The Country Life Top 100 the Past Year Has Left Many of Us with a Desire to Ensure That Our Houses and Gardens Work Harder Than Ever Before

The Country Life Top 100 The past year has left many of us with a desire to ensure that our houses and gardens work harder than ever before. For the fifth year, COUNTRY LIFE’s Top 100 suggests architects, interior designers, garden designers, builders and craftspeople with the skills and experience required to get it right

NCREASINGLY, country houses are being reappraised. Increasingly, outbuildings barns. With these many opportunities comes being seen as places to work, as well and gardens are the focus of greater attention a growing need for professionals who have as play. Remote working and flexible than ever before, offering a chance to create sympathy for country houses. COUNTRY LIFE I commutes have transformed the oppor- spaces that cater for a wider range of needs, has selected those with all the skills and tunities for those once tethered to the grind from home offices and outdoor entertaining experience required to make the most of daily travel. Yet it’s not only houses that are areas to secondary accommodation and party of what a rural sanctuary has to offer.

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CLI295.top100.indd 121 04/03/2021 11:35 CLI295.top100.indd 122 04/03/2021 11:35 The new additions to the Country Life Top 100

Adam Richards Architects Known for designing striking contemporary houses with the atmosphere of ancient ones, Adam Richards founded his practice in 2000. He has turned his hand to a range of award- winning projects, from the refurbishment and extension of Ditchling Museum of Art + Craft to his own new-build house, Nithurst Farm (‘Stairway to Heaven’, August 5, 2020), both in the South Downs National Park. With design studios in London and West Sussex, the practice takes a spirited approach to private residential projects, as well as Arts, cultural and heritage work. Projects currently include the renovation and extension of a Georgian manor house in Oxfordshire, complete with an underground swimming pool that forms part of a spatial sequence based on the myth of Persephone in the Under- world, and new boarding houses and a health centre at Mayfield School in East Sussex, which will unite a site that includes the Old Palace used by the Archbishops of Canter- bury during the 14th and 15th centuries. Mr Richards is a member of the South Downs National Park Design Review Panel and says he enjoys developing cultural—and often romantic—themes to create houses with more soul than the contemporary white box. 020–7613 5077; www.adamrichards.co.uk

McLean Quinlan Mother-and-daughter duo Fiona McLean and Kate Quinlan run this award-winning family practice alongside Kate’s husband, Alastair Bowden. With studios in Winchester and London, they are known for designing contemporary new-build houses with a pared- back and quiet beauty, with a focus on ‘the making of spaces that age with grace’. Using their conservation experience, they also take on a small number of renovations each year. The practice takes a holistic approach to its projects with equal focus on exterior and interior architecture, designing light-filled houses in traditional materials such as timber and stone, with an emphasis on sustainability and experience in Passivhaus methodology. Current projects include the new-build houses in the UK, Tuscany, Galicia and California, as well as the restoration and extension of an Arts-and-Crafts house overlooking the sea near Lymington in Hampshire. 020–8870 8600; www.mcleanquinlan.com

Preceding page: John Tanner transformed the 600sq ft gardener’s bothy at Gunton Hall, Norfolk. Left: A new Cotswolds house in reclaimed stone by McLean Quinlan

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CLI295.top100.indd 123 04/03/2021 11:36 An outdoor entertaining space in a garden designed by Charlotte Rowe, with her characteristic natural and abundant planting

John Tanner Interiors Oliver Laws Cameron Landscapes & Gardens Travels across Russia, Mongolia and China Guy Oliver is the owner and principal Alasdair Cameron’s self-confessed and life- on the Trans-Siberian Railway as a 20-year- designer of this influential Mayfair-based long passion for plants is evident in the lush old professional skateboarder awakened practice, with projects that include the State oases he creates, be they courtyards in the John Tanner’s passion for antique textiles and Rooms at 10, Downing Street and the restor- capital or abundantly planted gardens in the ceramics. Just over a decade on, he is fast ation and refurbishment of The Connaught, country. Known for working with the natural developing a reputation as a young decorator as well as continuing work at Claridge’s. landscape to create relaxed spaces that can who breathes new life into unloved country As an officer cadet in the Royal Navy, be enjoyed all year, his designs are atmos- houses and estate buildings, unlocking the Mr Oliver found himself drawn to interior pheric and imaginative. Mr Cameron founded potential of sometimes challenging spaces. design, something that encouraged him to his practice nearly 25 years ago and now He specialises in sourcing antiques and pursue a very different career. After Edinburgh heads an experienced team to offer a fully combining them with textiles from his University, he worked with Sylvia Lawson integrated approach, including garden design, extensive personal collection. Johnston, then joined Colefax and Fowler as project installation and continuing mainte- Inspired by English and Irish country a trainee director, before combining forces nance. Projects include the terrace at private houses that have evolved over many genera- with David Laws as co-director of his firm member’s club Annabel’s, London W1, which tions, he is known for developing a similar in 1995 and assuming sole ownership in 2002. he has transformed into a verdant sanctuary sense of comfort, elegance and distilled Today, he heads a boutique studio, spe- in the heart of Mayfair, and the gardens magic for his clients, evident in his work at cialising in elegantly luxurious interiors that at 180 House, WC2, a Soho House venture country estates, including The Old Laundry celebrate the beauty of bespoke craftsman- due to open shortly, as well as private gardens at Heydon Hall, a gardener’s bothy at Gunton ship. They currently include private country across the UK and around the world. Park and the East Wing at Wolterton Hall, houses, aircraft, the restoration of a 1939 020–8969 3399; www.camerongardens.co.uk all in Norfolk. Current projects include an 130ft yacht, The Shelbourne hotel in Dublin 18th-century house in Provence, France, and and consultation on the redesign of Thomas Charlotte Rowe an ancient cottage in Northumberland. Goode & Co, London W1. Naturalistic and generous planting, com- www.johntanner.com 020–7437 8487; www.oliverlaws.com bined with a strong sense of structure,

