26.07.2024 Views

Surrey Homes | SH115 | August 2024 | Taste of the South East Supplement inside

The lifestyle magazine for Surrey - Inspirational Interiors, Fabulous Fashion, Delicious Dishes

The lifestyle magazine for Surrey - Inspirational Interiors, Fabulous Fashion, Delicious Dishes

SHOW MORE
SHOW LESS

Create successful ePaper yourself

Turn your PDF publications into a flip-book with our unique Google optimized e-Paper software.

PRICELESS<br />

AUGUST <strong>2024</strong><br />

115<br />

AUGUST <strong>2024</strong><br />

TASTE OF THE SOUTH EAST SUPPLEMENT <strong>inside</strong><br />

Inspirational Interiors • Fabulous Fashion • Delicious Dishes


BESPOKE KITCHEN DESIGN<br />

DESIGN • SUPPLY • MANAGE • INSTALL


Come and visit our showroom:<br />

Bancr<strong>of</strong>t Road, Reigate, <strong>Surrey</strong>, RH2 7RP<br />

01293 826620<br />

www.rdokitchenstudio.co.uk<br />

rdokitchenstudio


A PLACE TO CHILL | A PLACE TO GRILL | A PLACE TO ENTERTAIN<br />

Featuring opening and closing waterpro<strong>of</strong> louvered ro<strong>of</strong>s, windpro<strong>of</strong> side panels and ambient LED lighting<br />

and infra-red heating, our award-winning all-wea<strong>the</strong>r aluminium pergolas branded Outdoor Living Pods TM<br />

allow you to make <strong>the</strong> most <strong>of</strong> your outdoor space 365 days a year.<br />

Bespoke UK manufactured and installed in 2 weeks.<br />

Draft Advert.indd 1


We can’t guarantee sunshine<br />

but we can control <strong>the</strong> rain<br />

OUTDOOR LIVING POD TM | IT HAS YOU COVERED<br />

VISIT OUR DREAM GARDENS SHOWSITE<br />

(pictured above)<br />

0344 800 1947 t<br />

info@cbsolarshading.co.uk e<br />

cbsolarshading.co.uk w<br />

Woodhall Business Park, Sudbury. CO10 1WH<br />

04/06/<strong>2024</strong> 14:27:35


Tunbridge Wells . 70 Calverley Road . TN1 2UJ . 01892 548 111<br />

Oxshott . 1 High Street . KT22 0JN . 01372 841 730


Contents<br />

<strong>August</strong> <strong>2024</strong><br />

12<br />

21<br />

25<br />

26<br />

43<br />

44<br />

26<br />

70supplement<br />

HOUSE OF THE MONTH<br />

Dream homes on <strong>the</strong> market<br />

NOTEBOOK<br />

Upcoming events for your diary<br />

THE MUST LIST<br />

Keep up-to-date with <strong>the</strong> latest<br />

must-see and must-have goodies<br />

INTERIOR COLLECTIVE<br />

A barn conversion with<br />

real personality<br />

GET THE LOOK<br />

Nail an eclectic aes<strong>the</strong>tic<br />

FAMILY HELPING FAMILY<br />

Tips to ease <strong>the</strong> financial<br />

load and get family members<br />

on <strong>the</strong> property ladder<br />

61<br />

89<br />

90<br />

93<br />

95<br />

GET THE LOOK<br />

Playful prints and<br />

tactile textures<br />

MEDITERRANEAN<br />

MOMENTS<br />

Rebecca Cuffe’s sunny syles<br />

COOL BEAUTY<br />

Josephine Fairley edits<br />

makeup and skincare that<br />

stands <strong>the</strong> heat test<br />

TAKE A BREAK<br />

To exercise or not to<br />

exercise on holiday, Sarah<br />

Maxwell gives her opinion<br />

NOURISH TO FLOURISH<br />

Charlotte Lau analyses <strong>the</strong><br />

benefits <strong>of</strong> eating beetroot<br />

100<br />

102<br />

105<br />

106<br />

50<br />

HAPPY HOLIDAYS<br />

Mike Piercy reflects on <strong>the</strong><br />

end <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> school year<br />

OPEN DAY SEASON<br />

Find out when schools across<br />

<strong>the</strong> <strong>South</strong> <strong>East</strong> will be opening<br />

<strong>the</strong>ir doors to prospective<br />

students and <strong>the</strong>ir parents<br />

WHAT’S ON<br />

Fun-filled dates for your diary...<br />

FABLES FROM THE FARM<br />

Jane Howard’s latest instalment<br />

from Coopers Farm<br />

50<br />

HAPPY HOME<br />

A contemporary revamp <strong>of</strong> some<br />

l<strong>of</strong>ty Tunbridge Wells stables<br />

96<br />

SUMMER SURVIVORS<br />

Jo Arnell sings <strong>the</strong> praises<br />

<strong>of</strong> super-hardy succulents<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 <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

advertisers & contributors are not necessarily those <strong>of</strong> Priceless Media Ltd.<br />

TASTE OF THE<br />

SOUTH EAST<br />

SUPPLEMENT<br />

Explore <strong>the</strong> finest<br />

locally produced<br />

food and drink.<br />

After page 62<br />

istockphoto.com/ Alarcon Studio<br />

7<br />

priceless-magazines.com


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>August</strong> Edition.indd 1 04/07/<strong>2024</strong> 11:52:07


From <strong>the</strong><br />

Editor<br />

Food and drink features heavily in some <strong>of</strong> my favourite<br />

summer memories – trying out local delicacies,<br />

sampling amazing wines and picking out seasonal<br />

produce is always a highlight <strong>of</strong> exploring new places, both<br />

at home and away. It was, <strong>the</strong>refore, particularly wonderful<br />

to get involved with this issue’s food shoot, which celebrates<br />

all that’s so irresistible about things that have been grown,<br />

made and concocted in <strong>the</strong> <strong>South</strong> <strong>East</strong> <strong>of</strong> England. Charlotte<br />

Butterworth teamed up with Balfour Winery’s Alannah Wood<br />

for perfect wine pairings and Katharine Gray Ceramics for<br />

beautiful stoneware. Read on about all our favourite local<br />

producers, foodie events and eateries in our <strong>Taste</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

<strong>South</strong> <strong>East</strong> <strong>Supplement</strong>, just after our second house feature.<br />

We’ve been to Churt and Tunbridge Wells to<br />

photograph our interiors this month. With both owners<br />

involved in interior design, it was interesting to see<br />

how <strong>the</strong>y applied <strong>the</strong>ir individual tastes, styles and<br />

personalities to <strong>the</strong>ir own personal home projects.<br />

After a soggy start to summer, we’re still holding out hope<br />

for a decent helping <strong>of</strong> sunshine, so asked beauty expert<br />

Josephine Fairley to track down products that stand <strong>the</strong><br />

heat test (equally useful if you’re going away on<br />

holiday). And Jo Arnell focuses in on juicy<br />

succulents that thrive in warmer climates.<br />

Also, don’t miss <strong>the</strong> publication <strong>of</strong><br />

our education writer, Mike Piercy’s,<br />

new book ‘Careering’ which is out<br />

this month! (troubador.co.uk)<br />

The Artificial & Natural Grass Specialists<br />

The Artificial & Natural Grass Specialists<br />

Transform<br />

Your Transform<br />

Your Outdoor<br />

Space Outdoor<br />

Space<br />

Enjoy your Priceless Magazine<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 Manager, <strong>Surrey</strong> <strong>Homes</strong>Lisa Gordon-Hughes<br />

lisa.gordon-hughes@surrey-homes.co.uk<br />

Sales Manager, Wealden Times Maria Hurley<br />

maria.hurley@wealdentimes.co.uk<br />

Senior Account ManagerSarah Norwood<br />

Senior Sales ExecutiveAndrew 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 Chairman Julie Simpson<br />

Contact number for Wealden Times01580 714705<br />

Contact number for <strong>Surrey</strong> <strong>Homes</strong> 01580 236072<br />

9<br />

MASTER INSTALLERS OF PREMIUM<br />

ARTIFICIAL GRASS & TURF<br />

MASTER INSTALLERS OF PREMIUM<br />

ARTIFICIAL GRASS & TURF<br />

LAWN SOLUTIONS FOR<br />

EVERY LIFESTYLE<br />

LAWN SOLUTIONS FOR<br />

EVERY LIFESTYLE<br />

0800 540 4380<br />

0800 07718540 3764380<br />

798<br />

07718 376 798<br />

www.lovelawns.co.uk<br />

www.lovelawns.co.uk<br />

priceless-magazines.com


Photo Credit: John Knight Glass<br />

Photographer: David Godfrey<br />

T: 01376 530800<br />

Traditional steel windows meet<br />

modern performance.<br />

Discover <strong>the</strong> real Crittall Windows today.<br />

Visit: www.crittall-windows.co.uk


Find us here!<br />

Call 01580 714705 to find your nearest distributor <strong>of</strong><br />

<strong>Surrey</strong> <strong>Homes</strong> or to get free copies delivered for £30 a year.<br />

12,000 copies <strong>of</strong> <strong>Surrey</strong> <strong>Homes</strong> are printed<br />

every month. We are available in<br />

<strong>the</strong> following outlets and are <strong>the</strong><br />

only local magazine available at key<br />

commuter stations. If you have any<br />

questions about our distribution please<br />

contact Vivien Cotterill-Lee<br />

vivien.cotterill-lee@priceless-group.com<br />

istockphoto.com/ Maria Voronovich<br />

Ashtead<br />

• Patrick Gardner<br />

Bagshott<br />

• Cubbitt Antiques<br />

• Howlands<br />

Estate Agents<br />

• Longacres Nursery<br />

Banstead<br />

• King <strong>of</strong> Cotton<br />

Betchworth<br />

• Buckland Deli<br />

• The Community<br />

Shop<br />

Bookham<br />

• Patrick Gardner<br />

Buckland<br />

• Buckland Nurseries<br />

Garden Centre<br />

Camberley<br />

• Romans<br />

Caterham<br />

• Shard Solutions<br />

Cheam<br />

• Cook<br />

Chelsham<br />

• Knights Garden<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 Garden<br />

Centre<br />

Guildford<br />

• BoConcept<br />

• Elm Nursery<br />

Farm Shop<br />

• High Clandon<br />

Estate Vineyard<br />

• Neptune<br />

Haslemere<br />

• Ly<strong>the</strong> Hill<br />

Hotel & Spa<br />

• Tesco Superstore<br />

Knaphill<br />

• Sainsbury’s<br />

Lea<strong>the</strong>rhead<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 />

Garden Centre<br />

• County Clo<strong>the</strong>s<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<br />

STATIONS<br />

• Dorking<br />

• <strong>East</strong> 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 />

geo wall hung wc<br />

original original<br />

geo basin<br />

high quality, timeless design, au<strong>the</strong>ntic elements<br />

axis<br />

carlton<br />

astonian astonian original original brassware brassware<br />

priceless-magazines.com


House<br />

Month<br />

<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

OIEO £1,500,000<br />

Newdigate<br />

Gordon Lee picks out some <strong>of</strong> his<br />

favourite homes on <strong>the</strong> market<br />

The dream: An exceptional family<br />

home with heated swimming<br />

pool, that blends modern<br />

luxury and rural tranquillity.<br />

Where: On <strong>the</strong> edge <strong>of</strong> Newdigate<br />

village, near Dorking.<br />

Setting: This exquisitely designed<br />

home is nestled in half an acre and<br />

surrounded by 17 acres <strong>of</strong> beautifully<br />

kept, communal parkland.<br />

Beds: 4 Baths: 3<br />

Special features: A stunning southfacing<br />

kitchen/diner/family room is<br />

ideal for family life and entertaining,<br />

with sleek sliding doors that seamlessly<br />

blend indoor and outdoor living.<br />

Pleasing details: There’s<br />

underfloor heating in <strong>the</strong> kitchen;<br />

a surround sound audio system;<br />

air conditioning in <strong>the</strong> sitting<br />

room and main bedroom, and a<br />

fabulous study in <strong>the</strong> turret.<br />

Outside: A wonderful outdoor<br />

terrace, ideal for al fresco dining and<br />

summer drinks parties, leads onto<br />

<strong>the</strong> heated, retractable covered pool,<br />

all framed in green by <strong>the</strong> generous<br />

garden and <strong>the</strong> meadow and woods<br />

beyond. There’s a double garage<br />

and ample parking at <strong>the</strong> front.<br />

Time to town: Newdigate village<br />

<strong>of</strong>fers a variety <strong>of</strong> amenities<br />

including two pubs, a farm shop<br />

and a doctor’s surgery. Dorking<br />

(7 miles) and Reigate (6.5 miles)<br />

stations both connect to London.<br />

Agents: Fine & Country<br />

07507 114672 fineandcountry.co.uk<br />

priceless-magazines.com 12


Lea<strong>the</strong>rhead<br />

£1,395,000<br />

The dream: A stylish modern home with a<br />

pool, in semi-rural setting, designed, extended,<br />

and refurbished to an exacting standard.<br />

Where: Effingham Junction, near Lea<strong>the</strong>rhead.<br />

Setting: Backing on to The Drift golf<br />

course, and surrounded by greens <strong>of</strong><br />

every hue, this home is a real haven.<br />

Beds: 4 Baths: 4<br />

Special features: Spacious and light, <strong>the</strong><br />

beautiful kitchen/dining room opens<br />

out onto <strong>the</strong> stunning pool and terrace<br />

and <strong>the</strong> pretty garden beyond.<br />

Pleasing details: Huge kitchen sky light;<br />

American style fridge freezer; wooden floors;<br />

stunning bathrooms with marble floors.<br />

Outside: A westerly facing garden with terrace,<br />

seating area, pond and saltwater plunge pool.<br />

The gravel driveway has parking for several cars.<br />

Time to town: Effingham Junction Station (0.2<br />

miles) links directly to London Waterloo; M25<br />

junction 10 provides easy access to Heathrow<br />

and Gatwick airports. Whilst Lea<strong>the</strong>rhead (6<br />

miles) and Guildford (11 miles) are close by.<br />

Agents: House Partnership<br />

01483 266700 housepartnership.co.uk<br />

Virginia Water<br />

£1,100,000<br />

The dream: A modernised, 4 storey Victorian<br />

townhouse with fantastic leisure facilities.<br />

Where: In <strong>the</strong> heart <strong>of</strong> prestigious Virginia Water.<br />

Setting: Historic Virginia Park is an<br />

exclusive residential community.<br />

Beds: 4 Baths: 3<br />

Special features: High-ceilinged reception rooms<br />

and generous bedrooms give a wonderful sense<br />

<strong>of</strong> space, but set over 4 storeys, this home feels<br />

cosy and intimate. Residents have exclusive access<br />

to <strong>the</strong> indoor pool, gym, and tennis court.<br />

Pleasing details: Shaker style kitchen; shuttered<br />

windows; wooden floors; feature fireplaces.<br />

Outside: The dining room opens out onto a<br />

charming patio garden, with mature planting for<br />

al fresco entertaining. Delightful walks can be<br />

enjoyed over nearby Chobham Common, <strong>the</strong><br />

local golf courses and around Virginia Water Lake.<br />

Time to town: Fast trains connect to London<br />

Waterloo in 42 minutes. Sunningdale is 3 miles<br />

away. Whilst <strong>the</strong> towns <strong>of</strong> Windsor, Guildford<br />

and Kingston are all close at hand. Junction<br />

13 <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> M25 is just 4 miles away giving<br />

access to London and Heathrow Airport.<br />

Agents: Chatterton Rees<br />

01276 408545 chattertonrees.co.uk<br />

13<br />

priceless-magazines.com


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


Contemporary, reliable<br />

and expertly crafted<br />

swimming pools


If you have an architectural or interior design project<br />

please email gp@gregoryphillips.com<br />

gregoryphillips.com |<br />

@gregoryphillipsarchitects


REDEFINING RETIREMENT IN<br />

THE heart OF SURREY AT<br />

HOMEWOOD GROVE, CHERTSEY<br />

Discover our exceptional age-exclusive lifestyle village, nestled<br />

among beautifully landscaped gardens on <strong>the</strong> outskirts <strong>of</strong> Chertsey.<br />

It is home to a stunning collection <strong>of</strong> spacious 1, 2 and 3 bedroom<br />

apartments, each expertly designed with you in mind. Indulge in<br />

new-found passions, relax in our state-<strong>of</strong>-<strong>the</strong>-art wellbeing facilities,<br />

and become part <strong>of</strong> this vibrant new community.<br />

Come and view our brand new showhome and learn about our<br />

fantastic new incentives.<br />

Reserve your dream home and we’ll pay<br />

your monthly community fee for 3 years<br />

and contribute towards your stamp duty!*<br />

Call us on 01932 645092 or visit<br />

www.rangefordvillages.co.uk<br />

Marketing Suite, Ottershaw, Chertsey, <strong>Surrey</strong> KT16 0AU.<br />

Open Monday - Saturday 10am - 5pm<br />

Prices from £399,950 †<br />

*Terms and conditions apply. Offer includes <strong>the</strong> equivalent <strong>of</strong> three years <strong>of</strong> monthly community fees at today’s fee rate plus a contribution to stamp duty<br />

up to a maximum <strong>of</strong> £23,500. Available for reservations received from 3rd July to 3rd <strong>August</strong> <strong>2024</strong> with legal completion on or before 30th October <strong>2024</strong>.<br />

Offer applicable to new build purchases only. † O<strong>the</strong>r charges apply.<br />

23143 RV_HWG_<strong>Surrey</strong> <strong>Homes</strong>_Full Page Ad_A4.indd 1 12/07/<strong>2024</strong> 13:04


<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 <strong>of</strong>fer a<br />

total building service to those clients seeking a local,<br />

pr<strong>of</strong>essional and reliable builder. We carry out all aspects<br />

<strong>of</strong> building from extensions, renovations to a complete<br />

home refurbishment allowing us to provide a package <strong>of</strong><br />

design, planning, building & finishing.<br />

We are members <strong>of</strong> The Chartered Institute <strong>of</strong> Building<br />

which guarantees our committment to quality <strong>of</strong> product,<br />

services and integrity <strong>of</strong> conduct.<br />

For more information, please contact us on: 01483 600335<br />

Email: info@upfoldconstruction.co.uk or www.upfoldconstruction.co.uk


*BOOK IN ADVANCE AND SAVE<br />

SAVE OVER<br />

£8 *<br />

on advance tickets<br />

using discount code<br />

CRAFT<strong>2024</strong><br />

CIF<strong>2024</strong><br />

Purchase direct<br />

from 180 <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> UK’s<br />

finest contemporary<br />

craftmakers and artists<br />

Live Music • Demonstrations<br />

12 – 15 September<br />

Hever Castle<br />

& Gardens<br />

TN8 7NG<br />

Putting <strong>the</strong> WOW back into Craft Fairs<br />

Craft Fair entry included in normal Garden<br />

admission charges • RHS Members free (weekdays only)<br />

*Admission £12 using <strong>of</strong>fer code<br />

until Friday 6th September, valid on dates <strong>of</strong> craft fair only<br />

See website for full details on<br />

discount and admission costs<br />

9.30am – 5.30pm Daily<br />

(Garden open until 6pm daily)<br />

CIF_Hever_Sept24_130x185_v1.indd CIF_Hever_Sept24_130x185_v2.indd 1 10/07/<strong>2024</strong> 11:34<br />

12:23<br />

rhs.org.uk/wisley<br />

RHS Wisley<br />

Flower Show<br />

BOOK NOW<br />

Tue 3 – Sun 8 Sep<br />

Join us for a vibrant show full<br />

<strong>of</strong> inspiration, expert tips and<br />

delicious food and drink.<br />

Your visit supports our work as a charity.<br />

priceless-magazines.com<br />

20


Notebook<br />

Tudor Talks<br />

Take note! We’ve rounded up <strong>the</strong> best<br />

<strong>of</strong> what to see and do near you<br />

Oh so<br />

Retro!<br />

It’s time to dial <strong>the</strong> nostalgia up to max! We’ve heard this years’ Retro<br />

Festival on <strong>the</strong> 9-11th <strong>August</strong> at Newbury Show Ground is going to<br />

be <strong>the</strong> biggest and best yet. These events have raised over £600,000<br />

for charities and have bought 12 puppies for <strong>the</strong> Guide Dog Association.<br />

It’s a celebration <strong>of</strong> all things vintage from <strong>the</strong> 1920s right through<br />

to <strong>the</strong> 1980s. The vast grounds will be crammed with attractions and<br />

eye-catching displays including over 1,000 classic vehicles. With 200<br />

vintage stalls (<strong>the</strong> largest collection in <strong>the</strong> UK) you’ll be able to buy<br />

anything your heart desires from <strong>the</strong> eras. From clo<strong>the</strong>s to furniture,<br />

from car parts to games, you’ll find it here. There’s also a full weekend<br />

<strong>of</strong> over 50 live bands and DJs playing music in three marquees.<br />

The Retro Festival is a real family affair with lots for<br />

children to see and do and <strong>the</strong> adults are catered for<br />

in <strong>the</strong> evenings with entertainment in all <strong>the</strong> marquees<br />

provided until 11pm. There’s camping available too<br />

so don’t miss out on 230 acres <strong>of</strong> all things retro!<br />

retr<strong>of</strong>estival.co.uk<br />

Hever Castle has to be one <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

ultimate settings for a History Festival,<br />

and especially one focusing on Tudor<br />

Times. This deep dive into Tudor<br />

history will take place from Monday<br />

19th to Thursday 22nd <strong>August</strong> with<br />

talks being held at <strong>the</strong> Two Sisters’<br />

Theatre in <strong>the</strong> Castle grounds.<br />

A stellar collection <strong>of</strong> acclaimed<br />

writers and historians will present<br />

on fascinating topics including<br />

Dr Elizabeth Norton with her talk on<br />

Jane Seymour and Dr Tracy Borman<br />

will give an illustrated talk based on<br />

her new book about Anne Boleyn and<br />

Elizabeth I. This really is a fabulous<br />

opportunity to learn and immerse in<br />

this much-loved era. For tickets and<br />

details <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> many talks please visit<br />

heverfestival.co.uk<br />

CASTLE<br />

CRAFTS<br />

Craft In Focus presents<br />

<strong>the</strong> Contemporary Craft<br />

Fair – also at Hever Castle, from<br />

12-15th September – featuring over<br />

160 exhibitors showcasing a diverse<br />

range <strong>of</strong> contemporary craft and art.<br />

Discounted tickets are available until<br />

6th September with code CRAFT<strong>2024</strong>.<br />

Held amidst Hever Castle’s beautiful<br />

gardens, visitors can enjoy live music,<br />

food and drink alongside <strong>the</strong> event.<br />

Craft In Focus selects from <strong>the</strong> finest<br />

makers in <strong>the</strong> UK, <strong>of</strong>fering a unique<br />

opportunity to appreciate and<br />

purchase original, high-quality<br />

crafts. craftinfocus.com<br />

istockphoto.com/ ValeryEgorov<br />

21<br />

priceless-magazines.com


Plough On<br />

Biddenden Tractorfest<br />

is being held – in <strong>the</strong><br />

fields <strong>of</strong> Holden Farm<br />

Biddenden – over <strong>the</strong><br />

weekend <strong>of</strong> 17th &<br />

18th <strong>August</strong>. A fun<br />

day out for all <strong>the</strong><br />

family, it’s now in its<br />

10th year.<br />

While tractors<br />

remain <strong>the</strong> central attraction, with over 200<br />

expected to exhibit over <strong>the</strong> weekend, <strong>the</strong>re are plenty <strong>of</strong><br />

stalls, vehicles, demonstrations, children’s entertainment,<br />

animals and arena displays to entertain both young and old!<br />

Pair this with enticing food and drink, live music and so<br />

much more to see and do, and <strong>the</strong>re’s all that’s needed for a<br />

fun, family day out in <strong>the</strong> wonderful Kent countryside.<br />

tractorfest.co.uk<br />

Don’t<br />

miss <strong>the</strong><br />

Wilderness Ga<strong>the</strong>ring<br />

at <strong>the</strong> lovely Hole Park<br />

from 15th to 18th <strong>August</strong>.<br />

Expect family-friendly<br />

bushcraft, music, wild camping,<br />

primitive living skills,<br />

stalls and open fires.<br />

Turn<br />

wildernessga<strong>the</strong>ring.<br />

co.uk<br />

to What’s On<br />

in this issue to find<br />

out about our friend<br />

Raj Bisram’s Sissinghusrt<br />

and Cranbrook<br />

Mayor’s Day on<br />

17th <strong>August</strong>.<br />

Visit The Sculpture<br />

Park in Churt in <strong>August</strong> to be<br />

transported into a magical woodland<br />

and wildlife inhabited water garden. Three<br />

natural lakes and a stream run through this<br />

valley arboretum. A two mile undulating trail<br />

winds past hundreds <strong>of</strong> modern and contemporary<br />

sculptures in this lush, green outdoor art gallery.<br />

Shade and a lake breeze make it perfect on a hot day!<br />

Suitable for any art, nature or outdoor enthusiast,<br />

a third <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> park is wheelchair accessible and<br />

dogs are welcome, too. Do visit<br />

Bel and <strong>the</strong> Dragon opposite<br />

for refreshments. Adults £15,<br />

concessions £10.<br />

<strong>the</strong>sculpturepark.com<br />

TRULY ORIGINAL<br />

This month sees an exciting<br />

development in <strong>the</strong> world <strong>of</strong><br />

<strong>the</strong> iconic Art Deco Pullman<br />

poster collections. For <strong>the</strong><br />

first time ever <strong>the</strong> original<br />

artworks are to be sold.<br />

Each hand-painted artwork<br />

measures 60 x 84 cms and has<br />

been painted in gouache on<br />

art board. Protected with a<br />

4-ply ivory acid-free window<br />

mount, each painting is<br />

priced at £5,950.<br />

Please contact <strong>the</strong> gallery for<br />

more information or to make<br />

a purchase.<br />

pullmanedictions.com<br />

Great Outdoors<br />

PRINT WORKS<br />

Travel to <strong>the</strong> bustling metropolis <strong>of</strong> Edo through 19th century<br />

