Innholdsfortegnelse for Aug-2018 i Country Homes & Interiors

Summer holidays are on the horizon with many of us seeking out waterside and shoreline destinations in which to relax. Breathing in sea air, enjoying the endless views and connecting with the natural rhythm of the tides has long been an antidote to everyday life, and the homes we travelled to this issue all tell of the timeless and therapeutic nature of living close to water. From a fisherman’s cottage in Norfolk (page 54) to a contemporary new-build eco home overlooking the Sound of Mull (page 34), the properties featured in the coming pages are filled with a need for space to feel carefree and alive. Inspired by estuary flora and fauna, this summer’s obsession with muted bird and shell designs is brought to life with easy-on-the-eye decorating ideas on…

We want this now... Bring your barbecue with you this summer with CUBE from Heston Blumenthal’s Everdure. This compact (H23xW43x D35cm) design costs £149, has cool-to-touch handles and comes with a tray and bamboo prep board, both of which tuck into the cube, while leaving room for fresh coals. Find stockists at everdurebyheston.co.uk . OUR FAVOURITE CHILLI FARMERS South Devon Chilli Farm Situated outside the village of Loddiswell, the aptly named South Devon Chilli Farm was set up by chilli enthusiasts Steve, Heather Kaz and Martin in 2003. Products are sold in the shop, online and in delis and farm shops across the UK. Heather tells us more... What’s so special about your produce? Our chilli preserves, sauces and chocolates are made with chillies grown here on…

What makes this house a home… ‘The area is jaw-droppingly beautiful – and we are making irreplaceable family memories’ If it hadn’t been for an incredibly stormy night back in 1882, it’s unlikely Sarah Cross would ever have built a stunning New England-style home in a magical, coastal spot in north Wales. ‘At the time, my great-great grandmother had travelled from London to Holyhead, with the intention of sailing to Dublin,’ says Sarah. ‘However, when rough seas meant the crossing was cancelled, she ended up staying in nearby Trearddur Bay.’ Having spotted Rhoscolyn across the headland, Sarah’s ancestor was enchanted by the view, and made a point of visiting there the following year. Her tales of this carefree coastal village piqued the interest of Sarah’s relatives. Soon, great-great aunts and…

Traditionally popular in restaurants to encourage sociable dining, these built-in benches are working their way into family homes, too. They can be fitted into a corner breakfast nook, or simply stretched down one side of the dining table, allowing you to maximise use of space in busy areas. Modern designs also often feature upholstered bench seat pads and hidden storage for extra comfort and functionality. Where to buy… • Tom Howley for innovative, space-saving ideas. • Horne Fine Furniture for bespoke handmade cabinetry. • Craftwood for design-led furniture with timeless upholstery options.…

Add interest, character and contrast to a classic country scheme with unexpected industrial accents in steel, copper, wood and concrete. Amanda’s style secret Wake up a neutral palette with eclectic finds and warm textures.…

Visit… ‘West Wittering beach (01243 514143, westwitteringbeach.co.uk ). We love going for walks here, and the boys adore playing in the sand.’ Shop at… ‘Something Fishy (01243 671153, somethingfishy.fish) in The Parade, East Wittering, is a traditional fishmonger that sells the freshest fish, caught on the day. The owner also organises fishing trips, from Chichester Harbour.’ Go for a meal at… ‘The Drift-In (01243 672292, witteringsurfshop.com ) East Wittering. It’s one of our favourite local cafés. They serve great coffee, fresh juices and our boys are huge fans of the crêpes.’…

What makes this house a home… ‘The overwhelming sense of history and authenticity. We’ve worked hard to retain the raw, unspoilt charm that first drew us to the cottage’ Sometimesin life it’s worth taking a gamble. This was certainly the case for Catherine and Simon Davis who, trusting their instincts, bought a tumbledown fisherman’s cottage, without as much as a survey. ‘When we first viewed this property in Wells-next-the-Sea, it was a complete wreck, crumbling before our eyes,’ says Catherine. ‘However, the coastal location was idyllic and, from the moment we set foot inside, we were captivated by its charm and the vast potential to bring such a unique, historic property back to life.’ Back in 2015, the couple, who run a luxury B&B and glamping business in the grounds…

