wealden-times-wt183-may-2017-restoration-new-build-supplement-inside

PRICELESS

FEBRUARY MAY 2017

Wealden Times

The lifestyle magazine for the Weald

RESTORATION WEDDING & NEW SUPPLEMENT BUILD SUPPLEMENT inside inside

Inspirational Interiors • • Fabulous Fashion • • Delicious Dishes

Designers and makers of handmade kitchens

The difference is in the detail

Please call for a brochure or visit our showrooms

Unit 9, Chart Farm, Seal Chart

Sevenoaks, Kent TN15 0ES

Tel: 01732 762682

81 Calverley Road

Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 2UY

Tel: 01892 520730

www.rencraft.co.uk

FAIRBANKS LOUNGER

BY JOHN SANKEY

JOHN SANKEY

15% OFF ALL ORDERS

PLACED DURING MAY 2017

00 1580 761 008

w ww.WoodcocksInteriors.co.uk

Chippy Oak Framed Garage Kits now

available from just £2,395

www.roundwood.com

OAK FRAMED BUILDINGS | | QUALITY DECKING && CLADDING

OAK && WALNUT FLOORING | | HOME && GARDEN FEATURES

Tel: 01435 867 072

01580 291221 jminteriorsuk.uk Biddenden Showroom

MINTERIORS

JFine hand crafted kitchens and bespoke furniture

GERMAN ENGINEERED KITCHENS

MODEL SHOWN

WHITE AND AND GREY LACQUERED LAMINATE DOORS, WHITE QUARTZ & & MARBLE WORKTOP, SIEMENS APPLIANCES – – £18,793*

KRIEDER SHOWROOM – 3 – 3 Chapel Place, Tunbridge Wells, Kent Kent TN1 TN1 1YQ 1YQ – – 01892 619721 – – info@krieder.com – – www.krieder.com

* Price * Price includes delivery, cabinet furniture, appliances, worktops and and VAT VAT

5 High Street, Cranbrook, Kent TN17 3EB

01580 715144

Email: cranbrook@kingsfords.net www.kingsfords-solicitors.com

We offer an excellent, swift and friendly service.

Conveyancing - Wills & Estates - Commercial Law -

Matrimonial Law - Prenuptial Agreements - Litigation -

Employment Law - Family Law - French Property

Conveyancing Services from £550.00+VAT

Wills from £215.00+VAT / Mirror Wills from £295.00+VAT

Lasting Power Of Attorney (LPA's) from £250.00+VAT

(Initial fixed-fee appointments also available at our Cranbrook offices)

Litigation Solicitor from £200.00+VAT

Matrimonial Solicitor from £150.00+VAT

We will always try and match any quotation

Kingsfords Solicitors Limited registered office address 2 Elwick Road, Ashford, Kent TN23 1PD

Regulated by the Solicitors regulation Authority 621466

KingsfordSolicitorsWT183.indd 1 19/04/2017 12:00

A weekend of pure nostalgia, recreating the sights,

sounds and fashions of the 1940s.

Spitfire Display

both days

(subject to operating conditions)

Book early for this popular event.

Kent & East Sussex Railway

www.kesr.org.uk Tel: 01580 765155

wealdentimes.co.uk

KentEastSussexRailwayWT183.indd 1 24/04/2017 16:54

Contents

May 2017

102

148

128

102

125

FRESH START

Maggie Alderson picks her

favourite new builds

IT’S MAY

Fill your diary with hand

picked events going on

around the Weald

PAPER TRAIL

Designer Trudi Savin’s

Victorian villa

GET THE LOOK

Emulate Trudi’s pretty prints

ASK THE ARTIST

Uncover what inspires the

work of four creatives

LOVE STOREY

Explore Ali Kittermaster’s

unusual bungalow renovation

GET THE LOOK

Shop Ali’s style

128

141

145

147

148

155

157

163

HELLO TAILOR!

Men’s fashion at the Historic

Dockyard Chatham

MAKE-UP PALETTES

Jo Fairley explains how to

choose the right one for you

FLEX INTO MAY

This month’s bitesize

health news

WHAT IS YOGA?

Julie Simpson explains...

FOOD ON THE GO

Travellers’ treats

SEASONAL SWEETNESS

Bake a delicious rhubarbtopped

cheesecake

KEEPING IT CONTAINED

Jo Arnell’s potted gardens

PLANTS THAT HEAL

Sue Whigham uncovers

the medicinal properties

of common plants

Published by JPS Media Ltd, Kettle Chambers, 21 Stone Street, Cranbrook, Kent. TN17 3HF.

Tel: 01580 714705 Fax: 01580 715983. Email info@wealdentimes.co.uk wealdentimes.co.uk

necessarily those of JPS Media Ltd.

167

177

179

183

184

ENCOURAGING CREATIVITY

Students and teachers discuss

their own experiences of

art, drama and music

THE NEXT STEP

Susan Elkin discusses the new

two year degree courses

WHATS ON?

Find out

COMPETITION

Win dinner, bed & breakfast for two

at Frasers in Egerton, plus tickets to

Wealden Times Midsummer Fair

FABLES FROM THE FARM

Jane Howard preps her herd

for the Heathfield Show

RESTORATION

& NEW BUILD

SUPPLEMENT

24 pages of

inspiration to get

your project started

After page 126.

Restoration

& New Build

A Wealden Times Supplement

View the new Garden Directory online at wealdentimes.co.uk

04WT183Supplement.indd 1 19/04/2017 17:12

Matfield

A beautifully presented Grade II Listed country house, close to the village centre

7 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 4 reception rooms. Quadruple garage with 1 bed annexe above. Attractive

gardens and grounds with swimming pool, tennis court, vegetable garden, orchard, paddocks and

stabling. In all about 7.61 acres.

Guide price: £2,850,000

KnightFrank.co.uk/CHO090353

simon.biddulph@knightfrank.com

KnightFrank.co.uk/tunbridge-wells

01892 310700

julia.robotham@knightfrank.com

KnightFrank.co.uk/country

020 7861 5390

@KF_TWells

KnightFrank.co.uk

Hawkhurst

An attractive and beautifully converted oast house, refurbished to an incredibly high standard

5 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, 2 reception rooms. Formal gardens with terraces, pergola and topiary. Detached

triple garage, detached studio. Decked seating area overlooking a pond. Paddock. Cranbrook School

Catchment Area. EPC: E. In all about 5.89 acres.

simon.biddulph@knightfrank.com

KnightFrank.co.uk/tunbridge-wells

01892 310700

Guide price: £1,695,000

KnightFrank.co.uk/TNW170055

@KF_TWells

KnightFrank.co.uk

‘Our Focus ‘Our Determines Focus Determines Your Reality’ Your Reality’

harpers and hurlingham

cranbrook £1,395,000

Immediate access to Bedgebury Forest · Drawing room

· Sitting room · Kitchen/breakfast/dining room · Utility

room · Five bedrooms (two ensuite) · Attic room

· Grounds of approximately 7.6 acres · Stables, barn,

garaging · EPC: n/a

Cranbrook School Catchment Area

Headcorn £1,200,000

Impressive Grade II* Listed Wealden farmhouse

· Four reception rooms · Kitchen and breakfast room

· Six bedrooms (five ensuite) · Garden and grounds

approximately 9 acres · Swimming pool · Garaging

· EPC: n/a

Short distance to mainline station

HigH Halden £1,100,000

Medieval Wealden farmhouse · Four reception rooms

· Conservatory · Kitchen/breakfast room · Six bedrooms

(one ensuite) · Garden, orchard and paddocks

approximately 8.25 acres · Detached barn with potential

· Garaging · EPC: n/a

Convenient edge of village location

HawkHurst £1,050,000

Spacious family home with views · Entrance hall

· Sitting room · Garden room · Kitchen/breakfast room

· Utility room · Four bedrooms (two ensuite) · Gardens

and terrace with swimming pool · Garage and shower

room · EPC: D

Cranbrook School Catchment Area

Harpers&Hurlingham

The Cornerhouse, Stone Street, Cranbrook

01580 715400

www.harpersandhurlingham.com

London offiCe: KenSingTon 020 7938 2311

Lettings Team

Sales Team

Charles Janey Chez Jane Cathy Sarah Debbie Jane A Debbie S Caroline Dawn

Dianne

SALES / LETTINGS / MANAGEMENT

VISIT US AT HUNTERS.COM

HERE TO GET you THERE

Rolvenden £585,000

Picturesque white weatherboard Grade II Listed Georgian family home,

offering deceptively spacious accommodation and situated within the CSCA

Four Bedrooms • Modern Kitchen/Dining Room • Private Garden • EPC Exempt

Benenden £800,000

Sympathetically extended detached family home with 1 bedroom annexe,

set in 1.35 acres set within the Cranbrook School Catchment Area

Four Bedrooms • En Suite & Bathroom • Private Gardens • EPC Rating D

Tenterden £400,000

This secluded and well-presented Neo-Georgian terrace home in an enviable

position to offer level and accessible access to the picturesque High Street

Three Bedrooms • Downstairs Cloakroom • Garage • EPC Rating C

High Halden £575,000

Spacious detached Kentish barn with a wealth of character features

including exposed timbers, brickwork, polished fl oors, vaulted ceilings

Three Bedrooms • Three Reception Rooms • Three En Suites • EPC Rating D

Meet your local Tenterden Team!

