Innholdsfortegnelse for Jul-2018 i Country Homes & Interiors

The ‘old meets new’ ethos of country life and style continues to reinvent and thrive. Our history and heritage very much inspire the type of period property we dream of living in – Georgie Jones’ 300-year-old Hampshire cottage (page 32) is the perfect example. But, equally, the new generation of country women are stamping their style on the clean lines of more recent buildings, as Vanessa Roberts’ stunning remodelled 1950s house in Kent shows (page 22). Whether their property is aged or mid-century, the owners have each styled their home with an of-the-moment country look that’s right for them. Modern interpretations of classic vintage are also in vogue this summer. Turn to page 60 to see how age-old armoires, chandeliers and bedsteads have been refreshed with contemporary, cross-culture pieces. It’s…

We want this now... Bring a floral touch to your cookware with this new, limited-edition Le Creuset collection. Embossed with flowers, Fleur has a matt white base, giving even the heaviest pieces a more delicate appearance. Use the cast-iron casserole to sauté peas and fresh mint to top toasted sourdough as a seasonal alternative to avocado. From £19 for a mini casserole, lecreuset.co.uk . OUR FAVOURITE MICRO GREENS GROWERS Nurtured in Norfolk Former chefs Allan Miller and Sue Drane started growing micro cress in 2010 after spotting the need for a more consistent product. Starting in their own greenhouse and supplying the restaurant they worked in, Nurtured in Norfolk now sends micro cress, micro herbs, edible flowers, baby, micro and sea veg and mint tips all around…

What makes this house a home… ‘Each room is filled with things we have collected over the years, which remind us of the children growing up and our travels as a family’ » Achance stop en route to view another property led Vanessa Roberts and her husband, Chris, to find their present home. Although initially underwhelmed by its charmless exterior, once inside, the couple recognised the house’s potential to become a flexible family home and were excited by all the possibilities. ‘We started looking to move out of London about 10 years ago,’ says Vanessa. ‘Our children needed more space and we felt confined by city living.’ Chris had grown up in Surrey and the couple could see the attraction in being surrounded by countryside. Unfortunately the property market was…

A striking wallcovering that plays with colour and pattern can enhance the setting of a space, while providing a wonderful focus. In compact spaces, opt for oversized prints or large-scale repeats in a subtle design and use sparingly. Bold botanical and floral designs look wonderful in larger areas; team with generously proportioned furniture featuring simple lines and a neutral palette to balance your scheme. Where to buy... • Murals Wallpaper for stunning imagery and super-size scales. • Graham & Brown for rescaled archive designs. • Harlequin for bold hues and motifs on digital-print panels.…

Extend the living room outside with a comfortable and sociable seating arrangement, made extra cosy with pattern-punching cushions. Georgie’s style secret Arrange outdoor spaces as you would an indoor room by positioning benches symmetrically around a fire pit.…

Create homely ambience in intimate spaces with layered lighting, combining tealight votives, atmospheric table lamps and a feature pendant. Claire’s style secret Create a truly sociable dining area with a round table, encouraging lively conversation at mealtimes.…

Visit… ‘Basildon Park ( nationaltrust.org.uk/basildonpark ), a nearby National Trust property. It’s great for local history, lovely walks in the extensive grounds and, of course, a cup of tea in the tea room.’ Shop at… ’Green Parlour (0118 984 4000, greenparlour.com ) – this wonderful shop in Pangbourne is perfect for fresh flowers and beautiful gifts.’ Go for a meal at… ‘The Miller of Mansfield (01491 872829, millerofmansfield.com ) at Goring-on-Thames. A cosy village pub, it serves modern British dishes in the relaxed atmosphere of a country inn with 18th-century origins.’…

Well loved and beautifully aged, this look continues to be a country-style favourite. This summer, classic armoires, chandeliers and bedsteads are refreshed with contemporary, cross-culture pieces, while pretty pastels blend with burnished metallics, edgy bamboo and touches of macramé. It’s old meets new at its best... LAYER UP LINENS IN THE GARDEN ROOM Enjoy sun-filled suppers with layered summery linens of plain and archive-inspired patterns. A modern chandelier updates the look and works well with the classic painted chairs. See page 68 for details. » BRING ARCHIVE PATTERN TO WALLS Add bright and breezy style to living room spaces with vintage-style wallpaper and painted shutters. Folky florals, pale-coloured upholstery and rattan furniture keep the look fresh. Woven rugs and throws add a textural touch. See page 68 for details. DRAW…

