May 2016

a few people to Beverley’s home, including some who believed that their grandfathers may have been held here. “It’s fascinating to hear their stories,” she says. Recently, Jon and his team discovered a mural depicting a scroll in another Adam Park house, suggesting the house served as a chapel during the war. They have also uncovered items such as regimental cap badges, gas masks, boots, a small can holding some ruined camera film, and bullets. Beverley says: “Sadly, the only bottles we’ve found in our garden date to around 1990!” Adding Elements Much of the home’s current furniture came with Beverley from Australia, including the sofas in the living room, the dining table and the beds. “I’ve just discovered the wonderful Anne Lockett and her China Collection – how did I not know she was there before! I’ve been down there an awful lot these past few weeks, and Michael was seriously impressed too.” They ended up buying a number of pieces, including an 18th-century table. Rather than having a particular style, she says, they simply buy what they like. Her own tastes range from the China Collection pieces and the outdoor furniture fromWoody Antique to ordering from British staples Marks & Spencer and Next (for towels), and even making the odd trip to home DIY mecca B&Q when she’s back in the UK. “Sometimes it might just be a bit of nonsense, but if I like it I like it.” Nonsense notwithstanding, the family home is a pleasure to nose around in, with the typical open airy feel of a black-and-white. It’s been made stylish and cosy with Beverley’s touches, including the rocking chair belonging to eldest daughter Natasha, and the statue they call Thursday standing outside the kitchen. The bones and the interior of this house have plenty of character, a reflection of the personable Beverley herself.

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