Laughter On The Stairs: Beverley Nichols

Having exorcised the awful wallpaper, the hideous lead light window (portraying the late owner's wife as a mermaid...) the speckled holly hedge and other acts of vandalism committed by the previous owners - Nichols sets about restoring the Georgian manor Merry Hall the gardens to their former glory while braving the wrath of village locals who regarded the inappropriate building additions as a monument to the former owner's - the late Mr Stebbings - 'good taste.' As always, Beverley is accompanied by his beloved pet cats who, of course, have their say on all improvements. Illustrated by William McLaren.