Gunter & Co’s guide to interiors, homeware and antiques in The Cotswolds
Out & About in The Cotswolds: Part One
One of our first and still one of our most popular projects is our Cotswold Country House. Over the years we are often asked what our favourite project is and this one always comes to mind – it’s one of the first projects where the client fully entrusted us with the creative direction and we can’t help but think that it paid off in spades.
Set in the heart of an idyllic Cotswolds village we were appointed to lead the Interior Architecture and Interior Design of a full-rebuild and extension project. Originally two adjoining Grade-II listed cottages we worked closely with our client to join these together into a practical and beautiful country home.
Years later we are often invited to stay in this stunning home so we’re used to nipping out and about through the country lanes! More recently, they have been able to get out and about again to revisit some of the nearby shops, stores and studios. So here’s some of our top places to visit when you’re in The Cotswolds starting with part one - Interiors & Homewares.
Source: The Telegraph
If you’re not familiar with The Cotswolds but fancy some ‘staycation’ days out in the coming months, consider an expedition to one of our absolutely favourite areas of England, The Cotswolds. The Cotswolds covers a large area, and is actually a range of hills, spread across six counties, and designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, find out more from Visit Britain here.
Interiors & Homewares in The Cotswolds
Here are some of our favourite interiors, design, antiques and furnishing stores. As always when we are making suggestions, if you’re planning a special trip, it’s best to phone or email to check opening times; some smaller businesses may be appointment-only, depending on circumstances.
Chipping Norton & Chipping campden
Internationally acclaimed and multi-award winning Interior Designer, Bee Osborn works from her design studio in Chipping Norton. After repeated requests for decorative items, she developed her own brand and sell some of favourite pieces both online and from quaint bricks and mortar store Osborn Interiors, beneath the design studio.
A place very close to my heart resides in the town of Chipping Campden, Hart’s Silversmith. My dad bought a teapot and other silverware here when I was very young, it’s a memory that has always stayed with me. For beautiful hand-made silverware pieces, from candlesticks to cutlery, stopping by is an absolute must.
Tetbury
Over in Tetbury you can find Brownrigg, perfect for sourcing antique decorative pieces from the 17th century to around the mid 20th century. You’ll find everything from traditional pieces to more quirkier ones, there’s something perfect for everyone between those four walls.
Another great spot is Lorfords Antiques, again you will find a treasure trove of antique pieces here but also, made-to-measure, traditionally constructed and upholstered furniture. Perfect if you are after a unique piece for your home.
For a great mixture of art and antiques, Gallery B.R is perfect for a browse. Focusing mostly on the 20th century, there’s some great pieces to be found here.
Kingham & Morton on the marsh
You simply cannot have a trip to the Cotswolds without paying a little visit to Hadeda in Kingham. They provide the most dreamy inspiration for any interiors lover, recently we used their cane accessories in our Chelsea Modern Townhouse.
Heading over to Morton On The Marsh, Rapture & Wright is another must-visit. Their hand-painted fabrics and wallpapers will transform any home into a truly unique abode.
Stow on the Wold
Cutter Brooks is a must-visit place, where you can indulge in beautiful frocks as well as ruffled tablecloths and the Devon Home seaside-inspired homeware collection. There’s also a collection of vintage American quilts (although phone to check stock availability before making a special journey). We’re also rather partial to the stationery section too, for postcards and notebooks.
Burford & Broadway
The Burford Garden Company has a café as well, so it’s a very pleasant place to while away a couple of hours choosing plants, checking out the garden furniture and perhaps even the fire pits and barbecues too. A haven for garden enthusiasts, as well as collaborations with Bluebellgray and Pooky.
Over in Broadway you will find Cotswold Trading, a brilliant mix of big name brands as well as smaller, independent designers. This is the perfect location to stock up on those finishing touches for your home, whether it’s cushions, mugs or just about anything!
Of course, each of these areas we’ve featured here are also surrounded by other interesting shops, cafes and lunch spots, so give yourself plenty of time to wander around each town for a thorough recce! It’s a case of finding things you didn’t even know you wanted, but which may just add that finishing touch you’re looking for – or which could spark off a plan for a new interior scheme. We’re always looking for inspiration on our travels, and often find just the right piece of artwork or lamp or sculpture that brings a focus to a scheme we’re working on.