Name:Ruth Wilson Address:Hillsborough, Co Down Dwelling:Georgian-style house Here since:1999
As an interior designer, I have worked in some of Ireland's most spectacular private homes, but to me Hillsborough has always felt like home. I've lived in the village for the past 25 years, and my boys went to the local primary school here. Eight years ago, we bought the house we're in now, in the countryside near the village. It's a small, friendly community, where everyone knows each other - we often bump into our friends and neighbours on a Sunday afternoon strolling around the lake, in nearby Hillsborough Forest.
The Plough Inn is another favourite haunt: it's our local, really, and my husband and I often nip in there for our tea. There's a wonderfully old-fashioned toy-shop in the village, too. It's called The Cheshire Cat and children come flocking to it from all over the country. My boys loved it when they were growing up - popping in to ride on the rocking horse, or to buy all kinds of bits and pieces. I often go there to pick up little things for my grandchild.
Although it's a small village, people have often heard of Hillsborough because the Northern Ireland Secretary of State's residence is at the top of the hill. Garden parties are held there, and whenever members of the royal family come over, children from the local primary school often come up to the gates to watch and wave flags.
Our house, which we bought new, is full of rich, warm colours and I suppose it has quite a classical style, with just a bit of a contemporary twist. Since I'm often working so hard on other people's homes, I leave my own until last, but I've just finished decorating my bedroom. I've used just one colour - cream - but a whole variety of different textures.
Sometimes, when I go into gorgeous houses in the city, I think it would be nice to live somewhere that you can just stroll down the road and get a coffee. But then I recall how lovely it is to drive home through the countryside after a busy day, when it's been all go, go, go. It's the peace and quiet of Hillsborough that means most to me.