Surrey Homes | SH111 | April 2024 | Garden Supplement inside
The lifestyle magazine for Surrey - Inspirational Interiors, Fabulous Fashion, Delicious Dishes
The lifestyle magazine for Surrey - Inspirational Interiors, Fabulous Fashion, Delicious Dishes
You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles
YUMPU automatically turns print PDFs into web optimized ePapers that Google loves.
PRICELESS<br />
APRIL <strong>2024</strong><br />
111<br />
APRIL <strong>2024</strong><br />
GARDEN SUPPLEMENT <strong>inside</strong><br />
Inspirational Interiors • Fabulous Fashion • Delicious Dishes
BESPOKE KITCHEN DESIGN<br />
DESIGN • SUPPLY • MANAGE • INSTALL<br />
2
Come and visit our showroom:<br />
Bancroft Road, Reigate, <strong>Surrey</strong>, RH2 7RP<br />
01293 826620<br />
www.rdokitchenstudio.co.uk<br />
rdokitchenstudio
DESIGNS ROOTED IN<br />
NATURE<br />
GUILDFORD 89 WOODBRIDGE ROAD, GUILDFORD GU1 4QD | 01483 565027<br />
KINGSTON FENWICK, 2ND FLOOR, WOOD STREET, KINGSTON UPON THAMES KT1 1TX | 020 8546 6050<br />
3615_boconcept_absolutely-ad_02-24.indd 5-6
Explore our latest Scandinavian designs, drawing from our unique Danish roots, with a<br />
focus on organic forms and materials inspired by nature. We can help you make the most of<br />
your space with our free interior design service. You’ll receive a consultation in-store or at<br />
home. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call or visit us in-store.<br />
BOCONCEPT.COM<br />
12/02/<strong>2024</strong> 15:39
Cobham-Furniture-<strong>Surrey</strong>-<strong>Homes</strong>.indd 1 18/03/<strong>2024</strong> 10:20
Contents<br />
<strong>April</strong> <strong>2024</strong><br />
12<br />
19<br />
25<br />
26<br />
41<br />
26<br />
HOUSE OF THE MONTH<br />
Dream homes on the market<br />
NOTEBOOK<br />
Upcoming events for your diary<br />
THE MUST LIST<br />
Keep up-to-date with the latest<br />
must-see and must-have goodies<br />
BUILDING CONNECTIONS<br />
See how a pair of<br />
agricultural barns have been<br />
seamlessly tied together<br />
GET THE LOOK<br />
Emulate stylish barn living<br />
91<br />
95<br />
96<br />
98<br />
98<br />
TAKE ME TO... A<br />
UK STAYCATION<br />
There’s so much to explore<br />
MEADOW SWEET<br />
Dream of your summer<br />
wardrobe with a touch of silk<br />
PRETTY IN PASTORAL<br />
Rebecca Cuffe channels<br />
soft country vibes in this<br />
month’s fashion edit<br />
BAKE IN SEASON<br />
Lara Green’s flavourful<br />
take on eating according<br />
to the month you’re in<br />
107<br />
109<br />
113<br />
114<br />
42<br />
NOURISH TO FLOURISH<br />
Charlotte Lau whizzes up her<br />
take on wild garlic pesto<br />
SCHOOL NOTICEBOARD<br />
Catch up on all the latest school news<br />
WHAT’S ON?<br />
From events to courses, find out...<br />
FABLES FROM THE FARM<br />
Jane Howard’s latest instalment<br />
from Coopers Farm<br />
42<br />
CHANGE IT UP<br />
Explore a grown-up<br />
family house remodel<br />
104<br />
IN LOVE WITH... SPRING<br />
Josephine Fairley picks products<br />
with the wow factor<br />
57<br />
GET THE LOOK<br />
Channel a contemporary<br />
aesthetic<br />
106<br />
BRAIN POWER<br />
Sarah Maxwell explains how<br />
exercise can affect the mind<br />
Published by Priceless Media Ltd. Kettle Chambers, 21 Stone Street,<br />
Cranbrook, Kent TN17 3HF | Call 01580 714705 | Email info@priceless-group.com<br />
Visit priceless-group.com Copyright © <strong>2024</strong> Priceless Media Ltd. The views of the<br />
advertisers & contributors are not necessarily those of Priceless Media Ltd.<br />
GARDEN<br />
SUPPLEMENT<br />
31 pages of<br />
design ideas<br />
and inspo.<br />
After page 58.<br />
7
MANY<br />
CLEARANCE<br />
MODELS ON<br />
DISPLAY<br />
Tel: 01420 590510<br />
www.distinctivelightinguk.com<br />
SHOWROOM OPENING HOURS<br />
9am - 5pm: Monday - Friday.<br />
9am - 1pm: Saturday<br />
Elstead House, Mill Lane, Alton, Hampshire GU34 2QJ<br />
<strong>Surrey</strong> <strong>Homes</strong> - FP- <strong>April</strong> Edition.indd 1 19/03/<strong>2024</strong> 14:01:39
From the<br />
Editor<br />
No matter the season, a gardener’s work is never<br />
done, and this issue we’ve really focused in<br />
on outdoor spaces to create our fact filled<br />
supplement. Are you new to the horticultural hobby<br />
and are looking to increase you plant knowledge? Do<br />
you want to find out how to spruce up your front<br />
garden? Or do your interests lie in creating impressive<br />
statement landscapes worthy of a stately home? There’s<br />
definitely something for every kind of gardener in here.<br />
If you’re a keen forager, you’ll love this month’s recipes.<br />
Make the most of wild garlic with a delicious pesto whizzed<br />
up by recipe developer Lara Green before discovering<br />
its health benefits with Charlotte Lau’s own take on this<br />
leafy freebie. Lara’s pesto pairs perfectly with a flavoured<br />
sourdough loaf of her own design, whilst the discard (if<br />
you choose to go down the true sourdough starter route)<br />
can be used to create some fabulous rhubarb scones.<br />
House-wise we visit two homes that have had serious<br />
reconfigurations – the first, two old farm buildings<br />
that have become one; the second – a revamped family<br />
home that has been given a new lease of life.<br />
You’ll also find all our regular health<br />
and beauty advice, fashion picks,<br />
education news and the latest events<br />
to add to your spring diary.<br />
Finally, we were sad to hear about<br />
the passing of June Trew, one of our<br />
longstanding advertisers. Our thoughts<br />
go out to her family, friends<br />
and art-loving customers.<br />
TAILORED HOME<br />
INSURANCE RIGHT<br />
DOWN TO THE<br />
FINEST DETAIL<br />
For high-value properties and contents, including<br />
valuables, fine art and collections, choose<br />
NFU Mutual Bespoke Home Insurance.<br />
To discuss your high-value<br />
home insurance, contact<br />
Max Flaherty, Bespoke<br />
Account Manager at<br />
NFU Mutual Cobham<br />
01932 865 667<br />
Cobham_agency@nfumutual.co.uk<br />
5 High Street, Cobham, KT11 3DH<br />
Priceless Team<br />
EditorLucy Fleming<br />
<strong>Supplement</strong>s & Features EditorRebecca Cuffe<br />
Sub Editor & Features Writer Emily Pavey<br />
Design & Production DirectorAnthony Boxall<br />
Sales ManagersLisa Gordon-Hughes<br />
Maria Hurley<br />
Senior Account ManagerSarah Norwood<br />
Senior Account Manager Andrew Boughton<br />
Wealden Times Show Director Flo Simpson<br />
Events Manager Liz Miles<br />
Events Sales Director Jude Brown<br />
Financial ControllerStephen Hunt<br />
Accounts Sarah Davies<br />
Nicola O’Leary<br />
Social Media ManagerCharlotte Lau<br />
Managing DirectorVivien Cotterill-Lee<br />
Executive ChairmanJulie Simpson<br />
The National Farmers Union Mutual Insurance Society Limited<br />
(No. 111982). Registered in England. Registered Office:<br />
Tiddington Road, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire<br />
CV37 7BJ. Authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority<br />
and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the<br />
Prudential Regulation Authority. A member of the Association<br />
of British Insurers.<br />
9<br />
priceless-magazines.com
TM<br />
Find us here!<br />
istockphoto.com/ Maria Voronovich<br />
Call 01580 714705 to find your nearest distributor of<br />
<strong>Surrey</strong> <strong>Homes</strong> or to get free copies delivered for £30 a year.<br />
12,000 copies of <strong>Surrey</strong> <strong>Homes</strong> are printed every month.<br />
We are available in the following outlets and<br />
are the only local magazine available at<br />
key commuter stations. If you<br />
have any questions about our<br />
distribution please contact<br />
Vivien Cotterill-Lee<br />
vivien.cotterill-lee@priceless-group.com<br />
Ashtead<br />
• Patrick Gardner<br />
Bagshott<br />
• Cubbitt Antiques<br />
• Howlands<br />
Estate Agents<br />
• Longacres Nursery<br />
Banstead<br />
• King of Cotton<br />
Betchworth<br />
• Buckland Deli<br />
• The Community<br />
Shop<br />
Bookham<br />
• Patrick Gardner<br />
Buckland<br />
• Buckland Nurseries<br />
<strong>Garden</strong> Centre<br />
Camberley<br />
• Romans<br />
Caterham<br />
• Shard Solutions<br />
Cheam<br />
• Cook<br />
Chelsham<br />
• Knights <strong>Garden</strong><br />
Centre<br />
Chobham<br />
• Melita<br />
• Pasha<br />
Claygate<br />
• Trew Art<br />
Cobham<br />
• Cobham Furniture<br />
• Fego Café<br />
• Oh So Coco<br />
Cranleigh<br />
• Curchods Prime<br />
• Notcutts<br />
• Roger Coupe<br />
Dorking<br />
• Dorking Travel<br />
• Patrick Gardner<br />
• Princess Alice<br />
Hospice<br />
• Sainsbury’s<br />
Epsom<br />
• Mayfield Lavender<br />
Nursery & Shop<br />
• Sainsbury’s<br />
Esher<br />
• Sandown Park<br />
Racecourse<br />
Farnham<br />
• Cook<br />
• ME Estate Agents<br />
• Sainsbury’s<br />
• Waterstones<br />
Felbridge<br />
• Doves Barn Nursery<br />
Godalming<br />
• Cook<br />
• Sainsbury’s<br />
• Sarah Louise Dix<br />
• Waterstones<br />
Godstone<br />
• Knights <strong>Garden</strong><br />
Centre<br />
Guildford<br />
• BoConcept<br />
• Elm Nursery<br />
Farm Shop<br />
• Loaf<br />
• Neptune<br />
• Nuffield Gym<br />
Haslemere<br />
• Lythe Hill<br />
Hotel & Spa<br />
• Tesco Superstore<br />
Knaphill<br />
• Sainsbury’s<br />
Leatherhead<br />
• Patrick Gardner<br />
• Robert Leech<br />
& Partners<br />
Lingfield<br />
• Robert Leech<br />
Lyne<br />
• The Farm Shop Lyne<br />
Milford<br />
• Secretts<br />
Old Oxted<br />
• Fish Plaice & Grill<br />
Oxted<br />
• Cook<br />
• Jackson-Stops & Staff<br />
• Limpsfield Stores<br />
• Morrisons<br />
• Robert Leech<br />
Oxshott<br />
• The Bear<br />
Redhill<br />
• Priory Farm<br />
Reigate<br />
• Buckland Nurseries<br />
<strong>Garden</strong> Centre<br />
• County Clothes<br />
• Robert Leech<br />
• RDO Kitchens<br />
Ripley<br />
• Ripley Nurseries<br />
Farm Shop<br />
• The Talbot<br />
Surbiton<br />
• Sainsbury’s<br />
Walton on<br />
Thames<br />
• Waterstones<br />
• Sainsbury’s<br />
Warlingham<br />
• Botley Hill<br />
Farmhouse<br />
• Rayners Estate<br />
Agents<br />
West Byfleet<br />
• Roman Tiles<br />
Weybridge<br />
• Tesco Extra<br />
Woldingham<br />
• Fine & Country<br />
TRAIN STATIONS<br />
• Dorking<br />
• East Grinstead<br />
• Epsom<br />
• Esher<br />
• Guildford<br />
• Haslemere<br />
• Kingston<br />
• Redhill<br />
• Richmond<br />
• Surbiton<br />
• Weybridge<br />
• Wimbledon<br />
• Woking<br />
11<br />
ROMEO<br />
JULIET<br />
21 JUNE - 13 JULY<br />
Staged across Guildford Town Centre<br />
GSC’s professional cast joined by a<br />
Guildford Community ensemble<br />
guildford-shakespeare-company.co.uk<br />
Principal sponsors<br />
GSC Buildings supported by<br />
priceless-magazines.com
House<br />
Month<br />
of the<br />
£2,950,000<br />
Outwood<br />
Damien Pestell picks his favourite<br />
homes on the market<br />
The dream: An expansive residence<br />
set within 7.5 acres of stunning<br />
gardens and surrounded by rolling<br />
<strong>Surrey</strong> countryside. The living space<br />
has been meticulously designed<br />
by the current owners to create<br />
a home that combines character<br />
with modern conveniences.<br />
Where: The village of Outwood,<br />
steeped in history and surrounded<br />
by countryside between the larger<br />
towns of Oxted and Reigate.<br />
Setting: In the heart of <strong>Surrey</strong>’s<br />
lush countryside. Surrounded<br />
by National Trust woodlands.<br />
Beds: 5 Baths: 4<br />
Special features: The kitchen/<br />
breakfast room is a culinary<br />
haven furnished with a fouroven<br />
oil-fired Aga and custom<br />
Mark Wilkinson units. Adjoining<br />
it is a spacious utility room,<br />
complete with a dog shower.<br />
Pleasing details: A selfcontained<br />
studio flat offers the<br />
scope for an additional extra<br />
income to rent or Airbnb.<br />
Outside: The immaculately<br />
maintained gardens include a<br />
picturesque lake and orchard. Leisure<br />
facilities extend to a 12m indoor<br />
pool and adjacent tennis court,<br />
providing ample opportunities<br />
for recreation and relaxation.<br />
Time to town: From Horley<br />
or Redhill station to Victoria<br />
in around 35 minutes.<br />
Agent: Maison Partnership<br />
0333 242 3292<br />
maisonpartnership,com<br />
priceless-magazines.com 12
Woldingham<br />
£1,800,000<br />
The dream: An immaculate modern<br />
home on the edge of the <strong>Surrey</strong> Hills<br />
Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty<br />
with fabulous westerly views. The<br />
property also has the potential to expand<br />
with paddocks or a potential pool.<br />
Where: The sought after village of<br />
Woldingham with fast links to central London<br />
Setting: A secluded location along a quiet lane.<br />
Beds: 5 Baths: 3<br />
Special features: The jaw dropping kitchen<br />
is the ideal space for hosting guests and<br />
incorporates a large island, range cooker and<br />
a dining area with views out to the garden.<br />
Pleasing details: The numerous<br />
reception rooms are a great space for<br />
children to play with their friends.<br />
Outside: The large garden is mainly<br />
laid to lawn with mature hedging and<br />
trees, with a patio area to the rear and<br />
plenty of parking space in the drive.<br />
Time to town: From Woldingham station<br />
to London Victoria in 30 mins.<br />
Agent: Melanie Attwater 07852 940 409<br />
melanieattwater.exp.uk.com<br />
Guildford<br />
£1,595,000<br />
The dream: A grand and comfortable wing of a<br />
fine Grade II listed country house. With Saxon<br />
origins as well as numerous royal, aristocratic and<br />
influential owners over its 1,300 year history, the<br />
property offers elegant and well-proportioned<br />
family accommodation over four floors.<br />
Where: Equidistant to Guildford,<br />
Farnham and Godalming. The nearby<br />
village of Pirbright offers excellent gastro<br />
pubs and award-winning butchers.<br />
Setting: In the heart of the <strong>Surrey</strong> Hills, a<br />
short distance from the Hampshire border.<br />
Beds: 5 Baths: 4<br />
Special features: The grand open plan drawing<br />
room with marble fireplace and a plethora of<br />
sash windows filling the room with light.<br />
Pleasing details: The property was first<br />
referred to in 727 AD by its Saxon name<br />
meaning ‘high clearing’ and was saved<br />
from dereliction in the late nineties.<br />
Outside: Approached through wrought iron<br />
electric gates, the ¾ mile tree lined driveway<br />
sweeps through 22 acres of parkland.<br />
Time to town: From Guildford station, 5 miles<br />
away, to London Victoria in approx 40 minutes.<br />
Agent: Knight Frank 020 3869 4758 knightfrank.co.uk<br />
13<br />
priceless-magazines.com
Discover a community<br />
with wellbeing in<br />
full bloom<br />
Stylish one and two bedroom apartments<br />
in the heart of vibrant West Byfleet, with<br />
sensational gardens, private, outdoor space,<br />
communal lounge, guest suite, hobby room<br />
studio and daytime concierge.<br />
Buy from £465,000<br />
Rent from £2,590 pm<br />
Exclusively for those enjoying life<br />
over sixty. Book your place now.<br />
Discover a new lease of life<br />
01932 483 138<br />
pegasushomes.co.uk/highfields
N E W 3 B E D R O O M<br />
S H O W H O M E N O W O P E N<br />
2, 3, 4 & 5 BEDROOM HOMES<br />
FROM £450,000 MOVE IN NOW<br />
BOOK YOUR VISIT TODAY<br />
01483 944 011 | sales@leighwoodfields.co.uk<br />
Leighwood Fields, Alfold Road, Cranleigh, <strong>Surrey</strong> GU6 8WQ<br />
Prices correct at time of going to press and subject to availability. Photography is indicative only.<br />
50201_Berkeley_LeighwoodFields_<strong>Surrey</strong><strong>Homes</strong><strong>April</strong>Ad_AW.indd 1 11/03/<strong>2024</strong> 15:22
<strong>Surrey</strong>’s Premier Builder<br />
Upfold Construction has been established since 2009<br />
and is a domestic builder providing services throughout<br />
<strong>Surrey</strong>, Sussex & Hampshire.<br />
Located in Cranleigh we are perfectly placed to offer a<br />
total building service to those clients seeking a local,<br />
professional and reliable builder. We carry out all aspects<br />
of building from extensions, renovations to a complete<br />
home refurbishment allowing us to provide a package of<br />
design, planning, building & finishing.<br />
We are members of The Chartered Institute of Building<br />
which guarantees our committment to quality of product,<br />
services and integrity of conduct.<br />
For more information, please contact us on: 01483 600335<br />
Email: info@upfoldconstruction.co.uk or www.upfoldconstruction.co.uk
C<br />
C<br />
C<br />
M<br />
M<br />
M<br />
Y<br />
Y<br />
Y<br />
CM<br />
CM<br />
CM<br />
MY<br />
MY<br />
MY<br />
CY<br />
CY<br />
CY<br />
CMY<br />
CMY<br />
CMY<br />
K<br />
K<br />
K<br />
Dates <strong>2024</strong><br />
28 <strong>April</strong> . 26 May . 27 Oct . 24 Nov<br />
Up to 120 stands<br />
Open (9:30am Trade) 10:30 - 4:00pm. Entry tickets available on the door.<br />
20 & 21 APRIL<br />
www.atgtickets.com/richmond<br />
The perfect family day out, with over 150 stalls to discover<br />
Bank Holiday Weekend<br />
Saturday 4 th -<br />
Monday 6 th May <strong>2024</strong><br />
Penshurst Place,<br />
Tonbridge<br />
SAVE £2<br />
with online early<br />
bird tickets*<br />
Free parking<br />
Kids go free<br />
ARTISAN SHOPPING | STREET FOOD | CRAFT DEMOS | FAMILY FUN<br />
www.thecraftshows.co.uk<br />
* tickets purchased by 28/04/<strong>2024</strong><br />
priceless-magazines.com<br />
18
Notebook<br />
Take note! We’ve rounded up the best<br />
of what to see and do near you<br />
<strong>Garden</strong><br />
Party<br />
Silence<br />
is Golden<br />
The Silent Pool Distillery is the home of Silent Pool Gin in the <strong>Surrey</strong><br />
Hills. Its beautiful rural location inspires every aspect of the award<br />
winning gin from the botanicals used during distillation, to the teal<br />
blue colour of the bottle. You can explore by taking a deep dive into the<br />
world of Silent Pool Gin on a distillery tour. Discover the unique four<br />
stage distillation process, and the botanicals that make this gin so special.<br />
We’re tempted by the distillery G&Tea Party with its delightful gin-themed<br />
twist on a classic afternoon tea – you can book various dates, mainly<br />
on Sundays, via their website. The fabulous Bee Keeping Experience<br />
focuses on the local bees that make the honey for Silent Pool Gin (bee<br />
keeper suits are provided!) and takes place once a month on a Friday.<br />
There’s also an Aroma Experience plus an Artisan Tasting<br />
Day which is a collaboration with Silent Pool neighbours<br />
Albury Organic Vineyard and Mandira’s Kitchen. When<br />
you visit don’t miss the delightful Pool Bar with<br />
terrace overlooking the pool, open <strong>April</strong>-<br />
September, weekend daytimes.<br />
silentpooldistillers.com<br />
Green-fingered readers will be thrilled<br />
to hear that The <strong>Garden</strong> Show is<br />
returning to the lovely Firle Place<br />
near Lewes from 19-21 <strong>April</strong>. There<br />
will be all sorts on offer including<br />
expert advice and free talks, over 200<br />
stalls of plants and gardenware. While<br />
you pick up blooms to perk up your<br />
garden your family will have plenty to<br />
keep them entertained including face<br />
painting, juggling, a toddler funfair,<br />
treasure hunts and the Huxley birds<br />
of prey. The event is in support of<br />
the fantastic Hands of Hope charity<br />
(hohcharity.co.uk) – enabling people<br />
and communities to lead healthier<br />
and happier lives by connecting them<br />
to nature and each other. The show<br />
opens from 10am until 5pm each day.<br />
For tickets see thegardenshows.com<br />
SUMMER<br />
SHOW<br />
South East Open Studios<br />
returns in <strong>2024</strong> for the whole<br />
of June. Stretching through the Kent<br />
and East Sussex countryside, the event<br />
not only helps to build artists’ profiles in<br />
the wider arts arena but also puts the<br />
South East on the map as a hub of<br />
creativity. Artists will open their<br />
studio doors, hold collaborative<br />
shows and showcase their work to<br />
local art lovers and visitors. Visit<br />
seos-art.org to find out more.<br />
Painting pictured by<br />
Philippa Futrell<br />
priceless-magazines.
