Innholdsfortegnelse for July 2020 i Country Homes & Interiors

Before COVID-19, I don’t think I really ‘got’ mindfulness, even though I loved the idea of it. But something about the anxiety and loss of control we’ve all been experiencing feels like permission to seek isolation, quiet and stillness without feeling guilty for dropping out of the everyday. Country Homes & Interiors is a monthly celebration of simpler living, connection to nature and slowing down, with ideas for finding your calm place in every issue. From real homes with soothing décor (from page 16) to luxurious showering (page 87) and bird-watching from a comfortable seat in the garden (pages 125 and 96), this one is no exception. Enjoy… P.S. Have you found us on Instagram, yet? Follow @countryhomesmag to get a sneak peek at beautiful homes and the inside track…

Building a home from scratch has always been a shared dream,’ says interior designer Elle Kemp. ‘In fact, my husband Martin and I hatched a plan on our first date.’ Their desire to design a fresh-from-the-ground-up home evolved into a mission to renovate a former piggery, once part of a neighbouring farm. ‘The barn next door had already been converted and the piggery had been given a new roof and footings,’ explains Elle. Yet seeing the completed barn was a cautionary tale. ‘The mid-1800s buildings are Grade II curtilage listed, which means it is the farmhouse that has the listed status but that extends to the outbuildings,’ she continues. ‘From the outside, you could see the barn development ticked all the boxes for listed consent but, inside, there was nothing…

FARMHOUSE AND GROUNDS A sunny period farmhouse with beamed ceilings and inglenook fireplaces, plus a three-bed cottage in four acres of land for £1,250,000. BIJOU TERRACE You’ll find these small but perfectly formed terraced houses within – and just outside – the castle walls of the town. Prices start from £120,000. CLOSE TO TOWN An Alpine-style, five-bedroom home with beautiful gardens within walking distance of Conwy, with stunning views. All for £675,000.…

In 2018, Instagram launched its own standalone video-based app called Instagram TV (or IGTV). On this social platform, you can share vertical videos that last between 15 seconds and 60 minutes. The great thing about IGTV is the visual storytelling aspect, along with its informal and playful format. You can offer your audience something fresh and different – sneak previews or short tours are particularly popular. ‘Our video wine reviews have worked well for us,’ says Ben, ‘especially when we have a new release. We also did mini virtual tours and showed our audience around the bar, tasting room, restaurant and hotel rooms when they first opened.’ PLAN IGTV INTO YOUR MARKETING STRATEGY Video has proven to be one of the most popular forms of content out there and, as…

CHOOSE STATEMENT SEATING Upholstery can dramatically change a living space and is the ideal opportunity for a hit of flower power. Bold designs draw the eye – keep the rest of the room fairly neutral to allow them space. For a contemporary twist, opt for a vintage print in zingy shades on a sleekly shaped sofa, armchair or footstool. PLAY WITH SCALE When working floral patterns into a room, size matters. Large prints can make small rooms feel even smaller, so use daintier designs in spaces such as a stairwell or hall. For interest, choose a floral print with subtle detailing – the Andhara archive pattern from Sanderson features hand-painted butterflies, birds and dragonflies. ADD PANELS OF PATTERN Framed botanical prints are an obvious go-to, but you could think outside…

BALANCING ACT The current trend for ‘out-there’ tiling isn’t for everyone, and in a country home it can jar with the more traditional architecture. ‘If you’re feeling less bold but don’t want a bland wet room, I’d recommend restricting decorated tiles to the floor and going for designs in softer shades,’ says interior designer Rachel Cropper. ‘Putting a simpler tile on the walls will have a balancing effect. ’ RIPPLE EFFECT Reeded glass has been a recent fashion-forward choice for kitchens. Now it’s gracing bathrooms, too, where its softly defused surface adds an element of modesty to shower screens and enclosures – perfect for providing privacy in shared en suites. Install the glass with the reeded texture on the exterior to achieve a smooth, easy-to-clean surface inside the shower. A…

