A Norfolk Summer with Dinny Hall
There is a particular kind of eye that comes from forty years spent making jewellery, an eye for light, and small details that make things feel right. Dinny Hall brings that same eye home to her Norfolk retreat, a medieval thatched house wrapped in alder forest, where the pleasures are simple: lobster from the fish hut, verbena in the garden, and long lunches beneath the pergola that stretch well into evening.
Where is your summer retreat, and what drew you to this location?
Norfolk has always had my heart. It's the big skies, the endless sandy beaches and dunes, the hidden rivers and broads, and the beautiful Saxon and Norman churches dotted throughout the countryside. It has a quiet, timeless beauty that's endlessly restorative.
Do you have any cherished rituals or routines that mark the start of the summer season?
Summer begins with a trip to the fish hut at Overstrand to buy fresh lobster, which I take home to enjoy with local samphire and homemade mayonnaise. It's such a simple pleasure. One of these days I'll also mark the season by finally cutting my hair short and going a little blonder!
How does the design of your summer retreat differ from your main residence?
They couldn't be more different. Our Norfolk home is a medieval thatched house surrounded by alder forest and marshland, whereas my London home is a Victorian terraced house in Mapesbury, Willesden. Each has its own charm, but Norfolk offers a completely different pace and atmosphere.
What scents remind you of summer, and how do you incorporate them into your home?
Orange blossom, rose, mint and lemon immediately transport me to summer. I'm currently obsessed with the Verden D’Orangerie soaps and body lotions, and at home I love blending my own fragrance oils, usually combining rose and lemon to scent the rooms. It's such an uplifting combination.
What’s your favourite room or outdoor space, and how do you love to spend time there?
Inside, it's our peaceful Lois Blue drawing room, with its two beautiful Georgian windows that flood the space with light. On warmer days, you'll find me beneath the pergola, enjoying long lunches or simply sitting with a book and listening to the garden.
How do you bring the essence of summer into your interiors?
For me, it's summer all year round - that's one of the joys of underfloor heating! I keep the feeling alive with fresh flowers and a D’Orangerie reed diffuser, creating a home that always feels light, welcoming and full of warmth.
What colours, textures, or materials define the feel of your summer retreat?
Buttercream, pale apple green and terracotta set the palette, alongside natural wood and linen. I'm very particular about paint finishes and love using Earthborn or chalk paints to create the relaxed, sun-washed feel of a Tuscan farmhouse.
Is there a particular piece of furniture or décor item that embodies summer for you?
Our Provençal vine wood table beneath the pergola is the heart of summer. It seats ten comfortably and is where we gather family and friends for long, leisurely lunches that often stretch well into the evening.
What’s your ideal summer gathering at home—who’s there, what’s on the table, and what’s in the air?
Close family and friends gathered for a relaxed Sunday lunch. I'll usually cook fresh local grilled sea bass served on a bed of spinach, leeks and crème fraîche, alongside minted La Ratte potatoes and an enormous seasonal salad. The air is filled with the scent of the marshes and the flowers in the garden, especially the verbena, which seems to grow everywhere, and there's nowhere I'd rather be.
Shop Dinny Hall: https://www.dinnyhall.com/
Find Dinny on instagram
