Inside Flora Soames' peaceful woodland cottage | Design Notes | House & Garden

Interior designer Flora Soames - the great-granddaughter of Sir Winston Churchill - is one of the UK's brightest interior, fabric and wallpaper design talents. A few years ago she moved into this peaceful woodland cottage sight unseen, having only ridden past it a few times and stuck her head in the windows once. After the heartbreaking loss of her partner, she moved in and set about decorating it with her own fabrics and collected pieces, finding solace and a place to heal. ‘I had waved goodbye to London life,’ she says. ‘I needed to be somewhere I could put down roots, a place to call mine,' and the cottage is now an expression of her personality, filled with lovely touches in every corner. Read the rest of the story here: www.houseandgarden.co.uk/gall...
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[@momoparagon]

You had me at 'I also think books are an incredibly important part of any room.' And, of course, the dogs.

[@mkas291]

Me too!

[@venus189]

Yes but cats

[@katarinasvensson9801]

@@venus189 for me paintings,/pictures, books, dogs, cats. And everything animals

[@nordlys3432]

Same here.

[@memedavis4228]

You can't imagine my delight in seeing a home that has meaningful decor and is loved by the occupants. Thank you for not falling into the trendy world of home decorating 'cause trendy never lasts and the next trend just creates more chaos for the homeowner who's home is considered outdated. This home is a beautiful example of true love, for life and home. I'm not a trendy person so I really appreciate seeing other who are not trendy as well.

[@elaineroberts7493]

This is a real home, where everything is there because it is loved and a true reflection of the lady living there - and there are shelves full of books: wonderful!

[@heidibee501]

I find this house welcoming, stimulating and enveloping. It's sweet to see how much she loves her dogs.

[@mickeywalker-irishcob]

Agreed x

[@cassandraralph5906]

Lovely unpretentious and user friendly home in a equally lovely location, complete with beautiful curtains, wallpaper, furniture, books, and, of course the dogs, and a much loved cat sleeping in its happy place! I wish I had a home like this one!

[@nagolhayze9366]

3:03 loved how she was leaning against the wall as she talked about loving to lean things against walls. What a truly beautiful house and interior, so full of richness and habitat empathy.

[@n3rahill]

To be honest, maximalist decor bring the cozy feeling surrounded by things you loved....videos like this make me confused on deciding to rather be maximalist or minimalist. In sometime of my life I do like to declutter too. I cant decide....what a beautiful home and garden! Very lucky lady, envy^^

[@marianm.rodriguez1542]

You must do what your heart inspires

[@anttoronto3202]

I agree. Love the maximalist but often strive to be more minimal. This is a beautiful home.

[@4061earthabcdesong]

Maybe make your living room and dining room maximalist style? These rooms are where you want to happily watch tv, cook and eat, and chat with family and friends, so making them cozy and adorned with things you like will enhance the happy feelings. Meanwhile, perhaps you would like keep your bedroom and study/workspace minimalist since these are areas where you want to calm down, stay focused before sleeping or doing some reading/ paperwork/ meditation etc...

[@4061earthabcdesong]

Add to my suggestion above... maximalist, yet neat and tidy ☺️🙏

[@5262janna]

Your dahlias are magnificent, both the wallpaper and the real Thing!

[@judywhittlesey4010]

I am a yank, but my ancestry is Anglesey.I love watching "Escape To TheCountry".For me; Devon, Dorset, and Somerset are beautiful!

[@wendypanozzo9133]

Me to!

[@kateforsyth1133]

I could watch this all day. The permission to have something beautiful but tatty with precious memories and dog prints among your treasures. Nothing too polite about the colors. I’d love to know her as a friend and listen to her like poetry.

[@frugalitystartsathome4889]

If that size of house is classed as “a cottage” I must be living in a shed...

[@elisabethlinz4256]

So do I, but I love my shed... :--))

[@JijjysMaison]

:D :D :D yes it is a big cottage .....

[@ievamillers9383]

Einstein saw this video and then came up with the relativity theory, living in an actual cottage.

[@JijjysMaison]

@@ievamillers9383 😂😂😂

[@elisabethlinz4256]

@@ievamillers9383 great remark! Bravo

[@starboard6372]

Would love to have seen her kitchen!