CORE... LOOK<br />
AT THAT!<br />
Discover the wonders<br />
of the National Fruit collection<br />
at Brogdale Farm, near Faversham,<br />
showcasing over 3,000 varieties of fruit trees.<br />
The Brogdale Collections Charity are hosting lots<br />
of family-friendly festivals and events including the<br />
tempting Japanese Hanami Blossom Day on Saturday<br />
13 <strong>April</strong> and a bee safari on Tuesday 28 May. There are<br />
also cherry picking tours and PYO, Outdoor Cooking<br />
and Juicing Workshops plus a Cider Festival later in the<br />
year. Take a look at their website for details. You can gain<br />
exclusive access to the orchards year-round with an<br />
Orchard Pass and join their knowledgeable tour guides<br />
to learn the history and heritage and taste the fruit,<br />
you’ll witness the changes throughout the seasons<br />
from blossom in <strong>April</strong>, through to cherries,<br />
plums, apples and pears.<br />
brogdalecollections.org<br />
Craft<br />
Work<br />
If you’re looking for a bank holiday outing head to<br />
Weald of Kent Country Craft Show at Penshurst Place<br />
on 4 to 6 May for artisan shopping, speciality street<br />
food, entertainment, craft demos, live music and more.<br />
Explore over 150 craft stalls and make the most of the<br />
delicious eats and treats from the renowned food and<br />
drink hall. There’s plenty to keep everyone entertained<br />
with falconry displays, traditional children’s rids and<br />
laser clay pigeon too. Kids go free and there’s free<br />
parking and an early bird discount. The show opens<br />
daily between 10am and 5pm.<br />
thecraftshows.co.uk<br />
All Aboard<br />
We’re delighted to hear<br />
that Maidstone’s Kentish Lady River<br />
Boat is open for the season again, as of 29<br />
March. Choose from a 1 hour trip along the lovely<br />
Medway, 3 hour lunch or supper cruises or a river trip<br />
to the magnificent Allington Castle (pictured right).<br />
Private hire of this 70 seater boat is also available and<br />
it is wheelchair accessible. Take a look at the<br />
timetable and find out more details at<br />
kentishlady.co.uk<br />
istockphoto.com/ denphumi / Suthin Saenontad<br />
Based on the muchloved<br />
animated TV series, the<br />
brand new live show Peppa Pig’s Fun<br />
Day Out! is making a splash at Richmond<br />
Theatre on Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 <strong>April</strong>,<br />
and promises fun, games and lots of laughs.<br />
Join Peppa and her family and friends as they go<br />
to the zoo and the beach for a special party. Packed<br />
full of songs, dance and muddy puddles Peppa Pig’s<br />
Fun Day Out! guarantees giggles and snorts for all<br />
Peppa fans – the perfect introduction to theatre.<br />
This latest new adventure includes interactive<br />
fun, songs and games for preschoolers.<br />
It’s the ideal family treat.<br />
Tickets start from £13 at<br />
atgtickets.com/richmond<br />
MUDDY PUDDLE TIME<br />
Two for One<br />
Maidstone Museum is well worth a visit<br />
for its fascinating collections and up until 1<br />
June you’ll also find a great display of works<br />
by young artists from across the South East as<br />
part of Maidstone Young Artist Award <strong>2024</strong>,<br />
plus a large exhibition of works by Graham<br />
Clarke entitled A Retrospective – 65 Years of<br />
Printmaking. Alongside his often humorous<br />
limited-edition works – depicting his beloved<br />
Kent countryside, boats and the sea, Cornwall<br />
and more – you’ll also find the artist’s<br />
sketchbooks and other creations including the<br />
boat pictured above. museum.maidstone.gov.uk<br />
priceless-magazines.com<br />
20
The memories, conversations & adventures we<br />
all shared made it a journey to remember. A<br />
friend to all who knew June Trew. Forever in<br />
our hearts & for so many; forever bringing<br />
joy to our wall space! June’s passion and<br />
inspiring legacy lives on.<br />
Remembered with a Smile. (12th March <strong>2024</strong>)<br />
Pop Art<br />
Investment Art<br />
Sculptures<br />
11 The Parade, Claygate, <strong>Surrey</strong>, KT10 0PD • WWW.TREWART.COM • PH 44 (0)1372 470997<br />
From inspiration to creation,<br />
define your space with<br />
ART<br />
11 The Parade, Claygate, <strong>Surrey</strong>, KT10 0PD • WWW.TREWART.COM • PH 44 (0)1372 470997<br />
ADVANCE BOOKING REQUIRED<br />
2 - 6 May<br />
RHS <strong>Garden</strong><br />
Wisley<br />
GU23 6QB<br />
Purchase direct from 200 of the very best makers in the UK<br />
Admission to garden also gives admission to the craft fair<br />
(<strong>Garden</strong> open until 6pm daily) • Free entry for RHS Members<br />
Demonstrations • Food village • Live music<br />
Thursday & Friday: 10am – 6pm<br />
Saturday & Sunday: 9am – 6pm<br />
Monday: 10am – 5pm<br />
CIF_Wisley_Spring24_130x185.indd 1 11/03/<strong>2024</strong> 10:46<br />
21<br />
priceless-magazines.com
Wealden Times<br />
Midsummer<br />
Fa i r<br />
<strong>Garden</strong> exhibitors<br />
With over 250 exhibitors there’s<br />
something for everyone. Here is a<br />
selection of our garden exhibitors.<br />
NEW<br />
wealdentimes-fair.co.uk<br />
XL Pools<br />
xlpools.com<br />
NEW<br />
Enjoy a great day out shopping<br />
with friends and family at this<br />
year’s Midsummer Fair<br />
With Spring in the air we’re starting to think about all things outdoors<br />
and there’s no better way to get ready for Summer than to book your<br />
tickets and plan a visit to the Midsummer Fair.<br />
Frys Furnishings<br />
frys-teakgarden.co.uk<br />
Tickets<br />
on sale now<br />
Quote<br />
‘EARLY24’<br />
for £1 off<br />
each ticket!<br />
Herbert Baker Furniture<br />
herbertbaker.com<br />
Low Wood Nursery<br />
JJ&B Topiary<br />
facebook.com/people/JJBtopiary/100054927030702/
Sponsored by<br />
<strong>Garden</strong> exhibitors<br />
continued...<br />
<strong>Garden</strong> inspiration<br />
Your ticket includes entry to Hole Park’s<br />
stunning formal gardens, where visitors<br />
can enjoy the summer blooms around<br />
the 16 acre gardens and also marvel at a<br />
tree carving of a family of bears climbing<br />
an oak tree to reach a honey pot!<br />
Families will also love the wooden rope<br />
swing – a hit with kids and a perfect<br />
picture spot.<br />
ceshomeandgarden<br />
ceshomeandgarden.com<br />
Potting Up<br />
pottingup.com<br />
NEW<br />
Light Innovation<br />
lightinnovation.com<br />
Join us on 6th-8th JUNE <strong>2024</strong><br />
9.00am - 5.00pm<br />
at Hole Park, Rolvenden TN17 4JB<br />
Adults £17, Children £8, Under 5s free<br />
Find out more information at wealdentimes-fair.co.uk<br />
EXTENDED<br />
OPENING<br />
HOURS
ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE<br />
Discover the value<br />
of luxury with Posh Pawn<br />
Embrace the spirit of renewal this<br />
Spring with Posh Pawn, your<br />
trusted destination for luxury<br />
assets. As the season comes into<br />
bloom, Posh Pawn Guildford invites you<br />
to explore a treasure trove of preloved<br />
luxury goods, or unlock the value of your<br />
assets with a short-term loan this Spring.<br />
As part of the esteemed Prestige<br />
Pawnbrokers family serving <strong>Surrey</strong>, London<br />
and the home counties, and made increasingly<br />
popular by the hit TV Show ‘Posh Pawn’;<br />
it has established itself as the ultimate<br />
destination for individuals seeking to sell, loan<br />
against, exchange or purchase preloved luxury<br />
items. With years of industry experience, Posh<br />
Pawn has become synonymous with trust,<br />
reliability, and exceptional customer service.<br />
This legacy of excellence is reflected in every<br />
aspect of Posh Pawn’s operations including<br />
their <strong>Surrey</strong>, Guildford and Weybridge stores.<br />
LOAN AGAINST OR SELL<br />
LUXURY ASSETS<br />
Posh Pawn are proud to offer a flexible<br />
pawnbroking service, allowing you to<br />
leverage your luxury assets to secure a<br />
short-term loan, providing you with the<br />
immediate funds you need while retaining<br />
ownership of your prized possessions.<br />
Having a Spring clean and looking to<br />
part with your possessions for good? Posh<br />
Pawn offers a seamless and confidential<br />
selling experience. Their team of experts<br />
possesses an in-depth understanding of<br />
the luxury market, enabling them to assess<br />
and appraise your items with precision.<br />
Whether you have a designer handbag,<br />
a luxury watch, fine jewellery, cars, art,<br />
wine, or any other high-end item, Posh<br />
Pawn Guildford provide competitive<br />
offers that are hard to match elsewhere –<br />
offering clients instant access to cash.<br />
REVIVE YOUR WARDROBE<br />
WITH LUXURY THIS SPRING<br />
A treasure trove of preloved luxury goods<br />
can be found across each of the Posh<br />
Pawn stores and online, from pastelhued<br />
designer bags, timeless accessories<br />
in your favourite Spring colour palette<br />
and unique investment pieces – how<br />
could you say no? At Posh Pawn you’ll<br />
find luxury brands including Chanel,<br />
Rolex and Cartier at a fraction of their<br />
original retail prices! Each item undergoes<br />
rigorous authentication and quality checks,<br />
ensuring that you get genuine luxury<br />
without compromise – unable to visit in<br />
store? No problem! You can shop online<br />
at www.shopprestige.com. Whether you’re<br />
looking for an investment piece to add to<br />
your collection or statement accessory to<br />
elevate your style, Posh Pawn has it all.<br />
So why not take a trip to Posh Pawn<br />
today! 8 UK locations including:<br />
GUILDFORD - 01483 964019<br />
164-166 High Street, Guildford GU1 3HW<br />
guildford@prestigepawnbrokers.co.uk<br />
WEYBRIDGE - 01932 859880<br />
109 Queens Rd, Weybridge KT13 9UJ<br />
weybridge@prestigepawnbrokers.co.uk<br />
www.prestigepawnbrokers.co.uk<br />
www.shopprestige.com
Lighter on sugar, free<br />
of artificial nasties, and<br />
big on fresh and fruity<br />
flavours – Belvoir<br />
Farm has the alcoholfree<br />
drinks we want for<br />
sunny-day sping-time<br />
sipping. The UK farm’s<br />
latest zesty creations<br />
for their Delicious &<br />
Light Range include<br />
Elderflower Lemonade<br />
and Sicilian Blood<br />
Orange Lemonade<br />
(both £2 for a 500ml<br />
bottle at Waitrose)<br />
belvoirfarm.co.uk<br />
must<br />
The<br />
From must-sees to must-buys and<br />
must-dos, don’t miss this month’s<br />
round up of what to buy, see, do,<br />
and generally get excited about!<br />
<strong>April</strong> is Bowel Cancer awareness<br />
month (bowelcanceruk.org.uk),<br />
which is why a star purchase<br />
right now is this inspirational<br />
mug from Emma Bridgewater<br />
(emmabridgewater.co.uk) which<br />
donates £5 from every purchase<br />
to Bowelbabe Fund for Cancer<br />
Research UK bowelbabe.org<br />
If you’re looking to add<br />
some coastal beachy vibes<br />
to your interior, check<br />
out Deborah Wren’s<br />
porcelain ceramic coastal<br />
art collection. Based<br />
just outside Rye, she<br />
handcrafts each gorgeous<br />
shell to make beautiful<br />
artworks inspired by<br />
the ever-changing<br />
colours of the sea.<br />
deborahwrenceramics.co.uk<br />
Some may celebrate a birthday this<br />
month with a gorgeous diamond<br />
birthstone, but why let them have<br />
all the fun? To treat yourself to<br />
a diamond-studded something<br />
that supports buying second hand<br />
(and the associated price drop)<br />
try Shop Prestige. Their website<br />
holds an ever-changing catalogue<br />
of designer items from a £12,995<br />
Birkin to a Dior ring for £495. But<br />
our diamond pick is this stunning<br />
Bvlgari Serpenti Viper Bracelet.<br />
This is a beautiful investment<br />
piece with its historical and<br />
iconic snake design (an emblem<br />
of wisdom, rebirth and vitality),<br />
created with 4.95 CT of<br />
diamonds set in 18 CT rose gold.<br />
£28,950 at shopprestige.com<br />
istockphoto.com/ GlobalP<br />
Pet month is all about raising<br />
awareness of responsible pet<br />
ownership (nationalpetmonth.<br />
org.uk). Which is why we’d like to<br />
introduce Splash Paws, a local haven<br />
for all, looking to improve mobility<br />
and quality of life for our dear doggos.<br />
Splash Paws is a Canine Hydrotherapy<br />
& Physiotherapy Centre set up at Brattle<br />
Farm in Staplehurst, Kent. They are<br />
members of the Canine Hydrotherapy<br />
Association and IRVAP, and their team<br />
of qualified therapists are super caring<br />
and professional, ready to treat your dog<br />
with all the dedicated care they could<br />
want. splashpaws.co.uk<br />
The 23rd is the day we<br />
celebrate Shakespeare’s birthday and<br />
what better way to celebrate than<br />
by booking tickets to a multi-venue,<br />
promenade production of Romeo &<br />
Juliet on the streets of Guildford? This<br />
summer the award-winning Guildford<br />
Shakespeare Company are celebrating<br />
their own 18th birthday with this oneof-a-kind<br />
production from June 21 st to<br />
July 13 th , which will lead its audience<br />
around iconic landmarks including the<br />
Guildhall balcony, the historic High<br />
Street and Guildford Castle <strong>Garden</strong>s<br />
as you following the fateful tale.<br />
guildford-shakespeare-company.co.uk<br />
Made from 100% recycled polypropylene trawl<br />
nets and lines, these shades by Waterhaul are a<br />
must for those looking to shop for yourself and for<br />
the environment. They’re Italian engineered and<br />
hand-finished, with mineral glass and they even come<br />
with a classy cork case and lifetime guarantee. The Fitzroy<br />
slate unisex sunglasses shown here are £65 at waterhaul.co<br />
Looking to relax and unwind<br />
this Stress Awareness Month?<br />
Try BeautyPro’s Warming<br />
Eye Masks. The Sussex-based<br />
company produces all sorts<br />
of pampering treats to help<br />
soothe and beautify, but these<br />
are particularly great to take<br />
a 20 minute break if you’re<br />
suffering a headache, need to<br />
escape the screens or are feeling<br />
tired and run-down. £14 for<br />
a pack of 5 at beautypro.com<br />
priceless-magazines.com
Building Connections<br />
Words: Jo Arnell Photographs: David Merewether<br />
After nearly a decade of planning, Dominic and<br />
Eve were finally given permission to convert a pair<br />
of derelict barns, linking them together to create<br />
one very beautiful dwelling<br />
priceless-magazines.com<br />
26
27<br />
priceless-magazines.com
18th Century Country Manor<br />
Outwood Common, Outwood<br />
For Sale: £2.95m<br />
In the heart of <strong>Surrey</strong>, Outwood House, once<br />
home to astrologer William Maw, exudes<br />
history and charm. Spread across 7.5 acres<br />
of lush gardens, this 4,860 sq ft residence<br />
offers sustainable living with heat pumps and<br />
solar energy. Ideal for multi-generational living,<br />
it boasts annexes, tennis courts and stables.<br />
Inside, find elegant reception rooms, a kitchen<br />
with a four-oven Aga, and five luxurious<br />
bedrooms. Outside, enjoy manicured gardens,<br />
a lake, an indoor pool, and garages. With<br />
excellent connectivity to London, Outwood<br />
House offers rural tranquility within reach of<br />
the city.<br />
Offered through Maison Partnership<br />
James Stacey-Clear | Partner<br />
01737 929 880<br />
Estate Planning and Probate Specialists<br />
Life has a way of taking unexpected turns. That’s why it’s essential to be prepared,<br />
especially when it comes to protecting what you’ve worked hard for.<br />
We provide personalised strategies tailored to your unique needs so<br />
that your legacy is preserved, and your future is secure.<br />
Contact us to start a simple, important conversation about your future.<br />
Call us on 01483 944423<br />
willsandprobate@thomasmansfield.co.uk<br />
tmwillsandprobate.co.uk<br />
Estate Planning • Wills & Inheritance • Powers of Attorney • Court of Protection • Probate<br />
priceless-magazines.com<br />
28
The story arc of an adventure tale involves a journey<br />
into the unknown, meetings with strangers, potential<br />
disasters, a point at which everything goes wrong and<br />
then, just when the hero is about to give up, a miraculous<br />
twist, event or awakening occurs and there’s happily ever<br />
after. Epic building projects often have such trajectories,<br />
but not usually before the building work even starts.<br />
When Dominic and Eve bought two derelict barns to convert,<br />
they embarked on what turned out to be an eight year quest<br />
to get permission to transform them into a single home. This<br />
involved several stages in changes of use from commercial<br />
occupancy back to agricultural and then to residential – not to<br />
mention the re-homing of an owl and some bats – and dealing<br />
with the council’s description of one of the buildings (at the<br />
time on the verge of imminent collapse) as a heritage asset<br />
that must be preserved at all costs. Once all these hurdles had<br />
been overcome, the project itself was relatively straightforward<br />
– I say relatively, as it’s nigh on impossible not to have a few<br />
hiccups along the way with such a project, but in the scheme<br />
of things, from the time that permission was finally granted,<br />
the build has only taken eighteen months to complete.<br />
The couple’s architect has done a great job at marrying two very<br />
different buildings together so that they look like one complete<br />
dwelling. The view of the outside as you approach is fabulous<br />
(very Grand Designs) and has a real wow factor, but on the <strong>inside</strong>,<br />
combining the ultra modern of one part with a traditional feel and<br />
look of a rustic vernacular building on the other, was a challenge.<br />
They sought the help of Victoria Allen, an interior designer<br />
specialising primarily in kitchens and bathrooms, but increasingly<br />
in the design of general living spaces – especially now that so<br />
many of us combine our living, dining and kitchen areas into <br />
Previous pages & this page: The whole design<br />
process started in the kitchen and flowed out from<br />
there to unite the spacious open plan living area<br />
29<br />
priceless-magazines.com
This page: The main wall colour throughout is Farrow & Ball’s Great White with F&B’s<br />
Peignoir used on some feature walls – both feature soft pinky undertones. The sculptural<br />
floating staircase has lighting in the treads and steel cords instead of bannisters<br />
one big room. Working closely with<br />
the project’s builder, Jeremy, and his<br />
site manager son, Joshua, she has<br />
helped to guide Dominic and Eve<br />
through the interior’s construction.<br />
“It can be difficult to visualise<br />
things with a two-dimensional plan<br />
view,” says Eve, “to see the spaces<br />
and imagine living in them.” Victoria<br />
explains how she uses a combination<br />
of CAD and Pinterest, sharing images<br />
through their WhatsApp group, so<br />
that everyone is kept in the loop.<br />
“Communication is key to the<br />
success of a project,” she says,<br />
“and having a team of guys who<br />
treat it as if it was their own<br />
house – so there’s no bodging or<br />
making do. They have pride in their<br />
work and want to get things right.”<br />
“The whole design process started in the<br />
kitchen and flowed out from there. It’s a big<br />
room. I can sit at my computer and move<br />
things around – playing with the shapes is<br />
very useful when designing. We can imagine<br />
the space better – floors, walls, electrics,<br />
pieces of furniture.” Has all the technology<br />
improved the process? Victoria smiles. “It<br />
has just changed the way we are able to work<br />
– when things were on paper the design<br />
was often at a final stage and not so easily<br />
altered. Now we can swap things about<br />
really easily, so there’s more flexibility and<br />
opportunity to keep moving things around.”<br />
Victoria has a knack of choosing offthe-shelf<br />
pieces and styling them so that<br />
they look custom made, which means<br />
that the budget can be used where it’s<br />
needed. Choosing artwork is often part<br />
of the process, but in this case Victoria<br />
hasn’t had to source any pictures – the<br />
multi-talented Jeremy has painted all<br />
the large paintings in the house and his<br />
daughter has produced smaller works,<br />
with beautiful pressed wildflowers.<br />
The kitchen units are an off-the-shelf<br />
design, but Victoria has added in bespoke<br />
details – unit handles and a nifty solution to<br />
the corner cupboard issue, splashing out <br />
priceless-magazines.com<br />
30
Proud to have been providing Private<br />
and NHS healthcare services to our local<br />
community for more than 40 years.<br />
Services available include<br />
Orthopaedics<br />
Weight Loss<br />
Surgery<br />
Ophthalmology<br />
Diagnostics<br />
Private GPs<br />
Contact us on 01372 898 544 or go to our website<br />
ashteadhospital.co.uk for more information on the<br />
range of services we offer.<br />
Ashtead<br />
Hospital
carlton<br />
alto<br />
roma<br />
astonian original<br />
astonian original brassware geo wall hung wc shape bath<br />
aged brass<br />
kast concrete
on prestige appliances; a sleek induction<br />
hob and extractor and finishing it all<br />
off with a seamless Corian worktop.<br />
“The worktop goes well with the<br />
concrete look of the floor,” she says.<br />
Except that the floor isn’t concrete,<br />
it is resin – made and installed by a<br />
company called Sphere8 – and runs<br />
through the whole house, helping<br />
to unite the disparate ends of the<br />
building. It feels gloriously smooth to<br />
the touch and, thanks to underfloor<br />
heating, lovely and warm too.<br />
“The floor was the very last thing<br />
to go in,” explains Jeremy. “They had<br />
to make sure that there was no dust,<br />
nothing that would cause an issue. They<br />
wanted all the lights on too, so that any<br />
unevenness could be dealt with – the<br />
tiniest of bumps in the floor that might<br />
show up under the lights and make<br />
shadows – and then they patch up any<br />
cracks in the concrete screed and paint<br />
the floor with several layers of the resin,<br />
so you could incorporate a colour at any<br />
time, or even change the colour. They<br />
use it a lot in art galleries, so that the<br />
floor can just be repainted whenever.”<br />
The seamless finish continues<br />
throughout the modern side; a shadow<br />
gap is used where the walls meet the<br />
foot, which means that there’s no need<br />
to interrupt the space with traditional<br />
skirting boards or architrave.<br />
A large room like this needs warmth<br />
though, and Victoria has managed to<br />
bring in colour, while maintaining an<br />
This page: The family bathroom’s double-ended bath is positioned right<br />
in front of the window for an ultimate bath with a view. At either end<br />
of the landing, spacious bedrooms feature lovely high ceilings<br />
open airiness. The main wall colour<br />
throughout is Farrow & Ball’s Great<br />
White with F&B’s Peignoir used on<br />
some feature walls – both feature soft<br />
pinky undertones. “Modern buildings<br />
can be austere and too cold – they<br />
can look very sterile,” says Dominic.<br />
The pink touch is picked up in<br />
some of the interior details too – in<br />
