Surrey Homes | SH123 | April 2025 | Garden Supplement inside

PRICELESS

APRIL 2025

123

APRIL 2025

GARDENS SUPPLEMENT inside

Inspirational Interiors • Fabulous Fashion • Delicious Dishes

NEW Limited

Edition Kollektion

Presenting Sweet Art,

a NEW Limited Edition Kollektion by Charlotte Høncke

boconcept_helena-christensen_various_ads_02-25.indd 7-8

INSTORE AND AT BOCONCEPT.COM

GUILDFORD 89 WOODBRIDGE ROAD, GUILDFORD GU1 4QD | 01483 565027

KINGSTON FENWICK, 2ND FLOOR, WOOD STREET, KINGSTON UPON THAMES KT1 1TX | 020 8546 6050

24/02/2025 11:25 AM

www.atkinandthyme.co.uk

www.rebeccawinterdesign.co.uk

FOR ONE NIGHT ONLY, EXPERIENCE OUR COLLECTIONS

Limited spaces available. Scan the QR code to RSVP.

rachael.inddc 10

Design by Rebecca Winter Design

Coco Sideboard by Atkin and Thyme

Photographed by Stuart Bailey

&

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, 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 Rebecca Winter Design,

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

18/03/2025 09:41:00

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

Surrey’s Premier Builder

Upfold Construction has been established since 2009

and is a domestic builder providing services throughout

Surrey, Sussex & Hampshire.

Located in Cranleigh we are perfectly placed to offer a

total building service to those clients seeking a local,

professional and reliable builder. We carry out all aspects

of building from extensions, renovations to a complete

home refurbishment allowing us to provide a package of

design, planning, building & finishing.

We are members of The Chartered Institute of Building

which guarantees our committment to quality of product,

services and integrity of conduct.

For more information, please contact us on: 01483 600335

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

Contemporary, reliable

and expertly crafted

swimming pools

POOL CONSTRUCTION | MAINTENANCE | SPA | LANDSCAPING

Simplicity and expert finishings have been our unbeatable combination for

over 40 years. Based in Surrey, we are a family run business that is committed

to providing a premier service on both private and commercial projects.

www.lagoonpoolsltd.co.uk 01932 569 569 info@lagoonpoolsltd.co.uk

LagoonPools-FullPage-SurreyHomes-April.indd 1 12/04/2023 16:59

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

Contents

April 2025

34

92

48

16

27

33

34

47

48

57

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

GLOW UP

A modern extension in Surrey

GET THE LOOK

Harness contemporary styling

SMALL YET PERFECTLY

FORMED

A compact St Leonards

apartment with lots of personality

GET THE LOOK

A sprinkling of

monochrome magic

85

91

92

96

99

101

TAKE ME TO

SOUTHERN SUN

An exploration of the

finest staycation retreats

LIGHTER THAN AIR

Floaty layering picks

TIME FOR TEA

Jo Arnell creates a

memorable Easter feast

BRIGHT EYES

Josephine Fairley gives her tips

to freshen up under eyes

SLEEP TIGHT!

Sarah Maxwell explores

the importance of a

great night’s sleep

NOURISH TO FLOURISH

Charlotte Lau discusses the

benefits of eating eggs

102

105

106

FINDING A SCHOOL

Mike Piercy helps simplify

tricky choices

WHAT’S ON

Fun-filled dates for your diary...

FARM FABLES

Jane Howard’s latest instalment

from Coopers Farm

GARDENS

SUPPLEMENT

Wheelbarrow loads

of inspiration and

tips to beautify your

outdoor spaces.

After page 58.

istockphoto.com/ Arteni Inesa

GARDENS

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.

11

priceless-magazines.com

carlton

alto

roma

astonian original

astonian original brassware geo wall hung wc shape bath

aged brass

kast concrete

From the

Editor

It’s time to pop your horticultural hat on and venture

into the garden to ensure it’s looking its best as the

warmer months rapidly approach. Our Gardens

Supplement is crammed with ideas to update, beautify

and revamp. Find it after our second house feature. Plus,

if you’re on the hunt for a new home that will provide

everything you need to make the most of outdoor living,

then Gordon Lee has edited down his pick of the For

Sale crop, focusing in on places with exemplary outside

(and indoor) spaces in our House of the Month feature.

Heading back inside, we have two gorgeous interiors

ready to explore. The first, a wonderfully modern

revamp of a home in Surrey, is ideal for busy family

life whilst the second, an apartment on the south

coast, is the perfect compact space that has been

designed to make use of every valuable centimetre.

With Easter on the horizon, Jo Arnell has brought

joy to the dining table with brilliantly creative and

fun recipes to delight adults and children alike.

Find out how to make your very own cheesy chicks,

flowerpot carrot cakes, centrepiece bundt cake

and crowd-pleasing meringue nests.

Keeping your fingers crossed for some

spring sunshine, and after creating such

an impressive feast, treat yourself to a

beautiful new outfit for Easter weekend.

Rebecca Cuffe has tracked down the

loveliest floaty fabrics and romantic

accessories for dreamy layering.

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

13


THE FINEST COLLECTION OF OUTDOOR LIGHTING IN THE UK

CODE: 27761

CODE: 23679

CODE: 52017

CODE: 58107

LOOK OUT FOR GREAT SPECIAL OFFERS IN-STORE

Showroom opening hours

9am - 5pm: Monday - Friday

9am - 1pm: Saturday

distinctivelightinguk.com

Tel: 01420 590510

Elstead House, Mill Lane, Alton,

Hampshire GU34 2QJ

Surrey Homes FP_Apr 2025.indd 1 19/03/2025 09:09:42

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

Art • Interiors • Wall covering

Textiles • furniture • paint

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

• Pasha

Claygate

• Trew Art

Cobham

• Cobham Furniture

• Oh So Coco

Cranleigh

• Curchods Prime

• Notcutts

• Roger Coupe

Dorking

• Dorking Travel

• Patrick Gardner

• Princess Alice

Hospice

• Sainsbury’s

Epsom

• Mayfield Lavender

Nursery & Shop

Esher

• Sandown Park

Racecourse

Farnham

• Cook

• ME Estate Agents

• Sainsbury’s

• Waterstones

Felbridge

• Doves Barn

Nursery

Godalming

• Cook

• Sainsbury’s

• Sarah Louise Dix

• Waterstones

Godstone

• Knights Garden

Centre

Guildford

• BoConcept

• Elm Nursery

Farm Shop

• High Clandon

Estate Vineyard

• Neptune

Haslemere

• Lythe Hill

Hotel & Spa

• Tesco Superstore

Knaphill

• Sainsbury’s

Leatherhead

• Patrick Gardner

• Robert Leech

& Partners

• Tesco

Lingfield

• Robert Leech

Lyne

• The Farm

Shop Lyne

Milford

• Secretts

Old Oxted

• Fish Plaice & Grill

Oxted

• Cook

• Jackson-Stops

& Staff

• Limpsfield Stores

• Morrisons

• Robert Leech

Oxshott

• The Bear

Redhill

• Priory Farm

Reigate

• Buckland Nurseries

Garden Centre

• County Clothes

• Robert Leech

• RDO Kitchens

Ripley

• Ripley Nurseries

Farm Shop

• The Talbot

Surbiton

• Sainsbury’s

Walton on

Thames

• Waterstones

• Sainsbury’s

Warlingham

• Botley Hill

Farmhouse

• Rayners Estate

Agents

West Byfleet

• Roman Tiles

Weybridge

• Tesco Extra

Woldingham

• Fine & Country

TRAIN

STATIONS

• Dorking

• East Grinstead

• Epsom

• Esher

• Guildford

• Haslemere

• Kingston

• Richmond

• Surbiton

• Weybridge

• Wimbledon

• Woking

07984 837767

@janerikadesign

www.janerikadesign.com


House

Month

of the

£5,750,000

This month Gordon Lee tracks down

homes with brilliant outdoor spaces

Walton-on-Thames

The dream: This substantial

and luxurious family home

is an entertainer’s dream.

Where: Burwood Park, one

of Surrey’s most soughtafter

gated communities.

Setting: The beautiful backdrop

of mature trees provides serenity

and unparalleled privacy.

Beds: 6 Baths: 6

Special features: The magnificent

entrance hall is full of light and has

a sweeping marble staircase to the

first floor. The principal bedroom,

with en suite, also has a balcony,

dressing room and a shoes room.

Pleasing details: Built and

equipped to a superlative

specification throughout, the

kitchen features quartz work

surfaces and Sub-Zero &

Wolf appliances. The summer

house by the pool has a fully

equipped kitchen and BBQ

for al fresco entertaining.

Outside: Bi-fold doors open

onto a stunning terrace, where

you’ll host summer drinks parties

by the pool as you admire the

meticulously landscaped gardens

beyond. At the front, the gated

driveway has parking for numerous

guests and a double garage.

Time to town: Walton-on-

Thames station (1 mile) has

trains that connect to London

Waterloo in 22 minutes.

Heathrow is just 9 miles away.

Agents: Curchods 01932 247777

curchods.com

priceless-magazines.com 16

£1,750,000

Leatherhead

The dream: Stylish family home in semi-rural

setting with country walks on your doorstep.

Where: The charming village of West Horsley,

between Leatherhead and Guildford.

Setting: In the foothills of the North Downs.

Beds: 5 Baths: 3

Special features: The skylight and

bifolds in the extended kitchen/dining

room fill the space with natural light and

open onto the wonderful garden. This

room flows into a cosy living room.

Pleasing details: The main bedroom, with

en suite, has a dressing room and views

of the garden. There’s a separate family

room and sizeable downstairs office.

Outside: The gorgeous garden, with fruit

trees, shrubs and plants, is separated into

two distinct areas. The first has a delightful

water feature and lush lawn, that leads via

an arbour to a sun trap at the end with

lounge area, shed and children’s swing set.

Time to town: Less than a mile from the

shops and station at Horsley. Leatherhead and

Guildford are both about 6 miles away, with

trains to London in around 30 minutes.

Agents: House Partnership 01483 266700

housepartnership.co.uk

£2,000,000

Dorking

The dream: Quintessential Victorian

farmhouse in an idyllic countryside setting.

Where: The ancient hamlet of Forest Green.

Setting: Situated within the Surrey Hills AONB,

at the foot of Holmbury and Leith Hills.

Beds: 5 Baths: 3

Special features: The principal bedroom, with en

suite, has a substantial ceiling height and enjoys

extensive views of the surrounding countryside.

Pleasing details: Sympathetically modernised,

whilst retaining many charming features. To one

side of the rear garden is a beautifully appointed

annexe comprising a bedroom, kitchen/sitting

room and a bathroom – perfect for a nanny or

granny. There is also a double garage and store

within the grounds.

Outside: You approach the house via a sweeping

drive through delightful and mature gardens with

specimen shrubs and splendid trees. To the rear is

a massive, manicured lawn with paddock beyond.

Time to town: Equidistant from

Dorking, Guildford and Horsham with

fast trains to London, Forest Green is

also just 5 miles from Cranleigh.

Agents: Knight Frank 01483 565171

knightfrank.com

17


Timeless

Comfort.

Flawless

Conveyancing.

Rest easy - we complete

faster than any other top

conveyancing firm in the UK.

So you can spend less

time worrying and more

time picking out your new

chesterfield.

Start your

move today.

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.

23642 RV_HMG_Surrey Homes:Elbridge & Kingston Magazine:The Guildford, Farnham and Woking Magazine_Full Page Ad_A4.indd 1 30/01/2025 14:50

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

More than just a

house move

Buying or selling a property is more than just a transaction

- it’s a milestone, a new chapter, an investment.

That’s why you need experienced legal experts

committed to every detail, ensuring a seamless

and stress-free journey.

owenwhitecatlin.co.uk

contact@owc.co.uk 020 8890 2836

Addlestone. Ashford. Hammersmith & Chiswick.

Esher. Feltham. Shepperton.

HOMEWOOD GROVE: A NEW STANDARD

OF luxury living IN SURREY

Nestled in the picturesque surroundings of Surrey, Homewood Grove by

Rangeford Villages offers a fresh approach to retirement living. With its

elegant design, state-of-the-art facilities, and unrivalled attention to detail,

this new development provides an extraordinary living experience for those

seeking both comfort and independence.

Homewood Grove boasts an extensive range of amenities including:

landscaped gardens, Pavilion, Revive wellness centre, swimming pool, steam

room, sauna, gym, dance studio, Topaz hair and beauty salon, and the Oak

and Honey restaurant, bar and lounge.

For those looking for more than just a home, Homewood Grove offers the

perfect balance of luxury, convenience, and community in the heart of Surrey.

For more information visit

www.rangefordvillages.co.uk/villages/homewood-grove

or call 01932 645120


22

Quiet luxury

athink.co.uk

01372 502261

info@athink.co.uk

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

up

30

to

off

this spring

What a difference

a door makes!

Changing a door is an easy way

to make a big impact.

Solidly built, secure and finished in your ideal

colourways—it’s so much nicer to come home to.

Discover a wide range of new designs to match

heritage and contemporary homes, all fitted

precisely and guaranteed.

Whatever you want to change this

springtime, it’s easy with Fineline.

For inspiration search Fineline or visit

your nearest showroom.

EXTENSIONS

CONSERVATORIES

FLAT ROOFS

GARAGE CONVERSIONS

WINDOWS

DOORS

GARAGE DOORS

ROOFLINE & CLADDING

Credit is subject to status and affordability. SEH BAC LTD 1 Olympus Close, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP1 5LJ. FCA Register no. 685338 trading as SEHBAC

is a credit broker, not the lender and is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Credit is provided by a panel of lenders

with whom we have a commercial relationship (so we cannot provide independent advice). Credit terms will vary depending on products.

Sally Oasis Paintings

bright joyful art

CONCERTS | WALKS | TALKS

SURREY HILLS

INTERNATIONAL MUSIC FESTIVAL

6 - 17 MAY 2025

Originals

Prints Cards

commissions taken

buy online or at the studio/gallery

book your visit today

free spacious parking

07547 384148 theoasispaintings@gmail.com

Home Farm, Gravetye Manor Estate, West Hoathly RH19 4LH

@sallyoasispaintings

Tickets from https://tickets.shimf.co.uk

Festival Patrons:

The Duke of Northumberland

Dame Sarah Connolly, DBE

Nicola Benedetti CBE

Book In

Advance & Save

See website for details

Purchase direct

from the UK’s

finest contemporary

craftmakers and artists

1 - 5 May

RHS Garden

Wisley

GU23 6QB

Craft Fair entry included in normal admission

Free entry for RHS Members and Family Guest

(Garden open until 6pm daily)

Demonstrations • Food Village • Live Music

Thursday & Friday: 10am – 6pm

Saturday & Sunday: 9am – 6pm

Monday: 10am – 5pm

CIF_Wisley_Spring25_130x185-v1.indd 1 05/03/2025 10:17

26


Notebook

Fun Times

Take note! We’ve rounded up the best

of what to see and do near you

Direct from a sell-out run at

Edinburgh Fringe Festival, The

Last Laugh is a brand-new laugh-aminute

play which re-imagines the

lives of three of Britain’s all-time

greatest comedy heroes – Tommy

Cooper, Eric Morecambe and Bob

Monkhouse. It’ll run from 17th to

21st June at Richmond Theatre, so

now’s the time to book your tickets.

Filled with great gags and touching

stories, The Last Laugh is nostalgic

and poignant and guaranteed to be

the ultimate comedy night out.

Written and directed by the awardwinning

Paul Hendy, it stars Bob

Golding as Morecambe, Simon

Cartwright as Monkhouse and

Damian Williams as Cooper.

atgtickets.com

Pure

Majesty

Walkies!

The amazing folk at Kent Surrey Sussex Air Ambulance Charity have

come up with a great plan to put even more purpose into your pup

walks. They’re inviting you to team up with your furry friend to walk

either 100 miles or kilometres this May to raise valuable funds to help

them continue saving lives across the counties. When you sign up for

the Hound Hike you’ll get a free doggy bandana and you’ll be doing

your bit to help get specialised doctors, paramedics and treatment to

the scene of life-threatening emergencies 24/7, 365 days a year. There

are ‘pawsome’ treats for anyone rasing £100 (a doggy charm for your

pal’s collar) or £250 (a snazzy KSS t-shirt). So what are you waiting

for? All you have to do is complete the online sign-up form, you can

then join the Facebook group to see updates and interact with fellow

walkers. Then you’ll be all set in May to start your sponsored Hound

Hike. And don’t panic, if you or your doggo aren’t quite up to 100 km,

any other distance will do, just set your own target. Happy walkies!

aakss.org.uk/get-involved/hound-hike

You can’t help but be enchanted by your first view of Leeds

Castle – whatever the time of year – standing proudly

above its scenic moat. With over 900 years of history, it was

once home to six medieval queens before being transformed

into a lavish retreat by Anglo-American heiress Lady

Baillie. Beyond its captivating past, the Castle offers yearround

delights, from stunning gardens and a challenging

maze to three thrilling play areas and an exciting line-up

of seasonal events. To top it off, your admission ticket

allows you to pay once and visit all year! leeds-castle.com

27


Silcocks Farm

throws open its gates on

3rd May from 10am-4pm

and invites you to learn about

organic farming from field to plate.