Influenced by the idyllic Cotswold countryside in which she lives, Vanessa Arbuthnott’s beautiful designs include simple patterns and gentle colourways that reflect a rustic way of life. All of Vanessa’s fabrics are made from organic cotton combined with eco-friendly flax to create a unique linen mix, and are woven or printed in the UK. Artists’ Collection is her 16th fabric range and it is produced in collaboration with her family. It features an eclectic mix of designs in muted colours such as Pumpkin, Tomato, Smoke and Pigeon, as well as fabrics including Harris Tweed, sumptuous new velvets and her signature linen mix. Look out for daughter Rose’s retro teapots and mugs, an architectural seaside village design by husband Nicholas and the exquisite witty birds by daughter Flora. Perfect for relaxed…

Few trends have such timeless appeal as coastal style, with its classic blue and white colour scheme. Whether you live by the sea or just love this colour palette, it’s easy to create the coastal look at home, without the need to add nautical motifs. Having explored some of Britain’s most impressive seaside homes, Charlie Luxton is an expert in coastal style, which is showcased throughout his place on the Cornish shore. Hillarys challenged Charlie to show how to bring the trend into your interior by using texture, colour and different treatments at the windows – transforming each room into a relaxing haven. As Charlie says, ‘The light quality you get in coastal areas, and specifically in Cornwall, is a really important part of living by the sea – and…

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT… Summerhouse installation Charles Walton, CEO of Garden Buildings Direct, guides you through the process. • Unless your house is listed or within designated land, summerhouses often come under permitted development rights, and won’t require planning permission. However, this depends on factors such as the location, height and size, so check with your planning office. • Timber is the most popular material. To avoid having to treat it every year or so, go for pressure-treated timber. Interlocking log cabin styles have thick walls suited to intensive use. • Opt for a concrete or slab base, and ensure it is level, or your construction might not be practical or safe. • Most summerhouses are delivered in panels to construct on site, making delivery and access easy.…

Handmade in the UK, this period-style tap has quarter-turn ceramic disc flow control. Three-hole wall-mounted nickel basin set with lever handles, £404.76, Perrin & Rowe. A concealed aerator ensures a bubbly flow, and the flow limiter saves water. Image wall-mounted basin mixer, £266, Roper Rhodes. An on-trend rose-gold finish highlights the faceted handles and slim spout. Hemsby wall-mounted basin mixer, col Rose Gold, £350, Heritage Bathrooms.…

As our native populations of small insects and animals continue to decline, summer is the perfect time to get our little people to look after, and outside for, garden bugs and beasties. Some people call it eco gardening, but we prefer to think of it as caring for our flora, birds, small mammals, bees and insects without the use of chemicals or pesticides. According to the wildflower specialist, Seedball, the UK has lost 97% of its native wildflower habitats since the Second World War, so getting our youngsters involved from an early age is a great idea – not least because they will find it great fun, too! 1 CREATE A HOME FOR THE BEES All it takes is a small log to create a bee house. Here, a 15cm-long…

Visit... ‘Sussex Prairie Garden, near Henfield (01273 495902; sussexprairies.co.uk ), a fantastic showpiece garden full of big bold grasses and herbaceous perennials. Ideal for looking at a range of grasses and seeing which would work in your own garden.’ Go for a meal at... ‘The Jolly Sportsman, East Chiltington (01273 890400). A great, traditional country pub serving a range of Sussex beers and good food cooked by owner Bruce Wass and his team.’ Shop at... ‘Lewes, a quirky, creative market town that’s kept its distinctiveness, independent shops and a farmers’ market on the first Saturday of the month.’…

1 Soap Folk This handmade organic soap cools and refreshes with its minty fragrance. Tinted green with skin-softening clay, and rich in vitamin E, the bar is kind to sore or sunburned skin. Peppermint Soap, £5.95, Soap Folk. 2 Quintessentially English A blend of neroli and orange blossom ensures this handmade soap has the scent of a summer garden. Quintessentially English Buttercup Neroli Organic Soap, £3.75 for 50g; £7 for 100g. 3 The Yorkshire Soap Company Capturing the scent of the Yorkshire countryside, this naturally fragranced triple-milled soap bar is made with essential oil fragrance and moisturising shea butter. Yorkshire Rose, £6 for 175g, The Yorkshire Soap Company.…

