The Paper Mulberry

Relaxed Country Living

2012-05-10T08:00:00.000+01:00

A colour palette of dusted earth tones and soft powdered pigments such as mulberry, raw plaster, putty, charcoal and zinc give a soothing, calming atmosphere to any room. Textures of washed linens, aged rustic wood and natural elements are set against pared down architecture to give this country look a contemporary twist.

Above image: divine interiors by &Styling

Above image: Interiors by De Stamkamer

Above images:1. 2., 3. & 4. by Hoffz interiors

Above image: paint company Pure & Original

Above image:paint company Pure & Original

Above image: Interiors and architects Timeless Living

Above images:1.interiors shop Un Esprit en Plus 2.photographic location agency Light Locations 3.antiques by Brigitte & Alain Garnier 4.interior design by De Zon Van Duurstede 5.stylist Leslie Dilcock

Above image:the fabulous home, blog and shop of G-Style

Above image:interiors by At Ease Interiors

Above image: interiors by At Ease Interiors

Above images:1.divine interiors by &Styling 2.grey willow wreath from my home 3.gorgeous rustic linens from Rough Linen

Above image: interior design by Am Projects

Above image: beautiful photography by Nicolas Matheus

Above images:1. Hoffz interiors 2.detail of bathroom door from my home 3.gorgeous pitcher from The New General Store 4.fabulous interiors of Cote Bastide

Above image: handmade industrial lighting by TierlanTijn Lighting

Above image: interior design by Am Projects

Above image: bedlinen by House in Style

Above images:1.& 3. paint company Pure & Original 2.& 4.bedlinen by House in Style

Above image: divine bathroom from hotel Chateau Grand Boise

For more information on anything shown in the above images please click on the names under each photograph to go through to their web sites.

With warmest wishes

Laundry

2012-04-19T08:00:00.000+01:00

Hard working laundry rooms and useful utility items can be both practical and beautiful. Simple, natural elements such as wood and linen combine well with metal and stone. Re-purposed stainless steel bakers racks and enamelled industrial lighting compliment traditional wicker baskets and deep farmhouse sinks. Simple, well chosen elements create a functional room that helps cure those wash days blues! Here are a few of my favourite finds.

Above image: ash towel rack from deVol Kitchens

Above image: ash and jute laundry maid from deVol Kitchens

Above images: 1.vintage basket to use for laundry by Lillian August Designs 1st Dibs 2.clothes peg bag made from vintage linen by Aina's Charme 3.vintage grain sack for storing laundry by The Textile Trunk (loodylady Ebay)4.fabric for pretty laundry room curtains and blinds "Reef" 100% cotton in colour way Surf by Clarke and Clarke

Above image: laundry room by Plain English

Above image: laundry room idea from House to Home

Above images: 1.utility room by Plain English 2.fabric "Gracie" 100% cotton in Blue by Clarke and Clarke 3.laundry basket with natural linen lining from Baileys Home & Garden 4.laundry bag from Not on the High Street 5.fabric for pretty laundry room curtains and blinds "Reef" 100% cotton in colour way Surf by Clarke and Clarke 6.the wonderful laundry room from the fabulous blog Emilia's New Moon

Above image:Teresa Green ironing board cover originally from Selvege Dry Goods

Above image: fabulous laundry of a house in Kent featured by Light Locations - film and photographic locations agency

Above images: 1.Fog Linen Works apron at Milk & Paper 2.clothes peg bag made from vintage linen by Aina's Charme 3.catering bins re-purposed in Martha Stewart's utility room 4.ironing board and cover at Garden Trading

Above image: Cabbages & Roses

Above image: cedar radiator drying rack by deVol Kitchens

Above image: fabrics and cushions from Cabbages & Roses

Above image: washing powder box from Cox & Cox

Above image: fabulous utility room of a divine house in Oxfordshire featured by Light Locations - film and photographic locations agency

Above image: vintage inspired linen fabric by Peony & Sage

Just add fresh air!

For more information on anything shown in the above images please click on the names under each photograph to go through to their web sites. The colour swatches featured are my suggestions for accent shades and do not relate to specific paints unless otherwise stated, but I'm sure your favourite paint companies would be happy to suggest matches!

With warmest wishes

Easter

2012-03-29T08:00:00.000+01:00

A Spring palette of sugared almond pastels for the home combined with oh so pretty egg and hen decorations should keep Easter Bunnies of all ages happy! Here are a few of my favourite finds:

Above image: Twig and egg wreath from Not on the high street

Above image: 1. Background fabric 'Seaside Spot' in mist 100% cotton by Clarke & Clarke 2.Bunny knitting pattern from book "The third little Sublime hand knit book"

Above image: Liz Gardener's home by Mollie and Finn

Above images: 1.Fabric "Multi Spot" in Mineral by Clarke & Clarke 2.& 5. Hand knit Bunnies from Little Cotton Rabbits 3.Stitched picture by Charlotte Macey 4.Fabric "Simple Spot" in Duck Egg & Speedwell by Vanessa Arbuthnott 6.Maileg Cradle from shop Camel & Yak

Above image: Easter Party Tutus from Bodie & Frou

Above image: film & photographic locations agency Light Locations

Above image: gorgeous decoupage pastel eggs by Such Pretty Things

Above images: 1.Vintage pink linen apron by Linge Particulier at Bodie & Frou 2.Pretty bowls and mug from Julias vita drommar 3.Fabric "Seaside Spot" in Mineral by Clarke and Clarke 4.Photography by Julia Hoersch 5.Fabric "Hen Run" in Apple and Sky Blue by Vanessa Arbuthnott

Above image: How to make a Pussy Willow nest by Martha Stewart

Above image: film & photographic locations agency Light Locations

Above image: pretty eggs dyed using fruit and vegetable dyes from Dreamy Whites

Above image: Wooden Easter banner by BotanicBotanic on Etsy

Above images:1.Eggshell votives (how to make them) from Martha Stewart 2."Spring Birdie" hanging decorations from Not on the high street 3.Fabric "Seaside Spot" in Surf by Clarke and Clarke 4.Personalised Egg Cup "Bunny" by Gallery Thea at John Lewis 5.Easter decorating ideas from Magazine Bridgitte 6.Fabric "Plain Check" in Speedwell by Vanessa Arbuthnott

Above image: fabrics from the "Cockerel" Collection by Vanessa Arbuthnott

Above image: pretty eggs dyed using fruit and vegetable dyes from Dreamy Whites

Above image: Painted Egg Wreath from Berry Red

Above image: pretty idea for an Easter table - photography by Julia Hoersch

With warmest wishes

Rustic White

2012-03-15T11:16:00.001Z

Rustic white interiors, breezy, relaxed and inviting; combining brocante finds with a contemporary pared-down look. Soft rustic textures with pretty faded florals, washed vintage linens and crisp white cottons. Wood adds warmth, be it natural or painted and rural industrial elements contrast perfectly with the softness of cottage fabrics. The finished look is fresh, practical and very, very comfortable.

