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Captured: Offset

Emma Pallent
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Captured: Offset

Over the next twelve pages we present three galleries from local photographers who have produced bodies of work that compliments our ‘offset’ theme. With consideration for our planet, sustainability and the beauty around us, these inspiring shots invite you share the way they see the world through their lenses.

SUE TROWER

Sue has long had an interest in photography, but it wasn’t until the introduction of digital cameras and processing that she became seriously interested in taking it further. She joined the Jersey Photographic Club, and with their help and guidance, followed the Royal Photographic Federation distinction path, gaining a Fellowship in 2017. Photography has taken Sue to places such as Greenland, Iceland and Oman, enjoying seascape and coastal scenes. Alongside this, she explores architecture, sport, and more creative aspects of the practice, such as Multiple Exposures and Intentional Camera Movement. 

@suetrowerphotography

Disko Diva “Taken late evening in Greenland, at a time of year when the sun didn’t set. It was magical, and a privilege to witness these beautiful giants.”

Power Play “The awesome power of the sea. A wave hits the sea wall and ricochets back into the next incoming breaker, creating a huge plume of water which barrels down the beach before reforming and repeating.”

Mourier Mist  “The rugged cliffs of the Jersey north coast are softened by the incoming sea mist. A peaceful take on an otherwise wild area.”

JAMES POINGDESTRE

James, also known as The Drone Buoy, is a born and bred Jerseyman with a passion for videography. His hobby as a drone videographer grew from seeing people on Instagram show off the places they live and travel to from the sky. Thinking about all the amazing places to see in Jersey, he bought his first drone in 2023, and started sharing his work on Instagram. Since then, he’s taken his drone to the UK, France and Iceland – “to me, there’s no better way to view the planet than from the sky,” he said. “I love sharing these amazing scenes with the world.”

@thedronebuoy

Greve de Lecq Waves: “One of my favourite ways to view the sea is through a top down perspective. I snapped this down at Grève de Lecq and was amazed by the textures the water and sand created together.”

Birds: “A flock of seagulls from up high. I love being able to capture unique perspectives of nature which are often unplanned, making every flight different.”

Cormorants at Noirmont: “I caught these cormorants sunbathing at Noirmont. They were on a rock inaccessible on foot so I was very lucky to be able to capture them with my drone.”

JADE CAPALDI

Jade Capaldi is an analog photographer born and raised on the island of Jersey. Drawn to the quiet power of nature, she spent her twenties between the mountains and the sea, chasing light, clarity, and stillness. Shooting on film roots her in the present moment and the elements, whether swimming in the surf at Teahupo’o or exploring alpine trails. Her work spans nature, travel, lifestyle, and conscious fashion, guided by a deep connection to place. She is currently preparing a collection of fine art prints—crafted with care and intention, using processes that honour the earth as much as the image.

@jadecapaldi

Snowstorm: “Captured in the middle of a snowstorm in Zermatt, these trees became soft sculptures—almost erased by wind and whiteness. This image holds a sense of stillness and surrender, reminding me how nature can be both harsh and comforting at once. The entire town was out of power for nearly 3 days, due to the amount of snow in April after the winter season ended.”

Valley Trees: “Taken on the way to Ticino, this view stopped me. The forest drapes itself in shadow and gold, each ridge revealing another like a secret whispered deeper into the valley. I’m drawn to how nature creates its own compositions—layered, emotional, never still. This image holds warmth and mystery, a sense that something is waiting in the light just beyond the trees.”

Zermatt, toward Trift: “Between golden autumn and the first snow, the landscape holds its breath. A quiet moment of seasonal shift, full of stillness and change.”

Zermatt, Seasonal Shift: “This was taken from the valley where I live—one of those views I see daily, yet never the same twice. What caught me here was the quiet collision of seasons during the moonrise: the burnt gold of late autumn, the dusting of first snow, and the cold clarity of the sky. I’m always drawn to natural transitions, and in this frame, they layer together—like time folded into one still moment. Shooting it on film helped preserve that softness, that slowness, that sense of change already underway.”

