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L I V E

T H E

L I F E . . . L O V E

T H E

S T Y L E

& INTERIORS

Spring pickings!

MARCH 2018 £4.40

US$8.99/AUS$10.50/NZ$13 RECALL 28/02/2018

LOVE PATISSERIE?

FRENCH DELIGHTS YOU CAN MAKE YOURSELF

DISCOVER THE SEASON’S HERO STYLES AND COLOUR COMBOS

LIVE & WORK THE COUNTRY WAY DESIGNER SAM WILSON’S COTSWOLDS SHOP

✢

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ARTIST BETHANY HOLMES’ ESSEX STUDIO

VINTAGE MODERN

The home of

MODERN COUNTRY Interiors & inspiration 8 13 20 62

124

Country homes 22

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TO FIND ALL STOCKISTS IN THIS ISSUE, TURN TO PAGE 145

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ON THE COVER

HOME NOTES MAKE A HOUSE A HOME The perfect bed for a faithful friend FASHION FORWARD COUNTRY STYLE Gorgeous new designs that offer a modern take on country interiors ●

71

SPRING FABRICS YOU’LL LOVE! New season, new fabrics!

Discover our pick of the best

77

LET’S TALK PALE GRAINS The wonder of wood in the country home

80

THE COUNTRY DECORATOR How to add comfort and contrast with rustic reds

91

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MARCH The things we can’t live without

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BATHROOM SPECIAL Ten of the latest looks to help achieve a vintage modern feel

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100

MODERN COUNTRY CLASSICS Stylish chests of drawers

102

ROOM ELEMENTS The raw beauty of natural flooring

108

HOME GADGETS Stylish and practical kitchen bins

133

COUNTRY KITCHEN FOCUS Simple Shaker-inspired design in a palette of soft colours

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● KINROSS-SHIRE FARM STEADING After years in RAF accommodation, this Scottish home, complete with longed-for Aga, is a dream come true

EAST LOTHIAN COTTAGE Maximising the amazing views was the priority in the restoration of this cottage

●

42

WEST SUSSEX SCHOOL CONVERSION A lesson in how to make the very best use of a diminutive space

52

● NORTHUMBERLAND FARMHOUSE A house swap led to a property that’s close to home in more ways than one

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PLUS GET-THE-LOOK IDEAS FOR EVERY HOME

138 Country Homes & Interiors

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Gardens 14 110

GARDEN NOTES SNOWDROP SEASON A Cambridgeshire plot that once had a rubbish tip at the end is now the perfect vision of an English country garden

Just for you 84 SUBSCRIBE TO COUNTRY HOMES & INTERIORS

109 SAVE 20% AT HEATHCOTE

& IVORY Pamper yourself with a range of beautiful products

42

86 Seasonal food 17 124

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● PERFECT PATISSERIE Original Bake Off winner Edd Kimber creates French classics that are simple yet stunning

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OUR FAVOURITE SHOP Visit The Emporium Somerset for the best artisan buys

86

MY KIND OF COUNTRY Contemporary impressionist artist Bethany Holmes takes inspiration from rural Essex MAKE LIFE LOVELY Happy thoughts and ideas for fashion, eco, wellbeing and more

123

OUR FAVOURITE PLACE Enjoy a stay surrounded by handpicked artwork at Artist Residence in Oxfordshire

138

● MY COUNTRY BUSINESS Lino-print artist Sam Wilson’s work translates beautifully on to a range of homewares

154

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ON THE COVER

ultimate tour of India

144 TRAVEL OFFER Take a fully escorted tour to one of these exciting Italian destinations

147 TRAVEL OFFER Experience the wonders of South Africa, Vietnam and Cambodia, Japan or China

FOOD NOTES

Lifestyle

110

130 TRAVEL OFFER Enjoy the

MY FAVOURITE VIEW Richard Joseph, co-founder of Joseph Joseph, loves unspoilt Aberdyfi in Wales

Regulars 129 145

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

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& INTERIORS 161 Marsh Wall, London E14 9AP Telephone 020 3148 5000 Email countryhomes@timeinc.com EDITOR Rhoda Parry CREATIVE DIRECTOR Emma Williams 020 3148 7184 HOUSES EDITOR Vivienne Ayers 020 3148 7194 SHOPPING EDITOR Holly Phillips 020 3148 7195 NEWS AND FEATURES EDITOR Thea Babington-Stitt 020 3148 7458 CONTENT EDITOR Tara King 020 3148 7196 CONTRIBUTING EDITOR Sara Bird (Style) EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Sally Dominic 020 3148 7154 CHIEF SUB EDITOR Anne Esden 020 3148 7188 HEAD OF SUBS OPERATIONS Maxine Clarke 020 3148 7136 SENIOR SUB EDITORS Marian McNamara, Fiona Mace HEAD OF ART OPERATIONS Alison Walter 020 3148 7113 ART EDITOR Meredith Davies 020 3148 7186 EDITORIAL PRODUCTION MANAGER Nicola Tillman 020 3148 7891 DEPUTY EDITORIAL PRODUCTION DESIGNER Clare Willetts 020 3148 7892 EXECUTIVE EDITOR Jane Akers 020 3148 7313

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REGIONAL ADVERTISING Regional Sales Director Katrina Hutchison 0161 601 3720 Sales Manager (Inserts) Canopy Media Katherine Brown 07464 544375

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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

Things I’ve seen, done and loved this month

BACKGROUND GARDEN BIRDS COLLECTION, SOPHIE ALLPORT

I have been feeling the first warmth in the sunshine the past few days and so has the Sussex landscape in which I live – the narcissi I planted in autumn are starting to flower, the garden birds dawn-chorusing and the marsh frogs calling in the waterways. They’re welcome signs that the seasons are turning.

This issue shows the first spring feelings, too! In our gorgeous houses across the UK (from page 22), the fires are still lit of an evening and the Agas are humming in the kitchen, but there is a freshness and orderliness to the interiors that’s refreshing, inviting and inspiring. There is also optimism and joy in the latest home collections as we showcase a new wave of fun and fashion-forward looks and colour combinations from new designers (page 62).

I hope you agree they are timeless, bold and quirky!

We also take a look at the re-emergence of vintage modern bathrooms (page 91), the classic beauty of natural floorcoverings from sisal to wool (page 102) and the revolution of the humble bin (page 108).

Spring-ing forward is definitely on the agenda!

R hoda x IF YOU LIKE WHAT WE DO, WHY NOT SUBSCRIBE? Pay from just £2.75 an issue and have the pleasure of Country Homes & Interiors popping through your door every month. Turn to page 84 for details.

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Things we can’t live without

MARCH

A gathered bunch of sunny daffodils to welcome spring and new beginnings.

Twine, all good garden centres.

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C O U N T R Y D AY S

2 1

3 4 1 Pretty canisters to brighten up the kitchen countertop.

Helsinki stackable jar, col Yellow, H12xDia12cm, £6, Sainsbury’s.

2 Pendant lights in jewel tones. Hania ceramic pendant shade, Dia27cm, FRO 3DFLÆ“F %OXH e 3RRN\ 3 Vintage-style seating.

Greene mango wood and iron dining FKDLU + [: [' FP e IRU 6ZRRQ (GLWLRQV 4 Charming country life motifs. +DUH +DUH FXVKLRQ FP VT e *LOOLDQ .\OH

Flinging open the doors and enjoying the fresh air.

Petersham snuggler, e %URFNOHVE\ coffee table, e mug, e tea plate, e vases, IURP e planter, e candle, e DOO 7KH :KLWH &RPSDQ\

Swapping woollens for light knits.

Sally Crew Neck jumper, col Light Blue, £44.95, Joules.

5 6

8

7 5 Spring green accessories to add a fresh note. Demi pure wool throw, x cm, FRO 3HDU *UHHQ e 6R &RV\ 6 Keeping thirsty plants hydrated. Watering can, H16xDia9cm, £10, Debenhams. 7 Ambient lighting for cool evenings. House-shaped tealight holder, H13x6cm sq, £19, Uniquely Eclectic at Notonthehighstreet.com. 8 A Cornish stitched tidy for bits and bobs. Sewing embroidered storage SRW + ['LD FP e 3RSS\ 7UHIIU\

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C O U N T R Y D AY S

10

Putting out treats for our feathered friends.

House bird feeder, £7, Sophie Conran for Burgon & Ball.

9

11

12

9 Relaxed dining with decorative tableware. Patterned ceramic dinner plate, Dia25cm, col Ocean Blue, £18, Hooglig.

10 A bone china jug for blooms. Leaping Hare jug, H11x Dia7cm, £18, Katharine Pollen at Notonthehighstreet.com.

11 Growing herbs. Extra small Kiondo striped baskets, £30 each, Mifuko at Know & Love. 12 Garden inspiration. Avocado Tea towel, £12 for 2, Wallace Cotton.

14 13

15

16

13 Cheery natural floorcoverings. Stripe & Silver Star rug, 150x90cm, col Green, £95, Tate & Darby. 14 Serving up a bowl of goodness. Alfresco cereal bowl, H7xDia16cm, col Yellow, £6, John Lewis. 15 Scrubbing up after a spring clean with scented soap. Soap in printed paper, £7.50, Clarissa Hulse. 16 A modern-country update. Patibolo round coffee table, H40xDia80cm, £314, Distinctify.

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New bedding to refresh our country bedrooms.

Watercolour Striped double duvet set; Bug Print double duvet set, both £49.50, Marks & Spencer.

Colour of

THE MOMENT

FEATURE HOLLY PHILLIPS STYLING (OPENER) ULRIKA GRONLUND/HOUSE OF PICTURES, (MOODBOARD) HOLLY PHILLIPS PHOTOGRAPH (OPENER) PERNILLA BERGDAHL/HOUSE OF PICTURES

WELCOME SPRING INTO YOUR HOME WITH AN UPLIFTING PALETTE OF LEMONY YELLOW HAPPILY PLAYING ACROSS SOFT GEOMETRIC WEAVES, SCANDI-INSPIRED COTTONS AND SEASONALLY PATTERNED LINENS

Wallpapers: 1 (Background) Eaton stripe, col Camomile Yellow, £40 a roll, Laura Ashley. 2 (Top right) Time, col Jonquil, £57 a roll, Prestigious Textiles. 3 (Bottom left) Salvia, col Putty/Citrine, £53 a roll, Clarissa Hulse for Harlequin. Fabrics (from top left): 1 Orla, col Lemon, £49.99m, The Swedish Fabric Company. 2 Tiny Trumpets, col Natural & Yellow Ochre, £45m, Kate Medlicott. 3 Barrington, col Mimosa, £39.99m, Prestigious Textiles. 4 Folia velvet, col Zest, £60m, Harlequin. 5 By The Sea, col Saffron & Charcoal, £52m, Vanessa Arbuthnott. 6 Thalia, col Daffodil/Natural, £46m, Sanderson. Carys paint, £42 for 2.5L, Little Greene. Slate (just seen), similar from Martin Moore Stone. Key, dish and twine, stylist’s own.

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Home notes Shine a new light One of Britain’s longestsurviving lighting manufacturers – since the 1800s – David Hunt Lighting has extended its paint service with Marston & Langinger to its Shoreditch pendant (left). Choose from 10 new country-inspired shades for a contemporary update. Group together above an island or hang solo. Prices from £222.

Mix pastel shades for a nostalgic feel

O U R FAV O U R I T E D E S I G N E R

Crisp & Dene Curtain, Tea Time, £52m; flop-over frill, Simple Ticking, £49.50m; cushion, Branching Out, £52m, all Vanessa Arbuthnott.

FEATURE TARA KING

Suffolk-based textile designer Will Crisp has created the new Best in Show utility range for Aga, elevating kitchen linens to an art form with its livestock design.

Where are you based? I live and work in Felixstowe on the Suffolk coast.

I’m lucky to live three minutes’ walk from the sea. I find this pretty coastal town inspirational and often work from my beach hut.

What appealed to you about this collaboration?

I’m exceptionally proud to be associated with the Aga brand, as it represents everything I love about humble household items. It does exactly what you need in an uncomplicated way.

What inspired the design?

The Best in Show print was developed from what’s great about British country living. Lots of my family are farmers, so the subject matter was very familiar. The animals began to take on a life of their own as I drew, each one with its own identity. The stars are one of my trademark motifs.

Keep it in the family

How did you choose the materials? I work with The British Textile Company, which sources the best cloth – it just gets better the more it’s used and washed.

What’s next for Crisp & Dene? We’re working on a design project with another iconic British brand that’s all top secret at the moment.

Sum up your creative style in three words.

Simple, honest, fun.

From £8.95 for a tea towel, from The British Textile Company, or call 01603 488019 for stockists.

Vanessa Arbuthnott’s latest Artists’ Collection is a collaborative family effort. Working with her artistic husband and two daughters, she has curated their sketches and translated them into five eclectic designs that epitomise her lighthearted approach to modern country style. Our favourite is Tea Time (above), designed by Vanessa’s eldest daughter, Rose. Featuring retro-style crockery in pretty pastel shades, it’s perfect for adding a homely feel to country kitchens. The fabrics are suitable for curtains, blinds and upholstery.

A P E R F E C T PA I R I N G Are you a fan of Keeper’s Red or Kent Green?

Farrow & Ball and The Rug Company have joined forces to create a range of handloom rugs in 12 colours, like Lots Blue (left), that complement the paint brand’s palette. Choose from three textures: plain wool, cut and loop stripe and wool with a silk border.

Prices from £750.

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Garden notes Just what you need now...

Start the growing season in style with the Baby Grand Coldframe. Handcrafted in the UK from western red cedar, this attractive addition to your garden, with an adjustable lid made from toughened safety glass, is ideal for hardening off plants started in the greenhouse and for growing on cuttings. It measures H53xL113xD92cm and costs £345 including delivery, Gabriel Ash.

Q&A WITH A SHARING GARDENER

What are your favourite perennials for 2018?

Succulents look good in weathered terracotta

With 22 RHS Chelsea Flower Show Gold Medals to her name Rosy Hardy, of Hardy’s Cottage Garden Plants, gives advice on country-style perennials.

What colour theme do you predict will be on-trend in 2018 in our borders?

I predict the colours will be quite bold, with a strong use of silver foliage or the blue leaves of glaucous plants as the backdrop to dark purple, orange and shocking-pink flowering plants. I also think large-leaved succulents in pots will be popular.

Suggest three perennials that fit your colour theme and will flower in summer.

The grey foliage plant Ballota pseudodictamnus ‘Candia’, Geum ‘Totally Tangerine’, grown for its apricot-orange blooms, and Salvia ‘Love and Wishes’ with shocking-purple flowers.

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Country Homes & Interiors

Which perennials do you foresee will be highlights at the RHS shows? We are introducing a tall, soft-coloured gaillardia called ‘Honey Apricot’.

It flowers all summer long so should be very tempting to show visitors. Along with this I would mix Artemisia ‘Valerie Finnis’, the dark-blue Iris ‘Sable’, Lychnis coronaria ‘Gardeners’ World’, Dahlia ‘Shandy’ and pretty Helianthemum ‘Wisley Pink’.

What’s your top tip for those who want to plan a new perennial border this spring? Preparation, preparation, preparation – I can’t emphasise how important this is to any new planting scheme. Dig over the soil and remove all debris and any perennial weeds. Then choose the right plants for your soil type and aspect. An unhappy plant never thrives.

Terracotta pots, old or new, bring warmth to a spring garden. Their earthy patina works well with any flower colour and both modern and traditional landscape materials. We love the old pots often found in reclamation yards or antiques shops. At the start of the season, why not arrange them on an old shelf unit attached to a wall? Growing in terracotta has many benefits, too: the pots warm in the sun, offering herbs and geraniums the balmy conditions they enjoy. Being heavier than plastic, the pots are less likely to topple over in the wind and as they age they become even more characterful.

PERFECT PLANT FOR... EARLY BLOSSOM If you’re desperate to see the first signs of spring then look no further than Prunus ‘Kursar’. This exceptional cherry tree is perfect for a small garden and its blossom arrives as early as late March – most other flowering cherries won’t put on their show until mid-April. The bees will come flocking to the single pale-pink flowers so plant now in a sunny spot.

FEATURE TAMSIN WESTHORPE PHOTOGRAPHS (PRUNUS) MARTIN HUGHES-JONES; (POTTING) GARY SMITH, BOTH GAP PHOTOS

Get potting

Food notes We want this now...

High-quality, cast-iron cookware is always on our wish list, and the Finex collection is right at the top.

Handmade and hand-dipped, the octagonal skillet has up to six pouring spouts, ideal for removing excess oil or serving sauces. What’s more, the spring handle stays cool no matter how hot the pan is.

Finex cast-iron skillet, from £129, Borough Kitchen.

Delicious, warm and comforting...

O U R FAV O U R I T E A R T I S A N P R O D U C E R

Pembrokeshire Beach Food Company

FEATURE THEA BABINGTON-STITT PHOTOGRAPH (SOUP) TIMEINCUKCONTENT.COM

In 2010, Jonathan Williams quit his Swindon desk job to move back to Pembrokeshire, and started a new career collecting and enhancing produce straight from the sea, wild seashore plants and seaweed. Now stocked in 200 delis, farmshops and fishmongers, his products also sell online and from the beach trailer, Café Môr.

What’s so special about what you sell? We create unique seaweed-based products inspired by this area.

What are your favourites?

I still love Welshman’s Caviar, dried and toasted laver flakes, which was the very first product I launched. However, I always get passionate about new developments — like our ‘KelpChup’ seaweed sauce with its tangy, salty taste.

How and when do you harvest? I can harvest most weeks of the year and everything is collected by hand from the beach itself.

What’s your favourite way to cook with seaweed?

Seaweed is always a fantastic ingredient to use and at

Ladle a bowl of goodness

the moment, I’m all about enjoying it fresh on a salad.

What’s the best thing about running your business?

Making things happen.

Tell us about your café... Our trailer Café Môr is at Freshwater West beach. It’s four metres long with one griddle, so we keep things simple and focus on the best ingredients.

What do you love about being based where you are?

Best beach in the world!

What’s next for you? My side project, Barti Ddu rum, a Caribbean blend infused with Pembrokeshire laver seaweed.

Which three words sum up your company? Love, beach, food.

Café Môr, 01646 278101 beach food. co.uk.

This cauliflower and Parmesan soup is comfortingly warm and creamy. To make enough to serve 4, heat ½ tbsp oil in a large saucepan over a medium heat and cook a chopped medium onion until lightly browned. Add 2 crushed garlic cloves and 1 tsp ground coriander and fry for a minute. Then add 850g roughly chopped cauliflower florets, 1L chicken or vegetable stock and 2 sprigs of thyme, bring to the boil and then simmer for 10 minutes, or until the cauliflower is tender.

Set the soup aside to cool slightly, remove the thyme, then purée. To serve, season well and top with finely grated Parmesan, to taste.

B E E F R I E N D LY Help the environment by drinking gin?

Sign us up! Warner Edwards Honeybee Gin has been created in collaboration with the RHS, and comes with a pack of wildflower seeds to encourage the planting of bee-friendly gardens. And with a portion of proceeds from each bottle sold going to the RHS, more bee-saving initiatives are on the horizon. The gin itself is infused with honey and nectar making it silky smooth and aromatic.

Try it with a sage garnish, £40 for 70cl.

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OUT AND ABOUT

Cato (below) has her own shop in the emporium, which sells handpainted furniture.

There are over 50 different retailers in The Emporium, selling everything from hand-woven baskets to homemade fudge.

O U R FAV O U R I T E S PA C E T O D I S C O V E R N EW A RT I SA N S

The Emporium Somerset YOU’LL FIND A WEALTH OF INDEPENDENT TRADERS AND MAKERS AT THIS WEST COUNTRY GEM Two years ago, husband-and-wife team Sean and Cato Cooper founded The Emporium Somerset in their hometown of Wellington, creating a hub for everything from furniture and fabrics to flowers and art. Now over 50 artisans and individual shops trade over The Emporium’s three floors. Cato reveals all...

FEATURE THEA BABINGTON-STITT

TELL US ABOUT THE EMPORIUM’S STYLE… We’re based in a Victorian

chapel, which brings an element of history and tradition. In our own space at the front of The Emporium, we sell recycled, upcycled and vintage furniture, but we also have a mix of contemporary items, too.

HOW IS THE EMPORIUM UNIQUE?

I think the array of items available here and the 5,000 square feet of space makes us stand out. People

expect an emporium to be musty and full of antique pieces, but ours is not at all like that. The traders sell such a mix of amazing items.

It’s fresh, vibrant and has lots of inspirational, modern products.

I believe there is genuinely something here for everyone.

HOW DO YOU SELECT OTHER MAKERS TO SELL ALONGSIDE YOU?

