Polished Gem

Decked out in jewel colours and flashes of gold, Sue and Matt’s precious home feels just right for an atmospheric Christmas celebration

- Jo Leevers

SUE HAS DONE CHRISTMAS IN THE TROPICS……and it’s not always a pretty sight. ‘In many ways, it’s fantastic. But try cooking a roast dinner in 35-degree heat – madness!’ she says, laughing. Then there was the case of the Norwegian spruce tree, imported at great expense. ‘It barely lasted until Boxing Day and was wilting before our eyes,’ she says. Sue and her family have since moved back to London after living in Singapore – and are looking forward to their first ‘proper’ Christmas in five years.

Their new Victorian home feels far more fitting for the festive season – a double-fronted gem that’s been extended, reconfigured, dusted off and decked out in an atmospheric mix of deep blues, shimmering teals and gleaming gold and bronze. It’s now ready to play the handsome Christmas host to Sue, her husband Matt and children Anya, Dylan and Joe.