Surrey Homes | SH122 | March 2025 | Kitchens & Bathrooms Supplement inside

PRICELESS

MARCH 2025

122

MARCH 2025

KITCHENS & BATHROOMS SUPPLEMENT inside

Inspirational Interiors • Fabulous Fashion • Delicious Dishes

BESPOKE KITCHEN DESIGN

DESIGN • SUPPLY • MANAGE • INSTALL

Come and visit our showroom:

Bancroft Road, Reigate, Surrey, RH2 7RP

01293 826620

www.rdokitchenstudio.co.uk

rdokitchenstudio

Design by Rebecca Winter Design Studio

Flute Sideboard by Atkin and Thyme

Photographed by Jacob Theo Power

www.atkinandthyme.co.uk

www.rebeccawinterdesign.co.uk

Final V - Surrey Homes Mag.inddc 3

&

The ‘Home of Considered Design’ meets

‘Handpicked, Handcrafted, Homeworthy’

Furniture.

At Atkin & Thyme, we believe great design starts with

beautifully crafted furniture. To help bring our pieces

to life in thoughtfully curated spaces, we’re teaming up

with Rebecca Winter Design Studio, known for their

expert eye and innovative approach to interiors.

Join us for an exclusive Sip & Shop event, where you’ll

have the chance to explore our collection in person,

gain expert styling insights from the Rebecca Winter

team, and experience the craftsmanship of a true Atkin

& Thyme piece firsthand.

Sip and Shop Evening

Friday 11th April 2025

6:00 pm - 9:00 pm

The Old Bakery, East Horsley, KT24 6QN

Curate Your Dream Home: Sip, Shop & Be Inspired

10/02/2025 12:33:34

Surrey’s Premier Builder

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We are members of The Chartered Institute of Building

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For more information, please contact us on: 01483 600335

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

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LagoonPoolsWT252.indd 1 18/04/2023 10:50

Contents

March 2025

30

82

62

14

23

29

30

43

62

71

HOUSE OF THE MONTH

Dream homes on the market

NOTEBOOK

Upcoming events for your diary

THE MUST LIST

Keep up-to-date with the latest

must-see and must-have goodies

A FIVE STAR HOME

Explore interiors journalist Nicky

Rampley-Clarke’s beautiful home

GET THE LOOK

Create your own printperfect

retreat

NATURAL LIGHT

Interior designer Alie Carter’s

fabulous new build

GET THE LOOK

Classic pieces for ensuring style

75

81

82

89

93

95

PIECE OF YOUR ART

Rebecca Cuffe edits artworks

to suit all budgets

THE FAIREST OF THEM ALL

Gear up for spring with

Snow White styling

RISE & SHINE

Mouthwatering brunch recipes

FRESH START

Josephine Fairley reveals her

favourite new fragrances

FOOT NOTES

Sarah Maxwell explains

how to choose trainers

NOURISH TO FLOURISH

Charlotte Lau discusses the

benefits of eating oats

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

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

Visit priceless-group.com Copyright © 2025 Priceless Media Ltd. The views of the

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

correct at time of going to press but may be subject to change. Readers are advised to

check with venues before making arrangements.

97

101

103

105

106

A ROSE BY ANY OTHER NAME

Jo Arnell takes an in-depth

look at hellebores

PLEASED TO MEET YOU

Mike Piercy delves into what

makes a successful interview

NEWSBOARD

Keep up with the latest education info

WHAT’S ON

Fun-filled dates for your diary...

FABLES FROM THE FARM

Jane Howard’s latest instalment from

Coopers Farm

KITCHENS &

BATHROOMS

SUPPLEMENT

Plenty of advice,

inspo and tips to

help you realise

your new project.

After page 44.

9

priceless-magazines.com

Showroom

131 – 135 Oatlands Drive

Weybridge

Surrey KT13 9LB

0800 669 6670

www.bazaarvelvet.com

Discover Our New

Rug Showroom

From the

Editor

Mornings should start with a wholesome and filling

breakfast. Whether or not you manage to succeed

with this each and every day, we’ve got some

tempting ideas from Charlotte Butterworth to tempt you

away from the usual boxed cereals and toast and towards some

easy to prepare and nutritious alternatives. Think homemade

granola, healthier muffins and super-speedy smokey beans.

Speaking of breakfasts, this issue’s houses both feature

spectacular kitchens that offer the perfect places to

kick-off your day. Interiors journalist Nicky Rampley-

Clarke’s gorgeously patterned home showcases a generous

island with Murano glass pendant lights overhead,

whilst our second feature’s sunny yellow dresser and

natural-toned kitchen units are the perfect fit for

interior designer Alie Carter’s new build property.

If this month’s kitchens have given you food for

thought for your own project, then look no further

than our supplement, where we take a look at striking

and practical kitchen and bathroom designs.

Art can play such an integral part in the success of

an interior scheme, and Rebecca Cuffe has handpicked

some of her favourite pieces in our

edit of artworks for all budgets. Find it

after our second home this month.

In health and beauty news, Josephine

Fairley gives her expert opinion on the

best spring fragrances in her usual beauty

column, and Sarah Maxwell explains what

to look out for when trainer shopping.

Enjoy your Priceless magazine

Priceless Team

EditorLucy Fleming

Supplements & Features EditorRebecca Cuffe

Sub Editor & Features Writer Emily Pavey

Design & Production DirectorAnthony Boxall

Sales Manager, Surrey HomesLisa Gordon-Hughes

lisa.gordon-hughes@surrey-homes.co.uk

Sales Manager, Wealden Times Maria Hurley

maria.hurley@wealdentimes.co.uk

Senior Account ManagerSarah Norwood

Education, Legal & Property Sales ManagerAndrew Boughton

Wealden Times Show Director Flo Simpson

Events Manager Liz Miles

Events Sales Director Jude Brown

Financial ControllerStephen Hunt

Accounts Sarah Davies

Nicola O’Leary

Social Media ManagerCharlotte Lau

Managing DirectorVivien Cotterill-Lee

Executive Chairman Julie Simpson

Contact number for Wealden Times01580 714705

Contact number for Surrey Homes 01580 236072

11


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Find us here!

Call 01580 714705 to find your nearest distributor of

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

12,000 copies of Surrey Homes are printed

every month. We are available in

the following outlets and are the

only local magazine available at key

commuter stations. If you have any

questions about our distribution please

contact Vivien Cotterill-Lee

vivien.cotterill-lee@priceless-group.com

McALLISTER THOMAS FINE ART

istockphoto.com/ Maria Voronovich

Ashtead

• Patrick Gardner

Bagshott

• Cubbitt Antiques

• Howlands

Estate Agents

• Longacres Nursery

Betchworth

• Buckland Deli

• The Community

Shop

Bookham

• Patrick Gardner

Buckland

• Buckland Nurseries

Garden Centre

Camberley

• Romans

Caterham

• Shard Solutions

Cheam

• Cook

Chelsham

• Knights Garden

Centre

Chobham

• Melita

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Claygate

• Trew Art

Cobham

• Cobham Furniture

• Oh So Coco

Cranleigh

• Curchods Prime

• Notcutts

• Roger Coupe

Dorking

• Dorking Travel

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• Princess Alice

Hospice

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Epsom

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Nursery & Shop

Esher

• Sandown Park

Racecourse

Farnham

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• ME Estate Agents

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Felbridge

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Godalming

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Godstone

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Centre

Guildford

• BoConcept

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Farm Shop

• High Clandon

Estate Vineyard

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Haslemere

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Hotel & Spa

• Tesco Superstore

Knaphill

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Leatherhead

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& Partners

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Lingfield

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Lyne

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Milford

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Old Oxted

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Oxted

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& Staff

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Oxshott

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Reigate

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• RDO Kitchens

Ripley

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Farm Shop

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Surbiton

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Thames

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Warlingham

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Agents

West Byfleet

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TRAIN

STATIONS

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JULIE MOSS - VIRIDITAS

OPENS SATURDAY 1st MARCH

Original Art For Your Home

McALLISTER THOMAS

117 High Street

Godalming

Surrey GU7 1AQ

01483 860591

www.mcallisterthomasfineart.co.uk


13

mcallister-thomas-vertical-advert-January 2024.indd 1 10/02/2025 17:38

House

Month

of the

£2,999,950

This month Gordon Lee tracks down homes

with fabulous kitchens and bathrooms

Cobham

The dream: Fabulous family home

in prestigious Surrey community.

Where: The historic

village of Cobham

Setting: Within the private,

gated Leigh Place Estate.

Beds: 5 Baths: 5

Special features: The heart of

the home is the stunning kitchen

dining room, with family room to

the side. Sliding doors lead from

here to the secluded rear garden.

The spacious principal bedroom

has a walk-in dressing room and

luxurious en suite, with a doubleended

bath, and twin showers.

Pleasing details: The integrated

garage opens into the utility

room – great for muddy dogs and

boots after one of the many local

walks. The top floor has a fifth

bedroom, bathroom and a gym

that could double as a playroom.

There’s underfloor heating and

air conditioning throughout.

Outside: The private garden is an

oasis of tranquillity, featuring a

stunning water feature wall, an al

fresco dining area, and a paved patio,

perfect for summer entertaining.

Time to town: Cobham’s vibrant

high street is a short stroll away,

with trains that connect to

London Waterloo in about 40

minutes. Esher, Guildford, and

Kingston are also nearby.

Agents: Davies 01932 588288

daviespropertypartners.co.uk

priceless-magazines.com 14

£2,950,000

East Horsley

The dream: Exceptional, modern family home

in the heart of the Surrey countryside.

Where: The historic village of East Horsley.

Setting: Detached home set over 5,000

sq feet, surrounded by greenery.

Beds: 5 Baths: 5

Special features: The expansive open-plan kitchen,

fitted with Miele appliances and stylish island

pendant lights, leads through sliding doors to

the rear garden. The principal bedroom exudes

luxury with a dressing room and lavish en suite

bathroom featuring a bespoke double vanity unit,

shower, and a double ended freestanding bath.

Pleasing details: The top floor has a games room,

fifth bedroom and bathroom – a perfect space for

teenagers and their friends. Solar PV panels with

battery storage, and exceptional insulation make this

home highly energy efficient with an EPC ‘A’ rating.

Outside: The landscaped rear garden features

porcelain paths, whilst the front of the property

includes an integral double garage, ample parking,

and two rapid electric vehicle charging points.

Time to town: East Horsley is equidistant from

Gatwick and Heathrow, and Leatherhead and

Guildford, and connects to London via nearby

Horsley and Effingham Junction stations.

Agents: Savills 01932 586200 savills.co.uk

£900,000

Guildford

The dream: Cleverly and thoughtfully

extended modern chalet bungalow.

Where: Idyllic Wood Street Village, near Guildford.

Setting: Semi-rural location surrounded by open

countryside, and ideal for walking and cycling.

Beds: 4 Baths: 2

Special features: The stylish kitchen diner opens

onto a beautifully lit and manicured garden. The

downstairs playroom/ bedroom – perfect for elderly

guests – has a Jack and Jill en suite. The principal

bedroom’s stunning en suite shower room has a

large dormer window that fills the room with light.

Pleasing details: Storage is maximised

throughout: under the stairs and within the

eves. The log burner in the cosy sitting room,

is particularly pleasing. As is the studio/home

office/bedroom at the end of the garden.

Outside: Wooden gates at the front open onto

a gravel driveway with parking for multiple cars,

whilst the rear garden has planted beds and

paved paths that lead to the garden room.

Time to town: It’s only 10-15 minutes to Guildford

or Woking stations and fast trains to London and 5

minutes to the station and amenities at Worplesdon.

Agents: Foxtons 01483 400017 foxtons.co.uk

15


GOOD

FRIENDS

good times

HOMEWOOD GROVE

CHERTSEY

Discover a vibrant, friendly community exclusively for

the over 60s at Homewood Grove. It is a place where

you feel an instant, comforting connection. Where you

can have a quick chat in passing or while away the

hours reflecting on shared passions and experiences.

A place where the darker nights are filled with a warm

glow, and neighbours become lasting friends.

1, 2 AND 3 BEDROOM

APARTMENTS AVAILABLE.

YOUR NEW LIFE STARTS TODAY!

Call us on 01932 645092 or visit

www.rangefordvillages.co.uk

Prices from £399,950 †

Marketing Suite, Homewood Grove, Ottershaw, Chertsey, Surrey KT16 0AU. Open Monday - Saturday 10am - 5pm

† Other charges apply.

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New Year

New Pegasus Home

Choose from

Stamp duty

paid on completion *

or

Receive 5% discount

off the purchase price *

Make 2025 the year of new beginnings. A stylish new home in

a welcoming community with a choice of two fantastic rewards.

Make your New Year’s resolution to move to a high quality, modern

home, living within a friendly and supportive community with luxurious

communal features. Highfields West Byfleet, is a welcoming and

established community comprising one, two and three bedroom

homes. Surrounded by beautiful landscaped gardens, wild flower

gardens and allotments.

To make your move even better, you can enjoy a 5% discount * or, we

will pay your stamp duty * ! The choice is yours. Terms apply, speak to

our sales team or visit website for more information.

Buy from £495,000. Exclusively for those enjoying life over sixty.

Discover joyful later living at a new home

in one of England’s most inspiring locations

01932 483 128 | highfields@pegasushomes.co.uk

Highfields, 61 Hobbs Close, West Byfleet, KT14 6LT. This incentive is only available on selected apartments. Customers can choose between a 5% discount from the

advertised purchase price or the value of tier 1 stamp duty, which will be shown as a contribution on the completion statement. This incentive is only available on new

purchases where reservation is made between 1st January 2025 and 31st of March 2025. Legal completion of the property must be achieved before 30th June 2025 to

benefit from the promotion. Images shown are indicative only. Prices shown are correct at time of publication and may be subject to change. Prices shown are exclusive of

service charge, which is payable monthly and is reviewed annually. For full terms visit pegasushomes.co.uk/company/legal/terms-and-conditions/

We agree the

most property

sales in Surrey

above £1 million!

*Verified by official Rightmove.co.uk Sales Agreed data for properties in

Surrey above £1million between 01/01/2024 - 31/12/2024. Surrey is defined

as 171 postcode sectors which are available at www.curchods.com/terms.

www.curchods.com

Bookham | Cobham | Cranleigh | East Horsley | Esher | Farnham | Godalming

Guildford | Kingston upon Thames | New Haw | New Malden | Ottershaw

Shepperton | Teddington | Walton-on-Thames | West Byfleet | Weybridge | Woking

Looking for warming

recipe ideas to see you

through to spring?

Seasonal

greens &

Stilton soup

by Jo Arnell

hornbrookmanor.

co.uk

Visit priceless-magazines.com for inspiration

We transform houses to create incredible living spaces

with a spectacular relationship to the garden.

For more information contact us

gregoryphillips.com

@gregoryphillipsarchitects

+44 20 7724 3040

Practical solutions. Personal

care. Real peace of mind.

When you’re making big decisions, you want to know you’re in

good hands. Our expert team offer a range of legal support:

Wills, LPAs and Probate

Property

Family law and mediation

Employment law

Disputes

owenwhitecatlin.co.uk

contact@owc.co.uk 01932 220451

Addlestone. Ashford. Hammersmith & Chiswick. Esher. Feltham. Shepperton.

SURREY SHOWROOM:

Unit 16, Mole Business Park

Leatherhead

Surrey

KT22 7BA

01372 203040

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info@tpimprovements.com

Improve the energy

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products and installations.

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WINDOWS | DOORS | ORANGERIES | GARDEN ROOMS

21


3214-Daffodil-2025-90x130mm-AW.indd 1 10/01/2025 15:10

JeremyHobbsS53.indd 1 15/0

Opening Hours

Mon - Sat 09.30 - 17.30

3 Oakdene Parade,

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Telephone: 01932 865700

info@jeremyhobbs.co.uk

@jeremyhobbsmenswear

www.jeremyhobbs.co.uk


22

Notebook

Take note! We’ve rounded up the best

of what to see and do near you

Take a Break

Wondering where to head off to on holiday this year?

