The Rectory is a stunning Grade 2 listed property dating back to 1750, and every inch of this beautiful home has been lovingly renovated by its owner Emily Taberner. The location was recently featured in 25 Beautiful Homes, with a gorgeous set of images and an article praising Emily for being “devoted to detail”. We caught up with Emily to find out more about how The Rectory came to be, and what inspires her carefully curated spaces.

About Emily

How would you describe yourself to someone who doesn’t know you?

Creative, kind, capable & fun!

Tell us about your journey so far?

I used to work as an underwriter in the City but when we moved to Singapore in 2011, I took the opportunity to change career direction and I opened a children’s concept store with a friend, shipping in furniture & decor from all over the world for children’s rooms. This really ignited my love for design and I started designing kids rooms, and took courses in photography and styling. Having moved back to England three years ago, I wanted to take some time to settle my children and find our family home and then spent the next two years renovating our beautiful house. I am now looking at starting my own business again so I am currently working on setting that up and deciding what shape that will take. I love designing and working with skilled craftsmen and makers so I am excited about figuring out my next chapter.

Developing The Rectory

How did you know that The Rectory was the one when you saw it?

I cried when we walked through the door on our first viewing! Makes me sound like a bit of an emotional wreck, but I felt immediately moved by this house.

Which room of your home has had the most dramatic transformation since moving in?

Ooh tricky – so many of them! The drawing room is dramatically different. When we moved in, it had yellow flock wallpaper and striped window seat cushions. I pared the colours right back, added a beautiful cornice and simple beading on the walls so you really look at the view as you enter and have a feeling of calm & serenity in there.

What was the biggest challenge when renovating your beautiful home?

Creating our master bedroom suite was challenging as we turned a bedroom into our ensuite bathroom and had to put in all the pipework in for that. Also the utility room was tricky as we were knocking two small rooms together so that was a fun challenge.

Where are your favourite places to shop for furniture and homeware?

Rowen & Wren, DeVOL and Maison Curate. And the Saleroom.

How would you describe your interior style?

Refined, heritage & homely.

What’s your favourite room or space in the rectory?

The drawing room. It is a really pared back room with high ceilings and panelling; and as the house is on a hill and the room is west facing, you get the most beautiful sunsets right down to the horizon.

Where do you find your home styling inspiration comes from?

Historic homes & I have always loved French interior style, so trips to Paris are always inspiring!

What is your favourite thing about living in a country house?

A beautiful view from every room.

What’s next on the horizon for you?

Just figuring that out! Deciding whether to set up my own thing again or re-enter the workplace. I’d like to design my own range of wall lights as I have found those very hard to find!

Shoots and Photography

How did you first find out about Light Locations?

Through a friend who had done it with their home in London.

Have you always wanted to rent your house out for shoots?

No! I only realised it was an option this year!

What was your first shoot like? Was it what you had expected?

It was more full on than I expected – it was a major operation! But the crew were really considerate and thoughtful and I very much enjoyed how they cleverly used our rooms in many different ways.

Have you enjoyed having photoshoots at the house?

Very much so! I particularly love seeing the stylists and photographers work – where they place things, what they see. I love seeing the house dressed up in different ways.

Complete the Sentence

My favourite place to eat is… the St Regis cafe on Ile Saint-Louis, Paris.

If I could teleport anywhere right now, I’d go to… New York to see two of my closest friends.

I’d never say no to a slice of… Lemon drizzle cake.

My ideal weekend involves…Being at home with the family; a dog walk, Sunday roast & games by the fire.

My favourite quote is… “The world is full of magic things, patiently waiting for our senses to grow sharper” – W.B.Yeats.

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Ready for more inspiration?

Get some more insider insights from location owners by reading our recent Q&A with Photographer and Stroud House Owner Ali Allen.

Thinking of hiring your home out as a photoshoot location? Check out our article on The Pro’s and Con’s of Renting your House out for Photoshoots and then find out How to Register a Property as a Photoshoot Location.

Find out what a star location looks like as we go On Location at Church Road, exploring some of the amazing brands that have shot there.

As always, you can search for any location by key features or style by using our Find a Location page.