Surrey Homes | SH107 | December 2023 | Christmas Supplement inside

PRICELESS 

DECEMBER 2023 

107 

DECEMBER 2023 

CHRISTMAS SUPPLEMENT inside 

Inspirational Interiors • Fabulous Fashion • Delicious Dishes

BESPOKE KITCHEN DESIGN 

DESIGN • SUPPLY • MANAGE • INSTALL

Come and visit our showroom: 

Bancroft Road, Reigate, Surrey, RH2 7RP 

01737240403 

www.rdokitchenstudio.co.uk 

rdokitchenstudio

Contents 

December 2023 

24 

84 

46 

12 

17 

21 

24 

45 

46 

59 

HOUSE OF THE MONTH 

Dream homes on the market 

NOTEBOOK 

Upcoming events for your diary 

THE MUST LIST 

Keep up-to-date with the latest 

must-see and must-have goodies 

ALL IS CALM 

Explore interior designer 

Hannah Benton’s own 

renovation project in Deal 

GET THE LOOK 

Learn how to harness neutrals 

A HOUSE, TRANSFORMED 

Interior Design Masters 

contestant Charlotte Fisher shows 

us around her Surrey home 

GET THE LOOK 

Experiment with paint and 

pattern like Charlotte 

81 

82 

84 

90 

95 

97 

BRING THE BALLET 

TO LIFE 

Nail Nutcracker style for 

festive fashion flare 

SUGARPLUM DREAMS 

Rebecca Cuffe edits elegant and 

decadent looks for Christmas 

PARTY PERFECT 

Charlotte Butterworth, aka 

@theneedy.greedy, shares 

her fuss-free festive recipes 

FAST FIXES FOR 

UN-PARTY-ISH FACES 

Josephine Fairley (reluctantly) 

gets into the party spirit with 

products for glowing skin 

POSTURE PERFECT II 

Sarah Maxwell’s second 

instalment for a stronger core 

NOURISH TO FLOURISH 

Charlotte Lau explores the 

health benefits of root vegetables 

Published by Priceless Media Ltd. Kettle Chambers, 21 Stone Street, 

Cranbrook, Kent TN17 3HF | Call 01580 714705 | Email info@priceless-group.com 

Visit priceless-group.com Copyright © 2023 Priceless Media Ltd. The views of the 

advertisers & contributors are not necessarily those of Priceless Media Ltd. 

98 

102 

107 

109 

111 

114 

STALWART FRIENDS 

Jo Arnell’s run-down of reliable plants 

for year-round gardening success 

’TIS THE SEASON 

Jen Stuart-Smith explains why 

in-season flowers and foliage are best 

COMMUNICATION IS KEY 

Mike Piercy gives advice on 

supporting your child at school 

KNOW WHERE YOU STAND 

Joanna Pratt clarifies the legal 

rights of cohabiting couples 

WHAT’S ON? 

From pantos to courses, find out... 

FABLES FROM THE FARM 

Jane Howard wraps up the farm 

chores for Christmas 

CHRISTMAS 

SUPPLEMENT 

18 pages of gifts, 

tableware, foodie 

treats, New Year inspo. 

and festive jumpers! 

After page 66. 

Christmas 

The Priceless Supplement 

5 

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From the 

Editor 

If, like me, you’re not the kind of person to whom 

meticulous planning comes naturally – at least not at 

Christmas time – having a guide like this month’s will 

help get your turkeys in a row. Rebecca Cuffe has edited 

down a wonderful selection of stocking fillers, last minute 

gifts, foodie treats and beautiful table settings to complete 

your festive spread. Read on after our second house feature. 

We popped across town to photograph Charlotte 

Butterworth’s crowd-pleasing party recipes a couple of 

weeks ago. After making short work of nearly an entire 

bowl of spicy party nuts, David Merewether got to work 

photographing Charlotte’s delicious Christmassy dishes that 

I hope you’ll try out over the holidays – they really are tasty. 

Fashion this issue is all about The Nutcracker, with frothy 

tulle, romantic ballet-inspired accessories and a hint of tailored 

soldier chic – there’s extra points for spotting the mouse, too. 

The garden may be looking a little bleak, but there 

are colours galore in our gardening section, with yearround 

planting advice from Jo Arnell and seasonal 

tips from Blooming Green’s Jen Stuart-Smith. 

And finally, thank you to all those who 

came to enjoy our Midwinter Fair and 

to our magnificent stall holders! It was 

another fantastically festive event – see 

if you can spot yourself in our roundup 

just before our first house feature. 

Merry Christmas and I do hope 

you enjoy your Priceless magazine! 

Cranleigh 

Tiles & Bathrooms 

Range of Tiles, Bathrooms and Showers from 

Thomas Crapper Bathrooms, Heritage Bathrooms 

and Burlington Bathrooms. 

Suppliers of Contemporary Ranges including 

Laufen, Roca, Vitra and Roper Rhodes 

Priceless Team 

EditorLucy Fleming 

Supplements & Features EditorRebecca Cuffe 

Sub Editor & Features Writer Emily Pavey 

Design & Production DirectorAnthony Boxall 

Sales ManagersLisa Gordon-Hughes 

Maria Hurley 

Senior Account ManagerSarah Norwood 

Senior Sales ExecutiveAndrew Boughton 

Account ExecutiveMarnie Newman 

Wealden Times Show Director Flo Simpson 

Events Manager Liz Miles 

Events Sales Director Jude Brown 

Financial ControllerStephen Hunt 

Accounts Sarah Davies 

Nicola O’Leary 

Social Media ManagerCharlotte Lau 

Managing DirectorVivien Cotterill-Lee 

Executive Chairman Julie Simpson 

7 

15% off when you 

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Open 9.00am to 5.00pm Monday to Friday 

9.00am to 12.00 midday Saturday, closed on Sundays 

To get our undivided attention we kindly ask 

for you to ring to make an appointment. 

Cranleigh Tiles and Bathrooms 

246 high street Cranleigh 

GU6 8RL 

Telephone 01483 272727 

craig@cranleighbathroomstudios.co.uk 

www.cranleighbathroomstudios.co.uk 

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Find us here! 

Call 01580 714705 to find your nearest distributor of 

Surrey Homes or to get free copies delivered for £30 a year. 

12,000 copies of Surrey Homes are printed 

every month. We are available in 

the following outlets and are the 

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questions about our distribution please 

contact Vivien Cotterill-Lee 

vivien.cotterill-lee@priceless-group.com 

istockphoto.com/ Maria Voronovich 

Ashtead 

• Patrick Gardner 

Bagshott 

• Howlands 

Estate Agents 

• Longacres Nursery 

Banstead 

• King of Cotton 

Betchworth 

• Buckland Deli 

• The Community 

Shop 

Bookham 


Bramley 

• Bramley Beds 

Buckland 

• Buckland Nurseries 

Camberley 

• Romans 

Caterham 

• Shard Solutions 

Cheam 

• Cook 

Chelsham 

• Knights Garden 

Centre 

Chobham 

• Melita 

• Pasha 

Claygate 

• Trew Art 

Cobham 

• Cobham Furniture 

• Fego Café 

• Oh So Coco 

Cranleigh 

• Notcutts 

• Roger Coupe 

Dorking 

• Dorking Travel 


• Princess Alice 

Hospice 

• Sainsbury’s 

Epsom 

• Mayfield Lavender 

Nursery & Shop 


Esher 

• Sandown Park 

Racecourse 

Farnham 

• Cook 

• ME Estate Agents 


• Waterstones 

Felbridge 

• Doves Barn 

Nursery 

Godalming 

• Cook 


• Sarah Louise Dix 


Godstone 

• Knights Garden 

Centre 

Guildford 

• BoConcept 

• Elm Nursery 

Farm Shop 

• Loaf 

• Neptune 

• Nuffield Gym 

Haslemere 

• Lythe Hill 

Hotel & Spa 

• Tesco Superstore 

Knaphill 


Leatherhead 


• Robert Leech 

& Partners 

Lingfield 


Lyne 

• The Farm 

Shop Lyne 

Milford 

• Secretts 

Old Oxted 

• Fish Plaice & Grill 

Oxted 

• Cook 

• Jackson-Stops 

& Staff 

• Limpsfield Stores 

• Morrisons 


Oxshott 

• The Bear 

Redhill 

• Priory Farm 

Reigate 

• County Clothes 


• RDO Kitchens 

Ripley 

• Ripley Nurseries 

Farm Shop 

• The Talbot 

Surbiton 


Walton on 

Thames 



Warlingham 

• Botley Hill 

Farmhouse 

• Rayners Estate 

Agents 

West Byfleet 

• Roman Tiles 

Weybridge 

• Tesco Extra 

Woldingham 

• Fine & Country 

TRAIN 

STATIONS 

• Dorking 

• East Grinstead 

• Epsom 

• Esher 

• Guildford 

• Haslemere 

• Kingston 

• Redhill 

• Richmond 

• Surbiton 

• Weybridge 

• Wimbledon 

• Woking 

9 

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Envelop your home with comfort and style this season. 

Luxury energy efficient curtains & blinds. Made 

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• Bespoke Luxaflex blinds 

including SmartHome integration 

Browse and Buy our gifts online at 

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52 Friars Stile Road, 

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Surrey, Sussex & Hampshire’s 

Premier Oak Framed Specialist 

Tel: 01483 420 258 I info@surreyoakbarns.co.uk I www.surreyoakbarns.co.uk 

SurreyOakBarnsWT246DPS.indd All Pages

19/10/2022 10:46

House 

Month 

of the 

£2,250,000 

Damien Pestell picks his favourite 

homes on the market 

Farnham 

The dream: A magnificent 

contemporary home designed 

and built to exacting standards 

by the renowned Nicolas 

Tye Architects. Built using 

modern materials and the latest 

technology that can be controlled 

via an app on your phone. 

Where: Between the villages 

of Crondall and Ewshot, just 

3 miles from Farnham. 

Setting: On a beautiful 

south facing plot in its 

own private grounds. 

Beds: 5 Baths: 4 

Special features: The open 

plan ground floor encompasses 

a sleek, modern kitchen / 

diner which is flooded with 

natural light during the day. 

Pleasing details: A studio within 

the grounds is currently used as 

a home office. Ideal for those 

who happen to be home-based. 

Outside: The glorious parkland 

style gardens of 1.7 acres are 

predominantly laid to lawn and 

surrounded by mature trees. 

A large raised terrace sits on 

the south side of the house. 

Time to town: From Farnham 

station to London Waterloo 

in around 40 minutes. 

Agent: Burns and Webber 

01252 713868 burnsandwebber.com 

priceless-magazines.com 12

Ewhurst 

£2,000,000 

The dream: A substantial Grade 

II listed Victorian home offering 

spacious and adaptable accommodation 

throughout. Designed by the renowned 

architect Phillip Webb, who inscribed 

his own name in the porch. 

Where: The rural village of Ewhurst, 

eight miles from Guildford and 

just two miles from Cranleigh. 

Setting: Off a quiet country lane. 


Special features: The spectacular dining hall 

with landing above is jaw-droppingly beautiful 

and an incredible place to host guests. 

Pleasing details: Commissioned in 1883 by 

Mary Ewart, a close friend of the influential 

horticulturist Gertrude Jekyll and related 

to Prime Minister William Gladstone. 

Outside: The mature gardens and grounds 

of about 1.8 acres enjoy far-reaching views. 

Time to town: From Guildford 

station, 10 miles away, to London 

Waterloo in just half an hour. 

Agent: House Partnership 01483 266700 

housepartnership.co.uk 

Peaslake 

£1,750,000 

The dream: A modern, energy efficient 

home in the heart of the Surrey Hills Area 

of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Built in 

2021 with integrated solar panels, underfloor 

heating and speakers. Also benefiting from 

the remainder of a 10-year warranty. 

Where: The small village of Peaslake, 

about five miles from Guildford. 

Setting: Within walking distance 

of the village school and shop. 


Special features: The incredible open 

plan kitchen / sitting / dining room 

opens out on two sides through a sliding 

glass wall to the patio beyond. 

Pleasing details: The classic parquet floor 

in the living room is a lovely feature. 

Outside: The gardens of about 0.32 acres 

include a lawned area and a spacious gravelled 

forecourt with electric car charging point. 

Time to town: From Dorking station, 7 miles 

away, to London Victoria in just under an hour. 

Agent: House Partnership 01483 266700 

housepartnership.co.uk 

13 


Discover a community 

with wellbeing in 

full bloom 

Stylish one and two bedroom apartments 

in the heart of vibrant West Byfleet, with 

sensational gardens, private, outdoor space, 

communal lounge, guest suite, hobby room 

studio and daytime concierge. 

Buy from £465,000 

Rent from £2,590 pm 

Exclusively for those enjoying life 

over sixty. Book your place now. 

Discover a new lease of life 

01932 483 138 

pegasushomes.co.uk/highfields

BESPOKE 

INCENTIVES AVAILABLE* 

FELBRIDGE | RH19 2NT 

New Year, New Home 

This prestigious development by Antler Homes is built to an exceptional standard inside and 

out, offering an all-inclusive specification, high quality finish and careful attention to detail. 

Situated in beautiful Surrey, with village amenities, leisure facilities and East Grinstead Town 

Centre all within easy reach, as well as excellent transport links by road and rail. 

Underfloor heating to ground floor 

Minoli wall and floor tiles 

Turf to rear garden+ 

Images: Flaticon.com 

All floor coverings included 

Bespoke shaker-style kitchens 

Integrated Siemens appliances 

Fitted wardrobes 

External tap to rear garden 

Landscaped front garden 

Indian sandstone paths & patio 

Allocated off-road parking 

Electric car charging point 

Prices from £315,000 

Show home open daily, 10am to 5pm. Call 01342 885377 to book your appointment. 

*up to £15,000 

+Layouts differ plot to plot

Cut Above 

Notebook 

Headline 

Copy phone / web 

Take note! We’ve rounded up the best 

of what to see and do near you 

When you head out for your 

seasonal seaside walk this winter 

make sure you stop by Hastings 

Contemporary to see the most 

comprehensive presentation 

of Turner Prize-listed Hurvin 

Anderson’s Barbershop series – from 

the first drawings made in 2006 

to his latest works. There are also 

sketches, drawings and studies to 

view, giving an extra insight into 

Anderson’s work, examining social 

history, memory and place. The 

exhibition is presented in association 

with The Hepworth Wakefield and 

Kistefos Museum, Norway. It will be 

open until 3rd March next year. 

hastingscontemporary.org 

Holly and Ivy 

istockphoto.com/ ValeryEgorov 

High Notes 

Get into the Christmas spirit by joining Air Ambulance Charity Kent Surrey 

Sussex at one of their wonderful Christmas Carol Concerts – taking place 

this December – as they mark 10 years of flying at night. First up is 

Rochester Cathedral on 8th December, with Arundel Cathedral next on 

15th December and finally Guildford Cathedral on 18th December. 

Enjoy a festive evening of delicious mince pies, mulled wine and 

carol singing alongside a brilliant cathedral choir. The money raised 

by the concerts will make sure they can be there when someone 

needs them – day or night – throughout the Christmas 

season and beyond. With your support, their hard-working 

crews can keep more families together this Christmas. 

To book tickets or for more information, you can visit 

aakss.org.uk/get-involved/events/our-events 

or email events@aakss.org.uk 

Make the mission to buy your 

Christmas tree extra fun and fruitful, 

by heading to Loddington Farm in 

Linton, on 9th December. They will 

be hosting a Christmas Fair along 

with the lovely team at Blooming 

Green. Not only will you have the 

chance to pick out a super duper 

tree, there will be a hog roast, 

carols, crimbo cocktails, festive 

foliage, tasteful gifts like chocolates 

and fragrance, food stalls, plus 

delicious hot chocolate and waffles. 

A great way to support several local 

businesses at once and get in the 

mood for the holidays. 

loddingtonfarm.co.uk 

bloominggreenflowers.co.uk 


If you’re in need 

of something to look forward 

to and fancy getting creative, how 

about booking onto a writing retreat? 

Curious House in Ticehurst are hosting a 

light-hearted three-day course – Improvisation on 

Paper – led by award-winning writer Mandy Wheeler. 

Do you love to write but find it hard to get started or 

lack confidence, or maybe you just fancy having a go? 

