The English Home - July 2015 UK

The
ENGLISH
HOME
Celebrating the essence of English style

July 2015 | Issue 125 | 3.99 | UK Edition
A
PLACE
TO
UNWIND
From secluded farmhouse to idyllic coach house
Looking to nature
Beautiful ideas for rooms with

an outside connection
Coastal
Flavours
Breezy decor
without clich
Working with an
interior designer
Skilful sourcing & cost control
Laid-back living
Garden style, picnics with panache, lavender season
VALE
GARDEN
HOUSES
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BRIGHTSOFNETTLEBED.CO.UK
CONTENTS
July 2015
BEAUTIFUL BUYS
12 HOME COMFORTS
Step into summer with our selection of elegantly
enticing buys for home and garden.
18 BEACHCOMBERS
Our curation of coastal-inspired accessories will
bring new freshness to interiors without clich.
ENGLISH HOMES
26 THE FAR HORIZON
An understated coastal-country house blend that
perfectly reflects its location on the Atlantic coastline.
36 AN EPIC PRODUCTION
An award-winning production designer turns his
talents to transforming a tumbledown coach house.
46 CALL OF THE SEA
Sweeping sea views and oodles of daylight inspired
the interior of this idyllic Cornish retreat.
54 HEART OF THE TOWN
This intriguing town house has been revitalised into a
vibrant family home filled with rustic chic.
ABOVE The light-filled
kitchen of this
residence on the north
Cornish coast reflects
the calm mood
throughout, page 46.
RIGHT Make the most
of summer outside with
ideas for seasonal
buys, on page 12, and
for outdoor living, on
page 95
BELOW Accessories
with a coastal flavour,
on page 18.
LEFT A tumbledown
coach house was
lovingly and elegantly
transformed, page 36.
FOR WHERE TO BUY SEE ADDRESS BOOK
THE ENGLISH HOME 5
STYLE INSPIRATION
65 ADDING PUNCH TO PRETTY
Layering with unexpected pattern combinations.
66 COASTAL BREEZE
Inject your home with a fresh, relaxed aesthetic to
invoke an informal and distinctly holiday mood.
74 FINISHING TOUCHES: GARDEN ROOMS
Mary Carrolls insights into beautiful decorative
details for rooms which connect with the outdoors.
79 BY DEFINITION: SPECIALIST FINISHES
A brief overview of professional furniture finishes.
82 THE VALUE OF DESIGN EXPERTISE
Discover the design and budgetary benefits of
working with a professional interior designer.
88 WALLS OF ARTISTRY
Reconsider the underappreciated sphere of
wallpaper design as original art for your home.
95 SUMMER IN THE GARDEN
Create alluring zones for relaxation, entertaining
and hobbies plus accessories to aid these aims.
KITCHEN & BATHROOM SPECIAL

106 HEART OF THE HOME
Inspiration for open-plan kitchens that bring the
whole family convivially together.
110 FREE-STANDING AESTHETIC
Create a bathroom with a softer, more fluid mood
by using free-standing instead of built-in fixtures.
QUINTESSENTIALLY
THE ENGLISH HOME F A B

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FABRIC FOCUS
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April 2015 | Issue 122 | 3.99 | UK
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ENJOY SINGLE
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To make life easier, you can now buy single editions

of the magazine online and have them posted
directly to your home address free of charge.
To order and enjoy free P&P please visit
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6 THE ENGLISH HOME
CLOCKWISE
FROM TOP Set a
holiday mood at
home with simple
decorative
changes, page 66.
Embrace the
colour, scent and
flavours of
lavender,
on page 122.
Pack up a portable
feast with delicious
picnic recipes on
page 116.
115 SUMMER DELIGHTS

Enjoy a summer picnic in style.
116 IMPROMPTU FEASTS
Pack up a picnic with panache with these recipes
from The Picnic Cookbook by Laura Mason.
122 FOR THE LOVE OF LAVENDER
A celebration of one of the English summers most
recognisable scents and hues.
131 THE ART OF INVESTMENT PURCHASES
Mrs Minerva shares her own inimitable
observations on buying for love as well as value.
135 THE HAND OF TIME
An edit of 16th and 17th century homes for sale.
146 AUTHENTICALLY ENGLISH
It is harvest time for Felicity Irons of Rush Matters, who
uses English bulrushes for elegant woven flooring.
REGULARS
8 A LETTER FROM HOME
A warm welcome to the issue from our Editor.
21 PEOPLE, PLACES, PURSUITS
Regular monthly digest of things to see and do,
plus Justin Van Breda shares favourite resources.
63 SUBSCRIBE AND SAVE
Treat yourself or a friend to your favourite magazine.
137 ADDRESS BOOK
Where to buy everything featured in this issue.
138 COMING NEXT MONTH
A sneak preview of our August edition.
A LETTER
FROM HOME
Consider a smaller
property to decorate
beautifully
Warmest regards,
Kerryn Harper-Cuss, Editor
8 THE ENGLISH HOME
Mary Berry cutting the ribbon to officially open the

transformed interiors at Upton House, National Trust
Behind the scenes
An insight into some of the extra-curricular things

I have been enjoying in the past month...
Meeting Mary Berry... ribbon cutting at Upton
House in Warwickshire, which is open to the public
through the National Trust. The house has been
reimagined during the 1940s the war-time period
during which it became home for the relocation of
merchant bank M Samuel & Co Ltd, which moved
from London, a venture made possible by the
generosity of its owners: Lord and Lady Bearsted.
Mary Berry gave a charming insight into her own
wartime memories to a roomful of journalists who
also enjoyed a tour of the interiors, which have
been meticulously transformed with enormous
attention to authentic detailing throughout.
Enjoying a talk by Emma Bridgewater... at a WI
celebration in the village of Minety. I was invited as
the guest of a friend who lives in the vicinity.
Minety WI was celebrating its 95th anniversary, and
Emma, having once lived in the village, was warm,
generous and engaging in her talk about the
origins and inspirations of her iconic business,
which also celebrates its 30th anniversary this year.
Interviewing my culinary crush Raymond Blanc...
at Le Manoir aux QuatSaisons. Le Manoir is
a haven of tranquillity, culinary and gardening
delights as well as being beautifully decorated.
Needless to say Mr Blanc was an inspiration. Visit if
you can, and do look out for my feature next issue.
PHOTOGRAPHS EDITORS PORTRAIT RACHEL SMITH; TOP RIGHT JOHN HARRISON
I spend rather a lot of time on property websites for someone

who is happily ensconced in her forever home. I tell myself
it is for market research, to keep an eye on the fluctuations
of property values and the speed or otherwise of sales in
different regions. But the true reason is that I am endlessly
curious about the decorative choices of others. Some owners
just get it so right. But it makes me feel sad when I see
incredible properties with interiors that just do not do them
justice or worse still look colourless and virtually empty.
It is understandable
that the temptation is
there to invest most
of a budget into the
bricks and mortar by
buying the largest
house one can afford
but the downside is that this almost certainly leaves
very little funding for redecoration. As it is the decor that
turns a house into a home, there is a strong case to be
argued for buying a slightly smaller property and
decorating it really beautifully.
Some might take this a step further and commission a
professional designer to help realise the dream. In America,
engaging an interior designer is seen as a sound investment.
In England, many still see it as an indulgence, or even an
admission of failure of personal vision. But given that a
professional will have designed more rooms in a few years
than most homeowners could hope to tackle in a lifetime, it
is logical that his or her knowledge and expertise will far
surpass anything the untrained person can hope to achieve.
In this issue we include an article with insights into how
commissioning an interior designer works: the benefits and
costs. And because it is summer, we hope you will enjoy our
piece on coastal flavours for interiors, ideas for enjoying life
in the garden, picnic recipes and a focus upon one of the
seasons most popular scents lavender.
W E L O V E ...
Our colourful Chichester dresser painted in Blakeney Blue, against the tactile and rustic Bowsley dinnerware,
and the crisp silhouette of our Alderney conical vase
Create your own design ideas at neptune.com
CELEBRATE
THE BEST OF
ENGLISH STYLE
The
ENGLISH
HOME

July 2015 | Issue 125 | 3.99 | UK Edition
A
PLACE TO UNWIND
From secluded farmhouse to idyllic coach house
Looking to nature
Beautiful ideas for rooms with

an outside connection
WRITE TO US AT
Coastal
Flavours
The English Home, Archant House,

Oriel Road, Cheltenham,
Gloucestershire, GL50 1BB
Tel 01242 264756
Breezy decor
without clich
Working with an
interior designer
Skilful sourcing & cost control
Laid-back living
Outdoor living, picnics with panache, lavender season
Email: theenglishhome@chelseamagazines.com
COVER IMAGE
JULIA TOMS
www.theenglishhome.co.uk
EDITORIAL
The
G S
O
FABRIC FOCUS
ENGLISH
HOME

April 2015 | Issue 122 | 3.99 | UK Edition
FABRIC FOCUS
Our edit of the most desirable new-season designs
Style inspiration
Window dressings
Art deco inuences
Natural ooring
APRIL 2015
Labours of love
From Tudor farmhouse
to Georgian townhouse
KITCHEN &
BATHROOM STYLE
A special guide to the latest looks and innovations
Editor Kerryn Harper-Cuss

Deputy Editor Jill Shearer
Features/Commissioning Editor Vivienne Hambly
Art Editor Claire Hicks
Contributing Sub Editor Deborah Gray
Staff Writer/Digital Coordinator Katy Mclean
Staff Writer Suzanna Ball
Contributing Editors Mary Carroll, Clare Steel
ADVERTISING
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Sales Executive Laurence Baldwin
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Managing Director Paul Dobson
Deputy Managing Director Steve Ross
Commercial Director Vicki Gavin
Publisher Simon Temlett
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Circulation Manager William Delmont
ONLINE
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Digital Executive Scarlett Lill
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10 THE ENGLISH HOME
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NEXT ISSUE ON SALE 1 JULY 2015

THE ENGLISH HOME (UK EDITION) ISSN no 1468-0238
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SUMMER
SALE
%
OF F
15
E V E RY T HING*
0 1 J U N E 31 J U LY 2 015
* Excludes Classic and Discontinued lines.

Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer.
Order online at: mandarinstone.com or visit one of our inspirational showrooms:

Bath Bristol Cambridge Cardiff Cheltenham Exeter Marlow Monmouth Weybridge Wilmslow
Soft slumbers
There is a saying that we are either
in our shoes or in our bed, so it
pays to invest in both. In the
summer months, heavy layers are
not appropriate, and sheets need
to be light, yet durable and
breathable. One hundred per cent
Egyptian cotton, Lexingtons
superior range of bedlinen is
made with these qualities in mind
to result in refreshing lightness
and a soft and silky feel.
Jacquard pillowcase, 95;
American sheet, 195; down
comforter, 395; velvet bedspread,
475; jacquard throw, 595, all
from the Superior collection,
Lexington Company
H OM E Comforts
Celebrate high summer with pretty little touches to enjoy
outside and inside the home, from quaint animal prints to
etched coupe glasses, each with an elegant English twist
12 THE ENGLISH HOME
CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT
Delicate sparkle
Make every champagne toast
feel special with these classic
coupe glasses, elegantly etched
with a vintage pattern to
heighten the glamour of
summer gatherings.
Dillie champagne saucers, set
of four, 36, Rowen & Wren
Blush and violet
We were instantly drawn to
the unusual print of these pretty
cushions. Like the wild violets
that pepper the verges in late
spring, the vivid flowers and
soft-pink surround bestows
uplifting colour to a plain sofa
backdrop. Group cushions
together for maximum impact.
Vintage fabric cushions, 30
each, Decorative Country Living
Impromptu dining
Gather accessories for a
comfortable garden picnic with
a patio umbrella, a cosy blanket
or throw and outdoor cushions.
Roma parasol, 125;
Sheringham salthouse stripe
cushion, 39; Cotswold
heather-check throw
in aqua, 100, all Neptune
THE ENGLISH HOME 13
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT
Swing high
Even in inclement weather a
swinging seat swaying in the
garden is an inviting sight, and
a lovely reminder to take a few
moments to drift, unwind and
relax as soon as the sun appears.
Rattan swinging chair, 383,
DesRes Designs
Modern homage
Timorous Beasties is celebrating
its 25th anniversary with three
new designs, which pay tribute
to British design master, William
Morris. Created using modern
digital processes, this sharply
realised trellis print cleverly
seems almost three-dimensional.
Summer trellis, 260 a roll,
Timorous Beasties
Spoonfuls of charm
This fanciful set of six floral
porcelain spoons adds the
perfect measure of playful
originality to any tea party.
Set of six porcelain spoons, 25,
An Angel At My Table
Print works
Mixing dining chairs in plain and
tonal prints brings contemporary
polish to a solid-oak table.
Ely dining chairs, 119;
Burghley extended dining table
869, Multiyork
THE ENGLISH HOME 15
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT
Dashing print
With seven charismatic designs
Emily Bonds new mug collection
looks effective mixed together.
Bone china mugs, 14 each; Aga
tops, 17 each; long oven gloves,
26 each, all Emily Bond
Splashes of personality
Family bathrooms often go hand
in hand with demure decoration,
but consider combining practical
essentials with more characterful
touches to invest a little fun. Here
a cheery eccentricity is provided
by Cole & Sons flamingo
wallpaper, and a pink radiator.
Rhyland suite, from 914; baby
Clifton radiator, from 600, both
Heritage Bathrooms
16 THE ENGLISH HOME
FEATURE SUZANNA BALL
Country casual
Hallways can be sparse of
decorative touches, so a
sideboard with a relaxed
tablescape is ideal to create
a welcoming effect.
Eichholtz Wisconsin desk, 1,188;
Andrew Martin Monroe chair,
395; Flamant Togo rectangular
basket, 194; Brucs green
boxwood ball, 63.50, all other
accessories Occa-Home
GEORGIAN INTERIOR DESIGN SPECIALISTS

www.lathaminteriors.co.uk
BEACH COMBERS
Take yourself to the coast every day with these colourful
buys and finishing touches
4
5
6
8
FEATURE CLARE STEEL
1 LIFE ON THE REEF Delicate coral forms offer a modern take on toile. Marimekko Meriheina cushion in petrol blue, 42.50, Cloudberry
Living 2 WATER WEIGHT Iridescent tones evoke exotic sea life. John Derian dcoupage nautilus paperweight, 55, The Conran Shop
3 DRIFTWOOD DAYS This four-door cabinet has a timeworn look. Andrew Martin Vincent cabinet, 1,995, Occa-Home 4 BIRD LIFE This
delightful chap could gaze wistfully from a window sill. Wooden curlew, 39.95, Coastal Home 5 SAND BETWEEN THE TOES Enjoy the
ripples of the seashore in the comfort of home. Calvin Klein sand rug, from 499, Kelaty 6 TIME TO REFLECT A porthole mirror adds a
rustic touch to a country-style bathroom. Nautical round jute mirror, 125, Puji 7 COMFORTABLY COASTAL An oversize ticking stripe
lends informality to this bergre chair. La Fayette stripe chair, 750, India Jane 8 SHADES OF THE SEA A soft hue avoids an overtly
industrial feel. Euston pendant in blue verditer, 119.40, David Hunt
18 THE ENGLISH HOME

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People, places, pursuits

Our monthly digest of inside information on interesting events and seasonal
temptations from family festivals to glorious seaside escapes
Magnificent Cornwall
The rivers Fal, Truro and Tresillian come
to sinuous confluence at an inlet
guarded by Henry VIIIs Pendennis
Castle at Falmouth on one side, and the
fishing town of St Mawes on the other.
At St Mawes, weve been charmed by the
interiors of Tresanton (above), the hotel
started by Olga Polizzi. Originally a
yachtsmens club, today the cluster of
cottages with captivating views offers
sublime escape. In addition to spa
treatments, the hotel yacht, the Pinuccia,
may be booked for excursions on the

bay. Tea lovers may be tempted to visit
Tregothnan nearby, where Jonathan
Jones oversees production of the only tea
grown in England. Tregothnan is owned
by the Boscawen family and offers tours,
masterclasses and tea with Cornish
clotted cream. Further along the coast,
the green-fingered will enjoy Tim Smits
Eden Project and the award-winning
Lost Gardens of Heligan.
tresanton.co.uk; tregothnan.co.uk;
edenproject.com; heligan.com
DIARY Events Worth Noting

Strawberries and cream, and a little
Champagne are the requisite accessories
for socialites and arm-chair tennis players
alike this month. Which talent will you be
rooting for when The Championships finals
are played to a nail-biting finish?
The Championships, 29 June to 12 July,
All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club,
Wimbledon; wimbledon.org
Polo has been enjoyed at Cowdray Park

for over a hundred years, with over 450
matches played at the Park each season.
For fans, the season culminates in the
Gold Cup for the British Open Championships,
currently sponsored by watch manufacturers
Jaeger-LeCoultre.
Jaeger-LeCoultre Gold Cup, 19 July, Cowdray
Park, West Sussex; cowdray.co.uk
The first regatta at Henley on the river Thames
took place in 1839, as an event for local
townspeople. Today it is very much an
international affair, with 104 international crews
participating in 2014. Mosimanns of Belgravia
will operate dining at the River Restaurant on
Temple Island Meadows, ensuring a vibrant
atmosphere and good views of the racing.
Henley Royal Regatta, 1-5 July, Henley-onThames; hrr.co.uk
William Yeoward
When William Yeoward sought
inspiration for a new range of crystal,
he looked to Palmyra Atoll, a protected
island 1,000 miles south of Hawaii used
for marine research, notably coral reefs
and sea turtles. The resulting palm
design is eminently suited to creations
from Yeowards book, American Bar

(Cico, 16.99), which celebrates the
great cocktails of the world. Meanwhile,
a percentage of sales of Palmyra will
donated to marine conservation
efforts. Glasses from 80 each.
williamyeoward.com
Private gardens up and down the country will

open this month under the auspices of the
National Gardens Scheme (NGS) to raise funds
for selected charities. Gardens usually offer
excellent informal teas, alongside hard-won
horticultural advice well worth a visit.
NGS Open Gardens, open throughout July,
nationwide; ngs.org.uk
THE ENGLISH HOME 21
ALBION
Handmade bathrooms directly from our factory
What makes an Albion Bath unique?