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CLI295.top100.indd 124 04/03/2021 11:36 Rose of Jericho supplied the traditional paint for this house, constructed among the ruins of Stogursey Castle in Somerset

are the hallmarks of a design by this full- Yorkshire, a walled garden with a swimming the supervision of landscape construction service garden-design consultancy, headed pool in the Surrey Hills and a tiered garden and planting. Current projects include the by former art historian Charlotte Rowe. in Hampshire built into the slope of the land, restoration of the Philip Sassoon garden for Landscape bones are clean lined and archi- complete with grasses mixed with perennials. the new Giraffe Hall hotel at Port Lympne tectural in style, softened with planting, and 020–7602 0660; www.charlotterowe.com in Kent, a contemporary landscape around each garden is carefully considered in its the walled garden of 19th-century socialite relation to the building it surrounds. Based Marian Boswall Landscape Architects and plantswoman Lady Dorothy Nevill, and in west London, the boutique studio takes Leading landscape architect and plants- a private sculpture garden and meditation on landscape and planting design, project woman Marian Boswall is a fellow of the retreat for a 20th-century art dealer. administration and garden styling across the Landscape Institute and heads a small team Known for a strong understanding of how UK and internationally, with equal numbers of horticultural specialists and designers a garden relates to both the house and the land of town and country gardens. The studio working across the UK and internationally beyond and for planting that feels natural to is also known for its garden lighting design. from a studio in Kent. The practice offers the site, Mrs Boswall favours timeless and Current projects include a family space with a complete landscape-design service, from sustainable design, combined with a deep kitchen garden and woodland areas in North conception through planning and tender to understanding of the natural world. She is a fervent believer in the healing power of plants and sits on the board of the Blackthorn Trust healing garden in Kent. 020–7305 7153; www.marianboswall.com

Mazzullo + Russell Landscape Design Directors Emma Mazzullo and Libby Russell joined forces in 2014 to create their own practice, after working for a combined 35 years for the distinguished garden designer Arabella Lennox-Boyd. Their extensive experience allows them to take on the largest sites and a wide variety of projects, yet they can turn their hands to a small courtyard garden and make it magical. Working across the UK and internationally—from France to Greece

Marian Boswall’s projects include work on the garden of this historic priory

CLI295.top100.indd 126 04/03/2021 11:36 and Russia—they are known for high-quality, described in their book The Land Gardeners: with projects ranging from technically competent and well-considered Cut Flowers (Thames & Hudson, £39.95). cottages to the supply of lime designs overlaid with a romantic and original Currently restoring the walled gardens at plaster to the Palace of West- planting style. Gardens are carefully tailored Althorp in Northamptonshire, they are also minster, limewash to The to the space they occupy and designed to restoring and planting a historic orchard in Queen’s Chapel at St James Palace, look as if they have always been there. Both Oxfordshire and the cut-flower borders at and distemper paint to Castle Drogo in Devon. directors are experienced landscape designers: Château de Courances to the south of Paris. 01935 83676; www.roseofjericho.co.uk Mrs Russell is a passionate plantswoman, 07711 017427; www.thelandgardeners.com RHS judge and plant committee member W. G. Carter who is currently co-chairing the RHS Nepeta Rose of Jericho Specialising largely in the restoration and Trial at Wisley and her co-director teaches This Dorset-based manufacturer of tradi- renovation of country and town houses, half at the Society of Garden Designers. tional paints and lime mortars is sought after of which are listed, this full-service company 020–7931 9996; for its expertise in materials used for the con- operates across Oxfordshire, the Cotswolds www.mazzullorusselllandscapedesign.com servation, repair and decoration of historic and the surrounding counties. The firm is buildings. Founded in 1989, when it was becom- run by managing director James Robertson, The Land Gardeners ing recognised that non-permeable mortars, supported by directors Paul and Roger Carter, Henrietta Courtauld and Bridget Elworthy plasters and paints often accelerated the grandsons of the founder William George are celebrated for their romantically joyful decay of ancient buildings, the firm has grown Carter, who set up the firm in 1947, only 50 gardens with wild and ebullient planting, to offer a range of handmade, environment- yards away from where it is now based. held within elegant structure. They particu- ally friendly and breathable products made Known for its collaborative attitude to larly enjoy creating productive gardens, filled using sustainable materials, from limewashes, working with other professionals, from archi- with fruit, vegetables, flowers and herbs, distempers and emulsions to flat oil and egg- tects to surveyors, interior designers to whether restoring walled gardens or enliven- shell paints made using artist-quality powder garden designers, the firm is also unusual for ing hedgerows and orchards. pigments, appreciated for the subtle variation the size of its work force, unlike many other Both are interested in the ability of soil to in tone not usually found in modern finishes. builders, which rely on sub-contractors. sequester carbon and to grow nutrient-dense The company name is believed to have been Sixty-five staff members, more than half food; they are about to launch their micro- drawn from the fact that the oldest lime mor- of whom have worked for the company for bially active Climate Compost. They also run tars were found in the ancient city of Jericho, more than 15 years, take on full carpentry, online courses and grow organic English or possibly from the resurrection plant of the bricklaying, ground-working and decoration cut flowers from Mrs Elworthy’s garden in same name, as a reference to the company’s services. The firm handles a small number Oxfordshire, the restoration of which is resurrection of lime and permeable paints. of one-off new-build houses each year and Rose of Jericho also offers advice on con- is currently working on the refurbishment An inviting garden in Devon, created servation and the correct specification and use of a Grade I-listed Oxford college. by the design duo Mazzullo + Russell of limes and traditional decorative finishes, 01865 864626; www.wgcarter.co.uk

