A Review: Veere Grenney: Seeking Beauty Interior Design & Garden Experts Offer Free Advice

In Veere Grenney: Seeking Beauty, the revered English fabric and interior designer welcomes us into his three spectacular homes. Photography by Francesco Lagnese.
World-renowned interior visionary Veere Grenney takes us on an in-depth tour of his impressive residences in Tangier; Suffolk, England; and, for the first time, his new London home.
The book begins with his beloved Tangerine villa-a decade-long labor of love and must-see for all garden enthusiasts, completed with the help of friend and expert in wild garden design Umberto Pasti and a regency gazebo designed by architect Cosimo Sesti. Next, we visit the Temple, his 18th-century Suffolk “pocket Palladian” set within the parkland of Tendring Hall and with views of the fishing lake and geranium-filled garden. Grenney called this picturesque sanctuary home for much of 2020. Finally, with exclusive photographs and annotations, Grenney opens the doors for the very first time to his brand-new London home.
Grenney has been praised by Schumacher creative director Dara Caponigro as knowing “when to pull out the stops and when to show quiet restraint, creating interiors that are, at once, serene and exciting and never forgetting that rooms should be comfortable and liveable.” This elegant volume showcases his skill in marrying traditional styles with contemporary living, and how his spectacular career has influenced the styling of his personal spaces.
To find your state's Extension Service: www.extenson.org
My local Service: newhanover.ces.ncsu.edu/
Music by EpidemicSound

[@annclark8573]

Love to listen and watch all of your programs. Thank you, Mary, for the relaxation.

[@coleenstarling1217]

Just want you to know how much your beautiful videos mean to me and my husband. Business stress, health issues, and loss of loved ones has taken a toll on us over the last 2 years. Your videos are so beautiful, and the tours of Wilmington remind me of my years there. We appreciate your decorating, crafting, homekeeping, and entertaining tips. Your voice is very comforting as well. You have also Influenced us to quadruple our collection of books on design, hosting, and architectural history. Thank you! Maybe we'll bump into you at Leland Little or the Ivy Cottage!

[@thetartantopiary]

You have made my day. I’m so glad I could provide a respite from what life often throws our way. I actually get that same feeling while doing these reviews. I would love it if our paths crossed sometime. I hope you have a great week!

[@janicekeisler9225]

Hi Mary! Thank you for another lovely book review. I like decorating that brings the outdoors in and the lush gardens included in this book. Also, like your side trips and the information and beauty you include. Your channel inspires and takes us to places that are peaceful and enjoyable.

[@dorislong9420]

Mary, I was so looking forward to this and it didn't disappoint. Have you seen Susannah from Quintessence's video on his home in Tangier? I had just seen it when you mentioned you would be reviewing this book. Thank you. 🌺🌸🌼

[@sandratodd1438]

I was about to write the same thing! I also enjoyed quintessence’s tour of Veere Greene’s Tangier home and garden!

[@johnbean3943]

I saw it also and thought it was amazing. Johns wife

[@lonenugget4301]

It's a great video! (yours and Susannah's!)

[@prettylady995]

QUINTESSENCE CHANNEL WENT TO HIS HOME, A BEAUTIFUL VIDEO. HES VERY CHARMING. HIS HOUSE WAS STUNNING. THANK YOU MARY FOR SHOWING US HIS BOOK!!!❤

[@user-ko1hv7kv2h]

I enjoyed that home tour as well. He shows where the Straight of Bosporus is within view of his home.

[@christinepaige2575]

WOW. Your courtyard is simply spectacular - what a beautiful addition to your home!

[@thetartantopiary]

Thank you, I appreciate that. 💕

[@venturarivas4474]

Thank you for another book review of beautiful homes and gardens and thank you for the information on tree service. I admire your bracelets, would love to view your collection of bracelets! 😊❤️

[@caroljones1605]

Love this review of Grenney and the garden was very beautiful.

[@lindamiklos4964]

Thank you Mary for that wonderful nature walk I was not aware that venus fly trap grew I the wild in s.carolina.

[@thetartantopiary]

I’m glad you enjoyed it. I didn’t realize until a few years ago that north and South Carolina were the only places that the Venus Flytrap grew in the wild. As a biologist from North Carolina, my husband is thrilled to share that with people.

[@beiderbecke1927]

I own too many books, but somehow they keep on coming, despite my attempts to restrain myself from purchasing more. I want most of the books you review, but this one really gripped me. I can see there's a lot to be learned from Mr. Grenney, and I need support when I'm trying to convince friends to embrace some decorating concept. About 40 years ago I tried my hand at professional decorating, and had some good connections in the entertainment industry, but soon realized I'd drink myself into an early grave if I kept with it. I did not possess the necessary knack of making a client commit to a plan, especially when it took a gentle grasp of their neck and a bit of shaking. It ended with a Beverly Hills matron when I showed up at her house fortified by a lot of beer. Anyway, ever since I've had unending respect for decorators, and thanks for reminding me why.

[@thetartantopiary]

Amen, amen AND amen!

[@christinepaige2575]

Very interesting, and it reinforces my view that a successful professional interior decorator needs much more than a discerning eye. It must take a very particular temperament, I think, to be able to cope with a design career in which “the customer is always right”.