Hand-finished artisan accents in natural materials add interest and character to a coastal scheme. Catherine’s style secret Choose driftwood-inspired pieces for relaxed living with a beachy twist.…

HEAD UPSTREAM Stackpole Headland picnic hamper, £65, National Trust. Grey vase, £24, Dassie Artisan. Cushions (from front): 1 Clouds, FJD6008/01, col Sky Blue, £65m, John Derian for Designers Guild. 2 Estuary Birds, 226426, col Mist/Ivory, £48m, Sanderson at Style Library. 3 Navy Blue, £14, Sainsbury’s Home. Raffia hat, £29.99, Zara Home. Brass Cargo lamp, £60, Nauticalia. Swell blanket, £75, Hart Interiors & Lifestyle. Black wooden stool, £82, Rowen & Wren. Glacier plate, £22, Lucia Fraser. SOAK UP THE SUN Tresco armchair, £620; 3-seater sofa,£1,230; Tuscany coffee table, £710; Tarragon small grey plant pot,£10, all Neptune. Blue herringbone blanket, £35; hanging metal cage plant pot holder, £12; Murlough Bay melamine beaker,£4, all National Trust. Brockworth throw, col Monsoon/White, £45; Dorset Blue enamel kettle, £45, both Garden Trading. Cushions (from left): 1…

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

WHEN YOU CHOOSE THE RIGHT COUNTRY-STYLE BED, everything else in the room simply falls into place. The current trend for curvy upholstered headboards and beds doesn’t just bring softness to a scheme, it allows fabrics to play a main part in setting the tone and mood. THINK ABOUT COLOUR ‘Our best-selling colour is Harbour Mist grey velvet,’ says Jacquie Dunton, founder and design director, Sweetpea & Willow. ‘All grey hues in velvet and linen are popular; jewel colours are the next contenders, but people also adore our pink velvets, usually used on furniture with an art deco twist. If you are not daring enough to go with pink velvet on a bed, then pink bedroom chairs are a good compromise.’ WHILE THE SUMPTUOUS upholstered Louis-style beds to be found at…

1 IT EASES STRESS Swimming in the solitude of wild waters, free from stress and social pressures, is soothing for mind and body. It becomes meditative as you relax and focus on breathing. 2 IT’S GOOD FOR THE BRAIN Swimming has been shown to stimulate neurogenesis – the process by which stem cells generate new neurons for the growth and development of brain tissue. 3 IT’S A FANTASTIC BONDING EXPERIENCE The support and companionship gained from wild swimming with others provides more than added safety. The shared experience accentuates the feeling of wellbeing and happiness. WILD SWIMMING TAKEN FROM THE MINDFUL ART OF WILD SWIMMING BY TESSA WARDLEY (£8.99, LEAPING HARE PRESS).…

Direct return flights * Seven nights’ luxury accommodation on board Royal Clipper * All meals on board * An exclusive talk and Q&A, two private cooking demonstrations, lunch in Amalfi and alfresco cocktail party with an Aldo Zilli*** * All activities and excursions as listed in the itinerary * The services of an expert tour guide THE DATES 11-18 May 2019 THE PRICE From £2,249pp* *Based on two sharing, subject to availability. Flights are based on a London departure. Regional flights available at a supplement. Single supplement: £1,000. **Charges apply. ***Timings of Aldo’s events subject to change. This trip is ATOL-protected. For full T&Cs visit: countryhomes.tripsmiths.com/italycruiseCHI HOW TO BOOK Call 020 3733 5475 Quote ref TS…

PROJECT PROFILE Owners Julia and Nigel Robins, who live here with their daughter Ella, 10, son Harrison, six, and Misty the cat. House A four-bedroom detached timber-frame house in Warley, Essex. Project A tired conservatory was replaced with a rear extension to create a light-filled and spacious family kitchen that opens onto the dining room. Kitchen size 5.2x4m Designer Anna Gooding at Stanford Design. Cabinetry 1909 Kitchens’ In-frame Shaker kitchen, painted in Farrow & Ball’s Wevet, supplied by Stanford Design. ‘The quartz worktops are really practical, so there’s no need to fret over spills or stains’ Ironically,the characterful beams that now make Julia and Nigel Robins’ kitchen sing, very nearly stopped them buying their home three years ago. Having lived nearby, Julia had always…

