Pick of the Pads: Wealden Times

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'Crystal Clear' article in the February 2014 edition of the Wealden Times magazine

For this month’s Pick of the Pads we’ve chosen to feature the fabulous home of Adrian & Amy.

February 2014 edition of the Wealden Times magazine

It’s featured in the February 2014 edition of the Wealden Times – a lifestyle magazine we only stumbled across recently. As the name suggests, it covers the Wealden area of the south east of England – taking in the South Downs of Kent & East Sussex. The magazine’s available to pick up at Waitrose stores & train stations in the region, but subscriptions & postal options are also available.

view of the lounge in the February 2014 edition of the Wealden Times magazine

This unique home is formed by the very skilful joining of the Georgian coach house and neighbouring cottage – both fully restored by the present owners.

view of the dining room in the February 2014 edition of the Wealden Times magazine

The results are stunning – the epitome of modern rustic style.

view of the bedroom in the February 2014 edition of the Wealden Times magazine

The fabric of the building is used to maximum effect – exposed brickwork, beams, floorboards & wood panelling all add character & texture.

antique oak coffer between 2 armchairs upholstered in tartan fabric

It provides the perfect backdrop for a wonderful blend of country antiques, vintage finds & industrial styling. Blankets, cushions, warm lighting & fresh flowers soften the spaces.

view of the walkway in the February 2014 edition of the Wealden Times magazine

The contemporary glass walkways linking the coach house to the cottage also work superbly well. The structure of the buildings really sings out – and we love the fact that materials were either restored in situ or reclaimed from the site.

view of the cooker in the kitchen in the February 2014 edition of the Wealden Times magazine

The spaces look so comfortable & welcoming.

views of the kitchen and sitting room in the February 2014 edition of the Wealden Times magazine

We could happily avail ourselves of one of the numerous comfy looking chairs on offer – they’d never get rid of us!!

view of the new extension in the February 2014 edition of the Wealden Times magazine

And a gorgeous, friendly dog to welcome you home is always the icing on the cake!!

One lump or two?

'One lump or two?' blog post banner

Vintage J & F Bell Three Nuns tobacco tin | H is for Home

We often find these small tobacco tins in the mixed boxes we buy at auction. Usually they’re full of nails, pins, screws or tap washers. But this one contained a more colourful surprise…

Vintage 'Three Nuns' tobacco tin showing 8 different paper-wrapped sugar cubes | H is for Home

…lots of old, paper-wrapped sugar lumps!

They look to date from the 1960s – someone had obviously started a little collection – quite rare survivors probably.

Old paper-wrapped sugar cubes including Harrods, Sunny Southport, Kent and Ravenglass | H is for Home

Some of them have lovely period graphics… very sweet!