■ COORDINATE IT WITH THE EXTERIOR OF YOUR HOUSE Any garden structure should be considered in relation to the overall style, look and period of your property. That’s not to say it needs to match exactly – old meets new is very popular – but it should be sympathetic. ■ CONSIDER POSITIONING Many houses have an east-west and south-west aspect. Parasols or sails can move with the sun, but if you don’t want to be always chasing the shade a permanent structure might be a better choice. If you have a big space with a terrace, you will want dappled coverage here for midday. ■ PICK AN APPROPRIATE PALETTE When painting wooden structures, it’s best to choose colours sympathetic to the environment. Darker shades of green and grey suit a…

PROJECT PROFILE Owners Milda Jardine, a policy advisor, and her husband Ross, a consultant, live here with their two young children. House A four-bed detached 1950s house in Surrey. Project The kitchen was relocated to a new rear extension to create a more sociable, family-friendly space. Kitchen size 4.8x7.5m Designer Tim Higham, Higham Furniture Cabinetry Bespoke, painted in Skimming Stone by Farrow & Ball The search for somewhere ‘quieter, greener and more family friendly’ led Milda and Ross Jardine out of London to a quiet, leafy close in Godalming, Surrey. ‘We have beautiful countryside right on our doorstep and often spend weekends exploring nearby National Trust properties – Winkworth Arboretum is our favourite,’ says Milda. The Jardines’ home was less idyllic on the inside when they bought it in 2013,…

Things we can’t live without...“POTS FILLED WITH PICK-YOUR-OWN HERBS FOR THE FRESHEST SALAD ADD-ONS ❞…

What’s your advice when shopping for furnishings? ‘Always carry a tape measure and your room measurements – in case you find the perfect piece of furniture!’ How do you help your clients envisage a look? ‘I’m more than happy to invite a client here to look at my style and finishing touches for inspiration.’ What is the key to a successful scheme? ‘Don’t overthink it and be brave enough to mix things up.’…

What prompted you to do an online course? ‘When the house was being built, we lived in a caravan which was a chance for me to sign up to the garden design course and complete it at home.’ What was the garden like before you designed it? ‘There was nothing apart from the big trees – just muck, and the land was contaminated. We had to have all the soil brought in.’ The garden looks really established. How did you make that happen? ‘I drew up a plan to scale, including two pergolas, and Victor “drew” it on the garden. Luckily, he likes doing things like that! Then I set about planting…’…

What’s in the garden that’s ideal for the children? ‘There’s a vegetable patch where they can grow and harvest vegetables, plus they can lose themselves in the long grass of the meadows, with trees for climbing beyond.’ How do you encourage them outside? ‘There’s lots of nature to watch and learn from, even the bees and insects, but we had chickens, too, at one point. We also have a huge table that’s used for eating and crafting.’ What has the space meant for your family? ‘Having this expanse of garden gives us so much pleasure – and allows the children a safe modicum of freedom. Even Martin’s kept happy, having built his own shed using leftover building materials from the house.’…

Visit… ‘St Fagans National Museum of History (museum. wales) offers an insight into life in rural Wales through the ages, with a fully working traditional hill farm. There’s also a charming Elizabethan manor house with gardens and a coffee shop.’ Shop at… ‘Brød (thedanishbakery.co.uk), a small independent Danish bakery in Cardiff. Delicious pastries, bread and coffee.’ Go for a meal at… ‘The Newbridge on Usk hotel (celticmanor.com) has wonderful food with gorgeous views over the river. Or head to Rhossili Bay for a picnic, after a wonderful coastal walk to work up an appetite.’…

