2018

he internet is awash with the websites of architects, interior THE Top designers, builders and garden designers, but which have a track 100 Trecord and the sensitivity required to work on a country property, whether it’s in the UK or abroad? There are obviously many more than those listed on these pages, but these are the practitioners whose reputation and recent work demonstrates that they have an understanding of both classic and con- temporary houses fit for the challenges and demands of modern life, from Georgian country houses and Modernist villas to French châteaux and Alpine chalets. Architects The appetite for constructing a country house from scratch has never been greater. As family life in the 21st cen- tury revolves ever more around large, open-plan spaces and there is a greater demand for privacy and seclusion, the The dining room of a house designed by George Saumarez Smith of ADAM Architecture solution is often to buy a plot and build the dream. ANTA sitive sites. It takes particular pride in using It’s a process that demands careful Founded in the 1980s by (architect) Lachlan locally sourced materials and incorporating thought. What makes the perfect English and (textile designer) Annie Stewart, ANTA’s energy-efficient technologies into new and country house is the marriage bet- architecture is strongly informed by the Scot- old houses. The company is working along- ween the building and the landscape. tish vernacular. The practice embraces col- side BDP on the restoration of the Palace It’s this element, as well as a good, ours inspired by the Scottish landscape and of Westminster and, in October 2017, it was working relationship between the is known for employing local materials and announced that the firm will handle the architect and the local planning officer, craftsmen. A favourite of The Prince of Wales, major overhaul of Grade I-listed Wentworth that can be the making or breaking of the practice has worked at Eilean Donan Woodhouse, Rotherham, South Yorkshire. a new-build scheme. Castle and the Queen Mother’s memorial www.donaldinsallassociates.co.uk; 020– Fortunately for anyone embarking garden at Castle of Mey. 7245 9888 on such a project—be it large-scale or 01862 832477; www.anta.co.uk modest in size—the pool of architect- Francis Johnson & Partners ural talent in Britain continues to grow. Ben Pentreath (see also Interior Designers) This East Yorkshire-based practice is best The output of our top-rated country- From striking houses to master-planning, known for designing new-build country house architects varies in scale and Ben Pentreath and his team create thought- houses—indeed, it was the first to complete style from classically inspired country ful, distinctive designs that fly a flag for the a house under the requirements of PPG7 mansions to distinctive new houses in possibilities of classically inspired architect- (known as ‘Gummer’s Law’). It also designs a modern idiom, as well as traditional ure. Recent projects include designs for village houses, cottages and interiors; in and contemporary barn conversions, Tornagrain, a proposed new town near Inver- 2017, the firm received a commendation by family houses and domestic exten- ness, and Sulis Down, 200 homes near Bath the Georgian Group for the restoration of sions to listed or sensitive buildings. that draw on the Arts-and-Crafts vernacular. the interiors of Euston Hall in Suffolk. 020–7430 2424; www.benpentreath.com www.francisjohnson-architects.co.uk; 01262 674043 ADAM Architecture Craig Hamilton The Winchester- and -based team Having studied architecture at the University Francis Terry & Associates of multi-award-winning architects and urban of Natal, Craig moved to the UK in 1986 and Having moved on from his father’s practice designers is one of the largest practices to established this practice in 1991. Based in (see Quinlan & Francis Terry LLP Architects) ountry ife specialise in new-build country houses. The Radnorshire, he undertakes projects through- in 2016, Francis Terry and his team continue The C L Top 100 company’s directors include leading lights out the UK and abroad and has a reputation to create classically designed country houses. in Classical architecture such as co-founder for progressive Classical and traditional archi- In June 2017, he was elected to lead RIBA’s , George Saumarez Smith (who tecture. He also specialises in chapels, for traditionalist wing and the company is cur- Restoring or building a house in the country offers the opportunity to create the rural designed the Palladian villa shown left) and which he has won Georgian Group awards rently working on a new-build Palladian-style retreat of your dreams. For the second year, Country Life presents its definitive list Hugh Petter. Each stamps his own architect- two years running. house in Norfolk. ural personality on projects that range from 01982 553312; www.craighamiltonarchitects.com 01206 580528; http://ftanda.co.uk of architects, interior designers, builders and garden designers with the skills and Regency houses in Berkshire to a cottage experience required to turn those dreams into reality. orné extension in Yorkshire via a new Queen Donald Insall Associates Giles Quarme & Associates Anne country house in the Chilterns and Established in 1958, the firm’s focus is on the Historic buildings are a practice speciality. The a sustainable Cornish manor. care, repair and adaption of historic buildings, restoration work by the London-based team