Above image: Gorgeous bags and accessories made from vintage fabrics by Ana & Cuca

Above image: Divine home and photography of Lara Sheleheda of Air-kissed

Above image: House to Home online magazine photographer Tom Scott

Above images: 1.Film & photography location the gorgeous Camber Sands Cabin at Beach Studios 2.Vintage kitchen items by Hvitur Lakkris 3.Fabric - "Deckchair Stripe" in Swedish Gray by Peony & Sage 4.& 6.Fabulous French baskets and twine from interior shop Julias Vita Drommar 5.Fabric - "Violet" on oyster linen by Bennison Fabrics

Above image: the divine styling from Susanne's blog Den Gamla Skolan

Above image: Film & photography location the gorgeous Openview Barn at Foster House

Above image: Stylist Louise Rastall

Above image scanned from book: "Junk Style" by Melanie Molesworth

Above image: divine table linens by Cote Bastide

Above images: 1.& 3.Parcel labels and pretty linens from interior shop Julias Vita Dromma 2.Fabric "Faded Floral" on oyster linen by Bennison Fabrics 4.Photograph "Upsidedown Town" by Sara Cantrell 5.Fabric "Wreath" charcoal by Peony & Sage

Above image:lovely vintage kitchen finds of Hvitur Lakkris

Above image: gorgeous "Natural Hatley" linen in raspberry by Cabbages & Roses

Above image scanned from book: "Junk Style" by Melanie Molesworth

Above image: Film & photography location the gorgeous Openview Barn at Foster House

Above image: the gorgeous kitchen of the lovely Kjerstis from the blog Kjerstis Lykke

Above images: 1.Gorgeous wooden chopping boards from shop SLOWFSHIONhouse 2.Pretty "Roses & Ribbons" in sage and pink by Peony & Sage 3.& 4.Divine linen cushions, bags and styling by Ana & Cuca 5.Fabric "Faded Rosebuds" in pink by Annie Sloan

Above image: Film & photography location the gorgeous Openview Barn at Foster House

With warmest wishes

Darling Buds

2012-03-01T08:00:00.000Z

With the gentle sunshine warming the earth the early blooms peak through showing hints of the colours to come. A fresh new colour palette heralds the arrival of Spring. Tiny splashes of deepest raspberry set against snowy white and soft palest blossom pinks are crisp and refreshing against the new stems and branches. Here are a few ideas for bringing Spring into the home.

Above image taken from book: Simply Country - Creating Comfortable Style for cottage living Liz Bauwens Alexandra Campbell

Above images:1. Wallpaper 'Almond Blossom' by Anna Dove 2.Rose image from book 'Vintage Chic' by Cabbages and Roses 3.Fabric 'Jardin' 100% cotton by Annie Sloan 4.Flowers in bottles from Country Living magazine

Above image: the gorgeous guest bedroom of Urban Farmgirl featuring 'Podge' cerise cushions by Cabbages & Roses and headboard covered in ''Hatley' cerise linen by Cabbages & Roses

Above image: the gorgeous guest bedroom of Urban Farmgirl detail of the headboard covered in ''Hatley' cerise linen by Cabbages & Roses

Above image: Flowers & styling by Amy Merrick

Above images: 1.Vintage red sprig cushion cover from Pale & Interesting 2.Fabric 'Podge' cerise by Cabbages & Roses 3.Apothecary jars from Pale & Interesting 4.Photography - settee, quilt and grain sack by Mari Eriksson 5.Fabric 'Hatley' cerise linen by Cabbages & Roses

Above image: locations agency jjlocations

Apothecary jars from Pale & Interesting

Above image: Book 'Junk Style' by Melanie Molesworth

Above images: 1.Divine interiors and online brocante shop by Dreamy Whites 2.Photography by Mari Eriksson 3.Tiana cotton/silk boudoir cushion from Also Home 4.Fabric 'Natural Hatley' blue 100% linen by Cabbages & Roses

Above image: Photography by Elena Kovyrzina

Above images: 1.Online Interiors magazine Emag Deco article found here 2.Fabric 'Natural Hatley' raspberry 100% linen by Cabbages & Roses 3.Old style notebooks from Cote Bastide 4.Vintage floral and paisley cushions by Velvet Ribbon 5.Lavender bundles by Peony & Sage

Above image: Vintage floral and paisley quilts & side table by Velvet Ribbon

Above image: Photography by Elena Kovyrzina

With warmest wishes

New Country Living

2012-02-17T07:41:00.000Z

With a fresh, clean colour palette of soft powdered and dusted shades set against chalky whites and light natural wood, this relaxed country styling has a new contemporary feel. Traditional country elements are updated and incorporate everything required for today's modern living. Simple printed fabrics inspired by nature in restful tones combine with cosy wool plaids and knits to make this a soothing, welcoming home.

Above image: Border Oak fabulous new oak framed houses - photographer and stylist Merry Albright

Above image: 'Grafton Throw' and cushion from The White Company bedlinen and home furnishings

Above image: Ceramic Apples and Pears from Rowan & Wren

Above image: Border Oak fabulous new oak framed houses - photographer and stylist Merry Albright

Above image: Neptune handmade interiors and paints

Above image: Border Oak fabulous new oak framed houses - photographer and stylist Merry Albright

Above fabrics and paints: 1.Fabric 'Seaside Spot' in mist 100% cotton by Clarke & Clarke 2.Paint 'Pale Powder' No: 204 by Farrow & Ball 3.Fabric 'Raphael' duckegg 100% cotton by Clarke & Clarke 4.Fabric 'Inverness Tweed' 100% wool by Anta 5.Fabric 'Sail Stripe' in mineral 100% cotton by Clarke & Clarke

Above image: Sims Hilditch interior design and Neptune handmade kitchens - the central island is painted in a shade called 'Mist' from the Neptune paint range which is gorgeous!

Above fabrics and paints: 1.Fabric 'Robert Robertson Lowland' wool tweed by Anta 2.Paint 'Cornforth White' No: 228 by Farrow and Ball 3.Fabric '320 Shalini' linen in violet by Susie Watson Design 4.Fabric 'Cove Check' in Mineral linen by Clarke & Clarke 5.Fabric 'Etoile' natural cotton/linen by Ernst and Matilda

Above image: Sims Hilditch interior design and Neptune handmade interiors

Above: Zinc lined willow baskets and knitted throw from Rowan & Wren

Above image: Neptune handmade interiors

Above images:1.& 6.Sims Hilditch interior design and Neptune handmade interiors 2.Fabric'Robert Robertson Lowland' wool tweed by Anta 3.& 4.Cushions 'Gill Scott' linen & 'Teal' linen by Anta 5.Wallpaper 'Dahlia' sky by Clarke & Clarke

Above image: curtains made from 'Inverness Tweed' 100% wool by Anta

Above image: Border Oak fabulous new oak framed houses - photographer and stylist Merry Albright

Above fabrics and cushions: 1.Fabric 'Seabirds' mist 100% cotton Clarke & Clarke 2.Cushion 'Dove' linen by Anta 3.Cushion 'Macintosh' linen Anta 4.Fabric 'Seaside Spots' surf by Clarke & Clarke

Above image: Border Oak fabulous new oak framed houses - photographer and stylist Merry Albright

Above image: Fabrics from the new Clarke & Clarke 'Maritime Prints' range

Above image: Border Oak fabulous new oak framed houses - photographer and stylist Merry Albright

For more information on anything featured in the above images please click on the names under each photograph to go through to their web sites. The colour swatches featured are my suggestions for accent shades and do not relate to specific paint shades unless otherwise stated, but I'm sure your favourite paint companies would be happy to suggest matches!

