Climbing roses cascade in front of doors, frescos adorn the walls, unexpected color bursts from ceilings and alcoves, styles meet and clash in every room – the Summer Folly really is a unique home.
Hidden within the grounds of one of England’s greatest country houses this secret getaway, was once the estate's summer house, playing host to balmy evening parties and sophisticated summer picnics. It then became lodgings for workers on the estate and even hid an anti-aircraft battery during the Second World War, this property has quite the history.
Now, it's a gorgeous holiday rental, with plush beds and a roll-top bath. But there's still that feel of a house that's seen a lot – the decor is a mismatch of contemporary and traditional, modern velvet sofas sit in front of hand-painted ancient walls and every room is a treasure trove of surprises and quirky pieces. Let's take a tour...
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Living room
The first thing you notice about the living room are the walls. Hand-painted Fresco adorn the walls and ceiling, portraying the life of the previous tenant. The muted hues are the perfect backdrop for the deep rich blues of the velvet sofa and hints of mustard in the throw cushions.
The contemporary shapes contrast beautifully with traditional motifs on the walls, giving the room an eclectic but still very modern vibe. The colors of the ceiling and reflected in the large area rug, giving the space a cohesive feel despite the juxtaposition of styles.
Through an archway in the living room, there's an adjoining snug, with similarly painted walls. There's a very calming olive green scheme, warmed by the terracotta tones in the Frescos.
The small space is still filled with light from the large windows, and is the perfect nook for reading. A built-in bench adds extra seating and brings in more of those mossy green tones.
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Kitchen
Styles also clash in the kitchen, with vivid green Shaker-style cabinets mixing with a colorful wall made up of Moroccan tiles. The tiles actually bring this bold kitchen color scheme together, reflecting the pale sky blue of the walls and the warm wood of the dining table and flooring.
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Dining room
Leading on from the kitchen is a more formal dining room. This traditional space is given an unexpected modern twist with the creamy yellow alcoves and matching beams.
Library
Through an archway in the dining room is a flash of red that is the library. With the walls, ceilings, and cabinetry painted in this enveloping, inviting shade, this is yet another place to perch with a coffee and a good book – take your pick.
Snug
In the annex is a second, more cozy informal living room perfect for movie nights. There's a more cottagey feel in here, with a deep cumbersome corner sofa, buttoned back footstool and lots of squishy cushions. There's also a small kitchen so you don't have to traipse back to the main house for refreshments.
Master bedroom
The master bedroom takes up the whole of the second floor. Painted all over in a lovely muted teal shade with paneled ceilings and a traditional cast iron bed.
The ensuite is equipped with a roll-top bath, strategically situated to make the most of the gorgeous views over the surrounded countryside and the stately home.
Guest bedroom
The second bedroom is back on the first floor. Mulberry tones run throughout the space, even the window frames and doors are painted in a pretty muted pink. The space feels cozy in a lovely traditional way – like a bedroom from an old childhood book.
The same pinky shades can be found in the ensuite, with the crimson roll top bath and matching artwork. Even the patterned tiles have hints of deep red within them.
The Summer Folly is available to rent through Unique Homestays.
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