When independent people approach us, we look through their products to see if they will work here. We think it’s important to sell well made and interesting items, and we’re careful not to have two shops that have products that are similar. Handmade and British products are a plus.

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO OPEN YOUR SHOP AT THE EMPORIUM?

My husband and I have always

been DIY people, constantly building and painting things. When the kids started school I had more free time, so I started painting furniture using Autentico Chalk Paint and selling it on eBay. Having done it for myself for so long, I thought why not start creating to sell and see what happens!

WHAT DO YOU HAVE COMING UP?

For the new season, we will be sourcing more businesses to join us.

Sean will also be taking up his own shop with his handmade wooden items. We’ll also be updating our online store in order to be able to post more items out across the UK. The Emporium Somerset, Clifton House, Mantle Street, Wellington TA21 8AR, 01823 660076, theemporiumsomerset.co.uk.

☎

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

Make a house a home

A bed for a faithful friend

Invest in a dog mattress that complements its surroundings, matching colour and design to cabinetry.

Similar bespoke cabinetry and kitchen design, try Checkatrade. com to find a joiner near you.

Pet beds and accessories, similar from Mungo & Maud.

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Country Homes & Interiors

Running to heel with a single word or loyally lying in wait, our constant companions deserve their own personal hideaway. Whether creating a comfy snooze zone or a place for quiet play, a custom-made bed can be tailored to ensure your dog has the right amount of curl-up or stretch-out space.

WHAT’S THE STORY? Family dogs have a long history of sleeping nearby if not under the same roof as their owners. While outside kennels used to be popular, particularly for accommodating larger breeds or if there are several dogs in one house, most four-legged friends are happy to be housed in their own indoor sleeping space either in a kitchen or utility room, or even at the foot of their owners’ bed.

WHICH STYLE TO CHOOSE If you’re building a bed for a young dog, bear in mind his or her breed and find out about changes in growth and ageing traits to ensure a long-term bed solution. Take into consideration personality traits, too. Is the bed somewhere peaceful, will your pet be able to store a favourite toy or sneak a treat? If it’s the latter, perhaps the bed could be integrated into a run of kitchen units as shown here. Installing a removable mattress and giving a painted finish allows the area to be kept clean and tidy, while an enclosed design ensures a comfy and secure set-up.

STYLE IT UP Pick soft yet hardwearing materials, such as tumbled denims, corduroys or fleece for bed liners, and use decorative trims for that personal look. And to really pamper your pooch, why not add monogrammed or named cushions and throws as a finishing touch.

NEXT MONTH THE PLEASURE OF A RANGE

FEATURE SARA BIRD PHOTOGRAPH TIMEINCUKCONTENT.COM

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

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Living by the loch REBECCA CHECKLEY-MILLS’ DREAM CAME TRUE WHEN SHE MOVED TO AN OLD FARM STEADING IN AN IDYLLIC PART OF SCOTLAND

Rebecca’s shelves are lined with her favourite pottery finds. Mug, Hogben Pottery.

K I N R O S S - S H I R E FA R M S T E A D I N G Living room Bold blues

make a statement. Walls, painted in Oxford Stone by Farrow & Ball. Sofa, Laura Ashley. Footstool upholstered in Gypsy Garland by Vanessa Arbuthnott. Throw, Susie Watson Designs.

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K I N R O S S - S H I R E FA R M S T E A D I N G

House Even before its conversion, Rebecca knew the property was right for her family.

Living room A woodburner

enhances the room’s cosy feel.

Bunting, Olive+Daisy.

What makes this house a home…

Hallway A bench and peg

rail provide plenty of storage.

Bench, similar from The Vintage Home Company.

Living room Mismatched fabrics suit this country corner. Cushion, Susie Watson Designs.

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Country Homes & Interiors

‘The way it changes with the seasons – in spring it’s bright and airy and in winter it’s warm and welcoming’

The farm steading enjoys views to Bishop Hill, part of the Lomond Hills.

Kitchen Mixing wooden and painted cabinets helps to add character. Butler sink, Fired Earth.

Kitchen The Aga is particularly popular with the family dog, Sizzles. Cabinets, Fired Earth. Tea towel, Susie Watson Designs. Oven gloves, Thornback & Peel. Rug, The Braided Rug Company.

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Kitchen Rebecca likes to combine polka dots and checked fabrics for a pretty vintage theme.

Table, chairs, dresser, Laura Ashley. Bunting, similar from eBay. Pendant light, Ikea.

Kitchen units, Fired Earth. Clock, John Lewis.

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Country Homes & Interiors

K I N R O S S - S H I R E FA R M S T E A D I N G

I’d always wanted to live in Scotland, so when my husband Alan asked if I wanted to move here, I was overjoyed,’ says Rebecca Checkley-Mills. The possibility of relocation came about because Alan, who had been in the RAF in Oxfordshire, decided he wanted to work for a commercial airline based in Edinburgh.

‘My grandfather was Scottish,’ says Rebecca, ‘so I had happy memories and roots here. Scotland has always been my second home as we used to come during the summer holidays.’ So Rebecca, Alan and their daughter Eliza, now 16, headed north.

At first, the family rented outside Perth and waited for the right house to come up – it took a year. ‘The search was dictated by the distance to the airport as we needed to be within an hour of Edinburgh.’ Then Rebecca struck lucky – she found a ruined farm steading close to Loch Leven that was being converted. ‘I phoned the estate agent straight away. I knew the area as I walked our dog Sizzles around the loch. The agent suggested I meet the developer Peter Giacopazzi, so I went to see him that afternoon.

We looked at renovations he’d completed and we looked at the ruin and I could see the loch. I put an offer in then and there.

Peter said to me, “Don’t you want your husband to see it?” and I said, “He doesn’t need to see it!” I told Alan I’d bought a house that night. He trusted me as he knew I would buy what was right, within budget and within the radius of the airport.’

The work to the steading took around six months. ‘I had input on everything,’ says Rebecca. ‘We had a budget for features and fittings and we could add to it. Peter had good craftsmen and he went beyond – I knew what I wanted but didn’t know where to get things from. Peter did the research and found me traditional latch doors and stone flooring, as well as the bathroom suite and taps.’

Rebecca was keen to put period character back into the house.

She also wanted to create an informal and relaxed cottagey feel with lots of fabrics and texture. She used checked and tartan materials to incorporate Scottish influences, and combined them with florals. ‘I’ve always loved blues and greens, along with yellow. I like to have a neutral backdrop and bring in colour with fabrics and accessories,’ she says. Handmade ceramics also play a big part in Rebecca’s schemes. ‘I love work by Katrin Moye, Emma Bridgewater, Jane Hogben and Emma Clegg.’

Rebecca’s favourite room is undoubtedly the kitchen. ‘The Aga is very special,’ she says. ‘We’ve lived in RAF accommodation on and off for years. On our honeymoon I said to Alan that I’d like a cottage in the country with an Aga one day, so when we were talking to Peter about the kitchen in the steading, Alan said, “Don’t forget to put the Aga in”, and I cried. He had remembered.

It symbolises a promise and it means home.

‘When we lived in Oxfordshire, it was what I thought life should be like. Now I feel I’m where I’m supposed to be. I love living by the loch as it draws you out and down to it. We can see the weather systems coming in over the Lomond hills – the light is always changing. We have the permanency we didn’t have with the RAF and with that comes contentment.’

AT HOME WITH...

Owners Rebecca Checkley-Mills, a supply teacher, and her husband Alan, a pilot. They live here with their daughter Eliza, 16, and Cocker Spaniel Sizzles.

House A converted Victorian farm steading with three bedrooms.

The family moved here in 2013.

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K I N R O S S - S H I R E FA R M S T E A D I N G

Rebecca and Eliza used to walk near the loch with Sizzles long before they lived here.

Guest bedroom

Even this compact space is filled with country character.

Bedlinen, Laura Ashley.

Bathroom Painted

What we love most about living here…

furniture adds a chic touch. Baskets, similar from Neptune.

‘Being so close to Loch Leven and the Heritage Trail.

We step out of the garden gate and we’re on the path down to the loch’

Main bedroom (Also

above) Sunny yellow walls ensure the room is always bright. Throw, similar from Olde Glory.

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Sizzles loves to fetch sticks from the loch.

Bathroom An elegant roll-top provides a classic focal point.

Walls, painted in Green Ground

by Farrow & Ball. Tiles, similar from Topps Tiles. Bath, Heritage Bathrooms. Flooring, Cath Kidston.

K I N R O S S - S H I R E FA R M S T E A D I N G

*

O N O U R D O O R S T E P. . .

Visit… ‘Fife Coastal Path (fifecoastalpath.

co.uk), which has amazing scenery, stunning views and quaint harbour villages.’

Shop at…‘Loch Leven’s Larder (01592 841000, lochlevenslarder.com) in Kinross. It sells great farm produce and has a smokery in the summer with a seasonal café and gifts.’

FEATURE VIVIENNE AYERS PHOTOGRAPHS POLLY ELTES

Go for a meal at…‘The Ship Inn (01333 330246, shipinn.scot) at Elie — it serves local, seasonal seafood, and in summer you can watch the cricket on the beach.’

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ROOM IDEAS

Be inspired by

Rebecca’s living room Freshen up your scheme with a scattering of wildflower inspiration.

Cow parsley fabric, col Cornflower Duck Egg, £48m, Vanessa Arbuthnott.

Country-style storage doesn’t come prettier than this handy carrier.

Wooden heart storage hamper tray, H9xW33xD23cm, £10, The Basket Company.

Rebecca’s style secret

Pick your main feature colour and layer shades in a tone-on-tone fashion for a scheme full of definition and contrast.

Choose an earthy neutral

Relax the rules and mix up upholstery with classic checks and playful, stylised patterns.

paint as a versatile backdrop for patterned furnishings. Clay, £42 for 2.5L absolute matt emulsion, Little Greene.

Sink into stylish comfort on this elegantly shaped piece.

Cromwell Chesterfield small 2-seater sofa, H77xW169x D101cm, col William Check Duck Egg, £1,099, John Lewis.

This pretty block-printed design will light up the living room.

Guilloche pleated cotton drum lampshade, H21xDia30cm, £56, Oka.

FEATURE HOLLY PHILLIPS

Modern Country Classic Carver chair New England in style and 17th century in origin, these stylish designs are believed to be named after John Carver, founder and first governor of the Plymouth colony in America. With timeless appeal, these

versatile pieces work well as occasional seats, or in formal settings around the dining table. Vintage finds remain popular in country homes, as do modern-day adaptations that feature exaggerated lines and upholstery finishes.

Where to buy...

•Heartland Interiors for

heritage, wood designs.

•Made for traditional designs with a modern twist.

•Preloved for a variety of second-hand models that deserve a new home.

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Back to the country DI AND MARC JENNINGS SPOTTED THE POTENTIAL TO TURN A HIGGLEDY-PIGGLEDY COTTAGE INTO A COMFORTABLE MODERN COUNTRY HOME WITH OUTSTANDING VIEWS

E A S T L O T H I A N C O T TAG E

Kitchen Open shelves filled with accessories add colour and interest to a simple backdrop.

Cabinets, pendant lights, school clock, Ikea.

Range cooker, Rayburn.

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E A S T L O T H I A N C O T TAG E Garden The summer house, built close to the main property, catches the evening sun.

Country

*

AT HOME WITH...

Owners Di Jennings, a director of

an estate agent’s, and her husband Marc, who has his own design company, Jelly Design, specialising in property design, renovations and exterior landscaping. They live here with Meg the Jack Russell Terrier, and have two grown-up children, Charlie and Felicity. They moved into the house in 2012.

House Three-bedroom cottage conversion built in the mid-1800s.

living and open spaces had always been a preference for Di and Marc Jennings, but like a lot of families they moved to the town when their children reached an age when it was easier for them to be connected to their friends and after-school activities.

They were living in the centre of North Berwick when they heard about a gem of a property a few miles away that was about to come on the market. ‘The timing was good,’ says Di. ‘Our children, Charlie and Felicity, had finished school and were leaving home.

We were ready to make a move back to the country.’

The property in question was a small cottage set in seven acres of land. ‘The location was ideal and the six acres of woodland was a dream come true for Marc,’ says Di. ‘The house was nothing, but we knew we could change that and make it just how we wanted.’

Won over by the property’s potential and the added attraction of the stone bothy in the grounds, Di and Marc sold up in town and moved in. Eighteen months later they began the transformation from a cold and draughty cottage to a cosy and desirable home. ‘The cottage was a badly planned, badly converted house.

It had only two bedrooms, there was lots of wasted space and its aspect was facing the wrong way,’ says Di. ‘We wanted to maximise the incredible views and

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What we love most about living here... â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;The panoramic views are so special, and at night we can enjoy huge skies full of starsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;

Hallway Cohesive natural tones are used in the new hallway and the adjoining open-plan kitchen. Rattan rug, Ikea. Radiator brush, The Restoration Yard.

E A S T L O T H I A N C O T TAG E Porch Built by Marc using green oak, this is a practical area to kick off muddy wellies. Old station benches, Jane R Designs.

Patio The couple

installed raised beds with metal frames and downlights as an eye-catching feature at the edge of the patio.

What makes this house a home...

Living room

Large triple-glazed windows bring in the light and allow fantastic vistas in all weathers. Woodburner, Charnwood at The Fireplace in Dunbar. Stool, Ikea.

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‘We’ve created this ourselves in our own style.

It’s full of all the stuff we love – pieces we have collected over many years’

Living room Carefully organised

display shelves create a big impact in this informal area. Billy bookshelves, Ikea. Sofas, similar from Swoon Editions.

live in the modern way, in a large open-plan space.

Our vision was for a simple, clean look. White walls and oak floors throughout would be complemented by an uncluttered style, where key pieces of furniture, art or collectables would add colour and interest.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; When the work began, Di and Marc lived in the front part of the house, where the existing kitchen, a bedroom, a bathroom and small living room met their needs, while the back section was sealed off. However, when their children both decided to come home for the summer, there were only the garden sheds to sleep in!

Marc, who had taken time out from his work to do the build, set about knocking out all the small rooms, along with a team of his workmen, to create the space for the new living/kitchen/diner. The couple wanted to ensure that the house would be cosy during the chilly Scottish winters, so a good chunk of the budget was spent on modern insulation and the installation of underfloor heating. To improve the levels of light, existing small sash windows were opened up, enlarged and lowered, which also maximised the views. Bifold doors were installed to allow in more light and provide direct access to the garden.

Several months later, as soon as this new part of the house was up and running, the couple set about stripping out the old kitchen and living room to create two

En suite bathroom Small-scale artwork brings character to this compact space.

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* ON OUR

D O O R S T E P. . .

Visit... ‘The National Museum of

Flight (0300 123 6789, nms.ac.uk).

It’s a short drive from our house, and home to a Concorde.’

Shop at... ‘Heart & Sole (01620 890999) in North Berwick. It’s my sister’s shop and she sells fantastic shoes and accessories as well as individual clothing.’

Go for a meal at... ‘Osteria (01620 890589, osteria-no1.co.uk) in North Berwick. This is the best Italian food in the county and the service is excellent.’

Guest bedroom Picnic hampers are used as a rustic alternative to drawers. Hampers, similar from Madame Butterfly. Chest of drawers, Sam Burns Yard. Throw, Time & Tide.

E A S T L O T H I A N C O T TAG E

Patio Extending the

FEATURE MONICA LOUDON PHOTOGARAPHS MARK NICHOLSON

tiled roof over the new log store gives a seamless appearance.

extra bedrooms and an en-suite bathroom, transforming the front of the cottage. To enhance the exterior, Marc designed and built a stunning oak porch at the side of the house where a glass door accesses an entrance hall leading on to the open-plan area.

When the structural work was complete, it was time to turn their attention to the design and creation of the garden. For Di and Marc, the garden is an extension of the house and the design every bit as important. A large patio with an antique water trough is accessed from the bifold doors. Raised beds full of flowers, vegetables and herbs surround a large dining table and Marc has used the original stone wall of an old bothy to build on a log store and potting shed on one side, as well as his striking wavy log-wall feature on the other. The rest of the garden is laid to lawn with a summer house tucked in among colourful herbaceous borders. The six-acre wood and stone bothy provide endless possibilities for future projects.

As they both work in property, Di and Marc are constantly inspired by the ideas they see and are always thinking about new plans. ‘This is the longest we have ever lived in the same house. We feel very at home here and there’s still plenty to do. For the first time it’s hard to imagine moving on.’

Main bedroom An antique chest contrasts with the modern, clean style of the rest of the room. Statue, Lovage & Lace. Lamp, B&Q. Throw, similar from Bronte by Moon.

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ROOM IDEAS

Be inspired by

Direct bright light onto multitasking areas with this smooth operator, complete with sleek, industrial finish.

Foto aluminium lamp, H180xDia50cm, £25, Ikea.

Di’s kitchen Make a bold statement with a big clock.

Large profile metal clock, Dia40cm, col Grey, £40, Next.

Di’s style secret

Show-off beloved cookware and serveware collections with open shelving to add colour and interest.

Give your space the wow factor with oversized light fittings and accessories.

These hard-wearing and beautifully grainy planks have a warm honey-coloured finish.

Oak Antique Brushed Bevelled Epoque flooring, £44.85sqm, Lothian Hardwood Flooring.

Warm the heart of your home with this kitchen ninja – it’s outstanding for cooking.

Heatranger 308K range cooker, H82xW84xD54.2cm, col Black, £5,845, Rayburn.

This simple design is ideal for smaller spaces, and with sturdy angled legs it’s built to last.

Fawn storage bench, H45xW118xD37cm, £249, Made.

Modern Country Classic Refectory table

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Country Homes & Interiors

around the top and stretchers at the bottom.

Choose one with a rustic character to complement a generously proportioned country kitchen, and gather your nearest and dearest around for a feast!

Where to buy...

•Titchmarsh & Goodwin

for magnificent pieces featuring strapwork carving.

•Turnbull & Thomas for designs with painted details.

•Hadley Rose for good quality reproductions.

FEATURE HOLLY PHILLIPS

Originally used for dining in medieval monasteries, these sturdy pieces later became banqueting tables in castles and noble residences. Long and narrow in shape, classic designs have legs joined by rails

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000(- -* ( &(."

WEST SUSSEX SCHOOL CONVERSION

Perfectly formed

THE COTTAGE MAY BE COMPACT, BUT INSIDE IT’S BIG ON STYLE THANKS TO MIRANDA SNOW’S CLEVER USE OF SPACE AND ELEGANT TOUCHES

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Country Homes & Interiors

Cottage A fresh coat of paint revamped the exterior.

Door, painted in Railings

by Farrow & Ball.

Living room Miranda mixes classic pieces with eye-catching accessories to create a strong visual feature. Finials, vase, Antiquities. Table, Hut Decorations. Mirror, Josephine Ryan Antiques.

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WEST SUSSEX SCHOOL CONVERSION

Living room (Also right) A soft palette lends a restful air. Table, similar from I&JL Brown.

Lamp, Antiquities.

Chair, Hut Decorations.

Cushion, Andrew Martin.

Mirror, throw, Burford Garden Company.

With 20 years’ experience in interior design,

*

AT HOME WI T H ...

Owners Interior designer

Miranda Snow (mirandasnow.co.uk) and her husband, Ian van Stratum, a financial consultant, who moved into the property with Ruby, their Longhaired Dachshund, in 2011.

They have four grown-up children, Felix, Lily, Philippe and Sabine.

House A two-bedroom cottage built in 1830, which was originally the village school.

Miranda Snow set about finding a pretty country cottage to turn into the perfect weekend retreat for herself and her husband, Ian. Along with the fact that their children had flown the nest, they had many things to take into consideration during the house-hunting process, but everything fell into place once they found a classic stone cottage in the heart of the Sussex Downs.

‘The style was exactly what we were looking for,’ says Miranda. ‘It was originally the village school and had been carefully restored and maintained by the previous owner, but needed re-organising and refurbishing to our tastes.’ Sadly the sale didn’t go to plan. Their offer was rejected and the couple were forced to continue their search. ‘We were thrilled when six months later the agent contacted us to advise us that the owner had changed his mind,’ says Miranda.

The cottage was small, but Miranda’s interior design background meant she had a clear vision of how it could look. ‘We wanted to make it feel more open and airy,’ she says. ‘We worked closely with our architect, Victoria Holland Architecture, who made some simple suggestions that had an enormous impact on the layout of the living areas; a general reconfiguration of the kitchen/ breakfast room and utility area made the house more

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Country Homes & Interiors

What we love most about living here...