Japanese woodblock prints at Edo Pop: Japanese Prints 1825–1895<br />

on display at Watts Gallery Artists’ Village, until 6th October.<br />

This will be <strong>the</strong> first public display for a number <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>se<br />

works, which were hugely popular in 19th century Japan<br />

and also in Europe, where editions were collected by artists<br />

including Rossetti, Whistler, Van Gogh and Monet.<br />

Discover <strong>the</strong> influence <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> woodblock technique on<br />

contemporary art, through a new site-specific installation by<br />

Tokyo-born artist, Hiroko Imada. Imada’s work celebrates <strong>the</strong><br />

natural <strong>the</strong>mes in <strong>the</strong> 19th-century prints in <strong>the</strong> show.<br />

wattsgallery.org.uk<br />

priceless-magazines.com<br />

22


9/10/11 AUGUST <strong>2024</strong><br />

WINGS • WHEELS<br />

SPEED • STEAM • MUSIC • DANCE • BANDS<br />

NEWBURY<br />

SHOWGROUND<br />

RG18 9QZ<br />

A GREAT WEEKEND FOR ALL<br />

THE FAMILY STARTS HERE!<br />

6PM ON FRIDAY TO<br />

11PM ON SUNDAY<br />

FEATURING 3 AMAZING STAGES/<br />

DANCE FLOORS/<br />

SHOW ARENA<br />

& FUNFAIR<br />

www.retr<strong>of</strong>estival.co.uk<br />

THE BLACK HANGAR ROCK N ROLL STAGE • THE RICKY TICK MOD STAGE<br />

THE VINTAGE SPITFIRE PAVILION & STAGE<br />

HUGE SHOW ARENA • AEROBATIC FLYING DISPLAYS<br />

ALL THE FUN OF A VINTAGE FAIRGROUND<br />

SHOPPING VILLAGE Incl. RETRO/VINTAGE MARKET, HELICOPTER RIDES, VINTAGE & CLASSIC CARS ARENA,<br />

CARAVANS, HOT RODS, MILITARY VEHICLES, RE-ENACTORS, STEAM ENGINES & MINIATURE STEAM, AUTOJUMBLE,<br />

KIDZ ZONE, FOOD & BARS, PUBLIC CAMPING SITES, SOUNDS, MUSIC & DANCE FROM THE 30’s to 80’s<br />

DAY & WEEKEND PASSES AVAILABLE


Traditionally Made Architectural Porches, Verandas and Door Canopies<br />

You can contact us by email info@zac.ltd or visit our website www.zac.ltd<br />

or call one <strong>of</strong> our helpful design team 020 3957 6150


Next month we’re looking forward to<br />

<strong>Surrey</strong> Gin Fest. Expect a Festival Market,<br />

even more gin bars and live music all day<br />

set on <strong>the</strong> front lawn <strong>of</strong> Loseley Park with<br />

<strong>the</strong> magnificent Tudor manor house as a<br />

backdrop (which you may recognise from<br />

The Crown). Book at ginfestco.com<br />

must<br />

The<br />

From must-sees to must-buys and<br />

must-dos, don’t miss this month’s<br />

round up <strong>of</strong> what to buy, see, do,<br />

and generally get excited about!<br />

This month Taylor<br />

Swift returns to <strong>the</strong><br />

UK for a second dose<br />

<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Eras Tour. If you’re<br />

feeling inspired by that<br />

legendary red lip, you need<br />

something equally iconic.<br />

Chanel’s Rouge Coco is<br />

hydrating, nourishing and<br />

will deliver lasting colour.<br />

Try shades Gabrielle or<br />

Arthur for that red lip classic<br />

thing that never goes out <strong>of</strong><br />

style! £40 at chanel.com<br />

<strong>Surrey</strong> author Ava Glass’s<br />

intelligent female-led spy<br />

novels are informed by<br />

firsthand experience in MI5 and<br />

MI6. Her portrayals <strong>of</strong> realistic<br />

three dimensional women in <strong>the</strong><br />

largely male dominated genre have<br />

earned her great success and she is<br />

now one to watch – she even has<br />

a Netflix series in <strong>the</strong> pipeline for<br />

2026. Her latest novel The Trap<br />

is released <strong>August</strong> 1 st and will be<br />

available for £8.99 at amazon.co.uk<br />

It’s <strong>of</strong>ficially <strong>the</strong> perfect time<br />

for outdoor entertaining,<br />

garden dining and sunlit<br />

parties. And if you’re<br />

looking for a new way to do<br />

outdoor cooking, we’d like to<br />

introduce Charlie. Charlie is<br />

a BBQ, smoker, pizza oven<br />

and charcoal oven all rolled<br />

into one. They are hand-built<br />

in Britain to a fine quality<br />

that will stand <strong>the</strong> test <strong>of</strong><br />

many a summer soiree and<br />

come in many delightfully<br />

stylish colours. This one is<br />

£5,500 but <strong>the</strong>y also have<br />

a pr<strong>of</strong>essional upgrade for<br />

£8,250 and a tabletop version<br />

for £4,500. Check <strong>the</strong>m out<br />

at charlieoven.com<br />

If you’re planning your<br />

summer hols outfits<br />

you mustn’t forget to<br />

accessorise with a few lovely<br />

jewels and for this we love Estella<br />

Bartlett’s mini jewellery boxes.<br />

Complete with fun colours<br />

and plenty <strong>of</strong> little hooks and<br />

compartments to keep each piece<br />

safe and untangled, <strong>the</strong>y are <strong>the</strong><br />

perfect travel buddy. This one is<br />

just £29 and <strong>the</strong>re are plenty more<br />

options at estellabartlett.com<br />

We’re always on <strong>the</strong> look out<br />

for interiors pieces made in<br />

<strong>the</strong> <strong>South</strong> <strong>East</strong>. Which is why<br />

we have to introduce Josh<br />

Page Studio – a new Kentish<br />

furniture brand that designs<br />

and handmakes inspirational<br />

pieces <strong>of</strong> furniture with<br />

references to art works and<br />

movements to really capture<br />

<strong>the</strong> imagination. This Apple<br />

chair is £1,445 at<br />

joshpagestudio.co.uk<br />

It’s afternoon tea week from <strong>the</strong> 12th<br />

to <strong>the</strong> 18th, and Chessington Garden<br />

Centre’s Sedum Restaurant has a perfect<br />

quintessentially British one. Delectable<br />

homemade goodies include finger<br />

sandwiches, chefs’ speciality savoury bites,<br />

exquisite sweet treats, and homemade scones<br />

with strawberry jam and clotted cream. Enjoy<br />

with fine teas, infusions, c<strong>of</strong>fee, or for an<br />

added bit <strong>of</strong> elegance, a glass <strong>of</strong> prosecco or<br />

sparkling wine. chessingtongardencentre.co.uk<br />

For those planning a<br />

camping trip for <strong>the</strong><br />

summer hols – <strong>the</strong>se scent<br />

infused compostable sachets<br />

from Brit brand LORDS<br />

Fragrance House are great<br />

for adding a sweet scent to<br />

your camping space. They<br />

come in reuseable and<br />

recyclable velvety bags with<br />

three lovely scents. They are<br />

£12 lordsfragrancehouse.com<br />

25<br />

priceless-magazines.com


Interior<br />

collective<br />

Leigh Courtnage’s fascinating<br />

barn is packed with treasures<br />

she’s collected throughout her<br />

career and travels. From unique<br />

furniture to an extensive<br />

collection <strong>of</strong> artworks, her<br />

home <strong>of</strong>fers <strong>the</strong> perfect canvas<br />

to show <strong>the</strong>m <strong>of</strong>f to best effect<br />

“<br />

Friends and colleagues are always<br />

ringing me up to tell me <strong>the</strong>y<br />

have spotted something I might<br />

like!” says interior designer Leigh<br />

Courtnage. As a consequence, Leigh’s<br />

converted barn and stables – located<br />

on <strong>the</strong> edge <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> enchanting village<br />

<strong>of</strong> Churt in <strong>Surrey</strong> – has proved<br />

to be <strong>the</strong> perfect backdrop to an<br />

eclectic collection <strong>of</strong> art and objects,<br />

sourced from vintage fairs, auctions<br />

and shops across <strong>the</strong> country. “I’m<br />

always on <strong>the</strong> lookout, as somebody<br />

else’s rubbish might in fact be your<br />

treasure,” she says. The house, which<br />

Leigh moved into over 20 years ago, is<br />

inspired both by <strong>the</strong> layered interiors<br />

<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> stately homes that she loves<br />

priceless-magazines.com<br />

26


Words: Antonia Deeson<br />

Photographs:<br />

David Merewe<strong>the</strong>r<br />

to visit and partly by her own love <strong>of</strong><br />

colour, pattern and quirky design.<br />

As head designer at Miscellanea<br />

<strong>of</strong> Churt, an emporium <strong>of</strong> interiors,<br />

Leigh has been <strong>of</strong>fering her advice<br />

and interiors skill for customers and<br />

clients for over 24 years. Leigh bought<br />

Butts Barn to create <strong>the</strong> perfect family<br />

home. Surrounded by a wonderful<br />

walled garden, brimming with plants<br />

and shrubs, <strong>the</strong> former agricultural<br />

building and accompanying stables<br />

have almost become an extension to<br />

<strong>the</strong> showroom <strong>of</strong> interiors that she<br />

manages, an homage to Leigh’s skill<br />

in creating drama and narrative, yet<br />

always with a nod to practicality.<br />

A keen horticulturalist, Leigh’s<br />

<br />

This page: Above <strong>the</strong> fireplace<br />

in <strong>the</strong> snug is an antique stag’s<br />

head, a nod to Leigh’s love <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

country house style. An artfully<br />

arranged display <strong>of</strong> pictures<br />

behind <strong>the</strong> s<strong>of</strong>a <strong>of</strong>fers a glimpse<br />

<strong>of</strong> things to come in <strong>the</strong> open<br />

plan living area that comprises<br />

<strong>the</strong> main body <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> house<br />

27<br />

priceless-magazines.com


This spread: Off <strong>the</strong> entrance hall, original stabling now serves as a cosy <strong>of</strong>fice space, with storage on <strong>the</strong> floor above for Leigh’s collections <strong>of</strong><br />

art, antiques and taxidermy<br />

magical garden wraps around <strong>the</strong><br />

barn, which she adds to every year.<br />

“If <strong>the</strong>re’s a space,” she laughs, “it gets<br />

filled!” Perfectly positioned wrought<br />

iron furniture and elegant sculptures,<br />

an old chandelier, a tin bath, an<br />

antique haywain and various wooden<br />

mushrooms are dotted around <strong>the</strong><br />

area, each piece <strong>of</strong>fers both visual<br />

interest and a story, giving just a<br />

hint <strong>of</strong> what is to come <strong>inside</strong>.<br />

Entering <strong>the</strong> house via a wonderful<br />

hallway with exposed wooden beams,<br />

a sense <strong>of</strong> Leigh’s style instantly<br />

delights you. There are antiques,<br />

expertly chosen, contemporary art,<br />

deftly hung, <strong>the</strong>re are sculptures<br />

and Persian rugs and needlepoint<br />

cushions that all instantly add texture<br />

and a story to <strong>the</strong> space. Leigh’s love<br />

<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> outdoors is also apparent,<br />

with plants and architectural flowers<br />

dotted around, bringing <strong>the</strong> outside<br />

<strong>inside</strong>. She has dressed <strong>the</strong> hall’s low<br />

window with a pelmet and curtain<br />

in an Arts & Crafts style floral<br />

motif fabric, a contemporary bronze<br />

sculpture stands effortlessly next to<br />

an ornately carved Victorian lea<strong>the</strong>r<br />

wing back chair. “To me <strong>the</strong> ability<br />

to combine something from <strong>the</strong><br />

19th and 20th centuries with a very<br />

contemporary item is what I love to<br />

do, as <strong>the</strong>y bring both excitement and<br />

depth to a room,” says Leigh. “It’s<br />

what historic houses have always done<br />

with <strong>the</strong>ir interiors, as families have<br />

added to <strong>the</strong>m over <strong>the</strong> decades and<br />

it’s what I love to do in my home,<br />

so you get that sense <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> travel <strong>of</strong><br />

time, but in an entirely organic way.”<br />

Off <strong>the</strong> hallway Leigh has created<br />

a comfortable snug with a large<br />

inglenook fireplace. There are an<br />

abundance <strong>of</strong> textural cushions and<br />

throws, a large colourful rug from<br />

Ruggable and yet more greenery,<br />

with a sizeable potted tree fern.<br />

A substantial lea<strong>the</strong>r Knowle s<strong>of</strong>a<br />

and a pair <strong>of</strong> lea<strong>the</strong>r armchairs are<br />

accessorised with an array <strong>of</strong> cushions,<br />

next to which sit polished wooden<br />

tables and plenty <strong>of</strong> art books which<br />

have been collected over many years.<br />

Above <strong>the</strong> fireplace is an antique stag’s<br />

head, again a nod to Leigh’s love <strong>of</strong><br />

<strong>the</strong> country house style, which she<br />

has mirrored on <strong>the</strong> opposite wall<br />

with two gilt antler wall lights and<br />

an antler table lamp. An artfully <br />

priceless-magazines.com<br />

28


29<br />

priceless-magazines.com


Above: The country style kitchen, to which Leigh has added her unique touch, hanging a collection <strong>of</strong> kitchen paraphernalia:<br />

antique whisks, moulds and sieves to a cross beam Right: A group <strong>of</strong> Chinese writing and painting brushes, discovered at auction,<br />

have been hung from a nearby beam, between <strong>the</strong> s<strong>of</strong>a area and ano<strong>the</strong>r seating area created in ano<strong>the</strong>r nook (top)<br />

arranged display <strong>of</strong> pictures behind<br />

<strong>the</strong> s<strong>of</strong>a <strong>of</strong>fers a glimpse <strong>of</strong> things to<br />

come in <strong>the</strong> open plan living area that<br />

comprises <strong>the</strong> main body <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> house.<br />

For many people it can be<br />

intimidating to live with <strong>the</strong> soaring<br />

open ceilings and original wooden<br />

beams <strong>of</strong> an old barn structure, but<br />

Leigh has embraced <strong>the</strong> architectural<br />

oddities <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> original building. In<br />

<strong>the</strong> snug she has wrapped one <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

main overhead beams with lichen <br />

priceless-magazines.com<br />

30


ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE<br />

As seen on TV!<br />

Posh Pawn is just a stone’s throw away.<br />

As part <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> esteemed Prestige<br />

Pawnbrokers family serving <strong>Surrey</strong>,<br />

London and <strong>the</strong> home counties,<br />

and made increasingly popular by<br />

<strong>the</strong> hit TV Show ‘Posh Pawn’; Posh Pawn has<br />

established itself as <strong>the</strong> ultimate destination<br />

for individuals seeking to sell, loan against,<br />

exchange or purchase preloved luxury items.<br />

SO WHERE ARE YOUR<br />

NEAREST STORES?<br />

In <strong>Surrey</strong> and <strong>the</strong> surrounding areas<br />

Posh Pawn is situated in Weybridge,<br />

Guildford and Richmond.<br />

The Weybridge store is <strong>the</strong> place it all<br />

began. Being <strong>the</strong> first branch and situated<br />

in a very affluent part <strong>of</strong> <strong>Surrey</strong>, as you’d<br />

expect, <strong>the</strong> team see some high value goods<br />

and collections including art and cars as well<br />

as amazing branded jewellery pieces such as<br />

Cartier and Bvlgari. Luxury brands like Rolex,<br />

Patek, Chanel and Hermes are appraised daily<br />

due to <strong>the</strong> clientele and current cash needs.<br />

“It’s certainly been busy in recent months<br />

with record numbers coming in to sell or<br />

borrow against luxury goods.”<br />

Owner, James Contantinou.<br />

After <strong>the</strong> success <strong>of</strong> Weybridge a<br />

second location opened up for Posh<br />

Pawn in Richmond, pawnbroking in <strong>the</strong><br />

highly influential borough <strong>of</strong> London for<br />

over 10 years, with a new retail premises<br />

opening in <strong>the</strong> past 2 years to fill <strong>the</strong> gap<br />

<strong>of</strong> luxury retail in <strong>the</strong> area. Richmond<br />

is a beautiful appraisal and retail store,<br />

<strong>the</strong> attention to detail in respect <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

finishes gives a true feeling <strong>of</strong> opulence.<br />

“Classic style and old money aes<strong>the</strong>tics are<br />

key factors for Richmond clientele. Chanel,<br />

Hermes and Cartier are brands that<br />

perform extremely well in our retail sector,<br />

even bringing in a few celebrities through<br />

<strong>the</strong> doors.”<br />

Store Manager, AnnaGrace Johnson<br />

More recently is <strong>the</strong> Posh Pawn<br />

Guildford branch. Purchased and fitted<br />

during <strong>the</strong> pandemic presented <strong>the</strong><br />

team with unique challenges, which<br />

were overcome, never<strong>the</strong>less.<br />

“Guildford really is a showcase <strong>of</strong> what we<br />

have achieved, giving a great insight into<br />

<strong>the</strong> variety <strong>of</strong> assets that we deal with. The<br />

large open space gives us an opportunity to<br />

display <strong>the</strong> larger assets among <strong>the</strong> array <strong>of</strong><br />

glorious luxury goods displayed on <strong>the</strong> walls<br />

and cabinets.”<br />

Owner, James Constantinou<br />

Loan Against or Sell or Buy Luxury<br />

With years <strong>of</strong> experience in <strong>the</strong> industry,<br />

Posh Pawn has become synonymous<br />

with trust, reliability, and exceptional<br />

customer service. This legacy <strong>of</strong> excellence<br />

is reflected in every aspect <strong>of</strong> Posh Pawn’s<br />

operations including <strong>the</strong>ir Weybridge,<br />

Richmond and Guildford stores.<br />

Posh Pawn are proud to <strong>of</strong>fer a flexible<br />

pawnbroking service, allowing you to leverage<br />

your luxury assets to secure a short-term loan,<br />

providing you with <strong>the</strong> immediate funds<br />

you need while retaining ownership <strong>of</strong> your<br />

prized possessions. Or if you are looking to<br />

part with your possessions for good, Posh<br />

Pawn <strong>of</strong>fers a seamless and confidential<br />

selling experience. Their team <strong>of</strong> experts<br />

possesses an in-depth understanding <strong>of</strong><br />

<strong>the</strong> luxury market, enabling <strong>the</strong>m to assess<br />

and appraise your items with precision.<br />

Also at Posh Pawn you’ll find luxury items<br />

at a fraction <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir original retail prices!<br />

Each item undergoes rigorous au<strong>the</strong>ntication<br />

and quality checks, ensuring that you get<br />

genuine luxury without compromise – unable<br />

to visit in store? No problem! You can shop<br />

online at www.shopprestige.com. Whe<strong>the</strong>r<br />

you’re looking for an investment piece to<br />

add to your collection or statement accessory<br />

to 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 />

RICHMOND - 0208 948 4867<br />

2-2a George Street, Richmond TW9 1JY<br />

richmond@prestigepawnbrokers.co.uk<br />

www.prestigepawnbrokers.co.uk<br />

www.shopprestige.com


Your Dream, Our Vision<br />

Photo Credit: Louisa Grace Interiors<br />

Specialists in <strong>the</strong> supply & installation <strong>of</strong> contemporary bespoke aluminium glazing systems. Our showroom & <strong>of</strong>fices are based in<br />

a historical boatyard overlooking <strong>the</strong> 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 Ro<strong>of</strong>lights<br />

Venting, Lantern & Walk-on Ro<strong>of</strong>lights<br />

Front Doors, Pivot Doors, Glazed Garden Rooms & Verandas<br />

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE<br />

Signature Style<br />

Monthly Community<br />

Fee for THREE Years<br />

and Stamp Duty<br />

Contribution Paid at<br />

Homewood Grove!<br />

Homewood Grove is an exceptional<br />

age-exclusive lifestyle village nestled in<br />

beautifully landscaped gardens on <strong>the</strong><br />

outskirts <strong>of</strong> Chertsey, <strong>Surrey</strong>. It is home to<br />

a stunning collection <strong>of</strong> spacious 1, 2 and 3<br />

bedroom apartments, each expertly designed<br />

to give owners flexibility, complete with<br />

state-<strong>of</strong>-<strong>the</strong>-art wellbeing facilities, onsite<br />

amenities and 24/7 support services.<br />

Rangeford Villages understand that<br />

<strong>the</strong> cost <strong>of</strong> moving home can mount up,<br />

that is why it has launched a number <strong>of</strong><br />

fantastic incentives to help ease <strong>the</strong> financial<br />

burden. For a limited time only, new<br />

owners at Homewood Grove can benefit<br />

from having <strong>the</strong>ir monthly community<br />

fees* paid for three years and it will also<br />

pay towards <strong>the</strong> cost <strong>of</strong> stamp duty*.<br />

For details, please call <strong>the</strong> friendly<br />

team on 01932 645092 or visit<br />

www.rangefordvillages.co.uk<br />

**Terms and conditions apply and are subject<br />

to change. See website for full details.<br />

priceless-magazines.com<br />

32


This page: Tucked underneath <strong>the</strong> minstrel’s gallery, below a pair <strong>of</strong> Italian 17th century antique cherubs, <strong>the</strong> dining area has been<br />

separated by a pair <strong>of</strong> antique early 18th century hand-carved Chinese bone panel ‘tusks’ (not ivory) with a polished Sia wood dining table<br />

covered branches and added fairy<br />

lights to which she has hung small<br />

ceramic birds and pinecones. “I did it<br />

originally as a Christmas decoration,”<br />

says Leigh. “But I loved it so much<br />

that I kept it and just updated it<br />

with <strong>the</strong> birds, so it’s now become<br />

an art installation in its own right.”<br />

From <strong>the</strong> cosy snug, a door leads to<br />

<strong>the</strong> main double height living area,<br />

that contains a dining area, several<br />

seating areas and <strong>the</strong> open oak <br />

33<br />

priceless-magazines.com


This page and next: On <strong>the</strong> ground floor are three generous double<br />

guest bedrooms and a family bathroom. Each room is filled with<br />

Leigh’s collectables as well as more pieces from her art collection<br />

ro<strong>of</strong> have been kept visible throughout <strong>the</strong> building, and <strong>the</strong><br />

oak staircase leads to a first-floor minstrel’s gallery that breaks<br />

up <strong>the</strong> height <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> space. Leigh has kept <strong>the</strong> plaster <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

walls to a neutral pale colour and has used <strong>the</strong> clever addition<br />

<strong>of</strong> rugs, furniture, decorative accessories and artwork to zone<br />

<strong>the</strong> living areas, with pops <strong>of</strong> colour, texture and pattern giving<br />

a sense <strong>of</strong> cohesion to what could be a complicated space. “It<br />

felt like <strong>the</strong> best approach was to keep <strong>the</strong> background as plain<br />

and natural as possible and <strong>the</strong>n to use furniture and textiles or<br />

art to add colour and texture. I knew I needed to create smaller<br />

living spaces ra<strong>the</strong>r than think <strong>of</strong> it all as one space,” says Leigh.<br />

The dining area has been separated by a pair <strong>of</strong> antique early<br />

18th century hand-carved Chinese bone panel ‘tusks’ (not ivory)<br />

with a polished Sia wood dining table, turned wood hurricane<br />

lamps and vase. Pale grey fabric upholstered dining chairs from<br />

Miscellanea add a sense <strong>of</strong> comfortable formality. A cheeky pair<br />

<strong>of</strong> Italian 17th century antique cherubs – that Leigh found at<br />

an antiques fair – have been cleverly hung from above, seeming<br />

to float in <strong>the</strong> air, which must provide a conversation topic for<br />

priceless-magazines.com<br />

34


guests as <strong>the</strong>y sit down below <strong>the</strong> flying duo. A set <strong>of</strong> glazed<br />

French doors, with subtle tied-back damask curtains, open to<br />

<strong>the</strong> walled garden outside. Again, Leigh has joined <strong>the</strong> outdoors<br />

to <strong>the</strong> interior with <strong>the</strong> large potted fig plant and a shaggy green<br />

carpet from Rug 2000. A giant ceramic lamp from Red Mud<br />

sits next to one <strong>of</strong> her collection <strong>of</strong> 20th century artworks.<br />

On <strong>the</strong> opposite side <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> room is a formal seating and<br />

TV area, with a deep L-shape red s<strong>of</strong>a, also from Miscellanea.<br />

