.com

REALLY WILD reallywildclothing.com

ERES eresparis.com

SIMONE ROCHA simonerocha.com

FAIRFAX & FAVOR fairfaxandfavor.com

STELLA MCCARTNEY stellamccartney.com

FARLOWS farlows.co.uk

TOTEME toteme-studio.com

FENDI fendi.com

TUSTING tusting.co.uk

FRANKIE SHOP @netaporter.com

VIOLET LAKE violet-lake.com

HERD herdwear.co

WESTLEY RICHARDS westleyrichards.com

JOIN THE CONVERSATION Bringing the best of Country & Town House to life with chart-topping podcasts presented by our editors with weekly industry insider guests, helping you stay ahead of the curve. countryandtownhouse.co.uk/podcasts

@countryandtown countryandtownhousemagazine countryandtownhouse country-and-town-house

158 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.CO.UK | September/October 2021

Stockist-V3 STG.indd 158

27/08/2021 14:19

PROPERTY

Edited by Anna Tyzack

HOUSE OF THE MONTH Brightwell Manor, Wallingford Ten bedrooms, six bathrooms, 8,128 sq/ft £4.8m In a sentence… A spectacular moated manor house with stunning views across rolling countryside, yet just a five minute walk from the village and 45 minutes to Paddington. Any juicy history? Brightwell Manor’s waters are fed by springs, one of which was originally known as Beorht-Wille meaning ‘Bertha’s Spring’. Bertha was the Saxon goddess of sacred springs and the moon. It is believed that King Stephen built a moated siege castle in the 1150s on the site where the manor now stands. Best room in the house? The music room, with dreamy views over the moat. What would summers be like? Running barefoot in the garden, playing tennis with friends, and watching the children boat on the water. What would parties be like? Long and plentiful, with a cottage and flat to host families, a village pub to send the teenagers to, and a lawn big enough to entertain everybody. The current owner says… ‘The manor has been a wonderful family home for more than 50 years but now is the time to pass on its custodianship on to a new generation.’ +44 (0)1865 264851; knightfrank.co.uk

September/October 2021 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.CO.UK | 159

POTM-V4-LC.indd 159

27/08/2021 14:20

PROPERTY | Let’s Move To

ABERGAVENNY

ome of the starriest skies in Britain can be admired over the town of Abergavenny in Wales. It’s a part of Britain where time seems to move more slowly; the streets are lined with independent shops selling produce from local hill farms, which still practise age-old farming methods. ‘For centuries we’ve been putting back what we take away,’ explains Keith Powell, a seventh-generation local hill farmer and vet. ‘Now people are realising it’s actually quite forward-thinking to live like this – it’s economically viable and sustainable.’ It’s no surprise the area is attracting artists, creatives and entrepreneurs keen to live a simpler life in rural Monmouthshire. Creative director and influencer Lydia Pang has moved to the area with her designer/maker husband, Roo Williams, and according to Keith several of the local estates have been quietly purchased by high-flying Londoners looking to raise their children in space and fresh air. ‘They’re low-key about it, though,’ he says. ‘No electric gates or flashiness and they’re based here most of the time.’ The Brecon Beacons which flank Abergavenny have long been a popular second-home destination. They’re London’s closest mountain range; it takes just two and a half hours to drive from the capital to the town and trains from London Paddington take roughly the same time. But it’s the pandemic that’s made it

a hotspot for those looking to move permanently to the country. ‘Covid has forced people to review their lifestyle,’ explains Heather Cook of local estate agents Fine & Country (fineandcountry. co.uk). ‘If you can work from home several days a week Abergavenny makes sense. You have stunning walks and endless space, yet it’s easier to reach [from London] than the West Country.’ The town’s cosmopolitan vibe suits London tastes, with classy cafés, useful independents and no less than three top-notch butchers. There’s also a vibrant local restaurant scene with a number of gastro pubs and Michelin-starred establishments, such as the Walnut Tree at Llanddewi Skirrid (thewalnuttreeinn.com). And while it’s always been tricky to book accommodation during Abergavenny’s annual Food Festival, the town is now sold out all summer. ‘The Brecon Beacons has become somewhere everyone is gravitating to,’ confirms Heather. Ellen Hinton opened Little Green Refills, a sustainable shop and café, with her business partner Beth Oram earlier this year and believes the Abergavenny area is ideal for raising a family (little-green-refills.myshopify.com). ‘It’s a lively market town surrounded by mountains, rivers, biking trails and a canal. Post-lockdown, parents value these things more than ever,’ she says. Locals are increasingly passionate about protecting the natural environment, she adds,