BURRATA WITH MIXED TOMATOES AND BASIL OIL Make sure you serve this at room temperature to make the most of the creaminess of the burrata and the flavour of the tomatoes – and allow yourself enough time to prepare the basil oil the night before. SERVES 8-10 1kg mixed tomatoes, such as flavoursome heritage varieties, cherry, Black Russian or baby plum, some roughly chopped and some left whole 30g basil leaves, torn 2 tbsp olive oil Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste 6 burrata For the basil oil 3 large handfuls of basil 2 large handfuls of spinach 100ml olive oil ¼ tsp salt 1 Make the basil oil 1 day in advance. Using a blender, finely blend all the ingredients to a purée. Place the purée…

1 STATEMENT DRESSER This towering bespoke dresser is the perfect display case for Kathleen’s treasured collection of vintage china and glassware. ‘Painting it in Farrow & Ball’s dramatic Black Blue ensures it focuses your attention,’ says Gabriel Holland. ‘The traditional ladder is a nod to the dressers found in England’s great old country houses.’ Painting the interior in the same shade as the wall behind stops it from feeling top-heavy. 2 WALK-IN PANTRY Walk-in pantries are really making a comeback, and with good reason. Here, a small sink and slim wine fridge, along with pull-out vegetable baskets, help maximise the room’s potential. The reclaimed door was a last-minute suggestion from the builder. ‘I love how the worn imperfection and leaded glass adds character,’ says Gabriel. ‘The food sign and custom-made…

There’s something about ice cream – as soon as you say it, people smile,’ says Caroline Spiby, founder of artisan ice cream company Caroline’s Dairy, which is based in converted farm buildings on the family farm near the idyllic Sussex coast. Caroline has always had a love of cooking, but the seeds of the business came about after she married Chris, a dairy farmer. At the time, dairy farmers were not being paid the price of the cost of production and Caroline kept trying to think of things to do with the milk to add value and diversify. In 2000, Caroline started looking into making ice cream as a business, but plans were put on hold when there was a nationwide outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease. Caroline then found out she…

Developing packaging for the first time is a challenge for many start-up businesses. You may be more concerned with other aspects of your product, but people are drawn to attractive packaging and it may mean the difference between a sale or not, and, ultimately, the difference between the success or failure of your brand. ‘The packaging of your product is vital,’ says Paul Marsh, managing director at The Packaging Experts. ‘Up to 80% of purchase decisions are made at point of sale. People go into a shop for one item and come away having bought lots of things. You have to capture your target market’s attention, and packaging is about getting them to buy in the first place – you never get a second chance to make a first impression.’…

Into the blue Make a statement in the kitchen with an Aga in one of the gorgeous new coastal shades, like this one inspired by the colour of the sea around the idyllic harbour town of Salcombe, in Devon. This three-oven Dual Control costs from £11,020. OUR FAVOURITE DESIGNER MAKER Olive + Daisy Louise Schofield lives and works on the edge of the beautiful Lincolnshire Wolds. Using her passion for sewing, she started off making soft furnishings and accessories, which developed into designing her own prints and then launching her brand, Olive + Daisy in 2015. She now makes and sells many printed linens and home textiles using the vintage sewing machines in her workshop, as well as co-ordinating wallpaper and lampshades. What inspires you? The great outdoors, walks with…

Visit… ‘RHS Garden Wisley, (01483 224234, rhs.org.uk/gardens/wisley ) for year-round workshops. Or Box Hill ( nationaltrust.org.uk/box-hill ) for fabulous walks and views.’ Shop at… ‘Cullenders Delicatessen & Kitchen (01737 240800, cullenders.com ) in Reigate. They sell fine foods, drinks and premium pantry fares including preserves, condiments, cheeses and wine from a shop-cum-café and mini catering emporium.’ Go for a meal at… ‘The Skimmington Castle (01737 243100, skimmingtoncastle.co.uk ) in Reigate. A traditional, dog-friendly pub with cosy inglenooks and pretty terraces, where you can enjoy real ales and home-cooked meals.’…