Patterned textiles, antique furniture and stunning coloured<br />

glass from Czechia add yet more colour and texture. The<br />

area overlooks <strong>the</strong> vast double height glazed windows <br />

Leigh’s skill as <strong>the</strong> manager<br />

<strong>of</strong> Miscellanea <strong>of</strong> Churt has<br />

made its mark on her home,<br />

with her ability to create<br />

little corners <strong>of</strong> fun and<br />

escapism all over her house<br />

35


This spread: The minstrel’s gallery that wraps around three<br />

sides <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> barn has plenty <strong>of</strong> inviting seating areas, each<br />

carefully arranged and filled with Leigh’s eclectic collections<br />

Above: A wooden c<strong>of</strong>fin has found a new home<br />

as a side table Right: The downstairs loo<br />

that occupy <strong>the</strong> former cart entrance to <strong>the</strong> barn. “It’s<br />

a wonderful area for <strong>the</strong> summer, when you can throw<br />

open <strong>the</strong> windows into <strong>the</strong> garden,” comments Leigh.<br />

“We are lucky, <strong>the</strong> house seems to work in different<br />

ways depending on which season it is, with each space<br />

coming to life as <strong>the</strong> wea<strong>the</strong>r changes.” A group <strong>of</strong> Chinese<br />

writing and painting brushes, discovered at auction, have<br />

been hung from a nearby beam, between <strong>the</strong> s<strong>of</strong>a area<br />

and a seating area that Leigh has created in ano<strong>the</strong>r nook.<br />

Under <strong>the</strong> staircase a lea<strong>the</strong>r tub chair with vintage throw<br />

and textile cushion sits next to a vintage tripod camera<br />

surrounded again by some <strong>of</strong> her collection <strong>of</strong> British art.<br />

Off <strong>the</strong> main living space is a wonderful country style<br />

kitchen, to which Leigh has added her unique touch,<br />

hanging a collection <strong>of</strong> kitchen paraphernalia: antique<br />

whisks, moulds and sieves to a cross beam. Also downstairs<br />

are <strong>the</strong> three generous double bedrooms, each in a distinct<br />

colourway: ruby, amethyst and apricot. Each room is filled<br />

with Leigh’s collectables as well as more pieces from her<br />

priceless-magazines.com<br />

36


art collection, many <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> nudes having been kept to <strong>the</strong><br />

more intimate <strong>of</strong> spaces. Each <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> rooms provides an<br />

essay in maximalism, texture and comfort. A large family<br />

bathroom, which Leigh created from a second kitchen/<br />

scullery, <strong>of</strong>fers a generous stand-alone bath and a large walkin<br />

shower, ba<strong>the</strong>d in light via a wall <strong>of</strong> glass bricks where<br />

<strong>the</strong> old back door was once located. Pops <strong>of</strong> driftwood<br />

sculpture give <strong>the</strong> space a distinct nod to <strong>the</strong> seaside.<br />

Upstairs, Leigh has kept her own sanctuary with a main<br />

bedroom and bathroom suite. It’s accessed via ano<strong>the</strong>r<br />

wonderful set piece on <strong>the</strong> landing: a green lea<strong>the</strong>r s<strong>of</strong>a<br />

and lea<strong>the</strong>r armchair sit opposite a stunning Arts & <br />

Exposed structural timbers<br />

in <strong>the</strong> walls and ro<strong>of</strong> have<br />

been kept visible throughout<br />

<strong>the</strong> building, and <strong>the</strong> oak<br />

staircase leads to a first-floor<br />

minstrel’s gallery that breaks<br />

up <strong>the</strong> height <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> space<br />

37<br />

priceless-magazines.com


ath, giving a sense <strong>of</strong> tropical escapism<br />

for any ba<strong>the</strong>r who is lucky enough to<br />

use <strong>the</strong> room. A vintage Persian rug sits<br />

atop <strong>the</strong> wooden floor, whilst Leigh’s<br />

love <strong>of</strong> reading is catered for with a pile<br />

<strong>of</strong> art books on a vintage bent wood<br />

chair that acts as a portable bookshelf.<br />

Leigh’s bedroom again shows her<br />

managing to adapt to <strong>the</strong> unique<br />

double height open ceilings and<br />

beamed nature <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> upstairs <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

barn. Using colour she has anchored<br />

<strong>the</strong> room with pops <strong>of</strong> red in various<br />

rugs as well as pieces <strong>of</strong> highly<br />

individual furniture, that she sourced<br />

in France. Always practical, Leigh<br />

has used a series <strong>of</strong> deep red curtains<br />

and a black out blind to ensure that,<br />

despite <strong>the</strong> windows that drench <strong>the</strong><br />

room in sunshine during <strong>the</strong> day, at<br />

night-time <strong>the</strong> room remains a place<br />

<strong>of</strong> rest in <strong>the</strong> large lea<strong>the</strong>r bed.<br />

Leigh has created a world <strong>inside</strong><br />

<strong>the</strong> barn (and also in <strong>the</strong> adjoining <br />

This page: Right at <strong>the</strong> top <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> barn,<br />

<strong>the</strong> main bedroom has double height open<br />

ceilings. Leigh has kept this red-<strong>the</strong>med room<br />

cosy and restful with plenty <strong>of</strong> texture and<br />

black-out blinds to ensure an undisturbed<br />

night’s sleep Below: The main en suite<br />

Crafts cabinet, an oil painting rests<br />

on an easel above a large Asianstyle<br />

pot. A huge decorative frame<br />

mirror is positioned in <strong>the</strong> corner<br />

<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> area, next to a free-standing<br />

antique fireplace. Leigh’s skill as<br />

<strong>the</strong> manager <strong>of</strong> Miscellanea again<br />

making its mark on her home, with<br />

her ability to create little corners <strong>of</strong><br />

fun and escapism all over her house.<br />

The main bathroom is Leigh’s place<br />

<strong>of</strong> relaxation. As well as a generous<br />

free-standing bath, cranberry glass<br />

bottles and jars have stylishly replaced<br />

any plastic and yet more stunning<br />

classic and contemporary nudes are<br />

dotted around <strong>the</strong> walls and artfully<br />

stacked on <strong>the</strong> floor. Greenery has been<br />

added thanks to a large flouncy potted<br />

fern which has been placed next to <strong>the</strong><br />

priceless-magazines.com<br />

38


ANTIQUE MIRROR TILES AND BESPOKE FRAMED MIRRORS<br />

www.retro-reflections.com<br />

www.nosa.co.uk<br />

CREATING LUXURY BATHROOM SPACES<br />

ENQUIRE NOW<br />

020 3750 1110<br />

39<br />

priceless-magazines.com


priceless-magazines.com 40


stables where she has made an <strong>of</strong>fice<br />

area and a seating zone) that tells<br />

<strong>the</strong> story <strong>of</strong> her life. Twenty years <strong>of</strong><br />

sourcing, designing, planning and<br />

creating. Each wall and each surface<br />

<strong>of</strong>fers a narrative to her personal<br />

interests. However, although <strong>the</strong><br />

house and Leigh are so intertwined,<br />

now with her children grown up,<br />

Leigh has decided <strong>the</strong> time is right to<br />

search for a new project. “It’s a house<br />

“It’s a wonderful area for <strong>the</strong><br />

summer, when you can throw<br />

open <strong>the</strong> windows into <strong>the</strong><br />

garden... We are lucky, <strong>the</strong> house<br />

seems to work in different ways<br />

depending on which season it<br />

is, with each space coming to<br />

life as <strong>the</strong> wea<strong>the</strong>r changes.”<br />

that has meant an awful lot to me,”<br />

she says, “but things have to change.<br />

I don’t think <strong>of</strong> it as something to<br />

be afraid <strong>of</strong>, I like to think <strong>of</strong> it as a<br />

new adventure and I cannot wait.”<br />

Address Book:<br />

For more information on interiors<br />

projects, see <strong>the</strong> Miscellanea <strong>of</strong> Churt<br />

website miscellanea.co.uk<br />

41<br />

priceless-magazines.com


09/08/2017 Midsomer Blue.jpg (5616×3644)<br />

http://www.crown­downloads.co.uk/members/images/IMPKIT/300dpi/Midsomer%20Blue.jpg 1/1<br />

Open Tues - Fri: 8:30-5:00<br />

Sat: 9:00-4:00<br />

Crossways, Churt, Nr Farnham<br />

<strong>Surrey</strong> GU10 2JA<br />

01428 714014<br />

www.miscellanea.co.uk


Get <strong>the</strong><br />

LOOK<br />

1 Mulroy antler 3 light chandelier with shades £160 Laura Ashley Lighting and Mirrors darlighting.co.uk 2 Peel and<br />

stick wood planks in Natural Oak Brushed £49.99/m 2 Naturewall naturewall.com 3 Thoughtful print from £3.57<br />

Desenio desenio.co.uk 4 Silver metal wall mounted buffalo skull £69.95 Melody Maison melodymaison.co.uk 5 Lacquer<br />

wedding cabinet in red lacquer £1,895 Shimu shimu.co.uk 6 Squishmeister chaise s<strong>of</strong>a in Roasted Peaches brushed<br />

cotton £3,205 Loaf loaf.com 7 Artificial potted Chinese fan palm tree £85 Click Style clickstyle.co.uk 8 Driftwood table<br />

stool £250 Argonauts and<strong>the</strong>argonauts.com 9 Sorrento 3053 Bronzo carpet £85/m 2 Riviera Home rivierahomeuk.co.uk<br />

43<br />

priceless-magazines.com


Family<br />

helping<br />

Family<br />

Property purchases can be a real challenge right now,<br />

especially for those trying to get on that elusive first<br />

rung <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> ladder. For many, a little help from <strong>the</strong>ir<br />

families can work wonders but, in <strong>the</strong>se complicated<br />

areas, it’s well worth getting some expert advice<br />

How can I help my<br />

family financially?<br />

For advice on how to help family with finances we’ve spoken<br />

to Evelyn Partners’ Nicola MacAuley, Private Client Director,<br />

and Natasha E<strong>the</strong>rton, Director <strong>of</strong> Financial Planning<br />

There are several ways to help adult children on <strong>the</strong><br />

property ladder, <strong>the</strong> starting point is to check what<br />

you can afford. No one knows what <strong>the</strong> future might<br />

hold but cashflow modelling will help you understand how<br />

your needs might change and <strong>the</strong> effect <strong>of</strong> any gift or loan.<br />

One option is to make an outright gift towards <strong>the</strong> property.<br />

If you take this route, you should consider what would<br />

happen if your child is buying with a partner and <strong>the</strong>y<br />

subsequently separate. If <strong>the</strong>re’s a risk you might need funds<br />

back, you could make a loan with a loan agreement and a<br />

charge over <strong>the</strong> property or something more informal. The<br />

loan could be gifted later.<br />

Both options require consideration <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> inheritance tax<br />

implications and, depending on how <strong>the</strong>y are funded, <strong>the</strong><br />

income and capital gains tax. If you have surplus income<br />

ra<strong>the</strong>r than capital, a joint mortgage might be an option or<br />

acting as guarantor, although you should be aware <strong>of</strong> your<br />

liabilities in <strong>the</strong> event <strong>of</strong> default. For some, Lifetime ISAs<br />

<strong>of</strong>fering a 25% government bonus if purchasing a property,<br />

may be an option and potentially trusts may be appropriate.<br />

By taking advice you’ll be able to make an informed decision<br />

which is right for your family and Evelyn Partners are<br />

available to help discuss your options. Visit <strong>the</strong>m online at<br />

evelyn.com<br />

priceless-magazines.com<br />

44


Why <strong>the</strong> <strong>South</strong> <strong>East</strong>?<br />

We’ve asked <strong>the</strong> experts at Canham <strong>Homes</strong> to<br />

explain why <strong>the</strong> <strong>South</strong> <strong>East</strong> is such a prime location<br />

in which to be looking to invest in property<br />

When choosing a suitable location for <strong>the</strong>ir<br />

developments, Canham <strong>Homes</strong> always<br />

have family and lifestyle in mind. This is<br />

very apparent at <strong>the</strong>ir <strong>South</strong> <strong>East</strong> developments in<br />

Sissinghurst, Capel, Egerton, Frittenden and Matfield.<br />

Their homes complement <strong>the</strong> lifestyle that many new<br />

buyers want to achieve when choosing <strong>the</strong>ir next home.<br />

So why is <strong>the</strong> <strong>South</strong> <strong>East</strong> such a prime area for all this?<br />

The <strong>South</strong> <strong>East</strong> <strong>of</strong> England, with its charming towns,<br />

picturesque countryside and vibrant communities, has<br />

long been an attractive destination for families and firsttime<br />

buyers. With its unique blend <strong>of</strong> natural beauty,<br />

rich history and modern amenities it is an idyllic setting<br />

that continues to draw newcomers in search <strong>of</strong> a better<br />

quality <strong>of</strong> life.<br />

One <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> most compelling reasons to buy property<br />

in <strong>the</strong> <strong>South</strong> <strong>East</strong> is its proximity to London. The<br />

region <strong>of</strong>fers a perfect balance for those who work in<br />

<strong>the</strong> capital but prefer <strong>the</strong> tranquility and space <strong>of</strong> rural<br />

living. Excellent transport links, including frequent<br />

train services and well-maintained motorways, ensure<br />

that commuting to London is convenient and relatively<br />

stress-free. This accessibility means that residents<br />

can enjoy <strong>the</strong> economic opportunities and cultural<br />

attractions <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> city without sacrificing <strong>the</strong> peace and<br />

comfort <strong>of</strong> rural life.<br />

Canham <strong>Homes</strong> Helping Hand Scheme, on specific<br />

homes, gives additional peace <strong>of</strong> mind, with a<br />

contribution towards o<strong>the</strong>r costs such as Stamp Duty,<br />

solicitors fees, mortgage contribution, or whatever you<br />

choose to spend it on. For more information about<br />

Helping Hand or any <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> available properties,<br />

currently in <strong>the</strong> Canham <strong>Homes</strong> portfolio in <strong>the</strong> heart<br />

<strong>of</strong> Kent, just email sales@canhamhomes.co.uk (terms &<br />

conditions apply) or visit canhamhomes.co.uk<br />

45<br />

priceless-magazines.com


What are <strong>the</strong> legal<br />

considerations <strong>of</strong><br />

gifting money?<br />

If you’re <strong>the</strong> Bank <strong>of</strong> Mum and Dad assisting an<br />

adult child with a house purchase, Victoria Seaman,<br />

Legal Executive at Berry & Lamberts Solicitors,<br />

is sharing some issues to think carefully about<br />

How will <strong>the</strong> gift affect your estate’s inheritance<br />

tax position? Everyone has an annual gift<br />

allowance <strong>of</strong> £3,000, but gifts over this amount<br />

need to be outlived by 7 years to fall outside<br />

<strong>of</strong> your estate for inheritance tax calculations,<br />

o<strong>the</strong>rwise <strong>the</strong>y will reduce <strong>the</strong> nil rate band<br />

allowance available on your death.<br />

Is your child purchasing with a partner or spouse?<br />

Cautious parents might want to safeguard <strong>the</strong>ir<br />

contribution in <strong>the</strong> event <strong>of</strong> a relationship<br />

breakdown, especially if <strong>the</strong> contribution<br />

to <strong>the</strong> initial purchase price is unequal,<br />

which requires a Declaration <strong>of</strong> Trust.<br />

What about o<strong>the</strong>r children? If you have several<br />

children and have assisted one child more<br />

than ano<strong>the</strong>r, you might want to amend your<br />

Will to take account <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> inequality in<br />

lifetime gifting (<strong>of</strong>ten referred to as a hotchpot<br />

clause) to ensure that all children eventually<br />

receive an equal share <strong>of</strong> your assets.<br />

Is your child in receipt <strong>of</strong> state benefits? If so,<br />

gifting <strong>the</strong>m capital may abruptly bring<br />

<strong>the</strong>ir entitlement to receive those benefits to<br />

an end and cause significant hardship.<br />

For more advice visit berryandlamberts.co.uk<br />

Where to move to?<br />

With <strong>the</strong>ir fifty years <strong>of</strong> experience in<br />

property, Antler <strong>Homes</strong> are perfectly placed<br />

to explain where is best to move to<br />

What makes a location especially ideal for those on<br />

<strong>the</strong> early rungs <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> property ladder? For many, a<br />

balance <strong>of</strong> green spaces, conveniences and access<br />

to larger towns or cities is ideal. For example,<br />

our Green Oak Park developmnet is set in <strong>the</strong><br />

beautiful semi-rural village <strong>of</strong> West Horsley, between<br />

Guildford and Lea<strong>the</strong>rhead. Its 21 private two-,<br />

three- and four-bedroom houses are surrounded<br />

by abundant green open space, sitting north <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

<strong>Surrey</strong> Hills and on <strong>the</strong> edge <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> North Downs.<br />

The village provides essential amenities, including a<br />

newsagent, butcher, bakery, supermarket and wine<br />

shop, with additional shopping in nearby Guildford<br />

and Woking. Of course transport links are also<br />

very important, especially for young pr<strong>of</strong>essionals<br />

working in <strong>the</strong> city – West Horsley has easy access<br />

to <strong>the</strong> A3, M25 and M3, facilitating travel to<br />

London, Guildford, Kingston, Heathrow and<br />

coastal destinations. Meanwhile Horsley railway<br />

station <strong>of</strong>fers journeys to London Waterloo in<br />

just 52 minutes and Guildford in 13 minutes.<br />

Can you tell us more about this development? <strong>Homes</strong><br />

vary from 920 sqft to 2,434 sqft and are from<br />

£600,000 to £1,695,000. The small development<br />

is in a semi-rural setting, which means that whilst<br />

very well-connected, <strong>the</strong> site itself is quiet, away<br />

from busy main roads – perfect for young families!<br />

All <strong>the</strong> homes have been finished to an exceptional<br />

standard <strong>inside</strong> and out and <strong>the</strong> all-inclusive<br />

internal specification includes oak handrail and<br />

newel, contemporary fixtures and fittings and<br />

flooring throughout. Every home also has an allinclusive<br />

gold or platinum specification <strong>of</strong>fering<br />

flooring, tiling, integrated Siemens appliances<br />

and fitted wardrobes. Plus we include a 2 year<br />

Antler <strong>Homes</strong> Warranty and 10 year Premier<br />

Guarantee structural warranty for added security.<br />

Do you <strong>of</strong>fer any incentives to buy or help-to-buy<br />

schemes? Yes, in this case plot 16 – a two bed<br />

called Emerald House – is available with a £20,000<br />

deposit contribution, and plot 18 – Lime House, a<br />

3 bedroom home – is available with a single stamp<br />

duty contribution <strong>of</strong> £33,750. antlerhomes.co.uk<br />

istockphoto.com/ gorodenk<strong>of</strong>f<br />

priceless-magazines.com<br />

46


<strong>Homes</strong> ready to move into<br />

OCKHAM GU23 GU23 6FL 6PD<br />

STUNNING NEW SHOW HOME OPEN<br />

Clover House, our new show home, is an impressive 4 bedroom detached house with Tudor-style frontage<br />

and <strong>of</strong>fers an all-inclusive specification in a beautiful <strong>Surrey</strong> village location. All homes at Green Oak Park<br />

are built to an exceptional standard <strong>inside</strong> and out and includes:<br />

Underfloor heating to ground floor<br />

All floor coverings included<br />

Minoli wall and floor tiles<br />

Matt fitted wardrobes<br />

Turf to front and rear garden<br />

Indian sandstone paths and patio<br />

Images: Flaticon.com<br />

Bespoke shaker style kitchens Bifold / patio doors to rear<br />

Integrated Siemens appliances Landscaped front garden<br />

Prices from £600,000<br />

Two parking spaces and garage<br />

Electric car charging point<br />

MARKETING SUITE AND SHOW HOME OPEN DAILY, 10AM TO 5PM<br />

BOOK YOUR APPOINTMENT TODAY, CALL 01483 921474


Midwinter<br />

wealdentimes-fair.co.uk<br />

Save<br />

£2.00<br />

USE CODE<br />

‘EARLY24’<br />

14-16 NOVEMBER<br />

THE HOP FARM, PADDOCK WOOD TN12 6PY<br />

Tickets on sale now at wealdentimes-fair.co.uk


Festive<br />

Shopping<br />

at its<br />

Finest<br />

Our famous<br />

food hall<br />

Join us at this year’s Midwinter Fair and visit our famous Food Hall, home to award-winning<br />

producers <strong>of</strong> artisan food and drink and <strong>the</strong> finest field-to-fork dairies, distilleries, smokeries,<br />

bakeries, wineries, curries, c<strong>of</strong>fees, chutneys and cheeses<br />

If you love traditional recipes handed down<br />

through generations and food and drink<br />

that is locally produced, ethically sourced,<br />

sustainable, organic, hand-made, small batch,<br />

unique, joyful, and always delicious, <strong>the</strong>n<br />

walk slowly through our Food Hall.<br />

It’s a great place to find thoughtful gifts for<br />

those that are <strong>the</strong> hardest to buy for. And with<br />

samples galore, a wonderful place to graze!<br />

PLUM DUFF & STUFF<br />

plumduffandstuff.co.uk<br />

SADDLE GOOSE<br />

saddlegoose.co.uk<br />

BLACK MOUNTAINS SMOKERY<br />

smoked-foods.co.uk<br />

SALCOMBE DAIRY<br />

salcombedairy.co.uk<br />

THE PANETTONE STORE<br />

<strong>the</strong>panettonestore.co.uk<br />

GOLDEN ROAD GIN<br />

goldenroadgin.co.uk<br />

230+<br />

independent<br />

retailers.


‘<br />

Happy<br />

Home<br />

priceless-magazines.com<br />

50


Words: Fiona Patrick<br />

Photographs: David Merewe<strong>the</strong>r<br />

Through pops <strong>of</strong> colour plus plenty <strong>of</strong><br />

pattern and texture, Vicky Kieldsen has<br />

applied everything she loves about interior<br />

design to her own Tunbirdge Wells home<br />

For <strong>the</strong> uninitiated among us,<br />

starting a house renovation<br />

project and deciding to maintain<br />

<strong>the</strong> white walls in <strong>the</strong> main living space<br />

might prove an impossible prospect.<br />

Open any interiors magazine, Pinterest<br />

board or Instagram house account and<br />

you are overwhelmed with pictures <strong>of</strong><br />

kitchen walls painted in every pink,<br />

blue, green and cream imaginable,<br />

but very rarely white. Who among us,<br />

when faced with unpacking boxes in a<br />

recently purchased home and planning<br />

a new kitchen, would be able to resist<br />

<strong>the</strong> desire to mark <strong>the</strong>ir territory with<br />

a colourful pot <strong>of</strong> paint? It takes a<br />

confident customer indeed to look at<br />

a space and decide that <strong>the</strong> existing<br />

white is in fact exactly what it needs.<br />

Enter Vicky Kieldsen, a Tunbridge<br />

Wells-based interior designer who has<br />

transformed her home – originally a<br />

stable block converted to a single-storey<br />

house in 2005 – from a stark, grey and<br />

white shell into a characterful space<br />

pulsing with pops <strong>of</strong> colour, pattern<br />

and texture. Thank goodness for Vicky’s<br />

personable nature. It is only thanks to<br />

this that I am able to concentrate at all<br />

while she tells me about her degree in<br />

interior architecture, as I am constantly<br />

peeking over her shoulder and making<br />

a mental note <strong>of</strong> sunshine-filled prints<br />

and bright, eye-catching plant pots.<br />

Following work in hotel design and<br />

a stint as Editorial Assistant at Living<br />

Etc. magazine, Vicky started Hello<br />

Geronimo, where her initial focus was<br />

making pieces <strong>of</strong> art that were stocked<br />

in hallowed interior institutions such as<br />

Heal’s and Graham & Greene. However<br />

in 2019, she realised her raison d’être<br />

lay elsewhere. “I decided to go back to<br />

interiors,” explains Vicky. “It makes me<br />

really happy, working on <strong>the</strong> residential<br />

side, helping clients and making<br />

people’s houses colourful.” She laughs<br />

when I point out <strong>the</strong> literal blank<br />

canvas on <strong>the</strong> walls behind her, but<br />

much like her approach with her clients,<br />

Vicky tackled her own rooms on a caseby-case<br />

basis, acknowledging that if she<br />

were to live somewhere else she would<br />

most likely do <strong>the</strong> kitchen very <br />

51<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 />

Spring / Summer <strong>2024</strong> ranges<br />

now available in store<br />

WWW.COUNTYCLOTHESMENSWEAR.CO.UK<br />

EST. 1997<br />

BLIND AND CURTAIN<br />

SHOWROOM<br />

Our newly redesigned Luxaflex showroom, showcases<br />

<strong>the</strong> 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 <strong>of</strong> designer fabrics and trimmings.<br />

With over 25 years experience in window styling we<br />

<strong>of</strong>fer a fully bespoke service with every aspect <strong>of</strong> your<br />

project overseen by our team <strong>of</strong> 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 />

priceless-magazines.com<br />

52


During lockdown, Vicky decided to enhance her focus on colour by conducting a wealth<br />

