After showing us around her home and studio, architect Annabelle Tugby shares her house style.

You’re happiest at home when…
Hosting friends and family…  

Something I have been hugely missing during the lockdown. We have a very close group of friends in our Cheshire village and hosting everyone is a lovely way to spend an evening. Our house is designed for family life and I’m happiest when it is full of my favourite people.  

How would you describe the interiors of your house?
Warm, rustic and sensitive…

The interiors are warmer in tone than much of the work of the practice to date but at the time I wanted somewhere which felt especially homely. Following the build, I now often find myself suggesting softer and warmer spaces to clients and find they are very well received.        

If you could only save one thing, what would it be?
Otto! 

My lovely 4-year-old dachshund who is always at my side and on my team. He does have a taste for the hand-made card models made in the studio though, so he isn’t always that popular with everyone!

What was the last thing you bought for the house?
Some beautiful old rustic dolly tubs for the garden. 

During lockdown I’ve had the opportunity to spend more time in the garden and really focus on curating it. I have really focused on the edible garden and making the most of growing my own herbs, fruit and vegetables.

Top three coffee table books?
That’s a hard one. I think we are spoilt for choice with beautiful books on architecture. 

Atmospheres by Peter Zumthor is a beautiful book on his philosophy of designing spaces, which I have read recently after a recommendation from a member of my team. I also love Modern Rustic by Emily Henson, which we were fortunate enough to feature in recently. 

If money was no object, what changes would you make?
I’d buy the field next to the house!

I grew up on a smallholding not far away and would really love the chance to run a small farm again. My children enjoy visiting their grandparents’ farm and I would love the chance to have our own animals. There is something really special about knowing where your meat comes from, and that it had a healthy and happy life. 

You’re having people over for dinner: what do you cook? 
Ooh, it depends on how many people are coming? 

I had friends over recently and made a roast chicken with all the trimmings. I think sharing food together is so key to maintaining and building friendships and I love the feeling when people are happy to stay late into the evening because they are enjoying themselves. 

What does a Sunday here look like?
Sunday is for rest and family…

We love to get out on our bikes and explore in the morning, although not too early! In the summer a lazy afternoon in the garden with my children is best and in the winter curled up in front of a fire.  

What are the best things about the neighbourhood? 
The friendliness of the people and a great school, too!

Styal is a beautiful little village with a great atmosphere built around a community shop which we helped to set up a few years ago. There is a great pub and an excellent primary school which meant my children could walk around the corner to school.   

How long will you be here for?
That is a good question!

I had planned to be settled here for a while having recently completed the studio in the garden for my small team. But I love a project and am already thinking about the next one. I would love a farm nearby with some beautiful old outbuildings to work with. Watch this space!