Georgie and Laurence Jones were living in London but dreamt of moving to the countryside to raise their children. ‘We had a small house, an expanding family and a dog!’ says Georgie. ‘We needed more space.’ They went to lunch with their friends, interior designer Annabelle Holland and her husband, Anthony, at their home in Hampshire. ‘We were talking about our plans to move to the countryside and they encouraged us to relocate near them,’ says Georgie. ‘By chance, they knew of a house for sale and so we went to view it. ‘Our first impression was how pretty the exterior was. I loved the atmosphere inside, too – it felt so calm and the walled garden was ideal for the children.’ The downside was that the house needed some…

What we love most about living here… ‘The views are different every day. The countryside never stays the same’ Top of the list for Claire Merriman and her husband Rob when looking for their dream home was not the number of rooms, but what they could see from them. As the view was so important, the couple spent many a weekend poring over maps to find the most panoramic property. ‘We didn’t think we’d end up with everything we have today, with the gardens, estate, the pets and all the wildlife, including our herd of deer,’ says Claire. ‘It was a perfect, hot July day when we came to look around and, as we walked in the front door we could see the view from the open back door. We…

Inspired by early astronomy’s armillary spheres, these orb-shaped pieces feature a hanging candelabra in a caged globe surround. Traditionally fashioned in a patina metal such as brass, copper or wrought iron with a vintage-cum-industrial look, their eye-catching style lends a sophisticated and timeless feel to dining rooms and halls. Today’s designs experiment with sizes, shapes and finishes such as chrome and painted. Where to buy... • David Hunt for beautiful, British-made and bespoke. • The Lighting Company for rustic designs. • The Chandelier & Mirror Company for elegant shapes with a hint of luxury.…

Tap into the trend for symmetry with a soothing scheme that’s harmonious and balanced. Caroline’s style secret Get acquainted with your local vintage and antiques shops to add character with treasured finds.…

VINTAGE THEN, NOW, FOREVER Wallpaper,Vallance wide width, col Myrtle Pink, £65.52m, Lewis & Wood. LAYER UP LINENS IN THE GARDEN ROOM Natterbox dining chairs, £230 for 2, Loaf. Pia natural rattan armchair, £149, Tikamoon. Cushions (clockwise, from right): 1 Pratham stripe green square, £55, Birdie Fortescue. 2Abberley, col Mallow, £118m, Cloth & Clover. 3Vallance, col Earl Grey, £92.70m, Lewis & Wood. 4 Bell Heather, col Sunset on Cream, £54m, Pippa Blacker. Pompom trim, similar from Samuel & Sons. (On rattan armchair) Cotton blanket, £145, Bohemia. Green-striped throw, £75, Birdie Fortescue. Garment washed linen tablecloth, col Blush, £59, Also Home. Pratham tablecloth, £195; Pratham floral linen napkins, £12 each; Pratham border napkins, £12 each; green glass jug, £40; Curved glass vase, col Seaspray, £10, all Birdie Fortescue. Embossed lace side plates,…

1 GREY MATTER For an edgy look in the kitchen, incorporate a material that’s synonymous with industrial style – concrete. A shelf built into a concrete island adds the wow factor and creates a focal point in the room. Soften the utilitarian effect by displaying etched glassware and pretty vintage china for pops of colour. Keep the scheme pared back and streamlined by opting for extra shelving built into an alcove, rather than adding wall cabinets. 2 COMPLEMENT AND CONTRAST Keep the look fresh by teaming white shelves with a backdrop of white tiles, then inject textural flair with aged leather shelf brackets. ‘Instead of cabinets, open wall shelving is versatile and attractive and will make the room feel airier,’ says John Sims-Hilditch, co-founder of Neptune. ‘White shelving adds warmth…

1 Sheer indulgence  Double up in both size and style, and enjoy an outdoor lie-in with your favourite companion on this luxurious patio bed for two. Miami outdoor wicker four-poster bed, H210xW150xL210cm, col Black, £1,049, Maisons du Monde. 2 Cool rotation  In a water-resistant rattan weave, this lounger swivels to find the sun and the best view. It has a pull-down shade and there’s even a retractable drinks table inside. Fiji Apple day bed, H230xDia200cm, £3,500, The Garden Furniture Centre. 3 Generous proportions Roll this wheeled wonder into place, then simply lean back and unwind against a scattering of cuddly cushions. Valentine 2-seater sunbed, L215xW174cm, £1,799, 4 Seasons Outdoor at John Lewis. 4 Summer holiday vibes Find the perfect secluded spot between two trees to anchor this comfy cotton sling.…