<strong>of</strong> research into colour psychology and <strong>the</strong> importance <strong>of</strong> using <strong>the</strong> right colours from <strong>the</strong><br />

perspective <strong>of</strong> promoting good sleep, and creating a calm, welcoming environment<br />

differently. “I thought a lot about this<br />

room and what colour I would paint<br />

it,” Vicky says, “but it’s got really<br />

high ceilings and it’s so bright that<br />

it really does suit <strong>the</strong> white walls.”<br />

In 2016, living in London<br />

with a growing family, Vicky and<br />

her husband decided to move to<br />

Tunbridge Wells in search <strong>of</strong> more<br />

greenery, and immediately fell in<br />

love with <strong>the</strong> house and its spacious,<br />

airy feel. Backing onto a large and<br />

attractive public park, <strong>the</strong> house<br />

retains many original features<br />

including vents for <strong>the</strong> horses and<br />

<br />

53<br />

priceless-magazines.com


Previous pages & this page: Vicky opted for a Magnet laminate kitchen in dark blue to <strong>of</strong>fset <strong>the</strong> bright pops <strong>of</strong> colour<br />

in <strong>the</strong> main living space. Vertical, striped tiling has been incorporated behind <strong>the</strong> range cooker, bringing interest, whilst<br />

whitewashed, engineered floorboards have been sanded back to neutral to warm up <strong>the</strong> room. An old dresser was repainted<br />

in green and updated with bobbin beading and new aluminium bi-fold doors let in an abundance <strong>of</strong> light<br />

porthole windows. “When we moved<br />

in,” Vicky says, “<strong>the</strong> décor was very<br />

‘Scandi’. The kitchen was white, <strong>the</strong><br />

worktop was glossy black, <strong>the</strong> cabinets<br />

were tired with cupboard doors falling<br />

<strong>of</strong>f, it was all a bit characterless.”<br />

Knowing that vivid artwork, furniture<br />

and accessories would be used to<br />

decorate <strong>the</strong> room, Vicky opted to<br />

install a Magnet laminate kitchen in<br />

dark blue to <strong>of</strong>fset <strong>the</strong> bright pops <strong>of</strong><br />

colour. Keen to make <strong>the</strong> most <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

space available, she continues, “We<br />

opted to go for higher cabinets because<br />

we’ve got <strong>the</strong> space to maximise storage<br />

<strong>the</strong>re – it looks fresh and new, and it<br />

really suits <strong>the</strong> house now.” Vertical,<br />

striped tiling has been incorporated<br />

behind <strong>the</strong> range cooker, bringing<br />

interest to an <strong>of</strong>ten-overlooked area,<br />

and <strong>the</strong> whitewashed, engineered<br />

floorboards have been sanded back<br />

to neutral with <strong>the</strong> effect <strong>of</strong> warming<br />

up <strong>the</strong> room. Vicky also repainted<br />

a grey dresser in eye-catching green<br />

and added bobbin beading sourced<br />

from Decora Mouldings around <strong>the</strong><br />

doors and drawers, lending depth<br />

and personality to a functional area.<br />

Externally, a pair <strong>of</strong> rotting, wooden<br />

French doors have been replaced by<br />

new aluminium bi-fold doors, letting<br />

in an abundance <strong>of</strong> light and allowing<br />

<strong>the</strong> trees <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> adjacent park to feel<br />

like an additional colourful add-on!<br />

Vicky says, “It’s great when <strong>the</strong> doors<br />

are folded back, this space just opens<br />

out into <strong>the</strong> garden and it’s really good<br />

for entertaining.” It also allows for an<br />

open plan set-up that suits family life,<br />

where <strong>the</strong> grown-ups can be cooking<br />

and eating while still being able to see<br />

what <strong>the</strong> kids are doing – running in<br />

and out <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> garden or watching TV.<br />

Elsewhere in <strong>the</strong> house <strong>the</strong>re are four<br />

bedrooms, with one currently being<br />

used as a snug. The dark blue walls and<br />

rich, burgundy red velvet s<strong>of</strong>a give this<br />

room a cosier atmosphere, a cocoon-like<br />

space to retreat to and “a separate space<br />

for when my husband and eldest son<br />

priceless-magazines.com<br />

54


This page: The snug’s<br />

dark blue walls and rich,<br />

burgundy red velvet<br />

s<strong>of</strong>a lend this room a<br />

suitably cosy atmosphere<br />

want to watch football!” It is a far cry<br />

from <strong>the</strong> room <strong>the</strong>y found when <strong>the</strong>y<br />

first moved in, with a floating platform<br />

bed hung from <strong>the</strong> ceiling, accessed<br />

by a stepladder. “It was quite cool and<br />

obviously made use <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> high ceilings,<br />

but just wasn’t very practical with young<br />

children!” The children’s bedrooms were<br />

styled by Vicky, who decided against<br />

using curtains in <strong>the</strong>se rooms. “The<br />

shutters really suit this house – it needs<br />

simple and contemporary,” and painting<br />

<strong>the</strong> graded green walls in her son’s<br />

bedroom was an initial experiment into<br />

<strong>the</strong> use <strong>of</strong> colour in children’s rooms.<br />

“It was probably <strong>the</strong> first kid’s room I<br />

ever did, and I immediately started to<br />

gravitate towards playing with colour.”<br />

The focus was always keeping <strong>the</strong>ir<br />

bedrooms interesting, and Vicky<br />

spent considerable time researching<br />

independent brands for colourful<br />

accents to create intriguing corners<br />

<strong>of</strong> space. During lockdown, Vicky <br />

55<br />

priceless-magazines.com


ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE<br />

WAYS TO TRANSFORM YOUR<br />

3HOME WITH SMART TECH<br />

1A HEALTHIER HOME<br />

A whole range <strong>of</strong><br />

clever products<br />

can help make your<br />

home healthier – with<br />

everything from<br />

optimised climate control<br />

to eliminate allergens<br />

and help you keep<br />

your cool, through to<br />

integrated smart sound<br />

and lighting to promote<br />

a relaxing environment<br />

that works with your<br />

natural circadian<br />

rhythm and mood.<br />

Symbiotic tip: “Everyone’s<br />

priorities will be different,<br />

so it’s important to get<br />

<strong>the</strong> balance and <strong>the</strong><br />

budget right to make<br />

sure you invest in <strong>the</strong><br />

things that will make<br />

<strong>the</strong> most difference to<br />

you and your family.”<br />

2A SAFER HOME<br />

Feeling insecure<br />

in your own home<br />

has been shown to have<br />

a negative impact on<br />

mental health. Integrated<br />

smart home technology<br />

can elevate your security<br />

systems to provide<br />

protection from both<br />

internal and external<br />

threats – from simple<br />

house alarms to intruder<br />

detection and CCTV<br />

that links to multiple<br />

o<strong>the</strong>r systems, including<br />

video and lighting.<br />

Symbiotic tip: “Smart<br />

home security can not<br />

only reduce stress and<br />

anxiety, but can also<br />

save you time, with<br />

many features available<br />

at <strong>the</strong> touch <strong>of</strong> a button<br />

– even remotely.”<br />

“OUR HOMES HAVE TO WORK HARDER THAN<br />

EVER. SMART TECHNOLOGY PROVIDES<br />

IMAGINATIVE SOLUTIONS FOR HOW<br />

WE LIVE TODAY – AND TOMORROW.”<br />

3A FLEXIBLE HOME<br />

With <strong>the</strong> rise <strong>of</strong> remote working, our homes have<br />

to be multifunctional spaces. Smart technology<br />

can help create optimal environments for different<br />

tasks, from using clever lighting to define different<br />

areas within one zone to a state-<strong>of</strong>-<strong>the</strong>-art cinema<br />

room for designated down-time with <strong>the</strong> family.<br />

Symbiotic tip: “Having well-defined spaces<br />

for work, rest and play within your home can<br />

make family dynamics far more enjoyable.”<br />

MAKING HOMES SMARTER<br />

Transform your<br />

home with smart<br />

technology and<br />

our expertise.<br />

SPECIALISTS IN:<br />

• Home automation systems<br />

• Multi-Room Audio<br />

• Home Entertainment Systems<br />

• CCTV and security<br />

• Networks and Wi-Fi<br />

REVOLUTIONISE YOUR<br />

HOME WITH SMART<br />

TECHNOLOGY TAILORED TO<br />

YOUR NEEDS<br />

SPECIAL SURREY HOMES READER OFFER<br />

Get a free home consultation to explore how<br />

smart technology could transform your home<br />

01892 257258 | www.symbioticsmarthomes.co.uk


This page: The couples’ sons’ rooms<br />

were designed to have a positive<br />

effect on sleep and wellbeing<br />

also decided to enhance her focus<br />

on colour by conducting a wealth<br />

<strong>of</strong> research into colour psychology<br />

and <strong>the</strong> importance <strong>of</strong> using <strong>the</strong><br />

right colours from <strong>the</strong> perspective <strong>of</strong><br />

promoting good sleep, and creating<br />

a calm, welcoming environment: “I<br />

think it’s really important to get this<br />

right, especially with kids’ rooms.<br />

The colours on <strong>the</strong> walls can have an<br />

impact on sleep, mood, everything.”<br />

Aside from one north facing<br />

bedroom, <strong>the</strong> rooms are all south facing,<br />

allowing plenty <strong>of</strong> light through <strong>the</strong><br />

large, single panes <strong>of</strong> glass, and nowhere<br />

more so than <strong>the</strong> main bedroom<br />

which benefits from full height sash<br />

windows. A mezzanine overlooking <strong>the</strong><br />

bed exploits <strong>the</strong> amazing potential <strong>of</strong><br />

<strong>the</strong> high ceilings, and carefully chosen<br />

artwork and furnishings contrast<br />

with <strong>the</strong> concrete-effect wallpaper,<br />

contributing to a more grown-up space<br />

and allowing <strong>the</strong> patterns and textures<br />

to speak for <strong>the</strong>mselves. At <strong>the</strong> opposite<br />

end <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> spectrum, <strong>the</strong> modular<br />

bathroom in place when Vicky and<br />

family moved in had a false low ceiling<br />

and was painted black, creating a dark,<br />

unwelcoming space. “It was like being<br />

in a bad hotel in <strong>the</strong> ’80s!” remembers<br />

Vicky. They decided to rip <strong>the</strong> whole<br />

thing out and to open up <strong>the</strong> ceiling<br />

to <strong>the</strong> pitch. “It made <strong>the</strong> room feel so<br />

much brighter, lighter and bigger. We<br />

added Fired Earth tiling to <strong>the</strong> walls<br />

and floor and boxed out <strong>the</strong> bath to<br />

hide some pipes, which also makes a<br />

handy ledge to sit on while <strong>the</strong> kids<br />

are in <strong>the</strong> bath.” The shower has also<br />

been cleverly incorporated into <strong>the</strong><br />

room, with no shower tray or door,<br />

opening up <strong>the</strong> space even fur<strong>the</strong>r.<br />

Structurally, <strong>the</strong> house has not<br />

<br />

priceless-magazines.com


This page: The principal bedroom suite, complete with convenient mezzanine for storage, makes full use <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> former stables’ l<strong>of</strong>ty ceilings<br />

required any updating given its recent<br />

build date, and it has also benefitted<br />

from a series <strong>of</strong> experienced residents.<br />

Vicky explains, “The first buyer that<br />

lived here was an interior designer, and<br />

<strong>the</strong>n a fashion designer lived here after<br />

that, and now <strong>of</strong> course <strong>the</strong>re’s ano<strong>the</strong>r<br />

interior designer, so <strong>the</strong> house has quite<br />

a good design history!” Vicky also<br />

credits her husband with transforming<br />

<strong>the</strong> garden. A rock garden and a vast<br />

bamboo bush taking up most <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

space were painstakingly removed in<br />

favour <strong>of</strong> new trees, paving stones and<br />

an area <strong>of</strong> astro where <strong>the</strong> children<br />

enjoy playing football and cricket. Vicky<br />

adds, “He has completely changed<br />

everything out <strong>the</strong>re and it’s now a<br />

lovely area to be in.” With <strong>the</strong> addition<br />

<strong>of</strong> a Big Green Egg and a Gozney<br />

pizza oven it has become a sociable <br />

priceless-magazines.com 58


The finest range <strong>of</strong> premium beds, mattresses<br />

and bedding in <strong>the</strong> <strong>South</strong>-<strong>East</strong><br />

Cavendish House, Sydenham Road, Guildford, <strong>Surrey</strong> GU1 3RX | 01483 380111<br />

jonesandtomlin.co.uk


This page: Vicky’s husband has transformed<br />

<strong>the</strong> exterior from rock garden to family friendly<br />

– creating a great space for entertaining<br />

enclave that’s used all year round.<br />

Vicky has a number <strong>of</strong> go-to brands<br />

that fit with her contemporary style,<br />

including HK Living for lighting and<br />

ceramics, and Danish brand Hay for<br />

furniture and accessories: “Our dining<br />

table and chairs are from Hay, as are <strong>the</strong><br />

outside table and chairs – <strong>the</strong>y just do<br />

very well-made furniture,” she says. “I also<br />

love Loaf s<strong>of</strong>as; I think <strong>the</strong>y’re really great<br />

and <strong>the</strong>ir colour options are amazing.”<br />

When designing someone else’s home,<br />

Vicky’s focus is always on playing with<br />

lighting and trying to create little pockets<br />

<strong>of</strong> brightness as opposed to flooding an<br />

entire room. Alongside this, incorporating<br />

colour and pattern is key: “If a client<br />

doesn’t want it on <strong>the</strong> walls, <strong>the</strong>n I would<br />

always try to bring colour and pattern<br />

into upholstery and curtains and cushions<br />

and <strong>the</strong> floor.” Vicky is also a fervent<br />

supporter <strong>of</strong> utilising stripes, believing<br />

that <strong>the</strong>y provide interest and balance<br />

without being too ‘<strong>of</strong>-<strong>the</strong>-moment’. “I<br />

do like stripes. I think <strong>the</strong>y will always<br />

be around. They’re timeless. But I try<br />

to rein it in a bit because not everyone<br />

likes stripes as much as me! My main<br />

obsessions are colour, pattern and texture.<br />

And I just want people to walk into a<br />

room and literally fall in love with it.”<br />

Address Book:<br />

Through her company,<br />

Hello Geronimo, Vicky <strong>of</strong>fers full<br />

interior design, single room design,<br />

room styling and more, with most<br />

services available in-person or<br />

remote. See hellogeronimo.com<br />

Hay hay.dk<br />

HK Living hkliving.com<br />

priceless-magazines.com 60


Get <strong>the</strong><br />

LOOK<br />

1 Natural bamboo pendant light (medium) £180 Rose & Grey roseandgrey.co.uk 2 Eichholtz Solaris mirror £495<br />

Sweetpea & Willow sweetpeaandwillow.com 3 Large lemon vintage antique print £13.50 Ink & Drop inkanddrop.com<br />

4 Snacks from <strong>the</strong> Tree print from £9.57 Desenio desenio.co.uk 5 Black interior aluminium patio door POA SEH BAC<br />

sehbac.com 6 Spindle back chair in lily white £180 Garden Trading gardentrading.co.uk 7 Recycled Linen stripe cushion<br />

£75 Colours Of Arley colours<strong>of</strong>arley.com 8 Red cushion rectangle £37.50 Braided Rug Company braided-rug.co.uk 9<br />

Taylor s<strong>of</strong>a sleeper in Sand Bresso 6151 £4,104.65 BoConcept boconcept.com 10 Danito checkerboard rug from £84<br />

La Redoute laredoute.co.uk 11 Margonia dining chair in Ink Blue £139.99 MY Furniture my-furniture.com<br />

61<br />

priceless-magazines.com


Looking for healthy & wholesome summer recipe<br />

ideas to spice up your culinary repertoire?<br />

Kale<br />

& radish<br />

panzanella salad<br />

served with a honey<br />

& mustard vinaigrette<br />

by Lara Green<br />

from<strong>the</strong>greenkitchen.<br />

com<br />

Visit priceless-magazines.com for inspiration<br />

62


istockphoto.com/ Alarcon Studio


Make your dream<br />

space a reality<br />

We specialise in building Bespoke Outdoor<br />

Kitchens, Louvered Pergolas, and Patio<br />

areas servicing <strong>the</strong> <strong>Surrey</strong> area.<br />

Based in Weybridge, <strong>Surrey</strong>.<br />

07711 071505 | Sales@allaboutoutdoorliving.com<br />

www.allaboutoutdoorliving.com<br />

priceless-magazines.com<br />

64


The Priceless <strong>Taste</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>South</strong> <strong>East</strong> <strong>Supplement</strong><br />

Wondering about wine<br />

It’s easy to get into a pattern <strong>of</strong> always choosing <strong>the</strong> same<br />

wine, wanting to discover new options but being unsure<br />

where to start. The best way to get in <strong>the</strong> know is<br />

through wine tasting and Kent Wine School’s fun,<br />

informal tastings and courses in Tunbridge Wells<br />

will introduce you to new grapes and wine styles<br />

in a relaxed social setting. They don’t sell wine:<br />

<strong>the</strong>y bring wine to life for you in an inspiring<br />

way. You can even get qualified with one <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

best line ups <strong>of</strong> accredited wine courses in <strong>the</strong><br />

country. Tickets cost from £35 and gift vouchers<br />

are available. Book online at kentwineschool.com<br />

Food for<br />

Thought<br />

Learning about food and drink<br />

can enrich your diet, and<br />

is also great fun!<br />

Culinary Course<br />

Set in <strong>the</strong> rolling beauty <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Surrey</strong> Hills, The Abinger<br />

Cookery School <strong>of</strong>fers a range <strong>of</strong> cookery courses to make<br />

your summer sizzle. Expand your culinary horizons with<br />

a variety <strong>of</strong> courses: from mastering <strong>the</strong> art <strong>of</strong> grilling at<br />

<strong>the</strong>ir Weber Grill Academy to crafting delicious Asian<br />

dishes, delving deep into Fish and Seafood, or creating<br />

exquisite plates on <strong>the</strong> Chef’s Masterclass. The courses<br />

cater to all skill levels, <strong>of</strong>fering a personalised learning<br />

experience in small classes led by expert chefs. Don’t miss<br />

this opportunity to learn and entertain amidst stunning<br />

scenery. To explore your culinary adventure in <strong>the</strong> heart <strong>of</strong><br />

<strong>the</strong> <strong>Surrey</strong> Hills visit abingercookeryschool.com<br />

Guide to Gin<br />

The Aroma Experience at <strong>the</strong> Silent Pool<br />

Distillery is a fun, hands-on gin exploration for<br />

everyone from aficionados to groups <strong>of</strong> friends.<br />

Led by a distillery expert, this 90-minute session<br />

is a sensory dive into <strong>the</strong> world <strong>of</strong> aroma,<br />

botanicals and Silent Pool Gin, including guided<br />

tastings <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> range and a G&T to enjoy. Then<br />

get creative as you select and blend carefully<br />

chosen botanical oils to make your own Aroma<br />

Garnish that will take your gin cocktails to <strong>the</strong><br />

next level. Find out more at<br />

silentpooldistillers.com/experiences<br />

65<br />

priceless-magazines.com


The Priceless <strong>Taste</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>South</strong> <strong>East</strong> <strong>Supplement</strong><br />

Behind <strong>the</strong> Bottle<br />

Ever fans <strong>of</strong> a beautiful locally produced bottle, we’re<br />

touring Balfour Winery with <strong>the</strong>ir team to discover <strong>the</strong><br />

secrets behind <strong>the</strong>ir glorious grapes and wonderful wines<br />

How did Balfour Winery begin?<br />

Balfour Winery began with a<br />

simple remark. “Why don’t we<br />

plant some vines?” Leslie Balfour-<br />

Lynn asked Richard after <strong>the</strong>y<br />

acquired <strong>the</strong> land surrounding<br />

<strong>the</strong>ir family home. The<br />

wine <strong>the</strong>y made, based on<br />

Billecart-Salmon Rosé Brut<br />

Champagne, went on to<br />

become <strong>the</strong> first English<br />

wine to win a gold<br />

medal and <strong>the</strong> trophy<br />

at <strong>the</strong> International<br />

Wine Challenge.<br />

This year, <strong>the</strong><br />

winemakers<br />

will produce<br />

800,000<br />

bottles <strong>of</strong><br />

English wine.<br />

Not bad for an<br />

endeavour that<br />

began with <strong>the</strong> simple maxim: “If<br />

we can’t sell it, we’ll drink it.”<br />

Is it open to visitors?<br />

The winery and vineyard are open<br />

year-round. We <strong>of</strong>fer immersive<br />

tours and tastings as well as casual<br />

dining in our Cellar Door, where<br />

guests can choose locally sourced<br />

charcuterie boards or flatbreads.<br />

Our restaurant, The Winemakers’<br />

Kitchen, celebrates <strong>the</strong> notion<br />

that “what grows toge<strong>the</strong>r, goes<br />

toge<strong>the</strong>r.” Seasonal local produce<br />

is served alongside <strong>the</strong> wines that<br />

inspired each dish. It’s a truly<br />

unique experience in a stunning<br />

setting overlooking <strong>the</strong> vines.<br />

Is Balfour Winery still<br />

a family business?<br />

The vineyard, winery, and cellar<br />

door are extensions <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Balfour-<br />

Lynn family home. Family is<br />

fundamental to our philosophy.<br />

Our winemaking is led by <strong>the</strong><br />

fa<strong>the</strong>r and son team, Fergus and<br />

Owen Elias. Owen is one <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

founders <strong>of</strong> English wine, while<br />

his son Fergus is pioneering a<br />

new generation <strong>of</strong> award-winning<br />

English wines. Three generations<br />

“Every glass or bottle<br />

<strong>of</strong> Nannette’s sold<br />

contributes to rewilding<br />

projects in <strong>the</strong> local area”<br />

<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Turner family have cared<br />

for <strong>the</strong> vineyard and estate. Cathy,<br />

Stef, and <strong>the</strong>ir son Billy possess<br />

a remarkable understanding <strong>of</strong><br />

<strong>the</strong> terroir and a commitment to<br />

sustainability. This generational<br />

knowledge and dedication to<br />

protecting <strong>the</strong> land for <strong>the</strong> future<br />

are integral to producing our<br />

inimitable wine.<br />

Your wines have won many awards<br />

and earned much critical acclaim.<br />

What makes <strong>the</strong>m so special?<br />

Since <strong>the</strong> very start, we have<br />

ventured to make wines we<br />

love. Our winemaking process is<br />

meticulous and innovative. We<br />

employ small-batch winemaking<br />

techniques with complete control<br />

over every stage, from grape<br />

receipt to bottling and disgorging.<br />

This approach allows for <strong>the</strong><br />

creation <strong>of</strong> wines that are clean,<br />

fresh and precise, showcasing <strong>the</strong><br />

unique terroir <strong>of</strong> each vineyard.<br />

This year, we saw a recordbreaking<br />

haul <strong>of</strong> awards. Our<br />

Nannette’s Rosé 2023 won gold<br />

at <strong>the</strong> Global Rosé Masters, and<br />

we received five awards from <strong>the</strong><br />

International Wine Challenge,<br />

including Gold for our Leslie’s<br />

Reserve Brut NV.<br />

What Balfour bottle would<br />

you recommend for a<br />

summer toast this year?<br />

This summer, we’re raising a toast<br />

to nature. Our Nannette’s 2023 is<br />

fresh, dry and dusky pink. It’s <strong>the</strong><br />

perfect summer sip; one might<br />

call it Kent’s answer to Côtes de<br />

Provence. We’ve partnered with<br />

<strong>the</strong> Kent Wildlife Trust to give<br />

back to <strong>the</strong> earth that helped<br />

produce our beautiful wine. Every<br />

glass or bottle <strong>of</strong> Nannette’s sold<br />

contributes to rewilding projects<br />

in <strong>the</strong> local area.<br />

Can you tell us about any<br />

upcoming projects or exciting<br />

news in <strong>the</strong> world <strong>of</strong> Balfour?<br />

Harvest, which tends to<br />

happen in October, is rapidly<br />

approaching. After a slower start<br />

to growth this year due<br />

to a wet spring, we<br />

are grateful for<br />

longer, sunnier<br />

days. The quality<br />

and quantity <strong>of</strong><br />

<strong>the</strong> harvest are<br />

marked by <strong>the</strong><br />

optimal balance <strong>of</strong><br />

sunshine and rainfall.<br />

We eagerly wait in<br />

anticipation to see what this<br />

vintage brings us.<br />

Find out more about Balfour<br />

Winery and <strong>the</strong>ir wonderful<br />

wines at balfourwinery.com<br />

priceless-magazines.com<br />

66


A Symphony <strong>of</strong> 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


We've got <strong>the</strong> perfect spot<br />

for everything...<br />

Lunch or dinner, a romantic getaway, a special celebration,<br />

or just some refreshement along <strong>the</strong> way...<br />

There's always a warm welcome at our beautiful historic inn.<br />

EAT|DRINK|STAY|EXPLORE<br />

www.<strong>the</strong>crownchiddingfold.com 01428 682255<br />

priceless-magazines.com<br />

68


The Priceless <strong>Taste</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>South</strong> <strong>East</strong> <strong>Supplement</strong><br />

Best <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

<strong>South</strong> <strong>East</strong><br />

We’re hunting down where to find classic flavours <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> region at <strong>the</strong>ir best<br />

Gin<br />

For a tipple with a<br />

classic <strong>South</strong> <strong>East</strong> vibe,<br />

Whitstable Harbour Gin<br />

is currently making waves<br />

with two distinct flavours.<br />

Their first class London Dry<br />

combines <strong>the</strong> freshness <strong>of</strong><br />

sea buckthorn and samphire.<br />

Meanwhile <strong>the</strong>ir new Kentish<br />

Pink was crowned Kent Spirit<br />

<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Year at <strong>the</strong> <strong>Taste</strong> <strong>of</strong> Kent<br />

Awards, and it pays homage<br />

to <strong>the</strong> cherry orchards <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

