THERE’S OFTEN FIVE IN THE BED AT LAURENCE LLEWELYN-BOWEN’S PAD – WHEN HIS THREE DOGS JOIN HIM AND HIS WIFE JACKIE UNDER THE SHEETS!

Since TV interior designer Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen moved his family from London to the Cotswolds, he and his wife Jackie have been enjoying more lie-ins.

“Because we’re now in farmers’ world, not London, we spend far more time in bed,” says the 43 year old.

“On Sunday night, we turn in by 10pm after having a house full of people all day.

"We get under the covers with a gin and tonic and watch the news, read or cuddle up.”

It’s no wonder then that when Laurence started renovating the 17th century manor house in April last year, one of the first rooms he tackled was the master bedroom.

“Every room needed redesigning,” he explains, “but Jackie and I love being in our bedroom, so we started here.”

“I’m always wandering about in here without much on,” says Jackie, 44. “I’ve no shame where nudity is concerned!”

The couple’s relocation with their daughters, Cecile, 12, and Hermione, 10, was the subject of a fly-on-the-wall documentary, To The Manor Bowen, which followed their attempts to renovate the ramshackle eight-bedroom, five-bathroom pile near Cirencester in Gloucestershire.

“And we’re still not finished,” laughs Laurence. “But we love it here. It’s like The Good Life. We have an acre of land, a vegetable patch and chickens. Last year, Jackie harvested apples and made cider. Our rural dream is now a reality.”

Laurence and Jackie run their own interior design company, LB&A, and Laurence is currently busy designing a range of wallpaper, a paint collection, chandeliers and a home fragrance.

He also has a new TV show starting next month.

And if that doesn’t keep him busy enough, there’s another 12 rooms to decorate – that’s if he doesn’t turn his attentions back to the bedroom first.

“I love the red and black scheme but I can never sit still,” he says. “It could easily go floral and chintzy overnight!”

Own Britain’s Best Home & Garden starts Thursday September 4, 8pm, Five.

1. PICTURE “Jackie’s great-grandfather bought this silk picture of the Lady Of The Moon – a Japanese goddess – in 1903.”

2. BED “The bed is raised on a platform so we have a better view out of our window. The black chiffon curtain around it is for extra privacy.”

3. LAMPSHADES “I bought the red silk from India, then wrapped it around the shades. They match the duvet cover perfectly.”

4. DOG BED “This is a luxury Louis XVI dog bed. Our three dogs – Florence, Chester and Dandy – do use it, but as soon as we get into bed, they jump in with us!”

5. CARPET “I designed this especially for the bedroom. The black border adds dramatic effect.”

LAWRENCE'S STYLE TIPS

* If you want a cosy feel, cover your wooden floorboards with carpet. The current trend is for comfort and indulgence.
* It’s important to get the lighting right. Talk to an electrician about putting floor sockets in the middle of the room for extra lighting.
* Be creative. Vintage scarves can work well as cushion covers and create an eclectic look.

WORDS: OLIVIA BUXTON PHOTOGRAPHY: JAMIE HUGHES HAIR & MAKE-UP: SADIE HEWLETT AT TIME AGENCY COMPILED BY: SALLY GILLAM

 

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