From Nancy Lancaster to rustic cottages: a potted history of English country style
Of all the styles of decoration that have flourished over the past 50 years, none has been as enduring as that associated with the English country house. Though 'English country house style' has never been exclusively English, was perfected by an American, and pops up in Clapham nearly as often as in the Cotswolds, its decorative tropes are instantly recognisable: a mix of antique furnishings, at least one capacious sofa with a generous serving of cushions, rugs, table lamps with fabric shades, and flowers both fresh and recreated in prints and paintings. Antique textiles, a dash of modernity, a flourish of the oriental, and a couple of dogs can be added for extra flavour.
Part of the success of this style is its tolerance and flexibility. Unlike minimalism, which demands straight-edged perfection, or rough luxe with its ban on prettiness, English country house style embraces wear and tear, and doesn't take itself too seriously. Shabby can be chic, and a bit of silliness – sunglasses perched on the nose of a marble bust – is allowed, even welcomed.
MAY WE SUGGEST: The converted stable block of Sibyl Colefax designer Emma Burns
Nancy Lancaster, the American credited with crystalising, if not exactly inventing, the look after buying Colefax and Fowler in the Forties, and teaming up with John Fowler, introduced American luxury to the small stately homes she decorated for herself – heating, carpeted bathrooms – ensuring that comfort became another characteristic. She famously advocated having 'something a little bit ugly' in every room, and described decorating as 'a bit like mixing a salad', recognising that a degree of informality promotes relaxation – no one enjoys feeling that their presence is a blot on the immaculate landscape.
As a new century progresses, English country house style is as popular as ever, and evolving. At the grander, more traditional end is Robert Kime, who has worked on many houses of historical importance, including Clarence House for Prince Charles, and who is a master at creating rooms with that layered, timeless look. Decorators such as David Mlinaric and Hugh Henry also have the understanding of period architecture that is important for a style that often seems a natural choice for an old house.
The best practitioners, from Wendy Nicholls, Emma Burns and Roger Jones of Sybil Colefax & John Fowler – still going strong – to Nicky Haslam with his glitzy, witty take on it, to Paolo Moschino and Caroline Holdaway, have their own particular version of the style, while being equally adept at interpreting the wishes of their clients. Max Rollitt, Edward Hurst and Ben Pentreath lead a younger generation who are adding strong colour into the mix, and creating rooms with a more graphic, architectural feel. Tellingly, the first two are also antique dealers. Buying and selling antiques is how Robert Kime began his decorating career, and is a well-trodden path for many working in a style of which antiques are such a key element.
MAY WE SUGGEST: A modern country house packed with unexpected colour by Nicola Harding
Contemporary English country house style features less in the way of blousy chintz, sprigged wallpapers and draped tables. Instead there are stripes and suzani cushions, matt emulsion on the walls and exposed furniture legs. Minimalism has left its mark and helped to control the clutter. Rough luxe has encouraged scrubbed floorboards and the stripping of later layers of paint and paper back to mottled sub-strata with the texture of history and use. This is a style that can flex with fashion and fit around lifestyles. It doesn't seem likely to fade away any time soon.