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Going for a massive walk through the Downs with Ruby, finishing with lunch at the pubâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;

Living room Deep, comfy sofas are stacked with inviting cushions and throws. Walls, painted in Slate ll by Paint & Paper Library. Sofas, The Conran Shop. Coffee table, One World. Painting (over mantel) by Gary Bunt, Portland Gallery. Sisal carpet, Alternative Flooring.

Dining room (Also below right) Shutters painted in a soft white keep the look of the room bright while offering privacy. Shutters, The Shutter Shop. Table, chairs, Hut Decorations. Candlesticks, Lavender House & Garden.

What makes this house a home...

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;A combination of carefully chosen new and inherited furnishings, art and accessories, the comfort of the sofas and the cosiness of the woodburnerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;

WEST SUSSEX SCHOOL CONVERSION

Kitchen The chunky stainlesssteel range adds a modern twist to the country-style space. Range cooker, Falcon. Units, painted in Lamp Room Gray by Farrow & Ball. Vintage stool, Marigold.

Hallway Storage of outdoor items is carefully planned.

Lanterns, HomeSense.

practical.’ The couple moved the builders in immediately and embarked on a four-month renovation.

‘We squeezed in extra space wherever we could find it. In the living room, we discovered the fireplace had been moved during a previous renovation,’ says Miranda. ‘Returning it to its original position made quite a difference.’ Adding a small bay window extension overlooking the garden and replacing the part of the wall between the kitchen and living area with a glass panelled screen not only opened the downstairs up to the light but allowed the luxury of a spacious open-plan living area.

Upstairs, space was saved by installing a new water tank in the loft, plus a Megaflo system. The bathroom was rejigged and the main en suite extended by removing a cupboard. Built-in wardrobes in both bedrooms maximised the space throughout, as well as providing good storage.

‘We wanted a comfortable family home with a mix of old and new as we have a few treasured family heirloom pieces,’ says Miranda. Ian is French, so the couple have also collected various items of furniture on family trips to France, as well as special pieces that Miranda has treated herself to after completing a successful project.

‘Most people tend to collect furniture over the years, but in my work I am constantly tempted by beautiful

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47

WEST SUSSEX SCHOOL CONVERSION

Study Miranda’s bright work space has views over the village.

Desk, One World. Chair, HomeSense.

Table lamp, Jim Lawrence.

furniture and accessories while sourcing for my clients.’

Despite the fact that the cottage was initially purchased as a weekend retreat, Ian soon had his heart set on a change of scene and suggested it would be perfect for the couple to make the move full-time. ‘We quickly discovered a new social life revolving around the village. There is a super pub, which is the focal point of the village, a church next door to us and an active cricket club just a few doors away, so it was easy to become part of the local scene.’

However, Miranda was initially reluctant to make the move permanent. ‘I loved living in London and I had a thriving business there,’ she says. Eventually she was persuaded to try. ‘The compromise was easier in reality than I expected – all my design is done in my studio at home, but I spend part of each week in London with clients, sourcing and on site meetings.’

With the renovation complete, the cottage is proving to be a wonderful country home in an idyllic location.

‘We love living here, it really is the perfect house for us and we have tried to create a comfortable, cosy country retreat. We consider ourselves very fortunate to live in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. We can step out of the front door into the Sussex Downs to walk Ruby or, for a change, we can drive just 10 minutes to the beach. We have the best of both worlds.’

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Country Homes & Interiors

FEATURE MANDY NOLAN PHOTOGRAPHS ROBERT SANDERSON

Main bedroom Miranda chose a subtle blend of greys for her soft furnishings to conjure up a haven of tranquility.

Headboard, in Linara by Romo, Miranda Snow Interiors. Bedlinen, knitted throw, The White Company.

*

O N O U R D O O R S T E P. . .

Visit… ‘Arundel Castle (01903 882173, arundelcastle.org), a restored medieval castle with a Norman keep dating back to 1067, set in 40 acres of sweeping grounds and gardens.’

Shop at… ‘Pallant of Arundel (01903 882288, pallantofarundel.co.uk) our local delicatessen. Ian is French so is passionate about cheese and wine – he always finds something tempting.’

Go for a meal at… ‘The George at Burpham (01903 883131, georgeatburpham.co.uk), a 17th-century country pub, which has a comfortable, inviting interior and specialises in seasonal, locally sourced, food.’

Courtyard Well-chosen accessories have turned a previously neglected outdoor space into the perfect spot for relaxing.

ROOM IDEAS

Be inspired by

Miranda’s dining room

Reflect the light and make a feature of a statement mirror.

Multi Layer Flower wall mirror, Dia87xD5cm, £147.99, Laurel Foundry at Wayfair.

Make everyday dining a special occasion with table linen featuring a smart hem-stitched edge.

T-Dove placemat, 50x35cm, col Purple, £48.99 for 6, Tom Tailor at Wayfair.

Give a romantic, Scandi scheme a modern pulse with unexpected bright accents.

Add a touch of sophistication with a Louis XV-style chair featuring a shaped bow back and cabriole legs.

Hallstatt dining chair, H94xW57xD53cm, £565, Oka.

This gentle hue changes with the light, from a delicate lilac to a subtle grey.

Clancy Grey, £32 for 2.5L matt emulsion, Graham & Brown.

Opt for a beautiful table with a mid-grey painted finish for a time-aged look and romantic shabby-chic feel.

Chateau extending dining table, H75xW160-200xD100cm, col French Grey, £349.99, Chiltern Oak Furniture.

Miranda’s style secret

In smaller dining spaces, play with a sense of scale when you dress the table by staggering the heights of accessories.

Modern Country Classic Plantation shutters

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Country Homes & Interiors

homes. With clean lines and available in many styles, shutters have a modern yet classic appeal. Choose from a painted finish in a shade that blends with your existing scheme, or go bold with a contrasting bright.

Where to buy...

•Hillarys for a large range of made-to-measure shutters.

•Clement Browne for bespoke solutions guided by your own ‘Master of Product’.

•Shutterly Fabulous for quality materials and designs.

FEATURE HOLLY PHILLIPS

Offering privacy while maximising natural daylight when open, and providing insulation and security when closed, these attractive window coverings are currently enjoying a growth in popularity in our country

& ) ),& ' & ## ) ! - ! #)' ' !& !,& ! & . ' ## ) ! , , ) ! & . ' & ' #', ) ! , , ' )! ! # ) ! ,& / &- -

0" *+ * ** * %, & ' ! .& )'$ !$,

Brocante beauty LAURA HARRISON-POPAY ALWAYS ADMIRED HER PARENTS’ FARMHOUSE HOME. NOW, INSPIRED BY HER LOVE OF FRENCH VINTAGE, SHE’S MAKING HER OWN MARK ON IT

N O R T H U M B E R L A N D FA R M H O U S E

House The south-facing front of the farmhouse dates back 300 years, while the back dates from around 1890.

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53

What makes this house a home…

‘I love it when all the children are here – I make a big meal, we’re together around the kitchen table and we sit all evening talking’

Entrance hall Logs are carried indoors in a vintage well water bucket found in an Edinburgh antiques shop. The bunting is a treasured souvenir from the couple’s wedding, held in the garden. Walls and panelling, painted in Dusted Moss by Dulux.

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Country Homes & Interiors

N O R T H U M B E R L A N D FA R M H O U S E Kitchen Laura’s mother handed on the family’s dining table when she left the farm.

Chairs, painted in Morpeth Mustard and Grey, both Mustard.

Vintage baker’s paddle and pitchfork, Vintage Barn. Vintage clock, eBay.

Sometimes

the solution to a property dilemma is much closer to home than expected. When Laura and David Harrison-Popay got together, it quickly became apparent that Laura’s cottage was too small for their newly combined family. At the same time, her parents were finding the opposite problem with their nearby farmhouse.

‘They both worked full-time and the house, garden and field began to feel too big for them,’ says Laura. ‘David and I have three children between us and so we thought: “Why don’t we do a house swap?” My son has grown up knowing this farm, and it was really exciting for the girls because they’re not from the country.’

As for Laura, the rambling farmhouse has always been her idea of perfection. ‘I love period houses,’ she says. ‘I like the “oldness” of this building, its quirkiness – it still has a pantry with the original shelving and, of course, the space appealed, because we were coming from such a tiny cottage.’

Most properties in the area are owned by the local country estate, so Laura wrote to the land agent’s office. ‘We were over the moon when they agreed,’ she says. ‘Renting didn’t worry us – we’re on the property ladder anyway.’

That the property came with a vast barn was a real bonus: it proved ideal for storing the stock of French homewares

*

AT HOME WITH...

Owners Laura Harrison-Popay, who

owns French-inspired vintage homewares business Vintage Barn and her husband David Popay, who runs a document management company. They live here with Laura’s son Elliot, 19, and David’s daughters, Aimée, 23, and Philipa, 20, plus Working Cocker Spaniel Tilly, goats Billy and Betty, and six chickens. They moved in in 2008.

House A detached stone-built estate farmhouse with four bedrooms and an adjoining barn.

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55

Kitchen Laura found the mustard-coloured jug at a local car-boot sale and it inspired the kitchen’s colour scheme of grey with accents of yellow. Units and worktop, Howdens.

Billy and Betty enjoy the run of the paddock within view of the farmhouse.

needed for Laura’s business Vintage Barn – pieces that are a key influence on her decorating style. ‘We go on buying trips in France,’ she says. ‘We get up at 5am to be the first there at the fairs and vide-greniers. Often we have to walk around with a torch to find the best things, and I just love that.

I could do it every day of the year.’

Inside the farmhouse, her instinct for choosing subtle and relaxing colours has come to the fore. ‘I love old zinc and stoneware, she says. ‘I think that is probably my perfect palette of colours, so I’ve used a lot of greys and muted stone and cream shades, with just a little pop of red or mustard to liven things up.’

This fresh backdrop shows off the large, light-filled rooms to full advantage and sets off the mix of vintage, reclaimed and contemporary country furniture. The whole business of changing the decoration was, she admits, slightly tricky but both parties survived it with good humour.

‘For me, it did feel a little strange because I’m close to my parents and they were saying: “You’re taking that wallpaper off? It was really expensive!” My mother also made her own changes in my old home and I did think: “Why did you do that?”, but we got over it. Even the revamped roll-top bath won approval. ‘My mum hated that bath,’ says Laura. ‘It

»

Laundry room Laboratory cupboards and a sink salvaged from a college give the utility space a chic industrial feel. Miranda has updated the cupboards with Annie Sloan Chalk Paint. Walls, painted in Cornforth White by Farrow & Ball.

N O R T H U M B E R L A N D FA R M H O U S E Living room After a fruitless search for a coffee table they both liked, the couple found a vintage dining table and sawed its legs to the perfect height. Table, Lincolnshire Antiques & Homes Show.

Leather chair, Fenwick.

What we love most about living here…

‘The quietness. I always feel as though we are in a little forest of our own because there are trees all around, and I love that’

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57

was covered in rust marks and she wanted to get rid of it.

I begged her not to and we had it re-enamelled for £100.

When she saw it afterwards, she couldn’t believe it was the same one. Now they love to see what we have done and my mum is always asking what we are going to do next.’

The couple’s most significant project has been the kitchen, where only her mother’s farmhouse table survived the changes. ‘When she lived here all she had was that, an old Aga, a sink and a dresser,’ says Laura. ‘I don’t know how she managed. This whole kitchen was designed around the supposedly pewter-grey Aga. Then it arrived and it was blue.

The man who brought it still insisted it was grey and in the end we thought: “Right, we’ll keep it.” It was such a heavy item to send back and forth and we had been lifting furniture for so long we couldn’t face doing it any more.’

In fact, it adds a fresh, modern note perfectly in keeping with the family’s style. ‘This house feels so informal and close to the country around it,’ says Laura. ‘I always have the windows open and I don’t think the back door is ever closed. It is so relaxing living here, especially when the sun is shining, but even in the winter when it is covered in snow, it’s absolutely beautiful.’

Vintage Barn, 07872 823265, vintage-barn.co.uk.

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Bathroom The original cast-iron bath, now restored, is the centrepiece of the bathroom.

Bath, similar from Drummonds. Laundry hamper, Boldon Auction Galleries.

FEATURE HAZEL DOLAN PHOTOGRAPHS BRENT DARBY

Main bedroom Pale walls and crisp white bedlinen offset the dark wood. Walls, painted in Skimming Stone

by Farrow & Ball. Bed, Barker and Stonehouse. Bedlinen, The White Company.

Mirror, TK Maxx.

N O R T H U M B E R L A N D FA R M H O U S E

*

ON OUR D O O R S T E P. . .

Visit… ‘Blyth beach – it is my favourite haunt and I take Tilly as often as I can. We have a long walk along the beach and then call in at Ciccarelli’s lovely artisan gelateria (01670 797428, ciccarelli.co.uk).’

Shop at… ‘Moorhouse Farm Shop (01670 789350, moorhousefarmshop.co.uk), near Morpeth, a family-run butcher’s and deli, for local meats, homegrown vegetables and homemade cakes. I also love FH Hardy’s flower shop (01670 512939, fhhardy.com) in Morpeth – I got my wedding flowers there.’

Go for a meal at… ‘Gianni’s

Ristorante (01670 511547) in Morpeth. It’s become a bit of a tradition to go there on family birthdays.’

»

Barn Laura’s business is run from the farm and the barn is full of items found at French brocantes. The doors are painted in the estate’s official colour, a traditional dark red.

ROOM IDEAS

Be inspired by

Laura’s bedroom Double up on window dressings with slatted blinds for filtering light, and full-length curtains for a dramatic draping effect.

Turn up or dim down illuminated sparkle with this glamorous focal point.

Violet crystal glass flush light, H50xDia47cm, £120, Debenhams.

Create a luxurious scheme with embossed designs.

Dynasty wallpaper, col Cream, £23 a roll, Graham & Brown.

Relax and unwind with this cosy cover.

Beaulieu bedspread, 220x230cm, £350, Amara.

Laura’s style secret

Use a favourite fabric across a variety of madeto-measure furnishings such as cushions, runners and curtains for a cohesive look.

Add an opulent finishing touch to your bedroom.

Hallam damask cushion, 46cm sq, col Mocha, £10, House of Bath.

Choose this Louis Philippe-style piece to store your folded linens.

Versailles eight-drawer wide chest, H80xW150xD55cm, col Nutmeg, £656, Island Furniture Co.

Modern Country Classic Mahogany furniture

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Country Homes & Interiors

for joins, as it could be sourced in big pieces.

Thanks to its strength, it was used extensively in cabinet making and today remains a favoured wood among those who love traditional, heritage style.

Where to buy...

•AKD Furniture for solid wood, handcrafted furniture.

•Lock Stock & Barrel Furniture for reproduction and modern designs.

•The Lifestyle Collection Ltd for fine hand carving.

FEATURE HOLLY PHILLIPS

Distinctively reddish-brown in hue with a durable nature, this globe-trotting timber hails from the Bahamas and has been used for furniture since the 1730s. It became popular for making large tabletops without the need

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SEASONAL LOOKS

✽

FASHION FORWARD

✽

country style Of the moment but steeped in tradition, bold prints from a new wave of designers are adding a fashionable edge to country interiors. From game birds to leaf sprays, fun and funky designs come in colour-crush combinations of olive and emerald with a punch of hot pink. Team with turned-leg dark and leather furniture with old-school piping and buttoning for future-proofed country house flair

✽

62

Country Homes & Interiors

✽

Fashion brand Joules brings classic heritage style to the living room with this traditionally shaped seating in its Peter Partridge design.

Layer up with graphic co-ordinates, spots and checks on cushions and throws.

See page 69 for details.

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We love the illustrated medley of cornďŹ&#x201A;owers, skimmia and yarrow on these curtains by Abigail Borg thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll look good whatever the season. Echo the colourway with a rise and fall pendant and heritage-style leafy platters for everyday eating. See page 69 for details.

SEASONAL LOOKS

Make room for a signature occasional chair with a curvaceous silhouette, open oak frame and studded finish. Complement with a buttery-coloured leather ottoman that’s perfect for perching trays. See page 69 for details.

»

Country Homes & Interiors

65

SEASONAL LOOKS

Add ďŹ nesse to a ďŹ&#x201A;ower-arranging space with a beautiful blind from Lorna Syson and carefully curated vases. Mix contemporary vessels with classic country shapes and styles.

See page 69 for details.

66

Country Homes & Interiors

Choose a handsome four-poster bed for heavenly sleeping. Dress with retro-style bedlinens by Dot & Ivy, mixing textures and thread counts for the best rest.

See page 69 for details.

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SEASONAL LOOKS

Make dressing tables or pamper stations the place to be with a wonderful updated Arts and Crafts-style wallpaper backdrop by Abigail Borg. See opposite for details.

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Country Homes & Interiors

SEASONAL LOOKS

All the details

PRODUCTS AND PRICES Pages 62-63

(Opener) Wallpaper, Acanthus, col Moss, £59 a roll, Designers Guild. Astier de Villatte bowl, £85; botanical bookmark, £2.50; fern vase, £7.50, all Petersham Nurseries.

Fabric samples, from a selection, Abigail Borg.

Scissors, string, similar from Dee Puddy.

Ceramic flower, from £15, Home Address.

Quail, £28 for 2, Cox & Cox.

THE SOFA THAT’LL BECOME AN HEIRLOOM Wallpaper, Acanthus,

Pages 64-65

FEATURE AND ART DIRECTION SARA BIRD STYLING ANNA MALHOMME DE LA ROCHE STYLING ASSISTANT BETHAN REEN PHOTOGRAPHS NICK POPE

Pages 66-67

Page 68

col Moss, £59 a roll, Designers Guild. Ilkley sofa, £1,198; Ilkley armchair, £1,019, both in Peter Partridge Velvet, Joules for DFS. (On sofa, from left) Cushions: 1 & 4 Peter Partridge Velvet, part of Ilkley sofa (as before). 2 Pretty Maids, col Damson & Winter, £52m, Vanessa Arbuthnott.

3 Pheasant, col Pink on Cream, £54m, Barneby Gates. 5 Muscari, col Slate, £65, Abigail Borg.

Rome wool throw, col Pink/Natural, £75, Bronte

by Moon. Esme scarf, col Silver/Multi, £39.95,

Joules. Kota floor lamp, £495, Lombok. Metal side table, £120, Cox & Cox. (On side table) Layered leaf bowl, £42, Rockett St George.

Astier de Villatte coffee pot, £250, Designers Guild. Kulu bulb vase, from £12.95, Nkuku.

Withington planter, from £7, Garden Trading.

Dorset coffee table, £650; Hinton rug, £250, both Laura Ashley. (On coffee table) Platter, £70; ceramic flower, from £12, both Home Address. Flax string, £1.50 a reel, RE. Fern vase, £7.50, Petersham Nurseries. Quail, £28 for 2; Leaf plate, £15, both Cox & Cox. Cloche, £8.50, Nordic House. Kubu oval basket, £52, Laura Ashley. Eden Blush throw, £95, Ian Mankin.

Bothy trough, £9.50, Garden Trading. Reels, scissors, from a selection, Pimpernel & Partners.

(On shelves, from left) Botanical frame, £115, Petersham Nurseries. Rustic jug, £18.50, Cox & Cox. Green tumbler, £6; footed bowl, £165, both Designers Guild. Quail, (as before). Framed hummingbird print, £23.95, Graham & Green.

MIX LIGHT AND DARK Curtain, Hello Yarrow, col Teal, £75m, Abigail Borg.

Primrose button-back chairs in Cream, £300 for 2, The Cotswold Company. Cushion, Maelee, col Celadon, £30m, Sanderson at Style Library.

Croft Collection Melbury armchair, £599, Sitting Firm for John Lewis. Cushion, Muscari, col Coal/ Ecru, £65, Abigail Borg. Pendant light, £215, Davey Lighting. Cornice linen tablecloth, col Avocado Green, £245; Bernadette’s Falling Flower linen tablecloth, col Rose Pink, £375, both Summerill & Bishop. Pink Asiatic Pheasants bowls, £12 each, Burleigh. Cutlery set, col Matte Gold, £75, Cox & Cox. Planter, £7,

Garden Trading. Naga jug, £24, Oka. Leaf dinner plates, £9 each; Leaf napkins, £12 for 2, both Cath Kidston. Pink ombré glasses, £9.95, RE. Marble cake stand, £40, Home Address.

Maguelone Emerald pitcher, £35, Designers Guild. Lettuce Star Leaf bowl, £10, Amara.

FINE TUNE FLOWERS

four-poster bed, £1,795; Chatsworth mattress, from £995, both Lombok. Bloomsbury double duvet cover and pillowcases set, £70; Ragtime throw, £115, both Dot & Ivy at Next. Picardie linen pillowcases, £30 each; sheet, £112.50, both col Ecru, The Linen Works. Pink cushion, Stockholm Stripe, col Damson/Scree/Winter, £52m, Vanessa Arbuthnott. Green cushion, Pheasant, col Camo Green, £54m, Barneby Gates. St Davids Cross throw, col Pine, £149, Melin Tregwynt. Croft Collection Packington side table, £199, Sitting Firm for John Lewis.