Garden <strong>of</strong> England with an<br />

exquisite blend <strong>of</strong> botanicals<br />

and natural cherry juice. Not<br />

too sweet it is setting a new<br />

standard in <strong>the</strong> world <strong>of</strong> pink<br />

gins and is perfect for traditional<br />

and contemporary palates. Both<br />

cost £39.50 and are available at<br />

whitstableharbourgin.co.uk<br />

Cordials<br />

Elderflower is a UK classic we all<br />

know and love and Bush Barn<br />

Farm, just outside Robertsbridge<br />

<strong>East</strong> Sussex, has <strong>the</strong> secret to<br />

turning it into award wining<br />

cordials. At <strong>the</strong>ir family run<br />

farm, founders Nick and Maria<br />

grow organic elder trees and<br />

harvest beautiful elderflowers<br />

and elderberries from which <strong>the</strong>y<br />

make delicious cordials with only<br />

natural ingredients. Their fresh, floral<br />

Elderflower Cordial and Elderberry &<br />

Lemon Cordial have won <strong>the</strong> company<br />

plenty <strong>of</strong> awards in <strong>the</strong> past and this July<br />

<strong>the</strong>y also launched two new cordials –<br />

Elderflower & Quince and Elderflower<br />

& Rhubarb. 500ml bottles are £6.50 for<br />

Elderflower Cordial and £6.95 for any<br />

o<strong>the</strong>rs. Find at local farm shops in <strong>East</strong><br />

Sussex and online at bushbarnfarm.co.uk<br />

Wine<br />

Some <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> best UK wines come<br />

out <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>South</strong> <strong>East</strong>. To celebrate<br />

our rich history, try <strong>the</strong> refined<br />

taste <strong>of</strong> this exceptional sparkling<br />

wine from Silverhand Estate. Their<br />

award-winning Silver Reign Rosé<br />

is an elegant Sparkling Wine <strong>of</strong><br />

England, crafted exclusively from<br />

Pinot Noir grapes. Its lively<br />

flavours <strong>of</strong> wild strawberries and<br />

ripe summer fruits are truly<br />

enchanting. Produced using<br />

<strong>the</strong> Charmat method, this<br />

bottle promises a refreshing<br />

and elegant experience<br />

with every sip. Available for<br />

£18, you can find it at <strong>the</strong><br />

Silverhand Estate Cellar Door<br />

in Luddesdown, Kent (DA13<br />

0XE) and online at The Wine<br />

Caverns website<br />

<strong>the</strong>winecaverns.co.uk<br />

Preserves<br />

The Wooden Spoon Preserving<br />

Company are experts in<br />

crafting preserves with tradition,<br />

quality and natural ingredients.<br />

Founded almost 50 years ago, <strong>the</strong>y<br />

embarked on a journey fuelled<br />

by <strong>the</strong> desire to create unique<br />

traditional and contemporary<br />

preserves made from <strong>the</strong> best<br />

ingredients. Nestled in Kent’s<br />

picturesque village <strong>of</strong> Wye, <strong>the</strong>ir<br />

artisanal production takes place in<br />

a converted Kentish Oast House.<br />

Their products include a diverse<br />

range <strong>of</strong> extra jams, marmalades,<br />

chutneys and more, and <strong>the</strong>y<br />

are all exclusively made on-site.<br />

They are available to buy in farm<br />

shops and delicatessens across<br />

Kent, as well as direct via <strong>the</strong>ir<br />

website, <strong>the</strong>woodenspoon.co.uk<br />

69<br />

priceless-magazines.com


25cm Stoneware<br />

Plate in Mist Blue,<br />

£35, 18cm Stoneware<br />

Plate in Sea Green (holding<br />

crisps), £25, and 8.5 cm<br />

Stoneware trinket dish<br />

in Chalk White, £12<br />

Instagram @katharine_<br />

gray_ceramics


The Priceless <strong>Taste</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>South</strong> <strong>East</strong> <strong>Supplement</strong><br />

Exceptional<br />

<strong>Taste</strong><br />

Charlotte Butterworth, aka @<strong>the</strong>needy.greedy, celebrates all things produced in<br />

<strong>the</strong> <strong>South</strong> <strong>East</strong> as she chooses some <strong>of</strong> her favourite ingredients to create this<br />

month’s dishes. She’s teamed up with wine expert Alannah Wood from Balfour<br />

Winery for perfect wine pairings and local ceramicist Ka<strong>the</strong>rine Gray for beautiful<br />

stoneware to complement her tasty recipes Photographs: David Merewe<strong>the</strong>r<br />

Roast tomatoes & whipped feta served with Kent Crisps<br />

I’m making <strong>the</strong> most <strong>of</strong> tomato season with<br />

this sensational dip. Slow roasting <strong>the</strong> tomatoes<br />

sweetens and intensifies <strong>the</strong>ir flavour, perfectly<br />

complementing <strong>the</strong> cool whipped feta. I love<br />

serving Kent Crisps, <strong>the</strong>y are a real favourite<br />

with my family and have a wonderful range<br />

<strong>of</strong> flavours inspired by Kentish produce –<br />

<strong>the</strong>y’re also perfect to scoop. The packaging is<br />

beautiful too, with iconic photos <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> area.<br />

For <strong>the</strong> roasted tomatoes:<br />

• Approx. 20 cherry or baby plum tomatoes<br />

• 1 tsp dried or fresh thyme<br />

• olive oil<br />

Halve <strong>the</strong> tomatoes. Put in an oven<br />

pro<strong>of</strong> dish with a tbsp <strong>of</strong> olive oil, <strong>the</strong><br />

thyme, salt and pepper. Roast for approx<br />

30 mins at 150°C. Allow to cool.<br />

For <strong>the</strong> whipped feta:<br />

• 100g feta<br />

• 125g Greek yoghurt<br />

• 50g cream cheese<br />

Crumble <strong>the</strong> feta and put in a bowl with <strong>the</strong><br />

Greek yoghurt. Beat with an electric beater until<br />

smooth, <strong>the</strong>n beat in <strong>the</strong> cream cheese in.<br />

To serve:<br />

Spread <strong>the</strong> whipped feta on a plate, and top<br />

with <strong>the</strong> tomatoes. Sprinkle over some fresh<br />

thyme if you have it. Serve with crisps to dip.<br />

About Charlotte<br />

Charlotte Butterworth, aka <strong>the</strong>needy.greedy, is a caterer, cookery teacher<br />

and recipe creator who grew up in Faversham and now lives in Cranbrook<br />

and loves using local Kent produce. She creates fabulous food for everything from<br />

intimate dinners and family celebrations to drinks parties and corporate events.<br />

Charlotte also runs cookery workshops in her lovely home, helping people rediscover <strong>the</strong>ir culinary<br />

mojo with new ideas for delicious, healthy and easy meals for everyday and entertaining. Her next<br />

evening workshop is Wednesday 11th September. Find Charlotte on Instagram and Facebook sharing<br />

her delicious recipes as @<strong>the</strong>needy.greedy or contact her by emailing charlotte@butterworth.co.uk<br />

71<br />

priceless-magazines.com


The Fox dining rooms<br />

Looking for a destination for your next meal out, romantic<br />

date night, private dining experience or special occasion?<br />

Set within <strong>the</strong> heart <strong>of</strong> Foxhills, a multi award-winning country club and hotel<br />

in <strong>Surrey</strong>, lies a real hidden gem. The Fox dining rooms is located in <strong>the</strong><br />

resort’s 19th-century Manor House and <strong>of</strong>fers exquisite two AA Rosette<br />

cooking in stunning surroundings.<br />

Open to visitors, as well as members and hotel guests, <strong>the</strong> restaurant’s grand<br />

interior, stylish décor and extravagent windows overlooking <strong>the</strong> 400-acre<br />

estate make it a picture-perfect place to dine.<br />

Three individually designed rooms <strong>of</strong>fer charm and character with exceptional<br />

service providing a relaxed setting to enjoy <strong>the</strong> culinary delights crafted by<br />

esteemed head chef, Dan DaCosta, and his expert brigade in <strong>the</strong> kitchen.<br />

Expect sophisticated British cuisine with a modern twist, full <strong>of</strong> high-quality<br />

fresh ingredients, locally sourced wherever possible, and presented elegantly<br />

and with flair.<br />

Open for dinner Monday to Sunday, 6pm - 10pm<br />

Named after <strong>the</strong> influential 18th-century politician, Charles James Fox,<br />

rekindle his spirit as a man who indulged in <strong>the</strong> finer things in life by<br />

experiencing <strong>the</strong>se delectable dishes in style and informal comfort, with a nod<br />

to Fox’s love <strong>of</strong> socialising.<br />

For menus & booking, visit:<br />

www.foxhills.co.uk/dine<br />

In <strong>the</strong> heart <strong>of</strong> <strong>Surrey</strong><br />

A little slice <strong>of</strong> Italy<br />

We are La Meridiana, a<br />

family owned au<strong>the</strong>ntic Italian<br />

restaurant in <strong>East</strong> Horsley.<br />

Exciting new summer<br />

menu created by our<br />

Head Chef Hercules.<br />

We look forward to welcoming<br />

you very soon! Ciao!<br />

Ockham Road <strong>South</strong>, <strong>East</strong> Horsley,<br />

Lea<strong>the</strong>rhead, KT24 6QU<br />

01483 284343 | www.lameridiana.co.uk<br />

Restaurant <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

Year <strong>South</strong> <strong>East</strong><br />

priceless-magazines.com<br />

72


The Priceless <strong>Taste</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>South</strong> <strong>East</strong> <strong>Supplement</strong><br />

Sausage pasta ragu<br />

Serves 2, generously<br />

We are spoilt for choice for fantastic<br />

butchers here in <strong>the</strong> <strong>South</strong> <strong>East</strong>. I<br />

love <strong>the</strong>se local sausages made into a<br />

wonderful ragu served with pappardelle<br />

pasta. Easy, nutritious, delicious,<br />

adored by all ages. Lighter and a lovely<br />

change to a traditional beef ragu.<br />

• 4 large, good quality sausages<br />

• 1 red onion, finely chopped<br />

• 2 sticks celery<br />

• 2-3 carrots<br />

• 2 cloves garlic<br />

• 1 tsp <strong>of</strong> fennel seeds, paprika, chilli<br />

flakes (omit if you don’t like it hot)<br />

• bay leaf and fresh rosemary<br />

(if you have it)<br />

• 1 tbsp tomato purée<br />

• 400g tin <strong>of</strong> tomatoes<br />

• splash <strong>of</strong> balsamic vinegar<br />

• 200g pappardelle<br />

1. Heat some olive oil in a heavy<br />

based pan. Add <strong>the</strong> finely chopped<br />

onion and allow to s<strong>of</strong>ten gently.<br />

2. Finely chop <strong>the</strong> carrots, celery<br />

and garlic. I put all mine in a food<br />

processor, until it looks like mince!<br />

Add to <strong>the</strong> onions and cook for<br />

5-10 mins. Then add <strong>the</strong> paprika,<br />

fennel and chilli flakes (if using).<br />

Cook for a couple more minutes.<br />

3. Add <strong>the</strong> sausage meat and<br />

brown, before stirring in <strong>the</strong> tomato<br />

purée, chopped tomatoes, chopped<br />

rosemary and bay leaf. Cook for at<br />

least 30 mins on a gentle simmer.<br />

Add <strong>the</strong> vinegar, season, stir, taste<br />

and tweak according to your taste.<br />

4. Cook <strong>the</strong> pasta according to<br />

<strong>the</strong> packet instructions, drain and<br />

add to <strong>the</strong> sauce and serve.<br />

25cm<br />

Stoneware Plate in<br />

Mist Blue, £35<br />

Instagram<br />

@katharine_gray_<br />

ceramics<br />

73<br />

priceless-magazines.com


The Priceless <strong>Taste</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>South</strong> <strong>East</strong> <strong>Supplement</strong><br />

Chicken with chargrilled<br />

courgettes & tarragon<br />

& local honey dressing<br />

Serves 2<br />

Taking inspiration from <strong>the</strong> abundance<br />

<strong>of</strong> tarragon growing in my herb garden,<br />

I created this elegant summer dish. I<br />

am always being asked for courgette<br />

recipes, as <strong>the</strong> vegetable growers amongst<br />

us have a seemingly endless supply <strong>of</strong><br />

<strong>the</strong>m throughout <strong>the</strong> season, and <strong>the</strong>y<br />

desperately need picking before <strong>the</strong>y<br />

become marrow like! Chargrilling gives<br />

<strong>the</strong>m a delicious smokey flavour.<br />

• 2 chicken breasts<br />

• 1 tsp fresh or dried thyme<br />

• juice <strong>of</strong> half a lemon<br />

• olive oil<br />

• 3-4 courgettes, sliced<br />

lengthways into strips<br />

For <strong>the</strong> dressing:<br />

• 20g (approx) fresh tarragon<br />

• 20ml olive oil<br />

• 10-20ml apple cider vinegar<br />

• 1 tbsp each <strong>of</strong> local honey, Dijon<br />

mustard and s<strong>of</strong>t brown sugar<br />

For <strong>the</strong> courgettes:<br />

Heat a griddle pan on <strong>the</strong> hob. Brush<br />

<strong>the</strong> strips <strong>of</strong> courgette with olive oil using<br />

a pastry brush. Also lightly brush <strong>the</strong><br />

griddle pan. When <strong>the</strong> pan is hot, place<br />

<strong>the</strong> courgettes on leaving for 2-3 mins<br />

so <strong>the</strong>y get a beautiful charring pattern.<br />

Turn <strong>the</strong>m over and cook on <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r<br />

side. You will probably need to do it in<br />

a couple <strong>of</strong> batches. You can prep this<br />

as far ahead as you like, but keep in <strong>the</strong><br />

fridge if it is more than a few hours.<br />

For <strong>the</strong> chicken:<br />

Put a chicken breast between two pieces<br />

<strong>of</strong> cling film and bash with a rolling<br />

pin until flattened. Repeat for <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r<br />

breast. Mix a generous tbsp <strong>of</strong> olive<br />

oil with <strong>the</strong> lemon juice, thyme, salt<br />

and pepper. Marinate for as long as<br />

possible (up to 4 hours but at least 30<br />

mins). Heat a frying pan on <strong>the</strong> hob<br />

with olive oil and cook <strong>the</strong> chicken<br />

for approx 5-10 mins on each side<br />

until cooked through. Keep warm.<br />

For <strong>the</strong> dressing:<br />

Blitz all <strong>the</strong> ingredients toge<strong>the</strong>r.<br />

<strong>Taste</strong> and add more honey,<br />

vinegar etc if required.<br />

When ready to serve, slice <strong>the</strong> chicken<br />

and place with <strong>the</strong> courgettes on a<br />

plate. Drizzle over <strong>the</strong> tarragon sauce,<br />

with extra served on <strong>the</strong> side. Add<br />

a handful <strong>of</strong> dressed salad leaves.<br />

25cm<br />

Stoneware Plate<br />

in Chalk White, £35<br />

Instagram<br />

@katharine_gray_<br />

ceramics<br />

priceless-magazines.com<br />

74


TRY OUR BRAND NEW MENU TODAY<br />

Our exciting new menu has arrived,<br />

<strong>of</strong>fering a diverse array <strong>of</strong> culinary<br />

delights. Featuring a 4-week rotation<br />

<strong>of</strong> daily specials and more. Including<br />

savoury pies, succulent roasted meats,<br />

flavourful Asian-inspired cuisine,<br />

and au<strong>the</strong>ntic Greek souvlaki wraps<br />

to name just a few <strong>of</strong> our new creations.<br />

OUT WITH THE OLD, IN WITH THE NEW<br />

We have also introduced a mouthwatering<br />

selection <strong>of</strong> desserts to<br />

satisfy every sweet tooth. The new<br />

cake line-up features an indulgent<br />

array <strong>of</strong> treats, including creamy baked<br />

cheesecakes and tangy blueberry tray<br />

bakes. For chocolate lovers, <strong>the</strong>re are<br />

rich triple chocolate cookies, while<br />

those with a nostalgic palate will<br />

delight in <strong>the</strong> oversized, playful take<br />

on jammy dodgers. Additionally, we<br />

<strong>of</strong>fer a variety <strong>of</strong> seasonal specials and<br />

innovative flavours, ensuring <strong>the</strong>re's<br />

always something new and exciting to<br />

try and bring a smile to your face.<br />

FIND US<br />

Chessington Garden Centre<br />

Lea<strong>the</strong>rhead Road<br />

Chessington<br />

<strong>Surrey</strong><br />

KT9 2NG<br />

CONTACT US<br />

01372 725638<br />

Monday to Saturday 9am-5pm<br />

Sunday 9:30am-4pm<br />

info@chessingtongardencentre.co.uk


The enchanted place<br />

on <strong>the</strong> hill in Devon<br />

Our five-star manor house hotel is like no o<strong>the</strong>r. It’s where Michelin Star<br />

dining, a relaxing wellness spa, and exquisite rooms and suites come toge<strong>the</strong>r to<br />

create a charming space for relaxing stays overlooking <strong>the</strong> Devon countryside.<br />

To book your stay, speak to our<br />

Reservations team via 01752 344455<br />

Or book online via boringdonhall.co.uk<br />

@boringdonhall | @gaiaboringdon | @acleafrestaurant


The Priceless <strong>Taste</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>South</strong> <strong>East</strong> <strong>Supplement</strong><br />

Apple, cherry &<br />

hazelnut cake with<br />

honeycomb ice cream<br />

Here in <strong>the</strong> Garden <strong>of</strong> England, we are<br />

famous for our orchards. Apples and<br />

cherries work beautifully toge<strong>the</strong>r to<br />

create a stunning cake perfect for any<br />

occasion. It is utterly delicious paired<br />

with Simply Ice Cream’s Heavenly<br />

Honeycomb. This beautiful luxury ice<br />

cream is made in <strong>the</strong> heart <strong>of</strong> Kent. I<br />

first tasted it at a local food festival a<br />

few years back and have been a huge<br />

fan ever since – <strong>the</strong>y’re also regulars<br />

at Wealden Times Midsummer Fair.<br />

• 125g butter, s<strong>of</strong>tened<br />

• 125g caster sugar<br />

• 3 large eggs, beaten<br />

• 2 tsp vanilla extract<br />

• 50g ground almonds<br />

• 100g self raising flour<br />

• 1 tsp cinnamon<br />

• 2 large eating apples, peeled,<br />

cored and cubed<br />

• 100g local fresh cherries, stoned<br />

(frozen cherries work well –<br />

defrosted, and <strong>the</strong> juice drained)<br />

For <strong>the</strong> topping:<br />

• 25g chopped blanched hazelnuts<br />

• 20g butter, cut into small cubes<br />

• 2 tbsp demerara sugar<br />

• 1 tsp cinnamon<br />

To serve:<br />

• Simply Ice Cream in your preferred<br />

flavour – Heavenly Honeycomb<br />

works perfectly with this cake<br />

1. Line <strong>the</strong> base <strong>of</strong> and grease<br />

a loose-bottomed cake tin and<br />

preheat <strong>the</strong> oven to 180°C.<br />

2. Beat <strong>the</strong> butter and sugar<br />

toge<strong>the</strong>r – add <strong>the</strong> eggs gradually.<br />

If it curdles, add some <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> flour.<br />

When all <strong>the</strong> eggs are incorporated<br />

add <strong>the</strong> vanilla extract, flour, ground<br />

almonds and cinnamon. Mix in<br />

<strong>the</strong> cherries and two thirds <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

cubed apples. Pour into <strong>the</strong> prepared<br />

tin, scatter over <strong>the</strong> remaining<br />

apples and topping ingredients.<br />

3. Bake for 50 mins. Pop in a skewer,<br />

if it comes out clean <strong>the</strong>n it’s cooked.<br />

4. This cake will keep in a tin<br />

for a few days. Serve with a<br />

scoop <strong>of</strong> Simply Ice Cream.<br />

22cm Stoneware<br />

Plate in Chalk White,<br />

18cm Stoneware Plate in<br />

Pebble Grey, £30,<br />

Instagram @katharine_<br />

gray_ceramics<br />

77<br />

priceless-magazines.com


The Priceless <strong>Taste</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>South</strong> <strong>East</strong> <strong>Supplement</strong><br />

Alannah’s perfect Balfour wine pairings<br />

Food and wine pairing needn’t require <strong>the</strong> expertise<br />

<strong>of</strong> a sommelier or <strong>the</strong> precision <strong>of</strong> a chemist in<br />

balancing a wine’s acids, tannins, or alcohol with<br />

a dish. While sommelier advice is always a welcome<br />

addition, <strong>the</strong>re’s a simpler, more accessible approach for <strong>the</strong><br />

everyday wine enthusiast. At Balfour Winery, we embrace<br />

<strong>the</strong> philosophy that “what grows toge<strong>the</strong>r goes toge<strong>the</strong>r”.<br />

This adage is more than just a quaint saying; it’s a practical<br />

and delightful method <strong>of</strong> pairing food and wine.<br />

These combinations aren’t just about flavours; <strong>the</strong>y are<br />

a celebration <strong>of</strong> locality and sustainability. By choosing<br />

English wines and local produce, we support our local<br />

community and reduce our carbon footprint. As English<br />

wines continue to gain international acclaim, <strong>the</strong>re has<br />

never been a better time to explore <strong>the</strong>se local gems.<br />

Here are some inspired pairings to get you started:<br />

For <strong>the</strong> roast tomatoes & whipped feta served with Kent Crisps<br />

Nannette’s Rosé 2023 is dry, light, and pale. While many<br />

Rosés have delicate aromas that can be overwhelmed by<br />

strong flavours, <strong>the</strong> structure and depth <strong>of</strong> Nannette’s make<br />

it a perfect companion to <strong>the</strong> creamy, tangy whipped feta.<br />

For <strong>the</strong> sausage pasta ragu<br />

The oak ageing <strong>of</strong> Springfield’s Chardonnay 2019 imparts<br />

a richer, creamier note with a gentle spice. This wine’s<br />

depth complements <strong>the</strong> strong herbaceous notes <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

sausage ragu, creating a harmonious blend <strong>of</strong> flavours.<br />

For <strong>the</strong> chicken with chargrilled courgettes<br />

& tarragon & local honey dressing<br />

Skye’s Chardonnay 2022, unoaked and crafted<br />

in <strong>the</strong> Chablis style, is fresh and crisp with vibrant<br />

acidity. This pairs wonderfully with <strong>the</strong> chargrilled<br />

courgettes and <strong>the</strong> slight acidity <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> herb-rich<br />

dressing, enhancing <strong>the</strong> dish’s fresh, green flavours.<br />

For <strong>the</strong> apple, cherry & hazelnut cake with honeycomb ice cream<br />

Leslie’s Reserve Gold NV boasts a dominant apple character<br />

with flavours <strong>of</strong> ripe black and red fruits. Its Extra Dry style<br />

means it is slightly sweeter than <strong>the</strong> more common Brut sparkling<br />

wine, making it <strong>the</strong> perfect pairing for this sweet, fruity pudding.<br />

In <strong>the</strong>se pairings, we find not just a celebration <strong>of</strong> flavours,<br />

but a tribute to our local produce and <strong>the</strong> burgeoning English<br />

wine industry. So next time you’re planning a meal, consider<br />

what’s grown and produced nearby. You might discover<br />

that <strong>the</strong> perfect pairing is right in your back garden.<br />

To find out more about Balfour Winery, browse<br />

<strong>the</strong> wines, book a tour or table in <strong>the</strong>ir restaurant<br />

or shop online, see balfourwinery.com<br />

This beautiful jamjar<br />

arrangement <strong>of</strong> locallygrown<br />

flowers was from<br />

Hellebores & Hedgerows in<br />

Marden, Kent. To find out more<br />

about <strong>the</strong> flower farm, and Ellie,<br />

<strong>the</strong> florist who runs it, see<br />

helleboresandhedgerows.co.uk<br />

priceless-magazines.com<br />

78


The Priceless <strong>Taste</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>South</strong> <strong>East</strong> <strong>Supplement</strong><br />

A whole lot<br />

<strong>of</strong> History<br />

We’ve a wealth <strong>of</strong> pubs and restaurants with incredible heritage in <strong>the</strong> area. Fancy enjoying a meal<br />

where o<strong>the</strong>rs have dined dating back centuries, including <strong>the</strong> odd King or Queen? Read on<br />

Updown Farmhouse<br />

Betteshanger, Kent<br />

At Updown – a beautiful 17th century former<br />

farmstead just outside Deal – you’ll find a magical<br />

conservatory restaurant set amid <strong>the</strong> rambling<br />

grounds. The setting is delightful – heated, fully<br />

enclosed and open year round for you to dine<br />

under <strong>the</strong> grape vines, surrounded by beautiful 17th<br />

century brick. Meanwhile <strong>the</strong> chefs will be busy<br />

preparing your meals in <strong>the</strong> open kitchen, so you<br />

can watch <strong>the</strong>m tending to <strong>the</strong> wood fired grill and<br />

crafting small, hyper seasonal dishes that showcase<br />

<strong>the</strong> best <strong>of</strong> local and European produce. Everything<br />

is cooked over wood in <strong>the</strong> open kitchen. There are<br />

also exciting wine, local beers and seasonal cocktails.<br />

For something special you can try <strong>the</strong>ir Ultimate<br />

Roast Chicken on Thursday nights or Steak Nights<br />

on Wednesdays (both £30pp).<br />

updownfarmhouse.com<br />

The George Vaults<br />

Rochester, Kent<br />

Nestled in <strong>the</strong> heart <strong>of</strong> historic<br />

Rochester, The George Vaults <strong>of</strong>fers a<br />

truly unique venue for history buffs.<br />

In <strong>the</strong>ir stunning grade II listed 14th<br />

century crypt you can host your<br />

next wedding, function or private<br />

dining event surrounded by decadent<br />

architecture and stained glass. As for<br />

<strong>the</strong> food, <strong>the</strong> brasserie chefs work<br />

closely with local suppliers to create<br />

mouth-watering menus, seasonal<br />

specials and exquisite dishes using<br />

locally sourced, high-quality produce<br />

and ingredients. georgevaults.com<br />

priceless-magazines.com<br />

80


The Priceless <strong>Taste</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>South</strong> <strong>East</strong> <strong>Supplement</strong><br />