If so, this is the course for you. No previous experience 

is needed, just an open mind. If you wish to stay at 

The Bell in Ticehurst you can call 01580 200300 

to book directly and state that you are attending 

the retreat. The cost of the course is £390 

and includes lunch and writing prompts 

(not accommodation). It will run 

from 22nd to 24th January. 

curioushouse.net 

Write Mind 

SEASONS ALL 

‘Plein air’ oil painter Karl Terry 

will be opening up his quirky 

studio, The Old Gaol Studio 

in Wittersham, on 8th-10th 

December. Karl can often be seen around 

his home town painting the changing landscape in 

all weathers. He’s a member of the Royal Society of Marine 

Artists, The Wapping Group of Artists and The Rye Society of 

Artists. Alongside Karl’s work will be creations by his ceramicist 

wife, Joanna, who has been inspired by her husband to incise 

clay with wild plants outside in the landscape. Their daughter 

India, who teaches yoga locally, will also be showcasing her 

own brand of yogic jewellery, based on the changing seasons. 

For more information please contact Joanna on 07534 216116. 

Oh Come, All 

Ye Faithful 

We’re so lucky to have so many wonderful 

carol services on offer in incredible 

locations this year and Glyndebourne’s 

Christmas Concerts look absolutely 

magical. From favourite carols to orchestral 

showpieces, they will shine a spotlight on 

the talents of the Glyndebourne Chorus 

and the Glyndebourne Sinfonia and 

provide a heart-warming festive finale to the 

year. Performances take place at 3pm on the 

9th, 10th, 16th and 17th December with 

tickets from £10 to £58. The concert on 

the 16th will be a Chilled Performance with 

a casual approach to noise and movement 

in the audience – ideal for anyone who 

will feel more at ease knowing they can 

move about, those with small children or 

those who like to discuss what’s happening 

on stage during the concert. Tickets are 

limited, if you miss out do check their 

upcoming events for more opportunities to 

enjoy world-class music in this very special 

setting. glyndebourne.com 

istockphoto.com/ Snezhana Ryzhkova 

Hark the Herald 

Canterbury Cathedral promises to be a wonderfully 

atmospheric setting for the Canterbury Choral Society’s 

Family Carols on Monday 18th December at 7pm. Just 

one of an exciting array of Canterbury Festival events 

throughout the calendar – and this one is for all the 

family to enjoy. Join in with all the old favourites and 

listen to some traditional and less familiar carols along 

the way. Find out more and book your tickets at 

canterburyfestival.co.uk 


More than Excellent 

An independent school for boys aged 2-13 years, with co-educational nursery. 

Set in 45 acres of beautiful countryside with school bus routes including to SW London. 

Book An Individual Tour 

To register your interest, please e-mail 

admissions@parkside-school.co.uk or call 01932 862749 

parkside-school.co.uk 

A quick costume 

change and winter 

is ready to dazzle. 

THE 

GREATEST SHOW 

IN EARTH 

LIVE AT WISLEY 

19 


POSSIBLY THE FINEST LIGHTING SHOWROOM IN THE UK! 

More than 3000 products on display, 

plus Christmas gift ideas too. 

Showroom open Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm 

and Saturdays 9am - 1pm 

Visit: Elstead House, Mill Lane, Alton, Hampshire, GU34 2QJ 

T: 01420 590510 | W: www.distinctivelightinguk.com 

DL_Surrey Homes FP_Dec_22.indd 1 31/10/2022 10:49:39

Leeds Castle is truly a delight in 

the colder seasons and this year 

they have new luxury Lakeside 

Lodges with breathtaking views 

of the picturesque Great Water 

and the historic estate. Booking 

starts from December 8th and costs 

£325/night for bed and breakfast (for 

two adults). A must stay for glorious 

relaxation and exploration! 

leeds-castle.com 

Less than a year old, Hawthorn 

in Kew is already listed in the 

Michelin Guide. It’s located right 

by Kew Gardens, so you can enjoy 

their spectacular Festive Menu after 

a trip round Christmas at Kew 

for a really special day out. Festive 

Menu dinners are £75 for 3 courses. 

hawthornrestaurant.co.uk 

must 

The 

From must-sees to must-buys and 

must-dos, don’t miss this month’s 

round up of what to buy, see, do, 

and generally get excited about! 

Grace de Monaco 

is the world’s first 

luxury-for-good 

Maison. Meaning that 

their flawless collection 

of home fragrances, 

perfumes and silk 

scarves, inspired by the incomparable 

Grace Kelly, can be purchased 

through Harrods and 100% of profits 

will be donated to the Princess Grace 

Foundation. This stunning orchidshaped 

Porcelain Fragrance Diffuser is 

£280 at harrods.com 

Tim Green 

The award-winning 

Olivanna Soothing Seed 

Oils Cleansing Balm is the 

perfect A/W skincare switch up. 

It gently melts away makeup and 

impurities whilst nourishing and 

strengthening the skin barrier, to 

protect from environmental damage. 

Its delicate blend of rosemary, 

bergamot, rose geranium and 

eucalyptus essential oils also helps to 

boost your mood while comforting 

your skin. £44 olivanna.com 

To customise your 

interior for the 

winter months, 

Pullman Editions 

have limited edition posters 

in their cool Art Deco style, 

featuring glamorous winter 

scenes. They make a great gift 

too, with designs to remind 

you of ski holiday destinations 

like Charmonix, Meribel 

and St. Moritz. There are 

over 100 striking original 

designs which are £420 each. 

pullmaneditions.com 

In support of our 

wonderful local 

businesses, Produced 

in Kent is encouraging 

us all to Strive to Buy 

Five locally produced presents 

or festive food and drink this 

year. From gifts, food and drink 

to local stays and experiences 

they have a handy Christmas 

Directory online with all the 

helpful ideas and links you’ll 

need to support local! 

producedinkent.co.uk 

It’s proposal season! If you’re looking for 

that perfect ring, Cousins in Canterbury 

will take good care of you. They offer 

special consultations and take into account 

not only the design of the ring, but also 

comfort and durability, for something that 

will glitter and be admired for many 

years to come. This classic diamond 

cluster ring, for example, beautifully 

balances a traditional style with an 

individual distinctive design and is 

£3,950. tbcousins.co.uk 

Already a hit in the US, 

this Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0 

is an ingenious ‘smokeless’ 

fire pit that will make your next 

festive gathering! Solo Stove’s 

Signature 360° Airflow actually 

burns off smoke before it gets 

onto your hair and clothes for 

a smoke-free experience, the 

removal ash pan makes for easy 

cleaning, and it comes in lots 

of lovely colours! It’s also very 

versatile – perfect for anything 

from outdoor cooking (just add 

a grill top), to a light-weight 

portable amusement to take to 

a party. This Bonfire 2.0 with a 

stand is £274.99 eu.solostove.com 



Shopping 

2023 

& Sparkles at 

Wealden Times Midwinter Fair 

We returned to The Hop Farm with a festive bang this year, thrilled to be back in 

our lovely warm marquees surrounded by so many smiling faces. Taking into 

account feedback from previous years, we increased the size of our food and drink 

spaces, and made sure there was plenty of extra seating and caterers to allow our visitors 

even more time to catch up with friends and family between exploring the stands. 

Our fantastic exhibitors spent hours curating and displaying their wares on set-up day, and 

choosing the best stand was certainly tricky. After much debate, No. 3 – the incredibly stylish 

fashion, homeware and lifestyle boutique in Lenham – were presented with the award, and 

it was very well deserved, too! If you missed them, find out more at no3lenham.co.uk. 

Thank you to everyone who came to shop, those who were exhibiting, our harmonious school choirs, 

and to our wonderful sponsors, Neptune Tonbridge. We loved seeing a sea of sage green hessian shoppers 

snaking away from their beautiful stand by the ticket office as they were presented to visitors on arrival. 

We’re sure to be seeing them reused on future shopping trips around the Weald for years to come. 

And don’t forget, if you found a stand that you absolutely love, but can’t 

remember what it’s called, you can have a look through our digital Show 

Guide at wealdentimes.co.uk/advertise/read-our-magazines-online.php. 

istockphoto.com/ layritten 


The neutral backdrop Hannah 

has created is a harmonious foil, 

setting off the characterful pieces 

of furniture and artwork that the 

couple are starting to collect 


All isCalm 

Words: Jo Arnell Photographs: David Merewether 

Architect-trained interior designer Hannah Benton’s relocation from London to Deal has 

opened up lots of new opportunities for her and her young family, including the chance to 

combine expertise with her interior designer mum, Belinda, to rebrand Evernden Interiors 

as Studio Benton. Here she shows us around her own recently renovated Georgian terraced 

town house, just a couple of streets back from the town’s pretty pebbled seafront 

25 


• Automation and installation 

• Entry phones and access control 

• Hardwood, aluminium and metal 

gates made to order for automation 

and non-automation purposes 

• Supply-and-fit service for fully 

automated electric garage doors 

• Brick piers 

• Brick walls 

• Driveway alterations 

FREE SURVEYS & 

QUOTES PROVIDED 

TEL: 01483 379954 

info@harriergates.co.uk 

www.harriergates.co.uk 

HarrierGatesWT247.indd 

PLOT 

1 

OR NOT? 

If you think your land or 31/10/2022 11:39 

property has development 

potential, then give us 

a call without obligation 

and in confidence. 

We are always on 

the lookout for 

land and property 

with development 

potential. 

Many of our 

clients retain our 

services and, in the 

majority of cases, 

pay our fees saving 

property owners 

OR LAND AND significant PROPERTY costs. WITH DEVELOPMENT POTENTIAL 

Commercial buildings for residential 

conversion, former public houses, redundant 

buildings for redevelopment, buildings for 

conversion or replacement, houses for 

improvement, large sites on the edge of town, 

barn conversions, large gardens in residential 

areas and major regeneration projects. 

in the majority of 

significant costs. 

blic houses, redundant 

replacement, houses 

conversions, large 

jects. 

Contact Stephen Donnelly on 

07739 514350 or 01892 579937 

website: sjd-projects.com 

email: steve@sjd-projects.com 

For more information contact 

Stephen Donnelly on: 

07739 514350 / 01892 579937 

steve@sjd-projects.com 

For regular updates, visit us at 

twitter.com/projects 

sjd-projects.com 

priceless-magazines.com 

26

Above: In the cosy sitting room, Hannah opened up the original fireplace and sourced a reclaimed surround, installing a new wood burner 

Hannah Benton has been busy. 

Since deciding to leave her 

London life and relocate 

with her partner Jack to the pretty 

coastal town of Deal, she’s joined forces 

with her mother Belinda and formed 

interiors company Studio Benton, and 

renovated her new house. In the middle 

of this – and not long after Studio 

Benton was born – so was son Jasper. 

“I was in London working in an 

interior design company,” says Hannah, 

and, as for so many people around 

that time, Covid inspired a ‘what next’ 

question. “There was always going 

to be a move to the country, but I 

guess this accelerated the process. Jack 

and I made the decision to relocate 

to Deal and that precipitated the 

business move. Geographically it made 

sense – it was hard to square with me 

being in London, so it was an obvious 

solution, and an ideal opportunity.” 

Studio Benton (which started off as 

Evernden Interiors in Cranbrook) have 

moved to Deal – to a beautiful period 

studio and showroom. The studio 

is just a short 20 minute walk away 

at the other end of the high street, a 

civilised step back for Hannah from the 

bustling pavements of West London. 

Hannah and Jack moved to their 

Georgian terraced town house between 

lockdowns starting work straight 

away. “The house hadn’t been lived 

in for a number of years. It was very 

dated, but luckily no structural work 

needed to be done. However, it needed 

completely new plumbing, heating 

and electrics. We had to totally strip 

it out and bring it up to date.” 

Layouts in old houses are not always 

ideal for modern living, but Hannah 

and Jack have managed to reorganise 

the ground floor and put a bathroom 

in upstairs. “Lots of Deal houses that 

are listed Georgian buildings have a 

single storey extension at the back,” 

she explains. “We also re-sized the 

opening between reception rooms, 

making it more spacious.” 

 

27 


This page: A reclaimed rectory table sits in the centre 

of the dining room. Hannah’s joiner curved the edges, 

sanded it back and used a seal of white Danish oil to 

give it a contemporary feel. Applying the advice she 

gives to clients to her own house, Hannah has bought 

and re-imagined vintage pieces throughout. “You have 

to have an environmental conscience in any business. 

It also means that you can achieve a unique look. It 

can be much more enjoyable and clients end up with 

something that’s really special or a vintage piece imbued 

with stories,” she says, adding: “It can be hard – and 

sometimes expensive to replicate that with new.” 

There are two large fireplaces in the ground floor 

rooms that needed some serious renovation. “In the 

sitting room there was a 1970s bulky gas number,” 

she says, “we opened up the original fireplace and 

sourced a reclaimed surround.” They decided against 

an open fire and, for practicality and ease, put in a 

wood burner. “The fireplace in the dining room has 

a bulkier surround – in an ideal world we would 

have changed that too, but instead we went for a 

period style insert. It’s all about creating a cohesive 

and cosy Georgian feeling within the backdrop.” 

Deciding on the look of the interior appears to 

have been fairly straightforward for architect-trained 

interior designer Hannah. Unsurprisingly she was 

craving a calm, streamlined effect. “We wanted 

the house to feel grounded,” she says. The neutral 

backdrop she has created is a harmonious foil, setting 

off the characterful pieces of furniture and artwork 

that the couple are starting to collect. “We’d been 


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This page: Hannah and Jack have used either Little Greene’s Portland Stone, or its close neighbour Portland Stone Light, 

throughout the house. The colour works perfectly to enable Hannah to create a serene canvas for living in 

in rented prior to this,” she explains. 

“We wanted the house to evolve with 

us and for it to be fairly neutral.” 

Choosing natural materials ensures 

a timeless feel – that can be used in 

either a traditional or contemporary 

space. The juxtaposition has been 

beautifully achieved here – period 

furniture mixes well with more 

contemporary pieces, colourful 

artworks sing out from the walls. “Jack 

and I have enjoyed starting to buy from 

local artists. There are lots of them in 

Deal and around the area. We’re just 

at the beginning of that journey.” 

31 


This page: Despite its narrow proportions, the kitchen has ample storage. The built-in cupboard unit is painted in Hopper by Little Greene 

The paint colour they chose, 

a favourite of Hannah’s, is Little 

Greene’s Portland Stone, a warm, 

grey neutral that seems to change 

in different lights, taking on hints 

of green, grey or brown depending 

on the time of day and the weather. 

It’s an ideal shade to use in a coastal 

property – and this house is only two 

streets away from the sea. They have 

used either Portland Stone, or its 

close neighbour Portland Stone Light, 

throughout the house. The colour 

works perfectly to enable Hannah to 

create a serene canvas for living in. 

A key part of the renovation process 

was choosing the right flooring – it 

needed to be hard-wearing, warm and 

reflect the original building’s charm 

and elegance. They have installed wide, 

reclaimed floorboards throughout 

most of the ground floor, which are in 

keeping with the age of the house and, 

once sanded and sealed, bring a natural 

warmth. They needed a practical 

flooring solution for the kitchen, and 

Hannah was keen to keep a pared 

back natural feel in this room too. 

“We decided to go with cork in the 

kitchen – and went light on sealant, 

as I loved the texture. We should have 

done a thicker layer of varnish, but 

it makes it much darker,” she adds, 

“but it’s easy to clean – like wood 

you can sand it, so periodically you 

can do this and get it back as good 

as new.” This is the great thing about 

using good quality natural materials 

– they are forgiving and restorable. 

The large Georgian sash windows 

are single glazed and painted the 

same colour as the walls, but in 

eggshell. “The windows are of such 

good proportions,” says Hannah, 

“and the front of the house faces east, 

while the back is to the west, so the 

light bounces around the house in 

the morning and the afternoon. 


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This page: The galley kitchen and bathroom are in the extended part of the house and reach down the garden. “We use the 

breakfast bar quite a lot,” says Hannah, “it’s a nice alternative to the dining room and it’s a fun, characterful space.” 

It’s really light and bright.” Hannah 

has used simple window treatments 

to enhance this airy brightness. 