Branch Partner, Andrew Barker has been in the estate agency business since 2000.

Andrew has comprehensive local knowledge, having worked in Tenterden and the surrounding villages throughout his career.

Over 150 independently owned branches across the UK.

Myself, Laura & Jake are highly motivated in offering our customers a fi rst class service,

“we’re here to get you there”

TENTERDEN 01580 763 278

ASHFORD 01233 613 613

Over 180 independently owned branches across the UK.

HYTHE 01303 261 557

FOLKESTONE 01303 210 335

The Property Ombudsman

Hunton Guide Price £1,250,000

In a tranquil rural setting, a stunning barn conversion with excellent

commuter links nearby - Paddock Wood Station 6.5 miles • 3 Reception

Rooms • Kitchen/Family Room • 4 Bedrooms • 3 Bathrooms • Carport and

Stables • PP for Outbuilding • About 1.7 acres in all • EPC D

Frittenden Excess £650,000

A deceptively spacious and inviting period cottage in the heart of

the village with rural views • CSCA • 3 Reception rooms • Study Area

• Kitchen/Breakfast room • 4 Bedrooms • 2 Bathrooms • Landscaped

gardens • EPC E

Sutton Valence Excess £600,000

In the heart of the village, a fascinating Grade II listed residence with

terraced garden and direct access to The Greensand Way • 2 Reception

Rooms • Kitchen • Cellar • 5 Bedrooms • 2 Bathrooms • Terraced Garden

• Timber Garden Stores

Horsmonden Excess £570,000

A delightful semi-detached period cottage amid enchanting gardens

affording pastoral views • Cranbrook School catchment area • No Onward

Chain • Living Room • Kitchen/Dining Room • 3 Bedrooms • Family

Bathroom • Cottage Gardens • Workshop • CSCA • EPC F

Northiam Excess £500,000

A detached chalet bungalow amid lovely landscaped garden with

stunning far reaching rural views • No Onward Chain • Sitting Room with

Dining Area • Kitchen • 3 Bedrooms • Family Bathroom • Tandem Garage

• Landscaped Gardens

Northiam Excess £400,000

Development Prospect • A rare opportunity to create a contemporary

5 bedroom dwelling in a semi rural setting • PP for 2 Receptions • Open

Plan Kitchen/Dining/Living Room • Master Suite • 4 further Bedrooms

(1 En Suite) • Family Bathroom • Two Bay Garage • Circa 1/4 acre in all

coming 26 January 2015

Icklesham, East Sussex - £410,000

Attached period house close to village centre with rural

views. Kitchen, living room, dining room, 3 double

bedrooms. Garden and courtyard. Parking. EPC E

Pett, East Sussex - £499,950

Detached Grade II listed period village house with

southerly rural views. Living room, dining room,

sitting room, kitchen, sun room, 3 bedrooms. Garden.

Off road parking

Staplecross, East Sussex - £485,000

Delightful cottage forming part of Grade II listed period

house. Dining hall, sitting room, living room, kitchen/

breakfast room, study/bedroom 2, 2 double bedrooms.

Double garage. Garden.

Lydd, Kent - £315,000

Detached Victorian house. Living room, family/dining

room, breakfast room, kitchen, four bedrooms. Large

garden to rear. Summerhouse/office. Off road parking

space. EPC F

Fairlight, East Sussex - £1,500 pcm

Beautifully presented refurbished property on quiet

lane. Living room, large kitchen, dining/bedroom 4,

conservatory, 3 bedrooms. Double garage. Garden.

Coastal views. EPC D

Littlestone, Kent - £495,000

Spacious former coastguard cottage over 3 floors

approx 500 yards from the beach and adjoining the golf

course. Living/dining room, kitchen/breakfast room, 4

double bedrooms. Gardens. EPC E

RYE OFFICE 01797 227338

MAYFAIR OFFICE 0870 112 7099

phillipsandstubbs.co.uk

Weald Property half - 1 property.qxp_half page 11/07/2014 15:42 Page 1

Residential Sales • Management and Lettings

01580 242700

wealdproperty.net

Moving this Spring? Let the Country House specialists with over 30 years of local

property expertise make it happen for you, on your terms……seamlessly.

FOR SALE

Grovehurst Cottage is a beautifully appointed 3/4 bedroom detached,

period cottage set in almost 5 acres of pretty garden and grounds.

Nestled in unspoilt Kent countryside, the property is located within the

Cranbrook School Catchment Area and offers approximately 1974 square

feet of living space. This welcoming home has benefited from thoughtful

extensions and the attractive conservatory with a climate controlled

wine cellar beneath it, provides a useful year round living space.

The impressive garden and grounds with interspersed mature trees,

burgeoning flower beds, bluebell wood and a large magical pond at

its heart has created an outdoor space of enchantment and peace. The

outbuildings and large 1 bedroom studio / annexe create the option

of usable overspill accommodation / office space, being separate from

the main house. Situated in a quiet rural location, being on the outskirts

of the sought after village of Horsmonden, there are excellent local

amenities and superb transport links – the A21 is easily accessed (2 miles)

and nearby Paddock Wood Station provides main line trains to London

(42 mins to London Bridge).

Horsmonden OIEO £900,000

Weald Property – bespoke estate agent

Spring Offer Instruct Weald Property in May 2017 and receive a complimentary garden design appraisal from one of the South

East’s leading garden / landscape designers, Catherine Berkeley (see below).

2 Windmill Oast, Windmill Farm,

Rolvenden, Kent TN17 4PF

CatherineBerkeleyWT178.indd 1 08/11/2016 12:53

MAXIMISE THE VALUE

OF YOUR LAND

Have you got a large

garden or plot of land?

We are experts at working

with owners to maximise

the full value of their land

Industry leading experts

We take care of the planning permission!

The risk-free way to maximise your land

Zero cost to you!

Planning laws are changing

Act now before its too late!

What our clients say…

"The team had a huge amount of

knowledge and every step was handled

in a professional manner. Their excellent

relationship with the local planning

department helped achieve a fantastic

result for us. We would have no

hesitation in recommending them to

anyone who wants to achieve planning".

Amanda and Robert Petch

June 2016

"The cost involved to try and

get planning on our land

were just not feasible for us.

Working with Country House

meant we didn’t have to risk

our money as they took care

of everything"

Mr C Partridge (Loose, Kent)

September 2016

“Guy and team at CHH did a

fantastic job securing planning

permission on our rear garden plot.

Although a fairly problematic

application (which took over 18

months), they kept us informed

throughout the entire process.

I would certainly use them again”

David J (Oxted, Surrey)

January 2017

For a free appraisal call 0843 557 4080

www.maximisemyland.co.uk

Residential Sales

www.hobbsparker.co.uk

Little Chart

£795,000

Brand new development of just four detached family

homes within a country lane on the rural edge of the

village. EPC Rating TBA

Woodchurch

£895,000

Converted Kentish barn, lovely location along a

peaceful country lane, flexible living space including

annexe, outbuildings, gardens and pond. EPC Rating NA

Little Chart

£850,000

One of the most distinctive period farmhouses to come

onto the market in this area for many years. Same family

ownership for generations. Further details on request.