‘My paintings are affordable enough to treat yourself – but not everyday’ Based in the heart of Suffolk, Kate Nicole creates botanical paintings, influenced by the local landscape, featuring silhouettes of cow parsley, dandelions, hydrangeas, alliums and ferns. Framed in old French frames, the paintings exude a chic simplicity and a muted, faded palette – a trademark style now synonymous with Kate’s flourishing business, Oyster Bridge & Co. Complementing her one-off pieces is a beautiful collection of hand-painted cards, hand-cut garlands and delicately written gift tags, poems and sayings. ‘Creativity has always been part of my life,’ she says. ‘I grew up in Suffolk, in homes bursting with inspiration – my parents own a decorative homeware business, Rosehip in the Country, and were always coming back from trips to France…

A AS APOTHECARY 07979 926831 asapoth.com ABIGAIL BROWN 07940 497488 abigail-brown.co.uk AFFORDABLE ART FAIR 020 8246 4848 affordableartfair.com ALSO HOME 01483 608611 alsohome.com AMANDA BANHAM CERAMICS amandabanhamceramics.bigcartel.com AMAZON amazon.co.uk AMSTRONG 0800 371 849 armstrongceilings.com AMTICO 0121 745 0800 amtico.com &HOBBS andhobbs.com AND SO TO BED 0808 144 4343 andsotobed.co.uk ANDERSON GALLERY 01407 741831 anderson-gallery.co.uk ANDREW MARTIN 020 7225 5100 andrewmartin.co.uk ANTHROPOLOGIE 0800 0026 8476 anthropologie.com ARCADIA HOME HEATING 01328 800369 arcadiahomeheating.co.uk ARDINGLY INTERNATIONAL ANTIQUES & COLLECTORS FAIR 01636 702326 iacf.co.uk/ardingly ARLO & JACOB 0333 222 1643 arloandjacob.com ARTISANTI 0345 259 1410 artisanti.com ASTON MATTHEWS 020 7226 7220 astonmatthews.co.uk ATLANTIC SHOPPING 0121 230 1644 atlanticshopping.co.uk B B&Q 0333 014 3098 diy.com BC DESIGNS 01206 827100 bcdesigns.co.uk BARKER AND STONEHOUSE 0333 355 9321 barkerandstonehouse.co.uk BATHROOM DISCOUNT CENTRE 020 7381…

The great divide The versatile Mafelda screen, £335 from Out There Interiors, is perfect for blocking out the sun, hiding unsightly clutter or dividing up a large space. Made from rattan and metal, the handmade screen measures H180xW139cm, folds in three for easy storage and adds a stylish touch to any home. OUR FAVOURITE DESIGNER MAKER Mia Sarosi Now producing ceramics inspired by nature from her workshop in Oxfordshire, Mia Sarosi began her career working as a painter in a pottery that specialised in reproduction Delftware. Mia set up on her own in 2001, and started focusing on porcelain after receiving funding from the Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust (QEST) in 2004. Tell us about your work... I form porcelain through throwing and then paint it by hand. I don’t use…

Visit… ‘South Stack Lighthouse (01255 245156, trinityhouse.co.uk ). Located on a small island, it’s reached via 400 steps down the mainland cliffs and a bridge. You can tour the former engine room before climbing to the top to enjoy the amazing views.’ Shop at… ‘Anderson Gallery (01407 741831, anderson-gallery.co.uk ) in Four Mile Bridge. As well as paintings, you’ll find a range of goods, from home accessories to one-off gifts. I’ve bought quite a few pieces for our coastal home from here.’ Go for a meal at… ‘The White Eagle Inn (01407 860267, white-eagle.co.uk ), Rhoscolyn. It is very family-friendly, the home-cooked food is tasty and the views from the rear terrace are wonderful.’…