Enjoy a day of travel inspiration at the Baldwins Travel

#HolidayInspirations Show on Sunday, March 16th, from

10.30am to 2.30pm at Mercure Tunbridge Wells Hotel

(8 Tonbridge Road, Pembury TN2 4QL). Meet over 20

top travel, tour and cruise operators and discover amazing

holiday ideas for all ages. Book your dream holiday at the

pop-up travel agency or leave your more detailed enquiries

with them. Register online for free Fast Track admission

and be entered into the luxury raffle prize draw. For more

info, visit baldwinstravel.com/events. Don’t miss out!

Time to Shop

Get ready for a spectacular

shopping experience as Curated

by Dapper & Suave return with

10 exclusive pop-up events!

Nestled in the breathtaking Surrey

countryside, Denbies Wine Estate

hosts seven vibrant pop-ups in the

lovely Garden Room, featuring a

handpicked selection of talented

exhibitors showcasing the very best in

fashion, beauty, homeware and more.

Step into the new Curated

Collaboration Hub in the

Ranmore Suite, where creativity

meets innovation with exciting

workshops, a Content & Brand

Zone and inspiring collaborations.

Plus, explore three Pop Ups

at The Great Conservatory at

Syon Park, where you’ll discover

an extraordinary marketplace

brimming with unique, highquality

finds from artwork,

jewellery and candles to skincare,

food & drink and stylish gifts.

This is shopping like you’ve never

experienced before – exclusive,

stylish and full of inspiration.

For dates and more info see

dapperandsuave.uk/curated-by

Your creative senses

will be ignited the moment

you step into the new Surrey Art Fair

at Sandown Park (21st to 23rd March).

Curated by Art Surrey and Caiger Art – who

are behind the successful Art Surrey fair at Epsom

Downs Racecourse – this exciting new venue promises

an unforgettable experience for art lovers and collectors

alike. With over 100 contemporary and traditional

artists exhibiting, Art Surrey is one of the largest art

fairs in the South East. Offering buyers a diverse

collection of paintings, digital art, mixed media,

photography, sculpture, glassworks and ceramics

ranging from £50 to over £3,000, you’re

bound to find something you love.

Book your tickets at

artsurrey.co.uk

23


NEW FOR 2025

GIFT AND HOME

From page-turners in our bookshop to dreamy

home fragrances, lush houseplants & the perfect

greeting cards- our gift & home collection is

getting even bigger and better. Pop in now to

discover our whole new ever-changing range.

Whether you're searching for a thoughtful gift or a

little treat for yourself, you'll find something

special in every corner. With fresh arrivals every

week, there's always a new treasure waiting to be

discovered!

FIND US

Chessington Garden Centre

Leatherhead Road

Chessington

Surrey

KT9 2NG

CONTACT US

info@chessingtongardencentre.co.uk

01372 725638

Natural World

istockphoto.com/ Udomdech Jaroenthanaporn / Madina Asileva

Julie Moss’ Viridita exhibition opens at McAllister Thomas on

1st March. The idea of ‘Green at the heart’ is the common thread

that ties this series of paintings together. “Twelfth century Abbess

Saint Hildegard of Bingen recognised that people can only thrive

when the natural world thrives, placing Viriditas or ‘greenness’

at the centre of her thinking. The oil paintings in this exhibition

are seasonal, informed by visits I made to gardens both in this

country and abroad. As a keen gardener and ex-florist, I believe a

symbiotic relationship exists between painting and gardening, the

colour harmonies and forms likened to brushstrokes.” – Julie Moss

mcallisterthomasfineart.co.uk

Get

Growing

Whether you’re a beginner or a keen gardener,

these small, friendly classes have been created

to help you develop key skills and design ideas

to transform your outdoor space. Learn about

soil and aspect, practical, hands-on methods

like pruning and taking cuttings. Discover how

to improve your garden’s structure and choose

plants for year-round interest. Course are held

in a relaxed, rural setting, Gain confidence,

inspiration and make the most of your garden.

Tea/coffee and cake supplied. Classes booking

now. Contact Jo Arnell for more details on

07923 969634 hornbrookmanor.co.uk

Nature’s Treasure

Continuing its series of café exhibitions, artist

Sandra Sarkies brings Nature’s Treasure a new

series of Collagraph prints, to the café walls

at Silcocks Farm. Zooming into sections of

landscape and hedgerows to examine seed

heads, grasses, teasels, trees and bark, Sandra’s

Collagraph prints are sensitive and intriguing

images. Cut paper, pressed grasses and flowers

are used through layers of inks which absorb

and resist, creating richly textured surfaces with

the effects of moon and sun light adding drama

and dynamism. Nature’s Treasure can be seen

while enjoying coffee or homemade meals, from

18th March until 19th April, Tuesday-Saturday,

8am-5pm. Follow Instagram @silcocksfarm

Grange Road, Tenterden TN30 6TL.

Fish and Ships

This month sees Linden Hall Studio in lovely

Deal host a retrospective exhibition of the

works of Graham Clarke, including rarely seen

early etchings and watercolours. Head along

to see a celebration of rural life, the sea, travel,

history and more, all with the artist’s trademark

humour and incredible detail. 1st to 29th March.

lindenhallstudio.co.uk

25


VICTORIAN ELEGANCE

2025’s Top Bathroom Trend

Bathroom Images by Daniel Barnes

Portrait by Luke Whatley-Bigg

Kallums Bathrooms is a

family-run business offering

bespoke bathroom design

with the highest quality

products, now open in

Guildford with a brand-new

showroom. Explore how

they are incorporating the

timeless charm of Victorian

Elegance into modern

bathroom designs.

How to incorporate Victorian

features to your bathroom

Designing a luxury Victorian

bathroom in 2025 is all about

blending the timeless charm of

the past with the practicality of modernday

living. The goal is to create a space

that feels both elegant and functional,

combining classic Victorian aesthetics

with today’s comforts. The design is

centred around statement pieces like

freestanding bathtubs, vintage fixtures,

and refined décor. By incorporating

traditional elements alongside modern

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

upgrades, it is possible to craft a

bathroom that honours the past while

meeting contemporary needs.

Victorian bathrooms were once

symbols of luxury, with indoor

plumbing reserved for the upper class.

At the heart of this elegance was the

freestanding bathtub, often made of cast

iron or tin. These iconic tubs are still

key in today’s luxury bathrooms, with

finishes like cast iron or brass adding

depth and texture, elevating the design,

and acting as a stunning focal point.

Whether it is a traditional roll-top tub

or a modern take on a vintage design,

these pieces make a lasting impact.

While many

associate Victorian

bathrooms with

bright whites, original

designs often featured

bolder elements. In 2025,

there is a renewed appreciation for

historical accuracy, with trends reflecting

a shift back to darker, moodier tones.

Rich, deep colours such as red cherry,

charcoal, and forest green are becoming

popular choices, offering a refined nod

to the authentic elegance of Victorian

design. These darker shades bring a

sense of luxury and sophistication,

balancing well with the traditional

fixtures and luxurious finishes.

Marble countertops remain a

must-have in luxury bathrooms. Not

only does marble offer a stunning

aesthetic, but it is also durable and

easy to maintain. A classic vanity

unit with a solid wood base provides

generous storage, combining timeless

charm with modern practicality. This

is perfect for stowing away everything

from skincare products to everyday

bathroom essentials, while the marble

surface stays sleek and easy to clean,

making it both beautiful and functional.

Lighting also plays a crucial role

in capturing the grandeur of Victorian

design. Ornate chandeliers, along with

side mirror lights, complement the gold

accents throughout the space, creating

a dramatic atmosphere. Victorian-style

bathrooms are more than just functional

– they are designed to be

stylish, luxurious, and

inviting, blending

seamlessly into the

rest of your home.

Perfecting

the Victorian

style requires

carefully chosen

pieces, from bold

statement fixtures

to the finest

details. Exceptional

craftsmanship in

both fixtures and fittings

ensures that the space balances

period charm with modern functionality.

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The

From must-sees to must-buys and

must-dos, don’t miss this month’s

round up of what to buy, see, do,

and generally get excited about!

It’s Butcher’s Week from 3rd

March, a time to celebrate

and honour the wonderful

local butchers of the UK.

For those looking for finest

cuts, tips on cooking,

or recommendations on

something new, do have a

chat with your local butcher

and we’ll bet you’ll find

them a rich source of info

and inspo. This beef cheek

for example came from

Park Farm, who are a true

Wealden family farm selling

their produce online and

in their Hawkhurst shop.

parkfarmbutchers.co.uk

Our own minds and emotions

must be acknowledged and

taken care of. This journal from

Give Yourself Kindness is a little

safe space you can hold in your

hand. You can start anytime

for 3 months of prompts and

supportive ideas. £28.95 at

giveyourselfkindness.com

There’s little that will go down better on Mother’s

Day than sharing some sweet treats, and Cutter

& Squidge are thankfully here to make that easy

with nationwide delivery on all sorts of yummy

goodies. Afternoon tea, cupcakes, hampers,

brownies... Minor con: you have to choose.

Massive pro: Mum will probably let you

have some. cutterandsquidge.com

Leopard print is a must right now!

Perhaps you want to treat a mother

figure or maybe you’re getting in

the spirit of Bed Month or International

Women’s Day and treating yourself or

someone else entirely? Either way,

these Chelsea Peers PJs (£55) are

perfectly on-trend. They have lots

of other lovely things too – their

new Coastal Wanderer collection

(perfect for sandy getaways),

matching family sets, bedding and cosy

dressing gowns and slippers. chelseapeers.com

Did you know that March is National Bed

Month? It’s a time to appreciate what a

difference a good night’s sleep can make and

the bed’s unique position as not just a piece

of furniture but a key item for our health.

Channelling an actual cloud, this Sloane

kingsize bed in Natural Boucle from Atkin

and Thyme is therefore very much on our

wish list this month. Its fluted upholstery is

dreamy and deeply sumptuous and there’s

even a matching ottoman available for £729

to store some lovely bedding in. £1,499 at

atkinandthyme.co.uk

This Mother’s Day treat your

mum or mother figure to one

of those pretty things she’s

always looking at in the nice shops.

The Gate Boutique is one such shop

in Guildford (though they also have

an online store to order from). Their

friendly staff will be able to help you

find a lovely gift – be it a handbag,

some jewellery or a cosy hug-like

jumper like this one by Vanessa

Bruno for £265. thegateboutique.co.uk

Rachel Verney is a Surrey-based

interiors expert and content

creator (@the_shoestring_home)

who shares her vibrant passion

for the transformative impact

of decor. This month her first

book, Dopamine Home, is

being published – a beautifully

illustrated hardback guide

to creating mood-boosting

interiors for any budget.

£25 at amazon.co.uk

29

Whether you’re whipping up something special for

mum or making the most of your butcher’s week

purchases, it’s a great time to invest in a good pan.

This is Funky Homeware’s Funky Pro 24cm Triply

griddle, pro-etched for gorgeous, even cooking

and a beautiful sear on your steaks. It’s suitable

for all hobs and is £49.95 at funkyhome.com


A five star home

Words: Antonia Deeson Photographs: David Merewether

Interiors writer Nick Rampley-Clarke’s beautiful Surrey home – that he shares with his

husband, John, and their springer spaniel, India – is a masterclass in comfort and style


30

Above: The kitchen, with

Murano glass pendant lights

Right, top: The sitting room is

furnished with bespoke sofas gifted

to the couple by Nicky’s father

Right, below: In contrast to the soft

blue of the sitting room next door,

the study is a rich burnt orange

Nestled in the heart of Surrey, the home of Nicky Rampley-Clarke and his

husband, John, is a testament to the harmonious blend of personal heritage,

classic design and a passion for creating spaces that reflect the lives of its

inhabitants. As a renowned interiors and lifestyle writer, Nicky has channelled his

expertise from his years writing on interiors and design for the likes of The Times

and the Daily Telegraph, into every corner of the couple’s beautiful home.

Nicky and John purchased the house in Kingswood just as the first UK lockdown

began, which was an intense and challenging experience. “We moved during that

first week,” Nicky recalls. “It was incredibly stressful, but having that unexpected

time and space really gave us the opportunity to think about what we wanted for

the house.” What the couple found was a neglected 1940s property, with later

extensions and additions, desperate for some love and style input. Beige walls

and worn carpets defined its previous aesthetic, far away from the vibrant home

31


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32

This page: A giant (and very much

real) fiddle leaf fig stretches its limbs in

the dining room. Cole & Son Wisteria

wallpaper, in a climbing floral design,

stretches up around the arched windows

it would eventually become.

The refurbishment of the house

was a five-year journey, with every

detail carefully considered to reflect

both Nicky’s family past and his and

John’s refined sense of style. One of the

standout rooms within the stunning,

light-drenched house, is the elegant

blue sitting room, where tradition and

modern sensibilities meet. Inspired by

the duck egg blue shades often found in

traditional drawing rooms, Nicky used

a satin finish for the walls – a daring

choice in an era where matt finishes have

dominated for so long. “Everyone’s into

that flat matt look,” he explains. “But

I wanted something with more light

and reflection and so I have opted for

satin finishes in most of the house.”

Adding character to the once-beige

sitting room was a priority. Dark wood

floors, which Nicky feels are warmer

and more welcoming than some of

the lighter woods currently on the

market, offer an extra layer of texture

within the room, complementing the

wall panelling that the couple added.

The inclusion of antique mirrors

within some of the panelling creates a

depth of light and shadow, bouncing

brightness around the room and creating

a sense of both patina and glamour.

The room, although spacious, is also

a cosy haven with timeless furniture,

including bespoke sofas gifted to the

couple by Nicky’s father. The furniture

reflects a classic colonial style, enhanced

by natural textures such as bamboo

and rattan, antique ceramic planters

and ginger jar lamp bases in white and

blue, which are peppered throughout

the room. Despite the design headache

of having several doors all within one

room, Nicky feels that what had been

an awkward room is now a space that

is chic and highly adaptable, especially

when the couple are entertaining.

The colonial aesthetic continues into

the rest of the house, with a nod to the

grand five-star hotels in India, Africa

and the Caribbean, yet thoughtfully

33


This page: The main bedroom is

papered in Cole & Son’s pale blue Alma

design. The cabinet is from OKA

adapted for modern living in the UK.

The couple’s attention to detail is evident

in the thoughtful use of texture and

pattern. In the hallway-turned-bar, the

original stone floor has been covered

with a sisal rug. “This was a bit of a lost

space and didn’t really work for me, I

felt it was too big to be just a corridor,

so we felt a bar would bring it to life!”

A rattan and dark-stained wood bar

and matching stools sit side by side a

vintage bamboo planter’s chair, its pink

banana plant print upholstery evoking

the timeless glamour of the Beverly Hills

Hotel. Paired with a striking Barbados

poster and prints that reminisce of past

holidays, the space feels like an exotic

retreat within the home. “Your house

should feel like the best of a holiday,”

Nicky muses. This philosophy permeates

his interior design choices where each

room is crafted to offer comfort, style,

and a little escape from the everyday.

One of the standout rooms is the

couple’s dining room, an elegant

extension that floods with light from

oversized arched windows. It was this

room that originally sold the house to

Nicky and John. The high ceilings and

expansive glazing make it an ideal winter

retreat – perfect for soaking up the

sunlight while staying cosy indoors. For

birthdays and at Christmas, the dining

room becomes the centre of festivities,

with its opulent chandelier and de

Gournay-inspired panels, the trellis

wallpaper, one of a selection of stunning

Cole & Son papers that have been used

within the house, adding yet more

grandeur. The chandelier, which was


34

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The skill, as ever with pairing high and lower

end pieces, is how it is presented. Nicky has

mastered this art. “I like a sense of opulence,”

says Nicky. “Even in the smallest of the bedrooms

or bathrooms, I never want to scrimp, or for it

to feel like it’s lacking in a sense of grandeur.”