Compiled by Arabella Youens Paul Barker 01962 843843; www.adamarchitecture.com as well as designing new buildings for sen- on Grade I-listed Glynde Place in the South ➢

www.countrylife.co.uk Country Life, March 7, 2018 99 Downs National Park was recognised with no Ireland. In 2017, founder Nicholas Groves- major projects primarily in the surrounding fewer than five awards in 2017. Work on the Raines was presented with a lifetime achieve- counties, as well as London. Completed pro- Elizabethan mansion preserved its historic ment award from the Royal Incorporation jects include the reconfiguration and extension features while allowing it to become a com- of Architects in Scotland. of Pickhurst, near Chiddingfold, Surrey, fortable, 21st-century family home. 0131–467 7777; http://grovesraines.com which featured in Country Life last year 020–7582 0748; www.quarme.com (Property market, May 10 and June 21, 2017). Hoare, Ridge & Morris 01428 644644; www.ianadam-smith.co.uk Gluckman Smith A relatively new practice, founded in 2012 by Specialising in projects that require a contem- Mark Hoare (previously of ADAM Architecture), James Gorst Architects porary response to sensitive settings—both in Ted Ridge and Charles Morris, it covers con- James Gorst says his practice, which has west London and the Cotswolds—Tom Smith siderable ground, from master-planning village won several awards for its Modernist homes, and Robert Gluckman work on extensions to extensions to interior design, based from is focused on creating domestic architecture Victorian houses, barn conversions and new- its office in Snape Maltings, Suffolk. Recent that explores abstract form that ‘doesn’t build houses within historic landscapes. One projects have included alterations and repairs hark back to traditional porches or pitched recent example is Font House, in the grounds to important listed buildings as well as the roofs’. Recent projects include Hannington of Nevill Holt, Leicestershire, where the prac- design of new houses and landscaping. Farm in Northamptonshire—an assembly tice replaced a tired, 1960s bungalow set in 01728 688747; www.hrma.co.uk of buildings with asymmetrical roofs—and a walled garden with a one-storey, two-bed- a two-storey extension to a Georgian house room house with façades constructed from Hudson Architects NEW FOR 2018 in London. local ironstone. Founded by Anthony Hudson in 1992, its www.jamesgorstararchitects.com; 020–7336 020–7998 1525; www.gluckmansmith.com projects range from a modern family house 7140 in Jersey to the transformation of a Tudor Groves-Raines Architects barn in Essex into a stylish modern home. John Simpson Architects This Edinburgh-based, award-winning prac- The practice has two offices: one in Norwich Has extensive experience of working on tice specialises in the conservation, restor- and the other in Clerkenwell, London. public and educational buildings—ongoing ation and reuse of existing historic build- 01603 766220; http://hudsonarchitects.co.uk projects include a new building at the ings. Established in 1972, it has been University of Notre Dame in Indiana, USA, involved in saving a number of A-Listed Ian Adam-Smith NEW FOR 2018 and the £25 million redevelopment of the castles, churches and fortified houses Housed in a group of barns on the Surrey/ Royal College of Music in Kensington. from dereliction across Scotland and in West Sussex border, this practice takes on Based in Bloomsbury, residential projects ➢

James Gorst converted this stone barn into an artist’s studio and extended it to create garaging and staff accommodation

100 Country Life, March 7, 2018 www.countrylife.co.uk 2018

THE Top 100

This house, designed by Smallwood Architects, was built on the remains of a Victorian house, the cellars of which were retained range from mansions in New York and tect, his passion for historic buildings—one Grenfell Tower fire. In memory of Gloria Paris to country houses across the UK. fan believes he can describe and draw the and her boyfriend, Marco, the company www.johnsimpsonarchitects.com; 020– floor plans of every great house in — has established an annual award to help 7405 1285 is well known throughout the West Country. talented young Italian graduates interested Work includes Whithurst Park, a new Jaco- in conservation architecture. John Stark & Crickmay Partnership bean-style manor house in Sussex. 020–7384 2111; www.peregrine-bryant.co.uk Founded in 1999, following an amalgamation 01297 22172; [email protected] of two of the longest-practising firms in the Ptolemy Dean Architects South-West. Work ranges from larger country Lindsay Buchan Architects Architect, television presenter, the 19th Surveyor houses to conservation projects and domes- After starting out in retail and hotel design, of the Fabric of Westminster Abbey and Country tic extensions. Edinburgh-based Lindsay Buchan estab- Life contributor, Ptolemy Dean leads the field 01305 262636; www.jscp.co.uk lished his own practice in 1993. Working in historic preservation of buildings and design- on the refurbishment, extension and design ing new buildings in keeping with their sur- Julian Bicknell & Associates of town houses and country villas through- roundings. Projects include his own new-build Julian Bicknell leads a large team of tradi- out the UK, there is a particular focus on farmhouse overlooking the Sussex Weald. tional architects who design buildings, Edinburgh and East Lothian, where he’s 020–7378 7714; www.ptolemydean.co.uk landscapes and interiors across the UK known to have good relationship with both and worldwide. One of his most celebrated local planners and Historic Scotland. Purcell houses, the neo-Classical Henbury Hall 0131–554 9008; www.lindsaybuchan.com This award-winning practice has studios near Macclesfield, Cheshire, is widely rec- throughout the UK and is often involved with ognised as one of the most important Marc Deaves major projects on large country houses and country houses built in England during the Having started his career working on historic historic buildings. In December 2017, it was late 20th century. buildings for large London estates, this pub- appointed (jointly with Allies and Morrison) by 020–8891 1001; www.julianbicknell.co.uk licity-shy architect (he has no website) has the National Trust to ‘reimagine’ Clandon Park worked on many important houses. One of after it was damaged by fire in 2015. Kay Pilsbury Thomas Architects his largest projects has been the compre- 020–7397 7171; www.purcelluk.com Specialists in old and listed buildings, as well hensive overhaul of Encombe House, near as new buildings in sensitive areas, this prac- Corfe Castle in Dorset. Quinlan & Francis Terry Architects tice is family-run from offices in Saffron 020–7498 9361; [email protected] Continuing the tradition of Classical architect- Walden, Essex. It has a strong focus on East ure established by Raymond Erith in 1928, Anglia and the Home Counties; work inc- Peregrine Bryant NEW FOR 2018 has designed many of the finest ludes the remodelling of listed houses, base- This practice was recently appointed by country houses built in the past three decades, ment extensions and pool houses as well as the new American owners of Crichel including Ferne Park, Viscount Rothemere’s more esoteric projects, such as garages House in Dorset to reinstate missing ele- house on the Dorset/Wiltshire border. with bat lofts. ments to the house. Other projects include 01206 323186; www.qftarchitects.com 01799 599208; www.kpt.co.uk restoration and conservation of listed build- ings all over the country. Last year, tragedy Russell Taylor Architects NEW FOR 2018 Kit Rae-Scott struck the firm when it lost newly appoin- With a reputation for obtaining planning and Although Kit Rae-Scott is not a qualified archi- ted team member Gloria Trevisan in the listed-building consent in difficult and chal- ➢

