SHOP
The best shops in the Cotswolds for interiors
Armada Cottage is a 15th Century holiday cottage in Charlbury, owned by interior designer Beth Dadswell of Imperfect Interiors. She has shared her favourite local places for guests to visit for interior & garden inspiration.
BY BETH DADSWELL
29 November 2024
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Town of Tetbury
Anyone interested in antiques must make the pilgrimage to Tetbury, which has one of the best high streets in the Cotswolds for antiques. There is something for everyone- Lorfords, Brownrigg & Josephine Ryan all sell beautiful and unusual pieces for those with deep pockets, whilst there are several less expensive shops selling smaller pieces. We found several of the ceramic vases & the framed bird prints hung in the kitchen of Armada Cottage there. You should also visit Closa if you are looking for kitchen inspiration, as the showroom has been beautifully fitted into an old chapel on the high street
Tetbury, Gloucestershire
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Station Mill Antiques Centre
Chipping Norton is just a 10 minute drive from Charlbury and home to this wonderful warren of rooms that contain antiques and bric a brac sourced by multiple local dealers. You can find anything from a mid-century lamp to a Georgian dining table in here, and everything in between. We found crockery, antique books and lots of furniture there for Armada Cottage, and spotted David & Victoria Beckham doing the same thing!
Station Rd, Chipping Norton OX7 5HX
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Yarn Home
Antique rugs that are still in good condition can be hard to track down, but are a lovely way to add character to a country house. Yarn Home have been collecting antique rugs for the past 30 years and have an incredible selection squirrelled away in Charlbury- they don’t have a shop but you can contact them via their website to view the collection.
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Chippy Flower Farm
No house is properly decorated without flowers. Five minutes down the road from Charlbury, Chippy Flower Farm grow and sell freshly cut flowers throughout the sunnier months- you can pick your own or buy ready made bouquets. During the colder months, they host workshops and still have a few last slots on their wreath making classes in December.
Little Tew, Chipping Norton OX7 4JW
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Tara Antiques Centre
This Grade 2 Listed building in the heart of Stowe on the Wold is another great place for a rummage. It is spread over 3 floors and sells antiques sourced from 30 different dealers. It is reasonably priced and will appeal to all you magpies out there, as well as serious collectors & dealers. Just a 15 minute drive from Charlbury too.
The Square, Stow-on-the-Wold, Cheltenham GL54 1AF
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Daylesford Farm
If you are looking for scented candles, tableware or unusual pieces of furniture, this is a veritable treasure trove. I particularly like their linen tablecloths & napkins and their handmade glasses. They also have a sprinkling of unusual antiques if you are looking for something really special, and their Christmas decorations are particularly good too. Everything is so beautifully presented that you may pop in just for a candle and a cappuccino but come out with a cashmere blanket too!
Daylesford, Moreton-in-Marsh GL56 0YG
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Burford Garden Co
This is my favourite garden centre in the Cotswolds- it may not be the cheapest but it does have an incredible selection of indoor & outdoor plants, fruit trees & spring bulbs. As well as a huge range of stylish garden furniture, lighting, cushions and anything else that you could possibly need for your home or garden. Not to mention the food hall, or the fantastic book shop that is literally heaving with interior design & gardening books. I never leave empty handed!
Shilton Rd, Burford OX18 4PA
Located in a charming and historic small Cotswolds market town, Armada Cottage is one of the oldest buildings in Charlbury, and parts of the building date back to 1489. It is believed that many of the timbers, particularly the ancient floorboards in the first-floor bedroom, came from a ship that sailed during the Armada, hence the name.
Behind the traditional stone façade lies a stylish and unique retreat filled with earthy hues and natural tones. Inspired by the colours of the countryside, the cottage was designed by Imperfect Interiors and contains a mix of unfussy antiques and modern comfort. Every detail of this charming stone cottage has been carefully restored and characterfully updated, and offers a stylish and comfortable retreat in the countryside for up to 4 people.
For more information, head to Armada Cottage’s website.