Hidden away down the winding lanes of the East Sussex countryside, you will find Tillingham. A mixed farm dating from the 13th century, it is now home to vineyards, fruit trees, ancient woodland and livestock. In a unique position nestled among 70 acres of rolling hills and woodlands, it has far-reaching views along the Tillingham river valley to the Cinque Port town of Rye, as well as Romney Marsh and the sea. And it’s here that you’ll find farmer and winemaker Ben Walgate. His effervescent passion for natural and biodynamic wine is contagious, and the recently renovated hotel, bar and restaurant he has created are a draw for visitors, too. ‘The initial idea to create this winery came 20 years ago,’ says Ben, who spent his formative years on his…

SET UP CAMP Style an outdoor seating area with all the comforts of indoors – loungers, pouffes, rugs and comfy throws are your laid-back essentials. Mix in tribal patterns in subtle summery colours for a seasonal feel. TORCH SONG Arrange flickering candles in hurricanes, lanterns and woven vessels. Glass and wicker combinations add colour and texture. DRESSED FOR DINNER Head outside for stylish suppers featuring fine linen and animal-inspired homeware. Dress up director’s chairs with bold fabrics and set the table with textural foliage and grasses. NATURAL TOUCHES Use native grasses as an easy and seasonal place setting idea. Picking up on summery textures, they suit the subtle animal patterns. REST EASY Wild grass patterns create a delicate backdrop for woven cushions on a simple daybed. PAMPER SPOT A cane…

MAKE IT COUNTRY… Highlighted as a key colour trend for 2020, this cheerful shade will revive any space, bringing a sunkissed energy ideal for a country setting. Zingy saffron shades work well to open up a scheme in rooms that lack natural light. Layer gentle lemon curd hues with honeyed golden shades, and mix with a swirl of natural textures such as wood and rattan for a contemporary rustic look alive with joie de vivre. OUR EXPERT SAYS… “ REFRESH ANY SPACE WITH OPTIMISTIC ZESTY COLOUR ACCENTS. TRY EXPERIMENTING WITH SHADES RANGING FROM MELLOW TO CITRIC ❞HOLLY PHILLIPS , STYLE CONTENT EDITOR…

■ ADJUSTABLE TEMPERATURES How we store and consume food has changed over the years and so has fridge-freezer design, with more storage and adjustable temperatures. Some models can be adapted to turn a sealed section of the freezer into extra fridge space – perfect should you require more cooling space for drinks or when preparing for a party. ■ SMART FEATURES Many of the latest appliances have been designed with smart features to make life easier. In fridge-freezers, these can vary from being able to adjust the temperature remotely via a companion app to alerting you when the bottle you’ve been chilling is ready to drink. Internal cameras let you see the contents when you’re at the shops via an app, so you know what to stock up on. ■…

1 WINDOW SEAT Milda and Ross resisted the popular trend to install a stretch of bi-folding doors in their new extension. Instead, they opted for classic wood-framed glazing, with pretty French doors. This allowed room for the comfortable window seat that topped Milda’s wish list. ‘We use the seat all the time,’ says Milda. ‘The children even use it as a play table!’ Higham suggested storage underneath, which consists of four generous drawers. ‘It’s my favourite feature in the room,’ adds Milda. 2 CHALKBOARD DOOR ‘This door leads to our walk-in pantry, which is even better than having a walk-in wardrobe – the space is incredible and everything is so easy to access,’ says Milda. Simple blackboard paint makes the pantry useful on the outside, too. ‘The blackboard is fantastic.…

A pool with a water feature creates an attractive and therapeutic focal point and is beneficial to wildlife. Here’s what to think about... • The location, shape and size should be in keeping with your garden’s dimension and style. Avoid deep shade and overhanging trees. • Use and style will determine the size and layout of your pond. For example, fish require a capacity of at least 2,000 litres, while water features need minimum depths. • Choose from a preformed pond or a flexible pond liner; the former come in a range of shapes, some with shelving for plants. Liners are less expensive, but more labour intensive. However, they often create a more natural-looking pool, tailored to fit your garden. • To keep your pond clean and healthy introduce oxygenating plants, or consider water…