Aldington

£1,150,000

A wonderful 16th Century period farmhouse at the end

of a tree lined driveway, courtyard of buildings, gardens

and land in all about 25 acres. EPC Rating NA

Tenterden

POA

Converted Kentish oast house and barn. Detached two

bay oak frame cart lodge, detached cart barn. Gardens and

paddock. In all about an acre. EPC Rating D

Bethersden

OIEO £1,000,000

Grade II listed detached country house, double

garage, outbuildings, pond, set within beautiful

woodland. In all about 19 acres. EPC Rating NA

Hobbs Parker Estate Agents

Tenterden 01580 766766 | Ashford 01233 506260

01580 766766

sJd – developing potential

If you think your property

could be developed, why not

give us a call without obligation

and in confidence.

Many of our clients retain our

services and, in the majority of

cases, pay our fees saving property

owners significant costs.

Call us now

for regular updates, visit us at twitter.com/projects

Contact Stephen Donnelly on

07739 514350 or 0845 456 8969

web: sjd-projects.com • email: steve@sjd-projects.com

We are alWays on the lookout for property With developmental potential

We call it home

SJDprojectsWT182.indd 1 08/03/2017 17:01

The Coachworks. Luxurious properties

in a unique and beautiful location.

Discover the hidden delights of village life in retirement.

There are few villages as vibrant as Ticehurst and the generous

apartments of The Coachworks are but a short stroll from its heart.

Becoming part of our community and right sizing for

retirement will give you freedom to make the most of every

day, whether that involves looking after the grandchildren or

hopping on the Eurostar. More spacious than most and set in

delightful courtyard gardens, we think you will like what you see.

Come and visit and have a drink on us at our

favourite local. Please quote CHEERS to retrieve this

offer when booking your appointment with us.

THE COACHWORKS

TICEHURST VILLAGE

High Street, Ticehurst, East Sussex TN5 7EX

01892 507 005

TunbridgeWellsRDS@savills.com

www.coachworksticehurst.com

wealdentimes.co.uk

Savills-SevenoaksWT183.indd 1 18/04/2017 11:56

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

Nothing for sale?

A professional property finder, Mandy Bissell of Garrington explains how homebuyers frustrated by

an apparent lack of properties for sale can find a solution in the secretive off-market sector…

Despite the former chancellor’s

pessimistic predictions relating to a post

Brexit vote, the UK economy and housing

market has remained surprisingly

robust and whilst it is true that the rise

in house prices has steadied, demand

from homebuyers locally has continued

to grow.

Estate agents covering Cranbrook and

the surrounding areas are reporting

increasing frustration amongst those

looking to move, as the number of quality

properties available for sale is just not

keeping up with demand.

Reflecting this, Garrington is frequently

approached by those struggling to find

somewhere to buy – as well as, ironically,

those who are reluctant to put their

property on the market because they

cannot see anything that they would like

to buy. So, a state of stalemate in some

sectors prevails.

One solution to a frustrating market

lacking choice is to explore the elusive

‘off-market’ sector. Some local estate

agents use this approach effectively as

a marketing tool; advertising ‘discreet

sales’ or ‘private sellers’, as a means of

increasing a property’s exclusivity.

For some homeowners, this method

provides a welcome veil of privacy

as a true off-market property is not

something you will see advertised or in

print in any form.

Mandy Bissell GARRINGTON

So what is a genuine off-market property?

Real off-market properties are bought and

sold away from the public eye, brokered

by a property buyer or estate agent. In

the Cranbrook area the most common

off-market properties are at the top end of

the market and often include large period

properties with land, building plots and

homes in high demand locations, such

as popular villages within the Cranbrook

School catchment area.

In the past few years, Garrington has sourced

off-market properties in Wadhurst and an

unlisted detached period house (with 10

acres of land) in a hamlet near Hamstreet.

How do you gain access to these elusive

properties?

If you are well connected in the area, are

in a strong financial position and patient,

it should be possible to hear about homes

that may be quietly available for sale. You

just need to send out your feelers and keep

gently reminding your contacts that you

are looking for something unusual.

An alternative and easier approach is to work

with a professional property finder who will

usually hold a ‘little black book’ of off-market

properties, a well-established network of

property contacts, as well as, the knowledge

of how to approach homeowners direct to

gauge whether there is an appetite to sell.

Whilst this method of sourcing property is

not guaranteed to bear fruits, Garrington

regularly unearths exciting opportunities

this way.

What are the benefits of using an expert

property finder?

Whilst sourcing genuine off-market

properties for clients is an exciting prospect

for many buyers, the role of the property

finder does not stop there (and this is key,

even to those who go it alone).

Once found, the most difficult aspects are

negotiating the price and then seeing the

deal through the subsequent conveyancing

and due diligence stages. Properties that

are being sold on the open market have

their asking prices tested; if a buyer asks too

much, then they get no viewings but if the

asking is low then a gaggle of hungry buyers

can push the paid price considerably higher.

Away from this market test, establishing

a price that is acceptable to an ambitious

seller and prudent buyer is more difficult

and this is where a skilful property finder

can use evidence, market knowledge and

diplomacy to find a meeting point.

If you would like further information regarding off-market properties or to learn how using a

property finder can make purchasing a property easier for you, Garrington offer a complimentary

initial meeting without obligation. Please contact Mandy Bissell for more information.

Tel: 01892 882892 | info@garrington.co.uk | www.garringtonsoutheast.co.uk

Land & Property Experts

Computer generated image

N O W L A U N C H E D - R E S E R V A T I O N S B E I N G T A K E N

THE OLD ORCHARD, CHARTWAY STREET, SUTTON VALENCE ME17 3JA

A development of five 3, 4 & 5 bedroom new homes, ready for occupation summer 2017

Call our selling agent now for more information and to book your personal appointment

Guide prices from £465,000 | T: 01622 673086 | E: enquiries@sibleypares.co.uk

www.millwooddesignerhomes.co.uk

SibleyParesWT182.indd 1 17/03/2017 10:17

Land & Property Experts

FOR SALE

A SmAll RESidEntiAl And

AgRiCultuRAl EStAtE on thE

EdgE of thE AShdown foRESt

near CrOwbOrOugh.

Crowborough 2.3 miles

Tunbridge Wells 9.3 miles

Gatwick 21 miles

207 ACRES

The farm includes a detached six

bedroom period farmhouse, three

cottages, approximately 20,000ft 2

of farm buildings, over 154 acres

of arable and pasture and 51 acres

of woodland with sporting or

conservation potential.

Guide Price: On Application

Challock Office

wealdentimes.co.uk

BTF-Rural-WT183.indd 1 21/04/2017 17:13

THE BRUNSWICK - Affordable luxury in Rye

Spacious double fronted 3 bedroom detached homes with parking

and private gardens from £380,000

FAMILY

BEDROOM 3

LOUNGE

CPD

KITCHEN

/ DINER

BEDROOM 1

BEDROOM 2

WDR

HALL

EN-SUITE

FAMILY

BATHROOM

WDR

First Floor Plan

Ground Floor Plan

A collection of delightful New England style homes a short walk from Rye centre overlooking an

Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Offering three bedrooms with en-suite to master bedroom.

Glazed conservatory overlooking private rear garden. All houses have oak laminate floors and

carpets throughout with under floor heating and Bosch appliances

ARONCORP

Freephone: 0800 612 7933

sales@ValleyParkRye.com

www.ValleyParkRye.com

HOUSE OF THE MONTH

Fresh Start

Maggie Alderson steps into brand new homes

As a nation we are justly proud of our architectural history, still so gloriously

apparent throughout the land. Any British town and village will have buildings

from a sweep of centuries: five-hundred-year-old Tudor homes boasting beams

and leaded windows, elegant Georgian houses with their glorious symmetrical frontages

and wide floorboards and Victorian villas with splendid mouldings and capacious cellars.

It’s no wonder ‘period details’ and ‘original features’ are so joyously

proclaimed on estate agents’ details. But as anyone who has ever enjoyed

the privilege of living within gloriously weathered walls knows – they

do seem to puff dust and filth into the air out of their very walls.

It is very special to live somewhere you know has been a haven for multiple

generations before you – especially if it has some interesting history. But a fortnight’s

holiday in a freshly built villa or apartment, everything shiny and new and in the

right place can make coming home to your tatty old period home a bit of a shock.

Of course underfloor heating, elbow level light switches and electrical sockets with

integral USB ports can be inserted into older properties, but only with significant

upheaval and expense. Plus the release of vast volumes of the previously mentioned

historic dust. I know, because I’m trying to do it in a Victorian house at the moment…

How I envy my friends who have just moved into a divinely elegant

apartment, they bought off the plan. They were smitten by the sleek

contemporary design in the computer-generated images, but what convinced

them to leave behind their period features for a new build was that they were

then able to tweak the new home exactly to their personal preferences.

As I knock my 150 year old house about, the better to serve our contemporary

lifestyle with eat-in kitchens and en suite bathrooms where there were none – while

living like a Stone Age family during the earthworks – I can’t help thinking how

much easier it would have been to buy a house which had all that designed into it.

Here are some of the best new homes on the market now.

1. The Old Orchard

Where? The Old Orchard is a

development of just six new spec houses

in a mixture of Kent vernacular styles

in the High Weald village of Sutton

Valence, five miles south of Maidstone.

The convenience of a local farm shop,

post office and three pubs is combined

with good rail links to London (just

over an hour) and access to the M20.

What? The largest house of the six,

The Stanford has the ideal contemporary

layout with a kitchen/breakfast room

and living room both with doors

onto the garden. There’s also a dining

room and separate utility room on the

ground floor and the double garage

(with electric doors) has an entry into

the kitchen. The first floor has an en

suite master bedroom, three further

bedrooms and a family bathroom.

The second floor has a further en

suite bedroom and a generous study.

How much? This development

is listed with Sibley Pares at the

Maidstone office at £870,000. Call

them on 01622 692206 and view

more details at sibleypares.co.uk

wealdentimes.co.uk

2. Ravenwood

Where? Gables Park is a select

development of five individually gated

executive homes with stunning views

across the North Downs. Located just

outside the village of Wrotham, five

miles from Sevenoaks, with Victoria

just 45 minutes away by train and

superb access to major road networks.

What? Ravenwood is a four storey

house with traditional beamed frontage

and a luxurious contemporary interior.

The lower ground floor comes with a gym,

games room, cinema, utility room and

a garden room with over all, four sets of

glass doors onto a deck. On the ground

floor there is a large kitchen/breakfast

room and a study, then a studio, dining

room and sitting room, all opening onto

a balcony. The second floor houses the

en suite master bedroom, with a further

balcony, another en suite bedroom on

the view side, with two more bedrooms

and another bathroom. The second floor

hosts the fifth and sixth bedrooms and a

bathroom. There is also a two car garage.

How much? Ravenwood is on

the market at £1,550,000. Selling

agents are Clarendon Homes on 01622

851144 and Savills Locksbottom

on 01689 869630 savills.co.uk/

estate-agents/savills-bromley.aspx

3. The Brackens

Where? The Willows is a

development of five executive family

homes combining traditional features

with modern styling in the village

of Chestfield, five miles north of

Canterbury and just over a mile from

the north Kent coast. Whitstable is

just three miles. Trains to Victoria

take just under an hour and a half and

there are good road links to the M2.

What? The Brackens is a fourbedroom

detached house within

The Willows, with a designer fitted

kitchen with integrated appliances

and a breakfast bar seating four. The

ground floor also has a living room with

French windows on to the garden and

a dining room. Upstairs, the master

bedroom has an en suite bathroom,

and there are three further bedrooms,

a family bathroom and a study.

How much? The Brackens is

priced at £699,995, through Kent

Estate Agencies on 01227 272302

kent-estate-agencies.co.uk and

RPC New Homes 01634

835900 rpclandandnewhomes.

co.uk/new-homes/

4. Hawthorne House

Where? Hawthorne House features

just three very high spec family homes

in the village of Addington, overlooking

the stunning West Malling golf course.

Trains take less than an hour to London

from West Malling station and there

are excellent road links via the M20.

What? Hawthorne House is a very

generous five-bedroom detached home,

covering 2.645 sq ft, tile hung in the

local traditional style, with interiors

designed for contemporary living. The

ground floor has a study, TV room and

sitting room, as well as a huge kitchen/

dining/family with two French windows

to the garden and a separate utility room.

Upstairs there are five bedrooms – three

en suite – and a further family bathroom.

How much? Priced at

£1,050,000, Hawthorne House is on

the market with Savills Sevenoaks,

call 01732 789700 savills.co.uk.

Please note, as all these houses are new

developments still in progress, some of the

images used here are computer generated.

27 wealdentimes.co.uk

Because we understand

that it’s so much more than

bricks and mortar

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Property Search in Kent and East Sussex

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Set in the heart of the historic Wildernesse Estate, this development includes the restoration of

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These two-bedroom houses benefit from access to all that’s on offer across the estate, from the spa

and lounge to the restaurant and extensive landscaped grounds.

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To book an appointment or find out more, call or visit:

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Saturday 6th May - Sunday 21st May

This is your opportunity to “Meet our Experts”.

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At Love Blinds we offer a wide

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LoveBlindsWT183.indd 1 20/04/2017 12:35

White’s The Jewellers is Under New Family Ownership

Gold, Diamond Jewellery &

Prestigious Watches Purchased For Cash

Pre-owned Antique Timeless

Family Owned

96 High St, Tenterden, Kent TN30 6JB

Telephone 01580 763 155

www.whitesjewellers.co.uk

info@whitesjewellers.co.uk

35 St Leonards Rd, Bexhill-on-Sea TH40 1HP

Telephone 01424 211 835

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TAKE THE MASERATI WAY

Levante. The Maserati of SUVs. Starting at £54,335 OTR

The road you choose to travel might not be a road at all. A quick trip might turn

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track when you can create a path of your own. The Maserati Levante was designed

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Official fuel consumption figures for the All New Maserati Levante Diesel in mpg (l/100km): Urban 34.4 (8.2), Extra

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standard EU tests for comparative purposes and may not reflect real driving results. Model shown is a Maserati

Levante Diesel MY17 at £66,640 On The Road including optional Luxury Pack at £5,950, 21 inch Anteo alloy wheels

at £2,695, Driver Assistance Pack at £1,450, panoramic sunroof at £1,200, Rear laminated privacy glass at £350

and bi-xenon front headlamps at £660.

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FINE HANDMADE FURNITURE, OAK DOORS, FLOORING & OTHER BESPOKE JOINERY

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Tel. 01622 743747 | Email. info@tudor-oak.co.uk | www.tudor-oak.co.uk

41 wealdentimes.co.uk

TudorandMoreWT183.indd 1 24/04/2017 16:19

Woodstoves • Fireplaces • Interiors • AGA • Gas Fires

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DoorToDoorWT183.indd 1 24/04/2017 11:42

OPEN DAY 20th May, 11am-4pm

Guest chef • Wine tasting from Majestic Wine • Cake treats from Hollie’s Little Cakery

Competitively priced kitchens from as little as £5,000

See our website: www.kutchenhaus.co.uk

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HASTINGS

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TUE 2 – SAT 6 MAY

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45 wealdentimes.co.uk

ABSBlindsWT183.indd 1 19/04/2017 12:17

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AcademySalonsS29.indd 1 01/03/2017 T2653 JustShuttersWT182.indd 16:15 JS 2017 MAR Wealden 1 Times 90x265.indd 1 22/03/2017 09:41 10:06

WWW.HANDMADERUGS.CO.UK

104, HIGH STREET, TENTERDEN, KENT, TN30 6HT

Tel 01580 762524

Tuesday to Saturday 10 to 5

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Modern and Traditional Handmade Rugs

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History In the Making

A rug is a breathtaking work of art with thousands of hand-tied knots woven in intricate designs,

one knot at a time. Memories become woven into them as they slowly absorb your family history

and become family heirlooms. Building a home is about collecting pieces that you will want to

have forever, pieces that one day your children or grandchildren will be proud to own.

Mayday! Mayday!...

