Happy at home
Above: Judi Butler
How old are you?
I am 48
Where do you live?
I live near to Halstead at Pennypot Corner
How long have you lived there?
I have lived here for 13 years
What do you like about where you live?
I really like the house we live in. Part of the house dates back to the 14th century and the front is Georgian. It is very peaceful and set in a beautiful location
Tell us about your family.
I have a wonderful husband Mike, as well as two step sons Ben, 23, and Charlie, 21. They have just left home to study film production in London. My step daughter, Rosie, is at school in Somerset. Sophia, 10, is at school in Suffolk and Tobias Montague is at school in Gosfield. My favourite times are when they are all home.
What do you do for a living?
I am really concentrating on my two shops Butler&Brooks home living style. Our flagship shop is in Gosfield and we opened another shop in Sudbury five weeks ago which has really taken off. I also have a business doing holiday lets.
What do you love about your job?
I love my shops. I just love the people who come in and really enjoy stepping in to their shoes and helping them find beautiful things whether it is a chandelier and mirror, a small noo noo for a baby or whether we are helping decorate a huge house.
Where do you see yourself in five years time?
Well I could have expanded somewhat, but then what is really important to me is that my husband, my children (and me too!) are happy, healthy and fulfilled with our lives.
What are your hobbies?
I don’t have time for hobbies but I love to paint furniture, go for bike rides
with my kids and dogs and then I have to do the personal training bit three times a week to keep fit.
Do you have any pets?
Yes, we have horses, ponies and dogs. We are certainly an animal-loving family.
What is your worst habit?
I only eat half a banana.
Describe Essex in one sentence.
Essex is so friendly and so beautiful, it is like a hidden secret.
Where are the best views to be had in Essex?
On a spring day at home when the bluebells are out in the woods – I just love it. I always feel that if I could send a photo of it to every person in the whole world it would make their day.
What is your favourite town in Essex and why?
There are many lovely towns in Essex, but I have to go for Halstead as I really love the market and all the shops.