Our exclusive Iso Enamel material creates a difference you can feel....
ake a look at our hand made baths and bathroom suites. Formulated from our
unique Iso-Enamel material, an Albion bath has all the qualities of cast iron but
^P[OV\[[OLKYH^IHJRZZ\JOHZL_[YLTL^LPNO[HUKOLH[SVZZ>P[OV]LYKPLYLU[
models to choose from, well have you spoilt for choice. Remember, its not just
baths that we are known for - choose from classical or modern bathroom collections
PUJS\KPUN[HWZZOV^LYZHUKULZHUP[HY`^HYL@V\YUL^IH[OYVVTH^HP[Z
Request your brochure:

Call 01255 831605
or go to: www.albionbathco.com
Etruscan Bath - 3 sizes available
Image Supplied by Little Greene
A Good Read
At Home with the

Soanes by Susan
Palmer (12.99,
Pimpernel)
The influence of Sir
John Soane
(17531837) on the
British interior is
undoubtedly
immeasurable; the
bricklayers son and
architect was a specialist in NeoClassical style,
responsible for the designs of various public
buildings and country houses, as well as the
dining rooms at 10 and 11 Downing Street.
Lincolns Inn Fields, his former home and office
now houses the eponymous museum, renowned
for the remarkable collection of artefacts
he gathered during the course of his life.
Festival Season
Glastonbury may be the grandfather of
outdoor music festivals but, since the
heady days of the 70s, festivals have
come of age, with clutch of younger,
more diverse events springing up to
appeal to the children and
grandchildren of those who rocked it
out in a muddy Somerset field years ago.
Port Eliot (July 30 to 2 August) must
be one of the most endearing and
eccentric. Hosted by the Earl and
Countess of St Germans in Cornwall,
this years line-up includes chefs, writers
and philosophers, not to mention the
early morning yoga sessions by the river.
Peter and Charlie Bowles

We were delighted when we learned that
the Original BTC Group, the lighting
company headed by Charlie and Peter
Bowles, had won a Queens Award for
Enterprise in International Trade recently.
Exports account for 50 per cent of business,
which includes the brands Davey Lighting,
Original BTC and Beadlight, but
manufacturing remains solidly in the UK.
Components are made in six sites that
include a metalworks, glassworks and bone
china factory. Weve worked hard to
produce high-quality, well-designed and
globally competitive lighting to show how
successful British design and manufacturing
can be, says Peter Bowles.
originalbtc.com
Activities for children and a schools

programme feature at Latitude (16-19
July), held at Henham Park, Suffolk,
although Portishead, James Blake and
Laura Marling make an appearance, too.
Elsewhere, the footloose and fancy-free
might appreciate the Secret Garden
Party (23-26 July) at Abbots Ripton,
Cambridgeshire; Wilderness at Cornbury
Park, Oxfordshire (7-9 August); and
Cornbury (10-12 July) at Great Tew,
also in Oxfordshire.
porteliotfestival.com; latitudefestival.com;
secretgardenparty.com; wildernessfestival.
com; cornburyfestival.com
Until recently, the private rooms in the house

were not open to view but after extensive
renovation, they can now be viewed by the
public for the first time in 160 years.
To coincide with the opening, curator Susan
Palmers exploration of the day-to-day life of
the Soane family has been re-released. The
work offers fantastic insight into Soanes daily
life from the tea he preferred (Souchong) to
the wine (Burgundy), to what the butler saw. In
all, a pleasing complement to the new rooms,
and an excellent addition to the library of any
fan of the great man himself. Visit soane.org
THE ENGLISH HOME 23
Oh la-la!
Good news is that
The Savoy has
opened Melba, a
gourmet takeaway
counter at The Savoy
on the Strand,
London. The outlet is
named after Dame
Nelly Melba, the
opera soprano who
famously inspired
Auguste Escoffier to
concoct Peach Melba as well as Melba toast, and the new
counters patissier, Ludwig Hely, has been tasked with
offering the finest fast food in the district. Believing it to be
under represented on this side of the Channel, Hely has
picked the eclair as a signature item. The eclair presents so
much opportunity to be creative, he says. I can play with
different flavours, some classic and some more unusual. The
ultimate goal is to create something that will make people
smile. Bravo! fairmont.com/savoy-london/
Little Black Book

Justin Van Breda
London-based interior designer
with his own JVB furniture
collection and soon to launch his
own fabric range. j-v-b.com
Who are your trusted sources
for interior decoration?
We do most of our own
bespoke furniture ourselves,
but tend to use a lot of Soane
fabrics, Vaughan lighting,
Sanderson paints and
Zoffany wallpaper.
The new Zoffany papers
have that lovely old work
feeling I like as a backdrop
to my work. The Sanderson
colours have a great
chalky undertone.
soane.co.uk; zoffany.com;
vaughandesigns.com;
sanderson-uk.com
Is there an exhibition that
you are looking forward to?
Decorex is a yearly highlight,
but the Alexander McQueen
at the V&A was great and
I found the wedding dresses
at the V&A inspirational.
The perfect plimsoll is not to be

underestimated. That it should
be comfortable goes without
saying; it should also occupy
the shifting territory
between casual and chic,
simple and sophisticated too
much in either direction and
it could all go horribly wrong.
Those in the know will
appreciate Bensimons elasticated
tennis shoe, this year available in
Liberty print, whilst British brand
Victoria offers a similar form, if in
plainer shades. Italian plimsoll manufacturer Superga
ramps up the style ante with an offering in lam,
as well as a platform sole. Meanwhile, Cath Kidstons
range (seen here) will win hearts with a pretty number
in a signature floral print.
eshop.bensimon.com; victoria-plimsolls.co.uk; cathkidston.
com; superga.co.uk Q
FEATURE VIVIENNE HAMBLY PHOTOGRAPH P.23 FIONA CAMPBELL
Feet First
Is there a new fabric range

you are excited about?
Yes our own, a very first. It is
called An English Fabric
Collection. I toured English
country homes belonging to
the National Trust to gain
inspiration for the classic
designs as well as the
wedding-dress exhibition at
the V&A, which was very
inspiring. Some designs are
inspired by the ceilings and
plasterwork in houses such as
Chasleton and Croome
Court, others by the concept
of looking through the
railings at these wonderful
parkland settings. There are
12 designs in total, in six
subtle and sophisticated
colourways on linens. I am
launching the collection
alongside my new English
Home furniture collection at
Decorex, in September, but
they will be available on my
website from June.
Do you have a go to shop
for antiques or furniture?
Hares in Cirencester for
Georgian dining tables.
George Smith for fabulous
special upholstery.
hares-antiques.com;
georgesmith.co.uk
What is the most treasured
item in your own home?
Aside from personal things
such as photographs;
probably my Georgian Silver
Cutlery a gift from my
husband; and a Georgian
drop-side table that I
inherited from my father.
Can you name a recent
purchase for your own home
and why you like it?
I recently bought the
Wedgwood Edme dinner
service. I love it, because
the cream colour is so
beautiful and the pattern
has the Georgian elegance
of the motif taken from the
Wedgwood archives, and is
refreshingly Edwardian, too,
produced in 1908.
Is there a decorative idea you
hope to use in your home?
Wallpaper! Right up the
stairwell! But I am not
sure I will get that past
my husband....
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THE FAR HORIZON

Interior designer Paula Tennants chic, laid-back home enjoys glorious
views over the countryside and out to the Atlantic
FEATURE KATHERINE SORRELL

PHOTOGRAPHY POLLY ELTES
26 THE ENGLISH HOME
The Shaker-style
customised kitchen by
Howdens combines
well with a Smeg
cooker and hood.
Contrasting with the
smooth, pale worktop
is a rustic chopping
block from a Honiton
antiques shop and a
woven lifebuoy by
Riviera Maison. The
wall lights are from
John Lewis and the
blinds by Eclectics.
THE ENGLISH HOME 27
et in a picture-perfect courtyard
filled with clematis, wild
strawberries and rambling roses,
Paula and Richard Tennants
converted barn is both rural and coastal.
Hidden down a winding country lane, it
is deep within rolling farmland that
extends practically as far as the eye can
see, yet it is also just a few minutes drive
from any number of West Cornwalls
beautiful beaches. When I come back
from a trip to London, it is like reaching
Shangri La, says Paula, whose interior
design company, Maison Bleu Interiors,
is based in both Cornwall and Surbiton,
Surrey. It is such a peaceful, perfect little
house, in an idyllic setting.
The couple fell in love with the house
and the surrounding area more than ten
years ago when they bought the adjacent
holiday cottage as an investment. Despite
their busy working lives in the South East
(Richard is an art director), they managed
to escape to Cornwall at least six or seven
times a year, and always planned to move
down there when the time was right.
Having made friends with the owner of
the main house, the couple asked if they
could have first refusal, should he ever
decide to sell. Then, in early 2013, that is
just what happened; they bought the
house and made the decision to move to
Cornwall at last, keeping an apartment
and shop as a base in Surbiton.
28 THE ENGLISH HOME
CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT

Open shelves and an artful mix of
natural textures make this kitchen
a restful and welcoming space.
Paula lined walls with tongueand-groove panelling, painted in
Farrow & Balls Skimming Stone.
Chairs are from Riviera Maison,
whilst the wall clocks are from
Garden Trading. A cotton
tablecloth in a deep nautical blue
by Lexington completes the scene.
In the study/conservatory, which
doubles as a large entrance
porch, rustic exposed stone
contrasts with smart striped
blinds made from William
Yeoward fabric.
THE ENGLISH HOME 29
Paula has recovered her sofa, from Sofa

Workshop, repeatedly over the years; the
current incarnation is in a smart William
Yeoward stripe. The oversized coffee table
and the Raffles bookcase are both by
Riviera Maison.
30 THE ENGLISH HOME
Their first project was to take out the tired and dated
kitchen, which was split between the conservatory
and dining room, and replace it in just the
conservatory, employing Shaker-style painted base
cupboards with a solid worktop, a glazed dresser and
a zinc-topped work table. This freed up the dining
room for a large table surrounded by rattan chairs
and a bench. In both rooms Paula lined the walls with
tongue-and-groove panelling. The three different hard
floors on the ground floor were replaced with stone
slabs for a more unified appearance, whilst upstairs
was re-carpeted. Almost every surface, from the old
pine wardrobes that had discoloured to bright orange,
to the brick inglenook fireplace, was painted in
neutral Farrow & Ball colours. At one point
whilst the work was going on we found a secret
cupboard in the dining room. For a very exciting
moment we thought it might be a hidden room,
says Paula. It was not, but we made an interesting
feature of the alcove nevertheless.
Turning their attention to the gardens, Paula and
Richard created four raised beds at one side of the
ABOVE Paula
painted the huge
brick fireplace white
to give it a fresher
look. The large floor
lamp is a Kodak
original, found in an
antiques shop in
Kingston, and the
wooden armchair
came from Loaf.
RIGHT The New
Orleans louvred
dresser is from
Riviera Maison. The
painting is by local
artist Gary Long. We
used to see his work
when we visited
Cornwall and had
always admired it.
THE ENGLISH HOME 31
Image: Susan Ryder NEAC RP, Oak Room Lamps
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ABOVE Beautifully
calm and uncluttered,
the master bedroom
combines natural
colours and textures.
The bed and side
tables came from
Loaf. Paula inherited
the vintage mirror
from her mother.
LEFT The painted tin
heart came from
a local gift shop.
The bathroom has
been decorated in
neutral shades, with
a large round mirror
from Loaf and a glass
jar full of shells that
Paula and Richard
have collected.
Its such a perfect little

house, in an idyllic setting
house in which to grow fruit and vegetables, and
had a wooden summerhouse built to use as a home
office and a studio for painting and sketching. The
summer house is one of the best things we have
done, says Paula. It is an excellent construction
and will last for years. We have decorated it like the
house, so it is really an extension.
Paulas decorating style is very much about being
laid-back and understated. I should have been born
on the island of Nantucket, she laughs. Both
Richard and I love the colour blue and, as with our
previous homes, we have used it everywhere. Most
of Paulas upholstery and curtain fabrics are from
William Yeoward, whilst much of her furniture
comes from a Dutch company called Riviera Maison,
for whom Paula is an agent, as well as British brand
Loaf. Other pieces were picked up from antique and
vintage shops, car boot sales, shows and the high
street. I do keep a weather eye out for interesting
pieces, says Paula. I have always liked things with
words on, as well as the salvaged industrial look
that is now so fashionable. When she likes

THE ENGLISH HOME 33
CLOCKWISE FROM
LEFT Next to the bed
is a framed poster for
Sea Salts & Sail, a
maritime festival that
takes place at
nearby Mousehole.
Handmade curtains in
a spare bedroom are
in William Yeoward
fabric by Maison Bleu.
The house is a
converted granite
barn with exterior
steps leading up to
the first floor.
something, she keeps hold of it, though. Quite a few

of her favourites have been painted and repainted,
whilst the sofas have been re-covered again and again
over the years. The result is a gentle blend with an
understated, coastal-country feel that reflects the
nearby landscape perfectly.
It is so lovely here, it is hard to say what I like most
about it, says Paula. If pushed, I would say it is sitting
in the conservatory gazing at the view. We are planning
to landscape the back garden, but will have to design it
carefully around the views. We rent the field at the
bottom of the garden to a farmer, and for six months
of the year his Highland cattle graze it. They are full of
character and we miss them when they are gone.
34 THE ENGLISH HOME
Whenever possible, Paula and Richard explore the

beaches and countryside nearby, taking Scruffy, their
dog, for long walks along undiscovered beaches or
through woods and fields. We are spoilt for choice
and are still finding amazing new places, Paula says.
Eating out around here is wonderful, too
whether fine dining or a simple beach caf, the
standard is superb and, as artistic people, we have
been delighted to find so many similar-minded new
friends. In fact, I think you have to have your
passport stamped creative before entering Cornwall.
After so many years of visiting, and feeling sad every
time we left, it is wonderful to be here full time at
last. We really feel at home. Q
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FEATURE AND STYLING CHARLOTTE METCALF

PHOTOGRAPHS ANDREAS VON EINSIEDEL
AN EPIC PRODUCTION
Striking pieces from film sets, personal collections and
family heirlooms are brought together with style and
pizzazz in this inspired, light-filled conversion
THE ENGLISH HOME 37
ntil about ten years ago

Roger Hall was one of
Britains busiest production
designers his name appears
on the credits of films such as Chariots of
Fire, Alice in Wonderland and Zefirellis Jane
Eyre with Emmy Awards for Merlin and
Charles Sturridges Gullivers Travels for
which he also won a BAFTA. Once the
couples children had left home, however,
both he and his wife Caroline looked
forward to a calmer life, away from the
world of feature films. One day, they
spotted what was to become their home
in an old black-and-white photograph
in a newspaper advertisement. There
was this funny little ad with a grainy
photograph of some semi-derelict stables
taken from about half a mile away,
remembers Roger. The stables had
already been sold but then two months
later we were walking down Cirencester
High Street when we noticed the same
property in an estate agents window.
They bought the tumbledown buildings
straight away. You dont often find farm
buildings with as much architectural
attention paid to them, Roger says. They
were built by local stonemasons but there
is something very French about them.
When the Halls took possession of the
property, what is now the hall was a space
between the original stable and the coach
house, above which was an observatory,
with a spiral staircase up to a telescope
and glass roof. The planners had wanted
38 THE ENGLISH HOME
CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT Roger and

Caroline had their Chinese cupboards
made by Gong on Portobello Road in
order to free their kitchen from a static
structure and blend it into the
surrounding living space.
One of Rogers signature garden features
is the rill to which he added drama and
structure with urns discovered at
Minchinhampton Architectural Salvage.
The hall was originally the space between
the stable and coach house, which the
Halls linked with a conservatory. With its
stone and metal staircase up to the glass
roof, the hall is flooded with natural light
creating a dramatic entrance.
The round table and old leather chairs
add contrasting and welcoming warmth
and are from Lorfords Antiques. The sofa
was built on Carolines family farm in
Norway and covered in vintage fabric by
Polly Lyster, whilst Caroline bought the
chair for Roger one Christmas after Roger
had walked past the shop several times
announcing that he was in love with it.
THE ENGLISH HOME 39
40 THE ENGLISH HOME
the Halls to build a single-storey building as

a link between the stable and the coach house
but the Halls wanted permission to build a
conservatory with a stone-and-metal staircase.
Their persistence paid off, because that glass
roof now floods the area with light and creates
a grand but welcoming entrance hall. The old
observatory is now the couples bedroom.
Roger and Caroline were adamant that the
perfect family home should include a big living
space around the kitchen. After years of living
with a fitted kitchen, Roger was certain he did
not want conventional fitted units. The result
is a highly unusual, relaxed kitchen, made up
of free-standing Chinese cabinets. Entirely
open plan, the kitchen incorporates a dining
area and a big, comfortable sitting area.
The house is furnished with a mixture of family

heirlooms, locally sourced antiques and
contemporary designer pieces as well as exotic,
theatrical additions from sets Roger has worked
on. In the drawing room, iron spirals on the
mantelpiece are part of an old gate from Buenos
Aires that was used in the film Highlander 2,
whilst a decorative screen in the corner was
given to Roger in 1996 after he had worked with
Franco Zefirelli on the film Jane Eyre. Friends
have provided other touches almost all their
glassware is by their friend and neighbour
William Yeoward, whilst artisan dyer, Polly
Lyster of The Dyeworks, has provided linens,
curtains, rugs and fabric throughout the house,
adding gentle, organic texture and colour. Much
of the furniture was inherited from Carolines
OPPOSITE The side table sited between two arm chairs provides a display for a collection of pots
brought back from India. ABOVE The comfortable drawing room is made theatrical with striking pieces
from Rogers film-making days set against the natural simplicity of walls of polished thistle plaster. The
Architect coffee table and the cushions are all designs by neighbour, William Yeoward, and sit on a rug
from Christopher Farr. LEFT The guest bedroom is painted in a soothing, neutral palette which sets off
the dramatic wooden bedhead, cleverly echoing the wooden beams and adding rustic warmth.
THE ENGLISH HOME 41
An artificial wall behind the

bed cleverly conceals the
master bathroom. The
elaborate mirrored
bedhead was created from
an antique sideboard.
It feels like a natural progression to be

designing real homes and gardens
Norwegian mother as well as several
paintings; in the drawing room is a
portrait of Carolines grandmother by
the Norwegian artist, Kauli. Carolines
German fathers heritage is also evident
here, in a portrait by Joseph
Oppenheimer. The painting was rolled up
and smuggled out of Germany during the
war, and Caroline had it cleaned and
re-stretched. In the guest room is a portrait
of Carolines Aunt Karla by Oppenheimer.
Throughout the house is evidence of
the couples love of collecting. Tables
everywhere display treasures a collection
of Indian pots on one, Rogers beloved
collection of fossils, ammonites and pieces
The exquisitely detailed

dolls house was built for
the title sequence of
Alice in Wonderland.
of bark on another. Argentinian cowboy

hats and panamas hang on the wall in the
hall, adding a theatrical flourish.
Roger is every bit as busy as he always
has been, but his focus is now on his
home and garden instead of on the
creation of film sets. Word of his creative
flair has spread amongst their friends,
many of whom have commissioned him
to design their interiors, and today he
has so many projects on the go that
Caroline has started working alongside
him. It feels like a natural progression
to be designing real homes, grins Roger.
Because Roger and Caroline now
work together from home, they have
THE ENGLISH HOME 43
TOP RIGHT The yew hedge was

overgrown and full of saplings,
but once the couple cut it back,
it became the perfect hedge.
TOP RIGHT The pared-down
elegance of the studio is given
warmth and texture by walls,
stippled and graded in India
Yellow, by Farrow & Ball, by
decor artist, Jimmy Gemmell.
ABOVE Roger designed the
table which is covered in a
tablecloth from Norway. The
glass is by William Yeoward and
the cutlery from Oka.
44 THE ENGLISH HOME
built a studio and office that doubles as

a glamorous guesthouse. A lucky accident
they were refused planning permission to
attach it to their house this free-standing mini
tower adds a striking architectural feature and a
dramatic focal point to their garden. It has
ended up a blessing that it is in the garden,
rather than part of the house, as it gives us so
much privacy. And guests love it.
It is perhaps the garden that best defines the
extraordinary charm of the Coach House. Along
with a contemporary rill (one of Rogers
hallmark garden designs), the trees, hedges and
topiary, oak posts, antique gates and big,

theatrical urns are all used to divide the garden
into a series of enchanted areas. Together they
show a flair for complementing the old with the
new. Even the outside dining chairs have been
carefully chosen to echo the architectural style
of their surroundings. The chairs alone are an
indication of Rogers attention to detail, both
inside and out, that have won him an
outstanding and deserved reputation as
a creator of beautiful, magical landscapes;
luckily no longer confined to the screen and
now available for the home. Q
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FEATURE SIAN LEWIS

PHOTOGRAPHS JULIA TOMS
CALL OF THE SEA

A painstaking and sensitive restoration has transformed this historic
rectory perched on the Cornish coast into a welcoming family home
46 THE ENGLISH HOME
The 1970s oil-fired Aga,

was sent to Twyford
Cookers to be
reconditioned and
re-enamelled. The work
took about three months
and included fitting new
top plates and pipes.
The carved wooden figure
of a Celtic lady who sits
next to the Aga belonged
to Gemmas grandmother.
She told me the figure
looked like her own
mother, explains Gemma.
THE ENGLISH HOME 47
his swathe of north Cornish coast,

with its hidden coves and ragged
cliff edges has inspired many stories.
Tales abound of smugglers, wreckers,
miners and men of the cloth striving to
convert all around them. It is a landscape that
continues to fascinate. In 2004, when Gemma
and Jonathan saw pictures online of the
rundown former rectory they now call home,
with views across the fields to the sea, they
both knew it was the perfect place to begin the
next chapter of their lives together.
Home had been a Grade II listed farmhouse
in Warwickshire with a huge barn, says
Gemma. It was completely derelict when we
bought it, and that was a huge project. Having
done that, I knew I was ready for anything. At
least this place was livable in just!
The house has weathered a great deal in its
700-year history, and not just the storms that
sweep in from the Atlantic. In the eighteenth
century, the Methodist minister John Wesley
was controversially hosted by a Church of
England rector in the house and he preached
in the local church. Over a hundred years
later, Edwardian builders failed to follow
perfectly good extension plans, which resulted
in an odd triangle protruding from the back
of the house. And as for the 1970s well, that
decade has a lot to answer for...
The renovations from the 1970s were the
worst, says Gemma. The homemade
archway in the kitchen just had to go.
Gemma and Jonathan wanted to take the
house back to its original bones to let it
48 THE ENGLISH HOME
CLOCKWISE FROM FAR LEFT

The slate hung tiles that clad
the upper half of the main
house and the old Delabole
slate tiles on the porch above
the front door, had slipped. So
they were removed, cleaned
and re-laid.
The large kitchen is split into
three areas. The cooking area
has slate worktops, whilst the
island has a bleached oak top,
which sits well next to the
six-seater table. Under the
conservatory-style extensions
ceiling lantern there are two
sofas from which to take in

sea views.
New and old blue Burleigh
Ware china is displayed on a
set of shelves above the sink.
Gemma at work in her
summerhouse next to the rose
garden. In addition to sewing
and embroidery projects, she
likes to turn her hand to
painting, pottery and wood
block printing.
Light streams into the south
west facing sitting room,
catching the antique chandelier
that hangs in its centre.
THE ENGLISH HOME 49
ABOVE Gemma got

the exact shade she
wanted for the
original Edwardian
panelling in the
sitting room by
mixing Farrow &
Balls French Vert
de Terre and
Old White.
LEFT The main
staircase, leading
up from the houses
central hallway, is
painted in Farrow
& Balls New White.
breathe again, and they were both

prepared to live through the dusty months
of building work to get there.We knew
the core of the house, around the larder off
the kitchen, is sixteenth century, says
Gemma. It would have been a small
dwelling then. The main part of the house
as you see it today was built in 1735, with
the last wing added in 1913.
Tying together all these eras and
building styles to make a comfortable
home was the challenge the couple set
themselves. Work began in April 2006,
with the guttering and the roof tackled
first. The couple lived on site throughout,
something Gemma feels has multiple
benefits. Yes, it was dusty, but it is
amazing how many decisions you end up
making every day when work is going on.
As the house came back to life, Gemma
searched antique shops for period pieces,
such as the Georgian fireplace in what is

now the hallway. In the 1700s this was the
kitchen, and once inside the large front
door visitors would have been warmed by
the rooms open fire. However, during
the 1970s someone ripped out a couple
of the fireplaces including that one,
explains Gemma. The room now sets the
tone for the house, with gentle paint
colours warmed by bright paintings
bought to mark special occasions in the
couples life, including their engagement
and honeymoon in the Seychelles.
The kitchen is the heart of this home in
more ways than one. The oldest core of
the house runs from the kitchen larder up
through a guest bathroom on the first
floor to the roof. The couple wanted to
preserve as many of the rooms original
features as possible, whilst creating a
modern kitchen with a traditional
TOP Farrow & Balls Cooking