With warmest wishes

First Flush of Spring

2012-02-02T09:47:00.000Z

Even though we have a light dusting of snow in the village this morning there are are signs of Spring in the garden. Tender new shoots are peeping through the soil and branches are filled with tiny buds holding the promise of blooms to come. I can think of no better way of brightening and freshening a room for Spring than with a few pots of chalky white paint and pretty linens flushed with delicate prints in blossom pink. The fabrics featured in the images below are all from the fabulous range from Peony and Sage designed by Kimberley Bell

Above image: Peony and Sage

Above fabric from left to right: "Vintage Paisley" in raspberry, "French Toile" pink and "Faded Roses" pink all by Peony and Sage

Above image: Peony and Sage

Above fabrics: by Peony and Sage

Above images: 1.Fabric "Apple Blossom" by Peony and Sage 2.Photography from Country Living Magazine 3.Fabric "Roses and Ribbons" sage and pink by Peony and Sage 4.Fabric "Dots" dusty pink by Peony and Sage

Above image: Peony and Sage fabrics and accessories (you may recognise this gorgeous bedroom from the lovely Dreamy Whites blog)

Above image: Peony and Sage cushion in fabric "Vintage Paisley" in raspberry

Above image: Peony and Sage fabrics and accessories

Above image: Book Junk Style by Melanie Molesworth

Above image: Fabrics and accessories by Peony and Sage

Above fabrics: 1."Faded Roses" pink 2."Bee Pinstripe" French gray 3."Wreath" pink 4."Vintage Paisley" French gray - all by Peony and Sage

Above image: Fabrics and accessories by Peony and Sage

Above image: Peony and Sage cushion in fabric "Vintage Paisley" in raspberry

Above fabric: "Faded Roses" pink by Peony and Sage

Above fabric: "Vintage Paisley" French gray - by Peony and Sage

Above image: Period Living magazine

Above image: Fabrics by Peony and Sage

Above image: shop Pale & Interesting

Above image: Fabrics by Peony and Sage

With warmest wishes

A well dressed bed

2012-01-19T08:00:00.000Z

Taking inspiration from the stylish chic boutique hotel suites, divine bedlinen and well chosen accessories not only bring a feeling of luxury to the bedroom but a sense of opulence and glamour. Layering high thread count linens with sumptuous textures such as silk, cashmere and velvet create a bedroom that is a haven of pampering and comfort. Here are a few of my favourites!

Above image: The White Company - gorgeous bed linens, deep buttoned and tufted headboards and ottomans

Above images:1.,3. & 4. Kelly Hoppen - the new and fabulously affordable bedlinen and accessories range now on the QVC home shopping channel (I've just ordered my 700 thread count pillowcases)! 2.Beautiful glass ball lamp from Star by Julien Macdonald Designers at Debenhams

Above images: The White Company - gorgeous bed linens and home interiors

Above images: JJ Locations locations agency - Balham House - pretty pale, textured neutrals and simple styling in an all white room - heavenly!

Above images: 1.& 3.The White Company - gorgeous bed linens and home interiors 2.Pretty Isabelle table lamp from Homebase

Above image: my favourite deep tufted bed "Belgravia" from The White Company - gorgeous bed linens and home interiors

Above images: 1.Fabulous table lamp "Trixie" from John Lewis 2.divine deep buttoned pair of faux silk cushions by Kelly Hoppen - the new and fabulously affordable bedlinen and accessories range now on the QVC home shopping channel 3."Bailey" hand knit blanket and cushion from The White Company

Above image: TH2DESIGNS by Taylor Howes interior design company - fabulous grey and white colour palette and clever use of textures.

With warmest wishes

White

2012-01-05T08:00:00.000Z

Clean, bright and fresh, soft shades of white create a gentle backdrop for contemporary country living. When the beginning of a new year is dark and dismal there is no better way to refresh a room or transform a tired piece of furniture. So it's out with the brushes for me! Here are a few of my inspirational favourites...

Above image: The White Company - divine bedlinen and interiors

Above images: 1.John Lewis pretty beaded cushion 2.& 3. JJ Locations the perfect white house! 4.The White Company gorgeous white coat hangers

Above image: Neptune - exquisitely crafted furniture and bespoke kitchens

Above images: 1.Riviera Maison beautiful cupboard of weathered oak and white maple 2.& 4.Riviera Maison lovely crockery collection 3.The White Company gorgeous porcelain carafe 5.Summerill & Bishop chalky pestle and mortar

Above image: Slettvoll - divine white contemporary living

Above image: Border Oak - gorgeous new oak framed homes and buildings (discovered via Modern Country Style blog)

Above image: Border Oak - gorgeous new oak framed homes and buildings

Above images: 1, 2 & 3 Slettvoll - divine contemporary living

Above image: Light Locations - photographic location agency

One of my all time favourite 'white' paints is a shade called 'Chalk' by Zoffany, not too cold, not too yellow, filled with light, it is pretty perfect in any setting!

With warmest wishes

Christmas wishes from our old farmhouse in England

2011-12-22T08:00:00.000Z

With Christmas now just a few days away the preparations here have reached fever pitch! Having put the finishing touches on the decorations and stacked baskets with fragrant logs for the fire we are almost ready to welcome friends and family to join us in the celebrations. I adore this last minute flurry of activity and will be, as you read this, busy filling tiny white crackers with Italian truffles and arranging white roses and herbs from the garden into mercury vases for the table. With the ancient oak beams hung with snowflakes, this year our old farmhouse is decked in ice and snow! Here are a few photographs from our home (please excuse my awful photography and the length of this post!!!):

Image: The Paper Mulberry - my home

A small live blue spruce from Homebase on a dresser in the kitchen the oversized mat and shiny silver baubles are part of a 75 piece set from Tesco!

Image: The Paper Mulberry - our kitchen

The white ceramic pot that we have planted the Christmas tree in is from Cape Henley and the white ceramic flower tea light holders are from Bliss & Bloom

Image: The Paper Mulberry - our kitchen

tiny glass cloches filled with silver parcels

Image: The Paper Mulberry - our kitchen fireplace

Image: The Paper Mulberry - our kitchen mantelpiece swag

A faux pine needle swag with mat and shiny baubles part of the 75 piece set from Tesco!