[@nell8170]

Me too!

[@mkas291]

@Eslee L Thanks, I was hoping to see it as well, and it's wonderful!

[@elizabeths4371]

a soft spoken yet fearless woman who knows herself and her style and how translate BOTH into her immediate surroundings !

[@pamelahall2791]

Ppppppppplll0pppppl

[@elizabeths4371]

@@pamelahall2791 huh?

[@annkys9441]

Classic and beautiful piece of work. Her voice is so calming, the music.. the home and garden. Everything is just brilliant. The video has a way to make you happy.

[@Tradebear]

I love that she surrounds herself with things that *she* loves and not what a stranger would love if that makes any sense,

[@lizclegg7556]

Whenever I see one of these beautiful but stuffed homes I just can't help thinking Dear God, the cleaning and dusting.

[@lizclegg7556]

@vanya Sure, but some of these places would need army of cleaners and they would be cleaning all day every day.

[@1Thedairy]

The cottage is lovely. I love the idea that she fills her house with pieces that she loves rather than trying to match furnishings. Also her garden is wonderful! To me the garden is an extension of your home and so important. I loved the way the Dahlias were reflected in the still water. Beautiful!

[@tommoncrieff1154]

I’d never do my own home like this, but I fell in love with Flora’s home, and it IS clearly a home, will all its idiosyncrasies and meaningful pieces. Everything there is treasured and has a story to tell. And then she went out into the garden, wow, it’s idyllic. Those flowers clearly just jump out of the earth all by themselves and into the wallpaper. Well, that’s the impression she gives. It takes a LOT of work and thought to make everything this happy and this effortless.

[@ciganyweaverandherperiwink6293]

Oh, the situation of that property, the garden, the view, the woods, the external shot at 0:04...heavenly, absolutely gorgeous. Thank you for this pretty little peak into a beautiful part of the country. Inspiring.

[@PDogB]

Always interesting to view other people's homes, learn how the owners feel about it and then go about creating their ideal living space. In direct contrast to the video, my style is bright, open, clean and breezy natural/neutral colors with a focal point, few special accent pieces and sparse plants to add life into the room. I feel stress living daily amongst intense dark colors and/or a lot of possessions. The gardens and property are lovely! Thank you for sharing Flora's preferences and lifestyle.

[@PDogB]

@vanya It's sad that you feel that way. There is room on this planet for all preferences of design and expression which makes sharing in a positive way very interesting. And it's fine for all to have opinions from their own experiences anywhere in the world. No better and no worse, imho.

[@sandramalone3522]

What depth and richness. A real home full of delight on every aspect of the word. Warm, cozy and everything beautiful. What a jewel!!!.

[@anneheron873]

I love everything about this house and garden.

[@margaretpepper3550]

So did I, except for that ghastly Ivon Hitchens!!!

[@mchristman6932]

What a really cool young lady. I'm sure Lady Mary was very proud of Flora. I'm glad that she was able to purchase a few things from her Grandma's estate auction.

[@SableSunsets]

What an absolute beautiful garden wow

[@lemonloi9320]

The quilt in the guest-bedroom is beautiful! And i love the cozy and timeless atmosphere the house and garden convey! Thank you for the inspiration 🌷

[@gaslitworldf.melissab2897]

Thank you for sharing with us. England and France has given us so much in the way of home fashion. It's breathtaking. The one good thing that came out of exploring the world (for conquest mostly, I know) includes procuring wonderful design influences.

[@romancewiththepast7979]

Lively yet restful. A place you can snuggle and revitalize.

[@michelekirby7907]

Enchanting! Her home shows her authentic self .. a unique concept to modern interior design. Things of beauty rest on their own merit - sentimental things - separate things. It's quite a different concept from modern design trends where everything - flooring, tile, paint, wallpapers, linens - is matchy-matchy.

[@kathrincichos3114]

OMG.... Her style is AMAZING!!!! SEE it AND LOVE IT. She is a very nice person, too! Thank U for this great video. 🙋

[@ms.sonshine8878]

An true English cottage and garden. I give it ❤❤❤❤❤. A dream home full of warmth, character & color.

