Innholdsfortegnelse for March 2021 i Country Homes & Interiors

As I work on a homes magazine, it will come as no surprise that I’m fascinated by interiors and the spaces we create for ourselves. I love to browse our Things That Make Us Happy section, curated by our talented Shopping Editor, Holly Phillips. And I look forward to meetings with Houses Editor Vivienne Ayers to select the homes we feature. It’s a pleasure to share each house with you, whether it’s for the backstory of the building or its reinvention. Every home reveals the personality of its owners – a love of travel (see Homeward Bound, page 38), a passion for history (The Marks of Time, page 26), the switch from city to country life (A Diamond in the Rough, page 14), or the unique talent of designer Tom…

Visit… ’Evandale (evandale tasmania.com) one of Australia’s best-preserved historic towns, a 20-minute drive from The Granary. It is full of beautiful antiques shops, pubs, boutiques and bakeries, with a country market on Sundays.’ Shop at… ‘Hill Street Grocer (hillstreetgrocer.com), which specialises in seasonal, locally produced goods. It has an incredible deli and offers pre-prepared meals.’ Go for a meal at... ’Clarendon Arms (clarendonarms.com.au), a fabulous historic pub serving craft beer and great local food; plus beer garden and live weekend music.’…

Early every morning, the ceramicist and painter Katherine Cuthbert lets herself quietly out of her London home, walks down the slowly wakening streets – and escapes to a little pocket of natural beauty to start her day. ‘I could not survive without the beautiful parks near me,’ she explains. ‘Nature is an ever-changing joy. There’s something about being among the trees, plants and flowers at that peaceful time of day that never fails to inspire me. I often take my sketchbook, and it sets me up for working in my studio.’ The green lushness of the city’s parks are a far cry from the South African landscape where Katherine grew up in her early years. ‘I lived with my mother and stepfather in Johannesburg, but when I was about seven,…

GO TWO-TONE A two-tone wall is a great option in a room where there isn’t any architectural interest. Pitch the line above key pieces of furniture, making it either one third or two thirds of the wall. A lighter colour on the top will elongate and open up the room, with a warmer colour below adding a cosy element. SPRINKLE SPICE IN THE KITCHEN It might not be the obvious place for wallpaper, but it can take a kitchen, particularly a neutral one, from bland to beautiful. Like paint, wallpaper can be wiped clean. A large-scale mural would make an impact, too. TAKE IT BACK TO BRICK An area of brick, on a fireplace or in a kitchen, brings rich warmth to a wall. Just be careful about which area…

BOLD AS BRASS For those who want to make a real statement, then a metallic worktop could be the way to go. While stainless steel designs are commonly found in industrial chef’s kitchens, brass or copper are warmer, more stylish options to incorporate into the home. Naturally, these surfaces have antimicrobial properties, which make them a good option for a kitchen or a bathroom, though they are destined to acquire a patina over time and therefore will need regular polishing in order to maintain a gleaming appearance. RUSTIC WOOD A firm favourite in farmhouse-style kitchens, solid oak worktops bring charm and warmth. ‘We often specify a solid oak top for a prep table,’ says Peter Humphrey, design director and founder of Humphrey Munson. Bear in mind that heat and humidity…

1 COLOUR ‘I wanted heather colours for the kitchen, because I had my eye on creating something elegant and different,’ says Claire, who chose a warm grey with lilac undertones for the cabinets, offset by the white and grey granite worktops. Pink for the hideaway cabinet and a soft neutral for the walls continue the theme, while the plum finish of the range cooker creates a focal point. 2 SECRET DOOR The secret door to the pantry and wine room is not just a fun touch which makes guests exclaim in surprise, it also helps to give the wall run of cabinetry a sense of proportion. ‘Imagine the chimney breast with only slender wall cupboards on both sides,’ says designer Richard Mason. ‘It would have looked lost in such a…

Things that make us happy...“FLINGING OPEN THE DOORS AND EMBRACING THE GARDEN AS OUR LIVING ROOM ONCE AGAIN!”…