Image: The Paper Mulberry - our kitchen fireplace swag

Image: The Paper Mulberry - our kitchen

Image: The Paper Mulberry - our kitchen - Aga mantel shelf decorated for Christmas!

Image: The Paper Mulberry - our kitchen - Aga mantel shelf with a combination of faux pine needle foliage, berries and fresh pine cones

Image: The Paper Mulberry - our kitchen - Aga mantel shelf with mouth blown, recycled glass goblets

Image: The Paper Mulberry - our kitchen dresser

Icy faux pine branch garland with fresh pine cones

Image: The Paper Mulberry - our kitchen dresser

Icy faux pine branch garland with fresh pine cones & the china is Asiatic Pheasants by Burleigh

Image: The Paper Mulberry - our sitting room

Image: The Paper Mulberry - our sitting room with the faux tree stands in a log basket, the tablecloth is burlap and the tree covered in faux snow and glass icicles!

Image: The Paper Mulberry - our sitting room tree

the artificial snow is from Snowbusiness the special effects company who provided the snow scenes for the Harry Potter films! They now sell a range of artificial snow for domestic use, I used their spray snow topped with display snow coarse and finished with the amazing snow sparkle that glistens like the real thing!

Image: The Paper Mulberry - our sitting room fireplace

the swag is faux pine and covered in artificial snow and icicles

Image: The Paper Mulberry - our sitting room fireplace swag
the lantern is a vintage find, the icicles I have been collected for a few years now

Image: The Paper Mulberry - our sitting room
I have placed an old lantern in a niche in the living room with a carved wax candle

Image: The Paper Mulberry - our home
I have place a large wreath of faux pine and beaded fruit covered in simulated ice on the oak banister at the top of the first staircase

Image: The Paper Mulberry - our home

Image: The Paper Mulberry - our entrance hall
the console table is decked with a gilded leaf garland from Decorative Country Living and coach lantern from Culinary Concepts

Image: The Paper Mulberry - our entrance hall console table

So until the new year...

Warmest of Christmas Wishes from this old farmhouse in England
- Glenda xxx

Christmas

2011-12-08T08:13:00.000Z

Christmas: filled with branches of Blue Spruce, Rosemary, Eucalyptus and snow dusted pine cones; decorations in antiqued Mercury glass and shades of smokey grey; rich textures and contrasts of velvet ribbons, chalky candles and shimmering silver. Here are a few of my favourite finds...

Above image: Online magazine Bo Bedre

Above images: 1.Picture Library Gap Interiors Photographer Nick Carter 2.Name place baubles from Cox and Cox 3.Little angel photo from Italian interior archive agency Living Inside 4.Candlesticks from Affari

Above image: pine cone wreath from Riviera Maison

Above image: Antiqued, mercury silver heart from The White Company

Above images: 1.Glass chandelier ornament from West Elm 2.Festive gift wrap & ribbon from The White Company 3.Mouth blown champagne flutes from Summerill & Bishop

Above image: Silver branch candle sconce from West Elm

Above image: Antiqued silver tea light holder by The White Company

Above images: 1.Candles and accessories by Jeanne d'Arc Living 2.Wooden rose wreath from Garden Home Designs 3.Grey Christmas tree baubles from Lindsay Interiors 4. Jingle bell wreath from Lakeland

Above image: House to Home Country Homes and Interiors Magazine

Above images: 1.Sprigs of holly and velvet ribbon BHG Better Homes and Gardens Magazine 2.Easy to make pine cone decorations from Country Living Magazine 3.Decorated kitchen from Country Living magazine 4.Smokey grey Christmas bauble from Cox & Cox

With warmest wishes

Christmas is coming!

2011-11-24T08:05:00.000Z

I'll soon be decking the halls with creamy white roses, frosted snowberries, mercury silver, fresh pine, bay leaves, holly and candles. The table will be set with crisp linens, polished vintage silver, gleaming crystal and fresh sprigs of herbs. With the smell of woodsmoke and crackle of the fire I'll be wishing for snow again this Christmas! Here are a few of my favourite finds and Christmas inspiration.

Above image: Interior shop India Jane

Above images: 1.Mini mercury glass baubles for the tree from Nordic House 2.Nickle plated footed bowl from India Jane 3.Silver beaded heart for the tree (would also look lovely on door handles!) from Bliss & Bloom 4.Scroll candle holder from India Jane

Above image: Christmas tree in front of the main entrance to Waddesdon Manor by photographer John Hackston

Above images: Lucyina Moodie Stylist

Above images: 1.Mercury votives and table setting from The White Company scanned from their 2008 brochure 2.Christmas baubles display Lucyina Moodie Stylist 3.Silver plated monogram tumbler with vanilla scented candle from Brissi

Above images: Mercury candlesticks and champagne candles, gilded bay leaf garland on burlap all from PotteryBarn

Above images: 1.Mantelpiece decoration ideas from House to Home magazine 2.White linen napkins on a silver platter from Country Living magazine 3.Jewelled frosted glass votive from India Jane

Above image: French style diner service, etched glasses, and white china roses votive holders all from Bliss & Bloom

Above image: pretty glass cake pedestal and dome featured in 2008 The White Company brochure

Above images:1. Crystal beaded tea light holders from Nordic House 2.Silver heart hanging decoration from Bliss & Bloom 3.Table presents/favours on antique silver platter by event planner Merryl Brown

Above images: The White Company from their tips and clever ideas - 'Making your guests feel at home'

Above image: Frosted pinecone wreath from John Lewis

To be continued..........!!!!

With warmest wishes

Verdigris

2011-11-10T09:56:00.000Z

From the deepest Teal green and richest turquoise of Robin's Egg to the palest Duck Egg, Eau de Nil and softest Sea Foam aqua - a serene and tranquil colour palette.

Above image: Architectural Antiques LASSCO

Above images: 1.Silk wall covering by Fromental 2.Antique console table Augustus Brandt 3.Magazine Art & Decoration France 4.Painting by Henk Helmantel "Verlaten Merelnest"

Above image: Interior accessories Affari

Above image: bedroom furniture by AND SO TO BED

Above images: 1.Magazine Art & Decoration France 2.Fabric Sudbury Rose linen union from shop Tinsmith 3."Cimetiere Montmarte" by Photographer Dominique Dumas 4.Detail of Louis XV console table from Garnier Antiques

Above image: Magazine Country Homes & Interiors Photography Jon Day

Above image: Magazine Jeanne d'Arc Living

Above images: 1.Decorative painting from Segreto 2."Cove Check" linen in "Mineral" by Clarke & Clarke 3.Detail of antique armoire from Garnier Antiques 4.Interiors and Antiques by Une Ame en Plus

Above image: Interior accessories Affari

Above images: 1.Hotel Residence Royal Paris via Mr & Mrs Smith 2.Antiques from French Country Living 3.Antiques from Lantiques 4.Bedlinen from Bella Notte Linens

Above image: Portrait of a Young Lady by Jurgen Ovens (1623-1678) via The Bowes Museum

Above image: Simon Whitmore photographer of the wonderful home of Debbie from Powder Blue

Above image: by photographer Thomas Schultz discovered via Pamela Brannon on Pinterest

Rust

2011-10-27T08:00:00.000+01:00

A rich colour palette of burning copper through to soft dusted oranges and soft plummy browns, warm, inviting and enveloping.

