A Review: Perfect English Style By Ros B. Shaw; British Country House Interior Design & 1886 Garden
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 7 ก.พ. 2025
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Music by EpidemicSound
Some styles of decorating have a longer shelf life than others. One of the most durable is what has come to be known as English Country Style, which works just as well in a city apartment or suburban home as it does in a rectory or manor house.
Many of us may recognize an interior as archetypally English, but putting a finger on exactly what makes it so can be tricky. One of the strengths of English style is that it isn’t prescriptive. In fact, quite the opposite. It is relaxed, laissez-faire, and endlessly adaptable-all reasons, no doubt, why it has enjoyed such longevity. You may know it when you see it, but what are its essential ingredients? In Perfect English Style, Ros Byam Shaw looks at a range of rooms with a strong English feel to them. As it happens, almost all are in England, although this is a look that travels the world, from the Americas to the Antipodes, still predominantly English in flavor even when spiced with foreign ingredients. She explores the main rooms of a house, their characteristics and furnishings, and how they achieve that mix of comfort, informality, and visual charm that is the hallmark of English style. Ros also homes in on specifics: the qualities of patina, the important role of fabrics, how to buy and include antique and vintage furnishings, and how a collection, whether of pebbles or 18th-century glass, adds individuality and character.
Interiors influenced by designs from Nancy Lancaster and John Fowler.
Airlie Gardens’ history dates back to the early 1700’s. The gardens you see today are the vision of Sarah and Pembroke Jones. The Jones purchased the property in 1884 and transformed it into a picturesque garden. In 1999, a commitment from the New Hanover County Commissioners, along with a grant from the Clean Water Management Trust Fund and the support of local residents, made possible this county’s purchase and restoration of Airlie’s 67-acres of gardens.
Utterly enchanting...
Where was this book & such talent 60 years ago when I was young,lol. Thanks for sharing such beautiful homes and gardens
My gosh, Mary, the work and effort you put into this video (all your videos) is so evident, and beautiful! You are so talented! Thank you!
Not only are the pictures beautiful, but I love your background music . Really compliments your dialogue and create a comforting ambience..
Your jewelry is always fun to see . You have amazing rings and bracelets .
Mary. That was lovely. Thank you.
You are so welcome- thanks for watching!
Mary, this is just delightful. I bought the book years ago this looks like a new printing, yes? Bit of nostalgia for me as my mothers house always smelt of flowers and beeswax furniture polish as did our beautiful old boarding school. When I was twelve my mother and I were invited to afternoon tea by the Mother Superior [as a form of introduction ] to the school parlor and I remember the smell of the beeswax furniture polish and flowers. I thought that it smelt just like home and relaxed thinking that I would be quite comfortable there. Years later, as was the custom as debutants before the ball we all lined up to show the nuns our wonderous gowns and as they fussed over us the scent of beeswax and flowers came wafting through the happy crowd! Lovely memories, thank you.
Thank you for sharing that sweet story. We have several memories in common. The white dresses near graduation and the fragrances we were fortunate to have our olfactory nerves delight in. My school had hardwood floors that were waxed every spring while the windows were open and the scent of magnolia and fresh cut grass flowed through the hallways.
So beautiful and peaceful, as always. Thank you Mary!
Mary, I’m so thrilled when I see that you have a new posting. They are always so beautiful, calming and relaxing! And then at times, I just rewatch those that I’ve seen many times. You’re just my favorite! Thank you so much!!!
Mine too. I rewatch many of the video book reviews at different speeds. Mostly slower so I can see some of the layering and details. My favorite 3 are Return to Pretty (1), Mackenzie-Childs (2) and the next one Mary releases! lol
Thank you for that! I am so glad you enjoy the videos. I really do appreciate that you took the time to comment. ❤️
And Charlotte, you are always very supportive and always with such a positive spirit! Thank you!
@@thetartantopiary we all need to hear good things, and you are doing your part of saying good things.
I have to add my 2 cents worth. I also love your podcasts Mary as the others. I love watching you with your husband, it’s nice that you get along so good together and he obviously adores you. Your so cute together. It would be fun to have friends like you both.
Your book review is one if not the most favorite of mine to watch. Thank you for doing it for us Mary and with your very lovely voice.
John Beans wife
I've had this video in my "watch later" queue forever and I finally did. What a peaceful relaxing way to end the day. Thank you!
@@JulieAOK I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
Lovely, Mary. Thank you.
Thank you for the garden tour. It was so inspiring and so are you. You give wonderful book reviews. Give us a complete tour of your whole house. Everyone would love to see it.
I am happy to see the living spaces you show. I think one can know too much, and privacy is important. I am curious about the inside of the shed where you sat while the pool was going over the house by crane. I would have been hiding in a closet I am sure!
Beautiful serenely peaceful gardens.
Yes, they really are.
What a lovely way to start my day. Thank you.
Thank you so very much! I think beauty is so restorative!!! We need that so much in these times. Your talent has a purpose far greater than you realize!!
