The Notebook– 100 Acres

Nov 05, 2024

Escape with 100 Acres x TROY London

Welcome to ‘Escape with 100 Acres’, our series where we sit down with our favourite creatives and spill their secrets on the perfect countryside escape.

This time, we caught up with the incredible Rosie van Cutsem, co-founder of the gorgeous TROY London - home to some of the countryside’s coolest clothing and outerwear, all of which is perfect for some serious Winter field frolicking.

From wild walks to cosy baths, read on to discover Rosie’s countryside secrets....

Rosie, hi!

Imagine it’s Friday afternoon - you’ve grabbed your wellies, loaded up the car and are heading out for a gorgeous weekend countryside escape. Where are you heading and where are you staying?

I am heading to stay with Lucia, my sister and co-founder of TROY, in beautiful rolling Shropshire. The lush green fields and forests are ideal for long walks as we plot the next TROY collection. We came up with the concept of TROY on a yomp across fields and it remains a great way for us to get our heads together and think creatively.

And what's in your weekend bag?

- A great novel

- Donna Ida super long jeans

- Penelope Chilvers boots

- One or two of our TROY pieces such as brushed cotton shirts and I always have my trusty Wax Parka in camo print which hides the mud splatters and paw marks!

- I always love to take a gift for my host and adore the beautifully scented 100 Acres Single Wick Signature Candle.

Tell us about your perfect weekend day in the countryside. What are you getting up to?

A lazy breakfast with the weekend papers is the perfect start, albeit this is usually out of reach due to the happy chaos of little children.

Heading out for a long ride or a blustery beach walk is ideal for blowing away the cobwebs and building an appetite for a pub lunch and... since we are still in dream land... an afternoon of antiquing.

Your top three spots in the whole of the British countryside – any secret ones?!

I love wild and rugged spots such as the Stiffkey Marshes in Norfolk, or the far-flung isle of South Uist where I spent my childhood summers. That said, it is wonderful to visit special houses and gardens - I adore cooking and my favourite part of any garden is where the vegetables and herbs are growing. Visiting foodie havens such as Hampton Manor is always hugely inspiring!

Cut to Monday morning and you’re back in the hustle of everyday life. What are your tips for keeping a touch of countryside peace with you, even on the busiest of days?

Starting my day with a slightly earlier alarm allows time for a scented bubble bath (100 Acres of course) with the window wide open, at this time of the year seeing the first shadow of dawn light and hearing the start of the birdsong. From there I eek out short bursts of time for dog walks, some stretching or movement with Zoe Warren's online membership, or if I am really flat out just winding down the car window for a blast of fresh air as I wizz to the next meeting!

And finally, if you had a hundred acres anywhere in the world…where would it be, why, and what would you do with it? 

I think it would have to be a place in the mountains somewhere in Europe – perfect for all-year-round fun and adventure.

Whether in Italy, Spain or France it would be amazing to have a small base for adventuring, lots of exercise and introduce the children to European culture... and to feast on the wonderful local food! 

Want to win your own countryside escape? Click here and you could win an overnight escape to Hampton Manor worth over £1000...

ENTER HERE

Oct 18, 2024

Escape with 100 Acres x Birdie Fortescue

Welcome to another edition of our "Escape with 100 Acres series" where we chat with our favourite friends and creatives to spill their secrets on the very best countryside escape.

This time, we caught up with the wonderful Birdie, founder of the eponymous “Birdie Fortescue” - an online treasure trove of curated, beautifully unique furniture and homewares from around the globe.

Based in beautiful Norfolk, read on to discover Birdie's perfect English countryside escape...

Birdie, hi!

So imagine it's Friday evening and you're about to spend a weekend frolicking through the countryside. Where are you heading and where are you staying?

I used to go to Cornwall every summer for a holiday, so it’s always a treat to revisit those childhood memories. I particularly love the area around Constantine Bay - the Trevose Headland features a beautiful coastal walking route, but every inch of the Cornish coastline is worth exploring, with its rocky coves, wide sandy beaches and charming villages. A day trip to St Ives, where you can wander around the art galleries and enjoy the general art scene and a delicious lunch, is always a highlight. I’ve stayed in several places, but I always choose somewhere dog-friendly, luxurious yet low-key, with the beach closeby.

That sounds heavenly. And your three essentials for a countryside escape?

- A soft and sumptuous cashmere scarf from Johnstons of Elgin - perfect for a blustery walk along the coast!

- 100 Acres' Beautiful Body Wash - I just love how long the scent lasts and it smells wonderful.

- My Azulejo Notebook from Birdie Fortescue. This decorative and useful notebook has tactile hand-milled paper, and I use it for everything - from taking notes on inspiration to creating my daily shopping list

- And this wonderful 4 in 1 game set - really useful and essential for holidays as well as being a great design

Your top three favourite spots in the whole of the British countryside - any secret ones?!

