What exactly is Cotswold style? I was asked this question recently and it got me thinking. Visualise a Cotswold interior, and is it a traditional country house, a chocolate-box pretty cottage, an elegant Regency town-house, a modern apartment in a converted mill or dockside warehouse, or a light-filled luxury waterfront property at the Cotswold Water Park?
The truth is that 21st century Cotswold interiors can be any of the above and more besides. The good news is that in this part of the world we are blessed with an abundance of places where you can shop to create your own personal interpretation of Cotswold style – whatever your taste and budget.
I’m always looking for interior inspiration, and I love discovering the unexpected when I’m out and about. So when I take weekend visitors to Bourton-on-the-Water or Tetbury I can’t resist exploring what’s new in stock at Green and Pleasant Lifestyle (www.greenandpleasant.com) – they also have a store in Cheltenham. And a visit to Burford Garden Centre (www.burford.co.uk) to brighten up my beds and borders isn’t complete without also checking out their interesting selection of home accessories.
But a particularly rewarding recent voyage of discovery was to Witney. In town for the launch – by the Prime Minister, no less – of the new showroom at up-market furniture specialist Wesley Barrell ( www.wesley-barrell.co.uk) I had time to explore a little further afield, and was glad I did.
Tucked away behind the High Street is Jill Treloggen Interiors (www.jilltreloggen.co.uk) where Jill offers a wide range of furniture and accessories, and also prides herself on sourcing designer looks at lower prices than you can find at well-known names – for example a king-size French style bedstead very similar to Laura Ashley’s Provencale bedframe , with a £1,800 price-tag, for just £999. Or a large sofa for £1,525 compared to a similar Duresta model costing £4,100 at John Lewis
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| Picture courtest of Witney Warehouse |
And that wasn’t all. Less than half a mile away I found yet another Aladdin’s cave at Witney Warehouse in West End (http://www.witneywarehouse.com/)– a fascinating and ever-changing collection of vintage and contemporary, ‘pre-loved’ and new furniture and accessories.
That’s the magic of interiors shopping in the Cotswolds – it’s always an enjoyable outing and you never know what you’ll find round the next corner!