‘an absolute steal’ from Soho Home during a Covid sale, and

the rattan lampshades from India Jane, bring a contemporary

yet timeless feel. For Nicky, it’s all about striking the right

balance between the traditional and the modern – rich textures,

patterns and unique accents add both warmth and personality.

The kitchen is a wonderful blend of style and practicality.

While the original cabinetry was left intact, Nicky and John

gave it a facelift with a fresh spray coat of paint and added

new more textural knobs and handles from Buster + Punch.

The island’s surface was updated with a sleek pale Carrara-look

stone, adding brightness and contrast to the space. An antique

mirror splashback behind the hob echoes the mirrors in the

living room, creating a cohesive visual thread throughout

37


This page: Floral

motifs abound in the

guest bedrooms; the

pale pink landing;

Cole & Son’s Seafern

wallpaper in a

guest bathroom

“I wanted the

upstairs of the

house to be

a bit calmer,

still with

colour, but

just softer.”

the house. High-end touches such as

the Murano glass pendant lights from

Soho Home and Philippe Starck ghost

chairs and table lamps elevate the

space, while modifications – like the

built-in seating area in the bay window,

offering a further dining area – enhance

its functionality. “It’s a light-filled

space where we spend most of our

time,” Nicky says, “and we wanted it

to feel like the heart of the home.”

Not one to shy away from bold

choices, Nicky injected yet more

colour and pattern into unexpected

spaces. The pantry, with its high-gloss

red cabinetry and red toile wallpaper,

is a hidden gem off the kitchen. The

room serves both as a practical storage

space and a playful design statement.

Similarly, the downstairs cloakroom is

another room where Nicky has dared

to be bold. Inspired by his favourite

restaurant, The Beach House in

Marbella, it features a stunning fishpatterned

wallpaper that brings a splash

of Mediterranean chic to the otherwise

very English country home.


SADIE PIZZEY

INTERIORS

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Upstairs on the landing Nicky has opted for a

soft pink satin wall colour, with white panelling

– mirroring downstairs – below the dado rail. A

sisal carpet runs throughout the upstairs floor,

again giving the sense of coherence to the house.

“We used the same pink in our old house and

we had so many compliments, it just works

so well. It’s a Dulux colour called Caribbean

Dawn and it’s a really great subtle pink tone.

I wanted the upstairs of the house to be a bit

calmer, still with colour, but just softer.”

Across the four bedrooms and bathrooms,

bespoke panelling and tongue and groove detailing

have been paired with signature wallpapers, to

provide a backdrop to Nicky’s subtle interplay of

antiques and vintage hand-me-downs. Higher

end pieces of furniture and lighting from the

likes of Oka and Sophie Conran are matched

with more cost-effective finds from Wayfair and

Dunelm. The skill, as ever with pairing high and

lower end pieces, is how it is presented. Nicky

has mastered this art. “I like a sense of opulence,”

says Nicky. “Even in the smallest of the bedrooms

or bathrooms, I never want to scrimp, or for it

to feel like it’s lacking in a sense of grandeur.” As


40

Opposite page: Rattan and sisal combine with cool

pastel tones and pure white in a guest bedroom with en

suite Above: Nicky and John turned a sizeable entrance

hall into a wonderfully useable and welcoming space by

cleverly including a bar Right: Cole & Son’s Acquario

wallpaper adorns the walls of the downstairs cloakroom

with downstairs, Nicky has balanced the charm of a

luxury hotel with the comforts of a residential home.

The stunning home that Nicky and John have

created is a true reflection of the couple’s personal

experience, family heritage and creativity. It’s a

space that feels both luxurious and yet entirely

liveable, with thoughtful nods to tradition, bold

design choices and an unwavering focus on creating

a welcoming atmosphere. As an interiors writer

with many years of experience, Nicky knows too

well that true style is about more than following

trends – it’s about crafting a home that truly tells

a personal story. “I don’t know where we will go

to next, as we hope to move soon. It’s been a really

fun journey creating this home, it’s a house filled

with so much fun and a lot of joy, which I hope

another family will love as much as we both have.”

Address Book:

Keep up to date with Nicky’s latest editorial projects

and press cuttings at nickyrampley-clarke.com and

on Instagram @the_house_of_rampleyclarke

41


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Kitchens are not just for food. A dedicated drinking space can

ensure they’re a really sociable gathering place. These inviting

home hubs offer space to chat over a coffee, pop some bubbly,

rehydrate, sip, pour, and enjoy a cup of whatever you fancy.

1. Let’s start small. A really simple but utterly fun way to enjoy

your kitchen drinks is to up your glasswear game. Dibor has a

selection of Traitors-style goblets for £5 each at dibor.co.uk

2. This breakfast larder is the ultimate solution for stashing or

showcasing as you please. It holds all the essentials and gubbins

for warm drinks but also offers a real wow-factor when unveiling

for guests (and then quietly tucks away whatever clutter occurs in

the process of preparing said drinks). As part of the Chesterfield

range it features raw, worn ash doors and frames, full of gorgeous

texture and here painted in Compton’s Thunderstorm Black. The

warm wood inside contrasts the contemporary style with some

rustic charm and the lights inside add to that big bright reveal.

The pocket doors fold away to hide

themselves just as well as they do

everything else, keeping the space

open, and once you slide back the

doors, you can pull out a shelf

beneath to add extra worktop space.

Chef’s kiss! comptonsfaversham.co.uk

Drink

We are seeing kitchens focus in on drink

stations be it for cosy cuppas or clinking

cocktails. Can we get you a drink?

3. A hot water tap is now officially a must-have. This

Red kitchen tap from GROHE has kettle hot-water... on tap!

Whenever you need it, there are up to 3 litres at 99 degrees with

no waiting for the kettle or letting it take up space. It has sleek

controls, a smart ChildLock, an energy saving ‘holiday’ mode, and

a filter to protect against lime scale and impurities and to enhance

the taste of the water. From £2,400 at grohe.co.uk

4. For the kitchen everyone wants to be in at parties. Time to put

the fun in functional and opt for a home bar. This Arbor

kitchen by Harvey Jones was created by transforming

a breakfast dresser to complement the New York loft

feel in the space. With a playful pop of pink from

the interior, it makes for a standout hosting feature.

From £30,000 at harveyjones.com

5. What to put inside such sensational storage? The

kind of receptacles you’d find at your favourite cocktail bar

of course! This gin teapot from Yvonne Ellen is delightful for

throwing a cheeky grown-ups tea party. £55 at yvonneellen.com

6. This EcoPro Compact filter is a little wonder that attaches

to your tap with a simple twist to improve water quality – thus

also improving your teas, ice, and all other water-based things. It

removes over 100 contaminants, like chlorine and heavy metals, but

preserves essential minerals. A 12-month package is £69 at amazon.

co.uk Find out more at tappwater.co

7. Transport tipples in style with the ever-desirable drinks

trolley. This Carolina drinks trolley from Atkin and Thyme has

a handy cupboard in dark wood and a shelf for pouring, all in

a luxurious midcentury style. £349 at atkinandthyme.co.uk


46

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TOP TRENDS

We’ve asked the experts and they have delivered three gorgeous trends

to consider when designing your kitchen renovation

1. New Country

The country shaker-style kitchen will always be a classic. But now we are seeing

slim and skinny shakers, AGAs with induction hobs, and bolder colour choices

playing with tradition with a little contemporary zhoosh.

This Inglis Hall kitchen lives in a commercial farmyard turned contemporary

home in rural Sussex. Beneath a precision sawtooth roofline, timber façades,

gleaming glass and exoskeletal steel frame, the property marks a new era of

country living. Of course, wood features heavily. But it is blackened band-sawn

oak that covers the back wall, with burnished brass handles and contrasting

oversized, solid raw oak entrance doors. And there has to be nature. A wall of glass

overlooks the garden with a mighty full-length veranda and an antipodean-style

jettied roof. The “joiners island” (inspired by workshop joiners benches) is sturdy,

solid and honest with pegged mortise and tenon construction topped in Cosmic

Black Quartz. First conceived on a project in an Elizabethan moated manor,

in which these makers could indulge in craft from a bygone age, Inglis Hall’s

joinery details are an ode to long-held principles of practical good old-fashioned

craftmanship but reinvented for the modern day. Learn more at inglishall.com

2025 is all about the 3 ‘b’s – bright, bold and bespoke. Choose custom-designed

and handcrafted furniture for a personal approach that fits exactly your style and

your needs. It’s all about being unique, one-of-a-kind and characterful!

This Rencraft kitchen comes fresh out of their Sevenoaks workshop and is

now on display at the award-winning Tunbridge Wells showrooms. It is a

compilation of all of Rencraft’s own favourite trends and features and shows

how you can combine all of yours. No holding back. No compromises. But still

cohesive and gorgeous. The main run of handmade Georgian-style cabinetry

is hand-painted in Muddy Amber by Zoffany. A beautifully striking piece of

Italian marble sits in between the grand double door larder and integrated

fridge freezer for added elegance and grandeur. A contemporary central island

was hand-painted in icy-blue tones that are mirrored on the inside of reeded

glass cupboards, reminiscent of a tailor adding a bright silk lining to a jacket

or blazer for a little Bridgerton-Regency chic. To complete the look, they have

“wowed with wallpaper” – a stunning House of Hackney design depicting

birds, blooms and berries. Start your bespoke journey at rencraft.co.uk

2. Bespoke is Best

Earthy tones, natural materials, and soft textures dominate kitchen design,

creating a calm, grounded environment. Reclaimed wood cabinetry, stone

countertops, and terrazzo splashbacks make every detail feel organic and

timeless. But meanwhile the kitchens of 2025 are also set on redefining

the balance between beauty and practicality, creating spaces that are both

innovative and inspiring.

In this Potts kitchen floating cabinets from Austrian manufacturer, EWE,

run along the wall creating a seamless look while housing a dish drawer

dishwasher. Under cabinet lighting is a practical detail over worktops,

but also highlights the lovely Blue Roma quartzite used for the worktops

and splashbacks. Here, this one showstopping element of natural beauty

is quite literally given centre stage atop the magnificent partially floating

island, with its colours echoing throughout the room in cabinets, flooring

and artwork. The island cabinetry is made in Great Britain, bespoke and

unique to Potts, with slatted fronts that are available in a choice of stains.

Price of set from £65k, find out more at potts.ltd.uk


48

The Priceless Kitchen & Bathroom Supplement sponsored by

For those loving fluted and textured

glass (us too!) we have this industrial

display cabinet. Inside are four tall

shelves perfect for storing large

pieces of serveware, appliances or

anything that is a bit bulky for the

rest of your cupboards. It’s £1,190

at The Den & Now and they

also have a slim version for £750.

thedenandnow.co.uk

After a few pieces? John Lewis & Partners’

Foxmoor range has lots of options that can

be matched and mixed in with your existing

fitted kitchen. This freestanding kitchen

larder is £1,449 and the marble top island

unit with stools is £1,649 johnlewis.com

Standing

STRONG

Add freestanding furniture to your kitchen

to connect it to your living spaces while

also adding storage and surface space

With a quartz worktop and smooth handleless doors,

this Olive & Barr cabinet is sleek, sophisticated and

oh-so-cool in Farrow & Ball Pitch Black and Pink

Ground! £2,900 including worktop at oliveandbarr.com

For lovely open shelving and a rustic

look, this Cox & Cox Kelis Kitchen

Island is small but perfectly formed

at £1,595 coxandcox.co.uk

The Painted Furniture Company’s

Millbrook collection is filled with sweet

classic additions for country kitchens.

Customise yours with whatever

top and bottom you like and get it

made to order! This one is £1,450

paintedfurnitureco.co.uk

This Romsey larder is fab for those looking to

get organised and is on sale for £994.99 at Oak

Furnitureland oakfurnitureland.co.uk

Breakfast bar island?

The Cotswold Company

has you sorted with this

Chester one for £999

including 3 barstools.

On the other side are 6

drawers too! cotswoldco.com

This bespoke maple larder cabinet

features integrated lighting and dovetailed

drawer boxes. The shelving is all

adjustable, and a stone worktop acts as a

perfect cool shelf or extra worktop space.

Prices from £1,500 at Peter Alexander

Cabinets. peteralexandercabinets.co.uk

49



Au

Naturel

As we all prioritise wellbeing and healthy

lifestyles, biophillic looks that let nature into

our kitchens continue to grow in popularity

1. Plantation shutters are a stylish and practical way to get some control

over exactly how much natural light and privacy you want in your kitchen.

These ones from Allure Blinds let in lots of sun – perfect for growing

plants or herbs in the kitchen – and the bright colour keeps that light

reflecting and bouncing around. Timelessly elegant, shutters like this

also improve energy efficiency, help reduce your bills, and even increase

property value. Allure Blinds offers a wide selection of window coverings

to fit any budget, from roller blinds to plantation shutters in café, tieron-tier,

full height, and tracked styles. They also make roller blinds in

their showroom, with sleek, customisable designs and even motorisation

so they can be controlled at the touch of a button or through your

phone. For a free quote call 01932 629988 or visit allureblinds.co.uk

2 A subtle floral touch can add some botanical beauty

and a little colour moment too. These Cornish Meadow

tiles from Decorum Tiles are from £19.50 and are

each a sweet little breath of fresh air with their handpainted

designs. Find more at decorumtiles.co.uk

3 In an ode to the great outdoors, the colour green is still

thriving in kitchens. This Chester Forest Green Narrow

Larder is £999 at The Cotswold Company. At a width

of 70cm, it’s a great alternative to wider double-door

options and combines a gorgeous green with down-toearth

natural wood tones. Find yours at cotswoldco.com

4 This is an aluminium Cortizo sliding door in Jet Black

with 20mm sightlines. A design choice like this lets you

open up your kitchen wide to the outside world in the

most literal and authentic way. This sliding door ticks

all the boxes – seamless transitions into the garden,

enough natural sunlight to create a feeling of extra

spaciousness inside, exceptional functionality,

and amazing open views into your garden.

These are from TP Improvements in

Leatherhead, Surrey, who here perfectly

paired these contemporary doors with

contrasting hand-crafted bespoke timber

windows in white. The windows are

made using Accoya because it offers the

very best in sustainability, performance,

and beauty, giving the whole property that

natural connection we all want. To find out

more visit them online at tpimprovements.com

5 Statement kitchen lighting can easily add some

drama and wooden pendant lights over the island

add a beautiful nod to nature. This Allier globe

pendant in light wood and brushed steel is £390

at Elstead Lighting. Its soft curves are perfect for an organic

feeling scheme while also feeling very of the moment in its

sleek fuss-free plains. Shop lovely lighting at elsteadlighting.com

6 One of the best ways to appreciate earthy values is to shop

sustainable! Ecojiko is a small family business in Lancashire

which is also stocked in Oxfam stores. They have loads of eco-friendly goodies

and we especially love this cheese board! Putting the cute in charcuterie, it’s

just £14.95 and is made with sustainable beech wood! Find it at ecojiko.co.uk

7 Roof lanterns are a stunning addition to any home, flooding your kitchen

with natural light and creating an outdoor living vibe all year round.

Regardless of the season, they help maintain a cosy, warm atmosphere,

making your space feel bright and inviting, even in winter. These ones from

Fineline elevate this kitchen, drawing the eye up, creating an impressive

feature and offering a spectacular connection to the outdoors. Here,

spotlights around the pelmets enhance the visual appeal and the feeling of

abundant light streaming from above, and the choice of aluminium doors

and windows mirrors the lanterns for a cohesive contemporary look. To

arrange a free quotation call 01622 631613 or visit fineline-windows.co.uk


50

Looking for inspiration to revamp

your house or apartment..?

