A Visit to Burford & Interiors Inspiration ‘At Home With The Rudds’
BURFORD, often referred to as the ‘Gateway to the Cotswolds’, is a quintessential English village that encapsulates the charm and beauty of rural Britain.
With its honey-hued stone cottages, historic architecture, and winding High Street, Burford is everything I imagined a Cotswolds township to be. Nestled along the River Windrush, in the West Oxfordshire district, the village boasts a rich history dating back to medieval times, and is complete with antique shops, cosy tea rooms, galleries, and quaint pubs.
We popped in for a superb coffee at Lynwood & Co – known for bringing a slice of Sydney’s coffee culture to the heart of the Cotswolds. My mother, Sarah Hope, said it was the best coffee she had in England, and then we discovered the franchise is Australian founded and owned! Even our tastebuds are biased. (My now-husband, Haavard, said the hot chocolate was top-notch too!)
After coffee, we strolled down the main street, and Mum took us to one of her favourite stores, ‘At Home With the Rudds’.
Nestled in a Georgian building with its traditional bow windows, the store embodies timeless British interior design. The stone façade sets the tone for what’s inside: curated collections that blend old and new, celebrating heritage, contemporary style, and slow living in harmony.
Each corner of the store is a treat for interiors enthusiasts like Mum and I! The shelves brim with handpicked pieces—from lighting, stunning lampshades (all fabrics are designed in the Cotswolds!), to candles and textiles that add a touch of sophistication to any space. As I wandered through the store, I felt so inspired by combinations of textures and tones that evoked such depth and character, while still feeling fresh and inviting.
As an editorial photographer and writer with a deep love for all things ‘home’ and interiors aesthetics, I had the opportunity to capture a series of photographs that reflect the essence of At Home With The Rudds. Carefully stacked lampshades, candles and smaller homewares, an array of textiles, furnishings, and prints, all tell a story of craftsmanship and attention to detail. Step inside the store yourself, in my collection of photographs below:
One of the most valuable things about travelling that Mum has imparted to me, is absorbing the different forms of creativity and expression that a foreign country has to offer. In an interiors sense, it’s how people with a different eye group and layer things together; how they place emphasis on different details, and share a fresh perspective on living. But there’s an inherent familiarity in England – a genetic connection – that speaks to us, through their interiors. Our Australian Country House creative ethos is, after all, a blend of where the timelessness of an English country home, meets our own rustic elegance.
I purchased a trio of aqua glass candlesticks, and they have since featured in quite a few photoshoots! See how Sarah styled them below in a brand photoshoot I captured at Woolbrook Homestead:
Our shared love for curated spaces with a narrative, reminds me of why shops like these are so special. Whether you’re sourcing that perfect antique to complete a room, or finding a contemporary piece that speaks to you, the experience of shopping in such a beautifully considered environment is one to savour.
As I reflect on our visit to Burford, I am reminded that we curate our best spaces when they represent the things we love, and a lifestyle that speaks to us. At Home With The Rudds invites us to appreciate life’s little luxuries, while remaining anchored in the simple pleasure of creating spaces we love to enjoy.
Tourist Tips for Burford:
Parking: Free parking is available along Burford’s High Street. It was so busy though, so we parked down a side street!
Dining: The Highway Inn for traditional English fare, or The Priory Tea Room if you’re looking for a classic tea with scones! Our coffee recommendation is of course, Lynwood & Co .
Shopping: Explore At Home With the Rudds, antique shops (Manfred Schotten Antiques, Antiques At The George, pictured below), or visit Burford Garden Company, a local favourite.
Accommodation: There are gorgeous cottages (and inns) dotted all around the region for a true Cotswolds experience! We stayed atLittle Lamb Cottage, in Chipping Campden, Gloucestershire, an easy 29 minute drive away.