ENGLISH Cottage

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STORYBOOK HAVENS inthe HEART of ENGLAND

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“THERE’LL ALWAYS BE AN ENGLANDWHILE THERE’S A COUNTRY LANE,

WHEREVER THERE’S A COTTAGE SMALLBESIDE A FIELD OF GRAIN.”

—Clarke Ross-Parker

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9 Restoring Character

19 Family Legacy

29 Of Heart and Home

41 Nourishing the Spirit

51 Reviving a Classic

63 Old-School Charm

73 Georgian Glory

83 A Vision of Light

8 Dear Friends95 Credits

95 Where to Shop & Buy

67

Roses freshly cut from the walled garden of this seventeenth-century home lend color and fragrance to the drawing room, which features an

original fireplace as the focal point of a serene sitting area.Photography Colin Poole

)ON OUR COVER(

Contents29

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W hy does my heart flutter at the first glimpse of our editorial team’s perennially popular

English Cottage? This special issue prom-ises an array of storybook havens, bringing to mind a range of dwellings, from quaint ivy-clad abodes nestled among tangles of blooms to gracious estates boasting exqui-sitely manicured formal gardens. Whether humble or grand, each home chosen for this publication holds the power to capture my imagination.

The lovely space showcased on the cover—the drawing room of a seventeenth-century manor in Yorkshire—brims with

the sense of timeless romance we often associate with British style. Step into this historic property on page 29. In other features, learn how a Victorian schoolhouse finds new life as a residence, explore the halls of a country house beloved by generations of the same family, and in a Georgian charmer near Bath, settle before a fireplace rescued long ago from a nearby castle. These wonders and many more await discovery with every turn of the page.

Perhaps what I love most about English Cottage is that the photos and text actually draw me into the stories behind those aforementioned storybook havens, introducing me to impassioned homeowners, opening the gates to the sanctuaries that they have created and inviting me to come alongside in the quest for preservation.

Within this edition of Victoria Classics, may you find inspiration and encour-agement for cultivating your own interpretation of home.

Editor-in-Chief

Dear FriendsEDITOR Jordan Marxer MillnerMANAGING EDITOR Melissa Lester

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Recognizing the potential hidden beneath layers of neglect, a retired interior designer thoughtfully transforms

a quaint, timeworn dwelling in Surrey with the help of a trusted team of craftsmen.

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Restoring CHARACTER


Opposite and this page: Drawing room walls were paneled to match the original detailing around the fireplace. A classic floral print for the curtains connects this room with the garden beyond.

A lthough Sally Paget-Brown is retired from her noteable career as an interior designer, she simply cannot resist a project, and the quintessentially English cottage she came

across several years ago was no exception. “Even though I was very happy in the converted coach house that I renovated in 2014,” she explains, “I missed not having a garden for my grandchildren to play in, and I needed more bedrooms for my visitors.”

Sally was drawn to the early-eighteenth-century house’s quirkiness and its ties to illustrious architect Sir Edwin Lutyens, who designed two of its numerous extensions and once lived across the street. Since it is Grade II listed, as well as located in a conservation area, she had to request additional permits before starting her own renovation.

The previous owner had occupied the cottage for six decades, and in her declining years was unable to handle the upkeep, so Sally dealt with everything from lack of heating to wood rot. With the aid of historical


Blue-gray cabinets lend a sense of drama to the kitchen. Sally Paget-Brown chose a quartz mimicking a veined marble to marry with the color of the units.


architect Peter Barker of Antique Buildings Ltd., she gained permission to remove two walls to open up the kitchen and to seal a doorway to create an en suite for one guest bedroom. Beams were sandblasted to reveal the natural timber underneath layers of paint, while flooring was restored or replaced with antique stone and aged boards from France. A former garden shed, built with traditional pegged joinery, was converted into independent living quarters.

Sally’s approach to decorating was equally respect-ful of the structure’s history. She opted for gentle gray-green shades in the drawing room and study, with off-white hues for walls in the entrance hall and kitchen, where cabinetry was painted a moody blue. Upstairs, she favored soft blues, greens, and pinks, introducing floral fabrics that nod to the beauty of the garden outside.

For Sally, one of the biggest surprises of this move has been the sense of camaraderie she has experienced from her neighbors. “I had forgotten how amazing it is to be part of a community,” she says. “I feel that both the house and the village have embraced me.”