...then be sure to check out May’s

Love your Home Supplement, full of all the

advice and visuals you’ll need to get started



Studio Abbey Brown

Ceramic £115.42/box

Ca’ Pietra capietra.com

Arianna radiator £634.34

The Radiator Centre

theradiatorcentre.com

Ember Cup 6oz smart mug

in Copper £129.95 Ember

uk.ember.com

Brown lattice mini pendant

light £120 Elstead Lighting

elsteadlighting.com

Roper Rhodes Aruba fitted

furniture in Terra from £2,600

Cranleigh Bathroom Studios

cranleighbathroomstudios.co.uk

Mocha

Mousse

Delve into rich, warm,

chocolatey browns for

a deliciously luxurious

look that is so 2025

Deia Rojo decorative

patterned tiles from

£45/m 2 Quorn Stone

mystonefloor.com

Harlequin x Henry Holland

Blenets Check Mini fabric in

Chocolate £66 Harlequin

harlequin.sandersondesigngroup.com

‘Bambi’ paint colour in

pure matt plus from £29/l

Fenwick & Tilbrook

fenwickandtilbrook.com

Drunken Monkey ‘Nut

Blush City’ recycled velvet

£110/m Divine Savages

divinesavages.com

Handmade Oak

Kitchen Cabinetry

from £12,500

Olive & Barr

oliveandbarr.com

Idea Group Cubik collection

tall cabinets in Rovere Antico

finish Kallums Bathrooms


Vintage checkered napkins £40

(set of 4) NINA D nina-d.co.uk

Adelaide barstool

in Caramel

Nordic Grain

leather £649

BoConcept

boconcept.com

53

Astonian Copper

freestanding roll top

bath from £4,825.05

Aston Matthews

astonmatthews.co.uk

Hiro dining chair

£399 (Set of 2)

Atkin and Thyme

atkinandthyme.co.uk



Meet the...

How did you become a bathroom designer?

I joined the team at Aston Matthews in 2022,

but I have been working as a designer since

2010 after completing an interior architecture

degree at university in South Africa.

What is your favourite style of project to work on?

For me, it’s not really about the style of the

project, I like the challenge. I could be creating

a beautiful bathroom in a large space or a

small or awkward one. Realising a client’s very

particular aesthetic, be it contemporary or

traditional, I don’t mind – it is pulling all the

strands together to meet the brief that I enjoy.

Why use a professional bathroom designer?

Bathrooms need to function, but they should

look good too. Whether you want a sleek,

hotel style bathroom or a relaxing retreat

a professional designer will consider every

element from the lighting and plumbing

right down to the final fittings and decorative

touches. And, of course, we plan the best

layout to maximise the space. We also provide

professional drawings for your architect or

installer to eliminate the risk of costly mistakes.

Basically, we turn this often-confusing process

into a pleasurable, hassle-free experience.

What are the most important factors to think

about when planning a new bathroom?

Designer

Amanda Lafontant, senior designer at Guildford based Aston Matthews, shares her

thoughts on creating the perfect bathroom and the benefits of calling in a professional

The starting point is to assess the main service

pipes as these will dictate the placement of

key fixtures like the toilet. You also need to

look at structural constraints such as sloping

ceilings. Then think about what you want

from your bathroom, how can you incorporate

storage, is there space to accommodate a bath

and separate shower? Resolving these practical

elements first, provides a strong foundation for

selecting products and decorative details.

Are there any aspects that are often overlooked?

Storage and lighting. Without adequate storage

your beautiful new bathroom will quickly

become cluttered. Built-in or freestanding

storage should be factored in at the start of the

project. Lighting is often limited to bright, task

lighting. You definitely need this, but you can

also plan in softer, mood lights to change the

ambiance when you want to relax.

Do you have any tips for making a small

bathroom feel more spacious?

The average British bathroom is only the size

of a double bed, but you can make this room

feel bigger by choosing a wall hung basin and

toilet. A built-in mirror cabinet will help keep

the space clutter free and underfloor heating

can free up more wall space by losing your

radiator. Choose large tiles for fewer grout lines

which helps the illusion of space.

How can you achieve the look of a spa bathroom?

Spa bathrooms mean different things to

different people. I spend time with every client

to really get to know them and understand

exactly what they are trying to achieve. To

some, a spa bathroom means sparse and

minimal, in which case we would look at

large format tiles, a generous bath and walk

in shower, his and hers basins, built in storage

and a neutral palette. Others are looking for

a softer retreat, for this we can consider more

decorative tiles, brass or bronze taps, maybe

natural wood and space for plants and candles.

Are there any big trends you predict for 2025?

We are continuing to see a lot more colour

in the bathroom in features such as patterned

tiles, decorative wallpaper and alternative

metals for taps and shower fittings like brass

and bronze. We have also seen the return of

coloured sanitaryware from soft avocado green

to pretty powder pink. From a designer’s point

of view this is great. It is very rewarding to

work closely with clients, considering a variety

of fittings and finishes, even producing bespoke

furniture to create a very personal space.

To find out more about Aston Matthews and

get a designer like Amanda working on your

project call 01483 478826

or visit astonmatthews.co.uk

istockphoto.com/ Vladi333 & anuwat meereewee


54

carlton

alto

roma

astonian original

astonian original brassware geo wall hung wc shape bath

aged brass

kast concrete


To the Spa!

In a wellbeing-forcused world the trend for indulgent healing

spathrooms is here to stay. Style a modern clean look with a nod

to nature and plenty of luxury to feel truly pampered at home

STEP 1: THE LIGHTING

A delicate use of lighting can really set a peaceful tone.

A powerful ceiling light can be useful but add other

options to illuminate particular areas more subtly for

relaxing. This Halo light from Crosswater’s Tranquil

collection is just the thing – dimmable, rounded and

small for a gentle glow. It is £136 –

£150 at West One Bathrooms.

westonebathroomsonline.com

STEP 3: THE BATH

A luxurious bath can often be all you

need for an at-home spa day! Select a

freestanding tub with clean curves for

a good splash of modern opulence.

This Note double-ended bath

from Roper Rhodes for example, is

sleek and understated with a glossy

surface that promises an indulgent

soak. It’s available in various sizes

to suit your space from £1,495

at Cranleigh Bathroom Studios

cranleighbathroomstudios.co.uk

STEP 2: THE ACCESSORIES

Little things can make a big difference. Choose

smooth curves and natural materials for a modern

organic look that exudes spa-like class. This Carn

mirror is £192.30 at Tom Raffield tomraffield.com

STEP 4: THE SHOWER

High-tech bathroom features are a real trend to

consider and research when renovating a bathroom.

Showers can now offer all sorts of spa-worthy features

and spacious ones have also become a must-have in

modern luxury. This, for example, is not just any shower

– it’s Novellini’s Skill Dual Multifunction Bathroom

Steam Cubicle. It has all the bells and whistles with

chromolight, aroma dispenser, hydromassage hammam

sauna, and even a little seat! It’s available at Ripples

Bathrooms and you can enquire at ripplesbathrooms.com

STEP 5: THE SAUNA

For the ultimate home spa, a sauna is a total showstopping indulgence.

Alex Town of Towns Bathrooms suggests “Transform your bathroom into

a luxury spa sanctuary with your own steam room or sauna. We work with Effe,

an industry leader in steam rooms and saunas to create anything from compact

home steam generators to full Turkish hammams. Their cutting-edge steam

shower cabins and bespoke sauna solutions, allow you to enjoy relaxation,

detoxification, and improved wellbeing at your convenience.” Towns Bathrooms’

expert team designs, supplies, and installs Effe steam rooms, luxury baths,

and full wellness spaces, ensuring every detail meets your vision. To create

your personal sanctuary, visit townsbathrooms.co.uk


56

EST. 1997

BLIND AND CURTAIN

SHOWROOM

Our newly redesigned Luxaflex showroom, showcases

the latest innovations in custom made blinds including

automation, sustainability and smart home integration.

Sitting seamlessly alongside our bespoke luxury curtain

and Roman blind service containing an inspiring

collection of designer fabrics and trimmings.

With over 25 years experience in window styling we

offer a fully bespoke service with every aspect of your

project overseen by our team of experts.

CURTAINS & BLINDS BY APPOINTMENT ONLY

Opening Hours:

Tues-Sat 10am to 5pm

52 Friars Stile Road,

Richmond, Surrey TW10 6NQ

020 8332 6250 • www.curtain-call.co.uk

info@curtain-call.co.uk

Cranleigh

Tiles & Bathrooms

Range of Tiles, Bathrooms and Showers from

Thomas Crapper Bathrooms, Heritage Bathrooms

and Burlington Bathrooms.

Suppliers of Contemporary Ranges including

Laufen, Roca, Vitra and Roper Rhodes

15% off when you

mention this Ad

Open 9.00am to 5.00pm Monday to Friday

9.00am to 12.00 midday Saturday closed Sundays

Due to covid we kindly ask for you to ring to make an

appointment so we can be covid secure

Cranleigh Tiles and Bathrooms

Telephone 01483 272727

craig@cranleighbathroomstudios.co.uk

www.cranleighbathroomstudios.co.uk

57


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58


DOWN TO EARTH

Natural materials and colours make

this a calming space to gather yourself at

the start of your day. This Astonian Regal

freestanding unit is lovingly hand-crafted

from sustainable solid oak. You can choose

a paint colour and standard or bespoke

size. This one is a gorgeous smoke green

with brushed brass handles. Countertops

can be quartz stone, carrara marble or

crema marfil. £4,694.40 from

Aston Matthews astonmatthews.co.uk

STORE MORE

One of the most important factors for a vanity is storage

– ideally you want plenty of room for all your beauty

and bathroom bits. This Burlington unit has 4 doors

to hide everything away neatly. It’s from £2,047 at

West One Bathrooms westonebathroomsonline.com

MAKE MINE MARBLE

Marble remains a buzzword in elegance and

sophistication. This Pyrford Single Vanity

Unit from Catchpole & Rye (from £5,950)

is made in Kent and can be customised with

all sorts of marvellous marbles, backsplashes

and taps or even with storage below.

catchpoleandrye.com

Vanity

Fair

We’ve collected inspirational ideas to add

some vah-vah voom to your vanity

FRAME THE SPACE

Here Kallums Bathrooms have fitted a

Codes vanity unit within a beautiful

arch that perfectly frames an Idea Group

mirror. A Durabrass tap from Dornbracht

and tiles from Stone & Ceramic

Warehouse add extra luxury and the

additional lighting makes for a practical

mirror space. kallumsbathrooms.co.uk

BRING ON BESPOKE

Bespoke is a hot word in all interiors right

now – we all want to be individual and

buy well-made items of great design that

are sustainable. This option is from Bard &

Blackwood who offer individually handmade

furniture of the finest quality from real

wood and real wood veneers sourced from

sustainable managed woodlands. It’s all

made to measure in England, to fit your

room and style. They can then be lacquered

to match any paint colour – this one is

in Ammonite no. 274 by Farrow and

Ball with a Marquina quartz top. Available

from The Bathroom Shop in Tenterden.

Find more at the-bathroomshop.co.uk

GET A CLOSER LOOK

Add a mirror with magnification

for when you need a close-up. This iLook illuminated

cosmetic mirror is from Ripples. ripplesbathrooms.com

PLAY THE FLUTE

We love fluted furniture for texture

and depth. This scheme by Cranleigh

Bathroom Studios uses a fluted sand

oak vanity from Roper Rhodes (from

£1,340 for double units). It is beautifully

complemented by a black round vessel

basin (from £205) and Storm nova tall

basin mixer (£293) to match the vanity

handles. cranleighbathroomstudios.co.uk

59



Try texture for extra dimension with

something like these Zanetti marble

effect fluted tiles. They are £60/m

at Quorn Stone mystonefloor.com

A budget-friendly update, colour drenching

transforms bathrooms into stylish retreats

with minimal effort. The below bathroom

achieves a sense of depth and luxury with its

darker hues of Fenwick & Tilbrook’s ‘Flat Iron’

woodwork and ‘Riverstone’ walls. Bold, rich

colours like these deep inky blues bring drama

and elegance. These paints in Pure Matt Plus

are from £29/l at fenwickandtilbrook.com

On the

Subway tiles continue

to be popular, make

yours extra special by

exploring different

textures and bevelling.

These glossy Farringdon

ones are £21.56/m 2

at Walls and Floors

wallsandfloors.co.uk

Delft tiles are classic and allow you to

personalise your bathroom a bit with a

special handmade feel. This Farmhouse

tile is £34.66 at Marlborough Tiles, and

you can pick your colours and borders

to cutomise. marlboroughtiles.com

Surface

Walls and floors can make or break your

bathroom style. In a room that needs to

focus so much on function, your surfaces

are where you can show some style!

Set a scene with statement mural-style wallpaper.

This bathroom by Kallums Bathrooms uses

Constantinople from Glamora wallpaper to set

a traditional tone reflected in the Edwardian

double basin from Burlington, Blake wall lights

from Elstead lighting, and brassware, standpipes

and a Bampton bath from BC Designs.


Stripes are very in right now from

fashion to floors. This Deck Chair

Porcelain Rose tile from Ca Pietra

adds a funky pop of personality.

Available in 7 colours at The

Stone Tile Warehouse for £79.20m 2

thestonetilewarehouse.co.uk

Why so serious? Have some

fun with this Doodle Dog

Patterned Tile for £45.36/m 2

at Porcelain Superstore

porcelainsuperstore.co.uk

Try using the same tile on the floor and

walls. Here Ca’ Pietra’s East Village Nero and

Bianco tiles (£78.20/box) are used to mix

this modern trend with a traditional look for

an Alice in Wonderland vibe. capietra.com


60

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Words: Gordon Lee Photographs: David Merewether


62

Alie Carter’s new home, surrounded

by rolling East Sussex countryside,

is a beautiful example of how she’s

applied decades of interior design

experience to create her perfect

and very personal environment

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Previous pages & this page: Natural tones abound in the kitchen, with soft greens,

terracottas and ochre yellows. The ceramic and wood kitchen pendant lights above

the kitchen island were from Studio Haran (studioharan.com), whilst the fabric

shade above the dining table was by Fosbery Studio (fosberystudio.co.uk)

“It always pays to dwell slowly on

the beautiful things – the more

beautiful, the more slowly.” Atticus

Wealden Times was borne

from a desire to celebrate and

share the many wonderful

things that we love about this community

of ours. A community in part defined

by geography but one more broadly

connected by shared values and an

appreciation of nature, design, creativity,

collaboration and craftsmanship. Draw

a Venn diagram of these characteristics

and Alie Carter, her interior design

philosophy, and her delightful home

would sit right in the middle. She

is the epitome of our purpose. Her

interior design aesthetic also reflects

many of the values of the ‘slow home’

movement. More on than that shortly.

Alie’s journey into interior design

began in New York in the late 1980s,

styling fashion shoots for Cosmopolitan

magazine, back when the likes of Cindy

Crawford, Christy Turlington, Linda

Evangelista, Elle Macpherson, and

Christie Brinkley were front page news.

She returned to London as a freelancer,

styling shoots for Elle magazine and

numerous other brand and ad campaigns.

The transition from dressing houses for

a modelling shoot to interior designer

was a smooth one. Alie studied at the

renowned KLC School of Design in

London, now part of the prestigious West

Dean College of Arts, Design, Craft and

Conservation. In addition to the history

of design, it was here that she learnt how

to structure an interior design project.

How to break it down into its various

65


This page, clockwise from top: The sitting room adheres to a natural colour palette, both for its walls and soft furnishings; The chandelier is a Kevin

McCloud design repurposed by Kinkatou kinkatou.com; Kelly Wearstler ‘District’ wallpaper in the utility room, with a pendant light by layertree.co.uk

parts: from design to construction,

then how to use colour, texture, fabrics

and light to bring a room to life. She

also learnt how to manage suppliers

and makers, and how to ask the right

questions of clients in order to unearth

the details that very often define the brief.

“When I meet a new client, I ask

them a lot of questions about their

lifestyle. Most people don’t know what

they want, so my job is to understand

their needs and their nice-to-haves, and

from that design them a room that will

delight them. The next part of the job

is delivery. I source all the suppliers,

from carpenters to seamstresses, and

then manage the delivery, installation,

invoicing and snagging. And at the

end of it all, they get a room that

they will love spending time in.