Did you know? THEY’RE NOT JUST FOR HUDDLING AROUND TO KEEP WARM, POP A GRILL PLATE ON TOP TO SIZZLE UP A BARBECUE-STYLE DINNER!…

PORTABLE PICK Pitched as a personal fan, move it from room to room safe in the knowledge you’re breathing in clean air wherever you go. Choose from three colourways. Pure Cool Me, £299.99, Dyson BEDROOM HERO Compact and stylish, this slim air purifier is great for a bedroom – its two speeds create white noise to help you drop off to sleep. DXAPV3N air purifier, £59.99, Dimplex ALL ROUNDER Hard to fault for the price, this stylish purifier prides itself on removing airborne contaminants down to the size of viruses. We love the colour, too. Blue Pure 411 in Red, £135, Blueair…

A  ABIGAIL EDWARDS 07946 455277 abigailedwards.com AMARA 0800 587 7645 amara.com AMLY BOTANICALS amlybotanicals.co.uk ANNA FRENCH 020 7737 6555 thibautdesign.com ANOTHER COUNTRY 020 7486 3251 anothercountry.com ANTHROPOLOGIE 0800 0026 8476 anthropologie.com AO.COM 0161 4701100 ao.com AQATA 01455 896511 aqata.co.uk ARGOS 0345 640 2020 argos.co.uk ARLEY HOUSE arleyhouse.com ARPE STUDIO arpestudio.co.uk ARTISANS OF DEVIZES 01380 735888 artisansofdevizes.com ATLANTIC SHOPPING 0121 230 1644 atlanticshopping.co.uk ATLAS FLOWERS 0845 519 5633 atlasflowers.co.uk B  BANNER DAY INTERIORS bannerdaysf.com BARKER AND STONEHOUSE 0333 920 1119 barkerandstonehouse.co.uk BARNEBY GATES 01672 560240 barnebygates.com BC DESIGNS 01206 827100 bcdesigns.co.uk BEAUMONDE 01202 707770 beaumonde.co.uk BEAUTIFY beautify.co.uk BELL 01604 777504 abell.co.uk BERT & MAY 020 3744 0776 bertandmay.com BHS 0344 411 6000 bhs.co.uk BIG CHILL bigchill.uk BLADES HEATING 01883 713378 blades-aga.co.uk BLUEAIR Blueair.com BON BON FISTRAL bonbonfistral.myshopify.com BORDER OAK 01568 708752…

Join the band-ana Putting the spirit into summer, Caravane has launched the new Bandana collection – a combo of fresh colours and signature patterns inspired by our favourite headscarves. The get-happy range includes a linen paisley tray, romantic cushions, a plump comforter and a golden feature mirror, among other deliciously delicate updates. The Bandana cushion cover in Petal, 40x 55cm, £45. TOAST THE NEW MAKERS! Toast’s New Makers programme has returned, celebrating and supporting creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship, and offering mentoring and a platform for talented artists. The New Makers for 2020 are ceramicists Polly Yates and Viv Lee; Wood sculptors Ambrose Vevers and John Hollington; and Pop & Jez, who create wheel-thrown pots and pans. Visit toa.st to shop their pieces. Introducing Noble Souls Timothy Oulton’s latest collection, Noble…

Visit... ‘We often walk along the River Dart to Sharpham (sharpham. com). The vineyard there, along with its lovely cafe, Cellar Door, is a wonderful place to visit.’ Shop at… ‘Totnes is a fantastic town full of independent shops. I can’t resist the vintage market on a Friday, and have found many a bargain when I’ve rummaged around there!’ Go for a meal at… ‘Bistrot Pierre (bistrotpierre.co.uk) in Torquay is casual and relaxed with great French-inspired food, as well as a friendly vibe.’…