Natural Selection

Emma Pallent
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Natural Selection

Words: Nyah Whittingham

When Birdie and I had the opportunity to try a new playgroup here in Jersey, I’ll admit, I was a little skeptical. With Birdie being a little older now, I’ve been quite happy to leave my chaotic playgroup days behind – there’s only so many loud, flashing plastic toys in a church hall that one can take. However, when I dove a little deeper into the ‘why’ behind Botanic Kids, I was pleasantly surprised to hear of a more mindful approach to play – one that is scientifically proven to aid little one’s development whilst caring for the environment, honouring the seasons and nurturing an appreciation of nature from a very young age. 

With 20 years of primary school teaching under her belt, as well as being mum to three children of her own, Pippa White is now the proud owner of Botanic Kids. Pippa believes that children learn best when they explore their interests at their own pace. Botanic Kids is a safe environment where children can let their creativity run wild with only the best resources – whether it’s homemade play dough or beautifully crafted wooden toys from brands like Grimms, Grapat, Bumbu and more. Everything at Botanic Kids is rooted in a deep understanding of child development.

I was amazed at how well Botanic Kid’s values align with my own. There are so many ways Pippa ensures sustainability, love for our planet and awareness of the life-cycle of toys. Modern day parents are in a position to create more mindful play opportunities that encourage respect for our planet and sustainability. It is no secret that our society has been recklessly over-consuming for far too long, so to see how Pippa runs her workshops was very refreshing. 

When we arrived, we were greeted with a calm, prepared area with wooden toys, climbing frames, silks, balls, books and so much more. Birdie made a beeline for the oats tray – the messiest of course. We also found some ice blocks and tools with an invitation to excavate the trapped lavender, some play dough, dried flowers and a huge variety of wooden tools and toys. I think I was slightly more in love with the multicoloured stacking pebbles than Birdie was – they were so tactile and beautifully made! 

Everyone got stuck in straight away – with such simple, open-ended toys, their imaginations were in the driver’s seat. There was not a single flashy toy in sight. It was amazing to notice that everyone was kept entertained and inspired throughout the entire session. One little boy couldn’t resist ‘swimming’ in the oats – a marvel for the sensory organs and a bonus that the mess wasn’t in his mum’s kitchen!

I couldn’t finish this review without reiterating Pippa’s commitment to sustainability. Her creativity and conscious approach to reducing waste was genuinely inspiring. The oats used in the sensory tray are later repurposed as animal feed. The lavender in the ice and the petals at the playdough station were fresh flowers from the previous week’s sessions. Every toy and material was carefully chosen to avoid unnecessary plastic, support developmental milestones, and extend the lifespan of play resources.

When all the ice had melted, toys were in disarray, and it was time to put our shoes on after a fascination-fuelled session, I asked Birdie, “What was your favourite part?” She replied, “OATS. No no no… ICE. Actually… all of it. I don’t want to go.”

It’s safe to say we will be back!

Botanic Kids is currently based at Château Vermont, just outside of town. From September, however, sessions will take place at Les Creux Country Park. Bookings are made on a termly basis, with different time slots available to suit your family’s needs. Visit www.botanickids.co.uk to book, and follow along on Instagram @botanickids.je to stay updated.

Street Smart

Emma Pallent
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Street Smart

Gallery Fashion: Summer 25

Photography and Styling: Danny Evans / Model: Emilia

Swimsuit by Calvin Klein £92.00, Pants by Calvin Klein £83.00, both from Voisins. Sunglasses by CHPO brand £35.00, from Consume store. Shoes by Carvela £129.00, from Voisins

Black Dress By Pretty Lavish £68.45, from Voisins. Sunglasses by CHPO brand £35.00, from Consume store. Sneakers by Steve Madden £120.00, from Voisins.

Jacket by Marc Cain Sport  £309.00, Top by Marc Cain Sport £109.00, both from Renaissance Boutique. Sunglasses by CHPO brand £35.00, from Consume store. 

Jacket by Marc Cain Sport £309.00, Top by Marc Cain Sport £109.00, both from Renaissance Boutique.
Sunglasses by CHPO brand £35.00, from Consume store. 

Top by L’amitie £90.00, from Manna. Bag by Carvela £53.63, from Voisins. Sunglasses by CHPO brand £30.00, from Consume store. Sneakers by Kurt Geiger £169.00, from Voisins.

Top by L’amitie £100.00, Shorts by Devotion Twins £115.00, both from Manna. Bag by Kurt Geiger £135.45, from Voisins.

