Elmer Beach - Photograph by Simon Carey

As a family we spent every weekend and every school holiday there from Easter through until the end of September, and my father would take two weeks off in the summer and come and join us. As a child I always remember the times spent in Elmer much more than the times spent at home in Weybridge, Surrey. My parents sold the house when I was 14, but then retired down to Aldwick when I was 21. I have had contact with West Sussex for the whole of my life. When I decided to move out of London I ended up buying the house right on the beach in Elmer in front of the house my parents built.

West Sussex is a great county. It has some of the best beaches in the country – such as East Head at West Wittering. The historic city of Chichester with its beautiful cathedral and great shops and restaurants, and of course Chichester Harbour for boating and picnicking.  We have the best of both worlds; the pleasure of living by the sea with beautiful countryside just a few minutes away in the form of the South Downs. My children in particular love going to the Trundle and being able to run wild across the open countryside. We have the famous sporting events at Goodwood including the horse racing of Glorious Goodwood, the Festival of Speed and the Goodwood Revival Meeting at the motor circuit.

It is also great to enjoy the benefits of the beaches and countryside, but still be only 60 miles from London.

My interest in design and beach style furniture was borne through my life long enjoyment of the beach and surrounding area, inspired by beach huts and traditional Sussex barns.

Photograph © Copyright Simon Carey licensed for reuse under Creative Commons Licence