House & Garden’s esteemed membership community, The Calico Club, is renowned for events that provide members with exclusive access to the world of interiors and design. Throughout the year, a series of private events take place, each offering a unique experience. However, this year, there was one event that stood out as the most eagerly anticipated of the summer calendar.
Located just outside York, Brockfield Hall is a Grade II*-listed Regency house, and home to House & Garden editor Hatta Byng and her husband, Charlie Wood. In June, Hatta invited members of The Calico Club for lunch and a tour of the house. Rupert Cunningham, senior architectural designer at Ben Pentreath, explained the architectural history of the house and the alterations that were made during the recent restoration project, whilst Hatta’s husband Charlie provided more personal background details about the history of the house, which has been in his family for several generations. Hatta discussed the interiors–explaining everything from the clever use of block-printed, striped cotton from India, to the colour palettes for each room and the arrangement of furniture, both antique and contemporary. The redecoration has resulted in interiors that complement Brockfield’s rich history, while also representing Hatta and Charlie’s tastes and personalities.
Throughout, the mix of antiques with modern pieces, and personal and humorous collections show how this family house has evolved over time. Among the inherited family portraits hanging on the walls and the collected antiques, a particular nook in one sitting room drew the attention of Calico Club members, thanks to the display of copies of House & Garden dating back to 2006 in eye-catching cerulean blue bindings, which mark Hatta’s time at the magazine.
Lunch came from one of York’s farm shops, Yolk Farm, which provided a selection of delicious local produce. Capitalising on the unusually warm weather, we served the food in the garden at trestle tables decorated with pretty tablecloths and flowers picked from the garden that morning. As temperatures rose to the high twenties, the chilled rosé and elderflower cordial flowed. Members left Brockfield Hall with plenty of inspiration for their own houses, having gained a valuable insight into how Hatta and Charlie have melded historical elements, their personal style and the needs of a family house that is home to three young children.
Membership of The Calico Club starts from as little as £75 a month, and gives instant access to events like this and many more. Membership also includes access to the full catalogue of online talks Conversations with The Calico Club and House & Garden’s online masterclasses How To with House & Garden, an annual subscription to the magazine, and exclusive offers and discounts for your favourite interior shops.
Keep an eye on the calendar for exciting new events and experiences announced weekly.
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