“I start by asking questions about

everything from the music they like to

where they tend to read. I also want to

know how they use each room or item of

furniture. Do they like to sit on the sofa

with their feet up or feet down? Do they

like to entertain? Where do they eat: do

they have family dinners in the kitchen,

dinner parties in the dining room, or

supper on their laps in front of the TV?”

For every interior designer, getting

to know the client and their family is

key. The longer they work together,


66

This page: Bespoke pendant lights in the entrance hall were by Tamasine Osher (tamasineosher.com). Lewis & Wood ‘Womad’ fabric

conceals understair shoe storage

the more symbiotic the relationship.

“The nicest jobs are where a family has

bought a house and we work our way

round it, doing one room at a time. I

get to know them really well. We build

up a relationship. They get to know and

trust me and my suppliers, decorators,

and curtain makers. Our relationship

evolves with each room we redesign.”

Redesigning a whole house can

feel quite daunting but taking an

iterative approach, one room at a time,

feels calmer and more manageable,

with time to not only reflect on the

changes made to each room but time

to pause and enjoy them too.

And this is where a bell rings and

I’m reminded of the ‘slow home’

movement, whose origins began with

the ‘slow food’ movement that many

of us are familiar with. The ‘slow food’

movement is all about promoting

local and traditional food, advocating

for sustainable food production and

consumption, and encouraging people

to take the time to enjoy and appreciate

their food. It emphasises the importance

of supporting small-scale farmers,

preserving biodiversity, and acts as a

counter balance to the ubiquity of fast

food joints and industrialised agriculture,

and results in a deeper connection to

the food we eat, the people who

67


This page: Pendant lampshades in the

main bedroom were by The Lampshade

Lady (thelampshadelady.co.uk), whilst the en suite

was supplied by Salacia of Cranbrook, with tiles

from Mandarin Stone (mandarinstone.com).

The wildflower wallpaper was from

Rediscovered By (rediscoveredby.com)

produce it, and the environment it comes

from. It was from here that the ‘slow

home’ movement evolved. It focuses on

designing and building homes that are

sustainable, energy-efficient and mindful

of the environment. It’s about thoughtful

design choices, quality materials and

creating spaces that enhance wellbeing

and the quality of life. Simplicity,

functionality and longevity are at the

heart of each design brief. It encourages

consumers to invest in high-quality,

timeless pieces and upcycle, rather than

promote disposable or fast furniture.

You see these principles throughout

Alie’s barn. As you would expect

from a new home of this scale, it is

extremely energy efficient, combining

an air source heat pump with heavily

insulated walls. Eighteen months in the

planning and a year to build, this home

wasn’t rushed. Alie had time to see how

each space evolved. James Chapman

of Kent Design Studios was integral

to this process. “KDS obtained our

planning for us and we worked closely

together on the design of the building

and then the structural details.”

One starting or anchor point for

a room is often a client’s art. A great

example of this is the bedroom that

features the work of Alie’s artist sister,

around which she found the wallpaper

and then the furniture and fabric that

would work with the art. Throughout our

lives we all gather items of sentimental

value, family heirlooms and objets d’art.

We probably don’t give these items

the space or prominence they deserve,

whereas Alie’s empathetic designs do.

One of the most important things

that Alie elicits from her clients is how


68

This page: Carefully chosen lighting creates

interesting focal points in each room. The

Bloomsbury style hand painted bedside

tables and chest of drawers in a blue bedroom

(below right) were by Charlotte Buxton-Li

(Instagram @lottie.b.li). The wallpaper is

Lee Jofa ‘Garden Walk’ by GP&J Baker

they would like to feel in a certain room.

She’s very clear about what makes her

happy in her home environment. “The

big thing for me is light. I love that we

can see big skies and enjoy open views

from the property. But internally I

want a feeling of openness too. So even

though the house isn’t particularly open

plan, there is so much light. It was the

one thing we didn’t compromise on.”

The huge picture window and roof

light over the front door which flood the

spectacular entrance hall and landing

with natural light are certainly testimony

to that, whilst the French windows in

the barn’s principal bedroom offer a

stunning vista of trees, green fields and

grazing sheep, all from the comfort

of the bed. The wildflower wallpaper

further connects the room with the

greenery that surrounds the barn.

Look closely around the barn and

you’ll spot lots of joyful and pleasing

details, many sourced directly from

local designers and makers. There’s the

Rattan chair rescued from the tip, then

elegantly upcycled. The Kevin McCloud

designed chandelier (bought circa mid-

90s when he used to have a lighting

shop on the Wandsworth Bridge Road)

that has been repurposed, reworked and

reborn with the addition of new green

ceramic cups from Kinkatou. And the

most extraordinary handcrafted wooden

pendant lights from Edenbridge-based

Tamasine Osher. Clare Langdon in

Cranbrook made all the bespoke blinds,

whilst another long-standing friend and

supplier, Pippa Clague from Canterbury,

did all the curtains. For the framing

and hanging of all of her pictures, Alie

used the wonderful Up The Walls.

69


This page, above: Doors from the kitchen lead out onto a sheltered

terrace Left: The study and music room

The kitchen cabinetry was built to last by the brilliant

cabinet maker Andrew Robinson, who’s based just outside

Tunbridge Wells, whilst the stunning bathrooms were supplied

by Salacia of Cranbrook, who have curated the most stylish

collection of high quality bathroom suites, showers and tiles.

The house itself was built with such great care by

Ryan Blake and his team from Northiam-based Blakes

Design – “Wherever they could they went the extra

mile.” The exterior of the barn is beautifully clad with

larch. Instead of inserting a standard metal grill into the

roof to ensure air flow, they carved a circular wooden

vent, so as not to spoil the aesthetic. It’s this thoughtful

attention to detail that sets the best craftspeople apart.

What’s truly remarkable is just how many brilliant

designers, creators and makers live and work across the Weald.

The good news is that Alie can connect you to all of them.

And what she has done brilliantly with the barn is bring all

of these incredibly talented people together to create her

perfect home. A home that on the one hand is contemporary

and bold in its ambition, design and structure, but on the

other has a gentle simplicity, that’s further softened by warm

fabrics, natural materials and a rich colour palette. A range of

colours that is both vibrant and exciting, yet feels soothing,

welcoming and comforting. Alie’s barn is a wonderfully

grand design, from a quite brilliant interior designer.

Address Book:

Find out more about Alie Carter Interiors by calling

07775 892688 or see aliecarterinteriors.co.uk.

Andrew Robinson Furniture Instagram @andrewrobinsonfurniture

Blakes Design blakesdesign.co.uk

Clare Langdon Interiors clarelangdoninteriors.co.uk

Kent Design Studio kentdesignstudio.co.uk

Pippa Clague 07815 107032

Salacia salacia.co.uk/service/cranbrook-showroom/

Up The Walls upthewalls.co.uk


Get the

LOOK

1 Noctis Loer pendant light from £445 Tom Raffield tomraffield.com 2 Ronald Redding Classics Lingering Garden Mural

£425 Beautiful Walls beautifulwalls.co.uk 3 Land Rover Defender Beach at Dawn, & Surfer framed photography prints from

£49 each Beach House Art beachhouseart.co.uk 4 Opal stripe small knife edge cushion £55 Ian Mankin ianmankin.co.uk

5 Tiffany sofa from £2,050 sofa.com 6 Emberlyn table lamp in White Linen & Travertine £229 Cult Furniture

cultfurniture.com 7 Ibo reclaimed wood bedside table £295 Nkuku nkuku.com 8 Archie large footstool from £1,020 Arlo &

Jacob arloandjacob.com 9 Brecon River Oak Wood Design flooring £50/m 2 Woodpecker Flooring woodpeckerflooring.co.uk

71


Wealden Times

Midsummer

Fa i r

wealdentimes-fair.co.uk

Enjoy a great day out shopping

with friends and family at this year’s

Midsummer Fair

We’ve got lots of new and exciting exhibitors for you to meet

this summer. The team work tirelessly to ensure the perfect mix

of inspiring interiors, fabulous fashion and heavenly

homewares. Why not take a closer look on our website

wealdentimes-fair.co.uk and plan your perfect shopping day?

Tickets on

sale NOW

QUOTE CODE

‘EARLY25’

for £2 off

each ticket * *Offer ends midnight April 1 2025

5-7 JUNE 2025

HOLE PARK, ROLVENDEN TN17 4JB

Book your timed tickets at wealdentimes-fair.co.uk

NEW EXHIBITORS

Here are just a few of the new

exhibitors we have at the fair.

Nicci Fairbank

niccifairbank.co.uk

Twizzell

twizzell.co.uk

We’re delighted to introduce our

SILVER SPONSOR

Rubies & Roses

rubiesandroses.co.uk

Cossu Sardinia

cossusardinia.com

Whether you’re dreaming of a secluded tropical

retreat, a cultural journey through historic cities

or a luxurious cruise, their friendly, knowledgeable

team are on hand to plan your perfect holiday.

With access to premium resorts, private villas,

and first-class service, at Simply Luxury Escapes

they turn your dreams into reality – providing an

unforgettable holiday that exceeds expectations.

simplyluxuryescapes.co.uk

Indigo Prawn

indigoprawn.com

Lexy London

lexylondon.com

Hop Skip & Flutter

hopskipandflutter.co.uk

Jan Tomei Ceramics

jantomeiceramics.com

Maya H

mayahindia.myshopify.com

The Drift Weed Artist

instagram.com/thedriftweedartist

Trogs

Trogs

StudioOpenDays

22nd

22nd

23rd

23rd

February

February

7th

7th

8th

8th

9th

9th

March

March

10amto

10amto

1pmeach

1pmeach

day

day

Etchings,watercolours,posters,books,cardsandmore Etchings,watercolours,posters,books,cardsandmore .

UpTheGardenStudio

hiteCo tage,GreenLane,BoughtonMonchelsea,

UpTheGardenStudio

W hiteCo tage,GreenLane,BoughtonMonchelsea,

Kent,ME174LF

Kent,ME174LF

eareopenbyappointmentthroughouttheyear,

W eareopenbyappointmentthroughouttheyear,

helo@ grahamclarke.co.uk 07801922081

helo@ grahamclarke.co.uk 07801922081

GrahamClarke,A Retrospective1stto29thMarch

GrahamClarke,A Retrospective1stto29thMarch

LindenHalStudio,Deal,Kent

LindenHalStudio,Deal,Kent

West End House

Art Gallery

Contemporary gallery in beautiful

Smarden. A glorious mix of artworks

at all prices from artists near and far

www.westendhousegallery.co.uk

Best Art Gallery in Kent Winner

Water Lane, Smarden, TN27 8QB, 01233 770261

email: girls@westendhousegallery.co.uk


74

PIECE OF YOUR ART

Adding art to your home

is a joy and there is

something out there to

suit all tastes and budgets

istockphoto.com/Elena Shilina

1 This etching from the wonderful world of Graham

Clarke is called TROGS. Published as part of his

Cottage Creatures set, it is full of quaint charm and

may be inspired by Graham’s daughter Tilly whom

he affectionately calls Trog! It is produced entirely

by hand in a worldwide edition of 400 plus 40

artist’s proofs and measures 137x174mm. It is £175

unframed or £225 framed at grahamclarke.co.uk

2 For those interested in interiors and looking to dip

a toe into the art world, this bite-sized (15x15cm)

treat offers a sweet touch of unexpected red. Dani

Humberstone’s Pocket Strawberry is a framed oil on

canvas and you can claim it for just £160 at West

End House Gallery. The contemporary gallery in

the heart of historic Smarden is a welcoming space

with inspiring original work at all prices including

paintings, printmaking, ceramics, sculpture

and crafts from renowned artists and makers.

westendhousegallery.co.uk

3 This is Bwthyn (which means small Welsh cottage).

In this delightful little original acrylic on board, Jay

Nottingham uses a bold contemporary style with

that striking dark sky to juxtapose the subject of a

traditional beach scene with one of his signature

cottages. This unusual mix makes the piece feel

utterly unique and also means it will sit nicely in just

about any home. Framed with a white slip and matt

black frame as shown, it measures 11x11” and it is

available for £255 from Trew Art. trewart.com

4 Norman Hepple’s Shrimping depicts a beach scene

that feels so nostalgic, filled with the sunshine-andsmiles

feeling of visiting the coast as a child. This

limited edition signed lithograph is £400 at the

wonderful Belgravia Gallery in the Surrey Hills. We

also love that for such a heartwarming piece, 100%

of the sale proceeds go to The Sebastian Hunter

Memorial Trust (sebsschool.org) to help the poor and

marginalised in Southern India. belgraviagallery.com

5 The poppy is filled with vivid symbolism, whether

you associate it with peace and sleep, the sombre

remembrance of World War One or you are a fan of

Wicked or The Wizard of Oz. This photograph, Wild

Poppies, won the International Photography Awards

Abstract Fine Art in 2022. It came into being when

photographer Tim Platt took hundreds of timelapse

photographs over 34 hours as some poppies

flowered. With this in mind and the depiction as a

mandala, the piece speaks of the beauty of life, its

fleeting nature, and the immortality of remembrance.

Limited editions cost from £120 (40x40” unframed)

at timplattprints.com

6 This adorable and calming ink and colour pencil

piece depicts Paddington Bear sleeping amongst

cushions on a wing armchair. It is attributed to

British artist Fred Banberry, measures a small but

cosy 12x10cm and is estimated at £200-400 by

Ewbank’s who will be auctioning it in a sale on the

27th of March. ewbankauctions.co.uk

75


£500 –

£1,000

Cap your spending at four figures for an

investment piece that is still budget conscious

1 Kent-based Virginia Griffiths-Jones’ uninhibited style portrays

natural landscapes with a jubilant sense of energy and enthusiasm.

This piece, Early Morning, is a 46x60cm oil on canvas and it will

be £584 at Art Surrey’s new art fair at Sandown Park. The creators

of the Art Surrey fair at Epsom Downs Racecourse have curated

this new unforgettable experience for art lovers and collectors alike.

One of the largest art fairs in the South East, it will instantly ignite

your creative senses with its 100+ contemporary and traditional

artists from 21st to 23rd March. Prices range from £50 to over

£3,000, so it’s perfect for browsing on a budget! artsurrey.co.uk

2 Rolling Stones fans may be tempted by this vintage Mick Jagger

exhibition postcard by Andy Warhol from 1975. Belgravia Gallery

holds a collection of these 30.5x22cm treasures, each one depicting

a different face of the rock legend. Warhol’s iconic portraits are

some of the most collectable art in modern history so this one is a

privilege to own at £950. belgraviagallery.com

3 East Sussex artist Annie Waring’s floral still life paintings are a

joy, depicting little riches of the world outside our windows here

in the South East. This one is a 36x42cm oil on linen board called

Dandelions, Bluebells and Cowslip, and it is £660 at West End

House Gallery in the beautiful village of Smarden. The gallery will

be exhibiting at the Affordable Art Fair in Battersea (stand H9)

from Wednesday 12th to Sunday 16th March – a great place to

browse art on a budget as 110 leading national and international

galleries will have all sorts to explore! westendhousegallery.co.uk

4 Julie Moss is an artist, a keen gardener and ex-florist who believes

in a symbiotic relationship between painting and gardening.