Above image: ANTIQUES AND INTERIORS Arcobaleno

Above images: 1.WALLPAPER "Stag Hunting" SHOP Fabrics & Papers 2.Rose print SHOP: Donna Geissler Photography 3.WALLPAPER "Empire" SHOP Fabrics & Papers 4.Antique iron window grill SHOP: La Caze

Above image: ANTIQUE canopy bed Le Louvre French Antiques

Above images: 1.CHATEAU La Creuzette 2.FABRIC "Cleo" Velvet by SHOP Fabrics & Papers 3.Interiors & lighting SHOP: Vox Populi 4.PHOTOGRAPHER Lois Slokoski

Above image: Chateau de Touffou from Country Life Magazine PICTURE LIBRARY

Above images: 1. HOTEL: Borgo Santo Pietro 2.Zoffany Medevi WALLPAPER at SHOP Fabrics & Papers 3.MAGAZINE Campagne Decoration France

Above image: MAGAZINE Art & Decoration France

Above images: 1.INTERIORS by Natalie Haegeman 2.FABRIC:"Crescendo" damask wool by Mulberry at SHOP Fabrics & Papers 3.Herringbone log bag at SHOP Not on the High Street 4.FABRIC "Clan" chenille at SHOP Fabrics & Papers

Above image: LOCATION AGENCY Mires Paris

Above images: 1.Print by PHOTOGRAPHER Alice Gao 2.FABRIC "Ancient Tartan" by Mulberry 3.Door by PHOTOGRAPHER Christine Bauer 4. The Paper Mulberry - my home a vintage leather chair in the snug

Above image: INTERIORS i gigi

Above images: 1.PHOTOGRAPHER Paul Ryan-Goff 2.FABRIC: "Terracotta on linen" Crewel by Jan Baker 3.Apple holder by SHOP Whippet Grey 4.FABRIC: "Fair isle" by Zoffany

Above image: ANTIQUES AND INTERIORS Arcobaleno

Grey

2011-10-13T08:00:00.000+01:00

From subtle tones of the palest ash and silver to the deepest charcoal grey; the iconic French Grey, and the delightfully named Greige - that divine combination of grey and beige, all become part of a soothing and restful colour palette. Here are some of my favourites.

Above images SHOP: Affari AB

Above images: 1.SHOP: Affari AB 2.PHOTOGRAPHER: Paul Ryan-Goff 3.ANTIQUE & VINTAGE EUROPEAN TEXTILES: LoodyLady Ebay

Above image: ANTIQUE & VINTAGE EUROPEAN TEXTILES: LoodyLady Ebay

Above images: 1.BROCANTE SHOP & BLOG: G-Style 2.FABRIC: Woodford Plaid Fabrics and Papers 3.PICTURE LIBRARY: Gap Interiors 4.CREATIONS & INTERIORS:Terry John Woods

Above image: PHOTOGRAPHER:Tessa Francesca

Above image: MAGAZINE & SHOP: Selvedge

Above images: 1.SHOP: Baucis & Philemon 2.Cabbages & Roses FABRIC Paris Rose 100% linen from Fabrics & Paints 3.SHOP: Olsson & Jensen 4.PHOTOGRAPHER: Tim Clinch

Above image scanned from: BOOK: Old Houses by Steve Gross & Susan Daley text by Henry Wiencek

Above images: PHOTOGRAPHER: Joanna Maclennan

Above images: 1. & 2. ANTIQUES & Blog: Atelier de Campagne 3. ANTIQUE & VINTAGE EUROPEAN TEXTILES: LoodyLady Ebay

Above image: ANTIQUE & VINTAGE EUROPEAN TEXTILES: LoodyLady Ebay

Miranda at The Black Barn is creating the most divine grey fireplace as part of her room makeover to view click on the picture below

French Dressing - for the Bedroom!

2011-09-29T09:29:00.000+01:00

Divine rustic linens of billowing drapes; the gentle patina of wood, stone and plaster; sparkling chandeliers and fine ruffled bedlinen create the sublimely romantic French bedroom.

Above image: Antiques by Une Ame en Plus discovered via Belgian Pearls the wonderful blog of Greet from Lefevre Interiors

Above images:1.Chandelier by Vox Populi 2.& 5.home linens from SHOP: Matteo discovered via Brooke Giannetti and her wonderful blog Velvet and Linen 3. Antique painting SHOP: Brownrigg @ Home 4.French antiques SHOP: Authentic Provence

Above image:Daybed from SHOP: Aidan Gray

Above images: 1.INTERIOR DESIGN Corniche 2.& 4.home linens from SHOP: Matteo discovered via Brooke Giannetti and her wonderful blog Velvet and Linen 3.Antique mirror SHOP: Brownrigg @ Home

Above bedlinen from SHOP: Matteo discovered via Brooke Giannetti and her wonderful blog Velvet and Linen

Above image from antique SHOP: Atelier de Campagne

Above images: 1.Antique chair SHOP: French Garden House 2.FABRIC: Cabbages & Roses Toile de Poulet Cotlin grey 3.Furniture & linens SHOP: Cote Bastide 4.Bottle SHOP: Olsson & Jensen 5.Linen FABRIC: Westbury Textiles

Bedlinens SHOP: Bella Notte Linens

Above images: 1.PHOTOGRAPHERS: Gentl & Hyers 2.Embroidered linen FABRIC: Westbury Textiles 3.HOTEL: Borgo Santo Pietro 4.Detail from ANTIQUE ARMOIRE: French Finds 5.Linen FABRIC: Westbury Textiles

Above image: Antiques by Une Ame en Plus discovered via Belgian Pearls the wonderful blog of Greet from Lefevre Interiors

Above images: 1. & 3.Furniture & linens SHOP: Cote Bastide 2.Bed linens from SHOP: Matteo discovered via Brooke Giannetti and her wonderful blog Velvet and Linen 4.Linen FABRIC: Westbury Textiles

Above image: Photographer Tessa Francesca

Farmhouse Harvest

2011-09-15T08:02:00.001+01:00

Autumn is one of my favourite times of the year, when the countryside bursts into life and is filled with the most beautiful textures and tones. The soft, low sunlight creates gentle hues of palest golden green, farmhouse reds are rustic of the earth and greys are born of woodsmoke and ash. Wicker, straw, rust and scrubbed wood add texture, whilst the smells of Autumn fill the air now fresh and vibrant with the new season's bounty.