102 Country Life, March 7, 2018 www.countrylife.co.uk lenging areas, the practice specialises in Classical and vernacular traditions, working Classical architecture, period designs and all over the UK. Garden designers details. The main studio is in London, where 01935 83543; www.stuartmartinarchitects. There are few more beautiful words in a lot of work extending and remodelling houses com English than ‘summer afternoon’ and, takes place and the firm has a second office to many, the scene that is conjured is in Polperro, Cornwall. Thomas Croft Architects one set on a lush, green lawn surrounded 020–7261 1984; http://rtarchitects.co.uk This practice specialises in contemporary by borders filled with highly-scented interventions in historic buildings as well as roses, lying in the dappled shade of Simpson & Brown Architects new buildings that relate strongly to historic a mature cedar tree. An Edinburgh-based conservation firm that settings. Many projects are in London, but None of this happens by accident. works on a range of projects, including an the team has converted a Grade II-listed A beautiful country house is as much ogee-roofed pavilion at Wormiston House, barn in Kent and a new house on the north about its surroundings as it is about Fife (Country Life, May 17, 2017) as well as Norfolk coast. its architecture and it takes the skill of the full restoration of the Landmark Trust’s 020–8962 0066; http://thomascroft.com the very best garden designer to create Auchinleck House and the ongoing care of or develop a setting which achieves Lindisfarne castle. Watson, Bertram & Fell that perfect harmony between house 0131–555 4678; www.simpsonandbrown.co.uk A firm of architects and surveyors based in and garden. Bath with a broad spectrum of experience Previously unremarkable spaces can Smallwood NEW FOR 2018 of working on listed buildings and innovat- be transformed, hitherto unexposed This London-based firm (with a second ive new projects in sensitive conservation views can be opened up, outdoor dining office in Stamford, Lincolnshire) was founded areas. Led by principal architect Mark spaces under wisteria-covered pergolas by Christopher Smallwood in 1976. Its port- Watson, it works on country and town established, romantic corners created folio includes the refurbishment of a castle in houses of all sizes as well as estates, with an arbour swathed in roses or vines Ireland, a new house in Connecticut, USA, including Ilchester and Ozleworth. and unsightly walls softened by a tangle a Palladian house in Hampshire and the con- 01225 337273; www.wbf-bath.co.uk of climbers. version of a listed 18th-century stable block We are blessed with a vast pool of into an indoor pool and party barn. Yiangou home-grown creative talent. From master- 020–7376 5744; www.smallwoodarchitects. With handsome offices in central Ciren- minding parkland for new country co.uk cester, this architectural practice has houses to designing classic English been responsible for the design of a number walled and cottage gardens, via more Stuart Martin Architects of classically inspired new-build country minimalist and elegant approaches and This Dorset-based practice designed the houses, including Rectory Farm at Church not forgetting compact urban terraces award-winning Chitcombe House in Enstone, Oxfordshire. It also specialises in and roof gardens, these are the pro- Woolland. Although initially focused on con- highly contemporary pool houses and lei- fessionals at the top of their game servation work, the team is increasingly sure complexes.