If you use a smartphone (and who doesn’t?) you already own half of an incredibly sophisticated home music system thanks to Bluetooth, wireless streaming and services such as Apple Music and Spotify. To improve your music system further, connect to a Bluetooth wireless speaker to stream music, podcasts and radio up to a range of 10 metres. Many models are also wi-fi-compatible and can be operated by voice control. You can also link up multiple speakers (of the same brand) throughout your home. 1 Best for… GARDEN PARTIES SoundLink Revolve+, £280, Bose Despite looking good enough to display inside the house, this Bluetooth speaker (H18.4xW10.5xD10.5cm) is built tough, has a fabric-covered carry handle and can withstand bumps, knocks and even being caught in the rain. It also has a huge…

Put on a pinny Handmade in Yorkshire, The Stitch Society’s aprons are comfortable, durable and stylish. Made from hard-wearing cotton moleskin, denim, twill and linen, they are designed with broad shoulder straps and a huge front pocket. Susie pinafore apron, £49, The Stitch Society. GET FRUITY Inspired by the scents of the South of France, Jo Malone’s latest fragrance, Orange Butterflies by Jo Loves, contains notes of orange blossom, petitgrain, mandarin and neroli. From £70 for 50ml. Neat idea Perfect for keen gardeners, this hand-turned, sustainably sourced oak string tidy, £13.50 from Nordic House, includes scissors and natural cotton string. GO GEOMETRIC For a relaxed summer cover-up, the pure cotton voile Liza blouse, £99 from Wrap London, is on trend with its embroidered pattern, while the billowy sleeves and tasselled…

‘Working with a great local team of artisan craftspeople allowed us to realise our vision and add texture, character and detail to the kitchen’ Having enjoyed a weekend property in the heart of Dorset, six years ago Kathleen O’Donnell and her partner, Tim, decided to commit to country living permanently. A rural setting, with some land and views led their search criteria. But little did they know, their ideal home was moments from their weekend retreat. A former hunting lodge, the 17th-century property was bursting with to-die-for features, such as huge oak beams, original terracotta floors and large inglenook fireplaces. For many, the tiny, cold kitchen and equally inadequate utility might have been a deal breaker, but Kathleen and Tim were excited by the potential to put their stamp on…

GET DEADHEADING To keep bedding plants in fine fettle and encourage more flowers, you’ll need to deadhead. Make light work of it with the handy Hip Trug, which clips to a belt or pocket and leaves hands free for deadheading or fruit picking. Slip it quickly out of its neoprene sleeve to empty. In two sizes: 1.5L, £9.95, and 3L, £12.95, both from Harrod Horticultural. Q&A WITH A SHARING GARDENER What’s new at RHS Hampton Court? We asked the influential landscape designer and author Piet Oudolf about his first installation at RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show this July. What encouraged you to take part? The Royal Horticultural Society asked me to create an installation that reflects my naturalistic planting style. The beautiful venue appealed to me, and I hope…

Choose shades of green for furniture, textiles and accessories to allow the garden feel to flow from the outside in. A garden room has always been a ‘must have’ on the country home wish list. It’s a space that traps the first rays of the day, warms the body and relaxes the mind. Whatever the forecast, this room blurs the lines between inside and outside and has lasting, year-round pleasure. WHAT’S THE STORY? The origins of a sunroom date back to the late-Tudor times when wealthy landowners sought to ripen their homegrown, Mediterranean fruits in warm, glazed spaces. Later, orangeries and conservatories became popular with the Victorians as the interest in exotics and plant collections grew. By the late 20th century smaller glasshouses were common with the invention of single,…

Vanessa’s style secret Opt for an old-mixed-with-new approach for homely appeal within a modern setting.…

Like moths to a flame, we all love to gather around a soul-warming source of heat after the sun has gone down. Popular for entertaining and creating an atmospheric focal point, raised pre-cast concrete, metal and stone fire pits, either woodburning or lit by gas, are some of the most popular. Many suppliers also offer custom designed and built-in or in-ground options to cater for every size, shape and style preference imaginable. Where to buy… • Clifton for classically stylish British-made steel designs. • Primrose for large, portable or decorative options. • Elementi for new-concept, gas-powered ‘patio heaters’ in rustic and modern styles.…

