The author and abstract artist tells how she knew at first glance that Bunbury would be her forever home
Where do you live and why?
I live in Bunbury near Tarporley with my husband, our two little boys and our dog, Dottie. I grew up in North Wales, then lived in London for 10 years. My mum and stepdad live in Chester and my dad and stepmum are still in Colwyn Bay, so when we had the children we wanted to be closer to home. When we visited Bunbury park then popped around the corner for lunch at Tilly’s café, we knew this village would be our forever home so we felt so fortunate that our dream house came up just at the right time. The sense of community in Bunbury is so very special – I’ve never come across anywhere like it – and we’re so lucky to have met some of our best friends here.
Where do you head for a health kick?
I enjoy running and love playing tennis (badly!) with my husband and friends. I’m also a big fan of the gym and I’m a member of Instinct Wellness in Tarporley. They are a fabulous group of people and we laugh as much as we work out!
And to indulge?
My art is represented by Dogtooth Galleries in Chester so it’s always special to see my paintings showcased there. I love popping in to see the stunning pieces by other artists that the gallery exhibits, followed by a trip to Dutton’s for one of their famous duck wraps.
I also have a soft spot for cake and the most talented bakers create iced works of art at The Watermill Café in Bunbury. They recently created a cake based on The Great Imaginarium, the story I worked on with the amazing illustrator Steven Lenton for the Puffin Book of Big Dreams. When it arrived it was so beautiful it made me cry!
Where are your favourite places to shop?
I’m a massive fashion lover; my clothes are an extension of my personality and I wear a lot of colour. I’m a big fan of a fabulous brand called Kemi Telford and I spend most of my week living in clothes they’ve created. Locally, I love popping into Tabernam in Tarporley, they have a stunning collection of dresses and earrings. They also have one of my paintings in store so it’s lovely to be able to see it in their gorgeous space. For plants or gifts, Wild Bramble Blooms in Beeston is absolutely wonderful.
Where do you go to relax?
We’re really lucky to have a few lovely pubs in Bunbury. We’ll often walk over the fields on a Sunday to go and meet friends for a drink or a roast at The Dysart Arms, or we’ll walk the dog to The Yew Tree for a gin and tonic on a summer’s evening.
What is your favourite building in Cheshire?
Peckforton Castle has a special place in my heart. It’s where we first stayed when we were looking for places to live in the area. Our village hosts a ball there in the winter and we have had many fantastic times there with wonderful friends.
What do you consider to be the finest view in Cheshire?
Delamere Forest is one of my favourite places in the world. The smell of the pine in winter; the winding tracks weaving from the main path into tree-canopied wonderlands; building dens with the children. It’s a completely magical place and it has inspired several of my children’s stories.The view from the top of Old Pale Hill is spectacular. It affords views of Jodrell Bank Observatory, Derbyshire and the Liverpool skyline. I used to trek up there with my little boy on my back when he was a baby and the view is such a reward when you get to the top.
What do you miss most about Cheshire when you are away?
My family and friends. Honestly, we’re such home birds though, we’re hardly ever away. That’s how much we love this place.
What is your happy place?
Writing in the kitchen with my dog at my feet and listening to the patter of rain on glass, or in my studio creating something colourful and dramatic!
Can you sum up your Cheshire Life, in three words?
Stories. Art. Friends.
The Great Imaginarium appears in The Puffin Book Of Big Dreams. Rachel’s debut picture book, How to Grow a Unicorn, will be published with Puffin next year.