Visit… ‘Blenheim Palace (blenheimpalace.com) at Woodstock in Oxfordshire. The grounds and surrounding woodlands come alive with magnificent bluebell displays in the spring.’ Shop at… ’Station Mill Antiques (stationmill.com) in Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire. The centre is full of unique antique one-off finds; we have discovered lots of pieces for our home here.’ Go for a meal at… ’The Old Swan (oldswan.co.uk) in Minster Lovell, near Oxford; it’s our favourite pub. It has gorgeous homemade food (the best pies) and a beautiful terrace and playground that overlook the river.’…

Visit…‘Trebah Gardens (trebahgarden.co.uk), close to Falmouth. There is a private beach at the bottom that overlooks Helford River. The kids love it here as there are always nature trails and activities.’ Shop at… ‘No.56 (no-56.com) in Penzance, a small independent shop that sells beautiful, handcrafted ceramics, clothes and artisan gifts. Also Coastal Scandi (coastalscandi. com) in Wadebridge and Padstow. Be warned – it’s hard not to buy everything in these shops!’ Go for a meal at… ‘Indidog (indidogeatery.com) in Falmouth – the food is great, the staff always lovely and the views are just beautiful. Housel Bay Hotel (houselbay.com) is a great place to eat or enjoy a glass of wine, located on the wild Lizard Peninsula.’…

Visit… ‘Dulwich Picture Gallery (dulwichpicturegallery.org.uk) has such interesting exhibitions, and is opposite Dulwich Park, so I always combine a visit with a lovely walk. Ruskin Park in Lambeth is also an inspiring, serene place to walk all year round.’ Shop at… ‘The Farmers’ Market at Herne Hill (weareccfm.com) is a Sunday treat with fantastic fresh food stands and plenty of bric-a-brac stalls to hunt through.’ Enjoy a meal at… ‘Boulangerie Jade (boulangeriejade.com) in Lordship Lane serves delicious coffee and pastries, and sitting on the outside terrace to watch the world go by is always a treat.’…

CURVE APPEAL Create an inviting welcome with a statement circular table and vintage boho-style rug. Old versus new is always a smart pairing. MULTI FACETS When life gives you lemons… and limes, bulbs and glasses, play with reflection and shape to curate your tabletop display. BOHEMIAN BLEND A beautiful balance of pattern, colour and shapely furniture brings elegance to a living room. Take inspiration from a beloved fabric to find your feelgood blend of pieces. HERO HUES A smart painted finish brings star status to furniture – especially in back-to-nature green. BRING SPRING INSIDE Add texture, scent and shape with freshly cut foliage.…

FIT RIGHT IN When it comes to designing a small bathroom every inch counts, so it is important to measure precisely and take into account doors, windows or sloped ceilings that may dictate your new layout. Don’t be afraid to play with pattern, even in awkward spaces. Here, the hexagonal tiled flooring and splashback give a cohesive look, creating a backdrop for this rustic vanity that not only fits perfectly into the alcove but also gives a subtle nod to the house’s barn heritage. CRYSTAL CLEAR While a wet room may be a more expensive option than a conventional shower, it can be a worthwhile investment for a small space. The main cost is tanking to make the area waterproof but the result is a roomier space, as you don’t…

■ BUILD IT INTO YOUR BUDGET Worktops can take up a significant amount of your total spend, so have a think about what you can afford early on in the planning process. It may be that you choose two types of surface – such as a practical quartz around the edges of your kitchen and a standout marble or wood for a central island, to balance your budget. ■ SEE SAMPLES IN PERSON It’s important to see your chosen worktop material in person before committing. If opting for a natural marble or granite, try visiting a stone merchant. ‘Not only will you be able to select the exact piece of stone, the expertise of the team will ensure you are selecting the best material and finish for your home,’ says…

Good things come to those who wait’ is a proverb that company owners Claire and Matthew Bishop have learned to appreciate. After moving from London to Yorkshire five years ago for business reasons, the couple rented a cottage from Matthew’s mother. ‘It was meant to be a stop-gap while we looked for a property to buy, but we were so happy here, we decided to stay,’ says Matthew. They bought the two-bedroom cottage and began to plan the renovations, dipping in and out with ideas and meetings as the years went by. But so busy were they with work, it was only last year that they felt they had enough time to commit to the project: a full refurbishment of the cottage with a side extension to include a large…