Apple Green works perfectly
in the dining room.
ABOVE A corner cabinet in the
dining room houses Gemmas
china collection which includes
a Clarice Cliff Crocus plate.
RIGHT This archway to the side
of the dining room was bricked up
when we bought the house, says
Gemma. A local tradesman made
the arched doors for us.
THE ENGLISH HOME 51
ABOVE LEFT
Grouped pictures of
local scenes on the
wall of the guest
bedroom underline
a sense of place.
ABOVE RIGHT
Set right on the
Cornish coast, the
house has sea views
that stretch away to
the horizon.
look. Some of the old larder shelves, with brick

walls and slate slats, were worked into the new
kitchen layout. Reclaimed Delabole slate floor
tiles were laid in the new areas, but in exactly
the same way as the original tiles spotting the
difference is almost impossible.
The conservatory-style extension at the back of
the kitchen added just two metres to the houses
footprint but made a huge difference to the flow
of the downstairs rooms, adding a sense of space.
It opens onto a covered terrace, which we
52 THE ENGLISH HOME
extended across the back of the Edwardian sitting

room next door, explains Gemma. It was the
finishing touch the house needed.
On the first floor, three guest bedrooms fan
out from the landing and a corridor leads to the
master bedroom. Though the layout of rooms
did not change, their dcor most certainly has,
often with Gemma and Jonathan up to their
elbows in carpentry or painting projects.
Jonathan likes to say that I am the artist and
he is the artisan, smiles Gemma.
LEFT Gemma has

chosen modern
furniture with a
period feel to
complement the
couples antique
pieces. The motif in
Farrow & Balls
green Ringwold
wallpaper echoes
an eighteenthcentury silk pattern
by James Leman.
The bed is from
Sweetpea &
Willow.
BELOW RIGHT
Gemma decided
to give each of the
guest bedrooms
its own distinctive
theme. The
sailboat fabric in
the attic room
came from John
Lewis. I bought
up loads of that
fabric and made
various curtains
and cushions
because I liked the
seaside theme so
much, she says.
BELOW LEFT The
antique bath was
reconditioned by
Antique Bathrooms
and works
perfectly with new
bathroom fittings
and fixtures from
Bathstore.
THE ENGLISH HOME 53
HEART OF THE TOWN

A soft palette of soothing hues ensures this historic
townhouse retains a relaxed country feel
54 THE ENGLISH HOME
FEATURE AND STYLING ANNE ARMSTRONG

PHOTOGRAPHS DAVID PARMITER
THE ENGLISH HOME 55
Janet transformed the

dated kitchen by fitting
new door fronts to the
existing cabinetry,
which she has painted
in Farrow & Balls Bone.
She chose Lime White
from the same shade
card to cover the walls
and ceiling beams.
OPPOSITE,
CLOCKWISE FROM
TOP RIGHT A display
of cherished objects,
such as this painting
of an artichoke
bought in France,
adorn the dresser.
The house lies in the
heart of a historic
Cotswolds town.
Sitting room walls are
painted in Farrow &
Balls Stony Ground
and the Howard-style
sofas are from Laura
Ashley. Curtains are
made in faux suede
from Loose Ends.
anet and Mark Barbour and their family live in

an intriguing house, built amid a gently curving
street in one of the oldest neighbourhoods in a
historic Cotswolds town. The medieval street
pattern is still evident, and whilst records reveal
that this locality once bustled with commercial activity
in past centuries there were shops, inns, tanneries,
and artisan premises galore it is now largely
residential.
This is a fascinating, friendly, and convenient place to
live, enthuses Janet. Our house was originally a shop
and, at one stage, served as a post office.
Having decided to make the move from London, they
rented for a while, and by the time they came to look
around this inspirationally decorated, Grade II listed,
three-storey townhouse, it had been languishing on the
56 THE ENGLISH HOME
market for a while. Fundamentals, such as the state of

the Welsh slate roof, were fine, but the condition of the
interior had been putting off other potential buyers,
presumably not all blessed with the vision of how best to
re-vitalise it, and reclaim its lost period character. We
were initially attracted by the large garden, and when we
came to view it, we saw that it had been rented out to
students and was in a shocking state. Thankfully, most of
the problems were largely cosmetic, and I welcomed the
challenge to do something with it, adds Janet.
Thanks to the unleashing of Janets previously
untapped decorating skills, the house is now endowed
with an interior which feels more like a rustically chic
country cottage than an urban dwelling. When we first
moved in, we did have some help with the decor Mark
isnt especially interested in interior design but later X
THE ENGLISH HOME 57
The ornate frame of

a mirror, found in an
antiques shop in Tetbury,
has been painted in
mid-toned undercoat and
hung in the kitchen for
an added sense of
light and space.
58 THE ENGLISH HOME
on, I decided that I could tackle the work

myself. After that, friends started consulting
me about paint colours, and some asked me
to help decorate their houses, which
eventually prompted the idea of a change of
career. Having worked as the PA to a chief
executive, I am now an interiors painter,
taking on commissions around the local
area. I have had no formal training, but
enrolling on a course with Cotswold
Women in Business gave me the confidence
to start my own company, says Janet.
The atmospheric, sensor-lit passageway
which connects the street to the house is a
harbinger of the many stylish things which
Janet has orchestrated. Walls coloured in
fashionably pale tones of paint, are allied
to contrasting classical black-and-white

floor tiles. The passageway looked
hideous when we moved in. There was
only one central ceiling light, and the
floor was laid with small terracotta tiles. It
looked miserable, remembers Janet.
A notable feature of the house is the
absence of internal corridors. Rooms lead
into each other in the unplanned way more
often associated with old country cottages
the sitting room is reached via a study next
to the kitchen. It was important to create a
sense of flow with the paint colours, points
out Janet, who was keen to give the sitting
room a subtly contemporary feel. She is also
unrepentant about painting the ceiling
beams. They were black and looked so X
ABOVE The naturally subdued atmosphere in the long hall has been uplifted by Farrow &
Balls Light Gray and Slipper Satin. One wall serves as a gallery for family photographs.
RIGHT Janet plans her colour schemes in the well-tended garden at the back of the house.
THE ENGLISH HOME 59
A louvre affair.
Gorgeous shutters, designed
and installed by experts.
Ask for samples and a free quote.

shutterlyfabulous.com
0808 163 4305
depressing, I didnt think it would be

sacrilege to lighten them, she comments.
Like the rest of the house, this stylish little
sitting room has been re-decorated a couple
of times over since the Barbours took
residence, and the current scheme
is based around Farrow & Balls Stony
Ground paint, which blends admirably
into these period surroundings. Stony
Ground is a great colour it lightens things
up a lot, advises Janet, confiding that she
likes to make spaces feel larger by painting
rooms in a single hue. I dont like white
ceilings, she asserts.
The limitations of living in a listed
building recur in the master bedroom on
the first floor, where a hideous tiled
fireplace has had to be concealed within a
bank of clutter-busting storage cupboards
installed along one wall. Not that this is
any detriment, because the ambience is
thoroughly charming. Colourwise, theres
a caf-au-lait theme, with the area around
the two small casement windows setting
the decorative mood. Neutral paintwork
has been prettily enriched with Kate
Forman fabrics selected for
X
ABOVE The French-style

bed in the master bedroom
is from Loaf and dressed
with an elegant damask
bedcover from Oka.
LEFT An elegant bergre
chair has been covered in
pretty oak-leaf fabric by
Vanessa Arbuthnott.
BELOW Prettily carved
bedside tables were bought
from Scumble Goosie and
painted in Farrow & Balls
London Stone.
THE ENGLISH HOME 61
ABOVE Painted
wainscoting from
The English Panelling
Company gives the
family bathroom a
period feel. Classic
white sanitaryware
and a free-standing
roll-top bath
complete the look.
RIGHT A calm colour
combination of
creamy off-whites
complemented
by faded checks
in antique rose
sets the tone in
Zoes bedroom.
the window seat covers and bed cushions.

Across the staircase, there is a restrained beside-the-sea
feel in the family bathroom which has been
completely reorganised, and arranged with
traditionally designed white sanitaryware including a
roll-top bath. In addition to re-plastering the walls
and putting up tongue-and-groove panelling, weve
installed cupboards to conceal utility items, such as
the central-heating boiler, she adds.
On the top floor, Janet and Mark reconfigured the
space to create a sanctuary for their daughters, Joely,
18, and Zoe, 14, which includes a sitting room,
youthfully furnished to appeal to the teenagers and
their friends. Each daughter has a bedroom, and whilst
Joelys is small it provides enough space for an eye
catching, metal-framed bed, teamed with grown up
pink patterned wallpaper. Getting a double bed into
Zoes room was tricky, owing to the difficult shape its
long and not very wide but we managed it.
For a masterclass in triumphing over architectural
limitations and working within strict planning
regulations, Janets decorative treatment of their
house is hard to beat. I really love it, she insists.
Even if we won the lottery, I would still live here. Q
62 THE ENGLISH HOME
Summer Sale starts 12th June
Beds, mattresses, bed linen, furniture, sofa beds and home accessories
www.snug-interiors.com
01730 894 754
Feefo Independent Ratings as of May 2015
STYLE INSPIRATION
Coastal inspiration | Working with an interior designer | Wallpaper design
ADDING PUNCH TO PRETTY

Experimenting with unexpected
partnerships in interiors can lead to
exciting and uplifting new directions.
Here, a delicate blush floral wallpaper,
which most would use to set a feminine
mood, is given a bold injection of
contemporary style with the addition of
a modern headboard upholstered in red
striped fabric. The key to using pink and
red together is to ensure that both have
a shared undertone. A tomato red with
its yellow undertone would clash horribly
with a sugar pink but a scarlet red with
its blue undertone sits in tonal harmony.
Headboard in Norfolk Stripe Peony;
quilt in Ticking Peony 01; bed cover
in Arran Peony, all from 24.50 a metre.
Wall in Kew Baltic Pink, 39.50 a 10
metre roll, Ian Mankin
30 pages of design and decorating advice
Coastal Breeze
Whether by the beach or inland, a fresh sea air can be evoked with
a gentle palette inspired by sandy shores, blue seas and cloudy skies
Soporific sanctuary
Bare wooden floors, sanded back
or bleached and paired with
painted tongue-and-groove clad
walls call to mind ships decking, or
the weather beaten boards of a
pier, to gently set a nautical mood.
The jaunty teal shade of this
hand-quilted bedlinen, peppered
with a sunny yellow fleck, is
suggestive of the most glorious of
days when the sea glimmers
greenish-blue in the sunshine.
Hand quilted chevron bedlinen,
125 for a kingsize quilt; cushions
38 each, all Graham & Green
66 THE ENGLISH HOME
he fresh, breezy, relaxed

aesthetic of coastal style can
appeal to those far from the
waters edge. The look can be
translated through a subtle nod to the sea
rather than overt use of nauticalia, and
even those in seaside dwellings might want
to avoid a clichd approach to coastal
decorating. Seek instead muted tones of
golden sands, pale blue dappled seas and
the crisp whites and gentle greys of cloudy
skies for a soft, versatile palette that can
easily adapt in winter months. Finishes
such as tongue-and-groove, distressed or
bleached wood and beaten metals set a
charming rustic note. Linen and natural
grasses feel suited to the mood, too.
Although stripes are a comfortable choice,
there is a notable fit too with chevron
waves, herringbone and even tweeds, for
upholstery and furnishings. Combined
with carpeting, ideally in natural fibres,
these create a subtle and more considered
approach to coastal style.
TOP RIGHT Land ahoy!

A trip to the beach can provide the perfect
inspiration for starting a coastal scheme.
Perhaps seek out a collection of shells or
pebbles, or an interesting piece of drift
wood to bring a touch of beach life home.
Boys check shirt, 22; boys jersey
waistband shorts, 24; colourblock knit
sweatshirt, 28, all The White Company
MIDDLE Soft elements
Whether picnicking on the beach or dining
al fresco in the country, charming linens in
nautical stripes add the right note of sea
breeze for relaxed entertaining.
Bottle pouch, 12; coasters, 15 for a set of
four, both Plum & Ashby
BOTTOM RIGHT Drift away
There is a definite charm to this dressing
table, with its seemingly simple lines and
rustic finish. Inspired by mid-century French
designs, the reclaimed fir hand-finished in
beached timber has the look of salvaged
drift wood. The slender dimensions make it
a suitable addition to tuck in a corner of a
guest bedroom.
Junebug dressing table, 525, Loaf.com
Coastal casual
If country casual instantly denotes the
relaxed, informality of a rural family
home, then this kitchen is the epitome
of coastal casual. The breezy aesthetic
combines chunky wooden worktops,
sun-bleached beams and a hint of
tongue-and-groove to create a sense
of being by the sea. Although utilising
a seascape palette, there is nothing
obviously anchoring this room to a
coastal location. Details such as the
visible legs of the cabinetry, open
shelves showcasing assorted ceramics
and the linen table cloth, industrial
lights and distressed finish of the
dresser combine to create a beachy
mood for a coastal or inland setting.
The Real Shaker kitchen, from
8,000, deVol; cabinetry painted in
deVols Mushroom; flooring in Black
Matt Porcelain tiles, 21 a square
metre, Floors of Stone. For similar
lights try trainspotters.co.uk. Similar
natural seagrass rugs from Crucial
Trading or Alternative Flooring;
similar stone- washed linen
tablecloth, Linen Me
68 THE ENGLISH HOME
THE ENGLISH HOME 69
ABOVE Sea birds

Bathrooms can often afford a little more fun and wit, along with an
obvious splash of coastal charm. These lovely fabrics by Emily Bond
reference water birds and bring a playful element to an otherwise
simple bathroom. The prints would make a good choice for a blind,
here or perhaps in a kitchen, too.
Waterbirds and Oyster Catcher, both 48 a metre, Emily Bond
MIDDLE RIGHT Flock together
The squawks of sea gulls create an instant seaside ambience when
heard in stereo with crashing waves. These silent gulls have a delightful
shore-side appeal. Although this wallpaper looks delightful on walls, the
clever use on drawer fronts is highly effective, too. To achieve the look,
remove drawer handles and cut the pieces of wallpaper to size and glue
in place. To ensure a lasting, durable finish apply an acrylic lacquer, and
paint the carcass a complementary shade.
Seagulls wallpaper, 46 a roll, Sanderson
BOTTOM RIGHT Water colours
The aptly named Seascape collection by Sarah Hardaker features a selection
of fabrics in plains and patterns in chalky tones. Polka dots and stripes are
staples of seaside style, but the gentle palette of plains blends with informal
prints to give a chic edge. The muted tones include duck egg, clay and sea
foam as well as browns and pinks redolent of a pebble beach. All may be
mixed and matched for a harmonious, coherent scheme.
Torcello linen, from top to bottom, in seafoam, clay, duck egg and ivory,
49 a metre, Sarah Hardaker
70 THE ENGLISH HOME
FEATURE KATY MCLEAN
OPPOSITE Subtle softness

A few more obvious nods to the coastal location of this house are
softened by less clichd choices in fabric and colours. Strong deck-chair
stripes or ticking would make the look too themed a smart tweed
upholstery is more discreet. Painting floorboards and panelled walls a
crisp white keeps everything feeling fresh. Natural textures such as a
wicker basket and a woven herringbone- weave rug complete the look.
Two-seater Seaton sofa, from 1,419; as shown with Harris Tweed,
1,507, Parker Knoll
the sea and sky looked all one fabric, as if sails

were stuck high up in the sky
Virginia Woolf, English novelist (18821941)
THE ENGLISH HOME 71
This orangery by interior designer

Victoria Meale oozes comfort and
quiet sophistication. Floor lamps
are well positioned for reading
and plants and flowers have been
carefully chosen for impact.
72 THE ENGLISH HOME
FINISHING TOUCHES:
GARDEN
ROOMS
When creating a garden room, much care and
thought is needed at the planning and design
stage to achieve a space that is enhanced
D[EQPUKFGTGFPKUJKPIVQWEJGU
Mary Carroll charts ideas for a success
hen planning a garden room, it is wise to consider

the function of this extra space. If it is a way to
extend family areas of a property, the use of space
and storage needs to be considered. If the idea is to
bring the outside in, and enjoy the garden experience throughout
the year, then the addition of plants and carefully positioned
seating will be important. One popular function of a garden room,
be it a conservatory or orangery, is as an extension to the kitchen
area. Whatever the focus, analysis needs to be done that takes into
account how the extra space will be used throughout the year. This
will allow finishing touches to enhance the area, rather than
become uncomfortable afterthoughts.
These considerations will craft so many of the decisions you
make about the overall look and feel, including flooring, windows,
ventilation and heating. Whilst making plans it is difficult to know
exactly how a garden room will feel, but it will be flooded with
light from a series of window aspects, and, as a consequence, the
seasons will affect how the space is viewed, too.
Blinds are essential for so many garden rooms. The additional
light is a bonus, but there are times when shade will be needed
RIGHT, TOP TO BOTTOM Symmetry gives this garden room by Charles
Bateson a sense of order and calm. Lighting has been selected to provide
different effects for relaxing and entertaining and setting a mood.
Everything selected for this elegant garden room designed by BLA
Architects is perfectly chosen and positioned to make living in this space
a pleasure. A simple mirror cleverly positioned helps bring the outside in.
This example of Joanna Woods approach to interiors aptly shows how
accessories can elevate a garden room. This project is taken from her new
book Interiors for Living (50, Prestel).
THE ENGLISH HOME 73
to keep the room shaded and protect furniture and fittings.

