Innholdsfortegnelse for December 2020 i Country Homes & Interiors

Now that 2020 is drawing to a close, it’s impossible not to reflect on what a confused and frustrating year it has been – and to hope that 2021 will bring greater stability. But, in the meanwhile, there are Christmas pleasures to revel in and precious time out to rest and reboot. This issue is full of simple, beautiful ideas to help you do that. It was made with stress-relief in mind, so you’ll find meaningful gifts to give, foliage decorations to make on a slow day and, of course, comforting food to cook and share. My time as editor is also drawing to a close, so this is my sign-off and the next lucky incumbent will be introducing the January issue. To be honest, I don’t know if I’m…

“I STILL WALK IN AND THINK WE’VE CREATED THE MOST WONDERFUL PLACE. EVERY SINGLE PIECE IS JUST AS I’D WANT IT IN MY DREAM HOME” This Christmas marks a turning point as Jo Barnes and her family welcome their first guests to celebrate the festive season at Anthology Farm, a pair of Grade II-listed barns in the Cotswolds. It hasn’t been an easy journey to get here. In 2016, after a decade of uncertainty, the family farm in Staffordshire was compulsory purchased to make way for HS2. For Jo’s father-in-law, John, it was particularly emotional as his family had farmed there since 1921. ‘It was a difficult time,’ says Jo. ‘Not only had we lost the farm, but my mother-in-law Rosemary and I had to close our businesses, a farm…

Nicola Cliffe has a soft spot for Arts & Crafts houses and used to love walking past this property in her home town of Stamford, admiring the flower displays on the windowsills. Having moved away in her youth, she returned to the town with her husband Jonathan to bring up their boys George, Ted and Bertie, and this house was on the route to the children’s school where Nicola also worked, teaching science. ‘We lived just down the road in a tiny house and when Bertie came along, we really did need something bigger,’ says Nicola. ‘These houses don’t come on the market often and when they do, they sell very quickly, but we were very lucky – I knew the lady who lived here and she let me know…

Visit… ’I walk at Thursley Common Nature Reserve (surreyhills.org) several times a week. It’s home to a wide variety of birds and dragonflies. It is like a frosty magical wonderland in winter and in summer it’s like Africa,’ says Mimi. ‘I love watching the geese land at sunset.’ Shop at… ’The Packhouse (packhouse.com) brings together more than 60 traders dealing in vintage items and antiques, as well as interiors accessories, homeware and Annie Sloan paint.’ Go for a meal at… ’The Three Horseshoes (threehorseshoesthursley.com) in Thursley. We recommend ending a walk through the Nature Reserve at this community-owned pub. It has roaring fires in the winter, it’s dog-friendly and the Wagyu burger is a winner.’…

Even in the depths of winter, Harriet de Winton has only to glance out of the window of her cosy home studio, or go for a walk in the nearby forest, to glean inspiration for her festive watercolour designs. Her barn conversion nestles in the idyllic location of Haldon Forest Park in Devon, with far-reaching views over the Teign valley and Dartmoor. ‘It’s a beautiful part of the world. When I’m out for a stroll with my husband, Anthony, and our dog, Crumble, I’ll often collect something, such as holly with ruby-red berries, to weave into festive designs for my online shop where I sell my Christmas cards, wrapping paper, wedding stationery and party invitations,’ Harriet explains. ‘I may take my finds along to one of my seasonal watercolour workshops,…

MAKE AN ENTRANCE Front door in Lichen exterior eggshell, £71 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball. Red Samba braid, £21m, GP&J Baker. Wreath made using a 14-inch wire frame, 59p; fresh moss, £3.99; florist wire, £1.99; heather plants, £2.49 each, all Longacres Garden Centre. Dried pink larkspur, £7.95 a bunch; Ruscus preserved dried red leaves, £16.95 a bunch, Hops and Flowers by Essentially Hops. Gold cones, £3.49 for a mixed bag, The Danes at Home. Petal Pink velvet ribbon, £8, Rowen & Wren. Peach velvet ribbon, £49m, Hobbycraft. Black lantern (just seen on right), £49.95, Graham and Green. Planters, from a selection, Burford Garden Company SIMPLY CHRISTMAS Walls in Card Room Green estate emulsion, £47.95 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball. Pre-lit Christmas tree, £375; paper stars, £18.50 for set of two;…