CLI295.top100.indd 128 04/03/2021 11:36 Architects of historic buildings and the design of new ones, including private houses, on sensitive

ADAM Architecture sites. Recent projects include the restoration Highly respected experts in traditional of an Elizabethan house in Wiltshire, con- architecture, renowned for significant new servation at one of the grandest Georgian country houses, refurbishments and consid- country houses in Britain, Wentworth Wood- ered alterations to listed properties, as well house, South Yorkshire, and a new entrance as, increasingly, contextual urban design. pavilion at Caernarfon Castle, Gwynedd. 01962 843843; www.adamarchitecture.com 020–7245 9888; www.donaldinsallassociates.co.uk Adam Richards Architects 020–7613 5077; www.adamrichards.co.uk Francis Johnson and Partners (For profile, see page 123) This Yorkshire practice works across the UK, specialising in substantial country houses ANTA Architecture in the Classical tradition and the conserva- Conservation architect Lachlan Stewart leads tion of historic buildings, including a new a practice known for both new houses in the house on an estate in North Yorkshire and the Scottish vernacular and for the sensitive renovation of a late-17th-century house in restoration of a range of historic buildings. Suffolk. Established in 1937 by the late, great 01862 850100; [email protected] architect Francis Johnson, the practice is now run by Malcolm Stather and Digby Harris. Ben Pentreath 01262 674043; In addition to a highly successful architec- www.francisjohnson-architects.co.uk tural and master-planning practice, Ben Pentreath runs a burgeoning interior-design Francis Terry and Associates studio and, with Bridie Hall, the Pentreath Francis Terry is admired for his ability to & Hall shop, selling furniture and accessories. design and restore country houses with an Recent projects include the interior restora- understanding of the beauty and balanced tion of the early-18th-century Chettle House proportions of Classicism. He founded his own in Dorset (‘Baroque delights’, November 18, practice five years ago, having worked for 2020). This autumn sees the publication his eminent architect father, Quinlan Terry, of his new book, An English Vision (Rizzoli), for 20 years. He is the current chair of the a monograph of the work of his practice. Traditional Architecture Group, a talented 020–7430 2424; www.benpentreath.com artist and the author of an inspiring blog. 01206 580528; www.ftanda.co.uk Benjamin Tindall Architects After 40 years, Benjamin Tindall still runs Giles Quarme Architects his Edinburgh practice today. Renowned for Giles Quarme runs a London-based practice repairs and alterations to historic buildings, known for its sensitive renovations and design the firm offers a full range of services, from of new buildings within conservation areas. landscaping to the design of light fittings, He is passionate about the preservation of furniture and ironmongery. Notable projects historic buildings and is chair of the Ancient include the restoration of a significant Arts- Monuments Society. Current projects include and-Crafts house in the Channel Islands and the restoration of the Royal Mausoleum continuing work to Bonnington House at the at Frogmore, Windsor, and of the Bayswater Jupiter Artland sculpture park, Edinburgh. house where J. M. Barrie wrote Peter Pan. 0131–220 3366; 020–7582 0748; www.quarme.com www.benjamintindallarchitects.co.uk GRAS Craig Hamilton Architects Specialists in the conservation and sustain- A clear focus on Classical architecture has able re-use of historic buildings in Scotland earned this Radnorshire-based practice a huge and Ireland for more than 40 years, this following. The company specialises in the Edinburgh-based practice, formerly known design of new country houses, including for as Groves Raines Architects Studios, is now The Prince of Wales in Carmarthenshire, as run by the son of the founder, Gunnar Groves- well as sacred and monumental architecture. Raines, and is developing a reputation for pro- 01982 553312; gressive new-builds. Recent projects include www.craighamiltonarchitects.com the restoration of properties on the magni- ficent Wildland estates in the Highlands. Donald Insall Associates 0131–467 7777; www.gras.co This leading architectural practice, now more than 60 years old and with eight UK offices, Chettle House in Dorset, restored by Hugh specialises in the care, repair and adaptation Petter, a director of Adam Architecture