160 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.CO.UK | September/October 2021

LMT-V3-LC.indd 160

27/08/2021 14:20

Anna Tyzack heads to the Black Mountains to explore the popular market town

giving an extra dimension to community life. ‘I’ve been so excited to see families coming in to stock up on pasta and rice with their Tupperware and glass jars. There’s a new way of doing things and people here seem happy to embrace it.’ Local schools are a further impetus for those leaving larger cities. There are three good primaries in the town, Gymraeg Y Fenni, Cantref and Llanfoist Fawr, as well as a popular comprehensive, King Henry VIII. It’s a half-hour drive to independents like the two Haberdashers’ Monmouth Schools for Girls and Boys (aged 3-18), two of the ten best independents in Wales, according to The Sunday Times’ Parent Power guide. The highly-rated co-eds Hereford Cathedral School, Christ College Brecon (for boarders), and Hereford Sixth Form College are also within reach. Such is the demand this year for family houses in the area that agents are witnessing a buying frenzy, observes

FROM LEFT: Three mountains – the Skirrid, the Blorenge and the Sugar Loaf – provide a dramatic backdrop to the market town; canoeing on the River Usk, which runs past Abergavenny

Heather. ‘Prices are holding up as there are more buyers than supply; we’re going to best and final offers in properties both in town and in the surrounding countryside,’ she notes. It’s still possible to buy a period cottage on one of the best streets in town for £375,000, and a country house with a few acres sells for £650,000. Prices are rising, though. Heather recently sold a house with outbuildings for £1.5 million, while at the top of the market Knight Frank is selling Great Campston, an eight-bedroom Georgian house with barns and 275 acres, a few miles from Abergavenny, for £4.5 million. Meantime, having lived off-grid for the past ten years, in a house built using materials found on his farm, Keith recently introduced television presenter Ben Fogle to the Black Mountains – and to his charity Stump Up For Trees, which aims to plant a million trees on unused bracken banks around Abergavenny, to offset carbon and improve biodiversity (stumpupfortrees.org). ‘Sustainability is just something you can keep doing forever – it’s quite simple really,’ he says. Keith finds it easy to see why London families are heading to Wales. ‘It’s really beautiful here, really quiet and the communications are excellent,’ he says. ‘And there are so few people that if you wandered around the Black Mountains stark naked, you’d be unlikely to scare anyone.’

BEST FOR

LOAF ABOUT The Angel Bakery on Lower Castle Street makes longfermented sourdoughs and pastries by hand. theangelbakery.com SLEEP UNDER THE STARS Seven Hills Hideaway is a dog-friendly glamping site with private hot tubs and en-suite bathrooms. sevenhillshideaway.co.uk

A CELEBRATORY LUNCH The Michelin-starred Walnut Tree has stunning views and a contemporary menu by chef Shaun Hill. There are rooms, too. thewalnuttreeinn.com PUT PEN TO PAPER The Chapel is an art shop, cafe and gallery inspired by the stunning local scenery. artshopandgallery.co.uk HEAD INTO THE BLACK MOUNTAINS Walk up the Sugar Loaf or Y Fal from Mynydd Llanwenarth. mudandroutes.com GIVE BACK Stump Up For Trees is a community-based charity planting one million trees to enhance biodiversity in the Brecon Beacons. stumpupfortrees.org

FOR SALE

LLANWENARTH, £395,000 A charming 18th-century three-bedroom cottage in a generous garden with views over the Usk towards the Blorenge mountain. The house features a wealth of period features including a working fire in the sitting room and an original bread oven, plus a quarry-tiled floor in the kitchen. christieresidential.co.uk