Consider the overall colour scheme so that blinds can be
chosen as part of the design. Whilst some finishing touches
might be just that, so many of them need to be considered
alongside integral elements of the room.
Although natural light will be in abundance by day, once
the sun goes down, a garden room needs to be able to
generate an environment in which a warm glow will be
added to the home. If the garden room is to be enjoyed
for relaxation, with sofas and armchairs making up the
main furniture choices, ambient lighting is important. Floor
lamps can help to achieve this and will not distract from
the views of the garden by day. Discreet designs kept low
to the furniture work particularly well, and can be used at
either end of a sofa if reading is a regular occupation. To
avoid unsightly cables trailing across the floor, plan ahead
so that light sockets are fitted in the appropriate places
within the flooring specification.
If the room is to be used for dining, then a pendant light,
or series of elegant lights on a suspended track, will provide
a glamorous transformation for evening time. Look for
a pendant or chandelier
of the right proportions.
If it is to hang in the
apex of a vaulted glass
ceiling, it needs to have
a presence within the
space. Any wall space
within the design
concept could be the
perfect place to consider
extra lighting have these wired on a separate circuit from
other lighting and wall lights can provide background light
when you are not actually using the space, but desire parts
of your home to be subtly lit. Incorporate dimmer switches
into the scheme for the ability to change the atmosphere
to suit the occasion.
It almost goes without saying that candlelight is a moodenhancing finishing touch. Avoid dotting elements such as
candles and plants all over window ledges or spare space.
This has the ability to dilute ideas, and there is a possibility
that the space could become a dumping ground for every
ornament that needs a home. Group candles on a coffee
table or a console and combine with plants or flowers.
The choice of furniture is crucial for your garden room.
Materials, whether upholstered or in metal or rattan, will have
to be much more resilient. It is worth noting that the colour
blue can be particularly susceptible to fading in sunlight.
Working with paler shades is a way of avoiding the damaging
effect that light can have on deep colours. It is advisable to
turn scatter cushions, as well as chair and sofa cushion pads,
regularly so that any fading due to sunlight is even.
There are some beautifully stylish outdoor furniture
concepts offering smart rattans or classic Lloyd Loom-styles
that suit being brought indoors. Many specialist outdoor

fabrics used for comfortable upholstery have the ability
to shrug off water droplets, and so make hardwearing
choices for a garden room, which might need to be practical
as well as beautiful. Consider a variety of seating options so
the space is used to its optimum. If there is room, armchairs
with luxurious footstools provide another layer of relaxation.
Tables for various uses will be required. If this room is
to be used for eating, a dining table will be essential, but a
strategically placed console table will provide additional
space for all those extras such as water jugs and
cheeseboards. It also provides the perfect place for table
lamps and a visual display.
Much thought will have gone into the choice of flooring,
but also consider the addition of rugs to add warmth and
colour. Look for serviceable materials including plaited cords
with a waxed finish, felt, coir, sisal and seagrass in thick
weaves. In busy areas, coirs made from acrylic fibre are
resilient to grime yet have the appearance of the natural
version. Adding a leather trim to a coir rug will give that all
important attention detail. If a rug is to provide a framework
onto which furniture
stands, it may be
necessary to have
it made to order to
ensure a perfect fit.
Doormats are another
small detail worth
considering at the
design stage. How
much nicer it is to
have a doormat incorporated into the flooring specification,
which will give a seamless transition to the outdoors.
To create a true garden room, growing beds can be
incorporated for indoor plants. If you want to take this
route, I would advise the help of a specialist garden designer.
It is important to introduce the right plants and to give
them the best growing environment. As much as plants can
be a beautiful addition to a garden room they can also bring
problems such as aphids, which can spoil the living space.
Potted plants may be a more practical option. Varieties of
pelargonium and streptocarpus, which have been used for
centuries in conservatories, remain an excellent choice,
especially when displayed in lovely containers. They are
quite resilient and can cope with the changes in
temperature whilst some other plants, such as hydrangeas,
need to be kept in check.
Finally although this might seem a little obvious I feel
there are two small finishing touches that one should never
be without: the first is the very best window-cleaning product
or window cleaner you can find to keep the glass pristine and
sparkling. Secondly, a room spray such as Cath Collins
Flowershop will imbue the enchanting space you have
created with the evocative scent of the garden beyond.
Candlelight can be a moodenhancing finishing touch group

plants and candles together
74 THE ENGLISH HOME
CLOCKWISE, FROM ABOVE Could a

garden room be more elegant? Interior
design practice Caroline Paterson has
selected a chandelier that emulates leaves,
a bench from a garden collection and an
exquisite frieze painted with exotic birds
and flowers to create an idyllic dining
experience. When a garden room is
designed to fully integrate with the
property for an elegant living space,
continuity of theme from one area to
another is important for a seamless flow.
Bifold doors provide a flexible partition

in this handsome orangery by Vale
Garden Houses. The company also
offers a complete interior design service.
A garden room by interior and furniture
designer Justin Van Breda incorporates
a galley kitchen with attractive period
detailing. The console table links the
various spaces and is a practical place
from which to serve food for an alfresco
lunch, or for arranging a series of
ambient candles.
THE ENGLISH HOME 75
Garden Room Resources
Source well executed furniture with Mary Carrolls suggested sources of inspiration
NEPTUNE
With the addition of many new and exciting
collections over the past year or so, Neptune is fast
becoming a one-stop shop for stylish home ideas.
The outdoor furniture collection is particularly good.
neptune.com
COX & COX
An online store with a selection of attractive
decorative pieces including planters and vases, plus
handsome metal loungers for bringing the outdoor
atmosphere indoors.
coxandcox.co.uk
PERENNIALS
For fabrics with great resistance to light and grime,
American company Perennials is the master at
producing acrylics with all the properties of natural
fibres plus inbuilt resistance to fading and marking.
robertspurway.com
MCKINNON AND HARRIS
Likened to the Rolls Royce of garden furniture,
this American collection is based on a spray-painted
76 THE ENGLISH HOME
aluminium frame for furniture which is incredibly

resilient for outdoors, yet looks beautifully elegant
inside. It is also sublimely comfortable.
mckinnonharris.com
INDIA JANE
With a section devoted to the conservatory on its
website, this is an affordable resource. The site also
features a tantalising collection of chandeliers.
indiajane.co.uk
GARDEN TRADING
For everyone who yearns for a garden room yet with
touches of a glamorous potting shed, this company
has some interesting pieces of furniture along with
plenty of accessories to capture the look.
gardentrading.co.uk
VINCENT SHEPPARD
For those familiar with Lloyd Loom, Vincent
Sheppard takes this style of furniture to a new level
of sophistication and comfort and the colour palette
is extremely elegant.
vincentsheppard.com
PHOTOGRAPHS P73 (CENTRE) POLLY ELTES
LEFT TO RIGHT
Conservatory
specialist Vale offers
a lovely selection of
furniture too.
Imperia Sofa from
3,690 and Fuscello
side table 1750,
Interiors by Vale.
Fabrics that resist
light and grime.
Seat cushion in
Rough Copy Sahara
96 a yard; cushion in
Perfect Setting
Wheat 111 a yard,
Perennials range
from Robert Spurway
The Vallerona range
of weathered Acacia
furniture is ideal for a
garden room.
Vallerona 2-Seater
Sofa, 2,625, all Oka.
08458 727 626

www.interiorsbyvale.com
Inspirational British living and bedroom

furniture without the high street price tag
0845 485 6350

www.willowandhall.co.uk/english
Ou r best seller... T he Appley, A super -co mfy easy ro ll-o ut so fA bed
2 seater model shown. Also available as a 1 and 3 seater.
BY DEFINITION:
FURNITURE FINISHES (PART 2)
In our second overview of specialist finishes, we consider terms for decorative
applications designed to enhance with shimmering highlights or beautiful tactile effects
SHAGREEN
This tactile, highly textured and durable
finish is used on furniture and smaller
storage boxes for a distinctive surface look.
The authentic finish is created from the
tanned hides of stingrays, although high
quality faux variations are now also
available. The hides are dried, dyed,
sanded (to remove the high points of the
rough granular scales) and polished;
consequently colours vary from hide to
hide. It can be used in single colour
finishes or pieced together in mosaic-style
patterns for a tonal effect.
Shagreen is thought to have been used
on Chinese body armour in the Han
dynasty, and later by the Japanese in the
eighth and ninth centuries, for the same
purpose. One of the early, high-profile
users in Europe was Paris-based master
leather worker Jean-Claude Galluchat,
who worked in the court of Louis XV,
and whose work includes elaborate snuff
boxes and vases veneered in shagreen.
In the art deco period, Jean Michel
Frank and his design contemporaries used
shagreen extensively on furniture,
wrapping it around curved forms.
Note: in Thailand stingray are often
bred for food, so the skins are a
by-product. Modern shagreen is usually
taken from farmed animals.
ORMOLU
Ormolu is the term used to describe the
application of a gold-mercury amalgam
onto decorative objects during the
eighteenth and into the nineteenth
centuries. It was a finish usually applied
to a base of bronze, copper or brass in
a process of fire gilding, in which high
heat was applied to burn off the mercury
and leave the gold adhering to the surface.
The technique was used to create gilded
mounts on furniture, ornate clocks and

also upon porcelain.
The word ormolu is derived from
the French term or moulu, which refers
to ground or pounded gold and it is a
technique which reached its zenith of
craftsmanship in France. Today,
electroplating is used instead of the
mercury-based amalgam, to avoid
the poisonous fumes given off in
the fire-gilding process.
GILDING
Gilding is the application of fine metal
leaf (usually gold) or powder to a solid
surface for decorative effect. According to
an article on buildingconservation.com the
technique of gilding has changed little
since the building of the pyramids in
Egypt, although over the centuries
techniques have enhanced the variation
of colour, texture and lustre which
can be achieved. In addition, durability
has also been improved.
Leaf is applied in one of two methods:
oil gilding, commonly used on
architectural detailing, uses a linseed-oil
based size a type of glue; the more
elaborate water gilding technique, known
for its refinement of finish, involves the
use of up to 12 coats of gesso to the base
surface to produce a very smooth surface,
then uses up to eight coats of a refined
clay known as bole. The bole is polished
to avoid any flaws that would ruin the
elegance of the gilded finish.
Gold leaf comes in purity grades from
1224 carat, and is so thin that it is
translucent when held up to the light.
Imitation leaf is also available.
GESSO
This is an applied finish which looks like
a dense paint, and is a mixture that usually
includes chalk, gypsum, pigment and

a binder. The word gesso comes from
the Italian for plaster. Multiple coats are
applied to furniture to create a durable,
chalky matt appearance. This works
particularly well on porous soft woods.
The gesso can be pre-colour-tinted with
pigments prior to application and is
effective in magnifying the look of intricate
detailing on furniture. It can be sanded,
built up and carved, and polished. It is a
good base for painted details or paint
effects. Imitation gesso can be created with
PVA glue and whiting chalk or a high
quality casein paint although authentic
plaster-based gesso is more durable. Gesso
can be given a finely cracked decorative
finish and should always be coated with
a protective lacquer layer. It can be used
to create sophisticated finishes for doors
or wall panelling, too. Q
Designer Katharine
Pooley often
commissions
shagreen finishes
for bespoke pieces
seen here on table
tops and cabinets.
THE ENGLISH HOME 79
PROMOTION
Furniture finish specialists

For expert advice and to commission a unique nish for bespoke furniture, consider working
with one of these brands, all specialists in the furniture and interiors elds.
RUPERT BEVAN
Rupert Bevan and his team of skilled artists are experts in bespoke surface nishes.
They use traditional techniques and materials, reinterpreting their application for
contemporary environments and developing new nishes exclusively with clients.
Specialists in hand-painting and distressing, gilding, chinoiserie, gesso, verre glomis,
vellum, shagreen, metalwork and more.
rupertbevan.com | 020 7731 1919
TITCHMARSH & GOODWIN

We are proud to still be hand-making furniture at our workshops in England, using a
team of highly skilled cabinet-makers, carvers, gilders and French polishers, who give
our furniture a quality and beauty of nish that is exceptional. Telephone for a
brochure or visit our website wed love to work with you to produce a beautiful piece
for your home.
titchmarsh-goodwin.co.uk | 01473 252158
RUTH TAPPIN
With over 15 years of restoration experience Ruth Tappin Restorations offers a full
gilding and restoration service for antique mirrors, picture frames and gilded furniture.
This ranges from the replacement of small missing parts to fully re-gilding. Alongside
this, bespoke replica mirrors and frames are hand made using traditional techniques
and materials.
ruth-tappin.co.uk | 01538 385375
LEPORELLO LIVING
Leporellos exquisite painted furniture is all designed and made in England. The team of
highly skilled craftsmen designs and produces an exceptional range of painted furniture
from classic to contemporary in style. Each piece is hand made to order using traditional
techniques and meticulously hand nished in a choice of paint colours and treatments.
Bespoke nishes include hand painted decorative oral designs.
leporello.co.uk | 01483 284109
ENGLANDER LINE
The wide range of options for hand carving, nishing and polishing to your detailed
specication sets Englander Line craftsmen apart from the rest.
We create unique pieces to match even the most demanding requirements.
See the range of available standard nishes on our website or call to discuss your ideas.
englanderline.com | 020 3441 6160
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82 THE ENGLISH HOME
THE VALUE OF
DESIGN
EXPERTISE
The ultimate home looks beautiful and
works like clockwork; a talented interior
designer can deliver that dream. Here is
our guide to hiring a skilled professional
iring an interior designer is often considered

a luxury, but in todays time-pressed world,
employing a professional should rather be
considered an investment; a design professional
can maximise the potential of ones living space, seek out
competitive prices, and design a good-looking scheme to endure.
What a project looks like is the clients main concern, says
designer Robert Carslaw. How that is achieved is the reason why
one employs an interior designer.
CALLING IN A PROFESSIONAL
A true professional is more than just a creative eye: he or she
should combine training and experience with business acumen.
In the UK, the term interior designer is commonly used
(interior decorator is primarily an American definition), whilst an
architectural designer focuses very specifically on spatial planning
and structural elements. Interior design is now a thriving
profession, with the British Institute of Interior Design (BIID)
celebrating its fiftieth anniversary this year.
A skilled interior designer can advise on joinery, use of space
and furnishings, liaise with an architect or builder, projectmanage, and bring a fresh perspective to a clients existing
possessions. They also guide through the minefield of products
and avoid expensive mistakes, adds Emma Sims-Hilditch whose
Bath-based practice was set up 20 years ago. Then, there is each
designers little black book of talented tradespeople, the ability
to purchase at trade prices and the confidence to commission a
OPPOSITE Many designers

will design and commission
bespoke pieces of furniture
providing the client with a
truly unique interior tailored
to their lifestyle and budget.
This four-poster bed is a
bespoke design by Thorp.
Carved commode, 1,289,
Chelsea Textiles
ABOVE Often, a designers
confidence with colour and
pattern will result in a more
sophisticated scheme; this
classically contemporary
sitting room is chic and
feminine with a subtle palette
of powder-blue and off-white.

Armchair covered in Silk
Velvet in Misty Blue, 210 a
metre, Kravet. Interlinking
Boxes design hand-knotted
rug, POA, Vanderhurd.
BELOW A client should
expect to see a sample board
showing the key wall colours
and fabric choices proposed
for the scheme so the client
can see how these will work
together. This board
prepared by Thorp shows the
final selection of materials
and finishes for the bedroom
scheme opposite.

THE ENGLISH HOME 83
THIS PAGE,
CLOCKWISE FROM
TOP LEFT There is
a skill to selecting
a stand-out piece of
furniture or fabric and
subsequently weaving
in colour accents and
antique pieces, as this
bedroom by Joanna
Wood exemplifies.
Bedhead and curtains
in Palampore Charcoal
Blue on Oyster, 197
a metre, Bennison.
A harmonious sitting
room by Emma Sims
Hilditch shows how
even a subtle colour
scheme can be
bespoke piece. A designer should take

the headache away and make the journey
fun, says Bunny Turner of Turner
Pocock Interior Design.
Hiring a designer with formal training
has major benefits, as courses provide
crucial specialist knowledge. Interior-design
students study hard-core subjects from
plumbing and heating, to technology,
alongside styles and materials, sketching
and CAD, estimating and costing.
Jacqueline Duncan, dean and founder of
the Inchbald School of Design, places great
value on students learning to interpret a
brief. This allows the designer to develop
solutions which are consonant with the
clients aspirations.
But not all good designers are trained:
some may come from a complementary
background, such as interiors styling,
delivering a fresh perspective and hands-on
experience. Most important of all is the
skill-level of the designer, and the size of the
practice. It is up to the client to decide
whether it is better to pick a solo creative,
delivering a super personal service; a top
84 THE ENGLISH HOME
design practice, with associated higher

costs, bigger staff and the wider range of
contacts or to employ a junior designer
within an established practice, which may
be less expensive but will come with the
back-up of a big team. However, personal
recommendation and bags of experience
matter above all else.
DEGREES OF SERVICE
It is a good idea to trawl a variety of
designer websites as the choice of services
varies enormously. Some designers work
exclusively on whole house projects, often
alongside an architect and builder, whilst
others offer targeted or budget options,
from single-room design, to floor plans
and mood-board suggestions, or soft
furnishings and furniture only. Selected
designers also undertake turnkey projects,
completing a home to its last teaspoon.
Whatever the size of job, every potential
commission should begin with an initial
discussion and meeting. The client and
designer can see if they click and this is
normally free of charge. Some designers
cleverly nuanced and

enlivened with a mix
of textures and tones.
Walls in Lily, 34 for
2.5l matt emulsion,
Neptune. Curtains
in Retro Alabaster
linen, 77 a metre,
Mark Alexander.
A skilled designer will
draw together a mix
of the clients pieces
with new and antique
furniture, giving the
impression of an
evolution over time.
William IV chairs,
2,043; Ennismore
stool, 2,826, both
Lawson Wood
advise that the homeowner visit the

designers studio, others prefer an initial
phone conversation, subsequently meeting
the client on site. Philippa Thorp, who
heads a London-based design company,
describes this as the time for each party
to discuss the project and for us to access
the art of the possible. A client should
view the designers website and portfolio,
and be up-front about design wishes,
budget and timescale.
Designers are unanimous that any
project should be backed up by a contract,
or, failing that, a formal written
agreement; this is crucial to set out what
services the designer is offering, fees and
how these will be paid, whether experts
(such as an audio-visual specialist) will be
required, plus additional costs, and
a projected timescale, so a client can
measure how works are progressing. There
is no industry standard fee structure;
fees will vary according to the designer
and size or type of job. BIID member
Susie Rumbold of Tessuto Interiors says
there may be a fixed fee, an hourly rate,
a percentage of project value, alternatively,

a percentage added to trade prices. Often
it is a combination, she says. A designer
might charge a fixed design fee, say, for
joinery drawings, then a percentage of the
joinery cost for supervising installation.
ESTABLISHING & MANAGING THE
RELATIONSHIP
Every designer emphasises the need for
communicative discussion based on
transparency and trust. The client/designer
relationship is unusual: it must remain
professional but it is also personal, says
Jenny Gibbs, Principal of KLC School
of Design. A designer will need to
understand how the client lives, discuss
taste and establish the budget, therefore
intimate questions will need to be asked.
Also, the client needs to feel the designer
is really listening and able to interpret
what they want both practically and
stylistically, says Karen Howes of Taylor
Howes Design. If necessary, interview a
few designers to ensure a perfect fit.
One of a designers key roles is to
ABOVE AND RIGHT

A trained designer
will streamline an
understanding of
plumbing and good
space-planning with
hard- working yet
beautiful materials,
as in this elegant
bathroom design by
Janine Stone.
Chateau supersize
free-standing bath
with chrome feet,
POA, Lefroy Brooks.
Many designers will
provide hand
drawings or CAD
visuals for clients
who may find it
difficult to visualise
the finished room.
In rooms where
space is at a premium
a designer may
commission bespoke
joinery to maximise
space. Janine Stone
used honed Calacatta
marble for the basin
surrounds and floor.
THE ENGLISH HOME 85
ABOVE This chic

contemporary
drawing room by
Turner Pocock
demonstrates how
well clean, modern
lines and bold
colours and patterns
can work together
beautifully in a
period setting.
Walls in Squid Ink,
37.50 for 2.5l flat
emulsion, Paint &
Paper Library. Sofa
covered in Cordoba
1007-1 linen in
Coral/Moonstone,
176 a metre,
Vanderhurd
create a beautiful environment, whilst reflecting

the clients taste. Or is it? Many designers prefer a
fine line between both, gently guiding a client away
from furniture past its best, reinventing good pieces,
and offering unexpected design solutions the client
might not have considered. Equally, a client must
not feel pressurised into approving a scheme that
does not suit their taste. Designer Sarah StewartSmith says: Dreaming up a gorgeous room is the
easy bit. The skill lies in pulling off a home that
seriously works.
Occasionally things can go wrong, so be prepared.
BIID council member Brian Lawrence recommends
a get-out space after initial presentations, prior to
contracts being signed. If the job has already started,
all designers advocate open discussion and honesty.
Finally, Joanna Wood recommends that a
homeowner always employs a BIID member: As
well as an assured high standard of experience,
these designers have direct access to a panel of
arbitrators and contractors.
Ultimately, hiring an interior designer ought to be
an exciting, rewarding and financially savvy journey.
The road to doing up your home is tricky, so having
someone you can trust to make decisions in your best
interest is the key to success, concludes Thorp.
ACCREDITATION & RECOURSE

The British Institute of Interior Design (BIID)
is the pre-eminent professional organization
for interior designers in the UK, with a national
and international membership and a Code of
Conduct and Professional Ethics. It is the only
professional organisation for interior designers
granted the accolade of Institute status by the
Minister of State.
The Society of British and International
Design (SBID) has adopted the European
Council of Interior Architects and Designers
Code of Conduct.
The BIID produces the only standard form of
agreement for interior design in the UK, which
is known as the CID/14, and also the BIID
Interior Design Job Book, detailing how to run
a project. Both are available to order from the
RIBA Bookshop online at ribabookshops.com
All professional interior designers should carry
Professional Indemnity, Public Liability Insurance
and, if they have staff, Employers Liability
Insurance. Product Liability insurance is also
desirable. If there is a problem that cannot be
fixed via discussion between client and designer,
and the designer is a BIID member, the body
offers a formal dispute-resolution service.
PROMOTION
Professional Expertise
Working with a professional interior designer can help achieve the dream outcome.
JENNIFER MANNERS
CLARITAS INTERIORS INTERIOR DESIGN FOR ELEGANT HOMES

Always employ an interior designer to do the things that you cant do for yourself
Use their eyes to look at your home differently, to see the magic that
might be hiding in your familiar four walls. Use their air with space and
colour, fabrics and nishes, furniture and lighting to transform how your
home makes you feel. Use their experience so that you dont make the
mistakes that theyve often seen made before. Use their time to take
care of every detail from rst sketches to a fabulous nished home. And
use their taste, style and professional good grace to make you feel that
it was all your idea in the rst place.
claritasinteriors.co.uk | 0776 827 5660
clare@claritasinteriors.co.uk
APRIL RUSSELL - THE ART OF INTERIORS

Creating utterly unique interiors on both sides of the Atlantic, April
Russell has the ability to capture each clients individual vision. Focusing
on clients existing or growing art collections, April accompanies them on
an inspirational journey focusing on the layout of each room and the ow
of space and architecture throughout. Aprils passion is to create beautiful
homes with stunning artwork, subtle paint nishes, bespoke furniture and
carefully chosen soft furnishings.
aprilrussell.com | 0203 055 0090
studio@aprilrussell.com
Jennifer Manners Bespoke

Rugs is a small design studio
that specialises in exquisite
handmade rugs.
Each rug is made-to-order in
the precise size, colour and
design required. Every detail
is passionately considered
from start to nish. Each
piece is crafted in Nepal and
India by artisans with the
nest attention to detail.
Choose from our extensive
library of designs or we
can create a bespoke rug
exclusively for you. Discover
how the perfect rug can
completely transform your
space.
Studio visits by appointment
in Chelsea, London.
jennifermanners.co.uk
0207 351 2584
jennifer@jennifermanners.co.uk
LATHAM INTERIORS GEORGIAN INTERIORS SPECIALISTS