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Philip Hughes Associates Established in 1982 by chartered building surveyor Philip Hughes, the practice offers both surveying and architectural services, counting the National Trust and the Churches Conservation Trust among its clients. Recent projects include breathing new life into the Earl of Shaftesbury’s St Giles House, Dorset, and the award-winning transformation of the Grade I-listed Shire Hall in the same county A new Arts-and-Crafts-inspired house in Cheshire by Cirencester-based Yiangou to the Historic Courthouse Museum. 01963 824240; Hoare, Ridge & Morris Lawler run a company known for the sensi- www.pha-building-conservation.co.uk Mark Hoare and Ted Ridge run the creative tive design of substantial buildings in estab- practice they founded with Charles Morris, lished settings and the integration of new Ptolemy Dean Architects designing alterations and additions to coun- designs and modern services into old country Historic-building conservationist, author try houses, as well as new buildings with houses. The firm’s current projects include and television presenter Ptolemy Dean is the traditional character and high-energy per- the restoration of a Grade I-listed house in 19th Surveyor of the Fabric of Westminster formance. The pair’s understanding of the Richmond-upon-Thames in London and new Abbey, a post once held by Wren. His current relationship between house and garden and residences in Hampshire and Berkshire. projects include the reinstatement of the the flow of rooms means that their work 01865 865165; www.johnstoncave.com abbey’s long-destroyed Great Sacristy, accord- typically extends to detailed interior and ing to its 13th-century footprint, and the landscape design. They recently purchased Marc Deaves Architect re-making of lost rooms, burnt in a fire in the an old club in a Georgian townhouse near An imaginative country-house expert who 1940s, at Castle Howard, North Yorkshire. Framlingham Castle, Suffolk, which they have handles a small number of projects per year, 020–7378 7714; www.ptolemydean.co.uk converted into a workspace and cafe. Marc Deaves is at work on a Wiltshire rectory 01728 688747; www.hrma.co.uk with 13th-century origins, as well as pro- Purcell jects for London’s Cadogan and Grosvenor This internationally renowned architectural Ian Adam-Smith Architects estates. He is strong on the use of tried-and- and heritage-consultancy practice has 11 English country-house specialist Ian Adam- tested alternative-energy technologies. studios across the UK, plus others in Hong Smith says he likes to create ‘houses that look 07970 458025; www.marcdeaves.com Kong, Sydney and Hobart. Its forte is bring- as if they have evolved and are suitable for ing contemporary design solutions to historic the way we like to live now’. As an example, he McClean Quinlan environments, such as the Tai Kwun Centre cites a listed Georgian house in Hampshire, 020–8870 8600; www.mcleanquinlan.com for Heritage and Arts, once Hong Kong’s Cen- where he is linking the main part to outbuild- (For profile, see page 123) tral Police Station compound, as well as the ings and adding a modern kitchen pavilion. restoration of the Victorian Manchester Town He has clients across West Sussex, Hamp- Nick Cox Architects Hall and the repair and restoration of 18th- shire, Surrey, Berkshire and London. This Oxfordshire-based, mid-sized practice, century Stowe House, Buckinghamshire. 01428 644644; www.ianadam-smith.co.uk run by Nick Cox, is known for the repair and 020–7397 7171; www.purcelluk.com conservation of important historic buildings, John Simpson Architects including Woburn Abbey, Bedfordshire, and Quinlan Terry Architects A leading proponent of New Classicism, the on the Blenheim estates in Oxfordshire. An expert in designing new Classical buildings eminent John Simpson is known for both It undertakes the design of private houses, that fit so comfortably in their surroundings residential and institutional designs, parti- too, and is working on country homes in the that they look as if they have always been cularly educational buildings at Eton College Cotswolds, with a focus on sustainability. there, Mr Terry heads a practice known for and Cambridge and Oxford universities. He 01869 238092; www.nickcoxarchitects.co.uk private and public work. Current projects is also involved in ‘creating beautiful places include rural residences in the Home Coun- where people would enjoy living’, which cur- Peregrine Bryant Architects ties and South of England, the recently com- rently include a village outside Gloucester. Renowned for scholarly restorations of his- pleted Wolverton Folly in Worcestershire (‘Not 020–7405 1285; toric buildings, Peregrine Bryant’s practice so foolish’, July 15, 2020), for V&A chair www.johnsimpsonarchitects.com recently celebrated its 25th anniversary. Nicholas Coleridge, and Classical galleries Winner of the Georgian Group 2019 Best New for St Ebbe’s Church in Oxford. Johnston Cave Associates Work in the Classical Tradition award for 01206 323186; www.qtarchitects.com This practice first came to attention with a Grade II*-listed house in Chelsea, London the design of a flint-clad castle at Wormsley SW3, the practice is also known for restora- Russell Taylor Architects Park, Buckinghamshire, for Sir John Paul tions at Crichel House in Dorset and for its A well-regarded Georgian and Regency expert, Getty in 1987. Today, Rory Duncan and Chris decade-long, phased refurbishment of the Russell Taylor has a deep understanding

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BIrdie Fortescue Designer and antique dealer Birdie Fortescue has a natural ability to combine old and new, creating elegant interiors that balance gentle hues with her flair for sourcing unusual antiques and contemporary art. Her Norfolk shop holds a treasure trove of block-printed fabrics, cushions and lamps, alongside antique finds. 01328 851651; www.birdiefortescue.co.uk

Colin Orchard & Company Since training under Colefax and Fowler’s grande dame Imogen Taylor, Colin Orchard has developed an outstanding reputation for combining traditional country-house style with a restrained sense of grandeur. His cur- An Oxfordshire house by Ben Pentreath, who restored the interiors at Chettle (page 130) rent projects include a large private residence in New York, which is being totally rebuilt. of the Classical language of architecture. townhouses, too, across the UK and Ireland. 020–7351 5501; [email protected] From offices in London and Cornwall, the 020–7376 5744; practice undertakes new-build, extension www.smallwoodarchitects.co.uk Edward Bulmer and alteration projects across the South As an interior designer, architectural histo- of England, including London townhouses, Stuart Martin Architects rian and advocate of natural paints—with country houses and estate buildings. Based in Dorset, this practice specialises in his own eco-friendly range—Edward Bulmer 020–7261 1984; www.rtarchitects.co.uk one-off houses and conservation work across describes his approach as one that ‘embodies southern England, including London. Recent enquiry, practicality, scholarship, aesthetics, Simon Morray-Jones projects comprise the careful restoration sustainability and some fun’. No wonder he Well known for his passionate conservation of a medieval hall house in Surrey, combined is in demand for major projects, which cur- of historic properties in Bath, where he is with sensitive extensions, and a remote rently include Arundel Castle, Glynde Place based, Simon Morray-Jones has almost 40 16th-century house in Somerset, including and Goodwood in East and West Sussex. years of experience of restoration, conserv- the reinstatement of farm buildings found 01544 388535; ation and new-builds. Recent projects include on an old map and the incorporation of green www.edwardbulmerinteriordesign.co.uk The Newt hotel in Somerset, the restoration technologies to allow the house to be run in of a country estate in Leicestershire and the as close to an off-grid state as possible. Guy Goodfellow refurbishment of the listed townhouse museum 01935 83543; Guy Goodfellow cut his teeth at Sibyl Colefax at No 1, Royal Crescent in Bath. www.stuartmartinarchitects.com & John Fowler, before setting up his own 01225 787900; www.sm-j.com successful interior and architectural design Thomas Croft Architects company, specialising in traditional, elegant Simpson & Brown Architects Strong on contemporary interventions in country-house style. His shop in Chelsea This leading Edinburgh-based practice historic buildings and the design of new offers in-house-designed weaves, prints and works across the country, specialising in buildings in traditional settings, Tom Croft wallpapers, based on historic textiles reinter- scholarly conservation work, the creative heads a practice currently working on the preted in imaginative colours. adaptation of existing buildings and the remodelling of two sets in The Albany, 020–7349 0728; www.guygoodfellow.com design of new buildings, as well as archaeo- Piccadilly, W1, and the reimagining of Robert logical contracts via its Addyman Archae- Adam’s most important remaining town- Henrietta Spencer-Churchill ology arm. The company recently worked house in London, dating from 1790. He counts An international lecturer and the author on Barnbougle Castle on the shores of the Paul McCartney and various other A-list of 11 books, Lady Henrietta specialises in Firth of Forth near Edinburgh, on the new musicians among his residential clients. grand English country-house style and runs Torabhaig whisky distillery on the Isle 020–8962 0066; www.thomascroft.com her interior-design company, Woodstock of Skye and a visitor centre for St Albans Designs, close to her ancestral home at Blen- Cathedral in Hertfordshire. Yiangou heim Palace, Oxfordshire. At present, she 0131–555 4678; www.simpsonandbrown.co.uk This Cotswold-based practice works almost is working on projects that include a villa exclusively on private residential projects, on the coast of Croatia and the renovation Smallwood Architects particularly on new-build country houses, of several Georgian properties in the UK. A strong player in the world of country houses, as well as pool houses and leisure buildings, 01993 811887; this practice is known for the remodelling such as Avalon at Broughton Hall, North York- www.spencerchurchilldesigns.com of historic houses and the building of new shire. Unusually, it has expertise in design- ones, with an understanding of what it is that ing contemporary and traditional houses Jane Churchill Interiors makes for successful 21st-century country and an award-winning reputation for both. A well-known name since setting up her living. The firm works on medium-to-large 01285 888150; www.yiangou.com company in 1975, Jane Churchill is admired