Families can enjoy piglets in the farm

yard, calves in the barn and lambs in

the orchard as well as craft activities for

little people. Sample the farm’s produce

(and veggie options) from the BBQ and

homemade cakes from the Cafe, as well

as hot drinks and locally produced beer

and wine. A super family day out with lots

to see and do. Follow them @silcocksfarm

for all the news from the farm. And visit at

Grange Road, Tenterden, TN30 6TL

Fun on the Farm

Green Space

The Garden Show at Firle Place is back

for its 17th year from 18th to 20th April,

offering the perfect opportunity to plan

and enhance your garden and home. With

over 170 stalls including specialist growers,

you’ll find guidance on selecting the right

plants and where to place them. Explore

a diverse range of garden goods, artisan

designs, homeware, garden furniture,

fashion accessories, and delicious country

foods. The Studio Shops and Weald Craft

Tent will showcase a variety of artisan craft

products and demonstrations. Pre-book

your tickets for a 15% discount. For more

info see thegardenshowonline.com

Can you crack the ‘eggnigma’

code at RHS Wisley’s giant Easter

Egg Hunt – 5th to 21st April? Along

with 240 acres of beautiful gardens families

can enjoy Operation ‘I Spy’ – learn about

the secret power of plants and their hidden

underground networks. Get stuck in to Muddy

Hands Green Fingers workshops to create a plant

clone to take away and enjoy live story times plus

plenty of spring blooms. Members and under 5s

go free. Children £5 and adults from £18.10. A

£2.50 charge applies for a code-breaker pack

and chocolate treat. For more information

and to book tickets, please visit here

rhs.org.uk/gardens/wisley

Code Cracker

CRAFT TIME

The Weald of Kent Country Craft Show

returns, promising a fun bank holiday

weekend filled with artisan shopping,

delectable street food, traditional crafts, and

family-friendly activities. Taking place from

Saturday 3rd May to Monday 5th May at the

picturesque Penshurst Place in Tonbridge,

it’s open daily from 10am to 5pm. For more

info and tickets see thecraftshows.co.uk

istockphoto.com/ Jull1491 & Rossmcf & Chainarong Prasertthai

Spring Time

With spring underway and summer just around

the corner, what better to lift your spirits than

a visit to one of the area’s most established Arts Fairs. The Landmark

Arts Centre’s Spring Fair will be held from Friday 16th to Sunday 18th

May, showcasing a variety of art that can be purchased directly from

the artists themselves. With over 70 exhibitors offering fine art in oil or

watercolour, graphics and photography and mixed media pieces, this is

a great opportunity to find a local view or a stunning artwork that will

brighten up your home decor for years to come. landmarkartscentre.org


Wealden Times

Midsummer

Fa i r

wealdentimes-fair.co.uk

A Fabulous Shopping Experience for

Every Style and Occasion

This year’s Midsummer Fair is your ultimate fashion and jewellery

destination, with a beautifully curated selection of exhibitors

offering something for every style, taste, and occasion. Whether

you’re dressing for Royal Ascot or the Henley Regatta, packing

for Ibiza or Cornwall, or looking for the perfect lounge wear,

gardening gear, or date night outfit, we’ve got you covered.

Discover exquisite fashion, statement jewellery, and must-have

accessories, all handpicked to make your wardrobe shine. Plan

your perfect shopping day now at wealdentimes-fair.co.uk

Tickets on

sale NOW

QUOTE CODE

‘SPRING25’

for £1 off

each ticket *

SILVER SPONSOR

5-7 JUNE 2025

HOLE PARK, ROLVENDEN TN17 4JB

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

*Adult tickets only

EXHIBITORS

Here are just a few of the fashion &

jewellery exhibitors we have at the Fair

We’re delighted

to introduce our

SILVER SPONSOR

Lexy London

lexylondon.com

Pom Di Pom

pomdipom.com

Loved by Da

lovedbyda.com

Navigating Complexity

Creating Opportunity

S&W works with businesses

and individuals to navigate

challenges, unlock potential and

achieve the extraordinary.

Syster Jewellery

systerjewellery.co.uk

Cwene

cwene.co.uk

Roccabella

roccabella.co.uk

Since 1881, we’ve

been a trusted partner,

supporting clients with complex

needs and shaping solutions

that make a difference. In

a changing world, we are a

consistent presence, building

lasting relationships and serving

our clients across the UK,

around the world and over

generations.

Bricks & Stitches

bricksandstitches.com

Grace & Valour

graceandvalour.com

Twizzell

www.twizzell.co.uk

S&W supports companies and

private clients across every stage

of business and every season of

life. We help our clients navigate

challenges, seize opportunities

and realise their ambitions.

We’re the fastest growing top 10

UK accountancy and advisory

and here to help you, your

family and businesses with the

everyday and extraordinary.

Formation Jewellery

formationjewellery.co.uk

Ella & Cherry

ellaandcherry.co.uk

Hop Skip & Flutter

hopskipandflutter.co.uk

Find out more

about our services at

www.swgroup.com

No 39 Cowbridge

no39cowbridge.co.uk

Narratorium

narratorium.co.uk

My Best Friends Wardrobe

mybestfriendswardrobe.co.uk

DISCOVER THE SECRET

MEDITERRANEAN COAST

LUXURY VILLAS WITH 5 STAR HOTEL FACILITIES & SERVICE 5 MINUTES

FROM THE BEACH, LANGUEDOC, SOUTH OF FRANCE

CHÂTEAU HOTEL | VILLAS WITH POOLS | RESTAURANTS & BARS | EXPERIENCES

SPA | WINE CELLAR | VINEYARD | KIDS CLUB | TENNIS | BIKES

TO RECEIVE A PERSONALISED QUOTE

PLEASE VISIT CHATEAUCAPITOUL.COM

OR CALL US ON 0345 686 6506

© Vicky Flynn

Spring is just the time to appreciate this year’s

offering from the National Garden Scheme.

Providing funds for nursing and health

charities like Marie Curie, Hospice UK and

Carers Trust, the scheme has over 549 new

gardens to explore this year along with old

favourites. Enjoy Compton Ash, Godinton

House & Gardens, Cobham Hall and many

more while doing your bit! ngs.org.uk

must

The

From must-sees to must-buys and

must-dos, don’t miss this month’s

round up of what to buy, see, do,

and generally get excited about!

This month it’s both International Jazz Day

and Dance Day so it’s time to put some

spring in your step and up your sound

system game to enjoy music and dance right.

This R2 by Ruark Audio has a stylish retro

design, beautiful natural sound, and it will

play you just about whatever you want from

Bluetooth, SmartRadio, Spotify Connect,

USB, Amazon Music and even a source just

for podcasts. £479 at ruarkaudio.com

It’s stress awareness month so a trip to the spa is simply

essential! Thank goodness then that this spring sees the

launch of The Spa Hotel in Tunbridge Wells’ new state

of the art wellness suite. Providing Tunbridge Wells with

an indulgent spa experience it has cutting-edge facilities

such as an ice fountain, hydro pool and drench bucket

– it’s a truly luxurious spa experience to melt away stress

in style. Find out more at spahotel.co.uk

Celebrate Easter with an extra special egg

this year. This Swiss milk chocolate

egg by Betty’s is hand-piped with a

dancing design of spring flowers

and is just as scrumptious as it

looks. Betty’s is a UK institution

– having been making treats like

this for over 100 years, they

have really perfected the art.

On their website you’ll find lots

of other eggs as well as Eastery

cakes, biscuits and hot cross buns.

This one is £42.95 at bettys.co.uk

Celebrate Shakespeare’s birthday with

The Merchant of Venice 1936. In this

brilliant adaption, the bard’s harsh plot

clicks aptly into place against a backdrop

of London’s East End. As the Battle of

Cable Street sees the Jewish community

clashing with British Union Fascists,

the first female Shylock, Tracy Ann

Oberman (of Eastenders, Doctor Who

and Friday Night Dinner), steps up,

handbag in hand, to shed a new light

on the classic play. This painfully funny,

genuinely upsetting, and unexpectedly

moving adaption comes to Richmond

Theatre from the 8th to the 12th and

tickets are from £15 at atgtickets.com

Spring cleaning is here to get us

feeling refreshed as we awake from

winter blues. But it can be a lot of

work so a robotic vacuum is the way

forward. This Eufy E20 is extra handy

with 30,000Pa suction power (yes

that is a lot), an auto-emptying station

that lasts 75 days, and AeroTurbo

Five-Stage Filtration to capture nasty

small bits like bacteria, hair and

pollen. Plus you can use it as

a handheld or stick vacuum

too! It’s £549 at eufy.com/uk

After all your spring cleaning you may

wish to brighten up your home a bit.

Addison Ross is a luxury British brand

that has lots of gorgeous and colourful

little somethings, including their new

LED lamps. Launching this month,

the Bobbin lamps come in 10 glossy

colourways to suit any spot that needs

a little brightening up – from bedside

tables to desks and reading nooks.

They also have 10 hours of battery

life so can go with you wherever and

even be taken outside for spring garden

dining. £125 at addisonross.com

33

Inspired by The Great Celebrity

Bake Off? Planning on making

your own Easter cake? Maybe just

fancying some yumminess? In any

case we think it’s high time to get

baking! And however your bakes

turn out, Mary Berry’s cookware

collection will make them look fab

and have you feeling like a star baker!

This cake stand is £50 at next.co.uk



Glow Up

Words: Fiona Patrick

Photographs: David Merewether

A strong and trusting architect-client

relationship has resulted in a brilliant

expansion of a house in Surrey that

was crying out for a change

35


Upholstery Design Services

Fabric

Upholstery and curtain.

Don’t go all the way to Chelsea Harbour, we’re in Surrey!

Upholstery Design Services

• Linwood • Romo • Osborne & Little

• Designers Guild • Christopher Farr • Andrew Martin

• Colefax and Fowler • GP & J Baker • Thibaut

• Sanderson Group • House of Hackney

• Marvic • Ian Mankin • Liberty

collection combines

expert tailoring with

effortless sophistication.

Crafted from highquality

fabrics and

featuring clean,

modern silhouettes,

each piece offers a

perfect balance of

comfort and style

for any occasion.

Call in to one

of our stores to

take a look.

County Clothes Menswear

A long-established menswear specialist in Kent and East Sussex

Image courtsey of Linwood

Passionate about fabric & creating unique furniture

Passionate about fabric & creating unique furniture

sarahlouisedix.co.uk | enquiries@sarahlouisedix.co.uk | 01483 801108

sarahlouisedix.co.uk | enquiries@sarahlouisedix.co.uk | 01483 801108

BEXHILL - CANTERBURY - HERNE BAY - REIGATE

SEVENOAKS - TENTERDEN - TUNBRIDGE WELLS

WWW.COUNTYCLOTHESMENSWEAR.CO.UK

URBAN & GREY

BESPOKE ALUMINIUM GLAZING

Specialists in the supply & installation of contemporary bespoke

aluminium glazing systems. Our showroom & offices are based in

a historical boatyard overlooking the River Thames in Hampton.

Specified by Architects, recommended by Contractors, referred by Clients.

Urban & Grey Ltd

Constable’s Boatyard

5-9 Thames Street

Hampton

TW12 2EW

Telephone: 020 8979 6367

info@urbanandgrey.co.uk

www.urbanandgrey.co.uk

Sliding Doors • Bifold Doors • Flush Casement Windows

Steel Replacement Doors, Screens & Windows

Frameless Glazing • Frameless Fixed Rooflights

Venting, Lantern & Walk-on Rooflights

Front Doors, Pivot Doors • Glazed Garden Rooms & Verandas


36

Michelle is very laid back telling

me about the renovation of her

Surrey home, particularly when

you consider the circumstances. Not only

did the process begin in March 2020, just

as Covid hit, but she coordinated the entire

project while living in America, and did not

visit the house at all while the works were

being carried out. “I saw it for the first time

in October 2022, and absolutely everything

was done,” Michelle says. “I literally got on

a flight from America and walked through

the door and everything was set, the kitchen,

the appliances, it was all workable and

completed, and there was no mess, nothing.”

Michelle and her husband, Brian, bought the

house in a village near Dorking in 2014 when

Brian’s job moved from Abu Dhabi to Epsom.

They didn’t know the area at all (having lived

in Staffordshire and Scotland previously) but

immediately saw potential in the property

and put in an offer the same day as viewing it

for the first time. Michelle then lived in the

house for 2 years before relocating to America

but knew that she wanted to return to the

Previous spread & above: The kitchen opens out into a vaulted living

area Below: Easily accessed, a Crittall-style door with reeded glass

leads through to a pantry area packed with kitchen essentials

37


Above left: Through a door off the kitchen, a good-sized utility/boot room houses the boiler, washer, dryer and coat racks Above right: A corner of the kitchen

house eventually. “My intention was

always to come back here, and I wanted

to extend it,” says Michelle. “With the

extension it would be just the right

size for us to return to, for the kids to

be teenagers in, but also for us to be in

once they were no longer at home”.

So began the process of finding an

architect in the area, and they put in

calls to several local firms, but it was

Jamie Campbell from Campbell &

Co Architects that immediately stood

out with his vision and his calm,

personable, professional manner. “Jamie

came back to us very quickly and

he was really excited by the project,”

remembers Michelle, “I told him what

I envisaged but I didn’t know if it was

doable from an architectural point of

view. Jamie came back with a plan,

and we just said, ‘Yes, this is it!’”

It is easy to understand why the house

was crying out for change. Located

within a large garden and looking

over National Trust woodland, the

surroundings of the original house were

totally disconnected from the internal

arrangement, with only a small kitchen

window overlooking the view, and an

entrance that involved approaching

from the side, walking round to the

back and trudging through the house

to the kitchen at the front, but with no

access from the kitchen to the garden.

The dining room, which was an

extension, had access to a courtyard

Nathan Kingsbury was also

recommended by Jamie and

put together the interior

design package, including the

bespoke cabinets, the lighting,

the colours and the kitchen.

“His attention to detail is just

unbelievable,” says Michelle.

“He spent so long getting to

know us and understanding

what we wanted and our style

– he would send us tiles and

painted pieces of wood in the

post. He was absolutely great.”


38

Q U A L

I T Y

E N G R A

R O U N D W O O D

I N E D

. C O M

Explore our thoughtfully curated selection of products,

designed to enhance gardens and homes with natural beauty.

From handcrafted oak frame summer houses, gazebos,

and outdoor kitchens to durable, stylish decking solutions,

premium garden features, and high-quality planters,

Round Wood of Mayfield brings elegance and character to

your outdoor space.

transform your garden

Oak Frames • Decking • Cladding • Flooring

Garden Features • Pots & Planters

www.roundwood.com | 01435 867 072 | sales@roundwood.com

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

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

Open Tues - Fri: 8:30-5:00

Sat: 9:00-4:00

Crossways, Churt, Nr Farnham

Surrey GU10 2JA

01428 714014

www.miscellanea.co.uk

. “It’s a classic thing

in older Victorian

or Edwardian

houses,” says Jamie,

“there was a more

formal way of

living, and you

tended to get all the

different rooms off

one corridor with

no connection, so

addressing that,

alongside being

able to access the

garden and making

it an extension of

those living spaces,

became the focus.”

at the back, but not to the garden. “On a very basic level,”

says Michelle, “we knew we had to get rid of the horrible

dining room that had been attached – we wanted an open

plan kitchen/dining area, and a view over the garden.” The

design they landed on (which also included creating a main

bedroom with an en suite) would involve increasing the

footprint of the house significantly, and Jamie set about

working around the various designations of the area, including

being a Site of Nature Conservation Importance. “These

designations can make it really hard to extend considerably,”

says Jamie, “but we managed to increase the overall footprint

by about 43%, which was a bit of a planning win.”

Design played a huge part in securing permission, and

bringing in sympathetic nods to the hung tile, Surrey vernacular

(without becoming a pastiche) became central to creating

a contemporary addition that paid homage to the original

lodge. “We came up with an engineered oak element wrapping

from the original house around the extension, we used copper

flashing, we used plain tiles for the roof and a club tile façade.

We wanted people to know that this was the new, contemporary

space, but very much with a nod to the old, original house.”

The copper in particular was a big hit with Michelle, something

she would never have thought of herself but that she can see

now really works and blends beautifully into the house.

Internally Michelle and Brian wanted an open plan

living space where the family could all be together. “It’s a

classic thing in older Victorian or Edwardian houses,” says

Jamie, “there was a more formal way of living, and you

tended to get all the different rooms off one corridor with

no connection, so addressing that, alongside being able to

access the garden and making it an extension of those living

spaces, became the focus.” Now as you approach the house

entrance, a small patio area runs below a gable with club

tiles, where engineered solid oak and floating glass look

through to the kitchen and living area so that people inside

can now see when someone is arriving at the house. Large

sliding doors covering two timber bays give seamless access

from inside to outside, while in another corner of the open

plan arrangement, triple bi-fold doors open up to the patio

connecting it with the kitchen, dining area and living space.

A vaulted ceiling adds height and drama to the single storey

extension, allowing light from the garden and the views

beyond to be enjoyed from multiple angles. The kitchen is

set back slightly, benefitting from a slot window with a view,

and subsequent light, from a small courtyard. “Because of the

orientation,” says Jamie, “the sun comes over the courtyard

41


The house was crying out for

change. Located within a

large garden and looking over

National Trust woodland, the

surroundings of the original

house were totally disconnected

from the internal arrangement,

with only a small kitchen

window overlooking the view

in different ways at different times of year, and

at certain times you get a shaft of light coming

through the window which lights up the kitchen.”

Next to the dining area, a Crittall-style door

with reeded glass leads through to a pantry area,

and through the back, a good-sized utility/boot

room houses the boiler, and the washer, dryer,

coat racks and tools are all cleverly hidden away.

As well as being the architect, Jamie was

also the contract administrator, working very

closely with the builder (Joe Morris at Buildtech

Developments), garden designer (Barbara

Samitier at Moss Studio) and interior and kitchen

designer (Nathan Kingsbury at Nathan Kingsbury

Design). Jamie and Barbara had worked together

previously and Jamie instantly saw that there was

scope for a transition area between the car park

and the house that Barbara would be perfect


ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

Discover

Unparalleled Luxury

with Posh Pawn

Located in Surrey, London, and

the home counties, a hidden gem

awaits. Posh Pawn, a member of

the prestigious Prestige Pawnbrokers

family, has become the go-to place for

those looking to pawn, sell, loan against,

exchange, or buy preloved luxury items.

With Spring just around the corner why

not raise some cash after your Spring

clean? Or maybe you’re looking to

purchase the perfect gift for Mother’s Day!

RAISE FUNDS AGAINST

LUXURY ASSETS

Posh Pawn are here to offer a lifeline when

financial emergency strikes. With a flexible

pawnbroking service you can leverage

your luxury assets to secure a short-term

loan, providing you with the immediate

funds you need while retaining ownership

of your prized possessions. With loans

against luxuries from handbags, watches

and jewellery, all the way to cars, cherished

plates, art, wine and all luxury goods/

collectables – Posh Pawn are here to help!