the sofa, rug and artwork, while<br />
tan leather chairs keep the warmth<br />
and help to tie the look together.<br />
A feature electric fireplace – the<br />
focal point at this end of the room<br />
– brings cosiness without the mess<br />
or the flue of a traditional fire. It is<br />
surprisingly realistic and the flickering<br />
of the faux flames (to my simple brain)<br />
are as mesmerising as real ones.<br />
“The view is the star here,” she<br />
says, “and so we changed the original<br />
architect’s design – which had cut <br />
33<br />
priceless-magazines.com
This page: With stunning panoramic views, the main bedroom features a beautiful en suite tiled with Mandarin Stone’s Hoxton range<br />
the windows in half so that they opened<br />
with a central divide.” They also chose<br />
sliding doors, rather than bi-folds for<br />
the same reason – and when you have<br />
a magnificent vista in front of you, the<br />
fewer interruptions to it the better – and<br />
after all, we spend more time looking<br />
out of the windows than looking in.<br />
Every window offers vantage<br />
points over the vast natural landscape<br />
– it is in an AONB, the views are<br />
spectacular – the most intimate being<br />
from the kitchen out to an adjacent<br />
pond. “The view of the bullrushes<br />
and the pond is my favourite,” says<br />
Eve. This is also where the resident<br />
owl has found a new home, in a<br />
bespoke owl box on a nearby tree.<br />
Beyond the terrace outside the garden<br />
is informal, merging into the landscape.<br />
“I call it an infinity garden,” smiles<br />
Dominic, “the modern equivalent of<br />
a ha-ha. Although it’s north facing to<br />
the back of the house it’s open too, so<br />
you can have the best of both worlds<br />
– sun and shade – without having<br />
to have a canopy and <strong>inside</strong>, despite<br />
facing north, is not cold or gloomy.<br />
We head up the cool and sculptural<br />
floating staircase with lighting<br />
<br />
priceless-magazines.com 34
%<br />
FINANCE<br />
FREE<br />
DELIVERY<br />
EXPERT<br />
ADVICE<br />
Discover the Joy of<br />
Sleeping Comfortably<br />
The finest range of premium beds, mattresses<br />
and bedding in the South-East<br />
Cavendish House, Sydenham Road,<br />
Guildford, <strong>Surrey</strong> GU1 3RX<br />
01483 380111<br />
jonesandtomlin.co.uk
This page: The older, brick built part of the house<br />
is accessed via a generously proportioned linkway<br />
in the treads and steel cords instead of<br />
bannisters, and the breathtaking views<br />
expand panoramically from the windows<br />
in all the bedrooms. Each has a glass Juliet<br />
balcony, but in the family bathroom – and<br />
you can really only do this if you’re sure<br />
you’re not going to be overlooked (unless<br />
you’re an exhibitionist) – the double-ended<br />
bath is positioned right in front of the<br />
window for an ultimate bath with a view.<br />
The older, brick built part of the house<br />
is accessed via a generously proportioned<br />
priceless-magazines.com<br />
36
Top: The interior mood changes as you enter the cosy sitting room. “This side is for night time and winter,” smiles Victoria, “and the<br />
more open living space near the kitchen is for summer and daytime living.” Above: An oak staircase leads up to two further bedrooms<br />
linkway. It is so light and airy that they<br />
are tempted to call it the Orangery;<br />
it functions as a cloakroom, office,<br />
games room – aka a very useful space.<br />
The interior mood changes as we<br />
head into the cosy sitting room. “This<br />
side is for night time and winter,” smiles<br />
Victoria, “and the more open living<br />
space near the kitchen is for summer<br />
and daytime living.” This cosy retreat is<br />
painted in Farrow & Ball’s Down Pipe.<br />
“It’s a dark colour, but the deep greyblue<br />
has hints of green, so it is a warm<br />
feel. We wanted to go more traditional<br />
at this end of the building. The existing<br />
beams were originally to be covered but<br />
we asked for them to be exposed – it<br />
brings more warmth and character.”<br />
Builder Jeremy remembers the<br />
state that this heritage building was<br />
in when they started. “It was on the<br />
verge of collapse,” he laughs, “what<br />
a nightmare. The whole thing nearly<br />
fell down. We had to take this whole<br />
end off the house and rebuild it. It<br />
needed to be underpinned. We installed<br />
purlins around the ceiling of the<br />
other bedroom – they had to be put<br />
in because the building needed to be<br />
structurally secure.” Now the purlins<br />
and the brackets look really smart as<br />
if they are design features, as much as<br />
fundamental to the building’s integrity.<br />
There are two good sized bedrooms<br />
on this side. The largest has a natural<br />
divide as the flue for the wood burner<br />
in the sitting room below had to be<br />
incorporated into this room, making<br />
it ideal for two children sharing. <br />
37<br />
priceless-magazines.com
Top: Cedar cladding has been used on the exterior of the more<br />
modern part of the house, whilst bricks reclaimed from an old<br />
garden wall tie this section in with the bricks of the older barn<br />
With ultimate flexibility of living<br />
in mind, they have installed a water<br />
supply to this side of the house so that<br />
a kitchen could be added, in case the<br />
building ever needed to be two separate<br />
dwellings. At the moment though it<br />
works as one house just perfectly – and<br />
Victoria has cleverly made the interior<br />
decor flow. Lighting is a key factor in<br />
the overall design. It is all LED, from a<br />
combination of small spotlights in the<br />
ceilings, but it’s the hanging pendant<br />
and accent lamps that are noticed.<br />
The large tungsten effect filaments<br />
bring – along with the industrial<br />
vibe – warmth and cohesion to the<br />
two very different styles of building.<br />
“We used the same colours all<br />
through for the window frames, door<br />
handles and the light fittings,” she<br />
says. “The windows are all bespoke<br />
and each one is a different size. They<br />
were made by Phase One joinery. We<br />
used local suppliers all through.”<br />
“Many people who worked here<br />
knew the land, or fished in the pond as<br />
children,” adds Dominic. The heritage<br />
status is perhaps as much in the land as<br />
in the buildings that occupy it, linking<br />
communities to the features, buildings<br />
and natural spaces in their locality.<br />
“We found a batten of wood in the<br />
roof,” he says, “with a tally of planes<br />
shot down in the Battle of Britain –<br />
that must have been raging in the skies<br />
overhead when the roof was being<br />
repaired during the war.” That piece of<br />
wood is a visceral link to the past, but<br />
also to the landscape, to the people that<br />
must have watched the dog fights taking<br />
place in the skies above them here.<br />
The past is always being uncovered<br />
and rebuilt, battles won and lost. This<br />
building will stand as testament to<br />
Dominic and Eve’s persistence and<br />
determination to succeed in creating<br />
something new. They and their team<br />
have worked together to reshape a<br />
future for two dilapidated wrecks –<br />
triumphantly repurposing a heritage<br />
building, creating a brilliant new one<br />
and blending them together into a sleek,<br />
contemporary home. The story arc of<br />
this build is complete, but as Dominic<br />
and Eve now have their sights set on<br />
another project, there may well be a<br />
sequel at some point in the future.<br />
Address Book:<br />
Victoria Allen can be contacted<br />
for design projects by emailing<br />
v.e.allen.design@gmail.com or see<br />
Instagram @victoriaallendesign<br />
To speak to Courts Management Ltd<br />
about a project, email Jeremy at<br />
jeremy@courtsmanagement.com or<br />
see www.courtsmanagement.com<br />
You can find out about Jeremy’s artworks<br />
at jecoart.net and his daughter Nina’s<br />
pressed flower works at antherart.co.uk<br />
Biosun (green energy systems)<br />
biosunenergy.co.uk<br />
Mandarin Stone mandarinstone.com<br />
Phase One Joinery phaseonejoinery.co.uk<br />
Sphere 8 sphere8.com<br />
priceless-magazines.com 38
Traditionally Made Architectural Porches, Verandas and Door Canopies<br />
Let us create you a stylish and welcoming front entrance for your home with one of our porches<br />
or door canopies, or a usable outdoor living space with one of our magnificent verandas.<br />
All crafted by hand by our award-winning tinsmiths and metal workers.<br />
Manufactured with a powder coated steel frame and with real sustainable zinc or copper roofs.<br />
Choose from our range of zinc and copper door canopies, or alternatively we can make you a bespoke canopy.<br />
We specialise in creating canopies, verandas and porches that will fit into more difficult spaces.<br />
You can contact us by email or call - we are happy to help.<br />
www.zac.ltd | 02039 576150 | info@zac.ltd
EST. 1997<br />
BLIND AND CURTAIN<br />
SHOWROOM<br />
Our newly redesigned Luxaflex showroom, showcases<br />
the latest innovations in custom made blinds including<br />
automation, sustainability and smart home integration.<br />
Sitting seamlessly alongside our bespoke luxury curtain<br />
and Roman blind service containing an inspiring<br />
collection of designer fabrics and trimmings.<br />
With over 25 years experience in window styling we<br />
offer a fully bespoke service with every aspect of your<br />
project overseen by our team of experts.<br />
CURTAINS & BLINDS BY APPOINTMENT ONLY<br />
Opening Hours:<br />
Tues-Sat 10am to 5pm<br />
52 Friars Stile Road,<br />
Richmond, <strong>Surrey</strong> TW10 6NQ<br />
020 8332 6250 • www.curtain-call.co.uk<br />
info@curtain-call.co.uk<br />
S A N D O W N A N T I Q U E S H O M E & I N T E R I O R S F A I R<br />
SUNDAY 14TH APRIL<br />
SUNDAY 2ND JUNE<br />
SUNDAY 15TH SEPTEMBER<br />
S A N D O W N P A R K R A C E C O U R S E , P O R T S M O U T H R O A D ,<br />
E S H E R , S U R R E Y , K T 1 0 9 A J<br />
OPENS 10AM - 3PM<br />
£2 ADMISSION<br />
(CASH ONLY ON THE GATE)<br />
(CHILDREN UNDER 16YRS FREE)<br />
FREE PARKING<br />
HOT & COLD REFRESHMENTS ON SITE<br />
INSIDE & OUTSIDE STALLS<br />
(ONLY ASSISTANCE DOGS ARE PERMITTED AT SANDOWN PARK RACECOURSE)<br />
A N A B U N D A N C E O F A N T I Q U E S , C O L L E C T A B L E S , F U R N I T U R E ,<br />
P A I N T I N G S , V I N T A G E C L O T H I N G , C E R A M I C S , J E W E L L E R Y ,<br />
G A R D E N E P H E M E R A , S I L V E R A N D M U C H M U C H M O R E<br />
For all bookings & general enquiries please contact<br />
01932 230 946 enquiries@sunburyantiques.com<br />
www.sunburyantiques.com<br />
priceless-magazines.com<br />
40
Get the<br />
LOOK<br />
1 Small round, Otoro recycled glass pendant lights in clear £150 Nkuku nkuku.com 2 Go Eco High Line<br />
5kW Plus stove POA Charlton & Jenrick charltonandjenrick.co.uk 3 Slow Mocean abstract canvas art<br />
£150 Green Lili greenlili.com 4 Faux tulips in white £14 Sophie Allport sophieallport.com 5 Lillan Rose<br />
pink poppy seed vase from £11 The Wisteria Tree thewisteriatree.co.uk 6 Indivi sofa from £999 BoConcept<br />
boconcept.com 7 Mathilda navy cushion £100 Abigail Borg abigailborg.com 8 Byron coffee table £399 Atkin<br />
and Thyme atkinandthyme.co.uk 9 Imola chair with swivel function £5,739 BoConcept boconcept.com<br />
41<br />
priceless-magazines.com
Change it up<br />
Words: Fiona Patrick Photographs: David Merewether<br />
priceless-magazines.com<br />
42
Neil and Sharon Maidment’s reconfigured family<br />
home is the result of a very successful partnership<br />
with OPEN architecture, who opened their eyes to a<br />
new layout they never imagined was possible<br />
43<br />
priceless-magazines.com
First Class Property Maintenance Ltd<br />
Painting and Decorating<br />
CHRISTMAS GUIDE<br />
RUG STORE<br />
…specialises in a wide selection of new, old and antique<br />
Persian, Turkish Caucasian and Afghan carpets, runners and<br />
rugs. Various antique, old and new Kilims, Kilim furntiure and<br />
Kilim footstools are available. We also offer a professional hand<br />
cleaning and restoration service. We buy old and antique carpets<br />
– even damaged rugs. Part exchange and evaluations.<br />
We also<br />
offer a<br />
professional hand<br />
cleaning and<br />
restoration<br />
service<br />
First Class Property Maintenance Ltd<br />
Painting and Decorating<br />
First Class Property Maintenance Ltd<br />
Painting and Decorating<br />
FREE NO OBLIGATION<br />
First Class Property Maintenance Ltd<br />
QUOTATIONS ON<br />
Painting and Decorating<br />
REQUEST<br />
FREE NO OBLIGATION<br />
QUOTATIONS ON<br />
REQUEST<br />
n 312 Upper Richmond Road West, London. SW14 7JN.<br />
n 020 8876 0070 n info@rugdtoreonline.co.uk<br />
n rugstoreonline.co.uk<br />
ELIOT SIEGEL / THE BRITISH<br />
ART GALLERY<br />
FIRST FIRST CLASS CLASS PROPERTY MAINTENANCE LTD LTD<br />
Eliot Siegel has created PAINTING exquisite, AND DECORATING<br />
PAINTING AND DECORATING<br />
luxury greeting cards using<br />
his fine art photography. Eliot is a well-published author,<br />
• Interior painting • Exterior painting<br />
fashion magazine • Repaints • and Interior - portrait residential painting and • photographer commercial Exterior • painting New buildsand founder of<br />
The British Art Gallery, • Remedial and works his (patching work and can sanding)<br />
• Repaints - residential and commercial • be New found builds on the Etsy<br />
• Water damage repair work • Wallpapering<br />
• Artist Remedial online marketplace.<br />
• Feature works Walls • End (patching of tenancy and re sanding) decs<br />
Eliot has been a • Water fine art damage imagemaker repair work • Wallpapering for more than 30 years,<br />
Local business<br />
with eight solo • exhibitions. Feature based in Great Walls Bookham • End Based of providing tenancy a service<br />
in Teddington, re decs<br />
customers in<br />
he has<br />
<strong>Surrey</strong> and the surrounding areas.<br />
created six brand-new collections of striking greeting cards,<br />
printed Local business on sublime based in 300gsm Great Bookham Mohawk providing paper a service by to the customers foremost in<br />
printer in the UK, and <strong>Surrey</strong> Call: elegantly 07809 and the 443 340 surrounding / presented 07899 693 areas. 682 in delightful dark<br />
grey boxes, silver email: fcpmltd@yahoo.com embossed with | website: the www.fcpmltd.co.uk Eliot Siegel signature<br />
and logo of The British Art Gallery.<br />
n Find these little treasures Call: 07809 at 443 etsy.com/uk/shop/TheBritishArtGallery<br />
340 / 07899 693 682<br />
email: or call fcpmltd@yahoo.com 07768 816749 and | website: speak to www.fcpmltd.co.uk<br />
Eliot directly<br />
REAL ALE<br />
If you are looking for festive cheer,<br />
look no further than Real Ale; your<br />
local independent liquid delicatessen,<br />
specialising in craft beers, natural<br />
wines and spirits from small producers<br />
around the world.<br />
The Natural Wines of Christmas case<br />
contains a selection of naturally made<br />
wines showcasing amazing flavours,<br />
made with perfectly ripe grapes and<br />
meticulous attention to detail.<br />
All the wines are hugely expressive<br />
in their own way and represent<br />
fantastic value when bought together<br />
as a mixed case.<br />
Or if you prefer white burgundy, fizz<br />
or full-bodied reds, the Six Wines<br />
of Christmas ticks the box!<br />
Both cases come with tasting notes<br />
and free UK delivery.<br />
For beer lovers, why not try the everpopular<br />
12 Beers of Christmas, taken<br />
from a selection of over 300 beers.<br />
From dark and delicious stouts to<br />
hoppy table beers and crisp lagers,<br />
each case comes with a tasting note<br />
and food pairing in a stamped gift box.<br />
n Pre order online now at realale.com<br />
or pop into the shop at 371 Richmond Road,<br />
Twickenham TW1 2EF<br />
n 020 8892 3710<br />
n TW@realale.com<br />
• Automation and installation<br />
• Entry phones and access control<br />
• Hardwood, aluminium and metal<br />
gates made to order for automation<br />
and non-automation purposes<br />
Each case<br />
comes • with Supply-and-fit a service for fully<br />
tasting note automated and electric garage doors<br />
food pairing<br />
in a • stamped Brick piers<br />
gift box<br />
• Brick walls<br />
• Driveway alterations<br />
FREE SURVEYS &<br />
QUOTES PROVIDED<br />
TEL: 01483 379954<br />
info@harriergates.co.uk<br />
www.harriergates.co.uk<br />
priceless-magazines.com<br />
44<br />
48 December essentialsurrey.co.uk
Previous pages & this page: The green modular sofa and the<br />
leather armchairs were from Lime Modern Living and John Lewis<br />
respectively. The herringbone flooring throughout is by Karndean<br />
Emerging from the rain and gloom of the last few<br />
months, the one thing that everyone is craving is light.<br />
Unsurprising then, how inviting the hallway of Neil and<br />
Sharon Maidment’s Forest Row home feels as soon as you walk<br />
through the door. Standing in the entrance, sunlight streams<br />
down from the vaulted ceiling above, glances through the<br />
glass balustrade of the floating staircase, and lands in a warm<br />
pool on the herringbone floor. It is a far cry from the hallway<br />
they walked into 16 years ago when they bought the house,<br />
relocating from <strong>Surrey</strong> to accommodate their growing family.<br />
Until recently, the layout had remained unchanged, with a<br />
staircase obstructing available light and taking up too much<br />
room, and doors leading off to a myriad of disconnected<br />
living spaces. “We never had enough money to do anything<br />
to it, so when Stephanie arrived it was almost exactly the same<br />
as the day we moved in,” says Neil, referring to Stephanie<br />
Mason, director of OPEN architecture, the Sevenoaks-based<br />
firm Neil and Sharon contracted last year to transform<br />
the downstairs area into a more connected space.<br />
While understanding the need for change, the pair felt<br />
lost as to how to achieve a home that worked for them as<br />
a family and that would retain its appeal once their two<br />
teenage daughters flew the nest. “We didn’t have a clue.<br />
We just needed someone to come in and open our eyes <br />
45<br />
priceless-magazines.com
• POOL MAINTENANCE<br />
• POOL REPAIRS<br />
• POOL RENOVATION<br />
• POOL BUILD<br />
www.sjpoolservices.co.uk<br />
Call 01932 500 421 / 07957 749482 / 07974 178220<br />
Email info@sjpoolservices.co.uk<br />
SJPoolsS55.indd 1 01/05/2019 11:46<br />
23 Tally Road, Limpsfield,<br />
Oxted, RH8 0TG<br />
T: 01883 771295<br />
Aga Refurbishments and<br />
Eco Conversions<br />
Here at Smartrange, we pride ourselves on<br />
preserving the Aga cooker, restoring and refurbishing<br />
them into the now and beyond. Offering a truly<br />
bespoke service to each of our customers from<br />
full Aga refurbishments, updating the colour to<br />
converting your Aga from gas, oil and electric..<br />
For those that are looking for a more energy<br />
efficient, eco-friendly and flexible way of cooking<br />
yet still want to continue the tradition of owning an<br />
Aga, converting to electric is the option for you.<br />
Call us today to discuss your Aga upgrade.<br />
Servicing | Repairs | Refurbishments | Conversions | Removals<br />
@smartrange_aga @smartrangeaga www.smartrange.co.uk<br />
priceless-magazines.com<br />
46
This page: Light pours into the entrance hall through<br />
an unusually shaped triangular window on the first floor.<br />
The statement silver light fitting is from John Lewis<br />
to the art of the possible, so that’s where Stephanie<br />
came in. Most of the stuff that she envisioned we never<br />
would have been able to come up with ourselves.”<br />
Originally built in the ’60s, the layout was not making<br />
the most of potential square footage or optimising the<br />
internal space. Stephanie says, “The moment I walked<br />
in the door I thought: this connection is not working,<br />
this is too dark, these rooms need to be flowing better. I<br />
could quickly tell that if we just made a few changes, then<br />
it would feel like a full-scale alteration to the house.” It<br />
is hard to imagine the house now without this sense of<br />
flow, as the eye is drawn past the repositioned staircase,<br />
over the dining room ahead and through vast, singlepane,<br />
sliding glass doors to the terrace and trees outside.<br />
This line of sight became central to the architectural<br />
plan. “There were no windows,” Stephanie says, “and<br />
it was just a series of doors leading to rooms. It felt<br />
like you were very enclosed. It was really important to<br />
ensure that we could get those views and the moment<br />
you walked in the house you saw out to the garden.”<br />
Through the doorway ahead a Cox & Cox dining table<br />
sits happily in what was once a separate room and is now<br />
part of an open-plan arrangement where the kitchen, <br />
47<br />
priceless-magazines.com
This page, above: Kitchens Bespoke in East Grinstead designed<br />
the shaker style kitchen which is painted in Elgin Grey with<br />
Kongistone’s Bianca Toscana quartz worktops Right: A wall of<br />
glass doors leads out from the dining area into the garden<br />
dining room and living areas merge into each other but<br />
are all uniquely defined. Pendent light fittings add a sense<br />
of height to the ceiling and the kitchen’s oriel window,<br />
replacing an ordinary PVC window, increases the space<br />
without adding to the footprint of the house. It is one<br />
of many thoughtfully crafted areas, and it cries out for a<br />
morning cup of coffee and a newspaper, or a glass of wine<br />
in hand, while you chat to someone doing the cooking.<br />
“Quite often when you create large open-plan spaces<br />
you can find yourself just making a massive room,” says<br />
Stephanie, “and something that we always try and focus on<br />
is creating pockets of space where you can either be with a<br />
group of people or you can be by yourself.” The Laminum<br />
island worktop allows for ample cooking space alongside<br />
the BORA hob, while the paintwork on the island base unit<br />
complements the aluminium frame of the windows, drawing<br />
the eye outside. The layout is clean and uncomplicated, but<br />
behind the cabinetry lies a clever and original secret: “We<br />
wanted to include a fun design feature, where we have a<br />
hidden door amongst a whole bank of kitchen units. You<br />
can actually walk through the kitchen cabinetry straight into<br />
the utility room”, says Stephanie. The secret doorway means<br />
you can access additional catering space during parties or<br />
barbeques, without having to go out into the hallway <br />
priceless-magazines.com 48
WINDOWS | DOORS | CONSERVATORIES | EXTENSIONS<br />
CREATE YOUR DREAM HOME<br />
WITH SEH BAC<br />
Make your home a masterpiece of elegance and comfort to truly<br />
enhance your property and create your dream living space.<br />
50<br />
Contact us today for a quote or visit your nearest showcentre<br />
to view our full range of products and discounts available<br />
Knights <strong>Garden</strong> Centre, Limpsfield Road,<br />
Warlingham, CR6 9DZ<br />
0800 666 444<br />
www.sehbac.com<br />
◆<br />
As part of One Group Construction.