CABINETRY Bespoke classic in-frame kitchen, pantry and wine room, from £35,000, The Secret Drawer; painted in Dove Tale eggshell, £27 for 750ml, Farrow & Ball, and Musk Pink eggshell, £35 for 1ltr, Zoffany INTERIOR DESIGN An Eye for Design SURFACES River Valley White granite worktops, about £8,600; oak breakfast bar, £420lin m; limestone floor tiles, £42sq m, all The Secret Drawer. For similar splashback tiles, try Carnival Ramon, £79.20sq m, Fired Earth. Walls painted in Just Walnut Easycare Kitchen+ Matt, £33.32 for 2.5ltr, Dulux APPLIANCES Chemin range cooker in Plum, from £9,330, Lacanche. Bespoke integrated extractor, price on request, Westin. Ultima NCD 191I integrated fridge drawer, £899. S513G60X0G fully integrated dishwashers, £518 each, Neff SINKS & TAPS Flex mixer and boiling water tap with pull-out hose, from £1,150, Quooker. Belfast…

BIRCH, GINGER AND WISTERIA DETOXER High in minerals and vitamins B and C, birch sap is said to benefit the liver and is available from health stores online. Ginger boosts digestion and wisteria isn’t just pretty – it’s edible too! 90ml birch sap 30ml ginger syrup 22ml lemon juice Splash of soda water Wisteria blossom Chill a glass in the freezer for 2 hours. Pour the liquid ingredients into a cocktail shaker and fill it two-thirds with ice. Cover and shake for 20 seconds. Strain into the glass. Garnish with the wisteria blossom and top up with a splash of soda water. VITAMIN C TEA You can make this ahead, keeping the blended herbs in an airtight container. Serve as a preventative during the cold and flu season, making a…

Did you know? ‘DOOR FURNITURE’ REFERS TO ITEMS ATTACHED TO A DOOR TO ENHANCE ITS FUNCTIONALITY AND/OR APPEARANCE, FOR EXAMPLE, LOCKS, KNOBS AND KNOCKERS.…

INDOOR GARDENER Keep plants happy with this sweet little plant mister. No more overwatering – sometimes a quick spritz is all they need. We love this antique-style, ribbed glass design. Plant mister, £8, Garden Trading EVOCATIVE AROMA This collection of fragrances from FYG has a nostalgic touch, with names such as Grandma’s Garden, Starry Night, Rose Garden and Down By The Coast. Diffuser, £35; hand-poured candle, £30, both FYG A HUG IN A BOX Beautifully packaged and delivered to the door, this gift box includes Himalayan bath salts, a soothing clay face mask, tealights, a bamboo face cloth and calming organic teas. The Calm gift box, £45, Alice and Peg…

Special-edition embroidered cushions British designer Alice Archer has launched a limited range of cushions inspired by nature, filled with duck feathers and handmade in the UK. Choose from three captivating designs: Neva (left), cream silk linen embroidered with pink thrift flowers; Nicky, black cotton velvet, embroidered with sea thistle and saxifrage; and Natalie, bottle green velvet with pink thrift flowers, all from £175 each. Discover the full collection at alicearcher.co.uk. PEARLESCENT DELIGHTS FROM ATKIN & THYME Get in the glow with Atkin & Thyme’s exquisite Mother of Pearl collection. Made from sustainable mango wood and inlaid with hand-carved pieces of mother-of-pearl, the elegant designs include a chest of drawers, £999, and mirror, £199. Visit atkinandthyme.co.uk. Dazzling opulence by Lights and Lamps Add a glamorous statement with a sparkling chandelier from…

Like many young people growing up in country towns, Fiona and Nick Moses each decided to head to the city – in this case, Sydney – to work. Years later, after they’d met and married and had their third child, they decided to return to their roots, buying a rural property in Cressy, a short drive from Fiona’s parents‘ farm in Tasmania. ‘We wanted our children to experience the freedom we had so enjoyed,’ she says. Seven years later they had the chance to buy nearby Richmond Hill, a 200-year-old homestead with an adjacent granary/shearing shed and various outbuildings. The 150-acre property looks out across picturesque mountain ranges and down to the Macquarie River. ‘I love the perspective from the house. It’s situated on a hill and surrounded by so…