What makes this house a home… ‘It’s so easy to have lots of people to stay in this house. There’s plenty of space for everyone to hang out and relax’ Withstunning panoramic views stretching some 20 miles, Eagle Rock is a breathtaking contemporary home with a commanding position overlooking the Sound of Mull, in a remote part of the Scottish Highlands. The house was designed by Roderick James’ architectural practice as part of a venture by the nearby Ardtornish Estate to build a new township of 21 individual homes. Roderick and his wife, Amanda Markham, were living eight miles away and had earmarked the site at Eagle Rock to build a house for themselves to use as a high-end rental. ‘But once the house took shape, we had a change…

Hardwood planks are the new go-to material for ceilings, evoking a cosy touch of cabin chic. Combining honest durability with charming character, timber beams and wood panelling offer a clean, modern and warm finish. Raw, weathered and light woods look great in coastal schemes, while a neutrally painted tongue-and-groove or shiplap installation is ideal for use in smart, modern schemes. Where to buy… • Armstrong for ceiling solutions with improved acoustic performance. • Havwoods International for wood cladding options. • Plaank for reclaimed and sustainable panels.…

Link your deck and living space with bifold doors to create a seamless transition from indoors to outside. Laura’s style secret Create a laid-back scheme inspired by waterside living with a calming mix of chalky neutrals, pale wood tones and slouchy linens.…

Owners Catherine Davis, an occupational therapist, and her husband, Simon, an antiques dealer. House A two-bedroom former fisherman’s cottage, dating from the mid-1800s. They moved in in 2016. morning for Simon’s birthday treat, but realising this was too good an opportunity to miss, I hurriedly finished the packing and we raced to Wells for a 7pm appointment.’ The next morning, having discussed the pros and cons of buying Oyster Cottage while journeying to the airport, the couple decided to ring the estate agent to put in an offer. ‘There were clearly downsides,’ says Catherine. ‘The cottage hadn’t been lived in for 70 years and was a bankruptcy sale, which sounded complicated. Inside, it was horrific, with soil and old tiles on the ground floor. The rickety staircase was rotten…

Stylish, honest, brimming with history and always with a story to tell… Timber flooring traces its history back to the 18th century, when wood was abundant and the Industrial Revolution was in full swing. Now, as the demand for a more sustainable approach to living increases, wood is being recycled and reused once more, resulting in beautifully rustic character. Popular choices include oak, redwood and Douglas fir. Where to buy... • Ted Todd for artisan timber. • The New & Reclaimed Flooring Co for genuine, timeless styles. • The Solid Wood Flooring Company for antiqued oak boards in various finishes.…

Floor and standing lanterns Lead the way with a gently flickering trail of sculptural shapes, detailing intricate cut-out patterns inspired by magical lands. Hanging beauties Suspend a staggered assortment of lanterns on twines and ribbons to cast an enchanting spell overhead. Tealight votives Create a glimmering centrepiece at sunset suppers with a seductive cluster of mottled metallics and blown glass in evocative Mediterranean blues.…

Available in a wide selection of fabrics, both plain and patterned. Jupiter blanket box in Easy Velvet Sorbet, H49xW128xD45cm, £495, Arlo & Jacob. From the Allegra Hicks range, this also comes in velvet, to match the Lulu bed. Lulu ottoman in Drop Weave, H46xW130xD47cm, £449, Made.com. Lovely detailing, including hand-carved floral motifs and piped edging. Rose Mist ottoman blanket box, H65xW144xD49cm, £550, John Lewis.…

The potager Designed with geometrical beds around a central focal point, a potager is productive and attractive. • Create raised beds that are square, rectangular, triangular or L-shaped but always symmetrical. The layout can be designed to fit a specific space, with fruit, vegetables, herbs and flowers intermingling in the beds. • Build raised beds with gravel boards attached to wooden stakes inserted at 1m intervals. The sides should be high enough to avoid undue bending, but not so tall as to block the view – 40cm is ideal. Line with heavy-duty plastic to protect against rot. • Narrow beds, up to 1.5m wide, make tending and harvesting easier. Ensure paths are at least 50cm wide to fit a wheelbarrow.…