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Opposite and this page, above: Pretty Murano goblets and Herend tableware fill a glazed cabinet in the dining room, where a fire in the hearth keeps meals cozy.

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Above: The master bedroom’s restful scheme features paneling painted in a soothing eau de Nil shade of green. Left: Blue paneling and Delft tiles add charm to a guest bath. Opposite: A false ceiling was removed to transform a formerly dark, unappealing space into a beautiful vaulted guest room that showcases the original rafters. Framed bird prints inspired an avian theme for these lofty quarters.


When a couple purchased the seven-bedroom Victorian country house that had belonged to his parents, a

thoughtful renovation gave the dwelling a fresh look while still retaining its original charms.

Family LEGACY

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The stately, gray stone residence near Lewes in Sussex came with a built-in set of memories for Amy and James Bell. Not only had James spent his teen years here, but it was the place

for family gatherings as long as his parents owned it. “This house had already played a big part in our lives,” explains Amy. “We held our wedding reception here and had parties for our children’s christenings. When it went on the market, we couldn’t bear to see it go.”

When they moved in just over five years ago, the plan was to reimagine the house for multi-generational living to suit the couple, their two daughters, and James’s mother, who would remain in residence there. There were a few structural repairs—the kitchen and pantry roofs leaked—and the inside needed updating throughout, beginning with new bathrooms and fresh décor for the girls’ quarters.

The biggest project was the kitchen, which took eighteen months of planning and saving, as well as


Above: The living room brims with a mélange of mostly inherited furniture, set off by warm terra-cotta walls.


plenty of poring over mood-board images from magazines and Instagram. In fact, Amy used mood boards to crystallize and communicate her plans for each room. Three floors ensure everyone has ample space, and large windows bless the interiors with abundant light. “Outside, the façade can look a bit austere, but when you come inside, it’s warm and cozy and welcoming,” relates Amy. “I wanted it to be a classic, relaxed English country home where you can walk through the hall to the kitchen in your Wellies.”

The Bells were also keen to uncover as many of the original features as possible, lifting up carpets to reveal wood floors that had been languishing beneath and restoring a beautiful distressed ceiling in the kitchen. As with most old houses, upkeep is a never-ending task, and there is always something to attend to. “This is a long-term project for us, and we have taken our time, future-proofing as far as we can,” says Amy. “It’s such a busy house, it’s impossible to think that one day, it will be just the two of us here, but there is nowhere I’d rather be.”

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Right: Wire pendant lights spotted by Amy’s mother at an auction fit the conservatory perfectly.

Above: A cluster of art prints calls attention to the kitchen’s dining area, where the long-loved table still bears the hand-etched initials of James and his sister, carved into the wood when they were children. Below right: Pretty wallpaper and checkerboard tiles elevate the pantry from a simply functional space to an eye-catching storage area.



Opposite and this page: Painted in Farrow & Ball’s dreamy Mizzle hue, the master suite is Amy’s sanctuary. There were some great finds waiting in the home’s cellar, including this lovely dressing table, which pairs beautifully with a chair Amy inherited from her grandmother. A freestanding tub and marble shower lend a spa-like feel to the master bath.

“THE TEXTURE AND LAYERS THAT BUILD OVER TIME ARE

UNIQUE, AND THAT IS NOT SOMETHING THAT CAN BE

EASILY REPLICATED.”—Amy Bell



Built in the early seventeenth century, one Yorkshire manor may not seem so spectacular based on its

curbside appearance, but its rear garden and classically restored interior boast grand Regency style.

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Of Heart and HOME

Layered cushions create a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. Above the sofa, ornately framed prints from a Florence street market hang alongside an antique mirror.


Opposite: During renovations, David Hurlston and Nic Taylor discovered the original wood floors, now polished to reveal the grain. This page, left: The Edwardian chair that sits beside a combination bookshelf and writing desk was reupholstered by David.

Half-hidden by an old brick wall and a pair of gates, David Hurlston and Nic Taylor’s Georgian home reveals very little to pass-ersby on the street. If one were to blink,

he or she might miss it entirely. When circling around the back of the property, however, visitors are greeted by a visual masterpiece.

The original façade, with a stone-stepped door at the center and windows positioned symmetrically around it, is like a storybook drawing: beautifully bal-anced and facing a colorful walled garden. When David and Nic first came across the house, it felt welcoming. Their search for a period residence with verdancy was over, and they promptly moved from York to the countryside.

“Our previous homes required a lot of work, and we wanted to avoid another major renovation,” says David. “This had already had a lot of structural work, and it felt very solid, so we were able to move in straightaway and do any improvements while we lived in it.”


One original fireplace remains in the house—in the drawing room. The sofas, one Regency and one Victorian, elegantly frame this focal point, while roses from the garden fill the room with fragrance.


At first, the changes they implemented were purely cosmetic, but over time their wish list grew, and they enlisted the services of a local builder. Bathrooms were reconfigured to improve the layout, a guest suite and second “breakfast kitchen” were created, and they turned a large room, which had once housed an antiques shop, into a pantry.

Color has played a key role in the pair’s transfor-mation of this period house. Where there was once peach and orange pine, shades of green, gray, and blue now thrive, bringing the surrounds back to their historic roots. “My grandma’s Victorian house was my inspiration for this place,” says Nic. “It was always warm and welcoming, and I wanted our home to be the same.”

For David, their new sanctuary is a culmination of a lifetime’s interest in historic properties. As a youth, he preferred visiting National Trusts over typi-cal childhood pursuits. “I’m fascinated by the lives of people who have lived there in the past,” he says, also recounting that they managed to find a descendant of their new abode’s original owners. “It gives our home a wonderful sense of place.”

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The homeowners love to cook, so the country-style kitchen and breakfast area were expanded and designed for entertaining.

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Opposite and this page, left: In the dining room, a large table set complements the chamber’s grand scale and provides ample seating for sociable meals with friends and family. The mirrored sideboard, which rests against one wall, was sold with the property. Above: At the building’s heart, a light-filled setting with many uses has become known as the music room. Here, David enjoys frequently playing the piano, letting melodies trickle throughout the abode. The alcove doubles as a kind of library, with books stacked atop a mahogany table in its center.


“MY GRANDMA’S VICTORIAN HOUSE WAS

MY INSPIRATION FOR THIS PLACE. IT WAS ALWAYS WARM AND WELCOMING, AND I

WANTED OUR HOME TO BE THE SAME.”

—David Hurlston


The old Victorian guest bed is draped with an eiderdown quilt. On the other side of the room, a dressing table displays precious trinkets once belonging to David’s great-grandmother.


An old butcher’s shop was not what one pair of homeowners had in mind

when their search for new lodgings began, but over the years they’ve

masterfully transformed this unique building into a soulful home.

the SPIRITNourishing

Above: Musician David Williams plays various instruments, including the fretless banjo that once belonged to his grandfather. Right: A Victorian shelf showcases delicate blue-and-white china as well as David’s art reference books.


H aving lived in a Greenwich flat for several years, Linda and David Williams decided in 1979 to move to a home with a garden. Their ideal dwelling would have plenty

of light and little maintenance so as not to interfere with David’s painting or his position as an art teacher. Shortly after their search began, however, something unique caught Linda’s eye.

The property, a butcher’s shop with lodgings aloft, was nearby in Southeast London. It seemed to be everything the pair thought they didn’t want—dark, in need of repair, and with minimal gardening space. Yet, despite the negatives, they instantly fell in love.

An elderly butcher and his wife were selling the shop. Apparently, he had purchased it in the thirties after working there as a butcher boy since 1917. There have probably only been three sets of residents there since the place was built. “It started out as a Regency house in 1827,” says David. “The butcher’s shop had been put on later, around 1850.”

Over time, the Williamses successfully applied to change the property’s rating from commercial to domestic, but even then, they never changed the storefront façade. “We wanted to keep the house very

Right: David made this Delft-style letter rack used to hold candles. Opposite: This sofa is one of the sunniest spots in the house. Vibrant glassware adds a dramatic focal point.

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Clockwise from below left: This kitchen cabinet door, carved with a sunflower motif, was a gift that the homeowners brought when they moved. The cashier’s kiosk, once a crucial part of the butcher’s shop, now evokes a bygone era. An apothecary chest and jars from a chemist shop have become a sort of pantry. In the dining area, colorful dishware draws the eye, along with a collection of baskets hanging from the ceiling, opposite.