A reclaimed rectory table sits in the 

centre of the dining room. “It had 

years and years of built up stains on 

it,” Hannah explains, “it’s beautifully 

solid, but a bit trad and heavy. Our 

joiner curved the edges, sanded it 

back and used a seal of white Danish 

oil, which gives it a contemporary 

feel – and being in the middle of the 

house we’re operating around it. It’s 

amazing that it became so light. Old 

oak quality is so much better – there’s 

a beautiful grain, but uncovering it 

can be an unpredictable process.” This 

is something that Hannah is more 

than aware of when helping clients 

to source furniture and architectural 

objects. “It’s nice to have a oneoff 

piece,” she says, “buying and 

re-imagining vintage pieces – reusing 

them again – is important. You have 

to have an environmental conscience 

in any business. It also means that, 

especially when working with tighter 

budgets, you can achieve a unique 

look. It can be much more enjoyable 

and clients end up with something 

that’s really special or a vintage piece 

imbued with stories,” she says, adding: 

“It can be hard – and sometimes 

expensive to replicate that with new.” 

Upstairs in the main bedroom – a 

pared back, serene room – the walls are 

Portland Stone Light and are a great 

background for the full length curtains, 

which are the focal point of the room, 

like a golden waterfall. There is an 

understated feel in here – it is calm, 

bright and uncluttered. At the front of 

the house, this restful room faces east, 

so the morning light, even if the sun 

isn’t shining, is aptly framed with gold. 

Somehow Hannah and Jack have 

managed to squeeze a shower room 

in between the two bedrooms, so 

35 


“You have to let loose somewhere,” laughs Hannah. “The downstairs loo is where 

you get your fix of brilliantly bright and slightly bonkers colour. You can take 

risks in smaller rooms. I wondered if I’d tire of it, but it was fun to do.” 

 


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This page: Directly above the main bedroom 

on the third floor is another bedroom. Panelling 

on one wall negates the need for a headboard 

and, again, Hannah has included furniture 

with history for a warm and interesting feel 

that there’s a bathroom on the first floor. 

“It’s bijou,” says Hannah, “but feels more 

spacious due to the painted tongue-andgroove 

panelling. There’s room for an 

enclosed tiled shower, basin and loo.” 

Jasper’s room is on the other side of 

the bathroom, facing the rear, but equally 

calm and bright. The colour splash in 

here emanates from a strawberry coloured 

nursing chair in the corner, a colour picked 

up in the simple blind made from one of 

Hannah’s favourite fabric designers, Josef 

Frank, sourced from Svenskt Tenn in 

Sweden. “I like to use pops of colour in the 

calm. There’s an essence of that throughout 

the house, which gives more freedom.” 

Directly above the main bedroom on 

the third floor is another bedroom. 

39 


This page: The main bedroom is a pared back, serene room 

which faces east, making the most of the morning light 

This is a big room, so they have been able to carve out one wall 

for full-width built in wardrobes. Back downstairs, right at the 

far end of the house, there is a burst of sunshine – on a sunny 

day you would glimpse this through the windows – but today 

the strong yellow light emanates from the downstairs bathroom, 

a splash of gold that contrasts beautifully with the cool warmth 

everywhere else. “You have to let loose somewhere,” she laughs. 

“The downstairs loo is where you get your fix of brilliantly 

bright and slightly bonkers colour. You can take risks in smaller 

rooms. I wondered if I’d tire of it, but it was fun to do.” 

The kitchen and bathroom are in the extended part and reach 

down the garden. “They cut the plot in half at the back of the 

house, so its a galley kitchen,” she explains. “It was interesting 

with three of us in here cooking Christmas dinner, but you 

adapt to the space that you have – having rented in London, I’ve 

operated in much more confined spaces. We use the breakfast 

bar quite a lot – it’s a nice alternative to the dining room and it’s 

a fun, characterful space.” The kitchen’s ceiling is tongue-andgroove 

and the whole room is painted in Portland Stone Light. 

Outside there is a small courtyard garden. “I got quite inspired 

by our coastal location,” she says, “and used gravel and pots. It 

was light and bright as the stones bounce light around. But then 

suddenly I viewed it through different eyes,” she laughs, “It 


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41 

SashWindowHeritageWT187.indd 1 15/08/2017 15:18


Previous page: Hannah and Jack have 

succeeded in squeezing a shower room 

into the space between the main bedroom 

and Jasper’s nursery This page: Studio 

Benton’s Interior & Architecture Design 

space is housed in an English Heritage 

building across the road from Deal Castle 

was too delicious-looking for Jasper.” 

The size of the garden and the 

separate kitchen have been the 

deciding factors in the family’s 

decision to move – to another 

property nearby. “Having a kitchen 

diner was a good motivator for the 

move,” she explains. “The new house 

is just down the road. We’re going 

to be living in rented for six months 

while we do the next house. It’s a 

terraced Victorian – beautifully light 

and bright – triple aspect as it’s end of 

terrace. I like Victorian proportions 

and big bay windows and they are very 

solid.” There will also be room for 

a studio for Jack (a music producer) 

and a slightly bigger garden. 

Has it been hard to move, now that 

this house is looking so beautiful? 

“In a way, yes,” says Hannah, “but 

the new owners are delighted, so it’s 

been a lovely end to the chapter – 

and a good start to the new one.” 

Ending the year as an exciting 

new project begins is a good place 

to leave Hannah and Jack – and I 

have a hopeful feeling that we’ll be 

able to take a peek at the results of 

their Victorian adventure within 

these pages before too long. 

Address Book: 

To find out more about Studio Benton 

visit studiobenton.co.uk and follow 

them on Instagram @studio.benton 

43 


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45 


A house, 

transformed 

Following her appearance on Season 4 of Interior Design Masters, 

Charlotte Fisher’s interior design confidence has rocketed. Here, 

she guides us round her own home, a complete renovation project 

that she’s tackled over the past five years with her husband, Sam 

Words: Antonia Deeson Photographs: David Merewether 


To have one creative string to your 

bow is all well and good. To 

have two is a major achievement. 

Mother of one, lawyer, dancer, singer 

and actor Charlotte Fisher can now add 

interior designer and TV personality to 

the ever-expanding list of her talents. 

For anyone who, like me, is an avid 

fan of Interior Design Masters, Charlotte 

will be instantly recognisable. Making 

it to episode three in this year’s series, 

it was her controversial placement 

of a bed in the luxury hotel project 

that was sadly to be her downfall. 

“I never really thought I would make 

it to the final show when I applied,” says 

Charlotte who is talking to me with a 

small bundle of joy sitting quietly on 

her lap (since filming wrapped earlier 

this year, she became mum to baby boy 

Elton). “I am a practising lawyer and 

I had no experience in interior design, 

apart from doing interiors for myself. 

I was doing our house in Surrey when 

I applied, and we had also converted 

a small bungalow in Cornwall, but I 

had no professional background and 

so finding myself there with so much 

talent around me, well it was a bit of 

a ‘pinch me’ moment!” she says. 

“With so many big characters like 

the fellow designers Tom Power, Jack 

Kinsey and winner Monika Charchula 

making their mark, the experience, whilst 

stressful and a complete whirlwind, was 

very positive and taught me more about 

interior design in a few months than I 

could have ever learnt in the real world. 

We had to source everything ourselves 

during the week, which was really hard 

when I was also working full time. 

We had to load a van and drive it to 

the location and I was pregnant at the 

time, so it was a pretty insane schedule. 

I really loved working alongside Tom 

especially, and to be honest I thought 

he would be the eventual winner.” 

So just how does a lawyer get to have 

so many creative threads in her life? “I 

have always been very creative,” says 

Charlotte. “I studied arts at school but at 

university I studied law, It’s always been a 

bit of a seesaw between the two parts of 

me, the artistic and the intellectual. After 

university I trained in musical theatre 

and did some acting in London but then 

as the recession hit, I returned to law and 

did the singing and dancing in my spare 

time. The design story began when 

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48

Previous pages & above: “My kitchen was inspired by the kitchen in the TV show, Dr Foster,” says Charlotte. The units are from Ikea and 

Charlotte and Sam added a quartz worktop to give it a feeling of luxury 

my husband Sam and I bought our first 

house together and I kind of fell into it. 

We did a small extension to that property 

and I took on the interiors. Luckily my 

husband is very practical with DIY but 

entirely colour blind, so he left me to 

do all the decorating, which was great!” 

Having cut their teeth on their first 

house, Charlotte and Sam decided to 

move to a bigger project. Five years 

ago they bought a dormer bungalow in 

Ashtead and converted it into a three 

floor house, completely renovating it 

from top to toe, adding an extension 

and most recently a two bed attic 

conversation. “We’re hoping to sell 

the house now as I just want to get 

stuck into a new design project,” says 

Charlotte. “The main part of the house 

was done before I did Interior Design 

Masters – the upper floor and nursery 

were done after the show and I feel 

like I had so much more confidence 

and I think you can see it in my choice 

of fabrics and colours. It’s all my style 

still, but with the new bedrooms, well 

they are a bit more adventurous in the 

design and more colourful, whereas the 

rest of the house is more neutral with 

pops of colour. I think I learnt to trust 

my instincts and those bedrooms are an 

homage to what I learnt in that process.” 

The entire house was gutted and the 

living space reconvened by Charlotte and 

Sam. To the back of the house is now 

a fantastic open plan family kitchen, 

dining and sitting area with large skylight 

and sliding doors which flood the space 

with natural light. “We spend most of 

our time in here, it’s a great room for 

family life,” says Charlotte, who also has 

two dogs as part of her growing family. 

The far wall of the kitchen features a 

bold exposed brick wall, created from 

slips. “I wanted a brick wall but when 

I realised the builders were using block 

and not brick for the extension, I had 

to work out a way to create the look I 

was after, so I ended up using brick slips. 

They were difficult to put on and as 

you can see, the grouting is cement, so 

it’s a bit trickier than normal tile grout 

as you can’t just wipe it off and make it 

pretty. But I wanted an industrial feel – 

something modern as we use this room a 

lot – so I think the effort was worth it.” 

“My kitchen was inspired by the 

kitchen in the TV show, Dr Foster,” 

says Charlotte. “The units are Ikea, 

I love Ikea for kitchens as they are so 

cost effective and always look great. 

We added a quartz worktop to give it 

a feeling of luxury. I wanted a contrast 

between the island and the rest of the 

units so we added a real wood top and 

black doors to give it some definition. 

The walls are done in a very pale grey 

and I use accessories on the shelves to 

add colour, in fact I made the shelves 

myself out of planks, which I then 

varnished. The three amber glass pendant 

lights are from Matalan, which is a 

bit of a go-to for me for lighting.” 

By the dining area is a sumptuous 

blue velvet sofa from Sofology, Charlotte 

took the colours from the rug from 

Nuloom to act as a source for the rest 

of the room. “The blue chairs I bought 

from Amazon and the two end feature 

chairs are the classic Ghost chair 

from John Lewis. It’s bright but not 

49 


Above: By the dining area is a sumptuous blue 

velvet sofa from Sofology. The blue dining chairs 

were bought from Amazon and the two end feature 

chairs are the classic Ghost chair from John Lewis 

Left: Charlotte wanted a contrast between the 

island and the rest of the units so added a real wood 

top and black doors to give it some definition 

overbearing and you can always change the accessories 

around if you get bored, but I left the background 

quite neutral.” Space saving sliding doors open from 

the dining area on to the garden and patio outside 

and Charlotte has opted for Crittal style glazing 

panels to underline the industrial look of the room 

that she had chosen. On the wall sits a vertical 

radiator from Soak which she has used all around 

the house. Above the wooden top dining table, 

a large light from Wayfair mirrors the industrial 

linearity of the doors. Ever practical, Charlotte has 

transformed the box covering the room’s pocket 

door with blackboard paint, an essential tool for 

any family on the move. A pair of doors covered 

in a complex geometric design, made by hand by 

Charlotte (with help from accountant Sam) leads 

from the family space into a study/playroom – a 

useful place for the growing mountain of toys! 

In the sitting room next door, Charlotte shows off 

her love for Art Deco. “I love Farrow & Ball’s Inchyra 

Blue and thought this was the perfect room for it. 

People always say you should paint a dark room in 

a pale or a white but I decided to embrace the 


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51 


Charlotte has used a velvet fabric on the blind to blend into the room, but 

opted for a bold tropical pattern from Just Fabrics for the curtain to hide an 

old door. “I love the Art Deco drinks trolley from Audenza, it’s perfect for the 

look, but I’m not sure how long it will last with a small person around!” 

dark and I think the colour actually 

makes it much more chic.” The parquet 

flooring, which was put in by Sam, adds 

a light reflective surface under foot and 

the wallpaper feature wall, in Lotus, 

an Art Deco-style print also by Farrow 

& Ball, matches the paint colour. 

Charlotte created a gallery wall of art 

and then cleverly hid the TV in a frame 

so it disappears entirely. Beneath the wall 

she has added an Ikea cupboard which 

she hacked by painting and adding metal 

inlays and new handles. The coffee table 

is from Barker & Stonehouse, a brand 

which reminds Charlotte of home, as 

they are based in Middlesborough close 

to where she was born. The rug is from 

Habitat which was the colour source 

for the room, blending the pink and 

blue. Charlotte has added her magic 

touch to what she says was a quite basic 

sofa – with an array of bright cushions, 

giving pops of colour and texture. 

On the blind she’s used a velvet fabric 


This page: Charlotte has opted for Farrow & Ball’s Inchyra Blue in the sitting room along with a feature wall, in Lotus, an Art Decostyle 

print also by Farrow & Ball, which matches the paint colour Page left: Charlotte created a gallery wall of art to hide the TV in a 

frame, so it disappears entirely. The Ikea cupboard below has been hacked by painting and adding metal inlays and new handles 

to blend into the room, but opted for a 

bold tropical pattern from Just Fabrics 

for the curtain (a skill she learnt in 

Interior Design Masters) to hide an old 

door. “I tried to get rid of the old cabinet 

but even the charity shop said no thanks, 

so I decided to paint it bright yellow 

and now it’s become one of the main 

features of the room and it works so well 

with the curtain fabric. I also love the 

Art Deco drinks trolley from Audenza, 

it’s perfect for the look, but I’m not sure 

how long it will last with a small person 

around! I found the fire surround on 

eBay for a tenner and I added that as 

it is. I love finding cost-effective things 

like that online, it’s such a buzz.” 

A shower room on the ground floor, 

a throwback to the former bungalow 

layout of the house, is a contemporary 

essay in monochrome, with two 

herringbone tiled dark grey walls 

juxtaposed with the Carrera marble 

effect ceramic floor and wall tiles. 

Black shower fittings and accessories 

are mirrored with the radiator from 

Soak and a lovely textured black and 

white Moroccan style countertop 

basin from Victorian Plumbing. 

On the former dormer floor are now 

three bedrooms and two bathrooms. The 

guest room features a bold geometric 

removable teal wallpaper and shows off 

the bold triptych print of the whale, 

which Charlotte found on Etsy. “It’s 

all about the teal in this room, and I 

added little pops of gold in the Bunny 

Lights from Iconic Lighting. The 

side tables I upcycled from Argos.” 

Charlotte has repeated the geometric 

pattern on the wall on the monochrome 

rug from Ikea. “The guest room was 

53 


The green room wallpaper 

is by Jack Kinsey for Rebel 

Walls. “It’s quite French to 

use wallpaper on a vaulted 

ceiling so this works really 

well, I very much wanted 

to use one of Jack’s papers. I 

kept a channel of green paint, 

which I colour matched to 

the wallpaper, by Valspar.” 

This page: The monochrome downstairs wet room features a beautiful basin from Victorian Plumbing 

done before I did the show and the 

nursery next door was done afterwards. 

I think you can see my confidence as a 

designer at work.” The stunning nursery 

wallpaper mural is from Munks & Me, 

a small brand. “I wanted the jungle 

theme,” says Charlotte, “as blue is too 

cliched and I felt the wallpaper really 

has the wow factor. The mustard yellow 

and sage green became the core colours 

and I took my inspiration from that. My 

mum gave me the crib, but even though 

it’s second hand and nothing special, I 

really think the quality of the wallpaper 

just elevates everything around it. The 

yellow rug is from IKEA. I took the tiger 

and giraffe motifs from the paper and 

they now also appear in the toys which 


Above: The guest room features a bold geometric removable 

teal wallpaper and a triptych print of a whale which Charlotte 

found on Etsy Right: The family bathroom, in Farrow & 

Ball Bancha, follows a tropical theme with wood effect tiles 

that run from the floor and up the wall behind the bath 

is quite fun. My baby just loves looking at it for hours.” 

