Who are you? I am Richard Harris a 44 year old stone mason who loves and champions Thanet.
Why Margate / Broadstairs? We have sea on all sides of Thanet and I manage to see it at least once every day.
If you were an animal, what would you be? An Arizonian barking toad.
Describe a day in the life of a stonemason? No two days are the same and you are constantly learning, there is always something to challenge you.
Object of desire for your garden? A life size gorilla to put in one of my trees.
What couldn’t you live without? The coast and all of Apples electronic products.
Best advice you’ve been given? “If a gift horse comes your way put a saddle on it and ride it” also my father in law has always said with regard to business and finance ” if in doubt, stand still ” he’s right.
How much work have you had to do to your home / garden to make it your own? Nothing major, general repairs and cosmetic, we’ve taken more away than added, less is more so they say.
What are the most important elements of your garden? The privacy.
If you could change one thing about your house / garden what would it be? The maintenance and upkeep of a period property that it deserves
Who are your heroes? My son Louis, my uncle Brynn, my cousin Darren, Tony Stark and Elvis of course.
What would you do if you were Mayor for a day? I would crush cars that belong to people who use disability parking spaces without a legitimate condition.
What drew you to this house? The house stunned me; I knew that if I didn’t buy it I’d never get the chance to get something similar again.
If you were exiled to the Maunsell sea forts what 3 things would you take with you? If exiled to the forts and couldn’t take family etc it would have to be an iPad, a pair of Kickers and a Lacoste shirt, probably never see me without at least one of these items at any given time.
First Thanet memory? Collecting winkles and cockles etc at Pegwell bay with my uncle Brynn and my cousins David and Darren, watching uncle Brynn push a shrimp net through the waves.
What is your biggest weakness? My children, hands down every time.
What inspires you? My wife, also anyone who has to deal with adversity.
Describe your perfect day? Eggs benedict at the Tower hotel London, a trip to the cinema, a sleep in the shade on a warm day, a glass of red with some nice cheese and surprising someone with a present.
What are your goals for the rest of 2013? Keep cool until autumn, my favourite season.
In 10 years time where will you be? Probably sitting in the shade under a gorilla wearing an Apple i-brain, me not the gorilla.
ROUND UP: Richard is the owner of Andrews & Elliott stonemason in Margate, his home in St. Peter’s is the former gardener’s cottage to the now demolished Dane court mansion. Richards home is barely visible from the road & is surrounded by beautiful established gardens on all sides. Outside the garden gate is St Peters churchyard an expanse of gravestones, long grass & wildflowers, extending the incredible outdoor living area further. Perfect for summer living.
RECOMMENDED: Albariño restaurant, 29, Albion Street, Broadstairs, CT10 1LX. Delicious tapas using the finest local ingredients by Steve an incredible chef whose credentials and skill is without equal.
http://www.albarinorestaurant.co.uk
To take part in the Curio contact: thecurioinmargate@gmail.com
All images ©Jo Willis
thecurioinmargate.com 