David’s painting studio is home to a variety of colorful works, whether in progress or completed. One of his subject matters includes the countryside of Northumberland, where he and Linda own a cottage. Among the artist’s tools is a palette once used by his mother.


much as it was,” says David. “I think to alter it would have been wrong somehow.” They sought restora-tion over renovation, but there were still repairs to be made. The building was rewired, one of the bed-rooms became a bathroom, and the roof was redone. Another important change was to bring in more light by adding a skylight and a new window, and using numerous mirrors in decorating.

Having recently retired, David now spends many of his hours maintaining the property and furnishing it with the couple’s myriad collections. Every avail-able space in the home has been turned into a still life comprising cherished and even quirky items, from antique china and textiles to books and musical instruments. They have also purchased an adjoining piece of land and transformed it into a private gar-den, finally fulfilling the original wish that started their search for this home many years ago.

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Above: The 1950s fireplace in the sitting room has been replaced with a Victorian version received as a wedding present.


Wisteria climbs the home’s impressive exterior, made with locally quarried limestone, which lends an aged patina to the façade. This location offers the perfect mix of culture and country for the Bell family.

Experienced renovators Susie and Ralph Bell have found that their latest acquisition, a

seventeenth-century house nestled at the edge of The Mendip Hills in Somerset, ideally

suits their needs and lifestyle.

CLASSICReviving a


Above: It is believed that the drawing room fireplace was reclaimed from a nearby castle several centuries ago. The pair of chairs at the hearth were acquired via an antiques dealer when the couple bought his house in France.

W ith the transformations of a dozen period properties to their credit, the Bells weren’t daunted in the least when they tackled their latest project: a centuries-old Georgian with

a walled garden, located in the tranquil village of Nunney. Its nearness to the storied city of Bath, which offers both a cultural community and convenient transport links to London, was an especial draw.

The dwelling was a serendipitous find. Just as the couple received an on-the-spot offer for their own residence, the original offer on this one fell through. They immediately purchased it and commissioned a bespoke renovation to tailor the spaces to suit their family of six.

“It was in good condition,” explains Susie, co-founder of Somerset- and London-based faux-florals design business Beyond Beleaf, “but we had four children on the brink of adulthood wanting their own baths, plus we needed more space downstairs.” Upon acquiring the necessary listed-building permits, the Bells decamped to a holiday cottage for nine months while work crews reimagined the interiors.


“THERE IS A LOVELY AIR OF COMFORT

CREATED BY THE PREVIOUS

GENERATIONS THAT LIVED HERE.”

—Susie Bell

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Above left: Flagstone floors run through the kitchen, where a deep-blue dresser displays Susie’s collection of Spode china. Below right: Though the original use for the room’s arches is uncertain, they are a striking feature. The eighteenth-century Irish chairs retain their original green hue.


Most rooms are designed around long-loved pieces from the couple’s collection of antiques and characterful finds. The French cane bed in the master suite is one of Susie’s favorites, and the expansive dresser in the kitchen has been painted several times through the years to match various color schemes and quarters. Though Susie has embraced modern kitchen design in previous abodes, she believed classic style was a better fit here, with custom-built cabinetry and an AGA cooker underscoring that apt decision. Her annual visits to the Bath Decorative Antiques Fair, as well as forays to other fairs and flea markets, has shaped her décor, with the layering of patterns and textures adding plenty of visual appeal.

After four years here, Susie and Ralph are almost empty nesters, but they’ve found the place is just as perfect for two as it is for hosting their ever-growing extended family. “I used to ask advice of designer friends,” says Susie, “but I find I do that less and less these days, as I have developed a good feel for what works for me and what will sit comfortably in my home.”

Above: The residence’s verdant grounds contain a stunning 1.5-acre formal walled garden created by the former owner.


Opposite, above and below right: A cheerful blue-and-white color scheme brightens a guest room, where both blinds and curtains frame the expansive window. This page: The master bedroom’s canopy, which has moved with the couple from house to house, is made of men’s suiting material, which creates a beautiful drape.

“I USED TO BE GUILTY OF A BIT MORE

CLUTTER, BUT I LIKE DIFFERENT TEXTILES

AND THAT SENSE OF HISTORY.”

—Susie Bell



After an unexpectedly lengthy renovation, a nineteenth-century schoolhouse has been

transformed into a comfortable abode, characterfully adorned with the homeowner’s

vintage finds and eclectic style.

Blue-and-white porcelain and bright, towering bouquets accent homeowner Pollyanna Green’s gentle choice of paint color in the entrance hall. Opposite: A reclaimed oak Mouseman church pew fits nicely under the staircase, which was repositioned during the renovation.

