The name, as you might have guessed, is a nick-name. The story behind it is not sufficiently mysterious to tell. I think readers will work it out for themselves in due course!

I am not an interior designer. I am not an architect. I have little knowledge of design or the history of design. What I do have is a house to renovate and an ever-growing desire to understand the history and development of the styling of houses and their internal decoration.

I’ve noticed how much better I like homes whose interior design is in keeping with their era and that’s what I intend to achieve – or to attempt to achieve – with my own house. I want to have touches and reminders of the decade in which it was built. Where possible, I intend to restore and preserve the few remaining original features. I want the decor to reflect the history, heritage and character of the region in which it stands and the lives and accomplishments of those who have enjoyed living in the house.