HB Edit - Edition 22
Sharing the things on my ebay watch list that I don't have the space or money for, but wish I did.
I’ve got Greece on my mind this week, with Greek-key elements popping up throughout the eBay haul and a serious fangirl moment for Patrick Leigh Fermor’s house in the Peloponnese. As the saying goes, it’s all Greek to me.
Also, a side-note to welcome a host of new subscribers who have joined the ranks in the last week. For those wondering what they’ve got themselves into, I’ve linked the introduction to HB Edit here. Safe to say, you’re in good hands. Enjoy!
I’m a bit of a sucker for anything Greek key - and these are no exception. And for anyone who has experienced the sophistication of drinking from very fine, thin glass, you’ll know that these are the ones. Plus a bonus jug and a singular champagne coup - for all those times you’re drinking fizz solo.
The Rowley Gallery is a very smart shop on Ken Church Street - the type where you can barely afford to look through the window. While this mirror is still expensive, it’s made its way to the more affordable world of eBay, and I think it’s such a special piece. Unique, immaculate and oh so easy on the eyes.
I love a cricket table alongside a sofa, it breaks up the often blocky, rectangular shape of big upholstered pieces. These tables are fantastic in a bigger room: a large pot lamp with drum shade, collected trinkets and a vase of freshly cut dahlias would like right at home here: the dream.
This fits quite neatly into the ‘delusions of grandeur’ column for me. But I see this chair less in a Palladian country pile, and more in a Swedish summer house, with cream panelled walls and brightly painted window frames. It’s a beautiful shape, and what I like to call a ‘proper piece of furniture.’ In good nick too!
Unless you have access to an entire, in-person fabric library featuring every brand under the sun: fabrics can be hard. But don’t overlook eBay, which often has discontinued lines or off-cuts of vintage fabrics that your friends can’t copy. This is not a huge amount (2.85m), enough for a headboard or a roman blind, but it’s very sweet - and a complete bargain. Even if just for the stocks - worth buying.
In a larger family bathroom as storage, in a child’s bedroom for books, or on a landing as an extra surface to simply put stuff: this set of limed oak, arts and crafts shelves are so sweet. With pretty carvings and a reasonable price, it’s an easy yes.
This is slightly too on the ‘restored’ side for me, but I am including it as I suspect some people are put off by antiques for the very reason that they look a bit tattered. Well, no excuses this time. A very attractive table, with cabriole legs and a useful drawer. Not cheap, but neither is restoration… makes sense!
Longtime readers will know that I am not a fan of the permanent drinks tray/trolley trend (dusty, half-empty bottles with sticky lids? No thanks). But when guests are over and you are serving up a vodka and tonic, setting out a tray is a rewarding ritual, and feels extra special. More Greek key (j’adore), a good size and an attractive price. Don’t hold back.
Feature: for each edition, I will feature a person, object, room or place that inspires me.
My love for Greece is something I have touched on before in this newsletter. It is not particularly imaginative: how could you not love the crystal waters of the Aegean, olive oil, and regular donkey sightings? It’s a magical place, with a warm energy even on the coldest of Winter days. While I haven’t been back for a few years, the first few weeks of August always make me think of previous happy memories there, specifically holidaying with my bestest friend in the world, Posie. Ice-cold FIX beers, Greek salads and evening swims at 8pm. Heaven.
Playing the ‘how would you spend the money if you won the lottery game,’ the question of owning a holiday house often comes up. While I’m not set on returning to the same spot every year - I think I’d miss the sense of excitement and satisfaction when you find a new place, a secret cove, a favourite restaurant - one thing I know for sure is: I would want it to look like Patrick Leigh Fermor’s house in the Peloponnese, mainland Greece.
So perfect is this house, that I can hardly find a single item that looks out of place, or that I wouldn’t want for myself. The balance of bright, white-washed walls, striped blue and white linen and brown furniture makes for the perfection cocktail of taste. I love the unmistakably English elements to its design - a Regency scroll armchair, a walnut side table, a leather-inlaid desk - mixed in amongst the Greek elements: marble from Paros, local sand-coloured limestone and provincial shutters. It’s a masterclass in mixing styles and vernaculars, with understated ease and elegance. And, above all, it looks like the ideal place to spend a week or two with friends. If the ‘lottery-winning holiday house’ looked like this, it would be a no brainer.
More anon!
Instagram: @hugobeazley
Postal address: 97 Regency Street, London, SW1P 4AL
I love your taste and your writing style! I just want back to read all of your past posts and look forward to what comes next!
So useful..Greek key tray now coming with me as permanent fixture for our Greek house in Péloponnèse (not far from Paddy Leigh Fermor’s in fact ) to serve drinks on the roof. Thank you for a lip smacking edit HB