Country Homes & Interiors August 2021

When I was little, my gran would take me to the beach at Blackpool. Maybe it was there I fell in love with the sea, or it could have been childhood holidays to Wales and Cornwall, teenage jaunts to Brighton and Margate, or romantic weekends with my now-husband to Whitstable, Walberswick and probably somewhere else beginning with W. Today I’m fortunate enough to live by the coast full time and I simply can’t imagine not breathing the salt-tang air, having the gulls as my alarm clock, or escaping to the beach for a head-clearing, heart-lifting walk. This issue celebrates where coast and countryside meet, with beautiful homes overlooking the waves (from page 18), décor ideas and designs inspired by our shoreline (from page 70), and inspiring individuals whose love of the…

Things that make us happy...“WARM SUMMER NIGHTS WITH ONLY A COLOURFUL COTTON COVER-UP NEEDED FOR BEDTIME BLISS ”…

New homeware store from Francesca Rowan-Plowden Revered for her work in both stately homes and private properties, interior designer Francesca Rowan-Plowden brings creative vision to her four collections of curated homeware, including bamboo lanterns, from £45, at FRP Homestore. A bespoke made-to-order service will launch shortly. Visit frphomestore.com. ROGER OATES ROLLS OUT LIFESTYLE COLLECTION Re-imagining Roger Oates’ signature stripes, Hartford is a tactile linear tufted design. Hand-crafted in a British wool blend, the geometric pattern is scaled to create rugs and runners in a variety of sizes, available in six hues. Hartford medium rug in Catkin, £885, rogeroates.com. Event: What does home mean to you? The newly reopened Museum of the Home is launching its first Festival of Home, planned for 18-19 September, focusing on the meaning of home. Director Sonia Solicari says, ‘We hope…

An amazing opportunity allowed Jess Alken-Theasby and her husband Ash to move into their forever home by the sea. ‘We were on the fence about buying an old property or creating something new,’ says Jess, ‘Then the bungalow that had been my granny’s came back on the market and it felt like it was meant to be.’ With experience of building and renovating their own homes before they met – Ash had already built his dream property, while Jess’s beautiful house was sold to boutique hotel group The Pig – the couple were at the right point to create a unique home. ‘Knowing the plot already really helped with the design process. On paper there was lots of potential but understanding the setting meant we could plan for everyday living and the…

Visit… ‘The Lost Gardens of Heligan (heligan.com). Two hundred acres of a once-forgotten garden to explore, including woodland, Victorian production and pleasure plots, farmland, jungle and wildlife areas. Perfect for any age group, there are seasonal events throughout the year as well as a kitchen and bakery.’ Shop at… ‘Foundry Court Wadebridge (foundrycourt wadebridge.com). Destination shopping with boutique clothing and accessory stores, and delicious delis and cafes.’ Go for a meal at… ‘The Pig at Harlyn Bay (thepighotel.com). Unique and characterful hotel and restaurant cooking up simple home-grown and all-things-local dishes in a super stylish setting.’…

Jess’ style tip...BRING NATURAL ACCENTS AND MOOD BOOSTING FRESHNESS INSIDE WITH POTTED PLANTS PLACED AT ALL LEVELS…