Andy Marshall Andy involved in new-build projects within the 01285 888150; http://yiangou.com Acres Wild This revered practice was established by Debbie Roberts and Ian Smith in 1988 and has a reputation for creating stylish contem- porary country gardens. Last year, its work was recognised by an award from the British Association of Landscape Industries—judges praised the exceptional planting and detailing. Although the firm predominantly works across the Home Counties, team members will travel further and have completed projects in London, throughout the rest of the UK, France, Spain and California. 01403 891084; www.acreswild.co.uk

Angela Collins Garden Design With gardens characterised by billowing and romantic borders that are punctuated by strong, architectural planting, Warwickshire-based Angela Collins has built up a reputation over the past 25 years for creating individual gar- dens that marry the house to the countryside. 07876 592440; www.angelacollins.co.uk

Arabella Lennox-Boyd A landscape designer since 1971 and the winner of numerous gold medals from Chelsea, Arabella Lennox-Boyd stands at the peak of This country house designed by Yiangou was constructed from Cotswold ashlar stone British garden design. Not averse to intrepid ➢

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undaunted by unpromising sites and transforming spaces into THE Top romantic and theatrical gardens. www.bannermandesign.com 100

Jinny Blom A psychologist until her mid thirties, Jinny Blom now stands at the forefront of English garden design, taking on projects that range from a lodge in Kenya to the Buckinghamshire home of Lady Getty via urban London gardens. Green structures and water (where possible) are key elements to her designs. Last year, she published The Thoughtful Gardener. 020–7253 2100; www.jinnyblom.com

Julie Toll Landscape & Garden Design Widely regarded as one of the first garden designers to pioneer meadow planting in pri- vate gardens, Julie Toll’s designs often involve Starting geometrically, this design by Harris Bugg gives way to something more curvaceous collaborating with artists and craftsmen such as dry-stone wallers, sculptors and black- plant-hunting trips (she has a passion for rare the practice with American Paul Gazerwitz smiths. Based in Hertfordshire, she works trees and shrubs), she’s known for her beauti- in 2000. Home is in Suffolk, but the team is extensively overseas, particularly on the ful herbaceous borders. based in London, from where it designs gar- Caribbean island of Nevis. 020–7931 9995; www.arabellalennoxboyd.com dens that favour clean lines and play with 01438 310095; www.julietoll.co.uk scale and proportions. Arne Maynard Garden Design 020–7613 1122; http://delbuono-gazerwitz.co.uk Kim Wilkie A London- and Monmouthshire-based designer With a considerable international following, the with an architect’s training who has a reputa- George Carter Garden Design Hampshire-based landscape architect is known tion for creating gardens that balance a sense A sculptor-turned-gardener, George Carter for originality and verve when it comes to garden of wildness and order and the formal with the is known for creating formal gardens often designs. His work includes the transformation informal. His interest in gardens began during inspired by the simple geometry of 17th-cen- of the V&A’s courtyard and the restoration of a holiday job working on the gardens of Cran- tury gardens. Although he’s based in Norfolk, parkland at The Grange in Hampshire, as well borne Manor, Dorset; today, his projects take he’s worked on the Garden of Gethsemane as many high-profile country estates. him all over the world. as well as Chevening House, Burghley and 01489 891691; www.kimwilkie.com 020–7689 8100; http://arnemaynard.com Holkham Hall. 01362 668130; http://georgecartergardens. Luciano Giubbilei Colson Stone Practice NEW FOR 2018 co.uk Multi-medal-winning designer, who designs Winner of the SGD Historic Garden Restoration Classical and elegant gardens for London Award for his work at Villa Balbiano on Lake Graham Lloyd Brunt NEW FOR 2018 town houses and rural landscapes. He’s Como in Italy, Christian Sweet and his team Timeless gardens for modern living is Graham’s donating the profits of his recent book, The work on a wide range of projects throughout specialty. Based in Westminster, the practice Art of Making Gardens, to support trainee the UK and Europe. The full-service practice tends to work on larger gardens for houses gardeners at Great Dixter, East Sussex, where covers every aspect of working with new and and hotels in London, as well as country-house he works with head gardener Fergus Garrett. historically sensitive houses. gardens in southern England and, occasion- 020–7622 2616; www.lucianogiubbilei.com 01823 332883; www.colsonstone.co.uk ally, further afield. 020–7222 2777; www.lloydbrunt.com Marcus Barnett Bradley-Hole Schoenaich Landscaping It was a commission in the Scots Guards that Recently appointed by the RHS to develop Harris Bugg Studio NEW FOR 2018 taught Marcus Barnett the art of understand- the masterplan for the Society’s flagship gar- This new partnership only was established in ing landscape and topography—a useful skill dens at Wisley, Surrey, the influential Modern- 2017 when Hugo Bugg and Charlotte Harris when it comes to redesigning country-house ist and winner of six gold medals and two Best merged their existing practices. Dividing their gardens and parkland for clients. Trees and Show Garden awards at Chelsea Flower Show time between studios in Exeter and London, architectural forms as well as hard landscap- is currently working on a 500-acre landscape they’ve built up a reputation for delivering creative ing form the foundation of many designs, near Henley. Recent projects include a new and eye-catching gardens, from contemporary which appear restrained and uncluttered public landscape for the BBC at White City, London roof terraces to large country estates. before, on closer inspection, revealing layers a garden for the former Arsenal Football ground 020–8191 7131; www.harrisbugg.com of complexity. and gardens around the Stirling Prize-winning 020–7736 9761; www.marcusbarnett.com Sainsbury Laboratory, University of Cambridge I. & J. Bannerman 020–8939 1749; http://bhsla.co.uk Husband-and-wife garden designers ‘and Marie-Louise Agius of Balston Agius builders’, who have worked on a number of Based near Devizes, in Wiltshire, and trained del Buono Gazerwitz gardens, including Asthall Manor, Houghton at the KLC School of Design in London, Marie- Landscape Architecture Hall, Arundel Castle and the stumpery at Louise Agius works on projects that range from Florentine Tommaso del Buono established Highgrove. They have a reputation for being roof gardens to large private estates. She won ➢

