![A Heritage House A Heritage House](https://cdn.magzter.com/1339575667/1714468678/articles/aEUh8rWuC1714978221406/A-HERITAGE-HOUSE.jpg)
Tell us a little about yourself!
I’m originally from the UK, but moved to Sydney with my husband Jim, in 1997. We had 11 happy years there, became citizens and moved to Singapore in early 2009. We have three children: Harry (21) at Sydney University, Grace (19) at Manchester University, and our Singapore baby Evie (13), along with Scruff, a Labradoodle, who turns 12 this month!
I’m an art historian by training but fell into home and interiors and set up Layard Interiors in 2019, combining my love of travel, art and design.
Where did you first live when you came to Singapore and why?
When we arrived, we moved into One Chatsworth, off Grange Road. We loved the proximity to Orchard, the size, the fact that it was an older building, and the split-level apartment that allowed us to still go upstairs to bed! As an art lover I also enjoyed having lots of wall space to display our growing collection of Asian art.
After three years, we moved to the townhouses at Ridgewood Condominium. It was a lovely community with great facilities on site and a playground outside for our then 18-month-old. It gave the kids great freedom, and we created lifelong friendships. Sadly, that house was sold, and we moved around the corner to Holland Grove View.
Whilst we loved the location and being close to UWCSEA Dover, a friend, Louise Hill, was moving to Medway Park and let us know that quite a few houses were up for rent. We saw 16 Maidstone Road and instantly fell in love. The kids loved it too. Not only was it a short walk to school, but, at that stage, it had a zip-line from one end of the garden to the other!
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة May 2024 من Expat Living Singapore.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك ? تسجيل الدخول
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة May 2024 من Expat Living Singapore.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك? تسجيل الدخول
![Stroke Risk: Are Asians and Caucasians Different? Stroke Risk: Are Asians and Caucasians Different?](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/903/1972166/n7G0Ywfrf1737982625398/STROKE-RISK-ARE-ASIANS-AND-CAUCASIANS-DIFFERENT.jpg)
Stroke Risk: Are Asians and Caucasians Different?
Do the causes of strokes vary between different races? DR SRIRAM NARAYANAN, Senior Consultant Vascular and Endovascular Surgeon at The Harley Street Heart and Vascular Centre, shares his insights.
![Hotel in the Heart of HK Hotel in the Heart of HK](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/903/1972166/RwWp3Ua_N1737981071577/HOTEL-IN-THE-HEART-OF-HK.jpg)
Hotel in the Heart of HK
The flagship property of the family-owned Ovolo Hotels launched in Hong Kong's Central district back in 2010and it continues to make its mark today.
![Caring for Your Cartilage Caring for Your Cartilage](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/903/1972166/Q50lnqapQ1737982245369/CARING-FOR-YOUR-CARTILAGE.jpg)
Caring for Your Cartilage
Anyone with a cartilage joint injury knows how crucial it is to restore mobility. Here, orthopaedic surgeon DR FRANCIS WONG talks causes and treatments of these injuries, and gives an insight into the future of the field.
![Spice Up - Your Lingerie Wardrobe Spice Up - Your Lingerie Wardrobe](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/903/1972166/yZYXaJwml1737981485347/SPICE-UP-YOUR-LINGERIE-WARDROBE.jpg)
Spice Up - Your Lingerie Wardrobe
Don't know where to get bras that fit you properly, or need an undie update for Valentine's Day and beyond? Here's a new lingerie boutique in Singapore we think you'll love!
![Foodie Alert Foodie Alert](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/903/1972166/1qsf-Yhux1737980851492/FOODIE-ALERT.jpg)
Foodie Alert
From bold Asian flavours to elegant Japanese cuisine, here are two gastronomic gems worth adding to your must-try restaurant list in Singapore.
![Coaching for Change Coaching for Change](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/903/1972166/aGpc3nP811737982413019/COACHING-FOR-CHANGE.jpg)
Coaching for Change
Lived experience often sparks the beginnings of a business idea. This was the case for Singapore-based entrepreneur NOEMIE ALINTISSAR-MOONEY, who channelled her personal transformation and zeal for fitness, nutrition and psychology into a holistic health coaching programme.
![Connections Start Here Connections Start Here](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/903/1972166/ODaHPVLjz1737980269774/CONNECTIONS-START-HERE.jpg)
Connections Start Here
The American Women's Association offers a huge step into a community of women who want to build new friendships while taking part in interesting activities, social events and volunteering. We chat with its president, JULIA TAN, to find out more!
![Spaces with a Story Spaces with a Story](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/903/1972166/ZXeYhP6JN1737979914377/SPACES-WITH-A-STORY.jpg)
Spaces with a Story
Life as an expat can feel transitory if you don't invest the time and energy to make your house feel like a home. This is a story that long-term Aussie expat and interior designer MIRANDA KOZAN knows so well that she's turned her passion and knack for creating stunning spaces into a thriving business. We sit down with her to uncover how she brings magic to homes across Singapore and beyond.
![Slim Down & Tone Up! Slim Down & Tone Up!](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/903/1972166/67cbz9i1-1737982191311/SLIM-DOWN-TONE-UP.jpg)
Slim Down & Tone Up!
Want to bounce back from festive (over) indulgences and make 2025 your fittest year yet? Here's a bodyshaping and slimming treatment on our radar that promises to help tackle those jiggly concerns.
![Brand New on Bintan! Brand New on Bintan!](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/903/1972166/YScPiP8QB1737980989021/BRAND-NEW-ON-BINTAN.jpg)
Brand New on Bintan!
Have you been checking your long weekends in 2025 and thinking about booking a short trip or two? We've been doing the same - and in the process we've discovered a new resort on Bintan! Here's an overview of what to expect from a stay at the recently opened Holiday Inn Resort Bintan Lagoi Beach.