For the main bedroom Charlotte opted for a very dark 

shade – Dulux Azura Blue – which she believes induces 

a good sleep. “I actually wish I had painted the ceiling in 

the blue as well, I think it would look even stronger,” she 

says. As in the other guest bedroom Charlotte has had 

fun playing with wall treatments and opted for a mural 

feature wall behind the bed which is by Woodchip and 

Magnolia. “I love murals on walls, it’s a great way to get a 

big piece of art into a room, and it also directed the other 

pops of colour that I have incorporated.” The sputnik 

light on the ceiling mirrors the gold wall lights which 

Charlotte sourced from B&Q and the two Argos bedside 

tables were again given the upcycling treatment by 

Charlotte who painted them and added the gold knobs. 

A folding door, which Charlotte prefers for en suites, 

leads into her bathroom. White and minty green tiles 

keep the look fresh and glamorous along with marble and 

gold features. A bedroom armchair in a fabric from Just 

Fabrics was re-upholstered by Charlotte, a skill which 

she learnt before she did the TV show. “I’m so pleased 

with the chair, it goes with the blue wall colour so well.” 

For window treatments Charlotte featured 

 

55 


velvet curtains from Wayfair for the 

French doors, which open to the 

Juliette balcony and a grey blind 

that mirrors a grey feature wall. 

The family bathroom is a tropical 

theme, with wood effect tiles that run 

from the floor and up the wall behind 

the bath, which Charlotte did herself. 

The walls are painted in Farrow & Ball 

Bancha green and a statement blind in a 

tropical print is from Blinds 2go. “The 

vintage bamboo mirror was my mum’s,” 

smiles Charlotte, “there’s also a matching 

stand. They’re both originals from the 

1970s so I decided they would look 

great in here and complete the look.” 

The latest addition to the house are 

the two top floor bedrooms, completed 

post Interior Design Masters. Both have 

attic roof lines with open rafters and 

so Charlotte has kept the silhouettes 

bold. The green room wallpaper is by 

Jack Kinsey for Rebel Walls. “It’s quite 

French to use wallpaper on a vaulted 

ceiling so this works really well and I 

very much wanted to use one of Jack’s 

papers. I kept a channel of green paint, 

which I colour matched to the wallpaper, 

by Valspar. The bamboo headboard is a 

John Lewis second hand find, which I 

am really pleased with, it looks fantastic 

and I then kept a similar feeling for the 

rattan in the lampshade. The vintage 

50s pink ottoman was my Nana’s, I have 

been keeping hold of it for years and 

usually it just doesn’t work, but I knew 


Above: Charlotte has created a cosy and inviting space in the nursery with a palette of mustards, sage greens and 

creams. The wallpaper mural is from Munks & Me, a small brand Left: The main bedroom en suite 

I would find a place for it one day and 

for this room it just looks perfect. The 

lights are from Online Lighting and I 

made the cushions from a tropical fabric 

with flamingos from Just Fabrics which 

work great with the plain cushions and 

throw from Dusk. The bedside tables 

with mother of pearl inlay are from TK 

Maxx and I loved them as they look a 

bit like tree stumps which just works so 

well in here up in the rafters. I really feel 

this room shows off my confidence as 

a designer and I am very proud of it.” 

For the second attic room, Charlotte 

wanted to recreate the new plaster finish. 

“I wanted to do a plaster effect as I so 

loved the colour of the fresh plaster, but 

I tried to do a treatment on it to set it, 

but it went really streaky so I found this 

Farrow & Ball Setting Plaster colour 

and it’s just right. I made the headboard 

with a fabric, again from Just Fabrics, 

which I added to some padding and 

three pieces of MDF, it’s a new skill 

57 


Above: In the main bedroom Charlotte 

opted for a very dark shade – Dulux 

Azura Blue. The feature wall behind the 

bed is by Woodchip and Magnolia 

Left: A folding door leads into 

the main bedroom en suite 

that I learnt from the show and I am 

thrilled with it. The bed throw is from 

Christie at Dunelm and the cushions 

are from IKEA and Habitat. The feature 

lampshade is by Zara Home and really 

makes the statement in this room. 

Charlotte Fisher has proved that with 

experience comes confidence. She has 

taken her hobby and love for interiors 

and decorating and through her hard 

work and tenacity, turned it into a 

skill of which she can be very proud, 

marrying high street finds with online 

treasures. I am very sure that we will 

be hearing more from this one-woman 

dynamo, tap shoes in one hand and paint 

brush in the other. Bravo Charlotte! 

Address Book: 

To follow Charlotte’s interior 

design projects, see 

Instagram @thehousethatcharlottebuilt 

and charlotte-fisher.com 

Munks & Me munksandme.com 

Rebel Walls rebelwalls.com/uk 


Get the 

LOOK 

1 The Box black metal pendant with organic vintage bulb £180 Cotterell & Co cotterellandco.com 2 Dark green 

sketched flower and bird wallpaper mural £32/m 2 Bobbi Beck bobbibeck.com 3 Pink bar opal ball wall lamp 

£249 Lime Lace limelace.co.uk 4 St Lucia rattan four bed £2,650 Sweetpea & Willow sweetpeaandwillow.com 

5 Elton The Gorilla table lamp £120 Ella James ellajames.co.uk 6 Humbug stool £135 Sweetpea & Willow 

sweetpeaandwillow.com 7 Nomad Masai cushion cover £41.99 Walton & Co waltonshop.co.uk 8 Zara blush pink 

velvet ottoman storage cube £151 Danetti danetti.com 9 Helena clear chair £140 Sazy sazy.com 

59 


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The Priceless Christmas Supplement 

Stocking 

Fillers 

Fill your stockings with these small but brilliant gifts to get Christmas started right 

Milk chocolate coins £4.49 

Selfridges selfridges.com 

Kazoo karaoke tin game 

£8.50 Talking Tables 

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Rosso Vivo limited edition 

lipstick £40 Code8 codeeight.com 

Name necklace £79 

Abbott Lyon abbottlyon.com 

Liberty 4 NC Wireless Noise 

Cancelling Earbuds £79.99 

Soundcore uk.soundcore.com 

Five Golden 

Flings nail 

lacquer £14.90 

OPI opi.com 

Apple & Cinnamon 

Coconut Rapeseed Candle 

£12 Authentic House 

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CBD lip balm with 

essential oils £10 

Healing Alternatives 

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Guardian Angel Gilt Drop 

Earrings £85 Dominic 

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Stainless steel hip flask £9.50 

John Lewis johnlewis.com 

Sylvanian Families Baby fairytale 

series collectable figure £3.49 

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Rocket bath bomb £3.99 

Mini U miniu.co.uk 

63 


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64


Last Minute 

Gifts 

These crowd-pleasing gifts are quick, easy and great when you’re short on time! 

Knitted tassel throw £35 

M&S marksandspencer.com 

Sharp’s Toffee 

Liqueur £30 (70cl) 

Maidstone Distillery 

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The Spirit of London 

jigsaw £15.99 Batsford 

batsfordbooks.com 

Super Mario Blow Up! Shaky 

Tower £20 Hamleys hamleys.com 

Le Creuset volcanic 

stoneware mug £15 


Brushed stripe scarf £25 National 

Trust shop.nationaltrust.org.uk 

Polar Dewberry & Cardamom 

scented candle £98 Emma J Shipley 

emmajshipley.com 

DualSense wireless controller 

£64.99 John Lewis johnlewis.com 

Santa Jolly 

Ginger £7.95 

Biscuiteers 

biscuiteers.com 

So Chill USB Mini Fridge £39.99 


The Traitors 2023 special 

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Ginger Fox gingerfox.co.uk 

Singing Encanto Mirabel doll 

£14.99 Amazon amazon.co.uk 

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66


Cards & 

Wrappings 

Put the finishing touches to your gifts with fabulous cards and wrapping 

Wreath wrapping paper 

£3 Afternoon Crumbs 

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Letter W wrapping paper and 

gift tag £1.65 Storigraphic 

storigraphic.com 

Iconic Edinburgh charity cards £3.99 

(pack of 10) Shelter shop.shelter.org.uk 

Mistletoe Christmas card £3 

Megan Threadgold Illustration 

meganthreadgold.com 

Fair trade green florals wrapping 

paper and gift tag £2.49 Sourced by 

Oxfam onlineshop.oxfam.org.uk 

Stags ribbon, £6.50 

Sophie Allport 

sophieallport.com 

Fully recyclable nutcracker cards designed 

in Kent £12 (pack of 6) Catherine Jane 

Designs catherinejanedesigns.co.uk 

Hand block printed Cherry 

Cake red wrapping paper £3 

Molly Mahon mollymahon.com 

Watercolour card £15 Imogen 

Partridge imogenpartridge.com 

Nutcracker wrapping 

paper £2.50/sheet 

Making Meadows 

makingmeadows.co.uk 

Model carrying gifts 

card, £6 (pack of 8) 

V&A vam.ac.uk 

Kettle’s Yard cards £14.50 

Cambridge Imprint 

cambridgeimprint.co.uk 

Partridge gift tags £3.95 

Nancy & Betty Studio 

nancyandbetty.com 

Avocado stripe 

wrapping paper £2.75 

Once Upon a Tuesday 

onceuponatuesday.co.uk 

Wired ribbon £12.50 and 

filigree tissue paper £7.50 

Cox & Cox coxandcox.co.uk 

Festive food wrapping 

paper £3.99 (pack of 4) 

Shelter shop.shelter.org.uk 

Slate grey vintage ribbon £4.96 (5m) 

Cambridge Imprint cambridgeimprint.co.uk 

BHF charity cards £4.99 (pack of 10) Cards 

for Good Causes cardsforcharity.co.uk 

67 


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Jumpers 

For Joy 

Keep the whole family warm and cosy in festive knits that aren’t just for Christmas 

Lucy Mecklenburgh boys 

jumper from £15 Very very.co.uk 

Serenity star jumper £75 

Monsoon monsoon.co.uk 

Block stripe 

jumper £32 M&S 

marksandspencer.com 

Lambswool crew neck 

£69 Community Clothing 

communityclothing.co.uk 

Fabienne Chapot 

Gabi pullover £149 

Odyl odyldesign.com 

Sugarhill Brighton Cece jumper 

£59 Experience the Difference 

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Girls Harper knit jumper 

£44.95 Barbour barbour.com 

Rodney knitted 

dog jumper £38 

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Ready-made frozen cook meals 

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Eat, Drink & 

Be Merry 

Stock up on food, drinks and all the trimmings for a bountiful festive season 

Merry Christmas chocolate 

bar £10.99 Melt Chocolates 

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Dolce & Gabbana pistachio panettone £66.30 

The Panettone Store thepanettonestore.co.uk 

Cold pressed rapeseed oil set £18 Kentish 

Oils & Condiments kentishcondiments.com 

Christmas Biskies 

£29.99 (box of 6) 

Cutter & Squidge 

cutterandsquidge.com 

Whole KellyBronze free range turkey 

£102.02 Kent Turkeys kentturkeys.co.uk 

Double chocolate orange 

Christmas pudding £10 

National Trust 

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Premium flavoured 

gin shot £29.95 

(70cl) Wattshot 

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Brandy butter £5.99 

(210g) Selfridges 

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Blanc de Blancs 

2018 sparkling wine 

£65 Gusbourne 

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Premium unfiltered 

extra virgin olive oil 

£39.50 The Governor 

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Unbelievably 

vegan large festive 

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Hotel Chocolat 

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Silent Pool Gin 

Magnum £99 Silent Pool 

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Tough Nut moonshine 

£26.90 (700ml) 

O’Donnell Moonshine 

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Festive Turkish delight 

selection £12.50 

Cartwright & Butler 

cartwrightandbutler.co.uk 

All butter toffee apple curd 

£4.50 English Heritage 

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Christmas Spice Chutney 

Gift Jar £7.05 Tracklements 

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Side of cold smoked trout 

£30 (min 600g) ChalkStream 

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Handmade 

mince pies 

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71 


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istockphoto.com/ DiViArt 

Kent Fill Wine your stockings School, The with Print these House small and but The brilliant King’s gifts Arms to get all share Christmas their Xmas morning dinner started tips 

The Wine 

“For a Christmas lunch with turkey 

or ham, Chardonnay is the food 

friendly white to go for. Look for cool 

climate influences and a subtle use of 

oak in the wine making. White Rioja 

and Chenin Blanc are good alternatives. 

My top red wine tip is Pinot Noir and 

softer Italian reds like Barbera and 

Valpolicella. Veggie and vegan dishes 

will also pair well with these wines.” 

– Jonny Gibson, Kent Wine School 

kentwineschool.com 

The Gravy 

Anything used to flavour turkey can 

flavour your gravy; roughly chop veg, 

herbs and turkey trimmings and chuck 

these into the tin before browning 

them off. Good quality stock will add 

extra flavour and I love the sweetsharp 

balance of Nightingale Cider. 

Reduce the gravy slowly, mashing the 

trimmings in as it cooks. Before serving, 

add some sprigs of fresh herbs and 

infuse for a few minutes. I also stir in 

crushed cobnuts (from Potash Farm 

in Kent) just before serving, for 

texture.” – Martin Elliot, Head Chef 

at The Print House in Tenterden 

theprinthousetenterden.com 

Recipes For 

Success 

The Starter 

“Make canapés instead of starters to save having to wash 

up knives and forks, and also to take the pressure off – 

people can have a chat and a nibble in the kitchen or 

living room, rather than wait expectantly at the table!” 

– Martin Elliot, Head Chef at The Print House 

Tenterden theprinthousetenterden.com 

The Turkey 

“To keep the turkey moist, make a sage 

butter with garlic, sage, lemon zest and salt, 

and smother under the skin, making sure it’s 

equally distributed. Then place sage and onion 

stuffing, an orange and a bunch of sage in the 

cavity. To keep the moisture consistent, we use 

a combo of steaming and roasting throughout, 

and for a nice crisp skin, we coat it in 

vegetable oil. Cook for 20 minutes per kilo 

in a roasting dish, remove from the oven and 

drain all the juices into your gravy. Then cover 

the bird with foil and kitchen cloths so it can 

rest whilst remaining hot.” – Steve Piddock 

Executive Chef at The King’s Arms in Elham 

thekingsarmselham.com 

The Sparkle 

“Christmas Day starts with presents 

and canapés around the tree. 

These light bites need something 

with acidity like Champagne or 

English sparkling wine.” – Jonny 

Gibson, Kent Wine School 

kentwineschool.com 

The Stuffing 

“Sauté finely chopped sage and diced 

shallots until soft and caramelised, 

and add fresh breadcrumbs. Combine 

this with a quality sausage meat (our 

preferred choice is Cumberland 

sausages) and roll the mix into a large 

sausage ballotine and then steam for 

20 to 30 minutes.” – Steve Piddock 

Executive Chef at The King’s Arms in 

Elham thekingsarmselham.com 

The Potatoes 

“Peel and cut the potatoes, steam for 

15-20 minutes, remove from the steamer, 

give the tray a good shake, and air dry 

until cool. Set the oven to 180°C and roast 

the potatoes in gastro trays with a good 

glug of vegetable oil for 20 to 30 minutes, 

tossing half way through, then drain the 

oil and roast for a further 10 minutes. To 

serve, toss the potatoes in a rosemary and 

garlic butter and season with a good 

pinch of Maldon salt.” – Steve 

Piddock, Executive Chef at The 

King’s Arms in Elham 

thekingsarmselham.com 

73 


Get ready for Christmas 

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You can find our fine handcrafted artisan cheeses at Borough Market, London and also in many local 

farmshops and delis. Alternatively look on our online store to browse and purchase from our selection. 

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74


Setting the 

Table 

Quirky and colourful dining and serveware make for a jolly festive feast! 

