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The changing seasons can so often be punctuated by the delights of good food, enjoyed in warm company. In winter, it’s about hearty soups and stews that brush our cheeks with steam, hot chocolates prickled with ginger to be enjoyed on a frosty evening, and all of the other indulgent flavours that mark the arrival of December celebrations. For these simple pleasures, only the most beautiful kitchens will do; country homes with character that welcome you to the kitchen with open arms.
A new arrival to the Light Locations roster, Cirencester House is filled with glowing light and deep, grounded tones. Throughout this converted 18th century barn, accents of red and chocolate brown contrast the neutral panelling whilst classic furnishings give a timeless feel. The bespoke kitchen is painted in a shade of decadent burgundy, with gorgeous marble tops and a stunning gold trimmed oven. The reclaimed oak floorboards bring a level of softness to the clean lines of the shaker cabinetry, and draw the eye through into the dining area. It’s a space certain to come alive on a winter’sevening, lending itself to elegant parties with delicate canapés and glasses of fine wine by the twinkle of candle light.
Located near Stroud, Spring Cottage is a quintessentially English property with charming interiors and beautiful props around every corner. It’s a home that is intrinsically tied with nature, surrounded by a wonderfully wild garden with quirky outbuildings and a pretty greenhouse. The kitchen feels grounded and rustic, with textured brick floors and a traditional cream Aga acting as the beating heart of the house. On the other side of the room, a tidy logburner is nestled beneath the overhead beams, further accentuating the vision of an idyllic country home. It’s easy to imagine a casserole simmering on the stovetop, filled with seasonal vegetables and foraged herbs that fill the room with a thousand delicious scents.
Eclectic and original, this manor house balances ornate period features with joyous pops of colour. Its many rooms are a patchwork of patterns, textures and styles that work together to form a unique space. Beyond the high-ceilinged living rooms, Gaulden Manor’s kitchen is an altogether cosier affair, its vintage furniture creating a homely sense of nostalgia that’s always welcome at Christmas time. The dusky pink walls are lined with shelves of teapots and decorated plates, a mismatch of tableware perfect for heaping high with cheeses, chutneys and all the other festive leftovers that simply can’t be resisted.
Surrounded by meadows and woodland, Drift End has a wildness to it that permeates its very walls. In the midst of the winding web of outbuildings lies the farmhouse, a space almost trapped in time with its prominent beams and antique style furnishings. The kitchen area is an ode to the simple life, with daylight pouring onto the pared-back space and open shelves brimming with handmade ceramics. It would be the place to grab a mug of hot mulled wine when the frost sets in, or choose jars of jewelled fruits to mix into a homemade Christmas pudding.
Pretty in pink, Stroud House brings Georgian finery into a Cotswold stone home. Its pastel tones and ornate details form a subtle elegance throughout, whilst shabby chic furnishings bring effortlessly cool and relaxed style. The kitchen feels almost cottage-like with its exposed walls, tactile beams and gently humming Aga, with jars of grains and woven baskets further painting the picture of country life. The well-loved trestle table in the centre seems ready and waiting for the tickle of flour, an ideal spot for rolling out gingerbread or pastry ready to pack with mincemeat. It’s a kitchen that would suit bustling days with the help of little hands, making a joyous mess with icing and sprinkles on a Sunday afternoon.
From fine dining to finger food, every seasonal recipe deserves a beautiful background to tell its story. Just as Christmas looks different to everyone, so do the homes that bring it to life, their windows alight and glowing like stars in the winter sky.
Explore some of our favourite festive shoots as we go On Location for Christmas, or indulge in the seasonal magic created by Oka at Upton House.
Find A Feature Fireplace for your Christmas Photoshoot to bring crackling warmth to yuletide scenes.
Bring the taste of winter to your own kitchen with our recipe for Slow Roasted Carrot and Swede Soup with Toasted Hazelnuts.
Take a look back at our Top Locations of 2024 ahead of this year’s big reveal, coming in December!
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