BRACE YOURSELVES. TV PRESENTER ANTHEA TURNER’S ÜBER-STYLISH HOME IS SCIENTIFICALLY PROVEN TO CAUSE ENVY

She’s the presenter of Perfect Housewife, so it’s only right that Anthea Turner, 48, should have the perfect home too.

Set among 50 acres of countryside near Godalming in Surrey, her four-bedroom house has a tennis court, library, wine cellar, stables, cinema and a swimming pool.

It’s a wonder she and her husband Grant Bovey, 47, ever leave.

“We spend a lot of time here in the orangery, especially in summer,” Anthea says.

“Grant’s children – Lily, 16, Amelia, 14, and Claudia, 11 – spend some of their school holidays here, and we all gravitate to this room.

"Us, the kids, the dogs and our friends.”

Despite being inundated by visitors, Anthea isn’t precious about her home.

“I like a room to be stylish but it must also be comfortable,” she says.

“I want my guests to come here and not have to tip-toe around.

“The floors are Italian limestone, the wicker sofas are covered in a polyester fabric and the cushions are faux suede, so everything is durable and can be easily cleaned.”

She adds: “It’s essential when our dogs, Buddy and Digger, are running around.”

Anthea’s equally smart with the gadgets in her home, hiding them away in storage units behind the bar in the orangery.

She admits: “I hate boys’ toys but Grant would love them to be on display.

"Putting them in the cupboards is a good compromise.”

Anthea’s book, How To Be The Perfect Housewife: Entertain In Style (Virgin Books, £12.99), is out now.

 

1. CERAMIC APPLE “I bought this from a shop in Cranleigh, a village near our house. I just thought it was so quirky and gave the room a splash of colour.”

2. SILVER DISH “This is a flame bowl. You take the top off and put a gel candle inside which burns and throws out a lovely, soft light.”

3. CANDLESTICKS “I love these old church-style candlesticks because they accentuate the rustic charm of the house, which was built at the turn of the last century.”

4. SCULPTURE “This was made by an up-and-coming Russian sculptor. It’s very unusual and always provides a talking point for our guests.”

ANTHEA STYLE TIPS

* When planning a room, think about who’ll use it and decorate accordingly. Use easily-cleaned fabrics and have plenty of storage.
* Before you buy a new sofa or chairs, think about having your old ones re-covered.
* Don’t try to be clever, keep it simple. Start with a neutral colour scheme then add splashes of different tones with ornaments and fabrics.

 

Words: Eimear O’Hagan. Photography: Brian Aris. Hair and Make-up: Lisa Armstrong at oy Goodman

 

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