Visit... ‘We like to walk Millie in the woods of the garden at Sandringham house and gardens (sandringhamestate.co.uk). It also has a great little café.’ Shop at... ‘Time Out in Long Sutton (01406 366789) is a homeware shop combined with a hairdresser and beauty salon. It has a really good selection of furniture – I can always find something to buy. Sean, the owner, is a friend and I help out when he is on holiday.’ Go for a meal at... ‘Everything is home baked at Pippa’s Pantry, Sutton Bridge (07930 075230). It’s a regular haunt of ours for lunch or afternoon tea with friends.’…

Visit… ‘We’re right in the middle of the Cotswold Way (nationaltrail.co. uk/cotswold-way). This is a perfect spot from which to take a hike along the ridge of the Cotswolds hills, overlooking the river Severn with views to Wales and the Black Mountains beyond.’ Shop at… ‘Nailsworth and Stroud are nearby and both teeming with quirky independent shops. Our favourite is always Sprauncy (sprauncy.com) – a low-key treasure trove of vintage homewares at the top of the high street in Stroud.’ Go for a meal at… ‘Thistledown (thistledown.org.uk/ café) is a nearby campsite where they’ve built their own cafe, which serves the most fabulous Middle Eastern-inspired dishes and wood-fired pizzas. Advance booking is essential as it’s so popular.’…

The imposing castle and walls, built in the 1280s by Edward I, still define this town. The name ‘Conwy’ derives from the old Welsh words ‘cyn’ (chief) and ‘gwy’ (water) after the mussel-rich tidal inlet that flows from the Irish Sea through its undulating valley towards Snowdonia. Always a popular tourist destination, thanks to its crabbing-friendly quay, sailing-fraternity waters and deep sense of Welsh history, Conwy and the surrounding Conwy Valley now attracts out-oftowners looking to set up home – many of them commuting to Birmingham and Manchester and even London (Llandudno Junction to Euston is two hours 48 minutes by train). Holyhead is just a two-hour ferry crossing to Dublin. IN THE ESTATE AGENT’S WINDOW In the heart of the town within the castle walls, you’ll find cheek-by-jowl terraces…

Visit... ‘Pett Level beach. I love sea swimming and have always lived near the coast. I feel a magnetic pull to the sea and it’s just there on my doorstep.’ Go for a meal at... ‘St Leonards has a great street food vibe. With the family, I go to Halfman Halfburger (halfmanhalfburger.com) in Marine Court or Tommy’s Pizzeria on Norman Road (tommyspizzeria.co.uk).’ Shop at... ‘Adams in Rye (adamsofrye.co.uk) on the High Street. It’s a proper “old school” toy shop upstairs with a newsagents on the ground floor. When I take the kids they each get to choose something… with no arguments at all!’…

SET UP CAMP Ella Bamboo sofa, £845, Design Vintage. Vintage plant stand, £225, Sunbury Antiques Market. Reed screening, £25, Wickes. Large cushion made in Butabu ED85318.985 fabric in Charcoal, £89m, Threads at GP&J Baker. Aztec multicolour cushion, £49, Folk Interiors. Textured Fes cushion, £55, Graham and Green. Draped fabric, Purity Voiles in Flax 141723, £51m, Style Library. Mustard pom-pom blanket, £145; velvet cushion, £32, both Rockett St George. Mohan reversible rug, £170; Drake cane lantern, £15, both Habitat. Tidelines jute woven rug, £125, French Connection Home. Hanging brass lantern, £30, Ella James. Estuary seagrass pouffe (as side table), £35, Argos. Round jute pouffe, £145, The White Company. Black vase, £6.99, H&M Home. Amber glasses, €39 for four, Nude. Pampas grass, from a selection, Atlas Flowers. Ferns, from a selection, Dobbies…