Garden Gate, a 45x35cm oil on canvas painting, is £675 at

McAllister Thomas in Godalming, Surrey, where an exhibition this

month will showcase Moss’ work from the 1st. The exhibition,

Viridita, delves into the idea of ‘green at the heart’, and how people

thrive when the natural world thrives, informed by gardens both in

this country and abroad. mcallisterthomasfineart.co.uk

5 Attributed to Ernst Deodat Ewald, this still life of mixed flowers

in bloom is dramatic and sophisticated, and will add a sense of

dark romance to any interior scheme. It is a 56x45cm oil on

canvas, signed with initials verso and dated 1889. Estimated

at £500-1000, it will go to auction on the 27th at Ewbank’s in

Woking, Surrey. The sale will be the second day of Ewbank’s

‘Fine Art Sale’ – a quarterly collection of all the finest things from

jewellery and silver to art and books. ewbankauctions.co.uk

6 Following a fulfilling career in the film industry, Kay Minter

established her own flower garden and, inspired by the natural

beauty there, became a self-taught photographer. This is Summer, a

bountiful statement-making piece, it is £689 for a fabulous 80cm

square mounted limited edition. kayminter.com

7 Andrew Grant Kurtis is a London-born artist whose muchacclaimed

city-scapes harness vibrant colours to depict euphoric

lighting that almost makes the canvas glow. Big Ben London Water

View is a 20x20” original oil painting. Framed with a white slip

and silver coloured frame, it costs £795 at Trew Art. trewart.com


76

Fine Art

Investment Art

11 The Parade, Claygate, Surrey, KT10 0PD • WWW.TREWART.COM • PH 44 (0)1372 470997

Pop Art

Sculptures

Picture Framing

From inspiration to creation,

define your space with

ART



ART FAIR

16-18 MAY 2025

Fri 16th 4pm-8.30pm,

Sat 17th & Sun 18th 10am-5pm

landmarkartscentre.org

Ferry Road, Teddington, TW11 9NN

020 8977 7558

Admission: £5, Concessions £4,

U16s & LAC Friends FREE

landmarkartfairs

landmarkspringandautumnartfairs

Image: Amanda Nester Registered Charity No: 1047080

77


1 This piece is by Keith Vaughan,

who was born in West Sussex in

1912. It is titled Standing Figure

and Landscape, is dated 1959, and

it measures 40x47cm (framed).

It is part of wonderful private

collection of Modern British art

which is coming up for auction at

Hansons Penshurst, Kent on the

27th of February, for an estimated

£4000-6000. Born from a local

estate which was curated over

40+ years, the collection of over

60 lots mostly focuses around

modern artists like Keith Vaughan,

John Banting, Roger Hilton,

Fred Hall and many

more who lived and/

or worked around

Kent and Sussex.

The sale catalogue

is available online as

part of the Hanson’s

Penshurst, Kent:

Fine Art, Jewellery,

Silver and Antiques

sale at 10:30am on

the 27th of February.

hansonsauctioneers.co.uk

2 Who doesn’t love a

Mediterranean look to

help them feel sunny

all year round? This

original oil on canvas by

Cornish artist Joanne

Short is called Lemons

by the Sea, Positano, Italy.

It whisks you away to the

Amalfi Coast with its bright,

warm colours that will add

some sunshine and vitality to

any room. It measures 30x30”

and is available for £2,250

at The John Dyer Gallery

in Falmouth, Cornwall

johndyergallery.com

OVER

£1,000

For those with four figures to spend,

the world of art has much to offer

3 For followers of fashion,

may we introduce Framed Silk Scarves? Silk

scarves have long been an art form in their

own right, with designer brands creating pieces

of such beauty that they are well worthy of

hanging on a wall. This is the belief that drives

Framed Silk Scarves who pride themselves

on meticulously mounting and framing their

carefully sourced rare, vintage, and limited

edition silk scarves from renowned designers

and fashion houses. This one is the result of

Hermès’ collaboration with Jonathan Burton,

who took the idea of selfie culture and the

efforts people put into social media and created

something fantastical, absurd, surreal and

enchanting. It is 90x90cm and is priced at

£2,280 at framedsilkscarves.com

4 Melodie Nicolle is a French fibre artist who

creates one-of-a-kind handwoven wall hangings

that are 100% vegan and cruelty

free. Nicolle spins her own

yarns from vegan fibres using

traditional carding and spinning

techniques, and considers

her process to be meditative

and therapeutic. This piece,

Moonlight Waves will add a lovely

bit of texture and colour to an

interior, and would be especially

apt for coastal properties. It is

79,5x52cm and costs €1,340 at

happymelodie.com

5 Another piece by Julie Moss, Crystal Vision is

a 100x100cm oil on canvas available for £1,950

at McAllister Thomas Fine Art. This is one of

those wonderful works of art that is made all

the more poignant for the fact that it’s beauty

is born from a troubling time for the artist,

emphasising the transformative power art has

to bloom from the darkest places. When Moss

was experiencing problems with her eyes and

facing the possibility of losing vision, a friend

gave her a blue crystal stone shaped into a

head of a Buddha, and with it a sense of hope.

Inspired by this, the blue chandelier in Crystal

Vision represents a return to light and clarity.

mcallisterthomasfineart.co.uk


78

BELGRAVIAGALLERY.COM

ART THAT

MAKES

A HOUSE

A HOME

PAINTINGS | SCULPTURE

ART ADVISORY | INSTALLATION

GREENDOWNS

Oil on Board

by Dion Salvador Lloyd

+44 (0)207 4951010

LAURA@BELGRAVIAGALLERY.COM

UPCOMING AUCTION DATES

5th March - James Bond

7th March - Comic Book Collection

12th March - Tabletop Gaming

13th March - Vintage Posters

20th March - The Tony King Movie & TV Props Collection

26th March - Jewellery, Watches & Coins

27th March - Silver & Fine Art

28th March - Antiques, Books, Stamps, Asian Art, Clocks & Antique Furniture

4th April - Classic and Modern Cars & Automobilia

Accepting consignments

Free valuations

Open weekdays 9am - 5pm

www.ewbanks.co.uk

01483 223101

info@ewbanks.co.uk

Burnt Common Auction Rooms, London Road, Send, Woking, Surrey, GU23 7LN

79


AN AWARD-WINNING

FASHION BOUTIQUE

LOCATED IN GUILDFORD

County Clothes Menswear

A long-established menswear specialist in Kent and East Sussex

BEXHILL - CANTERBURY - HERNE BAY - REIGATE

SEVENOAKS - TENTERDEN - TUNBRIDGE WELLS

WWW.COUNTYCLOTHESMENSWEAR.CO.UK

BRANDS INCLUDE:

American Vintage

Colorush

Day Birger Et Mikkelson

Farm Fio

Frame

Hale Bob

Malina

Melissa Odabash

Maxmara Weekend

Paige

Rae

Samsoe

Second Female

Sundress

Talis Chains

Vanessa Bruno

72 - 74 HIGH STREET, GUILDFORD, SURREY, GU1 3HE

www.thegateboutique.co.uk

BLUE VELVET SHOES

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


80

9ct rose gold freeform

semi-polished ruby

pendant £1,595 Baroque

baroquejewellery.com

Green gingham midi dress £80

Oliver Bonas oliverbonas.com

Fancy yellow diamond

pendant £5,995 Prestige

shopprestige.com

Treasured heart locket £198 Dower

& Hall dowerandhall.com

Poplin cotton wrap skirt £59 John

Lewis & Partners johnlewis.com

Per Una tie front

cardigan £39.50 M&S

marksandspencer.com

Disney Princess Snow

White bow ring £65

Pandora uk.pandora.net

Rannie cardigan £119

Odyl odyldesign.com

Enamel fawn charm £18

Fable England fableengland.com

Blackbird mini top handle

bag £65 Fable England

fableengland.com

Puff sleeve cotton top

£160 Femponiq London

femponiq.com

Disney Villains

Evil Queen apple

charm £70 Pandora

uk.pandora.net

airest

Fof them all

Right now we’re loving rich primary colours, flowing

skirts, bows and tie-up details, interesting sleeves,

homely checks, magical-mine-fresh jewels and

fabulous flats – whether you’re channeling princess

or pauper, Snow White is a style icon

Eponine skirt £75 Damson

Madder damsonmadder.com

Selene saphire & white

gold ring £6,600

KATA Jewellery

katajewellery.com

Belle broderie blouse

£45 Joe Browns

joebrowns.co.uk

Mushroom charm £35

ENAMEL Copenhagen

enamelcopenhagen.com

istockphoto.com/ Kharchenko_irina7

Moi London red

gingham Mary Jane

shoes £84 Oliver Bonas

oliverbonas.com

Zelda rose quartz, pink tourmaline and

amethyst bracelet £325 Pomegranate

Jewellery pomegranate-london.co.uk

Hazel suede ballet pumps with leather lining

£89.99 Blue Velvet bluevelvetshoes.com

Embroided basket bag £50

Joe Browns joebrowns.co.uk

Black check print midi skirt £49

River Island riverisland.com

Bianca blouse with puff

sleeves £33 Damson Madder

damsonmadder.com

Celia silk maxi full

skirt wrap dress

£450 Jasper Conran

jasperconran.com

81


Black

frill table

runner £6 Asda

Living direct.

asda.com

s

82

shine

Rise &

High

sided

serving dish

Gillshaw Pottery

gillshawpottery.

co.uk

Granola with a warm berry compote and yoghurt, recipe on page 84

Kick-start your day with

Charlotte Butterworth's

fuss-free brunch recipes

Photographs:

David Merewether

Bacon, mushroom

& cheese frittata

Serves 2 as a main, 4 as a side

This is THE most delicious hot

combination you can imagine.

You can make ahead and then

reheat for a tasty breakfast. It

also works for a warming lunch,

dinner, or keep in the fridge for

a snack. Your kitchen will smell

divine. Do omit the mushrooms

if you don’t like them.

• 1 small onion finely

chopped or use 2 tbsp

frozen chopped shallots

• 200g mushrooms sliced

• 2 rashers of smoked

streaky bacon, cut

into bite size pieces

• 1 tsp of dried thyme

• 5-6 eggs

• 40ml cream/crème fraîche/

cream cheese/yoghurt

• 50g cheddar cheese grated

1. Grease and line 20cm

tin with non stick baking

parchment. Preheat

the oven to 180°C

2. Pop some olive oil in a

frying pan and gently fry the

onions, taking care not to burn

them. After a few mins, add

the mushrooms, bacon and

thyme. Cook until softened.

3. Meanwhile, beat the eggs

and cream in a large bowl, add

the cheese. Season generously

with pepper (you may not

need salt due to bacon).

Finally add the cooked onion,

mushroom and bacon mix.

4. Pour into the prepared tin

and bake in the preheated oven,

for 20-25 mins, until golden.

Allow to cool and set in the tin

for 5-10 mins or so. Remove

and cut into squares. Serve

warm with a dressed salad.

Keep any unused in an air tight

container in the fridge.

83


Granola with a warm

berry compote &

yoghurt (from pg. 83)

Makes 6-8 servings

A joyful abundance of fruits,

seeds and nuts to create a filling

and healthy breakfast. Make a

batch of granola in advance, then

just grab ready for breakfast. The

compote takes moments to make,

using frozen mixed berries.

For the granola:

• 100g mixed nuts (I use pecans,

flaked almonds, walnuts,

cashews, hazelnuts – but

use what you have/like)

• 150g jumbo oats

• 1 tsp of ground nut or olive oil

• 1 or 2 apples grated

• 1 tsp cinnamon

• 1 or 2 tbsp maple syrup

or agave nectar

• 30g dried fruit, such as chopped

apricots, dates, cranberries etc

• 75g seeds (I use pumpkin,

sunflower, linseed)

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C

2. Mix the nuts, oats, grated

apple, cinnamon, oil and syrup.

Make sure the apple separates.

3. Spread over a large baking tray

or two and cook for 20 mins.

You may need to turn it a couple

of times to make sure it browns

evenly. When browned take from

the oven and allow to cool.

4. Once cooled, add the seeds

and dried fruits. This keeps

for at least a week in a sealed

container. Do play around with

quantities, types of nuts, fruit

etc according to your taste.

For the compote:

• mixed frozen berries

• cinnamon and optional

icing sugar

Allow a handful of berries per

person. Pop into a saucepan,

sprinkle with a pinch of

cinnamon per person. Allow

to warm through. Add a pinch

of icing sugar if you prefer it

sweeter and allow to dissolve.

To serve: I love using thick

proper cold Greek yoghurt.

Spoon over the berries and

sprinkle with the granola.

Speedy, smoky creamy

beans on toast

Serves 1 (doubles easily)

This is truly body and soul

food. I am not a fan of tinned

baked beans, but I love these!

These incredibly flavourful

beans can be on the table in a

few minutes, and are packed

full of goodness… Please do

make with good jarred beans for

flavourful creamy unctuousness

– if you are using tinned, they

will need cooking longer.

• olive oil

• 1 tbsp tomato concentrate

• ½ tsp each of smoked

paprika, turmeric, chilli

flakes (if you like hot)

• 3 tbsp jarred cannellini beans

– I use Bold Bean Co.

• balsamic vinegar

• 3 blocks of frozen spinach

– defrosted (I do in a

moment in the microwave)

• optional (to serve):

Greek yoghurt and good

sourdough bread, toasted

1. Heat a splash of olive oil in

a pan, warm gently then add

the tomato concentrate and

spices. Stir through and allow

to cook for a few moments.

2. Add the beans, with any liquid.

Season with some salt and pepper,

add a splash of balsamic vinegar.

If they are a little dry add a splash

of water. Stir through the spinach

and cook gently for a few minutes

while you toast your bread.

3. Taste, season again as needed

and serve steaming hot. It

is delicious with a little very

cold Greek yoghurt – the

temperature contrast is amazing!

About Charlotte Butterworth aka @theneedy.greedy

Charlotte is a private caterer, cookery teacher and recipe creator sharing her original recipes on Instagram

and Facebook as @theneedy.greedy. She trained as a cordon bleu cook, but has developed her own

signature style of using lots of vegetables, big flavours and love of Mediterranean style cooking.

Charlotte runs cookery workshops and teaches individuals in her lovely kitchen in Cranbrook,

helping people rediscover their culinary mojo with new ideas for delicious, healthy and easy meals for

everyday and entertaining. Her next workshops are Friday 14th March and Friday 28th March.

She also caters for everything from intimate dinners and family celebrations to drinks parties

and corporate events. Charlotte is also the co-founder of the Small Business Supper Club Kent,

which holds monthly events to bring small business owners, creatives and sole traders together.

Do contact her at charlotte@butterworth.co.uk for more

information about catering, teaching or supper clubs.

84

85

Pink

bobble

bowl £8 Asda

Living direct.

asda.com

Blueberry & chia seed

cinnamon muffins

Makes approx 12 small or 6 large muffins

These muffins are utterly gorgeous

but so much healthier than a shop

bought version. So quick to make

too. I often quickly knock these up

for my cookery workshop participants

to enjoy a freshly baked treat on

arrival with a coffee. I am always

asked for the recipe. Using olive

oil and yoghurt give the muffins

the lightest texture. The chia seeds

add a bit of extra goodness but

are entirely optional. I use frozen

blueberries as they work just as well

and are so much more convenient.

• 65g plain flour

• 60g wholemeal flour (or

just use plain flour)

• 1½ tsp baking powder

• ½ tsp bicarbonate of soda

• 1 tsp cinnamon

• 150g live natural or Greek yoghurt

• 50-75g muscavado or dark soft

brown sugar (adjust to your taste)

• 1 large egg

• 25ml olive oil

• 1tsp vanilla extract

• 125g frozen blueberries

• 15g chia seeds(optional)

• 1 tsp demerara sugar for sprinkling

1. Preheat oven to 180°C. Line a 12

hole muffin tray with paper cases

2. Combine the flours, baking

powder, bicarbonate of soda and

cinnamon in a mixing bowl. Then

make a well in the centre.

3. In a jug, mix the yoghurt, sugar,

oil, egg and vanilla, whisking together

with a fork. Pour the mix into the

well of the flour mixture and gently

combine. When you have a beautiful

batter, add the berries and chia seeds.

4. Put a generous tablespoon into each

muffin case, sprinkle over the demerara

sugar (if using) and bake for 15 mins until

risen and golden. Cool on a wire rack.

Note: sugar is to taste. I personally

go low as I think the berries

make them sweet enough.