Visit… ‘Blackheath ( woodlandtrust.org.uk ) for walking. In the heart of the Surrey Hills, this child-friendly area features woods, sandy open spaces and gentle pathways to stroll along.’ Shop at… ‘The Packhouse (01252 781010, packhouse.com ) in Farnham, which offers vintage, antique and one-off buys, plus fashion and gifts. With an on-site restaurant, it’s the perfect day out.’ Go for a meal at… ‘Positano (01483 563277, positanorestaurant.co.uk  ) in Guildford, perfect for summery Italian food.’…

For a timeless finishing touch to your bathroom or cloakroom, consider adding one of these unique space savers. Washstands were traditionally a freestanding table or cabinet with a marble top and tiled splashback, supported by shapely legs, and were used to hold a water bowl and pitcher. Choose one with a wider top that will take two basins for his-and-hers washing facilities – that’s what we call spa-style chic. Where to buy... • Neptune for handmade, rustic models, complete with marble and oak tops. • Drench for traditional styles with period detailing. • Tikamoon for innovative, modern designs.…

Enamelware Decamp into the great outdoors with a trusty army of hardwearing enamelware in vivid brights and striking mottled designs. Natural materials Take rustic materials to Mother Nature’s ‘table’ with artisan-made wooden platters and lightweight bamboo essentials. Melamine Lay out a yummy spread of garden-grown nibbles and celebrate pattern clashing and a riot of sunshine shades on a feast of unbreakable, blooming and tutti-frutti designs.…

Nell Gifford started her first circus as a child. She still has the poster she made, which proudly promises a Shetland pony, a performing dog and ‘possibly a tame sheep’. While studying English Literature at Oxford, Nell never gave up on her childhood dream of running away to the circus. She went on to work for travelling shows in the UK and abroad. With her husband Toti, she later renovated an old showman’s wagon found in a hedge. Today their vintage-style company, Giffords Circus, tours southern England. Performances are based on literary themes, such as War and Peace and The Tempest. This year, there’s a special celebration to mark 250 years since circus began. Roll up, roll up to meet the remarkable ring-mistress... WHAT WAS YOUR CHILDHOOD LIKE? I was…

Studio chic A generous overhang and sharply aligned veranda lend a contemporary architectural look to this modular garden studio. If you want to furnish your summerhouse with interior-grade fitting or electrical goods, such as a television or a computer, choose a design that’s fully insulated on the floor, walls and ceiling, with draught-proof double-glazing. This Hub Studio, built in Norfolk exclusively for John Lewis, is designed for year-round use and meets permitted development regulations in terms of height and overall footprint. A mortice lock will help protect valuables. Open to the elements An outdoor living space needn’t be enclosed to work as a clearly defined ‘room’. ‘To successfully establish a relaxation area that feels like a natural continuation of your home, choose furniture in a similar design and style to…

AFTER YEARS OF MINIMALIST WHITE BATHROOMS, there’s a growing desire for more inventive choices, particularly for guest bathrooms or cloakrooms. ‘Decorative interiors, often inspired by the style of boutique hotels, have become popular. Coloured sanitaryware has seen a resurgence, wall and floor tiles have daring patterns, and the introduction of decorative washbasins is a simple way of adding a touch of opulence and drama,’ says Anna Callis, founder and designer of London Basin Company, whose decorated porcelain bowls are breathtakingly beautiful. ‘I draw inspiration from the places I have visited, and from markets, antiques shops and auctions,’ she says. FOR BOWL OR ‘VESSEL’ BASINS, the choice of materials ranges from ceramics to copper, concrete or wood and there are also unique forms guaranteed to create an impression, such as the…

‘I WORK FROM MY SPARE BEDROOM – IT’S FILLED TO THE BRIM WITH BOOKS, PLANTS, FABRICS AND OTHER TREASURES’ This month, self-taught textile artist Mister Finch, presents his largest ever exhibition of more than 75 individual soft sculptures at the Yorkshire Sculpture Park. We asked him to guide us through his magical world of moths, mice and toadstools… WHAT STORY DOES YOUR EXHIBITION TELL? The show is named after a fairytale called The Wish Post. It’s about a magical kingdom of woodland creatures who can grant wishes, but not for themselves or anyone they know. They collect and sort through other creatures’ wishes, which are breathed into envelopes and posted in toadstool postboxes. But one night each year the The Wish Post animals are able to tie their own envelopes…

