For the past ten years, Georgia Metcalfe has gone all out with a huge decoration across the front of her Sussex property – so much so, it’s now known as the ‘red bow house’. But that’s not all. Gorgeous scented candles fill the house, a life-size reindeer graces the hallway each year (and also features in the family Christmas card), and locally grown mistletoe hangs from a grand chandelier. It's an idyllic setting for a winter wonderland.

But the detached country property hasn’t always looked this way. When Georgia and her husband Ben Cons first discovered their future home in 2008, it was run down, had countless broken windows and pigeons claiming the attic as theirs.

And after they moved in when Georgia was four-months-pregnant with their first child in 2009, the couple worked tirelessly for three months to get Apsley House, situated in Haywards Heath, West Sussex, in a liveable condition.

Georgia MetcalfeGeorgia Metcalfe (Image: Georgia Metcalfe) 'We previously lived in London and were looking to find somewhere with more space for the business and to bring up children,' Georgia says. 'Apsley House was in a pretty dilapidated state just waiting to be loved. From the outside, even though it was overgrown, it was dripping with amazing lilac wisteria and I knew it was the house for us.

'I started my business French Bedroom in 2006 to produce authentic furniture to highlight the very best in French design. Now I incorporate my style into our home, which wows at Christmastime.

'Christmas is a time to come together. It's about eucalyptus candles, warming incense, breakfast in bed, fireside movie nights, ice skating and long winter dog walks. We have an array of traditions that bring a nostalgic feel to the celebrations.'

Georgia and Ben were looking for more space when they started property hunting in 2008 and when they happened upon the six-bedroom wisteria-clad front door of Aspley House it ticked all the boxes.

They loved the 1912 house’s proximity to Brighton and London, and the area was bursting with exceptional restaurants, lively bars and a brilliant beach all just a short hop away.

The Edwardian style-abode features multiple exterior spaces that make great hideaways for little ones but when the family moved in, it was in a 'sad state of disarray'.

'There were pigeons living in the attic, a burst boiler and many broken windows,' Georgia explains. 'We replaced over 30 windows and 14 radiators, and the house needed replumbing and rewiring.

'We created new rooms by building walls and opened up other spaces with RSJs. The work took just over three months and was project managed by an exceptionally talented carpenter and close friend.

'I was pregnant when the work began so our deadline was Layla’s arrival – and we made it!'

Now Georgia, the Creative Director & Founder of French Bedroom, gets to enjoy her abode with her husband Ben, their children, Layla, 14, and Jacobi, 10, and their pets, dog Noodles and cat Lola.

When it comes to choosing her favourite room in the house, Georgia has no doubts when she admits it’s 'easily' the kitchen.

She says: 'Whether it's sitting on the sofa with friends, eating at the dining table, perched at the work surface or cooking, there is always a hive of activity in here.

'We knocked two rooms into one to become the hub of our home. A triple aspect room, it leads directly onto the large decking which gives the illusion of an even bigger space and brings maximum daylight into the room.

'Adjacent to the kitchen is our family snug where the kids watch TV – it means they're always within chatting distance as I prepare supper so I can catch up on their days.'

And Georgia’s gorgeous property is filled with luxury beds, premium bed linen, original lighting and unique accessories from her brand which encompasses the very best of timeless French design.

She has a passion for her industry and loves working alongside her husband and their award-winning team, who are set to release their new Gustavian Dark Collection this September

But Georgia, who says it was a 'pinch me' moment when she won the Content Square Woman of The Year award last November, admits her house looks extra spectacular at Christmas.

For the past decade, they’ve wrapped the house in a one-metre-wide red satin bow. It takes four hours for Ben to install but the tradition marks the start of festivities for not only the family but also passers-by.

Meanwhile, Georgia and the children gather greenery from the garden to make garlands and wreaths to hang on the internal and external front doors, with luscious laurel, ivy and yew on the stairs.

'Over the past 25 years I've had myriad Christmas tree decorations and design ideas. We always have a 7ft tree in our hallway that we choose on the second weekend in December from a local farm,' Georgia said.

'Getting the decorations down from the attic feels so nostalgic, even to the children! Designs over the years have included: pure white, rainbow decorations (designed by Layla during lockdown), matt green and brown, handmade by the children, pure traditional red, kitsch and cutesy and natural candles.


'This year I’m toying with just bows, made from each of the French Bedroom fabric designs, capturing our love of the current colour trend for green, berry and brown.'

Decorating is a 'full weekend affair' with Michael Bublé bursting festive cheer through every speaker and mince pies on rotation in the oven.

December also brings the start of family traditions. 'Every year we hang 24 little white boots on the kitchen mantelpiece; each containing a little chocolate and handwritten note by us all, citing things we will do during the next year to make the lives of others better. We have six boots each, so we have six promises to fulfil the following year.

'We also enjoy a family trip to London for a show, ice skating, to buy gifts and marvel at the displays in Fortnum & Mason.'

When it comes to Christmas decor, no stone is left unturned. Georgia makes a fuss of the statement grandfather clock which is a cherished family heirloom. She uses laurel leaves, trailing ivy and small leylandii branches from the garden to create a garland and then dots red amaryllis flowers amongst the foliage. She adds in rolled and scrolled sheet music as a finishing touch.

For the table set up, Georgia, who’s most memorable Christmas present is a pair of sparkly Gina shoes, sticks to a two-tone palette in natural hues. 'Pure linen napkins are tied in knots with a mistletoe sprig tucked into them,' she smiles.

Georgia, who is looking forward to a big year for French Bedroom with two new collections already in production for spring/summer, loves to cook but enjoys watching her children opening presents on Christmas morning so she keeps their meal simple.

'I spend as little time in the kitchen on Christmas morning as I can, thanks to a blend of pre-preparation and help from Mr Marks and Mrs Spencer!' she confesses.

'The home delivery from Cook food fills almost all of my freezer – their Christmas desserts are out of this world! Then on Boxing day, we have a long walk, followed by a fireside pub lunch.

'It’s bliss!'