86

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88

Beauty

Fresh Start

Stuck in a trans-seasonal fragrance rut? Josephine Fairley picks some of her

favourite spring scents, including some purse-friendly surprises

Tis spring (well, imminently) – and if you’re anything

like me, your thoughts turn to finding a new

fragrance. Something happens to me each year,

around now. As the days lengthen and the temperatures

slowly rise, the cocooning perfumes I’ve been wrapping

myself in start to feel almost claustrophobic. That may

not be the case if you’ve got a single ‘signature’ scent – but

more and more of us have a wardrobe of fragrances that

we reach for, depending on our mood, or occasion. Or the

weather. As I peel off layers, I want scents that are lighter

and fresher – and those velvety winter fragrances are put

away, with my opaque tights, till autumn swings around.

The pace of launches certainly isn’t slowing

down at all, meanwhile. I’m lucky enough

to get dozens of new products land on

my desk each month, and so for this column, I thought

I’d share a selection of fragrances which have lately caught

my eye (or rather my nose) and are worth exploring.

What I would counsel, always, is that nothing beats

wearing a fragrance on your own skin. Our individual body

chemistry interacts with the scent we wear, making it subtly

different on everyone. You can’t even judge from first sniff

whether you’re about to embark on an olfactory love affair,

because fragrances develop and morph as they warm on the

skin. I truly take my time choosing a fragrance; for one recent

purchase – and yes, despite those press samples, I still buy

perfumes for myself – I went back to the shop five times for

a re-spray before tapping my code into Apple Pay and

all but skipping off with my scented swag.

Rule is (just as a reminder): spray scents

on blotters before spritzing on your skin.

LABEL THEM. (Even I am amnesiac

about what’s what.) Take yourself

off for a coffee, sit and smell

them; make a shortlist of what

you want to try on your skin

(three max): crook of one elbow,

two wrists. WRITE DOWN

WHAT YOU SPRAYED

WHERE. (I know this sounds

ridiculous, but I swear it is

almost impossible to remember.)

Then live with the scent as the day

goes by, sniff it every now and then

before you shower or bathe it off – and

if something pushes your button, go back

and spray it generously: neck, wrists, maybe

your scarf, as fabric is a great carrier of fragrance. (A

good way to establish whether a perfume suits you is if you

magnetise compliments from strangers or loved ones, I

find…) Discovery boxes are also a good way to try-beforeyou-buy,

with many brands now offering their own curated

selections, allowing you to trial different samples at your

leisure, on skin. (I don’t own it any more, but the business

I started – perfumesociety.org – has a stellar selection of

their own boxes, as well as those from perfume houses.)

For now, though, these scents are all worth sniffing out, for

spring – and better still, some of them are real steals…


Hermès Barénia, from £72 for 30ml eau de parfum. This is a

‘skin perfume’, which doesn’t shout its presence, but invites you

to nuzzle into it. (Having said that, I’ve had plenty of strangers

ask me what I’m wearing – see above: a very good sign). It’s

Hermès’s first-ever Chypre fragrance, a most sophisticated family

of scents beloved by perfume connoisseurs, with a soft berry

note, dry oaky woodiness, and enough patchouli to keep my

inner hippie happy. Stunning bottle, and refillable with it.

Sabrina Carpenter Me Espresso (£39.99 for 75ml eau de

parfum). The Grammy-winning singer’s whole fragrance range

has rather blown me away – and this is my favourite yet, tapping

into the current vogue for coffee notes in scent. All Sabrina’s

fragrances sit within a ‘Sweet Tooth’ collection, and they’re

definitely gourmand in character, hinted at by the chocolate bar

bottle (this time, in pale blue). But this is soft, it’s moreish – sweet,

yes, but I think you might be surprised how wearable it is.

Adam Reed ARKIVE fragrances, £30 for 50ml eau de parfum.

Award-winning hairdresser Adam Reed is a self-confessed scent

obsessive with hundreds of bottles in his personal collection

– and a very good nose. I love that these scents are priced at

just £30 for 50ml eau de parfum. There are two florals (Future

Bloom and A Kind of Floral), but I’m more drawn to No One

Elsie, conjuring up a greenhouse vibe with its tomato leaf and

rhubarb tartness, and Decorated Woods, which is like a mossy

walk in a forest, blending notes of Palo Santo, cedarwood,

frankincense and vetiver. There’s a brilliant Discovery Set of four

miniature bottles, just £25 for 4 x 10ml, at arkiveheadcare.com.

Acqua di Parma Colonia Il Profumo, £217 for 100ml eau

de parfum. Acqua di Parma Colonia has legions of fans: a

quintessential, sophisticated Cologne that the Italian brand has

now ramped up to offer extended staying power, but with the same

distinctive freshness, but a floral note of ylang ylang woven into

the olfactory tapestry of zesty Italian bergamot, grapefruit, blood

orange and petitgrain, a fabulous citrus note which is distilled

from the leaves and twigs of the same tree that gives us marmalade.

MEMO Paris Portobello Road, £235 for 75ml (harveynichols.

com, launching this month). Well, I had to try this, having

lived on Portobello Road for 12 years, before moving to East

Sussex. It didn’t disappoint: armfuls of roses and a fresh, everso-slightly

metallic ‘rain accord’, which I believe references

petrichor – the smell of rain on wet earth (or pavements),

a real ‘city smell’ which I find very nostalgic. A petalperfect

tea rose scent that has me dreaming of summer.

Jo Malone London Taif Rose, £112 for 50ml Cologne

Intense. Yup, another rose – but this is such a beauty: rich

yet fresh, and so intriguing, again with a note of coffee in the

base. Definitely worth a spritz when you’re drifting by a Jo

Malone London counter or boutique, but this intensified,

long-lasting Cologne is a limited edition – so don’t dawdle.

AKRO Infuse, £80 for 30ml eau de parfum. This takes

its cue from Oolong tea and Asian tea culture, with

the crispness of bergamot, tea and maté giving way to

floral notes of osmanthus, freesia, apricot and magnolia,

ultimately softening to a smoochy and addictive base.

La Pyae Apothecary Catch Me If I Fall, £185 for 50ml eau

de parfum. This may have launched last autumn – created by

beauty editor Kathleen Baird-Murray (Financial Times,

Tatler), with leading nose Frank Voelkl – but Catch Me

If I Fall is spring-in-a-bottle, with jasmine tangled

through freesia, the warmth of cardamom and

the softness of sandalwood. Exquisite.

Roger & Gallet Twist Cologne, £38 for

100ml eau de Cologne. If Colognes are

your thing, this is a breath of fresh air: an

almost meditative, head-clearing burst

of citrus notes, clary sage and white

woods. It’s zesty, it’s cooling,

and I reckon you’ll be

spritzing and re-spritzing,

as spring unfurls.

Jo Fairley is hosting

a ‘How to Improve Your Sense

of Smell’ fragrance workshop at

The Star Hotel, in Alfriston, on Friday

4 th April, which also includes a fragrant

afternoon tea prepared by the hotel’s chefs,

and a fab goodie bag to take home.

For more info and to book, visit

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91


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Health

Foot notes

Sarah Maxwell shares her tips for buying just

the right trainers for running and beyond

istockphoto.com/ :Veni vidi...shoot

In the ever-evolving world of

sports and fitness training, good

training shoes are essential to

enhance performance and minimise

the risk of injury. Historically,

training shoes were designed

primarily to provide support

and comfort during physical

activities. They were often simple

and focused on functionality.

In recent years, however,

training shoes have undergone

a significant transformation.

Today’s trainers are designed to

accommodate various foot types

and movement patterns. They

have evolved in comfort, support

and performance across multiple

sports. Sportswear companies are

investing more in science and

technology research. Adaptive

cushioning systems that adjust to

your weight and stride, and smart

shoes with built-in sensors that

keep track of your performance in

real time, not only help boost your

performance and lower the chance

of injuries, but they also look great!

Collaborations between

luxury brands like Balenciaga

and sportswear companies like

Under Armour have propelled

training shoes into high fashion.

They are paired with elegant

dresses on runways and casual

streetwear. Once viewed merely as

functional footwear for athletes,

they are now essential in any

fashion lover’s wardrobe.

So whether you prefer

monochrome, metallics, bold

statements, or something stylish

for everyday footwear, there will

undoubtedly be something for

you below. Here are a couple of

the websites that I check out:

• outdoorgearlab.com/topics/shoesand-boots/best-running-shoes

• run.outsideonline.com/gear/asneak-peek-at-the-hottest-runningshoes-coming-out-in-2025/

And a few of my favourite

running shoes are:

• Asics Novoblast 5

• Asics Gel-Kayano 14s

• Saucony Ride 17

• Nike Pegasus

• Adidas Campus – a timeless

classic to wear with anything!

The technical bit

Finding the best running shoes

for you can be tricky. If you’re

starting from scratch with a sport

or running, a visit to a specialist

shop for a running style assessment

is a great first step. The assessment

will provide valuable insights

into your unique running style,

ensuring that you start your

running journey on the right foot,

both figuratively and literally.

Factors to consider are:

• your running style

• the surface you run on

• the shape and positioning

of your feet

• comfort and stability

• your budget

Ideally, having two pairs of

shoes to use in rotation is not

just a suggestion; it’s a strategy

for success. By allowing the

foam supports in your shoes

to recover, you ensure they’re

always at their best when you

need them. This practice is a

surefire way to guarantee the

support and cushioning you

need for your runs.

Sarah

Maxwell is a multiaward

winning Lifestyle

Wellbeing and Fitness coach. You

can find her at sarahmaxwell.com

Get in touch via email at

sarahmaxwell@mail.com

and on social

@sarahmaxlife

93


Liz with her family

Learn more

about gifts

in Wills

Gifts in Wills fund a third

of our work, like the clinical

trial Liz took part in.

Thanks to research, she’ll celebrate more

milestones with her family.

Find out more at cruk.org/giftsinwills

Cancer Research UK is a registered charity in

Cancer Research UK is a registered England charity and in Wales England (1089464), and Wales Scotland (1089464), (SC041666), Scotland (SC041666),

the Isle of Man (1103) and Jersey the (247). Isle Registered of Man (1103) address: and Jersey 2 Redman (247). Place, Registered London, E20 1JQ.

address: 2 Redman Place, London, E20 1JQ.

istockphoto.com, miwa_in_oz , Magone, chokja, Elena Tsvetkova, Drazen Zigic, Agustin Vai /Olga Mazyarkina / Roman Samokhin / Fattyplace / BAnnaPustynnikova

Nourish to Flourish

Nutrition & Lifestyle Coach Charlotte Lau

explores the benefits of incorporating

another healthy ingredient into our

diets. This month it’s oats

Oats – especially whole oats – are a nutritional

powerhouse and a great source of vitamins,

minerals and fibre, yet surveys suggest that

95% of adults don’t eat enough whole grains, and

almost one in three adults get none at all. Whole

grains, like oats, brown rice and quinoa, are 75%

more nutritious than refined white carbohydrates

(which have the bran and germ removed) and

provide fibre, B vitamins, Omega-3 fatty acids and

protein, as well as antioxidants, micronutrients and

phytochemicals. Consider adding them into your daily

diet, as they provide a number of health benefits.

Oats contain a unique type of soluble fibre called

beta glucan, which is proven to help lower cholesterol,

by reducing the absorption of it into the bloodstream,

this has a knock-on effect of reducing the levels of LDL

cholesterol (the bad type!) circulating in the blood.

It is this soluble fibre that also helps to slow down

digestion, helping to regulate blood sugar levels and

support satiety. It is shown that the regular consumption

of these whole grains are linked to improved gut and

Charlotte runs Plume Nutrition, where she offers support and advice

for weight management, controlling cravings, sleeplessness, stress

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

heart health and the prevention of some cancers, diabetes and

obesity. Use oats to make warming and filling porridge, fibrepacked

pancakes or energy giving peanut butter flapjacks.

Toasted oat, quinoa & stewed apple yoghurt pot

Serves 1

• 1 apple, cored and

cut into chunks

• 1 tbsp brown sugar

or coconut sugar

• 2 tbsps of water

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

• 30g oats

• 1 tbsp of uncooked quinoa

• 3 tbsps natural yoghurt

• optional drizzle of

maple syrup to serve

1. Put the apple, sugar and water into a small pan

and bring to the boil. Lower the heat and simmer

for 8-10 minutes, until the apples are soft, but whole

chunks still remain. Stir in the cinnamon.

2. Toast the oats in a dry frying pan over a medium heat

for 3-4 minutes, stirring with a wooden spoon. Once they

begin to turn golden, add the quinoa and cook for a further

minute. Remove from the heat and transfer to a bowl.

3. Add the yoghurt to a jar or glass and top with the

apples, cooled oat mixture and a drizzle of maple syrup.

95


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96

A rose

by

any other name

Jo Arnell explores the magic of

hellebores, the flowering stars

of the early spring garden

Helleborus

argutifolius

istockphoto.com/ Alex Manders

In the early days of the spring

when not much blooms, we

are clutching at straws – and

I’ll agree that anything that might

resemble a rose, in a certain light,

when we are feeling extra hopeful,

could be called a rose. But that which

we call a Lenten, or even a Christmas

rose is not a rose at all, no matter

how desperate we are. Hellebores

might resemble roses a bit, but they

are actually members of the family

Ranunculaceae, which includes

buttercups, delphiniums and clematis.

So roses they technically aren’t, but

they are beginning to rival them

in their beauty these days. I have

a place (a shady spot) in my heart

for hellebores, especially the simple

types that shyly hang their heads

– so that the best way to see them

is either to lie down, or cut them

on very short stalks and place the

flowers face up in a bowl of water.

These evergreen beauties have risen

now though, from their humble

wildflower beginnings, where they

quietly eked it out among the trees

and have come out of the shade to

become one of the most fashionable

plants for winter and early spring.

Added to this they are easy to grow,

put up with all kinds of conditions,

including dreaded dry shade, and

don’t succumb to many pests or

diseases, making hellebores a Lenten

treat we should not give up.

Humble woodlanders

The low growing varieties that rise

straight up from the ground are the

Christmas rose Helleborus niger – flowers

in winter and usually white – or the

Lenten rose, Helleborus orientalis,

blooming in spring in a wide range of

colours from palest cream through to

deep burgundy, almost black. Other

types of hellebore are shrubbier and

the flowers appear on branching stems.

The prickly, but architectural Helleborus

argutifolius, originally from Corsica,

has wonderful lime green bracts from

February through to the end of April.

Another good one for a shadier spot is

our native Helleborus foetidus – or the

stinking hellebore. It doesn’t smell of

anything to me, really, but the smell

is supposed to resemble roast beef

flavour crisps, which is – who would

have guessed? – wildly attractive to

insects. The foliage alone of these taller

varieties will add structure and interest

throughout the year, making them

very useful in woodland settings.

Some of the best new cultivars

Hellebores are a promiscuous bunch,

which helps the breeders, who have been

spending the last few years developing

some amazing new cultivars. The

new hybrids have mainly arisen from

the species Helleborus orientalis (the

Lenten Rose), to the point where the

original orientalis has been lost and

they are now just called Helleborus

hybridus. Here are a few of the best:

• Helleborus ‘Harvington Shades of

Night’ – a sumptuous deep-purple

variety with outward-facing flowers,

this will add a touch of drama to

winter borders, but be careful not

to plant in too shady a situation, or

they will disappear into the gloom.

• Helleborus ‘Moondance’ – creamy

white blooms with a hint of green,

a really good one for bringing light

and elegance to shady spots.

• Helleborus ‘Anna’s Red’ – this is

probably my favourite, with rich crimson

flowers and pretty marbled foliage.

• Helleborus ‘Double Ellen Picotee’

– double the amount of petals make

this one almost frilly. The flowers

are white edged with pink.

Wildlife friendly

Because they flower so early in the

season, hellebores and other woodland

flowers are a lifeline for the first

bumblebees that emerge in winter and

early spring. Bumblebees are fairly hardy

insects, kept warm in their little furry

coats and are often seen buzzing around

in the cold. This won’t bother them

too much, but they will quickly starve

if there isn’t a source of nectar around.

Hellebores are brilliant nectar providers

and, because most are open, single

flowers, they act like a platform, making

them easy for big bees to land on.