106 Country Life, March 7, 2018 www.countrylife.co.uk a Chelsea Gold Medal in 2013 and also looks designer, Simon Johnson’s expertise takes after the gardens at Exbury, Hampshire, cre- him to projects all over the world, from the Interior decorators ated by her great-grandfather, the celebrated Mediterranean to New England in the USA. Of all the decorative trends that have plantsman Lionel de Rothschild. Based near Bath, he worked with acclaimed been in vogue during the past 50 years— 01380 848181; www.balstonagius.co.uk designer Penelope Hobhouse for many years. be it Scandi, mid-century, Minimalism or www.simonjohnson.co.uk industrial—none has been as powerful Pip Morrison or as enduring as that of the English Until recently, Pip worked alongside fellow garden Todd Longstaffe-Gowan country house. Exported all over the designer and author Mary Keen. Today, the As gardens adviser to Historic Royal Palaces, world, it’s a near indeterminable alchemy accomplished landscape architect, who trained Todd Longstaffe-Gowan was responsible for that informally blends elements such as in Edinburgh, maintains a famously low profile. the redesign of Kensington Palace’s com- mixing brown furniture with contempo- 07817 736360 memorative White Garden, which opened rary objects, layers of pattern and tex- last summer. tiles, kilims, ikat lampshades and com- Robert Myers Associates 020–7253 2100; www.tlg-landscape.co.uk fortable sofas. A large, Cambridge- and Herefordshire-based There are, thankfully, few rules to practice that’s designed many private country Tom Stuart-Smith country-house interior design. It’s gardens and public spaces, including the Widely regarded as one of the country’s most a broad church of tastes that, with Magic Garden at Hampton Court Palace and influential garden designers, Tom Stuart-Smith every new generation of decorators, the Bowes Lyon Rose Garden at RHS Wisley. has won eight gold medals and three best-in- is being reinterpreted and producing It’s currently working on designs for the pro- show awards at Chelsea. Country-house some surprising and delightful results. posed redevelopment of the In and Out Club gardens are a staple, but work takes him on Piccadilly, W1. around the world. He’s currently designing the 01544 232035; www.robertmyers-associates. new RHS garden near Salford, the first stage Alidad co.uk of which is anticipated to open in 2019. Brought up in Iran and Switzerland before 020–7253 2100; www.tomstuartsmith.co.uk moving to the UK and then working at Rupert Golby Sotheby’s, Alidad has a deep appreciation This Kew-trained garden designer keeps a low Xa Tollemache for history and can talk eloquently of aes- profile, but has nevertheless built up a word- Xa Tollemache’s garden at Helmingham thetics from Baroque to neo-Classicism, of-mouth following in the Cotswolds and beyond Hall, near Ipswich in Suffolk, was named the Chinoiserie to Art Deco. Although Alidad for his Classical planting. His project portfolio Historic Houses Association’s garden of the eschews fashion, he believes in ‘timeless includes Daylesford House in Gloucestershire year in 2017. Her practice, which was estab- elegance and matured nonchalance’. Studio and Kingham Hill House in Oxfordshire. lished in 1996, favours a classic contemporary Alidad is his ‘ready-to-wear’ arm, which is

Alex Ramsay 07785 228384 style. Her Global Growth garden, for RHS aimed at a younger audience or those on Hyde Hall in Essex, is due to open this a tighter budget. Simon Johnson summer. 020–7384 0121; www.alidad.com As an experienced country-house landscape 01473 890799; www.xa-tollemache.co.uk Ben Pentreath The highly regarded interior-design arm of Mr Pentreath’s architecture practice (see page 99) typically combines a strong use of colour and Classical details with simple patterns and an eclectic mix of furniture and lighting from different periods. 020–7430 2424; www.benpentreath.com

Colin Orchard Like many of the most accomplished decor- ators, Colin Orchard cut his teeth at Sybil Colefax & John Fowler, where he led a design team. Since 1989, he’s run his own busi- ness, where he works on projects that criss-cross the Atlantic. He’s spent much of the past decade working on the exquisite Ballyfin in Ireland. 020–7351 5501; [email protected]

