BRITISH MADE
Creating a lovely place to stay, where all the furnishings are made by British craftspeople, and available for visitors to buy, was a long-held dream for one owner
Amanda Bannister and her family first moved to the village of Semley on the borders of Wiltshire and Dorset 18 years ago. ‘We bought a former Baptist chapel to convert and use as a weekend retreat, and grew to love it, spending more and more time here,’ says Amanda. Next door to their home stood a 19th-century cottage, which had once belonged to the minister, with an old garage – this property became the germ of a long-held dream.
‘I’d always wanted to create a space decorated exclusively with furniture and textiles produced and designed by British craftspeople,’ says Amanda. ‘I was keen to champion the inspiring makers and designers in this country from Victorian times to the present day, and to offer it up within a luxury holiday let where everything was shoppable,’ she says. At the same time she was considering the provision of residential courses in traditional crafts.
‘The house itself hadn’t been touched since the 1960s, so it was a bit of a wreck, with holes in the roof and no heating,’ explains Amanda. It initially came up for sale four years ago, but the timing wasn’t quite right for Amanda and her family. ‘Someone else bought it and started on the renovations. However, serendipity was on our side, as they later decided they had taken on too much and put it back on the market – which meant we were able to buy it.’
Renaming it The Craftsmans Cottage, Amanda set about decorating it in a style to suit both its character and the plans she had for it. ‘We made a point of using local artisans, especially for the bespoke joinery needed to fit into the awkward corners. Then we decorated it with a mixture of traditional and contemporary wallpapers and textiles, including William Morris’s iconic designs, which form the backdrop in several rooms.’
Under Amanda’s expert eye, a range of crafted items old and new co-exist in harmony here: Welsh
blankets woven to age-old designs are laid beside new block-printed cushions, creating an eclectic mix that blends beautifully and stays true to the couple’s vision of using only British makers. Mid-century furniture by Ercol sits alongside items from modern British companies such as Pinch Design and Another Country, who are friends of the pair. ‘We try and choose from companies that produce on a small scale. I think we’re all beginning to see the value of investing in pieces that have a history and an integrity. It all works because the pieces within this Wiltshire property come from the same spirit, creating a home that feels crafted, considered and timeless.
Not surprisingly, Amanda herself is a skilled maker and many of the ceramics in the house are by her. She took up pottery as a hobby about 20 years ago, as a way to switch off from her demanding career as a lawyer. ‘When my job became too stressful, I would shut down the computer and go and play with a bag of clay,’ she says. Today Amanda has her own studio. ‘It’s a great feeling to become totally absorbed in the act of making by hand, and to have something to show for your endeavours.’
Amanda explains the reasons for her love of handmade pieces: ‘The Arts & Crafts movement came out of a desire to counteract the mechanisation of the Industrial Revolution, and we’re now witnessing a backlash against the digital revolution in much the same way. We believe people appreciate objects that have been made by hand at a slower, more considered pace, so if they can come here, learn skills such as ceramics, bookbinding or mat weaving and enjoy some peace and quiet, then I will have achieved what I set out to do.’
For residential courses and stays, visit thecraftsmanscottage.com