- this late-Regency house in Hampshire</a> a greater sense of harmony and dignity.","contentType":"photo","credit":"Michael Sinclair","segmentedSources":{"sm":[{"height":422,"width":320,"url":"https://media.houseandgarden.co.uk/photos/61893d78f6eb732bf13e43f1/master/w_320,c_limit/120-205x.jpg"},{"height":843,"width":640,"url":"https://media.houseandgarden.co.uk/photos/61893d78f6eb732bf13e43f1/master/w_640,c_limit/120-205x.jpg"}],"md":[{"height":843,"width":640,"url":"https://media.houseandgarden.co.uk/photos/61893d78f6eb732bf13e43f1/master/w_640,c_limit/120-205x.jpg"},{"height":1686,"width":1280,"url":"https://media.houseandgarden.co.uk/photos/61893d78f6eb732bf13e43f1/master/w_1280,c_limit/120-205x.jpg"}],"lg":[{"height":1349,"width":1024,"url":"https://media.houseandgarden.co.uk/photos/61893d78f6eb732bf13e43f1/master/w_1024,c_limit/120-205x.jpg"},{"height":2698,"width":2048,"url":"https://media.houseandgarden.co.uk/photos/61893d78f6eb732bf13e43f1/master/w_2048,c_limit/120-205x.jpg"}],"xl":[{"height":1686,"width":1280,"url":"https://media.houseandgarden.co.uk/photos/61893d78f6eb732bf13e43f1/master/w_1280,c_limit/120-205x.jpg"}],"xxl":[{"height":1686,"width":1280,"url":"https://media.houseandgarden.co.uk/photos/61893d78f6eb732bf13e43f1/master/w_1280,c_limit/120-205x.jpg"}]}}}" data-testid="GallerySlideWrapper">
Michael Sinclair1/8Interior designer Philip Hooper’s masterful blend of the classic and contemporary has given this late-Regency house in Hampshire a greater sense of harmony and dignity.
- Ashby Manor House</a> in Northamptonshire is a distinguished estate with a fascinating yet chequered 900-year history. Previously transformed by Sir Edwin Lutyens in a grand Edwardian style, it is now enjoying a new lease of life as a much loved home for the latest generation of a family to fall for its charms.","contentType":"photo","credit":"Paul Massey","segmentedSources":{"sm":[{"height":422,"width":320,"url":"https://media.houseandgarden.co.uk/photos/61893940a4c7bfe01adfee62/master/w_320,c_limit/massey_ashby_009605x.jpg"},{"height":844,"width":640,"url":"https://media.houseandgarden.co.uk/photos/61893940a4c7bfe01adfee62/master/w_640,c_limit/massey_ashby_009605x.jpg"}],"md":[{"height":844,"width":640,"url":"https://media.houseandgarden.co.uk/photos/61893940a4c7bfe01adfee62/master/w_640,c_limit/massey_ashby_009605x.jpg"},{"height":1687,"width":1280,"url":"https://media.houseandgarden.co.uk/photos/61893940a4c7bfe01adfee62/master/w_1280,c_limit/massey_ashby_009605x.jpg"}],"lg":[{"height":1350,"width":1024,"url":"https://media.houseandgarden.co.uk/photos/61893940a4c7bfe01adfee62/master/w_1024,c_limit/massey_ashby_009605x.jpg"},{"height":2700,"width":2048,"url":"https://media.houseandgarden.co.uk/photos/61893940a4c7bfe01adfee62/master/w_2048,c_limit/massey_ashby_009605x.jpg"}],"xl":[{"height":1687,"width":1280,"url":"https://media.houseandgarden.co.uk/photos/61893940a4c7bfe01adfee62/master/w_1280,c_limit/massey_ashby_009605x.jpg"}],"xxl":[{"height":1687,"width":1280,"url":"https://media.houseandgarden.co.uk/photos/61893940a4c7bfe01adfee62/master/w_1280,c_limit/massey_ashby_009605x.jpg"}]}}}" data-testid="GallerySlideWrapper">
Paul Massey2/8Ashby Manor House in Northamptonshire is a distinguished estate with a fascinating yet chequered 900-year history. Previously transformed by Sir Edwin Lutyens in a grand Edwardian style, it is now enjoying a new lease of life as a much loved home for the latest generation of a family to fall for its charms.