Desa lamp, £135, Lombok. Ramsey mug, col Green, £9.95, Graham & Green. Dove Grey Calico tankard jug, £29, Burleigh. Curtain, Helford, col Natural, £49.50m, Ian Mankin.

Felt woven basket, £95 for 3, Nordic House.

Lambswool Herringbone throw, col Grey, £89.95, Bronte by Moon. Overod rug, col Light Grey/Off White, £179, Urbanara.

Blind, Buddleia, £58m, Lorna Syson. Fern flowerpot, £20, Home Address. Cabbage Leaf vase, £30, Rockett St George. White Lotus vase, £18.50; green Lotus vase, £12.50, both Petersham Nurseries. Plum Asiatic Pheasants tankard jug, £29, Burleigh. String, £1.50; terracotta pots, £3 each, all RE. Wrought iron jute string set with scissors, £15, Nordic House.

White Vauban vase, £275, Designers Guild.

Antique enamel jug, £56, RE. Tall Clockhouse stool, col Charcoal/Oak, £150, Garden Trading.

Box, £10, Pimpernel & Partners. Rhombus flowerpot, £18, Home Address. Pink napkin, £7.50, Designers Guild.

SLUMBER IN STYLE Wallpaper, Feverfew, col Moss, £95 a 10m roll, Abigail Borg.

Cupboards, painted in Portland, £55 for 2.5L interior eggshell, Marston & Langinger. Sumatra DRESS TO IMPRESS Wallpaper,

Feverfew, col Moss, £95 a 10m roll, Abigail Borg.

Otto table-top vanity mirror, £165; Ben the Beetle trinket dish, £12, both Graham & Green. Cabbage Leaf dish, £6, Amara. Feather bowl, £14 for 3,

NEXT MONTH AN EASTER HOME FILLED WITH BLOSSOM

IT’S ALL IN THE DETAILING

Launceston linen armchair, col Natural, £855; Costellini leather ottoman, col Aged Tobacco, £275, both Oka. Cushion, part of Ilkley sofa (as before). Tray, col Antique Silver, £43, Nordic House. Ella tumbler, col Rose, £37 for 6, Neptune.

Paperweight, £22, Petersham Nurseries.

Next. Ceramic flower, from £12, Home Address.

Mai bracelet, Hanu bracelet, both £39.95, Nkuku. Pink Asiatic Pheasants Dutch jug, £17.99, Burleigh. Scissors, buttons, similar from John Lewis. Postcards, key, book, stylist’s own.

Country Homes & Interiors

69

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

SPRING FABRICS BRING A BREATH OF FRESH AIR TO YOUR COUNTRY HOME WITH OUR ROUND-UP OF BEAUTIFUL NEW-SEASON TEXTILES, ALL INSPIRED BY NATURE

Country animals

Let native, country-life characters charm their way into your scheme with animated motifs playfully captured across quality linens and made-to-measure soft furnishings.

Fabrics (from left): 1 Racing Hares, col Linen, £46.50m, Voyage.

2 Olive+Daisy Linen, col Cornish Blue + Rock on Natural, £54m, Olive+Daisy.

3 Garden Birds, £25m, Sophie Allport. 4 Chook Chook, col Linen, £46.50m, Voyage. 5 Hedgehog, col Flint, £14.99m, Prestigious Textiles. Cushions (clockwise, from top left): 1 Broom & Bee, col Dusk, £55, Lorna Syson.

2 Deer, col Lichen; 3 Owlet, col Tawny, both £14.99m, Prestigious Textiles.

4 Buzz, £40, Juliet Travers. Wooden dolly pegs, £1.20 for 8; round glass jars, £8 for 12, both Hobbycraft. Kubu oval storage basket, £52, Laura Ashley.

»

Country Homes & Interiors

71

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Hedgerow florals

Be inspired by spring stirring in the countryside and awaken your interiors with pretty, trailing designs featuring beautiful blooms dancing freely across delightful embroideries and chalky, bright linen and cotton blends.

Fabrics (clockwise, from left): 1 Pressed Flowers, col Mist/Shell, £82m, Sanderson at Style Library. 2 Hermitage Birds G, £50m, Charlotte Gaisford.

3 Cow Parsley, col Mustard; 4 Parsley, col Ivory Blue, both £42m, Charlotte Macey. 5 Hydrangea, £68m, Lorna Syson. Julietta on Ivory Linen, £64m, Peony & Sage. Princess Sovereign ladies’ bicycle, from £695, Pashley.

Barrington arch trellis, £55, Garden Trading. Glass jar, as before.

»

Country Homes & Interiors

73

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

Relaxed stripes

74

Country Homes & Interiors

Fabrics (on chair, from left): 1 Brompton, col Sage, £39.50m, Ian Mankin.

2 Walking in Heather, col Grass; 3 Bell Heather, col Grass; 4 Dancing Grass, col Sunset, all £54m, Pippa Blacker Interiors. (Behind statue) Hand Printed Stripe, col Clay & Lemon, £52m, Vanessa Arbuthnott. Fabric bolts (from left): 1 Elephant Stripe, col Natural Raspberry, £48m, Cabbages & Roses.

2 Ipala Duality Stripe, col Green, £95m, A Rum Fellow. 3 Ealing, col Mint, £39.50m, Ian Mankin. 4 Slade Stripe Linen, col Petal, £47m, Zoe Glencross.

Chair, similar from Sweetpea & Willow.

Glass jar, as before.

NEXT MONTH THE LATEST MODERN COUNTRY BEDLINENS

PHOTOGRAPHS NICK POPE

Rewrite the ‘rule’ book and embrace a gentle approach to linear patterns on soft furnishings, with understated tickings and stripes in hand-drawn designs and fluid, organic lines.

FEATURE & STYLING HOLLY PHILLIPS

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C O U N T RY T R E N D

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THE STATEMENT LIGHT Kraal mango wood dome pendant, 50xDia52cm, £295, Dassie Artisan.

THE WALLPAPER Timber strips wallpaper, £175 a roll, Piet Hein Eek at Rockett St George.

PALE GRAINS Honest and beautifully crafted, wood has earthy, durable appeal and is the go-to grain for country interiors. This season’s new designs see ash, light oak and pine at the top of the pile. Channelling a refreshed Scandi approach to design, these pared-back pale blonde tones and untreated finishes create a light and tranquil look and celebrate simple living, touch and nature’s imperfections. Seek out this honed yet characterful material expertly crafted on flooring and furniture to wallcoverings, statement lighting and myriad home accessories.

THE KITCHEN ESSENTIALS Leather strap alder wood bread boards, small L30xW18cm, £38; large L48xW20cm, £48, Rowen & Wren.

LOVE THIS LOOK? THEN TRY... ✽

Hand-carved or beaded pendant lights grouped over a dining table or kitchen island. ✽ Blonde wood flooring with staggered plank or parquet designs for a warm and natural look that will make a room appear more spacious. ✽ Co-ordinating wood with woven accessories (think wicker) and

»

THE MIRROR Oval hallway mirror, acacia, H83xW23xD2.5cm, £55, Nordic House.

THE CHAIR Miss Holly oiled oak chair, H82xW62xD54cm, £617, Skandium.

THE ACCESSORIES Mixed natural woods candle holders, £43 for 5 assorted sizes, Scandinavian Design Center.

Country Homes & Interiors

77

C O U N T RY T R E N D

THE GARDENER’S MUST HAVE Finca paulownia wood pot, H13xDia16cm, £7, Garden Trading.

DID YOU KNOW… You can safely clean untreated wood by adding 1 tbsp vinegar to a 500ml spray bottle of water. Squirt on to the area and wipe with a damp cloth, then finish with a dry cloth.

soft layers in muted tones for a welcoming and homely living space. ✽ Wood-effect wallpaper to give the illusion of a stripped-back scheme that balances provincial style with a touch of contemporary minimalism. ✽ Chairs and benches that show the maker’s mark of dowelling joints. ✽ Dipped furniture that contrasts exposed and painted wood finishes. ✽ Roughened, hewn shapes and bark textures on flowerpots, chopping boards and candleholders. ✽ Incorporating hero wooden pieces with other natural accents like stone, metal and cork, to highlight texture and tactility.

THE FLOORING Heritage Cathedral oak parquet, from £46.99sqm, Kersaint Cobb.

THE DINING SET Bergen oak table, H75xW150xD95cm, £575; bench, H46xW130xD36cm, £275; dining chairs, H92x45cm sq, £400 for 2, all Cox & Cox.

THE BED Woody solid reclaimed fir kingsize storage bed, £1,045, Loaf.

THE STORAGE SOLUTION

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Country Homes & Interiors

FEATURE HOLLY PHILLIPS

Duhrer oak bookshelf, H180xW83xD33cm, £599, John Lewis.

NEXT MONTH COLOURED GLASS

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RUSTIC REDS

ADD WARMTH, DRAMA AND CONTRAST TO A DECORATING SCHEME WITH A DASH OR MORE OF THIS COUNTRY CLASSIC. HERE’S HOW TO MAKE IT WORK FOR YOU...

S TAT E M E N T P I E C E

1 A pantry cupboard painted in rich hibiscus is in punchy contrast to the smoky green-grey hue used for both walls and units in this imposing Shaker-style kitchen.

‘Marrying opposite shades on the colour wheel is a classic decorating trick,’ explains interior designer Eliza Price. ‘The key is to ensure that the tonal depth of both is the same, then introduce another accent shade – in this case, a bright green – in very small doses to balance the overall look.’

Similar paint on cupboard, Pepper Red, from £14.47 for 500ml Paint Mixing Eggshell, Dulux.

DESIGN SECRETS

Similar paint on wall and shelving, Atomic Red, £47 for 2.5L Intelligent Matt Emulsion; £59 for 2.5L Intelligent Eggshell, both Little Greene.

2

SHELF LIFE

2 Brilliant crimson – used for both wall and

3

Westport flatweave runner, 100% wool, 70cm wide, col Rust, £127 linear m, Roger Oates.

4

shelving – has given dramatic resonance to this room, with its pinkish quarry-tiled floor and dark beams. ‘Such a bold colour creates a lasting impression – a neutral shade would never have been so effective,’ says Sonia Mundey, of Yellow Book Interiors. ‘The deep, vibrant red is a dramatic, sophisticated backdrop to the items on the shelves.’

T R E A D S O F T LY

3 The hall is a great space to be adventurous with colour and pattern, believes Andy Guard, head of design at Roger Oates. ‘This rust-red runner adds impact, while carrying the colour through the heart of the house,’ he says. ‘Use paler shades of the same colour in rooms leading off from the hall or pick out accessories in similarly bright colours in neutral rooms to create a cohesive look throughout.’

C L A SS I C T O U C H E S

4 In the Victorian era, interior design was

influenced by exotic travel, with Middle Eastern and Asian patterns and colours often used. This sitting-room scheme from Oka captures the look.

‘It was inspired by an Indian throw, with a mix of warm and cool colours,’ says Lucinda Waterhouse, Oka co-founder. ‘We’ve put reds next to soft blues to create an unusual, but harmonious balance.’

Aragat throw, £265; cushion covers, from a selection; Shalimar rug, £1,745; Lisieux lamp base, £385; pleated Palau Silk Empire lampshade, £125, all Oka.

»

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81

Curtains and floral cushion, Tuileries, col Tearose, from £30m, all Tuileries Fabric Collection, ILiv.

Solid Red throws, 100% lamb’s wool, £100 each, Foxford Woollen Mills.

5

6

7

5 Soft, earthy red tones work beautifully in homes

G E N T LY D O E S I T

where a gentler approach is required. ‘Texas Rose, from our Colour Trends 2018 Palette, can almost be viewed as a coloured neutral, complementing other finishes and materials while still maintaining the strength associated with the colour red,’ says Helen Shaw, marketing director of Benjamin Moore, UK. ‘This allows you to bring personality and character into a space without it being overpowering.’

V I N TAG E A P P E A L

6 If you fear bright red will be too much, opt for designs that have an aged appearance – a look that’s especially suited to period homes. ‘Tuileries is a collection reminiscent of the timeless elegance of a French château,’ says Debbie Leigh, of ILiv. ‘Here, the same shade from the Tearose colourway has been used in all the fabrics to create harmony.’

7

CO SY R E T R E AT

Designed by Tor Interiors, this charming country house bedroom, with its classic antique furnishings and chalky neutral walls, is given a cheery pop of colour in the warm red blankets, headboards and bedside lamps. ‘Choosing a strong colour like red for all the accessories is a safe way to decorate,’ says designer Tor Vivian. ‘You can add more, take some away or give the room another feature colour.’

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NEXT MONTH MAKING THE MOST OF SPACE UNDER STAIRS

FEATURE SHARON PARSONS PHOTOGRAPHS (1, 2) TIMEINCUKCONTENT.COM

Wall, painted in Texas Rose, from £26.50 for 0.94L Aura Bath & Spa Matte Finish, Benjamin Moore.

DESIGN SECRETS ON THE TILES

8 This fresh, crisp scheme combines the enduring appeal of cherry red against snowy white – a look that’s both smart and uplifting. ‘This is set to be the year of colour confidence,’ says Richard Contreras, owner of Harvey Maria. ‘These luxury vinyl tiles, by designer Dee Hardwicke, make a real statement with a decorative pattern that nods towards traditional flooring designs and are edged with a colour-block tile border.’ Vinyl flooring is a really practical choice in rooms that see a lot of footfall.

Lattice vinyl floor tiles, col Cherry Red, £44.80sqm; Little Bricks vinyl floor tiles, col Venetian Red, £39.95sqm, Dee Hardwicke for Harvey Maria.

Subscription invitation YES I would like to subscribe to Country Homes & Interiors: 8. $QQXDO 'LUHFW 'HELW 3D\ RQO\ e IRU PRQWKV VDYLQJ (full price ÂŁ58.40) 8. \HDU FKHTXH FDVK FUHGLW RU GHELW FDUG LVVXHV 3D\ MXVW e VDYLQJ (full price ÂŁ116.80) 8. \HDU FKHTXH FDVK FUHGLW RU GHELW FDUG LVVXHV 3D\ MXVW e VDYLQJ (full price ÂŁ58.40) Overseas readers can save up to 37%.

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

‘I CAN OPEN MY DOOR AND SEE THE MOST INSPIRING VIEWS IN FRONT OF ME’ Contemporary impressionist artist Bethany Holmes

B

ethany Holmes takes her artistic inspiration right from her doorstep.

Described by Bethany as a mix of abstract expressionism and contemporary impressionism, her canvases are a visual delight, filled with her take on the colour and character of the British countryside. On a spring day, we headed to North Essex to sit and chat about her passion for colour...

provides a constant inspiration for my work.

On a personal level, I like the peace it offers in a sometimes busy life.

TELL US ABOUT WHERE YOU LIVE… I live on my boyfriend Ben’s family farm in North Essex, where I also have my studio.

It’s quite isolated and surrounded by fields yet within five minutes of lots of villages.

The horizon is as far as the eye can see, but I can watch the weather coming in and see the most amazing sunsets.

WHAT GETS YOU OUT OF BED IN THE MORNINGS? The chance to experience the peace you get when you’re up before everyone else. I sneak into my studio, open the top half of my stable door to let the light in and paint in my pyjamas. I love that! I get so much done in those pyjamas.

HAVE YOU ALWAYS BEEN A COUNTRY GIRL AT HEART? I was born in Wales in the middle of nowhere, and that has always stayed with me. When I was small, our family moved to Saffron Walden and one of my earliest memories is of the horse, chickens and rabbits we had there.

WHY DO YOU LOVE THE COUNTRYSIDE? As a landscape artist, being in the country 86

Country Homes & Interiors

WHAT INSPIRES YOU MOST? For me, it’s the ever-changing weather and the colours.

My studio backs onto the fields, and when the sun sets or the weather turns, I see it all in the distance coming in before me.

WHAT MATERIAL DO YOU PAINT IN? I mainly use acrylic emulsion and sometimes oil. Acrylic dries so quickly giving me a layer I can paint on top of almost immediately. I use oil pastel for that last colour pop or detail.

DID YOU ALWAYS WANT TO BE AN ARTIST? I was always creative and doing an Art Foundation early on was a fantastic opportunity and changed everything for me.

In my last year at university I finally ‘got’

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The mini artworks are very popular.

Thaxted’s medieval Guildhall is still in use today.

Working on a canvas with a squeegee adds texture and marks.

Bethany loves to browse among vintage homeware.

Bethany’s large-scale landscapes can take months to complete.

Pots of tools make decorative details.

The weather and countryside provide constant inspiration for Bethany.

Scrapers are an essential tool for Bethany’s technique.

Bethany, her boyfriend Ben and Ozzy take a spring stroll.

The Angel & Harp is a favourite local spot.

I couldn’t live without...

‘MY DOG, OZZY, MY CATS, MY PAINT SQUEEGEE AND THAT ALL-IMPORTANT FIRST CUP OF TEA IN THE MORNING’

The studio walls area lined with practical storage.

Artists’ acrylic and pots of emulsion are always close to hand.

Bethany’s springdressed desk is used for catching up on admin.

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

what I was doing and understood what I could do as an artist. I studied textile design, but presented my work in huge paintings, which received some great reactions from everyone.

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR PROUDEST ACHIEVEMENT SO FAR? I’ve just had my first solo exhibition in Devon. It was in a contemporary gallery and really pushed my creative boundaries. I visited lots of places to get inspired by different environments, and used this to create a series of larger pieces.

CAN YOU TELL US THE SECRET OF YOUR SUCCESS? I give my all and won’t settle for anything that isn’t completely right. My paintings, for instance, need to be perfect. They aren’t finished until I’ve had that moment when it just clicks. My family are also hugely supportive and I couldn’t have done this without them.

WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON NOW? I’m working on two really interesting commissions at the moment. One is being created to reflect someone’s childhood landscape. The other is for a lovely couple and is based on where they got married.

This is quite an emotional piece with views for them to remember their special day.

FEATURE SARA BIRD PHOTOGRAPHS DAN DUCHARS

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR CREATIVE PROCESS? I tend to do some initial watercolour pieces in location then take these back to the studio. From there it is a case of building up and scraping back layers of paint and mixed media on canvas.

The final stage is adding that pop and final touch of oil pastel.

WHOSE WORK DO YOU MOST ADMIRE? I love watercolour artist and printmaker Norman Ackroyd. His work is based on his love of the landscape and his use of colour is amazing. The other artist I love is Gerhard Richter. He produces works on such a large scale, yet they are so detailed. There’s so much to see in one painting.

WHERE IS YOUR FAVOURITE PLACE IN THE UK? North Norfolk, just because there are so many different elements. The linear horizons of Sheringham, as well as Morston

NEXT MONTH SCULPTOR KATE KATO

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B E T H A N Y ’S C O U N T RY V I B E What’s your favourite March recipe?

Leek & Pancetta Carbonara. Leeks are in season and I love the salt and creamy combination of the sauce.

What’s happening in March? It’s Thriplow’s Daffodil Weekend. The high street is closed and there are lots of flowers, stalls and cake stands.

What do you love about this time of year? The sun is starting to feel warm and I can leave the studio door open.

Quay and Blakeney salt marshes. I love how the tide just changes everything. It’s a constant source of inspiration.

HOW DOES YOUR PERFECT WEEKEND SHAPE UP? My average day starts with a dog walk, but my Border Collie Ozzy gets so bored with me as I spend so long stopping to take photographs for my work! But on a Saturday I like to get up when it’s quiet and no one is up. I’ll go to the studio first, then pop to Saffron Walden for coffee and to visit the market. I’ll then go back to the studio for a bit and maybe meet up with my parents for a dog walk in Hatfield Forest. Sunday is much of the same, but with a lovely roast dinner.

WE’RE COMING TO VISIT YOUR LOCAL AREA. WHAT MUSTN’T WE MISS? A walk around the lake in Hatfield Forest or a visit to the flower market in Saffron Walden.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE SHOP LOCALLY? Vintage Style Living’s lovely shop front with its Home Store sign always entices me inside. I like everything in there as it’s a real mix of vintage and new, they have some really lovely things there.

WHERE’S YOUR FAVOURITE PLACE TO EAT AND DRINK? The Angel & Harp in Great Dunmow is a lovely pub for a relaxed drink. Square 1 Restaurant, also in Great Dunmow, serves great modern British dishes with seasonal ingredients.

☎ Bethany Holmes, bethanyholmes.co.uk.