Your Dream, Our Vision<br />
Photo Credit: Louisa Grace Interiors<br />
Specialists in the supply & installation of contemporary bespoke aluminium glazing systems. Our showroom & offices are based in<br />
a historical boatyard overlooking the River Thames in Hampton. Specified by Architects, recommended by Contractors, referred by Clients.<br />
Urban & Grey Ltd<br />
Constable’s Boatyard<br />
5-9 Thames Street<br />
Hampton<br />
TW12 2EW<br />
Telephone: 020 8979 6367<br />
info@urbanandgrey.co.uk<br />
www.urbanandgrey.co.uk<br />
Sliding Doors • Bifold Doors • Flush Casement Windows<br />
Steel Replacement Doors, Screens & Windows<br />
Frameless Glazing • Frameless Fixed Rooflights<br />
Venting, Lantern & Walk-on Rooflights<br />
Front Doors, Pivot Doors, Glazed <strong>Garden</strong> Rooms & Verandas<br />
priceless-magazines.com<br />
50
This page: The dining table<br />
is from Cox & Cox, with<br />
upholstered ‘Darcy’ chairs from<br />
sofa.com Below left: The oriel<br />
window Below right: The utility<br />
room can be accessed through<br />
a hidden door in the kitchen<br />
and enter it via another door. “It’s that<br />
direct connection, which just adds a<br />
little bit of fun as well,” adds Stephanie.<br />
At the other end of the dining room<br />
is a new zinc extension, housing a smart<br />
lounge area drenched in light from single<br />
pane windows and a skylight above. A<br />
painting hanging below the skylight, by<br />
the artist Lorna Kirin, adds to the overall<br />
biophilic disposition of the space. The<br />
effect is very calming and natural, but<br />
the genius comes from having a monopitched<br />
roof, which slants upwards<br />
towards the garden. “If the extension<br />
had been a continuous, flat roof, at some<br />
point you would have seen the ceiling<br />
and it would have brought the angle of<br />
view back down,” Stephanie explains.<br />
“Instead, wherever you are standing<br />
downstairs, that angle continues to go<br />
up, so that your viewpoint is always<br />
continuous open space.” The extension<br />
proved to be straight forward from a<br />
planning permission perspective, but<br />
offered some challenges with regards<br />
to drainage, given that the roof slants<br />
inwards towards the house rather than<br />
away from it. However, Stephanie and<br />
her team devised a clever drainage<br />
solution – it turned out to be the <br />
51<br />
priceless-magazines.com
This page: The floating staircase, with its glass balustrade, was the perfect fit with the interior’s contemporary aesthetic<br />
skylight itself that would yield a little<br />
complexity during the build phase.<br />
“It nearly killed the builder trying to<br />
put it in,” explains Neil, “it weighed<br />
an absolute tonne.” It was an obstacle<br />
worth surmounting, however, as Neil<br />
continues, “It was Stephanie’s idea to let<br />
even more light in from above, it was a<br />
great addition and works really well.”<br />
Towards the front of the house,<br />
completing the circular journey from<br />
the hallway, is the original living room,<br />
separated from the lounge area by clever<br />
seating layouts and delineated decor.<br />
The leather armchairs apply a sense of<br />
boundary, and the modular sofa and<br />
fireplace lend this area a cosier feel,<br />
creating a cocoon-like space to retreat<br />
to in the evenings. Neil and Sharon<br />
employed interior designer Mette<br />
Udsholt of muinteriors.com (based<br />
in East Grinstead) to ensure that the<br />
colour scheme reflected the intended<br />
use of each area, and the darker, muted<br />
tones of the furniture here provide<br />
a clever contrast to the bright, lightfilled<br />
open-plan area. “The colours<br />
that Mette chose, the forest green, the<br />
way that the sofa is orientated, it all<br />
really draws you in,” says Stephanie.<br />
“It’s a little bit darker and it’s the space<br />
where you really have evening use.” The<br />
area also provides more privacy from<br />
the windows, where Neil and Sharon<br />
have opted to forgo curtains or blinds,<br />
choosing instead to allow the beauty and<br />
drama of the windows to be maintained.<br />
This effect is mirrored in the<br />
spectacular glass partition that now runs<br />
alongside the living area, the answer<br />
to a difficult set of design parameters.<br />
The challenge for Stephanie and her<br />
team was to simultaneously create a<br />
storage area for coats and shoes adjacent<br />
to the hallway as well as an access<br />
corridor from the hallway to the office<br />
and downstairs guest room, and still<br />
allow it to be part of the living room to<br />
complete the sense of connection and<br />
flow. The partition was an idea that<br />
Neil and Sharon found hard to envisage<br />
at first, but after discussing a half-wall,<br />
half-partition option, they decided to<br />
trust in Stephanie’s concept. “It took a<br />
while to get our heads around it, but this<br />
works so much better and is now a bit<br />
of a feature.” Far from being a functional<br />
corridor, the storage area’s aesthetic, with<br />
dark, painted units, ties into the cocoon<br />
vibe of the living room, while the<br />
seating area also provides a private, cosy<br />
nook for chatting or a place to take your<br />
boots off at the end of a long day. It<br />
equally provides an elegant solution to a<br />
problem well known to all families with<br />
children – where to put all the shoes!<br />
Stephanie explains, “The two tall units<br />
on either side of the bench are for coats,<br />
but underneath is loads of shoe storage.<br />
So you just pull those down, you shove<br />
your shoes in and then you close it up!”<br />
Outside, the wraparound terrace<br />
acts as a natural segue from the dining<br />
room to the garden, which lies below<br />
the level of the house. The effect is to<br />
blur the division between <strong>inside</strong> and<br />
outside, maximising the use of the whole<br />
space. It also encompasses a more <br />
priceless-magazines.com 52
A Symphony of Flavours<br />
HANDCRAFTED IN THE HEART<br />
OF THE SURREY HILLS<br />
Follow us @silentpoolgin<br />
silentpooldistillers.com<br />
Please enjoy Silent Pool Gin responsibly<br />
1814_SPG_Wealden-Times-Ad-v1.indd 1 04/03/<strong>2024</strong> 14:42
Above: The new zinc extension<br />
houses a smart lounge area<br />
drenched in light from single<br />
pane windows and a skylight<br />
above Below: The original<br />
living room, separated from the<br />
lounge area by clever seating<br />
layouts and delineated decor<br />
private zone outside the downstairs<br />
guest room. Stephanie says, “Again,<br />
we wanted to create these pockets of<br />
use. Because the guest bedroom is<br />
downstairs, there is now a space outside<br />
that room for a small table and chairs…<br />
a place to enjoy the evening sun.”<br />
As with any home improvement<br />
project on this scale, moments of<br />
uncertainty were inevitable. Neil<br />
recounts, “In December when the<br />
weather was cold and horrible, and the<br />
whole place was dripping, I was sitting<br />
there thinking ‘what have we done?’”<br />
But the couple, who moved out for the<br />
duration of the build, feel lucky that<br />
this was the only episode of doubt.<br />
“We kept Stephanie on throughout the<br />
whole build, and that was invaluable<br />
because she kept the builders in line<br />
with her vision. If anything jarred, she<br />
got them to change it.” This attention<br />
to detail, alongside a detailed build<br />
schedule provided by Stephanie and<br />
her team, allowed the project to run<br />
smoothly, and all importantly, to run<br />
in line with the budget. “My number<br />
one recommendation to anyone<br />
embarking on a build is to keep your<br />
architect all the way through.”<br />
Address Book:<br />
To speak to OPEN architecture<br />
about a project openarc.co.uk<br />
Kitchens Bespoke (kitchen design<br />
and fitting) kitchensbespoke.co.uk<br />
Laurus Construction laurus-construction.co.uk<br />
Mette Udsholt (interior<br />
designer) muinteriors.com<br />
Paul Azzopardi of Attention to Detail<br />
Decorating (decorator) pazzopardi@outlook.com<br />
priceless-magazines.com 54
SUSSEX<br />
HERITAGE<br />
TRUST<br />
AWARDS<br />
THE FARMHOUSE / NEW BUILD<br />
PHOTOGRAPH: TARRY + PERRY<br />
HAMPSHIRE / SURREY / SUSSEX<br />
NEW BUILDS · EXTENSIONS · REFURBISHMENTS · GEORGEANDJAMES.CO.UK/SURREY-HOMES · 01730 887287
Get Ready for Summer with Our<br />
Showerproof <strong>Garden</strong> Cushions<br />
RaggedRose<br />
sales@raggedrose.com | www.raggedrose.com<br />
See our range of velvet chairs,<br />
cushions, throws in stunning colours.<br />
Yipee!<br />
Now is the time for walking, wine and nature lovers.<br />
After a country hike or a leisurely walk, stopping<br />
for a refreshing drink and Sussex produce lunch in a<br />
country pub always feels like a well deserved treat.<br />
RaggedRoseWT163.indd 1 13/08/201<br />
RaggedRose_GiftwareReview1305.indd 1 09/05<br />
One Day Tours<br />
Fizz on Foot offers escorted walking<br />
and wine tasting tours on the South<br />
Downs National Park with the focus<br />
on a lovely nature trail walk, a lovely<br />
Sussex lunch and a full “Vine to Wine”<br />
vineyard experience with four or five<br />
wine tastings. You will visit one of the<br />
many award winning English vineyards.<br />
We also include a lively and humorous<br />
historical tour of Alfriston, which is<br />
a beautiful Sussex village, where we<br />
start the majority of our tours.<br />
If you want to stay longer, we can offer<br />
great value hotel accommodation for<br />
a two, three or four day tour.<br />
Private Wine Tastings<br />
If you or your company want to<br />
promote a totally new product or<br />
service, including the opening of a new<br />
office, we can arrange a private wine<br />
tasting for all your clients and staff.<br />
We ensure that it is a fun event for<br />
everyone. We can totally host it for<br />
you, supplying the wine, tasting<br />
notes, canapés, presentation and our<br />
staff to make sure it runs smoothly.<br />
Full details<br />
are on our<br />
website.<br />
T: 01323 737271 M: 07971 851777<br />
fizz on foot @fizzonfoot<br />
@fizzonfoot<br />
www.fizzonfoot.com<br />
info@fizzonfoot.com<br />
priceless-magazines.com<br />
56
Get the<br />
LOOK<br />
1 Aiden 3 light cluster pendant in satin black & smoked £238.80 där lighting darlighting.co.uk 2 Industrial round window<br />
mirror £295 Cox & Cox coxandcox.co.uk 3 Bloomingville Isabel cabinet £1,849 Sweetpea & Willow sweetpeaandwillow.com<br />
4 Betsy love seat in linen mushroom £1,875 Rose & Grey roseandgrey.co.uk 5 Sackville armchair tan real leather £465<br />
Where Saints Go wheresaintsgo.co.uk 6 Raw cotton herringbone engineered oak floor £97.95/m 2 Ted Todd tedtodd.co.uk<br />
7 Medina tangier rug from £165 Weaver Green weavergreen.com 8 The Footstool Bed £879 Snug snugsofa.com<br />
57<br />
priceless-magazines.com
BOURNEBUILDINGS<br />
Best Prices, Best Service, Best Selection<br />
The largest showsite in the UK with over 200<br />
buildings, 5,000 stone ornaments<br />
& 100 furniture sets on display<br />
Set in a magical landscape of water and wildlife,<br />
Bourne Buildings is not your typical garden buildings showsite.<br />
Our services include product installation,<br />
base laying and removal of old buildings.<br />
Visit our showsite to see our wide range of:<br />
Sheds & Workshops, <strong>Garden</strong> Rooms & Offices, Greenhouses,<br />
Playhouses, Log Stores, Summerhouses, <strong>Garden</strong> Bars,<br />
Mini sheds, Open Gazebos and Potting Sheds, and<br />
our impressive array of stone ornaments.<br />
Bourne Buildings, 39-43 Guildford Road,<br />
Farnham, <strong>Surrey</strong> GU9 9PY<br />
01252 718481<br />
www.bournebuildings.co.uk
istockphoto.com/ Sebastian Herzberg<br />
<strong>Garden</strong>s
Fibreglass ‘Faux Corten’ planter<br />
Bespoke design & build treehouses, playhouses<br />
Bespoke design<br />
and elevated build treehouses,<br />
platforms.<br />
playhouses<br />
Commercial &<br />
and<br />
International<br />
elevated platforms.<br />
commissions welcomed<br />
Commercial International commissions welcomed<br />
TEL: 01403 262219<br />
www.cheekymonkeytreehouses.co.uk<br />
www.cheekymonkeytreehouses.co.uk<br />
The Planter Specialist<br />
Contemporary styles<br />
from tree planters to<br />
window boxes<br />
iotagarden.com<br />
CheekyMonkeyWT249.indd 1 24/01/2023 17:06<br />
We’ve been<br />
rehearsing<br />
for your day out<br />
for centuries.<br />
THE<br />
GREATEST SHOW<br />
IN EARTH<br />
LIVE AT WISLEY<br />
priceless-magazines.com<br />
60
Veeva Papaya outdoor cushion, £14.99<br />
BeanBagBazaar beanbagbazaar.co.uk<br />
Hendra hammam towel<br />
£36 ebbflowcornwall<br />
ebbflowcornwall.co.uk<br />
Country Hexagon<br />
Cotto £1.09/m 2 Baked<br />
Tile Co bakedtiles.co.uk<br />
The Priceless <strong>Garden</strong>s <strong>Supplement</strong><br />
Luna Bell Tent £729<br />
Boutique Camping<br />
boutiquecamping.com<br />
Stoneware mug in orange £27<br />
(set of 4) ProCook procook.co.uk<br />
Border throughout supplement: istockphoto.com/ daboost This page: istockphoto.com/kate_sun & kaisorn<br />
Charlie Oven in<br />
Grapefruit Peach<br />
Fuzz £5,250 The<br />
Cheeky Charlie<br />
Oven Company<br />
charlieoven.com<br />
Clayton round terracotta pot £29.99<br />
<strong>Garden</strong>esque gardenesque.com<br />
Short cocktail<br />
glasses £32 (set of 2)<br />
Rose & Grey<br />
roseandgrey.co.uk<br />
Extra large pink<br />
floral tablecloth<br />
£165 Joanna Wood<br />
joannawood.com<br />
Durable Champagne coupe<br />
glass £14.90 (set of 4)<br />
BODUM bodum.com<br />
78 Terracotta Dinner Candles £10.60<br />
(pack of 6) St Eval st-eval.com<br />
Souk fish<br />
wooden tray £16<br />
Talking Tables<br />
talkingtables.co.uk<br />
Bali flowers<br />
garden cushion<br />
£25 Ragged Rose<br />
raggedrose.com<br />
Leopard flower plate £20<br />
Yvonne Ellen yvonneellen.com<br />
‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ Roses<br />
Haskins <strong>Garden</strong> Centres<br />
haskins.co.uk<br />
61<br />
priceless-magazines.com
Into the Woods<br />
Jo Arnell leads<br />
us through<br />
the bluebells<br />
to discover<br />
Canterbury Oast<br />
Trust's exciting<br />
life skills project<br />
I’m visiting the Poulton Wood Project in Aldington<br />
today, where the quest is on to find the earliest<br />
bluebell. Although it’s still early in the season, it’s not<br />
unusual now to find them blooming in early March.<br />
"Last year the first Bluebell was spotted on the 6th<br />
March," says Mel Tebbutt, life skills manager at Canterbury<br />
Oast Trust, who own and run this ancient wood. "It’s<br />
later this year; every year the season changes a little, but<br />
it’s generally in the first week or two of March."<br />
By <strong>April</strong> the wood is awash with<br />
their fragrant blooms, and this is when<br />
the team at Poulton Wood hold their<br />
famous Bluebell Cream Tea. This year<br />
it’s on Saturday 27th <strong>April</strong> – and will<br />
be the 27th held at the wood. This<br />
spring celebration is much looked<br />
forward to by the rangers, volunteers<br />
and staff here. The WI will be on<br />
hand too, providing the scones and<br />
jam, but it is the sea of bluebells that<br />
are the natural stars of the show.<br />
Poulton Wood is a 28 acre site of<br />
ancient woodland, and is run by Canterbury Oast Trust as a<br />
Life Skills project. This charity supports around 150 adults with<br />
learning disabilities, over 70 of them residential across a variety<br />
of local sites. The Trust is dedicated to providing empowering<br />
personal and work-based experiences for the adults it supports. It<br />
is a beautifully well managed site and the rangers, their volunteer<br />
supporters and staff are busy in all weathers, caring for wildlife and<br />
skilfully running a range of enterprises from the wood – coppicing<br />
and selling firewood, making commission pieces, wooden signs<br />
and products. The team have a stall at Wealden Times Midsummer<br />
Fair this June, to showcase their work. I meet ranger Ben, who<br />
performed a carving demonstration there last year, where he<br />
designed and carved an excellent reusable sign for the stall. Now<br />
finished, that sign will be used every year, thanks to a clever central<br />
section of blackboard enabling the date and info to be changed.<br />
The rangers’ craftsmanship is in evidence all across the<br />
woodland; there’s a wonderful circular mess hut made from wood<br />
and natural materials. It is reminiscent of a Saxon Roundhouse<br />
and fits perfectly into the surroundings, and is now linked to a<br />
classroom, creatively made from<br />
Aside from the life<br />
enhancing benefits of just<br />
being out in nature, there are<br />
so many other meaningful<br />
activities and outcomes to this<br />
flourishing operation<br />
straw bales, which also makes it<br />
super-insulated. Dotted among<br />
clearings there are handmade and<br />
carved benches, each dedicated<br />
to the memory of an individual<br />
involved with the project.<br />
"Alan, who’d been a ranger here<br />
for 20 years, has a bench to<br />
commemorate him and a carved<br />
symbol of what he was interested<br />
in," explains Mel as we pass a<br />
nearby seat. "He loved bike riding.<br />
So, rather than a name, the interests of the person, or what<br />
they were known for, gets carved into the bench."<br />
As we wend our way into the wood we pass some willow edged<br />
beds – again made by the rangers from leftover pieces of coppiced<br />
poles, which have been chopped to length and pushed firmly<br />
down into the soil to make mini fence posts. Willow withies are<br />
then carefully woven between them to make beautifully rustic<br />
and practical edging that designates the paths end and the beds.<br />
The paths through the wood are wonderfully wide, providing<br />
vistas through the trees and allowing access for everyone – and<br />
priceless-magazines.com<br />
62
for wheelchairs. I am amazed that a wheelchair can access the<br />
spongy floor of the wood. "Oh yes," says volunteer Steve, "we<br />
have an all terrain wheelchair. Getting through the wood is no<br />
problem." This ensures the wood is accessible to all the people<br />
who are a part of the Trust, enabling everyone to be involved in<br />
the real and very active work that is done here, work that brings<br />
a meaningful participation in society – and the vital mental<br />
health benefits that come from a connection with nature.<br />
"There’s masses of wildlife around," he says, "buzzards, a<br />
woodpecker, owl, muntjac deer." Some of the space within the<br />
wood is roped off. These are designated, non-intervention areas,<br />
left entirely to wildlife and are not to be disturbed. In addition, a<br />
few of the trees that die or fall are also left to rot down naturally<br />
and become part of the ecosystem. This way the Trust can tap<br />
into some funding from the higher tier woodland site and still<br />
allow general access. The public are allowed through the wood<br />
from <strong>April</strong> until September and are especially encouraged to visit<br />
for two main events – the Bluebell Cream Tea in <strong>April</strong> and the<br />
Woodland Open Day held on the first Saturday in June. The<br />
open day is a popular event, and features a wealth of activities<br />
– a combination of demonstrations put on by the rangers or<br />
supplied by other local organisations, including visiting birds<br />
of prey, working horses (that were traditionally used to move<br />
heavy coppiced material in the woodland), pond dipping, wood<br />
crafts and other traditional woodland practices, such as making<br />
charcoal. The charcoal burners are located in a fenced area<br />
within a clearing deep in the wood, where there is also a bird<br />
feeding station, a willow bird hide and Santa’s grotto. "We had<br />
a torchlight procession through the wood to see Santa last year.<br />
It was quite magical with all the lanterns lighting the way. It had<br />
a really lovely atmosphere." Santa isn’t the only visitor to the<br />
woods. Apparently there’s another, more beastly interloper here,<br />
an invasive pest that must be hunted down and culled on an<br />
annual basis. Every January an intrepid band of skilled hunters,<br />
dressed in tartan, head into the woods and attempt to trap… a<br />
Haggis. Lured out of its lair, the Haggis is eventually caught –<br />
and then cooked on Burns night, served with neeps and tatties.<br />
What amazing lengths the team go to protect the precious<br />
wood. Woodlands are a vital resource and managed well (and<br />
protected from the pesky Haggis) they become a naturally<br />
renewable system too. Coppicing is an ancient activity that<br />
enables the use of woodland without destroying it, in fact<br />
the activity of cutting down carefully selected trees to make a<br />
coppice brings positive benefits to the wider wood, encouraging<br />
biodiversity in the cleared areas and letting the light in, which<br />
enables many species to flourish. Each coppice is named and<br />
identified by a hand carved sign posted at the edge of it. The<br />
areas of coppice are industrious looking, well organised spaces<br />
that show respect for the woodland and all those that use it.<br />
Poulton Wood a near perfect example of a traditionally coppiced<br />
wood, a joyful and vital reminder of all that is good about<br />
both working in nature and within a close knit community.<br />
The residents, staff and volunteers all benefit enormously<br />
and learn a huge amount from their experiences here. "Team<br />
building, exercise, learning and education," says Mel. "We learn<br />
about conservation, about wildlife, about each other. There are<br />
the woodworking skills, we gain an understanding of process<br />
and how the wood is planted, grown, managed and used." It is<br />
fascinating and truly uplifting to spend time here. Aside from<br />
the life enhancing benefits of just being out in nature, there<br />
are so many other meaningful activities and outcomes to this<br />
flourishing operation. Together in this enriching environment,<br />
the rangers, volunteers and staff work alongside nature,<br />
supporting one another to create something very special.<br />
The Bluebell Cream Tea is<br />
a beautiful way to celebrate<br />
the magical enterprise that is<br />
Poulton Wood. If you would<br />
like to join in please book at<br />
rarebreedscentre.digitickets.<br />
co.uk as spaces are limited.<br />
Jo’s gardening courses<br />
are now booking.<br />
Call 07923 969634 or see<br />
hornbrookmanor.co.uk<br />
63<br />
priceless-magazines.com
Outdoor Living<br />
365 days a year<br />
A PLACE TO CHILL | A PLACE TO GRILL | A PLACE TO ENTERTAIN<br />
Whatever you choose, the Outdoor Living Pod has you covered come sun, wind, rain or even snow.<br />
Award-winning pergolas & awnings for discerning homeowners and businesses.<br />
Bespoke made by your local Suffolk manufacturer in less than 2 weeks.
UNLOCK YOUR GARDENS TRUE POTENTIAL<br />
VISIT OUR 2,500 SQ/FT DREAM GARDENS SHOWSITE<br />
0344 800 1947 t<br />
info@cbsolarshading.co.uk e<br />
cbsolarshading.co.uk w<br />
Woodhall Business Park, Sudbury. CO10 1WH
The Priceless <strong>Garden</strong>s <strong>Supplement</strong><br />
1<br />
Green products for the<br />
Jen Stuart-Smith has dug out a selection of eco products to inspire you<br />
2<br />
Wool Pots' biodegradeable and<br />
sustainable plant pots are made from<br />
British wool and cost from just £7.50<br />
for a pack of 10 at wool-pots.co.uk<br />
Green-Fingered<br />
Hug Rugs are made from 90% recycled<br />
material – including soft recycled cotton –<br />
and can be washed at 30 degrees. This Bee<br />
43 Charity Mat is £45.99 at hugathome.co.uk<br />
Tenderflame is a great<br />
Norwegian brand offering<br />
clean, safe and stylish<br />
outdoor heating options<br />
Their candles start at just<br />
£19.99 at tenderflame.co.uk<br />
3 5<br />
<strong>Garden</strong> on a Roll is a goody-box<br />
including plants, organic fertilizer and<br />
a roll-out paper plan that you plant<br />
through, for a perfectly designed border.<br />
From £95 at gardenonaroll.com<br />
Compost all your<br />
kitchen and garden<br />
waste (including<br />
cooked food, raw<br />
8food and leftovers) in<br />
30-90 days with a Hotbin<br />
composter. From £190<br />
at hotbincomposting.com<br />
6<br />
7<br />
Dipping tanks are a contemporary<br />
and multifunctional alternative<br />
to the traditional water<br />
butt. These ones are from £350<br />
at thedippingtankcompany.co.uk<br />
Make your own little seedling<br />
pots from old newspapers using<br />
this natty little paper-pot making<br />
device from Burgon & Ball – just<br />
£12.99 at burgonandball.com<br />
The Vibia<br />
Campana<br />
drainpipe clicker<br />
from Elho is<br />
made from 100%<br />
recycled plastic<br />
using wind energy<br />
and is recyclable<br />
after use too.<br />
£9.79 at elho.com<br />
priceless-magazines.com
WINNER - OUTSTANDING POOL of the YEAR 2020 & 2023<br />
TURNING YOUR DREAMS<br />
INTO REALITY<br />
Family Company celebrating 58 years of excellence.<br />
Call us for a no obligation<br />
FREE site survey on<br />
01883 622335<br />
• Pool Refurbishments<br />
• Service & Maintenance Contracts<br />
• Heating & Environmental Specialists<br />
• Chemicals, Equipment, Safety Covers<br />
• Moveable Floors<br />
• Saunas & Steam Rooms<br />
• Hot Tub Showroom<br />
• Supporters of Ordinary 2 Extraordinary<br />
Tanby Swimming Pools, 620-622 Limpsfield Road, Warlingham, <strong>Surrey</strong> CR6 9DS<br />
www.tanbypools.co.uk
Your <strong>Garden</strong><br />
Our range of barbecues new<br />
for <strong>2024</strong> are here to ignite your<br />
love for cooking and bring the<br />
ultimate alfresco cooking<br />
experience to your home.<br />
<strong>2024</strong><br />
Our highly experienced team are on hand to help<br />
you find the perfect set to suit your budget, style &<br />
requirements. Getting your garden ready can be<br />
a lot to think about, let us take the hassle and<br />
stress away from you. You can sit back, relax and<br />
enjoy your garden this summer.