- Pitshill – winner of a Georgian Group Architectural Award – Edward Bulmer’s work on the interiors celebrates the sensitively restored period details and makes space for modern life.","contentType":"photo","credit":"Paul Massey","segmentedSources":{"sm":[{"height":414,"width":320,"url":"https://media.houseandgarden.co.uk/photos/61893ad28373470f8394dca6/master/w_320,c_limit/massey_hg_pitshill_0014rt105x.jpg"},{"height":828,"width":640,"url":"https://media.houseandgarden.co.uk/photos/61893ad28373470f8394dca6/master/w_640,c_limit/massey_hg_pitshill_0014rt105x.jpg"}],"md":[{"height":828,"width":640,"url":"https://media.houseandgarden.co.uk/photos/61893ad28373470f8394dca6/master/w_640,c_limit/massey_hg_pitshill_0014rt105x.jpg"},{"height":1656,"width":1280,"url":"https://media.houseandgarden.co.uk/photos/61893ad28373470f8394dca6/master/w_1280,c_limit/massey_hg_pitshill_0014rt105x.jpg"}],"lg":[{"height":1325,"width":1024,"url":"https://media.houseandgarden.co.uk/photos/61893ad28373470f8394dca6/master/w_1024,c_limit/massey_hg_pitshill_0014rt105x.jpg"},{"height":2650,"width":2048,"url":"https://media.houseandgarden.co.uk/photos/61893ad28373470f8394dca6/master/w_2048,c_limit/massey_hg_pitshill_0014rt105x.jpg"}],"xl":[{"height":1656,"width":1280,"url":"https://media.houseandgarden.co.uk/photos/61893ad28373470f8394dca6/master/w_1280,c_limit/massey_hg_pitshill_0014rt105x.jpg"}],"xxl":[{"height":1656,"width":1280,"url":"https://media.houseandgarden.co.uk/photos/61893ad28373470f8394dca6/master/w_1280,c_limit/massey_hg_pitshill_0014rt105x.jpg"}]}}}" data-testid="GallerySlideWrapper">
Paul Massey3/8At Pitshill – winner of a Georgian Group Architectural Award – Edward Bulmer’s work on the interiors celebrates the sensitively restored period details and makes space for modern life.
- this Herefordshire farm</a> from London six years ago, its owners have made gentle interventions to create a house that feels well established.","contentType":"photo","credit":"Simon Brown","segmentedSources":{"sm":[{"height":427,"width":320,"url":"https://media.houseandgarden.co.uk/photos/61894e4d51c95671034bbe05/master/w_320,c_limit/170626_hg_coc_040_highres.jpg"},{"height":854,"width":640,"url":"https://media.houseandgarden.co.uk/photos/61894e4d51c95671034bbe05/master/w_640,c_limit/170626_hg_coc_040_highres.jpg"}],"md":[{"height":854,"width":640,"url":"https://media.houseandgarden.co.uk/photos/61894e4d51c95671034bbe05/master/w_640,c_limit/170626_hg_coc_040_highres.jpg"},{"height":1709,"width":1280,"url":"https://media.houseandgarden.co.uk/photos/61894e4d51c95671034bbe05/master/w_1280,c_limit/170626_hg_coc_040_highres.jpg"}],"lg":[{"height":1367,"width":1024,"url":"https://media.houseandgarden.co.uk/photos/61894e4d51c95671034bbe05/master/w_1024,c_limit/170626_hg_coc_040_highres.jpg"},{"height":2734,"width":2048,"url":"https://media.houseandgarden.co.uk/photos/61894e4d51c95671034bbe05/master/w_2048,c_limit/170626_hg_coc_040_highres.jpg"}],"xl":[{"height":1709,"width":1280,"url":"https://media.houseandgarden.co.uk/photos/61894e4d51c95671034bbe05/master/w_1280,c_limit/170626_hg_coc_040_highres.jpg"}],"xxl":[{"height":1709,"width":1280,"url":"https://media.houseandgarden.co.uk/photos/61894e4d51c95671034bbe05/master/w_1280,c_limit/170626_hg_coc_040_highres.jpg"}]}}}" data-testid="GallerySlideWrapper">
Simon Brown4/8Having moved to this Herefordshire farm from London six years ago, its owners have made gentle interventions to create a house that feels well established.