[@nordicvolkan]

Country simplicity & elegance .

[@claravrsnik7858]

Beautiful beautiful place. How lovely dogs✌🏻😎🌌🌅

[@nancyberg6260]

Yes! The whole thing speaks comfort. And that is what home should be .

[@katcampbell9213]

Well said!

[@ruthadler7176]

Loved the calming atmosphere of this home and garden 🌹

[@sararichardson737]

Lovely clutter. Exquisite garden

[@philiplong7390]

Just wonderful taste. Love every room.

[@londondaze]

Loved it, every bit. Very similar to the way I used to live when I had a house. Miss that element of personal decorating and cozy atmosphere. Thank you for this intimate tour of your lovely home.

[@cygnusrays]

Heavenly home! What an inspiring young woman Flora is.

[@nyaradhiambo]

I love her jumpsuit 😍😍😍 And her home anesthetic (obviously)

[@nell8170]

Lovely relaxed vibes and refreshing to see someone( rather like myself )who doesn't need make up and hairbrushes !!

[@dr.marilewisresearchmethod7435]

The gracious interiors unfolded a story of love and life woven amid the colours and textures of nature. A real home filled with moments, and narratives of doggies, textiles and books through Flora's easy celebration of them! Simply inspirational! Thank you x

[@jet7865]

Beautiful, I’ve watched it more than 10x

[@JijjysMaison]

What a beautiful home Flora Soames has. It feels lived in with that typical cottage in the country cozy feel. The views from the bedroom.... wow .... I agree. I wish I could wake up to such a view every morning.... :D xxx

[@terryarrow702]

Such a beautiful home. All the different coloured fabrics the mish mash of cushions & lamps. So comfy & warm. The sort of home that is desirable at any season. I noticed her sofa covered in original Bennison fabric which is gorgeous. But at the end the garden filled with wild flowers was utterly exquisite. The sort of place that warms your ♥️

[@carolking6355]

What a fabulous house and garden. I just adore that dahlia wallpaper.❤️

[@nordlys3432]

Wonderful home. Full of life and colors. Just my style, too.

[@melissaalp5972]

What a wonderful video of her home and dogs. The fabrics are just beautiful !!!!

[@sdmsdm7926]

So dreamy! The home & the beautiful garden....this place is heavenly!

[@katiapagane2544]

Maravilhoso!!! Até que enfim encontrei uma decoração com caráter... Que fala a minha linda. Esse vídeo fez o meu coração transbordar de alegria ❤️

[@lucyzhu2968]

Love this peaceful cottage, love the interior design , the harmony colors are so cozy indeed.

[@raiseyourworld5324]

The perfect cottage :-)

[@eleanorryanryan2442]

Absolutely beautiful.. Georgous inside and out... And the woofs are Sooo lucky🇮🇪💚

[@pedrocarvalho6492]

I can't get tierd of watching this. Love her fabrics. They are really beautiful.

[@marianunes8747]

Thank you so much! I am in love with this cottage. Everything, every piece, is amazing and wonderfull! My dream home!!!!

[@robinaanstey3734]

I have found a kindred spirit in Flora. Her keen eye, hard work and disciplined esthetic is inspiring and honest. TY for sharing this lovely cottage video.

[@lydiarowe491]

The blooms are amazingly beautiful in the garden and make another journey into your home for inspiration..

[@SR-rz9uj]

In two years, this video has 743k views and 12k likes. I’m pretty certain most are like me and come back every two weeks to rewatch. For both inspiration and to hear Flora’s lovely thought process.

[@atalyaplaylist]

Yes, I’m guilty of returning!

[@carolebuckle7977]

I wish I was gifted to not be afraid to heavily furnish my home, gorgeous ❤️

[@hayleyb467]

How about a shelf? Or a corner ♡♡♡♡ life's not a dress rehearsal ♡♡♡♡

[@carolebuckle7977]

@@hayleyb467 thank you 🙏🏻❤️🇬🇧

[@ricoltmetric8156]

Fantastic. A home filled with doggos romping and and comfort and things one adores, makes this not a designer house but a joyful home.

[@claireangier3322]

I love this! I watch it time and time again so I can soak up all the details of design and love the personal treasures too. ❤

[@atalyaplaylist]

I do the same thing!