The Priceless <strong>Garden</strong>s <strong>Supplement</strong><br />
Bumble Bee Door Knocker £148<br />
Adams & Mack adamsandmack.com<br />
Solar powered Ivy Lights<br />
£47.95 by Sparkle Lighting<br />
sparkle.lighting<br />
Face<br />
Value<br />
First impressions MATTER, so get your front garden<br />
into gear with our list of top ways to put your<br />
best-gardening-foot forward<br />
Tuddenham Planters £110 with faux<br />
potted topiary Buxus Balls £235 The<br />
Suffolk Nest thesuffolknest.com<br />
“Picture this: two stunning bold<br />
masterpieces framing your front<br />
door, setting the tone for the rest<br />
of your garden. Faux topiary buxus<br />
balls bring effortless elegance to<br />
your entrance and are hassle-free.<br />
Add fragrant lavender and vibrant<br />
seasonal bulbs like tulips, alliums<br />
and hyacinths for a touch of charm.<br />
Your entrance will speak volumes<br />
with a sustainable touch that stands<br />
the test of time.”<br />
– Ashlee Jane, Founder & Creative<br />
Director at The Suffolk Nest<br />
instagram.com/the_suffolk_nest<br />
“Adding a smart new porch can be an<br />
excellent way to add kerb appeal and<br />
practical space. Every porch is unique,<br />
and designing your new One is a<br />
great way to express your own style<br />
– an opportunity to let your creative<br />
juices flow. Whether you’re tying in<br />
colours from <strong>inside</strong> your home, adding<br />
an outdoor rug, plants or lighting –<br />
there are many ways to style your<br />
new porch to really maximise its<br />
impact.” – Georgina Sykes, Managing<br />
Director at The Traditional Verandah<br />
Company ttvc.co.uk<br />
Porch by The Traditional<br />
Verandah Company ttvc.co.uk<br />
Elegance Fine Arch £218<br />
Agriframes agriframes.co.uk<br />
Soto Evergreen Partial Narrow<br />
border from £190/2M<br />
soto gardens sotogardens.com<br />
69<br />
Front <strong>Garden</strong> planters<br />
by Frogheath Landscapes<br />
frogheath.co.uk<br />
“Ideally, many of your plants in the<br />
front garden will be evergreen,<br />
giving a long period of interest,<br />
which is particularly important in<br />
the winter. Moundy shrubs and<br />
those that can be easily trimmed<br />
include hebes, pittosporums,<br />
euonymus and Viburnum tinus Eve<br />
Price. Flowering plants for shady<br />
positions include hellebores, vinca<br />
minor and euphorbia robbiae. For<br />
sunnier front gardens consider<br />
rosemary, low growing geraniums<br />
and abelia. Sarcococca or winter<br />
box has fragrant flowers in the<br />
winter months.”<br />
– Steve Moody of Frogheath<br />
Landscapes frogheath.co.uk<br />
priceless-magazines.com
The Priceless <strong>Garden</strong>s <strong>Supplement</strong><br />
Pillars, Marine Blue in Intelligent<br />
Masonry Paint £83 for 5L and<br />
Planters, Mister David in Intelligent<br />
Exterior Eggshell £86 for 2.5L by<br />
Little Greene littlegreene.com<br />
“It’s often the norm in traditional<br />
gardens to paint outdoor details<br />
in harmonious colours to blend in<br />
with their surroundings, we love the<br />
idea of adding vibrancy to highlight<br />
specific features. Pair a piercing<br />
blue colour like ‘Marine Blue’ on<br />
architectural details and pillars with<br />
a hit of bright sunshine yellow using<br />
plant pots painted in ‘Mister David’.<br />
Unique and bright pairings create a<br />
transportive space and a wonderful<br />
narrative with green foliage.”<br />
- Ruth Mottershead, Creative<br />
Director at Little Greene<br />
littlegreene.com<br />
Dandelion Solar Powered <strong>Garden</strong><br />
Lights £29.95 Annabel James<br />
annabeljames.co.uk<br />
Planter by IOTA iotagarden.com<br />
Trail Terra 20x30 Matt Slab<br />
Tiles £23.96/m2 Walls and<br />
Floors wallsandfloors.co.uk<br />
Mast Light 0749 £315 Davey<br />
Lighting originalbtc.com<br />
“Illuminating your outdoor space<br />
is not only practical but is sure to<br />
wow any guests that visit your home.<br />
For a symmetrical, modern style we<br />
recommend spike or bollard lights<br />
as they are ideal for lining down<br />
the sides of the driveway for an<br />
even spread of light. For the best<br />
coverage, you can opt for powerful,<br />
PIR flood lights, which use sensors<br />
to detect motion as your car pulls up<br />
the driveway, automatically triggering<br />
the light to assist you with parking.<br />
You can also consider dusk ‘til dawn<br />
lights, that conveniently provide<br />
light without pressing a button, using<br />
photocell sensors that detect natural<br />
light levels and switch on accordingly.<br />
Overall, Driveway lights and spike<br />
lights are the perfect fit to create an<br />
illuminated pathway that is guaranteed<br />
to wow any visitors to your home.”<br />
–Julian Page, Head of Design for BHS<br />
bhs.com<br />
Trent Fisherman Style<br />
Lantern Wall Light £20<br />
BHS bhs.com<br />
priceless-magazines.com 70<br />
Front Door in SOUMAK 339,<br />
DOOR CASING: SALT II 332 – both<br />
ARCHITECTS’ GLOSS by Paint and Paper<br />
Library paintandpaperlibrary.com<br />
Block Paving by<br />
TerraFirma Landscapes London<br />
terrafirmalandscapes.co.uk<br />
Chessington <strong>Garden</strong> Centre<br />
chessingtongardencentre.co.uk<br />
“Transforming a front garden with<br />
pots, tubs, or planters can instantly<br />
enhance its appeal. Begin by<br />
selecting a variety of plants suited<br />
to the climate and light conditions.<br />
Arrange them strategically,<br />
incorporating different heights<br />
and textures for visual interest.<br />
Consider adding decorative elements<br />
like trellises or ornamental<br />
statues for added charm. Regular<br />
maintenance, including watering<br />
and pruning, will ensure your<br />
front garden remains vibrant and<br />
inviting. With creativity and care,<br />
pots, tubs, or planters can turn a<br />
mundane space into a captivating<br />
entrance that welcomes guests with<br />
natural beauty.” – Jamie Port,<br />
Marketing and Events Manager<br />
at Chessington <strong>Garden</strong> Centre<br />
chessingtongardencentre.co.uk<br />
istockphoto.com/ kaisorn
BEFORE<br />
Is Moss a Growing Problem?<br />
Yes, is the answer on a roof, and the problem is growing exponentially.<br />
AFTER<br />
Moss Master Ltd is a family-run business<br />
with more than 20 years experience in<br />
exterior hard service cleaning.<br />
BEFORE<br />
AFTER<br />
We offer an assortment of specialist Moss, Lichen<br />
and Algae services. As industry leaders we deliver<br />
professional work with exceptional attention to detail,<br />
ensuring your property is left the envy of your friends and<br />
neighbours. Having developed an excellent reputation<br />
due to our reliability, honesty and hard work, we guarantee<br />
that your home exterior cleaning needs will be met to<br />
the highest standard.<br />
TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR MOSS, LICHEN & ALGAE ISSUES<br />
Unit 7, Lindford Business Park, Chase Road,<br />
Lindford, Bordon, Hampshire GU35 0FE<br />
01420 479746 | info@mossmaster.co.uk<br />
www.mossmaster.co.uk
The Priceless <strong>Garden</strong>s <strong>Supplement</strong><br />
Come<br />
the<br />
to<br />
Caslte<br />
Come with us as we tour the great and the grand castles of<br />
the South East in search of gardening inspiration<br />
From Disney palaces to Traitors<br />
tower, there’s something utterly<br />
captivating about a castle (along<br />
with their awe-inspiring settings).<br />
To wander the grounds of a grand old<br />
estate, experiencing some of the most<br />
magnificent gardens in the country is one<br />
of our favourite things to do in the spring.<br />
The South East is filled with more than<br />
its fair share and each has something to<br />
offer as inspiration in our own gardens,<br />
be it an expansive landscaping project or a<br />
simple planter with a bit of fancy planting.<br />
With all this in mind we’re listing (in no<br />
particular order) a few truly captivating<br />
castles to visit this spring.<br />
1 Scotney<br />
Moat? Check. Woodland glades?<br />
Check. Pretty hidden walkways? Check.<br />
Romantically ruined castle? CHECK.<br />
Scotney is all we’re looking for in a fairytale<br />
come to life. It has one of the best examples<br />
of a picturesque-designed garden in the<br />
UK, meaning it embraces a more wild and<br />
natural idea of beauty and celebrates the<br />
softness of imperfections. The centrepiece<br />
moated castle ruin with its gorgeous roses<br />
scaling the walls tells the tale that is echoed<br />
throughout the estate – one of man-made<br />
beauty being embraced, complemented, and<br />
generally doodled upon by nature. As we<br />
all strive to add wild spaces to our garden<br />
for the sake of the environment, one lesson<br />
to learn here is that the edges between the<br />
order of the man-made and the wildness of<br />
nature can be beautifully blurred. Here you’ll<br />
find grass terraces left long to encourage rare<br />
orchids, ‘Hoop Petticoat’ daffodils growing<br />
on the lower castle walls, and gardeners at<br />
work in little row boats on the moat where<br />
kingfishers dwell and dragonflies dance.<br />
nationaltrust.org.uk/scotney-castle<br />
2 Chiddingstone<br />
Chiddingstone Castle is a fascinating historic<br />
house set in the rolling Kent countryside<br />
and there is much of quintessential British<br />
gardening to be found here. The inner<br />
courtyard is filled with colourful fragrant<br />
roses, the Grade II* listed Victorian Orangery<br />
is a favourite feature of wedding planners,<br />
and right around this time of year the lawns<br />
will paint themselves yellow with daffodils.<br />
What might surprise you is that this is also<br />
a location that incorporates influences from<br />
far off lands and cultures, from the Japanese<br />
cherry blossoms that border the pathway to<br />
the lake, to the Fields of Eternity, inspired<br />
by the Ancient Egyptian idea of heaven. The<br />
grounds here are a reminder that we can be<br />
inspired by distant places to enrich our own<br />
gardens. Visit from Sunday 31 March to<br />
Sunday 30 October from 11am-5pm (last<br />
entry 4:15pm) chiddingstonecastle.org.uk<br />
3 Sissinghurst<br />
Sissinghurst is a joy in the spring; The Lime<br />
Walk, designed to look its best from March<br />
to May, blooms under the watchful stone<br />
eyes of a Bacchante; magnolias add drops<br />
of colour in The White <strong>Garden</strong>, Lower<br />
Courtyard and the Cottage <strong>Garden</strong>; and<br />
blossom abounds in the Orchard where<br />
1,100 fruit trees make for some stunning<br />
photo opportunties. As well as being a<br />
celebration of gardening for food (with<br />
its nuttery, orchard, herb garden all doing<br />
their part) its also a masterclass in how to<br />
use texture and shape to add dramatic flair.<br />
The White <strong>Garden</strong>, for example, came to<br />
life when Vita Sackville-West decided on a<br />
limited colour scheme of whites, silvers, greys<br />
and greens. Here, shrubs create volume and<br />
structure, tall Arabian thistles contrast soft<br />
and foamy gypsophila and hedging provides<br />
a dark backdrop for brighter blooms.<br />
nationaltrust.org.uk/sissinghurst-castle-garden<br />
4 Hever<br />
There is so much to adore about Hever<br />
Castle. Take a pedalo on the lake, have a<br />
go at archery, weave your way through the<br />
Yew and Water mazes, you’ll see what we<br />
mean. And spring is a fantastic time of year<br />
to visit as the historic home of the Boleyns<br />
blooms into an energetic and ecstatic<br />
palette of rich and riotous colour. It’s the<br />
destination for those who dream of colourful<br />
sweet scented flowers. From blossom and<br />
bluebells to the thousands of tulips, spring<br />
bedding, magnolias, early rhododendrons,<br />
hyacinths, primulas, and camassias, there’s<br />
much to appreciate in the grounds. Which<br />
is why their Celebration of Spring from<br />
15 – 28 <strong>April</strong> is the perfect time to go for<br />
interested gardeners. The gardening team<br />
themselves will be offering tours in the<br />
first week and workshops in the second.<br />
If you miss this one, it’s also worth noting<br />
that Hever in Bloom will be coming round<br />
from 24 June to 7 July with more tours and<br />
demonstrations from the gardening team.<br />
hevercastle.co.uk<br />
5 Leeds<br />
Leeds Castle – need we once again point<br />
out that it is in fact the loveliest castle in the<br />
world? The expansive 500 acres of grounds<br />
really demand many trips to fully appreciate<br />
(although a segway tour will get you round<br />
a lot of it the quick way!). Walking these<br />
gardens may inspire you to create a really<br />
immersive garden that harnesses abstract<br />
elements like scent, light and movement.<br />
Take note of the motion and reflections of<br />
the lake and waterfall, the use of tall trees<br />
to play with sun and shade and the many<br />
wonderfully scented plants that can be found<br />
throughout. In <strong>April</strong> you can enjoy self-led<br />
daffodil walks, and next month is a great<br />
time to go with the family to see the Queen’s<br />
Joust over the bank holiday. leeds-castle.com<br />
priceless-magazines.com 72
The Priceless <strong>Garden</strong>s <strong>Supplement</strong><br />
2 Chiddingstone Castle<br />
3 Sissinghurst<br />
4 Hever<br />
1 Scotney<br />
5 Leeds<br />
73<br />
priceless-magazines.com
garden design, construction & maintenance<br />
GraduateLandscapeWT251.indd 1 06/03/2023 09:43
The Priceless <strong>Garden</strong>s <strong>Supplement</strong><br />
“A natural swimming pool requires no chemicals.<br />
Using water flora and perennial plants to<br />
clean naturally. They are as nature intended -<br />
chlorine-free! Our name, Elements Of Nature,<br />
is because we create pools with water so pure,<br />
you could drink it! Seriously. These pools are<br />
simply stunning, and our designs have seen us win<br />
multiple awards.” – Phil Meads, Managing Director<br />
at Elements of Nature elements-of-nature.co.uk<br />
Get Bridgerton<br />
boujie with an<br />
Extravagant Tent<br />
Outdoor trellis mirror<br />
£125 Cox & Cox<br />
coxandcox.co.uk<br />
Gothic metal mirror<br />
in antique grey £30<br />
National Trust<br />
shop.nationaltrust.org.uk<br />
priceless-magazines.com<br />
Chill by a Saltburn-<br />
Worthy Natural pool<br />
Metal frame Raj tent<br />
£3,250 Raj Tent Club<br />
rajtentclubshop.com<br />
Solar-powered glass pebble<br />
lights £24.95 Sparkle<br />
Lighting sparkle.lighting<br />
Harness<br />
Hogwarts<br />
by Adding a<br />
gothic Style<br />
Mirror<br />
Bring<br />
Delve into high luxury and quality to<br />
achieve your Dream design<br />
“In the past, <strong>Garden</strong>s of luxury have been<br />
the pinnacle of wealth and success reserved<br />
for the kings, queens, and lords of the land.<br />
But today many of us have our own dream<br />
gardens with relaxing vistas, perfect pools,<br />
and incredible displays of life and beauty.<br />
Graduate Landscapes’ mission is to make<br />
these dreams reality. Offering the highest<br />
quality designs, vision, and execution, we<br />
understand uncovering a dream is a personal<br />
experience, and pride ourselves in putting<br />
in the time, care and attention required to<br />
deliver the highest service.” – Jesse Morris,<br />
garden designer at graduate landscapes<br />
graduatelandscapes.co.uk<br />
the<br />
CastleHome<br />
These dramatic features and accessories will<br />
help you Get the Castle-<strong>Garden</strong> Look<br />
Good lighting is the<br />
key to high drama<br />
Play games around a<br />
Traitors-style Fire Pit<br />
Celeste fire<br />
pit from £158<br />
FirepitsUK<br />
firepitsuk.co.uk<br />
75<br />
Classical<br />
References<br />
make for a look<br />
ELizabeth Bennet<br />
would approve of<br />
Cast stone Piper<br />
statue £799<br />
Haddonstone<br />
haddonstone.com<br />
Corinth garden urn<br />
£210 and Outdoor<br />
spiral topiary<br />
tree £670, both<br />
Sweetpea & Willow<br />
sweetpeaandwillow.com<br />
Create a scene from Saltburn or<br />
Bridgerton with lush, mature hedges<br />
“Embrace the tradition and heritage of British<br />
gardening on a grand scale with instant hedging.<br />
Choose classic hedges, such as Practicality Brown’s<br />
Practical Instant Hedge in yew, Portuguese<br />
laurel or beech for dense foliage and sculptural<br />
elegance. They are ready grown up to 2m high, and<br />
create an immediate, impressive impact, offering<br />
privacy, security and timeless sophistication.<br />
We grow Practical Instant Hedge, a mature<br />
ready-to-plant hedging range and showcase<br />
stunning specimen trees, both evergreen and<br />
deciduous at our nursery in Iver, Buckinghamshire,<br />
and we can also offer a complete planting<br />
service.”– Horticultural Team aT<br />
Practicality Brown pracbrown.co.uk
Win Your Order<br />
Hurry! Order from our<br />
Walton-on-Thames Showroom before<br />
27 th <strong>April</strong> to be in with a chance.<br />
INTRODUCING THE<br />
Luxury Living Giveaway!<br />
Proudly family-run since 1977, Bridgman is exclusively offering you the chance to add an<br />
extra touch of luxury to your home and garden without it costing you a penny. Visit our<br />
Walton-on-Thames Showroom, and place your order before the 27 th <strong>April</strong> for the<br />
opportunity to WIN the price of your order back.<br />
Quote code LUXEGIVEAWAY at the time of purchase to enter.<br />
22-24 New Zealand Avenue,<br />
Walton-on-Thames, <strong>Surrey</strong>,<br />
KT12 1QD<br />
01932 242707<br />
Terms and conditions apply - see bridgman.co.uk for full details.<br />
CHELTENHAM<br />
ENFIELD<br />
OLD AMERSHAM<br />
ROYAL TUNBRIDGE WELLS<br />
WINCHESTER WILMSLOW WALTON-ON-THAMES
5<br />
Steps to get<br />
garden-dinnerparty-ready<br />
Host your next garden dinner party<br />
with all the elements to impress<br />
The Priceless <strong>Garden</strong>s <strong>Supplement</strong><br />
Madras Pink check throw made<br />
entirely from recycled plastic<br />
bottles £65 Weaver Green<br />
weavergreen.com<br />
Bridgman Mayfair Dining Set<br />
bridgman.co.uk<br />
Step 1: Get it Covered<br />
The British weather always has to be<br />
the first consideration with any outdoor<br />
occasion. You may plan a meal set<br />
beneath a glorious sky and on the day it<br />
just doesn’t turn up, a plan B is essential.<br />
Expert Tip:<br />
“Louvred pergolas not only look fantastic but<br />
they also offer complete protection from the<br />
sun, wind and rain. Plus, with the option<br />
to add LED lighting, infra-red heating and<br />
windproof side screens, there’s no doubt you’ll<br />
be able to enjoy alfresco dining no matter<br />
the weather this spring.”<br />
– Stuart Dantzic, MD of Caribbean<br />
Blinds cbsolarshading.co.uk<br />
Step 2: A Warm Welcome<br />
As well as keeping our guests covered,<br />
it’s also generally best not to leave them<br />
shivering in their seats! Even a warm<br />
summer’s day can rapidly cool as the<br />
evening goes on so get a good garden<br />
heater, fire pit or outdoor fire ready to go!<br />
Step 3: Set the Table<br />
Time to really get creative. A good place<br />
to start is to consider what dinnerware<br />
and serveware will complement your<br />
food. After that you can look for cutlery,<br />
napkins, and decorative accessories to<br />
match your tone and colour scheme.<br />
Step 4: Serve Something Special<br />
There is so much you can do with garden<br />
party dining from the classic BBQ to the<br />
crowd-pleasing pizzas from an outdoor<br />
oven. But if you like to do garden parties<br />
often or are looking to step up your<br />
game, a fully equipped outdoor kitchen<br />
can give you loads of versatility with topnotch<br />
cooking appliances.<br />
Step 5: Take a Seat<br />
All that’s left now is to pull up a chair<br />
and get settled! Ideally you want dining<br />
furniture that both looks great and also<br />
offers the best in comfort, which is<br />
why we’ve chosen the above Bridgman<br />
Mayfair Dining Set. This collection<br />
beautifully blends elegant curves with<br />
an olive-brown rattan weave braiding<br />
to suit any style. The chairs (£249)<br />
ensure support and comfort with cosy<br />
complimentary seat cushions in grey or<br />
their newly-launched beige. The table<br />
(£659) has a strengthened glass top<br />
making it easy-to-clean, and it seats up<br />
to six, allowing for many alfresco dinners<br />
in the evening sun. bridgman.co.uk<br />
Lacroix glass carafe<br />
£30 Maison Cherie<br />
maisoncherie.shop<br />
Green gingham<br />
table runner £45<br />
Sophie Allport<br />
sophieallport.com<br />
Willow gin glasses<br />
in Olive Green<br />
£49 (set of 4)<br />
Where Saints Go<br />
wheresaintsgo.co.uk<br />
Please Leave By Nine napkins<br />
£28 (for a pair) Avalon Home<br />
avalonhome.co.uk<br />
Pompadour faux shagreen<br />
cutlery £195 (24-piece<br />
set) OKA oka.com<br />
Acacia salad<br />
servers £12<br />
ProCook<br />
procook.co.uk<br />
Olivia scalloped platter in<br />
Green Filet £94 Rebecca Udall<br />
rebeccaudall.com<br />
priceless-magazines.com
Contemporary, reliable<br />
and expertly crafted<br />
swimming pools<br />
POOL CONSTRUCTION | MAINTENANCE | SPA | LANDSCAPING<br />
Simplicity and expert finishings have been our unbeatable combination for<br />
over 40 years. Based in <strong>Surrey</strong>, we are a family run business that is committed<br />
to providing a premier service on both private and commercial projects.<br />
www.lagoonpoolsltd.co.uk 01932 569 569 info@lagoonpoolsltd.co.uk<br />
LagoonPools-FullPage-<strong>Surrey</strong><strong>Homes</strong>-<strong>April</strong>.indd 1 12/04/2023 16:59<br />
LagoonPoolsWT252.indd 1 18/04/2023 10:50
The Priceless <strong>Garden</strong>s <strong>Supplement</strong><br />
Meet the<br />
Pool Designer<br />
It’s getting warmer and we’re dreaming of lounging by a lovely<br />
pool. To find out how to make it a reality, we’re chatting with<br />
Lorenzo Favata, Managing Director at Lagoon Pools<br />
How did you become a pool designer? I first<br />
began working on swimming pools at the age<br />
of 14; helping my dad in return for pocket<br />
money, he’s been building pools since the<br />
1970s.<br />
Can you tell us about one stand out project that<br />
you were particularly proud of? We recently<br />
built a stunning deck level pool with mirrored<br />
glass mosaic in the exclusive Wentworth estate.<br />
What would you recommend for a customer<br />
looking for the ultimate luxury from pools and<br />
spas? Stainless steel fittings, shell insulation,<br />
stunning mosaic and well thought out designs<br />
will increase the cost of the pool in the<br />
short term but will pay dividends in luxury<br />
enjoyment for many years to come. If you<br />
contact Lagoon for a site visit we can offer<br />
good advice specific to your home’s needs<br />
and potential, and taking the time to visit our<br />
existing projects is essential for piecing a pool<br />
project together.<br />
What would you recommend for someone<br />
looking to boost their health and wellbeing<br />
with a pool or spa? I strongly recommend<br />
investing in the counter current turbines, and/<br />
or a longer pool length, and certainly advanced<br />
water filtration.<br />
Do pools and spas add value to a property<br />
and, if so, how do you get the most added<br />
value? Yes, a well-built pool with integrated<br />
safety cover, efficient heating and insulation<br />
and a carefully designed landscaping surround<br />
will add value considering its long-term<br />
lifestyle benefits and enjoyment for family<br />
and friends. We are finding that homes of a<br />
certain value are increasingly being built with<br />
swimming pools to make the most out of<br />
British summers. The resale value of a home<br />
concerning a pool installation centres around<br />
the quality of the pool, landscaping, finish<br />
and outdoor living. A high-grade pool with<br />
state-of-the-art technology will be attractive to<br />
future homeowners providing the pool is made<br />
safe. A counter current swim turbine will also<br />
add value as the long-term health benefits are<br />
unparalleled for general wellbeing.<br />
How do counter current systems work?<br />
Computer controlled electric motors produce<br />
a steady powerful stream of water via an<br />
impellor. The system is integrated into the pool<br />
shell and finished with a marine grade stainless<br />
steel front plate. The systems now come with<br />
phone app training programmes porting over<br />
Olympic athlete swim routines.<br />
How long does the process of getting a pool take?<br />
The build time in good weather is 6 weeks. The<br />
landscaping finish will obviously take longer<br />
and will depend upon what is being done.<br />
Contract negotiations can be as quick as the<br />
client likes. Planning approval, if required, will<br />
depend on your local council.<br />
How can you make them safe if there are young<br />
children about? Either a full safety cover<br />
(capable of holding 2,000kg) or slatted cover<br />
(capable of holding a child) is essential. We do<br />
not build pools without these covers.<br />
How is it possible to make a pool in a more<br />
environmentally friendly way? Full 100mm<br />
shell insulation, air source heat pumps and<br />
slatted covers are the most effective solution<br />
for reducing energy consumption.<br />
Do you have any landscaping advice to help<br />
integrate a pool into a garden scheme? Yes,<br />
allocate some budget for a designer. We have<br />
plenty of contacts. Consider using planting to<br />
soften the pool area. And try not to use more<br />
than one third of the garden’s square meterage<br />
for the pool and surround.<br />
Are there any pool trends or popular styles and<br />
