Global Architecture: English Country House

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Hello LDV readers! Brendan here of (BAD) Blog About Design. English country houses have always held a great place in my heart. They feel grand, yet still manage to feel like a home. English country houses were often owned by individuals who also owned a home in London. Until the agricultural depressions of the 1870s, tending to these homes was the prime employment for many rural communities. Generally, those who owned an English country house, owned a large part of land around the home and used some of the land as a means of rental income, this was quite popular until World War I. English country houses have a wide range in architectural styles from Baroque, Palladian, Gothic, etc., these homes were designed to make a statement. (ABOVE) This English country house is located in St. George's Hill Weybridge. It has some influences from Palladian architecture. I like the mansard roof, and clean landscape design. (BELOW 1) Large outdoor spaces are added perks to owning an English country house. I just can't image how long it must take to mow all that grass! (BELOW 2) This English Country house is located in Honeybourne. It has a much less grand feel and more of a quaint charm, it feels more like a farm house.

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(1) Herve Leger Laser Cut Bandage Dress, (2) Dannijo Adalyn Necklace, (3) Marc by Marc Jacobs Thunderdome Travel Doctor Bag, (4) Dannijo Cecile Earrings, (5) Burberry London Felted Peplum Jacket, (6) Overture Judith Leiber Ombre Concave Side Rectangle Clutch, (7) Jil Sander Music Heavyweight Satin Skirt, (8) Stella McCartney Cat Eye Acetate Sunglasses, (9) Made Her Think Spike Rhinestone Ring, (10) B Brian Atwood Fontanne Iridescent Pumps

The Fashion: For the looks above, I was inspired by how those who would come from London to their English country houses would dress. The looks have both of a "city" feel and "English country" feel, and still manage to look and feel current. Fall 2012 is all about making a splash with "wine colored" pieces. The Marc Jacobs doctor bag, is a wonderful wine color and has that "city", "English country" feel. The Burberry peplum jacket feels more "English country" to me. I see it paired with a long flowing skirt or a shorter pencil skirt for a more "city" feel. It's definitely current as the peplum is still making a splash this fall 2012. The Brian Atwood pumps are all "city" to me. Every city girl needs a little shine when at her English country house! Which piece is your favorite? (BELOW 3) Lastly, this classic country estate located in Bromyard dates back over 700 years. It's a wonderful English country house that has many acres of land. Architecturally the house feels both like a classic and farm house. What do you think of all the English country houses featured?