As you will notice, this issue has a distinctive garden theme weaving through it. The moment the sun begins to shine – even weakly – I adopt a hearty alfresco approach to life, which sometimes requires more than a little fortitude. A stiff and bitterly cold breeze may well be whipping across the lawn, but that doesn’t stop me flinging open the French doors to have weekend breakfasts on the terrace; or lighting citronella candles so we can enjoy dinner outside as the sun goes down, even if it does necessitate several sweaters and the odd blanket on the knees.

Every now and then, of course, we get those English summer days which really are perfect from dawn to dusk, and with that in mind, our dreamy feature Notes on a Summer’s Day (page 15), invites you to make the most of them – whether in your own garden or further afield. I hope it inspires you – as it has The English Home team – to gather friends and family for a long lazy day in the sunshine…

In my own home, there are times when I wish we had an option other than indoors or out, and it’s then that the benefits of a conservatory come to mind (see page 61 for a wealth of fabulous designs). Sadly, we don’t have that option with our listed cottage, but having been more than inspired by an artist’s cabin specially built in a garden (see our new series on personal retreats, page 88), I think there may be a viable option…

At the bottom of our own garden is a dilapidated old garage which, after much consideration – and the rigmarole of getting planning permission – we’re hoping to transform into a self-contained little studio for work, rest and play. While I appreciate that all the boring basics do need to be sorted out first, I can’t help but think how pretty it could be, and needless to say,

I’ve al ready started putting together a few ideas for the décor!

I’ll let you know how we get on in the months to come, but in the meantime if you have a similar retreat – be it a cabin, a snug or even an attic room, do get in touch – we’d love to hear about it!

Enjoy the summer!