And so to Midhurst, Sussex, where, in the latest instalment of our Cabbage Dispatch series, we wandered through a charming landscape of old stone, wildflower hedgerows and carefully gathered treasures with Lucy Haywood, founder of The Country Brocante.

Lucy has spent a decade and a half creating the most beautiful country fairs in Britain. We joined her on a gentle ramble through her world of weathered patinas, handpicked antiques, and lovingly restored heirlooms. From dawn walks across dewy fields to flea market forays and garden plans dreamed up in the greenhouse, Lucy’s life is stitched together with the same poetic details that make her fairs such a joy to discover. 

These are a few of our favourite things. 

What do you love most about your job?

I love creating beautiful country events where people can gather together to unearth exquisite antiques and decorative finds. I love seeing visitors light up when they find something amazing or connect with a new maker. It brings me great joy.

 

 

Can you describe a perfect day?

Waking early in spring for a walk over the fields, cup of tea in hand, dogs at my heels. Then a quiet lunch under canvas at Woolhouse with friends.

 

 

What are the most cherished items you own and why?

A box filled with dresses and old jumpers from when my girls were little. And my old, original tiny shepherds hut rescued from a farm in Wales. Top of the list, though, are my dogs and children of course! 

What’s your favourite failsafe dish?

A roast chicken with tarragon, lemon and garlic, served with garden vegetables. It’s the one thing I can get right – I’m not known for my cooking skills!

Dog walks, country pubs or gallery hopping: how do you spend your Sundays?

Sundays always start with an early morning flea market or a car boot sale, then, if fine, in the garden! 

Where do you go for inspiration?

Always the countryside: Sussex lanes, overgrown gardens, my piles of well-loved books – Christina's are always my favourite to sit and look through. And of course, the makers and creatives I meet through The Country Brocante.

 

What was the last book you loved and why?

In The Springtime Of The Year by Susan Hill. She is one of my favourite authors, and this book was so deeply moving. I love the descriptions of the houses, the countryside and the people. 

 

What’s your favourite hotel and why?

I don’t have a favourite hotel as my most cherished holiday spot is in an old cottage in Studland that we rent every year.However, it is a stone’s throw from The Pig On The Beach, which is so beautiful and has the most breathtaking views. 

 

 

Favourite restaurant?

My all-time favourite is The Horse Guards in Tillington outside Petworth: it’s styled to perfection and has prettiest garden and the best food. 

 

Your favourite artist, living or dead, and why?

Winifred Nicholson. Her work captures domestic life and flowers in such a soft and gentle way. 

 

Name a song that is significant to you and why?

I love all Jazz, especially Nina Simone. My father was a jazz drummer in his spare time, and I love the nostalgic feeling I get when I hear something familiar that my dad would have put on the record player.

 

Who would play you in a film?

I would hope someone very funny. I’d be honoured if it was Jennifer Saunders ! 

Who has had the biggest impact on your career?

My mother and father. Neither has never missed a big fair, and both have always been at my side as the business grew. Dad for business advice, always for styling, always! 

Which delights you more: garden pottering or kitchen pottering?

Garden pottering, always. I’m happiest in the greenhouse, either with tea and just the quiet, or busy making plans for the garden season ahead. 

 

If you had to choose, are you happier in city or country – and why?

The country. It’s the canvas for everything: my home, my work and my fashion choices ! 

Early riser or night owl?

Early riser. Those quiet moments before the day begins are so important. 

How would you describe your style?

Faded English eccentric – always with a muddy hem. 

Your favourite item of clothing?

An old pair of Cabbages & Roses trousers. Christina gave me many years ago at a fair – they have faded so much you can just make out the floral print. 

What job would you do in a parallel life?

Antique dealer-meets-garden designer, running a tiny walled nursery tucked behind an old chapel. With a tearoom, of course.