My Country Life: Martin Waller

Martin Waller started Andrew Martin in 1978 and, in 1996, launched the Andrew Martin Interior Designer of the Year Award – known as the “Oscars of the design world”. He has been involved in designing film sets (James Bond, Harry Potter), hotels (Mandarin, Firmdale, El Lodge) and corporate HQs. His inspiration derives from his many adventures.

Did you grow up in the country?
I was brought up on the Essex/Suffolk border, which is an enchanting neck of the woods, with Finchingfield, Lavenham, Long Melford and Constable country close by. By nature I’m very much a city person – London has been my main base since I was 18. But families need space, and moving to the countryside was an attempt to replicate my own happy childhood for my kids.

Can you describe your house?
My country home is in Sussex – it’s late Georgian, which is unusual here. It has all the typical Georgian features: high ceilings, full-height windows and great proportions.

Why did you choose it?
We lived in Brighton previously, in a wonderful spot right on the seafront, but we always wanted a classic English country house surrounded by nature.

What’s the view from your study window?
The study looks out to the garden. We have deer wandering across here, which I think is wonderful. I’m not a gardener and I’m always more on the side of the wildlife – the rabbits destroying the lawn and the deer eating the roses. I’m glad rewilding is such a trend. It’s the best excuse for doing nothing.

How would you describe your interiors?
All interior design has to take into account the specific house and location. For our home in the country, we emphasised relaxed comfort – very much the Andrew Martin aesthetic. I like homes to reflect the history of the family, so it’s a treasure trove of memories.

How do your surroundings influence your work?
The world is filled with myriad exciting treasures and every place is a source of inspiration. Rather than being limited to one style, people are now influenced by the global assortment of design. The peace and individualism of the English countryside can be mixed with the perfect symmetry of the American look, the magic of African tribal artistry, the serenity of Scandinavia or the heritage of French sophistication.

How is your social scene different in the country?
We didn’t know many people when we moved to the countryside, but the parents of the children’s school chums became firm friends, long after the children moved on. Plus, a friend from my schooldays is now our next-door neighbour.

Which are your favourite pubs and restaurants in the area?
I love the Bluebird Cafe in Ferring – it has the best fish and chips. Kinsbrook Vineyard in Thakeham is another wonderful option, showcasing the best of Sussex produce. Finally, Napoli on Wheels is a travelling pizza truck that comes to Ashington on Fridays – we all love it for a relaxed family dinner.

Local galleries and museums?
Pallant House Gallery in Chichester is a delightful modern art and exhibition gallery. On an epic scale, Arundel Castle and Petworth House are definitely worth a visit.

What are your favourite countryside pursuits?
The South Downs are just along the road – you can’t beat a walk on the white cliffs, in the verdant countryside. I also love watching the wallabies at Leonardslee Gardens, another beautiful spot for wildlife. Worthing’s seafront is like stepping back into the Edwardian age of seaside resorts.

Which are your favourite shops and markets?
Sussex is wonderful antiques-hunting territory – none better than Spencer Swaffer in Arundel and the antiquarian bookstores in Lewes.

What do you miss most about the country when you’re in town?
Like all things in life, love where you are, who you’re with and what you’re doing now.

What’s the best thing about where you live?
I love all the simple things about country life – picking blackberries, seeing the stars at night and hearing the birds outside my window.

Andrew Martin

Pictures from top: Martin Waller, surrounded by some of his finds; the gardens of Arundel Castle (Alamy); an eclectic hang at home; and a global feel in the small sitting room