At Latham Interiors, we live and breathe interior design for Georgian
properties. Whether its restoring original grandeur or modernising
to combine contemporary style with historical empathy, we can help.
Ranging from townhouses to stately homes, we provide interior design,
procurement and project management resulting in some of the most
stunning Georgian properties in the country designed for modern living.
lathaminteriors.co.uk | 0148 382 2217
sarah@lathaminteriors.co.uk
WALLS OF ARTISTRY
Wallpaper design requires artistic skill and a mathematical mind to create
beautiful seamless designs in a constrained and repeating medium
88 FOR
THEWHERE
ENGLISH
TO HOME
BUY SEE ADDRESS BOOK
Cole & Son have the luxury of using archive documents such as this
two-hundred-year-old toile de Jouy that forms the basis of the
Versailles Collection. The designers rescaled the motif and coloured
it differently for a classic, contemporary feel. An alternative
colourway
features
multi-colours
for HOME
aBOOK
show-stopping
FOR
WHEREbright
TO BUY
THE
SEEENGLISH
ADDRESS
88
and unexpected statement paper.
e take for granted that many homes possess

a great art collection. These masterpieces are
not framed and displayed above the mantelpiece
but adorn walls from ceiling to floor in the form
of beautiful papers featuring designs that have been hand drawn
and painted by talented artists. A wallpaper designer turns their
hand to creating delicate floral motifs one day, and geometric
patterns the next, balancing artistic flair with a need to work
within the parameters of print production to create repeating,
seamless designs. Scale, colour and repeats all have to be
balanced and work in harmony to create a beautiful wallpaper
which, although not a grand master, still deserves recognition as
a beautiful work of art.
DRAWING AND PAINTING
Despite the advent of digital printing and computer-aided
design (CAD) software, luxury wallpaper specialists still rely on
artistic talent for creating designs. When I look for a designer,
the ability to draw and render is fundamental, says Shauna
Dennison, creative director of Cole & Son. And not with
CAD, but literally with pencil, ink or paint. This is a
sentiment echoed by head designer of Morris & Co, Alison
Gee, who enthuses that all our new designs are hand drawn
and painted from start to finish, the computer is simply a tool
that helps make the technical process more effective. The
drawing and painting of the single part of a design can take
hours of work. Editor, Kerryn Harper-Cuss, notes The
diligence of the artist behind each wallpaper can easily be
underestimated. I recall visiting a design studio to preview new
collections and learning how one individual peony flower had
taken the designer three months to paint. The peony was
scanned into the computer, rescaled and repeated as a regular
motif. The resultant wallpaper was very beautiful, with such
attention to detail but I wonder how many consumers would
ever guess at the time frame of its creation.
The designers will create one unit of a repeat by drawing and
painting and this artwork can then be scanned into a computer
to see a number of repeats at once. You can zoom out and it is
like stepping back and looking at an entire wall, explains Gee.
This allows us to look for faults in the repeat. Faults may
include a strong line that draws the eye in one direction too
much. The eye picks out a strong diagonal or vertical line,
for example, says Dennison. If you have a row of trees you
ABOVE TOP To get around the constraints of the width repeat the
Cole & Son design team created two alternating papers to spread
the repeat across the width of two papers for the Macchine
Vollante design. Although the height repeat is the same because
of the printing process, the double width allows the design more
space and feels less repetitive.
ABOVE Good wallpaper design should be seamless when hung.
This paper by Harlequin from the Purity collection features an
over-scaled floral motif. Design director Claire Vallis suggests
large-scale designs add instant drama and designer flair to a
room with their confident motifs. Do not be daunted by them as
the play on scale actually works to encourage the feeling of space.
THE ENGLISH HOME 89
might find they start to all finish at the same height so that
would need altering. Repeat problems can be far more evident
on wallpapers than on fabrics, walls are far less forgiving, says
Gee. A fabric can disguise problems as often it is folded or
draped and you are less likely to see as many repeats in
succession. A wall is flat and expansive so can show problems
more readily. Gee found this when translating William Morriss
iconic Strawberry Thief fabric into a wallpaper. There was
a strong horizontal line which was much more noticeable than
on the fabric, so we had to tweak it and tilt some of the birds
heads up, she reveals.
SCALE AND REPEAT
The design process can be restrictive, working to standard
widths of wallpaper and having a set repeat height. Wallpaper
is generally a repeating medium, and conventional printing
involves cylindrical screens or drums, so we are limited to
a particular width and height; once the screen runs its full
circumference you are back to the beginning again, informs
Dennison. As such, there are height repeats to adhere to and
standard widths of 52cm or 68.5cm used in the industry.
Dennison cleverly combatted this problem of a width
restriction in Macchine Vollante from the Fornasetti II
collection. We wanted to get a lot of scale and imagery into
that design, so the single unit repeat is over two widths of
wallpaper. This means that there is an A and a B roll which
90 THE ENGLISH HOME
are hung alternately to provide a more expansive repeat. Of

course we were still restrained by the height, as the drums can
only be so big, adds Dennison.
Getting the correct scale can be challenging, particularly for
companies producing fabrics, too, since the width of a fabric is
far greater than that of a wallpaper. As such the scale sometimes
has to be reduced to accommodate the dimensions. Michael
Haas, director of Ivo Prints, which specialises in both digital
and screen printing, found a solution to this in using a different
type of paper. I came across a wide width, non-woven paper
which you can treat almost like a fabric you can even sew it
together, enabling us to use the large screen panels we would
use for fabric printing. This allows for a repeat size of over a
metre so you can be far more dramatic in the design, he says.
He explains this is particularly useful when a client wants to
hang a paper and fabric together: Trellis designs, for example,
have to be a very precise and mathematical design, so when
something works well on a fabric, it has to be reduced by two
thirds to work on a roller for a paper, which can be
problematic when the two are seen together.
ARCHIVE DESIGNS
Rescaling often has to occur, too, when using archive designs,
or documents, as they are known. We try to be as authentic
and as close as possible to the original Morris designs,
explains Gee, however, the fabric and paper sizes we use now
FOR WHERE TO BUY

THE
SEEENGLISH
ADDRESSHOME
BOOK 90
BELOW LEFT Lewis & Wood often translates artists work into
wallpapers. Here, a hand-carved block print by Andrew Davidson
was enlarged and coloured to create the Royal Oak wallpaper.
BELOW, FAR LEFT At their wide-width wallpaper studio at Chelsea
Design Centre, Lewis & Wood provides a bespoke service, allowing
customers to customise the colours and scale of several designs,
including Saskia, shown far left.
are different so we do have to alter the scale accordingly.

Dennison believes there is a sweet point for things like
flowers and leaves, and that tends to be 100 per
cent like for like, or slightly larger. When you draw
something from life you tend to draw it at the size you see it,
and this feels very natural when translated to a wallpaper. Of
course, drama can be achieved by increasing the scale, or a
ditsier effect achieved by reducing it right down. Dennison
and her team often play with the scale of archive documents,
or alter the colours to bring it up to date. Our Versailles
Grand collection is from a two-hundred-year-old toile de
Jouy in a classic red-and-cream colourway, to which we added
colours and blew up the scale to create something unexpected
and give it a new sense of identity.
PRINTING PROCESSES
The print process too, can have an influence on the design
or perhaps the design dictates the most effective print
process. Gee explains that for archival pieces they tend to use
traditional methods that echo the way Morriss pieces were
printed. Digital printing can be used to allow for a greater
amount of definition, detail and colours. However, even
with digital printing, we still try to give the papers a feeling
of authenticity and replicate the hand block marks and
stippling effect. Haas explains a similar ethos is maintained
at Ivo, Too much digital printing can feel sterile. It is too
perfect, the lines are too crisp and machined, so we go to great
efforts to make the papers look hand-done with stippling and
line texture, mimicking the effects of block and screen printing.
Ivo will often use screen printing as part of the design process
and allows customers to be involved in this process to create a
bespoke effect. The design evolves and the creative juices get
flowing as you build up colours. Once we have something we are
happy with we can assess whether screen or digital printing will
be most successful for the finished paper.
Although most printing is achieved with ink, Farrow & Ball
uses its paints to print its decorative papers, offering a unique
tactile texture to the papers and a seamless match to
their paint collection. A number of techniques are employed,
depending upon the type of design. The trough method is
used for dragged stripes, where a trough is filled with paint
which passes onto hand-cut foam pads which create the
stripes as the paper is fed through. The very traditional
method of flat-bed block printing is used, where paint is
applied to intricately, hand-engraved blocks which are
carefully pressed onto paper like a stamp.
A similar method is the roller-block print, where cylindrical
rollers are engraved and pass through a paint-filled trough
to roll the design on. Head of creative, Charlotte Crosby, says,
these traditional methods can create some limitations in the
type of design and number of colours we can use, but our
team of wallpaper craftsmen embrace the challenge and

Farrow & Ball uses their paints to print their

collection of wallpapers using a number of
different, traditional techniques. The trough
method is used to create dragged stripes,
whereas a roller-block print can be used for
more intricate designs. Once printed with the
design, the papers are given a final glaze to
provide a durable finish.
THE ENGLISH HOME 91
FURTHER RESOURCES
Architectural Textiles
Fabric wallcoverings made from silk,
hemp, linen and grasscloth, includes
a selection of metallic finishes.
architecturaltextiles.co.uk
Bernard Thorp
Excellent selection of textured
wallcoverings, including silks and
printed grasscloths.
bernardthorp.co.uk
ABOVE AND RIGHT Archive designs by Morris &

Co are replicated as authentically as possible,
retaining character with block marks and stippling.
ABOVE, FAR RIGHT In addition to digital printing,
Ivo Prints uses traditional screen printing allowing
for creative and experimental designs.
92 THE ENGLISH HOME
Bruce Fine Papers

Producers of hand-blocked papers,
also provide bespoke, restoration or
reconstruction services.
brucefinepapers.com
Fardis
Contemporary collections include
metallic finishes, embossing and
other textural elements.
fardis.com
Hamilton Weston
Specialists in historic wallpapers; can
reproduce and recolour archive
documents and hand-block designs.
hamiltonweston.com
Ornamenta
Bespoke papers and site-specific
designs available in addition to a
collection of hand-painted designs.
ornamenta.co.uk
Wallpaper Handmade by
Dunford Wood
These papers are printed by hand
using meticulously cut lino blocks.
handmadewallpaper.co.uk
Watts of Westminster
Collection includes archival,
traditional hand-blocked designs.
watts1874.co.uk
FE AT U RE K AT Y MC L E AN
our collection includes florals, damasks,

geometrics and stripes.
In addition to balancing the restrictions and
requirements of the printing process, creating
a beautiful design that pleases the eye when
repeated, and creating a number of colourways,
the designer must also consider the decorator.
The match points of the repeat should always
be determined by how easy it makes it for the
decorator to hang and match, explains
Dennison. That is, rather than ensuring the
nice bit of the design sits right in the middle of
the roll. It should not matter where the rim of
the paper is as, if it can be hung well, you should
not see that and it should be seamless and match
perfectly across the wall. With so much
attention to detail, artistic talent, creativity and
craft required to create the finished paper, these
works of art deserve to be treasured as much as
any painting. Q
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783 8083
HSP GARDEN BUILDINGS LTD

Summerhouses, Gazebos and Garden Rooms
3 Hampstead Court, Hampstead Avenue, Mildenhall, Suffolk, IP28 7AS

w: www.hspgardenbuildings.com e: info@hspgardenbuildings.com
t: +44 (0) 1638 583814 f: +44 (0) 1638 583815
SUMMER IN
THE GARDEN
From jovial summer parties to places of quiet contemplation, gardens,
especially those treated as outdoor rooms in their own right, provide
immense opportunity for enjoying the best of summer
The pleasures of summer are for the taking with this

comfortable chair and table and a favourite cushion.
Rivoli folding table, 69; Rivoli folding chair, 55; Epirus
cushion cover, 124; and selected tableware, all Oka
THE ENGLISH HOME 95
TRANQUIL REPOSE
o matter how large or how small, whether in stately grounds

or a city pied-a-terre, every garden should offer place for
quiet retreat, either early in the morning, or at the end of the
day. In larger gardens where these may be a permanent fixture,
courtyards and secluded wooded areas offer ideal spaces. In such
instances, consider incorporating a focal point such as an armillary
sphere, sundial or sculpture to hold the look together, as well
somewhere comfortable to sit.
Water is always a pleasing addition in quieter spaces, where both the
look and sound of it can be soothing. Much depends on the volume
of flow in a water feature, and it is worth taking time to adjust the
speed at which the water flows to taste: a rule of thumb is that the
more water there is in circulation and the faster it flows, the noisier
the water feature will be. Traditional fountains are always a popular
choice in such gardens try Chilston and Haddonstone for cast stone;
specialist reclamation companies such as Lichen Garden Antiques,
English Salvage, Leominster Reclamation and LASSCO, for timeless
stone ornaments, as well as classic wrought iron items, including
furniture pieces and garden accessories.
SUMMERTIME STRUCTURES
For many, temporary fixtures such a simple swing seat or deck chair,
brought out for the summer offers escape enough, and there must be
few pleasures more enjoyable or more simple than spending an
afternoon dozing in a hammock with a good book and pot of tea or
a gin and tonic close to hand. Odd Limited makes covetable swing
seats, whilst Hstens, normally associated with beds, offers desirable
hammocks. Fermob, the European furniture company selling through
the Conran Shop and the White Company also offer unusual garden
furniture pieces. Those more inclined to traditional furniture design
might find suitable items, including loungers, from McKinnon and
Harris, Garpa, Neptune and Sweetpea and Willow.
Canopies and tents, too, can offer delightful temporary escape:
look to Titania, which specialises in creating whimsical structures, or
consider devising your own with a frame and chosen fabric Indian
saris would offer a pleasing diaphanous effect.
96 THE ENGLISH HOME
CLOCKWISE FROM FAR LEFT
Enjoy drinks for two at the bottom of the garden with a pair
of rustic wooden chairs and built-in table.
Cleobury acacia wood double seat, 219.99, Hartman at
Hayes Garden World
It is an undeniable pleasure to spend a warm afternoon
dozing or reading a book in a hammock, such as this one
in pure cotton and with a distinctive check.
Blue check hammock, 210x140cm, 180, Hstens
Water features can be especially pleasing and the sound
of running water will introduce an extra dimension.
Cast stone double lotus fountain, 1,499, Haddonstone
Temporary structures have as much appeal as more
permanent ones. Erect a wind screen and lay out a quilt and
cushions for a lazy afternoon in the shade. And everyone
loves a swing seat.
le de R Stripe Scatter Cushion, 35; le de R Stripe
Outdoor Reversible Mattress with Bag, 150; Fermob
Hanging Chair, 325; Cushion, 30, all The White Company
Canopies and awnings can also be erected for the duration
of summer, especially if they are made from a durable fabric
that has been given a protective UV coating.
Mediterranean Shamiana awning, POA, Titania Living
FRAGRANT EMBRACE
Scent is wonderfully conducive to setting a mood, and it is
worth considering including fragrant plants in a garden of
retreat, especially if it will be visited in the evening. Many of
the headiest plants are white flowering and offer night-time
fragrance, primarily to attract moth pollinators, but humans
may enjoy the display, too: consider Nicotiana sylvestris, Brugmansia
suaveolens, lilies, wisteria and jasmine. Sarah Raven is well-known
for consistently reliable plants.
THE ENGLISH HOME 97
A dedicated place for a table and chairs

can make all the difference to summer
parties. The Mead table by Gaze Burvill
has no cross bars or corner legs to get in
the way and tables may be joined.
Mead table, from 2,890 for a six-seater;
Chancery chairs, from 780, Gaze Burvill.
CONVIVIAL GATHERINGS
here is a distinct pleasure to be had in long, lazy lunches

taken outdoors, the adults passing time around a table
whilst children are sent off to explore the garden or
engage in an impromptu cricket match on the lawn. Such
occasions are made more comfortable with the appropriate
garden furniture and accessories no-one wishes to eat from a
paper plate resting on the knee and such things are worthy of
investment. With the addition of outdoor heaters, or even fire,
designated spaces may comfortably be used well into autumn
as well as on fine spring days.
Contemporary living spaces often include a combined kitchen
and living space often opening onto a terrace or kitchen garden
via an orangery or conservatory. Opening the doors of these
rooms wide can offer the sense of being outside whilst offering
the comfort of being indoors, which is especially useful on
overcast days when rain threatens.
Conservatory furniture occupies a particular niche and giving
it due consideration will mean the room is much more likely to
be enjoyed year round. Read our feature on Page 72 for more on
the subject. Summerhouses, loggias and gazebos, sold by the likes
of Scotts of Thrapston, HSP Garden Buildings and Lugarde, also
lend themselves to comfortable sheltered entertaining.
SETTING THE SCENE

In entertaining areas that are truly outdoors, consider first the
ground on which a table will rest as well as its surroundings.
Having a surface levelled and paved professionally with concrete
or tiles will help set the tone larger slabs of limestone and
sandstone are always a popular choice, with the added advantages
98 THE ENGLISH HOME
of being relatively affordable and easy to live with. Meanwhile,

instituting a change of level, through wide, shallow steps, a
retaining wall or both can delineate an entertainment area
from the rest of the garden and contribute to the overall
sense of place. Ensure these are readily visible, particularly at
dusk, to avert accidental tumbles.
Wooden furniture is timeless, and hardwoods such as teak
or iroko are particularly durable, weathering to an appealing
silvery-grey as the years go by. Gaze Burvill and Barlow Tyrie
both offer a pleasing selection of wooden garden designs in
classic styles. Lighter than traditional wrought iron, cast
aluminium also remains a popular choice - consider Oxleys
or Hartman for appealing styles.
Where cushions, blinds and umbrellas are used, make sure
fabric has been treated with a UV coating so as to prevent it from
fading and perishing from prolonged exposure to weather.
LIGHTING
Parties will inevitably extend into the evening and at this point
lighting comes into its own. Many gardens will doubtless have a
professional lighting system already in place but even if this is the
case, as well as for those that dont, there is a host of attractive
lighting accessories available that will contribute to a festive
summer atmosphere. Solar-powered lamps are a practical and
environmentally friendly choice, and will light a path effectively.
For a more romantic setting, consider strings of 50s-style festoon
lights or individual lanterns. Cox and Cox offers an appealing
selection. Hurricane lamps, which protect lit candles, are widely
available and are a timeless option to consider.
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP A traditional, open-weave wicker design is

given a modern spin in the Harrington 3-seater sofa, 1,100, Neptune.
Cast aluminimum garden furniture is lighter than wrought iron but can
offer similar visual effect. Bretain 3000 table, 2,795; Bretain armchair,
695, with antique gold finish, Oxleys.
A drinks trolley is a fine idea, especially when wheeled out fully laden.
Custom-made, iron trolley, POA, The Heveningham Collection.
Lanterns with glass windows such as this can be pleasing. Never leave
a candle unattended. Latch-hook lantern, 45, Pastel Lane.
Shallow steps will slow the pace of tread and bring interest to garden
rooms. Kalahari Grey limestone tiles, from 144 a square metre, Stone
and Ceramic Warehouse.
Creating good flow between indoor and outdoor spaces is key.
Orangery in Umber, 53 for 2.5l exterior eggshell, Marston and Langinger.
THE ENGLISH HOME 99
A well designed glasshouse can make a

considerable difference to the lives of keen
gardeners, providing protection for tender plants.
Freestanding glasshouse, 1.8mx2,4m, from
8,995m Griffin Glasshouses.
GROWING YOUR OWN
esisting the urge to grow even a few herbs or salad vegetables is almost
impossible when the weather warms, and to venture into the garden to
gather the makings of a meal is one of summers pleasures. Working
spaces can easily become unsightly but with a few simple considerations their
appearance can be improved fairly quickly.
IN THE FRAME
Raised beds built up with aluminium or wooden retainers are perhaps the
benchmark for the vegetable garden, and it is certainly easier to keep gardens
looking neat when these are in place. Agriframes and Harrod Horticultural can
supply in addition to netted frames, and garden arches and structures for
climbers. For smaller spaces, Burgon and Ball offers woven willow planters with
a window fitting.
Paths between beds are also important and using gravel, rather than hard paving,
can help to reduce the speed of rainwater and encourage percolation once it
falls. It is available in many shades, from mellow Cotswold stone to cool slate
chips, and so can suit a range of garden styles, from cottage gardens to smarter,
more contemporary spaces.
MAKING SPACE
Often tucked away at the bottom of the garden, a glasshouse or potting shed
is almost certainly one of the most covetable items in the garden, not least for
the wonderful escape it offers. Many find a shed in an out-of-the way place an
excellent environment for a home office, being removed from the distraction
of the main house. Part of the fun of such spaces is their decoration: Cuprinol
Garden Shades offers an array of appealing colours, from fashionable greys
100 THE ENGLISH HOME
CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT Sheds that have been paid