Winter wildflowers 

linen table cloth £125 

By Hope byhope.co.uk 

Canal House plates £55 (set of 

4) Bøde Living bode-living.com 

Feathered bird clips £22 (set of 

3) Cox & Cox coxandcox.co.uk 

Mermaid bud vase 

£32 Hannah B Pottery 

hannahbpottery.com 

Cotton tree napkins £27.50 (set of 4) 

Lottie Murphy lottie-murphy.com 

Red scallop napkin 

£8 Molly Mahon 

mollymahon.com 

Jaipur stripe block 

print napkin £24 

Rooh roohlondon.co.uk 

Je t’aime mug £39 

Richard Brendon 

richardbrendon.com 

Woodland green dinner candles 

£9.99 (pack of 6) St. Eval st-eval.com 

Rose quartz glass 

LED tree £25 

Truffle Tablescapes 

truffletablescapes.co.uk 

Brass leaf napkin 

rings £35 (set of 4) 

Nkuku nkuku.com 

Ceramic napkin rings 

£30 Layered Lounge 

layeredlounge.com 

Mouse side plate £22.50 

Jimbobart jimbobart.com 

Chelsea glass bowls £22 (set of 

2) Portmeirion portmeirion.co.uk 

Lou Rota Twelve Days of 

Christmas dessert plate £20 

Anthropologie anthropologie.com 

Tall drippy candle & 

holder set £30 LORDS 

lordsfragrancehouse.com 

Gold and ivory bowl set 

£65 Aaron Kearney Design 

aaronkearneydesign.com 

Polar luxury crackers £65 

(set of 6) Emma J Shipley 

emmajshipley.com 

Helen’s Stars linen tablecloth 

£195 Liberty libertylondon.com 

Bobble tumbler £16 each Turnbull 

& Hooch turnbullandhooch.co.uk 

Copa gin glass £12 Silent Pool 

silentpooldistillers.com 

Christmas family fun 

game £7 Talking Tables 


Shell cotton napkins 

£28 (set of 4) Eloise 

Home eloisehome.com 

Diggins ceramic pudding 

bowls £28 Loaf loaf.com 

Oval Casserole £309 Le 

Creuset lecreuset.com 

75 


8-9 Sun Street, Canterbury, CT1 2HX | www.tbcousins.co.uk | 01227 765 882


The Night 

before 

Christmas Fill your Eve stockings is where with the these magic small really but starts, brilliant so gifts get to set get with Christmas all things morning cosy and started festive! 

Throw Throw Burrito £24.99 


Mesa tabletop 

fire pit £89.99 

Solo Stoves 

solostove.com 

Gold stars stocking holder £18 Rockett 

St George rockettstgeorge.co.uk 

Personalised letter from Father 

Christmas £16 Marvellous Magical 

Mail marvellousmagicalmail.co.uk 

Harbour Mist herringbone wool 

blanket £149 Atlantic Blankets 

atlanticblankets.com 

Patiq Chestnut leather slippers £65 

MAKU maku.uk 

Calm waters short 

mug £34 Emily 

Doran Pottery 

emilydoranpottery.com 

Milk chocolate hot chocolate 

£12.99 Melt Chocolates 

meltchocolates.com 

Electric heater £1,195 

Everhot everhotessentials.co.uk 

Ianthe Blossom silk 

satin eye mask £55 

Liberty London 

libertylondon.com 

Winter Thyme 

tin candle 

St Eval £13.85 

st-eval.com 

Gold Mini 

Wishbone Bracelet 

£69 Lily & Roo 

lilyandroo.com 

Stillness pillow mist 

£29 Wildsmith Skin 

wildsmithskin.com 

The Nice Slice 

£16.95 

Hotel Chocolat 

hotelchocolat.com 

Leopard Print kids PJ set £24 

Rooh roohlondon.co.uk 

Medium Christmas cake 

(in a tin 575g) £19.99 


Wooden Santa sign 

£14 Talking Tables 


Iced Christmas Loaf Cake 

£14 Cartwright & Butler 

cartwrightandbutler.co.uk 

Spot the Intro Music 

Board Game £25 

Amazon amazon.co.uk 

Kids’ linen teepee play tent 

£99.95 The Little Green Sheep 

thelittlegreensheep.co.uk 

Ladies textured faux 

fur mule slippers 

£24 Totes totes.co.uk 



New Year’s 

Eve 

See in the New Year with a large glassful of glamour! We’ll see you in 2024! 

Disco Ball pendant £18 

Tatty Devine tattydevine.com 

Embroidered cocktail 

napkins £12 (set of 4) 


Gold tinsel fringe garland £19.50 

Rockett St George rockettstgeorge.co.uk 

Carpe Diem Sparkler stud 

earrings £145 Fei Liu 

feiliufinejewellery.com 

Light nude lipstick £20 

Chelsie Lane chelsielane.com 

Beosound A5 portable 

speaker £1,299 Bang & 

Olufsen bang-olufsen.com 

Silver sparkly 

clutch bag £79 

Phase Eight 

phase-eight.com 

Gatsby cocktail saucer 

pair £40 Dartington 

Crystal dartington.co.uk 

Pink glass cocktail shaker 

£52 Joanna Wood 

shop.joannawood.com 

Solid 9ct yellow 

gold, mother of 

pearl Cufflinks 

POA Eaton & Jones 

eatonandjones.co.uk 

Round mirrored tray 

£37.95 The Wisteria 

Tree thewisteriatree.co.uk 

Bardot midi dress £110 Scamp 

& Dude scampanddude.com 

Wine decanter and preserver 

in gold mirror finish £139 

eto etowine.com 

Iconoclast eyeshadow palette 

£47 Code8 codeeight.com 

Premium flavoured gin shot £29.95 

(70cl) Wattshot wattshot.com 

Moet & Chandon ‘let’s celebrate’ 

imperial brut Champagne £46.99 

Amazon amazon.co.uk 

C1 Moonphase 

watch £1,995 

Christopher Ward 

christopherward.com 

Submission Beauty 

Inc glitter £21 

(6g) Selfridges 


Juno hoop earrings £450 

with citrine pendants 

£390 KATA Jewellery 

katajewellery.com 

Fujifilm Instax Mini 40 

instant camera £99.99 


Metallic bow block heel 

sandals £75 Monsoon 

monsoon.co.uk 


78

Christmas Specialities 

from our Award Winning Patisserie 

Gorgeous gifts, Continental delicacies 

and traditional favourites this Christmas... 

Bachmanns’ luxury Christmas range, including our award-winning 

Chocolate Christmas Puddings, new Chocolate Rocher Christmas 

Trees, Stollen, mince pies and Christmas cakes, at Thames Ditton 

and Weybridge available from the end of November. Celebration 

cakes and party reception pastries are also available to order. 

Festive Season Opening Times: 

Monday to Saturday (11 th December - 23 rd December) 9am to 4pm 

24 th December - 28 th December CLOSED 

Friday 29 th December and Saturday 30 th December 9am to 4pm 

31 st December - 8 th January CLOSED 

Tuesday 9 th January Normal hours resume 

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from Everyone at Bachmanns 

Bachmanns Thames Ditton 

6 Criterion Buildings, 

Portsmouth Road, 

Thames Ditton, 

KT7 0SS 

Tel: 0208 398 1988 

Bachmanns Weybridge 

32 Church Street, 

Weybridge, 

KT13 8DX 

Tel: 01932 820247 

www.bachmanns.co.uk

Cranbrook, Kent TN17 3PS 

Everything you need for life in the country. 

Winter styles that will take 

you to Christmas & beyond! 

Join us for late night shopping on 

Thursday 7th & 21st December. 

www.charityfarmcountrystore.co.uk 

Contact us on 01580 713189 or info@charityfarmcoutrystore.co.uk! 

Bring some of your personality to your wardrobe 

with a personally tailored suit or jacket with a 

choice of fabrics, linings and trims. Complement 

your look with our stylish footwear. 

48 London Road, Sevenoaks, Kent, TN13 1AS 

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BLUE VELVET SHOES 

Visit Blue Velvet Shoes at 174 Kings Road, SW3 4UP or buy online www.bluevelvetshoes.com 


80

Bring the ballet 

to life 

Sparkle this party 

season with a sprinkling 

of inspiration from 

The Nutcracker 

Happiest slingback ballet pumps £80 

Dune dunelondon.com; handmade 

children’s tulle tutu £30 Sida Says 

sidasays.com; resin Mouse lamp 

£76 Seletti seletti.it/uk; gold plated 

sparkling star huggie earrings £35, 

single ear cuff £30, (on mouse’s tail) 

both Scream Pretty screampretty.com

La Musa The Curve pants £851 

Wolf & Badger wolfandbadger.com 

Drive Me Crazy vintage 

style gloves £18 

Joe Browns joebrowns.co.uk 

Year of the Rat necklace 

£160 Fei Liu Fine Jewellery 

feiliufinejewellery.com 

Amina Muaddi Rosie 

crystal-embellished slingback 

courts £450 Selfridges 


Maya embroidery military jacket 

blue £110 Monsoon monsoon.co.uk 

14k Gold Coronet Narrative 

ring stack £1,695 Dower & 

Hall dowerandhall.com 

istockphoto.com/ Gwengoat 

Ballet Pointe Shoe 

necklace £60 

Lily Charmed 

lilycharmed.com 

Phoebe double breasted 

pea coat brown £160 

Monsoon monsoon.co.uk 

Candy cane short drop Grace tulle skirt in vanilla 

earrings £6 accessorize £79 South of the River 

accessorize.com southoftheriver.co.uk 

Sugarplum Dreams 

Style an elegant and decadent festive look inspired by the Nutcracker 

with ballet shoes, chiffon and silk, sweet pinks and military details 

Emily watch £160 

Ted Baker tedbaker.com 

Ella tulle dress in antique 

rose £175 Phase Eight 

phase-eight.com 

Hanley Close 

Harlequin shoulder 

bag £239 Radley 

radley.co.uk 

Pink wrap front jumper £25 

Threadbare threadbare.com 

Silver double buckle Mary 

Jane £65 Oliver Bonas 

oliverbonas.com 

Ollie gold satin mini £220 Rebecca 

Rhoades rebeccarhoades.com 

Silver Fairy stud earrings £25 

Lily Charmed lilycharmed.com 

Annabelle terracotta 

puffy headband 

£19.50 Oliver Bonas 

oliverbonas.com 


Frolic of Fairy earrings 

£35 Tatty Devine 

Enamel dormouse 

brooch £21 Fable 

tattydevine.com England fableengland.com 

No Comparison suede boots 

£99 Joe Browns joebrowns.co.uk

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Party 

Perfect 

Over the next few pages, Charlotte Butterworth – aka theneedy.greedy 

– creates simple to prepare crowd-pleasing dishes for Christmas 

gatherings, drawing on her experience as a cookery teacher, 

recipe creator and party caterer. Well versed in fuss-free recipes 

for entertaining, Charlotte creates fabulous food for everything 

from intimate dinners and family celebrations to drinks parties 

and corporate events. She also runs cookery workshops in her 

lovely home (which you may have spotted in October’s issue) to 

help people rediscover their culinary mojo. You can find more of 

Charlotte’s recipes on Instagram and Facebook @theneedy.greedy 

Photographs: David Merewether 

Lamb tagine 

Serves 4-6 Prep time: 15 mins Cooking time: 2-3 hours 

This is the perfect recipe for entertaining, batch cooking or freezing 

ahead for Christmas. It’s best made a day or two before, or you 

can cook low and slow in the morning. This is lovely served with 

my giant cous cous and roast squash salad (see next page). 

• 750g lamb, cut into cubes 

• 2 red onions, sliced 

• 2 large garlic cloves, crushed 

• 1 cinnamon stick (or 1 tbsp dried cinnamon) 

• 2 tsp each of ground ginger, ground cumin, sweet paprika 

• 1 tin of chopped tomatoes 

• few strands of saffron, soaked in a tbsp warm water 

• half a bunch fresh coriander (15g approx), stems roughly chopped 

• 75g each of dried dates and dried apricots, roughly chopped 

• 1 tin of chickpeas, drained 

• toasted almonds and pomegranate seeds to decorate (optional) 

1. Heat some olive oil in a large casserole pan and gently fry the onions 

until soft. Add the spices and cook for a further couple of minutes. 

2. Heat some olive oil in a frying pan and brown the lamb. Add the onions, 

alongside the tomatoes, saffron in water and coriander stalks. Bring to a 

simmer and cook gently for 2-3 hours. You may need to add more water if on 

a hob, or in the oven, but be cautious with the liquid if using a slow cooker. 

3. Add the chickpeas and dried fruit 30 mins before the 

cooking has finished. Taste and season more if needed. 

To serve: sprinkle with toasted flaked almonds, pomegranate seeds and scatter 

over the coriander leaves. You could perhaps drizzle over some yoghurt, too. 

 

85 


Giant cous cous with 

roasted winter vegetables 

& pomegranate 

molasses dressing 

Serves 6 as a side Prep time: 15 mins 

Cooking time: 25 mins 

This goes so well with the tagine or 

stands alone as a delicious salad. You 

can make all the elements the day 

before and refrigerate. Then mix up 

on the day (you will need to break the 

couscous up a little) and warm through. 

This salad is delicious served warm or at 

room temperature but not fridge cold. 

• olive oil 

• 1 tsp each of cumin seeds, 

nigella seeds and fennel seeds 

• 150g giant couscous 

• 300ml water 

• 1 small squash cut into slices 

or buy pre-cut slices 

• 2 large sweet potatoes, cut 

into circles/half moons 

• 50g feta cubes 

• fresh mint, coriander – or whatever 

leafy herbs you have – finely chopped 

For the dressing: 

30ml lemon juice (approx. one lemon) 

20ml pomegranate molasses 

30ml extra virgin olive oil 

1. Pre-heat the oven to 180°C. Drizzle 

some olive oil on two baking trays 

and brush with a pastry brush. Add 

the squash slices on one tray and 

sweet potatoes on the other. Brush 

with olive oil, season with sea salt 

and bake for 25 mins until soft 

and starting to crisp at the side. 

2. Warm some olive oil in a saucepan, 

gently heat the zest and seeds for a 

minute, until the nigella seeds pop. 

Add the couscous and a tsp of salt. Stir 

to coat all the grains of couscous, then 

cook gently as per pack instructions. 

3. Make the dressing by whisking 

the lemon juice, pomegranate 

molasses and olive oil together. 

4. When the cous cous is cooled, 

mix in a serving bowl with the 

herbs and half of the dressing. 

5. Serve with pomegranate seeds and 

flaked almonds to decorate. Put the 

other half of the dressing in a jug 

for people to help themselves. 


Smoked 

Mackerel Pâté 

Here is an irresistible, 

light canapé recipe – a 

lovely starter or gorgeous 

for a buffet! This is a 

tasty pâté or dip to enjoy 

that takes 5 mins to 

whip up and is packed 

full of delicious flavours, 

and that all important 

Omega 3. Horseradish, 

lemon and that beautiful 

smoked fish blend 

together to form a taste 

sensation. Using Greek 

yoghurt makes it creamy 

without being heavy. 

• 1 pack of smoked 

mackerel (approx 3 fillets) 

• 100g Greek yoghurt 

(you could use 

crème fraîche) 

• 60g cream cheese 

• zest and juice of 

half a lemon 

• 3 tbsps creamed 

horseradish 

• dill (optional) 

1. Remove the skin 

from the mackerel 

and check for bones 

2. Put in the food 

processor with all the 

remaining ingredients 

(except the lemon zest), 

add black pepper and 

whizz to a smooth paste. 

To taste: You may want 

to add more lemon, 

yoghurt or cream 

cheese, depending on 

your personal taste. 

To serve: Decorate with 

the lemon zest and dill. 

Serve on crackers or 

simply enjoy as a pâté 

with toast. Here, I’ve used 

hexagonal crackers from 

Waitrose, part of a biscuits 

for cheese selection box.

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Spicy smokey sticky party nuts 

Prep time: 5 mins 

Cooking time: 15 mins (plus cooling) 

These nuts are show stopping and 

addictive. Perfect to go with drinks 

or a lovely homemade Christmas 

present. Or pop them in a salad. 

These are a party staple for me but, 

be warned, they will disappear fast! 

This makes a huge portion, so do 

halve etc. the ingredients to suit. 

• 300g nuts of your choice (I use 

macadamias, pecans, blanched 

skinless hazelnuts and raw cashews) 

• 50g maple syrup 

• 25g brown sugar 

• 20ml of groundnut oil or 

another flavourless oil 

• 1tsp of hot smoked paprika (I used 

½ to 1tsp of chili flakes – optional 

if you want to go hot) 

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C and line a 

baking sheet with non stick parchment. 

2. Mix all the ingredients, except the nuts, in a 

large bowl to form a sticky syrup. Add in the nuts 

and coat well with all the sticky spicy sauce. 

3. Pour onto the lined baking sheet 

and pop into the oven for 15 mins. 

Ideally give them a stir every 5 mins to 

make sure they are cooking evenly. 

4. Remove from oven and allow to 

cool. The nuts keep up to a week in a 

sealed container, so good to make in 

advance (if you can resist eating them).