The North Norfolk coast, of course, although this is no secret! Holkham Beach is my favourite, with such wide, expansive sands it never feels busy and the dogs can run wild! I also love walking from Wells to Burnham Overy Staithe with a pit stop at The Hero for a drink, followed by a walk back through the woodland.

Mull in Scotland is a completely idyllic island with stunning scenery and incredibly peaceful. You’ll be lucky if you catch it on a sunny day, but it's a magical setting in any weather.

I was brought up in the Cotswolds so this is an area close to my heart. The countryside and architecture is so unique and even though it has been taken over by the masses, there are still many hidden spots.

Cut to Monday morning and you're back in the hustle and bustle of everyday life. What are your tips for keeping a touch of countryside peace with you, even on the business of days?

I always have some 100 Acres Hand Cream close by - I just love 100 Acres scents, they are so uplifting. Another top tip if you are working from home is to have your desk close to a window with a view - the nearest thing to being outside. Always keep a multitude of fresh flowers or potted plants around your house and this will lift your spirit even on the dullest of days!

And if you had a hundred acres anywhere in the world - where would it be, why, and what would you do with it?

Italy - 100 Acres in Tuscany would be a dream come true! A charming villa surrounded by cypress trees, lavender and olive groves is the ultimate dream!

And finally (purely because we're nosy and are obsessed with all things to do with botanicals and fragrance), if you could design a perfect scent to have at home - made purely from herbs, flowers and fruits - what would be in it?

I just love geraniums and rosemary, and know that these two scents work well together. Exploring variations of these would be exciting, perhaps with something citrusy for freshness, or lavender for relaxation.

If you're yet to discover Birdie Fortescue, you can find their beautiful website here and they've kindly shared an exclusive discount code for our 100 Acres customers. Use the code ACRES15 to receive 15% off their website until the end of November.

You can also read our Q&A conversation with Birdie all about 100 Acres here.

VISIT BIRDIE FORTESCUE

SHOP 100 ACRES

Jul 25, 2024

Escape with...100 Acres x Amelia Windsor

Welcome to another edition of our "Escape with 100 Acres series" where we chat with our favourite friends and creatives to uncover their secrets for the very best countryside escape.

This time, I'm chatting to my gorgeous friend Amelia Windsor - a fierce lover of Mother Nature and lifelong connoisseur of the countryside escape - to discover the secrets behind her perfect weekend in the countryside.

Amelia! Hi...

So, imagine it’s a Friday afternoon. It’s been a long week in London and you’re heading out to the countryside for the weekend. You’ve packed a weekend bag and loaded up the Land Rover - where are you heading and where are you staying?

I love exploring the British countryside and feel so blessed to have so much beauty on our doorstep.

I would hop on a train to Hastings and stay at The Old Rectory which is owned by fashion designer Lionel Copley.

I would go for long walks on the beach and have lunch at Bayte in St Leonards On Sea before coming back to the hotel for a long 100 Acres Bubble Bath and dinner...

What three songs are on your road trip playlist?

Bombino - Tamiditine

Amber Mark - Comin’ Around Again

Fleetwood Mac - Tango in the Night

And what’s in your weekend bag?

Talia Collins bikini made from regenerated nylon

Birkenstock sandals

My 100 Acres Body Lotion that I've been using for years - it smells so good!

A good book - My Family and Other Seedlings by Lalage Snow (comes out on 2nd May)

Monc sunglasses

Damson Madder dress

Chantecaille Rosewater Spray

I'd love to know your favourite secret spot in the whole of the British countryside. Our readers won't tell...

Definitely Holkham Beach in Norfolk. It feels so extremely vast and wild. You must go if you haven't already!

What are you cooking / drinking? Any particular cooks or recipes that you love?

I adore Palomas! Grapefruit juice, tequila, lime and a touch of cinnamon. Amazing

And what would your dream countryside escape alfresco supper set up look like?

Bell Hutley placemats and lots of seasonal flowers. I love mismatched plates (I often find them in Golborne Road antique market) along with beautiful mismatched vintage coloured cocktail glasses

100 Acres x Amelia Windsor - Signature Three Wick Scented Candle Diptyque Neon

100 Acres x Amelia Windsor - vintage Land Rover

Ok so it’s Monday morning and you’re back in London. How do you like to keep a touch of the wild with you, even when you're in the city?

I absolutely adore my 100 Acres Signature Candle - if you close your eyes it transports you to a green, wildflower meadow! And of course a few shells from the beach.

Lastly…if you could have a hundred acres anywhere in the world, where would it be, why and what would you do with it?

If I had 100 acres in the UK I would let it rewild itself. I would hope to protect some ancient woodland, preserve as many of our ancient, majestic trees as possible and let Mother Nature do her magic!

SHOP 100 ACRES

Feb 15, 2024

Escape with 100 Acres - Harriet Wetton from Narchie Home

Welcome to ‘Escape with 100 Acres’, the series where we chat to our favourite creatives from Britain and beyond, to uncover their secrets for the perfect countryside escape.