due attention are more likely to be kept clean and tidy.
Striped collapsing bench in garden shed painted in Cool
Marble and Jasmin; walls and floors painted in Pale
Jasmin, all 24.99 for 2.5l, Cuprinol Garden Shades.
An unusual garden shed can become an outdoor
feature. Gothic Shed, 8x6ft, 3,900 (plus 385 for
delivery), The Posh Shed Company.
Extra details, such as stepping stones set in a gravel
path, can lift the tone of a working area. Farthing
stepping stone in bronze, 7,75 a stone, Bradstone.
More decorative accessories such as gloves and
kneelers, have a place in the garden, too.
Chicken-print garden kneeler, 13, Sophie Allport
OPPOSITE MIDDLE Use a cloche, or netting in larger
areas to protect juicy salad vegetables and soft fruits
such as strawberries from birds and other intruders.
Handmade cloche, with sturdy wire legs and solid brass
ring handle on tip, 16.95, Annabel James.
OPPOSITE BOTTOM Plant markers, often in slate and
sometimes in copper, will help indicate particular
varieties of fruit or vegetable and are especially good
for seedlings.Grey slate tag, 9x5cm, 1, Pastel Lane.
FEATURE VIVIENNE HAMBLY
and blues to more traditional greens and browns. Sophie Allport and
Vanessa Arbuthnott offer fabrics and accessories to suit, too. Bear in
mind that planning permission maybe necessary for larger structures,
particularly if electricity and water are to be connected. The Posh Shed
Company has long delivered sheds in pleasing styles, whether faux gothic
or contemporary, whilst Alitex and Griffin Glasshouses offers buildings
for the more serious vegetable grower.
Having the correct tools to hand can make garden tasks easier. Many on
the market are more decorative than they are practical but some items, such
as a kneeler or particular coffee mug, can bring whimsy to the garden. The
Sophie Conran range at Burgon and Ball offers small tools in sizes more
suited to a feminine hand, whilst De Wit, Sneeboer and Joseph Bentley
have a history of making quality garden tools many are available from
online garden retailer Crocus, see crocus.co.uk
Finally, at the end of the day, it is important to be able to admire ones
labours in comfort. Victorian-style wire furniture is well-suited to quirkier
areas of the garden Marston & Langinger can supply. James Fuller, of
Home and Garden Ironwork, and Iron Art of Bath undertake bespoke
commissions for a range of outdoor pieces. Q
THE ENGLISH HOME 101
SET THE
SCENE
A f e w se l e c te d ac c e ssori es
w i l l prov i de a f i n i sh i n g to uc h
to ou tdoor spac e s
2
10
3
1 Decorated in appealing shades and
fitted with comfortable furniture, a
shed makes a useful hobby room, or
can be scaled up to a home office.
Walls and roof in Smooth Pebble;
floor in Purple Slate, both 24.99 for
2.5 litres, Cuprinol Garden Shades
2 A lounger is always appreciated,
especially when it is stylish, comfortable
and roomy enough for two.
Iron double lounger with brown
wash finish, 300, teamed with
indoor/outdoor double cushion,
150, Cox and Cox
3 Tried and tested galvanised metal
watering cans suit any setting,
whether traditional or contemporary.
Watering can 35, Pastel Lane
4 A trio of galvanised herb pots
makes an attractive feature on
a window ledge, or work table.
Sophie Conran herb pots, 12.95,
Occa-Home
5 Providing a nesting box, as well
as bird table or bath, will encourage
avian friends to visit. Install it high
up to dissuade uninvited cats and
roaming foxes from visiting.

Vintage-style, distressed birdhouse,
14, Pastel Lane
6 A neat table is ideal for using in
a patio or courtyard, when a relaxing
a pot of tea or a long drink is needed.
Chatham folding table, 60,
Adventino
7 Protect hands and arms from rose
thorns and occasional nettles.
English rose-print linen and leather
gauntlet 27.95, Annabel James
8 A swing-seat makes a lovely addition
to the garden, tucked away in a quiet
place or positioned beneath a tree.
Two-seater pergola and curved-back
swing seat, POA, Sitting Spiritually
9 A neat folding bench will stack away
tidily when not in use, making it ideal
for areas where space is at a premium.
Harlington wood and iron folding
bench, 149.99, Homebase
10 Give thought to creating the right
mood with quality tableware.
Beige Tuscany tablecloth, 39.99;
Philippe beige runner, 13.99; Philippe
grey napkin, 5.49, all Linen Me Q
4
5
6
7
CREATIVE THINKING
FOR THE FUTURE
A FURNITURE COMPANY THAT KNOWS HOW TO LISTEN
TO THEIR CLIENTS DREAMS FOR A BEAUTIFUL HOME
The Main Furniture and Kitchen Company

The Green, Green Hammerton York YO26 8BQ Tel: 01423 330451
Open Monday-Saturday 9am-5pm Weekday evenings and Sundays by appointment only
sales@mainfurniturecompany.com | www.mainfurniturecompany.com
KITCHENS &
BATHROOMS
STYLE GUIDE
Create a sense of space and connectivity to the rest of your home with an open-plan
FOR WHERE
TO BUYand
SEE ADDRESS
BOOKa less structured free-standing look for anTHE
ENGLISHbathroom
HOME 105
kitchen
layout,
consider
inviting
HEART OF
THE HOME
No longer a place to simply prepare food,
todays kitchen is more likely to be an
open-plan, multi-functional hub that
combines practical preparation areas with
relaxing social spaces
ight-filled spaces that effortlessly combine living, dining

and cooking areas, signify a new more relaxed way of
living. The main motivation for creating an open-plan
space is usually to create a more sociable living area,
says Robert Burnett, head of design at Holloways
of Ludlow Kitchens. A direct link to the garden, predominantly
provided by traditional French windows or modern banks of
folding, stacking doors, enables natural light to flood in, further
enhances that feeling of an extending living space, and allows one
to experience the changing seasons and garden from the inside,
adds, Steven de Munnich, design director at Smallbone of Devizes.
In order for such spaces to work effectively, however, they
must be large enough. Whilst some may be able to simply
reconfigure an existing space, others may need to re-evaluate
ground-level layouts and consider knocking through to adjoining
rooms, or even extending outwards. Luckily, such extension
projects can usually be carried out under permitted-development
regulations, whilst permission is rarely required for knocking
down internal walls although listed-building consent may
need to be sought in some cases.
CONNECTING ZONES
Never dismiss the importance of visual coherence to aid
flow in open-plan spaces. However, opting for a single
uniform palette throughout can appear bland, so take
a tip from the designers and select core materials and
colours be they mixed or simply shades of the same
tone then introduce accent hues, accessories, statement
pieces, rugs or lighting to subtly delineate zones and
enhance a lived-in look. For forward thinkers, Katie
Fontana, founder of Plain English, proclaims her love for,
painted kitchens, because if I want to change the colour
scheme at any time, I can do, and easily.
Bespoke kitchen, painted in Papers & Paints' 9-093 from
the 1950s colour range, with Carrara marble worktops,
from around 60,000, Plain English
A WELL-PLANNED APPROACH
The ultimate design concept is to create a space
where kitchen and garden flow together seamlessly
into a multi-purpose living space, says Steven de
Munnich. Newly configured spaces should take
advantage of light and views and the use of large
floor-to-ceiling glazed doors, can enhance existing
rooms. In terms of layout, look to dedicated zones for
cooking, dining and relaxing social areas benefit
from proximity to the garden, and distancing busy
kitchen zones from this and other access points is
essential. Employing islands or peninsulas as soft
partitions will help define work and social areas, and
a metre clearance around all fixtures aids circulation.
Macassar kitchen, from 40,000, Smallbone of Devizes
CABINET RE-SHUFFLE
Good storage is key to creating a relaxing multifunctional space, but do avoid the temptation to
simply fit vast banks of units, as storage needs to
look equally at home in all areas. Look to traditional
reception areas for inspiration and opt for a mix
of fitted and free-standing pieces to instil casual
informality. Traditional timber and hand-painted
finishes lend a relaxed air throughout, whilst open
shelves and glazed wall units can prove less clinical
in kitchen areas, as does the introduction of
classic cabinetry, larder cupboards and dressers.
Bespoke handpainted kitchen with composite stone
worktops, from 25,000, Holloways of Ludlow
Bespoke Kitchens
HIDDEN ASSETS
Minimising the evidence of serviceable aspects of the kitchen
helps create a more comfortable environment, so consider neat
integrated appliances, unobtrusive flush hobs, pop-up sockets,
undermounted sinks and covers, plus tambour cupboards for
gadget and clutter free surfaces. A powerful extractor is also vital
to eliminate odours and steam, with Robert Burnett suggesting
extraction greater than 1000m3/hr. Whilst, to ensure ease of
conversation, Jane Stewart, design director at Mowlem & Co
advises, comparing manufacturers guidelines for the best
decibel levels. For stylish solutions, Elica and Best offer
decorative hanging extraction, discreet pop-up downdrafts
or ceiling mounted models.
Bespoke Rosewood bookmatched wood veneer and Parapan
kitchen with quartz composite worktops, integrated Gaggenau
induction hob and Elica Grace lamp extractors, from approx
30,000, Mowlem & Co
FLOOR SHOW
Opt for hard, non-slip surfaces that shrug off the rigours of
family life and proximity to the great outdoors. Tough engineered
timber or hardwood is the traditionalists choice, as is, stone that
offers a durable and practical surface, says Charles Margetts,
manager at Martin Moore Stone. Whilst resilient ceramics
and porcelain can prove a less expensive option to these
classic contenders, tactile timbers, and more surprisingly,
stone that sits at room temperature, are not as cold
underfoot. However, do always consider installing underfloor
heating to help things warm up in open-plan spaces.
Aged Jervaulx Lincolnshire limestone, in
aged-and-pillowed, brushed or honed finishes,
from 132 a square metre, Martin Moore Stone
ILLUMINATING IDEAS
An adaptable lighting scheme is a must in order to direct focus
from zone to zone, and transform functional spaces at the flick
of a switch. It makes sense, says lighting designer, Charles
Edwards, to have under-cupboard lighting, downlights and
decorative lights on different circuits, and on dimmers, as this
will make it easier to create whatever mood you want. Although,
lamps and pendants help define areas, do ensure their size
reflects the scale of the room. Externally, garden lanterns or wall
lights, can negate black expanses of glass and create
a greater sense of space.
Hanging round Manhattan lantern from 1044, Charles Edwards.
Interior design by Sara Story Design
SUPPORTING ROLE
The walk-in pantry is a boon for those looking
to free up space in open-plan layouts. Ideally sited
on an exterior wall, it offers a generous, cool, dry
environment for storing provisions, and can be
retrofitted by stealing space from an adjoining room
or re-purposing a cupboard. Andrew Petherick,
director at Artichoke, advises lining with shallow
shelves, as they make it easier to find things, and
considers slate a cheaper and often colder
alternative to traditional marble slab. He also cautions
against adding a fridge, as compressors can heat up
the room. Additionally, it is best to avoid combining
with laundry or boot-room facilities.
FEATURE PAULA WOODS PHOTOGRAPHS P107 HOLLOWAYS OF LUDLOW IMAGE NICHOLAS YARSLEY INTERIOR DESIGN BY CINDY LEVESON.
P108 SARA STORY DESIGN IMAGE JONNY VALIENT
Fully bespoke kitchens and furniture, POA, Artichoke
KEEPING IT COSY
Inject a welcoming ambience and play down
functionality with comfy sofas, soft
furnishings and rugs. But, bear in mind that
home products should never be so precious
that they cannot stand up to typical traffic,
says Annie Selke, founder of Dash & Albert
Rug Company. Look to easy-care fabrics,
oilcloths and floor coverings, along with
practical blinds; and consider washable loose
covers or tailored replacement covers, by the
likes of Multiyork. For safety, always team rugs
with a non-slip underlay, and remember that
simply displaying favoured items or artwork
instantly brings personality to surroundings.
Curtain and chair cushion in Yo Yo, 32 a metre;
blinds in Mimi Stripe, 28 a metre; bench seat
in Ivory Anoushka Plains, 48 a metre; bench
cushions in Mimi Stripe and Mimi Check,
28 a metre; Tickety Boo, 24 a metre;
La-Di-Da 32 a metre; Sefa wallpaper,
43 a roll, all Harlequin
DISTINCTIVE CHARACTER
Mirrored cabinets are often seen in
bathrooms, but this glamorous chest
of drawers would more usually be
seen in a bedroom. By placing the
chest in this bathroom, it will instil an
air of luxury, accentuated by the glass
apothecary jars, trinkets and candles
on display, which set a romantic
mood, and provide practical storage.
To soften the hard surfaces of the
chest and bath, whilst bringing the
whole room together, a large
traditional rug has been added, giving
an eclectic English sensibility and
providing a colourful visual focus as
well as a tactile warmth under foot.
Interior design by John McCall;
mirrored chest of drawers, Valerie
Wade; unlined embroidered voile,
Colefax & Fowler, with a glass-bead
fringe by Jane Churchill
FREE-STANDING AESTHETIC
Whether selecting furnishings with a classic heritage or pieces with the
convenience of modern technology, free-standing furnishings make
for a functional and welcoming bathroom
he idea of using free-standing furnishings in a bathroom

requires one to think somewhat outside the box of standard
fitted furnishings and consider items that might otherwise be
seen in reception rooms or bedrooms. The reward is a
bathroom that is warmer and more intimate in its overall tone.
Non-standard size free-standing furnishings are ideal for awkward spaces
that will not fit standard fitted furnishings. In each of the following
bathrooms we show how a free-standing look has been brought together
for bathrooms that are both eminently practical and cohesive in style.
CURVACEOUS FORM
This free-standing bath has a soothing, sculptural shape,
appearing to have simply been placed on the floor. We particularly
like the pairing of this sleek bath with white shutters, which work
together to underline a relaxed mood. The sculptural aesthetic
is a stylish statement for an en-suite or small bathroom where
there is little else in the room, whilst wall-mounted taps keep the
mood unfussy. To prevent the bathroom becoming
overtly modern in style, a smart stripe wallpaper and
decorative picture combine to create a classic backdrop.
Interior design by Joanna Trading; bath, West One Bathrooms
SWEEPING VIEW
For relaxing in the bath, a free-standing
design situated in the centre of the room
affords a feeling of space to calmly unwind.
When not in use, a roll-top bath positioned
centrally makes for an eye-catching focal
point. To create a sleek visual, and allow
more room for the bather, note the central
tap placement. This is a decision that
should be considered at the design stage
so that the necessary water pipes and mixers
fed from under the floor can be installed
and concealed, or specially designed
pipework used. In a larger bathroom,
free-standing pieces, such as the vanity seen
here, often work well as they have more of
a presence, occupy the space and feel more
informal than sleeker fitted furniture.
Porto santo bateau cast-iron roll-top bath,
2,500, Blenheim suite; Hidcote Vanity for
Blenheim basin in walnut, from 700; Dawlish
bath shower mixer (shown with standpipes),
325, Heritage Bathrooms
SPACIOUS ARRANGEMENT
Tabletop basins have graduated from a contemporary
bathroom trend to become a modern classic. This design
has the appearance of a bowl nonchalantly placed on a
tabletop, echoing the Victorian washstand. The practical
function is less apparent with the taps situated separately
from the basin. The elegant form is reminiscent of a spa
and the tabletop space around the bowl creates usable space
for toiletries and decorative items. The simple design would
also look chic used in pairs for his-and-hers basins.
Geneva basin, in limestone, 13cm x 60cm x 31cm,
400, Fired Earth
STORAGE CABINET
Originating as early as the seventeenth century, the
traditional linen-press was designed for storing textile
items. Modern examples have the advantage of being
available in a range of colours and finishes to fit in with
a wide variety of contemporary colour schemes. Although
rather large, fitted in an alcove, the cabinet is a less
dominant feature and provides significant storage for a
family bathroom. This particular linen-press can be made
with various distressed finishes to imply a sense of history.
Humidity control in the room would be key.
SELF-CONTAINED SHOWER
Unlike many conventional showers, a free-standing shower
does not need to be positioned adjacent to a wall, and can be
easily positioned anywhere in the bathroom or indeed the
bedroom (providing the pipes have been plumbed in nearby).
With a glistening metallic exterior, this free-standing shower
has an impressive sense of grandeur and it would look very
fetching positioned in the middle of the room with pipework
feeding water from below the floor, as with a classic roll-top
bath. The cast-iron shower tray comes in various finishes and
colours and can be polished and lacquered. The exterior is
available finished in brass, nickel or chrome.
Spittal free-standing shower with 200mm Rose and Handset,
16,950, Drummonds
FEATURE SUZANNA BALL. PHOTOGRAPHY P110 NIALL CLUTTO
Linen press, from 8,990, Chalon
TRULY BESPOKE,
CAREFULLY MADE
AND HONESTLY PRICED
COTSWOOD FINE FURNITURE

Tel: 01386 700110
Blockley, Gloucestershire
www.cotswood.com
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QUINTESSENTIALLY
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SUMMER DELIGHTS
Enjoying a carefree afternoon picnicking is as

much about creating an inviting atmosphere as
it is about packing a delicious assortment of
food. In the spirit of adventure, indulge in the
chance to set a convivial holiday mood with
brightly printed picnic linen. Try Linums new
bohemian collection, which is inspired by the
sunny colours of the Mediterranean in a lively
assortment of patterns and stripes. Set down
beside an English riverbank, the cobalt blue and
white colourways strike a particularly apt mood,
we can just imagine reclining on a cushion to the
tranquil chuckle and swish of the water
Moussa cushion, 45; Tao cotton tablecloth, 99;
Mosaique cushion, 37; Tao cotton cushion, 52;
Tao cotton rug, 75; Breeze handwoven cotton
throw, 69, all Linum at Scandi Living
19 pages of home life and seasonal pursuits
Portable
delights
Summer and picnics go hand in hand in England,

sometimes despite lacklustre weather. Whether packing
a picnic to take to Henley, for an impromptu hillside walk,
or simply to enjoy in the garden, these lovely recipes are
just the ticket. Recipes taken from The Picnic Cookbook
by Laura Mason with photographs by Yuki Sugiura
WATERMELON AND STRAWBERRY COCKTAIL

A few small basil sprigs, and extra
This soft drink is lovely for sipping in
strawberries or slivers of watermelon
high summer when strawberries and
(optional), to decorate
watermelons are plentiful.
Serves 4
100g sugar
100ml water
4 large basil sprigs
1kg watermelon
500-600g strawberries, hulled
Ice cubes
OCombine
the sugar and water in a

saucepan over a medium heat. Stir
until all the sugar has dissolved, then
add the basil sprigs. Bring to boil,
turn off the heat and leave to cool.
OCut the flesh from the watermelon
and chop roughly into chunks. Place
the melon and strawberries in

a blender and process briefly, then
push the mixture through a sieve
to remove seeds and pips.
ODiscard the basil from the sugar
syrup and stir the syrup into the
watermelon mixture. Chill until
required, then serve in tall glasses
over ice. Decorate with a sprig of
basil and a strawberry, or a small
sliver of melon.
PRESSED SANDWICHES
These sandwiches are great for
country walks or picnics; in fact
anywhere you might need a
delicious, densely flavoured
sandwich. Ingredients need to be
chosen carefully to give a filling with
a pleasant balance of the relatively
salty and relatively mild, and a
moisture content that holds the
sandwich together well and makes it
good to eat.
Serves 2-4
1 part-baked ciabatta loaf
3-4 tbsp green pesto (pesto
Genovese)
Small handful of rocket leaves