Linley Exquisitely made joinery features strongly in interior projects by Linley, the decorating arm of Lord Snowdon’s furniture business. The in-house team of interior architects, designers and consultants works on resi- dential and commercial projects all over the world. A paved terrace offers views across this garden designed by Robert Myers Associates 020–7730 7300; www.davidlinley.com ➢

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Douglas Mackie Design With an eye for integrating serious art col- THE Top lections into private homes—a recent pro- ject placed 20th-century art in a Tudor-era 100 mansion—Douglas Mackie is skilled at cre- ating stately yet cosy spaces. After studying architecture at Cambridge, he trained with legendary decorator Tessa Kennedy. 020–7487 3295; www.douglasmackie.com

Edward Bulmer The interior decorator and natural paint pioneer studied fine art at the University of East Anglia before joining David Mlinaric’s practice. Later, he worked with artist and picture restorer Alec Cobbe before setting up his business in Herefordshire, where he specialises in listed houses. 01544 388535; www.edwardbulmerpaint. co.uk

Emma Sims Hilditch Emma and her team specialise in executing a relaxed and modern country style, which is achieved through a singular approach to lighting, texture, colours and the flow of Alexander James rooms that becomes the main focus of Henriette Von Stockhausen of VSP Interiors designed this country-house bedroom each project. Work varies from large family houses to new-build town houses in Bath, Hugh Leslie Joanna Wood brings Classical style, a well- London apartments and coastal homes in Although he professes to have no house honed eye for practical details and enormous the Channel Islands. style, this is a designer who certainly isn’t energy to her projects. Currently tasked with 01249 783087; www.simshilditch.com afraid to make a statement. Colour fea- decorating the American ambassador’s res- tures strongly in his schemes—perhaps idence in London, she can turn her hand to Guy Goodfellow something to do with the fact that he anything from Soho penthouses to classic The fact that Guy Goodfellow and his team hails from New Zealand. Abstract art is country houses. refused to be pigeonholed into a specific a major feature. 020–7730 0693; www.joannawood.com style explains why clients with multiple homes 020–7584 7185; www.hughleslie.com repeatedly ask him to decorate them all. There’s John Evans an underlying current of Englishness to each Jane Churchill Interiors An interior architect and designer, John design, but, from there, it can go in any direct- A name synonymous with classic English Evans’s expertise lies in spatial planning and ion. He also sells his own collection of fab- interior design, Jane Churchill has been improving the flow of interior space in his rics and wallpapers. known for her deft ability to combine tradi- projects. Birmingham-based (and with an 020–7349 0728; www.guygoodfellow.com tional and contemporary elements since office in London), his projects have a con- she established the business in 1975. temporary bent and range from new-build Henrietta Spencer-Churchill 020–7730 8564; www.janechurchillinteriors. country houses to luxury ski chalets. With a Classical aesthetic and a fleet of cli- co.uk 020–7252 2392; www.johnevansdesign.com ents in both the UK and America, Henrietta is known for her deep knowledge and pas- Janine Stone & Co Katharine Pooley sion for country-house interiors and archi- The go-to practice for clients looking for lux- With showrooms in Walton Street and Qatar tecture (she studied history of art in Florence urious, elegant design. The multi-disciplinary (she grew up in the Middle East and has and Paris). Based in Woodstock, Oxford- team covers architecture, interior design, lived in the Far East), Katharine Pooley’s shire, she’s also a director of HRW Antiques. building and project management and is projects include barn conversions, country www.spencerchurchilldesigns.com; 01993 based in London and Cheshire. This highly houses and castles in Scotland, in which 811887 creative design practice led by Janine Stone she creates fresh, contemporary country and her team of 50 professionals predomi- spaces. Last year, she published Journey Henriette von Stockhausen nantly focuses on private clients and their By Design. Co-founder of VSP Interiors, Henriette von town houses and apartments in central 020–7584 3223; www.katharinepooley.com Stockhausen uses her background in antiques London and country houses in the Home to create rooms that are classically inspired yet Counties and further afield, including inter- Keech Green colourful and eclectic, blending a mix of old national projects. Established by Michael Keech and Graham and new furniture and decorative pieces. Based 020–3797 7256; www.janinestone.com Green in 2002, the practice specialises in in Dorset, and with a passion for the country- bespoke furniture, unusual finishes and side, she’s popular with families moving out of Joanna Wood what they describe as a signature ‘Modern London and establishing a country house. With an interior-design practice and epony- Deco’ approach to interior design. A good 07787 574192; www.vspinteriors.com mous shop on Belgravia’s Elizabeth Street, choice for someone looking for a finish ➢

110 Country Life, March 7, 2018 www.countrylife.co.uk houses. The Belgravia-based shop makes and sells furniture, fabrics, lighting and antiques. 020–7730 8623; www.nicholashaslam.com

Penny Morrison A South African-born interior designer who champions the ‘undecorated’ look and whose guiding motto is ‘who cares if the colours don’t match?’. Rooms are full of colour, pattern and interesting pieces of furniture. She also designs her own range of fabrics that, together with a collection of decorative accessories, are available to view at Lorfords Antiques, Langton Street, SW10. 01547 560460; www.pennymorrison.com