Falconhurst<br />

Edenbridge, Kent<br />

Falconhurst is a Wealden family estate founded in 1852<br />

inspired by a drive to preserve, nurture and celebrate<br />

our countryside. You’ll find produce available in <strong>the</strong><br />

farm shop including local, artisanal produce alongside<br />

seasonal fruit and vegetables, homemade goods, <strong>the</strong><br />

best c<strong>of</strong>fee around, and cakes made on site. Their Barn<br />

serves up supper clubs, pop ups and tasting events,<br />

welcoming chefs from near and far. For starters <strong>the</strong>y<br />

will have street food on 19th and 30th <strong>of</strong> <strong>August</strong>, <strong>the</strong>n<br />

Friday 13th September will see wine expert Tim French<br />

taking guests on a tour <strong>of</strong> French wines (£65). To find<br />

more events try falconhurst.co.uk<br />

The Chequers On<br />

The Green Pub<br />

High Halden, Kent<br />

Located in <strong>the</strong> picturesque Kent village <strong>of</strong> High Halden,<br />

just outside Tenterden, you will find this historic old inn.<br />

Dating back to <strong>the</strong> 14th century ‘The Chequers’, as it was<br />

formerly known, is recorded in <strong>the</strong> Domesday Book and<br />

is Grade II listed. The history books show <strong>the</strong>re has been<br />

an inn on <strong>the</strong> site since 1442. Some <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> old oak beams<br />

and floors upstairs are actually from <strong>the</strong> old galleons built<br />

in Small Hy<strong>the</strong> hundreds <strong>of</strong> years ago. Today <strong>the</strong> pub<br />

continues to thrive as a bustling foodie venue for locals<br />

and visitors from around <strong>the</strong> county. Andrew and Diane<br />

are experienced hosts <strong>of</strong> many years, and have steered <strong>the</strong><br />

pub through <strong>the</strong> last tough few years with <strong>the</strong> support <strong>of</strong> a<br />

cracking team. Great food, local wine and beer await you<br />

with welcoming hospitality at this charming, beautiful pub!<br />

chequerson<strong>the</strong>green.com<br />

The Crown Inn<br />

Chiddingfold, <strong>Surrey</strong><br />

The Crown Inn is arguably one <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> oldest inns in<br />

<strong>Surrey</strong> and one <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> most historically important.<br />

Originally said to date to as early as 1285, <strong>the</strong> inn<br />

served as a resting place for pilgrims en route from<br />

Winchester to Canterbury. This traditional timberframed<br />

Wealden hall house is now listed Grade II*.<br />

The Crown has many royal connections with Henry<br />

VI, Henry VIII, Elizabeth I and <strong>the</strong> young Edward<br />

VI all noted to have taken rest in Chiddingfold<br />

during <strong>the</strong>ir reigns. The Crown continues to<br />

celebrate and protect its strong historical connections<br />

and heritage.<br />

<strong>the</strong>crownchiddingfold.com<br />

81<br />

priceless-magazines.com


The Priceless <strong>Taste</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>South</strong> <strong>East</strong> <strong>Supplement</strong><br />

Setting out to create not only a thriving farm shop but also a bistro next door, is no mean<br />

feat. Which is why we’d like to introduce <strong>the</strong> lady behind Ferma Farm Shop in Ripley<br />

Kate Franklin is <strong>the</strong> owner <strong>of</strong><br />

Ferma Farm Shop, and an expert<br />

at making farm fresh foods really<br />

shine. We hear all about her thriving<br />

business ventures and how she manages to<br />

achieve so much.<br />

How do you find and select your suppliers?<br />

Before we opened we spent time<br />

researching suppliers that produced fresh<br />

and ambient products in <strong>Surrey</strong> and <strong>the</strong>n<br />

looked fur<strong>the</strong>r afield to get a wide range<br />

<strong>of</strong> top quality products. Now that we are<br />

more established we have <strong>the</strong> pleasure <strong>of</strong><br />

suppliers and producers contacting us to<br />

share <strong>the</strong>ir artisan products to consider for<br />

our shelves!<br />

Can you recommend any particular products<br />

that we should try? We have a fantastic<br />

selection <strong>of</strong> BBQ-ready skewers and<br />

marinated cuts <strong>of</strong> meat – all prepared<br />

in-house by our farm shop team. We also<br />

make our own quiches with ingredients<br />

from our farm shop which are very popular<br />

in Ripley. We change <strong>the</strong> flavours regularly<br />

– at <strong>the</strong> moment we have Beetroot, Goat’s<br />

Cheese & Sun Blushed Tomato, and<br />

Cheddar, Bacon, Chicken & Leek.<br />

You also have a bistro next door, can you<br />

tell us a bit about that? Our bistro serves<br />

breakfast and lunch daily using fresh<br />

produce from <strong>the</strong> farm shop all in an effort<br />

to combat waste. It has proven a lovely<br />

relationship as guests can experience a<br />

lovely lunch whilst <strong>the</strong> chefs cook from our<br />

open kitchen, and <strong>the</strong>n take a look around<br />

<strong>the</strong> shop where <strong>the</strong>y will find ingredients<br />

that <strong>the</strong>y enjoyed for <strong>the</strong>ir lunch ready<br />

to buy and take home! Our lunch menu<br />

comprises <strong>of</strong> a selection <strong>of</strong> seasonal small<br />

plates – we recommend choosing a couple<br />

<strong>of</strong> things each to share with <strong>the</strong> table. The<br />

food is delivered as it is ready so you get<br />

lots <strong>of</strong> different snacks and plates all nicely<br />

paced. This style <strong>of</strong> service suits a quick<br />

(but delicious!) lunch to break up a work<br />

day, or a leisurely treat with friends.<br />

How do you use your produce in <strong>the</strong> menu?<br />

Our bistro lunch menu gets a weekly<br />

refresh to keep things exciting! The<br />

menu is designed with seasonality at <strong>the</strong><br />

forefront, using produce from our shop.<br />

Specials <strong>of</strong> whole BBQ Fish or Dry Aged<br />

Ribeye from our counter will also make<br />

appearances here and <strong>the</strong>re.<br />

What are your personal favourite dishes on <strong>the</strong><br />

menu? Our Watermelon Greek Salad is a<br />

lovely dish and has proven very popular as<br />

a light, refreshing lunch. Our dishes change<br />

daily, if not weekly, but some staples like<br />

this will stay on for longer. It comes topped<br />

with creamy Graceburn cheese and drizzled<br />

with home made gazpacho.<br />

How do <strong>the</strong> shop and <strong>the</strong> bistro support<br />

sustainable and eco friendly practises? We use<br />

mainly kraft/cardboard packing and if any<br />

plastic is necessary it is recycled/recyclable!<br />

We source from as local as possible – think<br />

milk from a dairy in Redhill, c<strong>of</strong>fee from<br />

Dorking, pork from West Sussex and<br />

honey from Ripley! As well as using surplus<br />

produce in <strong>the</strong> bistro, we also produce<br />

our own ready meals, soups, cold readyto-eat<br />

lunch boxes and daily salads for our<br />

antipasti fridge – all with an aim to make<br />

sure produce is used and enjoyed ra<strong>the</strong>r<br />

than wasted.<br />

Do you have any upcoming events to look<br />

forward to? We host two supper clubs<br />

a month to open <strong>the</strong> bookings up for<br />

dinner. We seat guests in our bistro and<br />

also in front <strong>of</strong> our lovely farm shop’s open<br />

kitchen. For updates on our monthly<br />

supper clubs customers can sign up to our<br />

newsletter or pick up a flyer in store. Our<br />

<strong>August</strong> Dinners are available to book – first<br />

a Greek Mediterranean Mezze Feast on<br />

Friday 21st and <strong>the</strong>n an expertly composed<br />

3-course seasonal late summer menu on<br />

Saturday 31st.<br />

Find out more about Ferma Farm Shop at<br />

fermafarmshop.co.uk<br />

priceless-magazines.com<br />

82


SIMPLY<br />

NATURE'S<br />

FINEST<br />

Discover our family-run farm shop and bistro,<br />

<strong>of</strong>fering a wide range <strong>of</strong> locally sourced products.<br />

Enjoy fresh produce, meats, cheeses, artisan beers,<br />

wines, and healthy homemade ready meals. Try our<br />

dry-aged Scotch beef and fresh fish six days a week.<br />

Our bistro is perfect for breakfast, lunch, and<br />

drinks, with indoor and outdoor seating. Enjoy<br />

Chimney Fire c<strong>of</strong>fee, small sharing plates, and<br />

locally produced Greyfriars wine at our <strong>the</strong>med<br />

dinner events. We look forward to seeing you!<br />

1 Teulon House, 128 High Street,<br />

Ripley, <strong>Surrey</strong>, GU23 6AY<br />

FERMAFARMSHOP.CO.UK


A warm welcome to…<br />

Stepping Stones<br />

Dorking<br />

Stepping Stones is <strong>the</strong> perfect location<br />

for walkers, cyclists, and runners. Family,<br />

dog, and muddy boot friendly.<br />

Give <strong>the</strong> Gift<br />

<strong>of</strong> Culinary Delight<br />

with The Abinger Cookery<br />

School Vouchers<br />

BUY NOW ON OUR WEBSITE<br />

abingercookeryschool.com<br />

Enjoy real ales, wines, and local gins. Our menu<br />

features fresh, seasonal produce, local cheeses, meats,<br />

and classic dishes. Join us, locals and visitors alike!<br />

Stepping Stones<br />

Westhumble Street, Westhumble, Dorking RH5 6BS<br />

01306 889932 steppingstonesdorking.co.uk<br />

guildford<br />

30 aug-1 sept<br />

MasterChef Champions · GBBO Stars · Michelin Chefs<br />

Fire Stage · Cook School · Hot Chilli Challenge<br />

Feasting Tent · Wine, Champagne & Beer Tastings<br />

KIDS<br />

GO FREE<br />

AGES 6<br />

& UNDER<br />

buy now foodiesfestival.com<br />

priceless-magazines.com<br />

84


Wealden Tea Box<br />

With <strong>the</strong>ir first wedding cake being made in<br />

1994, and <strong>the</strong> latest one just a few weeks ago,<br />

wedding cakes have always been a part <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

family at Wealden Tea Box. It started with just<br />

Kate, but now her daughters Royan and Ciara<br />

have joined in too, it really is a family affair.<br />

They <strong>of</strong>fer bespoke cakes <strong>of</strong> all sizes – from<br />

small intimate weddings to mass ga<strong>the</strong>rings<br />

– any flavour, any size, nothing is too much<br />

trouble. Plus <strong>the</strong>y also cater events in <strong>the</strong>ir<br />

charming converted horse box which <strong>the</strong>y fill<br />

with all sorts <strong>of</strong> delicious food and traditional<br />

tea room delicacies. wealdenteabox.co.uk<br />

The Priceless <strong>Taste</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>South</strong> <strong>East</strong> <strong>Supplement</strong><br />

The<br />

Main<br />

Event<br />

For event catering <strong>the</strong>re’s a<br />

whole host <strong>of</strong> options right<br />

here in <strong>the</strong> <strong>South</strong> <strong>East</strong><br />

A Little Bit<br />

Naughty<br />

Michelle discovered her passion for<br />

baking 20 years ago, whilst organising<br />

charity cake sales. The popularity <strong>of</strong> her<br />

cakes encouraged her to start a part-time<br />

business in 2013, which turned into a<br />

full-time career 5 years ago after leaving<br />

her IT job behind. Having battled breast<br />

cancer last year, Michelle says creating<br />

her bespoke celebration cakes helped<br />

her through chemo<strong>the</strong>rapy, giving her a<br />

reason to get up and keep going. Now<br />

cancer free and back to full health she’s<br />

looking forward to a busy year, making<br />

even more customers’ cake dreams come<br />

true. alittlebitnaughty.co.uk<br />

The Curious Events<br />

This one is a magical step out <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> box that delivers<br />

carefully curated events and feasts that ignite <strong>the</strong><br />

senses and capture <strong>the</strong> magic <strong>of</strong> any occasion. Filled<br />

with life, colour, energy and years <strong>of</strong> experience, The<br />

Curious Events will take you beyond any expectations<br />

<strong>of</strong> what a celebration can be. They aim to transport<br />

guests through <strong>the</strong> looking glass to a magical world<br />

<strong>of</strong> truly unique dining experiences, while keeping<br />

community, sustainability and fantastic food at heart.<br />

<strong>the</strong>curiousevents.co.uk<br />

85<br />

priceless-magazines.com


The Priceless <strong>Taste</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>South</strong> <strong>East</strong> <strong>Supplement</strong><br />

Bank Holiday<br />

Banquets<br />

<strong>August</strong>’s bank holiday is <strong>the</strong> perfect time to see<br />

out <strong>the</strong> summer with a feast <strong>of</strong> foodie festivals and<br />

fairs! The only question is, which will you choose?<br />

Kent Life Ice Cream Festival<br />

Sat 24 – Sun, 25 Aug 10am-5pm<br />

Brogdale Collections, Brogdale<br />

Farm, Faversham, Kent ME13 8XZ<br />

BROGDALE CIDER FESTIVAL<br />

Get a taste <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> wonderful ciders<br />

<strong>of</strong> Kent, whilst grooving away to<br />

live music from popular local bands,<br />

indulging in some amazing food and<br />

drink and enjoying free family fun! A<br />

bouncy castle, facepainting, festival<br />

games, crafts, outdoor cooking and<br />

juice making workshops and even<br />

a miniature railway <strong>of</strong>fering rides<br />

around <strong>the</strong> orchards – you won’t be<br />

bored at this one! The soundtrack<br />

will come from no less than three<br />

music stages with popular local<br />

bands mixing all sorts <strong>of</strong> genres.<br />

As for <strong>the</strong> cider, <strong>the</strong>re will be over<br />

40 artisan and specialist varieties<br />

to taste, including some <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> best<br />

award-winning cider producers from<br />

in and around Kent like Biddenden<br />

Vineyard, Brogdale Cider, Kent<br />

Cider Company, Kentish Pip,<br />

Longtail, Turners Cider and Wise<br />

Owl Cider. You can also enjoy<br />

cocktails and o<strong>the</strong>r alcoholic and non<br />

alcoholic options.<br />

Price: Adults £15, Children £5 (3-15<br />

yrs), Under 3 free, Families £35 (2<br />

adults & 2 children)<br />

brogdalecollections.org<br />

Sat 24 – Mon 26 Aug<br />

Hampton Court Palace,<br />

Hampton Court Way, Molesey,<br />

<strong>East</strong> Molesey KT8 9AU<br />

HAMPTON COURT<br />

FOOD FESTIVAL<br />

The crowning event <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> summer<br />

season is back and artisanal food<br />

and drink producers are flocking to<br />

<strong>the</strong> grounds <strong>of</strong> Henry VIII’s former<br />

home with everything from posh<br />

pastries to Scandi sandwiches. The<br />

palace will be serving up mouthwatering<br />

street food from around<br />

<strong>the</strong> world, pop-up bars, lawn games,<br />

bandstand music, face painting<br />

for <strong>the</strong> little ones, wooden fête<br />

games and even carriage rides with<br />

shire horses – all set in <strong>the</strong> lovely<br />

lawns <strong>of</strong> Henry VIII’s magnificent<br />

residence. Step into a foodie paradise<br />

to try Crumpy’s Smoke Shack<br />

street food, artisan ice creams from<br />

Baboo Gelato, comforting treats by<br />

Flapjackery, and Aperol Spritz from<br />

The Little Orange Van, among many<br />

fabulous o<strong>the</strong>rs. You’ll even find a<br />

few Wealden Times Fair favourites<br />

<strong>the</strong>re like Thomas Cookie and<br />

O’Donnell Moonshine. Plus, you<br />

can explore <strong>the</strong> palace and grounds<br />

while you’re at it and get <strong>the</strong> chance<br />

to test drive <strong>the</strong> all-new Lexus LBX<br />

onsite as <strong>the</strong>y are sponsoring.<br />

Price: included with Hampton<br />

Court Palace admission, free to<br />

Historic Royal Palaces members<br />

hrpfestivals.com/hampton-court-palace<br />

Sat 24 – Mon 26 Aug 10am-5pm<br />

Kent Life, Lock Lane, Sandling,<br />

Maidstone, Kent ME14 3AU<br />

KENT LIFE ICE<br />

CREAM FESTIVAL<br />

The perfect treat for all ice-cream<br />

enthusiasts. Kent Life’s top field will<br />

be filled with live music and food<br />

stalls with a delectable selection<br />

<strong>of</strong> over 40 mouthwatering icecream<br />

flavours to try and buy! The<br />

toppings station will be brimming<br />

with delicious syrups, marshmallows<br />

and sprinkles, so you can have fun<br />

personalising your icy creations too.<br />

There will be dairy free and vegan<br />

options as well as o<strong>the</strong>r foods to<br />

Hampton Court Food Festival<br />

fill you up, including homemade<br />

wood-fired pizzas. For entertainment,<br />

you’ll find an abundance <strong>of</strong> music,<br />

dancing and three brilliant Big Top<br />

Shows per day, and <strong>of</strong> course Kent<br />

Life’s adorable animal friends!<br />

Price: Adults £11.36, Children (aged<br />

2-15) £11.36, Members Free<br />

kentlife.org.uk<br />

24, 25 & 26 Aug<br />

Hy<strong>the</strong> Green Portland Road,<br />

Hy<strong>the</strong>, Kent CT21 6JB<br />

WE LOVE HYTHE LIFE<br />

FOOD FESTIVAL<br />

Indulge in mouthwatering dishes<br />

served up by fabulous food<br />

connoisseurs showcasing cuisines<br />

from international flavours to local<br />

specialities. At <strong>the</strong> Local Artisanal<br />

Markets, you can explore local<br />

produce and tempting products<br />

from unique spices to handcrafted<br />

chutneys and cheeses. Meanwhile<br />

live music from hugely talented<br />

local singers and musicians will<br />

make for a brilliant buzzing Bank<br />

Holiday. Family-friendly activities<br />

will include fairground rides, Hy<strong>the</strong><br />

Fire and Rescue’s fire engine, and face<br />

painting. All pr<strong>of</strong>its are returned to<br />

<strong>the</strong> community.<br />

welovehy<strong>the</strong>life.co.uk<br />

priceless-magazines.com<br />

86


87


JeremyHobbsS53.indd 1 15/0<br />

Opening Hours<br />

Mon - Sat 09.30 - 17.30<br />

3 Oakdene Parade,<br />

Cobham, <strong>Surrey</strong> KT11 2LR.<br />

Telephone: 01932 865700<br />

info@jeremyhobbs.co.uk<br />

@jeremyhobbsmenswear<br />

www.jeremyhobbs.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 />

88


Marine bead<br />

hoop earrings<br />

£10 Hooples<br />

hooples.co.uk<br />

Embroiderd<br />

bamboo top<br />

handle bag £85<br />

Fable England<br />

fableengland.com<br />

Scallop heart pendant necklace £25<br />

Estella Bartlett estellabartlett.com<br />

Sunset T-Shirt<br />

£28 Rapanui<br />

rapanuiclothing.com<br />

Sunies green butterfly textured<br />

shoes £99 The Positive<br />

Company <strong>the</strong>positive.co<br />

Metallic jute beach<br />

bag £35 Accessorize<br />

accessorize.com<br />

The Revelation Of Your<br />

Existence earrings £280<br />

Kensho Heirlooms<br />

kenshoheirlooms.com<br />

Betsy denim blue<br />

espadrilles £169<br />

Calla callashoes.co.uk<br />

Mediterranean<br />

sun necklace £135<br />

Koukla London<br />

koukla-london.com<br />

Mules with pearls<br />

£225 Marc Cain<br />

marc-cain.com<br />

Constellation necklace<br />

£199 Audeo Brand<br />

audeobrand.com<br />

The Monogram Mediterranean Blue<br />

$425 Grace de Monaco gdmonaco.com<br />

Mediterranean<br />

Moments<br />

Nicola top<br />

£39.95<br />

Barbour<br />

barbour.com<br />

Aperol spritzes, azure seas, fresh fruits<br />

and sunny skies – we’re feeling inspired<br />

by <strong>the</strong> magic <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Med<br />

Woven bracelet<br />

with ornaments<br />

£26 Thomas Sabo<br />

thomassabo.com<br />

Kim slim sunglasses<br />

£160 Thomas Sabo<br />

thomassabo.com<br />

Galla gold cocktail ring £49<br />

Ottoman Hands ottomanhands.com<br />

Kaka Reef sunglasses £120<br />

Bird Eyewear findyourbirds.com<br />

istockphoto.com/ Igor Tichonow<br />

Friends Like These<br />

pink tile wrap dress<br />

£58 Next next.co.uk<br />

Orange blossom everyday<br />

pouch £25.60 Elizabeth<br />

Scarlett elizabethscarlett.com<br />

Goddess Demeter<br />

coin earrings £55<br />

Ottoman Hands<br />

ottomanhands.com<br />

The sun brooch<br />

£78 Hand and Lock<br />

handembroideryshop.com<br />

Temple Of Flora<br />

silk scarf £120<br />

Rory Hutton<br />

roryhutton.co.uk<br />

Gold Maíra bracelet<br />

£65 Audeo Brand<br />

audeobrand.com<br />

Celine silk chiffon dress £159<br />

Busby & Fox busbyandfox.com<br />

Bridal scallop clipframe bag<br />

£50 Accessorize<br />

accessorize.com<br />

Alpa espadrilles £109.99<br />

Blue Velvet bluevelvetshoes.com<br />

Palm maxi dress £120 Scamp<br />

& Dude scampanddude.com<br />

89<br />

priceless-magazines.com


Cool<br />

Beauty<br />

Josephine Fairley explains how to<br />

adapt your skincare and makeup<br />

regime to warmer wea<strong>the</strong>r<br />

I<br />

run hot. Don’t know about you, but I’ll<br />

always be <strong>the</strong> one fanning myself on a<br />

hot day, looking a bit wan in a shady<br />

corner. (Just to underline <strong>the</strong> point, I am<br />

even signed up to a Facebook group<br />

by <strong>the</strong> name <strong>of</strong> ‘I Like to Flip My<br />

Pillow Over to <strong>the</strong> Cool Side’ – because<br />

I do. And that pillow better be linen,<br />

which is naturally cooler on <strong>the</strong> skin.)<br />

Getting <strong>of</strong>f to a slow start, this clearly isn’t<br />

going to go down on record as <strong>the</strong> hottest summer<br />

in history, in <strong>the</strong> UK. But whenever a heatwave does<br />

break (or we travel to warmer climes), it still calls for a<br />

shift in skincare, make-up and bodycare, in rapid response.<br />

Lighten up your skincare<br />

Oily skins, in particular, suffer in <strong>the</strong> heat; a heavy moisturiser can<br />

leave skin feeling sticky, looking shiny and even lead to acne breakouts.<br />

But don’t make <strong>the</strong> mistake <strong>of</strong> skipping moisturiser altoge<strong>the</strong>r – all skins<br />

need moisture, and if skin is dehydrated, oil glands will simply work harder<br />

to produce yet more sebum. Great lighter weight moisturisers, in my<br />

book, <strong>of</strong>ten have gel or gel-crème textures, and include <strong>the</strong> incredibly<br />

reasonably-priced Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Water Gel,<br />

£14 for 50ml, Jones Road Beauty Oil Free Moisturiser, £36 for 52ml,<br />

and Vichy Minéral 89 72H Moisture Boosting Cream, £24 for<br />

50ml. (Do also see <strong>the</strong> section on suncare, below – because wearing<br />

a good SPF is basically <strong>the</strong> law, in summer. Or ought to be.)<br />

Whatever your skintype, though, opt for something lighter if you like to<br />

use a facial oil, at night. All facial oils are not created equal, but in <strong>the</strong> most<br />

recent Beauty Bible Awards, we identified two that performed particularly<br />

well on panels <strong>of</strong> 10 women prone to oiliness – which would also be an<br />

ideal switch for drier skins in humid or hot wea<strong>the</strong>r. From <strong>the</strong> CBDpowered<br />

brand, Poko Luxury Facial Oil, £27 for 30ml, harnesses baobab,<br />

crambe, pomegranate (an antioxidant powerhouse) and moringa oil, which<br />

supports healing from acne, calms redness and soo<strong>the</strong>s irritation. Nonpore-blocking<br />