- this country house in Norfolk</a>, its owners were captivated and, with the help of interior designer Veere Grenney, have put their stamp on it.","contentType":"photo","credit":"David Oliver","segmentedSources":{"sm":[{"height":480,"width":320,"url":"https://media.houseandgarden.co.uk/photos/618942e8b028fc86ce488219/master/w_320,c_limit/Final_Guest_Bedroom_002-house-28jun17-david-oliver_b.jpg"},{"height":960,"width":640,"url":"https://media.houseandgarden.co.uk/photos/618942e8b028fc86ce488219/master/w_640,c_limit/Final_Guest_Bedroom_002-house-28jun17-david-oliver_b.jpg"}],"md":[{"height":960,"width":640,"url":"https://media.houseandgarden.co.uk/photos/618942e8b028fc86ce488219/master/w_640,c_limit/Final_Guest_Bedroom_002-house-28jun17-david-oliver_b.jpg"},{"height":1920,"width":1280,"url":"https://media.houseandgarden.co.uk/photos/618942e8b028fc86ce488219/master/w_1280,c_limit/Final_Guest_Bedroom_002-house-28jun17-david-oliver_b.jpg"}],"lg":[{"height":1536,"width":1024,"url":"https://media.houseandgarden.co.uk/photos/618942e8b028fc86ce488219/master/w_1024,c_limit/Final_Guest_Bedroom_002-house-28jun17-david-oliver_b.jpg"},{"height":3072,"width":2048,"url":"https://media.houseandgarden.co.uk/photos/618942e8b028fc86ce488219/master/w_2048,c_limit/Final_Guest_Bedroom_002-house-28jun17-david-oliver_b.jpg"}],"xl":[{"height":1920,"width":1280,"url":"https://media.houseandgarden.co.uk/photos/618942e8b028fc86ce488219/master/w_1280,c_limit/Final_Guest_Bedroom_002-house-28jun17-david-oliver_b.jpg"}],"xxl":[{"height":1920,"width":1280,"url":"https://media.houseandgarden.co.uk/photos/618942e8b028fc86ce488219/master/w_1280,c_limit/Final_Guest_Bedroom_002-house-28jun17-david-oliver_b.jpg"}]}}}" data-testid="GallerySlideWrapper">
David Oliver5/8From their first glimpse of this country house in Norfolk, its owners were captivated and, with the help of interior designer Veere Grenney, have put their stamp on it.
- Faringdon House in Oxfordshire</a>, an aesthetes Camelot that played host to Dali & Schiaparelli.","contentType":"photo","credit":"Andrew Montgomery","segmentedSources":{"sm":[{"height":480,"width":320,"url":"https://media.houseandgarden.co.uk/photos/61893bad7a5ec7dd3a8b33ca/master/w_320,c_limit/2851363-house-16may16-Andrew-Montgomery_b_1.jpg"},{"height":960,"width":640,"url":"https://media.houseandgarden.co.uk/photos/61893bad7a5ec7dd3a8b33ca/master/w_640,c_limit/2851363-house-16may16-Andrew-Montgomery_b_1.jpg"}],"md":[{"height":960,"width":640,"url":"https://media.houseandgarden.co.uk/photos/61893bad7a5ec7dd3a8b33ca/master/w_640,c_limit/2851363-house-16may16-Andrew-Montgomery_b_1.jpg"},{"height":1920,"width":1280,"url":"https://media.houseandgarden.co.uk/photos/61893bad7a5ec7dd3a8b33ca/master/w_1280,c_limit/2851363-house-16may16-Andrew-Montgomery_b_1.jpg"}],"lg":[{"height":1536,"width":1024,"url":"https://media.houseandgarden.co.uk/photos/61893bad7a5ec7dd3a8b33ca/master/w_1024,c_limit/2851363-house-16may16-Andrew-Montgomery_b_1.jpg"},{"height":3072,"width":2048,"url":"https://media.houseandgarden.co.uk/photos/61893bad7a5ec7dd3a8b33ca/master/w_2048,c_limit/2851363-house-16may16-Andrew-Montgomery_b_1.jpg"}],"xl":[{"height":1920,"width":1280,"url":"https://media.houseandgarden.co.uk/photos/61893bad7a5ec7dd3a8b33ca/master/w_1280,c_limit/2851363-house-16may16-Andrew-Montgomery_b_1.jpg"}],"xxl":[{"height":1920,"width":1280,"url":"https://media.houseandgarden.co.uk/photos/61893bad7a5ec7dd3a8b33ca/master/w_1280,c_limit/2851363-house-16may16-Andrew-Montgomery_b_1.jpg"}]}}}" data-testid="GallerySlideWrapper">
Andrew Montgomery6/8Aged just 25, Sofka Zinovieff unexpectedly inherited Faringdon House in Oxfordshire, an aesthetes Camelot that played host to Dali & Schiaparelli.