Merci pour cette jolie promenade ❤
Hello hope your well this video was truly my favorite just love your show thanks for such lovely design and decor.
I'm so glad. Thank you for letting me know! 💗
Reminds me of Stamps and Stamps which is an American home designer but influenced by English country. What a beautiful book. Thank you for sharing it.
Beautiful book and garden.
I'm glad you enjoyed them!
I visited this garden as a child with my mother. I’m looking around me now, and my studio screens English country. Haha! Enjoy your videos always. Thanks.
English country style has such a comfortable, charming feel to it, I love the dog sleeping on the sofa and most likely a fireplace going. A lovely book. Thank you for the garden tour, how beautiful with the planted urns and garden statuary tucked in as an added surprise. The moss hanging and swaying in the breeze. The coastal location , just beautiful! I love the history of the French tutor. William K Vanderbilt has a summer home in our town I always find it intriguing to hear of the people who visited these historic homes. Thank you Mary for another peaceful, lovely video I look forward to them!
Another lovely book. From what we've seen, I think your home has an English cottage vibe. Beautiful gardens too. I've always loved the moss covered trees
What a beautiful garden walk! The oaks are unreal! I love the concrete.benches with the trellis on top, so architectural! The trellis path was also beautiful!...love, love, love!😊
The book was a delight!
Thank you for another fantastic review, so beautiful and calming video! ❤
Oh, how I admire the strength and resilience of the South and its beautiful & gracious old homes! Everything about it speaks to me….always has. Coastal living in Georgia (Savanna) or the Carolinas has been a dream of mine for many decades but sadly, I married a way up North boy so now in our retirement years we’re searching for middle ground and I might have to end up settling for Virginia….which isn’t horrible but it’s not the salt grass coast!!
Beautiful just beautiful…..
Thank you Mary I learned so much from your videos. Thank you for sharing and taking us with you to show us these beautiful gardens and all you do for us. Thank you, Mary.
Always enjoyable! You have such a talent for bringing us into the book you review as well as your personal touch at the end! Thank you!❤
Thank you 🙏🏻 Mary
Such beauty. Thank you for taking the time to share it with us all
I enjoy your videos so much. Not only for the beautiful books you share, but you voice is so soothing that it relaxes me.
Oh, thank you! I really do appreciate that.
This was a treat! The book review and those beautiful gardens! Thank You so much.😊
I just love how you slowly leaf through the pages , teasing us into submission. I want every book you review! I think its your voice, which is almost hypnotic !!! You will buy this book... you will buy this book... you are getting sleepy... haha And the walk through that beautiful park, along with your story telling, was a tranquil getaway. I could almost feel my feet in the water at the end, sitting on the steps.
I have this book and several others by Shaw, I love this book and regularly go through it for ideas. xoxo
I only have 2 books by Ros Shaw, but I love them both.
I have discovered your channel and have been binge watching your videos. I love decorating books and love your channel! Thank you for a job well done. You have a very calm and soothing voice.
Welcome! I’m so glad to hear this. Thank you for letting me know!
I so look forward to your enchanting reviews and for today’s tour of the beautiful garden. Thank you Mary. You do so much good for all of us. 💕💕💕
Enjoyed the garden walk. Loved those huge oaks with the dangling Spanish moss.
Glad you enjoyed it, It is a beautiful property and garden.
Ms. Shaw's book really depicts English life. Your walk in the park was very much appreciated especially the flowers and such a close up of the dragonfly and bird. I guess you have very mild climate in NC because all the flowers and trees look so healthy. In Germany where I now live they believe that cutting an oak tree brings bad luck.
These trees have beautiful foliage and stand adversity of time. Thanks for making us aware of such interesting places.
Hi Mary. One thing I learned for sure from your book review, I am not an English style person. Your review was spot on and I learn something new each time. Would love to see a tour of your home. I will be buying the book from your review last week. Thanks again ~
Sometimes knowing what you don't like is as valuable as knowing what you do like. I did a tour of the house room by room in the Christmas (Nov. & Dec.) videos. I will have to do another one.
@@thetartantopiary Thank you Mary for your reply. You are so right!! If I knew which videos they were last year during the holidays, I could go back and review your home. I may search and see if I can find. Have a great week.
@@u_vw_xyz Thanks Mary. I was able to find both of the suggested videos. I loved them both but looking for a tour of your beautiful home but not during a holiday. I love the two story older homes and would love to see your home featured on Homeworthy. xo Thanks!!
I must visit that Garden the next time we are at the coast ,not sure how I didn’t know about it. Thank you 💚🍃🌿
It is worth the stop. Over 60 acres of beauty and history. That oak tree, alone, is worth the cost of admission. They believe it was a seedling in 1530.
Love the book and the garden walk was gorgeous ❤❤
Thank you
I love watching your videos. They’re like a sip of fine wine. So calming and nourishing to the soul. They are finely crafted and it’s evident that you put tremendous amount of effort in the making of them. I’ve learned a lot from them, while entertaining myself. Thank you very much! Wish you all the best! ❤
Wow, thank you! That is a very thoughtful comment!