Jane Scrivner Pore Purity, £46 for 30ml, meanwhile, works<br />

to nourish skin without triggering breakouts or congestion, via clarifying<br />

watermelon seed oil and sandalwood, which tackles oil over-production.<br />

istockphoto.com/ Deagreez<br />

90


Beauty<br />

Make sure you’re protected<br />

Heat = sunshine (generally). I’m already converted to <strong>the</strong> idea <strong>of</strong><br />

using a sunscreen year-round because <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> protection it <strong>of</strong>fers<br />

against blue light from devices, so I now religiously wear an<br />

SPF25 or SPF30 even during winter. But come summer, though,<br />

I never dip below an SPF50. Now, in reality, <strong>the</strong> way SPFs are<br />

calculated is fiendishly complicated and highly illogical – with<br />

an SPF50+, you’re not in reality getting twice <strong>the</strong> protection <strong>of</strong><br />

an SPF25, but in fact a small uptick in protection. Never<strong>the</strong>less,<br />

I’d still ra<strong>the</strong>r go higher, now that formulations have been<br />

vastly improved and chalkiness or ghostliness is a thing <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

past. Sharing some new favourites for summer <strong>2024</strong>, <strong>the</strong>se<br />

include are Trinny See The Light SPF50+ Moisturiser, £45<br />

for 50ml, and Aurelia Hydrate & Protect Anti-Ageing SPF50<br />

Moisturiser, £65 for 60ml – both completely stellar performers.<br />

Stop make-up melting<br />

Primers most definitely help your make-up from sliding <strong>of</strong>f your<br />

face – I swear by <strong>the</strong>m for longevity, year-round, but <strong>the</strong>y truly<br />

come into <strong>the</strong>ir own in summer. If you normally tend towards<br />

dryness, by all means layer a primer over your SPF – my two<br />

absolute favourites are Elemis Pro-Collagen Insta-Smooth<br />

Primer, £62 for 50ml (I’m on my fifth tube), and Delilah<br />

Underwear Future Resist Foundation Primer, £39 for 48ml.<br />

But if your complexion is on <strong>the</strong> oily side, my advice would be<br />

to choose a primer with a built-in SPF, like Charlotte Tilbury<br />

Invisible UV Flawless Poreless Primer, £40 for 30ml, or Hello<br />

Sunday The One That’s Got It All Invisible Sun Primer<br />

SPF50, £23 for 50ml, both <strong>of</strong> which do double-duty and cut<br />

down on <strong>the</strong> number <strong>of</strong> products you’re applying to oily skin.<br />

Having never been a particular devotee <strong>of</strong> make-up setting sprays,<br />

which sometimes leave skin feeling ‘tight’ because <strong>the</strong>y add a layer <strong>of</strong><br />

polymers, I’ve totally revised my opinion after discovering By Terry<br />

Hyaluronic Glow Setting Mist, £46 for 100ml – non-greasy, easily<br />

absorbed, hydrating skin with no less than eight different weights<br />

<strong>of</strong> hyaluronic acid, and honestly extending <strong>the</strong> life <strong>of</strong> make-up;<br />

it promises up to 16 hours <strong>of</strong> make-up wear – I’m not sure that’s<br />

true in my case, but it certainly turbo-charges its endurance and<br />

also, magically, seems to smooth out <strong>the</strong> appearance <strong>of</strong> make-up.<br />

Spring Water Spray, £10 for 150ml, which soo<strong>the</strong> and hydrate<br />

beautifully with mineral-rich spring water. For something a little<br />

more actively re-moisturising though, reach for a product like<br />

PIXI Hydrating Milky Mist, £16 for 80ml, or Caudalie Beauty<br />

Elixir, £18 for 100ml, which is enriched with botanical extracts.<br />

Don’t forget <strong>the</strong> deodorant<br />

If you didn’t clip and save last June’s in-depth look at deodorants,<br />

on <strong>the</strong>se pages (what do you mean, you didn’t…?), my<br />

enduring favourites include <strong>the</strong> AKT range <strong>of</strong> fragrance-first<br />

cream deodorants, my favourite <strong>of</strong> which is SC.01 Orange<br />

Grove, £21 for 50ml (zesty with petitgrain, neroli and<br />

mandarin), and <strong>the</strong> ultra-classic Malin+Goetz Eucalyptus<br />

Deodorant, <strong>the</strong>ir #1 global bestseller for over 13 years (and<br />

understandably so). But whichever is your favourite, always<br />

make sure armpits are properly dry before applying, as swiping<br />

or spraying onto sweaty skin will diminish its effectiveness.<br />

Keep your feet happy<br />

Oh, <strong>the</strong> joy <strong>of</strong> being able to sit, sip and even dine outside… Of<br />

not needing a cardigan. Of simply allowing <strong>the</strong> sun to melt into<br />

your body, relaxing it. But if those are <strong>the</strong> upsides <strong>of</strong> hot wea<strong>the</strong>r,<br />

one <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> major downsides is that even your favourite summer<br />

sandals can suddenly cause blisters. I’d read that Megababe<br />

Thigh Rescue Anti-Friction Stick, £12 for 60g, was also great<br />

for preventing blisters, and whenever <strong>the</strong> mercury’s risen. So, I<br />

began applying it to <strong>the</strong> parts <strong>of</strong> my feet where I know that strappy<br />

shoes or <strong>the</strong> backs <strong>of</strong> trainers rub. The result? Not a single blister<br />

in all <strong>of</strong> <strong>2024</strong> (and that’s despite walking 20,000 steps a day in<br />

Venice earlier this year, on an unusually boiling spring jaunt).<br />

I hope all <strong>of</strong> this helps you stay cooler – and look gorgeous<br />

– when summer shows its face. But one more thing…?<br />

Don’t forget to flip your pillow over, on those hot nights.<br />

Visit beautybible.<br />

com for more <strong>of</strong><br />

Jo’s makeup, skin<br />

and haircare tips.<br />

Chill your cosmetics<br />

Keeping your skincare and fragrance in <strong>the</strong> fridge will prolong<br />

its life and also, in hot wea<strong>the</strong>r, provide a welcome moment <strong>of</strong><br />

cooling calm when you apply a cream or spritz a scent that’s<br />

been pre-chilled. Trouble is… do you really want to potter to<br />

<strong>the</strong> fridge first thing in <strong>the</strong> morning or last thing at night, as part<br />

<strong>of</strong> your skincare regime…? Enter <strong>the</strong> Stylpro Fridge, £54.99, <strong>of</strong><br />

which 250,000 units have already been sold, worldwide – and<br />

I’m really not surprised, because this dinky chiller is one cute<br />

gadget. (Tip: it’s also good for overwintering suncare, whose<br />

protective powers can diminish if just left in a bathroom cabinet.)<br />

Cool down with a spritz<br />

Whe<strong>the</strong>r or not you keep it in <strong>the</strong> refrigerator, a facial mist can<br />

instantly give a very welcome sensation <strong>of</strong> cool – and also work<br />

to ‘refresh’ make-up, restoring its freshness and dewiness. (Just<br />

don’t touch skin afterwards, allow to dry naturally.) Some great<br />

choices: Lumene Nordic Hydra [Lähde] Pure Arctic Hydration<br />

Spring Water Mist, £7.50 for 50ml, and Avène Thermal<br />

91


LUXURY FITNESS, DANCE AND TENNIS RETREATS<br />

DISCOVER CHÂTEAU LOU CASTEOU<br />

Set in <strong>the</strong> beautiful French Cote d’Azur countryside, minutes from <strong>the</strong> sea. These Luxurious Retreats provides <strong>the</strong> perfect balance <strong>of</strong> gourmet<br />

meals, pampered luxury, energetic fitness classes, Latin dance sessions and outdoor activities including coastal treks, tennis, boxercise,<br />

aqua-gym, circuit training, yoga, sea kayaking and beach workouts, to help guests improve <strong>the</strong>ir fitness level or kick start a regime.<br />

Retreats include 5 days <strong>of</strong> luxury accommodation in <strong>the</strong> chateau in en‐suite bedrooms with sea or mountain views.<br />

Delicious, nutritious gourmet meals served with elegant 3 course dinners. Enjoy a quality open bar, excellent provencal wines, evening parties and entertainment.<br />

Please contact Morag.McLarenBaxter@yahoo.co.uk or 07990 573287 with questions and for reservations. www.loucasteou.com<br />

Natural Relief for Hay Fever<br />

Hay fever is <strong>the</strong> cause <strong>of</strong> seasonal misery to<br />

millions <strong>of</strong> people worldwide.<br />

Award winning Helios Hay Fever combines<br />

three homeopathic remedies Allium cepa,<br />

Euphrasia and Sabadilla and has a long history<br />

<strong>of</strong> traditional use to relieve typical hay fever<br />

symptoms such as irritated eyes and nose,<br />

itching, sneezing and a dry, tickly cough.<br />

Being natural, Helios Hay Fever is without any<br />

known side effects, does not cause drowsiness<br />

and is suitable for all <strong>the</strong> family.<br />

Alongside our remedies we have a wide range<br />

<strong>of</strong> herbal and o<strong>the</strong>r natural products to relieve<br />

your hay fever symptoms, backed by expert<br />

advice from our team <strong>of</strong> qualifi ed homeopaths<br />

and pharmacists.<br />

A warm welcome awaits you or for more<br />

information please see our website<br />

www.helios.co.uk<br />

Helios Homeopathy Ltd, 97 Camden Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN1 2QR<br />

Open Mon-Fri 9.00am - 5.30pm Sat 9.00am - 2.00pm<br />

01892 537254 www.helios.co.uk<br />

priceless-magazines.com<br />

92<br />

HeliosPharmacyWT239.indd 1 22/03/2022 14:04


Health<br />

Take a break<br />

Sarah Maxwell gives her advice for exercising<br />

on holiday – if you choose to!<br />

Overworked, exhausted and<br />

needing a break? Bring on<br />

<strong>the</strong> holidays! Take a break<br />

from your usual exercise routine and<br />

return feeling relaxed, refreshed and<br />

fit. The lead-up to a holiday can<br />

bring a variety <strong>of</strong> stresses, and <strong>of</strong>ten,<br />

by <strong>the</strong> time you arrive (especially<br />

if you’ve had to organise <strong>the</strong><br />

family too), you can end up being<br />

more exhausted than when you<br />

originally booked <strong>the</strong> restful break.<br />

If you’re a regular exerciser, trying<br />

to fit exercise into your holiday can<br />

add stress. You won’t lose fitness by<br />

taking a week <strong>of</strong>f. Still, by doing<br />

something entirely different, you’ll<br />

stay motivated long-term and return<br />

feeling great. Remember, it’s okay<br />

to take time away from your regular<br />

exercise routine, and it’s a great way<br />

to try new things and get creative.<br />

Download some apps...<br />

If you prefer exercising indoors,<br />

use workout apps or online videos<br />

that guide you through different<br />

routines. You can easily do<br />

<strong>the</strong>se in your hotel room or any<br />

available space. Skipping ropes<br />

and resistance bands can be a good<br />

addition if you have space in your<br />

suitcase. I usually find space in my<br />

trainers if I haven’t over-packed<br />

<strong>the</strong>m and filled <strong>the</strong>m with socks.<br />

Use your own bodyweight...<br />

Incorporate bodyweight exercises<br />

throughout <strong>the</strong> day. You could<br />

do lunges or squats while walking<br />

from one landmark to ano<strong>the</strong>r.<br />

Throw down some planks on<br />

<strong>the</strong> beach, jump <strong>the</strong> waves and<br />

walk on <strong>the</strong> s<strong>of</strong>t sand (this<br />

doubles up as a great pedicure).<br />

a ball. The wonderful teacher<br />

was from an 80s aerobics class,<br />

and <strong>the</strong> atmosphere was electric.<br />

I held back on <strong>the</strong> mojito,<br />

joined in, couldn’t follow most<br />

<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> moves, but didn’t care. I<br />

returned every day <strong>of</strong> my holiday,<br />

made new friends, and had one<br />

<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> best holidays ever!<br />

So get creative, have fun,<br />

and have a fantastic, restful,<br />

well-earned holiday!<br />

istockphoto.com/ champpixs<br />

Give it a go...<br />

Why not walk, jog or run to explore<br />

<strong>the</strong> area? You can plan a route past<br />

famous landmarks, scenic spots<br />

or exciting neighbourhoods. This<br />

way, you’ll get to see <strong>the</strong> sights<br />

while getting a cardio workout.<br />

You will <strong>of</strong>ten see and experience<br />

much more <strong>of</strong> your destination. If<br />

on a city break, take advantage <strong>of</strong><br />

city bike hire. Look for parks and<br />

nature trails, get out into nature,<br />

walk, climb, meditate and reap all<br />

<strong>the</strong> benefits <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> great outdoors.<br />

Check out classes nearby...<br />

Find a local yoga or pilates<br />

class and see if you can get a<br />

pass or temporary membership<br />

to a local gym. This can be a<br />

great way to try different gym<br />

equipment, find new exercises<br />

and engage with local people.<br />

Make time to relax...<br />

Don’t forget <strong>the</strong> relaxation.<br />

Use <strong>the</strong> spa, grab a massage,<br />

float in <strong>the</strong> pool and take<br />

time for yourself. Leave <strong>the</strong><br />

guilt at home and indulge.<br />

A few years ago, I was having a<br />

well-earned solo break but was<br />

struggling with motivating myself<br />

to do anything o<strong>the</strong>r than lie<br />

down most <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> day. Early<br />

one evening, I dragged myself<br />

<strong>of</strong>f <strong>the</strong> beach bed and sat<br />

quietly in a local hostelry<br />

(about to order a mojito).<br />

Across <strong>the</strong> road, a large<br />

group <strong>of</strong> people <strong>of</strong> all<br />

ages, shapes and<br />

sizes had ga<strong>the</strong>red.<br />

In seconds, <strong>the</strong>y<br />

were all dancing<br />

wildly and having<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 />

93<br />

priceless-magazines.com


Cranbrook, Kent TN17 3PS<br />

SALE<br />

NOW ON<br />

Summer Sale Now On<br />

SHOP ONLINE AND INSTORE<br />

49 High St, Cranbrook, TN17 3EE<br />

www.odyl.co.uk | 01580 714907<br />

priceless-magazines.com<br />

94


istockphoto.com, miwa_in_oz , Magone, chokja, Elena Tsvetkova, Drazen Zigic, Agustin Vai /Lisovskaya<br />

Nourish to Flourish<br />

Nutrition & Lifestyle Coach Charlotte Lau<br />

explores <strong>the</strong> benefits <strong>of</strong> incorporating<br />

ano<strong>the</strong>r healthy ingredient into our<br />

diets. This month it’s beetroot<br />

Beetroot is a vibrant and versatile vegetable known<br />

for its earthy flavour and aroma. In addition to<br />

bringing a pop <strong>of</strong> colour to your plate, beetroot<br />

is highly nutritious and packed with essential vitamins,<br />

minerals and plant compounds. It is also rich in a group<br />

<strong>of</strong> substances called nitrates which have a beneficial<br />

influence on our cardiovascular system, lowering blood<br />

pressure. Beetroot’s intense purple colour is delivered<br />

by a compound called Betacyacin. This has been shown<br />

to support detoxification pathways in <strong>the</strong> liver by<br />

disarming harmful substances in <strong>the</strong> body, ready for<br />

removal. Beets are also high in fibre which promotes<br />

<strong>the</strong> growth <strong>of</strong> good bacteria in your gut and can help to<br />

improve digestion. What’s more, <strong>the</strong>y are delicious and<br />

easy to add to your diet in dishes like balsamic roasted<br />

beets, hummus, fries and even smoothies, as well as<br />

this dip recipe, which is perfect for alfresco dining.<br />

Charlotte runs Plume Nutrition, where she <strong>of</strong>fers support and advice<br />

for weight management, controlling cravings, sleeplessness, stress<br />

and increasing energy levels. Find out more at plumenutrition.com<br />

Whipped feta with roasted beetroot<br />

and pistachios Serves 4<br />

• 1 large beetroot (around 450g)<br />

• 250g Greek yoghurt<br />

• 200g feta cheese<br />

• 1 tbsp avocado oil<br />

• juice <strong>of</strong> half a lemon<br />

• drizzle <strong>of</strong> honey<br />

• half a cup <strong>of</strong> chopped pistachio nuts<br />

1. Peel <strong>the</strong> beetroot and cut into wedges <strong>the</strong>n toss with oil<br />

and season with salt and pepper. Bake at 180°C for 20-25<br />

minutes, or until tender when pressed with a fork. Set aside.<br />

2. Add <strong>the</strong> feta cheese along with <strong>the</strong> Greek yoghurt<br />

and <strong>the</strong> juice <strong>of</strong> half a lemon to a large bowl, <strong>the</strong>n<br />

season with salt and pepper. Beat <strong>the</strong> mixture with<br />

a hand mixer or whisk until smooth and fluffy.<br />

3. Spread <strong>the</strong> feta yoghurt mixture onto a<br />

large plate, place <strong>the</strong> roasted beets onto<br />

half <strong>the</strong> plate. Top with crushed<br />

pistachios and a drizzle <strong>of</strong> honey.<br />

4. This is delicious served<br />

with warm pita or flat bread<br />

– break into pieces using your<br />

hands and enjoy!<br />

95<br />

priceless-magazines.com


Garden<br />

Summer Survivors<br />

Jo Arnell explains that no water isn’t necessarily an issue for members <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> succulent family<br />

istockphoto.com/Mariia Skovpen / Hein Nouwens / quangpraha/ franswillemblok<br />

Alien looking, self-sufficient,<br />

popular with students and<br />

those <strong>of</strong> us that forget to water<br />

– succulents are a fascinating group<br />

<strong>of</strong> plants and can be very satisfying to<br />

grow. They are virtually indestructible<br />

and seem unbo<strong>the</strong>red by most pests and<br />

diseases. That is unless you overwater<br />

<strong>the</strong>m – and <strong>the</strong>n <strong>the</strong>y behave like<br />

<strong>the</strong> Wicked Witch <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>East</strong> and<br />

melt away (but sadly to sludge ra<strong>the</strong>r<br />

than in a puff <strong>of</strong> green smoke).<br />

This is a big group <strong>of</strong> plants; across<br />

many botanical families throughout<br />

<strong>the</strong> world some plants have found<br />

<strong>the</strong>mselves in difficult terrain and have<br />

gradually adapted to <strong>the</strong>ir circumstances,<br />

developing ways to survive and conserve<br />

water. We might imagine <strong>the</strong>y are all<br />

from warmer climates and deserts,<br />

but <strong>the</strong>re are succulents found in<br />

mountainous regions too. It can get<br />

very cold at night in <strong>the</strong> desert and <strong>the</strong><br />

winter in <strong>the</strong> mountains, but it tends to<br />

be dry in <strong>the</strong>se places – until <strong>the</strong>re’s a<br />

flash flood, or spring ice melt – and this<br />

is when <strong>the</strong> plants will rush into flower<br />

and suck up as much water as <strong>the</strong>y can<br />

to last <strong>the</strong>m until <strong>the</strong> next time. They<br />

will store water in <strong>the</strong>ir fleshy stems<br />

and leaves and manage to eke it out,<br />

sometimes for years, until it rains again.<br />

This gives us a clue as to <strong>the</strong> sort <strong>of</strong><br />

care <strong>the</strong>y need and, although we don’t<br />

live in an arid desert (yet), we can try<br />

to mimic <strong>the</strong> situation. For a start<br />

we should choose <strong>the</strong> sunniest, driest<br />

part <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> garden to grow <strong>the</strong>m in.<br />

A rockery is ideal, as <strong>the</strong>y are usually<br />

raised (and potentially full <strong>of</strong> useful<br />

rocks and crevices). This mimics<br />

<strong>the</strong> scree slopes and mountainous<br />

places and looks more natural.<br />

These fleshy leaved survivors are<br />

adapted to harsh dry conditions, and<br />

will grow in <strong>the</strong> unlikeliest <strong>of</strong> places –<br />

cracks in paving, dry stone walls – and<br />

in <strong>the</strong> past were even used to plug<br />

holes in thatched ro<strong>of</strong>s, earning <strong>the</strong><br />

name ‘houseleeks’. The Latin name,<br />

Sempervivum, is interesting too, meaning<br />

ever-living, hinting at <strong>the</strong>ir tendency to<br />

keep going and not die back. Providing<br />

<strong>the</strong>re’s good drainage and <strong>the</strong> right<br />

varieties have been chosen, <strong>the</strong>y’ll<br />

manage outside through <strong>the</strong> winter too.<br />

Plant <strong>the</strong>m in <strong>the</strong> sunniest parts <strong>of</strong><br />

<strong>the</strong> garden if <strong>the</strong>y are going to live up<br />

to this ever-living habit – <strong>the</strong>y will be<br />

‘ever-dying’ if positioned in a damp, dark<br />

corner. The exception to this is Sedum<br />

spectabile – <strong>the</strong> ice plant, which seems<br />

to manage in most garden situations. <br />

priceless-magazines.com 96


This is a wonderfully useful,<br />

low growing perennial that<br />

comes into its own at <strong>the</strong> end<br />

<strong>of</strong> summer when its nectarrich<br />

flowers are smo<strong>the</strong>red<br />

in butterflies and bees.<br />

Succulents make for very<br />

successful living ro<strong>of</strong>s too. You<br />

can buy <strong>the</strong>m ei<strong>the</strong>r on a roll,<br />

or in shallow trays that can be<br />

laid like tiles. Providing <strong>the</strong>re’s<br />

good drainage, <strong>the</strong>y will need<br />

very little maintenance and will<br />

instantly beautify a bin store or<br />

shed ro<strong>of</strong> – and attract wildlife.<br />

Containers<br />

Succulents make striking pot<br />

plants; you can design <strong>the</strong><br />

display to bring interesting<br />

contrasts in form and colour<br />

that will rival a bedding display.<br />

A container <strong>of</strong> succulents<br />

will have one big advantage.<br />

While traditional summer<br />

pots and hanging baskets will<br />

need watering regularly – once<br />

or even twice a day in hot<br />

wea<strong>the</strong>r – you can happily<br />

leave succulents unwatered for<br />

long periods, ideal if you are<br />

away during <strong>the</strong> summer.<br />

Choose a shallow container<br />

(troughs and low bowls work<br />

really well) and make sure<br />

that <strong>the</strong> growing medium<br />

is very gritty – add at least<br />

50% horticultural grit to any<br />

multipurpose compost, or buy<br />

a specially formulated mix.<br />

Good drainage is <strong>the</strong> key to<br />

success – it’s important that<br />

any container has adequate<br />

drainage holes. If you are<br />

leaving <strong>the</strong>m outside all<br />

year, <strong>the</strong>y will need to be<br />

kept out <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> worst <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

wea<strong>the</strong>r and moved into a<br />

porch or sheltered place to<br />

keep <strong>the</strong>m out <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> rain.<br />

Seasonal Care<br />

Winter Watch... It gets cold<br />

in <strong>the</strong> desert at night, which<br />

means that many cacti and<br />

succulents are surprisingly<br />

hardy at low temperatures,<br />

thanks to a sort <strong>of</strong> plant antifreeze<br />

in <strong>the</strong> sap. The big<br />

problem is <strong>the</strong> damp. <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 />

• Supply-and-fit service for fully<br />

automated electric garage doors<br />

• Brick piers<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 />

97<br />

priceless-magazines.com


Garden<br />

Cold, damp winters get <strong>the</strong> better <strong>of</strong> many<br />

<strong>of</strong> us, but if <strong>the</strong> fleshy leaves <strong>of</strong> a non-hardy<br />

succulent freeze, <strong>the</strong> cell walls will burst and <strong>the</strong>n thaw<br />

into mush. Check labels on plants carefully when you<br />

buy <strong>the</strong>m to see how hardy <strong>the</strong>y are at low temperatures.<br />

Frost resistant or not, none <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>m will like to sit outside in <strong>the</strong><br />

rain for long, in fact it is more likely to be winter wet that does for <strong>the</strong>m,<br />

ra<strong>the</strong>r than just <strong>the</strong> cold. Bring succulents in containers under cover if you<br />

can – into a cold greenhouse, porch or <strong>the</strong> shelter <strong>of</strong> an overhanging ro<strong>of</strong>.<br />

Springing Forth... The only time your succulents would appreciate a good<br />

watering is in <strong>the</strong> spring. This is <strong>the</strong> ideal time to give <strong>the</strong>m a bit <strong>of</strong> tic in <strong>the</strong> form<br />

<strong>of</strong> feeding or repotting. You may find that <strong>the</strong>y have produced <strong>of</strong>fspring, which<br />

are endearingly called ‘pups’. These can be separated from <strong>the</strong> parent and potted up<br />

individually, or left in situ, where <strong>the</strong>y will eventually take over from <strong>the</strong> main plant,<br />

especially if it is a monocarpic variety, which will flower once (<strong>of</strong>ten spectacularly,<br />

with <strong>the</strong>ir weird, tall flowers that look like something from Star Trek) and <strong>the</strong>n die.<br />

Summer Loving... The hot, dry summers we are beginning to experience here –<br />

though perhaps not this year(!) – while potentially treacherous, are ideal for succulents.<br />

In fact it’s more a case <strong>of</strong> ‘No rain? No problem!’ The rest <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> plants may be brown<br />

and shrivelled, but <strong>the</strong>se guys will keep going and thrive where o<strong>the</strong>rs fear to grow.<br />

This is why <strong>the</strong>y’re so good on living ro<strong>of</strong>s – it’s unnecessary, and anyway mostly<br />

impractical to water, and so <strong>the</strong> weeds tend to frazzle and leave <strong>the</strong> succulents to it.<br />

