Design destinations

If you’re moving to the country and need interiors and antiques emporiums near you, these are the towns to head to

- ARABELLA YOUENS

LOOKING for a house that’s close to one-of-a-kind interiors shopping? The rush out of cities and into rural locations has thrown a spotlight on those that offer the best of both worlds: access to glorious countryside with an array of distinctive shops and independent cafes and restaurants. ‘When it comes to selling houses, being within an easy distance of one of these towns can make or break a sale,’ says Lindsay Cuthill, head of the country house specialists at Savills.

HARROGATE, YORKSHIRE

This Yorkshire spa town stands at the gateway to the Yorkshire Dales and has a happy balance of high street favorites and independents. ‘There are two sets of people in Harrogate,’ says Toby Milbank of The Search Partnership, a buying agency. ‘An up-and-coming crowd and those who’ve retired and want to enjoy the open spaces.’ Saffron Hare, creative director of James Hare fabrics, recommends Richard Grafton Interiors, Furnish & Fettle, Woods of Harrogate and Fabric & Co. ‘Amazing gems can be found in 27 West Park, an antique shop,’ adds Toby. At Harrogate’s heart is the Stray, a 200-acre parkland. Offering the perfect mix of town and rural life, you can walk to the annual RHS flower show at Harlow Carr from the center of town.

On the market 12 York Place is a beautifully presented house in the heart of Harrogate, offering six bedrooms over three floors as well as private allocated parking, a summer house, and a wonderful garden. £1.25m, Knight Frank (01423 594286)

PETWORTH, WEST SUSSEX