[@petraberes9511]

Beautiful! I love that home and the lovely garden! 🙂

[@debbierice2618]

Your fabric and wallpaper is so warm and beautiful. The cottage is perfect ❤️

[@katcampbell9213]

She seems so confident and laid back, what a beautiful location to live!

[@biomanization]

Great skill at making a home a really cozy space. I love her esthetic

[@yulia2301]

what a wonderful house, landscape, interior, hostess.... you can feel the spirit intended, i feel like touching those lovely things when i'm watching the video... the chinese enamel, the golden frames are stunning... and everything

[@Ayin07]

I love the power of this series to transport.

[@marysmyth8288]

Beautiful all those fabulous fabrics an oh the wallpapers each room so dreamy Love the wee doggies , such a gifted woman with such a gifted life Mary Canada 🇨🇦

[@cranberr1]

I love the theme of Dahlia flowers throughout her home, out from the garden, into the vases, and even on the wallpaper. Flora is a fitting name for her, and the tastefully abundant incorporation of its meaning into her home makes it all the more personal ❁

[@shaburkesharon8882]

Beautiful and tastefully decorated ❤️

[@hopefischer]

Good intention about wallpaper and little places. lovely house, and that garden ist a dream to me.

[@davidcattin7006]

Everything! I love that painting, the lampshade, and the fabric behind the headboard. The colors and patterns are so energizing, yet the house still feels very calm. When can I visit!!!

[@taironevieira1288]

Lindo sua casa e incrível,OBRIGADO por mostrar cada detalhe.

[@ksk5664]

Absolutely scrumptious....every bit. Can I just say how sad it sounds to me to have to purchase things owned and loved by your grandparents at an estate sale. Heartbreaking.

[@bellasundstrom4933]

That tends to happen when an aristocrat dies. They leave behind such a vast estate of which is difficult to inherit without auctioning off a large amount.

[@willothewispl]

What a lovely and cozy home.

[@williamdavis2386]

Wow what a home I adore the decor,the shell mirror, the screen and all of the fabrics, the wallpaper just EVERYTHING! Kind regards from Georgina (UK)

[@angieharris9744]

I love your garden ! You brought the outside in....

[@grizeldaxxx4568]

Ilove how She said she loves leaning things against the walls as She leans against a wall xx

[@reesemorgan2259]

Flower arrangements are beautiful.

[@sweetgrasshopper]

OMG those pups are adorable! The house is nice too.

[@BeaconHillJacksons]

WOW! WOW! WOW! I could bring my weekender and NEVER LEAVE!!!!! Stunning. Thank you for this!!!

[@sunitashastry253]

Love your beautiful textiles and bold wallpaper. I was beginning to worry about color, somehow most decorators are working with white and washed out colors. So I am happy to see you work with beautiful colors and textures. Thank you

[@7ofthem]

This is perfection

[@nathalienathalie1829]

Absolutely perfect home 💗

[@karenhogan731]

I almost have no words.. stunning!

[@robrobben6066]

love the dog sleeping on the table and also everything else

[@libertycan6959]

Well.... Beauty all around. Amazing. Thanks for sharing.

[@arrozconleche5577]

Que Bella y personal es su casa💗🙌🌹

[@catnip1487]

Oh my, that is so lovely ❤️

[@anttoronto3202]

Simply divine!

[@gatatica1]

What a wonderful place! What can I say!

[@danielintheantipodes6741]

Stunning house.

[@fashionforwarddd]

So cozy!! This reminds me of how I think my mom would decorate

[@marciamellow1211]

Love all the thought process...❤

[@mariabeckett7470]

So beautiful!

[@judyderieux8484]

Just so comfy .....your home says come in and let's visit 💫

[@barbarawillis5187]

I love the picking garden.

[@elenamironova3540]

WOW!!! Какие краски, цвета и цветы, восторг! 🌹💗⚘🌻💐🌺💗⚘🍀💗

[@1976shoegal]

Love your beautiful home ❤️ lots of love breathed into it 😍🌈

[@susprime7018]

I love the dog head painting in the guest room.

[@claydiy8106]

almost every corner of this house is so cute