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

There’s no better way to experience the wonders of Italy than on our new eight-day Ultimate Italy cruise, sailing from Rome down the Amalfi coast to Sicily in spring next year. Plus, who better to enjoy it with – including all the foodie highlights – than the charismatic chef and restaurateur Aldo Zilli. Aldo Zilli is best known for his successful restaurants, including Signor Zilli and Zilli Fish. Born in Abruzzo, he will be sharing his knowledge of Italian food during this exclusive trip. We’ve partnered with tall-ship cruise specialist Star Clippers and you’ll be sailing on the 439ft Royal Clipper – the pride of the fleet. It’s the largest full-rigged sailing ship in the world with modern facilities (including three swimming pools!), luxury cabins and a three-tiered dining room,…

‘WHENEVER I TAKE ON A PROJECT IN A HOUSE LIKE THIS, I GET QUITE OBSESSIVE ABOUT RESEARCHING THE HISTORY’ Nestled in the North Downs, Leeds Castle’s newly restored Battel Hall is open to stay in for the first time in its 700-year history. This beautiful manor house renovation was overseen by interior designer Francesca Rowan-Plowden. We headed to Kent to see how she took an historic hall and turned it into a luxurious home from home for special gatherings and weddings... HOW DID YOU GET INVOLVED WITH RENOVATING BATTEL HALL? My look is English eclectic and I’ve got a good understanding of heritage and listed buildings having lived in a National Trust property, Lamb House in Rye. Debbie Matthews, head of hospitality at Leeds Castle, visited the stately home Goodnestone…

1 GLAM TOUCHES Julia’s kitchen may be predominantly white, but it’s far from boring. Details such as the antiqued mirror splashback and dramatic chandelier add layers of interest. ‘The chandelier is on a separate switch and I often use it as the sole light in the evenings. The shimmery reflection in the splashback is lovely,’ says Julia. 2 EYE-LEVEL OVENS One of the most obvious advantages of having the ovens at this height is the ease in which food can be put in, taken out, and monitored, without bending down. Compared with under-counter installation, ovens fitted at eye level are also considered safer for young children. In this kitchen, a regular single oven sits alongside a combi-microwave for maximum functionality. 3 INSTANT BOILING WATER The Quooker boiling water tap is…

Visit…‘ Dollops Wood ( polstead.onesuffolk.net ) near Polstead, a beautiful woodland walk famous for its bluebells, but magical at any time.’ Shop at… ’Mora Lifestyle (07769 662782, moralifestyle.co.uk ) in Norwich. It sells beautiful homewares, clothing and accessories. The tones, textures and pieces are perfectly curated.’ Go for a meal at…‘ Wyken Vineyards (01359 250287, wykenvineyards.co.uk ) in Bury St Edmunds. A beautiful location, great food and delicious wine from their own vineyards.’…

THE FLOWER NAME GAME With the holidays coming up, take the opportunity to get children enthused about what’s growing in their garden. Collect jam jars, fill them with water and ask little ones to see how many types of flowers they can pick – let them collect just one or two of each type to save your borders from being stripped! Place each flower in a jar and label them. Pick flowers in the morning and keep jars in a cool spot to ensure a long vase life. Q&A WITH A SHARING GARDENER How to create houseplant heaven With indoor gardening very much in fashion, we take advice from the author of the new RHS Practical House Plant Book , Zia Allaway, on how to have…

A relaxing sway to while the time away… What’s not to love about a swing in the trees, whatever your age? This simple roped seat has swung its way into the hearts of country homeowners wanting carefree options for outdoor living. WHAT’S THE STORY? With such an elementary design, it’s not surprising that swings, in their various forms, date back to ancient times. Traditionally made from wood and rope, they were hung mainly from tree branches. In more recent times, swings were designed to be hung in different ways – often in metal frames in gardens and parks. In warmer climes, the swing seat has become a more significant piece of furniture, often found on garden decks and porches. Being more bench-like in design, these are hung by metal chains…