In addition to lifesaving nectar,

hellebores have tough evergreen

97


Helleborus Walberton’s Rosemary (‘Walhero’PBR)

Helleborus x hybridus Harvington Pink Speckled

naturalised Helleborus x hybridus

leaves that

will also provide

sheltering places for

creatures that can safely nestle down

at the base of the stems away from

predators and the worst of the weather.

Good companions

Hellebores mix beautifully with other

woodland and shade-loving plants to

create a tapestry of colour at the base of

trees and shrubs. Early spring companions

include snowdrops (Galanthus), cyclamen,

and some species of daffodil. These

will contrast in texture and colour to

enhance the hellebore blooms. Extend

the season of interest by combining

them with ferns, hostas, and evergreen

grasses. The large leaves of Rodgersia

or Brunnera will also create a textural

contrast with the hellebore foliage.

Keep them looking good

Unlike so many woodland plants that

either disappear back into the soil

when the going gets tough, or creep

about stealthily among other plants,

hellebores brave all weathers and grow

steadily to form demure clumps, relying

on their dark leathery leaves to sustain

and protect them through the periods

of dry shade that occur once the leaves

come out on the trees above. If the old

hellebore leaves start to look tatty, or

get black blotches (caused by a fungal

infection, that won’t kill the plant,

but looks unsightly) do cut them off.

This is best done in winter before the

flower shoots and new leaves appear.

A position with dappled light

beneath deciduous trees or shrubs

is an ideal planting place, as it

provides shade in summer and allows

sunlight through in winter and

early spring when they’re flowering.

Hellebores prefer rich, well-draining

soil with plenty of organic matter,

so add compost or leaf mould

when planting and mulch regularly.

They tolerate a range of soil types,

but will be happiest in neutral to

slightly alkaline conditions. Once

established they will put up with

periods of drought and thrive –

where many others won’t – under the

dappled shade of trees and shrubs.

More is more?

Hellebores have a tendency to self-seed,

often creating a carpet of young plants

around the parent. They are expensive

plants and it is tempting to leave them,

but before we get too excited about

creating a hellebore nursery, remember

that because they are open pollinated,

they will be variable and not necessarily

turn out to be the same as the original.

I have nurtured many hellebore

seedlings that end up as insipid muddy

brown colours – and then haven’t

the heart to dig them up – so maybe

it’s best to weed out our babies.

These stalwarts are long-lived

plants and will form clumps that,

like most perennials, can be lifted

and divided every few years. This is a

more reliable method for increasing

stocks and ensures that they stay true

to form. Do this as soon as you can

after they’ve finished flowering.

Whether gracing a woodland corner

or brightening a shady border or simply

in a container, with their understated

elegance, these reliable and increasingly

colourful flowers are hard to beat –

and it is for good reason that they’ve

become garden mainstays. Tough,

versatile, and beautiful, hellebores

are beginning to rival their summer

cousins – and in looks, if not scent

(perhaps that’s coming next?), are now

truly worthy of their name ‘rose’.

Jo’s new gardening courses are

now booking. Call 07923 969634

or see hornbrookmanor.co.uk.


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100

Education

Pleased to meet you

A Head for 25 years, Mike Piercy is now an educational consultant and

school governor. Here, he contemplates the interview process

istockphoto.com/ master1305

We’ve all had them – for better or for worse. The

nerves, the palpitations, the fear of a sweaty

palm if there’s a welcoming handshake. The

interviewer (the employer) rapidly withdraws from the clammy

hand. ‘Come in, come in – thank you for coming.’

An interview can be one element of the entry process for

schools, colleges or universities. No hiding behind ChatGPT

here: it’s face to face. While on the subject of that chatbot, I’m

aware of a young man who recently put together a presentation

as part of a job application. He did his research, did the work

and then thought he’d check it through the now ubiquitous

app. It made a few changes which he adopted. The employer

then did the same thing with his presentation. Job not offered.

For young people the interview can be a nerve-wracking

experience. For the reticent, those lacking in confidence, ‘What

will I say? I’m no good at anything!’ For the confident: beware

of arrogance; advice not just for interviews – humility goes

a long way. How, then, do you sell your talent? A tip. If you

are genuinely top of the class for maths or a talented pianist

it’s more politic to make the claim ‘because my teacher says

so’ thereby using evidence rather than self-anointment.

The purpose of the interview is about the match – the fit.

Inter-view: to look between. A good interviewer will draw

out the victim. The poor interviewer will stifle. A fellow,

former Head told me of his appraisal process where the

appraiser talked mainly about himself. Such instances

should be for listening, eliciting, finding out about

the candidate. Is there common ground; a fit?

Many of those tender Y6 pupils will have an

interview for their senior schools. I would run a

workshop with the year group. The fundamental

purpose was to try and take the anxiety out of the

process while illustrating the genres of questions.

The reassurance came with the definition:

looking between, was there a good match between

candidate and school? If not, it was the wrong

school. Disappointing, perhaps, but not failure.

After introducing a genre I would ask for

volunteers to come to the front to test a

question in front of the year group. A

confident young man came up to the front

and, as he sat down, broke wind, loudly,

instantly turning puce. The others, of course,

fell about. I advised against repetition.

Most questions should delve into the

individual: character, strengths, areas for

development – self-awareness. Then there are

the random, lateral questions which can befuddle.

Nothing wrong in saying, ‘I don’t know,’ or, ‘I

don’t understand’ or asking for elaboration. It shows

confidence. Young people will often be tempted to

bluster and blunder through an answer just for the sake

of saying something or fearful of hesitation. In the event of such

a silence a proficient interviewer will fill in, elaborate or divert.

That was pretty well where the interview preparation

stopped. There was no sustained coaching, with the exception

perhaps a 1:1 session with the most reticent where I felt there

was a good match between the individual and school and

where the interview could be the deal breaker. The polished

interviewee with the Pavlovian response is not necessarily the

best candidate. Admissions staff and teachers can spot a robotic,

scripted answer a mile off – there is a lack of authenticity.

One individual practice interview some years ago a pupil

was registered for Bumbling College. I opened the session.

‘So, why do you want to come to Bumbling College?’

‘I don’t,’ he answered

assertively and

without hesitation.

‘I want to go to

Drungleford.’

Mike’s book, Careering is available

now with troubador.co.uk.

You can contact Mike at

mikepiercy@hotmail.com with

your education-related queries.

101


w

Spaces

Available

...

Ashford Prep School

where every child plays their part

Book a tour with us

Minibus services across the Weald

www.ashfordschool.co.uk | admissions@ashfordschool.co.uk | 01233 620493

Newsboard

We hear the latest from two South East schools

Burgess Hill Girls tell us about their empowering offering

Burgess Hill Girls is a leading independent day and boarding school for

girls aged 4 to 18, located in the heart of Mid Sussex. Renowned for

its exceptional academic standards, the school fosters a culture where

ambition and individual achievement are celebrated within a nurturing and

inclusive environment. From the youngest learners to Sixth Form students

preparing for life beyond school, Burgess Hill Girls provides a seamless

education designed to empower every girl to reach their full potential.

The school’s ethos centres on fostering confidence, resilience and creativity,

ensuring students not only excel academically but also develop the life

skills needed to thrive in a dynamic and ever-changing world. Through

small class sizes and personalised learning, teachers cultivate a love of

learning while nurturing individual strengths and talents. This tailored

approach has consistently delivered outstanding academic results, with

students achieving excellent outcomes at GCSE, A Level and university

placements, including Oxbridge and Russell Group institutions.

If you’d like to explore how your daughter could thrive at Burgess

Hill Girls, book a personalised visit by registering your interest at

burgesshillgirls.com/admissions/visit-us/.

istckphoto.com. Rifqyhsn Design

Banstead Prep School Recognised for ‘Significant Strength’ in

Exceptional ISI Inspection Report

Children and staff at Banstead Prep School are celebrating after the school

was recognised for its ‘significant strength’ following an inspection from

ISI in November last year, which described the school as “a community

of happy, confident and mutually respectful young people”.

Inspectors observed strong academic achievement, noting that children

“make good progress and attain highly in comparison to national

expectations.” they attributed this to the school’s “focus on supporting

them to develop the right habits and attitudes to learn successfully

such as adaptability, collaboration, curiosity, independence, leadership

and resilience”, which they judged to be a significant strength.

The team praised Banstead Prep’s diverse and inclusive

community, noting that “the school’s philosophy recognises the

value of diversity and the individuality of everyone”.

Jon Chesworth, Headteacher at Banstead Prep, commented: “We are

exceptionally proud of this outcome, which sets Banstead Prep apart

from other schools in the local area and places us in the top 10% of

ISI inspected schools. This truly outstanding report is a wonderful

reflection of the hard work of our brilliant staff, the amazing progress of

our children and the incredible support of our parent community.”

The full report, and details of upcoming open

events, can be found at bansteadprep.com.

103


Do you yearn for your

own kitchen garden, want

to find out about the

best gardening courses

to book onto and learn

tips and tricks from

horticultural experts?

Be sure to check out our

April Garden Supplement

for all things green

and pleasant!


SPRING LIVE! 2025

SOUNDS OF CREATIVITY

CALLIGRAPHY

WITH IMOGEN

PARTRIDGE

istockphoto.com/ dikushin / BrianAJackson

What’s On

in March

ART

22 March 12pm–2pm

Neptune Tonbridge, 1 Tannery

Rd, Tonbridge TN9 1RF

CALLIGRAPHY WITH

IMOGEN PARTRIDGE AT

NEPTUNE TONBRIDGE

Join watercolour illustrator

Imogen Partridge for a relaxing

Introduction to Modern

Calligraphy workshop at Neptune

Tonbridge on 22nd March. Perfect

as a pre-Mother’s Day treat, you’ll

learn the art of hand lettering

in a calming environment.

Designed for beginners, this

mindful session will help you

elevate your stationery and

add a personal touch to gifts.

Enjoy the beautiful comfort

of Neptune’s interior while

discovering the joy of calligraphy.

Tickets are on sale now for a

wonderful creative experience!

Tickets: £55

imogenpartridge.com

27 March

The Carpenter’s Arms, Three Elm

Ln, Tonbridge TN11 0AB, UK

PAINT NIGHT IN

TONBRIDGE: THE

CARPENTER’S ARMS

Everything you need to

paint a masterpiece!

Book your place for a relaxed

evening of painting, socialising,

some nibbles and drinks. At previous

Paint Clubs, they have painted starlit

lakes, tropical toucans and even a

llama and this time it’s a peacock.

All painting materials and your

canvas are included in the ticket cost.

Food and drink are to be purchased

separately.thepaintclub.co.uk

MUSIC

2 March 4pm

White Rock Theatre,

Hastings TN34 1JX

SOUNDS OF CREATIVITY

An innovative project

addressing local mental

health challenges through the

power of interactive arts.

Hastings International Piano is

launching Sounds Of Creativity

for 2025: a free workshop

series combining live classical

piano with guided creative art

sessions. The workshops have

been designed to harness the

therapeutic benefits of music and

art and aim to support members

of the community experiencing

mental health challenges, social

isolation, and a lack of access to

cultural activities. With generous

funding from the Foreshore Trust,

HIP are able to host three of

these workshops which are free

and open to adults aged 18+,

with referrals welcome from GP

surgeries and health professionals.

whiterocktheatre.org.uk

22 March

The Alex, 15-17 Preston St

Faversham, Kent

ME13 8NZ

THE BUDAPEST CAFE

ORCHESTRA @THE ALEX

Don’t miss your chance to see

this eclectic 4-piece acoustically

electrifying orchestra playing

gypsy and folk-flavoured music

from all around the world.

Established by award-winning

British composer, violinist and

teacher Christian Garrick in

2009, the BCO deliver traditional

Balkan, Russian, Hungarian

and Romanian traditional

gypsy and folk music in their

own fresh and surprising way

with jazz nuances and their

own unique arrangements.

Entry: £20

thealex.org.uk

LOOKING AHEAD

26 – 27 April

South of England Showground,

Selsfield Road, Ardingly,

West Sussex RH17 6TL

SPRING LIVE! 2025

The South of England Agricultural

Society is thrilled to announce

the return of Spring Live! 2025, a

two-day celebration of the season.

Taking place between 9am and

5pm each day at the South of

England Showground in Ardingly,

West Sussex, this much-loved

event promises a weekend full

of activities, entertainment and

countryside experiences for all ages.

Don’t miss the highly entertaining

and informative Sheep Show!

Aside from an amazing array or

adorable animals there will be all

sorts of other attractions to enjoy.

Entry: see website

seas.org.uk

Listings are correct at time of going to press

but may be subject to change. Readers

are advised to check with venues before

making arrangements. We can list your

event in the next issue of Surrey Homes

for only £150+VAT. Please supply up to

75 words that should include date, time,

venue, contact for enquiries and any

entry price, plus an image to whatson@

priceless-group.com or send with payment

(cheques payable to Priceless Media Ltd.)

to What’s On, Priceless Media, Kettle

Chambers, 21 Stone Street, Cranbrook,

Kent TN17 3HF. Priceless Media reserves

the right to edit text to fit space allocated.

Deadline for the next issue is 7th March.

105


Jane Howard readies herself

for the farm's new arrivals

Time to get ready for lambing! First

task is prepping the shed and that’s

quite a big job. Up until recently it

was full of hay but the cows have munched their

way through that and we’ve moved onto the second

shed so far untouched. (We were always told you

should reckon to have used half your winter forage by

Valentine’s Day, so on that count we’re about bang on).

Last autumn when the rams went in with the ewes

they wore a raddle, a canvas harness that holds a wax

crayon between their front legs, so when they mate

with a ewe they leave a coloured mark on her rump.

We change the colour of the crayon every two weeks

so we know that all the girls with

green bottoms will lamb first. That

means we only need to bring half the

flock in at a time and once most of

the greens have left the barn with their

new lambs we can bring the blues in.

The big open shed, full of deep

straw, has a corridor of feeders down

the middle so everyone can get to hay

and corn, and at the end there are rows

of 'mothering up' small pens. Once

delivered, new mums spend the first 24

hours in one of these while we check

the lambs are strong and feeding, that

she has plenty of milk and that she likes

her lambs and is prepared to be a good

mother – strangely not always the case.

We also have to make sure all the kit is ready. Little

ropes to pull out any stuck lambs, especially if they’re

coming backwards, iodine to spray onto their navels

to stop infection, and big bottles of lubrication gel to

keep everything slippery! Also, rubber gloves, castration

rings (sorry, boys) and tiny ear clippers for the girls.

We clip a notch out of the ear of every ewe lamb that

is a twin, so come the autumn when we need to decide

which females to keep for breeding we choose those

We only have seconds

to make them take

that first gasp and

usually a spot of

adrenaline placed

on their tongue will

do the trick. Or you

can try squirting cold

water in the ear –

quite a shock after a

lovely warm womb

with a notch which carry the twin gene over those

that don’t. There’s also a can of spray paint to number

the mother and her lambs. If we then find a lost cold

lamb, we can match numbers when we wander round

the field looking for its mother. The good mothers

would never allow their lambs out of sight but some

of the tegs, the first time mums, are

not so diligent and reuniting them with

their offspring gives great satisfaction.

Then there’s the medicine chest.

If mum has a really tricky birth and

there’s a lot of intervention from

one of us – that’s where the rubber

gloves are required – then we’ll give

her a jab of penicillin and a jab of

pain killer. We’ve also got some tiny

tubes of adrenalin paste to revive any

lambs that are struggling to breathe.

We only have seconds to make them

take that first gasp and usually a

spot of adrenaline placed on their

tongue will do the trick. Or you can

try squirting cold water in the ear –

quite a shock after a lovely warm womb. Or even

dunk them in the water trough. Whatever it takes!

And then of course there’s the shepherd’s needs. The

camper van parked up by the maternity pens is great for

a nap when it’s quiet. But since we’ve had the eureka

idea of feeding an extension lead through the window

to plug in an electric blanket we have to be super

careful not to fall into a cosy warm slumber oblivious

of the mayhem that might be breaking out all around.


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