“My partner says they love me, but…”

Emma Pallent
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“My partner says they love me, but…”

Relationship and intimacy specialist Maggie Bain – also known as the Bare Naked Coach – has moved to Jersey and joined our Gallery ranks to help local couples repair their relationships. She will be answering questions which she has received from you, hoping to help those with similar problems by drawing on a decade of experience in the field.

Words: Maggie Bain, Photography: Oliver Doran

“My partner says they love me but never compliments me or shows affection. I want to tell him, but I don’t want to seem needy.“

“As I read your dilemma, I was reminded of how people view love so differently, particularly in their most intimate relationships. That said, I should clarify that my answer is based on the limited information you’ve shared.

There’s no doubt that hearing “I love you” pulls us in. These three magical words hold us captive, leaving us breathless for more. But words alone often feel hollow—we need actions to show us what love means. Compliments and affection are expressions of feeling; they’re the proof that satisfies our hearts. Without them, words can sound like empty promises. Where I come from, there’s a saying: “Mouth can say anything,” meaning talk is cheap if the mind, heart, and soul aren’t aligned. For “I love you” to feel real, your partner’s sincerity must leave no room for doubt.

In my years of helping individuals and couples with relationship issues, I’ve seen how love is shaped by childhood. Some replicate the role models they grew up with, while others strive to become the affectionate partner they never witnessed.

Perhaps your partner grew up with a stoic male figure, leading him to equate emotional restraint with masculinity. Men of few words often argue that providing and being present “should be enough”—they shouldn’t have to spell it out.

Discussing feelings is especially difficult for many men, as boys are often taught to “toughen up” and avoid “acting like a girl.” The result? Partners end up mind-reading, and projecting assumptions onto the relationship due to poor communication. Both sides feel unseen and misunderstood, creating a rift filled with self-doubt, mistrust, and disappointment.

This disconnect creates a ripple effect. Negativity and lethargy spill into friendships, family, and work. Physical health suffers—sleep, eating, anxiety, and other stress-related issues—and the relationship grows dull. Thoughts like “Is this it?” or “I give up” become common, and settling feels inevitable.

So, my question to clients is: “Did it start in the bedroom and ripple outward, or did it start elsewhere and ripple into the bedroom?”

Whichever way the ripple flows, it will inevitably have some effect on your sexual intimacy because being able to communicate your needs and wants will draw you closer. Sexual touch, which includes affectionate touch, is the glue that bonds couples. Without this, a distance is created, and the attachment starts to become undone, resulting in feeling like friends or roommates.

From what you’ve shared, my first suggestion is to learn how to really talk with each other. For best results, I’d encourage setting a time and place that works for you both—without outside interference—and with the understanding that this is a conversation about “us.” Creating a confidential space is key to starting a new practice, and with any habit, the more consistent you are, the better you’ll become.

Now, I recognise this sounds easier said than done, but know it’s possible to improve how you relate to each other. In the beginning, it may feel awkward or uncomfortable, or you might meet resistance from your partner. Still, I encourage you to continue. Many relationship issues stem from one or both people not being honest with themselves, let alone their partner, so finding your voice is essential.

If this feels too difficult, I’m here to guide you. Just reach out via the contacts below.

Remember: Your personal happiness is paramount, and in turn, it will enhance your intimate relationship.”

For Private Consultation at The Mind & Body Rooms, Charing Cross, St. Helier, or Zoom, message Maggie at maggie@barenakedcoach.com or visit barenakedcoach.com

If you’ve got an anonymous relationship question you’d like to ask Maggie, click here to send it to us for a future edition.

Staying Centred

Emma Pallent
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Staying Centred

Yoga is a bit of a catch-all term; there’s so much variety within the practice that sessions with different instructors can feel poles apart. Some swear by power yoga, while others lean more towards mindfulness. For Naomi Balderson, a Jersey-based instructor, the practice is a spiritual lifeline that acts as a vehicle for inner healing.

Her journey began when she was searching for something to aid her mental health, and it was initially her dad who introduced her to yoga. “We would go together every week,” Naomi said, “and I found it helped my mood so much. Of course, there’s the movement and exercise aspect to it, but more than that – it’s meditation and stillness. You can just shut off for an hour and not think about everything in your life, finding that peace.” The practice became an anchor for Naomi when she was searching for a safe space to unwind.

