Surrey Homes | SH16 | February 2016 | Wedding supplement inside

Above left: This ‘babyfoot’ table came from Columbia Road in east London and, according to Jilly, ‘it could tell some stories’ Above right: For vintage finds and
quirky items, Jilly is a fan of the Sunbury Antiques Market as well as Dolly Miller in nearby Margate. “I just buy what I like,” says Jilly. “There is no grand plan.”
London is still a big influence here, and Jilly thrives amongst the
creative crowd that has been attracted to Broadstairs in recent years,
either as permanent residents or as guests at Belvidere Place
In its current incarnation, this is difficult to imagine
– and Jilly has had to put in an immense amount of
work, and a certain amount of money, to get it to its
current state. “It took every penny I’d got,” she says.
As funds dried up, Jilly decided that she would return
it to being a B&B – but one that would attract people
rather than repel them. Her background as a fine art
and interiors photographer would stand her in good
stead as far as decoration was concerned, as would a
seemingly huge array of creative friends and contacts.
“At one point, I was at rock bottom financially but
due to open in a matter of weeks. A huge parcel arrived
and it was full of beautiful embroidered cushions made
by my friend Charlene Mullen.” Charlene’s quirky,
distinctive cushions are still dotted throughout Belvidere
Place, adding a touch of Shoreditch cool – as well as
London scenes – to this Kentish seaside home.
London is still a big influence here, and Jilly thrives
amongst the creative crowd that has been attracted to
Broadstairs in recent years, either as permanent residents
or as guests at Belvidere Place boutique B&B.
“Some fantastic people live round here; there’s a great
community and I feel surrounded by friends,” says Jilly.
The paying guests obviously add to the family atmosphere
too. “I love having people around me,” she adds.
As well as bringing many of her London friends with
her, Jilly also brought the contents of her London home
– items which fit perfectly with the pared-down, rustic
interior of Belvidere Place. A characterful refectory
table in the ‘breakfast room’ came from Gus’s paternal
grandfather and a large circular pedestal dining table is
equally fitting. Less ‘fitting’ and rather more funky is
www.wealdentimes.co.uk
34