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CLI295.top100.indd 134 04/03/2021 11:36 The inviting library of the Welsh home of Roger Jones, a decorator with the long-established firm Sibyl Colefax & John Fowler

for her deep understanding of the classic homes from Birmingham and London offices. Max Rollitt decorating tradition and her spirited approach John Evans has nearly 40 years’ experience, Max Rollitt wears three hats—he is an to personal and quintessentially English style. manifested in his quietly confident style. interior designer, an antiques dealer and She is also the founder of Jane Churchill 0121–233 9041; www.johnevansdesign.com a furniture maker, who likes to incorporate Fabrics, now owned by the Colefax Group. a sensitivity towards materials and Classical Current projects include a townhouse in Eaton John Tanner Interiors design into what he calls a ‘refined yet informal Square, SW1, and a family home in Norway. www.johntanner.com style of decoration’. Current work includes 020–7730 8564; (For profile, see page 124) a large house in Boston, US, a Hampshire www.janechurchillinteriors.co.uk vicarage and a London townhouse with an Linley interior in the manner of Sir John Soane. Janine Stone & Co The interior-design studio is run by Graham 01962 791124; www.maxrollitt.com Over the past 20 years, this company has Green and Michael Keech, who sold their built up a reputation for luxurious interiors architectural-interiors company, Keech Green, Melissa Wyndham with a classic, contemporary feel. It has an to Linley a few years ago. Their focus on Vanessa Macdonald continues to work in the unusually wide-ranging service, covering ‘modern-deco’ and luxury British design is spirit of the late, legendary interior designer both renovations and complete new-build evident in recent projects, which include the Melissa Wyndham, with whom she collabor- projects, using its in-house architectural, refurbishment of suites at Claridge’s, W1. ated. Expect sophisticated and elegant construction and interior-design services 020–7730 7300; www.davidlinley.com classic style with a modern twist, evident in to deliver an immaculately polished result. country and city interiors. 020–7349 8888; www.janinestone.com Louise Jones 020–7352 2874; www.melissawyndham.com A polished approach to classic interior design Joanna Wood with every modern comfort has earned Louise Nina Campbell Joanna Wood’s designs are smart and luxuri- Jones her stripes. Projects include individu- Doyenne of interior design Nina Campbell ous, with an emphasis on comfort and colour. ally designed guest suites at a luxury hotel has an international reputation for classic Recent projects include the US Ambassa- on the island of Jura, a 17th-century house in English decoration, which she has skilfully dor’s London residence, Winfield House, W1; Oxfordshire and a family home in Georgia, US. evolved over the years to a more pared-back a cottage in the Cotswolds; and a house in 020–7351 6858; style—a journey that can be enjoyed in Nina Florida, US. Other enterprises include her www.louisejonesinteriors.com Campbell Interior Decoration by COUNTRY eponymous home-accessories shop in Bel- LIFE’s Giles Kime. She has two London shops gravia, SW1, Lawson Wood bespoke uphol- Lucy Elworthy and is constantly developing collections stery, Phillips & Wood lighting and Lewis Bringing a light decorative touch to country of fabric, wallpaper and furniture. & Wood fabrics and wallpapers. houses, Lucy Elworthy combines her experi- 020–7225 1011; 020–7730 0693; www.joannawood.com ence as a former decoration editor of House www.ninacampbellinteriors.com & Garden with an imaginative eye for colour John Evans Interior Architecture + Design and texture. She is a dab hand at creating wel- Oliver Laws A creative practice that specialises in adding coming interiors with a sense of character. 020–7437 8487; www.oliverlaws.com a luxurious, contemporary touch to country 07957 693246; www.lucyelworthy.co.uk (For profile, see page 124)