Above image: Photographer Lois Slokoski

Above image: Location agency 1st-Option

Above image scanned from book: Country Kitchens by Jocasta Innes

Above images: 1.Photographer: Emma Lee 2.Photographer: Nineminutes 3.Shop: Garden Trading 4.Fabric: Ian Mankin

Above image scanned from Homes and Antiques february 2004

Above images: 1.Painting "Meidoornbessen in romeins glas" by Henk Helmantel 2.Antique basket by Red Ticking at 1st Dibs 3.Painting "Stilleven met perziken" by Henk Helmantel 4.Fabric: Ian Mankin 5.Antique bowl Brigitte & Alain Garnier

Above image scanned from book: The Country House by Barty Phillips

Above image scanned from book: English Cottage Interiors by Hugh Lander and Peter Rauter

Above image: Photographer Katie Quinn Davies & Katie's brilliant blog filled with wonderful recipes: What Katie Ate

Above images: 1.& 3.Shop: Toast 2.The Paper Mulberry - vintage farm tools my home 4. Shop: Katherine Hooker womens tailoring

Above image: Location Agency JJ Locations

Above image: E-Magdeco

Above image: Photographer Megpuente

Above images: 1.Shop: Farmhouse wares 2.Magazine Country Living 3.Print: Shop Allison Dandrea 4.Fabric: Bennison Salzburg

Above image: Photographer Sarah Maingot

Above image scanned from book: Pure Style by Jane Cummberbatch

Just a note: I will now be posting every two weeks rather than every week to allow more time for collating and researching!

Country Homes of England

2011-09-08T09:07:00.001+01:00

From the grand stately homes to the old farmhouses of England, all have one thing in common, a sublime blend of the decorative and the practical. Country traditions and pastimes influence the interior decoration creating inviting, pleasing spaces. Time worn leather armchairs, centuries of polished wood combine with faded tapestries and antique paintings forming a unique patina. Here are a few that have inspired me.

Above images scanned from BOOK: Writers' Houses by Francesca Premoli-Droulers

Image: LOCATION AGENCY: jjlocations

Above images: 1.PHOTOGRAPHER: Joanna Maclennan 2.& 4.SHOP: Katherine Hooker womens tailoring 3.PHOTOGRAPHER: David Merewether for the Wealden Times 5.KITCHENS: Landmark Kitchens

Above image: MAGAZINE: skona hem

Above image: PHOTOGRAPHER:Nico Morgan - Cottesmore Hunt Lincolnshire

ARTIST: SIR ALFRED JAMES MUNNINGS "Portrait of Mrs. Margaretta Park Frew Riding"

Above images: 1.Photography: Katya de Grunwald 2.& 4.SHOP: Katherine Hooker womens tailoring 3.Hotel: Borgo Santo Pietro Tuscany 5.Painting: Henk Helmantel

Above image: PHOTOGRAPHER: Joanna Maclennan

Above images: LOCATION AGENCY 1st-Option

Above image: SHOP: Teasel England

Above image: jjlocations

Above images: 1.Photography: Katya de Grunwald 2.& 4.SHOP: Katherine Hooker womens tailoring 3.PHOTOGRAPHER: Joanna Maclennan 5.PHOTOGRAPHER: Jan Baldwin

Above image: jjlocations

Above images: 1.Allington Manor hotel Grantham Lincolnshire 2.& 4.SHOP: Katherine Hooker womens tailoring 3.SHOP: An Angel at my Table 5.Image scanned from MAGAZINE: Country Living March 1999

Above image: PAINTING Sir Raymond Greene, DSO, MP, on Horseback, 1919 by Alfred James Munnings

Above image: LOCATION AGENCY: 1st Option

French Farmhouse Style - cooking & eating

2011-08-18T08:00:00.005+01:00

Rustic kitchens and pretty places to dine; whether it is in the cool of a stone farmhouse or on the terrace under the shade of an ancient olive tree. Lazy days filled with the smell of lavender baked in the summer sun and the drone of the honey bee - simple pleasures, but pure bliss!

Above image: PHOTOGRAPHIC & ARCHITECTURAL AGENCY OWI photographer: Verne

Above images scanned from BOOK: Country Style by Judith & Martin Miller

Above image scanned from BOOK: Provencal Escapes- Inspirational Homes in Provence by Caroline Clifton-Mogg & Christopher Drake

Above images:1. La Maison Blauzac ONLINE MAGAZINE: E-MagDeco 2.SHOP: Re 3. & 4. SHOP: Summerille and Bishop 5.& 6.FABRIC:Les Indiennes

Above image scanned from MAGAZINE:Country Living magazine November 2003

Above images: 1.scan from BOOK:Country Style by Judith & Martin Miller 2.& 5. FABRIC:Les Indiennes 3.SHOP: La Maison Bleue 4.PHOTOGRAPHY: CHRIS TUBBS discovered via BLOG Country French Antiques 6.SHOP:The French House

Above image from PROPERTY AGENCY: Classic French Chateau

Above image: SHOP: Summerille and Bishop

Above image scanned from MAGAZINE: Homes & Gardens July 1998

Above images from PROPERTY AGENCY: Classic French Chateau

On a personal note: I will be taking a 2 week break for major restoration work on the house/garden but will be back the first week in September! So it's on with the hard hat and until then for those who may like to view our house restoration so far please click HERE.

Delft Blue, Gustavian Grey

2011-08-11T08:00:00.002+01:00

The soft, romantic tones of the Scandinavian colour palette and the faded patina that features in the prettiest of rustic rooms is always an inspiration for me. This is a selection of some of my favourites.

Above images: Pretty Scandinavian bedroom scanned from BOOK: The Perfect Country Cottage by Bill Laws

Above images: 1.PAINTING: Johann Zoffany The Minuet 1780 - 1783 2.Atelier September Antiques discovered via Master Henriks Blog 3.Augustus Brandt antiques

Above image: Lars Sjoberg's house scanned from BOOK: Country Style by Judith and Martin Miller

Above images: 1.PAINTING: "White can and white cloths" by Willhem de Bont 2.Fireplace Norton Tile Company 3.Chair: SHOP: Bouf 4.Hand painted English Delft tiles: H & H Tile and Flooring Services Ltd

Above image: Lars Sjoberg's house scanned from BOOK: Country Style by Judith and Martin Miller

Above image scanned from BOOK: The Perfect Country Room by Emma-Louise O'Reilly

Above images:1.PAINTING: "Knoflook Koffiepot" by Willhem de Bont 2.FABRIC: "Chinese Paper" by Bennison Fabrics 3.vintage ice skates - my home 4.Ceramic ARTIST: Mari Kristofersson 5.SHOP: Pom Pom Interiors

Above image: Lars Sjoberg's house scanned from BOOK: Country Style by Judith and Martin Miller

Above image scanned from BOOK: English Cottage Interiors by Hugh Lander & Peter Rauter and features a dairy in Sussex England

Above images:1.Ceramic ARTIST: Mari Kristofersson 2. & 4. Appley Hoare Antiques 3.PAINTING: "Stilleven met Drentse archologica" by ARTIST Henk Helmantal

Above images: Pretty Scandinavian room scanned from BOOK: The Perfect Country Cottage by Bill Laws

Above image: Swedish farmhouse scanned from BOOK: Country Style by Judith and Martin Miller

Above images:1.PAINTING: "Trenchter kan en melkkan" by Willhem de Bont 2.& 3.SHOP & BLOG: G-Style 4.18th Century English Delft bowl from Storey Antiques

Above image: ANTIQUES Brownrigg at Home

Setting the Table

2011-08-04T08:00:00.038+01:00

Rustic tables for relaxed, everyday dining from farmhouse to cottage, eat, drink and be merry!