Garden paths Paths should add style, as well as taking you from A to B. Use materials that relate to your house or other hard landscaping. Here are some to consider... • Cheap and easy, gravel needs a weed-proof membrane underneath and edging to stop it spreading. Liven it up with stone setts, bricks or lengths of railway sleeper. • Bricks, either reclaimed or new, add colour and texture, and can be laid in many patterns. • Local stone is more expensive but lasts well and looks good. • Add interest to low-cost paving slabs or pavers by adding planting pockets, edging with ribbons of brick or laying at an oblique angle.…

1 POP LEGEND SIR TOM JONES plays Belvoir Castle on Sunday 22 July. Visit the beautiful Regency property with its formal gardens and estate overlooking Leicestershire’s Vale of Belvoir, then sing along to Tom’s greatest hits. Visit belvoircastle.com. 2 FUNK AND SOUL STARS EARTH, WIND & FIRE headline at the Love Supreme Jazz Festival at Glynde Place on Sunday 1 July. The Elizabethan stately home, in East Sussex, has great views over the Weald and Sussex Downs.Visit lovesupremefestival.com. 3 DISCO DIVAS NILE RODGERS & CHIC play Alnwick Castle on Wednesday 11 July. The iconic castle in Northumberland, built after the Norman Conquest, has been the setting for Hogwarts, and makes a dramatic backdrop to the concert, which will be held in the pastures behind the castle.Visit alnwickcastle.com.…

There’s no better place to learn – or improve – your Italian cooking than in Tuscany. So, Country Homes & Interiors has joined forces with husband-and-wife team Giancarlo and Katie Caldesi, whose latest cookbook is inspired by the region, to offer the ultimate cooking trip. Rich in culture, art and food, Tuscany is stunningly beautiful and on our four-day break you’ll be staying in a lovely villa overlooking the rolling hills, cypress trees and vineyards. ‘It makes such a difference learning how to cook classic dishes in the place they’re from,’ says Katie Caldesi. ‘Tuscany holds many special memories for us – it’s where Giancarlo was born and where we got married – and we can’t wait to share our love of it with you.’ As well as benefitting from…

Owners Kathleen O’Donnell, a lawyer, and her partner Tim, who runs technology companies, live here with their three dogs, Tio, Alfie and Monty. House A five-bedroom, Grade II-listed hunting lodge in the heart of Dorset. Project A sympathetically designed new extension has replaced a tiny, unheated kitchen, creating a bigger and better-lit space for entertaining. Kitchen size 9.8x6.9m Designer Gabriel Holland of Gabriel Holland Interior Design. Cabinetry Bespoke Georgian-style cabinetry made by Anthony Durdle, painted in Borough Market by Mylands and The Botanist by Paint & Paper Library.…

CABINETRY Bespoke Georgian-style cabinetry made by Anthony Durdle, around £30,000, with island painted in Borough Market by Mylands, cabinets painted in The Botanist by Paint & Paper Library and dresser painted in Farrow & Ball’s Black Blue. Design by Gabriel Holland Interior Design. SURFACES South African black antiqued granite worktop on island, £275sq m, Landford Stone. Perimeter worktops and splashbacks in composite quartz, col Misty Carrera, from £400sq m, Caesarstone. Walls, painted in Slate IV, £46.50 for 2.5L emulsion, Paint & Paper Library. Trusloe limestone seasoned finish flooring, £59.94sq m, Artisans of Devizes. APPLIANCES Total Control range cooker, col White, from £13,825, Aga. RF540ADUSX4 American-style fridge freezer, £2,300; DD60DAHX9 dishwasher, £1,000, both Fisher & Paykel. Wi155 wine fridge, £279, Caple. SINKS & TAPS KBX 160 55-20 main kitchen sink, £577;…

Visit… ‘RSPB Pagham Harbour Nature Reserve (01243 641508, rspb.org.uk ). In the summer we love to get on our bikes and have a ride across the farm and into the nature reserve and round to Church Norton, which backs on to Pagham Harbour. It is so relaxing and also gives us a bit of exercise.’ Shop at... ‘Runcton Farm Shop (01243 787847, runctonfarmshop.co.uk ). They stock produce, including our ice cream, from around 50 local producers. They also grow 30 to 40 crops, including vegetables, soft fruits, pumpkins, squashes and the most delicious asparagus, and you can pick your own in the summer.’ Go for a meal at... ‘The Crab & Lobster (01243 641233, crab-lobster.co.uk ) in Sidlesham…

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