Thank you, Printesa and T Grey, I didn’t see your messages until now. It’s been 2 months since we bought it and I am still not over the shock of being so lucky to wake up and see that view every day. We’ve been busy, very busy actually, trying to find tradesmen to sort out some things. Firstly, we discovered 5 wasps nests and (unfortunately but necessary) had them destroyed by this very chatty guy. Then we noticed some gutters were blocked and had another chatty chap around to clean them. Then came the chimney sweeper, the guy who is going to sand&varnish the floors, the painter-decorator, electrician, and so on. Plus we ‘inherited’ a gardener (thank the gods!) I was having nightmares thinking about maintaining all that garden on my own. Also, our architect friend agreed to take on the barn renovation and already submitted a pre-application plan to the council. So everything is on track; however I am ‘not allowed’ (says Andrew) to buy any furniture until the interior renovations are done, I had to restrict myself at getting tableware and bedding and towels (John Lewis had wonderful stuff on sale last month). I’ll probably start pestering this forum soon! I’m rubbish at choosing blinds and curtains and the likes, plus I am unclear about how to furnish a couple of rooms. Many thanks again (and here’s a pic of a rainbow)!

Looks like Abutilon, but I’m 100% sure. Comes in many colours and has palmatum leaves.

With those lovely blush sofas I would look at Oval Room Blue or perhaps a gentle green like Cromarty, both by Farrow & Ball. Pigeon is a good choice too in a period room, especially a sunny one. They tend to suit period properties very well, especially with a fresh white ceiling. Below is Oval Room first, then Cromarty (my room) and Pigeon last. There are so many lovely shades you can choose but I would look at the furniture and flooring and go from there.

Thanks AGI, we are totally with you on all the concrete and yes the view is amazing. But first there is plenty needs doing inside and the pergola has cracked safety glass which needs to be sorted. Have visions of it crashing down. So plan to replace the glass and paint the wood posts, just for now.