Above image: scanned from Natural Decorating Book by Elizabeth Wilhide and Joanna Copestick

Above images: SHOP Cote Bastide

Above image: SHOP Cote Bastide

Above images: 1.Jeanne d'Arc Living 2.SHOP: Fen & Ned 3. SHOP & BLOG: G-Style

Above image: SHOP Cote Bastide

Above image: SHOP & BLOG: G-Style

Above image: Jeanne d'Arc Living

Above images:1.Antiques SHOP: Atelier de Campagne 2.SHOP: Garden Trading 3.& 5.SHOP & BLOG: G-Style 4.SHOP: The Textile Trunk (loodylady Ebay)

Above image:SHOP: Ruffled Linens

Above image: Photographer Joanna Maclennan

Above images:1& 4. SHOP: Summerill & Bishop 2.SHOP: The New General Store 3.Antiques: Appley Hoare

Above image: The Textile Trunk (loodylady Ebay)

Above image: SHOP: Lombok

Above images:1.SHOP: Summerill & Bishop 2.SHOP: The Textile Trunk (loodylady Ebay)3.& 4. SHOP: The French House

Above image: PHOTOGRAPHER Katie Quinn Davies & Katie's brilliant blog filled with wonderful recipes: What Katie Ate

Hemp and Grain

2011-07-28T08:00:00.006+01:00

Grain & flour sacks, hessian, scrubbed wood and laundered linen. Recycled, upcycled rustic elements are some of my favourite interior decorating items.

Above images: SHOP: Antique vintage European textiles The Textile Trunk (loodylady Ebay)

Above images: 1.Lillian August Designs 1st Dibs 2.The Textile Trunk (loodylady Ebay) 3.Art & Decoration magazine 4.Katie Quinn Davies photographer

Above image: Creator & artist of antiques - SHOP: Daryl McMahon

Katie Quinn Davies photographer author of What Katie Ate

Above image: SHOP: Billet Japan

Above images: 1.Lillian August Designs 1st Dibs 2.& 3. SHOP: The Textile Trunk (loodylady Ebay) 4.Mon Jardin & Ma Maison magazine France

Above image: scanned from BOOK: The Perfect Country Room by Emma-Louise O'Reilly

Above image: scanned from the August 2011 issue of Country Homes & Interiors magazine

Above images: 1.scanned from the August 2011 issue of Country Homes & Interiors magazine 2.SHOP: Cote Bastide 3.SHOP: Full Bloom Cottage

Above image: SHOP: The Textile Trunk (loodylady Ebay)

Above images: 1.E-magdeco 2.SHOP: Billet Japan 3.SHOP: LinenMe 4.SHOP: Red Ticking 1st Dibs

Above image: SHOP: The Textile Trunk (loodylady Ebay)

Above image: scanned from BOOK: Junk Style by Melaine Molesworth

Chalk

2011-07-21T08:00:00.053+01:00

My favourite of all the colour palettes comes from my love of rustic interiors that have a soft dusted patina. From French console tables to Swedish Mora clocks in gently aged tones of chalky white, bone and putty. For me the charm of chipped paint, bleached wood, washed linen and worn stone gives a restful, soothing and calming atmosphere to a room.

Above images: Appley Hoare Antiques

Images 1, 2 & 3: Brigitte & Alain Garnier Antiques and Interiors

Above images: Joanna Macleannan Photography

Above images: 1.,3. & 4. Appley Hoare Antiques 2.Cote Bastide

Above images: Joanna Macleannan Photograph

Above images: 1.Chateau de Moissac 2. & 4. Augustus Brandt Antiques 3.Appley Hoare Antiques 5.Authentic Provence Garden Antiques

Above images: Brownrigg @ Home

Above image: Chateau Dominique Antiques

Above 3 images: French Country Antiques

Above images: 1., 2., 3 & 4. Brownrigg @ Home

Above images: Brownrigg @ Home

Above images: 1., 2.& 3.Brownrigg @ Home

Above image: Italian Villas

Above images:1.Santos Cage Dolls 2.Brownrigg @ Home 3.Augustus Brandt 4.Arcobaleno Antiques and Interiors 5.Appley Hoare Antiques

Above image: Chateau Dominique Antiques

The Perfect White Bathroom

2011-07-14T08:00:00.006+01:00

Are you are inspired by a vintage roll top bath with claw and ball feet, Rococo mirrors, apothecary jars & chandeliers? Or perhaps you prefer a more rustic farmhouse feel with natural stone, scrubbed floors boards, beams and rattan baskets. These gorgeous ideas have one element in common, all are heavenly white rooms in which to relax,indulge or just bathe!

Image: location agency JJ Locations Balham House

Image: location agency 1st Option - Balham House

Images:1.SHOP:Gianna Rose Atelier 2.SHOP:Lavender room 3. & 4. The White Company

Above image: SHOP: The White Company

Image: location agency JJ Locations Balham House

Images: 1.& 4.Elmueble Magazine 2.& 3. SHOP:Lavender room

Above 3 images: location agency: 1st Option

Above image: magazine Campagne Decoration avec Dekio

Above images: 1.SHOP: Juliettes Interiors 2.Photographer: Caroline Arber 3.The Paper Mulberry - vintage bottles from my home

Above image: Jackye Lanham designer

Above images: 1.Elmueble Magazine 2.& 3.SHOP: The White Company

Above image: SHOP: Anton & K

Above image: Living Etc. magazine photographer James Merrell

A 500 year old farmhouse filled with French brocante - my home!

2011-07-07T08:00:00.045+01:00

This is an Elizabethan farmhouse set in the glorious hills of Lincolnshire that my Husband and I are privileged to call home. Dating from the early 1500's and retaining many of it's original features, this is an ongoing tale of it's restoration! Here are a few photographs showing the story so far.

The Entrance Hall

I adore long curtains that 'dribble' over the floor, they also help keep down the drafts in the winter! I made these from decorators dust sheets for a rustic texture (and to keep the cost down!) and lined them with a thermal lining. The curtain tiebacks are suede and pale wood.

The candles in the hurricane lanterns are set into white stone gravel from a builders merchant - far cheaper than florists stones! The hall is painted in Farrow & Ball Pointing No: 2003

A vintage French stool helps our cat negotiated a rather high catflap in the back door!

