The first clue that I have arrived at the right house is the gleaming paint on the front door with its incredibly highly polished brass handle and spotless front step. Dee Martyn is a stylist and interiors expert, so I am expecting to find a well-ordered house, but I have not anticipated quite how beautifully arranged it will be. 

TEST Dee’s flair for interior design is strikingly evident in the cosy sitting room: home to a host of beautiful faux flowers, scented candles and a hoard of interior design books

Dee’s flair for interior design is strikingly evident in the cosy sitting room: home to a host of beautiful faux flowers, scented candles and a hoard of interior design books

TEST the kitchen and scullery have been left as separate areas. Cupboards and shelves display collections of china and glass

the kitchen and scullery have been left as separate areas. Cupboards and shelves display collections of china and glass

TEST

TEST the French fruitwood table in the denim blue dining room displays a large cream soupière in the centre, a pair of linen-shaded lamps at either end and a collection of 18th century etched glasses and spirit bottles. The oil painting on the wall is in the naïf style

the French fruitwood table in the denim blue dining room displays a large cream soupière in the centre, a pair of linen-shaded lamps at either end and a collection of 18th century etched glasses and spirit bottles. The oil painting on the wall is in the naïf style

TEST the dramatic dining room is painted a deep teal blue and creates the perfect backdrop for dinner parties

the dramatic dining room is painted a deep teal blue and creates the perfect backdrop for dinner parties

TEST Dee’s collection of antique games boards and wooden decorative objects provides a talking point for guests

Dee’s collection of antique games boards and wooden decorative objects provides a talking point for guests

TEST the main bedroom has been painted in Farrow & Ball’s ‘Cream’

the main bedroom has been painted in Farrow & Ball’s ‘Cream’

TEST The iron bed has been sandblasted back to the metal and has an unusual bow end

The iron bed has been sandblasted back to the metal and has an unusual bow end

TEST

TEST in the bathroom the walls are a suitably oceanic blue-green and the furniture and shutters are white while the seagrass flooring adds texture. The roll-top bath has antique brass taps

in the bathroom the walls are a suitably oceanic blue-green and the furniture and shutters are white while the seagrass flooring adds texture. The roll-top bath has antique brass taps

TEST

TEST a pretty mirror and a pair of candlesticks, as well as more faux flowers in the form of ranunculus and tall white delphiniums, enhance the conservatory

a pretty mirror and a pair of candlesticks, as well as more faux flowers in the form of ranunculus and tall white delphiniums, enhance the conservatory

TEST

TEST Dee designed the conservatory 18 years ago to complement the house

Dee designed the conservatory 18 years ago to complement the house

TEST The furniture in the conservatory has been painted in Farrow & Ball’s ‘Hardwick White’

The furniture in the conservatory has been painted in Farrow & Ball’s ‘Hardwick White’

TEST Dee’s collection of topiary in the courtyard. The vintage French garden furniture is painted in the National Trust’s Wheelbarrow Blue

Dee’s collection of topiary in the courtyard. The vintage French garden furniture is painted in the National Trust’s Wheelbarrow Blue

  • words:
  • pictures: David Merewether
  • styling: Lucy Fleming

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