It’s the year of the Wrens’ 100th anniversary and the 77th

anniversary of Operation Dynamo to the day, so from

Saturday 27 to Monday 29 May, Dover Castle are celebrating

with English Heritage’s biggest event of the year. The castle

will be decorated with military encampments, a full size

replica Spitfire, assault course, live band and an explosive

battle. Meet the Land Girls, visit the 1940s beauty parlour for

a victory roll hairdo, then head over to the original NAAFI

wagon for a lovely brew. Call 0370 333 1183 or visit

english-heritage.org.uk for information and booking.

May

notebook

Exhibitions & events

near you this month...

You won’t Regret it...

On Thursday 18 May, The Bell in Ticehurst hosts

the award-winning comedy cabaret that critics are

calling a “clever”, “hilariously moving” example

of “cabaret at its consummate best”. Funny, tragic

and compelling, Je Regrette! is the story of La Poule

Plombée, a French singer tortured by jealousy

and unrequited love. Propped by her hen-pecked

pianist Muma, she weaves her darkly comic tale

with beautiful original music and stunning vocals.

Call 01580 200300 or visit thebellinticehurst.com

Picture this...

On Saturday 20 May, award-winning published

photographer, Sarah Medway, leads a unique

workshop to teach you how to take a standard

iPhone and learn to capture priceless moments in

the beautiful outdoor environment around Bough

Beech Nature Reserve. Combine natural inspiration

with modern focusing and exposure techniques

before returning to the visitor centre to add the

final touches with some useful editing features. For

more details visit kentwildlifetrust.org.uk

Shiver Me Timbers!...

The pirates have sailed in to the Historic

Dockyard Chatham! From 27 May to 4 June,

hop on-board the Dockyard’s very own pirate

ship, the HMS Gannet, search the beach

for hidden treasure that only the bravest of

buccaneers can find, leave your sea legs behind

and raise your sword for a swashbuckling week

full of adventure, you savvy? This one’s free with

standard entry price so call 01634 823800 or get

online at thedockyard.co.uk/whats-on/pirates

No Diggity...

Charles Dowding, the no-dig gardening guru, is

teaching Kent how to work less, save your back

and harvest more vegetables than ever before.

On Sunday 14 May, at Blooming Green, Linton,

Dowding will be talking about his revolutionary

no-dig gardening technique. This will be followed

by a Q&A and lunch cooked by Nicci Gurr of

Home Gurr’own. For further information call

07903 683017 or visit bloominggreenflowers.co.uk

Gig for Life...

10cc, Maverick Sabre, Toploader, and Los

Pacaminos (featuring Paul Young), all rock up in

Kent for one day only at this family music festival

in aid of Cancer Research UK. On Saturday 27

May at The Hop Farm, these chart-topping acts will

be supported by local talents to create a fantastic

line up which caters to all musical tastes. There will

be a range of tasty food outlets and some incredible

inflatable attractions including Zorbing and Nerf

wars. Tickets are on sale online at gigforlife.co.uk

Fantastic Meats...

On Saturday 6 May the Pasture Fed Livestock

Association (PFLA) and Macknade Fine Foods

will raise awareness of the benefits of pasture-fed

meats. Explore and compare shoulders of Kentish

hogget from a handful of PFLA accredited farmers

in Kent, taste a beer specially brewed on-site to

accompany the hogget, and hear from each of the

farmers, Macknade’s head butcher, Roy Campbell

and the PFLA themselves. For details visit

macknade.com or call 01795 534497

49 wealdentimes.co.uk

ARCHITECTURE • INTERIOR DESIGN • PROJECT MANAGEMENT • FURNISHINGS

www.thorntonallaninteriors.com e: lisa@thorntonallan.com t: 07720 099033

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

TOP TIPS TO CREATE THE PERFECT HOME

Interior architect and designer, Lisa

Thornton-Allan shares her top tips for

creating the perfect home.

1. Draw inspiration from the history of

your property and the area.

This will provide you with a useful

reference point and give integrity to your

scheme.

2. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.

Most of our clients have impeccable taste

but a good interior designer will be able

to help you with space planning and

introduce you to new materials and

suppliers that you may not be aware of.

3. Invest in classics and have fun with

accessories.

Just like a good wardrobe it’s important

to invest in quality key pieces of furniture

and then add fun accessories.

4. Make your house your own.

Art, photographs, heirlooms or just things

that make you happy should be key

features of your scheme. Use fabrics,

shapes and textures that reflect your

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5. Storage is key.

Providing a ‘home’ for items such as

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This doesn’t mean every room should look

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51 wealdentimes.co.uk

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

What’s the point in

making a will?

There have been a number of high

profile inheritance cases recently

involving children challenging

their parents’ wills - leaving parents

wondering if there is any point in

making a will and children possibly

believing it is now simple to overturn

whatever inheritance a parent may, or

may not, have left them. Here Myles

McIntosh, head of private client at law

firm Cripps, explains the issues.

For the first time this particular issue

reached the Supreme Court in March

2017; a case involving a daughter

whose mother disinherited her after

she ran away from home to live with a

boyfriend she didn’t approve of. The

daughter was cut out of her will, instead

gifting her estate to several charities.

After her death the daughter went to

court and successfully claimed that her

mother’s will was unreasonable and

received £50,000. She was not happy

with the amount awarded and

appealed. The Court of Appeal

significantly increased the sum to

£143,000 which as a result, meant that

the charities received less.

The case attracted nationwide interest

and seemed to be a ‘game changer’, the

press implying that it marked a moment

in time when making wills became

redundant, when each of us lost the

ability to decide to whom we wanted to

leave our estates on our death.

The charities appealed the decision

and so the case went to the Supreme

Court. It reversed the Court of Appeal

decision so that while reducing the

amount she was entitled to, it

reaffirmed that she was entitled to

something from the estate,

notwithstanding the facts of her

estrangement from her mother.

So where does that leave those

people making wills and those who

are considering whether to

challenge a will?

There are still many reasons for making

a will. A will tells everyone what you

want to happen to your money and

possessions. By making one you still

have control. You can choose your own

executors and appoint guardians to

look after your children if they are

under 18. If you remarry, a will can

ensure any children from a previous

marriage get a share of your estate. It

can also significantly reduce

inheritance tax that might otherwise be

payable as it is an excellent tool for tax

planning purposes.

If you don’t make a will you cannot

control how your estate is divided or

who benefits from it. Without a will in

place, unmarried partners may not

receive anything from the estate and if

you are married or in a civil

partnership, your partner may not

receive as much as you would have

intended.

For those who wish to challenge a will, it

can be disputed on the grounds that it is

invalid (for example it was not signed in

the presence of two witnesses), or

because the person disputing it has not

been left any or sufficient provision

under the terms of the will. This was the

gist of the case above. However, please

note that as always, cases turn on facts

which are unique. A child who is left,

say, far less than a sibling might not be

able to overturn the will if his or her

behaviour justified being largely

disinherited. That can include lifestyle

choices such as choosing not to work.

Several other will challenges have failed

this year for precisely those reasons.

A will might also be invalid if the testator

did not have the required mental

capacity to make the will, or for example,

was pressurised into making the will and

gifting someone part of the estate.

If a person thinks they should have been

left a share (or all) of someone’s estate

they can make a claim if they meet a

narrow eligibility test. This includes

someone who was a spouse or child of

the testator, or they may have lived with

them for at least two years prior to his or

her death, or even that they were being

provided for by the deceased

immediately prior to death.

Myles is a council member of the

Association of Contentious Trust and

Probate Specialists and if you would

like more information he can be

contacted on 01892 506136 or email

myles.mcintosh@cripps.co.uk

Cripps is a key regional law firm serving clients

nationally and internationally from offices in Kent

and London. Recognised countrywide for both its

commercial and private client work, the firm focuses

on the real estate sector, entrepreneurial businesses

and wealthier families. Cripps is a member of

Marcalliance, an international alliance of

independent law firms

www.cripps.co.uk @crippslaw This article gives examples and is intended for general guidance only

Editor’s

Letter

The atmosphere in the Wealden Times office is

reaching fever pitch as our Midsummer Fair edges

even closer. Our events team has hand-picked the

very best exhibitors to ensure a fabulous shopping experience in

the heart of the Kentish countryside at beautiful Hole Park in

Rolvenden. Within this issue you’ll find a comprehensive show

guide, so you can pre-plan your shopping route and get a preview

of exactly what’s on offer, including the schedule for our brand

new Garden Hub. You can also look online at wealdentimes.

co.uk where you book your tickets, and enter our special

competition for dinner, bed and breakfast at Frasers in Egerton,

along with a pair of Saturday tickets to the Midsummer Fair.