■ CONSIDER THE ROOM and your family circumstances. A bedroom, for example, takes far less wear than a stair carpet. ■ IF YOU CHOOSE A RUNNER… Leave between 5-15cm of sub-floor exposed either side of it for the best look. ■ A PROFESSIONAL CARPET INSTALLER IS ESSENTIAL ‘Fitting is a skill and all carpets should be fitted in accordance with BS5352, the British Standard for the installation of textile floor coverings,’ says Rupert Anton of the The Carpet Foundation. ■ BUY A GOOD QUALITY RUBBER CRUMB and felt underlay. It will prolong the life of your carpet and feel softer underfoot. ■ BUY FROM A CARPET FOUNDATION MEMBER They work under a Code of Practice approved by the Chartered Trading Standards Institute. ■ WOOL CARPETS NEED CAREFUL CLEANING To clean…

1 EXTRACTOR HOB Neatly combining extraction and induction cooking, the Parkins’ hob was originally only purchased as a back-up for when the Aga is turned off. ‘We’re really happy with this appliance and actually use it all year round now. The speed and level of control of induction cooking is amazing and the extraction is very effective,’ says Nick. The couple also love how the recirculating downdraft extractor, which has its motor tucked beneath the hob, leaves the ceiling above unobstructed. ‘We didn’t want an extraction unit hanging from the ceiling,’ he says. 2 BESPOKE HARDWARE As they wanted something special for the handles of their new kitchen, Woodstock Furniture introduced Megan and Nick to Ged Kennett. An artisan metalworker based in Somerset, Ged’s designs are hand-forged and finished with…

WHAT TO PICK, SEE & DO Pick… holly, mistletoe and ivy to decorate your home with foraged foliage that will go back to the earth after the festive season. See... Glow Wild at Wakehurst in Ardingly, Sussex, as the garden is spectacularly transformed with light and sound, 26 Nov to 30 Dec, £9 child, £15 adult (kew.org/glowwild). Listen… for the twit-twoo of the tawny owl at dusk – you’re more likely to hear it at this time of year. Celebrate… with English Sparkling wine (hampshirefare.co.uk). PLUSH PJS The longer nights are a great excuse to indulge in some sumptuous sleepwear. Made from sustainable bamboo satin (which uses a third less water to grow than cotton), this Milan sleepshirt looks fabulous teamed with the flat-front London PJ bottoms. Milan…

As an only child growing up on a hill farm in Dumfries and Galloway in Scotland, I spent endless hours by myself creating dams in the burn, looking after my own animals and climbing miles over hills, helping my father with his cattle and sheep. A childhood in the wildness and raw beauty of Scotland has left me with an innate connection with nature. I suspect I absorbed my love for flowers by osmosis, playing on my own, creating an imaginary world from the primroses, foxgloves and berries that I found. I had a deep sense of the seasons. I was extremely dyslexic however, and out of school and in the wilds of the farm my imagination was caught by what I could create in the landscape. It was suggested…

■ BEAN-TO-CUP A bean-to-cup coffee machine represents the pinnacle of home brewing, promising to make the freshest possible cup from your favourite beans with little or no effort. The best designs feature ceramic burr grinders that can adjust the coarseness of the beans. ■ SMART FEATURES Everything seems to have a smartphone app these days, and coffee machines are no different, and while we don’t see the need for remote brewing, the latest apps from brands such as Jura and De’Longhi let you customise your coffee recipes, order cleaning products and even book an engineer if something goes wrong. ■ EASY CLEANING Coffee grounds make a horrible mess, but the latest machines now come with automatic cleaning modes to reduce the time it takes. These include automatic rinsing after you…