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

Visit… ‘The spectacular Fingal’s Cave, Treshnish Isles and Iona to experience some of Scotland’s beautiful scenery and wildlife with Staffa Tours (07831 885985, staffatours.com ).’ Shop at… ‘Seafare (01688 302277), our local chandlers, a boat ride away in Tobermory. It has a well-stocked shop with waterproof clothing and lots of useful gadgets.’ Go for a meal at… ‘The Whitehouse Restaurant (01967 421777, thewhitehouserestaurant.co.uk ) in Lochaline. The chefs are fantastic and the food is consistently excellent.’…

Much more than a practical safety feature, these attractive railings help define the look of an outside space, providing a smart finish to your exterior architecture. Traditional decking balustrade made from wood is always a popular choice, but there are now plenty of other no-maintenance options to choose from. From metal, composite, cable rail and tempered glass, there’s something to suit all tastes. Where to buy... • Jacksons Fencing for handcrafted designs • Wickes for simple DIY kits in wood and metal. • UKDeckit for stylish, easy-to-assemble kits made from Swedish Redwood.…

Visit… ‘Holkham Hall (01328 713111, holkham.co.uk ), just a couple of miles from Wells-next-the-Sea. This is a fascinating 18th-century mansion and it has a very different feel from many other stately homes, since the family actually live there.’ Shop at… ‘Country Home Antiques ( countryhomeantiques.co.uk ) in Dereham. It’s a treasure trove of curated antiques for home and garden, from kitchen tables to old tools and enamelled signs.’ Go for a meal at… ‘The café at Wiveton Hall (01263 740515, wivetonhall.co.uk ) in Wiveton, near Holt. It’s a quirky, relaxed spot in a converted corrugated barn with views out across the salt marshes. The home-cooked food is always tasty. We often combine a visit with a stroll around the…

HEAD UPSTREAM All aboard for a day out rowing complete with picnic hamper and tableware, and cushions to keep things comfy. See page 72 for details. » SOAK UP THE SUN Extend those outdoor lounging moments and add some shade to seating with a bespoke stylish sail. Dress a woven sofa and chairs with themed hero cushions for a smart look. See page 72 for details. TAKE IN A VIEW Make a feature wall inspired by watching the world go by. Hang wallpaper covered in songbirds and blue skies and arrange a modern linen sofa alongside decorative details to reflect the water’s edge. See page 72 for details. » GATHER WATERSIDE COLLECTIONS Place delicate coastal collections, linens and artwork in a painted glazed unit, with foraged finds arranged casually on…

Borrowed from the French word for ‘shaded’, this effortlessly painterly trend embraces the gradual blending of one colour or tone, from light to dark. Ombré first came into fashion in 1840 and was used throughout the 19th century as a fabric printing and dyeing technique to produce gradated colour designs. Home decorating styles are translating this fluid look across a multitude of products including wallcoverings, floor tiles, glassware, lighting and decorative accessories. From effortlessly gentle with a bohemian edge, to bold and dramatic with a sophisticated air, this latest ‘no rules’ style celebrates the perfectly imperfect in creative, imaginative ways in the dreamiest of blues. LOVE THIS LOOK? THEN TRY… Making a captivating colour statement on walls with sweeping wallpapers. Updating your bedroom with breezy, tonal bedlinen and graded, pooling…

1 Classic design  Find a secluded spot in the garden and set up this beautiful tent to enjoy a leisurely afternoon tea or relaxed cocktail hour. Tea tent, 180x120cm; roof H240cm, £1,250, Raj Tent Club. 2 Flexible shade  Pop an outdoor dining set or sofa under this rotating umbrella for hours of peaceful relaxation as the sun moves round. Chichester rotating cantilever parasol, H230xdia300cm, col Sand, £389, Bramblecrest at Internet Gardener. 3 Pull-back cover Protect your barbecuing triumphs (and guests!) from the great British summer. Farwell pergola with protective cover, H220xW300x D300cm, £374.99, Robert Dyas. 4 Asymmetric style Entertain in your country garden with this contemporary twist on a traditional parasol. It’s quick to assemble and weather- and rust-resistant. Sail gazebo, H260x350cm sq, £299, Wyevale Garden Centres. 5 Balinese artwork…

