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!
Denne historien er fra May 2024-utgaven av Expat Living Singapore.
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Denne historien er fra May 2024-utgaven av Expat Living Singapore.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Injury-free Skiing!
You've compared the various resorts' vital statistics, après ski options and historical snowfall data, and you're ready to hit the slopes this holidays! In this first of two articles, orthopaedic surgeon and ski-tragic DR DERRICK OH gives advice on how you can prevent skiing injuries.
Braces Vs Invisalign First!
Teeth straightening for kids can achieve more health benefits than just a great smile. Here, dentist DR ALEXIA KWAN talks about the pros and cons of the two main options: traditional braces and Invisalign First.
CAN OBESITY LEAD TO HEART ATTACKS?
Maintaining a healthy weight is more than just a matter of appearance - it's a vital aspect of heart health. DR MICHAEL ROSS MACDONALD, a senior consultant cardiologist at The Harley Street Heart & Vascular Centre, discusses how weight affects our heart and ways to manage it.
Achieving with Development Assessments
Every parent prioritises the wellbeing and optimal development of their child. Paediatric physiotherapist WAN YING TEH specialises in babies and children and tells us why a physiotherapy development assessment can help you achieve just this.
POWER WORKOUTS REDEFINED
It's easy to let fitness slide during the festivities, but keeping up your routine doesn't have to be a chore. These quick, high-burn workouts make it simple to stay active, boost your energy, and keep that waistline in check - no matter how packed your calendar gets!
TROPICAL TOWer
If you love a staycation option with strong eco credentials, try this lofty - and leafy - hotel in the heritage district of Tanjong Pagar.
A Boutique Resort in Malaysia
Inside a serene tropical sanctuary that combines contemporary design with nature.
A Guide to Lombok
As I floated on a surfboard, my instructor called out “go, chilli man!” to his friend carving along a breaking wave. He turned to me and said, “Have you tried the chillies here? They’re just like our island and our surfers: small but spicy.”
Thailand: City & Mountains
My two daughters are well into their teens, and in the blink of an eye they'll be heading off on holidays with groups of raucous friends rather than with their annoying parents.
Recipe CORNER
This holiday favourite combines the warmth of traditional spices with the rich textures of dried fruits. Enjoy with a cup of tea or a glass of mulled wine!
