Innholdsfortegnelse for August 2021 i Country Homes & Interiors

When I was little, my gran would take me to the beach at Blackpool. Maybe it was there I fell in love with the sea, or it could have been childhood holidays to Wales and Cornwall, teenage jaunts to Brighton and Margate, or romantic weekends with my now-husband to Whitstable, Walberswick and probably somewhere else beginning with W. Today I’m fortunate enough to live by the coast full time and I simply can’t imagine not breathing the salt-tang air, having the gulls as my alarm clock, or escaping to the beach for a head-clearing, heart-lifting walk. This issue celebrates where coast and countryside meet, with beautiful homes overlooking the waves (from page 18), décor ideas and designs inspired by our shoreline (from page 70), and inspiring individuals whose love of…

Visit… ‘Halen Môn (halenmon.com) to find out about Anglesey sea salt. Led by a trained guide, the behind-the-scenes tours are fascinating, and end with a tutored sea salt tasting. There’s also an outdoor cafe, which celebrates local, seasonal ingredients and a design-led gift shop.’ Shop at… ‘Anglesey Fine Foods (angleseyfinefoods.co.uk) in Station Road, Valley, a fabulous traditional butchers that also offers a terrific service. It’s our go-to shop, particularly when we’re having barbecues.’ Go for a meal at… ‘The White Eagle (white-eagle.co.uk), a really welcoming restaurant, with a super atmosphere and attentive, friendly staff. As it’s right opposite both houses, it’s a favourite with us and our guests.’…

Alistair Frost, the founder of Pentire, heads up just one of a growing number of businesses committed to making a positive, impactful difference, not only in the way they operate, but as a means of contributing meaningfully on a wider scale. One important way of doing this is to join a global movement advocating economic systems change. This is a community of Certified B Corporations (B Corps for short)*, an initiative created by B Lab, a non-profit organisation founded in Pennsylvania 15 years ago (Pentire is currently working towards B Corp certification). COMMIT TO CHANGE ‘Certified B Corporations meet the highest standards of verified social and environmental performance,’ explains Chris Turner, Executive Director at B Lab UK, which launched in 2015. ‘Crucially, this is about a better way of doing…

SERENE SPACE Creating a chic and relaxing area is often top of the list when designing a dressing room. If your space doesn’t have a door, then ensure it acts as a welcoming retreat. Details like a thoughtfully dressed window, a vase of fresh flowers and a comforting chair can make all the difference in turning it into a calm and pretty room rather than a purely functional area. Having something soft underfoot is key, too, so either continue the carpet from the bedroom or pick up a thick pile rug to finish the space. STEP TO IT A library ladder is a beautiful vintage addition. Having steps to hand not only adds a stylish focal point, but maximises storage potential as everything will be easily accessible. For both hardwood…

GROW YOUR OWN Garden arches are not only great as a decorative support for rambling roses and other fragrant flowers, they can offer a functional frame for fruit trees and climbing vegetables too. Multiple arches will make an attractive tunnel effect and offer an elegant alternative to a traditional veg patch. Runner beans or cherry tomatoes are good crops to grow vertically and lavender or marigolds grown close by will help keep bugs at bay. 1 STYLE STATEMENT Create a focal point in your garden with a freestanding wooden pergola. Made with pressure-treated FSC timber, this charming Carousel pergola blends sympathetically with its natural surroundings, while providing a stylish structure to retreat to from the blazing sun. Or, if you prefer, drape it with favourite floaty fabrics or train climbing…

After living in London for 22 years, Tony Gordon-James and partner Doreen Mitchell decided it was time for a change. ‘We settled on Winchester, where I’d lived and farmed close by about twenty years earlier in my life. I have a great fondness for this city with its historic cathedral and fascinating history, surrounded by Hampshire’s most beautiful countryside,’ explains Tony. Garden designer Doreen and chartered surveyor Tony bought a three-bedroom house, in a surprisingly quiet location close to the centre of the city, with wonderful views of the cathedral, St. Catherine’s Hill and beyond to the South Downs. The house interior, however, was rather less wonderful. ‘It was dated and really needed a complete makeover,’ says Tony, who masterminded the project including a new kitchen. ‘We enjoy cooking and…