GG Stokes grew up in the countryside, in the Cotswolds, and moved to London to study fashion styling and photography at The London College of Fashion, graduating with both a BA and a Masters. She pursued a successful career in styling, photography and creative direction, working on fashion shoots for glossy magazines before becoming an artist. This elegant imagery and her connection with it continues to inspire her and is the subject of her oil paintings. I’ve been creative for as long as I can remember. I studied fine art at school and was taught how to paint, but I’ve always been obsessed with images of all kinds, particularly photography. When I found fashion and how special it was to create fashion images, it was the perfect vehicle for me…

Things that make us happy... “FROST-NIPPED NOSE AND TOES, KNOWING WE’LL SOON BE WARMING UP BESIDE A ROARING FIRE AFTER A FESTIVE WALK WITH FAVOURITE FOLK”…

Owners Jo Barnes and her husband Henry, their two children Ophelia, five, and Imogen, three, Henry’s parents, Rosemary and John, and their chocolate labrador Nema. John and Henry farm the land while Jo and Rosemary run the barns, Anthology Farm, as a holiday let. House The Grade II-listed converted barns on their farm, which date from 1740, have nine bedrooms and can accommodate up to 18 people. The Barnes family bought the farm in 2016 and the barn conversion was completed in 2019.…

Visit… ‘Burghley House (burghley.co.uk), a fine Elizabethan manor. The year-round calendar of events includes good Christmas fairs. There is also a Christmas market in the town.’ Shop at… ‘Stamford has an impressive range of independent cafes and delis, including The Fine Food Store (finefoodstore.co.uk), No 14 St Mary’s Hill (01780 755551) and Cafe Black (01780 762999) with lots of festive food and locally made speciality produce for sale.’ Go for a meal at… ’The Tobie Norris (kneadpubs.co.uk), a former bell foundry from 1280.’…

For most parents, Christmas shopping is a highly secretive affair – even more so when you have five children to conceal presents from. ‘I am blessed with a lock-up cupboard under the stairs,’ says Maria Southwood, although hanging stockings from the bannisters above must only increase the anticipation about what’s hidden inside. Being a GP as well as a mother of five, Maria has to be super efficient with her festive planning, so by the beginning of December the tree is ordered from a local farm and safely installed at one end of the living room, ready to be decorated. For the second year now, it takes pride of place in their newly converted barn – a property bought after Maria and John’s fourth child, Anna, was born. ‘We were…

Visit…‘Dartmoor National Park (visitdartmoor.co.uk) is an amazing place. We love the open feel of the moor and the stunning river valleys and gorges. One of our favourite spots is Bellever, which is a magical area of forest where wild ponies graze.’ Shop at…‘Lorna Ruby (lornaruby.com) in Exeter stocks a fantastic range of clothes, homeware and gifts. She sources from independent makers and is committed to being eco-friendly.’ Go for a meal at…‘Sacred Grounds (sacredgrounds.co) in Exeter for tasty vegan food. It’s run by a lovely couple with a great ethos. They welcomed me to Exeter’s creative community and hosted my book launch.’…

ECOFRIENDLY This year, say adios to single use wrapping that ends up in landfill and embrace the joy of giving gifts with a planet-loving conscience. (Clockwise, from top) Vegan and  recyclable Bauble Noire wrapping paper, from £6.75, Curlicue. Wrapping paper sets with flower seed gift tags, £1.99 each, 1 Tree Cards. Plantable gift tags, £6 for 10, Green Planet Paper Quirky characters Spread the laughter as well as the love with off-the-wall, humorous designs – we’re talking anthropomorphised animals and wacky motifs all the way! We adore Lorna Syson’s uplifting, nature inspired patterns that translate species of birds in fun and utterly charming, re-imagined ways. Tropical birds Christmas wrapping paper, £2.50 a sheet, Lorna Syson Spud-tacular fun! Get crafty with the humble potato and give your presents signature-style flair! Take…