SELLING OR SHOP

PRELOVED LUXURY

For those looking to part with their

cherished luxury possessions, Posh

Pawn offers a seamless and confidential

selling experience. An expert team

offer an in-depth understanding of the

luxury market, each item undergoes

rigorous authentication and quality

checks, ensuring genuine luxury without

compromise and enabling them

to assess and appraise your items

with precision. Whether you have a

designer handbag, a luxury watch,

fine jewellery, or any other highend

item, Posh Pawn Guildford

provides competitive offers that

are hard to match elsewhere.

Step into Spring by adding to your

luxury collection! You’ll be delighted

to discover an exceptional selection of

preloved luxury goods, from coveted

designer bags to the most sought-after

luxury watches – at their flagship

store Posh Pawn Guildford, as well

as Weybridge, London and more. At

Posh Pawn you’ll find luxury items at

a fraction of their original retail prices,

allowing you to indulge in opulence

without breaking the bank. Unable

to visit in store? No problem! You can

shop online at: www.shopprestige.com.

So why not take a trip to Posh Pawn

today! 8 UK locations including:

GUILDFORD - 01483 964019

164-166 High Street, Guildford GU1 3HW

guildford@prestigepawnbrokers.co.uk

WEYBRIDGE - 01932 859880

109 Queens Rd, Weybridge KT13 9UJ

weybridge@prestigepawnbrokers.co.uk

www.prestigepawnbrokers.co.uk

www.shopprestige.com

Capital at Risk.

INVEST IN A

LOCALLY GROWN

GLOBAL FUND

This ISA season, explore the Nutshell Growth Fund, an award-winning,

actively managed fund led by UK experts. Designed for long-term

growth, we carefully select around 30 exceptional, high quality

companies with strong value and growth potential. Available for ISA,

SIPP, and investment accounts, you can invest directly or via leading

platforms like AJ Bell, Hargreaves Lansdown, ii, and Fidelity.

Invest locally, grow globally.

Learn more at nutshellam.com


44

This page: A trio of glass pendants hang above the dining table. Magis Sequoia stools sit neatly below the overhang of the kitchen island

for: “She created this landscape that you

walk through and you almost can’t avoid

the plants, you actively want to touch

them. Every time I go there it’s different

and it looks beautiful. Everything is bee

friendly, and even in the dead of winter,

there’s colour.” She also added some

trees to help screen the garden from

the main road and to create areas of

privacy in what was quite an open area.

Nathan Kingsbury was also

recommended by Jamie and put together

the interior design package, including

the bespoke cabinets, the lighting, the

colours and the kitchen. “His attention to

detail is just unbelievable,” says Michelle.

“He spent so long getting to know us

and understanding what we wanted and

our style – he would send us tiles and

painted pieces of wood in the post. He

was absolutely great.” All of the cabinets

were made bespoke to align with the

vaulted ceiling, and he created a larger

than usual hood to go with the sizeable

range that Brian was particularly keen

to include. Subtle contrasts in materials

on the worktops – a white worktop at

the back and a mottled concrete effect

worktop on the island – add a sense of

interest and zoning to the space, and the

use of concrete tiles on the wall below

the vaulted ceiling create unexpected

warmth, particularly when married

with the timber on the floor and doors.

“The kitchen is amazing,” says Jamie.

“Nathan just knocked our socks off

when we saw the kitchen design and

once it was installed as well. He has an

amazing ability to listen to clients and

create something that answers all the

requirements they wanted and more.”

Making a transatlantic build a

success depended heavily on excellent

communication, which Jamie went above

and beyond with from the get-go. This

included involving a lot of visuals to help

Brian and Michelle envisage the house

and taking extra care to make sure that

everything in the design was clear and

understood and that there were no ‘blind

spots’. In the same vein, the word ‘trust’

permeates both my conversations with

Michelle and Jamie. From Michelle’s

side, being able to trust that the house

45


This page: An Invicta Ovatio woodburning stove

provides a contemporary source of heat in the sitting

area that overlooks the garden. Backlit shelving

adds to the cosy feeling with its orange glow

was in safe hands while they were so far away was

absolutely integral to making the process feasible.

“We were really lucky to find the professionals

we did. I think they took a lot of ownership of

the project because of the trust we put in them,”

says Michelle. From Jamie’s side, being instilled

with such a high level of trust incentivised all of

his team to give 110%. “It’s one of the largest

investments you’ll make aside from buying the

house itself. You’ve got to get on with the client,

but they also need to know that you’re capable of

delivering the project. It’s a real honour, actually,

to be trusted with something so precious.”

Address Book:

Campbell & Co Architects

campbellandcoarchitects.com

Barbara Samitier moss-studio.co.uk

Buildtech Developments buildtechdevelopments.co.uk

Nathan Kingsbury nathankingsbury.com

Samuely Consulting Structural Engineers

samuely.co.uk


Get the

LOOK

1 Bertie glass pendant lights from £205 ea. Glow Lighting glowlighting.co.uk 2 Famous paint from £36/l

Graham & Brown grahambrown.com 3 Venjakob Tagena cabinets with atmospheric lighting POA David Salmon

davidsalmon.co.uk 4 As You Are abstract canvas art from £160 Green Lili greenlili.com 5 Faux Maidenhair Fern

stems £15 ea. OKA oka.com 6 Virya recycled glass vase £55 Kayu Home kayuhome.co.uk 7 Hiro dining chair in

Black £399 (set of 2) Atkin and Thyme atkinandthyme.co.uk 8 Ercol Fairmile large extending dining table £1,989

Lenleys lenleys.co.uk 9 Raw Cotton herringbone European oak floor from £82.95/m 2 Ted Todd tedtodd.co.uk

47


Small yet

perfectly formed

This pocket-sized apartment located in the

former home of Decimus Burton in St Leonards

packs a serious style punch, a signature look of

its interior designer owner, Christina Byrn

Words: Antonia Deeson Photographs: David Merewether


48

49


Previous pages & this page: A French movie poster and a satellite photo of rivers in Bangladesh fit perfectly with the

room’s monochrome and neutral tone aesthetic. “I try not to overcrowd a space,” she explains. “The key to designing

a successful small space is in creating zones. Every area has its function and then it works as a whole.”

While Christina Byrn’s

stunning ground-floor

apartment in St Leonards

(that featured in our February issue)

is a spacious, light-filled retreat, her

second flat in a nearby building tells

a slightly different story. This smaller

space, located in the former home of the

architect behind much of St Leonards’

Victorian aesthetic, Decimus Burton, is

a masterclass in how to create grandeur

on a small footprint. “It started as

a bit of a storage solution to house

all my accessories and things I had

accumulated over the years,” Christina

laughs. “But as I began to decorate it, I

realised it was an amazing opportunity

for me to show, as an interior designer,

what can be done with a small,

awkwardly shaped apartment and turn

it into something rather special.

The apartment, which serves as

both a rental property and a personal

project, is steeped in history. “My


This page: In the living room, a cosy daybed nestles into a nook and doubles as a guest bed. “It’s the best spot in the flat,” Christina says

main apartment is in James Burton’s

house, the father of Decimus, who

was the property developer of the area.

This smaller apartment is in Decimus’s

former house. It’s a lovely historical link

and I love the connection between the

two buildings,” Christina explains.

From the moment you step inside,

the apartment feels far larger than

its dimensions would suggest. “I’ve

always believed that small spaces can

feel grand if you design them right,”

says Christina, who is slowly leaving

behind her three-decade long career

in front line humanitarian aid and is

now re-focusing her attention on her

other love – interior design. With this

smaller space, Christina has applied

the same principles as in her main

apartment, using a restrained palette

of white, black, and natural woods to

create a sense of calm. “I try not to

overcrowd a space,” she explains. “The

key to designing a successful small space

is in creating zones. Every area has its

function and then it works as a whole.”

In the living room, a cosy daybed

nestles into a nook and doubles as

a guest bed. “It’s the best spot in

the flat,” Christina says. “You

51


This page: Christina has managed to fit full-size appliances into the small galley kitchen. Keeping shelving to a minimum, she

maintains a sense of space, whilst the window at the end floods the room with light and adds to the airy feeling

can sit there, look out at the sea,

and just feel completely relaxed.”

The room is furnished with a mix

of mid-century pieces sourced from

local antiques shops in Hastings and

from Christina’s extensive travels – a

vintage bus destination roller on the

wall gives a sense of the travel bug

she has had all her life. “I love finding

unique pieces that have a story,”

she says. “It’s all about balance and

creating something that feels both

functional and yet also beautiful.”

The apartment’s colour palette

is understated, with soft whites


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

To get our undivided attention we kindly ask

for you to ring to make an appointment.

Cranleigh Tiles and Bathrooms

Telephone 01483 272727

craig@cranleighbathroomstudios.co.uk

www.cranleighbathroomstudios.co.uk

Beautiful Timber Windows and

External Doors

Traditional timber windows and doors, designed to

complement your home.

- Made in the UK to your exact requirements.

- Improve security and energy efficiency.

- 50 year anti-rot guarantee.

- Sustainably sourced timber.

- Conservation Area specialists.

01344 868 668 www.sashwindow.com

53


“It’s been a real joy to see how much you

can do with a little space. I am really

happy to see people enjoying it, they fall

in love with it when they come here,

I think it’s the attention to detail and

the functionality of a smaller floorplan,

though the location is certainly

also doing its part in rendering this

apartment so soothing and peaceful.”

dominating the walls. But Christina

uses black and natural wood across her

furniture choices and then, mirroring

the varnished natural timber of the

floorboards, has introduced splashes

of brass in the accessories. “I love the

warmth that brass brings,” she says. “It’s

a reminder of my travels, but it’s also a

colour that brings energy to the space.”

One of the clever features of

the apartment is Christina’s space

management in both the tiny galley

kitchen and the shower room. Both are

small in size and yet have the aspirations

of much larger rooms – a clever trick to

achieve. “It’s a small kitchen, but I didn’t

want it to feel small by downsizing the

appliances,” she explains. “The trick was

to make sure it had everything you’d

need in a larger kitchen, but without

overwhelming the space. I kept the

shelving on the wall to a minimum to

avoid making it feel too cramped and

then having the large window at the end

draws the eye to the treetops outside.”

The bathroom, though also compact,

is a perfect example of how to make the

most of limited space. A walk-in shower,

sleek space-saver sink and vintage style

brass heated towel rail create a sense of

luxury. Carefully placed mirrors reflect

the natural light and make the room feel

larger. “Mirrors are such an important

tool in small spaces,” Christina says.

“They can completely transform a room

by bringing in light and reflecting

the beauty of what’s outside.”

Throughout the apartment Christina’s

love of travel is again evident, she laughs

that she originally just bought the

small space in order to house her huge

collection of ‘things’. In the living room

hangs a stunning satellite photo of a

river in Bangladesh, in the bedroom an

aerial photo of a shrimp farm. “I love


“Mirrors are such an

important tool in small

spaces,” Christina says.

“They can completely

transform a room by

bringing in light and

reflecting the beauty

of what’s outside.”

the idea of bringing the world into

my home,” Christina explains. “Each

piece has a story, and it’s those stories

that give the space its character.”

Though the apartment is small,

Christina has managed to create

distinct zones for dining, lounging,

and sleeping, all within one space. “By

dividing the room into different areas,

you make it feel larger than it is. The

fact that there is even capacity for an

overnight guest is great. We really got

the most out of the available floor area,”

she says. Christina’s design choices have

made the apartment feel far bigger

than its square footage might suggest.

“Visitors often comment on how

spacious it feels, despite its compact

size. It’s all about the details,” she says.

“I’ve worked hard to make sure every

corner has something special, without

making the space feel cluttered.”

This attention to detail extends to the

apartment’s furnishings which Christina

has sourced. A sleek Danish two-seater

sofa sits next to a chest of drawers

from a local antique dealer, while a

contemporary Sputnik light fixture adds

a touch of mid-century modern flair.

“I love mixing old and new,” Christina

says. “It keeps the space feeling fresh

and dynamic.” The bedroom takes us

to Asia, with a paper lampshade and

Chinese script in the artwork. A vintage

desk sits opposite a pair of old wooden

oars that Christina has hung on the

wall. Two new wall lights, again very

Danish in feel, nod to her heritage.

Christina’s second apartment, like her

ground floor home, is a reflection of

her unique life – one filled with travel,

compassion, and creativity. “This flat

was a way for me to experiment with

design on a smaller scale,” she says. “It’s

This page: The bathroom, though also compact, is a perfect example of

how to make the most of limited space. A walk-in shower, sleek space-saver

sink and vintage style brass heated towel rail create a sense of luxury

been a real joy to see how much you

can do with a little space. I am really

happy to see people enjoying it, they

fall in love with it when they come here,

I think it’s the attention to detail and

the functionality of a smaller floorplan,

though the location is certainly

also doing its part in rendering this

apartment so soothing and peaceful.”

In both of her homes, Christina

has created spaces that are not just

beautiful, but meaningful. Whether

she’s designing a large, light-filled retreat

or a cosy, compact apartment, her

focus remains the same: shaping calm,

inviting interiors that tell a story. “At

the end of the day, it’s about creating a

place where you can feel at peace,” she

reflects. “That’s what home is all about.”

Address Book:

For more information on Christina’s

interior design company, Kyrr Interiors,

please visit kyrrinteriors.com

55


Your trusted Heat

Pump specialists

With years of expertise in air source and ground

source heat pumps, we provide tailored solutions

to ensure your system operates efficiently

Servicing & Maintenance

Regular servicing,

maintenance and breakdown

call outs to keep your heat

pump running smoothly.

Retrofits

We will replace your heat pump

for cleaner, more efficient living.

Rug

Rug

Store

Store

specialise

specialise

in

in a

wide

wide

selection

selection

of

of

new,

new,

old

old

and

and

antique

antique

Persian,

Persian,

Turkish,

Turkish,

Caucasian

Caucasian

carpets,

carpets,

Kilim

Kilim

furniture

furniture

and

and

Kilim

Kilim

cushions.Various

cushions.Various

antique,

antique,

old

old

and

and

new

new

kilims

kilims

are

are

available.

available.

We

We

also

also

offer

offer a

professional

professional

hand

hand

cleaning

cleaning

and

and

repair

repair

service.

service.

We

We

buy

buy

old

old

and

and

antique

antique

carpets

carpets -

even

even

damaged

damaged

rugs.

rugs.

Part-exchange

Part-exchange

and

and

evaluations.

evaluations.

312 UPPER RICHMOND ROAD WEST, EAST SHEEN,

LONDON SWl4 7JN. TEL & FAX: 0208 876 0070

info@rugstoreonline.co.uk www.rugstoreonline.co.uk

New Installations

Expert installation for new

and existing properties.

07903 826681

contact@hpservicesolutions.co.uk

www.heatpumpservicesolutions.co.uk

The House Vet

www.thehousevet.net

info@thehousevet.net

01483 272999


56

Get the

LOOK

1 Jute hanging baskets £75 Cox & Cox coxandcox.co.uk 2 Black Brush Stroke print from £6.75 Desenio

desenio.co.uk 3 Mad House sign £14 Rockett St George rockettstgeorge.co.uk 4 Wickham 2 seater faux leather sofa in

Black £395 Cult Furniture cultfurniture.com 5 Natural round cotton knitted pouffe footstool £29.99 Homescapes

Online homescapesonline.com 6 T2-011 Halogen Bankers Lamp £1,372 Besselink & Jones besselink.com 7 Round

African market basket L in Natural £59 Lola & Mawu lolaandmawu.com 8 Black lacquer side table with drawers

£1,195 Kayu Home kayuhome.co.uk 9 Milburn rug from £265 The White Company thewhitecompany.com

10 Berkeley Cottage Oak engineered wood flooring £150/m 2 Woodpecker Flooring woodpeckerflooring.co.uk

57


Wealden Times

Midsummer

Fa i r

wealdentimes-fair.co.uk

Tickets on

sale NOW

QUOTE CODE

‘SPRING25’

for £1 off

each ticket *

5-7 JUNE 2025

Hole Park, Rolvenden TN17 4JB

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

*Adult tickets only

istockphoto.com/ Arteni Inesa

GARDENS

SIGNA TURE

The great outdoors just got greater!

SIGNA TURE

We specialise in the design, planning

and install of garden pods, pergolas,

gazebos and timber frame garages...

in fact pretty SIGNA much TURE anything luxury

and outdoors!

SIGNA TURE

The Signature range is proud to reveal our

range of luxury outdoor constructions.

Beautifully designed and crafted to enhance

your life in whatever form it takes on.

With a range of personalised designs and

finishes, you’ll find there’s a Signature to suit.

All our products come with a 10 year

structural warranty.

We also offer a finance scheme so you

can purchase your Signature from as

little as £403 per month.

Signed, sealed and delivered.

ambassadorprojects

Visit our website to

see the full range of

Signature products. ambassadorprojects

ambassadorprojects

Finely Crafted Outdoor Spaces

01489 357462 • sales@ambassador-projects.com • ambassador-projects.com

Finely Crafted Outdoor Finely Spaces Crafted Outdoor Spaces

Contents

Fibreglass ‘Faux Corten’ planter

63 THE LIFE AQUATIC

Jo Arnell’s guide to garden

ponds and all the reasons

to make one

69 A GARDEN

FOR WORK

With so many of us

looking to work from

home in a garden

building, we’re looking

into how to customise

your outdoor space for

this new purpose

70 A GARDEN

FOR LUXURY

For those ready to lounge

in all that is lush and luxe,

we have seven steps to a

luxury lifestyle in the sun

73 A GARDEN

FOR FOODIES

Whether you are a

BBQ boss, working on

a kitchen garden or just

wanting to dine in the

fresh air, enjoy your

garden as a foodie

paradise with our guide

74 A GARDEN

FOR HEALTH

If you’re looking to boost

your health and wellbeing,

your garden may be just

the place to do it!

