The interiors of most English country houses are layered, their contents and fittings reflecting the fortunes and lifestyles of their proprietors; rich tapestry hangings that clothe the walls, embroideries and bed hangings, plaster work ceilings, and friezes. This is the family childhood home of India Hicks in Oxfordshire, England, The Grove, all lovely, warm and classic. This country house speaks volumes about designer David Hicks's, her father, personal lifestyle of family and comfort, and his love for Anglo-French gardens of the early 18th century. Combining the form and formality of France, with the romance of an English country garden, David Hicks created sequences of green "rooms" outlined by avenues and vistas. Lady Pamela Hicks, India's mother who is 687th in line for the throne, continues to live on the estate; while it is not open to the public, I have heard they will sometimes open it up to small groups.
It's now the end of March, and the light has begun to change, taking on a sparkling fresh feel, and I just couldn't resist showing you just a few rooms of this lovely, light-filled country home...
Photo credit: Brittany Ambridge for Domino