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

LILAC POLISHED MARBLE, FROM £350SQ M, GERALD CULLIFORD

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Vintage modern bathrooms

FROM OLD-SCHOOL GLAMOUR TO COTTAGE CHIC, THERE ARE PLENTY OF FRESH IDEAS GIVING A NEW EDGE TO THE NOSTALGIC COUNTRY LOOKS WE KNOW AND LOVE. DISCOVER THE LATEST MATERIALS, COLOURS AND CLEVER LAYOUTS THAT PROMISE ENDURING APPEAL »

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BAT H R O O M S P E C I A L Spey bath, £3,570; Classic bath mixer taps, £2,628; Dalby shower with 300mm rose, £2,700, all Drummonds.

1

Grand country house

‘The key to a statement bathroom is using space and materials to create drama,’ says James Lentaigne, director, Drummonds. ‘Dedicate as much space as you can to the bathroom and use classic chrome, glass and mirrors to maximise light. For full-on wow factor, choose freestanding fittings that seriously impress and transform the space into pure theatre.’ Nothing says luxury like a spacious ‘his and hers’ shower. In this dramatic example, a half-wall topped with a bespoke shower glass keeps the water and steam contained, leaving a sparkling chandelier to steal the show.

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Tubby Too double-ended bath, £2,061, The Albion Bath Company.

2

Bijou beauty Compact bathrooms needn’t miss out on a revamp. This grey and pink pairing is hot off the catwalks, and works to give the narrow room a big injection of nostalgic style.

‘With a smaller bathroom, the trick is to maximise visible flooring, which is why this double-ended freestanding

bath works well,’ says Phil Etherden, managing director, The Albion Bath Company.

‘Position your focal-point tub furthest from the door to draw the eye through the space. A high-level cistern and painted panelling will also emphasise the room’s height, achieving a widening effect.’

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

Marlborough bath, from £2,625, Victoria & Albert Baths. Classic freestanding mixer taps, from £1,807, Lefroy Brooks.

Design by Sims Hilditch.

Barcelona freestanding bath, £2,975, Victoria & Albert at West One Bathrooms.

3 Old-school glamour Last year’s embrace of millennial pink kicked off a more feminine mood that’s made its way into the bathroom. Achieve restrained glamour by using soft oyster pinks and warm greys, with natural wood flooring and delicate glass lighting. In this graceful bathroom, the double-ended bath calls the shots with a touch of grandeur and has been layered with period details, such as cabriole legs on the washstands, the elegant island and painted panelling.

4 Gentle curves The stark, geometric edginess of many modern bathroom fittings can prove too sharp in a cottage setting. However, by choosing wisely, it’s possible to enjoy the sleek lines of contemporary designs. ‘It’s important to select contemporary fittings with soft shapes, like this gently sculptural freestanding bath, which complements the irregular curves of the exposed timbers,’ says Louise Ashdown, head of design, West One Bathrooms. ‘The aim is to achieve a smooth transition between old and new.’

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Country Homes & Interiors

5

Artisan tiles Enjoying a popularity not seen since Victorian times, decorative tiles remain our go-to for bringing a welcome injection of pattern and colour underfoot. Delightfully dusky, handmade encaustic cement tiles led the trend, but they can be pricey, not to mention a little high maintenance. For

a more easy-going alternative, try the latest ceramic versions in encaustic-inspired patterns.

Influenced by one of Laura Ashley’s best-selling prints and reworked in a contemporary grey colour palette, these ceramic floor tiles feature a flat-matt finish for impressive cement-like realism.

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Mr Jones ceramic floor tiles, col Charcoal, £30sq m; Artisan ceramic wall tiles, col Duck Egg, £72sq m, British Ceramic Tile.

Marlborough freestanding basin unit and vessel basin, from £1,640; mirror cabinet, £349; York side-action basin mixer, £191.50; Fairfield bath with white feet, £1,075.50, all Laura Ashley Bathroom Collection.

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Elegant storage Trends are not always product led. They can take a more conceptual direction, like the new move towards designing bathrooms that blur the lines between washing and living.

Central to this idea is the use of unexpected furniture and fittings, such as basin units that resemble elegant dressing tables and richly upholstered chairs and footstools. Storage, of which no bathroom can have too much, is a particularly successful component in the bid to experience the bathroom as an extension of the bedroom or living room. Try an antique glass display cabinet, vintage tallboy or mid-century sideboard.

Walls, painted in Italian Ice Green (2035-70), from £26.50 for 0.94L Aura Bath & Spa Matte; chair, in Teal Ocean (2049-30), from £24 for 0.94L Advance High Gloss, both Benjamin Moore. Similar cabinet, Fabrikor, £130, Ikea.

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

7 Textured floors

‘Wooden-look porcelain floor tiles are a staple trend this season, complementing the heritage of country homes, and providing an earthy neutral base for a range of bathroom colours and styles,’ says Dan Cook, principle development designer at CP Hart. For added realism, choose tiles cut in a plank shape – the longer the better – to faithfully emulate floorboards. The porcelain tiles shown feature a rectified textured finish that offers an authentic vintage feel, yet they are completely waterproof, stain resistant and easy to clean.

Albini porcelain tiles, 15x90cm, col Wild Brown, from £78sq m, CP Hart.

8 Cottage chic

Magma porcelain wall tiles, col Olive, from £150sq m, Stone & Ceramic Warehouse.

The classic cottage looks charmingly quaint, and has a bright airiness that uplifts the soul.

Trademark features include white-washed walls, clean natureled greens and vintage accessories.

It’s the straight lines of tiles and flooring that keep this bathroom looking modern, plus a simple counter-mounted basin and floating wall-hung shelving. An antique mirror, with its imperfect aged glass, will provide a comforting touch of heritage and prevent the space feeling too staged.

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

Wallpaper, Cranford London Wallpapers IV, col Wheat, £64 a roll; Walls, skirting, bath and door, painted in Jack Black 119, from £42 for 2.5L absolute matt emulsion, Little Greene.

9 Heritage yellow Like a ray of sunshine in an overcast sky, measured doses of mellow yellow are being used to brighten up darker palettes this season. ‘Combining an on-trend paint colour with a heritage wallpaper design is a subtle way to bring contemporary style to a country bathroom,’ says David Mottershead, managing director of Little Greene. ‘The result is harmonious, sophisticated and very pleasing.’ Most ‘spongeable’ wallpapers are safe for use in well-ventilated bathrooms, but for extra protection, consider applying a coat of Polyvine’s Decorator’s Varnish.

Fina bath mat in Indian Ink, £25; Mali robe, col Opal, £69, both Christy.

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The inviting warmth of timber guarantees its continued reign in the bathroom. If you’re lucky enough to have beautiful oak beams to expose, why not go for broke and clad the surrounding eaves in reclaimed floorboards?

This cosy attic bathroom uses the same salvaged timber to panel a traditional inset bath, with rugged stonework completing the rustic story. Get a similar look by tapping into the bathroom-friendly trend for wood-look ceramic and porcelain tiles; try Topps Tiles’ Woodgrain Bayur Borneo range.

NEXT MONTH KITCHENS: THE NEW NEUTRALS

FEATURE LINDA CLAYTON

10 Rustic surrounds

Ϥ ϫ ϫ Ϫ Ϥ ϰ Ϭ ϧ Ϧ

8

reasons to love

CHESTS OF DRAWERS HAVE A CLOTHES DECLUTTER, THEN PICK ONE OF THESE PIECES FOR JUMPERS, TOPS AND SMALLS. THERE’S A DESIGN TO SUIT EVERY TASTE, FROM RUSTIC AND SHAKER TO COLOURFUL AND CLASSIC

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Simple elegance The pared-back sophistication of Shaker style is hard to beat and this inspired design, with its beaded drawer surrounds and turned legs, has it in spades.

Bala four-drawer chest, H87xW110xD48cm, £599, Croft Collection at John Lewis.

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

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2

Inspired by mid-century design, this sleek model will bring a modern feel to your room.

Penn chest of drawers in Oak, H86.5x W105xD44cm, £499, Made.

New England inspired

A timber top, cup handles and chamfered drawer fronts equal East Coast style. Dawson Country three-drawer chest, H81xW95xD50cm, £499, Marks & Spencer.

4 Slim silhouette

A refined but colourful tower that features handcrafted details and works amazingly well in small spaces. Larsson tall chest of drawers, H116xW64xD49cm, col Old Rose, £1,040, Neptune.

Clean lines

5

Dovetail joints

Robust enough for a living room or oh-so pretty for the bedroom, you can house all manner of everyday essentials in here. Latham chest of drawers, H90xW115xD52cm, £772, Rowen & Wren.

6

Handcarved curves Perfect

for a casual country scheme, this set of drawers is made from solid reclaimed fir recovered from old buildings. Aurélie chest of drawers, (Medium) H87xW107x D48cm, £745, Loaf.

FEATURE HOLLY PHILLIPS

8 7Vintage appeal

With a hand-waxed finish that shows off the rich grain of the wood and brass-effect handles, this model has a wonderfully eclectic look. Oakland two-over-three chest of drawers, H98xW93xD42cm, £349, The Cotswold Company.

NEXT MONTH WOODEN CHAIRS

Romantic good looks

The cabriole feet on this weathered charmer will happily suit any guest bedroom.

Sienna Grey five-drawer chest, H103xW106x D45cm, £999, Feather & Black.

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NATURAL FLOORING GET BACK TO NATURE WITH THE HOMESPUN LOOK OF NATURAL FLOORING. FROM STYLISH SEAGRASS TO LUSH WOOL, IT SUITS ALMOST EVERY SETTING

EASY TO LIVE WITH AND REASSURINGLY HARDWEARING, natural flooring encompasses a

wealth of tempting designs ready to weave some magic into your home. Texture is the byword for flooring made from natural plant fibres – some are deceptively soft, others coconut-shell rough. Sisal is an immensely versatile option, with a variety of styles and patterns to choose from. The silky finish of jute makes it ideal for living rooms and bedrooms, and it comes in a range of finishes, from fine herringbone to chunky designs. Prickly coir, a favourite for robust doormats, can be rolled out to the length of a hallway, practical for a busy family home. Tough seagrass has a natural waxiness that will shrug off stains, though this slipperiness makes it unsuitable for stairs.

A LARGE PART OF THE APPEAL OF NATURAL FLOORING comes from the woven pattern, whether

that’s a fine, smooth herringbone for a lustrous look, a chunky basketweave for a contemporary statement or plaited rush matting for a traditional scheme.

Made from British rushes, this last option is an authentic if pricey choice for a period home.

THOUGH THE SANDY, BEIGE AND GOLD TONES OF THE NATURAL GRASSES have an inherent charm,

colour can be woven in discreetly to add a stroke of interest. Mixes of plant fibre and wool allow for extra options in colour, design and texture. For anyone with a passion for brights, the answer is a wool carpet and flatweave wool runners. Available in a cascade of shades, when made up in exuberant stripes, they capture a cool coastal or vibrant vibe perfectly.

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Small Bouclé Classics sisal, col Bronze, £49sq m, Crucial Trading.

ROOM ELEMENTS

1

Softer approach

‘When woven, the organic plant fibre sisal creates a fabulous, hardwearing floorcovering,’ says Emma Hopkins, marketing manager at Crucial Trading. ‘The classic bouclé design provides an intricate weave for this rustic material. It’s suitable for most areas of the home and the bronze colourway works particularly well in this room, where it blends with the natural wood tones and greens of the plants, helping to create a truly calm space that’s at one with nature.’

Kobe 100% wool rug with taped ends, col Jade, £1,206, Roger Oates.

2

Expansive effect

‘There’s a green to relax or energise every room in the house, but shades with blue undertones are right on trend,’ says Andy Guard, head of design at Roger Oates. ‘For a refreshing, contemporary feel, this understated rug combines jade tones and cool greys with hints of soft pink in fine lines of colour.

Woven in a narrow width, flatweave runners are joined by hand to create bespoke rugs. This rug is bound with jade tape, but would be equally striking with an accent of bright pink.’

»

DESIGN TIP WALL-TO-WALL FITTING ISN’T THE ONLY OPTION FOR WOOL CARPET – IT CAN WORK BRILLIANTLY AS

CH&I

LOVES

*

Similar basket, zigzag plant fibre rice basket, £16.79, Maisons du Monde.

A ROOM-SIZED SQUARE TO PEP UP A STONE OR TIMBER FLOOR AND THE CARPET EDGES CAN BE ‘WHIPPED’ (BOUND) FOR A NEAT FINISH. NATURAL FLOORING RUGS AND RUNNERS CAN BE COMPLETED WITH A CONTRAST BORDER, IN LINEN OR LEATHER.

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3 Generous feel

Get the vintage vibe for your decorating scheme with natural flooring, foregoing bold colour in favour of a large weave pattern to make a strong impression. ‘Our new Sisal Big Basket is a simple up-and-over basketweave, but woven in a larger scale,’ says Lorna Haigh, head of creative at Alternative Flooring. ‘This gives it a chunky feel, which is more relaxed for rustic settings and works with contrasting country textures, such as reclaimed wood, painted and distressed furniture.’

CH&I

LOVES

*

Vintage sideboard, similar from Vinterior.

Sisal Big Basket, col Cubbie, £68.25sq m, Alternative Flooring.

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ROOM ELEMENTS

Retro Cord 80% wool, 20% nylon carpet, £74.98sq m, Pure Living Range, Brintons.

3 OF OUR FAVOURITE...

Doormats

COIR IS SO TOUGH IT CAN TAKE A BIT OF PUNISHMENT AND ITS STIFFNESS MAKES IT USEFUL FOR REMOVING DIRT FROM SHOES AND BOOTS.

It’s summer all year round with country cottage flowers. Wild Meadow Floral coir doormat, 73x43cm, £25, Laura Ashley.

4 Country classic

‘Stripes are a perennial favourite for country homes, as they can ground a room and pull a scheme together,’ says Natalie Littlehales, consumer marketing manager at Brintons. ‘This striped carpet complements the stone walls and draws the focus to the grand entrance, appearing to elongate the space. The subtle combination of twist and velvet yarns adds depth and interest to this classic pattern.

Made from a blend of 80% wool and 20% nylon, it’s both luxurious to the touch and durable.’

Quirky stripes make for a jolly welcome.

Quex coir doormat with PVC backing, 75x45cm, £20, Margo Selby at John Lewis.

A feathered friend on your doorstep.

Pheasant coir doormat, 76x45cm, £23.50, Fallen Fruits at Cotswold Trading.

5 Welcome home

Coir matting, col Natural, £39.99sq m, Kersaint Cobb.

‘The entrance to any home will see plenty of coming and going each day, so choosing the right flooring is an important decision,’ says Jenna Kane, marketing manager at Kersaint Cobb. ‘Our coir matting collection, available in 1m and 2m widths, is particularly hardwearing, which is essential for a high-traffic area in a busy family house. This textured effect is perfect for adding an element of interest to a neutral colour palette and creating a rugged, country look.’ Kersaint Cobb’s coir range comes in six colours.

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ROOM ELEMENTS

6 Back to black

Black jute rug, £245sq m, Flock-Living.

‘Natural fibre rugs go with everything, and we all love the texture and natural feel they bring to a room,’ says Anjana Sethia, creative director of Flock-Living.

‘We’ve given our jute rug a contemporary update by dyeing it black, resulting in a rich, rusticlooking surface. The appearance is especially at home in a modern country or Scandi-inspired room and the durable soumak flatweave, thicker than a kilim, makes the rug resilient enough for years of wear.’

DESIGN TIP CHOOSE FLOORING TO SUIT THE LOCATION – NATURAL MATERIALS ARE NOT SUITED TO THE MOIST CONDITIONS

Natural flooring is the perfect foil to simple design schemes.

FOUND IN BATHROOMS AND ARE PRONE TO WATERMARKS. ALSO, NATURAL FLOORING NEEDS TO BE PROFESSIONALLY FITTED FOR A BUMP-FREE RESULT.

Create an inviting space to relax and unwind in using a decorating palette of subtle neutrals. Sisal & Seagrass’s understated yet elegant flooring is the key to this room’s country feel. It’s available in a wide range of shades, from dark granite grey to the pale stone shown here.

Used wall to wall, resilient sisal flooring has a relatively flat finish, yet the stripes of the classic pattern jump out in sharp relief. The instantly recognisable herringbone pattern is an enduring favourite – perennially popular for tweedy upholstery fabrics and men’s suiting, the classic weave translates beautifully onto natural flooring.

Vacuum floors regularly to keep them at their best.

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FEATURE CAROLINE RODRIGUES

7 Fine design

Sisal Herringbone, col Stone, £32sq m, Sisal & Seagrass.

NEXT MONTH NEW SEASON PAINT SHADES

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HOME GADGETS

KITCHEN BINS

that look good and work hard WASTE CONTAINERS HAVE GONE ALL STYLISH, WITH USEFUL EXTRA FEATURES YOU’LL WANT TO SHOW OFF

1Best for...

Touch Bin New, col Clay Pink, from £89, Brabantia.

MAXIMISING SPACE

Titan Trash Compactor, £199, Joseph Joseph Bins get high-tech with the latest offering from the clever Joseph Joseph collection. With its innovative compaction system, the Titan Trash Compactor (H68xW39xD29cm) takes up to three times as much waste as an average 30L bin, while handy anti-tear technology keeps the waste firmly inside the liner as it’s being pushed down. There’s also a built-in odour filter compartment in the lid, stopping any nasty smells from escaping.

2Best for...

While it may not be considered the glamorous face of home decor, the kitchen bin has a lot to offer these days. Designs are more attractive and come in a huge range of colours to match your scheme. They’re not just putting a pretty face on waste either, as

they can now provide everything from rubbish compaction to odour filters. The biggest change? Hygiene is vastly improved, with powder-coated steel and hands-free solutions.

Here are our top three picks for bins you’ll be happy to put on display...

DID YOU KNOW? THE AVERAGE UK HOUSEHOLD THREW AWAY £470 WORTH OF FOOD BY BINNING UNNECESSARILY IN 2015, SO KEEP AN EYE ON WHAT YOU’RE PUTTING IN THE RUBBISH*.

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3 Best for...

LARGE FAMILIES

Retro Sensor Bin, from £79.99, Swan The surprisingly compact but generous 45L Retro Sensor Bin from Swan (H68xW33xD25cm) is ideal for a busy household. Its iron body means it’s hard-wearing and durable and, with a sensor in the lid, it opens automatically from hand swipes up to 15cm away, keeping things hygienic and mess-free.

The classic colour options – Cream, Blue, Green, Red and Black – mean you’re bound to find one to suit your kitchen.

FEATURE THEA BABINGTON-STITT *STATISTIC FROM WRAP (WASTE AND RESOURCES ACTION PROGRAMME)

RETRO STYLE

Pushboy Junior, £112.95, Wesco Smooth, retro-style Wesco 22L Pushboy Junior (H63xDia35cm) looks good in most country kitchens, offering five classic colour options, including Almond (left). The large stainless steel flap keeps odours firmly sealed off from the rest of the room, so no need to worry about rushing to the wheelie bin when you’ve thrown away some Limburger. Happily, too, its high quality, powder-coated steel is an easy-clean material.

CHOSEN BY US FOR YOU

Give green fingers a well earned treat with creams, lotions and gift sets from the Gardeners collection, from £5 for 100ml Hand Cream with Shea Butter.

Save 20% at Heathcote & Ivory PAMPER YOURSELF WITH BEAUTIFUL PRODUCTS, INCLUDING NOURISHING CREAMS FROM THE GARDENERS COLLECTION

T

here’s nothing better than getting stuck into the garden again as spring arrives.

But all that digging and planting can take its toll on your hands. So you’ll be pleased to hear that Heathcote & Ivory, renowned for its gorgeous scented soaps, lotions and home fragrances, has extended its best-selling Gardeners range with new treats.

Using a blend of vitamins and sweet-smelling essential oils of elderflower, elderberry, rhubarb and blackberry, the Hedgerow lotion is specifically designed to nourish and soothe dry skin and nails after gardening.

Or try products in the original Gardeners

fragrance, with its juicy scents of red tomatoes and redcurrants combined with the green freshness of basil and mint on a base of cedarwood and earthy musk.

This month, Heathcote & Ivory is offering Country Homes & Interiors readers an exclusive 20% discount so can you enjoy any of its branded collection products for less.

See the whole range at heathcote-ivory.com. r How to claim your discount To redeem your exclusive 20% discount, simply visit heathcote-ivory.com and enter code COUNTRYHOMES20 at the checkout.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS This offer entitles you to 20% off Heathcote & Ivory branded collections (Gardeners, Vintage & Co, Florals, Heath, Sakura Silks) at heathcote-ivory.com and is valid from 1 February 2018 to 31 March 2018 inclusive.