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Old-School

CHARM


W hen Pollyanna Green and her husband, Nick, went house-hunting in the Cotswolds, she had her heart set on finding a quaint, thatched-roof cottage.

Everything changed when the pair noticed a run-down Victorian schoolhouse at the heart of a village.

“It was simply love at first sight,” says Pollyanna. The schoolhouse, which dates from 1855, had been converted into a home in the 1960s, but previous occupants had left much of the interior untouched for decades. Armed with ideas from the new owners, an architect drew up plans to enlarge and rearrange the property, turning it into a unique home for the couple and their two grown children.

Being in a conservation area, the building’s front façade could not be altered, but a spacious new kitchen was able to be added onto the back of the structure. The vast school hall would become an elegant drawing room, the staircase would be relocated, and the first floor would be rearranged to improve the flow.

As work began, the Greens expected to dwell for less than a year in their temporary rental. However, the transformation did not go smoothly. “Absolutely everything needed attention, and the interior had to be completely stripped out,” recalls Pollyanna. Fortunately, the builders rose to the challenge, and

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Neutrals and soft pinks were chosen as the color palette for the drawing room, which features inviting textures and patterns in the chairs and curtains. The long, low coffee table made from reclaimed wood was a lucky find.


Left: Located off the drawing room, the guest bedroom’s entrance is neatly disguised as a bookcase. Opposite and this page, above and below: The island is a central figure of Pollyanna’s kitchen, painted in a soft, grey-green shade accentuated by the olive tones peppered throughout. A pair of velvet chairs adds a fresh pop of color, creating a seating area for reading the paper or engaging in relaxed conversation. The characterful parquet floor was chosen to replicate the schoolhouse’s original, textural version.

eighteen months after they first bought the property, she and Nick finally moved in.

The schoolhouse’s period character and distinctive charm lend themselves well to Pollyanna’s personal taste—she is drawn to antique furniture, fresh colors, and eclectic country elements. Having brought little from their previous home, she has had the opportunity to furnish and decorate the residence more or less from scratch. Local reclamation yards and pre-owned furniture emporia have yielded some key pieces, including the enormous chandelier suspended from the drawing room’s vaulted ceiling.

Although Pollyanna is now deeply attached to both her home and the area, she admits that renovating the schoolhouse was a bigger and more complex project than she had first realized. “It was very hard work and not always enjoyable,” she recalls. “That said, I wouldn’t change anything now. Visitors seem to love my home, too, and I’m delighted to say it always sparks a conversation.”

Right and opposite: French doors provide a smooth transition from the kitchen and dining area into the flower-filled, country-style garden.



“AS SOON AS WE WALKED THROUGH

THE DOOR, WE KNEW THIS WAS THE ONE.”

—Pollyanna Green

The guest bedroom comfortably blends new and old. Opposite: Pollyanna was determined that her bathroom would include a roll-top bath. The traditional shape chimes with the original wooden floor, which has been restored.


In the heart of the Cheshire countryside, one couple rescued a damp and dilapidated nineteenth-century home

and transformed it into a warm and welcoming family abode brimming with classic style.

Georgian GLORY

The monk bench in the entryway was a wedding present that Jojo Bradley upholstered with charming fabric. Opposite: In the rear hall, marble tiles shine beneath an alluring archway. The mahogany rail and bannisters of the staircase are original to the house.


The drawing room is a favorite place for relaxation, providing a sunny view of the white-themed garden outside. Calming tones of blue and raspberry beckon beside the warm hearth.


This page and opposite, below left: Three former reception rooms were renovated to create a spacious open-plan kitchen and breakfast nook where the family’s miniature Dachsund, Millie, sleeps in an armchair. A vibrant playroom sits just next door.

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A Yorkshire girl at heart, interior designer Jojo Bradley moved with her husband, Mark, to Cheshire in order to be nearer to his family’s business. Before the birth of their

two sons, Archie and Bertie, the pair began searching in earnest for a home in which to permanently settle. They found one in a picturesque village near Chester—a Georgian double-fronted structure built in 1824 and located on a former working dairy farm.

“We absolutely fell in love with the house,” says Jojo. She could see that the place had potential but knew that the task of restoring it would be a labor of love. The building had been converted into two separate homes, one of which had become completely derelict. The renovations took two years, during which time her design business continued to grow, and her team assisted with the project.