Houseplants<br />

Tender succulents make perfect houseplants, but not in <strong>the</strong> kitchen or bathroom, where it<br />

could be too steamy for <strong>the</strong>m. A hot sunny windowsill or bright and warm conservatory<br />

will suit <strong>the</strong>m down to <strong>the</strong> ground. Like most o<strong>the</strong>r houseplants <strong>the</strong>y are great air<br />

purifiers – and some are even medicinal. Aloe vera sap is skin soothing and contains<br />

a natural pain reliever – just cut <strong>of</strong>f a little section and apply directly on <strong>the</strong> skin.<br />

More is More<br />

These addictive little plants are so ready to reproduce <strong>the</strong>mselves that, aside<br />

from separating and growing <strong>the</strong> pups, you can even just pull <strong>of</strong>f a leaf or<br />

chop a piece <strong>of</strong> stem, poke into <strong>the</strong> soil and before too long a miniature<br />

plant will emerge from <strong>the</strong> parent piece. Just make sure you leave <strong>the</strong><br />

cut piece to callous over for a couple <strong>of</strong> days to prevent it rotting and<br />

that you insert it into a gritty compost mix. Within a few months<br />

you could end up with quite a collection <strong>of</strong> new plants…<br />

Jo’s new gardening courses are now booking.<br />

Call 07923 969634 or see<br />

hornbrookmanor.co.uk.<br />

priceless-magazines.com 98


Fibreglass ‘Faux Corten’ planter<br />

Contemporary styles<br />

from tree planters to<br />

window boxes<br />

The Planter Specialist<br />

iotagarden.com<br />

Plant <strong>the</strong>m in <strong>the</strong><br />

sunniest parts <strong>of</strong><br />

<strong>the</strong> garden if <strong>the</strong>y<br />

are going to live up<br />

to this ever-living<br />

habit – <strong>the</strong>y will<br />

be ‘ever-dying’ if<br />

positioned in a<br />

damp, dark corner.<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 />

priceless-magazines.com<br />

99 CheekyMonkeyWT249.indd 1 24/01/2023 17:06


Education<br />

Happy<br />

Holidays<br />

Mike Piercy, education consultant and former Head <strong>of</strong> The New Beacon,<br />

reflects on <strong>the</strong> end <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> school year<br />

‘<br />

The past is a foreign country; <strong>the</strong>y do things<br />

differently <strong>the</strong>re.’ LP Hartley, The Go-Between.<br />

What a captivating, beguiling opening to a book.<br />

Considerably more clichéd are <strong>the</strong> words <strong>of</strong> William<br />

Blake, ‘Hindsight is a wonderful thing…’ though his<br />

ensuing words are quoted less <strong>of</strong>ten: ‘…but foresight<br />

is better.’ I would suggest hindsight informs foresight<br />

ra<strong>the</strong>r than unimaginatively using hindsight to beat<br />

yourself about <strong>the</strong> head. Reflect critically, yes, but also<br />

constructively, with honesty, <strong>the</strong> past enabling <strong>the</strong> future.<br />

We have reached <strong>the</strong> end <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> academic year. All change.<br />

Many thousands <strong>of</strong> children and young people are moving<br />

on. The youngest are leaving behind much-loved class<br />

teachers (that hopefully, generally, being <strong>the</strong> case). Year<br />

6 children leave <strong>the</strong>ir primaries; Year 8s leave <strong>the</strong>ir preps<br />

– a rite <strong>of</strong> passage. They all face being minnows <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir<br />

new seas in September, seemingly eons away from July.<br />

Sixteen and eighteen year-olds have slaved over <strong>the</strong> hot<br />

stoves <strong>of</strong> revision and exams. They now await results day. I<br />

was talking recently to someone who achieved a first class<br />

degree in architecture, <strong>the</strong> culmination <strong>of</strong> five hard years<br />

<strong>of</strong> study. She and her contemporaries now face <strong>the</strong> world<br />

<strong>of</strong> work. She is ready for it and to leave student life. For<br />

all, July brings emotion and sentiment for <strong>the</strong> past year.<br />

At every phase <strong>of</strong> education <strong>the</strong>re will be many who<br />

have outgrown that particular stage <strong>of</strong> life. As a Head I<br />

would sometimes have to tame a few recalcitrant Year 8s<br />

who felt <strong>the</strong>y had outgrown <strong>the</strong> school. I would remind<br />

<strong>the</strong>m <strong>of</strong> all <strong>the</strong> school had given <strong>the</strong>m – not least <strong>the</strong><br />

confidence which prepares <strong>the</strong>m for whatever comes<br />

next. It is right and proper for pupils and students to<br />

feel <strong>the</strong>y have outgrown <strong>the</strong>ir environment; it means<br />

<strong>the</strong> teachers and lecturers have done <strong>the</strong>ir job.<br />

So now <strong>the</strong> summer holidays beckon. Eighteen-yearolds<br />

embark on summer jobs or gap years; prepare for<br />

university or start on <strong>the</strong> career path. The much longed-for<br />

independence will surely bring many challenges. Pupils<br />

<strong>of</strong> all ages will have left some security, some familiarity,<br />

teachers, classes or schools. The educational world is full<br />

<strong>of</strong> ups and downs. July brings <strong>the</strong> promise <strong>of</strong> a hiatus,<br />

a rest, along with high emotion as people move on.<br />

Children, pupils and students might on occasion pause<br />

over <strong>the</strong> summer to reflect on what has passed over <strong>the</strong><br />

last year: what could or should I have done differently? As<br />

September approaches end <strong>of</strong> year reports should be read<br />

and re-read, critically and with honesty, as <strong>the</strong> new year<br />

approaches (‘…but Mr. Bloggs didn’t like me!’ may contain<br />

a glimmer <strong>of</strong> truth; however, reflect honestly on <strong>the</strong> part you<br />

may have played in that scenario). For <strong>the</strong> youngest: read,<br />

read and read some more; play number games in <strong>the</strong> car.<br />

I wish everyone a lovely summer break. Especially<br />

teachers. If you haven’t experienced it you will not<br />

know how exhausting teaching can be, for inherent in<br />

good teaching is ‘giving’ – emotional generosity. Those<br />

who have now completed national exams I wish you<br />

every success on results day (though <strong>the</strong>re is little you<br />

can now do). As to <strong>the</strong> youngest children: be helpful<br />

at home; be kind to your siblings – and parents.<br />

Mike’s book, ‘Careering’ – a journey through his life, which<br />

also <strong>of</strong>fers advice to parents – will be published by Troubador<br />

on 28 <strong>August</strong> and can be pre-ordered. mikepiercy@hotmail.com<br />

istockphoto.com/BrianAJackson<br />

priceless-magazines.com 100


GUILDFORD<br />

Where girls thrive<br />

OPEN MORNINGS<br />

Book your place:<br />

Don’t miss our next<br />

Education <strong>Supplement</strong><br />

Find it in <strong>the</strong><br />

September <strong>2024</strong> issue<br />

<strong>of</strong> <strong>Surrey</strong> <strong>Homes</strong><br />

For advertising opportunities,<br />

call Andrew Boughton on<br />

01580 231810 or email<br />

andrew.boughton@wealdentimes.co.uk<br />

101<br />

priceless-magazines.com


OPEN<br />

Day<br />

Right now is<br />

<strong>the</strong> perfect<br />

time to be<br />

scouting local<br />

schools as<br />

<strong>the</strong>y open<br />

<strong>the</strong>ir doors<br />

for open<br />

days!<br />

Tuesday 17 September<br />

9.00am-11.00am<br />

VISITORS’ MORNINGS<br />

You are warmly invited to our<br />

monthly Visitors’ Mornings, perfect<br />

for those who prefer group visits.<br />

You can also experience Ripley Court<br />

School through personalised tours.<br />

See our website for more details.<br />

visit.ripleycourt.co.uk<br />

Saturday 21 September<br />

9.00am-12.00pm<br />

ADVENTURE MORNING<br />

Guildford’s hidden gem, a co-ed<br />

independent school nestled in<br />

<strong>the</strong> <strong>Surrey</strong> Hills for children age<br />

2-11. Join us at our Adventure<br />

Morning to discover <strong>the</strong> magic <strong>of</strong><br />

Longacre School where ‘A Happy<br />

Heart Goes All The Way’.<br />

longacre.surrey.sch.uk<br />

Saturday 21 September<br />

9.00am-12.30pm<br />

WHOLE SCHOOL OPEN DAY<br />

Come and hear a few words from<br />

our Head, Ben McCarey, listen<br />

to a student panel and take a tour<br />

<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> school to hear about life<br />

at Frensham and our refreshingly<br />

different approach to education.<br />

frensham.org<br />

Thursday 26 September<br />

9.15am or 10.00am<br />

WHOLE SCHOOL OPEN<br />

MORNING<br />

Showcasing <strong>the</strong> school on a normal<br />

working morning – discover how we<br />

develop children’s learning superpowers<br />

through a modern education that<br />

prepares <strong>the</strong>m for a bright future.<br />

bansteadprep.com/visit<br />

Friday 27 September 2.00pm<br />

SUPERHERO TRAINING<br />

FOR CHILDREN JOINING<br />

RECEPTION IN 2025<br />

Meet our teachers, see our school,<br />

have fun with our Superhero<br />

training activities and find out how<br />

children at Banstead Prep develop<br />

learning super powers everyday.<br />

bansteadprep.com/visit<br />

Saturday 28 September<br />

9.30am-12.30pm<br />

WHOLE SCHOOL OPEN DAY<br />

Looking for an international school?<br />

Explore our stunning 46-acre campus,<br />

meet dedicated teachers, and speak<br />

with students and parents. We warmly<br />

welcome families to join us and<br />

experience TASIS England!!<br />

tasisengland.org<br />

Saturday 28 September<br />

9.00am-11.30am<br />

REIGATE GRAMMAR SCHOOL<br />

ANNUAL OPEN MORNING<br />

Join our Annual Open Morning<br />

to hear from <strong>the</strong> Headmaster,<br />

meet teachers and students, enjoy<br />

interactive sessions, and tour <strong>the</strong><br />

school. Discover why we are <strong>Surrey</strong>’s<br />

top co-educational day school.<br />

Book your place at rgs.to/open<br />

priceless-magazines.com<br />

102


Saturday 28 September<br />

9.00am-12.00pm<br />

OPEN MORNING<br />

Our Saturday Open Morning event is<br />

a wonderful opportunity to explore our<br />

school and facilities, meet our senior<br />

leadership and admissions teams, staff and<br />

pupils and learn more about <strong>the</strong> awardwinning<br />

Caterham family <strong>of</strong> schools.<br />

copthorneprep.co.uk<br />

Friday 4 October<br />

9.30am-11.30am<br />

WHOLE SCHOOL<br />

OPEN MORNING<br />

An inclusive, co-educational day &<br />

boarding school (10-18 years) in<br />

Haslemere. Our “Future Ready” ethos<br />

empowers pupils to become adaptable,<br />

resilient, and caring individuals.<br />

royal-school.org<br />

Saturday 12 October<br />

9.00am-11.00am<br />

EARLY YEARS OPEN HOUSE<br />

Visit Early Years as a family. Our<br />

staff will be on hand to show<br />

you around and answer your<br />

questions whilst children can play<br />

and join in classroom activities.<br />

bansteadprep.com/visit<br />

Saturday 8 March 2025<br />

9.30am-12.30pm<br />

WHOLE SCHOOL OPEN DAY<br />

Looking for an international school?<br />

Explore our stunning 46-acre campus,<br />

meet dedicated teachers, and speak<br />

with students and parents. We warmly<br />

welcome families to join us and<br />

experience TASIS England!!<br />

tasisengland.org<br />

GUILDFORD<br />

OPEN MORNINGS<br />

Book your place:<br />

Where girls thrive<br />

103<br />

priceless-magazines.com


MAY-SEPTEMBER<br />

at HEVER CASTLE<br />

NEW IN <strong>2024</strong><br />

THE HISTORY FESTIVAL AT HEVER CASTLE<br />

« FAMILY « THEATRE « MUSIC « SPEAKERS «<br />

« COMEDY « OPERA « JAZZ « BALLET «<br />

07379 488477<br />

HEVERFESTIVAL.CO.UK<br />

BOOK NOW<br />

priceless-magazines.com<br />

104


PLANT HUNTERS WEEKEND AT LULLINGSTONE CASTLE<br />

CONTEMPORARY<br />

CRAFT SHOW<br />

RYE ARTS<br />

FESTIVAL<br />

What’s On<br />

this Season<br />

talent. Classical, folk, blues and even<br />

celtic dub will be served up. Look<br />

out for a special screening <strong>of</strong> Godzilla<br />

and best-selling author Robert Harris<br />

launching his new novel Precipice.<br />

ryeartsfestival.org.uk<br />

GARDENS<br />

at <strong>the</strong> front <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> main house).<br />

See website for details <strong>of</strong> Zoolab<br />

on 24th and 25th, an opportunity<br />

to meet a selection <strong>of</strong> animal<br />

friends from around <strong>the</strong> globe.<br />

Entry: Adults £12.50,<br />

children under 16 Free<br />

lullingstonecastle.co.uk<br />

istockphoto.com/ gpointstudio & Furtseff & Maryviolet<br />

FESTIVALS & SHOWS<br />

Sat 17 Aug<br />

Locations around Cranbrook<br />

CRANBROOK &<br />

SISSINGHURST MAYOR’S DAY<br />

Mayor Raj Bisram’s extravaganza<br />

for <strong>the</strong> residents <strong>of</strong> Sissinghurst<br />

and Cranbrook with highlights<br />

including a Children’s Show at <strong>the</strong><br />

Vestry Hall at 11am, a Senior’s<br />

Afternoon Tea at 3pm, giveaways<br />

all day in <strong>the</strong> High Street and Stone<br />

Street and a fabulous Town Raffle<br />

at 7pm in <strong>the</strong> George Hotel. Prizes<br />

include tickets for Ascot, artwork<br />

by Mr Doodle, a 5 star hotel<br />

afternoon tea, a dinner and stay plus<br />

cases <strong>of</strong> wine and plenty more.<br />

Sat 24 – Mon 26 Aug<br />

Pashley Manor, Pashley Road,<br />

Ticehurst, Wadhurst TN5 7HE<br />

PASHLEY MANOR GARDENS<br />

CONTEMPORARY<br />

CRAFT SHOW<br />

The Sussex Guild exhibits once<br />

again at one <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> finest gardens<br />

in England. Chat with makers<br />

<strong>of</strong> beautiful handmade ceramics,<br />

furniture, textiles, jewellery, glass<br />

and so much more. And don’t miss<br />

<strong>the</strong> excellent Garden Room Cafe.<br />

<strong>the</strong>sussexguild.co.uk<br />

Sun 1 Sept 10am-5pm<br />

Brooklands Museum,<br />

Brooklands Drive, Weybridge,<br />

<strong>Surrey</strong> KT13 0SL<br />

AMERICAN DAY AT<br />

BROOKLANDS<br />

A day devoted to stars and stripes as<br />

Brooklands welcomes a whole host<br />

<strong>of</strong> American cars and motorbikes.<br />

Expect a feast <strong>of</strong> chrome and<br />

colour with some gleaming Dodge,<br />

Chryslers, Chevrolet, Oldsmobile<br />

Fords, Hot Rods and much more<br />

around <strong>the</strong> Paddock, Motoring<br />

Village and Finishing Straight. And<br />

it’s not just cars and bikes that will be<br />

filling up <strong>the</strong> site, <strong>the</strong> Paddock will<br />

be alive with <strong>the</strong>med entertainment,<br />

food and memorabilia.<br />

brooklandsmuseum.com<br />

Fri 13 – Sun 29 Sept<br />

Various venues around Rye<br />

RYE ARTS FESTIVAL<br />

The 53rd Rye Arts Festival proudly<br />

<strong>of</strong>fers a broad menu <strong>of</strong> artistic<br />

events, with world class performers<br />

from around <strong>the</strong> globe, including <strong>the</strong><br />

best <strong>of</strong> Britain and <strong>the</strong> cream <strong>of</strong> local<br />

Mon 19 & Mon 26 Aug<br />

Polesden Lacy, Great Bookham,<br />

near Dorking, <strong>Surrey</strong> RH5 6BD<br />

THE SECRET<br />

LANGUAGE OF TREES<br />

Unlocking some <strong>of</strong> Polesden Lacey’s<br />

natural treasures, this fascinating tour<br />

focuses on <strong>the</strong> trees and woodlands.<br />

Discover amazing facts about <strong>the</strong>se<br />

majestic plants as you brea<strong>the</strong> in <strong>the</strong><br />

peace and tranquillity <strong>of</strong> a landscape<br />

that has changed little since Medieval<br />

times. Learn what goes into<br />

conserving <strong>the</strong> woodland to ensure<br />

it can be enjoyed by generations<br />

to come. If <strong>the</strong>re are spaces on<br />

<strong>the</strong> day, you are welcome to join<br />

<strong>the</strong> tour but booking is advised.<br />

Entry: The tour is free but normal<br />

property admission rates apply<br />

nationaltrust.org.uk<br />

Fri 24 – Sun 26 Aug 11am-5pm<br />

Lullingstone Castle,<br />

Eynsford, Kent DA4 0JA<br />

PLANT HUNTERS<br />

WEEKEND<br />

Celebrating <strong>the</strong> lives <strong>of</strong> some <strong>of</strong><br />

Britain’s most intrepid plant hunters,<br />

Tom Hart Dyke and friends mark<br />

this special Bank Holiday weekend<br />

in au<strong>the</strong>ntic dress, with Tom taking<br />

visitors on a tour <strong>of</strong> The World<br />

Garden starting at 1:30pm (meet<br />

THEATRE<br />

Sun 18 Aug 4pm<br />

Belmont House and<br />

Gardens, Belmont Park,<br />

Throwley Rd, Throwley,<br />

Faversham ME13 0HH<br />

OPEN AIR THEATRE:<br />

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST<br />

Chapterhouse Theatre Company<br />

comes to Belmont House for a<br />

retelling <strong>of</strong> this classic fairy tale.<br />

BYO seating and picnics and enjoy!<br />

Entry: Adults £20, Children<br />

5-16/NUS Student £12, Child<br />

under 5 Free, Families (2<br />

Adults & 2 Children) £55<br />

belmont-house.org<br />

Listings are correct at time <strong>of</strong> going to press<br />

but may be subject to change. Readers are<br />

advised to check with venues before making<br />

arrangements. We can list your event in<br />

<strong>the</strong> next issue <strong>of</strong> Wealden Times for only<br />

£75+VAT. Please supply up to 200 words<br />

that should include date, time, venue,<br />

contact for enquiries and any entry price to<br />

whatson@priceless-group.com or send with<br />

payment (cheques payable to Priceless Media<br />

Ltd.) to What’s On, Priceless Media, Kettle<br />

Chambers, 21 Stone Street, Cranbrook,<br />

Kent TN17 3HF. Priceless Media reserves<br />

<strong>the</strong> right to edit text to fit space allocated.<br />

Deadline for <strong>the</strong> next issue is 8th <strong>August</strong>.<br />

105<br />

priceless-magazines.com


Jane Howard gets down to<br />

<strong>the</strong> business <strong>of</strong> choosing <strong>the</strong><br />

best <strong>of</strong> this year's lambs for<br />

<strong>the</strong> breeding season ahead<br />

The sheep have now been shorn and<br />

thoughts turn to how <strong>the</strong> flock might<br />

shape up in <strong>the</strong> season ahead.<br />

The ewes all lambed in February and March and<br />

<strong>the</strong> lambs are now getting quite large and have most<br />

definitely lost <strong>the</strong>ir ahhh factor. The four that were<br />

bottle fed are especially irksome as <strong>the</strong>y can skilfully<br />

negotiate any barricade in <strong>the</strong>ir daily quest to leave <strong>the</strong><br />

field, travel across <strong>the</strong> back garden snacking on roses<br />

and cosmos en route to <strong>the</strong> backdoor step. Once <strong>the</strong>re,<br />

<strong>the</strong>y defiantly line up and bleat until one <strong>of</strong> us succumbs<br />

and makes up <strong>the</strong> bottles, promising<br />

each time will be <strong>the</strong> last time as <strong>the</strong>y<br />

are so big and strong and annoying.<br />

I think some <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> ewes feel <strong>the</strong><br />

same way, but <strong>the</strong>y won’t have to wait<br />

too long now as any day <strong>the</strong> lambs will<br />

be weaned and <strong>the</strong> mums get a blissful<br />

three months <strong>of</strong>f before, without fail, <strong>the</strong><br />

pesky rams turn up again in November.<br />

Back to <strong>the</strong> lambs. Once weaned <strong>the</strong><br />

first thing we do is split <strong>the</strong>m into two groups, boys<br />

(not young rams as <strong>the</strong>y were all rung at birth) and girls.<br />

Most farms tend to operate 'closed flocks' meaning <strong>the</strong><br />

females are all home bred and <strong>the</strong>y only buy in rams.<br />

Having had about 120 lambs, Mo<strong>the</strong>r Nature will pretty<br />

much ensure <strong>the</strong>y are evenly split between boys and girls<br />

and out <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> sixty female ewe lambs we will be looking<br />

for about 10 replacements to breed from in Spring<br />

2026. The rest will join <strong>the</strong> boys and go <strong>of</strong>f to market.<br />

So, with a one in five chance <strong>of</strong> making <strong>the</strong> grade,<br />

how do we go about deciding? Just by looking at <strong>the</strong>m<br />

it’s easy to pick <strong>of</strong>f <strong>the</strong> bigger, shapely girls, say <strong>the</strong> top<br />

twenty but <strong>the</strong>n it all gets a bit more scientific. When<br />

<strong>the</strong>y are born, any female lambs that have a twin have<br />

The lambs are<br />

now getting quite<br />

large and have<br />

most definitely lost<br />

<strong>the</strong>ir ahhh factor<br />

a notch clipped out <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir left ear (only cartilage, not<br />

painful) which means <strong>the</strong>y carry <strong>the</strong> desirable twin gene.<br />

So a bit like musical chairs anyone without a clipped<br />

ear is out. Then we look at <strong>the</strong>ir mo<strong>the</strong>rs and how<br />

<strong>the</strong>y score to get a likely outcome for <strong>the</strong>ir daughters.<br />

I’ve talked about this before, but when a ewe lambs<br />

we will score her on four traits. For each she can score<br />

a maximum one and a minimum <strong>of</strong> minus one, so top<br />

score would be four, bottom would<br />

be minus four – and generally anyone<br />

scoring less than two doesn’t get ano<strong>the</strong>r<br />

'turn round <strong>the</strong> block'. It goes like<br />

this, one point for an easy birth, zero<br />

for a slight pull and minus one for a<br />

right heave ho. A similar point system<br />

applies for having twins, strong lambs<br />

and lots <strong>of</strong> milk. So if your mum scored<br />

four you’ll get shortlisted, and so we<br />

end up with our ten or so replacement ewe lambs.<br />

These <strong>the</strong>n get turned away to grow and develop<br />

until <strong>the</strong>y join <strong>the</strong> flock next autumn to meet <strong>the</strong> boys.<br />

In January, <strong>the</strong> year after <strong>the</strong>y were born, <strong>the</strong>y become<br />

known as tegs, female sheep that haven’t yet had a lamb<br />

and remain so until <strong>the</strong>y lamb <strong>the</strong> following spring.<br />

A bit like <strong>the</strong> famous Blue Peter “and here’s one<br />

I made earlier” it’s also time to look at <strong>the</strong> tegs we<br />

selected last year, to make sure <strong>the</strong>y have grown well<br />

and become <strong>the</strong> sheep we hoped for. Funnily enough<br />

'in <strong>the</strong> wool' <strong>the</strong>y all look good, but shearing <strong>the</strong>m<br />

is a bit like stripping <strong>of</strong>f, nowhere to hide <strong>the</strong> less<br />

positive parts, but pleased to say this year’s pick are all<br />

looking good and ready to roll. Bring in <strong>the</strong> rams.<br />

priceless-magazines.com 106


THAMES<br />

DESIGN & BUILD<br />

Call us on<br />

020 8398 9252<br />

ARE YOU CONSIDERING AN EXTENSION, LOFT<br />

CONVERSION, OUTBUILDING, OR ANY OTHER<br />

ALTERATION OR ADDITION TO YOUR PROPERTY?<br />

Thames Design and Build provides architectural design<br />

and/or construction services to clients across <strong>Surrey</strong>, with<br />

over with 80% over <strong>of</strong> 80% our <strong>of</strong> projects our projects being being Elmbridge <strong>Surrey</strong> based.<br />

We <strong>of</strong>fer:<br />

• A A free consultation to discuss your ideas and advise<br />

you advise on <strong>the</strong> you possibilities on <strong>the</strong> possibilities and permissions<br />

and permissions<br />

• A A fixed quote for all stages <strong>of</strong> architectural work<br />

• A A fixed quote for your build – we are equally happy to to<br />

provide a build quote in respect <strong>of</strong> your existing designs<br />

We have a large portfolio <strong>of</strong> clients within <strong>Surrey</strong> Elmbridge, and its so<br />

whatever surrounding your areas plans so are, whatever we should your be plans able are, to we show should you<br />

a be comparable able to show completed you a comparable project. completed project.<br />

Please email us at info@thamesdesignandbuild.com<br />

or visit <strong>the</strong> website www.thamesdesignandbuild.com<br />

Ditton Garages, <strong>South</strong>ville Road, Thames Ditton, KT7 0UL

Hooray! Your file is uploaded and ready to be published.

Saved successfully!

Ooh no, something went wrong!