Kitchen Haven: Paddy Curtis

Tell us about yourself

I am lucky enough to live here in the Forest of Dean with my husband, Ted, our Welsh collie, Bill, and Henry the cat. I taught home economics for over 40 years and I’m now retired, but do bed and breakfast, and cook privately in other people’s homes. Together with our grandchildren this keeps me busy.

Tell us about your kitchen

The kitchen has a lot of glass and exposed steelwork, which gives it a contemporary, almost industrial feel, which is blended with more traditional elements like the cabinetry. We built the kitchen extension to take advantage of the location and views of the garden and beyond. It is rectangular in shape with a full-height ceiling over the kitchen and a mezzanine over the utility area to the rear. It has carefully placed picture windows, which frame ever-changing views as the seasons roll on. There’s no clutter, clean lines and plenty of room.

What inspired your kitchen design?

We decided to move the kitchen from one end of the barn to the next, in order to take advantage of the views. Our architect cleverly turned the rough idea we had through 90 degrees to accommodate a huge glass wall, something we had not thought of. I am always cooking so we wanted plenty of space, and the ability to entertain on a large scale as well as somewhere for the two of us to eat. I love the size, the natural light and the peace and quiet, together with the amazing outlook.

What is your favourite time in the kitchen?

We have a large family and the open nature of the kitchen and outdoor terrace make it great for entertaining – but the most relaxing moment is sitting with a cup of tea and, Bill, our dog. I also enjoy the early mornings, watching the sun rise when no one else is up. Cooking is my release valve and Delia’s ginger nuts are my go-to recipe, and I can be enjoying them with a cup of tea within half an hour. I particularly love Easter when all the family is home. The weather is warming up, we can open the doors to the garden, full of spring bulbs, and the grandchildren are hunting for Easter eggs.

What are your clever shortcuts, cheats or hacks for easy entertaining?

In the summer, when I have a glut of courgettes, tomatoes and peppers, I roast and liquidise them to make a sauce to stir through pasta, for garlic prawns or to use in lasagne. I freeze batches and it gives a glorious reminder of summer throughout the cold months.

What are your tablescaping tips?

I have a collection of unusual small glass vases and terracotta pots which I group on the table and fill with flowers and foliage from the garden.

Give us a recipe in a sentence, maybe something you eat when you want to unwind?

Ready-rolled puff pastry, spread generously with a jar of caramelised onion, topped with goat’s cheese and some thyme. So easy, deliciously indulgent and comforting.

Get the look...

Inspired by Paddy's kitchen? Here’s how to get a similar look…

KitchenAid 4.3l stand mixer

• Available from KitchenAid (£449)

Bright white kitchen appliances keep a kitchen feeling light and clean. A stand mixer is a favourite for any keen baker.

John Julian Ceramics pestle and mortar

• Available from Borough Kitchen (£170)

This simple pestle and mortar is not only a practical kitchen tool, it's chic enough to be a permanent fixture on your kitchen counter.

Balfern petrified wooden serving board

• Available from Selfridges (£150), Soho Home (£190)

A statement piece for entertaining – use for serving canapés with drinks, or as a stylish cheeseboard at the end of a meal.