POLISHED FINISH For opulent design with a difference, say bonjour to this material-blending muse of marble, iron and glass. Providing ample storage space for essentials, there’s room to nest items discreetly, or showcase pride possessions behind see-through doors. Mikko large sideboard, £895, Graham and Green MANGO MANIA Store all the more in this generous piece, which thoughtfully boasts two drawers and two doors. A distressed chalky finish makes this mango wood character a prime choice for classic country schemes. Maison two-door two-drawer sideboard in Albany and Moss Grey, £645, Barker and Stonehouse “CREATE BESPOKE SOLUTIONS WITH FREESTANDING CABINETRY THAT YOU CAN ADD TO, TO CREATE FLEXIBLE MODULAR STORAGE ” MODERN LUXE This chic silhouette combines a natural pine wood top and classic bronze handles with a contemporary colour finish, for…

When there is genuine synergy between kitchen-maker and homeowner, the results speak for themselves, and this beautifully curated kitchen is a great case in point. ‘We had an idea to create an eclectic space that didn’t necessarily look like a kitchen but still remained very practical,’ says Megan. ‘Woodstock’s designer, Guy, was really accommodating and helped us build on this concept.’ The Parkins’ kitchen plans were part of a bigger dream to transform the entire ground floor of their home. The renovations involved removing the original exterior wall and front door and adding a large contemporary glass, steel and brick extension that included a new entrance hall. ‘Previously, the kitchen was compact with limited light,’ says Megan. ‘We wanted a kitchen that felt like it was in the garden with…

CABINETRY Bespoke solid wood cabinetry hand-painted in Farrow & Ball’s Down Pipe estate eggshell, from £40,000, Woodstock Furniture SURFACES Iroko worktops, from £500sq m; Super White Quartzite worktops, from £1,250sq m, Woodstock Furniture. HW961 Amendo Rustic 180mm engineered oak wood flooring, £98.34sq m, Havwoods. Walls in Down Pipe and ceilings in Clunch estate emulsion, £64 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball APPLIANCES Three-oven eR7 100-3 rangecooker in Black, £12,695, Aga. Bora Basic glass ceramic induction cooktop with recirculating extractor, from £2,256, Bora. B47VR32N0B N70 built-in oven, £1,299; KI8513D30G integrated fridge, £939; GI7413E30G integrated freezer, £938; S513K60X0G integrated dishwasher, £549, Neff SINKS & TAPS Purist single-lever taps in Matte Black, £887 each, Kohler. Cisterna White ceramic large single bowl undermount sink, £538, Villeroy & Boch. Carisma 400 round bowl kitchen sink, £142,…

RENT a real tree from loveachristmas tree.co.uk, or buy one with roots, so you can replant it in the garden. Even a cut tree has a lower carbon footprint than an artificial one, which should be used for a minimum of 10 years. WRAP gifts with recycled wrapping paper. Brits get through 227,000 miles of wrapping paper each year, with most of it ending up in landfill. (Right) Recycled wrapping paper, £4 for 5m, rspb.org.uk GIFT a National Art Pass instead of buying a loved one more stuff, £73 (or £45 for under 30s), artfund.org…

Something different A Daylesford hamper is the ultimate treat during the festive period. Not only does it make the perfect indulgent gift for foodies and wine lovers, it also contains everything you need for a greedy Christmas evening – cheese and wine! Cotswolds cheese and wine hamper, £85. THE WHOLE SHEBANG Norfolk Bronze turkeys are the pinnacle of Christmas birds, and Morton’s rear its with the care and attention that these prized birds deserve. Morton’s has also bundled everything you need for a stress-free Christmas dinner into a festive parcel: turkey, smoked salmon, pigs in blankets, free-range pork and chestnut stuffing, Christmas pudding and more. You can register for your parcel now at mortonsfarm.co.uk/ christmas (turkeys start at £60). A royally sweet finale Dukeshill has moved out of the cowshed it…

I love mountains of any kind, but the stark, linear image of the hills of the Black Mountains in winter is especially beautiful to me. At the western end of the mountains is Hay Bluff, a cliff that rises almost sheer and which you can see from miles away – I can actually see it from the attic room of my house in Herefordshire and this view from afar has been a part of my daily life on and off for 32 years. From Hay Bluff itself and, in particular, Gospel Pass, the highest road point in Wales, you have the most staggering, extraordinary view out west towards Wales. This part of the country is very wild and unoccupied, with the steep wooded valleys on the plain and River Wye…