The Planter Specialist

Contemporary styles

from tree planters to

window boxes

iotagarden.com

Bespoke design & build treehouses, playhouses

Bespoke design

and elevated build treehouses,

platforms.

playhouses

Commercial &

and

International

elevated platforms.

commissions welcomed

Commercial International commissions welcomed

76 MORE THAN A

GARDEN CENTRE

Explore garden centres that

have so much more to offer

than just garden products

78 EVERYTHING &

THE GARDEN SHED

Get kitted out with all

the essentials that your

garden shed needs

81 SPRING IT ON

Spring has sprung and

we are listing all the

best outdoorsy things

to do to really enjoy it

TEL: 01403 262219

www.cheekymonkeytreehouses.co.uk

www.cheekymonkeytreehouses.co.uk


61 CheekyMonkeyWT249.indd 1 24/01/2023 17:06

• POOL MAINTENANCE

• POOL REPAIRS

• POOL RENOVATION

• POOL BUILD

Elevate your outdoor living experience with a bespoke structure

Handmade in Great Britain

Order now for a Summer 2025 installation

www.ttvc.co.uk

01580 854891

www.sjpoolservices.co.uk

Call 01932 500 421 / 07957 749482 / 07974 178220

Email info@sjpoolservices.co.uk

PL413_TraditionalVerandah_V1.indd 1 29/07/2024 13:53

SJPoolsS55.indd 1 01/05/2019 11:46

• Automation and installation

• Entry phones and access control

• Hardwood, aluminium and metal

gates made to order for automation

and non-automation purposes

• Supply-and-fit service for fully

automated electric garage doors

• Brick piers

• Brick walls

• Driveway alterations

FREE SURVEYS &

QUOTES PROVIDED

TEL: 01483 379954

info@harriergates.co.uk

www.harriergates.co.uk


62

The Priceless Gardens Supplement

THE LIFE

aquatic

Jo Arnell is dreaming of ponds and all the life they can bring to the garden

A

pond is a life bringing, soul calming feature that has untold benefits – to ecosystems and nervous

systems alike. A large pond can be a magnificent focal point and a huge draw for us and wildlife,

but even a tastefully decorated washing up bowl can have serenity and a frog or two.

I’m no mermaid, but I dream of having a swimming pool in the garden – not a bright blue rectangle,

but a natural swimming pond that rests easily into the land, surrounded not by paving, but nature. We

do have a pond in our field, but it dries out in the summer and is too sludgy for swimming. Still, it is a

pond, which is something, because there is a national shortage of them. In the last 100 years ponds have

been disappearing from the landscape at an alarming rate – filled in to allow for more crops, or no longer

needed for horses or livestock, neglected and left as boggy dips in fields. But these forgotten ponds still

exist – ghosts and zombies, lingering in the landscape as shadows that can be resurrected. A ghost pond (this

is the official term) is one that has been deliberately filled in, while a zombie is a neglected pond that has

become overgrown or stagnant. Both can be restored by careful excavation. If care is taken to leave a little

of the existing sediment, long forgotten seeds – some of almost extinct plants – will spring back to life.

WILDLIFE PONDS

It is well known that the very best thing you can do to attract wildlife into your garden is to make a pond. Build

it and they will come, as the saying goes. As if by magic, the creatures will find the marvellous resource you have

prepared for them – there’s no need to import wildlife, it will flutter, crawl and hop to it in a remarkably

short space of time. Fish may even appear, from eggs transported on the feet of birds,

but fish are not always good news in a small pond: they can upset

the delicate ecosystem, eat all the tadpoles and insect larvae,

and generally reduce the biodiversity. Our gardens are fast

becoming bolt-holes for many native species and it is a privilege

to create a resource and then see them

use it, like staging a homegrown nature

documentary. Be proud of the frogspawn

if you have a pondful – so many of our

native amphibians are squished on the

roads where there aren’t special ‘toad

crossings’ as they make perilous journeys

back to their breeding places.

63



SWIMMING POOLS

Whether for exercise, relaxation, or social gatherings, a swimming pool is a luxurious addition to the garden – a

refreshing escape on hot days. They can be expensive and need to be kept clean, free from debris and kept safe for

pets and children. Successful pool management relies on balancing chemicals to maintain clean swimming water, or

you can opt for a more natural system, filtering and cleaning the water by pumping it through an adjacent filter bed

containing reeds and aquatic plants. A heated pool is the ultimate treat and makes swimming in colder weather more

tempting, but once the weather has warmed up, an unheated pool is much better for us – and the environment.

WATER FEATURES

Installing a water feature is easier than you might think and doesn’t

necessarily need to be accompanied by a pond. The water source

can come from a sump – simply a large bowl buried in the ground,

with a pump and above that a decorative fountain, sculpture,

drilled stone, or just a pile of pebbles for the water to trickle

through. For an impressive jet of water you might need an electric

pump, but solar powered versions are good too and mean that you

don’t have to worry about laying electric cables into the garden.

Check water levels in warmer weather and top up the sump when

necessary, as moving water and splashing will cause evaporation.

Turn off/remove the pump in winter to prolong its life.

istockphoto.com/ winyuu

BOURNEBUILDINGS

Best Prices, Best Service, Best Selection

The largest showsite in the UK with over

200 buildings, 5,000 stone ornaments

& 100 furniture sets on display

Set in a magical landscape of water and wildlife,

Bourne Buildings is not your typical

garden buildings showsite.

Our services include product installation,

base laying and removal of old buildings.

Visit our showsite to see our wide range of:

Sheds & Workshops, Garden Rooms & Offices,

Greenhouses, Playhouses, Log Stores, Summerhouses,

Garden Bars, Mini sheds, Open Gazebos and Potting

Sheds, and our impressive array of stone ornaments.

Bourne Buildings, 39-43 Guildford Road,

Farnham, Surrey GU9 9PY

01252 718481

www.bournebuildings.co.uk


64

Traditionally Made Architectural Porches, Verandas and Door Canopies

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

or call one of our helpful design team 020 3957 6150

ADVERTISMENT FEATURE

For Gardeners Who Value Nature

Puckamuck: The Sustainable Secret to Thriving Gardens with Horse Manure

Why use horse manure? Known

as ‘gardener’s gold’, horse manure

has been used for centuries as

a soil enhancer for its ability to

produce a balanced microbiome,

thriving ecosystem and healthy

plant growth. A quality manure will

provide a slow release of nutrients

to the soil – such as nitrogen,

phosphorus and potassium, essential

in different stages of plant growth.

What makes a good horse manure?

The key to a quality product is to

allow the horse manure to be fully

rotted and heated to over 60 degrees.

Each Puckamuck batch goes through

a rigorous process of being turned

regularly and is tested to make sure

it has the right qualities – including

an optimal pH value which is

important to support healthy plant

growth. Most plants will thrive

with a pH range between 6 to 7,

known as the ‘golden in-between’.

Our product is a natural habitat

for worms and, given the right

conditions, these ecosystem engineers

make the soil healthier by eating

organic matter and aerating the soil.

What’s the best way to use horse

manure? In the spring months dig

your Puckamuck into your beds,

combining it with the existing

soil to enrich the conditions for

planting. Remember to turn

it regularly to distribute the

nutrients throughout the soil.

Spreading 2 inches of Puckamuck

on beds in the autumn allows the

worms to dig down, creating a

thriving ecosystem and creating a

great mulch for the colder months.

Who is Puckamuck? Puckamuck

started out 15 years ago when director

Richard and ‘Master Grower’ Mick

combined forces. After mastering the

art of mixing and making soils for

the leading Sussex waste firm Taylor,

Mick started to use his experiments

on his allotment, winning awards

for his vegetables. Reconnecting

with Richard, Managing Director

of Sussex Manures, they blended

their skills and founded Puckamuck.

We service livery yards and

stables across Surrey, Sussex and

Hampshire with our collection,

which even includes a bit of royal

horse poo every now and then.

Who uses Puckamuck? Puckamuck

has a loyal customer base ranging

from stately homes to allotments,

with green fingered enthusiasts from

all backgrounds – from dukes to

dustmen. We have amateur gardeners

to horticultural experts who use

Puckamuck because they know it

works. We supply Arundel Castle,

Goodwood, Parham House &

Gardens, Nyetimber, Gravetye Manor

and many more with Puckamuck.

What can I buy and where do

you deliver? We deliver to homes

in Surrey, Sussex, Hampshire and

Kent and into London. Puckamuck

comes in a variety of sizes to suit

all gardens with the standard 30

and 60 litre sacks going up in size

to 850 litre bulk bags. If you want

a larger load we can supply it loose

in 2.5, 7.5 or 12 cubic metres.

The team at Puckamuck can be

contacted on: 01903 877689 or

online at www.puckamuck.co.uk

Romantic luxury in

peaceful seclusion

Just 30 miles south of the M25, escape

to Hoots or Tawny – our stunning

treehouses that uniquely blend

modern luxury with natural beauty.

Nestled in an area of outstanding

natural beauty, our treehouses are

perfect for a romantic getaway,

peaceful birthday treat or even

an exciting family adventure.

Hoots and Tawny are

available all year round.

Please check availability at

hootstreehouse.co.uk

If you have any questions

whatsoever, please give Lucinda

a call on: 07903124835


66


HOW TO MAKE A POND

Position is all – choosing the right site is crucial for its success. Ponds will

naturally form in a dip or low point in the landscape, so unless the pond

is going to be raised or formal, it’s best to site it at the lowest point in the

garden. Select a location with partial sunlight—too much sun encourages

algae, while deep shade can hinder plant growth. Avoid areas near trees

to prevent excessive leaf fall and interference from tree roots. Outline the

desired shape and dig to different depths to provide varied habitats. Line the

hole with a pond liner or pre-formed shell, ensuring that it is level. Water

will always find the level, pond liners notoriously don’t and will emphasise

the wonkiness if you don’t take time to get it right. If the worst comes to the

worst though, you can disguise exposed pond liner with plants and pebbles.

Add a layer of sand or underlay beneath the liner to prevent damage. Ensure

there’s a shallow edge for wildlife to access safely. Fill with rainwater if possible.

CHOOSING SUITABLE PLANTS

MAINTENANCE & CARE

Selecting pond plants looks tricky – all those unfamiliar and even more

unpronounceable Latin names – but it gets easier if you simplify the choices

into floating plants, marginals, submerged oxygenators and bog plants for

around the edges. Water lilies are for the deeper areas and are really the stars

of the pond – their spectacular flowers will attract pollinators and the leaves

will provide some shade. Marginal plants like yellow flag iris (Iris pseudacorus)

and marsh marigold (Caltha palustris) thrive at the water’s edge, adding

height and also attracting pollinators. Be sure to add in some oxygenators

like Hornwort (Ceratophyllum demersum) and water Crowfoot (Ranunculus

aquatilis) to help keep the pond healthy and algae-free. Pond plants bulk up

quickly, and some can turn out to be a nuisance – I have seen a pretty little bog

plant called Houttunya completely smother a water feature and then head off into

the borders, so make sure you don’t add invasive species that will clog the waterways.

istockphoto.com/ Clem Silverbridge / helen Reid / miriam-doerr / Zhanna Kavaliova

Keeping a pond healthy and beautiful does require regular maintenance. These

are seasonal jobs that shouldn’t be too onerous if you keep up with them. Leave

a pond alone for a year or two and it will clog up with overgrown plants

and leaves. If you have a filter pump and a fountain or waterfall, this will

need to be checked occasionally to make sure it is running smoothly

and that the filter isn’t clogged up with sludge and vegetation. Autumn

is such a lovely time of the year – all those pretty golden leaves falling

from the trees... straight into the pond. Skim them off once a week, or

place temporary netting across the surface (making sure no creatures can

get tangled in it). Algal blooms are another issue. They occur when the

weather is warm and sunny, if the nutrient level in the pond is too high

and the water isn’t well oxygenated. Thin out pond plants regularly, make

sure there are enough oxygenators and skim off any duck weed. Adding a

small bundle of barley straw in a mesh bag will help to prevent algae forming.

If you are de-clogging plants and decaying leaves etc, place the debris on the side

of the pond for a day or two to allow any creatures to get back into the water if accidentally

caught up in the mess. Digging holes can be arduous, ponds and water features do require work, but it is a rewarding project

it is to create a water feature, and a fabulous investment for your wellbeing, and the health of the wider ecosystem.

Jo’s new gardening courses are now available for booking! Just call 07923 969634 or visit hornbrookmanor.co.uk

67


Discover luxury

for less

From elegant summerhouses to

spacious garden offices, our premium,

custom-built structures blend

seamlessly with your landscape, offering

the perfect space to relax, work, or

entertain. Crafted with high-quality

materials and designed for durability,

our garden buildings are as functional as

they are beautiful.

Johnsons Leisure offers an exceptional

range of hot tubs, swim spas, and

saunas, bringing the ultimate luxury and

wellness to your home. Whether you’re

soaking in a hot tub after a long day or

enjoying the health benefits of a sauna,

Johnsons Leisure delivers unparalleled

comfort and quality.

SCAN FOR LATEST OFFERS

or visit johnsonsleisure.uk/surreyhomes

Your closest Johnsons branches are at:

Knights Garden Centres, Limpsfield Road, Chelsham, Surrey CR6 9DZ | 01883 778922

Dobbies Woodcote Green, Woodmansterne Lane, Wallington, Surrey SM6 0SU | 0208 1039406

Country Market, Malthouse & Osborne Farms, Kingsley, Bordon, Hampshire GU35 0QP | 01420 473108

Garden Rooms | Garden Offices | Summerhouses | Hot Tubs | Swim Spas | Saunas | Decking

A Garden for...

Work


With the rise of working

from home, many

gardens are taking on

a whole new purpose

and doing a great job

STEP 1: THE OFFICE GARDEN BUILDING

If you’re working from home and in need of extra space, a garden

building can be the answer – transforming your garden, home and

lifestyle, extending your living area and seamlessly blending indoors and

out. This one is from Johnsons, who create comfortable and reliable

working areas with climate control, electrical packages, an exclusive

Weather Shield system and a unique timber reinforcement technique.

Johnsons’ expert team also craft vibrant entertainment spaces, tranquil

retreats and all sorts of other buildings – all built to the highest standards

with quality craftsmanship, seamless installation and a personalised

service to get you exactly what you need. johnsonsgardenbuildings.co.uk

istockphoto.com/ Olga_Korneeva & KatarzynaBialasiewicz

STEP 2: THE LIGHTING

“Brightening up your garden view

or lighting the path to your garden

office can transform your workday,

with a cosy, inviting glow. Festoon

lights are perfect for using along a

path or criss-crossed above a garden,

or solar stake lights are so easy to

dot around.” – Thalia, owner and

founder of Sparkle Lighting. These

10m drop bulb festoon lights are

£79.95 at sparkle.lighting

STEP 3: SOME PRIVACY

If concentration is key, consider

a screen to limit distractions.

This is Stark & Greensmith’s

handmade Ophio Corten steel

garden screen. From £320.47 at

starkandgreensmith.com

STEP 4: THE LANDSCAPING

“Choose the right plants around

your garden room – remember:

right plant, right place – check the

sun’s path to avoid shade or frost

pockets. Leave an unplanted strip

around the building of 30-50cm to

allow for maintenance. Most of all,

create a space that inspires!” Greg

Prior, Garden Designer at Prior

& Sons Garden Specialists Ltd.

priorandsons.co.uk

STEP 5: THE SOUNDTRACK

For background noise, Ruark

Audio have just released their

classic R1 in a pistachio colour

that’s perfect for an outdoorsy

vibe. It delivers gorgeous hi-fi

sound and is chargeable by

USB-C. £239 John Lewis

johnlewis.com

STEP 6: THE DESK

For an multi-purpose space, this

Cupertino desk lets you keep

things tidy when not in use with

its sleek storage solutions. £1,199

at BoConcept. boconcept.com

STEP 7: THE INTERIOR

DECORATIONS

To make your garden office feel

more homely and warm, add a

good rug. Connect your office to

the outside world with something

like this Bazaar Velvet Peking Art

Deco rug in Summer for £2,190

at bazaarvelvet.com

69



A Garden for...

Luxury

Opulent indulgences, lush comforts

and all the finest things – the great

outdoors doesn’t have to mean getting

muddy and roughing it here

STEP 1: THE SPA EXPERIENCE

What is more luxurious than a personal wellness retreat in your own

back garden? Premium hot tubs and saunas like this one from Johnsons,

can transform your outdoor space into a sanctuary of relaxation.

Whether you go for hydrotherapy or experience the revitalising benefits

of traditional and infrared saunas, you can create room for pampering

and indulgence – perfect for both quiet unwinding and fun socialising.

Johnsons have expert technicians to ensure seamless installation,

delivering quality and tranquillity to your doorstep. They have plenty of

showrooms across the South East to explore their collection and bring a

spa experience home. johnsonsleisure.co.uk

STEP 2: THE VERANDAH

A verandah can add timeless

elegance and shelter from the

elements. This is a stunning

Chelsea verandah by The

Traditional Verandah Company.

See it for yourself at Cedar

Nursery, where you can also

shop inspirational outdoor

living products to decorate.

thetraditionalverandahcompany.co.uk

STEP 3: THE INDOORS OUT

Fill your outside space with

indoorsy creature comforts for a

luxe glamping feel. This Elodie

rug from Ruggable is an easy start

to achieve this look and is £289 at

ruggable.co.uk

STEP 4: THE POOL

This is the British Pool & Hot

Tub 2024 Gold Award winner by

Tanby Pools. With two seasonal air

source heat pumps, fully insulated

walls and a fully sealed safety

cover to retain heat and minimise

evaporation, it is very economical,

even for its large size. And we love

the Mediterranean flair from the

wooden diving board and olive

trees. tanbypools.co.uk

STEP 5: A BAR

There are few features more

impressive than your own bar.

This one is inside an Oval Cape

Breeze House, which can also

come with circular sofa benches,

a dining table and chairs, a sound

system, television, hot tub, swim

spa, or even a kitchen. From

£27,268 at breezehouse.co.uk

STEP 6: THE FURNITURE

For true luxury, lounge glamorous

and sunsoaked on a daybed. This

Celia one is chic, ergonomic and

versatile. £1,049

atkinandthyme.co.uk

STEP 7: THE WATER FEATURE

For refined relaxation, the sound

of water adds an extra dimension,

while sky-high movement adds

drama. This statement-making

fountain is from the familyrun

and very reasonably priced

Premium Fountains.

premium-fountains.co.uk

istockphoto.com/ Olga_Korneeva


70

WINNER - OUTSTANDING POOL of the YEAR 2020 & 2023

TURNING YOUR DREAMS

INTO REALITY

Family Company celebrating 59 years of excellence.