Thanks to the rise in wi-fi-connected gadgets and smartphones, you can now protect your home with app-controlled smart cameras, alarms, locks and even a doorbell. Designed to be easily installed, the latest security cameras have motion sensors built in, and will alert you instantly to any unusual activity. Some brands now offer all-weather battery-powered security products, such as advanced floodlights that can take pictures, and smart doorbells that let you see and talk to the person at the door. 1 Best for… ANYONE WHO’S EVER LOST THEIR KEYS Conexis L1 Smart Lock, £269.99, Yale Designed for DIY installation to PVC and composite doors with multi-point locks, this smart Bluetooth door lock lets you secure your home simply by touching your smartphone (iOS or Android) to the control plate and twisting…

GET THE FEEL FOR ECO BLANKETS Perfect for use as picnic or beach blankets, or simply for wrapping up on summer evenings outdoors, these beautiful throws, £45 each from Weaver Green, are hand-woven from recycled plastic bottles. Soft to the touch, they’re waterproof, stain resistant and hard wearing, and they can be machine washed. They come in a range of colours and in three designs: Diamond, Oxford Stripe and Herringbone. SPRITZ AWAY Keep cool in the heat with the intoxicating fragrance of AS Apothecary’s Orange Blossom Aromatic Water. Each year, AS Apothecary travels to Cyprus to harvest the blooms for four days and distil for three – the resulting spritz is perfect for holidays or at home, £19 for 50ml. OCEAN CURRENT Offset sea breezes in laid-back style with this…

1 Bach Wen Farm, Clynnog Fawr, Gwynedd Sitting atop the low clay cliffs that back rocky Clynnog Fawr Beach, this simple glamping set-up comprises two arch-shaped pods bookending a beautiful hidden glade. 2 Elmley Nature Reserve, Isle of Sheppey, Kent Despite being a Site of Special Scientific Interest, Elmley National Nature Reserve is still a family-run farm renting out shepherd’s huts and compact wooden cabins. 3 Cotna Eco Retreat, Gorran, Cornwall The beaches of Gorran Haven, Hemmick and Vault are an easy half-hour walk from your fully furnished Mongolian yurt, cosy shepherd’s hut or straw-bale studio. Taken from Cool Camping: Coast by Andrew Day, Martin Dunford, David Jones, Jonathan Knight and James Warner Smith (£16.95, Punk Publishing), which features 66 hand-picked UK campsites (all within one mile of the sea),…

LOADED LOBSTER ROLLS Lobster is what everyone loves to eat, so give the people what they want! It’s always a special day when this dish is on the grill. SERVES 4 100g salted butter 2 garlic cloves, sliced 1 chilli, sliced 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves 2 whole raw lobsters (about 600g each), halved lengthways Juice of ½ lemon To serve 4 burger buns 4 tbsp mayonnaise ½ bunch of fresh chives, snipped 1 Get a nice bed of coals cooking. Once they’ve hit core temperature and have started to ash up, then you are good to go. Meanwhile, melt your butter in a small pan and add the garlic, chilli and thyme leaves (you can do this in the kitchen or on the grill itself). Once the butter starts…

CABINETRY 1909 Kitchens’ In-frame Shaker cabinetry, painted in Farrow & Ball’s Wevet, from £21,500, Stanford Design. SURFACES Verona 3cm-thick composite quartz worktops, from £250sq m, CRL Stone. Amtico Spacia luxury vinyl tile flooring in Traditional Oak, from £70sq m, supplied by Choice Homes. Antiqued mirror splashback, from £540sq m, Global Topz. Walls,painted in Pure Brilliant White matt emulsion, £19.99 for 10L, Dulux. APPLIANCES EH801FVB1E Q100 flush-fit induction hob, £899; HB676GBS6B iQ700 single oven, £949; HM676G0S6B iQ700 oven with microwave, £1,549; SN66P150GB integrated dishwasher, £719, all Siemens. Cache 800 inset extractor fan, £702, Westin. SINK & TAP Fusion Round boiling water tap in Polished Chrome with Pro3-vaq tank, from £1,150, Quooker. Subline 500-U Silgranit undermount sink, £420, Blanco. ACCESSORIES Style bar stools, col White, £59.99 each, Atlantic Shopping. Grace Antique roller…

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