With their distinctive honey-colored stone walls, set amongst rolling hills and beautiful countryside, the décor of these houses expresses inspirational ideals of English country style that readers will love to explore and emulate. Penelope’s expert eye for colour can be seen in the paint colours throughout the house, many of which she mixed herself, and she also painted all the rooms herself during the Covid lockdowns. A variety of design styles are featured, including: a manor house, a thatched cottage, a former rectory, a Georgian farmhouse, and a tiny carriage house, along with many of the homes’ adjacent gardens. An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the Cotswolds features homes with stunning gardens, a wealth of history and easy access to major cities. You can change your choices at any time by visiting Cookie preferences, as described in the Cookie notice.

A fascinating book showcasing a selection of the most attractive homes (large and small) in the Cotswolds.The painting of an oak tree in a field above the fireplace was given to her by her parents, a summer view she’s grown up with all her life. The sofa is covered in jute which Robin concedes is a bit impractical, but she loves the natural texture. This design philosophy, which flourished in England in the decades straddling the turn of the twentieth century, advocated traditional craftsmanship that married practicality with artistry, often drawing on medieval and folk styles of decoration. The real pleasure from this very smart coffee table book is that it is equally well written and photographed.

Classic pink and white ticking curtains from Tinsmiths lend a classic feel and go perfectly with the brown and white striped rug picked up in a market in Marrakech. I really enjoyed the kitchens, some design books don't put kitchens in, but this one has some really great examples.In the drawing room, for example, there are Italian wall lights and Spanish leather topped stools from the nineteenth century alongside eighteenth century French armchairs and a Dutch bleached oak table.