ENGLISH HOME
COLOUR CODING
TALES FROM AN ENGLISH VILLAGE
Settling into rural life in East Sussex
EXPERT GUIDES
• Step inside London’s most exclusive members’ clubs
• Discover scenic Derbyshire
Choosing the best hues for a cohesive scheme CITY LIVING WITH A DIFFERENCE Blend & balance in a Bath townhouse
In London, the Cotswolds and the flatlands of Kent
FAMILY HOUSES REBORN
THIS PAGE The woodwork in the utility room beyond the kitchen is painted in Paint & Paper Library’s Truffle, while the sink is from the Whitebirk Sink Company and the limestone tiles are from Floors of Stone.
OPPOSITE The family’s Persian cat, Mittens, is very much at home here. The walls have been lime-washed in a blend of Kalklitir’s Calce and Aaido Primo, mixed by Nicola. A porcelain pendant light from deVOL adds a pretty finishing touch.
Character BUILDING
Shocked by the condition of a soulless, neglected farmhouse, Nicola Huthwaite went the extra mile to secure the sale and sensitively create a much-loved home
LEFT Nicole and Ed under the canopy of wisteria above the the front door.
THIS PAGE The Crofts were captivated by the Georgian house with its Cotswold stone roof and wisteriasmothered facade from the moment they set eyes on it.
Nicole and Ed Croft found a Georgian farmhouse dating back to 1790 in the Cotswolds and, like many generations before them, have created a bucolic family home
FEATURE CHARLOTTE COLVILLE PHOTOGRAPHY BRENT DARBY
THE HOUSE WHERE
NATURE In tune with
Embrace seasonal living and enjoy the harvests and sights of March and April
FEATURE KATY MCLEAN
NATURAL SPECTACLE
Carpeting woodlands in clouds of white starburst flowers and filling the air with a heady, intense aroma, wild garlic is abundant in April. This bulb hibernates for most of the year before bursting forth in spring to create a dazzling sight in England’s woodlands. This beautiful, delicate bloom is also a delicious treat that can be foraged in most public woodlands - but do check it is not a protected or restricted area. Only pick what is needed, and only pick the leaves and flowers, without uprooting the plant or taking too much from one area. Take care to identify it correctly as wild garlic, and not Lily of the Valley, which is toxic – the intense garlicky smell should be a good indicator! Wild garlic can be used to make pesto or butter to flavour pasta, salads, breads or soups.
Essential DERBYSHIRE
Plan a trip around this dramatic county with our insider guide to its villages, walks and classic heritage
FEATURE JENNY LOWTHROP
Grade I listed Chatsworth House, magnificient inside and out, and home to the Devonshire family for nearly five centures.
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT Haddon Hall affords views down to the River Wye and ancient parkland beyond; built in 1903, Buxton Opera House hosts the International Gilbert and Sullivan Festival; Elizabethan Hardwick Hall and its spectacular gardens; Matlock Bath is known for its natural thermal springs.
in the landlocked county, and is replete with fish-andchip shops and arcades.
The historic plague village of Eyam tells a remarkable story of sacrifice during the 17th century, while Wirksworth has a creative buzz with its art festival and quirky independent shops, and Bakewell is best for traditional markets and that world-famous dessert.
It is also worth visiting Ashbourne or Matlock for antique shopping, or Castleton for traditional pubs and tea rooms such as Tilly’s of Castleton.
Gardens
Thornbridge Hall Gardens combines formal lawns, fountains and modern sculptures in a playful mix, and is perfect for a family day out with its famous ‘net a duck’ activity in the rubber-duck-filled pond. The Bluebell Arboretum & Nursery near Smisby is best for unusual trees and shrubs and a colourful autumn display of oaks, redwoods and rare birch trees.
At Hardwick Hall, the Elizabethan gardens complement Bess of Hardwick’s ‘more glass than wall’ building, with a fragrant herb garden and woodland, wetland and farmland habitats across the estate. For wildflower meadows, explore Longshaw Estate, where hay meadows hum with insects and the restored pond is a haven for wildlife. Ancient woodlands are