Colour collab Lighting fave Pooky has teamed up with paint genius Little Greene to launch a carefully curated range of 20 gorgeous colours to customise on any of the brand’s 13 wooden bases. Ruth Mottershead, creative director at Little Greene says: ‘This collaboration will allow interior lovers to play with Little Greene colours to create a truly bespoke piece.’ Moonshine floor lamp, £195; base painted in Little Greene paint, from £23; 45cm shade in Saffron Dupion silk, £95, Pooky X Little Greene HABITAT ART PROJECT In 2019, Habitat’s Brighton store launched a competition for local creatives to send in artwork inspired by the city. The three winners – Emma Stone-Johnson, Tiffany Lynch and Orna Schneerson Pascal – have each had their works translated into a capsule collection of embroidered cushions,…

Visit... ‘Sudeley Castle & Gardens (sudeleycastle.co.uk/ events/spectacle-of-light), a favourite place to go to at Christmas. The children love the Spectacle of Lights show.’ Shop at... ‘Burford Garden Company (burford.co.uk), which is full of beautiful seasonal foliage displays and decorations, then have a hot chocolate in the café.’ Go for a meal at... ‘The Craven Arms (thecravenarms. co.uk) at Brockhampton. It’s a 16th-century inn and restaurant, and the food is always excellent.’…

Visit... ’Stourhead (nationaltrust. org/stourhead), a Palladian mansion with extensive, unusually lush gardens. Our children love it.’ Shop at... ‘Kilver Court (kilvercourt.com), an old converted mill that is technically a discount designer outlet, but with a difference because of its rural setting. It’s surrounded by ancient trees, making it the most pleasant shopping experience imaginable, and there is also a village-style cafe/restaurant on the site, which is both child- and dog-friendly.’ Go for a meal at... ‘The Roth Bar & Grill (rothbarandgrill. co.uk), which is also an art gallery in a barn that inspired us during our building works. The eggs Benedict is amazing.’…

When the UK went into lockdown in March this year, Harriet noticed a surge in the number of people watching her watercolour clips on Instagram Stories. ‘Lots of people contacted me requesting longer videos,’ says Harriet. ‘Several mentioned that their parents had expressed interest in watercolour painting, but were reluctant to go on Instagram or Facebook. I felt that setting up a YouTube channel could be the answer.’ With her husband Anthony’s freelance work on hold, the pair launched a YouTube channel, to promote the de Winton Paper co, via informative and relaxed, step-by-step tutorials, such as How to Paint a Watercolour Rose. DO YOUR RESEARCH Anthony was familiar with YouTube and advised Harriet to watch videos to get to know the platform. ‘I was keen to make my channel…

MAKE AN ENTRANCE Wrap your front door with ribbon, sealed with a wreath, for a spirit of festive anticipation. Choose dried and seasonal flowers and berries, with gilded cones for a subtle glow. SIMPLY CHRISTMAS Bring a modern country feel to a living room with sumptuous signature seating, elegant homeware and lush foliage. Neatly turned legs, narrow lines and accent angles all sharpen the look for a smart finish. YOU’RE INVITED Bring a sense of occasion to a hallway with a gorgeous feature wallpaper. Lush foliage in autumnal tones and a gold key highlight bring a touch of intrigue and magic to a wall. Heavenly stairwaysRIBBONS, FLOWERS AND FOLIAGE ADD A COUNTRY TOUCH TO STAIRCASES AND FILL THE ROOM WITH SCENT. CHOOSE LARGE HEADED BLOOMS FOR A COLOURFUL STATEMENT. CONCOCT…

GO GREEN Aromatic evergreens will make gorgeous table garlands and decorations. Stems of spruce, eucalyptus or ivy can be bunched together with twine or laid loosely together and topped with blush red pomegranates and a silky scarlet ribbon for a splash of traditional Christmas colour. Over the mantel, a pine wreath decorated with fairy lights and twinkling candles will set a sophisticated scene. MIX IT UP For cool and cosy country-style, a pretty red and white floral tablecloth finished with a ruby red runner and teamed with contrasting tartan napkins will set the mood. Top with a mix of tableware in clashing patterns, but choose similar colours and tones throughout for cohesion. The idea is for it to look casually convivial rather than careless. For an additional festive flavour, line…