We’ve been over to photograph paper designer Trudi

Savin’s wonderfully creative Victorian villa, and explored

Ali Kittermaster’s unusual bungalow renovation tucked

down a country lane. See how they’ve both stamped their

personalities onto their interiors on pages 56 and 102.

Fashion editor Helen has styled this month’s men’s fashion at

the Historic Dockyard, Chatham. See model Thomas showcasing

tailored fashion from across the Weald from page 128.

If you’re keen to get out and about on your bike this month,

Julie Simpson has devised a hamper of recipes that are perfect

for eating on the go. And for all you self-builders out there,

our Restoration & New Build Supplement is a must-read.

Enjoy your Wealden Times!

Wealden Times Team

Editor ............................................................................................ Lucy Fleming

Editorial Assistant ........................................................................Rebecca Cuffe

Design .........................................................................................Powerful Pierre

Design Team ..............................................................................Anthony Boxall

Rob Cursons

Phoebe Gilbert

Tanya Goldsmith

Managing Director ........................................................................ Julie Simpson

Commercial Director ............................................................... Colin Wilkinson

Sales Team ................................................................................ Hayley Biddulph

Sarah Norwood

Nick Robinson

Distribution .................................................................................Emma Murphy

Wealden Times Events Team

Sales Director ..................................................................................... Joy Adams

Show Director ................................................................................. Flo Simpson

53 wealdentimes.co.uk

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Paper Trail

Words: Jennifer Stuart-Smith Photographs: David Merewether

Styling: Helen Barton

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57 wealdentimes.co.uk

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Previous pages: The sitting room is mostly used in winter, when the fire is lit. Original Anaglypta lines the ceiling

Above: The kitchen. The cricket ball lamp-base was from Tobias and the Angel, made by Angel’s brother Shaun. The

ostrich egg was brought back from South Africa – one of Trudi and Guy’s favourite places

There’s something about this time of year that not

only inspires a good spring clean but also prompts

many of us to have a serious ‘de-clutter’. Is there

anything as cathartic as attacking an area of the house that

has been taunting you for months, joyously separating items

into ‘bin’, ‘charity shop’ or ‘eBay’. Even if you don’t enjoy

the process, once it’s all done and you can admire your

efforts, it’s hard not to feel the stress melting away. But,

there are still some things you have to keep whether you like

it or not... We need a place for everything and then, as the

expression goes, we can put everything in its place. Ideally.

The reality, for most of us, is that after a few days

things start to creep back to their old resting places...

The solution? Take a leaf out of Trudi Savin’s book, and

have a decorative box file for everything. As we sit in her

kitchen I am free to admire various well-chosen artifacts and

design features, free from the distraction of household bills,

catalogues, Bic biros, letters and all the other detritus that

59 wealdentimes.co.uk

A subtle nautical theme runs through beach pictures and maps on the walls of the

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friend. She was getting rid of it and I thought, ‘Wow! I love it,’ ” says Trudi

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This page: A door from the dining room

opens into a pretty courtyard garden

seems to blight my own kitchen surfaces. Instead, on her

kitchen bookcase is a selection of striking, printed folders

and files which, one can only assume contain all the bits and

bobs the rest of us find on the floor being chewed by the dog

or piled high, in an ever increasing stack on the sideboard.

Just over a year ago, Trudi set up Yateley Papers with her

friend Sophie Morton. The company, whose name does

not immediately sum up their stunning work, has already

gained a name for its incredible, block-printed stationery,

box files and other paper goods. So, what was the idea

behind the company? “It’s basically posh storage,” says

Trudi. “We developed these boxes with lids, where you

can put the TV remote, your glasses, keys etc – you

63 wealdentimes.co.uk

“We have to rein ourselves in, as we’re both creative and we think ‘Oh, we could do this,

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Above: A short flight of steps down from the hallway and the living room leads to the kitchen at the back of the house

know ‘tut’. We all have ‘tut’ in our lives, don’t we? And

also, a lot of people have multi-function rooms, or openplan

living. This way you can have storage boxes that

you are happy to display, which hold all your ‘stuff’.”

She and Sophie met while they were working together

at the interiors shop, Tobias and the Angel. “The lady

who owned it, Angel, came across all these old printing

blocks which had belonged to a company called Yateley

Industries – it was closing down, so she bought the whole

lot of them.” The wooden, hand-carved blocks are artworks

in themselves – Trudi has a collection of similar ones in

baskets in her workroom – but are not much use unless

you know how to use them. So, Trudi learnt the ropes: “At

Tobias and the Angel I block-printed textiles for bespoke

orders, for interior designers. So, really, I learnt on the

job, with 10 years printing for Tobias and the Angel”.

The influence of Tobias and the Angel becomes clear

as we walk around the house, a semi-detached Victorian

house in Surrey, which Trudi shares with her husband,

Guy, and 21-year-old daughter, Daisy. One such item is

an impressive lamp in the kitchen, the glass base of which

has been filled with cricket balls: “Guy is a manic cricketer,

though he doesn’t play so much any more. Angel’s brother

Shaun made that – it’s one of our favourite things.”

The kitchen itself is a classic design, put in by the couple

when they bought the house 19 years ago, and yet the

67 wealdentimes.co.uk

style is very much the minimal, crafted wooden kitchen

one sees today, with dark-coloured panels and polished slate

surfaces contrasting with lighter wooden frames. “I suppose

I’d call the panels ‘tobacco’,” says Trudi. Either way, it’s

effortlessly stylish. Water for tea is boiled in a spectacular

kettle – the likes of which I’ve never seen before. “It was

Guy’s grandmother’s, so it’s really old. God help us if it ever

blows up! ” It resembles a classic, metal hob-top kettle which,

apparently, is exactly what it is – or what it once was.

On a shelf, above potted herbs and large, pretty jars

containing pasta and other ingredients, is a huge egg under

a Victorian-style glass dome. “That’s from travels in South

Africa. We first went there when Guy and I got married

and then we went back again the next year, we loved it so

much.” Other ‘finds’ from their travels include the ornate

and varied handles – including leaves and pebbles – on

each of the kitchen cupboards: “The handles all came

from different trips down to Cornwall. We spend a lot

of time down in Padstow as Guy’s mother Penny used to

live there. You just pick things up when you see them,

don’t you?” Trudi clearly has a natural ability to spot

This page: In the bathroom, Trudi has hung glass fragments

in the window and created a mock aquarium using salvaged

glass, crystal and a little hand-made wire and pebble fish. The

off-white tiles are from Fired Earth – a more classic version of

Metro tiles, but crackle glazed

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Above: Daughter Daisy’s room features a quilt made from squares of Guy’s shirts

special items, that work together, without appearing overly

styled. And if she can’t find them, she’ll make them.

Exploring the house is like going on a treasure hunt.

Not only is it fun trying to spot the latest Yateley Papers

products, it’s equally fun spotting things that Trudi has made

herself. After a cup of tea in the kitchen, we go through

to the dining room, which sits on the same level as the

kitchen, at the back of the house, and is reached by a short

flight of steps down from the hallway and the living room

at the front of the house. As is often the case, Trudi and

Guy opened up this downstairs space, so that the kitchencum-dining

room works with the rear courtyard garden.

Though almost open-plan to the kitchen, the dining room

still fulfils the traditional role of entertainment space – though

glitter on the table suggests that it sometimes doubles up

as a workspace: “We’re introducing crackers into our range,

so I’ve been fiddling and experimenting with glitter,” says

Trudi. The atmospheric, dusty blue walls have a sponged

appearance, though Trudi suggests this look was more just

a fortunate accident. A subtle nautical theme runs through

beach pictures and maps on the walls, while a huge round

mirror resembles a porthole: “That came from a friend.

She was getting rid of it and I thought, ‘Wow!’. I love it.”