We have used a mixture of both light and dark wood throughout the house. Vintage baskets hold newspapers and magazines in the summer and logs in the winter. With 5 open fireplaces we get through a lot of wood!

The Kitchen

We replaced fitted kitchen units with free standing furniture and open shelving. The walls are painted in Farrow & Ball Off White No: 3 with the larder, dresser and sink stand painted in Stony Ground 211

A carved and linenfold cupboard set into what we think was an old window or doorway

My favourite 'pineapple' chandelier light above the range cooker!

The main oak beams are of unusual length (over 20 foot) and a local buildings historian has suggested that they may have been recycled from an earlier building. The painting is one of mine.

The cupboard to the left of the range cooker my husband made from old pine doors found at a local reclamation centre. The large slate top was salvaged from a Victorian dairy. The dishwasher is hidden behind the curtain and microwave is in the cupboard!

The fireplace in the kitchen is of unknown date but in constant use in the winter! The larder door to the left is made from a painted MDF panel backed with linen. The settle bench again made by my husband is also a storage box.

Some of our many brocante finds and inherited pieces!

The kitchen table was found at the Newark Antiques & Collectors Fair. The equestrian painting is another one of mine.

The Belfast sink was again a reclamation find and originally from an old dairy. It is wider and more shallow than most of this type.

The chairs are all mismatched and flea market finds collected over the years.

The dresser was also built by my husband (a hobby when he gets the time)! I painted it in Farrow & Ball Stony Ground and we fitted white porcelain and brass knobs on the doors

My favourite china collection - Asiatic Pheasant by Burleigh purchased from Lovers of Blue and White

The teal green cupboard is a French antique complete with the original paint (the inside is a deep red!) We built the cupboards and shelves to the left of it, in what we think must have been a doorway (previously blocked up). Our (enormous) cat Fingle is sitting on an old pine table that luckily withstands being scrubbed!

The flagstones make cleaning easy for a kitchen - out with the mop!

All images: The Paper Mulberry

Just a note: I must apologise for the terrible photography throughout!

The rather varied History of our house:

From 1550 to 1609 our house was a 3 Bay Farmhouse

From the internal layout and construction it is thought to have been built around the mid to late C16th (although it may well have been earlier) and typical of farmhouses of that period. The indications are that it was originally thatched with the Collywestern slate roof and stone frontage, windows etc being added later possibly in 1788. Constructed of wattle and daub (see photo' below) with accommodation over 3 floors. It still retains 5 working fireplaces with examples of C18th hob grates. Of particular interest are the unusually long oak spine/main beams, each running over 20ft in one single length and almost a foot in width, perhaps recycled from an earlier building, may be from the remains of the Norman castle. Also of note are the many marks made in the plaster and carved into the beams thought to ward of evil spirits. The graffiti on the external rear elevation of the house is dated from the period when it was used as a prison! The porch was added in the early part of the 20th century.

From 1609 until 1808 our house became The First House of Correction (prison)!

Extracts from a book about the history of our village features an account of our home when it was a prison (Addresses have been removed for security reasons):-

"The next place of confinement was that of a large house, on the east side of the square. In 1609 it was used more as a workhouse, its purpose to hold able-bodied vagrants. Persons, male or female, traveling through the area without a relevant pass obtained from the parish constable, could be apprehended on sight and detained until bought to the courts. They could be then sentenced and perhaps suffer other punishment for, from the Poor Act, wardens had to provide stocks and a whipping post for each parish. These were given over to the care of the constable.

On the eastern side of the square was an exercise yard for the 1609 Prison which extended outwards.

The prison was really contained beneath the gaoler’s house and consisted of four cells and a day room for the males and two for the females. The former were about 10 feet square and were provided with straw for bedding. Three of the wooden doors had iron gratings for light and air but the fourth, a veritable dungeon, had only four small holes some 1/2” in diameter in the door. To further its loathsome task, it had the walls painted black. All four opened out on to the living room which was about the same width as the cells but was twice their length. It was provided with a glazed, but bared window, looking out on the rear wall. Its other amenity was a small fireplace for which wood was supplied. The separate quarters for women were of small size only 8 feet square, one containing a window and fireplace.

Early references speak of it (our house) as the House of Correction but with its “black hole” it was more of a prison. “On 6 January 1626, Christopher Marsh, a lunatic, was buried here (within our gardens!) in ye House of Correction as was Elizabeth Cartnell, committed for bastardy, on 18 March 1639.” Joan Varley wrote that in 1758, a soldier’s widow, her eldest daughter and two other children, were summoned as vagrants. At the Magistrates Court for mid summer 1680, Daniel Douglas preferred a bill to prosecute Ann Dover and Dorothy Carrel for 'stealing lynnen clothes if him.' The first named was said to be a servant of John Redshaw. Earlier, Christopher March had been confined here as a crazy person in 1627.

Howard, who conducted a Midland Court Circuit of Prisons in the 1700’s, called it a Bridewell. In this prison under the Keeper’s house, he said, were five damp rooms, two of which were used for a lunatic, confined here for some years. A trapdoor in the floor of one room leads to a dungeon down eight steps (we may have discovered the entrance but it has been filled in). The prison had a small courtyard but no pump or sewer yet a woman with child at her breast was sent hither for a year and a day; the child died.

Conveyance to the Quarter Sessions was at the Keeper’s expense. His salary being then £36 per annum, out of which he also had to allow each prisoner six penny worth of bread a week. In October 1774 there were four inmates but by May 1779 only two prisoners plus the lunatic.

The Parish Poor Book contained many items concerning the Prison. Book No.2 said that in 1765 on January 9th, 6s 0d was spent chasing a highwayman.

The prison fare was sparse and monotonous, consisting of 10 pounds of bread a week for each prisoner with 2 shillings’ worth of oatmeal. The latter was boiled in water and the whole meal made into a thick porridge with some of the bread. This was served twice daily in tin pans holding around two pints. The records for 1802 showed five prisoners there, two men and three women."

In 1808 the prison moved to the newly built House of Correction within the remains of the Norman castle. It was perhaps at this time that our house returned to its former use as a farmhouse.

From 1919 our house then became the village Post Office and the first telephone Switchboard in the area. In 1966 the post office moved and once again it became a private dwelling. The outline of the postbox can be clearly seen on the far left of the front elevation and there is a niche indicating its location in our sitting room!

As you can imagine with such a history we have found many artefacts such as old bottles, smoking pipes, many pieces of pottery as well as a small dagger to name but a few! This picture below shows the modern electrics within the original wattle and daub of the walls, yes a previous owner had set within a toilet roll! The yellow paint is an early distemper found beneath the wallpaper which also covered the beams. This restoration has so far taken us 12 years as we are completing as much of it ourselves during weekends and holidays. It is an adventure we are thoroughly enjoying and hope to post more updates again soon!

To be continued.....in the meantime a few more pictures can be found here: