🏡 OUR STORY: WHERE HOME MEETS GARDEN ADVENTURE

It began with a rainy Sussex summer...

In 2025, Nicholas John Ward transformed frustration into inspiration. Stuck in his Eastbourne cottage watching yet another downpour ruin barbecue plans, a realisation struck: British living shouldn’t mean choosing between cosy interiors and vibrant outdoor joy. Why shouldn’t sofas face sunlit pools, and garden sheds become creative escapes?

Armed with a carpenter’s toolbox (inherited from his grandfather in Cornwall) and stubborn British optimism, Nicholas launched BritLiving & Pools from his Tollgate Gardens garage. His mission was radical simplicity: blur the lines between indoor comfort and outdoor adventure – creating homes where every drizzle and ray is celebrated.

🌱 HOW WE GREW

Year Milestone Nicholas' Note
2025 Sold first inflatable pool + sofa set to neighbour "Proof Brits crave sun AND hygge!"
2026 Added BritPaws after Bella (his cocker spaniel) claimed every sample dog bed "Pets deserve design too"
2027 Moved into Tollgate Gardens warehouse "Still smell sawdust from Day 1!"
Today 500+ UK-tested products across 10,000+ homes "Never lost that garage passion"

♻️ NICHOLAS' CORE BELIEFS

  1. Weather-Proof Joy
    "Pools for heatwaves, wool throws for rain – your space should thrive in ALL British seasons."

  2. Paws Included
    Inspired by Bella, who "quality-tests" every dog bed (usually with a nap).

  3. Slow-Crafted Legacy
    Rejecting fast furniture. Every shed hinge and sofa frame is built to outlast British winters.

  4. Sussex Soul, UK Heart
    Proudly Eastbourne-born. All photoshoots done locally at Beachy Head.

🛠️ WHY "BRIT" LIVING?

"We solve uniquely British problems: tiny gardens, sudden downpours, and the eternal quest for a cuppa poolside. That’s in our blood."
– Nicholas John Ward, Founder

Our Signature Solutions:

  • Sofas with stain-resistant fabrics (tested against tea spills & Bella’s muddy paws)

  • Collapsible Pools for Victorian terraces

  • Coastal-Grade Sheds that laugh at Channel storms

🌿 WHAT’S NEXT?

Driven by your feedback:

  • 2026: Launching recycled plastic pool furniture (sourced from UK fishing nets)

  • 2027: "Build Your Shed" workshops at our Eastbourne warehouse (led by Nicholas)

  • Always: ÂŁ5 from every sale to Sussex Wildlife Trust

📸 VISUAL STORYTELLING

(For "About Us" page)

  • Founder Photo: Nicholas + Bella in a pool beside a rattan sofa

  • Early Days: His grandfather’s toolbox + first shed blueprints

  • Eastbourne Love: Team photo at Tollgate Gardens warehouse

  • Customer Wall: UK families enjoying BritLiving products

✨ READY TO SHARE?

Shopify "About Us" Page Snippet:

From Nicholas’ Garage to Your Garden  
In 2025, I was tired of choosing between comfort and adventure in my Eastbourne cottage..."*  

Packaging Insert:

"Hand-packed in Eastbourne by Nicholas’ team. Bella-approved!"

Email Signature:

Nicholas Ward
Founder, BritLiving & Pools
Born in Sussex • Still building cosy adventures