100g Italian cooked ham with herbs,
thinly sliced
100g Gorgonzola dolce, rind
removed
OBake
the ciabatta as instructed on

the packet and leave to cool.
OCut the loaf in half lengthways.
Spread the cut sides with pesto.
Distribute the rocket leaves over the
base, followed by the ham, then top
with gorgonzola in slices
OPut the top on the loaf and press
lightly with your hand so that
everything sticks together. Wrap
The featured recipes have been

taken from The Picnic
Cookbook: Outdoor Feasts for
All Occasions by Laura Mason
with photography by Yuki Sugiura
(18.99, National Trust Books).
tightly in clingfilm, foil or

greaseproof paper, as snugly as
possible. Place in the fridge
overnight, preferably between two
boards or plates with a small weight
on top such as a tin of tomatoes.
ONext day, unwrap the sandwich,
leaving the sandwich on top of the
wrapping, and carefully cut it into
slices. Rewrap tightly. Remember to
take some kitchen paper for greasy
fingers and in case of spills.
Note: The sandwiches can be made
in individual ciabatta rolls instead of
one long one.
BRESAOLA ROLL
Perhaps Ratty and Mole would
rather have picnicked off rare roast
beef, but these are good as light
appetizers with drinks for any
occasion. They are small,
lightweight and easily transported
in a deep plate or box. Place
them on top of a frozen icepack
to keep well chilled.
Serves 4
15g rocket leaves, torn if large
2 tsp olive oil
Few drops of balsamic vinegar
100g bresaola
30g Parmesan, thinly shaved
6 medium pickled gherkins, cut
lengthways into 4
OPlace
the rocket in a bowl. Mix

the oil with the vinegar in a small
bowl and use this to toss through

the leaves. They should be very
lightly coated.
OSpread
out the slices of bresaola

and divide the leaves among them.
Scatter over the Parmesan, then
put a sliver of gherkin in the centre
of each pile. Roll the slices firmly
around the filling. Chill until

required.
STRAWBERRY AND MUSCAT

WINE JELLY
This is an elegant, refreshing and
delicious dessert for a special
barbecue or picnic on a warm
summer evening. Make individual
portions in glasses you may want
to use fairly chunky ones if you have
to carry them any distance, and
remember, if driving, that wine,
even in a jellied form, still
contains alcohol.
Serves 4
4 tbsp caster sugar
4 sheets (4g) gelatine
For the wine jelly:
4 tsp caster sugar
4 sheets (4g) gelatine
375ml well-flavoured dessert wine
Ice cubes
OCut
the first 250-300g strawberries

in pieces and place in a saucepan
over a medium heat with two
tablespoons water and the sugar.
Heat gently, stirring, until the
mixture comes to a simmer and the
strawberries soften slightly and give
up their juice. Do not cook any
longer than necessary.
OTransfer the mixture to a blender
or food processor and blend to
make a pure, then sieve the mixture
over a bowl. Discard the pips.
OSoak the gelatine in cold water to
cover until it softens, then squeeze
to extract as much water as possible.
Return the strawberry juices to the
pan, add the gelatine and heat
gently until the gelatine has
dissolved. Leave to cool a little
before transferring to the glasses.
Carefully divide amongst four
glasses (I use chunky tumblers that
hold 300ml). Chill until set.
OTo
make the wine jelly, cut the

remaining strawberries into halves or
quarters, depending on size. Place in
a bowl and sprinkle over the sugar,
then leave to macerate for 1 hour.
OPut the gelatine in a bowl and
cover with half the wine. Leave to
soak until soft. Pour the remaining
wine into a small saucepan over a
medium heat and warm gently. Add
the gelatine and the wine it has
soaked in, and stir until it dissolves.
Do not overheat.
O Divide the macerated strawberries
and any juice they have produced on
top of the set jelly in the glasses.
Take four tablespoons of the wine
jelly mix and stir it in a small bowl
over ice until it is at the point of
setting, then divide among the
glasses (to prevent the berries
floating). Chill whilst the remaining
jelly cools until nearly set. Divide
amongst the glasses and chill.
ALMOND GRANOLA BARS

These bars are a high-energy snack, useful for long walks
and camping trips.
Makes 12 bars
50g butter, plus extra for greasing
150g jumbo oats
100g marzipan,
1 tsp salt
50g almonds, blanched and halved
30g pumpkin seeds
100g dried apricots, each one cut in 4-5 pieces
30g honey
O Preheat the oven to 180C/gas mark 4, and grease and
line a 20x20x2cm square tin with non-stick baking
parchment. Take half the oats and process them in a
blender or food processor until they are reduced to a
coarse powder. Tip them into a bowl.
O Shave the marzipan into the thinnest possible slices and
rub it into the oats until it disappears. Add all the remaining
oats, salt, almonds, pumpkin seeds and dried apricots.
O Place the butter and honey in a small saucepan and heat
gently until the butter has melted. Pour into the oat
mixture and stir well. Tip into the prepared tin and level the
top carefully, using the back of a spoon. Make the surface
as even as possible, especially at the edges and corners.
O Bake for 15 mins or until golden brown and slightly puffy,
turning the tin if the mixture is browning unevenly. Cool in
the tin but whilst still slightly warm, cut into 12 slender
bars. Cool completely, then keep in an airtight tin.
SWEET PEPPER RELISH

This is a copy of a Piedmontese dish of preserved peppers;
served warm, it makes a good accompaniment to
barbecued meat.
Serves 68
1 large tomato
4 anchovy fillets in oil
1 garlic clove, cut into slivers
4 pointed red peppers
3 tbsp well-flavoured olive oil
Salt
Place the tomato in a heatproof bowl and pour boiling water
over to cover. Leave for 30 seconds, then drain and peel off
the skin. Cut the tomato in half, discarding the core, seeds
and surrounding pulp. Slice the flesh finely and put in a
serving bowl. Cut the anchovy fillets into fine strips and add
them to the bowl. Add the garlic and stir to combine.
O Grill or barbecue the peppers until the skins begin to peel
and blacken. Allow them to cool a little, then peel off the skins
and discard them along with the cores and seeds. Cut the
flesh into thin slivers and add them to the tomato mixture.
Add the olive oil, then taste and season, if needed.
O
For the love of
LAVENDER
With vibrant royal purple flowers and regal poise, lavender has
long been adopted as a cherished English flower and enjoyed
for its many qualities from a potent flavour to a memorable
aromatic scent used in both cooking and craft
FLOWER FARMS
Hidden in folds of farmland across the countryside,
lavender fields are a-hum with the sound of busy bees
and a-waft with aromatic perfume, which climbs to a
sweet crescendo and finishes with a fresh burst of
heady aroma. Lavender farms open to the public can be
found across the country from the Cotswolds and
Oxfordshire to North Yorkshire and the Isle of Wight,
where purple furrows stretch forth before the eye,
waving in violet ripples. Enjoy the tranquillity of these
scented fields on a glorious July afternoon, stopping
only to enjoy an afternoon tea or purchase plants and
lavender scents, amongst the fragrant delights on offer.
GARDENERS FRIEND
Lavender plants are pleasingly adaptable and can be laced
amongst other shrubs to bejewel borders, create a vibrant
hedging, or add height and welcome fragrance to patio pots and
hanging baskets. The easiest variety to grow is English lavender,
which should be situated in a sunny spot, ideally in alkaline or
chalky soil. Each lavender plant should be watered regularly
during the summer months, but be careful not to overwater as
the plants do not like to be saturated. Prune and shape once
flowering is over. Although dipped in colour, the sceptre shape
of each lavender stem lacks impact if one flower is planted
alone, but grouped in a cluster the florets become a dramatic
haze of colour attracting butterflies and bees to enjoy the
heavenly nectar. The standard purple flowers are certainly
the most popular, but for those who wish to be more
adventurous, the RHS website details 25 varieties to consider
(although there are many more), from flossy white flowers to
tender pink blooms and prettily variegated foliage.
PERFECTLY PRESERVED
Drying lavender takes very little effort but yields dried flowers
that will last for years (once the lavender scent has faded add
a few drops of essential oil to keep fragrant). The flowers can be
used for many purposes; a few ideas we like include creating an
indoor wreath, making bath salts for a relaxing soak or simply
tying a bunch to a ceiling beam with a pretty ribbon to decorate
a country kitchen. To dry a bunch of lavender, start by
collecting a handful of stems when the lavender flowers are
almost in bloom, cut the stems as long as possible, just above
the leaves. As they dry the flowers will shrink, so it is best to
gather them using an elastic band, because this is the most
effective way to keep the stems together. Hang the bunch
somewhere dark to ensure the colour is not sapped from the
flowers. The flowers should take between two to four weeks
to dry out, by which time, their use should be decided upon.
OPPOSITE
Lavender plants
are best harvested
early in the
morning, whether
you are snipping
the stems to use
in a fresh
arrangement or
to dry the flowers.
ABOVE
A little bag of
lavender flowers
will scent clothes
and ward off
moths. Visit
daisyshop.co.uk to
peruse a variety
of embroidered
bags to suit.
BELOW
Cultivated
lavender comes
in many colours.
Try Lodden Pink
lavender for soft
pink flowers and
French White
for a profusion
of white flowers.
Lavenders blue,
dilly dilly,
Lavenders green;
When I am king,
dilly, dilly,
You shall be queen.
J Wright &c, Nursery Rhyme, (C1680)
A few freshly picked sprigs of

lavender are an easy way to add
a simple but polished finishing
touch to a place setting for
a relaxed summer dinner party.
COUNTRY WEDDINGS
Lavender continues to be in vogue for
English weddings themed with a country
style. The pretty purple flowers radiate
effortless charm tied to the end of pews
with a raffia bow or nestled between
native wild flowers in bouquets and
button holes. A quick search of Pinterest
offers many imaginative ways to
incorporate the flowers into different
parts of the day. Our favourites include
making lavender bags as thoughtful
wedding favours (see page 125 for where
to buy empty bags), or using dried
lavender as eye catching biodegradable
wedding confetti. For an impressive
wedding reception decoration, dried
lavender can be used to make a scented
pomander, find instructions at
driedflowercraft.co.uk. We also love the
idea of ending a wedding breakfast with
sweetly sophisticated honey-lavender
macarons. Arrange the macarons on a
towering cake stand for an impressive
display (recipe source detailed opposite).
CLOCKWISE,
FROM ABOVE LEFT
For a charming and
unusual rustic
room decoration,
place a candle in
a tall glass, arrange
lavender stems
around the exterior
of the glass, until
the glass is covered,
then tie with string.
Potted lavender
makes a bright and
fragrant wedding
decoration.
Find the recipe for
these delicious
honey and lavender
macarons on Megan
Voigts beautiful
professional baking
blog hintofvanilla.
blogspot.co.uk
FEATURE SUZANNA BALL PHOTOGRAPHY P122-123 ADAM BURTON/ALAMY. P124 GAP GARDENS/FRIEDRICH STRAUSS. P125 DRIED
LAVENDER BON APPETIT/ALAMY, GARDEN VARIETIES OF LAVENDER GREENSHOOTS COMMUNICATIONS/ALAMY, P126 LOONARA |
DREAMSTIME.COM, P127 CANDLE LAURENTIU IORDACHE/DREAMSTIME.COM, TABLE SETTING CTVVELVE | DREAMSTIME.COM, MACARONS
MEGAN VOIGT, P128 WREATH VOLGARIVER/DREAMSTIME.COM
DELICATELY FLAVOURED
For an aromatic hint of summertime, lavender
can be used to add interest to all manner of
sweet and savoury foods. Make sure you are light
of hand with the amount of lavender you use,
otherwise its memorable herbal taste can
become rather intense. It is also important to
only use culinary lavender, as the flowers on
plants bought from a gardener centre are
unsuitable to use in cooking because they may
have been sprayed with pesticide.
English lavender has the sweetest flavour and
is the most popular for use in cooking. To begin
cooking with lavender, try simple dishes such as
adding a handful of lavender to a traditional
lemonade recipe or a small handful of flowers
mixed into crme brule once the ingredients
have been warmed in a pan. To make lavender
shortbread biscuits, add a few chopped leaves to
the sugar used in a traditional shortbread recipe.
To enjoy the taste of lavender with a savoury
meal, incorporate a couple of sprigs into a
classic red wine jus to accompany steak, or
add rosemary, garlic and lavender to the gravy
to flavour a roast leg of lamb.
PRETTY ADORNMENT
It is not just dried lavender which can be
used for decorations, fresh lavender can
be utilised to make a welcoming wreath
for internal doors or wardrobes. To make
a wreath with lavender from the garden
take inspiration from a selection at
everything-lavender.com. Alternatively, for
a longer lasting wreath Pollyfields has
several different shaped wreaths and
dried lavender letters to create a special
bedroom wallhanging.
SEWN WITH FRAGRANCE

Embroidered sachets filled with sweet
smelling lavender have a multitude of
uses around the home, if there is no time
to make one, there are many lovely
versions available to buy. The handmade
embroidered lavender sachets seen below
are from Thouartlovely on Etsy or for
personal his-and-hers scented linen
drawer sachets, select a monogrammed
lavender sachet from the Monogrammed
Linen Shop. To add a more luxurious
touch in a guest bedroom, Cologne and
Cotton have a pretty selection of
colourful silk lavender sachets.
FLORAL SERENITY
The perfume of lavender flowers
is well-known for its relaxing
qualities, ideal for scented
candles burnt whilst sinking into
a bubble bath or scenting the air
as one is reading a book on a quiet
afternoon. This English Lavender
candle is from Kew and is made
from pure soy. Alternatively, to
soften the scent, Beefayres Lavender
and Geranium candle is made from plant wax with essential oils or try
Highgroves hand-poured Rosemary, Chamomile and Lavender candle.
(Remember, never leave lit candles unattended.)
LAVENDER FARMS TO VISIT

Lavender Fields, Hampshire, thelavenderfields.co.uk
Stroll through lavender field on open days and sample
wares at the farmers markets and fairs.
Shropshire Lavender, Shopshire, shropshirelavender.co.uk
With 15 varieties of lavender plant for sale, Shopshire
Lavender happily offer advice for growing at home.
Norfolk Lavender, Norfolk, norfolk-lavender.co.uk
Be sure to visit the lavender distillery and lavender
kitchen restaurant.
Cotswold Lavender, Cotswolds, cotswoldlavender.co.uk
After strolling through the fields take home a memento
made from the farms own English lavender. Q
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PA R T N E R S I N
Architectural
Vintage
Mrs Minerva Writes...
The art of
INVESTMENT
PURCHASES
Passionate about quintessential English customs,
our incognito columnist reminds us to do the best
things in life in the most elegant fashion, always
with a twinkle in her eye
BELOW RIGHT
Mid-century modern
furniture has
become highly
collectable over
recent years and is
frequently snapped
up on eBay or
through specialist
dealers. If you are
not able to find an
Ercol original from
the 40s or 50s,
modern-day buys,
such as the British
brands large Bosco
sideboard, could
still prove a wise
long-term buy.
here are a great many things in life that

Mr M just cannot bear, and one of them
is frittering away money. He firmly
believes that it is perfectly appropriate
to invest in something that will stand the test of
time and quite mad to throw away good money on
an item whose appeal will soon fade.
His favourite items tend to be at least as old as
he is and are those that increase in value rather than
being destined for landfill. His ancestors had
a similar philosophy, and he, like them, feels it is
important to fill a house with items that bring joy,
but which also can be taken to the auctioneer, if one
falls on hard times. One such example is the portrait
of Great Aunt Maud without a rather well known
artists interpretation of her we would not have been
able to afford four sets of school fees.
There are many pieces that fall into this category
and they do not all have to be antiques. In fact,
there is something rather lovely about finding
something now that you know will be loved for
generations, to become an antique of the future.
One must not forget that it is entirely possible that
one already has such pieces without necessarily
being aware of it mid-century items, for example,
that have been handed along through the family
so it is rather nice to do the same for those to come.
When it comes to antiques, unrestored furniture is
a better bet than pieces that have been interfered
with, and remember, too, that fashions change.
Whilst something may be priced down right now, it
could very well go up again in a few years. Equally, if
one buys at the top of the market, then it will take
one longer to recoup ones investment.
I think one of the very best pieces of advice I have

ever been given is to buy only that which you love.
After all, as many divorces will tell you, if you have
to live for years with something you dislike, it can
become rather wearing.
The ongoing trend for mid-century furniture does
not look as if it will be on the wane anytime soon.
In an effort to appear unstuffy, restaurants and
country- house hotels are packed to the rafters with
it and even Mr M admits it does sit rather well in
a period house.
When it comes to buying for the home it makes
sense to invest in pieces one believes one will love
for life and that can go with one should one move.
Some pieces, such as an Eames or Arne Jacobsen
chair will never date and look elegant in any
environment. Rugs, too, are a good investment, as is
original and beautiful lighting, such as the antique
chandelier Mr M and I found in Paris on our
honeymoon, or something that one has
commissioned oneself.
Buying art can be enormous fun, whether one is
looking in junk shops or at the very swishiest of
auction houses. However, commissioning a portrait
can be even more exciting, and can represent rather
a good investment, too. At a time when portraits are
generally snapped quickly on an iPhone it is rather
lovely to have
something
truly special
to mark a
particular
occasion or
birthday.
Mrs Minerva Writes...
If one is considering purchasing a painting or

sculpture but is not quite sure where to start, then
it is well worth consulting a gallery such as Londonbased Fine Art Commissions (fineartcommissions.
com), where staff can offer a wealth of advice and
where one can look through the portfolios of
a number of the artists that they represent to see
which one is the best fit.
For some reason, Mr M has never been keen to
commission a portrait of me, but I feel now may be
the right time. I have begun to think it might be
a good idea as there is a space on the stairs that
really rather needs filling. Mr Ms reaction was
muted, but I later heard him remark to the gardener
that a sitting would mean I would be rendered both
immobile and silent for a number of weeks.
Sculpture can prove a good investment, too, from
miniature items that could fit into the palm of a
hand through to substantial, imposing pieces that
look amazing in a large garden, it is a medium that
captures the imagination in a unique way. If you are
new to sculpture or unsure of what you like, then do
make a visit to the Sculpture Park in Surrey
(thesculpturepark.com) where there are more than
600 modern and contemporary sculptures for sale
within ten acres of stunning gardens. Each piece sold
is replaced, meaning each time one visits, there is
something different to see.
I cannot discuss investment pieces without
mentioning collections. I have many friends who
avidly acquire everything from Chinese pottery to
poetry first editions, and Mr M and I even know
a man who bought a lovely house in France based
on the proceeds from his childhood collection of
Star Wars figures.
Mr M collects wine, although he does have to
replenish stocks rather more often than the
sculpture park might. However, the sheer loveliness
of encountering something to be enjoyed each day
makes life rich and rewarding. If that piece
continues to spark
joy, whilst also
appreciating in
value, then one
really has hit the
jackpot. Q
LEFT Fine wine can be
a most pleasurable
investment purchase.
Berry Bros & Rudd,
established in 1698,
are award-winning
fine wine merchants
well equipped to aid
in this investment aim.
INVESTMENT RESOURCES
Try these reputable, authoritative contacts
to ease buying desirable pieces at auction
1STDIBS
1stdibs offers a thoroughly modern
way to connect the finest shops,
dealers and galleries with discerning
buyers from across the world. Whilst
one might feel a little faint at the idea
of spending 10,000 on a sofa on ones
smartphone, 1stdibs disagrees and has
recently launched its first app. All the
pieces available on the website can
now be bought at the touch of
a button on an iPhone, and the app
also offers the user the ability to find
a shop nearby and includes some very
clever ways to make browsing intuitive
and fun. 1stdibs.com
Nineteenth-century painted Swedish

three-drawer commode on 1stdibs,
approximately 4,631
BONHAMS
Terribly smart, Bonhams is a privately owned British auction
house and probably one of the best known for fine art and
antiques. If one is looking to invest in something truly special,
then Bonhams is the place to visit. There are more than 50
specialist departments from books and coins to musical
instruments and motor cars and the company can offer
valuations, museum services, tax and heritage advice as well
as help for trusts and estates.
bonhams.com
SOTHEBYS
Sothebys is now an innovative,
global art business serving some
of the most discerning art lovers
in the world. With numerous
locations across the globe and
frequent sales of objects ranging
from diamonds to wine, one
really must visit an auction to
understand why it is one of
the best known auction houses
in the world. sothebys.com
Peppercorn
House
Fine furniture, Fabrics
& Wallpapers
We offer a beautiful range of
soft furnishings, upholstery
& accessories. The perfect
combination with our stunning
furniture, lovingly hand painted
in our workshop.
Thinking of selling?
Take our Interior design and
property staging services to ensure
you are market ready and achieve
full market value, and you have
everything you could want all in
one place.
Beautiful soft furnishings,

upholstery and fine furniture.
ENGLISH COUNTRY WALLPAPERS
Bring the garden into your home

with our lovely wallpapers. Made in Britain.
01460 261963
info@cowparsleyathome.com
www.cowparsleyathome.com
Now available to order online
01325 788245 or 07961 967070

www.peppercornhouse.com
Hurworth Grange,
41 Hurworth Road,
Hurworth Place,
Darlington DL2 2BN
PROPERTIES FOR SALE
THE HAND OF TIME

Our selection of the most appealing properties for sale. This month, homes
built in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries
HISTORICAL
DRAMA
Reflecting changes in English society, architecture
in the 16th and 17th centuries saw homes become a
symbol of status, and many of their lasting features
remain as splendid as the day they were built.
As England moved out of the Dark Ages into
the sixteenth century, architecture, and in
particular domestic buildings, began to become
more than simply functional structures offering
shelter and protection.
Decoration began to feature in architecture as
a signifier of the social status of the homeowner.
Larger houses were built to display the status and
wealth of their owners, with twisted chimneys,
imposing gatehouses and elaborate
ornamentation, says Douglas Kent, technical and
research director for the Society for the Protection
of Ancient Buildings (SPAB). Attention was paid
to the layout of the dwellings rather than the
Medieval long house, Tudor designs were
symmetrical, often in an E-shape with wings on
either side, and included larger, lighter rooms with
timber beams and windows (glass was an
expensive commodity). Chimneys and enclosed
fireplaces became commonplace, a revolution that
reflected a desire for better comfort and privacy.
This coincided with cheap bricks becoming
universally popular, adds Kent.
With the political upheaval of the seventeenth
century, architecture became more embellished,
heavily influenced by European styles such as that
of Louis XIVs Versailles, and a reaction against
the turmoil of the Civil War. From the 1620s,
buildings were strongly in the classical tradition,
with more symmetry and formality, large squareor round-headed windows and features such as
pediments and colonnades, says Kent.
The homes that have endured for 500 years
are typically listed with Historic England and
need to be cared for with consideration.
Whatever the style of an old house, respect
the different layers of the buildings history. This
means trying to retain as much as possible of the
genuine historic fabric and respecting the overall
essence of the property, advises Kent.
STATELY
STYLE
Ford Hall, near Sudbury,

dates from the 16th
century and was once
owned by Richard
Clopton, whose daughter
Mary married the
Speaker of the House of
Commons during the
reign of Queen Elizabeth
I. Original features
include leaded windows,
exposed beams and stud
work, as well as
impressive inglenook
fireplaces. Approached by
an avenue of lime trees,
the Grade II listed,
six-bedroom property is
surrounded by a moat,
adding an air of grandeur.
Ford Hall, Suffolk,
1.75m, Carter Jonas
IN THE
COUNTRY
Noys End is a Grade II

listed period home
located on the outskirts
of the village of
Brockham in the Surrey
countryside. Originally
built in the late 16th
century, this fivebedroom residence
features exposed
timbers, leaded windows
and traditional
fireplaces, all typical
of a Tudor house. Stroll
through the beautiful
country-style garden
to the garden room
and a swimming
pool beyond.
Noys End, Surrey,
1.45m, Jackson-Stops
& Staff
ROYAL
CONNECTION
Standing on an ancient
site that has been
inhabited for almost a
thousand years, Grade I
listed Wings Place
near Ditchling is steeped
in history; the house was
most famously granted
to Henry VIIIs fourth
wife, Anne of Cleves, as
part of their divorce
settlement. Along with
its timber frame and
beams, other Tudor
features of this fivebedroom home include
inglenook fireplaces,
leaded casement
windows and
a priest hole.
Wings Place, East Sussex,
1.85m, Savills

