French antiques rub shoulders with plenty of Christmas sparkle and cheer in this Suffolk home
HOME CV
WHO Antiques dealers Cathy and Peter Bullen and their spaniel, Madge.
WHAT A five-bedroom 16th-century timber-framed cottage in the Suffolk village of Bildeston. The couple arrived in Suffolk nearly 30 years ago and were drawn to the history of the house: ‘It was full of potential with wonderful original features,’ recalls Cathy. They spend half the year in France, visiting brocantes, where they fill their trusty van ‘René the Renault’ with items for their popular seasonal fairs. Fair Fête de Noël, 18th-26th November, boule-in.co.uk.
SITTING ROOM
Once the village pharmacy, Rose Cottage has also been home to East Anglian artist Elinor Bellingham-Smith, who was a great local character. She would doubtless have approved of the vibrant painterly palette of colours since chosen by the Bullens. The sitting room is painted in a delicate pink, Angie by Little Greene, and decorated with antiques and a vintage brass and glass drinks trolley. Just like so many pieces in this house, the spirit of Christmas has been handed down the generations: ‘I love the creativity of decorating and find joy in thinking up new ideas as well as cherishing older traditions. I grew up in a home where my parents decorated with inherited antique pieces, so I’ve always loved using these and other vintage decorations. Perhaps one day, my children may say the same,’ smiles Cathy.
BAR CART
The elegant drinks trolley is stocked with Cathy and Peter’s favourite sparkling Mirabeau rosé, produced near their house in France, and a collection of vintage Champagne coupes.
EXTERIOR
The 16th-century timber cottage was given a symmetrical Georgian frontage in the early 18th century. A vintage zinc planter above the portico is filled with twigs, garden foliage and fairy lights.
FESTIVE DISPLAY
Every corner is filled with fairy lights and tealights tucked into small glasses to create a magical glow. Here, an etched glass decanter, jewel-coloured glasses and a bottle of Christmas gin are displayed on a pierced-metal tray.
DINING ROOM
In the dining room, walls painted in Chelsea Green II by Paint & Paper Library are hung with antique prints and a mirror. A pink amaryllis makes a striking table centrepiece, given height atop a cut-glass bowl. The dining room plays a central role in the celebrations. ‘I love the idea of magical surprises,’ says Cathy. ‘I read a wonderful Russian story telling of the excitement of Babushka revealing the Christmas tree, kept well-hidden until Christmas Day. Now, I keep the dining room decorations a secret behind a closed door until the candles are lit and we all go in for dinner on Christmas night.’ A
