Country Living Modern Rustic behind the scenes

November last year  I received a message from Country Living expressing that they were intreated in photographing Bryncyn for edition 4 of Modern Rustic. In May I had the great opportunity of styling the cottage with Ben Kendrick Country Living and photographed by Brent Darby.

Prior to this though I had weeks pondering how best to showcase the property so I took the opportunity to investigate what trends were emerging. I scoured flea markets and found this naive looking metal horse which now comfortably fits above my Grandmothers Carmarthenshire chest. On a more domestic leave I wanted to highlight local talents and with this in mind I spotted a young contemporary ceramic's by Brazilian born artist now based in Wales called Poliana Bandeira who makes the most exquisite tableware.

Another notable change that I decided to do was to add a new sofa to the living room and after painstaking research I decided to go for the Friheten Corner sofa-bed, Skiftebo dark grey by Ikea, which sits snugly against the modern wood burner.  Soft furnishings came from The Conran Shop I instantly fell in love with Alba Wool throw leaf with its bold yellow tones which compliment the yellow flowers of the Gorse outside which were beautiful captured by Brent Darby. Cushions from http://www.damsonandslate.co.uk and the Conran Shop.

I’d never worked with http://www.brentdarby.com before but immediately I sensed his enthusiasm as he approached every angle of the house. Inside his attention to detail was amazing and I think he's produced a wonderful snapshot into Modernist Bryncyn.

It has been a great privileged to have Bryncyn featured in Modern Rustic 4 which also includes some wonderful interiors if you haven't already browsed though a copy then I urge you to do so but if you want to seea snippetof what they though of Bryncyn then heres a taster .

Photographs Brent Darby styling by Ben Kenderick

Modern Rustic 4 available from most good newsagents                           

Bryncyn available for let www.TheWelshHouse.co.uk and to celebrate enjoy a £25 off any holiday up to the end of 2006 booked by 30th November using code MODERNISTIC

How to reconnect children with nature

Splashing in puddles, building sandcastles and making daisy chains: The simple outdoor pleasures missed out on by today's computer-loving children 

• Children are staying in playing computer games rather than go outside
• Traditional games of splashing in puddles and squelchy mud disappearing
• Almost two thirds of children have never made a daisy chain themselves 
• Children spend less than five hours a week playing outside, less than the 11 hours a week their parents spent climbing trees and planting seeds  

Playing in the mud, making daisy chains and climbing trees are simple pleasures that have defined childhood for generations. But such youthful pursuits appear to be dying out as an increasing number of children play computer games instead. Researchers say dozens of outdoor activities that were almost universally enjoyed a generation ago are falling out of favour. 

The National Trust encourage children to reconnect with nature with a rahnge of activities our children are missing out on but thes are a few of our favrites :

1. Building sandcastles

Traditional childhood activities, such as building sandcastles, are in danger of disappearing as youngsters are choosing to stay inside and play computer games rather than take part in outdoor activities  

2. Splashing in puddles

Dozens of children are missing out on the fun of splashing in puddles and returning home soaking wet 

3. Climb a tree

Experts warn that simple outdoor pleasures, such as climbing trees, are in danger of becoming non-existent

4. Make a daisy chain

Making daisy chains can keep children occupied for quite some time. It's a good idea to start with them, then leave them to continue without you for a while.

5. Find frogspawn

Spring is a great time to discover how frogspawn transforms almost on a daily basis

6. Build a den

Building a den almost out of nothing is a wonderful experience and could be a life saving exercise later in life.

 7.  Grow fruit and vegetables

Only four in ten had planted seeds and just over a third had helped to grow fruit or vegetables. 

8. Go blackberry picking

Seven in ten had never been blackberry picking and two thirds had not flown a kite.

9. Have a picnic

Have a  picnic but not just in the back garden find a special place and experience the delights of outdoor eating.

10. Skim stones across a river

Skimming  stones is harder than you may think but once you've mastered it you won't stop the habit 

Location may be a key factor, with a quarter of parents saying they did not live near green spaces. Almost half admitted they were more concerned about letting children play outdoors than they had been in the past. 

If your looking for a safe place for children and want to re-connect with nature then www.TheWelshHouse/BrynEglur is the perfect place.

Best Wild Holiday Cottage in Wales

From secret beaches to remote restaurants, the Times reveal the greatest British spots off the beaten track. Included within the list of secluded retreats was Bryn Eglur disconnected from the modern world with a stay at this remote cottage that dates from 1755: there's no TV or wi-fi. What you do get is an almost perfect reproduction of a period property with wood-beamed ceilings, a grandfather clock, limed-washed walls an inglenook fireplace. There's another cottage near by but, there than that, seclusion is guaranteed.

Four nights' self catering from £250 for up to four people www.TheWelshHouse.co.uk