UK

RESIDENTIAL

WINNERS

OUTDOOR & INDOOR

POOLS 2025

Call us for a no obligation

FREE site survey on

01883 622335

• Pool Refurbishments

• Service & Maintenance Contracts

• Heating & Environmental Specialists

• Chemicals, Equipment, Safety Covers

• Moveable Floors

• Saunas & Steam Rooms

• Hot Tub Showroom

• Supporters of Ordinary 2 Extraordinary

Tanby Swimming Pools, 620-622 Limpsfield Road, Warlingham, Surrey CR6 9DS

www.tanbypools.co.uk

GL Graduate Landscapes

...._ _ ___. garden design, construction & maintenance

lo\ GOLD- CHAS • ssnp

-

MEDALW dta -"'"' Constructionltne N

www.graduatelandscapes.co.uk


A Garden for...

Foodies

Feast your fill in gardens tailored

for dining, growing and cooking

istockphoto.com/ Olga_Korneeva

STEP 1: A KITCHEN GARDEN

“With a small greenhouse or some cold frames, you can grow produce from

seeds or plug plants and nurture them in a protected environment before

planting them out. Construct beds with new oak sleepers and a DPM on the

inner face to protect the wood from moisture. A height of about 600mm will

make produce easy to maintain and harvest, and the width should be within

your reach. Create a designated area for herbs like bay or dill, and separate

beds or compartments as growing platforms for veg like rocket and spinach. A

layer of a fresh moist mulch each year will help and in the herb garden mix

a grit so the plants drain well.” – Tim Sykes of Gardenproud (contact for

help with your Kitchen Garden at 07725 173820) gardenproud.co.uk

STEP 2: PIZZA TIME

Outdoor pizza ovens are crowd

pleasers that are fast becoming

a must. This Ooni Karu 12 is

a great entry level option for

absolutely fabulous pizzas cooked

using wood, charcoal, or optional

gas. It’s £299 at uk.ooni.com

STEP 3: GET COVERED

This awning from ABS Blinds

offers solar protection for summer

entertaining in high-quality,

designer style with self-cleaning

fabric, and innovative motorising

tech. They plan and customise

each project from advice and

planning to installation and

maintenance. From £2,975

ABS Blinds. absblinds.co.uk

STEP 4: LEARN HOW

The Kent Cookery School’s

outdoor cooking classes include

Weber Grill Academy courses,

Gozney Pizza courses and even

Indian BBQ. These relaxed days

of learning, eating and soaking

up sunshine are from £80pp at

weber.com or kentcookeryschool.co.uk

STEP 5: THE BBQ

Every outdoor chef needs a

proper BBQ. This Kamado

Joe Konnected Joe has it all

and makes it look easy, with an

Automatic Firestarter, digital

Kontrol Board and Kontrol Fan.

You’ll find it for £1,999 at North

Barbeque. northbarbeque.co.uk

STEP 6: LIGHTING

“Lights aren’t just about seeing your

delicious spread; they add a warm

glow to your evening, making every

meal a magical moment. Cordless

lamps, USB or battery operated,

are perfect for taking outside while

alfresco dining.” Thalia, owner and

founder of Sparkle Lighting. This

is their rechargeable USB floor

lamp. £495.95 at sparkle.lighting

STEP 7: A PLACE TO EAT

Whether having a date night

dinner or a party feast, you

need a good dining set. This

Winsley acacia and rattan one

from The Cotswold Company

is comfy, inviting and classic.

It is £1,299 at cotswoldco.com

73



A Garden for...

Health

Our outdoor spaces have

the potential to unlock a

whole outdoorsy world of

health benefits, all literally

in your own back yard

STEP 1: A GARDEN GYM

This stunning gym project by TP Improvements transformed an under

used space into a luxurious gym and sauna. A sleek, modern aesthetic

is achieved with a mix of striking black Hardie Plank cladding and

Larch Timber cladding. Jet black aluminium Cortizo bi-fold doors

and a black aluminium side door by RK Door Systems create seamless

indoor-outdoor flow and exceptional energy efficiency and security. TP

Improvements, Surrey’s leading glazing specialists, offer bespoke elevated

sustainable living with windows and doors backed by a 10-year insurance

guarantee. Explore their bespoke Garden Rooms and premium glazing

solutions at their showroom in Leatherhead or at tpimprovements.com

STEP 2: FRESH AIR

Fresh air does so much for both

mind and body. Greg Prior,

Garden Designer at Prior & Sons

Garden Specialists Ltd. suggests:

“For air quality, try echinacea, ferns

and Lavendula angusifolia ‘Hidcote’.

Lavendar releases linalool, which has

antimicrobial properties that help

cleanse the air.” priorandsons.co.uk

STEP 3: GET GROWING

Grow fruit, veg and herbs for

healthy food and the mental

boost of a nurturing hobby.

This Malvern greenhouse from

the Chelsea Flower Show 2024

examples the healing power of

gardening as it represented The

Glasshouse, an enterprise that gets

women prisoners growing. Visit

their shop in Cranbrook, buy at

theglasshouse.co.uk and learn more

at malverngardenbuildings.co.uk

STEP 4: FERTILISE

A good fertiliser will get you the

best growing results. Puckamuck is

perfect for a balanced microbiome,

optimal pH, a slow release of


nutrients and a thriving ecosystem.

It is sustainable, naturally sourced,

and they deliver bags of various

sizes from £4.90. puckamuck.co.uk

STEP 5: TRANQUILLITY

Your outside space can offer much

mindfulness, whether you practise

yoga or meditation, simply sit on

a bench, or watch a water feature.

This one is a Scupper from Solus

Decor, and it is available from

£3,114 at solusdecor.co.uk

STEP 6: GET SOME SHADE

Remember sun protection on

long summer days and take

time to chill in the shade of a

stylish parasol. This one is £225

at Staycation Vintage Parasols

staycationvintageparasols.com

STEP 7: PLANTER POWER

If space is scarce, a good planter

can be a great way to try out

growing! Iota’s Boulevard Kyoto

planter (55x53cm) is £340

and comes in varying sizes and

can even be custom coloured.

iotagarden.com

74

istockphoto.com/ Olga_Korneeva & Bohdan Bevz & ajma_pl

ELEGANT & EFFICIENT

Bespoke Garden Rooms

WINDOWS | DOORS | ORANGERIES | GARDEN ROOMS

Elevate your outdoor space with a bespoke garden room, designed to suit

your unique needs, style and budget. Based in Surrey, we pride ourselves on

delivering a premium, tailored service, ensuring your outdoor sanctuary is

as exquisite as the rest of your home.

VISIT OUR SHOW ROOM

UNIT 16, MOLE BUSINESS PARK, LEATHERHEAD, SURREY, KT22 7BA

01372 203040 | info@tpimprovements.co.uk | www.tpimprovements.com

more than a

GARDEN

Centre

We love a trip to a garden centre, especially when they

offer so much more than just pots and plants!

Tenterden Garden Centre

Right in the middle of the Kent countryside, Tenterden Garden

Centre is a local treasure with gardening at its core, but here you’ll

find much more than shrubs, perennials, and seasonal bedding. Just

a few miles from the historic market town of Tenterden, this familyowned

business has provided for gardening enthusiasts since the

90s, but after recent renovations it has grown into something new.

First up is the sizable garden furniture and outdoor living

department, where you can shop the best of everything from

solar lighting to barbecues and firepits. Of course there are plants

too – a high-quality hardy range backed by a five-year guarantee,

so you can buy with some peace of mind. Then there’s the on-site

Coffee Shop and Restaurant, Groves, a light and airy dining

space which serves up freshly prepared meals, light bites, as well

as indulgent cakes and sweet treats. With unrivalled panoramic

views across the Romney Marsh and a dog-friendly dining area

too, it’s a great spot to fill up before embarking on a shop.

Next to Groves is a children’s play area with plenty of outside seating,

the perfect space for children to run wild while you enjoy a good

coffee (literally – the tasty coffees help protect endangered rainforests).

Families can also visit for affordable family fun days which support the

community with fundraising initiatives, school gardening clubs and

charitable ventures – for example the Big Wrap wraps, with £1 from

every sale donated to local families in need via The Big Wrap charity.

Browse, enjoy a meal, or simply soak up the peaceful

surroundings, this is a place where you can relax, shop, and be

inspired. Find out more at grovewellgc.co.uk/tenterden-garden-centre

Chessington Garden Centre

Open since the 1960s, Chessington Garden Centre is a hub of garden

goodies, fabulous food, exciting events and even plenty for pets!

This Garden centre is a bustling hive with lots to see and do. Of

course they have everything you could possibly need for gardens,

landscaping and outdoor living but let’s look around elsewhere.

The brand-new giftware department is packed with beautifully

stylish home décor and accessories, seasonal gifts and luxury treats for

loved ones (or just to treat yourself!). There is also a newly launched

outdoor furniture showroom for a spring refresh for your space. It has

everything you need to create your dream garden setup with stylish

and comfortable furniture collections from dining sets to loungers.

While you’re there you have to stop by the Sedum Farm Shop and

Butchers. Supporting British farmers by sourcing local produce, it

stocks plentiful premium food. There’s COOK’s renowned frozen

meals, fresh eco-friendly veg, a stunning selection of cheeses, a deli for

savoury snacks, a wine cellar with bottles from across the globe, an

in-house butchery, baked bits to satisfy a sweet tooth – really everything

but a candlestick maker! There is even a Sedum Restaurant, serving

classic British fare from cream teas to fish and chips and roast dinners.

As for things to do here, it goes well beyond just shopping. The

calendar is always full of gardening workshops, afternoon teas and

activities for all ages. Easter attractions will include crafts, egg hunts, and

even an Easter circus! And not to forget the animal kingdom, you can

shop for new pets or find all you need to care for them at the pet centre.

Visit Chessington Garden Centre to embrace the great outdoors

and much, much more. Learn more at chessingtongardencentre.co.uk


76

FI

Ch

Le

Ch

Su

KT

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

KT

KT9 2NG 01372 725638


1 Designed for durability, this Breckland

Camberley apex or pent shed, is built with

high-quality tongue and groove shiplap

redwood pine (pressure treated available).

It’s customisable in about every way you can

imagine – made to any size, you choose the

layout and add any extras you want – roofing,

door, glazing, security, partitions, painted

finishes, lining and insulation, flooring,

workbenches, shelving options – make it your

own! It’s only available at Bourne Buildings

in Farnham from £953 (for a 4x4), and they

also offer installation, base laying, and removal

of your old building. bournebuildings.co.uk

2 For a wildlife-friendly garden grab a Kew

Wildflowers Seedball tube for £6 at the Royal

Botanic Gardens Kew Shop shop.kew.org

3 Herb labels made of durable and stylish copper

£30 Copper & Green copperandgreen.com

4 Protect those knees! This Sophie Allport

kneeler is £25 sophieallport.com

5 Good secateurs are essential. This Opinel Le

Secateur Hand Pruner will be a sturdy friend.

£54.95 at Berry Useful berryuseful.co.uk

6 Did you know you can hire tools that you

don’t want to bother storing and upkeeping? This

RM248T Self-Propelled Lawnmower from Stihl

is a petrol single-speed lawn mower designed

to cut small to medium-sized lawns. At HSS

Toolshop it is £378 to buy but you can also hire

mowers from £25 for a day. hsstoolshop.co.uk

7 A Stihl RE110 Plus Pressure Washer

is perfect for giving your garden a big spring

clean, ready for sunnier weather. Its 7m hose has

a long spray lance and soft-grip handle. It also

comes with a spray bottle and two nozzles – a

fan jet one and a rotary one for concentrated

cleaning. It’s £248 at HSS Toolshop or you can

hire it from £20 for a day hsstoolshop.co.uk

8 Keep track of to-do lists, plant profiles and

more with a personalised gardening journal for

£26.95 at Martha Brook marthabrook.com

9 Get little ones involved with a bit of watering.

This kids watering can is £12.50 at the Royal

Botanic Gardens Kew Shop shop.kew.org

10 Lola & Mawu’s West African artisanal

pieces are vibrant, authentic and oneof-a-kind.

This Bolga Garden Basket

in Kuka is £55 lolaandmawu.com

11 For gardening gloves, these Sophie Conran

ones are classic, comfy and hard-wearing. £18.95

from Annabel James annabeljames.co.uk

12 These are wool pots from National Trust. Yes

wool! They deter slugs and snails, waste less water

than plastic and put waste UK wool to good use.

£10 for a pack of 10 at shop.nationaltrust.org.uk

13 This Titan auto-reel hose is quick and easy

to rewind. It’s £79.99 at Screwfix screwfix.com

14 This Hori Hori is a multi-function tool

for cutting, sawing, digging and measuring.

£29.95 at Annabel James annabeljames.co.uk

15 An electric leaf blower is lighter, quieter,

and kinder to the environment than petrol.

This VonHaus one is £32.99 at vonhaus.com

EVERYTHING

& TheGardenShed

Whether you’re a fresh faced beginner or an old hat with

green thumbs, a well-stocked shed is your best friend


78

PREMIUM TOOLS.

BATTERY-POWERED.

ƒ

GET THE LATEST STIHL BATTERY-POWERED

TOOLS FROM HSS HIRE SERVICES SOUTHERN

TODAY.

STIHL Approved Dealers offer excellent service,

expert advice and best-in-class maintenance for

your tools. With years of experience in the garden

machinery industry, we‘re ready to help.

Visit us today to find out more about the latest STIHL

tools and get the right tool for your needs today.

DISCOVER MORE AT STIHL.CO.UK

Kent Garden Show

& NAFAS Regional Flower Show

Sat 24th, Sun 25th & Mon 26th May

Gates Open 9.00am - 5pm (last admission 4pm)

Featuring over 300 exhibitors with a wide variety of goods.

Floral marquees with stunning floral displays including

medal winners from Chelsea. There is a food hall,

craft pavilion, brass band & children’s rides.

Garden furniture, water features, garden sheds and

buildings, tools, sculptures, & much more.

Jacqueline Aviolet will be in attendance all weekend to

give answers to your gardening questions.

Tickets available now.

Artists top: Paul Vanstone, Olivia Ferrier, Walter Bailey, Neil Wilkin

THE HANNAH PESCHAR SCULPTURE GARDEN

Mature trees, dramatic planting and ßowing waterways support, frame

and enhance an ever-changing exhibition of contemporary art available

to purchase - displayed throughout a unique and beautiful landscape.

Art & nature in perfect harmony

Open for booked tickets until 26th October 2025

www.hannahpescharsculpture.com

T: 01306 627269 Ockley | Surrey

Tickets

available at

the gate & online

Prices: Adults £12.00,

Seniors £10.00

Children up to

age 16: Free

Sorry no dogs

01795 474660

www.kentgardenshow.com

The Kent Showground, Detling ME14 3JF


80

3214-Celebration-of-Spring-2025-90x130mm-AW.indd 1 11/02/2025 3257-Easter-2025-90x130mm.indd 14:22

1 14/03/2025 11:49


Daily, 11am-5:30pm

Sissinghurst Castle Garden, Sissinghurst,

Near Cranbrook, Kent TN17 2AB

SISSINGHURST CASTLE GARDEN

In the very heart of the Wealden countryside

you can find these gloriously romantic

gardens. April is the time to visit, with

colourful spring bulbs filling the different

‘rooms’ of the garden. Soft apple blossom and

magnolia will be a sight to behold around

the garden and orchards, and the Lime Walk

and Nuttery will be at their peak, lined with

Narcissi, Muscari, Fritillaria, Anemones, and

more. A perfect outing to welcome in spring.

nationaltrust.org.uk/sissinghurst

Farm, Woodchurch, Ashford TN26 3TH

HORNBROOK MANOR GARDENING

COURSES WITH JO ARNELL

Hornbrook’s monthly gardening workshops

are a favourite of ours as they are run by the

super lovely and immensely knowledgeable Jo

Arnell (of our very own recipe and gardening

pages fame). You can pick a particular subject

of interest and book individual classes or go

for a course of 7 sessions. This month Jo

will be covering the importance of soil and

aspect, how to plant the right plant in the

right place and sow seeds, mulching, and

what’s looking good in the spring garden,

but future topics will include taking cuttings,

EASTER AT RHS WISLEY

Sprin g

it on

ART AND NATURE

IN HARMONY

HORNBROOK MANOR

GARDENING COURSES

WITH JO ARNELL

Spring is finally here and we’re ready to head out to local gardens

and outdoor spaces to celebrate nature’s blooming bounty

Daily 10am-5pm

The Sculpture Park, Jumps Road,

Churt, Farnham, Surrey GU10 2LB

THE SCULPTURE PARK

For lovers of art and nature, The Sculpture

Park is a hidden gem. The 10-acre site in

the heart of the Surrey Hills, will transport

you into a magical world of water gardens,

woodlands and incredible sculptures. This

picturesque and eclectic outdoor gallery is

a joy to wander and explore and you can

even buy sculptures to take home too. From

up-and-coming local sculptors, to well

established globally recognised names, artists

come from far and wide to display and sell

their work here. The sheer number, size

and diversity of the sculptures, is amazing

with something for all budgets and tastes.

Entry: £15 adults, £10 concessions,

Children (3 and under) free

thesculpturepark.com

2nd Friday of every month (apart from

August and December) 10am-12.30pm

Hornbrook Manor, Hornbrook Manor

caring for roses, hedges and lots more!

All classes include tea, coffee and cake.

Entry: £59 or £375 for 7 sessions

hornbrookmanor.co.uk

Tues 1 April – Fri 31 Oct (Thurs – Sun)

(Group visits available Tues & Weds)

The Hannah Peschar Sculpture

Garden, Black & White Cottage,

Standon Lane, Dorking RH5 5QU

ART AND NATURE IN HARMONY

Welcoming art and garden lovers back for

spring 2025, this garden has thoughtfully

installed a wonderful new collection of

sculpture amongst previous exhibits. The

new additions bring new artists and new life

amongst the freshly blossoming wild spring

flowers. Events taking place this year include

forest bathing, mindful art workshops,

yoga and dinner amongst the sculptures!

