The country weekend is one I have grown to love.
A city girl born and raised has made the country an unfamiliar place, especially the English countryside. Growing up in Australia meant my interpretation of “the country” could not be more different to the countryside in Europe. Australia is rugged, it is vast and in many cases the landscape is unforgiving. When I think of Australian country I see an infinite view, a savage beauty and a land that breeds tough and capable individuals.
The English countryside is heart stopping in its rich and luxurious pastures.
Softly, softly are the words that come to mind. Manicured fields as far as the eye can see, making you want to stop and stroke their verdant pastures. A symphony of never ending, rolling and velvet greens that make me feel as if I am living in a nineteenth century novel.
Medieval spires mark the small hamlets dotted throughout the countryside; a one-horse town could be aptly referred to as a one-spire town. Narrow lanes bordered by hedgerows, so narrow that even one car is a challenge, are home to pheasants and deer.
They have right away.
It is true the English countryside appears idyllic.
Staying in the English countryside is where the real experience begins.
The warmth of a country home is unique. The famous decor mastered by so many Brits is a welcome lesson in the meaning of warmth. Oftentimes slightly shambolic and even shabby, never perfect, the true country decor has a luxury of its own.
Age is revered and patina protected. Comfort is everything when talking soft furnishings and surroundings. The heating may be on slow-mo but the sofa will be puffed to perfection and the cushions lightweight and down-filled. The bedroom will be filled with an ambient glow, the lamplight making every surface rosy. Vases of fresh flowers from the garden placed on the dressing table and the latest novels stacked alongside the bed make a home away from home. Curtains will be heavily lined and drawn in the early evening to ensure an uninterrupted and deep slumber; the bath will be stocked with delicious scents to calm and smooth.
The country weekend would not be complete without endless muddy walks.
Hiking or rambling as it is called is a national pastime and an after-lunch ritual during the country weekend. Walking through the fields, with the dogs scampering about is one of my preferred ways to spend the afternoon. The idea of forging ahead without fear of insects and reptiles is something I will never become accustomed to; I still listen to every rustle and watch my feet.
I am not sure if the walking builds the appetite or the country habit of being extremely well fed makes the walking all the more energetic, but either way both are signatures of a country weekend.
Country food is hearty and plentiful and a large part of country life. The Pub dinner and the Sunday roast are the non negotiable of a country weekend. The local, the Gastro pub down the lane, no longer serves a pint and a bag of crisps to their customers; it is home to some of the best cooking in the county.
What to wear for a country weekend?
The country wardrobe is more relaxed, softer and less structured. The English country means cashmere, Wellington boots and a good outdoor jacket. Evenings can be dressy, but not in a city way, in a comfortable way; again cashmere is the answer.
I never know what to pack for the country.
Black seems all wrong and yet it is the staple in my city wardrobe. Tailored kind of misses the mark and yet the casual style I favour in France doesn’t work, simply because of the weather. Recently I was given some pieces from Winser London and they worked beautifully. Various muted colours in silks and cashmeres that softened my city style.
If you are planning a trip to the United Kingdom, be overwhelmed by the bright lights of the city but don’t forget to experience the charm and delight of a country weekend.
I think you will be enchanted, xv.
images james fennell