In the absence of a routine during lockdown, the consistency of yoga deepened her passion, eventually leading her to leave her corporate job and explore teacher training in Bali. “When I booked it, I wasn’t thinking I’m going to become a yoga teacher and start this journey. I just thought – this is going to be a really good break for me.” However, after delving into the discipline and learning more about its roots, Naomi’s mindset changed. “I learned so much about the deeper philosophical understanding of yoga. It’s not just a workout – there’s ancient Indian and Vedic philosophy that goes into it. Going to Bali was a really hard experience – but it was amazing.”

On her return to Jersey, Naomi knew she had to teach – not just to share what she had learned, but to retain it. As her practice deepened, so did her interest in alternative healing. “Another avenue of self-improvement and healing was psychedelics. I’d always rejected traditional medication, as I didn’t see it addressing the root problem or surrounding issues. You can’t give someone with depression antidepressants without looking at their past, their environment, their relationships, their parents. There’s so much that goes into someone’s wellbeing – it’s not just that one symptom, it’s the person as a whole”

For Naomi, leaning into psychedelics became a vital part of her healing journey. “One day I sat with mushrooms,” she said, “and it was the most profound experience of my entire life.” It led her to enrol in the Vital 12-Month Programme by Psychedelics Today – becoming the youngest person ever to complete the course.

“I would never do anything illegal,” assured Naomi, “but I did wonder how I could bring this into my work in Jersey – so I started incorporating integration circles into my work.” These circles are safe, confidential spaces for people to process their experiences – often following psychedelic sessions abroad – with support and empathy. “Aside from yoga, that’s my biggest passion,” said Naomi. “My priority is creating safe spaces for people.”

While many go to yoga to improve their flexibility and strength – factors that Naomi doesn’t shy away from – those who attend her classes experience more of a meditation. “I think people sometimes shy away from the fact that there is a spiritual component to yoga,” Naomi reflected, “because it feels hard for them to process or access. But so many of us are just, go, go, go, all day, every day… To just have an hour where you’re moving your body and clearing your mind, sitting with yourself and your emotions, is so important.”

In addition to the physical and mental benefits of yoga, Naomi prioritises facilitating a space where people can come together to form a community. She is dedicated to building ‘third spaces’ – places outside of home and work where groups can connect and heal together. “It’s important to have these spaces,” Naomi explained. “There aren’t many places in society anymore where you can go, meet people and make friends. That’s really my goal – to build human connection, without phones, completely sober, doing things that are good for us. When you get down to the core of it, all humans ever really want is love and connection. That’s all we’re here to do.”

Naomi teaches group classes at the studio above Hotpod – Thursdays, 6-7pm.

mayura.je

Pedal Powered

Emma Pallent
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Pedal Powered

On a 9-by-5-mile island where parking and petrol will set you back over £4500 a year, it’s easy to see the benefits of switching to an electric bike. It’s cheaper, you can cycle up hills with minimum effort, and – provided it’s not overly abused as a method of transport to the pub – it keeps you healthier and well less stressed than sitting in a driver’s seat. During the summer months, it’s idyllic, and the right model can carry the weight of a fully grown man on the back.

As it was Gallery’s delivery week, we reached out to Co-Op Bikes to see if we could take a couple of their electric bikes for a test ride. We explained our mission: find a more sustainable way of delivering magazines, without sacrificing too much efficiency. To achieve this, we needed one bike for carrying the load and another for speedy dispatches. They set us up with Estarli’s E28.X and eCargo Longtail L20 – a sleek, low-maintenance e-bike and a versatile electric cargo bike, respectively.

The former is perfect for travelling to work, college or simply to the shops, with a carbon belt drive that offers a smooth, clean, oil-free ride. The automatic 2-speed motor adjusts seamlessly to terrain changes, and a responsive torque sensor ensures intuitive power delivery, enhancing the riding experience. “It just felt really, really easy,” Flo commented. “It almost felt like driving an automatic car. It’s perfect for Jersey, and is a nice balance between feeling the benefits of an electric bike whilst still feeling like you’ve been on a cycle.” Comfort is ensured with a Selle Royal Vivo gel saddle, with handy mudguards for if the weather turns and lights that run off the slim lightweight battery. The puncture-resistant tyres offer durability and grip, and the E28.X is available in crossbar or step-through frames in bronze, pistachio, or midnight blue.