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CLI295.top100.indd 136 04/03/2021 11:36 Penny Morrison family-focused home. Current projects include Known for injecting colour and character a 15th-century house on a country estate to any interior, Penny Morrison specialises and a beach house in Jersey. in inviting and comfortable English style. 01249 783087; www.simshilditch.com She is busy on projects in the UK and Carib- bean, continues to develop her gloriously Susie Atkinson Design patterned fabric and wallpaper collection and Specialising in private houses and boutique offers a selection of lamps and accessories, hotels, Susie Atkinson creates contemporary available online and from her Chelsea shop. interiors that radiate a sense of personal 020–7384 2975; www.pennymorrison.com character and understated luxury. Her recent projects include a 1930s motor yacht, a lateral Pippa Paton apartment in Soho, and the five-star Lime Strong on using texture and subtle hues to Wood hotel in the New Forest, Hampshire. create contemporary comfort in the country, 020–7384 0700; www.susieatkinson.com Pippa Paton is known for her work on barn conversions and traditional stone buildings Thorp in the Cotswolds, which she has transformed Smart, classic style is the forte of this well- into homes well suited to 21st-century living. established firm, which is headed by its Her new book, Twenty First Century Cots- founder Philippa Thorp. Geared towards wolds, was published late last year. an international clientele, the firm offers full 01865 595470; www.pippapatondesign.co.uk architecture, interior-design, art-curation and landscaping services. Rita Konig 020–7235 7808; www.thorp.co.uk Rita Konig has earned many plaudits for work that is distinctly her own, creating relaxed Todhunter Earle Interiors and joyously comfortable interiors for trans- Expert at balancing the demands of contem- atlantic clients in residential and commercial porary living with the challenges presented settings. She offers an online interior-design by historic houses, Emily Todhunter and course and a small selection of joyful home Kate Earle are highly regarded for their ever- accessories from her online store. fresh approach and imaginative designs. 020–3735 7280; www.ritakonig.com They work with some of Britain’s leading architects on country houses, as well as Robert Kime properties in London and New York. Distinguished antiques dealer and interior 020–7349 9999; www.todhunterearle.com decorator Robert Kime, whose clients include The Prince of Wales, creates traditional— Veere Grenney Associates but not stuffy—interiors, full of judiciously A master of beauty and harmony, Veere chosen antiques and colourful textiles. Grenney creates interiors with a discreetly His Pimlico shop is a paradise of discov- luxurious look. His designs are rooted in the ery, with antiques and his own collection Classical tradition, given life by the combin- of fabrics, wallpaper, lamps and furniture. ation of contemporary, historic and some- 020–7831 6066; www.robertkime.com times charmingly modest. His fabric and wallpaper collection is admired for its elegant Sibyl Colefax & John Fowler pattern and subtle colour palette. This long-established interior-decorating 020–7351 7170; www.veeregrenney.com firm, founded in the 1930s, has always been The airy kitchen of a country house in known for quintessentially English style. VSP Interiors Hampshire, created by Thorp Design Today, its eight principal designers under- Known for designing large country proper- take a diverse range of projects worldwide, ties—from a large family house to a his- Smith are repeat winners of the Society from traditional to cutting edge, from the toric castle in the Scottish Highlands— of Garden Designers Garden Awards. They’re refurbishment of a classic motor yacht and Dorset-based Henriette Von Stockhausen known for well-structured designs softened a Modernist ski lodge in Whistler, Canada, has a classic, colourfully eclectic style that with a light touch and naturalistic planting. to an estate in Oxfordshire, a museum build- successfully combines antiques and fine art 01403 891084; www.acreswild.co.uk ing in the Netherlands and the Chelsea Arts with a sense of comfort and personality. Club, London SW6. 01305 265892; www.vspinteriors.com Andy Sturgeon Design 020–7493 2231; www.sibylcolefax.com Winner of numerous RHS Chelsea Flower Show Best in Show and Gold medals, includ- Sims Hilditch Garden designers ing both in 2019, landscape and garden Pitch perfect at calm, classic-contemporary designer Andy Sturgeon favours bold con- English country style, Emma Sims-Hilditch Acres Wild temporary design, natural materials and specialises in creating quietly elegant and Specialists in larger country gardens across innovative planting. His practice works comfortable designs, never forgetting the south-east England and the Channel Islands, across the UK and internationally. practicalities required to make an inviting, West Sussex-based Debbie Roberts and Ian 01273 672575; www.andysturgeon.com

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Angela Collins Garden Design of several books and an expert plantsman. Charlotte Rowe Designer of classic gardens with full, romantic 020–7689 8100; www.arnemaynard.com 020–7602 0660; www.charlotterowe.com planting, Angela Collins works on major (For profile, see page 123) projects across Oxfordshire and the Cots- Balston Agius wolds. She is admired for creating gardens Wiltshire-based landscape architect Balston Christopher Bradley-Hole that are sensitive to their historic settings Agius is run by experienced designers An influential designer, who works in the UK and for her deep horticultural knowledge. Michael Balston and Marie-Louise Agius, and internationally, Christopher Bradley- 07876 592440; www.angelacollins.co.uk who work both nationally and internation- Hole describes his approach as ‘contem- ally, offering a broad range of services and porary, with roots in strong classic principles’. Arne Maynard Garden Design expertise. Their practice specialises in land His current projects include large country Designer Tricia Guild recently described works, creating completely new estates that gardens on estates in Oxfordshire, Suffolk Arne Maynard as ‘one of the finest garden incorporate wildflower meadows, lakes and and Surrey, as well as phase two of the gar- designers working today’. His romantic gar- walkways, as well as woodlands and copses. dens at RHS Wisley in Surrey, which involves dens nestle around historic houses, creat- 01380 848181; www.balstonagius.co.uk the new landscape in front of the Arts-and- ing a timeless feel with structural designs, Crafts laboratory. Bradley-Hole Schoenaich pleached trees and strong-shaped topiary, Cameron Landscapes and Gardens Landscape is the firm responsible for the mixed with soft plantings of lavender and 020–8969 3399; www.camerongardens.co.uk execution of his designs. roses. Mr Maynard is a lecturer, the author (For profile, see page 124) 020–8939 1749; www.bhsla.co.uk

