Journal

From medieval frames and hand-worked doors to contemporary oak extensions, timber carries the marks of how a house was made, adapted and lived in. We look more closely at one of the oldest materials still shaping the homes we build and inhabit today.

Beyond the towns and villages of Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Bedfordshire lies an extraordinary collection of landscapes, historic estates and gardens - places where architecture and nature come together in equal measure.

Summer has a way of drawing life outdoors. Garden lunches become evening gatherings, picnics stretch long into the afternoon, and ordinary weekends become excuses to bring people together.

A well-designed bathroom can completely transform the feel of a home. Beyond practicality, it’s a space that speaks to quality, calm and considered living — where materials, fittings and finishes work together to create a sense of permanence and quiet luxury.

Living well in the Chilterns is shaped as much by the places around you as it is by the homes themselves. From independent shops to well-loved cafes, these are the details that give an area its character.

In the first of a new series on homes and interiors, we met local architect Andrea Van Tromp of AVT Design Studio to talk about how to choose the right design and build team, what’s shaping architectural design right now, and why good design can make all the difference.