It has not been easy to find refuge from recent events, but there is one place I know I can rely on. Pevensey & Westham Community Forest Garden is an acre and a half of former allotment land in East Sussex, and an unexpected haven. From the entrance next to a busy road, its small gate surrounded by overgrowth, you wouldn’t guess an oasis lies inside – the reward of four years’ hard work by a multitude of volunteers. Among our most dedicated contributors are retirees Rosemary and Bert Barton, who created the herb garden and have maintained pathways over the years. All who come – be it to get hands muddy or simply sit and enjoy a flask of coffee, see blue tits flitting through buddleias and hear the…

STEEPLE STYLE If your garden is too small for a summerhouse, go for an arbour instead – a small, decorative structure that not only provides a secluded spot from which to enjoy your garden, but also adds an enchanting feel to a relaxed country setting. This timber design is as practical as it is pretty with its handy under-seat compartment – perfect for storing cushions and blankets or for keeping garden essentials close to hand. NATURAL LOOK Materials such as raffia and bamboo are commonly used for shelters in warmer countries. If you want to recreate the look with a native twist, reed or willow are wonderfully authentic, home-grown choices. Suffolk-based company Natural Fencing offers woodland materials for creating your own, as well as bespoke garden structures including gazebos, arbours…

Owning a piece of contemporary and affordable art has never been easier, thanks to the online Runway Gallery. Since its launch in 2017, it’s continued to grow and now showcases 24 talented artists from across the world. Artist and founder Daniel Syrett, whose work also features, tells us about his vision for the gallery and the new members set to join. My background in the fashion industry is essential to understanding the concept behind Runway Gallery. It’s been a big part of my life and career, so creating a fashion-focused gallery seemed like the natural thing for me to do. There’s been much discussion in the art world as to whether fashion belongs in the arts. This sounds ridiculous, because it absolutely does. The prerequisite of Runway Gallery art is…

Visit... ‘Pythouse Kitchen Garden, West Hatch, Tisbury (01747 870444, pythousekitchengarden.co.uk). A great restored walled garden with dedicated vegetable beds and a cut-flower patch. The produce is used in the garden’s restaurant and you can pick-your-own flowers!’ Shop at... ‘Plantworld in Milton on Stour (plant-world.co.uk). Our local, family run, friendly nursery. It’s great for big garden pots and containers as well as offering a wide range of plants.’ Go for a meal at... ‘The Fox and Hounds, The Green, East Knoyle (foxandhoundseastknoyle.co.uk) A favourite local – we can’t resist their traditional Sunday lunches.’…

THINGS TO SEE, PICK AND DO Pick… wild cherries, in season from early June until late July. Enjoy… fresh, home-grown salads by planting ‘cut-and-comeagain’ leaves in your garden. Seed mixes can be harvested as soon as 25 days after sowing. Create…an eco buzz in your garden with a bee hotel.Notonthehighstreet.com has a lovely selection – hang against a flat surface in a non-windy area. Make… your wellbeing a priority by keeping a gratitude journal – use it as an opportunity to reflect and appreciate the little things in life. BEACH BODY Independent womenswear brand Sugarhill Brighton specialises in unique illustrative prints, drawn by hand at its seaside studio. Through its #WearandCare initiative, it supports a number of charities – what better reason to invest in a new-season wardrobe? Paulina…

GLOBE ARTICHOKES WITH MUSTARD HOLLANDAISE Yes, preparing artichokes does make a huge amount of mess, but they’re amazing to eat and so simple to cook. A lot of recipes use just the hearts, but for me that’s like not eating a boiled egg from the shell – it has a different taste and feel to it. SERVES 4 4 whole artichokes 1tbsp wholegrain mustard 1tbsp Dijon mustard 200g hollandaise sauce Sea salt and black pepper 1 Peel away a few of the outer leaves from the artichokes. Bring a large pan of salted water to the boil, drop in the artichokes and cook for 25–30mins, until you can easily push a small knife into the centre of each one. 2 Meanwhile, in a small pan over a low heat, stir…