Estarli’s eCargo Longtail L20 is designed for families and urban commuters seeking a sustainable alternative to car travel. It’s impressively priced at £2000 less than the sea of Longtails on the market, without compromising on  robust performance and practical features, such as the ability to carry up to 210kg including the rider. It’s powered by a 250W mid-drive motor offering 110 Nm of power, handling hills and heavy loads with ease, delivering up to 120km of smooth, low-maintenance rides. Like the E28.X, the eCargo features puncture-resistant tyres, complete with hydraulic disc brakes and front suspension for added stability and comfort. It also boasts Gates carbon belt drive and Enviolo Infinity gears – there’s even an assisted walk feature capped at 4mph, so if you have to get off the bike and push, the battery can take the burden off you.

Taking the bikes down the Five Mile was a dream, even with the mags loaded in the back. Despite the weight of the vehicle and cargo, pedalling the eCargo was easier than ever, travelling along with little effort involved. Even going uphill felt like pedalling a normal bike along a flat, making this the perfect transport option for a parent looking to get their child to school on time. If you prefer a challenge and want to put in a bit more effort, the bike easily switches between five levels of assistance at the press of a button.

The Estarli E28.X is ideal for solo riders who enjoy the extra push from electric assistance but still want to feel like they’ve been cycling. It’s the perfect vehicle for a one-person commute and will help you dodge rush hour traffic. Flo commented on the ease of the riding experience – from the automatic gears to the fact that it was considerably lighter than your average electric bike. Weighing just 16.9kg, the E28.X features a removable Samsung battery that provides a range of 60–90km and recharges in 3–5 hours. “I liked that you could choose the level of assistance you wanted,” she added. “I could ramp it up to five going up the hills, which were a bit harder on the legs, but drop it down to one or two if I wanted to challenge myself a bit more.”

Within a few hours, we’d covered St Peter’s, the Five Mile, Corbière, St Brelade’s Bay and Portelet – and still had time for a coffee break. By the end of it, we were both converted to the electric bike lifestyle. “It’s actually made me consider life in Jersey without a car,” said Flo. “I’d never really considered cycling as a possibility, because I’ve never been much of a cyclist. Seeing how easy it was and how good it felt has made me think again about how I get around the island – and that maybe an electric bike is my way forward.”

To find out more or take an Estarli on a test drive head up to Coop Bikes, The Barn, Route de L’eglise, St Peter or reach out to the team at Co-Op Bikes om 01534 861851 or email shaun@coopbikes.com

coopbikes.com @coop_bikes

Tide’s out, vibes in.

Emma Pallent
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Tide’s out, vibes in.

When you’re tasked with writing an honest review, you want to complain about at least a few things to avoid leaning into advertorial-like drivel. When Sumas asked us to come down and try out their menu, of course we said yes – who would refuse a leisurely lunch at what Ben describes as “the epitome of Eastie fine dining”? But as anyone familiar with the quality of seafood served at Sumas will know, finding fault with the cuisine or dining experience is incredibly difficult. I found myself desperately inspecting the cleanliness of the veranda in search of something that wasn’t up to scratch.

The atmosphere at Sumas is impeccable. “You feel like you’re winning when you’re on that balcony,” Ben said. “Toby liked it, and he wasn’t even there.” With the backdrop of boats, palm trees, and a literal castle, it’s easy to feel like a king amidst a seafood banquet in the sun. Our absent 10 Minden Street inhabitant was nothing short of forlorn when he realised his client meetings clashed with our reservation. “Any time you miss a day at Sumas is a bad day,” Toby expressed, his voice dripping with melancholy. 

Our lunch started excellently with a top-notch selection of drinks. Laura thoroughly enjoyed her Fruit Punch, despite the fact that Paul Dufty – the restaurateur – was considering taking it off the menu. Riddled with indecision over the extensive options, I was close to ordering the same before Paul nudged me towards trying the Cucumber Cooler – a drink composed of lime, cucumber, elderflower, and Harry Howe’s Elixir – with the option to add local Sea Level gin if preferred. The citrus zing didn’t overwhelm the cucumber, and the drink was so delicious it got passed around the table. In an inspired moment of poetic brilliance, Ben claimed it tasted like “a holiday in a place I haven’t been to.” Having acquired an esteemed spot as nothing short of a muse, this mocktail was definitely a highlight.

You know the meal is going to be good when you’re already impressed by the table bread. It was homemade with a crispy, salted crust, whilst being soft, light, and airy in the middle. “I always judge a venue, whether I’m paying five or fifty pounds, by what they bring in terms of bread or a side dish to start,” Ben said. “It defines the meal. The quality and speed with which Sumas presented the bread made me putty in their hands from the start.”

To begin, Calley ordered the Hand-Dived Scallops, paired with carrot purée, bacon, and basil. “It was phenomenal,” she said. “The scallops were just like butter to cut into, and had a really fresh and delicious taste. I dream about those scallops.” Laura claimed, “never has a pea velouté been more welcome” than the one presented to her above the coast of Gorey. Ben ordered the Crispy Squid, garnished with lime, saffron aioli, and crunchy salad. His only complaint was that it could have been marginally crispier, to better suit his personal preferences. The Sumas Fried Chicken with hot honey, spring onion, and crème fraîche was succulent, with the perfect sauce-to-substance ratio. The aroma was so good that Ben couldn’t stop himself from giving it a good dose of eye contact.

In hindsight, when ordering mains, three out of four of us probably shouldn’t have chosen the same dish. But in the daze induced by soaking up vitamin D on a leisurely Friday afternoon, reason was thrown to the wind and we ordered three fillets of the locally caught sea bass with wild abandon. The dish came with Jersey Royals, cauliflower, samphire, and mussels in a curry sauce. “I don’t particularly like mussels,” commented Calley, “but these were in a green Thai sauce and so good. The fish itself honestly could have been swimming earlier that day – it tasted fresh, flaky and juicy.” She added that the skin was delightfully crispy, confirming she would “100% order it again.”

Ben, ordering last and thus pipped at the post with the sea bass, opted for the rib-eye to secure a shred of variety. “As somebody who doesn’t eat a great deal of red meat, I was really into it,” he said. “Ordinarily, when ordering steak, I’d always go rare, but this one came much better done and crispier on the outside. I really enjoyed it. It was salty and indulgent.”

I don’t typically order dessert – save for the odd occasion when I’m tempted by a good tiramisu. But considering the quality of the previous courses, and the fact that dessert extended time spent in the sun rather than at the office, we opted to stick around and try a couple. Laura ordered the affogato, and when asked to comment, said: “It’s pretty hard to mess up coffee and ice cream, but this is exactly as an affogato should be.” Paul recommended we try the lemon tart, complete with clotted cream and raspberry. The fruits perfectly complemented each other, and the break on the bottom layer of pastry could have attracted a smile of approval from Mary Berry herself.

Overall, the service from start to finish was amazing. Calley, after a few glasses of wine, proclaimed: “The tide was out, but the vibes were in.” If nothing else, the quality of the experience can be testified to by the fact that Ben put his child into after-school club last-minute to stay for dessert and soak in the rays a little longer. Finding time and an excuse for a long lunch at Sumas is definitely a win.

@sumas_restaurant

Clear Direction

Emma Pallent
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Clear Direction

When asking a friend’s parent for career advice, he encouraged us to try and stay at a job for at least a year, to demonstrate commitment on our CV. They’re words that might seem alien to an older generation, who viewed a job as a lifelong pursuit rather than a stepping stone to something better.

Tom Matthews and James Douglas, who have worked at Pallot Glass for 40 and 45 years respectively, have experienced every corner of the business and watched its ownership pass through generations. Thanks to the company’s long-standing history and accumulated expertise, they’re well-equipped to fit anything from the largest panes of glass manufactured, down to one the size of a car’s wing mirror.

Both men arrived in Jersey through a chain of chance events. Tom, originally from London, moved to the island because his mother’s sister lived here and started as a sales rep for the company. James, meanwhile, was visiting Jersey for a few weeks before heading to Germany for a job in engineering. “I never made it to Germany,” he joked. “After three weeks at Pallot’s, I started full-time in 1979.” Since then, he’s worked across installation, fabrication, and sales – gaining experience in a wide range of work.

“We’re fortunate to work at a longstanding family company,” said Tom. “Over time, we’ve seen other glazing firms on the island come and go, but Pallot’s has always been solid.” Their careers have taken them around the globe, contributing to major projects such as the Metropole Hotel in London and the Australian embassies in Jakarta and China. “I was privileged,” James reflected. “I’ve gotten to see a bit of the world through our little company here.”

On-island, Pallot Glass has taken on some of the most ambitious architectural projects of their time. When Ron Hickman, inventor of the Black & Decker Workmate, requested the largest panes of glass ever glazed in Europe, Tom and James were up to the challenge. “At the time, what he designed was incredibly futuristic,” Tom said. “It was an avant-garde sort of build. Bigger panes have been done since, but back then, it was extraordinary. Everything had to be specially made.”

What sets Pallot’s apart from other glazing companies is the equipment and expertise at their disposal. “No other companies on the island can lift the largest panes of glass – but we can,” Tom said. “We’ve got a large crane and many specially trained staff. Unless you go to the UK, you won’t find anyone else who can do what we do.” It’s a capability that comes from decades of staff retention, allowing Pallot’s to take on complex projects with confidence.

The longevity of Tom and James’ careers ultimately speaks to the benefits of working for a tight-knit, stable family company. When they first joined, it wasn’t uncommon for employees to stay for life, with the average tenure sitting around 23 years. “If people are working somewhere for that long,” said Tom, “the company must be doing something right. You’d have to do something pretty serious to get sacked. The first instinct here is always to look after you. Everyone’s a human being – not a number.”

On Another Level

Emma Pallent
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On Another Level

One of the most well-used expressions in the estate agent lexicon is “location, location, location.” It is, of course, an important element of somewhere you’re looking to put your lounge, bed and kitchen. When you’re talking about a property that offered the ability to explore inside and out with CGI prior to the build, you know you’re at the end of the market that brings another such expression into play: “specification, specification, specification.”

OK, I concede that the six extra syllables make it less of an attractive catchphrase, but it’s very relevant for a home that is set to be built in the eight-figure-and-up price range. When Gaudin & Co shared these images with us of a finished Villa Cambray, it was great to see the dream come to life, as the details describe: “A masterpiece of luxury with panoramic views over St Aubin’s Bay.” All three floors of it.

The property really is in an exceptional south-facing position on Mont Cambrai, with panoramic sea views of St Aubin’s Bay. The home has been designed to harness that all-day passage of the sun, with three floors of glass-fronted living space, flanked by granite to give it a Jersey feel. The design allows practical use of the plot shape, funneling in natural light.

It seems that ‘artisan’ is the moniker for people who make everything from brownies to cocktails these days, but it takes a particularly attentive craftsman to create the sort of finishes applied at Villa Cambray. The specification of cabinetry and finish gives an air of five-star hotel; that’s the work of a real artisan. The lower ground floor houses the principal living space, which includes the hand-crafted kitchen, fitted with top-of-the-line Gaggenau appliances. It looks the part and is perfect for both everyday living and entertaining. But there’s also a substantial prep kitchen and pantry, providing further space and functionality for culinary excellence, whether for the homeowner who loves to cook, or their private chef.

When a property is built from the ground up, it offers the ability to specify all the desirable household options, and the villa’s living and entertaining spaces are nothing short of spectacular. For the cinephile, there’s a climate-controlled 12-seater cinema for the ultimate private screening experience. If you’re more into presses than popcorn, then the fully equipped home gym will allow you zero excuses for not having that Instagram fitness influencer physique. For wine connoisseurs, a 1,000-bottle climate-controlled wine room with a dedicated tasting foyer offers the perfect retreat. Yes, 1,000. Hopefully sufficient for most people’s requirements.

If you’re entertaining and things get a little hot in the kitchen(s), the marble of the lower ground floor gives way to the sandstone of the poolside and heated infinity pool. All those lengths will earn you a snack, and to the side of the patio is a dining area and outdoor kitchen, fully equipped with an integral BBQ, rotisserie, fridge, and sink. Expansive terraces wrap the house. The upper ground floor is home to four bedroom suites, with those storm-watching views for those at the front, and access to another huge terrace. The ‘first’ floor above is home to the vast master suite, complete with private balcony and the best views in the house—not least because you get to look down at your pool and family having fun below, and the bay beyond.

