Storybook, timeless, pastoral, idyllic, unforgettable - these are just some of the words that come to mind when I remember my trip to the English Cotswolds with architectural designer Frank Smith. I hope that you will join me in this photographic journey of this remarkable area of rural England to observe the beauty of its architecture, gardens, and landscapes. Frank and I delighted in finding an architectural treasure trove of ideas - some that we have incorporated in recent projects. Perhaps you will glean some ideas for your home or garden as well.
The Cotswolds is considered to be one of the most beautiful areas in England and is known for its outstanding countryside with river valleys, gently rolling hills, and sleepy ancient limestone villages where time has stood still for over 300 years. It is a district approximately 15 miles wide and 90 miles long in the southwest region of England and about one hour west of London.
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| A distant view of a typical village in the Cotswolds |
In this posting, I will focus on the manor homes of the Cotswolds. Other postings will follow on other subjects such as cottages and gardens. Please also see my posting of the manor homes in Sussex and Surry designed by Edwin Lutyens.
The photos that follow are several manor homes that we saw in our journey through numerous villages in the Cotswolds.
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| Shipton-under-Wychwood I found Frank Smith to be quite courageous in approaching these homes. Following Frank's lead, we stumbled upon this home after scaling a large stone wall in the rain . This is the only view we had of the home. This must be the rear of the home given the beautiful gardens and landscaping in the foreground. |
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| Sheepscomb Like most homes in the Cotswolds, the rear elevations of the homes are just as beautiful - if not more beautiful - than the front elevations. |
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| Barnsley The Barnsley House was built in 1697 for the village's squire, Brereton Bouchier. It was converted into a luxury hotel in 2001. |
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| Barnsley Another view of the beautiful Barnsley House |
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| Bibury Bibury Court is a Jacobean mansion built in the sixteenth century. It was converted into a hotel in the 1960's. |
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| Andoversford A private residence, one of the Owners was kind enough to take us on a tour of the inside of the home and the allowed us to stroll through the gardens. Everyone we met was very friendly and engaging. From left to right: Katlin Smith, Kay Smith, Donna Goodwin, and Frank Smith |
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| Andoversford (same home as above) I love beautifully detailed chimneys, and this is one of the finest. |
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| Lower Slaughter Lower Slaughter Manor was built in the seventeenth century. It is currently a luxury country house hotel |
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| Bourton-on-the-Hill The incredibly beautiful gardens behind this lovely manor were so enticing to Frank that he decided he must scale the wrought iron fence to get a closer look. I followed, and it wasn't long before we were caught red-handed! We were scolded in a firm but polite English manner by the Owners, but only after I manged to obtain some wonderful photographs of the gardens. Please see my posting on the Gardens of the Cotswolds. |
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