Pippa Paton Working from her full-service interior- design, architecture and project-manage- ment studio in Kingston Bagpuize, Oxford- shire, Pippa creates fresh and contempor- ary rooms that sit happily alongside exposed historical features—as demonstrated in her book published last year: Twenty First Century Cotswolds. 01865 595470; www.pippapatondesign.co.uk

Joanna Wood designed this bathroom for her own house in the country Rita Konig Multi-tasking interior designer and journalist that’s both elegant and masculine. from town houses to country houses and Rita Konig specialises in timeless and ele- 020–7351 5701; www.keechgreen.com villas abroad. gant designs that mix and deliberately don’t 020–7349 2575; www.mcwhirtermorris.com match, with charming and always distinctive Lucy Elworthy results. Although she’s based in London, A Wiltshire-based interior designer (who’s Mlinaric, Henry and Zervudachi a lot of projects take her to the USA, where handily married to Canadian-born architect A blue-chip firm of decorators, founded in she used to live and work. John Comparelli), Lucy Elworthy has a repu- the 1960s by David Mlinaric. The partners 020–3735 7280; http://ritakonig.com tation for blending period and contempor- work on an extensive range of projects for ary pieces to create stylish, comfortable private clients, often with extensive art col- Robert Kime country houses. Formerly Decoration Editor lections. The firm has offices in Paris and A quiet and unassuming man with impec- of House & Garden, she creates schemes New York and projects take members to all cable credentials and unimpeachable taste, that are characterised by a discreet use of the (most glamorous) corners of the globe. Robert Kime is, unquestionably, one of the colour and pattern. 020–7730 9072; http://mhzlondon.com great English decorators of today. With 07957 693246; www.lucyelworthy.co.uk a passion for antiques (visit his showroom Nina Campbell in Pimlico Road for evidence), he has an Max Rollitt The decorating legend, who started her extensive collection of fabrics to draw upon Antique dealer, furniture designer and deco- career shadowing the legendary John and his interiors encapsulate all that’s indi- rator, Max’s skill is for creating graphic, ele- Fowler and collaborating on the interiors vidual, off-beat, informal and interesting gant and distinctive spaces that look as if of Annabel’s in their first incarnation. She about country-house design. they’ve evolved over the years—it’s a style also has hugely successful collections of 020–7831 6066; www.robertkime.com that follows very much in the vein of the fabric and wallpaper and owns an epony- greats, including Christopher Gibbs and mous boutique in Walton Street, SW3, and Rose Uniacke Robert Kime. a showroom at the Design Centre, Chelsea An absolute master of the restrained and 01962 791124; www.maxrollitt.com Harbour, SW10. more disciplined approach that is, never- 020–7225 1011; http://ninacampbellinteriors. theless, a long way from Minimalism, Rose McWhirter Morris com Uniacke brings her deep knowledge of Former director of Sibyl Colefax & John Fowler antiques and razor-sharp aesthetic eye to Sarah Morris joined forces with established Paolo Moschino for Nicholas Haslam her projects. She’s a favourite with A-list cli- antique dealer James McWhirter in 2005. Clients appointing Paolo Moschino will most ents who want rooms that are comfortable The result is a practice that marries the tra- likely be looking to introduce the company’s as well as stylishly curated. ditional English country-house style with signature luxurious finishes and good art to 020–7730 7050; http://roseuniacke.com carefully chosen antiques. The pair worked their London, Paris or New York homes, but on the refurbishment of Dumfries House the contemporary designer can equally bring Salvesen Graham NEW FOR 2018

Nick Smith for The Prince of Wales and projects range its distinctive, Continental flair to country Founded in 2013 by Nicole Salvesen and ➢

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Mary Graham, this thriving practice quickly practice covers all bases and will take pro- gained a reputation for a style that is achieved jects from the ground up, including not just Builders THE Top by layering textures, pattern and colours the interiors, but also the design of furniture New-build country houses and juxtaposing antiques with contempo- and fittings to suit each room. and extensions to listed or 100 rary pieces. Both have young families and 020–7235 7808; www.thorp.co.uk historically sensitive build- young clients to boot. ings require professional attention and 020–7967 7777; www.salvesengraham.com Todhunter Earle specialist knowledge. It’s worth spend- Emily Todhunter and Kate Earle work on ing just as much time choosing your Sibyl Colefax & John Fowler projects that range from country houses builder as you do your architect. After moving to its new premises on Pim- to hotels (Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons), Our recommendations for firms spe- lico Road, this long-established English yachts, nightclubs and ski chalets. Designs cialising in country houses are based on firm continues to go from strength to are grown-up, but with quirks—a glitter ball their craftsmanship and expertise in the strength. Run by eight directors, who all here, a splash of colour there. They also have fields of conservation, restoration and have their different style and expertise, a collection of lighting, wallpaper and rugs. time-honoured building skills. but channel Fowler’s belief—chiefly, that 020–7349 9999; http://todhunterearle.com Collectively, the companies boast a room should be ‘well behaved but free several hundred years of experience from any rules’. Veere Grenney and many of them count skilled artisans 020–7493 2231; www.sibylcolefax.com Another New Zealand-born designer, Veere within their teams. Testament to the Grenney creates projects dotted around the strength of their reputation is that many Studio Atkinson world. His designs are immaculately tailored of them are commissioned to work not With various projects for the Soho House and respond carefully to the architecture, only in the British Isles, but also by cli- group and, more recently, Beaverbrook, climate and culture of the buildings. ents based overseas, who require the Surrey’s latest country-house hotel, under 020–7351 7170; www.veeregrenney.com assurance of excellence. her belt, Susie Atkinson knows how to dec- orate chic, comfortable spaces. She has Wilkinson Beven NEW FOR 2018 a particular passion for craftsmanship. A Birmingham-based studio that has lots of Artichoke Ltd NEW FOR 2018 020–7384 0700; http://susieatkinson.com experience working on country houses in the A specialist joinery designer for country Cotswolds and Warwickshire as well as ski houses (and traditional town houses) estab- Thorp chalets in the Alps and holiday homes in the lished by managing director Bruce Hodgson Based in smart, Belgravia offices—a con- Caribbean. With a resolutely contemporary in 1990. The firm bridges the gap between veniently short taxi ride for her many bent, it has a meticulous attention to detail. architecture and interior design and makes