The discount cannot be redeemed against other collections, sale items or delivery charges, and it cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Subject to stock availability. UK delivery only.

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The single snowdrop Galanthus nivalis is the best for naturalising in the garden.

Snowdrop season A CHILDHOOD DREAM TURNED INTO REALITY FOR SHIRLEY SHADFORD, WHEN SHE CREATED THIS EAST ANGLIAN THATCHED COTTAGE GARDEN

CAMBRIDGESHIRE GARDEN

The front garden has wide beds planted with snowdrops, hellebores, winter aconites (Eranthis hyemalis) and Narcissus ‘Jack Snipe’ just about to flower. A winding gravel path leads to a picket fence and gate.

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Visitors to Clover Cottage are invited to meander through the garden, passing under the wooden rose pergola and metal arches that mark the entrance and pathway.

Dusky rose-coloured hybrid hellebores are the perfect partners for the dainty common snowdrop Galanthus nivalis.

Ever since Shirley Shadford was a little girl growing up in

AT HOME WITH...

Owners Shirley and Paul

Shadford, their Jack Russell, Daisy, and two cats, Thomas and Tansy.

House A 17th-century semidetached thatched cottage just outside the village of West Wickham in Cambridgeshire.

Features Less than a quarter

of an acre in all, but contains a cottage garden, an old, zigzagging boundary wall, a pond, sunken area and borders, all looking out over open fields.

the city of Cambridge, she dreamed of living in the country. ‘All I ever wanted was to live in a thatched cottage with roses round the door,’ she says, ‘and now I do, I still can’t quite believe it.’

It took Shirley and husband, Paul, three years to find the house they were looking for. ‘It’s only two-up two-down, but now all our children are adults, we don’t need more space.’

They moved to Clover Cottage, built in 1620, 15 years ago.

‘What we loved was that nothing had been altered,’ Shirley recalls. ‘There were no modern extensions or additions – it was in as original a state as we could hope for.’

The garden was also unadorned. The front had just a field maple and a holly tree, and at the back there was an old apple and one plum. The boundaries at the front make a neat square, but at the back, an ancient wall on one side and a fence on the other make it narrow in parts and wide in others.

‘There are no straight lines in this garden,’ Shirley laughs.

‘Even the original path that went from the front gate to the front door I’ve changed, so that now you have to meander.’

At the bottom of the garden, Shirley and Paul found a household tip, which took 21 trailer-loads of rubbish to clear.

That left them with a sunken area, where they’ve installed a summerhouse and seating. Where the back garden widened, they dug a pond to hold goldfish and built a gentle slope so that hedgehogs and birds can use the shallow edges.

The soil at Clover Cottage is neutral, well-drained and fertile, which enables Shirley to indulge her love of plants. ‘I was aiming for an old English cottage garden, something that

»

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CAMBRIDGESHIRE GARDEN

The roof of the adjoining cottage sports a pair of boxing hares made from straw.

Even in late winter, there is work to be done in the garden. New shoots are just beginning to appear on the rose arches.

What makes this garden so special…

Nest boxes have been put up around the garden to encourage wildlife.

‘Gardening isn’t a chore to me, it’s something I love to do and each season brings something new.

It’s what I always dreamed of’

Snowdrops, hellebores, crocus, Cyclamen coum and Iris ‘Harmony’ (Reticulata) in the shade of silver birch trees.

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7KH ROG EULFN ZDOO adds character and is the perfect EDFNGURS IRU D cottage garden.

would suit the property,â&#x20AC;&#x2122; she says. She began by planting every fence and wall with climbing roses, honeysuckle and clematis.

Then she tackled the beds, filling them with cottage garden plants: geraniums, hellebores and, for early spring, snowdrops, aconites, miniature iris and cyclamen (Cyclamen coum).

Shirley admits she had no plan and canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t remember all the Latin names (and has a dislike of white labels sticking up everywhere), but she chose plants that might have been around when the cottage was built. Galanthus nivalis, the single snowdrop, and its double form, G. nivalis â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Flore Plenoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, are the mainstays of the winter garden, along with bright yellow aconites (Eranthis hyemalis). Both self-seed and spread, which Shirley encourages.

Gradually, the garden filled with the plants she loved, and by lifting and dividing them each year, she stocked the borders for very little cost. Seven years after moving in, she was invited to join the National Garden Scheme, opening along with another gardener in the village, and sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s never looked back.

Shirleyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s approach to her garden is very refreshing. â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not a chore at all. I love every minute I spend out here,â&#x20AC;&#x2122; she says. â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;My philosophy is simple: if I like it, I plant it â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and if anything gets too big or spreads too much, I just pull it out.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; Anything surplus to requirements is either replanted in another position or potted up and sold on the garden open days.

Around October or November, she simply works round the garden with her secateurs and shears, cutting everything down to ground level. â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;I just cut down all the old foliage and

Âť

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Modern Country Classic

Arches Using arches is a clever way to deďŹ ne outdoor spaces. Ĺ&#x2DC; ,Q D VPDOO JDUGHQ FKRRVH DUFKHV WKDW DUHQĹ&#x2018;W WRR Ĺ?KHDY\Ĺ&#x2018; %ODFN PHWDO RU KHIW\ WLPEHU GHWUDFW IURP WKH planting and the house. Ĺ&#x2DC; )LQH JDOYDQLVHG PHWDO DUFKHV ZLOO Ĺ?GLVDSSHDUĹ&#x2018; EXW DUH VWLOO VWURQJ enough even for roses. Ĺ&#x2DC; ,Q D FRWWDJH JDUGHQ DUFKZD\V QHHGQĹ&#x2018;W EH WRR WDOO RU WRR ZLGH EXW FXW URVHV EDFN KDUG LQ DXWXPQ VR WKH\ GRQĹ&#x2018;W JHW WRR UDPSDQW &OLPELQJ URVHV WKULYH RQ WKLV WUHDWPHQW DQG ZLOO ĹśRZHU HYHQ EHWWHU WKH IROORZLQJ VXPPHU Ĺ&#x2DC; :KLOH DUFKHV DUH YLVLEOH LQ ZLQWHU LQ VXPPHU WKH\ ZLOO YDQLVK and help divide up the garden. Ĺ&#x2DC; :KHQ DUFKZD\V DUH EDUH decorate with fairy lights or hang FDQGOH ODQWHUQV RQ WKHP Ĺ&#x2DC; $V DQ DOWHUQDWLYH WR URVHV WU\ FOHPDWLV RU FOLPELQJ KRQH\VXFNOH

CAMBRIDGESHIRE GARDEN

What I love most about this garden…

‘In winter, it’s birds coming to the feeders and hearing the tawny owls in the evening. It’s magical’

Shirley’s cottage garden favourites are encouraged to spread. Every year she divides large FOXPSV DQG LV rewarded with an HYHQ EHWWHU GLVSOD\ the following winter.

The old brick wall widens at one point, making room for a wildlifefriendly pond.

seedheads before Christmas, so that I can see all the bulbs and the new herbaceous planting coming through in the spring.

The whole process takes about six weeks.’

One reason Shirley shares her garden with others is that one of the NGS’s main charities is Macmillan Cancer Support.

‘When my father was dying of cancer some years ago, their nurses were such a support to me – and by opening the garden and growing plants to sell, I can give something back.’

There’s virtually no time of the year when Shirley isn’t working in the garden, with roses her biggest love. She particularly likes those with small flowers, like ‘Malvern Hills’ and ‘Blush Noisette’, which, she says, suit the scale of the garden. She grows them over metal arch supports and, of course, around the door.

Shirley can leave no space unused. In the front garden, she has added raised sleeper beds to grow herbs and salad crops.

She also grows step-over apple trees and fan-trained plums and pears along the boundary. Paul is the perfect garden partner, helping with the heavier work when asked, but otherwise, leaving the garden to Shirley. She says, ‘Making time every day to go out and enjoy what you’ve created is very important. I love our house, but I don’t think I could live without the garden.’

Clover Cottage, 50 Streetly End, West Wickham CB21 4RP, 01223 893122. Garden open for the National Garden Scheme every Sunday in February and on Sunday 4 March, from 2-4pm, and Sunday 3 June, from 12-5pm, with hot drinks and plants for sale (ngs.org.uk).

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ON OUR D O O R S T E P. . .

Visit... ‘Chequer Cottage (01223 891522, chequercottage. com) in Horseheath. This peaceful B&B is very close by, and our family and friends often stay here.’

Shop at... ‘Sturmer Nurseries (01440 706416, sturmernurseries. co.uk) in Sturmer. I buy lots of plants from here. It’s one of my regular haunts and is open through the winter. It also stocks a selection of East Anglian heritage apple varieties.’

Go for a meal at... ‘The Old Butchers Shop (01223 892673, theoldbutchersbalsham.co.uk) in Balsham. Once “just” a butcher’s, it has become the local place to enjoy fabulous cakes, fresh bread, a coffee shop and a deli.’

CAMBRIDGESHIRE GARDEN

1

2

3

Shirley’s early-spring lovelies 1 Iris ‘Alida’ (Reticulata) is ideal for a strong injection of winter colour.

2 Prunus x subhirtella ‘Autumnalis’ can be in flower from October to March.

3 Crocuses come in a range of colours and contrast well with snowdrops.

4 Snowdrops are best planted ‘in the green’ rather than as dry bulbs.

5 Hellebore hybrids cross-fertilise resulting in pretty colour combinations.

6 Lamium maculatum has tubular flowers and an attractive white stripe on its leaves.

FEATURE JACKIE BENNETT PHOTOGRAPHS ZARA NAPIER

7 Pulmonaria is a low-growing plant with flowers that open pink then turn blue.

4

8 Narcissus ‘Jack Snipe’ is a dwarf daffodil, with a yellow trumpet and white petals.

5

6

7

8

NEXT MONTH A COTSWOLD MILL GARDEN

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Make Life Lovely FASHION, WELLBEING, ECO, PETS AND OTHER NICE THINGS

BUY BRITISH

Hill & Ellis Following a fruitless search for a stylish bike bag, Hill & Ellis founder Catherine Ellis decided to design one herself… and so the company was born. In 2013 the brand (named after Catherine’s grandparents who taught her to cycle) launched its British Made collection. Materials are sourced up and down the UK, before being hand-cut, stamped and stitched into leather panniers.

Designs include this satchel style, Bradley, in sunshine yellow, £195.

GO WILD IN WELLIES

National Trust Field boots, £110, Hunter and National Trust.

In the pocket!

Add a lovely touch to place settings or an early-season picnic with this pure linen cutlery pocket.

Available in Natural (above) and Light Grey, it costs £25 for 2, Finch & Crane.

With a shared passion for the great outdoors, Hunter Field and the National Trust have teamed up to produce a practical footwear collection. It features traditional wellies, waterproof Chelsea boots and slip-on clogs, all in navy blue with the familiar oak-leaf print.

LATHER UP WITH LUXURY NATURAL SOAP These pretty little soap bars are handmade using an age-old technique called ‘cold process’, where ingredients are left as raw as possible to best preserve their natural benefits. Including soothing honeysuckle and moisture-rich elderflower, the bars cost £5.99 each and are available from All Naturals.

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FROM THE MAKERS OF BRITAINâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S BESTSELLING HOMES MAGAZINE

VISIT US TODAY!

STYLE

IDEAS & DECORATING TIPS GORGEOUS REAL HOMES PRACTICAL PROJECT ADVICE

HAPPY THOUGHTS AND IDEAS

Get a passion for pegs Pegboards are right on trend, and we love this Chef’s Edition from Swiss-born designer, Nikki Kreis. It has a range of moveable accessories including a knife rack, condiments tray and utensils holder, as well as six pegs – ideal for keeping cooking equipment and ingredients within easy reach. Choose from white or natural birch plywood, £195, Kreisdesign.

Listen to cool tunes With radio listening on the up, the Roberts Revival radio has had a makeover thanks to Scandi-inspired brand, Scion. Mr Fox (shown) and Spike the Hedgehog make this a treat for both the ears and the eyes! The radios cost £220 each, exclusively at John Lewis.

3 WAYS TO...

Spring clean green

Try these natural cleaners…

1 Buff up dull surfaces with cloths soaked in two-parts water to two-parts white vinegar, plus a few drops of lemon essential oil. Store in jam jars with fresh lemon peel.

2 Blitz bathrooms with scented descaling bombs. Measure 300g bicarbonate of soda and 100g citric acid into a bowl, add 10ml of essential oils and stir. Place into silicone moulds to dry, then store in sealed, moisture-resistant jars.

3 Spritz a herbal cleansing spray.

Blend 10 drops each of clove and lemon, 5 each of cinnamon and eucalyptus and 2 of rosemary. Add 8 drops of the blend to 250ml witch hazel distillate to make the spray.

Soothe stressed pets Treat your dog to a relaxing bath with ethical pet brand Hownd’s Keep Calm conditioning shampoo and moisturising body mist, £7.50 each for 250ml. The mix of soothing lavender and patchouli essential oils will keep your pup stress-free – and smelling good, too!

» Country Homes & Interiors

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HAPPY THOUGHTS AND IDEAS

TAKE UP A NEW HOBBY Patchwork & Quilting (£16.95, Thames & Hudson) contains 15 beautiful step-by-step projects inspired by traditional crafts from across the globe. Projects range from bedspreads to a cushion cover made using Korean wrapping techniques.

WE LOVE...

An heirloom apron

Mad for a March hare This adorable little brooch has been cut from cherry wood and hand-painted in Farrow & Ball colours – a great gift for nature-lovers, £24, Shark Alley.

Made from saddle leather to ensure they last for years, these Witloft aprons look even better as time passes. Available in a range of colours and with personalisation, they are pieces to treasure.

Adult apron, from £139.75, Borough Kitchen.

3 OF THE BEST.. .

Aromatic diffusers

1

Energy boost

This aromatic blend is the perfect way to invigorate your mood.

NYC Awaken organic diffuser, £25, Wildheart Organics.

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Country Homes & Interiors

2

Fresh florals

An evocative scent that is reminiscent of walking through bluebell woods.

Bluebell & Amber diffuser, £34, Cabbages & Roses.

3

Herbal blend

Layers of herbs mixed with Sicilian Lemon creates a revitalising and restorative mood. Rosemary willow diffuser, £58, Bamford.

FEATURE TARA KING PHOTOGRAPHS (GREEN CLEANING) TIMEINCUKCONTENT.COM, (DOG) AMELIATHECAV

INJECT A FRESH NOTE INTO EVERY ROOM WITH THESE SEASONAL SCENTS

OUT AND ABOUT

Enjoy a relaxing drink in the bar, as well as the unique rooms of the Farmhouse Loft.

The restored farmhouse has its own kitchen garden.

THE BEST PLACE TO UNLOCK YOUR FREE SPIRIT

Artist Residence

FEATURE THEA BABINGTON-STITT

TAKE A TRIP TO THIS INN FULL OF HANDPICKED ARTWORK AND ENGLISH ECCENTRICITIES Travel just 15 minutes out of Oxford and you’ll find the charming Artist Residence – the ideal spot for a unique countryside escape.

WE LOVE IT BECAUSE... This 16th-century farmhouse has been lovingly restored by its owners Justin and Charlotte Salisbury, highlighting original features such as flagstone flooring, rustic beams and exposed brickwork, while adding a cool, up-to-date twist with mod-cons and chic furniture. Mixing and matching is the name of the game – walls are covered in papers from classic William Morris to contemporary House of Hackney.

ADMIRE THE ARTWORK Artist Residence is adorned with pieces handpicked from an array of UK artists and galleries. Each room is

individually decorated – you’ll spot something new every time you look!

ENJOY A QUIRKY ROOM Each of the five double bedrooms on offer has been outfitted with a unique bohemian style up in the eaves of this characterful house. Think original pitched ceilings and wooden floors paired with retro leather armchairs, super-king beds and mini Smeg fridges packed with local treats. We love the Farmhouse Suite, which has a brushed copper Catchpole & Rye roll-top bath.

GO FOR A STROLL The inn is perfectly located in the peaceful Oxfordshire countryside, which you can explore on foot or by cycling the flats of the county. For a spot of culture, take your pick of any of the gorgeous historical villages nearby, or enjoy

Blenheim Palace’s classic grandeur.

Nearby Wychwood National Nature Reserve is also worth a visit.

TASTE LOCAL FAVOURITES The restaurant, Mr Hanbury’s Dining Room, is a delightful spot, decorated by artists The Connor Brothers. The kitchen is headed up by Leon Smith, a lover of local and seasonal produce, meaning the menu features foraged mushrooms, flowers and herbs, the kitchen garden’s fruit and veg and local meat and dairy.

There’s an impressive wine and local ale list, too.

HOW MUCH? A room for two costs from £130 a night with breakfast.

Artist Residence Oxfordshire, Station Road, South Leigh OX29 6XN, 01993 656220, artistresidenceoxford.co.uk.

☎

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Perfect

PATISSERIE Love those French cake shops beautifully displaying the prettiest sweet treats? We asked the original Bake Off winner Edd Kimber to guide us through how to make some simple French classics. Bon appĂŠtit!

Flan Parisien

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GOOD TIMES, GOOD FOOD

CREME CARAMEL This simplest of baked custards really is heaven on a plate.

SERVES 4

For the caramel

heat until hot but not boiling.

100g caster sugar

4 Meanwhile, put the eggs and

For the custard

sugar in a bowl and whisk until pale. Once the milk mixture is heated, slowly pour over the eggs, stirring constantly. Using a ladle, divide this custard equally between the prepared moulds.

5 Put the roasting tin in the oven and add cold water so it reaches halfway up the sides of the moulds. Bake for 20-30 minutes until the custards have set around the outside but still have a wobble in the centre.

6 Carefully remove the roasting tin from the oven, lift out the custards and cool on a wire rack. Cover each mould with cling film, then transfer them to the fridge to chill overnight. To serve, use a knife to loosen from the moulds. Put a serving plate on top of each mould, and invert it to turn out – the crème caramels will keep for up to three days in the fridge.

1 vanilla pod 400ml whole milk 50ml whipping cream 4 large eggs 125g caster sugar 1 Put four 9cm ramekin moulds in

a roasting tin and preheat the oven to 150°C/Fan 130°C/Gas 2.

2 To make the caramel, put the sugar and 3 tbsp of water in a small pan over a medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved. Once the syrup is clear, stop stirring and allow to caramelise. Once the caramel is a dark copper colour, remove from the heat and divide among the moulds.

3 Cut the vanilla pod in half and scrape out the seeds. Put the seeds in a pan and add the milk and cream. Heat over medium-low

»

FLAN PARISIEN

LEMON TART

This is a homely, comforting recipe that is wonderfully simple to put together.

This is a slightly more modern and easier take on the classic, using a lemon cream.

SERVES 12

SERVES 12

For the pastry

For the pastry

225g plain flour, plus extra for dusting Pinch of salt 1 tbsp caster sugar 120g unsalted butter, diced and chilled 2 tbsp ice-cold water

½ vanilla pod 200g plain flour, plus extra for dusting 17g ground almonds 37g icing sugar Pinch of salt 125g unsalted butter, diced and chilled 2 large egg yolks 1 tbsp ice-cold water

For the custard filling 1 vanilla pod 750ml whole milk 225ml whipping cream 3 large eggs 6 egg yolks 300g caster sugar 90g cornflour

126

For the lemon cream 150ml lemon juice 2 large eggs 2 large egg yolks 150g caster sugar 225g unsalted butter, diced and chilled

1 Make the pastry by pulsing the flour, salt and

For the decoration

sugar in a food processor. Add the butter and pulse until the mixture is pea-sized pieces. Add the water 1 tbsp at a time, pulsing after each addition. Turn dough out on a floured surface and knead to form a uniform dough. Press into a flat round and wrap in clingfilm. Put it in the fridge for at least 1 hour.

2 To make the custard filling, cut the vanilla pod in half and scrape out the seeds. Put the seeds in a large pan and add the milk and cream.

Heat on medium-high and bring to the boil.

3 Meanwhile, put the eggs and yolks in a bowl and add the sugar and cornflour, whisking until smooth. Pour in the boiling milk mixture, whisking constantly. Return to pan and whisk constantly until thickened. Pour into a clean bowl, press cling film onto the surface, cool to room temperature and refrigerate until needed.

4 Preheat the oven to 180°C/Fan 160°C/Gas 4 and put a 23cm cake tin onto a baking tray.

Roll out the pastry on a lightly floured surface until 2-3mm thick. Roll pastry onto the rolling pin and unroll into the tin. Tease pastry into the corners of the tin, then trim off any excess.

5 Pour in the custard and bake for an hour or until the custard is browned but still wobbles.

Leave to cool for 30 minutes before chilling in the fridge. Serve chilled or at room temperature – it will keep for up to three days in the fridge.