CHECK MATE Handcrafted on traditional looms, this deep pile carpet is made from 100% undyed wool, woven onto a base of cotton and secured by Latex, enhancing its natural bounce and insulating properties. Part of Alternative Flooring’s Eco collection, its subtle checked weave gives the carpet an elegant appearance, while its grey earthy tones and natural irregularities will let the odd speck of dust go unnoticed, making it a family-friendly option, too. NATURAL LOOK The rich golden tones and rustic texture of this boucle sisal would work well in most modern, country homes, particularly in a boot room or communal space where you come in from the outdoors. Not only does it connect well visually, sisal is made from the leaf fibre of the plant Agave Sisalana and spun into…

Owners Megan and Nick Parkin live here. Their two children have left home, but are frequent visitors. House A four-bedroom, 19th-century, former grain mill in a small village near Winchester, Hampshire. Project A modern extension made way for a bigger kitchen and dining space with views of the newly landscaped gardens. Kitchen size Around 8x4m Designer Guy Bristow of Woodstock Furniture. Cabinetry Bespoke solid wood cabinetry by Woodstock Furniture, painted in Down Pipe by Farrow & Ball.…

MAKE AN ENTRANCE For a stately look, symmetry is key as demonstrated by these faux box ball trees. For a festive edge, underplant them with real ivy and dress with frosted pine-cone baubles and cheery wired ribbons. Their rounded shape is echoed by the wreaths, made by wiring pieces of fir around tapestry frames, with snowberries tied in as a final flourish. WINTER BERRY WREATH Wreaths don’t have to be perfectly symmetrical. Play around with different-shaped bases, or create unusual, asymmetrical designs by arranging foliage, berries and flowers over just two-thirds of a circular base. When mixing dried flowers into your wreath displays, choose varieties that have good architectural form, such as cardoons and globe thistle. A LA CARTE Have your secateurs at the ready to cut back any overgrown…

BEST BOTANICALS Let Mother Nature soothe you to sleep with this blend of botanicals. Sleep Dharma pillow mist, £22 for 50ml, Mauli Rituals FLOWER POWER Made with extracts of relaxing lavender, eucalyptus and rosemary. RHS Flower Blooms pillow mist, £7 for 100ml, Heathcote & Ivory HEAVENLY HERBS The calming mix of lavender, chamomile and frankincense essential oils will help you slip into a peaceful slumber. Pillow mist spray, £18 for 100ml, Piglet in Bed…

CASTLE CAMPBELL Once home to the illustrious Dukes of Argyll, Castle Campbell offers a chance to explore one of Scotland’s best preserved tower houses and walk in the steps of figures such as Mary Queen of Scots. LIBRARY OF INNERPEFFRAY Discover Scotland’s literary history at Innerpeffray, the country’s first free lending library. It opened in this rural spot in 1680 and holds a collection of rare books and manuscripts. GLENTURRET DISTILLERY Operating since 1775, these fellows know how to make a good single malt. Short tours of the distillery show the process that goes into each bottle, with plenty of time for tasting.…

VERMOUTH SODA WITH ORANGE Sipping an elegant aperitif feels celebratory, and this one harnesses sophisticated flavours and a hint of Christmas (it’s the orange zest that does it). SERVES 6 Ice Green olives 360ml red vermouth or rose´ 360ml soda or sparkling water Zest of 1 large orange, pared Dried orange slices (optional) Sugar 1 Take six glasses and drop 3 ice cubes and 2 olives into each. Pour in 60ml vermouth or rosé, then top with 60ml soda or sparkling water. Hold a strip of zest over a glass and twist to release its oils. Drop into the glass or, for a more festive garnish, add a slice of dried orange. 2 To home-dry orange slices, preheat the oven to 120C/Gas ½. Very thinly slice some oranges (we used…