Dylan Thomas Dylan Mayfair-based clients—Philippa Thorp’s 0121–622 7366; www.wilkinsonbeven.com all its fitted furniture, kitchens and interior joinery in its Somerset workshop. 01934 745 270; www.artichoke-ltd.com

Carpenter Oak Award-winning builder of handcrafted oak- framed buildings, houses and extensions, examples of which have been shown on Channel 4’s Grand Designs. Based in South Hams, Devon, the firm has a reputation for marrying modern technology and expert- ise with age-old skills and the team has completed a number of international pro- jects, including a new-build house in the Dordogne and a swimming pool in St Petersburg, Russia. 01803 732900; www.carpenteroak.com

Oakwrights This large company is based on the outskirts of Hereford and operates both nationwide and abroad. It’s won multiple awards for the design and construction of all styles of oak- framed houses and buildings, in both tra- ditional and contemporary styles. 01432 353353; www.oakwrights.co.uk

Prime Oak This Staffordshire-based firm was founded in 1998 and, since then, it has won many awards and established a reputation for delivering innovative new products to the The Tea Room at The Temple of Diana in the grounds of Weston Park, designed market, such as bi-folding doors and win- by Janie Money, associate director of Sibyl Colefax & John Fowler dows. Sister companies include oak-framer ➢

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THE Top 100 Emma Harris Emma This Edwardian house was transformed by Ian Adam Smith architects (see page 100) and the building firm R. W. Armstrong

Julius Bahn and the garden room and win- R. W. Armstrong all hand-cast. It’s the only manufacturer dow supplier Montpelier. Family-run residential building firm with five licensed by the National Trust to produce Prime Oak: 01384 296611; www.primeoak. offices across London and the South, special- decorative plasterwork. co.uk ising in new build and the refurbishment of period www.stevensons-of-norwich.co.uk; Julius Bahn: www.juliusbahn.co.uk; 03444 and country homes. Recent projects include 01603 400824 171400 the refurbishment of a Grade I* listed Baroque Montpelier: www.montpelierjoinery.com; manor house. Its conservation arm, Daedalus, Symm 01384 279933 has received RICS awards for four years running. Based in Oxford, this family-owned firm 01256 850177; www.rwarmstrong.co.uk carries out much of the highly specialist work R. Durtnell & Sons itself, thanks to an in-house team. Resident- This family-owned, family-run firm was Stevensons of Norwich ial projects include everything from altera- founded in 1591, making it the oldest build- This is the go-to firm for architectural mould- tions and full refurbishments on listed country ing group in the country. Last year, it won ings for all periods of traditional buildings as houses to dramatic glass extensions for Vic- the contract to restore the Royal well as the restoration of traditional plaster- torian town houses in London. Pavilion. Based in Kent, the company under- work, cornices and ceiling roses, which are 01865 254900; www.symm.co.uk takes every type of project from new-builds to alteration and renovation work, much of which is carried out by its in-house tradesmen. 01959 564105; http://durtnell.co.uk

R. J. Smith & Co NEW FOR 2018 Known for its work on high-end new-build projects as well as the repair, conversion and alteration of historic buildings, this Hampshire- based firm has worked with top architects including George Saumarez Smith of ADAM Architecture (see page 99). 01256 892276; www.rjsmith.co.uk

R. Moulding & Co A long-established Wiltshire-based resi- dential building firm, its work is often featured on the cover of Country Life. Recently completed projects include a Grade II*-listed house near Winchester, and the extensive restoration of an Eliza- bethan house in Wiltshire. 01722 742228; www.moulding.co.uk Stockton in Witshire has been carefully renovated with the help of R Moulding & Co

116 Country Life, March 7, 2018 www.countrylife.co.uk