Fast fixes for 

un-party-ish faces 

Josephine Fairley explains how to ease yourself into the festive party spirit 

with her pick of super nourishing, skin energising products 

I 

have a funny relationship with Christmas parties 

(well, parties generally, actually). My enjoyment of 

them is in inverse proportion to how much I’ve been 

dreading getting dressed up and going to that ‘do’. Most 

often, when I’m not feeling the vibe, that’s when I’ll have 

the best and most memorable time. But it’s always felt a 

bit ironic that right at the time of year when we’ve got 

most to do – lists as long as our arms, deadlines to meet 

before the office closes, etc. – we are also expected to look 

fabulous (and feel likewise), and party like it’s 1999. 

With all that there is on our spinning plates, I think 

it’s quite common to look in the mirror and go: ‘My face 

really doesn’t look ready to party.’ Well, the good news 

is that this bit’s fixable, fast, with products and tricks 

that transform skin and your ‘glow’ factor – and with it, 

give your confidence a much-needed pre-party boost). 

So, here’s what I recommend… 

Massage your face 

This gets blood and lymph circulation going and is the 

fastest way turn up the radiance factor of dull, ‘blah’ 

skin. Cleanse, then add a drop or two of facial oil 

and using deep, outward strokes across the forehead, 

work your fingertips along the frown-lines. Move the 

fingertips downwards to just under the cheekbones 

and repeat, then downwards another inch, and finally, 

outwards along the jaw. Using tapping motions with 

your middle finger, rapidly tap the orbital bones around 

the eyes, at brow level and just above the cheekbones 

– again, in an outwards direction. (It’s wonderfully 

relaxing and soothing, too, this particular action.) 

You can also use a facial massage device to revive and 

de-puff. First the bad news: the gadget I swear by – the 

Opatra Lumiquartz – appears to be discontinued, though 

you can still find examples occasionally on eBay and Vinted.

istockphoto.com/Svetlana_nsk / Andrii Dariienko / seyfettinozel

(Note, the Lumiquartz was ouchouch-ouch 

pricy, when new, but tested 

by me for a Beauty Bible trial.) The good 

news: there’s a fairly similar version available in the 

form of LUX SKIN Rose Quartz Sonic Face Wand, 

£44 – doesn’t have the LED lights, or warm the 

skin, but it massages with 6,000 sonic vibrations 

a minute, to dispel fluid and relax the face. 

If puffy eyes are a problem, try a trick that I 

learned from Linda Evangelista herself, who turned 

up at a shoot I was on and ran ice cubes over 

her under-eye bags (yup, even supermodels get 

these). If that feels a bit brutal or you’re prone to 

broken veins, wrap the ice cubs in muslin first. 

Blitz dead skin cells 

The other reason skin looks dull, besides needing 

a circulation rev-up, is usually a build-up of gunk 

and dead cells. The fast track to more vibrant skin 

is to ‘Exfoliate, exfoliate, exfoliate!’ (to misquote 

the Daleks). I often reach for one of several 

wonderful masks that I’ve found to perform a 

brilliant exfoliating trick. One is a new love in 

the form of Sali Hughes Better in 5, £15 for 

50ml, a gel mask which uses a light acid action to 

dissolve the dead top layer of skin, revealing fresh 

cells beneath (N.B. I have sensitive skin and get 

on fine with this). An ‘old love’ is This Works 

Morning Expert Vitamin C Power Mask, £39 for 

55ml – just ignore the ‘morning’ bit of the name; 

I’m guessing you’ll be using this in the evening, it 

works just fine then, too, massaged into skin for 

just one minute to work its exfoliating magic, or 

left in place for up to 10 minutes. I find that Liz 

Earle Brightening Clay Mask, £24 for 75ml, 

also has a fabulous illuminating action in just a 

couple of minutes, drawing out impurities with 

clay (yet not setting uncomfortably hard). I like 

to remove all of these with a soft, fluffy flannel 

generously dunked in warm-to-hot water. 

Give skin a good drink 

As an alternative to an exfoliating mask, slap on 

a sheet mask. I flipping love these for topping up 

dry skin’s moisture levels in no time; the fabric 

seems to press and trap moisture in the skin, and 

while it’s a short-term fix, it’ll get you through a 

party with a healthily plumped-up complexion. 

There are a gazillion sheet masks out there, and I’m 

not THAT keen on the fact they’re single-use (do 

make sure your chosen mask is biodegradable), but 

in an S.O.S. nothing works quite so well. Check 

out BEAUTYPRO Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating 

Sheet Mask, £5.95, Garnier Moisture Bomb 

Pomegranate Hydrating Face Sheet, £3.49, or 

Dr. PawPaw Your Gorgeous Skin Hydrating 

Sheet Mask, £4.99. (There are plenty of very 

expensive sheet masks out there, but I honestly 

don’t think you need to splurge on these.) 

Reach for a 

beauty legend 

Two particular products in 

the beauty world have become 

classics on the strength of their 

quick fix powers, and I know hordes of 

women who swear by them: Clarins Beauty 

Flash Balm, £36 for 50ml (now 96% natural, by 

the way), and Guerlain Midnight Secret, £28 for 

15ml. They both have an instant skin-energising, 

moisturising effect that I can attest to, and are great 

underneath whatever make-up you choose to slap 

over the top – the skincare equivalent of having 

plasters in your First Aid kit (if you get my drift). 

Put on your party face 

Your skin will be prepped, glowier, more radiant 

and – I promise – ready to boogie (or ready to 

stand in the corner nursing a soft drink, if that’s 

more your bag). I’m not going to tell you the 

‘right’ make-up to wear – although I always find a 

red lipstick empowering (and I think I might just 

write a whole column about them, at some point). 

Go glitter, go nude, go whatever makes you feel 

good. But then, I heartily recommend that you set 

your make-up with a spritz of my new ‘fave find’. 

I admit to having been an utter cynic about setting 

sprays, until I tried By Terry Hyaluronic Glow 

Setting Mist, £35 for 100ml, and this is going 

to be in my life forever. Yes, it makes make-up 

stay put for longer. DO NOT ASK ME HOW. 

(Not that I even care.) But it’s the finish delivered 

by this fine mist that really pushes my buttons: 

twice in the first day after I’d used it for the first 

time, people said: ‘Your skin looks amazing.’ 

Not wet. Not even dewy, but… lit from within, 

somehow. It’s just the ticket for a ‘candlelit glow’, 

whatever you’ll be lit by at your destination. 

Last but not least, spritz on your most 

empowering scent. Literally, whatever makes 

you feel a little stronger, or walk a little 

taller, which is one of perfume’s superpowers. 

Then get out there and party. And – who 

knows? – you might even enjoy yourself! 

Visit beautybible.com for more of Jo’s 

product reviews and beauty tips.

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WrayCommonS64A.indd 1 28/01/2020 12:25

Wellbeing 

Posture 

Perfect II 

In the second part of her 

exploration of posture, Sarah 

Maxwell shares gentle exercises to 

improve and protect back health 

istockphoto.com/nortonrsx 

With Christmas heading 

towards us faster than Santa’s 

sleigh, my follow up to 

last month’s posture tips might be just 

the thing to get you through this busy 

season and enable you to have a jolly 

Christmas – less stressed and pain free! 

Take a deep breath 

One often overlooked aspect of 

posture is our breathing. Many of us 

unknowingly engage in shallow chest 

breathing, contributing to additional 

stress and tension in our upper body. 

This can often result in poor posture, 

muscular strain and discomfort. 

Belly breathing, (also known as 

diaphragmatic breathing) is a quick 

and easy way we can help to alleviate 

these symptoms and, in addition 

to improving our overall posture, it 

will help to keep you grounded and 

release built up stress and tension. 

When we breathe deeply into our 

belly, our diaphragm and the muscles 

between our ribs work together to 

expand our chest and fill our lungs 

with air. This action not only helps 

stretch our spine, making it stronger, 

but also reduces the pressure on our 

back. Belly breathing is also a great 

way to reduce stress and tension, most 

especially vital at this time of year when 

you need more than 24 hours in a day! 

How to do it 

To begin practising belly breathing, 

find a comfortable position whether 

standing, sitting – or even lying 

down for a much-deserved break. 

• Place one hand on your chest 

and the other on your stomach. 

Take a slow, deep breath in through 

your nose, imagining your belly as 

a balloon being filled with air. 

• Then, exhale for the same count, 

allowing your belly button to gently 

lower towards your spine. Focus on 

relaxing your shoulders and releasing 

any tension you may be holding. 

• Start with five breaths and 

gradually increase the duration as 

you become more comfortable. 

Give yourself a clap 

One simple yet effective exercise to 

increase shoulder mobility is the arm clap. 

• Start by mobilising your shoulders, 

circle forward and back 10x in each 

direction. Extend your arms forward, and 

clap them together in front of your body. 

• Repeat this motion 10x, gradually 

aiming to clap higher and higher 

behind you as you warm up. 

• This exercise not only enhances 

shoulder flexibility resulting in better 

posture, it will also strengthen your 

shoulders so you can hit January upright, 

less frazzled and ready to take on 2024. 

And relax 

Don’t forget to take time out for yourself 

to recharge. My favourite way to relax 

is in an Epsom salts bath. Although 

research is limited on the benefits, 

they have been used for centuries for 

relaxation and muscle soreness relief. 

I fill the bath up to my neck with not 

too hot water and enjoy for 20 minutes 

twice a week. Even if the science is 

lacking, the time with the bathroom 

door locked is a welcome relief in itself! 

And finally 

My special Christmas gift to you this 

year is to recommend you let others do 

the vacuuming over the holiday season. 

Keeping your spine rigidly over-extended 

while vacuuming can potentially be 

damaging and turn you into a grinch. 

The last thing you need is your back 

muscles tightened up like a bunch of 

Christmas lights. So this year, why not 

share the joy of the vacuum and have a 

happy, pain free and jolly Christmas! 

Sarah Maxwell is a multi-award 

winning Lifestyle Wellbeing and 

Fitness coach. You can find her at 

sarahmaxwell.com. Get in touch via 

email at sarahmaxwell@mail.com 

and on social @sarahmaxlife 

95 


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istockphoto.com, miwa_in_oz , Magone, chokja, Elena Tsvetkova, Drazen Zigic, Agustin Vai / Olha_Afanasieva 

Nourish to Flourish 

Nutrition & Lifestyle Coach Charlotte Lau 

explores the benefits of incorporating 

another healthy ingredient into our 

diets. This month it’s root veg 

Root vegetables are starchy vegetables including sweet 

potatoes, parsnips, carrot, beetroot and turnips. 

Low cost and readily available throughout the 

winter, they are delicious roasted, cooked in stews, mashed 

or served warm in salads. Root vegetables are not only low 

in fat, cholesterol and calories but are packed with fibre, 

which is crucial in supporting our digestive health. 

Dietary fibre takes on many times its own weight in 

water and swells in the digestive system. This stretches the 

gut wall and causes receptors to stimulate the rhythmical 

contraction process that moves the contents of the gut 

along through the various stages of the digestive system. 

Foods bright in orange pigment, like carrots and 

sweet potatoes, contain high levels of beta carotene. 

This is a fat-soluble antioxidant which supports 

skin health, offering protection from free radical 

damage. Inside the body, beta carotene is turned 

into vitamin A which, in addition to helping your 

eye health, supports a healthy immune system. 

Charlotte runs Plume Nutrition, where she offers support and advice 

for weight management, controlling cravings, sleeplessness, stress 

and increasing energy levels. Find out more at plumenutrition.com 

Fibre rich roast root vegetables 

with lentils and tahini dressing 

• 1 packet of precooked 

puy lentils 

• 1 courgette, sliced 

• 1 red onion, cut 

into large chunks 

• 1 red pepper, sliced 

• 1 carrot, sliced 

• 1 aubergine, sliced 

into moons 

1. Preheat the oven to 

200°C/180°C fan. Chop 

and place all the vegetables 

on a large baking tray and 

drizzle with olive oil. Roast 

for 30 minutes, until golden. 

2. Heat half the lentils 

according to the instructions 

(usually 2 minutes in the 

microwave) and gently 

mix into the vegetables. 

3. Stir through a 

Serves 2 

• 1 sweet potato, 

peeled and sliced 

• a handful of rocket 

For the tahini dressing: 

• 2 tbsp olive oil 

• 2 tbsp tahini 

• 1 tsp lemon juice 

• 1 tsp maple syrup 

• 1 tsp cold water 

handful of rocket. 

4. For the dressing, mix 

the olive oil, tahini, lemon 

juice, maple syrup and 

cold water in a jam jar or 

small jug and whisk until 

combined. If the dressing 

is too thick, gradually add 

more cold water to thin. 

5. Share the lentils and roast 

vegetables between two plates 

and drizzle with the dressing. 

97

Stalwart 

Friends 

Jo Arnell edits down 

a selection of her 

favourite reliable plants 

to see you through 

the whole season 

‘ 

That can’t be your favourite plant, 

surely?’ People are too polite 

to say this to me out loud, but 

they may well be thinking it when I 

point to a quiet evergreen in my border. 

The truth is that I have many favourites 

– I love salvias, adore pittosporums, 

daphnes, tulips, hebes, hydrangeas – 

but, frustratingly, I can’t always rely on 

them. The changing climate, with long 

periods of dry, wet or freezing weather, 

is making it challenging for every plant 

(and gardener). This is exactly the 

time when we need good doers that 

won’t let us down, that we can trust 

to carry us through the seasons while 

our fair-weather flowers come and 

(mainly) go. Who wants a fussy princess 

when we’re despairing or in a crisis? 

What we need are stalwart friends. 

Trusted trees and shrubs 

Long periods of drought in the growing 

season are making the establishment 

of trees harder. It takes two years 

for a newly planted tree or large 

shrub to settle into its new home. 

This means watering deeply at least 

once a week, more if it’s hot and 

dry, mulching and keeping the area 

around the roots free from competition 

and regularly checking for signs of 

stress. Ornamental attributes are 

important when choosing what to 

plant, but increasingly, resistance to 

pests and diseases and the ability to 

withstand difficult conditions is key. 

Amelanchier has to be the best 

one to choose for a small garden. 

It has three seasons of interest, is 

good for wildlife, and grows in most 

conditions, though the best autumn 

colour comes if it’s in a sunny spot. 

Crataegus (Hawthorn) is another. 

There are lots of varieties around, not 

just the native hedgerow one. Most 

have good autumn foliage and berries. 

Gingko biloba is an ancient 

tree with attractive leaves and 

good autumn colour. It’s also 

mainly pest and disease free. 

Weeping pear (Pyrus salicifolia) has 

lovely silvery foliage, small blossoms 

and inedible fruit. Low maintenance, 

it has good drought resistance and is 

susceptible to few pests and diseases. 

Shrubs are suffering the effects of 

our erratic weather patterns too, and 

as they form the backbone of our 

gardens, it pays to have some that 

are reliable and uncomplaining. We 

tend to take some of these workaday 

plants for granted, but like our oldest 

and best friends they hang on in there 

with us, through thick and thin. 

Architectural Cotoneaster horizontalis 

has blossom that hums with bees 

in spring, then red berries and 

matching autumn leaves. 

Spiraea ‘Goldflame’ has beautiful 

spring foliage – shades of orange 

tinged with lime green, which turn 

a deep maroon-red in autumn. It 


Garden 

istockphoto.com/ Nature, food, landscape, travel / Wirestock / scholes1 

Hawthorn 

comes in many 

varieties, most 

offering good autumn 

foliage and berries, as 

well as lovely blossom 

in spring 

should consult a stylist about its 

Germolene coloured flowers though. 

Cornus alba ‘Elegantissima’ doesn’t 

have the bright winter stems of 

some varieties, but it has pretty 

leaves – soft sage with cream edges 

that turn butter yellow in autumn. 

Roses 

I am a latecomer to roses, but have 

really started to appreciate them in 

the last few years, because they are 

performing really well under the 

pressure of droughts and floods. They 

seem to put up with most soils and the 

modern cultivars are far more disease 

resistant. I particularly love robust 

species like Rosa rugosa, which makes 

a wonderful three season hedge with 

flowers, hips and autumn colour, or 

the fabulous purple-tinged foliage of 

Rosa glauca. Species roses will only 

flower once, so you don’t dead-head 

them, but the hips are as good as 

the flowers and great for wildlife. 

Evergreens forever 

Our native trees and shrubs are mainly 

deciduous, dropping their leaves in 

autumn and going into a period of 

dormancy over the winter. Surprisingly 

there are only five native evergreens 

in the UK – Scot’s pine, Juniper, Yew, 

Holly and Ivy. All the rest have been 

introduced – box was brought in by 

the Romans and many of the others 

that we take for granted in our gardens 

these days have been escorted here by 

intrepid Victorian plant hunters. 

A plant from a warm place will keep 

its leaves on, it knows nothing about 

how hard our winters can be, so it’s 

not really surprising that some of them 

freeze to death. Free-draining soil and a 

sheltered micro-climate will help them 

to get through, as it is often cold wind, 

combined with waterlogged or frozen 

soil that does for them. The great thing 

about an evergreen – or ever-yellow, 

-red or even -purple – is that they 

provide year round interest and there 

are some that, like those who take ice 

baths, seem not to mind the cold. 

Abelia grandiflora has long lasting 

pink autumn flowers/bracts. 

Elaeagnus is a workaday shrub, 

but has gorgeous (almost invisible) 

scented flowers in autumn. 

Euonymus – the deciduous ones, 

related to our native spindle, have lovely 

autumn foliage, others are evergreen, 

and are very unfussy and easy to grow. 

Viburnum davidii is a 

handsome evergreen with large, 

glossy dark brown leaves. 

Osmanthus is a small leaved (a 

little like box leaves) evergreen 

with scented flowers in spring. 

Trachelospermum jasminoides is a 

wonderful, well behaved evergreen 

climber that will be at its best in a 

west or south facing situation. 

Perennially yours 

The name ‘perennial’ does suggest that 

the plant will be with you for more than 

a season and most hardy herbaceous 

perennials, although they disappear in 

the winter, will cheerfully – sometimes 

over-enthusiastically – re-emerge each 

year to do their thing. The key word 

here is ‘hardy’, some of my favourites – 

penstemons and salvias – teeter on the 

edge of hardiness, coming through mild 

winters with no problem, but felled in 

a harsh one. Those in free-draining, 

sheltered situations fare the best. 

It’s a comfort to know that there 

are lots of really hardy perennials, 

but that also means we should be 

choosing the best of them to bolster 

our borders. Look for those that 

flower endlessly, have good foliage 

too, or an elegant overall shape – so 

often the leaves of perennials are 

scruffy, or collapse in bad weather. 

There are too many good ones to 

mention here, but three loyal border 

companions – for me at least, I do know 

that some people either can’t grow, or 

have too much Verbena bonariensis. 

I like it because it flowers for such 

a long time and is great for wildlife. 

Geranium ‘Rozanne’ will also flower 

from June until the frosts – if it sprawls 

about too much, just chop it back and 

it will amend its ways – a bit. Sedum 

(now called Hylotelephium) spectabile is 

such a good doer that most of us take 

it for granted. Despite its succulent 

type leaves, it grows in a surprising 

range of conditions, looks good in 

bud, flowers late and is a bee magnet. 

We can include some grasses here 

too – Calamagrostis ‘Karl Forester’ is 

a non-spreading, tall, upright grass, 

Mollinia ‘Transparent’ spreads a little, 

but not invasively. Both make winter 

statements – Calamagrostis stands 

like a golden pillar and the Mollinia 

gently explodes in a bronzy fountain. 

Annuals, biennials & 

hardy self-seeders 

Use short-lived plants for masses of 

flowers all summer – fill gaps in the 

borders, plant them in pots, or grow in 

among edibles in the veg patch to bring 

in pollinators and pest controllers. 

They often self-seed, and the selfsown 

plants will be stronger than 

the ones we deliberately plant. 

Cosmos are not frost hardy, but planted 

out once the danger of frost is past, 

they will flower their socks off until the 

weather cools in the autumn. Collect 

seed then to sow again next year. 

Antirrhinums will give any perennial 

‘spire’ a run for its money and are 

almost perennial, surviving mild winters 

and self-sowing if they are happy. 

Try a tall variety called ‘Rocket 

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Antirrhinums 

will give any 

perennial ‘spire’ a run for 

its money and are almost 

perennial, surviving mild 

winters and self-sowing 

if they are happy 

Garden 

Trachelospermum 

jasminoides is a 

wonderful, well behaved 

evergreen climber that will 

be at its best in a west or 

south facing situation 

Abelia 

grandiflora 

has long lasting 

pink autumn 

flowers/bracts 

istockphoto.com/seven75 

White’ with a contrasting sultry deep 

maroon called ‘Indian Prince’. 

Poppies need to be sown directly, 

either in autumn or spring, as 

they don’t like being transplanted. 

Leave the pretty seed-heads for an 

added attraction, but keep in mind 

they can be prolific self-seeders. 

Foxgloves are great for shadier areas 

and will also self-sow, although 

the pretty pale salmon-coloured 

cultivars are almost sterile. 

Honesty is a biennial that has 

pretty purple or white flowers in 

mid spring, followed by beautiful 

flat full moons of papery white. 

Reliable bulbs 

I think I like bulbs because they 

are such good value, unfurling into 

loveliness and then disappearing to 

make way for other plants. Some are 

more reliable than others, it’s true – 

never trust a tulip to return a favour 

(unless it’s that annoying big red one 

called ‘Appledorn’). Some have giant 

floppy leaves that will swamp and 

smother delicate plants that are trying to 

emerge from beneath them and others, 

like the grape hyacinth (muscari), will 

multiply to nuisance proportions. 

Alliums will come back year 

after year and will often selfsow, 

although the dark ‘Purple 

Sensation’ gradually fades in colour 

as it loses sight of its parentage. 

Narcissi naturalise well and unless 

they are the dainty little ones, this is 

the best place for them, as the giant 

leaves of some of the bigger varieties 

will flop over the borders (tying them 

in knots does not improve things). 

Camassias are also good at 

naturalising and will reliably appear 

and increase year after year. 

I know that you will be familiar with 

nearly all of the plants I’ve mentioned 

this month, but in this time of 

unpredictable weather events – drought, 

flood, storms and arctic blasts (a plague 

of frogs would be more welcome – at 

least they’d eat the slugs) it’s good to 

know that we still have some stalwart 

and reliable old friends out there. 

Lest Auld Acquaintance Be Forgot. 

Join Jo for her new Garden Design 

course in Woodchurch, Kent. Starting 

in April. Find out more and book at 

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Camassias 

are also good 

at naturalising and 

will reliably appear 

and increase year 

after year. 

Foxgloves 

are great for 

shadier areas 

and will also 

self-sow 

101

Garden 

’Tis the 

Season 

Jen Stuart-Smith – co-founder of Blooming Green – gets real about truly seasonal flowers 

“ 

It’s 5 o’clock somewhere,” people 

sometimes say, as an excuse to have 

a daytime tipple… The expression 

always pops into my mind when I 

see a bouquet of flowers labelled as 

‘seasonal’ when it’s clearly anything 

but. The flowers may be flowering in 

Mexico, or Ecuador or Kenya – but 

they’re not seasonal British flowers if 

they’re not currently flowering here. 

An appreciation of seasonal vegetables 

seems to have returned in recent years 

– and more people understand the 

importance of using what’s available, 

and growing or being harvested, right 

now. Veg boxes are probably the most 

obvious example of this. And any 

fancy restaurant or gastro pub worth 

its salt knows the value of promoting 

seasonal produce on their menus. 

It’s seen as a badge of honour. 

So, perhaps this is why so many florists 

and ‘mailbox’ flower companies are 

keen to promote the seasonality of 

their bouquets? That’s great news if 

it’s true – but not so great if it’s not. 

So, next time you’re drawn to a box 

or bunch of ‘seasonal’ flowers, take a 

closer look – and consider your options. 

There really are amazing, and genuine, 

seasonal flowers and foliage available all 

year round, if you know where to look. 

Starting with winter 

At this time of year, turn your attention 

to lush, winter foliage combined with 

berries and hips. You have to get a bit 

creative but it’s amazing what you can 

create with a selection of foraged or 

garden ingredients, combined with 

flowers such as amaryllis or paperwhite 

narcissi. One of my favourite American 

florist-growers, Erin Benzakien – known 

as ‘Floret’ – creates large, dynamic 

white arrangements using amaryllis, 

cavolo nero leaves, snowberry, nerine, 

fir branches and Russian sage. Top 

with a little ‘Old Man’s Beard’ for 

some really wintery magic – or honesty 

seed pods for a natural shine. 


Hellebores are also a wonderful winter 

cut flower, either placed in a vase or cut 

at the base of the flower and placed, en 

masse and face-up, in a dish of water. Or, 

if you just want to bring the outdoors 

in, use pot plants or dried flowers. 

The latter have seen a renaissance in 

recent years and are no longer the fusty, 

dusty thing we associate with the 70s 

and our granny’s downstairs loo! 

Spring is when hope – and 

classic cut flowers – return 

Spring flowers often punch above their 

weight – offering intense scent as well as 

delicate beauty. There are few more lovely 

– and affordable – flowery gifts than a 

mini bunch of muscari (grape hyacinth) 

wrapped in brown paper and tied with 

raffia or string. The same goes for Lily-ofthe-Valley. 

For some reason spring flowers 

often work well as a single variety bunch 

– think rich, almost-clashing anemones 

in dark blue, scarlet and white, or an 

abundant bunch of tulips. Tulips were so 

prized in previous centuries that there is 

even such a thing as a ‘tulip vase’ which 

displays the blooms in a loose, spread-out 

array, so that no flower is hidden by the 

others. And how could we not mention 

ranunculus?! Mini peony-like flowers in 

ever more exotic colours and patterns – but 

especially lovely in pink and orange hues. 

If you want to pair your spring flowers 

with some foliage – make the most of the 

fresh lime greens that are typical of this 

time of year – euonymus, pittosporum 

and euphorbia (just watch out for the 

white sap – which can be an irritant). 

Above left: Dahlias provide 

months of colour; Above 

right: Rain or shine, flowers 

bring joy to pickers at 

Blooming Green; Below: 

A wheelbarrow bursts with 

late summer picks; Dogs are 

often keen to get involved 

with gardening, this time 

with positive results 

: istockphoto.com/IWOZON 

103 


“At Blooming 

Green our PYO 

season starts 

in late June – 

so we see for 

ourselves which 

flower beds our 

customers make 

a beeline for!” 

Above: Flowers staying fresh in a sink, with thanks to @catlanephoto 

Late spring and early summer 

bring endless variety 

It’s difficult to know where to start 

once summer arrives… but there are 

a few flowers that people are willing 

to fight over. At Blooming Green our 

PYO season starts in late June, so we 

see for ourselves which flower beds 

our customers make a beeline for! First 

up, in late spring and early summer, 

are peonies – an eternal favourite and 

really popular with brides. We grow 

a few ourselves – saved mostly for 

wedding customers – but are always 

happy to recommend the specialist 

peony growers Little Buds Peony 

Farm near Thurnham on the North 

Downs. They have around 6,000 peony 

plants and sell the blooms in May and 

June each year. Another classic are 

delphiniums, which seem to bring out 

the sharp elbows in some of our pickers. 

Then there are roses, antirrhinum 

(snapdragons), astrantia, cornflower, 

cosmos and irises – to name but a few. 

We’re in the garden of England after 

all, so why have flowers from abroad 

when you’ve got this sort of choice? 

The season of mellow fruitfulness 

– and even more flowers 

Late summer and autumn are a personal 

favourite when it comes to seasonal 

flowers. Not only is there an abundance 

of flowers such as dahlias, sunflower, 

zinnias, cosmos and chrysanths… but 

there are seed heads, pods and grasses 

too. Colours tend to be warm and rich 

and for some reason the flowers have 

greater staying power in the vase too 

(except for dahlias, whose vase life is 

more short and sweet). Gradually we 

seem to be embracing the Americans’ 

love of autumn – and we don’t just 

mean Halloween – with an appreciation 

of hydrangeas and chrysanthemums, 

autumn wreaths, autumnal foliage 

and ornamental pumpkins and 

gourds. It’s Harvest Festival time 

too – so there’s a sense of celebration 

for all that nature has to offer. 


Garden 

Above: A beautiful wreath of dried flowers to enjoy throughout the year 

So that brings us back round to the 

lead up to Christmas, and to short, 

dark days when we all need a little 

something to cheer up our homes. If 

you’d like some inspiration, the Garden 

Museum in Lambeth, South London 

is hosting its first ever Winter Flowers 

Week exhibition on 7-11 December, 

which aims to showcase the beauty of 

British seasonal foliage and flowers, 

available in the depths of winter. 

Blooming Green will be hosting a 

foliage talk and demo there on Friday 

December 8th. Exhibitors will be 

Sarah Diligent of Floribunda Rose as 

well as Shane Connolly & Co, Carly 

Rogers Flowers, Hazel Gardiner Design 

and Tattie Rose Studio. Or, to find a 

local, seasonal flower grower near to 

you, visit flowersfromthefarm.co.uk. 

Jen and her cousin, Bek (pictured 

right), run Blooming Green. 

Find out more about their work 

at bloominggreenflowers.co.uk 

105 


Helping to shape 

a better world 

For 100 years 

Full | Weekly | Day 

www.benenden.school

Education 

Communication is Key 

Mike Piercy, educational consultant and former Head of The New Beacon, 

shares advice on how parents can support their children at school 

istockphoto.com/ Feodora Chiosea 

Trust is such a fragile thing. It 

can take an age to build; but a 

moment to break. Our children 

are the most precious things. Our 

primeval instinct is to protect them 

from harm – to do the best for them, 

at home, in school and in life. 

In supporting our children at 

school the starting point is choosing 

the school itself – if given that 

blessing. Having made your choice 

and successfully gained a place, trust 

your judgment and trust the school. 

When choosing a Secondary or 

Senior school the Head is of course 

the key figure but, in terms of your 

interaction as a parent, the interface 

is far more likely to be the Head of 

Year, Section or House. This is the 

person you must instinctively trust and, 

ideally (though not essentially) like. 

In the Primary or Prep sector the 

person in whom you must place your 

trust is the Head. Preps and Primaries 

are generally smaller than Secondaries. 

The Head is more likely to have 

daily influence on your child and on 

‘the feel’ of the school. In choosing 

any school, Primary or Secondary, 

the most important, determining 

factor is that instinctive feel: do I 

believe my child will be nurtured; 

socially, emotionally, academically 

and in the breadth of education? 

We all recall certain teachers who 

had significant influences on us – 

for better or for worse. This will 

also be the case for your children 

and, equally, for you as a parent. 

Don’t expect to see eye-to-eye 

with every teacher you encounter. 

Don’t expect to agree with every 

aspect of school policy. Don’t 

expect a bumpless road. 

Communication is key. How does 

the school communicate with you: 

collectively, to parents; individually, 

to you? Diligently read any regular 

newsletters – or weekly bulletin if 

there is one. Most independent schools 

are run on a tight budget (which 

may come as something of a surprise 

considering fees). School offices are 

busy. ‘Phone calls or emails asking for 

information which has already been 

communicated via bulletin or email 

are wasteful and time-consuming. 

Play your part: know what is going 

on; respond as requested within 

deadlines. At an individual level, 

if there is a homework planner, or 

similar, check it regularly – use it 

as a communication tool with the 

teacher or tutor. Attend parent and 

information meetings. Be informed. 

The Pareto Principle applies: the 

80:20 rule. At least 80% of matters and 

contact will be humdrum routine. It is 

the 20% where caution is needed: when 

things go wrong, you have a concern 

or, indeed, if you just need something 

clarified. The child coming home 

upset having been called a ‘disgusting 

elephant’; upon enquiry it is revealed 

the teacher said, ‘Disruptive element’. 

In disputing or trying to clarify an 

‘incident’ be open to compromise. 

Don’t be afraid to question. 

Do be prepared to listen. Dr. John 

Rae, former Head of Westminster, 

put it well when talking to new 

parents: ‘If you believe only half of 

the stories which come from school 

to home, we in return will only 

believe half of the stories which 

come to school from home.’ 

We all went to school and for 

some it must follow we are all 

education experts. While it should 

be glaringly obvious, the triangulated 

relationship of school, pupil and 

parent makes for a successful, happier 

educational experience for everyone. 

Teachers, however, are the experts 

and you do have that common, 

shared interest: your children. 

