English Houses

Eight years have passed since the first edition of this book. It’s wonderful to see it being reprinted again, not least, I think, because it proves the adage that while nothing dates as quickly as fashion, nothing stays in fashion longer than timeless design – which is really at the core of what I try to do.

In this timeless and beautiful book, now reissued complete with a brand-new introduction, renowned architectural and interior designer Ben Pentreath presents an insightful overview of the classic English style. Visiting 12 very different homes, Ben explores and appraises the unique spirit of the English House – restrained and simple yet overflowing with a generosity of touch and a richness of colour and texture.

The book is divided into three sections: London, Country and Country House, and the interiors featured range from a 1930s pied-à-terre in London's historic St James to designer Veere Grenney's tiny Palladian Temple folly in Suffolk and Wardington, a 16th-century stone manor house in Oxfordshire. Ben’s own homes in London and West Dorset are also included.

These homes vary in architecture, size, shape, and age, but they all have in common a peculiarly English style – richly-layered rooms that deftly intertwine colour and pattern and a mix of old and new furniture to create timeless and comfortable places to live.