Wealden Times | WT171 | May 2016 | Restoration & New Build supplement inside

Above: The dramatic guest bedroom, with its deep, teal-coloured wallpaper contrasts with Christel’s rather more feminine bedroom across the landing
which is great.” This is clearly not a rare occurrence.
Around the dining room are many clues to the family’s
origins and talents, including a Swedish tapestry from
Christel’s side of the family, a ‘music corner’ with two
guitars, a piano and a painting of Julius, as well as an Indian
corner cabinet – another remnant of Lord Cowdrey’s time
in Bangalore. Just to add to the mix are French-style crystal
chandeliers and windowsills holding Chinese ginger jars.
Combined with a view through large sash windows, out
over the sweeping gravel drive and front lawns, it seems
the perfect room for entertaining. But this is a family
home, not merely a grand one, and across the hall is ‘the
snug’. “This is where the boys come to watch sport,” says
Christel. As the room catches the afternoon sun, one can
imagine long, happy hours ensconced in the comfy sofas
watching the latest test match on the flat-screen TV –
with spaniels Kipper and Lily at your feet. “Kipper was
named after Colin, who is partial to a nap, and Lily was
named after my maternal grandmother,” says Christel.
Although the snug is a family room, and not one that
is available to guests using the house for a wedding, it’s
clear that anyone getting married here is made to feel very
much at home: “When I was growing up, there were rooms
that were shut off, and that we were allowed in on special
occasions. I didn’t want this house to feel like that.”
The overall feel, as well as being welcoming, is very much
based on the homes of Christel’s parents and grandparents,
and the country house aesthetic of Southern Sweden.
The guest room is very much a bedroom suite, with writing desk, armchair
and masses of space in which to enjoy the country house ambience
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