ideas right now? Iridescent mosaics which glint<br />
and reflect the sunshine are very attractive in<br />
the UK summers and large porcelain finishes<br />
are also popular.<br />
How much space do you need to comfortably fit<br />
a pool or spa? I think at least 100m 2 of garden<br />
space. Less space is also possible for a smaller<br />
pool or stand-alone spa.<br />
To find out more about how to get your<br />
dream pool, spa or jacuzzi, you can call<br />
01932 569569 or visit lagoonpoolsltd.co.uk<br />
79<br />
priceless-magazines.com
Ilex Nellie R Stevens Ligustrum japonicum (pleached) Magnolia grandiflora<br />
Ct PvC<br />
t SC tS<br />
Photinia Red Robin<br />
Privacy in gardens can be created using<br />
trees to hide or screen out an undesirable<br />
view. Trees grown for this purpose often<br />
have a clear stem up to fence panel height<br />
around 1.8-2m with a full bushy canopy<br />
above, forming a good screen above the<br />
fence line. This type of screening is<br />
particularly useful if the garden is<br />
overlooked by neighbouring properties<br />
or to retain lower-level exposure to an<br />
attractive wall or area.<br />
Semi-mature trees can be planted to<br />
achieve effective screening from the offset<br />
with evergreens being preferred for this<br />
purpose as they screen throughout the year.<br />
However, a planting scheme that includes<br />
deciduous trees can provide rich contrast<br />
and seasonal interest.<br />
Screening trees<br />
Practicality Brown can supply a range of<br />
top quality trees for screening, which are<br />
particularly useful for creating privacy.<br />
This is our selection of the best screening<br />
trees, and all are in stock at our nursery in<br />
Iver, Bucks:<br />
• Eriobotrya japonica<br />
• Ilex aquifolium Nellie R Stevens<br />
• Ilex castaneifolia<br />
• Ligustrum japonicum<br />
• Magnolia grandiflora<br />
• Osmanthus aquifolium<br />
• Photinia fraseri ‘Red Robin’<br />
• Pinus nigra<br />
• Prunus laurocerasus ‘Novita’<br />
• Viburnum lucidum<br />
Pleached trees<br />
We also have a range of pleached trees<br />
which can be used in the same way;<br />
pleached trees can be effective for formal<br />
screening and where space is limited.<br />
These are our best trees that are in stock:<br />
• Ilex aquifolium Nellie R Stevens<br />
• Ligustrum japonicum<br />
• Magnolia grandiflora<br />
• Photinia fraseri ‘Red Robin’<br />
• Prunus laurocerasus ‘Novita’<br />
tree & edge ursery<br />
As well as the screening trees, Practicality<br />
Brown grows a range of premium quality<br />
Practical Instant Hedge at the nursery in<br />
Iver. You are welcome to visit to view both<br />
trees and hedges.<br />
www.pracbrown.co.uk<br />
Conac us for deails<br />
email rees@pracbrown.co.uk<br />
or call 01753 652022 for more informaion
The Priceless <strong>Garden</strong>s <strong>Supplement</strong><br />
Smyrnium perfoliatum<br />
Go with the F low<br />
Sue Whigham shares some valuable new-to-gardening advice<br />
istockphoto.com/ seven75 / PicturePartners<br />
I’m sure that by now we should be used to the rain but<br />
I’m not entirely sure that we are. We had a dry, sunny<br />
day the other day and how everybody’s mood changed.<br />
Some of us managed a quick first cut of our soggy lawns<br />
just to give them some semblance of order. And what a<br />
difference it makes.<br />
We are very behind with our late winter tidy up having<br />
left the borders for hibernating insects and foraging birds<br />
to pick over. However, after reading Dan Pearson’s Spring<br />
Dig Delve Newsletter, in which he says that he and his team<br />
finished their cut back during the last week in February,<br />
panic has set in! I’m sure, though, that with a bit of hard<br />
work ‘little and often’, we’ll no doubt catch up.<br />
But for those of you who might be new to gardening,<br />
there might be a few tips that you’ll find useful...<br />
Whilst it has been tipping it down outside, I’ve been<br />
dipping into The Sceptical <strong>Garden</strong>er by Ken Thompson<br />
who is both a biologist and a gardener. As he says, he has<br />
been a gardener for more years than he cares to remember.<br />
I was particularly taken with his Top 10 Don’ts which are<br />
useful for gardening novices as well as for those who have<br />
more experience. I for one have spent years cutting back<br />
roses to an outside facing bud when pruning floribunda and<br />
hybrid tea roses (although I have only one of the latter).<br />
This is Rosa ‘Mrs. Oakley Fisher’, a 1920s introduction with<br />
soft apricot single flowers and prominent anthers which<br />
grows mid border. It got a bit smothered by bryony last year<br />
and has already had the Ken Thompson treatment so we’ll<br />
see how it looks later in the year. He suggests foregoing the<br />
careful search for an outside bud especially if you have a lot<br />
of roses and just cut the plant down hard.<br />
At the top of my ‘to do’ list is ‘Prune Roses’. Tick for<br />
having started on that but black marks for not having<br />
secateurs cleaned and sharpened before sallying forth. In the<br />
end both sets of secateurs are in ‘hospital’ having a thorough<br />
overhaul and I’ve had to buy another cheaper pair as I<br />
thought that the job just couldn’t wait. So don’t follow this<br />
and invest in a decent pair in the first place and keep them<br />
sharp and well oiled. You don’t want to tear at the rose stem<br />
with blunt secateurs as you work on the plant.<br />
Another don’t, especially useful for someone new to<br />
gardening, is not to weed out every seedling in your borders<br />
as soon as you spot them. Many plants are desperate to seed<br />
and you never know what you might have. Once you know,<br />
you can be more discerning but, until then, we have clouds<br />
of Smyrnium perfoliatum seedlings in the border in front<br />
of the house. I’m not sure how they got there but suspect<br />
that we collected a few seeds along the way having spotted<br />
an escapee clump on the edge of a local piece of woodland<br />
a while ago. They are probably in the ‘wrong place’ as they<br />
prefer dappled shade but they can have their day before a<br />
few get moved around. There’s plenty of time for this as<br />
they are biennial ie. ‘they take two years to grow from seed<br />
to maturity’.<br />
Another very useful tip, pertinent<br />
after such a wet period, is to note what<br />
happens to our gardens when it has<br />
been so sodden for so long. We have<br />
been on a hunt for our geums and<br />
fear that they have been well and<br />
truly lost. I wonder. The 50% of<br />
our soil which is usually empty<br />
space other than air has been<br />
continuously filled up with<br />
water for months and some<br />
roots will inevitably have<br />
drowned through<br />
lack of oxygen.<br />
Plants that have<br />
adapted to damp<br />
<br />
81<br />
priceless-magazines.com
The Priceless <strong>Garden</strong>s <strong>Supplement</strong><br />
Moss and lichen on top of a damp rock<br />
“...nature has<br />
been turning<br />
green waste<br />
into compost<br />
for millennia.<br />
There is no<br />
need to spend<br />
money on<br />
expensive<br />
accelerators”<br />
The northern garden at Tofukuji temple, Kyoto<br />
conditions have evolved to cope with<br />
this shortage, but I suspect that other borderline hardy and<br />
Mediterranean garden plants might not be so lucky. Luckily<br />
this wet weather has happened whilst plants have been<br />
dormant rather than during their actively growing period in<br />
the summer, when the outcome could be far worse.<br />
The answer for another day is by resolving to improve<br />
your soil’s structure and drastically improve drainage. This in<br />
turn will provide food for earthworms who spend their lives<br />
conveniently creating drainage channels for you. And as Ken<br />
Thompson, says, nature has been turning green waste into<br />
compost for millennia. There is no need to spend money on<br />
expensive accelerators. The main thing is to have patience<br />
and perhaps not to add too much in the way of tough<br />
woody debris unless you’re really not in a hurry. This sort<br />
of material slows things up by taking time to break down<br />
into that rich, crumbly material that your garden wants and<br />
needs. However, I like the look of those huge compost heaps<br />
at Great Dixter which reach great heights during the year<br />
and which can then be returned into the border once they<br />
have broken down into something deliciously friable. In the<br />
meantime, they are great for growing pumpkins on.<br />
We’ve tried both bespoke wooden compost bins and a<br />
loose compost heap and the latter has proved to be the best.<br />
Everything goes on it apart from<br />
stinging nettle roots and bramble<br />
as they are both quite difficult to<br />
eradicate – but having said that, some<br />
nettles are left for wildlife. There’s<br />
so much to learn but it is a gradual<br />
process and, in the end, you learn from<br />
your own experience in your<br />
own garden.<br />
I’m trying to remember where I saw<br />
ladies in large hats studiously picking<br />
the grass out from a mossy sward on the TV. I think it<br />
must have been a programme about Japanese gardens as<br />
they celebrate moss and work wonders with it. You may<br />
have seen the Japanese garden designer, Kazuyuki Ishihara,<br />
winning gold medals year after year for his exquisitely<br />
beautiful, tranquil and mossy gardens. We waste time and<br />
money on doing the opposite – that is, trying to eradicate<br />
moss. Of course it can be reduced by drastically improving<br />
the drainage or by using nasty compounds which are a<br />
definite no no. Or alternatively, we can just not worry<br />
about it, especially in our exceedingly damp climate. Have<br />
a closer look at it. It is rather beautiful stuff and is worth<br />
celebrating. I could say the same about our moles. They<br />
tunnelled around about three months ago creating about<br />
thirty five mole hills here. We’ve put aside this beautifully<br />
sifted soil for adding to future planting holes or maybe pots<br />
and, lo and behold, the moles seemed to have moved off.<br />
I’m secretly rather relieved.<br />
Sue Whigham can be contacted on 07810 457948 for<br />
gardening advice and help in the sourcing and supply of<br />
interesting garden plants.<br />
istockphoto.com/ David Fenton / Nayomiee/<br />
priceless-magazines.com<br />
82
Art & Sculpture<br />
in the<br />
Vineyard<br />
30 June –14 July <strong>2024</strong><br />
11am - 4pm<br />
Set in the glorious <strong>Surrey</strong> Hills<br />
Area of Outstanding Natural<br />
Beauty<br />
DISCOVER OUR GORGEOUS<br />
VINTAGE SHAKESPEAREAN CUVÉE.<br />
Experience 180 inspirational artworks, stroll through<br />
our Wildflower Meadows, Vineyard, Rose Arch Walk<br />
and tranquil Japanese <strong>Garden</strong>.<br />
Entrance £7pp donation to Cherry Trees Charity.<br />
Open for their celebrated Tour, Talk, Tasting outside of the<br />
Sculpture Summer Event. Pre-book please.<br />
High Clandon Estate Vineyard High Clandon, <strong>Surrey</strong> GU4 7RP<br />
www.highclandon.co.uk | T: 01483 225660 | @highclandon<br />
<strong>Surrey</strong> Hills <strong>Garden</strong> Design<br />
Let us create the<br />
garden you have<br />
always dreamt of<br />
Transforming gardens into beautiful<br />
outdoor spaces, tailored in perfect detail to<br />
you and your family's every need. We<br />
supply quality garden design & build,<br />
service's at competitive prices.<br />
Contact us for a free consultation<br />
07814 892 322<br />
www.surreyhillsgardendesign.co.uk<br />
info@surreyhillsgardendesign.co.uk<br />
✽<br />
✽<br />
✽<br />
Re-wilding<br />
Green walls<br />
Edible gardens<br />
✽<br />
✽<br />
✽<br />
Design<br />
Landscaping<br />
Pergolas<br />
✽<br />
✽<br />
✽<br />
Planting plans<br />
3D Visualisation<br />
Planting<br />
83<br />
priceless-magazines.com
Escape to<br />
Claremont Landscape <strong>Garden</strong><br />
© National Trust 2020. Registered Charity no. 205846. Photography © National Trust Images<br />
Exceptional views, winding paths<br />
and architectural features create this<br />
masterpiece of landscape garden design.<br />
nationaltrust.org.uk/claremont<br />
<strong>Surrey</strong> Sculpture Society<br />
SCULPTURE EXHIBITION<br />
AT RAMSTER GARDEN<br />
3160-Celebration-of-Spring-<strong>Surrey</strong>-Times-Advert-90x130mm-AW.indd 1 29/02/<strong>2024</strong> 14:08<br />
25 ACRES<br />
BEAUTIFUL<br />
SPRING<br />
BLOSSOM<br />
3 RD MAY - 2 ND JUNE (10am - 5pm)<br />
Discover inspirational art<br />
by renowned & emerging sculptors<br />
All sculptures will be for sale.<br />
Entry prices & further information<br />
can be found at www.ramsterevents.com<br />
www.surreysculpture.org.uk<br />
@surreysculpturesociety<br />
<strong>Surrey</strong><br />
Sculpture<br />
Society<br />
priceless-magazines.com<br />
84
Bateman’s<br />
The Priceless <strong>Garden</strong>s <strong>Supplement</strong><br />
The <strong>Garden</strong>er’s Datebook<br />
We’re sharing our diary of top things to do and see this spring<br />
istockphoto.com/ berkah jaya / HEMARAT<br />
Throughout <strong>April</strong><br />
Bateman’s Lane, Burwash,<br />
Etchingham TN19 7DS<br />
BATEMAN’S<br />
Explore the beautiful garden at Bateman’s,<br />
the former home of Rudyard Kipling.<br />
Throughout <strong>April</strong>, you can witness the<br />
beauty of spring as bulbs and early perennials<br />
bloom, adding a burst of colour to the<br />
garden. The ornamental, wall-trained, and<br />
orchard trees will also be blossoming. Amidst<br />
the trees, the enchanting wild garden takes<br />
the spotlight, with a carpet of flowering<br />
bulbs displaying spring colour and scent.<br />
nationaltrust.org.uk/batemans<br />
Daily throughout spring 10am-5pm<br />
Claremont Landscape <strong>Garden</strong><br />
Portsmouth Road, Esher, <strong>Surrey</strong> KT10 9JG<br />
CLAREMONT LANDSCAPE GARDEN<br />
From a duke’s retreat to a princess’s<br />
playground, Claremont has always been<br />
a place to escape everyday life and enjoy<br />
simple pleasures. Created by four of the<br />
great landscape designers of the 18th<br />
century; the garden charts the origins of<br />
the English Landscape <strong>Garden</strong> movement.<br />
With serpentine lake, amphitheatre, winding<br />
walks and shady places, it’s the perfect<br />
place to enjoy a scenic walk. This spring<br />
and summer, visit for guided walks, family<br />
trails, outdoor theatre and a sculpture<br />
exhibition with <strong>Surrey</strong> Sculpture Society.<br />
nationaltrust.org.uk/claremont-landscape-garden<br />
22 <strong>April</strong> – 6 May<br />
Pashley Manor <strong>Garden</strong>s,<br />
Ticehurst, Kent TN5 7HE<br />
TULIP FESTIVAL<br />
In late spring Pashley Manor <strong>Garden</strong>s will<br />
be carpeted with over 45,000 tulips for<br />
their annual Tulip spectacle. Visitors can<br />
enjoy the tulips in colour themed plantings<br />
throughout the sweeping herbaceous borders<br />
and historic walled garden. There will also<br />
be a marquee of cut tulips, with experts from<br />
Bloms Bulbs on hand to give advice and take<br />
orders, and visitors may like to enjoy tea and<br />
cake, or a light lunch, from Pashley’s Café.<br />
Tickets sold on the gate on the day at £15.50<br />
pashleymanorgardens.com<br />
25-27 May 10am-5pm<br />
All Saints Church, Biddenden, Kent<br />
BIDDENDEN FLOWER FESTIVAL<br />
All are welcome to the annual Biddenden<br />
Flower Festival! This year’s theme,<br />
‘Dreaming of Gold’, is inspired by the<br />
Olympic Games and will feature brilliant<br />
floral displays created by villagers throughout<br />
local 13th century church, All Saints.<br />
Other highlights of the festival will include<br />
musical interludes, a visit from the Morris<br />
Men and a chance to climb the church<br />
tower for magnificent views over the<br />
Weald. The ever-popular cake stand will<br />
be offering refreshments for sale, and a<br />
plant marquee will be selling seedlings.<br />
Admission is free but donations are welcome.<br />
85<br />
priceless-magazines.com
The Priceless <strong>Garden</strong>s <strong>Supplement</strong><br />
Claremont Landscape <strong>Garden</strong><br />
Brogdale Farm<br />
Sissinghurst Castle <strong>Garden</strong><br />
AT BROGDALE FARM<br />
Discover the wonders of Brogdale Farm’s<br />
National Fruit Collection, showcasing<br />
over 3,000 varieties of fruit trees. With an<br />
Orchard Pass you can get exclusive access<br />
to the orchards year-round and take tours<br />
to learn the history, heritage, and taste the<br />
fruit. Witness the changes throughout the<br />
seasons from blossom, through to cherries,<br />
plums, apples and pears. They also host<br />
family-friendly festivals and events, from the<br />
Japanese Hanami Blossom Day to cherrypicking<br />
weekends, the delightful Brogdale<br />
Cider Festival, and Heritage Orchard Apple<br />
picking Days. Engage your little ones with<br />
exciting activities like Beastie Day, Teddy<br />
Bears’ Picnic, Apple Juicing workshops<br />
and outdoor cooking classes. Adults can<br />
join rural courses like pruning, wreath<br />
making, cider making, willow weaving<br />
and many more for hands-on learning.<br />
As a charitable organisation, Brogdale<br />
Collections ensures the proceeds from<br />
every event support their mission to ensure<br />
public access and education of the National<br />
Fruit Collection for generations to come.<br />
brogdalecollections.org<br />
3 May – 2 June & 8 June –<br />
14 July 10am-5pm<br />
Ramster <strong>Garden</strong>, Chiddingfold &<br />
Claremont Landscape <strong>Garden</strong>s, Esher<br />
SURREY SCULPTURE<br />
SOCIETY TRAILS<br />
<strong>Surrey</strong> Sculpture Society is delighted to<br />
announce two outdoor sculpture trails<br />
this summer – one at Ramster <strong>Garden</strong> in<br />
Chiddingfold from 3rd May to 2nd June, and<br />
another at Claremont Landscape <strong>Garden</strong>s,<br />
Esher from 8th June to 14th July. The trails<br />
will showcase a wealth of original, affordable<br />
sculpture with pieces by professional and<br />
emerging artists, ranging from modern<br />
abstract to classical styles and in a variety<br />
of materials. All of the art will be for sale.<br />
surreysculpture.org.uk<br />
30 June —14 July 11am-4pm<br />
High Clandon Estate Vineyard,<br />
<strong>Surrey</strong> GU4 7RP<br />
ART & SCULPTURE IN<br />
THE VINEYARD<br />
A day of high culture at an award-wining<br />
<strong>Surrey</strong> vineyard. As they celebrate their<br />
11th anniversary, High Clandon Estate<br />
Vineyard invites you to discover a gorgeous<br />
vintage Shakspearean Cuvée alongside 180<br />
inspirational artworks. Stroll through glorious<br />
Wildflower Meadows, a quintessentially<br />
English Vineyard, a romantic Rose Arch<br />
Walk and the tranquil Japanese <strong>Garden</strong>.<br />
You can also sample Cream Teas by Cherry<br />
Trees to fuel your enchanting wandering.<br />
Entrance £7pp donation to Cherry Trees<br />
Charity. Tickets pre-bookable on ngs.org.uk<br />
highclandon.co.uk<br />
15 March – 15 August<br />
Painshill, Cobham, <strong>Surrey</strong> KT11 1JE<br />
PAINSHILL<br />
Painshill is a beautiful landscape garden<br />
complete with a gorgeous lake, gothic temple<br />
and even a crystal grotto! They are offering<br />
monthly guided tours from March to August<br />
for just £15 (or free to members), and next<br />
month there will be an additional Bird Song<br />
Walk that will take you around the gardens,<br />
identifying birds as you go. Alternatively,<br />
if you’re looking for more of a show, June<br />
and July will see a season of live music lates<br />
as well as Outdoor Theatre opportunities.<br />
painshill.co.uk<br />
Throughout the year<br />
Brogdale Collections, Brogdale Farm,<br />
Faversham, Kent ME13 8XZ<br />
THE NATIONAL FRUIT COLLECTION<br />
Daily 11am-5:30pm<br />
Sissinghurst, near Cranbrook,<br />
Kent TN17 2AB<br />
SISSINGHURST CASTLE GARDENS<br />
Nestled in the heart of the Wealden<br />
countryside is the romantic Sissinghurst<br />
Castle <strong>Garden</strong>. <strong>April</strong> is the time to visit,<br />
with colourful spring bulbs filling the<br />
different ‘rooms’ of the garden. Magnolia,<br />
soft blossom and Narcissi will be a sight<br />
to behold. Don’t miss the Lime Walk and<br />
Orchards, which will tempt you down<br />
their pathways with sweet fragrances.<br />
nationaltrust.org.uk/sissinghurst<br />
priceless-magazines.com<br />
86<br />
<strong>Surrey</strong> Sculpture Society Trails
Artists clockwise top left: Black & White Cottage, Riëlle Beekmans, Shaun Brosnan<br />
THE HANNAH PESCHAR SCULPTURE GARDEN<br />
Mature trees, dramatic planting and ßowing waterways support, frame<br />
and enhance an ever-changing exhibition of contemporary art available<br />
to purchase - displayed throughout a unique and beautiful landscape.<br />
Art & nature in perfect harmony<br />
Open for pre-booked tickets from 29th March<br />
www.hannahpescharsculpture.com<br />
T: 01306 627269 Ockley | <strong>Surrey</strong><br />
Jobs for the garden:<br />
• Prepare Flower Beds<br />
• Sow Hardy Annuals<br />
• Mulch Roses & Fruit Trees<br />
• Repot Houseplants<br />
We stock everything you<br />
need to get going in your<br />
garden this Spring<br />
181-189 Upper Richmond Road West<br />
East Sheen, London, SW14 8DU<br />
87<br />
priceless-magazines.com
Creating the extra space you need for work or leisure is something we really care about.<br />
Trusted for more<br />
than 20 years as<br />
experts in providing<br />
premium quality<br />
garden buildings<br />
across <strong>Surrey</strong>,<br />
London and other<br />
areas. Please come<br />
and see us at our<br />
display site open<br />
seven days a week.<br />
Combination Rooms | <strong>Garden</strong> Offices Greenhouses | Lifestyle & Leisure Rooms<br />
Sheds | Summer Houses | Gyms | Workshops<br />
Trusted Locally Quality & Care End-to-End Service<br />
01737 240579 | www.surreyhillsgardenbuildings.co.uk<br />
Reigate Road, Reigate, RH2 9RE
Cockerel wind chime<br />
£15 National Trust<br />
shop.nationaltrust.org.uk<br />
The Priceless <strong>Garden</strong>s <strong>Supplement</strong><br />
<strong>Garden</strong> shed bird<br />
house £28.50 A<br />
Place for Everything<br />
aplaceforeverything.co.uk<br />
Timo T-light chandelier £55<br />
Nkuku nkuku.com<br />
Stretton chair and footsool<br />
garden lounge set £899<br />
The Cotswold Company<br />
cotswoldco.com<br />
Chicken plant pot feet £21.95<br />
(set of 3) Annabel James<br />
annabeljames.co.uk<br />
Farm<br />
Charm<br />
Kew Potting Shed from £7,995<br />
Malvern <strong>Garden</strong> Buildings<br />
malverngardenbuildings.co.uk<br />
Classic wood<br />
garden shed with<br />
shelves £279.99<br />
<strong>Garden</strong>esque<br />
gardenesque.com<br />
Cottagecore move over, we’re<br />
pining after the rural warmth<br />
of a farm-inspired garden<br />
Ratcliffe greenhouse POA<br />
<strong>Surrey</strong> Hills <strong>Garden</strong> Buildings<br />
surreyhillsgardenbuildings.co.uk<br />
Willow garden trug<br />
£34.50 A Place<br />
for Everything<br />
aplaceforeverything.co.uk<br />
Solar grey Fisherman<br />
filament effect LED hanging<br />
lantern £9.99 Festive Lights<br />
festive-lights.com<br />
Daisy bunch glass jar<br />
£9.95 The Wisteria Tree<br />
thewisteriatree.co.uk<br />
Butterfly House £14.99<br />
Sourced by Oxfam<br />
onlineshop.oxfam.org.uk<br />
Lutyen garden chair<br />
£605 Sweetpea Willow<br />
sweetpeaandwillow.com<br />
Small recycled teak wooden<br />
stool £82 After Noah<br />
afternoah.com<br />
Akasa trough planter<br />
£50 Nkuku nkuku.com<br />
Rusty pig (large) £95<br />
Cox & Cox<br />
coxandcox.co.uk<br />
100cm Mayfair round dining<br />
table with 4 dining chairs £1,299<br />
Bridgeman bridgman.co.uk<br />
Cast iron sparrow £6<br />
National Trust<br />
shop.nationaltrust.org.uk<br />
priceless-magazines.com
_ffTu<br />
thePark<br />
CORNWALL<br />
Exclusive 5* Luxury<br />
Holiday Village in Cornwall close to<br />
Mawgan Porth Beach<br />
Imagine luxury lodges, breath-taking<br />
beaches on your doorstep, the kids fully<br />
catered for and a sauna and steam room to<br />
indulge in - a holiday that ticks every box.<br />
From family breaks to gatherings of friends,<br />
romantic retreats, and weddings, we've got<br />
everything you need for a truly memorable<br />
getaway ... so come on over and make<br />
yourself at home.<br />
Call us on 01637 860322 f 't# @ You fi'E www.theparkcornwall.com<br />
-<br />
Join Foxhills<br />
for the same price as a<br />
family summer holiday<br />
With summer just around the corner, it’s the<br />
perfect time to join <strong>Surrey</strong>’s leading club.<br />
Enjoy 52 weeks of membership for the same<br />
price as a two-week summer holiday.<br />
Set across a 400-acre country estate, gain<br />
unlimited access to more than 200 weekly<br />
activities for all the family. Our Olympic array of<br />
leisure facilities include three golf courses; five<br />
swimming pools; soft play; kids’ clubs; spa; gym,<br />
classes; tennis, padel & pickleball courts; Yoga<br />
Cabin and more.<br />
With three restaurants open seven days a week,<br />
we are a home away from home for our<br />
members.<br />
Stonehill Road, Ottershaw, <strong>Surrey</strong>, KT16 0EL<br />
foxhills.co.uk/join | #WhereYouBelong<br />
priceless-magazines.com<br />
90
Take me to...<br />
a UK Staycation<br />
We’re kicking off our new travel feature with a collection of ideas to get<br />
you trying something new with explorative and adventurous trips<br />
Cornish Escape<br />
The Park, Cornwall is an award-winning holiday village, just a short<br />
stroll from Mawgan Porth beach. There are lots of accomodation<br />
options (including plenty that are dog friendly and many with<br />