It serves no-one to inflate a child’s 

potential or ability; for praise to be 

gratuitous. It can be difficult to hear 

your child is not meeting sometimes 

ambitious parental expectations – or 

is not working to capacity, slaving 

over a hot exercise book or laptop. 

Consider for a moment the teacher’s 

motivation and it certainly won’t be 

to upset or inflame the loving parent. 

In fact, very often, teachers will be 

profoundly nervous of telling a parent 

what might be received as bad news. 

Schools will sometimes get things 

wrong (hopefully not too often). So 

do we; so do our children. While 

a bond of trust remains; while 

communication is open and twoway, 

you will be doing a fine job 

supporting your children’s school, their 

education, their opportunities for life. 

107 


Don’t miss our next 

Education Supplement 

Find it in the 

February 2024 issue 

of Surrey Homes 


Legal 

Know where 

you stand 

Joanna Pratt, Head of Family at Thomson Snell & Passmore 

clarifies the legal rights of cohabiting unmarried couples 

istockphoto.com/ PIKSEL 

What legal rights do unmarried 

partners who live together have? 

Cohabiting couples make up the fastest growing family 

type, with nearly one in every four families in the UK 

living together without being married. Contrary to popular 

opinion, there is no such thing as a ‘common law’ spouse 

and the law doesn’t recognise cohabiting couples in the same 

way as those who are married or in a civil partnership. 

Resolution, which is a community of family professionals 

who work with families and individuals to resolve issues in 

a constructive way, is holding a ‘Cohabitation Awareness 

Week’ from 27 November to 1 December 2023. This is 

an important area of family law, which is often not fully 

understood and there has been increasing pressure on 

parliament to enhance the rights unmarried couples have. 

What rights do cohabiting couples currently have? 

Many clients who come to us for advice believe they 

are protected as a ‘common law spouse’, if they live 

together for several years, sometimes for decades. It 

can come as a shock to them to discover that there 

is no such status and, therefore, no protection or 

automatic right to make financial claims against 

their former partner when the relationship ends. 

When a marriage or civil partnership breaks down, a 

spouse can apply for financial orders under the Matrimonial 

Causes Act 1973, including spousal maintenance, an interest 

in properties which are in the other spouse’s sole name, a 

lump sum or a share of the other spouse’s pension – even if 

they made no financial contribution during the marriage. 

Cohabitees on the other hand, are not similarly protected. 

Further, unmarried couples have no automatic right to a 

share of their partner’s property in the event of their death, 

no automatic right to inherit their estate, no automatic 

right to various tax advantages and in many cases, no 

automatic right to receive the deceased partner’s pension. 

What can couples who do not wish to get 

married do to protect themselves? 

One of the most important things to consider is how 

you will own property, particularly if the title is to be 

registered in one party’s name but the intention is that it is 

jointly owned. This will need to be recorded elsewhere, for 

example in a declaration of trust, so that everyone is clear 

as to where they stand and what the contributions are. 

It may be wise to consider drawing up a cohabitation 

agreement. This is a legal document between a couple who 

are living together but not married or in a civil partnership. 

It will typically set out the arrangements for the finances, 

property and, sometimes, children whilst the couple are 

living together, and what the agreed arrangements will be if 

they were to separate. The agreement can deal with a wide 

range of matters, including property ownership, financial 

contributions during the relationship and, in some cases, 

arrangements for the children and future maintenance. 

Cohabitation agreements are a legally binding 

contract between the couple, and will usually be 

upheld by the court provided they are drafted and 

executed properly, which is why it is essential to take 

legal advice before an agreement is prepared. 

If you have any questions about this topic, you can get 

in touch with Thomson Snell & Passmore’s expert family 

lawyers by emailing info@ts-p.co.uk or visit ts-p.co.uk 

109 


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Brand Guidelines. 

A Writer's Christmas 

at Bateman's 

© National Trust 2020. Registered Charity no. 205846. 

Photography © National Trust Images/Elizabeth Vessey 

Visit this winter for a traditional 

Christmas, with decorations inspired 

by the writings of Rudyard Kipling. 

18 Nov-1 Jan (except 24 & 25 Dec). 

nationaltrust.org.uk/batemans 

"ALWAYS THE SECOND & LAST TUESDAY 

OF EVERY MONTH" 

LAST FAIR FOR 2023: 

TUESDAY 12TH DECEMBER 

OPENS 6:30AM-2:00PM 

ADMISSION: 

£5PP BETWEEN 6:30AM-8:00AM 

FREE FROM 8:00AM-2:00PM 

FREE PARKING 

OVER 700 INSIDE & OUTSIDE 

STALLS 

SHIPPERS/COURIERS ON SITE 

"You could furnish your whole house 

in just one visit !" 

For all bookings & general enquiries please contact 

01932 230 946 enquiries@sunburyantiques.com 

www.sunburyantiques.com 


110

KARL TERRY EXHIBITION 

CHRISTMAS FAIR AT 

LODDINGTON CHRISTMAS FAIR FARM AT & 

BLOOMING LODDINGTON GREEN FARM 

EVENT WINTERSHALL NAME 

HERE NATIVITY 

What’s On 

this Season 

CHRISTMAS FUN 

Sat 9 Dec 10am-4pm 

Loddington Farm, Loddington 

Lane, Linton, Maidstone, 

Kent ME17 4AG 

CHRISTMAS FAIR AT 

LODDINGTON FARM WITH 

BLOOMING GREEN 

Loddington Farm are teaming 

up with Blooming Green to host 

a fabulous Christmas Fair. You’ll 

find all sorts of stalls plus this is 

a great opportunity to buy your 

Christmas tree at the farm shop. 

There will be a hog roast, Crimbo 

cocktails and tons of festive fun. 

Blooming Green will be offering 

dried flowers, festive foliage, 

tasteful gifts and, just in case you 

need anything more to tempt 

you... waffles and hot chocolate. 

Find out more at the website. 

loddingtonfarm.co.uk 

Thurs 14 Dec 5pm 

Sat 16 Dec 2pm & 5pm 

Sun 17 Dec 2pm & 5pm 

Mon 18 Dec 2pm & 5pm 

Wintershall, Gate Street, 

Bramley, Guildford GU5 0LR 

THE NATIVITY JOURNEY 

AT WINTERSHALL 

A novel way to experience 

the Christmas story awaits at 

Wintershall... What better way 

to get into the festive mood than 

walking with Mary, Joseph and 

their donkey on the winding 

road to Bethlehem. Register for 

the census, accompanied on 

your journey by other travellers, 

Roman soldiers and shepherds. 

This Nativity promises to bring 

the magic of Christmas alive for 

you and your family. Performances 

are 90 minutes long and there is 

free parking. Book early to secure 

your preferred date and time. 

Visitors are encouraged to wrap 

up warm and to wear suitable 

footwear for a country walk. 

Entry: £14-£30 (family 

tickets available) 

wintershall.org.uk 

EXHIBITIONS 

Fri 8 to Sun 10 Dec 

10.30am-4.30pm 

The Old Gaol Studios, 

111 

Wittersham TN30 7ED 

CHRISTMAS AT THE 

OLD GAOL STUDIOS 

IN WITTERSHAM 

Karl Terry is a ‘plein air’ artist, 

and a member of the Royal 

Society of Marine Artists and 

the Rye Society of Artists. He’s 

known for going out in all 

weathers around the local area, 

busy creating new artwork. 

Karl will be opening his quirky 

studio, The Old Gaol in 

Wittersham for one weekend 

to show a selection of his works 

alongside those of his ceramicist 

wife, Joanna, who has been inspired 

by the great outdoors using 

wild plants in her work. Their 

daughter India, who teaches yoga 

will also be showcasing her own 

brand of yogic jewellery, which 

draws on the changing seasons. 

Please contact Joanna on 07534 

216116 for information. 

MOTORS 

Sun 17 Dec 

Goudhurst 5pm 

Cranbrook 5.30pm 

Staplehurst 6pm 

Marden 6.30pm 

LIGHT IT UP TRACTOR RUN 

Raising money for Air Ambulance 

Charity Kent Surrey Sussex, Weald 

of Kent Young Farmers Club will 

be parading a convoy of 40+ lit up 

tractors through several Wealden 

villages for a proper bit of rural 

festive fun. They’ll be driving 

slowly through the streets, so 

find a safe spot on a pavement or 

driveway or peep through your 

window if you’re lucky enough 

to live along the route. The West 

End Tavern in Marden will be 

open for drinks and the Star and 

Eagle in Goudhurst also promises 

Morris Dancing. Donate at 

justgiving.com (details on website) 

or drop some monies into one 

of the buckets along the route. 

wealdofkentyfc.wordpress.com 

PANTOS 

Sat 2 Dec – Sun 7 Jan 

Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, 

Millbrook, Guildford GU1 3UX 

CINDERELLA AT YVONNE 

ARNAUD THEATRE 

Head to the Yvonne Arnaud 

Theatre in Guildford this 

Christmas for the godmother 

of all pantos, Cinderella! 

This year’s stellar line up includes 

EastEnders and Detectorists 

favourite Lucy Benjamin as the 

Wicked Stepmother, Radio’s 

Peter Gordon in a hilarious 

Ugly Stepsister duo alongside 

Guildford Shakepeare Company 

co-founder Matt Pinches, and 

CBeebies star James Merry for 

his third Guildford panto. 

It promises to be full of slapstick 

and slosh, music and magic. Don’t 

wait to book – the clock is ticking! 

Entry: see website 

yvonne-arnaud.co.uk 


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For more details check out our 

Brand Guidelines. 

REIMAGINED FOR 2023 

As twilight falls, 

the magic begins 

24 NOV – 31 DEC 

Tickets from £18 

christmaslightsatleedscastle.co.uk 

Lights, sparkle, celebration 

© National Trust 2023. Registered Charity no. 205846. 

Photography © National Trust Images/Arnhel de Serra 

At Scotney Castle this Christmas 

Start your seasonal celebrations with a swing in our 1960s 

decorated mansion house. 

Enjoy late nights and lights, 'Carrot & Co' outdoor family trail, 

'Write a letter to Santa' station, plus perfect presents, festive 

feasting, and lots of gorgeous twinkling trees. 

nationaltrust.org.uk/scotney-castle 


112

Fri 8 Dec 7.30pm 

favourite dame Michael J 

Sat 9 Dec 2pm & 7.30pm Batchelor. Carrie Hope Fletcher’s 

Sun 10 Dec 2pm 

impressive West End credits include 

Crowborough Community Les Misérables, Chitty Chitty 

Centre, Pine Grove, 

Bang Bang, and Mary Poppins. 

Crowborough TN6 1FE CBeebies favourite Andy Day 

THE CROWBOROUGH is sure to delight the thousands 

PLAYERS PRESENT THE of families who are fans of his 

THREE MUSKETEERS BAFTA-nominated series, 

Since 2012 The Crowborough Andy’s Wild Adventures as 

Players have performed a well as Andy’s Dinosaur 

community pantomime, and this Adventures among many 

year they return to present their others. Sleeping Beauty promises 

very own interpretation of the to be the pantomime of your 

heart-warming swashbuckling dreams, so don’t snooze, 

tale, ‘The Three Musketeers’. book your tickets today! 

Head to the community centre Entry: see website 

to join the family fun, packed hawth.co.uk 

with laughs, songs and the 

magic of panto. Buy tickets Listings are correct at time of going to press 

and find out more info 

but may be subject to change. Readers are 

online or call 01892 300567. The advised to check with venues before making 

Players look forward to seeing you. arrangements. We can list your event in 

Entry: £13.50 / £12 

the next issue of Surrey Homes for only 

crowboroughpanto.com 

£75+VAT. Please supply up to 200 words 

Fri 8 – Sun 31 Dec 

The Hawth, Hawth Ave, 

Crawley RH10 6YZ 

SLEEPING BEAUTY 

AT THE HAWTH 

Don’t miss this year’s spectacular, 

fun-filled pantomime Sleeping 

Beauty at The Hawth in Crawley 

starring West End superstar 

Carrie Hope Fletcher, CBeebies 

favourite Andy Day, West End 

star Scott Paige and Crawley’s 

that should include date, time, venue, 

contact for enquiries and any entry price to 

whatson@priceless-group.com or send with 

payment (cheques payable to Priceless Media 

Ltd.) to What’s On, Priceless Media, Kettle 

Chambers, 21 Stone Street, Cranbrook, 

Kent TN17 3HF. Priceless Media reserves 

the right to edit text to fit space allocated. 

Deadline for the next issue is 4th December. 

Neighbours 

COLETTE MANN 

By Popular Demand 

PHIL REID 

PAUL HOLMAN ASSOCIATES PRESENT 

CBeebies Presenter 

JOANNA 

ADEYINKA-BURFORD 

8 - 31 DECEMBER 2023 

BOX OFFICE 01737 276500 

harlequintheatre.co.uk 

Children’s TV Legend & MasterChef 

DAVE BENSON PHILLIPS 

Redhill Favourite 

SIMON BASHFORD 

Director ANDREW LYNFORD | Choreographer ALEX WOLF | Musical Director ASHLEY HARVEY 

P 

O 

P 

U P 

CINDERELLA AT 

YVONNE ARNAUD 

THEATRE 

15 - 24 DECEMBER 

BOX OFFICE 01737 276500 

HARLEQUINTHEATRE.CO.UK 

An enchanting adventure for 3-8 

year olds 

Located at: 

113 


Jane Howard gets Coopers 

Farm, and its bovine residents, 

all set for Christmas 

So another farming year draws to 

a close. Clocks have gone back, 

storm after storm has already whipped 

through and it hasn’t stopped raining for 

days. But as December arrives I’m ever hopeful 

that some crisp and even days are on the way. 

All that wet weather means it’s time to bring 

the cattle in. They would happily outwinter, but 

weighing in at about 750kg a cow, and George 

the bull a whopping 1,000kg, they would soon 

turn the fields into a sea of mud resulting in no 

grass next spring. So in they must come. 

First off, it’s the calves. Born in February and March, 

they are plainly big enough to leave 

mum but there is always a big fuss 

and quite a racket. Equally you’d think 

the mums who are expecting new 

calves in February would relish a few 

months of ‘me’ time, but no, they too 

are equally vocal for a few days, and 

so Stonegate rings with a cacophony 

of bellows. Sorry, neighbours. 

All the calves are in one shed, apart 

from four males who have been selected 

as potential bulls. They have a lot of 

growing to do before they are ready 

to ‘go to work’ in spring 2025, so 

they get extra rations and of course 

need to be kept apart from the female heifer calves. The 

main herd will follow them into the barns a week or 

so later, leaving the great outdoors behind until April 

next year, when hopefully it should be dry enough to 

turn them back out. Seeing them out of the mud and 

up to their knees in clean straw is a lovely sight. 

George the bull is still with his girls and can stay until 

they start calving in February – cows are pregnant for 

nine months. To have all the calves born in a block, they 

need to go to the bull three months after calving and it 

The pagans considered 

holly to be male and ivy 

to be female. Whichever 

was brought into 

the home first would 

determine whether the 

wife or the husband 

would rule the home 

for the following year 

usually takes them that long to recover from the birth 

and get back into ovulation. However, it’s not unheard of 

for cows to come back into season as quickly as a week 

after giving birth and the last thing we want is George 

being around to take advantage. So from February he has 

to move in with the young bulls, in the boys-only shed. 

Once all the cattle are in and sorted 

– the sheep are much lighter so can 

stay out as they don’t ruin the fields 

– it’s time to think about decorating 

the house. In November many of the 

holly trees are laden with berries, but 

as we creep ever nearer to the big day 

the blackbirds and fieldfares have a 

feast and strip them bare. So if any 

of you took the advice metered out 

in last month’s column to cut the 

branches in November and store them 

somewhere cool, like me you will be 

feeling rather pleased with yourself to 

have holly laden with bright red berries. 

Now it’s December I’ll be bringing them inside with 

lots of long strands of ivy, which I’ve been looking out 

for these past few months. The idea being quantity above 

quality to create general Christmas verdant loveliness. 

Incidentally, the pagans considered holly to be male and 

ivy to be female. Whichever was brought into the home 

first would determine whether the wife or the husband 

would rule for the following year so those buckets of precut 

holly can stay firmly in the shed while the woodland 

ivy is duly draped! Happy Christmas, everyone. 

Find out more about daily life at Coopers Farm by visiting coopersfarmstonegate.co.uk 


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Surrey Homes | SH107 | December 2023 | Christmas Supplement inside

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