Visit… ‘Hergest Croft Gardens (hergest.co.uk). Explore 70 acres of gardens and parkland, with amazing views towards the Black Mountains. There are many rare plants and trees to inspire you, plus a great plant shop and tea room.’ Go for a meal at… ‘Chapters Restaurant (chaptershayonwye. co.uk). This family-run restaurant supports small-scale producers in Hay-on-Wye and the surrounding area. It’s really good for special occasions and celebrations.’ Shop at… ‘Lot51, Backfold, Hay-on-Wye (07557 194825). Alongside vintage furniture, proprietor Mandy has dolly tubs, tin baths and other treasures in her emporium that will help you add character to your garden.’…

Things that make us happy...“WARM SUMMER NIGHTS WITH ONLY A COLOURFUL COTTON COVER-UP NEEDED FOR BEDTIME BLISS ”…

Visit… ‘The Lost Gardens of Heligan (heligan.com). Two hundred acres of a once-forgotten garden to explore, including woodland, Victorian production and pleasure plots, farmland, jungle and wildlife areas. Perfect for any age group, there are seasonal events throughout the year as well as a kitchen and bakery.’ Shop at… ‘Foundry Court Wadebridge (foundrycourt wadebridge.com). Destination shopping with boutique clothing and accessory stores, and delicious delis and cafes.’ Go for a meal at… ‘The Pig at Harlyn Bay (thepighotel.com). Unique and characterful hotel and restaurant cooking up simple home-grown and all-things-local dishes in a super stylish setting.’…

Visit… ‘Dungeness, just a short way along the coast, is a wonderful walk early on a summer’s day and nearby is Prospect Cottage, home of the late artist and filmmaker, Derek Jarman. It’s also worth a walk around to see the old lighthouse.’ Shop at… ‘Tibbs Farm in nearby Udimore (tibbsfarm.com). We love to pick our own gooseberries and strawberries here during the summer. It also has a great farm shop and a lovely cafe with delicious home made cakes and other produce, such as cold-pressed apple juice and the very best organic free-range eggs.’ Go for a meal at… ‘The Globe Inn Marsh pub (ramblinns.com) in Rye is a family favourite with great food, plenty of freshly caught fish and local wines, ciders and beers. They also mix a…

This is a magical spot where you can relax and lose all sense of time,’ says David Rothman as he leans over the half stable door of his fisherman’s cottage to chat to passing neighbours and watch the boats sail by. ‘The Yealm estuary in Devon has always been a desirable haven for artists, yachtsmen and families escaping the city in search of boating holidays.’ David was brought up in Plymouth and his love affair with this area goes back as far as his childhood. ‘As a boy, I tried to get my parents to move here but unfortunately only I made it,’ he says. When David, a keen kayaker, first saw this riverside gem, with its private mooring and garden sloping down to the water’s edge, he realised he…

It was, quite literally, the call of the sea that led Alistair Frost to leave his family home in Herefordshire and head to the rugged coastline of North Cornwall when he was just 18. ‘I instantly fell in love with coastal living, and became a surfing instructor,’ he explains. For six years, this healthy outdoorsy way of life – dictated by the elements and the ocean – sustained him. ‘I loved everything about it, from early morning dips in the sea as the sun came up, to a day catching the waves, then camping up on the headland,’ he recalls. Eventually, however, Alistair realised the time had come to hang up his surfboard – at least for a little while – and try something different. ‘I thought it would be…

MAKE IT COUNTRY Diving away from the traditional sailor style, sizzling coral hues and breezy blues bring a dose of vitamin sea vitality to your decorating scheme. Go into rock pooling mode and search out shell accents and charming, sea life-inspired textiles. Then extend the theme with ‘softshell’ furniture displaying organic curves with modern country-coastal appeal. OUR EXPERT SAYS… ❝ SEASHELL CURVES BRING CHARMING SHAPE AND SOFTNESS TO CONTEMPORARY PIECES. CHOOSE FURNITURE IN NATURAL MATERIALS FOR TACTILE CHIC ❞ HOLLY PHILLIPS, STYLE CONTENT EDITOR…

