combining copper and hard wood for both strength and beauty. I don’t want to mass produce and I’d love to have some more commissions. Working and designing with the end user is hugely satisfying”. His most recent and precious work, destined to be an heirloom, was a gift for his son’s 10th birthday; a richly coloured hardwood model of a top-handled chainsaw, complete with oil and fuel caps. It makes sense that each piece tells a story, just like Jules.
COME AND STAY The two-acre gardens around Jules’ home, which is, needless to say, next to an historic church (he tells me about the ancient tree that stands there that must have been part of so many people’s lives over the centuries) also have another, more public dimension.
NEVER STANDING STILL Ever the creative, Jules always has a passion project in the wings. Whilst developing his own home gardens, he couldn’t help but delve deeply into his subject and then combine that with a connection to historic properties. His first book Walled Gardens, draws strongly on his direct experiences and knowledge of the countryside and historic buildings, as does his other literary creation The Escape to the Country Handbook. Might there be a third, even more personal tome? Watch this space.
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A strong social conscience spurred Jules to rejoin the army reserves at 46, which meant he had to return to Sandhurst for two month’s retraining.“We expect the world to get better. It isn’t and I want to be of use.” He joined the Royal Monmouthshire Royal Engineers, eventually moving into Media Operations, much of it in Estonia. He’s now transferred to the Royal Navy in a similar role, following a lifelong passion for the sea and all it involves. Charity work also sees him ambassador various military, countryside and animal organisations.
DID YOU MAKE THAT? IS IT FOR SALE? Possibly Jules’ most creative side-hustle is an extraordinary talent for repurposing cast-aside objects into the most well-made and detailed home accessories and furniture. He has a tremendous admiration for those who can make things by hand. Academia is one thing, but hand skills have become inspirational to him. “At one point I dreamt of doing a full-time boat-building course, I am that fascinated by them, but couldn’t afford the time. So I did a three month intensive furniture making course at the Boat Building Academy in Lyme Regis. It was a life-affirming experience.” Hence the extensive man-cave where he can craft to his heart’s content. An office area is a poignant shrine to his family and life with personal treasures very dear to him. I marvel at how tidy his workshop is; every tool has its place and the surfaces are clear and ready for action. As with everything he undertakes, Jules is a master of his craft. So much so that he has opened a small shop within Warehouse 701, part of Wye Valley Reclamation, a vast immersive salvage emporium in Hereford, that also stocks new home and garden wares, especially from local makers. “I was always coming down here as a customer, so when the opportunity to work together came about, it was the ideal partnership.” Jules’ work is natural yet highly refined and always robust and well-made, using materials from local suppliers. “I think my signature style is
Despite his love of the tucked away rural family life, in between filming schedules and his wife’s busy career, they welcome holidaying couples to Mole Hill Hut. Yes, Jules has built the most charming holiday retreat for country-lovers in a secluded elevated field with cracking countryside views. Of course examples of his upcycled talents are apparent, with bespoke pieces made to fit the cleverly designed wood cabin and shepherds hut style abode for two. Don’t you mind the intrusion? I ask. “There’s no intrusion. And we just want to share this very beautiful part of the county with others. Everyone who comes is really nice and from all over the country and the world”. How does Jules know this? Well, he can’t help himself, he goes and chats to them of course.
JUST FOR FUN, JULES... What are you not good at? I’m rubbish at Maths.
What’s your Party Trick? Accents and impersonations.
What’s left on your Bucket List? Wilderness exploration like Antarctica, Scandinavia or Australia.
What’s your favourite meal? Honey roast gammon with Pembrokeshire potatoes, tenderstem broccoli, doused in mead.
Interview by Heidi Chamberlain-Jones of
www.eatsleepliveherefordshire.co.uk
Visit Jules’ shop at
www.warehouse701.co.uk Stay at the Mole Hill Hut via
www.molehillhut.squarespace.com
LIVE24-SEVEN.COM
INTERVI EW JUL E S HUDSON
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