- this centuries old house</a> was an irresistible challenge for its owners, who put together a team including architect Ptolemy Dean for the painstaking restoration, which won a Georgian Group award in 2015.","contentType":"photo","credit":"Michael Sinclair","segmentedSources":{"sm":[{"height":480,"width":320,"url":"https://media.houseandgarden.co.uk/photos/61893c2bd90b1c76b9d58d6b/master/w_320,c_limit/Shanks-house-006-house-7nov16-Michael-Sinclair_b.jpg"},{"height":960,"width":640,"url":"https://media.houseandgarden.co.uk/photos/61893c2bd90b1c76b9d58d6b/master/w_640,c_limit/Shanks-house-006-house-7nov16-Michael-Sinclair_b.jpg"}],"md":[{"height":960,"width":640,"url":"https://media.houseandgarden.co.uk/photos/61893c2bd90b1c76b9d58d6b/master/w_640,c_limit/Shanks-house-006-house-7nov16-Michael-Sinclair_b.jpg"},{"height":1920,"width":1280,"url":"https://media.houseandgarden.co.uk/photos/61893c2bd90b1c76b9d58d6b/master/w_1280,c_limit/Shanks-house-006-house-7nov16-Michael-Sinclair_b.jpg"}],"lg":[{"height":1536,"width":1024,"url":"https://media.houseandgarden.co.uk/photos/61893c2bd90b1c76b9d58d6b/master/w_1024,c_limit/Shanks-house-006-house-7nov16-Michael-Sinclair_b.jpg"},{"height":3072,"width":2048,"url":"https://media.houseandgarden.co.uk/photos/61893c2bd90b1c76b9d58d6b/master/w_2048,c_limit/Shanks-house-006-house-7nov16-Michael-Sinclair_b.jpg"}],"xl":[{"height":1920,"width":1280,"url":"https://media.houseandgarden.co.uk/photos/61893c2bd90b1c76b9d58d6b/master/w_1280,c_limit/Shanks-house-006-house-7nov16-Michael-Sinclair_b.jpg"}],"xxl":[{"height":1920,"width":1280,"url":"https://media.houseandgarden.co.uk/photos/61893c2bd90b1c76b9d58d6b/master/w_1280,c_limit/Shanks-house-006-house-7nov16-Michael-Sinclair_b.jpg"}]}}}" data-testid="GallerySlideWrapper">
Michael Sinclair7/8Hidden in a Somerset valley, this centuries old house was an irresistible challenge for its owners, who put together a team including architect Ptolemy Dean for the painstaking restoration, which won a Georgian Group award in 2015.
