In 1999 my husband persuaded me to try diving. Initially, I was reluctant but the PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors; padi.com) course I took was great and I loved the pool lessons. We were diving off Brixham beach in South Devon fo

Though famous in the Middle Ages for a rollicking annual fair with spit roast ox as centrepiece – which inspired Shakespeare to describe his larger-than-life character Falstaff as ‘That roasted Manningtree ox with the pudding in his belly’ – these da

In the Vale of Glamorgan, this prairie-style hand-built cabin sleeping four offers a marriage of US–Welsh arts and culture cocooned in an enchanting woodland setting. The whitewashed interior, lined with natural textiles and crafts, mirrors the owner

Matt or eggshell have long been the go-to for woodwork, but gloss is back in vogue. On selected areas, such as cupboard doors, this lacquered finish will give deeper shades such as olive green, dark blue or even black a lift, and brings character to

Beth and Doug chose an elegant blue for the wall cabinetry, with the island in a dark grey with blue undertones as a subtle way of accentuating its role as the central feature of the room. ‘I love the contrast of the blue against the oak floor and th

Blossoming apple trees in front of a half-hidden house were what first intrigued Sarah and David Williamson-Jones. ‘We were living nearby and often drove past, but it was difficult to get more than a glimpse of the actual property,’ Sarah says. When

Combine the art of Japanese Ikebana flower arranging with a more homegrown bouquet for the prettiest centrepiece. Pale clay tones, gentle textures and filtering screens make a light and atmospheric living room space. Find beauty in the everyday wit

Nina Parker puts her appreciation of well-loved items and instinctive homemaking skills down to both her grandmothers. ‘My English granny’s home was a riot of colour, filled with handmade items such as rag rugs and patterned cushions. Then my Belgian

During the year I visit a lot of boot sales, until deep into winter when I can no longer feel my fingers at 6.30am,’ explains Gemma Lewis as she reels off the various sources of the vintage pieces dotted around her Surrey home, mentioning Sunbury Ant

I love this little flower more and more. With its unusual gold blooms, it’s so exotic and commanding. As it’s small, you should plant quite a few of them around the edge of a large pot with nothing too large to over shadow. Their flowers look exquisi

Celebrate… by picking your own country flowers at Lychgate Cutting Garden at Hill House Nursery, Landscove, Devon. Choose a bucket, a pair of snips and get cutting (lychgatecuttinggarden.co.uk) Enjoy… asparagus. Drizzle with olive oil, roast and se

The Bull Pen is one of a cluster of five barns that owners Polly and George Phillips finished converting nearly two years ago. ‘It formed part of George’s family farm, the nucleus of which is next door to the barns and still used as the main farm bui

As a classical singer, I’m in London a lot, whether it be performing or for TV appearances, and, when I’m living at my London home, I love walking up to viewpoints, like Primrose Hill, and looking out across the capital’s skyline. But it’s the views

No rough-and-ready home weaves here; today’s planet-friendly products bring a touch of natural chic to interiors, with pastel vegetable-dyed fabrics, carefully sourced materials and handcrafted designs from new-generation makers. It’s a considered lo

POSITION YOUR HOB ON THE CENTRAL ISLAND TO CREATE A SOCIABLE COOKING HUB, IDEAL FOR RELAXED ENTERTAINING. ■