The designer’s challenge was to reconfigure the space entirely, as the building was stripped back to brickwork and the two residences were reconnected. One of two former additions, the Victorian kitchen was restored, while the other was removed to make room for an orangery—sympathetic to the time period. The warren of upstairs rooms was reconfigured to fit a


An airy entertaining space stays fresh with the scent of jasmine, climbing from planters situated along the wall. When the dining room doors open, citrus aromas from the orangery waft inside.

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laundry room and six master bedrooms, each of which now includes an en suite to better accommodate guests.

Indulging in her love of Georgian architecture, Jojo researched era-appropriate details, such as cornices and ceiling roses, and arranged for local artisans to produce replica internal arches and pillars with stone that would match that of sills on the exterior. “We spent months sourcing antiques and unique pieces of art to add to the Georgian aesthetic,” reflects Jojo. Her design focused on functional yet elegant spaces with a soft color palette and unique patterns.

Crafting such an inviting space was important to Jojo, whose relatives live in Yorkshire, London, and Sussex. “Family means everything to me,” she says. “I wanted to create a welcoming house for guests to stay.” She and Mark have poured an abundance of energy and love into building a home that they hope future generations of the family will enjoy as much as they do.

Above: Classic blue-and-white was chosen as the color palette for this guest bedroom. Right: The pristine master bath overlooks the verdant property and countryside beyond.

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The site of a former riding school in southeastern England proved to be the perfect spot for a couple to realize their

dream of building a bespoke oak-framed residence for their family.

hen interior designer and lifestyle

blogger Sophia Wadsworth and her husband, Andrew, were searching for

land on which to build a home, they knew exactly what they wanted—and they weren’t willing to compromise. Their patience and determination paid off when they discovered this scenic plot in the county of Kent that once welcomed horses and riders.

Though the tract came with a cottage and out-buildings, it already had received approval for new construction, thus suiting the couple’s plans. Rather than living elsewhere, they installed three mobile

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of LIGHTA Vision

Both the bright and airy kitchen sitting room, above, and the more formal drawing room, right, are decorated in the serene neutral palette that Sophia Wadsworth prefers.


homes on site to use as temporary housing during the time it took to complete the project—a decision they questioned as England shivered through one of the coldest winters on record. “We had our vision to keep us going,” explains Sophia.

The joy of this two-story, barn-style structure is that it has all the benefits of a new house but also has instant character. Sophia, who is half-Swedish, has applied the thinking behind Scandinavian design to make the most of the plentiful natural light. “I find a neutral interior is very calming, and here, I think it really showcases the beauty of the mellow oak beams,” she says. “The wood is the key part of the building, and I didn’t want to drown it out.”

Walls painted in soft Farrow & Ball hues form the soothing background for a mix of French and Scandinavian furniture, both new and antique. The abundance of glass, most notably in the single-story

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extension comprising the kitchen, dining room, and liv-ing area, offers an easy flow between indoor and outdoor spaces. Windows are left unadorned or simply dressed in shutters, allowing the precious sunlight to bathe interiors.

The Wadsworths have also rejuvenated the grounds around their home. In an area that was once a car park, they’ve planted a mix of formal and relaxed gardens, which have really helped to root the dwelling to the landscape that drew them to the acreage to begin with. “We love to spend time just being at home,” says Sophia. “The garden and house become one, and it’s just a delight to be here.”

“WE LOVE TO COOK AND ENTERTAIN, FILLING THE HOUSE WITH FAMILY AND

FRIENDS—EVERYONE IS WELCOME HERE.”

—Sophia Wadsworth



Opposite and this page: The dining room is perfectly positioned in the center of the single-story addition, with doors leading out into the garden. Sophia’s fondness for Scandinavian design, which makes the most of natural light, is especially evident in this open space. The table extends to comfortably seat a dozen or more— a plus for these avid entertainers.


Opposite: A narrow shelf in the bath brims with tiny memen-tos found in Australia. This page: Shutters frame the pretty view from the master bedroom, where wooden beams and a soaring ceiling add eye-catching character.


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Opposite and this page: The garden looks much different than when Sophia and Andrew first saw it. A mix of formal and informal plots takes up the area that once included the “caravan garden,” which held their temporary housing as the residence was being reimagined. Since the property is so large, they invested in an underground rainwater harvester to keep the grounds sustainably green—an important aspect with the melding of the indoor and outdoor living spaces.


CREDITSEDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS HEATHER DIXON: pages 29–40NATALIE FLAUM: pages 73–82ANNABELLE GRUNDY: pages 63–72RACHEL LEEDHAM: pages 9–18ALICE MORO: pages 41–50

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERSSARA BIRD: pages 19–28DAN DUCHARS: pages 19–28DAVID GILES: pages 41–50CAROLINE MARDON: pages 9–18COLIN POOLE: pages 29–40 and 63–82

CONTRIBUTING STYLISTSSARA BIRD: pages 19–28DAN DUCHARS: pages 19–28

WHERE TO SHOP & BUYBelow is a list of properties and companies featured in this issue. Items not listed are privately owned and are not for sale. Pricing and availability may vary.

Cover and pages 9–94: Special thanks to GAP Interiors, +44 1376 573198, [email protected], gapinteriors.com.Pages 9–18: 1st Dibs, 877-721-3427, 1stdibs.com. And So To Bed, + 44 808 144 4343, andsotobed.co.uk. Colefax and Fowler, 212-647-6900, cowtan.com. Designers Guild, 212-967-4540, designersguild.com. Drummonds, 212-794-0157, drummonds-uk.com. Elisabeth James Antiques, +44 1604 862200, elisabethjamesantiques.co.uk. Farrow & Ball, 888-511-1121, farrow-ball.com. Fired Earth, firedearth.com. Inwood Stoves & Fireplaces, +44 1428 725 441, inwoodstoves.co.uk. Little Greene Paint & Paper, +44 161 23 00 880, littlegreene.com. Oka, +44 1235 433 930, okadirect.com. Period House Store, +44 1748 821 500, [email protected], periodhousestore.co.uk. Plantation Shutters, +44 20 8871 9222, plantation-shutters.co.uk. Susie Watson Designs, +44 334 980 8185, susiewatsondesigns .co.uk. The Cast Iron Bath Company, +44 1723 585896, castironbath.co.uk. Yesterhome, +44 1746 710 777, [email protected], yesterhome.com. Pages 19–28: Baltic Trader, +44 1273 483449, baltictrader .co.uk. Birdie Fortescue, +44 1328 851 651, [email protected], birdiefortescue.co.uk. Craig & Rose, +44 1383 740011, craigandrose.com. Dorton Re-Claimed & Re-Cycled, +44 1444 250330, dortonreclaim.com. Farrow & Ball, 888-511-1121, farrow-ball.com. Hartley Quinn Wilson, +44 1273 401648, hqwshowroom.co.uk. Jim Lawrence, +44 1473 826685, jim-lawrence.co.uk. Lacanche, lacanche .com. Little Greene Paint & Paper, +44 161 23 00 880, littlegreene.com. Marston & Langinger, +44 1243 214550, marstonandlanginger.com. Papers and Paints, +44 207 352 8626, papersandpaints.co.uk. From Victoria, +44 1273 933180, fromvictoria.co.uk. Happy Day Interiors, +44 7751 696247, happydayinteriors.com.