Visit… ‘Cliveden (nationaltrust.org) has beautiful woodlands and gardens overlooking the River Thames, perfect for an afternoon walk followed by tea in the hotel, Cliveden House (clivedenhouse.co.uk).’ Shop at… ‘The farmer’s market in Henley-on-Thames (visit-henley.com) for delicious local lamb, honey, fresh vegetables and cheese.’ Go for a meal at… ‘The Hand and Flowers (thehandandflowers. co.uk) in Marlow, run by chef Tom Kerridge. It is the first pub with two Michelin stars, but it still feels cosy and relaxed.’…

Set in the undulating hills of Somerset, Shepton Mallet’s fortunes were founded on textiles. The River Sheppey – which runs through the town and out to the Somerset Levels – powered mills that made the best woollen cloth in Europe, as worn by King Charles I. Today, disused mills and workers’ cottages remain, with an impressive number of listed buildings – 284 in all as recorded by English Heritage – for the town’s size. Shepton Mallet exudes authentic charm. As one local summarises, you’ll find ‘a welcoming and not at all pretentious place – what you see is what you get!’ And the town’s annual Snowdrop Festival pays homage to James Allen, a Victorian galanthophile who cultivated new varieties from wild plants. IN THE ESTATE AGENT’S WINDOW Shepton is proving…

The one lesson I’ve learnt...“THERE IS ALWAYS SO MUCH TO EXPLORE AND DISCOVER, SO NEVER STOP ABSORBING WHAT’S AROUND YOU” Collaboration is a word frequently used these days, with everyone from influencers to brands keen to work together in ways that offer mutual benefits. Such relationships can also succeed brilliantly on a less-formal level. Kit Kemp, owner of the renowned Firmdale Hotel Group, is a committed champion and collector of original art and craftwork, all showcased to dazzling effect in her hotels. After seeing Katherine Cuthbert’s work, she did not hesitate to include the artist’s distinctive pieces in her collection, and the pair have forged a strong, long-lasting relationship. Read our insight into how such creative collaborations can be achieved. MAKE THE CONNECTION If you’re an artist or maker and…

MAKE IT COUNTRY Pattern, heritage and nostalgia have always been a big part of country style, but the trick is to reinterpret archive looks for a new generation. Interiors brands are plundering different eras for inspiration – a little Art Deco here, some Georgian there – and putting them in a contemporary context. The result is a glamorous and homely look reworked in simplified style. OUR EXPERT SAYS…“COVER WALLS AND CEILING IN A REINVENTED CLASSIC PRINT. ORIGINAL DESIGNS TAKE ON AN ENTIRELY NEW LOOK AND FEEL WHEN REVIVED IN SATURATED HUES” HOLLY PHILLIPS , STYLE CONTENT EDITOR…

DEEP-SEAT DAYDREAM As beautiful as the Scottish island it’s named after, this sofa delivers elegance along with luxurious lounging. Full comfy cushions require little plumping in this low-maintenance family hub. Isla three-seater sofa in Armour Smart Velvet, £2,200, Sofa.com TIMELESS ADDITION Deep buttoning and a graceful curving back bring heaps of personality to this design that’s handcrafted in the UK. Choose from a wide range of luxurious fabric upholstery options. Paisley Petit sofa in Mouse stain-resistant cotton velvet, £2,040.10, Darlings of Chelsea SUPREME SLOUCH Fall into the feather-filled bench-style cushions, plus additional scatters, and feel like you’re being enveloped by a duvet. What’s more, the cover is removable. Harriet small sofa in Kirkby Design’s Soho Harvest Gold fabric, from £2,400, Arlo & Jacob “MOVE AWAY FROM FORMAL MATCHING SEATING BY…

■ WHAT SIZE DO I NEED? It all depends on how often you use it and how many people live at home; 6-7kg is great for one or two people, 8kg for an average family, and 9kg+ is designed for a large brood, but remember not to overload your machine. That said, larger machines featuring advanced sensors can wash smaller loads without wasting water and energy. ■ WHAT NEW FEATURES SHOULD I LOOK FOR? The faster the spin speed the better as it will save you energy when drying if using a tumble dryer. New auto-dosing machines – you fill a tank with detergent and softener – dispense the precise amount of detergent for the wash cycle, which saves you time and effort. The machine can also order more online…

