THOROUGHLY ENCHANTING

Carole and Jim Gannon’s manor house looks magical when decorated in festive greenery

- MAGGIE COLVIN

DRAWING ROOM

‘For the moment, the accents are red and white,’ says Carole, who seasonally alters the look with a change of cushions. The Holly sofa, from £805, Sofa.com, is similar. Parquet and metal Hoxton coffee table, £599, Blue Isle

HOME TRUTHS

THE PROPERTY Georgian country house

LOCATION New Forest

ROOMS Drawing room, sitting room/dining area, study, kitchen, utility room, six bedrooms, four bathrooms

PURCHASED 2007

PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘We moved from a riverside house in London’s Docklands,’ says Carole.

SITTING ROOM

Two small coffee tables can be moved around easily to accommodate guests. Try the Cross Leg coffee table, £295, Made with Oak

For Carole Gannon and her husband Jim, Christmas starts early in November when they like to search out markets and small fairs to find sole traders or family businesses selling unusual presents. ‘It is a relaxing and enjoyable way to shop and saves us that last-minute dash to the big stores.’

At the beginning of December, Christmas lights turn on in their local town and families saunter up the high street where shops stay open late serving mulled wine, Buck’s Fizz and mince pies. To add to the friendly, joy-filled atmosphere, the local band plays non-stop Christmas carols.