Pages 29–40: Farrow & Ball, 888-511-1121, farrow-ball.com. Tennants, +44 1969 623780, tennants.co.uk. Pages 41–50: Farrow & Ball, 888-511-1121, farrow-ball.com.Pages 51–62: Aga, 800-111-6477, agaliving.com. Beyond Beleaf, +44 776 747 8913, [email protected], beyondbeleaf.co.uk. Farrow & Ball, 888-511-1121, farrow-ball .com. Lewis & Wood, +44 145 387 8517, lewisandwood .co.uk. Mulberry, 844-872-8533, mulberry.com. Pierre Frey, pierrefrey.com. Spode, 888-778-1471, spode.com. Wells Reclamation Co, +44 1749 677087, wellsreclamation.com. Zoffany, 201-399-0500, stylelibrary.com.Pages 63–72: Farrow & Ball, 888-511-1121, farrow-ball.com. Jim Lawrence, +44 1473 826685, jim-lawrence.co.uk. Lacanche, lacanche.com. Loaf, +44 203 141 8300, loaf.com. Neptune, +44 1793 427450, [email protected], neptune.com. Overmantels, +44 207 223 8151, overmantels.co.uk. Peony & Sage, +44 1289 385517, peonyandsage.com. Pages 73–82: Special thanks to Jojo Bradley Interior Design, +44 1829 271684, jojobradleyinteriors.co.uk. AGA, 800-111-6477, agaliving.com. The Cast Iron Bath Company, +44 1723 585896, castironbath.co.uk. Chelsea Textiles, 212-758-0005, chelseatextiles.com. Colefax and Fowler, 212-647-6900, cowtan.com. Farrow & Ball, 888-511-1121, farrow-ball.com. Fenella Interior Design, +44 1845 537621, [email protected], fenelladesign.com. GP&J Baker, +44 1202 266 700, gpjbaker.com. Hector Finch, +44 20 7731 8886, hectorfinch.com. Ian Sanderson, +44 1635 017810, [email protected], iansanderson.co.uk. India Jane, +44 208 799 7166, [email protected], indiajane .co.uk. Kate Forman, +44 1962, 732244, kateforman.co.uk. Lefroy Brooks, 718-302-5292, usa.lefroybrooks.com. Lewis & Wood, +44 145 387 8517, lewisandwood.co.uk. Manuel Canovás, 212-647-6900, cowtan.com. Papers and Paints, +44 207 352 8626, papersandpaints.co.uk. Peony & Sage, +44 1289 385517, peonyandsage.com. Sand Buchanan, [email protected], sandbuchanan.co.uk. Terence Lambert, +44 1650 521420, terencelambert.com. Titley and Marr, +44 2392 599585, [email protected], titleyandmarr.co.uk. Vaughan, [email protected], vaughandesigns.com. Velvet Peony, +44 1829 458566, velvetpeony.co.uk. The White Company, 866-846-8333, thewhitecompany.com. William Yeoward, +44 20 7349 7828, williamyeoward.com. Zoffany, 201-399-0500, stylelibrary.com. Pages 83–94: Special thanks to homeowner Sophia Wadsworth, Instagram @sophiahomeandlifestyle. Amora Flowers & Events, amoraflowers.co.uk. Biggie Best, biggiebest.co.uk. Chesneys, +44 20 7627 1410, chesneys .co.uk. Ian Mankin, +44 20 7722 0997, ianmankin.co.uk. Furniture Barn, +44 333 200 1558, furniture-barn.co.uk. Gant, 800-319-6795, gant.co.uk. Ikea, 888-888-4532, ikea.com. Laura Ashley, 855-396-6100, lauraashley.com. Maison Brocante, maisonbrocante.co.uk. Oakwrights, +44 1225 430630, oakwrightsbath.co.uk. Oka, +44 1235 433 930, okadirect.com. Neptune, +44 1793 427450, [email protected], neptune.com. Sofa Workshop, 800-599-9318, sofaworkshop.com. Tiles Direct, +44 113 253 0005, tiles-direct.com. Alternative Flooring, +44 1264 335111, alternativeflooring.com. The White Company, 866-846-8333, thewhitecompany.com. Vanda Baths, 800-421-7189, [email protected], vandabaths.com.


Equal parts travel guide, design compendium, and tribute to heritage and culture, Our Hearts Are in France and Our Hearts Are in England honor and

celebrate the exquisite beauty of these magical lands.

Become immersed in European charms with books from the magazine you love!

victoriamag.com/shop800-361-8059ORDER YOUR COPY TODAY!

NEW


LimitedEdition!

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Don’t miss your opportunity to own our classic Blue Roses Collection! Acclaimed artist and entrepreneur April Cornell brings her charming signature style to the Victoria table with this limited-edition tea set and linens.

Visit victoriamag.com/teaset to gather your favorites before this exclusive pattern is retired!

The Blue Roses Collection32-ounce teapot (sold individually)Creamer and sugar (sold as a set)Teacups (sold in sets of two)Approximately 15x10.5-inch serving tray (sold individually) These items may be purchased as a set.

54x54-inch breakfast cloth (sold individually)12-inch-round scalloped place mats with embroidery (sold in sets of two)12x12-inch organdy napkins with embroidery (sold in sets of two)12x12-inch cotton napkins with nylon lace edges (sold in sets of two)These items may be purchased as a set.

“THERE IS NO LAND LIKE ENGLAND,

WHERE’ER THE LIGHT OF DAY BE.”

—Alfred, Lord Tennyson

ENGLISH Cottage

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