It is said that ‘shopping is the cure for all sadness’ so why not beat the winter blues with a visit to the iconic Burford Garden Company in the heart of the Cotswolds.
Retail heaven to those in the know, this stylish emporium just outside Burford is about as far as you can get from the madding crowds of the British high street. Staunchly independent and distinctly non-corporate, this relaxed utopia offers an ever-changing collection of unique pieces for the home and garden.
So how does it all come together?
A flurry of activity goes on behind the scenes. While I leisurely browse this season’s collection, the Burford Garden Co. buying team is busy planning the next, individually sourcing each piece. This involves meeting and talking to a lot of local designers, artisans and artists, and travelling the world to find the colourful and eclectic pieces that lend a touch of the exotic. The buying team tell me they are always on the hunt for unusual quality pieces.
The buyers also look for a story, and are frequently drawn to working directly with craftspeople and small businesses, both locally and globally. That’s why you will find pottery, such as the exquisite Mia Sarosi, fired from porcelain made by Valentine Clays in Stoke-on-Trent, alongside stunning hand-blown lights crafted in Damascus.
The net is cast far and wide, from Turkish kilim furniture, to natural dyed indigo throws from West Africa. Burford Garden Company is the place to go if you are seeking interiors that are eclectic, stylish and, most importantly, well made. Alongside the new, you’ll also find vintage collections of furniture, china and vases as well as ancient artefacts and contemporary art to inspire. In amongst the hewn oak dining tables I even found a stunning vintage Slovakian motorbike, complete with trailer!
If your leanings are more towards the garden, Burford’s extensive range of plants can’t fail to motivate you to don your wellies and head outside. Beautifully presented and maintained in tip-top condition, the displays include everything from trees to pot plants and change with the seasons. The eclectic ‘Burford look’ spills into the garden too, with beautiful zinc water features and vintage garden ornaments to add the wow factor to outside spaces.
Indoors or out, Burford Garden Company is renowned for its imaginative and surprising offerings. Take your time to explore this unique store in the Cotswolds. And while you are there, pop into the award-winning, glasshouse café for a bite to eat.
But don’t fret if you can’t go straight away: Butler Sherborn have managed to secure you a very special 10% discount off your first online shop if you buy or rent a property through them.
Burford Garden Company - https://www.burford.co.uk/