Below and either side of the circular mirror sit two large

lamps, both of which Trudi played a part in making. One

carries a muted Yateley Papers lampshade on a sculpted metal

base while the other features one of Trudi’s signature homedecorating

tricks – a huge glass jar, decorated internally using

the technique known as ‘decoupage’. “It’s all done from the

inside, but using the good old-fashioned method, where you

cut designs out and stick them together like a collage. It’s quite

easy to do and it’s a really effective way of decorating glass.”

71 wealdentimes.co.uk

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Above: Manga drawings lie on the surface of Daisy’s desk. She’s currently studying art and design at a local college

Up the steps to the sunny front living room and one can’t

help keeping one’s eyes peeled for more geometric Yateley

Papers designs – which I spot pretty quickly in the form of

files on the bookshelves and on a couple of lampshades: “That

one’s called Kite – it’s a new one that hasn’t come out yet and

this one is called Chrome, which only comes in a very dark,

smoke colour,” says Trudi. It’s funny how, once you start

looking for geometric designs, you spot them everywhere...

The 3-D wallpaper on the ceiling – original 19th-century

‘Anaglypta’ according to Trudi – the grille on the hallway

radiator, and even the frosting on the front windows.

With Trudi’s background in fabric printing, I wonder

why they have not gone down that route? “We concentrate

on paper, not because we don’t want to do textiles, but

textiles are a massive investment and also, having printed

textiles for so long, it’s the ‘fixing’ that’s a challenge.

Fixing can be a little temperamental, unless you are

doing massive batches. At the moment we are quite

small and artisan, so we decided to concentrate on paper.

So, items such as lampshades are perfect for that.”

Their styling is equally well-considered: “Sophie and

I both love quite earthy, muddy colours and character

properties – so we wanted our designs to work with old

and new. So, that lampshade design would work well in a

minimalist, contemporary home but it also sits comfortably

in a character room. That’s what we work hard at to

achieve.” It’s clear that with such talent and ability, they

have to curb their enthusiasm at times too: “We have to

rein ourselves in, as we’re both creative and we think ‘Oh,

we could do this, and we could do that! Sometimes we

73 wealdentimes.co.uk

Above: The quilt in the master bedroom is made from squares

of fabric that Trudi printed by hand. On a bedside table, a

decoupage jar has been turned into a table lamp

just have to tell ourselves to slow down!” laughs Trudi.

As the treasure hunt continues upstairs, I feel that my

senses are becoming more alert to Trudi’s handiwork. We

peak into the bathroom, which the couple re-did two years

ago and I immediately spot another gorgeous ‘decoupage’

jar, with a marine theme, on top of the bathroom cabinet.

The glass cabinet doors have also had a similar treatment,

with gold and silver leaf: “I just wanted to lift it a bit. It

gives it a bit of a shimmer, without being a solid colour,”

says Trudi, who has hung glass fragments in the window

and created a mock aquarium using salvaged glass,

crystal and a little hand-made wire and pebble fish.

We have a brief look in Daisy’s room, where wonderful

‘work in progress’ Manga cartoons are scattered over

her desk and a quilt, made by Trudi from pieces of

Guy’s old shirt-fabric, decorates the bed. Daisy is

studying art and design at a nearby college but also

helps her mother with their printing projects: “Sophie

creates the designs, then Daisy cuts the lino for us.”

In the master bedroom, the first thing you notice is

another wonderful quilt: “That’s made from squares of

block-printed fabric, from the days when I was block

printing,” says Trudi. “It was just a way of using them up,

really. The velvet all came from Penny’s house – I just don’t

like throwing things away!” Another gorgeous decoupage

jar sits on top of a bedside chest of drawers while jewellery

hung from hooks and mirrors on one wall, creates a

display of its own. It’s a beautiful room, on the sunny side

of the house – and yet there is just one more room I

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75 wealdentimes.co.uk

SkinnersWT183.indd 1 21/04/2017 17:43

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Trudi clearly has a natural ability to spot special items, that work together,

without appearing overly styled. And if she can’t find them, she’ll make them

77 wealdentimes.co.uk

This page: Trudi’s workroom shelves are stacked with files in

pretty prints, papers and prototypes

want to look in... and that’s the work room next door.

If we were really on a treasure hunt, then this would be

the treasure trove and as work rooms go, they don’t get

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pretty prints, papers, prototypes. Paper stars dangle from a

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Members of the Royal Birmingham Society of Artists

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107 High Street Rye East Sussex TN31 7JE www.ryeartgallery.co.uk

Saturday 13th May until Saturday 10th June

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TownerArtGalleryWT183.indd 1 19/04/2017 10:33

Ask the

Artist

Just what is it that inspires an artwork? WT chats to four creatives,

across a range of disciplines, about the motivation behind their pieces

Jessica Zoob

Painter

What inspires you? I am inspired by my travels

and by the beautiful Sussex Downs I am lucky

enough to call my home. I see beauty everywhere

and try to capture and reflect it in my work. If you

want to see photographs of things which inspire

me I quite often post them on Instagram.

What are you currently working on? I am currently

working on a huge collection called Ecstasy which I am hoping

to complete at some point next year. The largest painting in the collection

is 3 x 14 m. I am also exploring printing onto metals, copper, brass and

steel to create unique Limited Edition series of pieces. I am considering the

possibilities of creating some fashion items, possibly bespoke bags. I am also

very busy renovating and extending a 400 year old cottage and creating a

wildlife garden as well as preparing for my annual Open Studio and I am

very excited to show everyone how my latest collection is progressing.

Can you run us through a typical working day? That simply

doesn’t exist for me, every day is completely different! At the moment

the day lasts about 18 hours and feels about four days long!

How do you start your creative process? I start with glimmers of ideas

which nag away at the edges of my mind. Once I begin the process of

building up the layers the works often take on a character of their own.

How has your style evolved over your career? My style is constantly

changing as I keep discovering new paints and techniques and I want to

explore the limitless possibilities of colour on canvas. I don’t ever want to

become bored so I keep pushing myself to take greater creative risks.

Where does your work end up? In private collections worldwide

and in corporate environments with large walls.

Can you tell us a little about your recent collaboration with luxury interiors

brand, Romo? It was a real pleasure working with Romo. I actually had no

idea who they were when they first suggested a collaboration but the quality

of their textiles was enough to convince me that they would respect my

integrity and create a beautiful collection. I think they achieved that and it is

wonderful to get so much positive feedback from new clients across the globe.

Don’t miss the opportunity to purchase works directly from Jessica

at a special Open Studio at her home in Upper Clayhill, East Sussex ,

part of the Brighton and Hove Artists Open Houses Festival, on 6&7

and 20&21 May, 11am-5pm or by appointment. Private previews

for collectors are available from 29 April. Book early by emailing

info@jessicazoob.com or call 07966 572204 jessicazoob.com

85 wealdentimes.co.uk

JUST TEN GALLERY

LIMITED EDITION FINE ART PHOTOGRAPHY

BY CLIVE SAWYER

103a High Street, Rye, East Sussex TN31 7JN

www.just-ten.gallery clive@just-ten.gallery

M: 07738 715354 T: 01797 222213

Jane Richardson

Ceramic artist

Have you always been an artist? I haven’t

always been an artist, from the age of three

I’d been to ballet lessons so wanted to be

a dancer. I’d even boarded for two years

at a dance school when I was 13. I was

dancing for four hours a night after school

and absolutely loved it. Sadly my diet was

so poor at the time of boarding my body

packed up and I had to stop – I’d come

from an organic farm where everything

was homegrown or homemade but at

dance school it was a tin of spaghetti! I

was mortified at giving up. I dropped back

a year at school and, being very dyslexic,

clay was another creative option. So, I

later travelled to Nottingham from Wales

with my sister in our old Ford Anglia. It

took all day in those days! The college

hadn’t opened yet, so I was allowed to go

to their sister college and study Beauty

Therapy. I didn’t transfer back and this

gave me a 10 year career in London

and Stroud. Everywhere I’ve ever lived

I’ve always joined recreational pottery

classes, so dance and massage became an

integral part of my work – the driving

force behind my figurative sculpture.

What do you create? I hand throw on

the pottery wheel making functional

pieces and I sculpt too. I love different

clays – they inspire my work. I’ll go from

smooth white porcelain clay, making tiny

perfect vases, to a black heavily-grogged

clay making large gnarly ‘grumpy’ crows,

then a ‘molochite’ for my figurative work..

