Meticulously designed with a focus on British craft in all its forms, this vacation home rental in England was inspired by William Morris’ famed sentiment that one “should have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful.” It’s a colorful and immersive experience into a world of diverse periods of design, and a celebration of artistry that doubles as a gallery space with many of the items available for purchase.

Located at the edge of Semley village in Wiltshire, this early 19th-century cottage is a luxurious homage to British arts and crafts. Constructed of Shaftesbury greenstone with a slate roof, exposed stonework, and oak beams, the historic aspects of the cottage have been well preserved while the interiors have been restored and adapted for modern living with a colorful and highly detailed range of period influences.

The layout is spacious, with a large entrance hall that opens into the main living and dining areas and a state-of-the-art DeVol kitchen, all overlooking the Semley Common and the rear garden. The sitting room comes equipped with a wood-burning stove and is decorated with early 19th-century prints and maps dating back to the 17th century, along with works by British-based ceramicists including Nicola Tassie, Barry Stedman and Marlene Hartman Rasmussen.

The staircase leads up from the hall to the three bedrooms that can sleep up to six guests. The master bedroom features high ceilings with original oak beams and old wooden floorboards and gorgeous GP&J Baker wallpaper and a luxurious ensuite shower room with Lefroy Brooks brassware.

The second double room also features high ceilings with original oak beams and floors and is decorated with a classic William Morris wallpaper print. Each features a mix of antique and contemporary furnishings from Heals, Another Country, and Pinch Design. The third twin bedroom is subdued and dreamy with bright views overlooking the gardens. 

With a carefully curated mix of decor and furnishings, the home includes a dazzling array of 16th-century antiques with representative pieces from the Cotswold School, Heals, and the wider Arts and Crafts movement and rugs from Irish carpet makers Tretford.

Double doors open out from the kitchen to a dining patio with a BBQ and prep area and room for up to eight for al fresco dining.

There is a self-contained annex/studio linked by a garden door to the back of the cottage with an open plan living area with a wood-burning stove, a mezzanine sleeping area, and a Sebastian Cox kitchen by DeVol. A peaceful and private hideaway for two, it has a private slate courtyard overlooking the gravel garden (see separate rate for annex).

This colorful and luxuriously curated vacation rental home in England is a treat for the senses and a thoughtful tribute to the art of craft and design.

WILTSHIRE

The small country village of Semley is a short walk from the cottage and lies halfway between Shaftesbury in Dorset and Tisbury in the Wiltshire Countryside.

One of the oldest and highest towns in England, the hilltop fort of Shaftesbury features stunning views over world-famous Gold Hill and the Blackmore Vale.

The 14th century English Heritage Wardour Castle in Tisbury is also within a short drive and lies in wonderful ruin overlooking a lake. Twenty minutes north is the 16th century Stourhead House & Gardens designed by Henry Hoare II. A National Trust property, the gardens represent some of the best examples of the traditional English landscape style and are available to tour.

The coast is an hour south where the National Trust beach of Studland Bay and nature reserve are well worth the drive. Of course for some, no visit to Wiltshire would be complete without a pilgrimage to the famed Stonehenge, thirty minutes east.

LOCATION

Wiltshire, England. Nearest Airport: Heathrow, (90 miles)

BEST TIME TO VISIT: Spring through Fall although winters are lovely and atmospheric