Experts Bunny Guinness and Renée Killian-Dawson to come to The Vyne for …

Experts Bunny Guinness and Renée Killian-Dawson to come to The Vyne for Design Day

12:00am Monday 3rd September 2012 in Leisure

LOCAL National Trust property The Vyne welcomes two experts from the world of house and garden design this month. 

Bunny Guinness and Renée Killian-Dawson will share their passions and expertise at an exclusive day of horticultural and interior styling at the historic estate on Friday, September 21.

Bunny is a professional landscape architect with over 30 years’ experience, who is not only a six times gold medallist at Chelsea Flower Show, but is also a panellist on BBC Radio 4 Gardeners’
Question Time.

On Design Day, she will present a unique look at how to transform a garden, however large or small, whether a city terrace or a countryside haven.

Bunny said: “People regularly tell me that although they like their gardens, they don’t feel they’re getting the best out of them. They are so familiar with their own garden landscapes that it’s
hard for them to see what could be changed, and how.

“I’ll be talking about how to view the garden through fresh eyes as a first step to making that exciting transformation.”

At the end of the talk, Bunny will be joined for a question and answer session by Hampshire horticulturalist, and chatelaine of the idyllic gardens at Hook’s West Green House, Marylyn Abbott.

Renee Killian-Dawson is known for designing beautiful interiors in historic buildings and contemporary homes around the world with her husband, Robert.

Her unique approach to new buildings has resulted in commissions ranging from a London Regency town house and plans for a Michelin star restaurant, to large country houses, even a castle!

During Design Day, Renee will offer practical ideas for turning an historic or modern house into a warm, liveable home. She will also showcase a new collection of fabrics inspired by the
collections of England’s great country houses.

Renee commented: “Entering an historic space is always a thrill. You can’t help but think of all those people who have passed through these rooms in previous centuries, and of course one must
remember that these huge houses would once have displayed the very latest, most fashionable interiors of their day.”

On her first visit to The Vyne, she was particularly enamoured of the rare surviving Tudor Chapel, which is filled with Renaissance stained glass, and the floor of which is laid with exquisite
Flemish Majolica tiles.

“These 16 th century tiles are a particular fascination for me,” she added. “It’s amazing to think that Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn would have walked on them. Centuries later, they are still
incredibly vibrant.”

*Design Day takes place on Friday, September 21 from 10.30am – 3.45pm. The day includes morning refreshments, a guided tour of the house, lunch, gift bag and a chance to enjoy the gardens and wider
estate. Tickets cost £95 and booking is essential on 01256 883858.