Entry: Tickets must be pre-booked through the

website. Open for booked tickets from 4 April

Contact: 01306 627269 /

hannahpescharsculpture@gmail.com

hannahpescharsculpture.com

SISSINGHURST CASTLE GARDEN

THE SCULPTURE PARK

81



EASTER FUN FOR

THE WHOLE FAMILY

PICK YOUR OWN

FLOWERS WITH FRIENDS

TULIPS, TULIPS,

TULIPS AT PASHLEY

MANOR GARDENS

THE KENT GARDEN SHOW

HANAMI BLOSSOM WEEKEND

Sat 5 – Mon 21 April

RHS Garden Wisley, Wisley Lane,

Wisley, Woking, Surrey GU23 6QB

EASTER AT RHS WISLEY

For Easter, RHS Wisley’s 240 beautiful acres of

gardens will be packed with egg-citing handson

activities. Crack the egg-nigma code in the

return of the giant Easter Egg hunt and take

part in the eggs-ilerating action of Operation

‘I Spy’. Should families choose to accept,

they can join RHS experts to learn about

the secret power of plants and their hidden

underground networks. You can also create

a plant clone with ‘Muddy Hands Green

Fingers’ workshops and enjoy live story times

amidst the spring blooms. The perfect day out.

Entry: Adults from £18.10, children over 5 £5,

members and children under 5 free. A codebreaker

pack and chocolate treat is £2.50

rhs.org.uk/gardens/wisley

Sun 6 – Sat 19 April 11am/1pm/3pm

Chessington Garden Centre, Leatherhead

Road, Chessington KT9 2NG

EASTER FUN FOR THE

WHOLE FAMILY

For Easter, this garden centre has a magical

experience filled with crafts, egg hunts, and

a spectacular Easter circus! Little ones can

get creative with Easter-themed arts and

crafts, search for hidden treasures in our funfilled

egg hunt, and be amazed by the thrills

and excitement of live circus performances.

It’s a must-visit event for families looking

to make special memories this spring!

Entry: Circus is £9

chessingtongardencentre.co.uk

Sat 12 – Sun 13 April 10am-4pm

Brogdale Farm, Faversham ME13 8XZ

HANAMI BLOSSOM WEEKEND

Brogdale farm’s orchards are absolutely

stunning this time of year – filled with dreamy

(and highly instagrammable) blossoms galore.

It is therefore the perfect setting to discover

Japanese traditions, arts and culture at the

Hanami festival! Hanami is the Japanese

tradition of enjoying the transient beauty of

flowers, so bring along a picnic and celebrate

the start of spring. You can take a tour of the

blossom orchards to learn more and explore

with the experts. And if you don’t fancy a

picnic there is the Courtyard Restaurant on

site serving up hearty breakfasts and lunches,

hot drinks and epic milkshakes. Be sure to

check out the gift shop for souvenirs and

do book quick as last year sold out fast!

Entry: Adults £15, Under 16s free

brogdalecollections.org

Mon 21 April – Bank Holiday

Mon 5 May 10am-5pm

Pashley Manor Gardens, Ticehurst,

East Sussex TN5 7HE

TULIPS, TULIPS, TULIPS AT

PASHLEY MANOR GARDENS

Late April to early May sees Pashley

carpeted with over 40,000 tulips, in 100

varieties, creating stunning scenes. The

Café and Terrace have excellent garden

views and serve delicious homemade

lunches, scones and cakes. You’ll also

find sculpture and art exhibitions and a

lovely gift shop with plant sales so you

can stock up your own garden too!

pashleymanorgardens.com

Thur & Sun From Thurs 22 May

Blooming Green, Loddington Farm,

Linton, Maidstone, Kent ME17 4AG

PICK YOUR OWN FLOWERS

WITH FRIENDS

Enjoy pizza and pick-your-own flowers on

Thursday evenings or pick-your-own flowers

and cake every Saturday throughout the

summer. Wander around an acre of seasonal

flowers and foliage, picking your favourites as

you go. There are few things more relaxing,

plus you get to enjoy your flowers, and

remember the experience for days afterwards.

Entry: Containers of flowers £25 (but

you’re welcome to share with friends)

bloominggreenflowers.co.uk

Sat 24, Sun 25 & Bank Holiday

Mon 26 May 9am-5pm

Kent Showground, Detling,

Maidstone, Kent ME14 3JF

THE KENT GARDEN SHOW

Seek out stunning floral displays from

Chelsea medal winners, browse over sixty

nurseries, get creative at the craft pavilion,

fill up at the food hall, check out Kent

Floral Art’s annual show, and (in case you

need more) there will be a brass band and

children’s rides for entertainment. This is the

most gardenest show! You can shop for pretty

much anything garden related – furniture,

water features, garden sheds and buildings,

tools, sculptures, pots, bbqs, metal work,

the list just goes on! Jacqueline Aviolet (of

Rosie’s Garden Plants) will be there, offering

advice to aid all gardening queries. Jim

Buttress (of The Big Allotment Challenge) will

be there too, judging the floral displays on

Saturday morning. Will you be there too?

Entry: adults £12, seniors £10, children

free (tickets are £2 off if you prebook)

kentgardenshow.com


82

The Sculpture Park in Churt, Surrey houses an eclectic mix of Modern and

Contemporary Sculpture for sale, thoughtfully displayed throughout 10 acres

of tranquil arboretum, water gardens and indoor art gallery.

Open all year round, every day 10am – 5pm

Adults £15, Concessions £10

The Sculpture Park

Jumps Road, Churt,

Farnham,

Surrey, GU10 2LB

Monumental garden sculpture to mantelpiece bronzes

Personal gifts to Investment artwork

Shop in person or online

Delivery and installation service available

01428 605453

info@thesculpturepark.com

www.thesculpturepark.com

Art&SoldWT251.indd 1 06/03/2023 13:36

A former pub,

beautifully restored

for a luxurious stay…

With breathtaking countryside views from both the front and rear, The Six Bells is a unique retreat

offering nearly 4,000 square feet of exquisitely designed accommodation. Nestled within over half

an acre of picturesque, park-like gardens - complete with a secret garden, koi pond, and waterfall

- this historic former pub has been thoughtfully restored to blend period charm with modern luxury.

• Six elegant bedrooms

• Spacious bar & games room

• Pool room for entertainment

• Sauna, hot tub & gym for ultimate

relaxation

• Beautifully designed interiors with

period features

• Expansive gardens with tranquil

outdoor spaces

• Private parking for two cars

Whether you’re looking for a peaceful countryside escape, a family gathering, or a corporate

retreat, The Six Bells offers a one-of-a-kind experience where history meets comfort.

Book your stay today!

For corporate bookings, email info@beehiveluxe.co.uk

WWW.SIXBELLSBNB.CO.UK

Take me to...

Southern Sun

Explore all the South of the UK has to offer with

staycations perfect for enjoying sunny spring days

Book

direct

with code

SHM for £50

off a 2025

holiday!

The National Park

How about a stylish chocolate box cottage in the

heart of Exmoor, just on the edge of Exmoor

National Park? Exmoor Character Cottages has

four stunning options, offering luxurious selfcatering

accommodation for six to eight guests.

Choose from two charming picture-perfect

thatched cottages, a sleek architect-designed barn

conversion, or a cosy medieval cottage. Ideally set

up for family country walks, they are all childand

dog-friendly and located in Minehead’s

quiet, pretty conservation area and picturesque

Dunster village. They have fast Wi-Fi so you’re

not too disconnected from the real world, but

the beautiful gardens and hot tubs are sure to

draw you outdoors to enjoy the surrounding

nature. Three of the cottages (each Five Star Gold

rated by VisitEngland) sit side-by-side, so you

can even book out a few for bigger groups that

want a bit of personal space – perfect for multigenerational

holidays, family gatherings or special

celebrations. Book two cottages for 14-16 guests,

or three for up to 22 people. Short breaks are

available from just two nights, ideal for a quick

breath of fresh air to get away from it all. For

solo travellers, there are even all-inclusive creative

art weekends offering inspiration, friendship and

rejuvenation. For more info call 07817 698366,

email info@exmoorcharactercottages.co.uk or visit

exmoorcharactercottages.co.uk

“For solo travellers, there

are even all-inclusive

creative art weekends”

85


Sea views

In the heart of St Peter Port you’ll find the only

five-star hotel on the Island of Guernsey – a

historic hotel with panoramic sea views, sitting

proudly just up the hill from the main shopping

street and a five-minute walk from the quayside.

The Old Government House Hotel & Spa

exceeds expectations with exceptional food, service

and beautifully designed rooms, and the dedicated

team treats every guest as a friend returning home,

with passionate pride for fine traditional hospitality.

Experience the allure of history with the exclusive

History and Heritage package to step back in time

and discover the captivating stories of this iconic

site, delving into Guernsey’s wartime heritage. Or

take it easy and relax by the heated outdoor pool

enjoying views over beautiful St Peter Port (and

there’s always the five-star spa to help you unwind

even more). If you fancy a bit more excitement

the team will happily organise sailing, fishing,

diving or surfing to ensure you make the most

of the incredible coastline. Or head to the fully

equipped gym where you can request a personal

trainer to put you through your paces. To showcase

the very best local food and drink and spectacular

surroundings, the hotel has teamed with trusted

partners to curate some very special experiences,

including a Rocquette Cider Tour, A Thrilling Sea

Adventure (you might just spot a dolphin!) and

Sunset, Fizz & Chips which offers watching the

sunset at Cobo Bay, sitting on deckchairs, sipping

Lanson Champagne and tucking into fish and

chips! For more information, call 01481 724921 or

visit theoghhotel.com

“Relax by the heated outdoor

pool enjoying views over

beautiful St Peter Port”


86

Luxury self-catering cottages in the heart of Exmoor

Nestled in the heart of Exmoor, four stunning Character Cottages offer luxurious self-catering accommodation for your next

home-from-home getaway. Choose from a sleek architect-designed barn conversion, a cosy medieval cottage, or one of two charming

chocolate box thatched cottages. Situated in the picturesque village of Dunster and Minehead’s serene conservation area known as

‘Higher Town’, all cottages are dog-friendly and feature fast Wi-Fi. All of the cottages hold prestigious four- or five-star gold ratings

from VisitEngland, with three featuring hot tubs set within beautiful gardens. We also host micro-weddings, Creative Art Retreats, and

Wellness Weekends. Treat yourself to a Happy Holiday in Exmoor in 2025 and use code SHM for £50 off a holiday booked direct.

Book Now at www.exmoorcharactercottages.co.uk | 07817 698366

The Laundry

Jevington

Experience

Timeless Luxury

in the Heart

of Jevington

A retro-style retreat that is

the perfect place to relax,

recharge and reconnect

Great local pubs,

restaurants and cafes

set within the beautiful

South Downs, ideal for

sightseeing and walking

charming towns and

villages, historic landmarks,

and other attractions

Willingdon Lane, Jevington, E. Sussex

www.thelaundryjevington.co.uk

87


THE HEART OF GUERNSEY

The only five-star hotel on the island, with panoramic sea views

In the heart of St Peter Port and the only

five-star hotel on the Island of Guernsey,

this historic hotel with panoramic sea

views, sits proudly just up the hill from the

main shopping street and a five-minute

walk from the quayside. Exceeding

expectations with exceptional food,

service and beautifully designed rooms,

a dedicated team treats every guest as

a friend returning home, with passionate

pride for fine traditional hospitality.

For further information

www.theoghhotel.com

Tel: 01481 724921

You don’t have to

go far for a holiday

you won’t forget

Large self-catering

holiday home in

Appledore, Kent

Sleeps 25

10 bedrooms | 8 bathrooms

Horne’s Place Oast & Barn is a

great place to celebrate special

occasions with extended family

as it has plenty of space indoors

and out. Its long list of amenities

includes a heated indoor

swimming pool and hot tub.

There’s also a children’s play area

and a games room which makes it

particularly family friendly – and

dogs are welcome too.

hornesplaceoast.co.uk


88

Oast & Barn

What better a location to enjoy nature

than a rural boutique holiday home in the

garden of England? If you’re looking for a

staycation to enjoy with extended family

or a group of friends, how about selfcatering

at Horne’s Place Oast & Barn?

This holiday home in Kent can sleep up

to 25 people in its ten bedrooms (plus

dogs are allowed to come too), and it has

eight bathrooms. But it’s the facilities that

make it stand out. This place has a private

indoor heated swimming pool, a hot tub

and games room. The garden features a lake

with rowing boats, a children’s play area,

table tennis, a pizza oven and a barbecue.

There’s enough to keep all ages entertained

but the location, on the edge of Appledore,

also puts it within walking distance of more

than one pub, a tea room and Gusbourne

Estates’s tasting rooms. For days out,

there’s more for grown ups at the lovely

Chapel Down vineyard, family fun at the

Rare Breeds Centre and the chance to

mooch about the historic towns of Rye and

Tenterden; all within a few miles’ drive. For

more information visit hornesplaceoast.co.uk

“The garden features a lake with rowing boats , a children’s

play area, table tennis, a pizza oven and a barbecue”

Pack your bags!

With sunny essentials and eco heroes

A versatile backpack can

be luggage, an everyday

bag or adventure equipment

Cabana stripe hammam towel/ travel pillow

£28.95 Annabel James annabeljames.co.uk

Melissa Odabash Jemima Hat £135

The Gate Boutique thegateboutique.co.uk

The Roll Top

waterproof

20L backpack

with laptop

compartment and

luggage sleeve £120

Stubble & Co

stubbleandco.com

ECO- Tough

biodegradable

sustainable

suitcase from

£60 itluggage

itluggage.com

Chopard diamond

sunglasses £495 Prestige

thewhitecompany.com

Shop eco to

protect those

beautiful

outdoor

spaces

Seersucker starfish stripe pyjamas

£48 Chelsea Peers chelseapeers.com

Ojai wine bottle

carrier bag $74

Ivy Cove

ivycove.com

The mini super shower

power set with shampoo,

conditioner and body

cleanser £28 Neom

neomwellbeing.com

89


JEREMY HOBBS

FINE MENSWEAR

Opening Hours Monday to Saturday 09.30 - 17.30

3 Oakdene Parade, Cobham, Surrey KT11 2LR

Telephone: 01932 865700 | info@jeremyhobbs.co.uk

www.jeremyhobbs.co.uk

@jeremyhobbsmenswear

Opening Hours: Mon - Sat 09.30 - 17.30

3 Oakdene Parade, Cobham, Surrey KT11 2LR.

Telephone: 01932 865700

info@jeremyhobbs.co.uk

@jeremyhobbsmenswear

www.jeremyhobbs.co.uk

Queen of Hearts

earrings £75 Fools Gold

foolsgoldjewellery.co.uk

Baroque pearl necklace

£45 Estella Bartlett

estellabartlett.com

Chanel Pearl &

Crystal CC Necklace

£795 Prestige

shopprestige.com

Precious Fusion

Offset earrings in

silver-ice blue £65

Coeur de Lion

coeur-de-lion.org

Embroidered floral

collared shirt £49.50 M&S

marksandspencer.com

Bibi Lou Helia

cream sparkle

mesh Mary Jane

£165 Oliver Bonas

oliverbonas.com

AND/OR Caterina Lace

top in Off White £69

John Lewis johnlewis.com

Briar shirred

maxi dress

£59 Monsoon

monsoon.co.uk

Lighter

than

AIR

Dinkydorry tote bag £89 Dune London

dunelondon.com

Aphrodite Pink

mother of pearl

clutch £995 Freya

Rose freyarose.com

Breezy and beautiful. Get swept up into a dreamy world

of sun-dappled shades, flowing floaty fabrics, light loose

layers, teasing transparency, and a sprinkling of sparkles

Ombre aviator sunglasses £15 M&S

marksandspencer.com

Flower Pearl drop earrings £59

Estella Bartlett estellabartlett.com

Running Bunny

Narrative scarf

£28 Fable England

fableengland.com

Lucy wide-leg trousers

£89.95 Barbour

barbour.com

Paul Green Super Soft

Paul £189.99 Blue Velvet

bluevelvetshoes.com

Petite Moon earrings

£65 Freya Rose

freyarose.com

Per Una pure

cotton midaxi tiered

skirt £45 M&S

marksandspencer.com

Opal ring in 18k

Gold Vermeil £85

Vianne Jewellery

viannejewellery.com

istockphoto.com/ Wisky

Day Birger Et Mikkelson

Zelie top in green £195

The Gate Boutique

thegateboutique.co.uk

Becca blouse £85 Damson

Madder damsonmadder.com

Naila Flats £159.99

Blue Velvet

bluevelvetshoes.com

Louis Vuitton By The Poole Neverfull

MM Bag £1,995 Prestige shopprestige.com

91


tea

Time for

Easter is an indulgent time; we’ve all been good during Lent and can give in to a few treats now.

These festive bakes may contain a fair amount of sugar, cream and white flour, but in moderation and

with the other ingredients – eggs, milk and butter – are almost wholesome. Decorate your table with

spring pastels, fresh flowers and painted eggs – and celebrate the season with an indulgent Easter tea.

Recipes: Jo Arnell Photographs: David Merewether

Lemon & poppyseed

bundt cake

Serves: 14-16

Preparation time: 15 mins

Baking time: 50-60 mins

‘Bundt’ refers to the shape of

the pan – round and decorative,

with a hole in the middle.

They are often plain, but can

be dusted with sugar or iced.

• 350g self-raising flour

• 350g caster sugar

• 300g baking margarine (or

150g softened butter &

150ml sunflower oil)

• 5 medium sized eggs

• 1 tsp baking powder

• 2 tbsp soured cream

• 100ml lemon juice

• zest of 2 lemons

• 1 tsp vanilla essence

• 2 heaped tbsp poppyseeds

• 1-2 tbsp milk (depending

on batter consistency)

For the simple lemony icing:

• 150g icing sugar

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• edible flowers – (I picked

violas and primroses) to

decorate – optional

1. Pre-heat the oven to 160°C.

Grease the inside of the bundt tin

really well – it is easy for this cake to

get stuck in the tin, so I brush with

oil and then sprinkle with flour.

