A WARM welcome is guaranteed at a delightful family-run company that forges its own bespoke range of wrought iron homewares, from curtain poles and lamps to fireguards, log cradles, chandeliers and candlesticks.

Wychwood Wrought Iron is a true cottage industry, with an eye on expansion now that husband-and-wife Philip and Helen Pratley, both 45, are working full-time in the venture together.

Their business is centred on the working forge – a blazing furnace of warmth on these cold winter days – plus a rather chic little showroom in the back garden of their home in Ascott-under-Wychwood.

Blacksmith Philip fires up the forge each day, keeping alive age-old skills which are sadly in decline.

I was fascinated to watch Philip at work – listening to the thumping and ringing as he worked the metal, and the roar of the flames, was so evocative of days gone by.

A year ago, Helen gave up her job as a nurse to devote herself to the business, and has been instrumental in kitting out the showroom.

“We cannot compete on price with something churned out cheaply in China, but we do offer quality and style, proudly made in the Cotswolds by a true craftsman – and we believe our prices are very reasonable,” said Helen.

A welcome benefit is that they both have more time for their two young daughters, Pippa, six, and Georgie, four.

“Being able to take the girls to school and pick them up in the afternoon is a joy after the long hours I was working as a nurse,” said Helen, a bubbly redhead who has taken to sales and marketing like a duck to water, and is enjoying the challenge.

“I do love meeting people, and showing them all the lovely things we make,” she added.

And Pippa has recently designed a range of curtain poles for children’s bedrooms, in bright colours, with funky pole ends.

The village blacksmith used to be an integral part of a community, and self-taught Philip is passionate about keeping the skills alive.

Helen said: “We try to keep everything as local as possible, including our steel and paint. It’s central to our philosophy. Our customers know that they are buying British, and that they’re supporting the local economy too.”

Each part of the manufacturing process is carried out by hand. The craftsmanship and quality shine through in the wrought iron pieces that Philip lovingly creates.

“When people come into the showroom, they can look through a window and watch Philip at work — they’re always fascinated.” said Helen.

Philip set up the company in 2000. He had worked in his father’s maintenance contracting business, but then their main client – Smiths Industries in Witney – moved to Essex.

“I had the forge in an old workshop at the end of his garden and I loved to mess about making things — I always enjoyed working with metal,” Philip explained.

“Running our own business is good fun, but challenging. It’s a lot easier since Helen came on board, so I can get on with the manufacturing side.”

It has been a steep learning curve for Helen, but she has no regrets. She enjoys working with Philip on designing new pieces too.

“I like to say I am in charge of ambience,” she said. “I have put the polish on things since I arrived.

“Giving up nursing was an enormous decision, but I had been thinking about it for a long time. I felt for the business to be able to grow, I needed to be supporting Philip.

“But I’m loving it, and the bonus is after dropping the children off at school in the morning, I just go to the end of the garden to start work.”

And she is not afraid of getting her hands dirty when necessary.

“I will go into the forge, tie my hair back, and get as black as your hat cutting and drilling.

“Philip has taught me simple tasks and I’m not frightened of doing things. We have a good laugh together and get on well.”

Helen and Philip say that the Cotswold villages, Wychwood Forest and countryside are a big influence on their products, which come in traditional finishes such as matt black, burnished steel and beeswax, as well as more contemporary colours such as satin cream and pewter.

The children’s curtain poles are available in pastel colours and silver too.

The product range covers curtain poles, lighting, fireside and kitchen, and for something that has been lovingly crafted by Philip in his home forge, the prices are eminently reasonable. For example, a beautiful black wrought iron standard lamp with a spun cage detail on the stem is £120, a satin cream table lamp embellished with beech leaves, inspired by Wychwood Forest, is £110.

For the fireplace there is a fireguard with scroll decoration for £120, companion sets from £160 and floor-standing candlesticks at £85.

The curtain poles packs are particularly good value (from £72) and contain everything you need to dress one window — curtain pole, finials, brackets and rings.

For a medieval flourish the four-bulb chandelier (£500) is a real conversation piece and the hanging game rack (£235) adds an authentic touch to any Cotswold kitchen.

The Pratleys are in the process of investigating other retail opportunities and collaborations with interior designers, but visitors are welcome seven days a week at the forge and showroom in Ascott-under-Wychwood but it is best to call first to make sure they are open.