Externally, the grounds have been kept simple and low-maintenance. It’s clear that Villa Cambray has been designed with a car enthusiast in mind. Once inside your secure gated parking, it’s time to play with one of the toys that everyone who ever owned a Fisher-Price garage probably secretly wants: a car lift. The lift will allow you to drop your prized Porsche or Panda down to an elaborate underground showroom, so you can admire your metal from your wine tasting area, naturally. A passenger lift serves all levels, ensuring ease of access throughout the home and future-proofing it for mobility—so you won’t have too far to stumble to bed if you finish the bottle.

If you’re looking for an impressive new-build home that has it all, designed for premium living, it might be worth taking a drive up the hill and seeing whether you could see yourself seeing everything from Villa Cambray.

Villa Cambray, St Lawrence

£16,000,000 Freehold

5 Bedrooms, 5 Bathrooms, 8493 Square Feet

Questions: Viewing? Call Jon at Gaudin & Co on 01534 730341.

Old Meets New

Emma Pallent
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Old Meets New

Whether you’re thinking about extending or renovating your period property or planning a huge development, you might be considering how modern glazing can be incorporated into its traditional build. Structural glass experts, Clear Living tell us more…

All of our glazing – even our more contemporary, minimalist designs, can work incredibly well in heritage and listed properties, expertly blending old and new. Glazing can offer just the upgrade you need to elevate your period property and bring it into the 21st century for comfortable modern living.

Homeowners often dismiss modern glazing on the basis it will be rejected by the Local Planners. One of the key principles in listed and heritage building glazing applications is making a clear distinction between old and new. Planners often prefer designs that are obviously modern interpretations rather than those that try to mimic traditional elements. 

Here we take a look at some of our recent case studies of glazing applications in period properties.

Our client wanted to create a garden room, attached to their listed stone property, overlooking their garden and swimming pool. The glass box was routered into the original stonework of the property. This shows the original property virtually untouched with the addition of the modern standalone glass box. 

Our client wanted to link their traditional property with a newly constructed modern glass fronted leisure complex. 

The leisure complex was constructed at a lower level to the property and the planners favored a glass box link connecting the two buildings and the different floor levels. Sky-Frame sliding doors were installed in the leisure complex to allow uninterrupted views across the garden, bringing the outside in.

This traditional country property was renovated to incorporate arch head windows and doors. Slimline metal heritage style windows were installed.  This created the original look the clients wanted along with modern, slimline  and thermally efficient double glazed windows. The use of metal, over wood, ensures longevity and reduces maintenance. 

This beautiful listed farm building was converted into a residential property. The planners were keen to retain the original barn door openings and favoured the use of slimline sliding doors to avoid any disruption to the original structure. Sky-Frame sliding doors were installed maximising the openings with their slim frames whilst retaining the look of the original barn. 

Our clients restored a ruinous stone farmhouse and added a single Storey extension to incorporate modern open plan living. One elevation of the extension was constructed of matching stone and we added Sky-Frame corner opening doors. This added a sleek modern contrast to the traditional property effortlessly blending the different elements with the outside.  

Our clients were extending their country farmhouse to incorporate an adjacent derelict outbuilding. They wanted to infill the damaged parts of the barn with glass as opposed to rebuilding in stone. Structural glass was used to restore half of the building. Looking at the building you can clearly see the ‘old’ and ‘new’ perfectly married together. 

A traditional stone and timber clad barn was converted incorporating elements of structural glass and glazed doors to flood the property with light through the original barn door openings.

This stunning Victorian house was remodeled and extended to incorporate a modernist glazed kitchen extension featuring a stunning corner opening Sky-Frame sliding doors. The new glazed extension was bolted onto the side of the property and stands almost independently to the original house.

Each traditional and listed building glazing project is unique, requiring tailored solutions that align with planning requirements and our clients brief. We always seek to find a careful balance between historical preservation and modern performance. We work closely with architects, planners and conservation officers to ensure that our glazing solutions meet aesthetic, functional, and regulatory criteria. Whether incorporating modern slimline sliding doors, glass box extensions, glass links or heritage style windows and doors, our expertise ensures that each project meets the highest standards of craftsmanship, compliance, and energy efficiency. 

Get in touch with Clear Living to discuss your heritage project on 01606 45109
www.clear-living.co.uk

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