House Style with Mel and Tom Calver, owner of Westcombe Dairy
After showing us around their rural home in Westcombe, Somerset, hair salon owner Mel Giles and cheesemaker Tom Calver share their house style.
You’re happiest at home when…
There is toast from the AGA and the radio is on in the background. Anyone with children will understand the hustle and bustle of mornings, but having a few constants make it the happiest time.
How would you describe the interiors of your house?
Simple, with natural materials and a good mix of old and new wood.
If you could only save one thing, what would it be?
Our bed. We had it made before we got married. It’s massive and without fail, the whole family piles in every morning… especially on Sundays.
What was the last thing you bought for the house?
A dark copper lamp for the living room. We bought a new sofa a year ago and this is the perfect height.
Top three coffee table books
Dirt to Soil: One Family’s Journey into Regenerative Agriculture by Gabe Brown. The Garden Chef: Recipes and Stories from Plant to Plate. Made of Wood: In the Home, by Mark Bailey and Sally Bailey.
If money was no object, what changes would you make?
Loft conversion with a big glass window and a large bath.
You’re having people for dinner: what do you cook?
We love cooking seasonally, but also keeping it simple, so we have time to chat with our friends. The last thing we cooked was a veal shin ragu with pappardelle and a parsley gremolata.
What does a Sunday here look like?
Lots of cooking and chatter. We generally have Sunday lunch around the table with friends or family. Tom has to prepare the cheese for the following day, so the children cycle around the dairy.
What are the best things about the neighbourhood?
Beautiful countryside, friendly atmosphere and a great sense of community. The Newt and Hauser & Wirth are just a stone’s throw away. The Brixham Fish Market in Bruton on a Friday morning is a hidden gem – we’re so lucky to have fresh fish inland.
How long will you be here for?
We’re really happy and don’t have any plans to move. We’ve put down roots here.
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