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CLI295.top100.indd 139 04/03/2021 11:36 design, in formal or informal styles that are always appro- priate for the site. A favourite designer of The Prince of Wales, she is a repeat Chelsea medallist and focuses on gardens for private residences across the UK, as well as Europe and the US. 020–3950 2899; www.jinnyblom.com

Jo Thompson Landscape & Garden Design Expert plantswoman Jo Thompson runs a leading architectural-garden design studio, known for creating private and public gardens that are sensitive to their location and his- tory, as well as intelligently planted. She is a fellow of the Landscape Institute and repeat medal winner at the Chelsea Flower Show. Above: Henriette Von Stockhausen of VSP Interiors designed this billiard room in 020–7127 8438; the Highlands. Below: The interior of a country house, created by Sims Hilditch www.jothompson-garden-design.co.uk

Dan Pearson Studio garden-design practice, working across the Kim Wilkie Known for his naturalistic planting using UK and abroad, tackling master planning from Landscape architect Kim Wilkie is admired perennial plants and grasses and incorpor- vegetable gardens and orchards to spinneys. for sculpting the land, creating calm, green ating native trees, Dan Pearson is a leading 07515 336356; geometric patterns on a large scale, often landscape designer, horticulturalist, writer www.jamesalexandersinclair.com in historic settings. More recently, he has and advocate of respect for the environment. also focused his work into considering how He is garden adviser to the National Trust at Jinny Blom we live with the land, advising on the develop- Sissinghurst Castle, Kent, and his book on his Accomplished plantswoman Jinny Blom is ment of farming and new cities. designs for the 600-acre Tokachi Millennium known for her artistic approach to garden 01489 891691; www.kimwilkie.com Forest in Japan was published last year. 020–7928 3800; www.danpearsonstudio.com

Harris Bugg Studio Charlotte Harris and Hugo Bugg run an award-winning practice known for imaginative transformations of gardens at country estates, often in areas requiring careful conservation considerations. Current projects include the revitalisation of Clumber Park pleasure grounds in Nottinghamshire for the National Trust, the historic walled kitchen garden at RHS Bridgewater in Greater Man- chester and the design of the M&G Garden for the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. 01392 927172; www.harrisbugg.com

I & J Bannerman Landscape of Dreams is an apt title for Isabel and Julian Bannerman’s book, given their specialisation in imaginative, magical gardens with abundant herbaceous planting among dreamy re-created follies and gate- ways. They have designed gardens for The Prince of Wales at Highgrove, Gloucester- shire, and the Castle of Mey, Caithness. www.bannermandesign.com

James Alexander-Sinclair RHS judge and council member James Alexander-Sinclair is a garden writer, television presenter and popular lecturer. Based in Oxfordshire, he runs a small, personal,

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CLI295.top100.indd 140 04/03/2021 11:36 of wild environments is evident in her immersive, plant- driven designs. Based in Aber- gavenny, she is in demand for private and public gardens across the country, thanks to her artistic approach and playful use of materials. 020–7703 3973; www.sarahpricelandscapes.com

Tania Compton Writer and designer Tania Compton is known for her flair in creating flower-filled meadows and abundantly exuberant gardens. A former gardens editor of House & Garden, Lady Tania has a strong eye for the beauty of Nature, as illustrated by the garden at her Wiltshire home, Spilsbury Farm. www.taniacompton.co.uk A Devon space that is typical of the relaxed style of Cameron Landscapes and Gardens The Land Gardeners Landform Consultants Mazzullo + Russell Landscape Design 07711 017427; www.thelandgardeners.com This full-service company offers design, 020–7931 9996; (For profile, see page 128) construction, planting and maintenance, www.mazzullorusselllandscapedesign.com covering both private and public projects, (For profile, see page 126) Todd Longstaffe-Gowan such as the first public park in Gibraltar. The Known for creating long-term landscapes firm has won multiple RHS medals for its Pip Morrison Landscape Designs for private and public projects at home and work, describing its speciality as creating Admired for his sensitive, thoughtful approach abroad, Todd Longstaffe-Gowan is garden ‘beautifully balanced gardens with a deli- to design and expertise in the development adviser to Historic Royal Palaces, a lecturer cate combination of strong architectural of historic gardens, Pip Morrison is currently and an author. His practice is re-casting the features and soft, naturalistic planting’. working on the master planning of the gardens gardens around the Orangery at Kensington 01276 856145; at Auckland Castle, Co Durham, including the Palace, W1, and is equally at home turning its www.landformconsultants.co.uk 18th-century formal pleasure grounds. hand to contemporary gardens, such as the 07817 736360; [email protected] rooftop garden complete with ponds at the Lloyd Brunt Outdoor Design RIBA award-winning 4, Pancras Square, N1. Specialising in family gardens in the Home Robert Myers Associates 020–7253 2100; www.tlg-landscape.co.uk Counties and occasionally in the capital, Specialising in contemporary gardens in Graham Lloyd-Brunt is known for designs historic landscapes, this practice undertakes Tom Stuart-Smith that successfully combine simple, classic both public and private projects, such as Planting schemes inspired by natural and lines with bold, abundant and seasonal listed Youngsbury House in Hertfordshire, semi-natural landscapes, combining modern planting. Full borders close to the house which is set in a Capability Brown landscape. design with prairie-style plants and grasses, gradually give way to flower meadows as The winner of six Gold medals at the RHS have earnt Tom Stuart-Smith an international the garden softly merges into the country- Chelsea Flower Show, Robert Myers will following. He is a multiple medal winner at side beyond. Many of his projects include return this year with a new show garden. RHS Chelsea and the co-master planner for swimming pools and greenhouses, created 01885 227377; the RHS Garden Bridgewater, Greater Man- complete with places to sit and enjoy the www.robertmyers-associates.co.uk chester. His portfolio includes the Hepworth tranquil surroundings. Wakefield Garden, West Yorkshire, a garden 020–7222 2777; www.lloydbrunt.com Sarah Eberle Landscape Design at Chatsworth, Derbyshire, and another for Hampshire-based landscape architect and a castle on Loch Ness in Scotland. Marcus Barnett Studio garden designer Sarah Eberle is probably 020–7253 2100; www.tomstuartsmith.co.uk The creative use of a restrained palette and RHS Chelsea’s most decorated designer, with of elements drawn from local materials and some 17 Gold medals under her belt. This year, Xa Tollemache plants gives this studio a distinctive edge. she will return with the Psalm 23 Garden, With traditional gardens for large country Garden designs are often deceptively simple, which promises more of the thought-provoking estates her speciality, Xa Tollemache is an yet rich in their sense of place—which is earn- design for which she is so well known. expert at transforming neglected landscapes. ing the award-winning studio, headed by 07825 448620; 01256 895754 Meandering paths through clumps of laven- principal Marcus Barnett, a growing client der and roses, formal features such as base across the UK and internationally. Sarah Price Landscapes obelisks and statues and dreamy ponds sur- 020–7736 9761; www.marcusbarnett.com Currently at work on a woodland garden for rounded by lush planting are the hallmarks the Maggie’s Centre in Southampton and, of Lady Tollemache’s style, redolent of the Marian Boswall together with Nigel Dunnett, a rooftop garden garden she designed at her ancestral home, 020–7305 7153; www.marianboswall.com for the critical-care centre at King’s College Helmingham Hall, in Suffolk. (For profile, see page 126) Hospital, SE5, Sarah Price’s lifelong love 01473 890799; www.xa-tollemache.co.uk