CREATE A SHELTERED SPOT An all-weather covered area means you can stay out, even on a drizzly night. If you don’t have a permanent structure like a wooden gazebo or summer house, a pergola can be adapted with a waterproof material or plastic cover. Position chairs beneath the shelter, then bring out the blankets, hot drinks and a pack of cards so the family’s focus remains outside. RELAX BY THE FIRE Gather family and friends around a cosy firepit and create a focal point for activities with the family, such as toasting marshmallows. Founder of Kindwood, Taylor Gathercole, tells us how to get the fire started. ‘Build a small pile of tinder then stack the kindling over it in the shape of a tipi. Keep adding more until it takes…

SELECT THE RIGHT SPOT If you would like to sit or dine under your structure, opt for a level area and think about the sun’s position in the early evening. ‘It’s wonderful to sit in a pergola swing seat, watching the sun go down,’ says Siobhan Lancaster, Sitting Spiritually. BALANCE PROPORTIONS ‘For most purposes, a height of 2.2 and 2.4m is ideal for your structure,’ says Amanda Patton, Amanda Patton Landscape & Garden Design. ‘Creating a square section, where the height and the width are equal, creates a comfortable “neutral” space.’ FIX IN POSITION Many pergolas and arches, particularly metal ones, are designed for below ground installation into soil; however, most are available with additional fixings if you wish to install one onto a hard surface, such as a tiled…

1 BREAKFAST STATION Creating a breakfast station allows one person to make toast and coffee out of the way of the other in the main ‘working’ zone of the kitchen. Set to one side of the kitchen, the cupboards above the counter house mugs, jams and cereals, while the drawers below are designed to store coffee pods, bread boards and bread. Milk is in the adjacent integrated fridge, and a step or two behind is the boiling water tap for making hot drinks. 2 CANOPY Good extraction is important to remove cooking odours and grease from spreading across an open plan space. Here, the extractor is concealed within an elegant hood, designed in a French style and finished with bespoke roundels and an oak shelf for displaying ornaments. The canopy…

Weaving though the gravel and herringbone pathways up to Lynn and Simon Woodward’s 17th-century cottage, it’s apparent how this gently sloping garden seems to mould seamlessly within the Herefordshire landscape. A more formally planted garden wraps around their home, Montpelier Cottage, then the wilder meadow and orchard sections disperse gently into open farmland. Even though the couple moved here two years ago the care, love and attention for this garden is already evident. ‘We had lived in a semi-rural environment in Cheshire for some time but moving here we’ve totally embraced the rural lifestyle,’ says Lynn. ‘Despite viewing many other properties in the area we were always drawn back here.’ ❝ IT’S THE PEACE THAT MAKES IT FEEL SO SPECIAL LIVING HERE, AND THE ABUNDANCE OF WILDLIFE THAT VISITS FROM…

1 Crocosmia ‘Lucifer’ has sprays of red flowers in August and September. 2 Centaurea nigra (knapweed) attracts butterflies from June to September. 3 Encourage bees and butterflies with Echinops ritro from July to September. 4 Prickly Dipsacus fullonum (teasels) encourage wildlife through the summer. 5 Low-growing Persicaria affinis ‘Superba’ (knotweed) forms attractive ground cover. 6 Grow Alcea rosea (hollyhocks) from seed for flowers from June to September. 7 Chusquea gigantea (bamboo) form structure and movement in the breeze. 8 Pennisetum alopecuroides (fountain grass) brings texture to prairie planting.…

NATURAL FORMULA Set up by surfers, Suntribe’s SPF30 kids mineral sunscreen is made with organic oils, waxes, butters and natural minerals, making it gentle on the skin and safe for the sea. £22.99 for 100ml, The Organic Boutique FOR THE FACE Skin defending antioxidant ingredients and marine-friendly UV filters ensure this non-greasy, scent-free SPF30 facial sun cream protects your face without damaging the ocean. £20 for 50ml, Green People SWIM SAFE Despite starting out white, this Badger SPF30 clear zinc sun cream rubs in clear, is made with 98% certified organic ingredients, and free from pollutants that harm coral reefs and aquatic life. £21.99 for 82g, Holland & Barrett…