ABERGAVENNY, £775,000 Kellys Cottage is a former shooting lodge within delightful gardens. The four-bedroom house is currently arranged as two dwellings but could be occupied as a whole. Half an acre surrounds the house, with a vegetable patch and brook along the boundary and a large garage. fineandcountry.co.uk

LLANVIHANGEL, £4.5m Great Campston is a handsome Grade II-listed Georgian house with eight bedrooms and a minihamlet of barns and outbuildings. It’s all set within 275 acres and offers outstanding views towards the Skirrid, the Sugar Loaf and the Black Mountains. knightfrank.com n

September/October 2021 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.CO.UK | 161

LMT-V3-LC.indd 161

27/08/2021 14:20

IS THE GRASS ALWAYS GREENER? Now the rat-race bubble has well and truly burst, are you dreaming of pastures new? Consider your options carefully, says Dr Soph

any people dream of moving to greener pastures, wanting to swap the busy city for a quieter life in the countryside. This dream has intensified for many city dwellers since Covid-19 had us locked inside our homes, unable to access the amenities and activities that previously made it worth paying sky-high city prices. Homeworking showed us, in turn, that maybe we don’t need to live near a city office any more. If this resonates with you, you’re not alone. Rightmove reports that, in 2020, people looking for houses in villages increased by 126 per cent compared with the previous year. The exodus from the city isn’t only due to housing prices – desire for a garden or the ability to work from home also top the list. Pre-Covid many of us were living our lives on autopilot – get up, go to the office (maybe on a packed train), work. Do it all in reverse. We dreamed of a different life, maybe a slower-paced day, a patch of land we could call our own, a beach getaway where we could wake to the sound of the waves. These daydreams remained out of reach, however, as the strains of the city grind squashed our belief that change could be for us. The pandemic shook many of us out of autopilot. It made us take a long hard look at our lives as they were, and got us asking: ‘Do I want to go back to that? Could life look like something else? If so, what kind of life would I like? What is important to me?’ For many, the drive to be constantly busy has gone. The rat-race bubble has burst. The desire to feel calm, grounded and among nature has taken its place, intensifying the pull of the aforementioned daydream. If you’re teetering on the brink of making that dream a reality, there are some considerations you need to make – because sometimes people move to the countryside and find it’s not quite what they expected. I have been that person, dreaming of a quiet life but assuming I would still be able to pop to a friend’s house on foot, access the oat-milk flat white on my doorstep (okay, a pretentious London expectation), and

Is escaping the city an occasional daydream on a busy day or a true life ambition?

162 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.CO.UK | September/October 2021

Move-To-Country-V3.BB.indd 162

27/08/2021 14:21

City vs Country | PROPERTY order delicious pizza, or the wine we have just run out of, at three in the morning. Ten days after I moved to the countryside the gap between my expectation and the reality hit me like a slap. Friends and good coffee bars were a drive away, while takeaway services would never make it to our house (in a field), let alone at night. While not exactly devastating, it was a shock to the system as the difference dawned on me; a lifechanging decision had been made. Now, when anyone tells me they are gearing up to move, I always suggest they do the following three things to minimise the gap between their expectations and reality and ensure they have a smooth transition to the picture postcard life they imagine they will have.

List your expectations of the countryside and what it could offer you. Maybe, like me, you think you will keep up the same busy lifestyle you have in the city while surrounded by nature. Maybe you think it will be the place you can hone your gardening skills.

Consider what you like or love about where you already live, the aspects of your daily routine or spontaneous moments you don’t want to live without. List what you need in life to feel good and what are simply desires. For example, will you need a train line, a pub in your village, a local cafe or yoga studio? Do you value having a central hub to your local area where you can sit quietly when you need to, but also see the hustle and bustle of other people? When looking for a new home and location, ensure you have this list with you so you don’t get whisked away by the rosefronted tumbledown cottage that in the moment grabs your fancy but in the long run doesn’t meet your needs.

