Decorative art specialists Victoria Leslie and Luci Douglas-Pennant have a shared passion for sourcing antiques, art and interiors, scouring the country, handpicking prints and vintage oil paintings for Etalage, their showroom in the Cotswolds and online treasure trove.
Though they travel far and wide for their ever-changing collection, Victoria and Luci look closer to home to share their guide to the Cotswolds.
How long you have visited and or lived in the Cotswolds?
We have lived in the Cotswolds for over twenty years.
My favourite spot is…
There are so many beautiful spots… A favourite spot with friends, family and dogs is a walk along the River Coln from the unspoilt village of Coln St Aldwyns to Bibury. The countryside is so peaceful and you walk through meadows and along the gentle banks of the River Coln.
My favourite view of the Cotswolds is…
The view from down the valley and the surrounding area from our showroom in Calmsden is a firm favourite. The changing seasons are so pretty to watch from the pretty blossom trees in the spring to the cow parsley in early June. There is a natural spring in the village with the freshest drinking water which we bottle up and take to the showroom.
MY FAVOURITE PLACE TO ESCAPE NATURE IS….
There is a walking trail through Standish Woods near Stroud which is a beautiful Cotswold landscape of woodland, open grassland and incredible views. The bluebells in the late spring are spectacular.
THE BEST PLACE TO GO EARLY IN THE MORNING IS….
An ideal start to the day for us would be walking the dogs come rain or shine followed by breakfast at Daylesford and then picking up some delicious take away food from the Farmshop and heading back to our showroom twenty minutes away.
SOMETHING ONLY LOCALS KNOW IS…
For a couple of days in June there is an opportunity to look around 20 beautiful private Cotswold gardens. Magical Gardens of the South Cotswolds is all in aid of the Tetbury Hospital Trust and is really inspiring.
MY FOODIE GO TO IS….
This is a hard question as there are too many good spots to mention. For fresh fish New Wave in Cirencester and Williams Kitchen in Nailsworth, for fruit and vegetables Market Garden in Cirencester, Upton Smokery, Stroud Farmers Market, Severn & Wye Smokery for the best Smoked Salmon, Sourdough Revolution in Lechlade and Gilos in Cirencester for incredible street food.
MY CULTURE FIX IS…
There are an abundance of cultural offerings in the Cotswolds from historic gardens, castles, art, theatre, literature and music. Particular favourites are the Fresh Air Sculpture which is an annual exhibition celebrating contemporary art in a beautiful British garden in Quenington and the wonderful Art in the Garden exhibition that takes place every August in the historical 18th century Rococo gardens just outside Painswick. The Cheltenham Literature Festival in October is another firm fixture in our diaries and the Barn Theatre in Cirencester.
MY NIGHT TIME ESCAPE IS IS….
A cocktail at KOKO in Tetbury followed by going next door to Lola & Co which offers incredible authentic Spanish tapas in a very atmospheric setting, alternatively an informal hard to beat pizza with the teenagers at the Stump. The Double Red Duke is also a wonderful place for a cocktail and dinner and Yardspace Events host very popular feasting nights at Old Gore Barn a fantastic venue a bike ride away from our showroom.
A MISCONCEPTION ABOUT THE COTSWOLDS WOULD BE…
That the Cotswolds is predominantly a ‘weekend’ place. The Cotswolds has a very real and creative vibe with people who live and work in the area full time. It is more than a place to live, it is surrounded by beautiful honey-stone buildings, meandering streams and rivers and there is a wealth of art and culture.
THREE WORDS TO DESCRIBE THE COTSWOLDS…
Beautiful, mellow, historic
All imagery is kindly shared by Victoria and Luci, you can discover Etalage and be inspired here.