GRAND
AMBITIONS
Rainthorpe Hall is a
magnificent Grade I
listed Elizabethan
country house, near
Tasburgh, Norfolk.
Lawyer Thomas Baxter
bought the property in
1579 and made many
additions, including two
wings, a turret and new
kitchens. Striking
features of the ninebedroom residence are
the interior wood
panelling and the
collection of stained
glass, some dating from
the Middle Ages. The
manor also benefits from
large grounds and stables.
Rainthorpe Hall, Norfolk,
2.95m, Strutt & Parker
TAKING ITS
TOLL
Tolzey Cottage, from

which tolls were
collected from travellers
trading between Bristol
and Bath, is located in
the village of Queen
Charlton. The fourbedroom residence is
believed to date from the
late 16th century and
retains period features
such as open fireplaces.
The gardens feature
lawned areas and an
enclosed courtyard ideal
for summer barbecues.
The property includes
the village green, upon
which stands a 12thcentury cross.
Tolzey Cottage, Bristol,
1.1m, Fine & Country
MAJESTIC
MANOR
Ranscombe Manor is set

deep in the Devon
countryside near
Kingsbridge. The Grade
II* listed five-bedroom
house dates to the 17th
century and is built in
the typical design of that
era, with the original
studded front door
opening to a three-room
cross passage with wings
at either end. There is an
open-plan kitchen and
the sitting room looks
out to the parterre,
carefully designed to
form a fitting setting for
this country manor.
Ranscombe Manor,
Devon, 2.95m,
Marchand Petit
SET IN
STONE
Believed to have been

built in 1680, The
Cedars has been
sympathetically restored
to take advantage of its
period features, which
include exposed beams
and inglenook fireplaces.
The Grade II listed
property also has a
distinctive roof of
Collyweston slate,
a traditional tiling
material dating back
to Roman times. Inside,
there are six bedrooms,
and spacious reception
rooms, filled with
light filtered by the
shuttered windows.
The Cedars, Rutland,
845,000, Smiths Gore
SELL YOUR
PROPERTY
Do you have an
English home to sell?
To advertise it on
these pages for 200
(free to subscribers),
email a high-quality
photograph and
a short description,
noting particulars
as well any historical
interest, to
theenglishhome@
chelseamagazines.com
four months in
advance. Properties
are chosen at the
Editors discretion.
For inspired ideas and
sound advice
on creating your
own beautiful
English home, visit
theenglishhome.co.uk
FEATURE JANINE JORGENSEN
ADDRESS BOOK
A
dventino
Tel 01529 307812
adventino.co.uk
Aga
Tel 0845 712 5207
agaliving.com
Agriframes
Tel 0845 260 4450
agriframes.co.uk
Alternative Flooring
Tel 01264 335111
alternativeflooring.com
An Angel At My Table
Tel 0845 200 0723
anangelatmytable.com
Annabel James
Tel 0845 548 0210
annabeljames.co.uk
Antique Bathrooms
Tel 01672 511620
antiquebathrooms.com
Archer & Smith
Tel 01793 740375
archersmith.co.uk
Artichoke
Tel 01934 745270
artichoke-ltd.com
athstore
Tel 0800 023 2323
bathstore.com
Beefayre
Tel 01858 434492
beefayre.com
Berry Bros & Rudd
Tel 020 7022 8973
bbr.com
BIID
Tel 020 7628 0255
biid.org.uk
BLA Architects
Tel 020 7723 1708
bla-architects.com
Bradstone
Tel 01335 372289
bradstone.com
Burgon and Ball
Tel 01142 338262
burgonandball.com
Burleigh
Tel 01173 740740
burleigh.co.uk
aroline Paterson
Tel 020 7352 9652
carolinepatersoninteriors.
co.uk
Carter Jonas
carterjonas.co.uk
Chalon Tel 0800 160 1978
chalon.com
Charles Bateson
Tel 020 3567 1419
charlesbateson.com
Charles Edwards
Tel 020 7736 7172
charlesedwards.com
Chelsea Textiles
Tel 020 7584 5544
chelseatextiles.com
Cloudberry Living
Tel 0330 123 3301
cloudberryliving.co.uk
Coastal Home
Tel 01625 578105
coastalhome.co.uk
Cole & Son
Tel 020 7376 4628
cole-and-son.com
Colefax and Fowler
Tel 020 7244 7427
colefax.com
Cologne and Cotton
Tel 0845 262 2212
cologneandcotton.com
The Conran Shop
Tel 0844 848 4000
conranshop.co.uk
Cox and Cox
Tel 0844 858 0744
coxandcox.co.uk
Crucial Trading
Tel 01562 743747
crucial-trading.com
Cuprinol Garden Shades
cuprinol.co.uk
avid Hunt Lighting

Tel 01608 661590
davidhunt-lighting.com
De Wit
dewittoolsusa.com
Decorative Country Living
Tel 01400 273632
decorativecountryliving.com
DesRes Designs
Tel 01386 257654
desresdesign.co.uk
deVol
Tel 01509 261000
devolkitchens.co.uk
Drummonds
Tel 020 7376 4499
drummonds-uk.com
The Dyeworks
Tel 01453 885036
dyeworks.co.uk
clectics
Tel 01843 608789
eclectics.co.uk
Emily Bond
Tel 01173 763067
emilybond.co.uk
The English Panelling
Tel 01453 731305
theenglishpanellingcompany.
co.uk
English Salvage
Tel 01568 616205
englishsalvage.co.uk
Ercol
Tel 01844 271 800
ercol.com
arrow & Ball

Tel 01202 876141
farrow-ball.com
Fine & Country
fineandcountry.com
Fired Earth
Tel 01132 430748
firedearth.com
Floors of Stone
Tel 01509 234000
floorsofstone.com
arden Trading
Tel 0845 608 4448
gardentrading.co.uk
Garpa
garpa.com
Gary Long Artist
garylongart.com
Gong
Tel 020 7266 5657
gong.co.uk
Graham & Green
Tel 020 8987 3700
grahamandgreen.co.uk
Griffin Glasshouses
Tel 01962 772512
griffinglasshouses.com
addonstone
Tel 01604 770711
haddonstone.com
Harlequin
Tel 0845 123 6815
harlequin.uk.com
Harrod Horticultural
Tel 0845 260 4450
agriframes.co.uk
Hastens
hastens.com/en-uk/
Hayes Garden World
Tel 015394 33434
hayesgardenworld.co.uk
Heritage Bathrooms
Tel 033 0026 8501
heritagebathrooms.com
The Heveningham
Collection
Tel 01489 893481
heveningham.co.uk
Highgrove Shop
Tel 0333 222 4555
highgroveshop.com
Holloways of Ludlow
Tel 020 7602 5757
hollowaysofludlow.com
Home and Garden Ironwork
Tel 01905 21905
homeandgardenironwork.
co.uk
Howdens
howdens.com
an Mankin
Tel 020 7722 0997
ianmankin.co.uk
Inchbald school of Design
Tel 020 7630 9011
inchbald.co.uk
India Jane
Tel 020 8799 7166
indiajane.co.uk
Iron Art
Tel 01225 311273
ironart.co.uk
Ivo Prints
Tel 020 8574 7943
ivo.co.uk
ackson-Stops & Staff

jackson-stops.co.uk
Jane Churchill
Tel 020 7244 7427
janechurchill.com
Janet Barbour
Tel 01285 640456

janetbarbourpaintedinteriors.co.uk
Janine Stone
Tel 020 7349 8888
janinestone.com
Joanna Wood
Tel 020 7730 0693
joannatrading.com
John Lewis
Tel 0345 604 9049
johnlewis.com
John McCall
Tel 01635 578007
mccalldesign.co.uk
Joseph Bentley
josephbentley.co.uk
Justin Van Breda
Tel 020 7349 7089
j-v-b.com
ate Forman
Tel 01962 732244
kateforman.co.uk
Katherine Pooley
Tel 020 7584 3223
katherinepooley.com
Kelaty
Tel 020 8207 0208
www.kelary.com
Kew Shop
Tel 020 8332 5655
kew.org/shop
KLC School of Design
Tel 020 7376 7400
klc.co.uk
Kravet
Tel 0800 645 9068
kravet.com
ASSCO
Tel 020 7394 2100
lassco.co.uk
LeFroy Brooks
Tel 01992 708316
lefroybrooks.co.uk
Lewis & Wood
Tel 01453 878517
lewisandwood.co.uk
Lexington Company
Tel 0845 5455 5800
lexingtoncompany.com
Lichen Garden Antiques
Tel 01242 609551
lichengardenantiques.com
Linen Me
Tel 020 8133 3853
linenme.com
Loaf
Tel 0845 468
0697
loaf.
com
Loose
Ends
Tel
01666
575300
looseendsfabrics.
co.uk
Lorford Antiques
Tel 01666 505111
lorfordantiques.com
aison Bleu Interiors

Tel 020 8390 0016
maisonbleuinteriors.co.uk
Marchand Petit
marchandpetit.co.uk
Marston and Langinger
Tel 01328 852500
marston-and-langinger.com
McKinnon and Harris
Tel 020 7349 9085
mckinnonharris.com
Michinhampton
Architectural Salvage
Tel 01285 760886
mascosalvage.com
Monogrammed Linen Shop
Tel 020 7589 4033
monogrammedlinenshop.
com
Morris and Co
Tel 0844 543 9500
william-morris.co.uk
Mowlem & Co
Tel 020 7610 6626
mowlemandco.com
Multiyork
Tel 0333 358 3567
multiyork.co.uk
ational Trust Shop

The
Tel 0300 123 2025
shop.nationaltrust.org.uk
Neptune
Tel 01793 427300
neptune.com
cca-Home
Tel 01413 322890
occa-home.co.uk
Odd Limited
Tel 01993 830674
oddlimited.com
Oka
Tel 0844 815 7380
okadirect.com
DIRECTORY
TO ADVERTISE CONTACT LAURENCE BALDWIN ON 01242 216093

LAURENCE.BALDWIN@CHELSEAMAGAZINES.COM
ACCESSORIES
ANTIQUES
WALLPAPER: BROADWICK ST GARDEN BY THE LITTLE GREEN
My Leather Manbag
XVH
3OHDVH 5DW
1
H
E
H
FRG
XWIRU
FKHFNR RXQW
F
15%GLV DJV
RQDOOE
ACCOMMODATION
Clare House
May we invite you to the coastal resort of Grange over Sands, within
easy reach of the Lake District, and to stay at our comfortable hotel
overlooking the picturesque coastline of Morecambe Bay.
Mid Summer Offer July 4th -August 20th
Any 4-night break from 337.00pp D,B&B.
Park Road, Grange-over-Sands, LA11 7HQ
Tel. 015395 33026. www.clarehousehotel.co.uk
Inspectors Choice Hotel
FURNITURE AND JOINERY
The Dulas Crazy Horse satchel

(145); 15 inches of rugged high
quality leather.
The perfect all year round man bag.
%HDXWLIXOO\PDGHOX[XU\OHDWKHUEDJV
([FHSWLRQDOVHUYLFH
([WHQVLYHUDQJH
%ULHIFDVHV7UDYHO%DJV
/DSWRS%DJV0HVVHQJHU%DJV
:DOOHWV7DEOHW&DVHVDQGPRUH
)UHHGHOLYHU\
Our reviews speak for themselves:
Old School Quality. Delighted with it. Many
comments passed about it including that it
must have cost a fortune. Les T.
Contact 0333 1234 104

www.myleathermanbag.com
ACCESSORIES
FLOORING SERVICE
Sunscreen
for your wood
UV Protection Factor 12
Maintains the natural colour of the wood

and limits the greying process
FURNITURE
AND JOINERY
INTERIORS
THE HANDMADE
SOFA COMPANY
All of our furniture is hand built to order in the UK using the
nest quality fabrics and leathers. Choose from an extensive
range of standard contemporary and traditional models,
including different Chestereld styles and chaise longues.
All models can be made-to-measure to suit individual
requirements using one of the UKs widest choice of leather
and fabric. All standard furniture is normally delivered to UK
mainland within 4-6 weeks from order time.
> Prolongs wood lifetime

> Algae and fungal decay protection
> Transparent 425 Oak nish and
428 Cedar nish now available
Call or visit
the web for
stockists.
TEL: 01258 841414
+44 (0)1296 481 220
www.osmouk.com
EXTERIOR PAINTS
www.handmadesofacompany.co.uk
The Handmade Sofa Company, Unit 4, Manor Farm Business Centre,
Gussage St Michael, Wimborne, Dorset, BH21 5HT.
Save up to 30%
Chartwell 3 seater sofa was 669 - Now 499
Call 01495 243999 or visit www.kirkdale.co.uk

For more information visit us at www.theenglishhome.co.uk When calling the UK from North America,
dial the country code 011 44 and drop the rst 0 in the UK phone number
EMAIL: LAURENCE.BALDWIN@CHELSEAMAGAZINES.COM
Summer Sale now on.
EXTERIOR PAINTS
FURNITURE, JOINERY AND INTERIORS
Beautifully Bespoke
Soft Furnishings,
Lighting & Accessories
INTERIORS
HANDMADE IN ENGLAND
TO ADVERTISE CONTACT LAURENCE BALDWIN

ON 01242 216093 OR EMAIL:
LAURENCE.BALDWIN@CHELSEAMAGAZINES.COM
www.englanderline.com
0044 (0) 203 441 6160
0044 (0) 78 7203 1136
sales@englanderline.com
www.clarabelleinteriors.co.uk Tel: 0797 356 2997
JEWELLERY
for luck...
From
mucking out to going out, Hiho Silver is a
Candles with
designs
in relief inspired
by atrove of unique and elegant creations.
treasure
collection of wallpaper
Beautifully handcrafted sterling silver jewellery
printing rollers.
$"!"
$! ""!
$
$" !
including this exclusive design
Each candle isespecially suited for stylish country lovers.

handcrafted in Devon
by British artisans.Exclusive Sterling Silver And 22ct Gold Plated
Horseshoe Necklace 60
A stylish decorative
statement for your
home or a perfect gift
for someone special.
PUBLISHERS
www.hihosilver.co.uk
tel 01460 221 006
(also available in stores at Dorchester and Sherborne)
www.parabledesigns.co.uk
Telephone:
361666
Enter EH07 at checkout for 12%
off until01392
30/06/15
TO ADVERTISE CONTACT
LAURENCE BALDWIN ON
01242 216093
OR EMAIL:
LAURENCE.BALDWIN@
CHELSEAMAGAZINES.COM
TILES
www.devolkitchens.co.uk - 01509 261000
TILES
TILES
Margaret Taylor Artist.

Bespoke Hand Painted Tiles
Tel: 01507 343536
Brand New E-commerce Site! Visit www.TheTaylorTrilogy.co.uk
www.TheMargaretTaylorCollection.co.uk
Limited Edition Printed Tiles
KITCHEN AND BATHROOMS
Using a plentiful,
sustainable,
natural crop of
English bulrush,
Rush Matters
creates a
beautiful range
of flooring
and accessories
CLOCKWISE FROM
ABOVE LEFT Irons
spends the summer
harvesting wild
bulrushes with her
family, and her dog
Molly. These sturdy
log baskets can be
lined with steel to
be used as planters.
Large basket, 534
Rush Matters sews
together plaits
of rush to create
fitted flooring
and rugs.
From 198 a square
metre, plus binding
and fitting.
elicity Irons discovered

a talent for working
with rush when she was
convalescing after a car
accident over twenty years ago.
I taught myself rush seating
techniques and found that I was
quite good at it, she recalls. Irons
set up her business, Rush Matters,
in 1992 with the support of The
Princes Youth Business Trust,
and worked on restoring rush
seating. I bought my rush from
a man near Huntingdon, and
when he died, I took over rush
cutting in 1994 and things
evolved from there.
Although Irons still works on
restoration for rush seating, she has
evolved the business focus, too, and
worked on her own designs, using

rush for floor matting, basketry,
tableware and hats. The process
begins in July and August when
Irons, her boyfriend and his
nephew, and her brother, harvest
English bulrush on the Rivers
Ouse and Neane. We cut around
four to five tons a day out on
the river and everything is cut
by hand, she reveals.
Each days harvest is dried
naturally on hedges on Irons
farm. We turn it every day and
the colour of the useable rush is
dependent upon the weather
when it is drying. When it is
sunny, there is more bleaching
and the bulrush goes honey
coloured, but if its less sunny
and more windy you get these

extraordinary greens and subtle,
almost purple and pink hues.
The dried rushes are plaited by
Irons and her small team and
sewn together for flooring and
other products. As well as
residential clients around the
world, Irons has worked on
projects for the National Trust,
reinstating traditional rush
matting in Hardwick Hall which
was known for its Hardwick
Matting in the 1580s. It is not
just for historic properties,
though, adds Irons. We have
installed rush flooring into
incredible 21st century buildings,
too. It is just a case of being
imaginative with it. Q
FEATURE KATY MCLEAN
AUTHENTICALLY ENGLISH
The George IV hanging lantern in distressed brass nish,

wired for indoor and outdoor use
From our unique collection of antique and reproduction
chimneypieces, grates, lighting and furniture, available
to view online and at our showrooms:
London
Jamb, 9597 Pimlico Road, London SW1W 8PH
T +44 (0) 20 7730 2122
Los Angeles
Jasper, 8525 Melrose Avenue, West Hollywood CA 90069
T +1 310 315 3028
www.jamb.co.uk

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The

Celebrating the essence of English style

Beautiful ideas for rooms with

Skilful sourcing & cost control

Garden style, picnics with panache, lavender season

MAKERS AND FURNISHERS OF THE FINEST

+44 (0)1476 564433

A circular expanding mahogany dining table crossbanded with rosewood, the

THIRD GENERATION CLASSICAL FURNITURE SPECIALIST WITH 1,600 DESIGNS IN STOCK

View furniture in situ prior to purchase,

York House . 61-63 Leigh Road

608 Kings Road

Kingston House . High Street

Showrooms open Tuesday to Saturday

FOR WHERE TO BUY SEE ADDRESS BOOK

THE ENGLISH HOME 5

KITCHEN & BATHROOM SPECIAL

THE ENGLISH HOME F A B

Celebrating the essence of English style

T riorOurs edit of the most desirable new-season designs

From Tudor farmhouse

To make life easier, you can now buy single editions

6 THE ENGLISH HOME

115 SUMMER DELIGHTS

Mary Berry cutting the ribbon to officially open the

Behind the scenes

An insight into some of the extra-curricular things

PHOTOGRAPHS EDITORS PORTRAIT RACHEL SMITH; TOP RIGHT JOHN HARRISON

I spend rather a lot of time on property websites for someone

Celebrating the essence of English style

Beautiful ideas for rooms with

The English Home, Archant House,

Skilful sourcing & cost control

Outdoor living, picnics with panache, lavender season

Celebrating the essence of English style

Our edit of the most desirable new-season designs

Editor Kerryn Harper-Cuss

Enjoy The English Home

Reprographics Manager Neil Puttnam

NEXT ISSUE ON SALE 1 JULY 2015

* Excludes Classic and Discontinued lines.

Order online at: mandarinstone.com or visit one of our inspirational showrooms:

CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT

FOR WHERE TO BUY SEE ADDRESS BOOK

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CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT

FOR WHERE TO BUY SEE ADDRESS BOOK

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CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT

16 THE ENGLISH HOME

FEATURE SUZANNA BALL

GEORGIAN INTERIOR DESIGN SPECIALISTS

FEATURE CLARE STEEL

FOR WHERE TO BUY SEE ADDRESS BOOK

People, places, pursuits

may be booked for excursions on the

DIARY Events Worth Noting

Polo has been enjoyed at Cowdray Park

from Yeowards book, American Bar

Private gardens up and down the country will

THE ENGLISH HOME 21

Handmade bathrooms directly from our factory

What makes an Albion Bath unique?

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