- Bowood is the epitome of an eighteenth-century English country house, formed by the taste and vision of previous inhabitants.\n<strong>More great decoration stories from</strong> <em><strong>House & Garden</strong></em>\n<ul>\n<li>50 stylish <a href=https://www.houseandgarden.co.uk/"https://www.houseandgarden.co.uk/gallery/living-room-ideas-and-designs/">living room ideas</a> to copy now</li>\n<li><a href=https://www.houseandgarden.co.uk/"https://www.houseandgarden.co.uk/gallery/farrow-and-ball-colours/">Farrow and Ball paint colours</a> in real homes</li>\n<li><a href=https://www.houseandgarden.co.uk/"https://www.houseandgarden.co.uk/gallery/interior-design-ideas-small-spaces-flats/">Small room ideas</a> from the <em>House & Garden</em> archive</li>\n<li><a href=https://www.houseandgarden.co.uk/"https://www.houseandgarden.co.uk/gallery/how-to-hang-pictures-on-walls/">How to hang pictures</a> on walls at home</li>\n<li>Bright <a href=https://www.houseandgarden.co.uk/"https://www.houseandgarden.co.uk/gallery/bathroom-ideas/">bathroom ideas</a> to make a splash</li>\n<li><a href=https://www.houseandgarden.co.uk/"https://www.houseandgarden.co.uk/gallery/hallway-ideas/">Hallway ideas</a> to make a great first impression</li>\n<li><a href=https://www.houseandgarden.co.uk/"https://www.houseandgarden.co.uk/gallery/decking-patio-terrace-garden-ideas/">Patio, garden decking and terrace</a> ideas</li>\n<li>The <a href=https://www.houseandgarden.co.uk/"https://www.houseandgarden.co.uk/gallery/best-garden-furniture/">best garden furniture</a> stores to help you spruce up</li>\n<li>A guide to the <a href=https://www.houseandgarden.co.uk/"https://www.houseandgarden.co.uk/gallery/best-interiors-shops-in-london/">best interiors shops in London</a></li>\n<li>How to <a href=https://www.houseandgarden.co.uk/"https://www.houseandgarden.co.uk/gallery/how-to-decorate-a-georgian-house/">decorate a Georgian house</a></li>\n<li>The <a href=https://www.houseandgarden.co.uk/"https://www.houseandgarden.co.uk/gallery/best-mattress/">best mattresses</a> to buy for quality sleep</li>\n</ul>","contentType":"photo","credit":"Simon Upton","segmentedSources":{"sm":[{"height":213,"width":320,"url":"https://media.houseandgarden.co.uk/photos/61893a5a0a583de660124856/master/w_320,c_limit/2873374-house-21jun16-Simon-Upton_b.jpg"},{"height":427,"width":640,"url":"https://media.houseandgarden.co.uk/photos/61893a5a0a583de660124856/master/w_640,c_limit/2873374-house-21jun16-Simon-Upton_b.jpg"}],"md":[{"height":427,"width":640,"url":"https://media.houseandgarden.co.uk/photos/61893a5a0a583de660124856/master/w_640,c_limit/2873374-house-21jun16-Simon-Upton_b.jpg"},{"height":853,"width":1280,"url":"https://media.houseandgarden.co.uk/photos/61893a5a0a583de660124856/master/w_1280,c_limit/2873374-house-21jun16-Simon-Upton_b.jpg"}],"lg":[{"height":683,"width":1024,"url":"https://media.houseandgarden.co.uk/photos/61893a5a0a583de660124856/master/w_1024,c_limit/2873374-house-21jun16-Simon-Upton_b.jpg"},{"height":1365,"width":2048,"url":"https://media.houseandgarden.co.uk/photos/61893a5a0a583de660124856/master/w_2048,c_limit/2873374-house-21jun16-Simon-Upton_b.jpg"}],"xl":[{"height":853,"width":1280,"url":"https://media.houseandgarden.co.uk/photos/61893a5a0a583de660124856/master/w_1280,c_limit/2873374-house-21jun16-Simon-Upton_b.jpg"}],"xxl":[{"height":853,"width":1280,"url":"https://media.houseandgarden.co.uk/photos/61893a5a0a583de660124856/master/w_1280,c_limit/2873374-house-21jun16-Simon-Upton_b.jpg"}]}}}" data-testid="GallerySlideWrapper">
Simon Upton8/8With its Robert Adam interiors and Capability Brown landscape, Bowood is the epitome of an eighteenth-century English country house, formed by the taste and vision of previous inhabitants.
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