MEADOW MANOR (CICO Books, 2026) is Rachel Ashwell’s latest book honoring her English countryside home, a 17th Century beauty in Somerset, England. What a lovely and storied home it is!
Photography: Amy Neunsinger
Rachel Ashwell’s Meadow Manor
It is no surprise that her beloved property in the English countryside is the perfect backdrop for her existing pieces, art, and cherished belongings shipped from California and Texas.
After all, as the founder of Shabby Chic, Rachel Ashwell has curated the timeworn patina and romance of imperfect beautiful things for clients and herself for decades.
Shabby Chic Founder’s English Countryside Home
Her collections live happily and harmoniously within the interiors of a 17th Century farmhouse in the countryside known as MEADOW MANOR. Of course it was worthy of its own book!
The book reveals so many amazing design details within the kitchen, sitting rooms, studio, bedrooms, baths, laundry, and a converted attic.
I am drawn to moments like the one below–a peek at the stairs and a bath.
Sage Decorating Advice
“I am mindful of the emotional and aesthetic flow when making decorating choices. I always consider the transitions from hallways into the rooms to which they lead. In this instance, the soft blue-green tiles of the bathroom flow smoothly into the hallway and stairs. The teal-painted stair runner is a smokier, richer shade than teh tiles but of the same palette. Painting the runner in an eggshell finish and leaving the edges white is a lovely way to add color and interest to a well-trodden staircase.” (p. 88)
I love that down-to-earth and actionable takeaway from Rachel to apply to projects of any scale. In fact, for me, this consistent humility through her work over the years is what sets her brand and aesthetic apart. Working with celebrity clients with unlimited budgets seems not to have redirected her sensibilities or commitment to a non-celebrity, non-champagne-budget following.
Shabby Chic Founder’s Evolution
I also appreciate how forthcoming Rachel is in this book about her evolution whether discussing aesthetic, personal growth, or spiritual journey. For example, it’s taking some time for the luxurious enivable bathroom she created for herself at Meadow Manor to feel like an authentic reflection of herself.
She writes, “No doubt this is a dream bathroom. It has been featured in many magazines and would get a five-star rating. Slowly I am falling in love with her. But this process has taught me that my comfort lies in humble fancy, and even though this glamorous bathroom has everything I visualized, I realize I got caught up in a dream that didn’t align with my heart. That can happen in life–making dreams our reality is possible, we just have to make sure the dream fits into our truth and heart.” (p. 127)
Empowered Living Despite Uncertainty
Since I fell in love with her work in the 90s, I have admired Rachel’s devotion to deeply held values and their expression in the details of her creations. To do so demands vulnerability in an ever-changing culture and often unkind marketplace. This quote from Brené Brown springs to mind:
Perhaps there is something about the experience of being in your 60s (like Rachel, Brené, and I) which freshly awakens you to the desire to keep growing and healing.
We are never too old or young to keep learning and stretching, amen? You’ll want to add MEADOW MANOR to your design library, and if like me, you are compelled to read every word within it, you’ll come away changed.
Peace to you right where you are.
-michele
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