The Distinct Charm of the Cotswolds

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Published On

May 14, 2024

Sometimes it’s the little things that make a big difference. Explore how the distinctive details within this Cotswolds home blend seamlessly into the iconic British countryside.

Nestled among the rolling hills of the English countryside lies one of Britain's greatest treasures, the Cotswolds. Escape to this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and you'll find something even more special - our Signature Collection Cotswolds Home. 

There's a reason why the Cotswolds has been lovingly dubbed 'The Heart of the English Countryside'. From its breathtaking landscapes to its quaint villages, lined with glorious chocolate-box cottages, the area has offered a blissful escape from bustling city life for centuries.

In this region that houses numerous recognisable quirks, the renovation of our Cotswolds Signature Collection home captures its idyllic nature and allows its true English character to flourish.

 

Throughout the house, grey-green paint serves as a unifying theme. Farrow & Ball’s Treron paint shade embodies the signature green seen all over the Cotswolds and finds the perfect canvas on the front door of this charming house.

The wisteria and clematis flowers that weave through the quintessential Cotswold stone add age and character to the home. Prior to August’s acquisition of this property, the gardens were lovingly tended. In pursuit of preserving the garden’s beauty, fate intervened when a member of the August team met Bob, a neighbour attending to his perfectly kept garden. Bob, excited by the prospect of another garden to look after, willingly added the August garden to his portfolio.

This private and elegant outdoor oasis is the perfect setting for warm summer evenings among the glorious garden landscaping. Time here is well spent as you dine, drink and laugh the day away. 

At the heart of any home is the kitchen. Recognising the value of preserving the kitchen’s essence, the August design team made the decision to honour its essence and preserve its core elements during the renovation. So, the rustic fireplace and extractor fan have retained their rightful place.

The kitchen cabinets, painted in the vibrant hue of India Yellow, were handcrafted in the nearby Cotswold town of Stroud, adding the talent of local artistry into the space. The interplay between the yellow tones and sleek black features of the stove area and overhead lights creates a striking contrast that elevates the timeless charm of this culinary haven.

Enjoy your morning marmalade at the beautifully crafted farmhouse dining table, fully equipped to fulfil your picnic-packing fantasies and sprawling Sunday lunches with loved ones. 

The wallpaper, carefully selected to match the aesthetic spectrum that flows through the home, gives each room an individual sense of character. Sourced from GP & J Baker, the wallpaper draws its inspiration from the endearing allotment attached to the property. Evoking the scenes of the small allotment visible through the living-room window, the wallpaper, aptly named “Birds and Cherries”, captures the essence of the countryside inside the home.

The finer details of this home are not to be overlooked, as they collectively embody countryside charm. The tap faucets that feature throughout the home are from the Bristan 1901 range and offer a retro accent.

Switch off after a long day of wandering down the romantic Cotswolds streets - and spoiling yourself with local delicacies, of course - with an indulgent soak in the standalone tub. Adorned with sleek tongue and groove panelling, the elegant space will transport you to new heights of relaxation. Light a candle, turn on the radio and unwind - you may be here for a while. 

Many of the shelves are lined with a delightful collection of books, covering all genres from classics to cookbooks, from horror to historical fiction. These books are handpicked by the expert eye of a bookseller, found by our design team, who sells books by the metre! After being shown the colour palette of each room, he compiled an assortment of perfectly hued hardbacks to adorn the shelves. Feel transported into a real-life Jane Austen novel as you nestle into the sumptuously cosy sofa and relax within this quintessentially English haven.

With the design of this home attuned to its idyllic surroundings, it’s an invitation to immerse yourself in country ways as you slip off your Wellington boots, light the fire and enjoy the ritual of brewing a cup of traditional English breakfast tea. Finally, reach for a mug sourced from the Daylesford farm shop and relax to the sounds drifting from your Marshall radio. It doesn’t get much more British!