[@coleenstarling1217]

What is "too many books"? Lol!

[@kcwatkins4377]

Just lovely, peace

[@user-ko1hv7kv2h]

Grenney's home was beautiful. I saw it recently on another channel. However I really enjoyed the Japanese Tea Garden tour you shared with us, with the unusual absolutely beautiful hydrangea. Japanese Gardens that I have visited that come to mind are The Huntington Memorial Gardens Pasadena, CA and the L.A. County Arboretum, San Francisco Botanical and Butchart Gardens Victoria BC, I surely would like to have several of those hydrangea species. I am so glad you mentioned about the County Extension Office. They are indeed a great resource. It is surprising how many people do not even know about them. Local Master Gardeners teach the classes and offer so much knowledge and assistance in knowing where to plant and where not to. They are an Invaluable service to our communities. Hope you have a great week in the Garden before the Summer heat starts gearing up. The new terrace will be wonderful and such a nice spot for entertaining or hosting a Garden Party! Bren

[@thetartantopiary]

Thank you, I agree on the value of the agriculture extension agency. We are indeed fortunate to have that program available. I appreciate your comment Bren and I hope you have a great week.

[@barbkenas5663]

Very enjoyable video, as usual❤

[@thetartantopiary]

Thank you, I’m so glad you enjoyed it!

[@bwiseok]

I used to work at the Oklahoma State University’s extension office some years back. Within that building were a couple of programs that offered food stamp recipients a one on one educational service that I was fortunate to be a participant up. I worked with that program for five years until they stopped funding the program and changed it to something else. But while I was there I learned so many things that the extension service offered. Going forward in my life there were many times I’ve called Extension service here in Missouri to ask about certain diseases of trees bug infestation soil Analysis etc. I think many people don’t even realize the service exists. The book you presented was lovely and I found mini inspiring pictures. Oh if I could start my life over I think I could definitely Look at interior design as my profession. The gardens were stunning and again offer so many ideas to incorporate in my own little piece of paradise. And I’ve realized it literally does take years for it to manifest itself into a work of art and beauty.

[@thetartantopiary]

Thank you for sharing this. These services are such a great source of information. I’m always amazed at their range of offerings and friendly consultations. I hope people will take advantage of it. Have a great weekend!

[@Rj4cg]

Thank you Mary, for another refreshing book review. Your nature walk was just what we all needed this week.

[@thetartantopiary]

Thanks for commenting and I’m glad you enjoyed it! I hope you have a great week.

[@gwenewing6837]

Wow, I love Veere Greeney and his home in Tangier! What a beautiful book! I just saw Susanna Salk's tour of his home on Quintessence, what a view and his gardens ❤❤ I am going to look up the extension office here in Cincinnati Ohio, I remember growing up in rural Southeastern Indiana and my dad always used the extension office for his farming. Thanks for another great Friday video, Mary❤

[@sylviavandegrift1388]

Beautiful home and the gardens were just beautiful. Thank you for sharing.

[@julieb4593]

Love your videos, Mary! By the way....I took my daughter senior photos at that same Japanese garden!

[@thetartantopiary]

That is great, and what a beautiful backdrop for photographs. The Arboretum is a wonderful place. Thanks for watching!

[@robertwessels9827]

This book was lovely!

[@MourieAnnFeeney]

Greetings Mary. Really enjoyed the walk in the garden. Your information was so helpful for those planting and researching. The book review was nice and fun filled with lots of fabric and color. Excitement grows as we all await to see more of your new garden. Have a nice weekend..see ya next Friday.

[@MourieAnnFeeney]

Hi Mary. Hope you are well and just busy. Missed your comment this past week but it's ok because you just can't get to everything/one. Life is busy. Just checking in to make sure all is well. xo

[@thetartantopiary]

Hello dear friend- I am fine. When you see the book review and vlog tomorrow you will know why. It has been a CRAZY week and a half! Thank you for checking on me. I appreciate that more than you know. I did let my replies slip a little, and for that I apologize. I hope you had a wonderful week and I’ll see you tomorrow. ❤️

[@pcrice-lr2dn]

I too saw the video this week of his home ,the house was wonderful BUT the Garden was unbelievable ,lots of people don’t know about their Extension Department ,I must say yours is very special with the gardens , they offer a ton of information.,not just gardening., I am excited to see what direction you go with your Court Yard Thanks Mary for sharing 💚🍃🌿

[@thetartantopiary]

I am too. I somehow missed Veere on Quintessence, but I’m going to watch it right now. I appreciate your comment and I hope you have a great week!

[@gloriamorgan76]

Thank you once again Mary for such an interesting video. It was so nice to see a fellow New Zealander uplifted.and I loved the opportunity to see the Japanese garden - well done ❤❤❤

[@thetartantopiary]

Thank you very much. I had no idea Veere Grenny was born in New Zealand until I read this book.

[@alisadotson8403]

This is such a good place for me to escape. Tired of the news.

[@thetartantopiary]

I understand completely! Thank you for the thoughtful comment.

[@newfoundland3238]

😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀🏡