I’ve always held a special place in my heart for Jane Austen novels. And there’s nothing like the BBC mini-series rendition of one of her masterpieces. Apparently, Netflix caught onto this as I was referred to  and subsequently watched both Wives and Daughters and  The Buccaneers in the last few weeks.. The glorious part of any BBC period piece, aside from the story of 19th century romantic folly or scandal, is the decadent setting of the English countryside and the English country manor.

10 things I love about English country style:

1. Floral Wallpaper

This may be a modern interpretation, but a manor lady doesn’t shy away from from mixing her flowers.

2. The Chesterfield Sofa

I introduced BC to one of these in an antique store in Hudson. They got along like gangbusters.

3. Overstuffed Chairs

Oh, to sink into this chair. I might never get up.

4. Handsome wood floors

English country manors are defined by their use of dark wood. It’s so rich and warm.

5. Collections

I’ve always loved transferware. I have a meager collection of  Spode blue and whites myself.

6. Roaring fireplaces

Enough said.

7. Ancestral Portraits

Personally, I think it’s ok to cheat on exactly whose ancestors you show in your country manor. Any old classic portrait will do.

8. Hunting Trophies

Part of the allure of the English country manor style is the lifestyle itself.

9. Dramatic drapes

Drapes that don’t gather at the floor are a dealbreaker in my book. Love love love.

10. The Mix

Those English manor ladies had an innate ability to make a whole mix of textures and patterns and materials look so at home altogether.

Speaking of home, I just need this…

Photography Credits: Paul Raeside, Rose and Grey UK, Nightwood NY, Home and Property UK,  Atlanta Bartlett, Brabourne Farm, Cote de Texas, Colefax and Fowler, Country Living UK, MyUKBreak