private hot tubs) from luxury lodges to adorable cottages, or even the<br />
fairyland style yurt village. There are two pools, The Kitchen by the<br />
Beach restaurant, a sauna and steam room, and for children there<br />
are play areas and soft play. Perfectly situated, from your Cornish<br />
home hub you can walk parts of the stunning South West Coastal<br />
Path, visit castles, explore the Lost <strong>Garden</strong>s of Heligan, wander the<br />
world-famous Eden Project or book a show at the stunning cliff-side<br />
Minack Theatre. To book visit theparkcornwall.com<br />
Woodlands Glencoe, Argyll and Bute, Scotland<br />
St Michaels Resort<br />
& Spa, Cornwall<br />
“dogs<br />
stay free<br />
at over<br />
18,000<br />
locations”<br />
Homewood Hotel & Spa, Bath, Somerset<br />
Un-fur-gettable holiday<br />
If you’re a dog owner, you’ll know how hard<br />
it is to leave your best furry friend behind<br />
when you embark on a trip. PetsPyjamas<br />
are award-winning dog-friendly travel<br />
experts, where dogs stay free at over 18,000<br />
locations. Coastal retreats with seaside walks,<br />
relaxing spa breaks in the Peak District, or<br />
boutique hotel city stays, where gourmet<br />
menus are available for the most pampered<br />
canine guests. They also offer some fantastic<br />
exclusive packages, for example, two adults<br />
and a dog can visit St Michaels Resort &<br />
Spa in Cornwall, including a two night<br />
stay, 2 Hour Hydrothermal Experience and<br />
Dinner in Brasserie on the Bay from £464.<br />
Alternatively, you can save up to 33% if<br />
you stay 3 nights at Homewood Hotel &<br />
Spa in Bath. Visit petspyjamas.com to start<br />
planning your next pet-away.<br />
91
Beachy Bliss<br />
Dog spotting, sun-soaking, and a welcome breeze of fresh<br />
sea air; Camber Sands is a go-to staycation spot for many<br />
reasons – not least the opportunity to get the golden<br />
sands and sea views of a tropical destination while staying<br />
in our lovely little corner of England. The best place to<br />
stay? Your very own luxury beachfront home should do<br />
the trick, the family-run Camber Beach Holiday <strong>Homes</strong><br />
offers excellent service having specialised in the area,<br />
with over 20 years of experience. Features in the homes<br />
on offer include log-burning stoves, views straight to the<br />
coast of France, and one property even has<br />
a spa suite with sauna steam and jacuzzi!<br />
Camber Beach also offer treatments such<br />
Rosa mesh kaftan<br />
£140 NAIA Beach<br />
naiabeach.com<br />
“immerse<br />
yourself in<br />
the pictureperfect<br />
sunsets<br />
and endless<br />
sandy shores<br />
of Camber”<br />
Camber Sands<br />
as massages, reiki and sound baths in the<br />
relaxing setting of your own space. While<br />
there you can also take a merry jaunt over<br />
to one of many great nearby locations. To<br />
dine there is Folkestone’s iconic Harbour<br />
Arm, or The Ferry Inn for a delicious pubstyle<br />
meal on the nearby Isle of Oxney,<br />
meanwhile for entertainment there’s Port Lympne Safari<br />
Park or Rye’s Kite Surf Centre. Rye itself is also well<br />
worth a visit – the cosy, cobbly town is full of character<br />
and oldy-worldy charm. Grab a hot chocolate at Knoops<br />
and spend a day strolling around jewellery shops, art<br />
galleries like Rye Art Gallery, and various antique shops<br />
and knick-knackeries, then finish up with a trip to the<br />
Kino for a movie night in a former Victorian library with<br />
a tub of our favourite Simply Ice Cream. To find out<br />
more, call 07779 474332 or visit camberbeach.co.uk<br />
Pack your bags!<br />
Take your luxuries with you for a beachy look that will make perfect travel pics!<br />
Hypoallergenic, tarnish-free and<br />
waterproof gold cowrie shell<br />
necklace £85 Elk & Bloom<br />
elkandbloom.com<br />
Treasure Me mini jewellery<br />
box £29 Estella Bartlett<br />
estellabartlett.com<br />
Always travel<br />
as eco-friendly<br />
as you can<br />
Fitzroy sunglasses made from recycled trawl<br />
nets and lines £65 Waterhaul waterhaul.co<br />
Scent-free SPF30 Sun Cream £21<br />
Green People greenpeople.co.uk<br />
Make sure<br />
your jewellery is<br />
waterproof!<br />
Céline Phantom<br />
medium luggage bag<br />
£1,195 Shop Prestige<br />
shopprestige.com<br />
Go<br />
classic<br />
beach<br />
chic with<br />
monochrome<br />
Ralph Lauren Bel Air<br />
swimsuit £169 Luxe<br />
Leopard luxeleopard.co.uk<br />
istockphoto.com/ eric laudonien<br />
92
Featured on 4 in a bed<br />
Sissinghurst Castle Farmhouse B&B<br />
We offer 3 self-catering, pet-friendly cottages with vaulted<br />
ceilings and log burn hot tubs for romantic stays or get<br />
togethers with friends or family. Enjoy great views of the<br />
North Downs and our beautiful array of alpacas, pigs, horses<br />
etc. Close to Leeds Castle, Maidstone and the coast.<br />
Call: 07765933338 Web: www.stableoakcottages.co.uk<br />
Email: stableoak@gmail.com<br />
“a beautiful place to stay in<br />
the grounds of Sissinghurst Castle”<br />
“amazing<br />
home-cooked<br />
breakfast”<br />
“luxurious<br />
rooms with<br />
stunning views”<br />
Tel: 01580 720992<br />
www.sissinghurstcastlefarmhouse.co.uk<br />
SissinghurstCastleFarmhouseWT227.indd 1 16/03/2021 09:57<br />
Holidays To Make<br />
Your Dog Smile<br />
Discover over 18,000 truly dog-welcoming hotels, country houses, cottages, B&Bs,<br />
glamping sites & pubs with rooms, plus exclusive packages you won’t find anywhere else<br />
PetsPyjamas.com<br />
93<br />
priceless-magazines.com
HERNE BAY STORE - NOW OPEN<br />
BEXHILL - CANTERBURY - HERNE BAY - REIGATE<br />
SEVENOAKS - TENTERDEN - TUNBRIDGE WELLS<br />
COUNTY CLOTHES<br />
MENSWEAR<br />
Proud stockists of:<br />
Barbour, Barker, Geox, Jeep, Lacuzzo,<br />
Sergio Duletti, John White, R M Williams,<br />
Bugatti and Savelli, boots & shoes<br />
WWW.COUNTYCLOTHESMENSWEAR.CO.UK<br />
BLUE VELVET SHOES<br />
Visit Blue Velvet Shoes at 174 Kings Road, SW3 4UP or buy online www.bluevelvetshoes.com<br />
priceless-magazines.com<br />
94
gold<br />
Fields of<br />
Embrace warm, hazy meadow<br />
vibes with Edit-One’s beautiful<br />
smock-waisted dress<br />
Photograph: David Merewether<br />
Model: Liz<br />
Wimbledon Dress<br />
in peach cream ditsy<br />
floral print £250<br />
Edit-One edit-one.com;<br />
Personalised Liberty print<br />
hanging charm bracelet<br />
£26 Bloom Boutique<br />
bloom-boutique.co.uk;<br />
Mini star necklace £18<br />
NuNu nunu-jewellery.co.uk<br />
Shop Edit-One at this<br />
June’s Wealden Times<br />
Midsummer Fair (6-8 June)<br />
wealdentimes-fair.co.uk
Tree of life<br />
pendant £165<br />
Dower & Hall<br />
dowerandhall.com<br />
Mar handmade<br />
linen crop top £131<br />
Noema noema.ie<br />
istockphoto.com/ Oksana_Bondar<br />
Colour rim crochet<br />
hat £42 BasketBasket<br />
basketbasket.co.uk<br />
Engraved birth<br />
flower signet ring<br />
£69 Posh Totty<br />
poshtottydesigns.com<br />
Wrap around strap sandal<br />
Celtic & Co celticandco.com<br />
Aries zodiac<br />
amulet £225<br />
Kensho Heirlooms<br />
kenshoheirlooms.com<br />
Textured disc flower pearl<br />
bracelet £25 Estella Bartlett<br />
estellabartlett.com<br />
Chiara suede<br />
espadrilles<br />
£99.99<br />
Blue Velvet<br />
bluevelvetshoes.com<br />
Four leaf clover<br />
pendant £44.99<br />
Shrieking Violet<br />
flowerjewellery.com<br />
Gold rose<br />
band ring £65<br />
Elk & Bloom<br />
elkandbloom.com<br />
Kaia Cornelli dress blue £85<br />
Monsoon monsoon.co.uk<br />
Pretty in<br />
Pastoral<br />
Style a romantic-hero country look with gingham<br />
and floral embroidery, straw and wicker details,<br />
feminine sleeves and swooping skirts<br />
Claudia Amber check dress £99<br />
Emily & Finn emilyandfin.co.uk<br />
Rhea beach maxi skirt in Ivory<br />
£55 FatFace fatface.com<br />
Fairacre midi dress<br />
£149 Barbour<br />
barbour.com<br />
Belmont<br />
gingham blouse<br />
£64.95 Barbour<br />
barbour.com<br />
Daisy drop earrings<br />
£34.99 Shrieking Violet<br />
flowerjewellery.com<br />
Chunky buckle stretch belt £25<br />
Belle & Mack belleandmack.com<br />
Monvatoo London Rosy Cherry<br />
Rabbit ring £99 Handmade in<br />
Britain handmadeinbritain.co.uk<br />
Natalie Perry<br />
Jewellery diamond<br />
flower earrings £425<br />
Handmade in Britain<br />
handmadeinbritain.co.uk<br />
Tree of life raffia woven<br />
saddle bag £58 Fable<br />
England fableengland.com<br />
Curved brim hat £22 National<br />
Trust shop.nationaltrust.org.uk<br />
Round straw shopper £30<br />
Belle & Mack belleandmack.com<br />
Seda espadrilles<br />
£65 Blue Velvet<br />
bluevelvetshoes.com
JEREMY HOBBS<br />
FINE MENSWEAR<br />
Opening Hours Monday to Saturday 09.30 - 17.30<br />
3 Oakdene Parade, Cobham, <strong>Surrey</strong> KT11 2LR<br />
Telephone: 01932 865700 | info@jeremyhobbs.co.uk<br />
www.jeremyhobbs.co.uk<br />
@jeremyhobbsmenswear<br />
Opening Hours: Mon - Sat 09.30 - 17.30<br />
3 Oakdene Parade, Cobham, <strong>Surrey</strong> KT11 2LR.<br />
Telephone: 01932 865700<br />
info@jeremyhobbs.co.uk<br />
@jeremyhobbsmenswear<br />
www.jeremyhobbs.co.uk
Bake in<br />
Season<br />
From her kitchen in Haslemere, food writer, recipe creator and<br />
sourdough bread baker Lara Green shares four wholesome and<br />
delicious spring recipes bursting with fresh, moreish flavours<br />
Photographs: David Merewether<br />
Rhubarb & pistachio loaf cake<br />
Serves 10 Prep time: 10 minutes<br />
Cooking time: 55 minutes<br />
A great way to make the most of rhubarb season<br />
– this easy loaf cake pairs beautifully with crushed<br />
pistachios and a rosewater syrup. Serve it with a<br />
dollop of crème fraîche for a lovely afternoon treat.<br />
• 200g butter<br />
• 200g golden caster sugar<br />
• 3 large eggs<br />
• 1 tsp vanilla<br />
• 200g self-raising flour<br />
• 100g ground almonds<br />
• 1 heaped tsp baking powder<br />
• 75ml whole milk<br />
• 100g chopped pistachios<br />
• 200g rhubarb, ends trimmed, lengths<br />
halved and cut into 3cm long strips<br />
• 2 tbsp golden caster sugar to sprinkle<br />
•<br />
For the rosewater syrup:<br />
• 150g fine caster sugar<br />
• 130ml water<br />
• 5-10ml rose water<br />
• 1 slice of lemon<br />
• 1 star anise<br />
1. Grease and line a loaf cake tin and<br />
preheat the oven to 170°C.<br />
2. Put the butter and sugar into a bowl and<br />
beat with an electric whisk until light and fluffy.<br />
Add the eggs one at a time beating well after<br />
each addition, then whisk in the vanilla.<br />
3. Fold in the flour, ground almonds and baking<br />
powder, then add the milk, mixing until you have a<br />
smooth, thick batter. Fold in 90g of the pistachios.<br />
4. Spoon the cake batter into the prepared<br />
tin. Top with the rhubarb, pressing it down<br />
gently. Sprinkle with golden caster sugar.<br />
5. Bake for 55 minutes to 1 hour, or until<br />
a skewer inserted into the centre of the<br />
cake comes out clean. Remove from the<br />
oven, allow to cool in the tin, then turn<br />
out onto a wire rack to cool completely.<br />
6. To make the rosewater syrup, add all the<br />
ingredients to a small saucepan. Bring to<br />
the boil, then reduce to a simmer until the<br />
syrup thickens and darkens slightly. Drizzle<br />
over the cooled loaf cake and sprinkle<br />
with some extra chopped pistachios.
Kale & radish panzanella<br />
salad served with a honey<br />
& mustard vinaigrette<br />
Serves 4 Prep time: 15 minutes<br />
Cooking time: 10 minutes<br />
There’s nothing quite like panzanella for a<br />
quick and easy meal. And when it’s made<br />
with seasonal curly kale, pickled radishes,<br />
feta and chunky toasted breadcrumbs – you<br />
know it’s going to taste delicious. This recipe<br />
also includes a homemade vinaigrette made<br />
with cold pressed rapeseed oil. The sunshine<br />
yellow colour and delicious punchy flavours<br />
liven up the entire plate making it the<br />
perfect lunch or side to enjoy this spring.<br />
• 3 radishes, thinly sliced<br />
• 100ml red wine vinegar<br />
• 30ml water<br />
• 1 tbsp olive oil<br />
• 2 shallots, sliced<br />
• 2 cloves of garlic, thinly sliced<br />
• 500g curly kale, chopped<br />
• 50g toasted almonds<br />
• 3 chunky slices of sourdough,<br />
cut into large breadcrumbs<br />
• 200g feta<br />
• handful of mint leaves<br />
• 2 tbsp pumpkin and sunflower seeds<br />
• salt & pepper<br />
For the vinaigrette:<br />
• 4 tbsp of rapeseed oil<br />
• 2 tbsp of white wine vinegar<br />
• 1 crushed garlic clove<br />
• 1 tsp honey<br />
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard<br />
• salt & pepper to season<br />
• 1 tbsp water<br />
1. To pickle the radishes, put the red wine<br />
vinegar, 30ml cold water and a pinch of<br />
salt in a jar and add the sliced radishes.<br />
Seal with a lid and pop in the fridge.<br />
2. Heat the olive oil in a pan, add the<br />
shallots and fry until soft, then add the garlic<br />
and cook for another 2 minutes. Add the<br />
kale, season and stir fry for a further 3-4<br />
minutes until the kale softens and everything<br />
is nicely cooked. Add the almonds to the<br />
pan and cook for 1-2 minutes until they<br />
release their oils and gain a little colour.<br />
3. In a separate pan, with olive oil, fry<br />
the sourdough breadcrumbs, adding a<br />
generous pinch of salt and pepper, cooking<br />
until they crisp up and darken a little.<br />
4. To make the vinaigrette simply<br />
combine all the ingredients in a<br />
jug and whisk to combine.<br />
5. Add the warm kale to plates and top<br />
with the feta, pickled radishes, seeds,<br />
mint and sourdough breadcrumbs.<br />
Drizzle over the vinaigrette and enjoy.
Rhubarb & pistachio scones<br />
Makes 8-10 scones<br />
Prep time: 15 minutes Baking time: 25 minutes<br />
Scones are the perfect excuse to get everyone together<br />
around the table with a cup of tea. This recipe comes<br />
together quickly, resulting in an easy-to-handle dough<br />
that you can mould into classic circular scones or<br />
something a little more rustic. They are best enjoyed<br />
whilst still warm and, whatever you do, don’t forget<br />
the clotted cream! Tip: if you’re a sourdough baker,<br />
you can add sourdough discard to<br />
this recipe which will give<br />
you a super light, airy<br />
scone – a great way<br />
to use up discard.<br />
• 400g plain white flour<br />
• 2 heaped tsp baking powder<br />
• pinch of salt<br />
• 100g golden granulated sugar, plus extra to top<br />
• 250g cubed butter<br />
• 1 egg<br />
• 2 tsp vanilla extract<br />
• 130g whole milk<br />
• 1 tsp maple syrup<br />
• 80g diced rhubarb<br />
• 30g chopped pistachios<br />
• clotted cream, to serve<br />
1. Preheat the oven to 190°C. Combine all<br />
the dry ingredients together in a bowl – flour,<br />
baking powder, salt and sugar. Add the butter<br />
to the bowl, stir to coat and then use your fingers<br />
to break it down to a breadcrumb consistency.<br />
2. In a separate bowl, combine the egg, vanilla<br />
extract and whole milk. Add this into the flour<br />
mixture and stir to combine. Stir in the maple<br />
syrup, then fold in the rhubarb and pistachios.<br />
3. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and<br />
use your hands to shape it into a 1-inch-thick patty.<br />
Using a bench scraper, separate the dough into 8-10<br />
scones. Sprinkle each one with golden caster sugar.<br />
4. Bake on a lined tray in a pre-heated oven for 25<br />
minutes until light and golden. Serve with clotted cream.
Spring onion, walnut &<br />
sundried tomato sourdough<br />
Serves 8-10 Prep time: 4 hours (45<br />
minutes hands on time), plus overnight<br />
proofing. If using instant yeast: 2 hours<br />
Baking time: 45 minutes<br />
Bread is a great excuse to bring people together,<br />
and this enriched sourdough loaf is a wonderful<br />
accompaniment to any meal. The recipe here<br />
uses a sourdough starter, but don’t worry if<br />
you don’t have one – it works well with instant<br />
yeast too, just follow the instructions below<br />
to make the method work for you. Feeding<br />
a crowd? Serve it in slices with the wild<br />
garlic pesto (find the recipe to the right) or<br />
elevate the flavours of the panzanella (p.100)<br />
by turning it into chunky breadcrumbs.<br />
• 350g warm water<br />
• 100g sourdough starter (or<br />
7g active dried yeast)<br />
• 500g strong white bread flour<br />
• 10g salt<br />
• 2 spring onions, sliced<br />
• 30g walnuts, chopped<br />
• 10g sun dried tomatoes, chopped<br />
1. Add the warm water to a bowl and whisk in<br />
the starter, then add the bread flour and salt,<br />
stirring until no dry bits of flour remain. If using<br />
instant yeast, add all of the dry ingredients first,<br />
followed by the water and stir to combine.<br />
2. For sourdough: Cover the bowl and place<br />
somewhere warm. Half an hour after you’ve<br />
placed the bowl in the warm place, perform<br />
three sets of folds every half an hour for the<br />
first 1½ hours by picking up the dough from<br />
one side and stretching it across to the other.<br />
You need to do four folds each time – turning<br />
the bowl ¼ of the way around after each fold.<br />
This will build gluten and elasticity in the<br />
dough. After the final fold, leave the covered<br />
bowl in the warm spot for a further 2 hours.<br />
If using instant yeast: Cover the bowl with oiled<br />
clingfilm and place somewhere warm. After<br />
an hour, remove the cling film, punch the<br />
dough to knock it back a bit, then mould into<br />
a circular shape and place on a lined baking<br />
tray. Leave for 1-2 hours until doubled in size.<br />
3. After proving, fold in the onions, walnuts<br />
and sundried tomatoes, performing the ¼<br />
turn each time to ensure even distribution.<br />
Shape the loaf into a circle and flour the top.<br />
4. For sourdough: place the dough into a floured<br />
banneton or lined bowl, cover and place in the<br />
fridge to prove overnight. To bake the sourdough,<br />
heat the oven to 240°C and place a Dutch oven<br />
<strong>inside</strong>. After half an hour, turn the bread out onto<br />
a baking sheet, score the top and place <strong>inside</strong> the<br />
Dutch oven. Bake for 30 minutes, turn the oven<br />
down to 215°C and bake with the lid off for a<br />
further 15 minutes until crusty and golden brown.<br />
If you’re using instant yeast: score the<br />
top of the bread with a knife, place in a<br />
preheated oven at 220°C and bake for<br />
25-30 minutes until golden brown.<br />
Wild garlic & hazelnut pesto<br />
Makes: 1 large jar<br />
Prep time: 10 minutes<br />
This rich, earthy pesto makes great use of spring<br />
wild garlic. Paired with pasta, slathered on<br />
toast or spooned into a pie, pastry or pizza, it<br />
comes together in minutes and works wonders<br />
at elevating meals – simply add a spoonful<br />
and watch the magic happen. Toasting the<br />
nuts is key as it unlocks more flavour, whilst<br />
the garlic cloves balance out the wild garlic<br />
nicely – making for a next level pesto.<br />
• 100g hazelnuts<br />
• 20g walnuts<br />
• 100g wild garlic leaves, stalks removed<br />
• 4 large garlic cloves<br />
• juice of 1 lemon<br />
• 150g parmesan<br />
• salt & pepper<br />
• 150ml extra virgin olive oil<br />
1. Place a frying pan over a medium heat<br />
and allow to get hot. Add the hazelnuts,<br />
walnuts and a pinch of salt and heat in the<br />
pan for around 3 minutes, moving them<br />
around with a wooden spoon until the oils<br />
start to release and the nuts colour slightly.<br />
2. In the bowl of a food processor, add the<br />
garlic leaves, garlic cloves and toasted nuts<br />
and pulse to break everything down. Add<br />
the lemon, Parmesan and salt & pepper and<br />
place on a low speed, drizzling in the olive oil<br />
as the pesto comes together. Season to taste<br />
and adjust the consistency with more olive<br />
oil, lemon, Parmesan or seasoning to suit.<br />
3. Spoon the pesto into a jar, followed by a thin<br />
layer of olive oil to seal. Place the lid on tightly<br />
and store in the fridge for up to two weeks.<br />
Lara documents her incredibly tasty recipes in her blog fromthegreenkitchen.com as well as teaching<br />
artisan sourdough classes, which she runs most Fridays in classes of 2 or private one-on-one sessions.<br />
Find her on Instagram @_fromthegreenkitchen and subscribe for weekly recipes on her website.<br />
priceless-magazines.com
In love with...<br />
spring!<br />
Josephine Fairley selects the tried-and-tested<br />
products that have become regulars in her beauty<br />
and haircare arsenal, plus a pretty divine candle<br />
istockphoto.com/ photoguns<br />
The pace of beauty launches is showing no signs<br />
of slowing down. It’s exhausting, it’s baffling,<br />
and frankly, if I walk into Selfridges Beauty Hall,<br />
even after 33 years of writing about this stuff, I have<br />
a panic attack at the sheer, overwhelming choice out<br />
there. It has always been my mission, though, to signpost<br />
women to the products that are really worth splashing<br />
out on – it’s a tough job, but someone’s got to do it (no,<br />
honestly, it IS a tough job and I’ve got the touchy skin<br />
to prove it, from trying so many different things!)<br />
But this spring, it does feel like there have been some<br />
spectacularly great launches. So I thought, for this issue,<br />
I’d share the products that have most impressed me,<br />
over the past few months. Happy slathering and happy<br />
spritzing! (Except the candle. Don’t slather the candle.)<br />
Evolve Organic Beauty Miracle Mask, £25 for 60ml. Oooff,<br />
that’s quite a claim – ‘Miracle’ – isn’t it? But actually, this<br />
has performed a mini-miracle on my winter-weary skin, and<br />
it’s become a weekly staple. With AHAs and enzymes to<br />
exfoliate, it tingles just a touch when you massage the yellow,<br />
citrus-scented, jelly-like mask into the face. But despite my<br />
skin’s sensitive tendencies, I don’t experience any irritation –<br />
just a glowier, clearer-looking face, in three short minutes.<br />
Lisa Eldridge Kitten Mascara, £29. Make-up artist Lisa’s<br />
range is unbelievably impressive, and I encourage you to<br />
explore it for yourself. As a female-founded start-up, she<br />
launches products only when she’s 100% happy with them;<br />
the beauty world has been on tenterhooks waiting for a<br />
mascara to join the Lisa Eldridge make-up line-up, and<br />
it’s fabulous: a totally non-clumpy formula which sweeps<br />
on via a wonderfully grippy wand – and if you use that<br />
to hold your lashes vertical, you’ll get amazing ‘lift’.<br />
Lanolips Overnight Lip Balm, £13 for 15g. Don’t<br />
know about you, but after the ravages of winter, my<br />
lips always need rehab. This rapidly returned them to<br />
smoothness and softness, lavishly applied at night; the<br />
blend of ceramides, apricot kernel, castor seed and soya<br />
oils feels ultra-pampering – and I actually keep this in my<br />
handbag for daytime use, because it adds a glamorous yet<br />
nourishing, comfy-making touch of gloss to any lipstick.<br />
Estée Lauder Legacy Collection, £250 for 100ml eau de<br />
parfum. One of the highlights of my journalistic career was<br />
meeting the incredible Estée Lauder, towards the end of her<br />
life. I’d grown up papering the <strong>inside</strong> of my wardrobe with<br />
her fragrance adverts, wanting to be like the women who<br />
advertised fragrances like Private Collection and Azurée. What<br />
a pioneer! Now, thanks to the talents of some of the world’s<br />
leading perfumers and under the guidance of Frédéric Malle<br />
(a perfume genius who has his own fragrance collection),<br />
five iconic fragrances – Estée, Azurée, Knowing, Private<br />
Collection and White Linen – have been reworked within<br />
the Legacy Collection, which for now will sit alongside<br />
the originals. It’s as if a shaft of bright sunlight has been<br />
introduced to these iconic perfumes, making them feel and<br />
smell completely contemporary and wearable. Perfume-lovers<br />
should make a beeline to Harrods to smell them (they’ll soon<br />
be appearing on Estée Lauder counters around the country)<br />
– or wait to sniff your way through a dinky Discovery Set,<br />
showcasing all five, which I’m told will launch imminently.<br />
Jurlique UV Defence Daily Lotion SPF50+, £40 for 50ml.<br />
I am constantly on the hunt for a great SPF that layers well<br />
under make-up, plumps while it does so, and doesn’t leave<br />
a white ‘cast’ on the face – because shielding from the sun<br />
on a daily basis is honestly the biggest favour you will ever<br />
do your skin, to prevent premature ageing (sorry to be like<br />
a stuck needle on a record, here). And it’s a tick, tick, tick<br />
for this cream, offering optimum, broad-spectrum UVA<br />
and UVB protection while being extremely pleasant to use,<br />
packed with glycerine, hyaluronic acid and vitamin E.<br />
priceless-magazines.com 104
Beauty<br />
Benefit Precisely, My Brow Detailer, £22.50, and Precisely,<br />
My Brow Wax, £26. If you have pale or skimpy brows, as I<br />
do, you probably have an arsenal of brow products, because<br />
there is nothing like a groomed brow to add structure to<br />
the face. Well, sorry to break it to you, but you’re going to<br />
have to add these two to your arch-perfecting weaponry.<br />
The ‘Detailer’ is a micro-tipped propelling pencil that’s just<br />
brilliant for creating the teeniest, most feathery and realistic<br />
looking brows – particularly the ‘tail’, and for evening up and<br />
filling in the inner corner of brows (six shades available). The<br />
brow wax tames, grooms and adds colour via the dinky brush;<br />
a choice of 12 shades means there’s one for everyone and<br />
this is super-easy to use. (Don’t ever be deceived by Benefit’s<br />
jokey names, by the way; they are SERIOUS about make-up,<br />