ONE PAN ROMESCO SOUP Hailing from Catalonia, romesco is traditionally a vivid red sauce served alongside fish. It can be as much of a soup as a sauce, with the simple addition of some extra stock, a little crispy crouton action and a delicious ball of burrata – a fresh Italian mozzarella-style cheese that should have no place here, but totally works. SERVES 4-6 4 red peppers, quartered, seeds removed 1 garlic clove, bruised 250g cherry tomatoes, on the vine 400g tinned whole peeled tomatoes 1tsp smoked paprika, plus extra to serve ½tsp cayenne pepper 500ml vegetable stock 125ml extra virgin olive oil, plus extra to serve 2tbsp sherry vinegar 65g slivered almonds 4 small balls of burrata (optional) GARLICKY CROUTONS 350g sourdough bread, cut into croutons 2 garlic cloves,…

Early Spring IT’S TIME TO: Plant snowdrops Buy freshly lifted snowdrops ‘in the green’ — this tends to be the best way of establishing the bulbs for next year. Plant straight away and label. Lift and divide existing, congested clumps as the foliage yellows and replant at the same depth as before. Sow tomatoes Grow less-usual, heirloom varieties such as ‘Green Sausage’, ‘Burracker’s Favourite’ or ‘Mirabelle’. Sow three seeds in a 7.5cm pot of fine seed compost, cover with 1.5cm soil and place on a windowsill, keeping it moist. Pot on seedlings at around 5cm height. Clean bark By this time of year, the bark of silver birches or Tibetan cherries are often tarnished with grime and algae. Scrub with warm water to restore to a pristine…

THINGS TO DO, MAKE AND CELEBRATE Plant out… established and hardy herbs. Rosemary, chives, mint, sage and thyme will thrive in moist soil in the garden but keep basil on a sunny windowsill until it’s warmer. Create… your own prints with printmaker Lou Tonkin on a two-day course at Dartington Trust, Devon (dartington.org), £250, 17-18 April. Celebrate… International Women’s Day, 8 March, and help to acknowledge women’s achievements globally, to forge a gender-equal world and appreciate the important women in your life. LET IT RAIN Entirely waterproof, the Shoreside raincoat from Joules has become our new favourite coat for SS21 and is available in five colourways including Pillar Box Red. The A-line design is made all the more flattering with a drawstring waist, while the zip and popper…

I am originally from Bulgaria but came to the UK as a child. Growing up, I climbed trees, raced snails and had an insect hospital where I would treat insects with flower pollen. I was very much a wild girl in nature. I have also loved stories ever since I was little. Well-known folk tales, Bluebeard and Baba Yaga, had a big impact on me. Stories bring life and so much wisdom. We learn from stories as children and I believe that if we stay in a relationship with them we will continue our learning and understanding of the world. I became interested in the power of storytelling a few years ago and decided to train at the International School of Storytelling, Emerson College, East Sussex. I also have 10…

CASTLE ASHBY GARDENS Guests receive discounted access to the Gardens, home to romantic Italian Gardens and an Orangery, with nature trails around the impressive Arboretum, open all year round. RURAL SHOPPING YARD Housed in converted barns in Castle Ashby village, the Rural Shopping Yard offers locally run boutiques and crafts, together with cafés and a delicatessen for edible treats to take home. THE ROSE & CROWN The seasonal Sunday menu at the dog-friendly Rose & Crown Bistro in Yardley Hastings, just under three miles away, spans roast rump of beef with duck-fat roast potatoes to cranberry and sage nut roast.…

I travel a lot in my line of work, but every time I come back to Cornwall, I feel it’s the most stunning place in the UK. The Cornish coastline feels rugged and ancient, not just old, but like you’re stepping way back into the times of the dinosaurs. The rock and the ruggedness of it is has such presence. My husband, Johan Tham, and I live in the Lizard area, just above Cadgwith, in a house he’d bought several years before I met him. Interestingly enough, when I was collecting watercolours, years before I met him, I ended up with a collection of Cornish paintings of the area that I live in anyway! It’s a fishing village and, even through full lockdown, the fishermen were still going out in…