New homeware store from Francesca Rowan-Plowden Revered for her work in both stately homes and private properties, interior designer Francesca Rowan-Plowden brings creative vision to her four collections of curated homeware, including bamboo lanterns, from £45, at FRP Homestore. A bespoke made-to-order service will launch shortly. Visit frphomestore.com. ROGER OATES ROLLS OUT LIFESTYLE COLLECTION Re-imagining Roger Oates’ signature stripes, Hartford is a tactile linear tufted design. Hand-crafted in a British wool blend, the geometric pattern is scaled to create rugs and runners in a variety of sizes, available in six hues. Hartford medium rug in Catkin, £885, rogeroates.com. Event: What does home mean to you? The newly reopened Museum of the Home is launching its first Festival of Home, planned for 18-19 September, focusing on the meaning of home. Director…

Jess’ style tip...BRING NATURAL ACCENTS AND MOOD BOOSTING FRESHNESS INSIDE WITH POTTED PLANTS PLACED AT ALL LEVELS…

A chance conversation prompted Sarah Cross to seize a golden opportunity to buy the house next door to her and give it a new lease of life. ‘When my neighbour popped in to let me know that a “For Sale” sign would soon be appearing on their home, I was both surprised and excited,’ says Sarah. ‘I love renovating properties and interior design, and had started searching for another project here in Anglesey, never imagining that the perfect house could be on my doorstep.’ Back in 2016, Sarah had successfully remodelled a tired property in the quaint coastal village of Rhoscolyn in North Wales, a stunning area that’s close to her heart. ‘Captivated by the natural beauty of Rhoscolyn, my grandmother first visited this part of Anglesey during the late…

Visit… ‘Coleton Fishacre (nationaltrust.org.uk) is a National Trust house known for its 1920s Art Deco style interiors. It has intimate proportions with a lovely garden stretching down to its own private beach.’ Shop at… ‘The General Store (01548 853145) in Kingsbridge is famous for beautiful unique homeware, organic body washes, biscuit tins and hand-poured scented candles, and is a great place to find unusual presents.’ Go for a meal at… ‘The Ship Inn (nossmayo.com) at Noss Mayo serves the best food in the area (roast lamb is a speciality) and it is irresistibly sited right on the waterfront.’…

Visit…‘The coves and beaches around the Pentire headland near Polzeath (nationaltrust.org.uk). They are so beautiful, whether you want to spend a day surfing, or just hang out and watch the waves.’ Go for a meal at… ‘Fee’s Food at Rock (feesfood.co.uk) is a fantastic family-run catering company with a great shop and deli. We often pick up a few healthy snacks before heading off for a swim and a picnic.’ Shop at… ‘The Rocket Store (therocketstore.co.uk) at Boscastle is a relaxed little seafood bar and restaurant, which serves local, organic produce. I especially love their freshly-caught seafood; it’s totally delicious.’…

STOWAWAY STYLE Keep dinnerware shipshape in glazed storage, customised with bolt-from-the-blue backing fabric. TO THE LIGHTHOUSE Colour blocking in seaside hues is softened with a jaunty striped sofa and dazzling prints. SHIPPING FORECAST Like yacht sails silhouetted against surf and sky, white triangles add clarity to this seaworthy splashback. CALM WATERS Drift to a round dining table; the perfect place to pause between time and tide. SAFE HARBOUR Beach house panelling and soft linens get a dreamy upgrade, paired with contemporary quilting and a designer bedside lamp. SEA SPRAY Wash the day away in a boat-sized tub rigged with wraparound shower curtains for island-like seclusion.…

YOU’VE GOT MAIL This postmaster design is just the thing to keep a clutter-free workspace for busy bee minds. Made of iron and mango wood and featuring a gorgeous whitewash finish, there’s filing space aplenty with eight drawers and two shelves. Welby Natural writing desk, H103xW117xD65cm, £650; Kartell Venice Black matte chair, £188; Blue Parrot prints, £75 each, all Graham and Green RAISING STANDARDS A home office in itself, with a built-in brass noticeboard and concealed storage, this functional design knows no limits. When it’s time to clock off, shut the soft-close lid and you’ll have a smart console table. Reveal desk in walnut, H83x W120xD60cm, £949, Says Who for Heal’s BUREAU CHIEF This hinged-top lovely will help you conquer deadlines with calm determination. Stationery-loving storage on offer includes two…