3 Moving to the country is more than a shift in geography – you need to consider your new life as a whole

Think about friends. Ask yourself where your current friends live and where you might find new connections in a different community. If you like running, is there a running club nearby? If you like to craft, is there a group you can join? Add any activity that you think will help you make friends to your list of ‘new location must-haves’. Once you have completed these steps, try before you buy. Stay in a B&B or with a friend who lives in the area you think meets your criteria. Find out whether your idyllic dream is a possibility. See whether you truly enjoy the slower-paced life (or just need a break from the city or a week off work). Ask people you meet in cafes or shops what they think of the area and how long they have lived there. If you aren’t sure, stay a few more times until you’ve made up your mind. If you decide it’s not for you, it’s not too late to change your plans. Once you find somewhere that meets your needs, and matches your expectations, you are ready to go – ready to let the good times (and the gorgeous country fields) roll into your life. A Manual for Being Human by Dr Sophie Mort (Gallery UK, £14.99) is out now n

September/October 2021 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.CO.UK | 163

Move-To-Country-V3.BB.indd 163

27/08/2021 14:21

PROPERTY | Five of the Best

Houses with DESIGN HERITAGE

Modern, Queen Anne or Arts & Crafts? asks Amy Wakeham

FOWEY, £1.65m

Great Treverran is a grade II*-listed Queen Anne house to the west of the beautiful River Fowey Estuary. Set among the undulating countryside, and within mature gardens, the house is a fine example of Queen Anne architecture with granite pilasters and a façade created from locally quarried stone. Inside, it’s finished to the highest standard. jonathancunliffe.co.uk

GODALMING, £5.75m

Built in 1905, Munstead Court is a fabulous example of Arts & Crafts architecture, as popularised by the likes of William Morris. Inside it’s spacious, with three elegant reception rooms with fireplaces and leaded windows, seven bedrooms and an open-plan kitchen and family room that opens up onto the terrace. struttandparker.com

HEATHFIELD, £2.65m

A contemporary classic that will stand the test of time. This handsome five-bedroom house was built in 2015 and combines modern lines with a sense of grandeur usually found in period properties. It’s super energy efficient, too, mixing a highly efficient oil-fired heating system with an air source heat pump. Large windows throughout offer bountiful natural light, as well as sweeping views. hamptons.co.uk

CHELSEA, £19.95m

Old Chelsea meets new in this modern, light-filled townhouse that’s set behind its own gates for ultimate privacy. It offers five bedrooms and an openplan, studio-style reception area that makes the perfect blank canvas for your art collection. Completing the picture is a roof terrace, garden, cinema and gym with a massage room. savills.com

WHITEHALL, from £5.8m

New name, new look. The OWO is the 21st-century rebirth of Whitehall’s Old War Office. Following a monumental transformation, Winston Churchill’s WWII headquarters now houses 85 new turnkey residences created by Raffles. Ranging in size from studios to five-bedroom apartments, the impeccable interiors are by design studio 1508 London. theowo.london

164 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.CO.UK | September/October 2021

5OTB-Property-V4-LC.indd 164

27/08/2021 14:22

P R O M OT I O N

HOLE IN ONE

A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to join the Cabot Saint Lucia community

aint Lucia is a Caribbean island like no other, where emerald mountains, rich with luscious rainforest, stretch down over cliffs to touch white sandy beaches. On the northern tip you’ll find Cabot Saint Lucia, a new private community that offers spectacular golf, breathtaking views, and unparalleled real estate opportunities on a 375-acre ocean-fronted estate.

WAY ABOVE PAR At the heart of Cabot Saint Lucia is a new 18-hole golf course, created by worldrenowned designers Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw. They were inspired by the island’s dramatic landscape to create the par-71 championship course, designed to challenge and engage all levels and abilities. There’s a 150-foot elevation to navigate, as well as the seventh green, which is set on a jagged promontory with waves crashing just behind the flag. It’s sure to become one of the most soughtafter courses in the world.

A HOME AWAY FROM HOME Relax into island life in your very own Cabot Saint Lucia home. Build your dream house from scratch, or opt for one of the Fairway Villas, designed by

architect Richard Hywel Evans – but be quick, these are selling fast. All properties offer sweeping views over the golf course, beaches and Atlantic Ocean. And the best part? You’ll automatically join a community of likeminded individuals and families.

