Ros Byam Shaw

When I requested this book from the library I didn’t know what a treat I was in for. This is gorgeous book.

It’s a large book, giving you full benefit of the elegantly photographed and organized pages. The book is divided into categories such as Romance, Character, Holiday, Elegance and Simplicity. My favorite is under the Romance section in the profile of Literary Legacy.

Not all the beautiful old cottages were as lovely as they are now in their restored state. The author reminds us some show more of those cottages housed large families who lived in close quarters, one big room, and in squalid conditions. While some of those have been restored many were destroyed, newer buildings put in place keeping the “theme” as close to the time period as they can.

If you like looking at design and the architecture of English cottages, this is definitely a book to acquire. You can get interior design ideas, gardening ideas and more by perusing the photos. I was further educated about the author, Ros Byam Shaw, a Brit living in Devon.

Ms. Shaw is a frequent columnist at The Telegraph. Check out her article HERE about a home in Somerset.

Shaw has also authored many other books such as Perfect English Farmhouse, Old House New Home and Country Escapes. There will be many of her books to give me an English Fix. show less

Easily one of my favorite style books. Large format photos that stretch to the end of the all of the pages. If you are an artful hoarder, a bowerbird, a collector, and eclectic you may love this book as much as I do. These are home owners who cover EVERY inch of every wall with art or collections. Celebrates patina and age and living.

This book is a feast for the eyes, and also provided a few practical ideas that I can use.