Actress and writer Eleanor Gecks is one busy girl. If she's not filming the next movie to fall in love with, she's working on her own screenplays. Thankfully her Richmond apartment is a complete haven, reports Alice Casely-Hayford, who went for a wander...
Since starring in Tim Burton's Alice and Wonderland, Woody Allen's You Will Meet a Tall Dark Stranger and Dungeons and Dragons 3, actress Eleanor Gecks somehow found time to finish a film she penned herself, Lay Me Down. After showcasing the short at York Festival last month, the self-confessed "hippy at heart" invited us to her wonderfully bohemian home in Richmond.
Your home is filled with an assortment of antiques and hand-crafted pieces. How would you describe your interior?
I'd say my style was a bit of a mishmash. I love modern and old and think they can complement each other beautifully. I don't really plan a room or what I am going to do with it. I mainly try to find items I love and find a way for them to fit.
I think there is something really special about finding an item with a bit of a story to it. That's why I love searching old antique shops, you never know what you might find.
As an actress and scriptwriter, often working from home, how do you get into office mode?
Firstly, I like to clear my head. This is normally achieved by taking my nutter of a dog, Bumble, out for a walk in Richmond park. Then coming back making a hearty breakfast and a strong cup of coffee and settling down with my computer and popping Radio 4 or Radio Jackie for a bit of cheese on in the background.
You regularly visit India. Have your travels inspired the way you decorate your home?
India is probably my favourite place in the world. I have been visiting since I was 13 and have been back every year since. I can't thank my mum enough for taking me! India is such a beautiful place with such vivid colours and textures. Everywhere you go you are always surprised. The light there is fantastic too. I think this is very important in the home. I love waking up to a house that is bright and full of life, with lots of layers to it.
After every trip to India I normally come back with masses of fabric and trinkets that make me smile, which end up somewhere in the house.
What's your biggest indulgence for the home?
Probably the food in the fridge and a great bottle of wine.
How will your next home differ to this one?
We (Eleanor and her boyfriend, actor/producer Stefan D'Bart) are looking for somewhere with a lot of character. But a place we can also put our stamp on. I love Richmond so much so it will hopefully be somewhere around here. My ideal home would be on the top of a hill in the middle of the country side which is as eco-friendly as possible. I would LOVE some sort of treehouse.... Basically I'm a bit of a hippy at heart.
After a job in central London do you love retreating back to Richmond?
Working in London can be quite stressful. You are constantly on the move and the pace is so quick. Having been brought up in the countryside I felt Richmond was near enough to London to be able to commute but you still feel that there is greenery on your doorstep. I am a very active person and run a lot so Richmond Park is the perfect place. Richmond itself is beautiful with masses to do. You can go rowing down the river to picnics in the park. It also has a couple of great theatres too. One of my favourite places to grab a coffee would be Petersham nurseries. It feels a bit like you have strolled into a jungle of exotic plants. And they do the best cakes! A great place to while away a day.
Take a flick through Phoebe-Lettice Thompson's full shoot of Eleanor's apartment below...
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