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CLI295.top100.indd 142 04/03/2021 11:37 are part of the family who started the business more than 200 years ago. The firm specialises in construction, restoration, maintenance and landscaping, operating within a 50-mile radius of its home in Salisbury, Wiltshire. 01722 742228; www.rmoulding.co.uk

R. W. Armstrong This Hampshire-based, family-owned residential building company was founded in 1957 and works across London and the South of England, specialising in top-quality new- build homes and the refurbishment of period and listed properties. The firm also offers Above: Graham Lloyd Brunt created a tranquil setting for this greenhouse. Below: Bespoke an in-house bespoke-joinery service. joinery by Artichoke for the renovation of a Hampshire house by VSP Interiors (page 138) 01256 850177; www.rwarmstrong.co.uk

Builders and specialists Locker & Riley Rose of Jericho A plasterwork specialist, from design to 01935 83676; www.roseofjericho.co.uk Artichoke installation, this family firm recently restored (For profile, see page 128) Widely respected in the design and manu- the lime plaster at the Grade I-listed Buxton facture of joinery-led rooms for country Crescent thermal spa, Derbyshire, built by Stevensons of Norwich houses, this Somerset firm takes a keen the 5th Duke of Devonshire in the 1780s. From a bespoke decorative plaster ceiling for interest in how best to sensitively update 01245 322022; www.lockerandriley.com a ballroom to handmade cornices and ceiling period homes for modern families. Domestic roses, Stevensons of Norwich is considered spaces and kitchens are its forte, with recent Oakwrights an expert in creating, installing and restor- projects including a Grade I-listed Jacobean This award-winning firm creates oak-frame ing all kinds of plasterwork. The firm is manor and a castle on the Isle of Wight. homes and extensions, garden buildings and currently restoring the original Georgian 01934 745270; www.artichoke-ltd.com garages. It uses renewable green oak and can and neo-Classical architectural features advise on energy efficiency. In 2018, the com- of the Theatre Royal Drury Lane, London W1. Artorius Faber pany built the first oak-frame Passivhaus in 01603 400824; A British natural-stone specialist based in the UK, using its own encapsulation panels. www.stevensons-of-norwich.co.uk Yeovil, Somerset, the firm produces interior 01432 353353; www.oakwrights.co.uk flagstone flooring, external paving and archi- Stuart Interiors tectural detailing. Projects include bespoke Prime Oak Established more than 40 years ago, this stone for the Weston Tower at Westminster The market leader in the manufacture and family-run bespoke joinery firm can produce Abbey in London, the terrace at Cliveden in construction of oak-frame garden rooms and traditional timber panelling, ceilings, doors, Buckinghamshire and Purbeck-stone floor- orangeries in the UK, Prime Oak produces staircases and furniture. The company also ing for private member’s club Annabel’s, W1. timber-frame garages, stables and annexes, offers historic research and consultancy 01935 847333; www.artoriusfaber.com with sustainable oak air-dried in its own yards. services, plus expert advice on period details. 01384 296611; www.primeoak.co.uk 01935 826659; www.stuartinteriors.com Carpenter Oak This specialist company has been designing R. Moulding & Co W.G. Carter and making timber-frame buildings since Two of the directors of this family-owned 01865 864626; www.wgcarter.co.uk 1987, with a portfolio that spans commercial building company, Bill and Tim Moulding, (For profile, see page 128) and public projects, such as an oak pergola, larch trellising and 22 oak benches for the British Normandy Memorial to residential oak-frame new-builds, cabins and extensions. 01803 732900; www.carpenteroak.com

Distinctive Country Furniture Owner Brian Purnell has more than 35 years of experience in crafting handmade period- style furniture and architectural joinery, with expertise in 16th-, 17th- and 18th-century interiors. His firm can turn its hand to oak panelling, staircases and fire surrounds, as well as complete libraries and wine rooms. 01935 825800; www.distinctivecountryfurniture.co.uk Researched and compiled by Amelia Thorpe

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