2. Cream together the fat (baking

margarine keeps a large cake light

in texture) and sugar for 5 mins

(with electric mixer) until light and

fluffy. Gradually add the eggs one

at a time, beating well to prevent

curdling. Sift flour into the mixing

bowl and add the other ingredients.

Stir carefully to combine – don't

over mix. Add some milk if too

thick – it should just about drop

off a spoon. Spoon into the tin

and place in the centre of the oven.

Bake for 50 mins, then check – it

could take an extra 5-10 minutes

(a skewer should come out clean).

3. Wait for the cake to cool to

room temperature, as it should

shrink back from the tin a little,

then carefully invert over a plate

and gently encourage the cake

out. If it gets stuck, do your best

to repair, and then cover with

icing – no one will know.

4. Combine the icing sugar and

lemon juice – consistency is all here

– too thin and it will slide off the

cake, too thick and you won’t get the

nice ‘drip’ effect, so add the lemon

juice slowly, testing the consistency

as you go. Use edible flowers to

decorate for a lovely spring flourish.

Flowerpot carrot cakes

Makes 12 Prep time: 20 mins

Cooking time: 15-18 mins

These little carrot cakes are

made in paper cake cases, then

popped into tiny flowerpots

for a seasonal twist. They were

made using standard muffin

cases and 6.5cm diameter

terracotta flowerpots, but

they will taste the same in

straightforward cupcake cases.

You will need: 12 x 6.5 cm

diameter flowerpots, 12

small strips of greaseproof

paper (optional)



• 200g caster sugar

• 100g softened butter

• 80ml sunflower oil

• 1 tbsp soured cream

• 3 medium eggs, separated

• 80g finely grated carrot

(approx 2 medium carrots)

• ½ tsp powdered mixed spice

• 1 tsp powdered ginger

• 1 tsp powdered cinnamon,

plus extra for dusting

• juice and grated zest

of an orange

• 50g sultanas (optional)

For the cream cheese frosting:

• 75g cream cheese

• 100g icing sugar



• my carrots were made from

modelling icing, but the

supermarkets sell them too!

1. Pre-heat the oven to 160°C

and place cake cases into a 12

hole muffin tin. Whip the egg

whites until almost stiff, then

gradually add the sugar a little

at a time, beating between

additions. Carefully add the rest

of the ingredients and combine

using either a metal spoon, or

the mixer speed on low. Spoon

into the cases and bake for

approx 15 mins – ovens vary,

so be careful to check. Remove

from the oven and set aside to

cool. Once cooled carefully peel

off the cake cases, wrap in a small

strip of greaseproof paper and

insert gently into the flowerpots.

2. Sift the icing sugar into a

bowl, add the other ingredients

and beat for 5 mins on a high

speed until the icing is fluffy.

Spread or pipe onto the cakes,

sprinkle with cinnamon, decorate

with fondant carrots and serve.

93


Cheesy chicks

Makes approx 10 small chicks

Prep time: 25 mins Cooking time 30 mins

Almost too cute to eat, these are

surprisingly easy to make and have gone

down well with my testers, as the main

ingredients are cheese and potato.

• 350g floury potatoes (2-3

medium potatoes)

• 75g mature cheddar, grated

• 75g mozzarella cheese, grated

• 2 eggs

• salt and pepper, to taste

• 3 tbsp plain flour

• 3 tbsp fine breadcrumbs

• 30g butter (this is for shallow frying, but

you could deep fry your chicks in oil)

• 100g cream cheese

• 100g finely grated cheddar cheese

(for the chicks’ feathery fluff)

• 20 peppercorns for chick eyes

• 1 carrot, sliced and cut into

chick feet and beaks

• 150g coconut, coloured with green

food colouring – optional ‘grass’

base for chicks to stand on

1. Peel and roughly chop the potatoes then

place in boiling water and cook until soft.

Remove from the heat, drain and mash.

Mix in the cheddar and mozzarella cheese,

add one of the eggs and combine. Shape

the mixture into 10 balls (depending

on how chubby you like your chicks).

2. Roll the potato balls in flour,

then dip in egg, roll in breadcrumbs

and fry for a few minutes in butter

until beginning to crisp. I shallow

fried these, but you could also deep

fat fry them for five minutes.

3. While the balls are cooling cut beaks

and feet from pieces of sliced carrot.

4. Once cool, spread a thin layer of cream

cheese over each ball, then sprinkle with

finely grated cheese until they look ‘fluffy’.

Poke beaks and peppercorn eyes into

position, rest on carrot feet and serve.

Daisy cupcakes

Makes 12 Prep time: 10 mins (plus

30 mins more if you make your own

daisies) Cooking time: 12-15 mins

These are an indulgent treat after the

fasting of Lent. Change the amount

of buttercream if needed – the ratio

is twice the amount of icing sugar to

butter, which makes it easy to adjust.


• 200g butter

• 200g sugar


• 2 large eggs


• 1 tbsp milk

• vanilla buttercream


• 500g sifted icing sugar


• 1 tbsp milk (if needed)

• ½ tsp green food colouring

• fondant daisies to decorate – I used a

cutter and modelling paste to make

them, but sugar flowers can be bought

at the supermarket or online.

1. Pre-heat the oven to 160°C and place

cupcake cases into a 12 hole muffin

tin. Beat together butter and sugar

until light and fluffy. Add the eggs

one at a time, beating well to prevent

curdling. Add the rest of the ingredients

and combine carefully. The mixture

should just about drop off a spoon.

Carefully spoon into cases and bake in

a pre-heated oven for approximately

12 minutes (ovens vary so check and

bake for a little longer if needed).

2. Make the buttercream by combining

all the ingredients bar the milk, mix

slowly at first, to stop an icing sugar cloud

going all over the kitchen, then beat to

the right consistency by adding milk,

a little at a time. Pipe or spread onto

cupcakes and decorate with sugar daisies.

Easter meringue nests

Makes 12 nests Prep time: 20

mins Cooking time 2 hours

Homemade meringue is much nicer

than shop bought – less dry and if you

get the timing right, slightly chewy.

Add crushed hazelnuts for a nutty twist

and to offset some of the sweetness.

• 4 egg whites

• 200g sugar

• ½ tsp lemon juice

• 50g ground or crushed hazelnuts

• 300 ml double or whipping cream

• 1 bag mini eggs to decorate

1. Pre-heat the oven to 110°C. Line

a couple of flat baking trays with

parchment. Beat the egg whites to form

soft peaks, then slowly add the sugar as

you beat, one spoonful at a time until

the mixture is stiff and shiny – approx 5

minutes (do not over beat). Add lemon

juice while beating and then swirl in

the hazelnuts with a metal spoon.

2. Pipe or mould into nest shapes

and bake in the oven for at least an

hour. The secret to baking meringue

is to keep the oven low, but cook for

a long time. Turn off the heat after an

hour, but leave the meringues in for

another hour while it cools down.

3. Whip the cream and pipe or spoon

into nests and decorate with mini eggs.

Fancy sampling

some of Jo's baking skills

yourself? Then book onto

one of her small and friendly

gardening courses, run from her

idyllic home in Woodchurch, Kent.

Enjoy thorough course materials

along with her delicious homemade

cakes, tea and coffee.

hornbrookmanor.co.uk

95


Beauty

Bright Eyes

Josephine Fairley explains

how to perk up puffy

eyes and conceal dark

circles with her triedand-tested

product picks

There are certain beauty

‘woes’ which I’ve observed

particularly trouble people.

They’re usually the things which

don’t seem to affect absolutely

everyone. So, unlike fine lines

and wrinkles – which everyone

acquires, over time – eye bags and

dark circles are found especially

distressing. As in: ‘life isn’t fair!’

Both can have a genetic element. If

your mother has/had dark circles, chances

are you will too. Asian women, in particular,

have a tendency towards shadows, which are

related to skin pigmentation generally. Ditto, if your

mother or sister carries under-eye baggage in the form

of puffiness, the chances are you’ll be prone to this, too.

From a lifestyle and a cosmetic perspective,

though, there are things that can be done to tackle

these beauty challenges. First is to identify what’s

causing the problem. Puffiness can be a side-effect

from dry eyes, caused by working at a screen. I

personally suffer quite badly from dry eyes, so I soothe

them a few times during a day spent at my computer

with a mist. A favourite soother is Peep Club Instant

Relief Eye Spray, £15 for 17ml, from a range that’s worth

checking out for their whole, eye-specific range. (See also my

thoughts on the Heated Eye Wand Pro, below.) My Beauty

Bible colleague Sarah Stacey also recommends Murine Refresh

& Soothe Eye Mist, £4.99 for 10ml, containing hydrating,

soothing hyaluronic acid and liposomes which maintain the film

of tears on the eyes, and helps to prevent moisture loss. (If you feel

squeamish, these are all spritzed over closed eyes, which is perfectly

comfortable – and I find it can be done without disturbing make-up.)

Another underlying cause of puffy eyes can be food sensitivity,

often to gluten, or just wheat. One solution is to undertake an

elimination diet and see if cutting out gluten-containing foods helps.

There are FreeFrom counters at all big supermarkets now, and you

can get a lot of information on foodsmatter.com, an online resource

for people who suffer food allergies and intolerances.


96

When it comes to fluid build-up in

the eye zone, meanwhile, both massage

and the application of cold tools can

help. Some products combine these:

I’m a huge fan of the globe-tipped tubes which you place in

the freezer and reach for to smooth away the puffies. (This is

also unbelievably psychologically soothing, I find.) The liquid

doesn’t actually freeze, but it gets super-cold, ready to be

smoothed over skin in an outwards direction towards the ears.

There’s a huge range of these globes out there and frankly not

much to choose between the pricey and the budget versions;

the Botanics Ice Rollers (from Boots) are reasonable, at £16.

Don’t have cooling globes? Frankly, much can be achieved

with teaspoons which you’ve placed in the freezer (ideally

silver, since they retain the cool), while some brands also offer

rollerball tools – for instance, I like UpCircle Soothing Eye

Roller, £8.99. (You could keep this in the freezer, actually,

for extra welly.) Heat can also be helpful; I wouldn’t be

without the USB-charged Peep Club Heated Eye Wand,

£75, which I find calming soothing and helpful with dry

eyes. And occasionally, I just love to apply a Spacemasks

eye mask (£18.50 for five); when you liberate them from

the sachet, to place over the eyes (there’s a loop that slips

over the ear), they miraculously heat up for some minutes,

wafting a delicate jasmine scent. Astonishingly relaxing.

You might also try these ‘home

remedies’ for puffiness…

Teabags: Infuse two caffeinated tea bags in warm water

then cool in the fridge. Close your eyes and put a teabag on

each eye for about five minutes. The caffeine may help by

constricting the blood vessels and reducing the swelling.

And then, there are commercial products to add to your

arsenal. A couple which have impressed our Beauty Bible

testers, for instance, include PIXI BeautifEYE Brightening

Eye Patches, £22 for 20 – comma-shaped silicone patches

which are applied to the under-eye zone for a targeted dose of

vitamin C, ginseng and liquorice, and Tropic Hydrogel Eye

Masks, £15 for a pack of five pairs, featuring aloe vera juice,

red algae and bio-peptides to tackle puffiness and dark circles.

Ah, dark circles. That other eye woe. Well, I always say: this

is what concealer was invented for. Not to say that you can’t

do things to help reduce the appearance of dark circles, but the

right concealer is fantastically helpful. (Concealer doesn’t work

so well on puffiness as there’s a physical swelling there, rather

than a shadow. And light-reflective concealers, which work

so well on shadows, can actually draw attention to under-eye

puffiness.) There are so many out there, but the key is to look

for the phrase ‘light-reflective’ in the product description.

Now, I don’t get dark circles, per se – but when I’m tired, I do

get two weird little ‘blue dots’ on the outside of my eyes, above the

cheekbones; the first time I saw them, I thought they were an ink

mark! When they occasionally appear now, I know it’s because I

haven’t got enough sleep – and that really is the key culprit, when

it comes to dark circles. (Smoking and alcohol can also make dark

circles worse, although: not guilty!) My absolute No.1 concealer

for banishing them is Gatineau Miracle Eye Contour Cream,

£36 for 11ml, which has become a bit of a cult sensation and as far

as I’m concerned lives up to the ‘miracle’ promise. (The teeny tube

lasts for aeons, too.) And I’m a big fan of Trinny London BFF Eye

Concealer, £29 for 6ml, which comes in a terrific shade range.

If you’ve an Asian heritage and dark circles are a problem,

an under-eye SPF can sometimes prevent them darkening

further, but I’m afraid it’s unlikely they’ll disappear altogether.

Concealer is your BFF, then, and nowadays, most concealer

ranges (not just Trinny’s) come in a very wide range of

shades, with an option for every skintone. (I’d recommend

applying over a sunscreen specifically designed for the eye

area – good advice for anyone with dark circles, actually.)

Cosmetic products that are worth a try, meanwhile, on

the strength of Beauty Bible tester trials, include Elemis Pro-

Collagen Eye Revive Mask, £60 for 15ml, and Mii Cosmetics

Bright Eyed Hydrogel Eye Mask, £24 for 60 masks.

And if all else fails? Reach for the dark glasses,

and you’ll simply look super-cool.

istockphoto.com/ Anton Yulikov / gpointstudio

Cucumber slices: Put a thick-ish slice of cold

cucumber over each eye for about half an hour to

reduce irritation and soothe swollen eyes.

Grated raw potato: Grate a raw potato, empty two

tea bags and put one tablespoonful in each. Put them

on closed eyelids for about 10-15 minutes. Potatoes

contain an enzyme that can help reduce puffiness.

Ice cubes: Wrap an ice cube in a cotton hanky and lay

on eyes, stroking across and around each, pressing down

gently. Repeat until eyes feel and look less swollen.

97


Bet ter Together

Avery Healthcare offer a variety of care choices where couples can continue their journey together,

receiving the care and support they need while creating new memories side by side.

Residential, nursing, dementia and respite care • Nutritionally balanced seasonal menus

Highly trained staff teams • Spacious, beautifully decorated bedrooms

Stimulating schedule of daily activities and entertainment

Bagshot Gardens | Camberley Heights | Camberley Woods | Chertsey Parklands Manor

Esher Manor | Guildford House | Greensand House | Moorlands Lodge

Purley Gardens | Rosebery Manor | Silvermere | Virginia Water

Find your nearest care home at averyhealthcare.co.uk

Health

Sleep tight!

Sarah Maxwell looks into forming healthy sleep habits

istockphoto.com/ :BrilliantEye

As someone who’s always been

a night owl, I’ve had my

fair share of battles with my

sleep schedule. I’ve tried everything

from sleep tracking to hypnosis.

Some have worked for a short time,

and some have not. Each of us has

unique needs and challenges. It’s not

just about the number of hours we

sleep, but also the quality. Hormonal

balance, tissue repair, emotional

regulation and much more are all

affected by our sleep quality.

The amount of sleep we need

varies from person to person and

changes over time. For example,

night shift workers can’t sleep

according to night and day.

New mothers struggle to get

restorative sleep, as well as those

with illness, stress and changing

circumstances. So, understanding

that sleep is a flexible process,

not bound by strict standards

like the eight-hour rule, can help

alleviate the stress of conforming

to an unattainable standard.

So whether you’re a ‘lark’

or a ‘night owl’, the latest

research is an eye opener.

Here’s a snapshot of the latest

sleep research findings:

1. Types of Exercise – Aerobic

exercises like swimming and

cycling generally improve sleep

quality. In contrast, anaerobic and

stretching exercises have mixed

effects. The best time to exercise

is in the early evening, but avoid

intense workouts close to bedtime.

2. Benefits of Exercise –

Regular exercise helps us maintain

a healthy weight, reduces the risk

of chronic diseases, improves our

cardiovascular health, and boosts

our mood by lowering cortisol

levels and increasing melatonin.

3. Improving Sleep – Exercising

4-8 hours before bedtime can

enhance sleep efficiency and reduce

wakefulness. Regular physical activity

helps stabilise sleep-wake cycles

and regulate circadian rhythms.

4. Treating Sleep Disorders

– Exercise benefits people with

insomnia, restless leg syndrome,

and sleep apnea. Moderate-intensity

aerobic exercise can improve sleep

onset and quality while alleviating

sleep apnoea symptoms and RLS.

You can read the full research

article here: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.

nih.gov/articles/PMC8889952/

And here’s what you can do to

improve your sleep routine:

1. Bedtime Plan – Create a

consistent bedtime routine and

aim to go to bed and wake up

simultaneously every day, even

on weekends, to regulate your

body’s internal clock. Have a warm

bath, read or practice relaxation

techniques to signal to your body

that it’s time to wind down.

2. Sleep Environment – Make

sure your bedroom is calm, dark

and quiet. Black-out curtains,

earplugs or white noise sounds

help to create an atmosphere

conducive to sleep.

3. Reduce exposure

to screens at least

an hour before

sleep – The blue light emitted

can interfere with melatonin

production and disrupt sleep.

4. Nutrition and hydration

– Avoid large meals, caffeine and

alcohol close to bedtime as they

can reduce sleep quality; opt for

light snacks if needed. And, if

drinking water too close to bedtime

renders you consistently running

to the loo during sleeping

hours, take in the bulk

of your hydration

during the day.

It’s now 11.30pm,

and I’m off to bed.

Sleep well! Sarah x

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

99


Spring into a

new smile

SHOP ONLINE AND INSTORE

49 High St, Cranbrook, TN17 3EE

www.odyl.co.uk | 01580 714907

Natural Relief for Hay Fever

Hay fever is the cause of seasonal misery to

millions of people worldwide.

Award winning Helios Hay Fever combines

three homeopathic remedies Allium cepa,

Euphrasia and Sabadilla and has a long history

of traditional use to relieve typical hay fever

symptoms such as irritated eyes and nose,

itching, sneezing and a dry, tickly cough.

Being natural, Helios Hay Fever is without any

known side effects, does not cause drowsiness

and is suitable for all the family.