For this edition, we chatted to Harriet Wetton - founder of cool independent homeware platform, Narchie. A treasure trove of vintage, one-off and artisan furniture - the sort of pieces you'd find in a sprawling countryside home. Scroll down for an exclusive offer for 100 Acres readers, too.

100 Acres x Narchie x Quist Treehouses Brinsop

100 Acres Luxury Natural Botanical Bubble Bath

You've grabbed a weekend bag, packed it with wellies, your favourite dress and loaded up the Land Rover. Where are you heading and where are you staying?

"I absolutely love the Cotswolds and we stayed in a beautiful cottage last year owned by Interior Designer, Victoria Barker. It was near some fantastic pubs and Daylesford. We also had the most magical stay at The Quist treehouse, which is on the 800 acre Brinsop Estate in Herefordshire. I love a few days off grid."

Your three essentials for a countryside escape?

"A Ganni beanie, my apple watch for maps and step count and my MaisonGames Backgammon Set."

What three songs are on your road trip playlist?

"I Remember Everything - Zach Bryan, Lovely Day - Ben Roberts and The Thrill - Wiz Khalifa"

Your three favourite spots in the whole of the British countryside?

"Kingham is a great village in the Cotswolds, Rye near the coast in East Sussex has some great antique shops and is so pretty. The Ashdown Forest in East Sussex is so beautiful, too - amazing for long countryside strolls."

It’s Monday morning and you’re back in the city. How do you like to keep a touch of the wild with you during busy weeks?

"I light a candle everyday on my desk and 100 Acres' Signature candle is the perfect deskside addition. The scent instantly takes me back to the countryside. And then winding down with the 100 Acres Botanical Bubble Bath is the absolute best way to end a busy work day."

If you had a hundred acres anywhere in the world, where would it be, why, and what would you do with it?

"It would have to be in East Sussex, near to where I live now. I would use it to build an equestrian haven for my two horses Zorro and Grace, and would inevitably end up with lots more horses. It would just be endless fields and forests - can you imagine!"

Harriet is offering our 100 Acres readers a coveted £10 off Narchie with the code NARCHIE10 - this doesn't come around very often. Bursting with gorgeous homeware, you'll either love us or hate us for introducing you. Happy homeware hunting. X

Narchie is the social homeware marketplace app, where a new generation of decor enthusiasts can buy, sell and connect. The app makes discovering unique pieces for the home sustainable, inspiring and easy. Shop from thousands of the best independent brands, artists, makers and resellers all in one place.

Use the code NARCHIE10 to get £10 off your next purchase.

VISIT NARCHIE

SHOP 100 ACRES

Image credits: Harriet Pringle. Quist treehouses. Tom Griffiths. Kyle Bonello.

Nov 17, 2023

A Stylish Gift Guide - Independent British Brands, 2023

Here’s our take on the very best of cool, British gifting this Christmas.

Every product is from an independent British brand, doing things ethically, sustainably and the right way. A seriously tasteful (if we may say so ourselves) collection of effortless, luxurious gifts.

Order in just a few clicks, and have them arrive on your doorstep in a few days time. Christmas sorted.

100 Acres

Luxury Hand Gift Set

Golden Winter Three Wick Candle

Relax Bath, Body & Massage Oil

Yolke

Dress, Passion Flower Pink

Dressing Gown, Petal Green

So Souk

Weekend Bag, Pink Patchwork Hand Blockprint

Cosmetics Bag, Pistachio Johari Hand Blockprint

Large Lemon Pitcher Jug

Hoxton Mini Press - a gorgeous collection of three lifestyle books

British Boutique Hotels, by Gina Jackson

British Family Escapes, by Alice Tate

British Cabins & Hideaways, by Holly Farrier

Space Masks

Heated Jasmine Scented Sleep Masks (includes donation to The Royal Marsden's Cancer Charity. Buy from Space Masks here, or Oliver Bonas here

Folc Wine

A x3 case of their delicious, dry English rosé

Really Wild

Spanish Biker Boots, Brown Suede

and we of course have to include a glorious countryside escape. Try one of our favourite countryside hotels - The Painswick - surrounded by greenery and set in the famous Slad Valley, a night or two at this absolutely heavenly property would be a seriously memorable Christmas gift.

Shop CHRISTMAS GIFTs

The Notebook

Escape with 100 Acres x TROY London

Escape with 100 Acres x Birdie Fortescue

Escape with...100 Acres x Amelia Windsor

Escape with 100 Acres - Harriet Wetton from Narchie Home

A Stylish Gift Guide - Independent British Brands, 2023

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The Notebook

Escape with 100 Acres x TROY London

Escape with 100 Acres x Birdie Fortescue

Escape with...100 Acres x Amelia Windsor

Escape with 100 Acres - Harriet Wetton from Narchie Home

A Stylish Gift Guide - Independent British Brands, 2023