What inspires you? I love work and love

pottery – I don’t switch off from that.

For some reason I often think of ideas in

the shower, one being a little handmade

robin on an old fork as a garden sculpture.

These fly out from my studio! On a

recent trip to Portugal I saw huge rugged

rocks, sculpted by the ocean. I couldn’t

wait to recreate them as ‘bottles’ – these

will be part of an installation in my next

art show at Lenham Barn in May.

How do you start your creative process?

I always procrastinate and do a hundred

other jobs! My studio has to be tidied (I’m

so messy!), then the kettle goes on, then

it is head down for days on end, whether

it’s a ‘body’ of work for an exhibition or

one piece for a commission. Then I start

all over again... more jobs. Kettle on....

How has your style evolved over your

career? My attitude has changed, I

want more from my clay, thinner, finer,

more expressive – the clay, glaze and

form to work as one. Commissions and

clients alter what you do, too, as you tap

in to their aspirations, extending your

own boundaries. I moved to Godinton

House last year so I’m surrounded by

these beautiful gardens, already it’s

influencing my work. My pieces have

become more garden orientated with

more birds, pods, pebbles and ‘quirky

moments’! I seem to have a fetish for wood

too now, marrying the two together.

Where do you sell your work? Galleries,

commissions and sculpture or art shows. I

plan shows a year ahead. Each show I do

gives me a chance to evolve like a new

chapter as I create new work and tailor it

for each show. May is the Pilgrims Way

Art Show. In June I participate in South

East Open Studios. In July I’m making

for the Royal Reggata and Henley music

festival. Also the Sculpture Show at

Godinton House and Gardens. I always

have work at a lovely gallery in Wales

called Golden Sheaf Gallery who’ve

supported me for years and West End

House Gallery in Smarden, Kent.

I’ve exhibited in the Ivy London,

Whitstable, France, Battle, Hatfield,

Canterbury – I’m gradually

getting closer to my dreams.

Jane is a member of Pilgrims Way

Artists (pilgrimswayartists.org.uk).

For more info. email janespottery@

gmail.com or call 07599 355601.

Keith Tyson

Turner Prize

winner

Have you always

been an artist?

No. After leaving school I’d been

working in a factory for four years

and so I was very earnest at art

college. It took me a while to realise

you could play with the rules, that

you could do whatever you wanted to

do. I think my whole artistic journey

really has been trying to create more

liberation in what I do, trying to be

freer, to express more of the wonder

of the world instead of the “meaning”

of it. The early work looked towards

mathematics and logic for solutions

to my artistic problems. I used a lot of

algorithms, made an art machine to

come up with ideas for me and other

conceptual strategies. Now the work

has become much more emotive. The

original titles used scientific terms

and although I’m still fascinated by

science those titles have evolved into

an element in which to create a poetic

tension between the text and image.

As you grow older your circumstances

change too – I’ve got three children

now, I’m in a very different place

than I was 20 years ago. I think the

work can’t help but reflect that.

What do you create? I paint and

draw. I write and I make sculptures.

What inspires you? Like every other

artist who has ever lived, my work is

simply a response to the world I live

in (and it seems to me at least that we

live in quite a complex one currently).

My studio wall drawings are like

a visual diary that I have been

keeping for over 20 years. I always

have thought that I would like

to show a great many of them

together at some point and

87 wealdentimes.co.uk

THE SPRING EXHIBITION

A R T

Featuring

new original works by

Edo Kaaij

PILGRIMS WAY ARTISTS

ANNUAL SUMMER EXHIBITION

TITHE BARN - LENHAM - ME17 2QD

MAY 19th - 29th 2017

www.pilgrimswayartists.org.uk

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AshfordVisualArtistsWT183.indd 1 11/04/2017 09:56

13 May - 20 June

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McALLISTER THOMAS

117 High Street

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T: 01483 860591

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31 Hollybush Lane, Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 3TJ

Tel: 01732 452909 Mobile: 07774 226042

www.mollandantiquemirrors.co.uk

wealdentimes.co.uk

McAllisterThomasFineArtWT183.indd Half Page - Kent.indd 1 1 13/04/2017 18/04/2017 MediterraneanStudioWT183.indd 16:17 10:11

1 10/04/2017 17:08

show the scale of what we all navigate

as human beings. Although the

events are mainly autobiographical

I hope they speak of more universal

conditions that we all experience.

How do you start your creative process?

Originally I had a very small studio

and only a tiny wall space in which I

could work. There was a large piece

of watercolour paper that you could

buy from the local art shop that just so

happened to fit that wall, so I bought

half a ream and every day I’d work on

that piece of paper. Sometimes I’d jot

down ideas for paintings or sculptures I

wanted to make, sometimes I’d record

my emotional state that day, sometimes

a world event would inspire me, it

could be anything at all really. I just

wanted to keep a free space in which

to explore ideas without defining them

too much. I kept them, like one might

keep a journal or a sketchbook. I call

them drawings but in reality they lie

somewhere in between a diary, a painting

and a poem. Over time working on these

drawings has evolved from a preparatory

activity into a more expressive and

essential practice for me. The Jerwood’s

three ground floor rooms are filled

with more than 300 of these works.

How has your style evolved over your

career? It has been interesting to see the

changes over time. I originally was very

interested in science and mathematics and

the drawings were quite geeky but as I’ve

grown older, had children etc they have

become distinctly more emotional I think.

Then there are the societal changes, the

smartphone, the ability to record everyday

moments, social media with everyone

now posting images on their own ‘walls.’

Photoshop and other technologies that

I can use in the studio. All these things

have affected the work because we are

dynamic beings, we change all the time.

Where do you sell your work? You

can find out more information at

keithtyson.com. See Keith Tyson ‘Turn

Back Now’ at Jerwood Gallery, Hastings

until 4 June 2017 jerwoodgallery.org

Clive Sawyer

Photographer

Have you always been

an artist? I call myself

a commercial artist. I

create photographic

pieces for a commercial

market – that someone

wants to buy. I like to think I’m

producing something really beautiful

that someone would like to hang on

their wall. This is my 10th year of

having my own gallery, before that I

was primarily a travel photographer - I

might do 150 days a year shooting

abroad from Barbados to Benidorm! I

have had to move with the times from

film to digital, and I’m glad I did.

What do you create? I photograph the

local area – the Romney Marsh, Rye. The

photographs that I take of the local area

are bought by local people or tourists who

come to visit Rye. They can choose from

a selection of limited edition prints in a

variety of media including canvas, giclee

or acrylic panels. My main body of work

is produced for people who come down

from London. These tend to be images

of cities – New York, London, Paris. I

try to get the real world and turn it into

an abstract – I try to photograph all the

little details. I’ve just done some shots in

Canary Wharf. One of my bestsellers at

the moment is the London skyline, shot

across the river. I go up early on a Sunday

morning whilst it’s still dark and I take

lots of images whilst the sun comes up.

Londoners come down to the gallery and

are surprised they can get an amazing

London shot from someone living in Rye.

What inspires you? Texture, light,

mood, shadows, colour, contrast…

How do you start your creative

process? I’ll go to London and know

what I want to get out of the trip. I

plan in advance – taking into account

the time, weather etc. This comes from

years of experience. At the moment, I

know I need to go back to New York to

find the right location. I need to be at

the top of the Rockefeller Center and

Empire State. I know there’s a demand for

pictures of certain things, so I make sure

I’m in the right place at the right time.

How has your style evolved over your

career? The difference between an

amateur and a professional photographer

is that an amateur will shoot purely to

please himself, whereas a professional

will take photographs to satisfy a client’s

needs. I’m somewhere in between! The

beauty is that I take photos of the things

that I like, whilst being mindful that

someone would like to buy them.

Where do you sell your work? In my

gallery in Rye. People like to meet the

photographer – when you put photos

with another gallery you’re not there

to talk about the image. I like to be

present in the gallery to sell my work

– if I’m not on shoots, then I’m in

there! I love talking to my clients. The

gallery’s open at least six days of the

week, especially at the weekend, with

works ranging from £30- £5,000.

07738 715354 clive-sawyer.com

89 wealdentimes.co.uk

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