Erica Bolam a partner in the business has 30 years experience in running design led shops, over 10 years experience as a home stylist, greetings card designer, cruise ship lecturer, and much much more.  She spent many years as a venue floral designer which complemented her passion for beautiful flowers and her garden at home is testament to this passion with a beautiful array of colour and scented themed plantings. 

Katie Green, the other half of the partnership and Ericas youngest daughter, trained in Surface Pattern Design at Barnsley College of Art and later went on to gain a degree in Social Policy at Bradford University.She is an accomplished artist specialising in architectural art for canvas or wall murals and her work can be seen on the walls of the furniture barn.  Her work is on display and available to purchase at The SummerHouse (commissions accepted).

"Both of us have first hand experience of wildlife conservation from our life in Yorkshire as volunteer forestry wardens and campaigners for greenbelt preservation.  In the early 1980s we started one of the first 'Help a toad across the road' campaigns and commissioned the first Toad Crossing sign now widely used by all local authorities.  In the late 1980s we fought and won a battle of conservation to stop the destruction of a large forest which was condemned to become a drift mine and golf course.  The forest remains untouched to this day."

Now both living in Suffolk we have brought our passion and knowledge for beautiful design, stunning gardens and wildlife conservation to create The SummerHouse.

Emma Cook is shop manager and part of the buying dream team.  She has been a vital part of the team since September 2004 and helped with developing several key areas of the shop throughout its continual expansion.  She studied General Art and Design at Suffolk College and later went on to gain a degree in Interior and Spatial Design.  Emma is an accomplished contemporary artist and has undertaken several commissions for private and commercial premises.  Her work is on display and available for purchase at The SummerHouse (commissions accepted).

Katy Goodwin works for The SummerHouse Part-Time, and is currently at Suffolk College studying for a degree in Early Childhood Studies.  She is passionate about musicals, singing and dancing and loves to take part in local productions.  She is currently a member of the CO2 Music Society based in Cochester and will be performing in Summer Holiday later this year.  She has the most amazing stage presence and we would advise you to get tickets for the show when they go on sale.