LUXURY LIVING Joining the private community means you get access to the world-class amenities of the Cabot Saint Lucia resort. There’s plenty to do: sip cocktails at the beach club, perfect your backhand in the sports facility, or relax with a massage in the spa. Or, make memories of a lifetime with the Cabot Explorers programme, which offers everything from scuba diving lessons to whale-watching adventures. Afterwards, refuel at the relaxed Caribbean-style Beach Restaurant or sit down to a feast at the elegant Cabot Point Clubhouse Restaurant & Bar, where ingredients are sourced from the property’s on-site farm. Ready to start a new adventure at Cabot Saint Lucia? Fly direct from Europe to Hewanorra International Airport, an hour’s drive from the resort, or the George F L Charles Private Airport, ten minutes’ drive away. Helicopter transfers also available. Properties available now for 2022. Find out more at cabotstlucia.com

Cabot Saint Lucia’s spectacular oceanfront location provides the perfect backdrop to your new dream home

September/October 2021 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.CO.UK | 165

Cabot-St-Lucia-ADV-V5 STG.indd 165

27/08/2021 14:30

HOMES FOR SALE IN THE WEST MIDLANDS

EDGBASTON, BIRMINGHAM

LICHFIELD, STAFFORDSHIRE

A fine Grade II listed stucco villa built in 1823 with many remarkable and characterful original features throughout.

Built in 1715 this majestic Grade II listed Georgian attached home was owned by twice Prime Minister and father of modern policing Sir Robert Peel.

4 BEDROOMS | 2 BATHROOMS | 4 RECEPTION ROOMS

5 BEDROOMS | 4 BATHROOMS | 6 RECEPTION ROOMS

Guide price £1,200,000

Guide price £1,395,000

sarah.briggs@knightfrank.com

LICHFIELD, STAFFORDSHIRE

HARBORNE, BIRMINGHAM

A handsome Grade II listed country home with all of the character and charm expected, combined with absolute luxury and modern convenience.

A superb family home with spacious accommodation on a popular residential road.

8 BEDROOMS | 4 BATHROOMS | 5 RECEPTION ROOMS

5 BEDROOMS | 2 BATHROOMS | 4 RECEPTION ROOMS | EPC E

Guide price £4,250,000

Guide price £1,295,000

sarah.briggs@knightfrank.com

LICHFIELD, STAFFORDSHIRE

TATENHILL, STAFFORDSHIRE

Over the last 300 years, Pipe Hill House has been owned by only eight families. It is set in approximately 6.88 acres.

This remarkable pink home is quite unique. A stunning Grade II listed turreted hall immaculately refurbished by the current owners.

5 BEDROOMS | 6 BATHROOMS | 6 RECEPTION ROOMS

4 BEDROOMS | 2 BATHROOMS | 5 RECEPTION ROOMS

Guide price £1,995,000

Guide price £1,150,000

sarah.briggs@knightfrank.com

If you are thinking of buying or selling in The Midlands call us today on 0121 721 9480. We'd love to help you.

Knight Frank-Birmingham.indd 1

knightfrank.co.uk

20/08/2021 09:34

HASELEY MANOR Haseley Manor offers the superlative in timeless design and style. Expertly considered, interiors demonstrate an uncompromising level of specification and grandeur throughout. One and two bedroom apartments. Prices from £650,000 to £900,000

spitfirehomes.co.uk

To schedule your private appointment to view, please call 07384 510966. Haseley Manor, Hatton, Warwickshire, CV35 7LU

Knight Frank-SPITFIRE.indd 1

20/08/2021 16:17

1 2

AVON HEIGHTS, STRATFORD -UPON-AVON

estled a stone's throw from the river Avon, just two 3-bed apartments remain in this contemporary bespoke gated development. Both apartments offer modern design-led living, featuring sleek interiors and a private balcony, and are desirably located just moments from Stratford-upon-Avon town centre. 3 B E D A PA R T M E N T S , 2 B AT H R O O M S , P R I VAT E B A L C O N Y, L I F T A C C E S S , V I D E O E N T R Y S Y S T E M , S E C U R E PA R K I N G

Prices From £765,000 - £795,000 james.youngman@knightfrank.com +44 1789 206 952

Knight Frank-AVON HEIGHTS.indd 1

knightfrank.co.uk

20/08/2021 09:31

Not yet...