RADIO STANDARDS Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB) was created in the 1980s; DAB+ is now the upgraded version, with a far superior sound quality. While all DAB+ radios will play both formats, a DAB-only radio won’t play DAB+. There are currently 140 DAB+ stations in the UK and a further 50 stations (including the BBC) on national DAB. Internet radio needs a broadband connection, but expands listening options exponentially – you can listen to stations from around the world. BLUETOOTH CONNECTIVITY The majority of new DAB radios will have Bluetooth as standard, allowing you to pair it with your smartphone, tablet or computer to play music or podcasts. It’s always best to have Bluetooth, as it increases the use and longevity of your device. LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION Before you buy, think…

PORT ISAAC MACKEREL WITH A RAW SALAD OF COURGETTES, CHILLI, NASTURTIUM FLOWERS AND ROCKET Nasturtiums are great fun to grow. Beautiful, round green leaves and then, as if by magic, a pop of colour from the orange and bright red flowers. SERVES 4 1 courgette, cut into ribbons 1 fresh red chilli, deseeded and finely chopped 2 lemons: zest and juice of 1; 1 thinly sliced 4 whole mackerel, gutted, cleaned and scaled A few sprigs of rosemary Olive oil, for drizzling 100g rocket leaves 6 nasturtium flowers Cornish sea salt and freshly ground black pepper 1 Preheat the grill to high. Place the ribbons of courgette into a bowl, add the chopped chilli and lemon zest, season with sea salt, and set aside. 2 Season the cavity of each…

Committed to re-wilding, Lynn and Simon planted three meadows, including a wet meadow and wildflower area, to encourage pollinators. When planning for your own meadow, here’s what to bear in mind: • Check your garden is suitable; low-nutrient soil is necessary for a healthy meadow. • In spring use a hollow-tine aerator over the ground to allow oxygen, nutrients and water to penetrate into the root zone. Cut hay in late summer to encourage more wildflowers. • Grass growth should be discouraged, so sow Rhinanthus minor (yellow rattle). This suppresses the grass, giving other flowers room to flourish. • When the meadow flowers have died off in September, cut everything back, clearing away all the debris. Don’t use mulch because you need a poor soil for the meadow to grow again. • Leave the tall…

This month, dahlias and honeysuckle berries inspire a hanging arrangement from floral designer Brigitte Girling, perfect for parties August and the dry, shimmering heat intensifies, weaving golden shades through the countryside. Stubble lines the fields, with field edges studded with wild oats, full of arrow-shaped seed heads. More seed heads fill the garden, and a paper bag and pencil become vital additions to garden wanders. Fine black sprinkles of nigella and dry crinkled peas of nasturtium are gathered and labelled for next year. There can be a pause in August. The roses rest before a second flush, and the early perennials if not cut back in time will wither and fade. But How to create… A SUSPENDED DAHLIA DISPLAY This statement piece is ideal for a special occasion, either hanging…

WHAT TO PICK, SEE & DO Sow… quick maturing salad crops, such as rocket, lettuce and chicory, and enjoy freshly picked salad leaves all summer long. Enjoy… a summer concert by the lake at Staffordshire’s Trentham Gardens, with tributes to Take That and The Spice Girls among the line-up, trentham.co.uk Learn... the principles of organic growing in an online evening webinar, 4 August, 6-8.30pm, £35, gardenorganic.org.uk SUSTAINABLE SUNNIES a , , plus UV blocking polarised lenses, these Bambooka sunglasses are stylish and sustainable. They are made with quick-growing bamboo by philanthropic volunteer-run fashion brand Eye Wear Africa, which donates the profits to a number of international charities. Sunglasses, from £59, Bambooka SEW YOUR OWN The benefits of crafting on kids’ developing brains are well established and these charming sewing…

Nature is our life support system and rewilding helps it to thrive. SAY ‘no to the mow’ and leave grass (even a small patch) to grow until September to encourage nectar rich species to grow – ideal for pollinators. CREATE A mini wild flower meadow. Sow wildflower seed in early autumn or early spring. Stick to native species, like cowslip. DITCH the pesticides. Toxic chemicals aren’t good for wildlife and there are less harmful preventative ways to deter pests. Find out more at plantlife.org.uk and gardenorganic.org.uk…