Lovely gardens. Thank you for sharing.😍
I love visiting Airlie Gardens! Thanks for sharing! Your videos are wonderful!
Beautiful book! Awesome tour an stories of the property..lovely and peaceful...great for today afternoon... at this time 4:15pm In South Florida. Thank you, have bless weekend.
We've had weather here today that reminded me of Florida. Heavy rain then sunshine...more rain and then more sunshine...and repeat!☀️☔
Standing ovation! Love the book! Love the garden! This stunning garden tour rivals that of the nature segments featured every week on Sunday Morning with Jane Pauley on CBS. What a beautiful place to call home!
I love the Spanish Moss ♥️!
Wow!!!
Loved the book, like always, but the garden is so, so beautiful and peaceful, I especially loved the thistles. 😉
Thank you.
Lovely to know about the curiosity cabinet.😊 thank you
Enjoy
Thanks for bringing me back to Airlie Gardens! I often visited the gardens with my daughter when she lived close by while attending UNCW.
I was happy to do it. Thanks for watching. There were several interns working there from UNCW.
Such a lovely video 💜. English country design is both breathtaking and cozy ✨. I throughly enjoyed the book review as well as the stunning garden tour ⛲️
This was so relaxing and beautiful! Thank you for taking us along to enjoy♡ Your videos stand out. They're exquisite
Hi Mary, Another informative book review! While I like English country style some of it is a bit overwhelming for me. However, I so loved the garden tour! I could walk in a garden and dream for hours! Unfortunately, hubs and some of my friends do not share my same enthusiasm and tha'ts ok......their loss! (LOL!) Have a beautiful day my friend and I will talk to you in the next one! Hugs! :)
Nice review thanks for sharing your time with us....😊 Memphis Tennessee
Another great episode!
Beautiful book. Not really familiar with the author but recognize some of the associations with Colfax and Fowler . Seeing the English country styles dies make me a little homesick.
Unfortunately many country homes that were in the same families for generations have been sold to Hotel developers or corporations as the upkeep is very expensive. A lovely garden walk today I really enjoyed it. Hope you gave a very pleasant weekend look forward to your next video.
Several spell check errors that's frustrating 😑
Spell check is always fun- I thought this book would be fun since it was published in England. I have an older book written by the same author. She has a great eye. You have a wonderful weekend as well!
Beautiful home and decor ❤️😊
That was lovely ❤.
Absolutely beautiful place, as always thank you for your time and dedication on sach an amazing presentations.
My favorite style 🥰
Always nice and inspiered...thanks
My Victorian cottage is decorated in the eclectic English Country House style. This really developed naturally from my love of old furniture and European and English furniture styles. I don’t want anything newer than the 1930s around, I hate modern aesthetics, especially MCM.
The Landscaped Garden Preserve is breathtakingly beautiful . Love the history you provided us . Do you know if the Jones family you mentioned is connected to the Jones family of Saint Simons Island and Sea Island , founders of the The Cloister , Sea Island Golf Club , and Ocean Forest Golf Club ? Seems likely given the connections . I love your book review as English Country House style is my favorite design style and lifestyle . A Woody automobile with a green shade similar to British Racing Green completes the English Countryside pastoral picture . Add to it a well used Green Landrover . If only... Meanwhile I'm surrounded with oppressive heat and humidity ( where is our Winter ? ) , mosquitoes , sand gnats ( no-see-ums ) , alligators , litter , etc.. A man can dream at least . Thank you for helping us imagine and dream .
It does seem likely that the families might be related, but I do not know this for certain. As you mentioned the British Racing Green, I was reminded of a Land Rover that I almost purchased several years ago. I had to opt for something a little more dependable as I was a "taxi" for my kids and all their activities. Although, my husband did have yellow Defender 90, it just didn't have the charm of that beautiful BRGreen. I hope you have a delightful 2024 with some cold weather to enjoy!
@@thetartantopiary Fortunately cold weather arrived with gusty wind . I love seeing and hearing geese fly over especially during the winter . Thank you again for your excellent vids ( vlogs ) . Happy New Year 2024 . 🥂🍾🎆🎇✨🧨🎉🎊
Lovely❣️
How bittersweet about Monsieur Hill. I am glad he had a peaceful time before his death. Too many people under Napoleon suffered. I kept wondering if you needed to look for alligators near the water near the water. I loved the huge oak tree. The English style is not minimalist. They were ready for every occasion and they had the book for the occasion, as well!
❤❤❤❤
Talented? It's Ros Byam Shaw's work. This is her talent.
Exactly- I agree.
😊 18:55
All so beautiful to look at and dream of but only for the wealthy and out of the hands of the ordinary people to afford the LOOK in their small abodes and pockets.
There are stylish elements in each room, but on the whole the look is cluttered, disorganized, and mismatched.
A lot of those pictures must have been AI generated because they looked so fake--almost cartoonish. They had a few real elements but some of the backgrounds were horrible color book yuck.
Ros Byam Shaw was the main photographer for this book. I don't think she used AI.