At Home With Wendy @countryhome_sweetings
This week we are at home with Wendy the amazingly creative lady behind the fabulous and very colourful home instagram account @countryhome_sweetings where she shares her love of interior design and day to day life in her stunning 17th century tradition Welsh long farmhouse
Tell us about you
Since the mid-90’s, apart from a brief spell in Paris, I’ve lived in The Vale of Glamorgan in South Wales. I live with my husband and periodically my son and daughter who are currently studying at university. We live in a small village in the Vale within walking distance of a market town which is surrounded by magnificent countryside.
We’ve lived in our house since returning from Paris in 2004. The day we viewed the house we had a number of other appointments lined up with the Estate Agent. We cancelled and set about a plan to buy the house which had several other prospective buyers.
Tell us about your home
Our 17th century farmhouse is on a quiet picturesque lane which leads to horse racing stables. We have a steam running along the bottom of the garden.
The house has a garden to the front and back. The front has wide established borders and the back was dominated by a huge walnut tree which unfortunately fell during the recent high winds. The house is a traditional long farmhouse, with one room leading to another on the ground floor.
How would you describe your home?
The décor varies from room to room. From the traditional and minimal to colourful and rustic. A right mixed bag. My style I would describe as traditionally eclectic!
Which is your favourite room in the house?
My favourite room in the house is the converted barn which is now the kitchen. It’s spacious and the height is to the rafters. It’s a room where we gather as a family and is a focal point when friends visit.
How does your home reflect any passions or interests that you have?
Our passion for art is reflected around the house but particularly in the kitchen. Over the years we’ve filled the floor to roof walls with original art from Welsh or Welsh based artists.
The art is an eclectic mix to say the least. Despite the height and size of the room, the Aga and underfloor heating makes the kitchen warm and cosy space. I’ve always enjoyed interior styling even though I have no formal qualifications!
I do what I love and enjoy. Our art is a passion and once we’re able to travel again our aim is to visit galleries that house the world’s top 50 paintings. We’ve already seen 4! I also love to read and books fill the house. At the moment I love velvet. We have an abundance of velvet curtains, cushions and sofas.
What are your favourite items in the house?
I have a number of favourite items many of which are heirlooms of sentimental value. A chiming clock my grandfather treasured that brings back many childhood memories. I also love The Bridge painting by Welsh artist Kevin Sinnott. The colours are magnificent.
Have you done any renovation?
When we bought the property the main house was in need of serious renovation. Attached was a derelict barn, stables and we think rubble from a previous out house structure. Our priority was to update the heating and electrics. We then set about converting the barn to a kitchen and stables to bathrooms and gym. We’ve converted the derelict rubble to spare bedrooms and cinema room. Apart from painting we’re very much DIY incompetent!
Have you had any DIY, renovation or styling disasters?
We have had a few disasters. For example the builders severed a gas pipe. My son playing skittles with tins of Farrow and Ball paint and yes you can guess what happened! The garage doors were too small to accommodate our car …. The list goes on but it’s been 14 years!!
What is your top home styling tip?
Enjoy what you do. Do it to please yourself and your family. Don’t choose a black rug… I should have listened!! Your tastes change and prepare to be constantly faffing!
Is there anything in your home that you couldn’t live without?
The utility room for its functionality and it’s the dumping ground!
They say every home tells visitors a story about who lives there. What do you think your home says about you?
I would hope our home would be considered welcoming, relaxed and family orientated. It’s really an eclectic mix which doesn’t necessarily follow any particular style or trend. It’s colourful but has its neutral areas!! Our home is certainly not perfect and is totally lived in.
The Home Edit
Lived-in look or show home?
Lived in
If you could only paint your walls one colour, which one would it be?
Breakfast Room Green Farrow and Ball
What is your pet hate when it comes to your own or other’s homes?
Muddy dog paws on flagstone floors!
Favourite front door colour
White or black
Carpet or Floorboards
Carpet
Kitchen table dining or formal dining room?
Kitchen table dining
High gloss or rustic?
Rustic
Wallpaper or Brick Walls?
Brick wall
Want More?
If you enjoyed being at home with Wendy, you might like to take a look inside other popular home styling accounts on instagram and find out more about the people behind them. You can see more of these "at home with" articles here