My childhood summers were spent in a tiny Irish cottage with the dearest Granny, who was a champion of the ‘make do & mend’ era.

Nothing was wasted, drawers were filled with neatly folded brown paper bags & old envelopes, which were used for shopping lists.

The tale of a once frayed school shirt collar, being recovered with fabric from the hem, were regular of examples of how this philosophy was put into practice…. daily.

Grazed knees, rosy cheeks, penny sweets and a healthy smattering of boiled cabbage, all made for the happiest of times.

I suppose that’s where my love of vintage stems from, that and the saying ‘Necessity is the mother of all invention’

As a student, I couldn’t afford to go out & buy the latest from the high street -my high street was Oxfam (the only charity shop at the time) & so I customised, made my own clothes & wore vintage long before this became a trend.

My first rooms away from home & then every home thereafter, were furnished with charity shop or boot sale finds – I liked what developed, a unique blend of old things already with a story to tell.

After a long career in retail for brands such as Liberty & Selfridges, I was keen to put my creative & organisational skills to a different use.

Today finding old treasures and not just making do but giving them a new story….is what I love to do the most.

I’m never happier than when truffling around antique & flea markets, often dragging my children, dog & trusty trolley along behind me.

I am privileged to have been able to turn this passion into a business…finding unique, often one of a kind pieces for your home & garden.

I still love the countryside & spend many an hour pottering in my old Hampshire cottage.

I love long walks, log fires, baked cakes & good books…. oh, and the occasional gin, but shh….don’t tell Granny!