Icing sugar A few pistachio nuts, finely chopped (optional)

Country Homes & Interiors

1 To make the pastry, cut the vanilla pod in

half and scrape out the seeds. Add the seeds, flour, almonds, icing sugar and salt, and pulse in a food processor to combine. Add the butter and pulse until it resembles breadcrumbs. Add the egg yolks and pulse until fully combined. If pastry isn’t coming together, add the water and pulse until it forms a uniform dough. Turn out onto a floured surface and knead into a smooth dough. Wrap in clingfilm and put it in the fridge for at least 1 hour before using.

2 Preheat the oven to 180°C/Fan 160°C/Gas 4 and line a baking tray with baking parchment.

Roll out the pastry on a floured surface until 2-3mm thick. Use to line a 23cm tart ring set on the baking tray. Trim off excess pastry and put in the fridge for 30 minutes or until firm 3 Line the pastry tart with a layer of baking parchment and fill with baking beans. Bake for 25 minutes, then remove the parchment and beans and continue to bake for a further 10 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown.

Remove from the oven and leave to cool completely before assembling.

4 To make the lemon cream, put the lemon juice, eggs, yolks and sugar in a large pan

»

Lemon tart

GOOD TIMES, GOOD FOOD

over a medium heat. Stir the mixture constantly, until it reaches 75-80°C on an instant-read thermometer.

5 Pour the lemon mixture through a fine sieve into a bowl and leave to cool for 15 minutes or until it is lukewarm. Add the butter a few pieces at a time and process with a hand-blender until smooth. Press a piece of clingfilm onto the surface of the cream and put in the fridge for a few hours, or overnight, until it has completely set.

6 Once the cream has set, stir lightly to loosen, then spread over the base of the tart. Place in the fridge and chill for 2 hours before serving.

7 To decorate, put icing sugar in a sieve and use to dust over the edge of the tart, then sprinkle over the pistachio nuts. The lemon tart will keep for up to three days in the fridge.

This recipe makes quite a lot, so why not whip up a batch and give some as a gift?

MAKES 60 PER BATCH

For the raspberry pâte de fruit 600g raspberries Butter or oil, preferably an oil spray, for greasing 1 tbsp lemon juice 400g caster sugar 2 tbsp liquid pectin 125g granulated sugar, for coating

For the mango pâte de fruit

3 large mangoes Butter or oil, preferably an oil spray, for greasing 1 tbsp lemon juice 400g caster sugar 2½ tbsp liquid pectin 125g granulated sugar, for coating 1 The process for both flavours is essentially

the same. For the raspberry, put the raspberries into a food processor until puréed.

Pass through a fine sieve to remove the seeds, and measure out 400ml of the liquid. For the

Pâte de fruit.

mango, peel and cut the fruit off the pit, then process until smooth. Pour through a sieve to remove any stringy bits and measure out 400ml of the purée.

2 For each flavour, lightly grease a 20cm square tin and line with baking parchment, making sure the paper overhangs the tin. Lightly grease the parchment and set by the hob, ready to use.

3 Put the fruit purée, lemon juice and sugar in a pan and cook over a medium-high heat until it reaches 107°C, stirring occasionally to stop scorching. Once at temperature, stir in the pectin and cook for a further minute, then remove from the heat and immediately pour into the prepared tin. Leave to set for 2 hours, then transfer to the fridge to chill overnight.

4 Once fully set, use the overhanging parchment to lift the pâte de fruit out of the tin and place on a chopping board. Using a thin, sharp knife, cut into squares and coat with the granulated sugar. The pâte de fruit will keep for up to one week in an airtight container.

Recipes from Pâtisserie Made Simple by Edd Kimber (£16.99, Kyle Books).

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NEXT MONTH TIME FOR BRUNCH

PHOTOGRAPHS LAURA EDWARDS

PATE DE FRUIT

NEXT MONTH IN

& INTERIORS

*

Hello blossom... hello Easter!

•Pretty style ideas for long-weekend celebrations •The new neutrals! 10 country kitchens you’ll love forever •Under the stairs: how to make use of dead space •Bedroom refreshers: our favourite spring linens PLUS Get the weekend off to a good start with... rise-and-shine brunches and shepherd’s hut getaways ON SALE 1 MARCH 2018 Country Homes & Interiors

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The ultimate

TOUR OF INDIA THIS 10-DAY TOUR OF INDIA INCLUDES THE TAJ MAHAL, THE ‘PINK CITY’ OF JAIPUR, UDAIPUR – THE ‘VENICE OF THE EAST’ – AND THE ‘REAL’ BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL

Explore the spectacular UNESCO-listed Chittorgarh Fort.

I

f you’ve always wanted to experience the sights and sounds of this mesmerising country, then the India itinerary we’ve put together will be perfect for you. As well as visiting some of the country’s most spectacular sights – including the Taj Mahal at sunset – it follows in the footsteps of the endearing cast of characters from The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. It’s impossible to read the book or watch the hit film, starring Judi Dench and Bill Nighy, without feeling as though you must go to India and

experience it all for yourself. Our 10-day tour takes in Delhi, Jaipur, Udaipur and Chittorgarh Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It also gives you the opportunity to meet Deborah Moggach (left), author of The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, before you go. You’ll be staying in some of India’s most characterful heritage hotels, including The Claridges in New Delhi, the Narain Niwas Palace in Jaipur, historic 16th-century Hotel Castle Bijaipur and, of course, the Ravla Khempur in Rajasthan, which has all the eccentricity and charm you’d expect from the iconic non-speaking star of The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel film.

T RAVE L

Exclusive experience See the romantic Taj Mahal at sunset.

Find bright colours and marigold sellers (right) at local markets.

Visit the City Palace in Udaipur, overlooking Lake Pichola.

WHAT’S INCLUDED

*

Your magical itinerary EXCLUSIVE EXPERIENCE Before you depart for India, you will meet writer Deborah Moggach, author of 19 novels, including These Foolish Things, which was adapted into the much-loved film, for a pre-tour talk.

DAY 1 Welcome to Delhi. We’ll take you on an afternoon tour of top sights.

Overnight: The Claridges.

DAY 2 Delhi to Agra. We visit

Agra, home of the Taj Mahal.

Here, you’ll explore the Agra Fort and see the Taj Mahal at sunset.

Overnight: DoubleTree by Hilton.

DAY 3 Agra to Jaipur. We journey to where most of The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel was filmed. On the way, we’ll visit the ghost city of Fatehpur Sikri. Just outside of Jaipur, you’ll take high tea at Castle Kanota Hotel, the Viceroy Club in the movie. Overnight: Narain Niwas Palace Hotel.

DAY 4 Jaipur. You’ll explore the

the local ruling family. Overnight: Castle Bijaipur.

DAY 6 Bijaipur. Free time to relax

and explore. Optional activities include yoga, a dawn walk to spot birds, bike or horse rides. In the evening, we’ll go

by Jeep to local villages and enjoy a sundowner. Overnight: Castle Bijaipur.

DAY 7 Bijaipur to Khempur.

En route, you’ll visit Chittorgarh and its colossal fort. Your stay will be at the ‘real’ Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, otherwise known as Ravla Khempur.

This evening, you’ll take a private bullock cart ride through the countryside and, after dinner, you’ll watch The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel at the hotel itself.

Overnight: Ravla Khempur.

DAY 8 Khempur to Udaipur. We’ll

travel to Udaipur, which overlooks a pair of stunning lakes. In the evening, you’ll enjoy a boat ride on Lake Pichola. Overnight: Karohi Haveli.

Amber Fort, City Palace and Palace of the Winds, with lunch at the Khatu Haveli, as seen on BBC2’s The Real Marigold Hotel. Overnight: Narain Niwas Palace Hotel.

DAY 9 Udaipur. Explore the lakes,

DAY 5 Jaipur to Bijaipur. Relax at

DAY 10 A fond farewell. Your tour

the charming Castle Bijaipur, run by

gardens and palaces of Udaipur, followed by a farewell dinner at Ambrai, with incredible views of the Lake Palace. Overnight: Karohi Haveli.

**

Accommodation Most meals and all drinking water All transport, using mini-coaches which are comfortable, have large windows and are air-conditioned Pre-tour talk and Q&A with The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel author Deborah Moggach All excursions and fees as detailed in the itinerary A Wild Frontiers Tour Leader working alongside local guides and drivers Note: international flights are NOT included, although Wild Frontiers is happy to book these on your behalf.

*

* *

*

THE DATES 11-20 October, 8-17 November, 15-24 November 2018 THE PRICE

from £1,925pp*

(International flights NOT included, but please ask our travel partner if you would like a quote for flights.) *Single supplement: £475. Alternatively, we’ll pair you with someone of the same sex to share with for the trip.

Hotel accommodation is subject to availability; if hotels change they will be of equivalent standards.

Wild Frontiers is ABTOT-bonded and a member of AITO. This trip will be ATOL-protected if international flights are booked through Wild Frontiers, otherwise it will be ABTOT protected. For full terms and conditions visit: countryhomes.tripsmiths.com/marigoldtourCHI.

HOW TO BOOK

Call 020 8115 3291 Quote ref TSINDIA FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT

countryhomes.tripsmiths.com/marigoldtourCHI

OUR PARTNERS The travel experts

of India ends with breakfast in Udaipur.

Country Homes & Interiors

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

S H A K E R AT H E A RT SIMPLE AND HONEST DESIGN IN THE GENTLEST OF COLOURS IS THE HALLMARK OF LARA COLE’S VICARAGE KITCHEN

*

PROJECT PROFILE Owners Lara Cole, who is a solicitor, and her husband Ian, a surveyor and property developer. Ian’s two grown-up children, Hannah and Adam, now at university, visit often.

Kitchen size 6x5m.

Designer Jayne Everett,

House A timber-frame

Cabinetry Naked Kitchens’

thatched cottage dating from the 1600s, extended in Victorian times when it became a vicarage.

Project The existing space was opened out to create

a large kitchen-diner by extending into the garden with an orangery.

Naked Kitchens.

bespoke Shaker-style Raynham cupboards in solid Ohio oak, painted with a grain-visible finish in Cornforth White; island painted in Mole’s Breath, both by Farrow & Ball.

»

The soft grey vein that runs through the Carrara quartz worktop adds a lovely earthy touch.

Country Homes & Interiors

133

The oak stools from Naked Kitchens’ sister company Norfolk Oak were made in Ohio by one of Jayne and Jamie’s Amish colleagues.

All the drawers have heavy-duty runners – ‘strong enough to take any number of Le Creuset pans,’ says designer Jayne.

Two years ago, Lara Cole and Ian Fox began

renovating their dream home in a picturesque Norfolk village. Built in the 1600s and then extended during the Victorian era, their thatched house was once a pub, before being reinvented as The Old Vicarage, as it is still known today. On the Victorian side is the kitchen, which the couple have recently expanded, adding a large orangery that leads out to the pretty garden.

The colours of the East Anglian coast provided inspiration for the refurbishment. ‘We love to walk the dogs and go sailing there,’ says Lara. ‘There is always a new shade or detail in the landscape. We realised that there in front of us, among the salt marshes, heaths and heather, were the perfect colours for our home.’

In the kitchen, these subtle, peaty tones create a welcoming space. ‘Overall, it’s restrained and traditional in style – a classic Shaker design,’ says Lara. ‘But with the island painted in Mole’s Breath and an Aga in Pewter, there is a wonderful earthiness.’

For kitchen designer Naked Kitchens, a Norfolk local, the challenge was to create the right flow, given 134

Country Homes & Interiors

structural quirks and the couple’s desire for a very large central island with generous overhang. ‘We wanted one where you could sit as comfortably as you would at the table,’ says Lara, ‘not just a place to perch.’ The flexible approach of Naked Kitchens was one reason the couple were impressed by the company.

‘It is a truly bespoke service,’ says Lara. ‘Everything was meticulously designed to tiny tolerances. They made us feel that nothing was too much effort, coming back to re-measure many times to accommodate changes required by the listed-buildings officer.’

More than most, the couple’s kitchen lives up to the Shaker label. Cabinetry is constructed from solid oak throughout, sourced directly from sawmills in Ohio owned by generations of Amish people, a religious community similar to the Shakers, which Naked Kitchens’ design directors Jayne and Jamie Everett regularly visit. ‘Jayne has told me about the warm welcome they receive, including joining family meals,’ says Lara. ‘It’s lovely to think this kitchen has that connection and that it helps to support their community.’

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

CH&I

LOVES

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Mirrored pendant lights, £300 each, Hector Finch.

The main sink is situated in the central island.

‘In darker spaces, use colours on main features, and paler tones on worktops and cabinetry, to create a lighter, less hemmed-in effect’

Sink

Fridge freezer

Sink

Bar area

Range cooker

Island Dining area

The layout The large central island with seating on two sides is a very social space. It is the main food prep area, with the Aga and American-style fridge freezer close at hand. The small drinks bar is tucked into a corner, so as not to interfere with main meal preparation.

A new dining area is located in the orangery extension.

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135

3

design solutions TO INSPIRE YOU

1

BAR AREA

This mini bar area allows an evening drink to be made without cook and bartender getting under each other’s feet. ‘Ian will make us a G&T on a summer evening, while I prepare dinner,’ says Lara. Having the small sink right next to the drinks cupboard is an added convenience, and the Carrara worksurface doesn’t stain, despite its light colouring. Ian and Lara’s names are engraved on the his and her crate drawers – ‘it is a lovely rustic touch,’ says Lara.

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

2

AGA S P L AS H BAC K

The main kitchen doesn’t have much natural light – in fact, two unusually narrow windows, which are listed features, are the only source. Yet the room does not feel dark. One reason is the antique mirrored splashback behind the Aga. ‘It draws light into the room,’ says Lara, ‘and reflects the garden.

Our lives play out around the Aga – we lean on it to chat, the dogs sleep by it, and when I am cooking, I see the garden in all its seasons.’

3

BREAK FRONTED C A B I N E T RY

Working around the original features of a period home often brings challenges. Here a break-fronted design fills the gap between the Aga and the chimney breast it sits against, providing handy utensil drawers and slide-out oak trays to boot. A slimmer cupboard to the left is stepped back, to optimise space next to the doorway.

‘Small design details can make a big difference to how it feels to use the kitchen every day,’ says Jayne.

The details

FEATURE SOPHIE GALE PHOTOGRAPHS MALCOLM MENZIES

CABINETRY

Bespoke Shaker-style Raynham kitchen in solid American oak with grain-visible paint finish (cupboards painted in Cornforth White; island painted in Mole’s Breath, both by Farrow & Ball), £30,000, Naked Kitchens.

Handles, discontinued – Cotswold knobs are similar, £16 each, Crofts.

SURFACES

Worktops in Carrara white quartz, £5,000, C&J Stonemasonry. Splashback in antique mirror glass, £800, Mirror Works.

APPLIANCES

Dual-control Aga in Pewter, £13,795, Aga. HP90IHCB3 extractor hood, £500; RF540ADUSX4 fridge freezer,

£2,100, both Fisher Paykel.

Dishwasher, discontinued, similar from Miele. KWT 6321 UG wine conditioner, £2,399, Miele.

SINKS AND TAPS

2490 WH Shaker 900 sink, £635; 1437-NI-WPC Parthian dual-lever filter tap, £727; 1307-NI Parthian mini hot water tap, £902; 4341-NI Parthian mixer tap with single lever handle (in bar area), £375, all Perrin & Rowe. RUX110 Rotondo undermounted sink (in bar area), £267, Franke.

FLOORING

Levantine Ivory limestone flooring, 900x600mm, £99.95sqm, Original Style.

ACCESSORIES

Oak bar stools, £165 each, Norfolk Oak.

Country Homes & Interiors

137

‘I USE TRADITIONAL CRAFTSMANSHIP TO CREATE MY DESIGNS’ Lino-print artist Sam Wilson

T

he inspiration for Sam Wilson’s beautiful, bold linocut designs comes from her surroundings – particularly the countryside around her 400-year-old Cotswold cottage in ‘the middle of nowhere’.

Having spent her childhood constantly drawing, Sam went on to do an art degree at Cheltenham, specialising in print-making, followed by an MA in illustration at Kingston University. She then spent 15 years as a freelance illustrator. ‘It fitted in well with bringing up my children, George, now 14, and Molly, 12, and general family life,’ she says.

However, as time went on, Sam started to look for a new challenge. The catalyst for change came about when the family moved to Chipping Campden in the Cotswolds. ‘It’s a very Arts and Crafts town,’ she says. ‘I was invited to exhibitions and became involved with the Court Barn Museum, which tells the story of the Arts and Crafts movement.’

Sam realised that not everyone could afford original artwork so she thought about putting her own designs onto fabric using lino print. She started off making a tea towel.

‘I loved the cloth and the translation of art

138

Country Homes & Interiors

onto it rather than paper – it was very exciting,’ she says. Sam began to exhibit at craft fairs on Saturdays with a limited range of cards, prints, tea towels and mugs, while fitting in her illustrating work in the week.

Then, in 2015, Sam entered a competition and won a free stand at a fair. Here, she listened to talks by Sophie Allport and Sophie Conran about their businesses, while John Lewis buyers gave her advice and planted the seeds of a business idea in her head. ‘It grew organically from that really,’ she says.

A few months later Sam booked a place at the London trade show, Pulse, and launched her eponymous brand there, but it had to be done on a tight budget.

‘I registered the company, but I didn’t have money to invest,’ she says. ‘I did lots of mock-ups – cards and gift wrap and I got samples of cushions. It was difficult to find a manufacturer in the UK who would supply small numbers. They’d laugh when I said I wanted 30 cushions. Even though I knew nothing about trade shows and wholesale, I was inundated with orders at the show. I asked customers to pay upfront and used

»

M Y C O U N T RY B U S I N E S S Samâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s traditional Chipping Campden shop is perfect for showcasing her expanding design range.

What I love most...

‘THE CREATIVE PART – DRAWING AND WORKING OUT NEW DESIGNS FOR FABRICS. THE SHOP IS A REAL JOY, TOO, PARTICULARLY DRESSING THE WINDOWS’

that money to pay for new stock. Luckily, people re-ordered and kept re-ordering.’

Sam then took the plunge and exhibited at London’s Top Drawer and Harrogate’s Home & Gift. She also expanded her range with new designs and products. ‘It was very successful and manufacturers started suggesting products they could do for us, such as aprons and kitchen textiles,’ she says.

After a year of doing trade shows, Sam was finding packing the wholesale orders at home too much. ‘It was an invasion of our home and affecting family life,’ she says.

‘I was desperate to get stock out of the house but didn’t want to be based in an industrial unit.’ So when the old Post Office came up for rent on the High Street in Chipping Campden,

Even while enjoying a break, Sam is planning her next fabric design.

Sam was thrilled. ‘I loved it. It had a large stockroom at the back, so it was ideal for me.’

The shop needed a lot of work doing to it, so Sam and her husband, Mark, spent three months renovating it and transforming it into the perfect setting for her work.

She now had enough room to display other artisan products, too, such as rustic breadboards and recycled glassware.

These days, Sam is kept busy developing products, running her shop and doing trade shows. She now has eight staff working with her, as well as Mark. ‘I have nearly 300 stockists, which is quite overwhelming!’

Products include mugs, jugs, cushions, napkins, place mats, tea towels, lampshades and washbags, as well as fabric, and she has just launched her first fabric collection.

One day a week, Sam devotes her time to designing from her studio at home. Strong drawings are key to her work. ‘I let the sketch evolve,’ she says. ‘As an illustrator I had to plan it all, so it’s more enjoyable now to work spontaneously. I really enjoy sitting here with the radio and Maggie, our Labrador. I love 1950s art and the work of Eric Ravilious, Enid Marx, Mary Fedden and Edward Bawden – it’s what I aspire to. I’m trying to bring traditional craftsmanship back. I mainly work in line rather than paint, then transfer my drawings onto lino.’

The lino is then inked, a piece of paper placed over it, and it is run through a printing press or pressure is applied by hand to transfer the ink to the paper.

Sam’s fabrics are printed in Lancashire, with seamstresses making up products from the fabric. She also works with a pottery in Stoke for her ceramics, while her stationery is printed in Wales. ‘I love being able to create my own designs, then see them appear as a product,’ she says. ‘Building a brand is so interesting, and I love to meet customers – I get to meet some fascinating people.’

Sam Wilson Studio, Elsley House, High Street, Chipping Campden GL55 6HA, 01386 841116, samwilsonstudio.com.

☎

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Country Homes & Interiors

M Y C O U N T RY B U S I N E S S Rolls of Samâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fabric on display in her shop.

Creating a new design is one of the most rewarding aspects of her work.

Linocuts and carving tools.

