SARAH IN BRIEF

Best life lesson you’d pass on?

Positive things happen to positive people.

Best advice to mothers of boys?

Treat them like puppies: if they have enough exercise, sleep and food, it will make them much nicer.

What did your parents give you?

Self-belief and a good start in life: if you are adored when you’re little, it stays in your soul for the rest of your life.

What makes you happy?

My Roberts Radio. I also have a cake stand with a glass dome and occasionally I make a cake, put it on the cake stand next to the radio and everything in my world seems better.

What do you spend money on?

Books.

What’s your motto?

‘Try not to worry about things that haven’t happened’. And also, ‘Everything turns out okay in the end, however bad it seems.’

What would you change about yourself?

Not to juggle so much; to focus on one thing – and do it better!

What is your greatest achievement?

Rise Hall. We bought a derelict stately home and, against the odds, it’s fully refurbished and a thriving rental business.

What keeps you awake at night?

Wine – it’s one of the annoying things about getting older.

What does love feel like?

Like your heart would break if that person wasn’t in your life – even if they can drive you mad!