Now.

Is the country calling? Is now the time to make your move? The Knight Frank Country team is looking for talented people like you. Join our partnership today and realise your possibilities. Contact James Cleland Head of Country Business 020 7861 1552

Sam Popham-Holloway Recruitment Advisor 020 7590 2453

knightfrank.co.uk

Find out more

Knight Frank-RECRUITMENT.indd 1

20/08/2021 09:42

Outstanding Oxfordshire Estate Nettlebed, Oxfordshire Henley-on-Thames: 7.8 miles, Reading Station: 11.9 miles, Oxford: 19.8 miles Superb residential and sporting estate. Unlisted principal house with 8 bedrooms and 2nd floor in need of refurbishment, tennis court, swimming pool, stableyard, manège, additional farmhouse, 5 cottages, farm buildings, manicured formal gardens, farmland, woodland and established shoot. About 741 acres | Offers in excess of £23 million

C&TH_ FP_ SEPT/OCT ISSUE_ELWELME ESTATE.indd 58 Savills.indd 1

20/08/2021 13:21 20/08/2021 16:13

Crispin Holborow Savills London National Farms & Estates 07967 555 511 cholborow@savills.com

Hugo Knight Savills London National Farms & Estates 07816 363 822 hugo.knight@savills.com

C&TH_ FP_ SEPT/OCT ISSUE_ELWELME ESTATE.indd 59 Savills.indd 2

Richard Binning Savills Oxford 07968 550 312 rbinning@savills.com

20/08/2021 13:21 20/08/2021 16:13

Octagon.indd 1

18/08/2021 16:48

Get in touch to find the one that’s perfect for you.

jll.co.uk/residential

JLL.indd 1

New Homes | Sales | Lettings

27/08/2021 10:51

Barton – 4 miles from Cambridge train station £2,500,000 A most attractive individual detached residence originally built in 1960 with Arts and Crafts influences and located in a Conservation Area at the heart of this picturesque village just 3.5 miles south-west of Cambridge city centre. The fine property provides versatile and well proportioned accommodation extending to about 2750 sq ft. and features a generous open plan kitchen/living/dining room. Entrance hallway, cloakroom, living room, study, family room, kitchen/ breakfast room, utility, 6 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms. Outside: Delightful landscaped grounds, double garage. EER: D Contact: Richard Freshwater | Cambridge Office: 01223 214214 | richard.freshwater@cheffins.co.uk

Balsham – 10 miles from Cambridge train station £1,500,000 A most impressive and substantial individual detached Georgian style country house, combining elegance and style with exceptionally versatile and well proportioned accommodation set over three floors and extending in all to about 3925 sq ft. including a potential self-contained apartment on the top floor. Many attractive and stylish features of quality and character are incorporated, and it exudes its own very unique and very special ambience. Reception hall, principal reception room, open plan kitchen/ breakfast/ family room, utility room, cloakroom, study, dining room, 5 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms. Outside: Landscaped gardens, swimming pool, double garage. EER: C Contact: Martin Walshe | Cambridge Office: 01223 214214 | martin.walshe@cheffins.co.uk

cheffins.co.uk 01223 214214

Cheffins.indd 2

27/08/2021 14:55

Cambridge – 2 miles from Cambridge train station £1,950,000 A most impressive and substantial double fronted detached 1930s residence of significant charm and character standing within its own attractive grounds of about 0.36 acres within the eagerly sought after Newnham district of the city. This fine family home offers versatile accommodation, part of which can be used independently as a ground floor annexe. A detached studio is located at the end of the mature garden. Reception hall, cloakroom, sitting room, living room, kitchen/ dining room, utility room, kitchen/ diner, 6 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, studio. Outside: Delightful landscaped gardens, open fronted pole barn. EER: C Contact: Richard Freshwater | Cambridge Office: 01223 214214 | richard.freshwater@cheffins.co.uk