An assortment of cards designed by Sam.

Inking up the lino plate for the popular Headlong Hare print.

Sam likes to spend one day a week designing from her home studio.

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141

✽ ON OUR D O O R S T E P. . .

Visit… ‘Hidcote (01386 438333, nationaltrust.org.uk/hidcote), a lovely Arts and Crafts garden near Chipping Campden.’

Shop at… ‘Cherry Press (01386 244150, cherrypress.co.uk), a creative letterpress studio on Chipping Campden High Street, and Campden Gallery (01386 841555, campdengallery.co.uk) for its contemporary fine arts.’

Go for a meal at… ‘The Ebrington Arms (01386 593223, theebringtonarms.co.uk) in Ebrington, which has a great menu, or The Plough Inn at Ford (01386 584215, theploughinnford.co.uk).’

Daffodils and spring blossom help to inspire Sam’s sketches.

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

Small business advice

HOW TO MAKE YOUR SHOP STAND OUT Follow our guide to creating an appealing shop interior

FEATURE VIVIENNE AYERS PHOTOGRAPHS ALUN CALLENDER

Sam Wilson wanted to create a shop with a vintage rustic interior to mirror her products. She and her husband, Mark, didn’t have a big budget so renovated the old Post Office they rent in Chipping Campden themselves.

‘We found some photographs of the shop from the 1900s and were keen to take it back to that old-fashioned general store look. We thought it should be part-shop, part-museum and parthome. We were able to salvage the original elm and oak floorboards and they helped to set the scene.’

Sam then filled the shop with antiques, using them as props to display her products. She incorporated vintage tables, coat pegs, ladders, easels and mannequins. There is also a traditional wooden-topped, tongue-and-groove counter. The shop façade still has an old postbox lending plenty of authentic period character. Retro industrial lighting and strings of bunting provide the finishing touches, while a vintage bicycle is often on display. ‘Customers started to ask if they could buy the props, so now we go to antiques fairs to source things to sell,’ says Sam. Visual merchandising is a vitally important way for retail businesses to engage and inspire shoppers, and encourage them to buy more products.

Tony Morgan, head of visual merchandising at the Fashion Retail Academy and author of Visual Merchandising: Windows and In-store Displays for Retail (£24.95, Laurence King) has several tips for creating a successful shop interior.

Use an identifiable theme. ‘Go for a consistent colour palette or, like Sam, opt for a theme such as vintage rustic,’ says Tony. ‘You want something that identifies your brand.’

Use the walls. ‘Ninety per cent of what we see is linear so use the back wall to draw people into the store,’ advises Tony. ‘Put the till and services at the back of the shop.’

Invest in good, strong lighting. ‘You don’t want customers to have to take things outside to see them in daylight,’ says Tony. ‘If you can choose a shop with large windows that allow lots of natural light in, so much the better.’

Create an eye-catching window display. ‘If you’re situated in a small village or market town you need to change the window display weekly or local customers will get bored. Change the fabrics, show different collections or

different colours or patterns. Try and make your window display seasonal – use darker, richer shades in winter, and light and bright colours in summer.’

Think carefully about the layout of your shop. ‘Place the cheaper pick-up items at the front and more expensive rolls of fabric at the back so as not to scare off passing customers.’

Try to generate add-on sales. ‘Create a display showing how to put things together – for instance, show a beautiful table setting, so that customers who come in for napkins will go away with a set of glasses, too.’

Add character and atmosphere.

‘Propping with found objects is a really nice way of getting vintage pieces into the interior of a shop. You can paint things to give them a new lease of life, or find something unique such as an old butcher’s block that you can display products on. These objects can also be for sale,’ says Tony.

Finally, keep it fresh. ‘Your shop needs to tell a story and, if it’s an interiors shop, change people’s perception of how they can dress their own home.’

The one lesson I have learnt...

‘TO DELEGATE – IT’S NOT ALWAYS EASY TO HAND THINGS OVER WHEN YOU ARE VERY PASSIONATE ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS, BUT YOU CAN’T DO EVERYTHING BY YOURSELF’ Country Homes & Interiors

143

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

Florence & Tuscany

Bologna, Parma & Ravenna

Selected departures from April to October 2018.

Eight days from only £899pp.

Price includes: See the legendary sights of Florence on a guided tour Enjoy a reserved, timed visit to the Uffizi, one of the world’s finest art galleries Tour Siena with a local guide, seeing one of the finest medieval cities with its shell-shaped Piazza del Campo Visit San Gimignano, one of Italy’s most beautiful hilltop villages Visit Lucca and Pisa, home of the Leaning Tower and its amazing cathedral Experience the beautiful Tuscan countryside Stay in Florence and enchanting Tuscany Return flights from a selection of regional airports, plus all hotel transfers Seven nights in four-star and three-star superior, with breakfast and four dinners The services of our experienced and insightful tour manager

Selected departures from April to October 2018.

Five days from only £669pp.

Price includes: Enjoy a guided sightseeing tour of historic Bologna, Italy’s gastronomic capital, seeing the stunning medieval centre and unique portico-lined streets Experience how deliciously sweet prosciutto is cured by a family producer Discover how a true artisan makes Modena’s famed balsamic vinegar Visit the Ferrari Museum in Maranello Spend a day in Ravenna, enjoying a tour of the town with a guide and seeing five UNESCO-listed sites Explore Parma on a guided tour with a visit to the 12th-century Romanesque cathedral Four nights in centrally located four-star accommodation, with breakfast Return flights from a selection of regional airports, plus all hotel transfers The services of our experienced and insightful tour manager

Pompeii, Capri & the Bay of Naples

Lake Garda, Venice & Verona

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Selected departures from April to November 2018.

Eight days half-board from only £699pp.

Price includes: Discover the ancient Roman town of Herculaneum with a local guide Delve deeper into the mysteries of Pompeii on a guided tour and visit the Naples Archaeological Museum Take a full-day tour of the breathtaking Amalfi coast Spend the day visiting the stunning island of Capri Enjoy a walking orientation tour of Sorrento Return flights from a selection of regional airports, plus all hotel transfers Seven nights in a choice of conveniently located accommodation rated three-to four-star superior, inclusive of all local taxes, plus breakfast and dinner (stays at the Hotel Mediterraneo are on a bed-and-breakfast basis) The services of our experienced and insightful tour manager

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Selected departures from April to October 2018.

Eight days half board from only £639pp.

Price includes: Take a guided tour of wonderfully unique Venice with a local guide – choose our classic tour or an ‘undiscovered’ tour to uncover the less-explored highlights Enjoy an entire day exploring beautiful Lake Garda, both on land and by boat Tour medieval Verona with a local guide and see its classic sights or choose our ‘undiscovered’ tour to delve into its lesserknown gems Spend the day in the Dolomites seeing some of the finest alpine scenery in the world Enjoy two free days to further explore at leisure or relax and soak up the incredible scenery Return flights from a selection of regional airports, plus all hotel transfers Seven nights in a choice of conveniently located accommodation rated three-star to four-star superior, with breakfast and dinner The services of our experienced and insightful tour manager

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To book or request a brochure, call 01283 523454 or visit cohriviera.co.uk Additional entrance costs may apply. Prices are per person, based on two sharing and subject to finite availability.

Images used in conjunction with Riviera Travel. Offer operated by and subject to the booking conditions of Riviera Travel Ltd. ABTA V4744, ATOL 3430, a company wholly independent of Country Homes & Interiors, published by Time Inc. (UK) Ltd. Prices correct as of 08/01/18.

3430

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

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A RUM FELLOW 020 8245 6779 arumfellow.com ABIGAIL BORG 0121 692 1948 abigailborg.com AGA 0800 111 6477 agaliving.com ALL NATURALS 07712 702330 allnaturals.com ALTERNATIVE FLOORING 01264 335111 alternativeflooring.com AMARA 0800 587 7645 amara.com ANDREW MARTIN 020 7225 5100 andrewmartin.co.uk ANNIE SLOAN 01865 803168 anniesloan.com ANTIQUITIES 01903 884355 antiquitiesarundel.com

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C&J STONEMASONRY 01405 806300 marble-granite-quartz.com CP HART 020 7902 5250 cphart.co.uk CABBAGES & ROSES 020 7352 7333 cabbagesandroses.com CATH KIDSTON 0333 320 2663 cathkidston.com CHARLOTTE GAISFORD 01434 689583 charlottegaisford.co.uk CHARLOTTE MACEY 07890 642454 charlottemacey.co.uk CHILTERN OAK FURNITURE 01733 530285 chilternoakfurniture.co.uk CHRISTY 0845 758 5252 christy.co.uk CLARISSA HULSE 020 7226 7055 clarissahulse.com

62 CLEMENT BROWNE 0800 028 1204 clementbrowne.co.uk COTSWOLD TRADING 01386 853331 cotswoldtrading.com COX & COX 0330 333 2123 coxandcox.co.uk CRISP & DENE crispanddene.co.uk CROFTS & ASSINDER 0121 622 1074 crofts.co.uk CRUCIAL TRADING 01562 743747 crucial-trading.com

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DFS 0808 149 7607 dfs.co.uk DASSIE ARTISAN 01290 211147 dassieartisan.com DAVID HUNT LIGHTING 01295 672200 davidhuntlighting.co.uk DEBENHAMS 0344 800 8877 debenhams.com DEE HARDWICKE 07791 109008 deehardwicke.co.uk DEE PUDDY 01794 323020 deepuddy.co.uk DESIGNERS GUILD 020 7351 5775 designersguild.com DISTINCTIFY 020 3198 7218 distinctify.com DRUMMONDS 020 7376 4499 drummonds-uk.com DULUX 0333 222 7171 dulux.co.uk EBAY ebay.co.uk

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HARDY’S COTTAGE GARDEN PLANTS 01256 896533 hardysplants.co.uk HARLEQUIN 020 3457 5862 stylelibrary.com/harlequin HARVEY MARIA 0845 680 1231 harveymaria.co.uk HEARTLAND INTERIORS 01377 240008 heartland-interiors.co.uk HECTOR FINCH 020 7731 8886 hectorfinch.com HERITAGE BATHROOMS 0330 026 8501 heritagebathrooms.com HILL & ELLIS 020 7272 0405 hillandellis.com HILLARYS 0800 916 6524 hillarys.co.uk HOBBYCRAFT 0330 026 1400 hobbycraft.co.uk HOGBEN POTTERY 01753 882364 janehogbenterracotta.co.uk HOME ADDRESS 07720 401955 homeaddress.co HOMESENSE 01923 473561 homesense.com HOOGLIG 01483 533268 hooglig.co.uk HOUSE OF BATH 0871 230 0867 houseofbath.co.uk HOWDENS howdens.com HOWND 020 3004 5255 dogslovehownd.com HUNTER 0330 333 4290 hunterboots.com HUT DECORATIONS 01798 342440

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JANE R DESIGNS 07825 597055 janerdesigns.co.uk JIM LAWRENCE 01473 826685 jim-lawrence.co.uk JOHN LEWIS 0345 604 9049 johnlewis.com JOSEPH JOSEPH 020 7261 1800 josephjoseph.com JOSEPHINE RYAN 07973 336149 josephineryanantiques.co.uk JULIET TRAVERS 020 7924 3883 juliettravers.com

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KATE MEDLICOTT katemedlicott.com KERSAINT COBB 01675 430430 kersaintcobb.co.uk KNOW & LOVE knowandlove.co.uk KREISDESIGN 020 7837 0820 kreisdesign.com

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LAURA ASHLEY 0333 200 8009 lauraashley.com LAVENDER HOUSE & GARDEN 01903 885596 lavenderhouseandgarden.co.uk LEFROY BROOKS 01992 708316 lefroybrooks.co.uk LINCOLNSHIRE ANTIQUES & HOME SHOW 01298 27493 arthurswallowfairs.co.uk LITTLE GREENE 0845 880 5855 littlegreene.com LOAF 0845 468 0698 loaf.com LOMBOK 020 7736 5171 lombok.co.uk LORNA SYSON 020 8465 9819 lornasyson.co.uk LOTHIAN HARDWOOD FLOORING 01875 811777 lothianhardwoodflooring.co.uk LOVAGE & LACE 07523 851959 lovageandlace.com

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MADAME BUTTERFLY 01620 895555 MADE 0344 257 1888 made.com MAISONS DU MONDE 0808 234 2172 maisonsdumonde.com MARIGOLD 01243 788001 MARKS & SPENCER 0333 014 8000 marksandspencer.com MARSTON & LANGINGER 01362 684125 marstonandlangingerpaint.com MARTIN MOORE STONE 0330 311 6574 martinmoorestone.com MELIN TREGWYNT 01348 891644 melintregwynt.co.uk MIELE 0330 160 6600 miele.co.uk MIRANDA SNOW INTERIORS 07768 665605 mirandasnow.co.uk MIRROR WORKS 01743 588287 antiquemirrorglass.com MUNGO & MAUD 020 7022 1207 mungoandmaud.com MUSTARD 01746 765685 madebymustard.co.uk

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NAKED KITCHENS 01328 838854 nakedkitchens.com NATIONAL TRUST SHOP 0300 123 2025 shop.nationaltrust.org.uk NEPTUNE 01793 427300 neptune.com NEXT 0333 777 8000 next.co.uk NKUKU 0333 240 0155 nkuku.com NORDIC HOUSE 01872 223220 nordichouse.co.uk NORFOLK OAK 01328 838866 norfolkoak.com NOTONTHEHIGHSTREET.COM 020 3318 5115 notonthehighstreet.com

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PAINT & PAPER LIBRARY 0845 880 5844 paintandpaperlibrary.com PASHLEY 01789 292263 pashley.co.uk PEONY & SAGE 01289 388650 peonyandsage.com PERRIN & ROWE 01708 526361 perrinandrowe.com PETERSHAM NURSERIES 020 8940 5230 petershamnurseries.com PIMPERNEL & PARTNERS 020 7731 2448 pimpernelandpartners.co.uk PIPPA BLACKER INTERIORS 07790 813191 pippablackerinteriors.co.uk POOKY 020 7351 3003 pooky.com POPPY TREFFRY 01736 795494 poppytreffry.co.uk PORTLAND GALLERY 020 7493 1888 portlandgallery.com PRELOVED preloved.co.uk PRESTIGIOUS TEXTILES 01274 688448 prestigious.co.uk

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THAMES & HUDSON 020 7845 5000 thamesandhudson.com THE ALBION BATH COMPANY 01255 831605 albionbathco.com THE ANGEL & HARP 01371 859259 angelandharp.co.uk THE BASKET COMPANY 01202 422600 thebasketcompany.com THE BRAIDED RUG COMPANY 01654 767248 braided-rug.co.uk THE BRITISH TEXTILE COMPANY britishtextile-company.com THE CONRAN SHOP 0344 848 4000 conranshop.co.uk THE COTSWOLD COMPANY 0333 200 1725 cotswoldco.com THE LINEN WORKS 020 3744 1020 thelinenworks.co.uk THE RESTORATION YARD 0131 322 2572 restorationyard.com THE RUG COMPANY 020 3369 3912 therugcompany.com THE SHUTTER SHOP 020 7751 0937 shuttershop.co.uk THE SWEDISH FABRIC COMPANY 01235 848192 theswedishfabriccompany.com THE VINTAGE HOME COMPANY 01959 569393 thevintagehomecompany.co.uk THE WHITE COMPANY 020 3758 9222 thewhitecompany.com THORNBACK & PEEL 020 7831 2878 thornbackandpeel.co.uk TIME & TIDE 01620 894045 timeandtidestores.co.uk

TOPPS TILES 0800 783 6262 toppstiles.co.uk URBANARA 0800 779 7527 urbanara.co.uk

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WALLACE COTTON 0800 024 8475 wallacecotton.co.uk WARNER EDWARDS 01536 710623 warneredwards.com WAYFAIR 0800 169 0423 wayfair.co.uk WESCO 01225 438188 wesco-shop.co.uk WEST ONE BATHROOMS 0333 011 3333 westonebathrooms.com WILDHEART ORGANICS 07872 565019 wildheartorganics.co.uk

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

South Africa

Vietnam & Cambodia

Selected departures from March to November 2018.

16 days from only £2,099pp.

Price includes: Tour the Zulu War battlefields with a specialist guide Full-day safari in the Kruger National Park Stay in the Western Cape’s Winelands, with a cellar tour and tasting Stay three nights in Cape Town, seeing Table Mountain Explore Cape of Good Hope and Cape Town’s Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens Visit Johannesburg’s Apartheid Museum Gaze at the Blyde River Canyon Visit Hermanus for the finest on-shore whale watching* Return flights from the UK Stay in hand-picked four-star and three-star hotels with daily breakfast, two lunches and three dinners The services of our experienced and insightful tour manager Departures available for solo travellers Optional Rovos Rail extension - 18 days from £4,299pp

Selected departures from April to November 2018 & January to November 2019.

16 days from only £2,159pp.

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

Japan - Land of the Rising Sun

Grand Tour of China

Selected departures from April to November 2018.

13 days from only £3,449pp.

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

Selected departures from May to October 2018 & March to October 2019.

16 days including Yangtze cruise from £2,699pp.

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Price includes: Visit the Great Wall of China See the famous Terracotta Army and the less visited underground museum Tour of the Panda Breeding & Research Centre with a guide Tour of the Temple of Heaven and the imperial gardens at the Summer Palace in Beijing See the Longshen Rice Terraces Enjoy a full-board, five-star Yangtze River Cruise and travel through the Three Gorges Dam City tour of Shanghai Guided tour of Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City Travel on one of China’s new 186mph high speed trains City tour of old Beijing’s historic quarters by cycle rickshaw Cruise the world-famous Li River Return flights from the UK Hand-picked accommodation rated fourstars, with breakfast plus nine lunches and five dinners The services of our experienced and insightful tour manager

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To book or request a brochure, call 01283 523454 or visit cohriviera.co.uk Additional entrance costs may apply. Prices are per person, based on two sharing and subject to finite availability.

Images used in conjunction with Riviera Travel. Offer operated by and subject to the booking conditions of Riviera Travel Ltd. ABTA V4744, ATOL 3430, a company wholly independent of Country Homes & Interiors, published by Time Inc. (UK) Ltd. Prices correct as of 08/01/18. *Dependent on season.

3430

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

‘LOOKING OUT ONTO ABERDYFI IS GOOD FOR THE SOUL’ Richard Joseph, co founder of Joseph Joseph

family friends who would take my brother and I to spend the summers with them in their holiday home in Aberdyfi, Wales. It’s on the edge of Snowdonia National Park and on the most beautiful, unspoilt Welsh coastline. It’s a really special corner of the country.

Having both the Irish Sea and the estuary on our doorstep, we spent those summers waterskiing,

We live in London, so we go to Wales to decompress and wind down. You can get the train and by the time you get to Penhelig Station, you’re in a two-carriage train on a single-track railway. It’s so tiny, that if you’re on the platform you have to flag the train down with your hand – it doesn’t stop if you don’t. On the journey you can completely unwind, feel the weight coming off your shoulders, then get off at this small station and pop into the Penhelig Arms next door and you’re in the zone, totally relaxed.

windsurfing and kitesurfing. My brother, Antony, and I had a game our parents didn’t know about. We’d put life jackets on and jump in at the top of the estuary, then try to swim to the beach and not be swept out to sea by the fast current – without wetsuits. We longed for wetsuits, because the Welsh springtime sea is freezing, but we were teenage boys, after all.

Aberdyfi is in such a lovely spot, but luckily relatively unspoilt. It’s a small fishing village, but as it doesn’t

About two years ago, my brother and I bought a holiday cottage up on the hills there. From the house

have a marina, it gets fewer people leaving their boats and holidaying there, which means it’s a much more local village than some others.

we have the most incredible 180° view of the estuary and out to sea. The sun seems to shine in Aberdyfi far more than you’d think it would in Wales. We say it has its own microclimate, although it’s fantastic rain or shine. It’s one of the prettiest places on the planet.

Antony and I both have young families, and we want our children to enjoy the area like we did as kids. It’s also great because it offers that really classic British 154

bucket-and-spade holiday, which we grew up with.

It’ll be driving April showers, so it’s put on the cagoules and rain macs – and often wellies – and off we go to the beach and let our kids experience a proper British holiday. Thankfully, they love it.

Country Homes & Interiors

The great thing about this part of the world is that it’s not just a summer place. We go all year to enjoy the scenery. I think living somewhere like London means you can forget that just a few hours away is such beauty. You don’t have to go overseas. Even a weekend there is so refreshing, which I think is the real value of it. Aberdyfi still feels like a pocket of the UK that’s unspoilt, untouched and natural, and truly beautiful.

FEATURE THEA BABINGTON-STITT

As a teenager growing up in Birmingham, I was lucky to have