most notably pore-perfecting and brow products, like these.)<br />
Wildsmith Skin Bath Salts, £55 for 500g. The greatest<br />
treat for me, the very best stress-buster, is still to lock the<br />
bathroom door, run the taps and sink into something<br />
fabulously scented. These just landed – with a heck of a<br />
thud – on my desk, having been created for The Bothy,<br />
Wildsmith’s spa at Heckfield Place in Hampshire (a hotel<br />
I love so much I have a special savings account dedicated<br />
to it); by popular demand, they’re now available retail.<br />
Surprisingly moisturising, thanks to calendula and vitamin E,<br />
they smell like I imagine heaven does – linden, cedarwood,<br />
rose, geranium and Roman chamomile – and while I’m<br />
waiting for that Heckfield Place piggy bank to fill, these<br />
luxurious, super-relaxing salts are the next best escape.<br />
skyrocketed? Well, here’s a great, glossifying alternative to<br />
the £30+ ‘designer’ shampoos and conditioners that are<br />
proliferating on the shelves. A pleasure to use, this awardwinning<br />
hairdresser’s products are affordable enough to share<br />
with all the #fam, rather than keep under lock and key – just<br />
choose between Coconut Shine, Curl Control, Daily Blonde<br />
and (my favourite), bounce-boosting Weightless Volume.<br />
Champagne & Smoke Filthy Rose Candle, £46 for 250g<br />
(champagneandsmoke.com). I have saved the best for last. I am<br />
obsessed – OBSESSED – with the scent of this candle, from<br />
a leading make-up artist Lisa Potter-Dixon and her vintage<br />
interiors dealer friend Lia Briamonte. Tobacco drifts through<br />
rosy-posy notes, with a naughty grind of black pepper and<br />
wisps of saffron, with the aim of recreating a ‘debauched 70s<br />
disco scene’. Not sure what to make of that, but I have it<br />
burning every day in my hall now, where it is getting endless<br />
‘What’s that amazing smell?’ comments from visitors. (It<br />
even wafts an impressively long way when it’s not lit.) Each<br />
glass ‘tortoiseshell’ vessel is unique, and can be upcycled as a<br />
vase, brush holder, or whatever; I love Filthy Rose so much<br />
I’ve invested in the £165, one kilo version, which should<br />
burn for 120 blissful hours. Spoiled creature that I am, I’m<br />
probably sent 50 candles a year – but this is the one I have<br />
earmarked as the signature scent of our house, for evermore.<br />
Visit beautybible.com for more of Jo’s<br />
product reviews and beauty tips.<br />
L’Occitane Immortelle Shea Neck Cream,<br />
£52 for 50ml. So, here’s the thing about neck<br />
creams: they only work if you use them – and<br />
you’ll want to use this: a rich, nourishing tube<br />
of line-smoothing TLC, powered by age-defying<br />
immortelle oil, shea butter and hyaluronic acid.<br />
Since using diligently, I’ve noticed a definite<br />
improvement in crêpiness. I look forward to<br />
breathing the wonderful aromatic scent, night and<br />
morning – a cornerstone of my skincare ritual, now.<br />
Phil Smith Everyday Expert, £4 each for 250ml.<br />
Have you noticed – yikes – how haircare prices have<br />
Main image: Wildsmithskin.com
Health<br />
Brain power!<br />
Sarah Maxwell explores how exercise<br />
affects your grey matter<br />
istockphoto.com/max-kegfire<br />
Exercise has long been<br />
recognised for its positive<br />
impact on physical health.<br />
However, many recent studies<br />
have shown that exercise also<br />
has many transformative effects<br />
on the brain, so if you thought<br />
that Sudoku and brain training<br />
exercises were the best way to<br />
improve your brain, read on…<br />
Cognitive function<br />
Cognitive function refers to the<br />
mental processes and abilities that<br />
enable us to perceive, think, reason<br />
and remember information. It<br />
includes our ability to concentrate,<br />
focus attention, enhance memory,<br />
problem-solve, and make<br />
decisions. Maintaining optimal<br />
cognitive function is essential for<br />
us to operate at an optimal level<br />
and supports our overall wellbeing.<br />
One of the key benefits of<br />
exercise is its ability to boost<br />
cognitive function, including<br />
memory, attention, and<br />
concentration. Regular exercise<br />
stimulates the brain and promotes<br />
the growth of new neurons. It also<br />
strengthens neural connections<br />
and enhances brain plasticity,<br />
which is essential for recovery<br />
from injury and aging.<br />
Creativity &<br />
problem solving<br />
Exercise has also been found to<br />
enhance creativity and problemsolving<br />
skills. By stimulating<br />
the brain’s ability to generate<br />
new ideas and adapt more<br />
efficiently, exercise enables the<br />
brain to rewire itself effectively.<br />
Sleep magic<br />
Another important aspect of<br />
exercise is its impact on sleep.<br />
Regular exercise helps regulate<br />
sleep patterns, enhances brain<br />
function and improves memory.<br />
Sleep is crucial for both physical<br />
and mental wellbeing, as it<br />
allows the body to repair and<br />
rejuvenate. It also boosts immune<br />
function and promotes proper<br />
hormone regulation, which are<br />
essential for memory recall.<br />
Stress & emotional<br />
regulation<br />
Furthermore, exercise plays a<br />
significant role in managing<br />
stress and emotions. It not only<br />
strengthens the body but also<br />
helps us manage stress and regulate<br />
our emotions. Exercise increases<br />
the production of chemicals in<br />
the brain that promote happiness<br />
and reduces inflammation in the<br />
body. This can benefit the brain<br />
and protect against neurological<br />
conditions like Alzheimer’s<br />
and Parkinson’s disease.<br />
Exam success<br />
Exercise is particularly important<br />
during exam periods. While<br />
studying takes precedence, the<br />
stress around exams can impact<br />
sleep and memory retention,<br />
resulting in reduced performance.<br />
Regular exercise can help improve<br />
essential sleep, reduce anxiety,<br />
enhance memory retention and<br />
consolidate revised information.<br />
Incorporating exercise into a<br />
study timetable daily can be key<br />
to achieving success in exams.<br />
So what is the best exercise<br />
you can do to boost<br />
your brain power?<br />
When it comes to choosing<br />
the best exercise to improve<br />
brain function, aerobic<br />
exercises are highly<br />
recommended.<br />
Activities such as<br />
walking, running,<br />
cycling and swimming<br />
have numerous<br />
benefits. They promote the growth<br />
of new brain cells and improve<br />
spatial memory by increasing the<br />
size of the anterior hippocampus.<br />
Additionally, these exercises help<br />
preserve important brain areas<br />
responsible for cognitive function,<br />
which tend to shrink with age.<br />
In a nutshell<br />
By incorporating regular aerobic<br />
exercise into out daily lives, we<br />
can improve both physical health<br />
and brain function. It’s a form of<br />
multitasking that benefits the body<br />
and mind simultaneously.<br />
If you would like to<br />
explore more about<br />
this fascinating<br />
subject, I highly<br />
recommend<br />
watching the TED<br />
Talk by Wendy<br />
Suzuki titled ‘The<br />
Brain Changing<br />
Benefits of<br />
Exercise,’<br />
available at<br />
ted.com.<br />
Sarah<br />
Maxwell is a multiaward<br />
winning Lifestyle<br />
Wellbeing and Fitness coach. You<br />
can find her at sarahmaxwell.com.<br />
Get in touch via email at<br />
sarahmaxwell@mail.com<br />
and on social<br />
@sarahmaxlife<br />
priceless-magazines.com 106
istockphoto.com, miwa_in_oz , Magone, chokja, Elena Tsvetkova, Drazen Zigic, Agustin Vai / PippiLongstocking / BethAmber<br />
Nourish to Flourish<br />
Nutrition & Lifestyle Coach Charlotte Lau<br />
explores the benefits of incorporating<br />
another healthy ingredient into our diets.<br />
This month it’s wild garlic<br />
This time of year is perfect for foraging wild<br />
garlic. It is common in the UK and can be<br />
found growing in most shady, damp woodlands,<br />
hedgerows and fields. The leaves (best in early spring)<br />
and white flowers (mid-spring) are both edible, either<br />
lightly cooked in soups or stocks or eaten raw in salads.<br />
Wild garlic is a perfect partner for eggs; simply<br />
add to an omelette, scrambled eggs or a frittata<br />
for extra flavour. You can also blanch the leaves or<br />
wilt them (where they lose their pungency) over<br />
a gentle heat in a little oil, as you would spinach,<br />
for a deliciously different vegetable side dish.<br />
Wild garlic is widely known for its antibacterial,<br />
antibiotic and antiviral properties, and contains beneficial<br />
vitamins and nutrients including vitamins A and C,<br />
calcium, iron, phosphorus, sodium and copper. Studies<br />
have also shown that it may also help reduce blood<br />
pressure and therefore the risk of heart disease and stroke.<br />
wild garlic pesto<br />
Sweet smelling, wild garlic pesto... a great one to get the<br />
kids involved! This is delicious served with fresh pasta<br />
• 100g wild garlic leaves (washed)<br />
• 50g hazelnuts<br />
• 50g Parmesan<br />
• 25ml olive oil<br />
• lemon juice<br />
• salt & pepper<br />
1. Chop the garlic leaves and place in a food processor<br />
together with the hazelnuts, Parmesan and lemon<br />
juice. Blitz until it has formed a rough paste.<br />
2. Slowly add the oil. Season to taste.<br />
3. Transfer to a lidded jar, top with a little<br />
more olive oil and pop in the fridge.<br />
Charlotte runs Plume Nutrition, where she offers support and advice<br />
for weight management, controlling cravings, sleeplessness, stress<br />
and increasing energy levels. Find out more at plumenutrition.com<br />
107<br />
priceless-magazines.com
OPEN MORNINGS<br />
Book your place:<br />
GUILDFORD<br />
Where girls thrive<br />
CRANLEY ROAD, GUILDFORD GU1 2JD<br />
Don’t miss our next<br />
Education <strong>Supplement</strong><br />
Find it in the June <strong>2024</strong> issue of <strong>Surrey</strong> <strong>Homes</strong><br />
priceless-magazines.com<br />
priceless-magazines.com<br />
108
istockphoto.com/ annoying.orange / Elena Brovko<br />
Tormead School Talks Future Women Leaders<br />
“With a future women leaders’ ethos, Tormead Prep provides an<br />
educational setting that dispels gender bias and stereotyping. We<br />
empower our pupils to celebrate their achievements, regardless<br />
of their age, by encouraging them to be their best advocates.<br />
Our pupils are nurtured to speak openly and proudly about<br />
accomplishments in all fields within our broad and balanced<br />
curriculum, instilling in them a sense of confidence and self-worth.<br />
At Tormead Prep, we nurture fluid, creative and innovative<br />
thinking. We aim to instil a lifelong love for learning in<br />
our students, equipping them with the skills and mindset<br />
they need to thrive beyond their school years.<br />
Our Pre-Prep is buzzing with activity and the joy of learning. An<br />
exciting and challenging curriculum enables the girls to realise their<br />
true potential. We develop a growth mindset from a young age, where<br />
curiosity, creativity and risk-taking are encouraged and supported.<br />
Learning at Tormead Prep is a thrilling adventure <strong>inside</strong><br />
and outside the classrooms. Our EYFS outdoor area,<br />
lovingly referred to as ‘Tellytubby Land’, is a vibrant hub<br />
of activity where girls can freely run, jump and explore.<br />
We also provide an outdoor learning classroom, climbing<br />
equipment, bikes, and scooters for playground fun.<br />
Our classrooms are not just spaces for learning but also for<br />
joy and growth, designed to inspire and engage our students.<br />
The pastoral care and well-being of the girls are at the core of all<br />
we do, and we firmly believe that happy girls will thrive. Our girls<br />
develop strong and secure relationships with their teachers and<br />
peers, fostering a sense of belonging and support. At Tormead<br />
we are not just a school but a family!” tormeadschool.org.uk<br />
Continued on p. 111<br />
School<br />
Newsboard<br />
Bitesize updates from schools<br />
across the South East<br />
To find out more about life<br />
at Staines Prep, join us for<br />
our Open Morning on<br />
FRIDAY 17TH MAY <strong>2024</strong><br />
or book a personal tour by<br />
contacting our admissions team.<br />
An independent day school and nursery for children aged 3-11 years<br />
01784 450909 | www.stainesprep.co.uk | admissions@stainesprep.co.uk<br />
109<br />
priceless-magazines.com
CELEBRATING HAPPY HEARTS FOR OVER 75 YEARS<br />
FOUNDED 1946<br />
ADVENTURE DAY<br />
Saturday 20th <strong>April</strong><br />
9am - 12:30pm<br />
Join us for a jam-packed family morning<br />
exploring Forest School, tackling the Climbing<br />
Wall, getting creative with our Lego STEM kits, or<br />
heading to Nursery for a Stay and Play session.<br />
Contact our admissions team on<br />
admissions@longacreschool.co.uk or 01483 893225<br />
to find out more and book your place
Staines Preparatory School Open Day<br />
“We are a well-established, non-academically selective<br />
co-educational prep school in the heart of Staines<br />
upon Thames, for children aged 3 to 11.<br />
At Staines Preparatory School, we pride ourselves on being<br />
different to your average private school. Our founders set out<br />
to offer a high-quality education to the widest cross section of<br />
the community, keeping fees as competitive as possible. This<br />
is a philosophy we stand by, and therefore you will see that<br />
while a Staines Prep education does represent a big financial<br />
commitment, it is considerably lower than our peers. Does<br />
this mean our pupils have poorer outcomes? Absolutely not.<br />
Muddy Stilettos said, ‘Although Staines Prep is non-selective,<br />
the academics are an area of shining achievement at the<br />
school with children attaining scholarships and offers from<br />
highly selective senior schools including Halliford School,<br />
Hampton School, LVS Ascot, Reed’s School, Eton, Sir William<br />
Perkins’s School, St George’s, St James’, Lady Eleanor Holles,<br />
The Marist, Tiffin Grammar and Sutton Grammar.’<br />
Our fees include lunch, resources and UK trips including an<br />
annual residential trip from Years 3-6. We also offer exciting trips<br />
to France, Iceland and skiing.<br />
If you would like to see<br />
first-hand our inspiring<br />
environment, please<br />
book a space at our next<br />
Open Morning on Friday<br />
17th May <strong>2024</strong>.<br />
stainesprep.co.uk<br />
Play Time<br />
Sir William Perkins’s<br />
School in Chertsey<br />
showcased a weekend<br />
of remarkable<br />
performances of Made<br />
in Dagenham, based<br />
on the true story of<br />
the 1968 Ford sewing<br />
machine strike.The<br />
production –produced<br />
and directed by Ms White<br />
and Miss Whitfield – aimed to entertain whilst<br />
conveying a message of female empowerment through<br />
its catchy songs and humorous characters.<br />
Mrs Tham-Williams, Musical Director, led a talented<br />
group of musicians. With a cast of over 60 students –<br />
ranging from Year 8 to Sixth Form – everyone displayed<br />
dedication and passion during the rehearsals which began<br />
in November. The set, designed by artist-in-residence Lizzie,<br />
was brought to life by the Art Department and Art students,<br />
creating an authentic 1960s Dagenham factory setting.<br />
With three performances across two nights, the whole school<br />
musical Made in Dagenham was a resounding success. The cast<br />
delivered remarkable performances, breathing life into the story<br />
through their voices and heartfelt portrayals of the characters.<br />
At Sir William Perkins’s School, the ethos of championing<br />
the individual is not just a motto but a way of life, going<br />
beyond the traditional confines of education to nurture<br />
talent, ambition and generosity in every student. Come<br />
and discover the magic for yourself. swps.org.uk<br />
GUILDFORD<br />
Where<br />
girls<br />
thrive<br />
OPEN MORNINGS<br />
Book your place<br />
CRANLEY ROAD, GUILDFORD GU1 2JD<br />
111<br />
priceless-magazines.com
k<br />
Nestled in between Windlesham, Chobham<br />
and Sunningdale (Near Virginia Water) GU24 8TE<br />
ISI 2023<br />
www.coworthflexlands.co.uk
MAY CRAFT FAIR AT HEVER CASTLE<br />
EASTER OPEN DAYS AT<br />
WEST HORSLEY PLACE<br />
REWILDING TALK<br />
istockphoto.com/ petrenkod / AndyRoland / azgek<br />
What’s On<br />
this Spring<br />
FAIRS & FESTIVALS<br />
Sat 1 <strong>April</strong> 10am-3.30pm<br />
Penshurst Village Hall,<br />
Penshurst TN11 8BP<br />
THE WEALDEN BAZAAR<br />
SPRING VINTAGE MARKET<br />
AT PENSHURST<br />
Showcasing vintage home and<br />
garden wares, French finds,<br />
antiques and decorative pieces,<br />
fabrics, vintage fashion, jewellery,<br />
furniture and gifts. The Wealden<br />
Bazaar returns for another<br />
marvellous Vintage Market. The<br />
beautiful old building will be<br />
filled with more than 25 fabulous<br />
vintage traders from throughout<br />
Kent and Sussex and Penshurst<br />
Farmer’s Market is on the same<br />
day so make a day of it!<br />
Estelle 07904 614824<br />
Instagram: @thewealdenbazaar<br />
Thurs 16 – Sun 19 May<br />
9.30am-5.30pm daily<br />
Hever Castle, Hever Road,<br />
Hever, Edenbridge TN8 7NG<br />
MAY CRAFT FAIR AT<br />
HEVER CASTLE<br />
Craft in Focus will once again<br />
be staging a contemporary Craft<br />
Fair at Hever Castle this May.<br />
See over 120 exhibitors showing<br />
and selling their unique work<br />
across various artistic disciplines<br />
including glass, textiles,<br />
woodwork, jewellery, metalwork,<br />
ceramics and artwork. Renowned<br />
as one of the most popular<br />
contemporary craft events in the<br />
South East, the contemporary<br />
Craft Fair provides an opportunity<br />
for visitors to meet, engage<br />
with and purchase from these<br />
talented UK designer makers.<br />
Entry: see website<br />
craftinfocus.com<br />
hevercastle.co.uk<br />
HISTORY<br />
Tues 2, Thur 4, Tues 9<br />
& Thur 11 <strong>April</strong><br />
West Horsley Place, Epsom<br />
Road, West Horsley,<br />
<strong>Surrey</strong> KT24 6AN<br />
EASTER OPEN DAYS AT<br />
WEST HORSLEY PLACE<br />
This Easter, discover the ancient<br />
manor house at West Horsley<br />
Place, the location for BBC Ghosts<br />
series. See all the principal rooms<br />
at your own pace and chat to<br />
expert guides about the history of<br />
the site. The building dates as far<br />
back as 1425, Henry VIII dined<br />
in their Stone Hall, and Guy<br />
Fawkes might have worked as a<br />
footman, so there are plenty of<br />
stories to uncover. At Easter there<br />
will be an additional craft room<br />
for children and a garden trail.<br />
Entry: Open day tickets £12.<br />
Nooks & Crannies tours £22<br />
westhorsleyplace.org<br />
TALKS<br />
Sat 13 <strong>April</strong> 9.15am-1pm<br />
Sinden Theatre, Tenterden<br />
TENTERDEN U3A STUDY<br />
MORNING, REWILDING:<br />
WHAT DOES IT MEAN<br />
IN PRACTICE?<br />
Tenterden, like so many towns,<br />
has sadly lost green space to<br />
housebuilding. Bees, butterflies<br />
and other pollinating insects are<br />
in decline, which in turn threatens<br />
our food crops. The speakers<br />
form an authoritative trio and<br />
include Dr Tony Whitbread,<br />
President of the Sussex Wildlife<br />
Fund, Richard Masefield, prize<br />
winning author and chairman of<br />
Tenterden Wildlife, and Dr Nikki<br />
Gammans of the Bumblebee<br />
Trust. The u3a Rewilding study<br />
morning is planned to help<br />
discover what we as individuals<br />
can do to help. It is open to the<br />
public as well as u3a members.<br />
Entry: £10<br />
u3asites.org.uk/tenterden<br />
THEATRE<br />
Thur 4 – Sat 6 <strong>April</strong><br />
The Queen’s Hall<br />
Theatre, Waterloo Road,<br />
Cranbrook TN17 3JG<br />
CODS PRESENT TWELVE<br />
Cranbook Operatic and Dramatic<br />
Society’s fast-paced thrilling<br />
jury-focused drama. Twelve is<br />
a rollercoaster of emotion that<br />
will have you both laughing and<br />
feeling thoroughly appalled by<br />
the human condition. Set in the<br />
suffocating environment of a jury<br />
room, twelve disparate people<br />
(who you would frankly cross<br />
the street to avoid) are forced to<br />
come to a decision. An amazingly<br />
strong and talented cast brings<br />
this thought-provoking show<br />
to life. If you want theatrical<br />
magic, book your tickets NOW!<br />
Entry: £12<br />
cranbrookods.org.uk<br />
Listings are correct at time of going<br />
to press but may be subject to change.<br />
Readers are advised to check with venues<br />
before making arrangements. We can list<br />
your event in the next issue of Wealden<br />
Times for only £75+VAT. Please supply<br />
up to 200 words that should include date,<br />
time, venue, contact for enquiries and any<br />
entry price to whatson@priceless-group.<br />
com or send with payment (cheques<br />
payable to Priceless Media Ltd.) to What’s<br />
On, Priceless Media, Kettle Chambers,<br />
21 Stone Street, Cranbrook, Kent<br />
TN17 3HF. Priceless Media reserves the<br />
right to edit text to fit space allocated.<br />
Deadline for the next issue is 8th <strong>April</strong>.<br />
113<br />
priceless-magazines.com
Jane Howard gets to the<br />
bottom of why so many<br />
ponds have disappeared<br />
across the High Weald<br />
I<br />
have a new passion, almost<br />
an obsession, it’s about ponds.<br />
And there’s a distinct possibility<br />
I might become a bit of a pond bore,<br />
but honestly the more you discover the<br />
more fascinating they become. And now that<br />
I’m hopefully 'in' with the Newt Partnership<br />
(more of which later) there’s no stopping me.<br />
If you’re interested, the definition of a pond, either man<br />
made or natural is a body of still, fresh water between<br />
1m² and 5 acres (an acre being more or less the size of a<br />
football pitch) which holds water for at least 4 months a<br />
year. And the High Weald has plenty of them. At their<br />
peak in the 1800s there were hundreds of thousands of<br />
local ponds, but more than 75% have been lost since then<br />
leaving around 13,000 mapped ponds in the area, grouped<br />
according to how they were created.<br />
There are of course natural ponds<br />
found in river valleys or fed by springs,<br />
but the majority are the result of past<br />
human activity. Drinking ponds were<br />
dug out for people and livestock usually<br />
within farmyards or villages, and were<br />
often a by product of digging out clay<br />
to make bricks. Then there are hammer<br />
ponds that were created by damming<br />
fast flowing streams to provide a suitable<br />
head of water to power the hammers and<br />
bellows for the forges and furnaces of the<br />
iron industry. The small, deep, irregular<br />
ponds found on field boundaries are<br />
called marl pits, created by the digging<br />
out of the bluey/grey marl clay which<br />
was spread on fields as a soil improver.<br />
I had never really considered any of this until we were<br />
introduced to the Newt Partnership which came to the<br />
farm to investigate if we had any potential sites or ponds<br />
suitable for creation and restoration. It’s quite hard to<br />
become a contender in pond world, with rigorous water<br />
quality, wildlife diversity and DNA sampling tests all to<br />
be passed before you get the thumbs up. Hedges near the<br />
At their peak in the<br />
1800s there were<br />
hundreds of thousands<br />
of local ponds, but<br />
more than 75%<br />
have been lost since<br />
then leaving around<br />
13,000 mapped ponds<br />
in the area, grouped<br />
according to how<br />
they were created<br />
ponds for the newts to travel along coupled with a record<br />
of a good local newt population (to give the pond the best<br />
chance of being found) also come into consideration.<br />
We have about fifteen ponds on the farm and it<br />
seems that a few of these might make the grade and be<br />
considered for restoration or conservation, but what<br />
caused most interest in newt camp were the ghost<br />
ponds. Historical maps of the farm<br />
show where ponds once existed, but in<br />
the 20th century many were filled in<br />
to create more farmland and buildings.<br />
However, like magic many can be<br />
summoned back to life. So the plan is to<br />
dig out these old ponds (even after 100<br />
years the original pond sediment will<br />
contain a seed bank that may include<br />
now rare species) and then stand back<br />
and let nature do its thing. Within<br />
a couple of years they should spring<br />
back to life with all sorts of flora and<br />
fauna including those elusive newts!<br />
But how, I ask, will I know when<br />
they arrive (and I’m not even aspiring<br />
to the giddy heights of a Great Crested,<br />
a Common one or two would do me<br />
fine). Seems they are so protected you are not even<br />
allowed to look for them, but apparently the grass around<br />
the pond will give the game away. Rather endearingly,<br />
female newts carefully lay one egg on the underside of<br />
a leaf and then bend it over and glue it down, so if you<br />
see lots of folded blades on your pond margins you have<br />
newts. Can you imagine how exciting that might be!<br />
priceless-magazines.com 114
BEING THE BEST<br />
I CAN BE STARTS<br />
WITH BEING<br />
RIGHT HERE.<br />
Making your mark on the world begins on day one at Sir William Perkins’s School.<br />
Every student is supported to pursue their passions, whilst working to the highest educational standards.<br />
An independent day school for girls aged 11 to 18.<br />
Book your place at our Open Morning on 2 May at swps.org.uk<br />
Guildford Road, Cherstey, KT16 9BN Tel. 01932 574 900 admissions@swps.org.uk