Alongside our remedies we have a wide range

of herbal and other natural products to relieve

your hay fever symptoms, backed by expert

advice from our team of qualifi ed homeopaths

and pharmacists.

A warm welcome awaits you or for more

information please see our website

www.helios.co.uk

Helios Homeopathy Ltd, 97 Camden Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN1 2QR

Open Mon-Fri 9.00am - 5.30pm Sat 9.00am - 2.00pm

01892 537254 www.helios.co.uk


100

HeliosPharmacyWT239.indd 1 22/03/2022 14:04

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

Nourish to Flourish

Nutrition & Lifestyle Coach Charlotte Lau

explores the benefits of incorporating

another healthy ingredient into our

diets. This month it’s eggs

In the UK, it is estimated that we consume over

12 billion eggs a year. However you like them

– scrambled, poached, fried or boiled – there is

no denying that they are nutrient dense, providing

a variety of important vitamins and minerals that

play crucial roles in maintaining overall health.

Eggs are a complete protein source, meaning they

contain all nine essential amino acids required by the

body. They are considered one of the highest quality

forms of protein – an average egg containing about 6-7

grams – which is the main building block of the human

body and is used to make all sorts of tissues and molecules

that serve both structural and functional purposes. They

are also good sources of Vitamin B12, which supports

red blood cell formation, Vitamin A for healthy vision

and Vitamin D (from enriched eggs) for strong bones.

Around 9% of an egg is fat which is found almost

entirely in the yolk. Most of an egg’s total fatty acid

composition is from monounsaturated fats which

play a role in supporting heart health. While egg

yolks are high in cholesterol, research is mixed on

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

whether dietary cholesterol increases blood cholesterol for

everyone. For most people, eating eggs daily is likely safe

and a beneficial source of protein and vitamins. Consuming

them for breakfast has been shown to support blood sugar

balance and may help you to feel fuller for longer.

• 2 eggs

• 3 tbsp plain Greek yoghurt

(at room temperature)

• 1 clove of garlic, minced

• 2 tbsp of extra

virgin olive oil

Protein rich Turkish eggs

Serves 1

• 1 tsp of chilli flakes, ½

tsp smoked paprika and

¼ tsp ground cumin

• sea salt and pepper

1. Simply mix the yoghurt and the garlic together and season

with salt and pepper. Poach your eggs (usually 2-3 minutes,

but this can vary depending on the size of the egg). Heat

2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a pan and add the

chilli flakes, paprika and cumin. Leave to rest and infuse.

2. Add your yoghurt mixture to a bowl, top with the

poached eggs and pour the spicy oil over the top. Scatter

with chopped parsley and enjoy with toasted sourdough.

101


Finding a

School

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

governor. Here, he advises on choosing the right fit for your child

istockphoto.com/ master1305 BrianAJackson

I

confess. I admit it. I failed the 11+. Once upon a time

all eleven-year-olds took the test. My recollection is

vague. We weren’t told what we were about to do,

just plonked into a room with papers thrust in front of

us, ordered to silence under threat of death (or worse)

and told to get on with it. How times have changed.

More recently I have seen children, pale and tearful, as they

emerge from the 11+ exam. In one instance, a boy whose

tie had been relentlessly gnawed, chewed as the cud, was a

quivering wreck. Such is the pressure and anxiety the 11+

can induce. In his case the expectation was unrealistic; the

hurdle too high. For months, and sometimes years, prior

a tutor will have been enlisted – a happy hour after school

every week, winter and summer holiday, rain, wind or shine.

To those who have cleared the bar this year: congratulations

and well done. To those who tried but have not crossed

the desired threshold, I hope what follows provides some

solace. There will inevitably be some who are disappointed.

My next serious encounter with exams was the 13+

Common Entrance exam to independent senior schools.

My parents worked in Africa and my father’s firm provided

boarding school education for his two sons. It is perhaps

worth pointing out that not all those who attend independent

schools are wealthy. I didn’t do very well in the exam

but just sufficient to gain entry to my senior school.

As a lateral point, in the unlikely event of my having

any influence in government or the DfE I would lobby

for the return of the Middle School model with transfer

at 13 and not 11. Those two years make an enormous

difference: socially, emotionally and cognitively.

Some years ago, talking to the Head of a very academic

grammar school, I asked of the greatest challenges he

faced in his school. I had expected funding, facilities or

finding the best teachers; thus his answer surprised. On

reflection, though, it made absolute sense. His biggest

concern was those children who had been tutored within

an inch of their lives, slaving over hot reasoning tests, thus

successfully gaining entry to his school. Too many then

failed to thrive, not meeting the academic expectations.

Self-esteem plummeted, poor behaviour sometimes

followed, with fragile mental health the root cause.

The ambition to gain successful entry to high-achieving,

academic schools is rarely the ambition of the child. It can

come under the rather clichéd mantra: be careful what

you wish for. I’m not knocking ambition – far from it.

I’m encouraging realistic ambition within the character,

capability and maturity of each individual child. The

answer lies in choosing the right school, not driven solely

istockphoto.com/ mesh cube


Education

by parental ambition, possibly living vicariously through their children. There’s a lot to recommend a child being

around the middle of the academic range, performing better than some, while aspiring to the higher achievers.

So, what should you look for in a potential school? Exam results are but one benchmark. Many schools

have a value added quotient which reveals far more: ability benchmarked on entry, then measured against

national exam results. Some local authorities conduct wellbeing surveys in their schools: does this data exist

for your shortlist? Surely wellbeing is all-pervading? Then there is the breadth of education. Does the school

have a relevant, strong reputation or specialism: sport, drama, music, performing arts, technology?

Returning to academic selection – for 11+ grammar or for an independent school. If you feel your child is suited,

has the resilience for preparation, for testing and, importantly, you have the encouragement of the current school:

go ahead. If you are confident in coaching the components of the tests – great. If not, consider specialist support.

This could be tutoring. The ‘best’ tutors will be overbooked in this burgeoning industry. Are we more

competitive or is there greater competition for those selective schools, grammar or independent, I wonder? Local

recommendation can be helpful but you can also search via the professional organisation ‘The Tutors’ Association’.

For 11+, for independent school Y6 pre-assessment, Atom Learning is an excellent online, adaptive platform

(though it does come at a cost) and there are other apps available. The Bond books (and online) are popular.

Whichever preparation route you choose, take care to track progress. Year 5 children will not always

choose the toughest route. With Atom, for example, the child can choose which component of the testing

to work on: reasoning, verbal and non-verbal, maths or English. You can – should – monitor progress across

the components. For each session perhaps start with the least favourite (most difficult) topic before moving

on to something more appealing. The pool table analogy: go for the tricky shot to open up the play.

There is no substitute for visiting the potential school. Exam results, league tables,

websites, reviews and anecdotal dinner party chat are all informative. Paramount, however,

is ‘feel’. Ambience and atmosphere cannot be measured; they can only be felt.

Sometimes an Open Day visit gives an initial sense with the additional benefit of anonymity. An individual,

personal visit provides the opportunity to dig deeper. Do not be afraid to ask questions – no matter how searching

– striving to find the best match of school and your child. What differentiates you, School A, from School B?

How are pastoral care and wellbeing supported and monitored? What are the options for GCSE and A Level

(or IB)? Ask to see leavers’ destinations – if not already provided on the website.

When students are the guides one of my favourite questions is, ‘How

has the school helped you grow – in character, confidence and

performance?’ Be prepared: bring your own bespoke questions.

There’s no denying it can be a nervy, sometimes bewildering

process – particularly when travelling the road for the first

time. In my experience, however, while there may be

disappointments along the way, almost exclusively children

end up at the right school for them. The disaffection and

disappointment is often ours, as parents. If your child

lands a place at a school about which you have some

reservations, work hard on building a relationship

with the teacher or tutor who has direct care for your

child – keep the lines of communication open.

Then, for some schools, there is the interview

– a whole different ball game which featured in

last month’s issue. The trick is for candidates to

be themselves. Admissions staff and teachers can

spot a robotic, rehearsed, rote answer a mile off

and, after all, everyone wishes for the same thing

– the right school for the right child. A good fit.

istockphoto.com/ mesh cube

Mike’s book, Careering, is available now with

troubador.co.uk. You can contact Mike at

mikepiercy@hotmail.com with your

education-related queries.

103


a

GREAT GIFT

EXPERIENCE

N

l

ACTIVITIES INCLUDE:

LIVE MUSIC

FOOTBALL & GAMES

CIRCUS WORKSHOP

FACE PAINTING

STORY TIME

STILT WALKERS

N

30- 31 MAY 2025: GUILDFORD

FAMILY

FRIENDLY

UNDER 5’s

GO FREE

ART ACTIVITIES

HAIR BRAIDING

ANIMAL ENCOUNTERS

GO KARTING

SILENT DISCO

TREASURE HUNT

AND MORE...

BOOK NOW

PAY LATER

GIFT VOUCHERS

AVAILABLE

FEST-FOR-ALL THE FAMILY

www.shynefest.uk

N

l

l

l l kk

v

l

N

a

Shynefest2025_Advert_A5_129x182mm.indd 1 14/10/2024 19:28

TULIP FESTIVAL

21st April every day to 5th May

Over 40,000 tulips in the gardens

East Sussex/Kent border TN5 7HE 01580 200888

pashleymanorgardens.com

BANK HOLIDAY WEEKEND!

Saturday 3 rd -

Monday 5 th May 2025

Penshurst Place, Tonbridge

Over

150

stalls!

Save £2 with online early

bird tickets*

Kids go free | Free parking

Open

10am

‘til 5pm

Artisan Shopping, Street Food, Craft Demos, Live Music, Family Fun!

www.thecraftshows.co.uk

* purchased before 27/04/25


104

NATURE DAY: WEST HORSLEY

DENBIES CHOCOLATE FAIR

LONDON BUS

MUSEUM AT

BOOKLANDS

istockphoto.com/ Oksana_Bondar & Koldunov & asmithers

What’s On

in April

DAYS OUT

Sun 13 April 10am-5pm

Brooklands Museum,

Brooklands Dr, Weybridge,

Surrey KT13 0SL

LONDON BUS MUSEUM

SPRING GATHERING

AT BROOKLANDS

The South East’s biggest, longestrunning

and best-loved bus show

is back and will be a fabulous day

out for families and transport

enthusiasts alike. The show is

expected to attract around 100

visiting buses and coaches, old and

new, from London and all over

the UK. There will be extensive

bus displays, heritage bus trips and

a huge selection of trade stalls.

Inside the London Bus Museum,

workshop tours will demonstrate

the preservation work carried

out by their team of volunteer

engineers. Plus, for the family,

there will be bus excursions and

two free circular service routes to

ride, children’s activities and more.

Entry: Normal admission applies,

Children under 4 and members free

brooklandsmuseum.com

Sun 13 April

West Horsley Place, Epsom

Road, West Horsley,

Surrey KT24 6AN

NATURE DAY: BLUEBELLS,

BADGERS AND BIRDS

This promises to be a naturepacked

day of guided walks

and expert talks on the estate at

West Horsley Place. The day will

start with an expert-guided walk

through a secret sea of bluebells

as medical Herbalist Janine

Gerhardt shares the wonder of

plants with you. After a lunch

break you will enjoy a talk from

the West Surrey Badger Group

in the barn, followed by another

estate exploration, this time

with guide Ben West focused

on birdlife and other creatures

that call the 400 acres home.

Entry: £40

westhorsleyplace.org

EASTER

Fri 18 – Sat 20 April

Brogdale Farm Brogdale Road

Faversham Kent, ME13 8XZ

EASTER AT BROGDALE

Brogdale Collections, Home of

the National Fruit Collection,

have lots of exciting events in

April but the Easter celebrations

over the bank holiday weekend

are not to be missed. Discover

the beauty of Kent’s countryside

in spring and a great day out at

Brogdale Farm in Faversham.

Explore the orchards, follow the

Easter egg trail, meet the Easter

bunny, and try facepainting

and crafts. Explore the worldfamous

fruit tree orchards in full

blossom, join expert-led tours,

and enjoy family and children’s

activities.brogdalecollections.org

FAIRS

Sat 12 & Sun 13 April

(Sat: 8.30am-4.30pm,

Sun: 10am-3.30pm)

Kent Event Centre, Kent

Showground, Maidstone,

Kent ME14 3JF

DETLING ANTIQUES

& VINTAGE FAIR

Start your Spring with a visit to

this incredibly popular antiques

and vintage fair. Browse a huge

collection of unique items

including vintage furniture,

jewellery and ceramics across the

400+ indoor and outdoor stalls,

for a fun-filled weekend of treasure

hunting. There will be plenty of

food and drink options to choose

from and free parking is available

on-site and dogs are welcome too.

Tickets: Adults from £5,

accompanied children under 16 free

lovefairs.com/detling-showground

Sun 13 April

Denbies Wine Estate, Bradley

Ln, Dorking RH5 6AA

DENBIES CHOCOLATE FAIR

A week before Easter, this is

the perfect time to stock up on

delicious chocolates. Denbies will

be welcoming back a selection

of talented chocolate makers and

chocolatiers. You’ll have free entry

to the Denbies Garden Room

from 10am until 4pm where you’ll

be welcomed and may even get

some free samples to try before

you buy. Exhibitors will include:

Sloe Seduction, J Cocoa, Nourish

& Glow, Choco Doddle Doo,

The Cottage Chocolatier, Blue

Tree Kitchen, Mayoy Cacao,

Sublime Chocolates, and more…

denbies.co.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 £75+VAT. Please supply

up to 100 words that should include date,

time, venue, contact for enquiries and any

entry price to whatson@priceless-group.

com or send with payment (cheques

payable to Priceless Media Ltd.) to What’s

On, Priceless Media, Kettle Chambers,

21 Stone Street, Cranbrook, Kent

TN17 3HF. Priceless Media reserves the

right to edit text to fit space allocated.

Deadline for the next issue is 7th April.

105


Jane Howard takes note of the

spring changes at Coopers Farm

At last, spring has sprung and

Coopers Farm feels very full

of new life and possibility. In

the past couple of years we have dug

out lots of 'ghost ponds'. Ponds identified

on old maps that were lost as part of the

agricultural intensification that occurred in the

1950s. Many were filled in with the stumps, roots

and trunks of hedges that were pulled out to make

way for bigger fields that could then be cultivated by

the powerful tractors that were replacing the horse.

By digging out these old ponds the hope is that there

will still be original seed banks that will regenerate now

rare flora and fauna. That will hopefully come in the years

ahead but what has already happened is

an explosion of frog spawn. I’ve never

seen so much and in these troubled

times it is strangely life affirming to see

nature just getting on with what nature

does best. Frog spawn is laid in clumps

in shallower water and is more resistant

to frost so comes first. Next comes toad

spawn which is laid in strings, usually

wrapped around vegetation and laid in

slightly deeper water and then it’s the turn

of the newts, who lay eggs individually

and wrap them up in submerged plant

leaves. So far I’ve only spotted the frog

spawn but here’s hoping for all three.

The bees also know it's spring. In

a typical hive, a few thousand bees

overwinter by feeding themselves and

their queen on the honey collected by the

far bigger colony present in the summer.

So now the queen is busy laying eggs to

get numbers back up again for the flower

filled summer months. A queen bee in

her prime – they usually last about three years – can lay

a staggering 2,000 eggs a day but even so it takes quite a

while to get numbers back up to about 50,000 bees that

makes a strong colony. After three days the eggs hatch

into larvae and after another six they become pupae

which hatch out into bees after another twelve days.

Frog spawn is laid in

clumps in shallower

water and is more

resistant to frost so

comes first. Next comes

toad spawn which is

laid in strings, usually

wrapped around

vegetation and laid in

slightly deeper water

and then it’s the turn

of the newts, who

lay eggs individually

and wrap them up in

submerged plant leaves

When they are larvae they need to be fed on a high

protein diet which the bees source from pollen. A bee

will forage for pollen up to eight miles and bring it back

in baskets on its back legs made by tightly interwoven

hairs. No shaving for these girls! So until

I can open up the hives to check all is

going well – this happens when you

can go outside in a T-shirt and usually

coincides with the flowering redcurrant

coming into bloom – you can observe the

comings and goings at the hive entrance

to check all is well. Lots of bees going

in with full baskets suggests all is well.

The hens can’t really match queen bees

but, joy of joy, my rather ancient girls

have at last decided to lay and we are back

enjoying our own – albeit limited – supply

of eggs. This is exciting as we haven’t had

an egg from them since August and with

luck we should now be kept well supplied

through the summer. Undoubtedly

however one of them might decide to go

broody and sit tight on a clutch of eggs

but if you had read my column a couple

of months ago you’ll know that the success

of this endeavour will rather depend on

Phil the cockerel. As I explained, he’s

also very old and a little arthritic and I’m not sure he has

it in him to chase them, pin them to the ground and

do the necessary. I’m hoping for a young replacement,

but until then we’ll just have to hope as (apart from the

frog spawn and the lambs) nothing heralds spring more

than a clutch of newly hatched chicks. Fingers crossed.


THAMES

DESIGN & BUILD

Call us on

020 8398 9252

ARE YOU CONSIDERING AN EXTENSION, LOFT

CONVERSION, OUTBUILDING, OR ANY OTHER

ALTERATION OR ADDITION TO YOUR PROPERTY?

Thames Design and Build provides architectural design

and/or construction services to clients across Surrey, with

over with 80% over of 80% our of projects our projects being being Elmbridge Surrey based.

We offer:

• A A free consultation to discuss your ideas and advise

you advise on the you possibilities on the possibilities and permissions

and permissions

• A A fixed quote for all stages of architectural work

• A A fixed quote for your build – we are equally happy to to

provide a build quote in respect of your existing designs

We have a large portfolio of clients within Surrey Elmbridge, and its so

whatever surrounding your areas plans so are, whatever we should your be plans able are, to we show should you

a be comparable able to show completed you a comparable project. completed project.

Please email us at info@thamesdesignandbuild.com

or visit the website www.thamesdesignandbuild.com

Ditton Garages, Southville Road, Thames Ditton, KT7 0UL

Surrey Homes | SH123 | April 2025 | Garden Supplement inside

Transform your PDFs into Flipbooks and boost your revenue!

Delete template?

Save as template ?