Cambridge – 2 miles from Cambridge train station £1,500,000 A unique and rather special opportunity to purchase a modernist detached residence situated in this desirable location close to the heart of Newnham just to the west of the city. This fine property was designed by David Thurlow and won a RIBA award in 1986. The property stands within its own established grounds of about 0.22 acre with detached garage and gravel driveway. Entrance hall, cloakroom, sitting room, dining room, kitchen/ breakfast room, utility, 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. Outside: Enclosed gardens, detached garage. EER: D Contact: Richard Freshwater | Cambridge Office: 01223 214214 | richard.freshwater@cheffins.co.uk

Cheffins.indd 3

01223 214214 cheffins.co.uk

27/08/2021 14:55

LAST WORD Want to be happy? You have to make the right choices – like Hugh Grant’s character in Love Actually

Tales of our Time Why it really is love, actually, says Michael Hayman

‘Y

ou read it better than Hugh.’ Words for my epitaph. Words from the film maker and human rights campaigner Richard Curtis. To explain, it’s love, actually. No, it really is Love Actually and I was reading out Hugh Grant’s legendary opening voiceover, featuring the arrivals gate at Heathrow. The spine-tingling feel-good… wait for it… ‘If you look for it, I’ve got a sneaky feeling you’ll find that love actually is all around.’ For a moment my mind is filled with delusions of grandeur: the musical score of Wet Wet Wet, a glittering future of Oscar red carpets and unforgettable scenes of silver screen splendour. Luckily, for all concerned, it is a very brief moment. But moments, and how we use them,

it turns out, is also very much what Richard is about. His tip for life is that ‘to make things happen, you have to make things’. They’re good words to live by. No matter how overwhelming things might seem we can all make a difference with the choices we make. It’s one of the reasons that he created Make My Money Matter, a campaign to ensure that your pension is invested in things that make you proud – one that builds a healthy planet as well as delivering healthy returns. ‘What’s the point in retiring in a world on fire?’ is the very good question posed and the action you can take is to demand that fossil fuels, tobacco, and arms are not propping up your future. Turns out your pension could change the world. While Curtis is one of the world’s most distinguished movie makers it is his activism

that increasingly defines him. He co-founded the charities Comic Relief, Make Poverty History, the Live 8 concerts alongside Sir Bob Geldof, and latterly the Forest For Change exhibition at Somerset House. He offers me another tip. This time that ‘you can’t be happier than happy’ and it’s the statement that helps to understand his positivity in general and belief in particular that we can all be extraordinary. It’s more possible now, he says, because ‘we live in an age where people are opening up more’. To do this requires us to commit to ‘just do stuff’ and to enjoy what gives us the human touch: the emotion, the passion and the feeling and that allows us to relish the moment. This is actually what he means by love. But in agreeing with this, alas, I feel it in my fingers and I feel it in my toes, that he was wrong about Hugh. n

LISTEN To my interview with Richard Curtis on the Change Makers podcast (changemakers.works). WATCH Our Planet: Too Big To Fail (ourplanet.com). UNDERSTAND Where your money goes (makemymoneymatter.co.uk). READ Sorrow and Bliss by Meg Mason (Orion, £14.99). Is a life ever too broken to fix? A wonderful story, full of the right questions.

PHOTOS: SHUTTERSTOCK

TA L K I N G P O I N T S

176 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.CO.UK | September/October 2021

Last-Word-V3 STG.indd 176

27/08/2021 14:22

MAKING MAGIC

Silverlining is a British furniture maker, recognised globally for being at the nexus of design, craft, and technology. Visit our ‘Innovation in Craft’ exhibition:

121 Pimlico Road, London 04.10.21 — 17.10.21 / 10:00 – 18:00

Vaulted Echo Table

silverliningfurniture.com/exhibition

Silver Lining.indd 1

26/08/2021 11:15

Rolex.indd 1

09/08/2021 13:39