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 utterly 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?
- 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?
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...
Ellea
Co-Founder
