

The 'other' Downton Abbey: exploring Bampton
Downton Abbey is my favourite TV show and the one that, more than any other, has made the English country lifestyle famous.
In this video I'll take you to Bampton, the beautiful village just outside the Cotswolds that was used as the set for the fictional village of Downton.
Joining me is a special guest who knows everything about the Cotswolds and will share with us some insights about the impact of Downton Abbey on the village.
What a better way to prepare for the upcom
Laura Mattei
3 days ago2 min read
6 views
0 comments

From Tuscany to the English countryside: how you can change your life at 40
Can you change your life at 40? I did it. Discover my journey and why it's never too late to turn your life around and follow your dreams.
Laura Mattei
Mar 251 min read
13 views
0 comments

Cream Tea o Afternoon Tea? The British tea traditions
Discover everything there is to know about the English tea traditions, including how they started and became a staple of British culture
Laura Mattei
Feb 261 min read
6 views
0 comments

My British country clothing (and four outfits I love)
Discover in this video the secrets of British country clothing and how I interpret this unmistakable style with four outfits I love
Laura Mattei
Feb 51 min read
5 views
0 comments


The best English Christmas traditions
Find out in this video how my way of celebrating Christmas has changed since I moved to live in the English countryside.
Laura Mattei
Dec 20, 20241 min read
1 view
0 comments


Eight key features of the perfect cottage decor (Part 2)
Discover in this video the final four key elements of the perfect cottage style and how to add a country and romantic touch to your home.
Laura Mattei
Dec 4, 20241 min read
3 views
0 comments


The eight key features of the perfect cottage decor (Part 1)
Loved by millions, cottage décor is unique and unmistakable. Discover in this video four key features of the perfect cottage style.
Laura Mattei
Nov 22, 20241 min read
9 views
0 comments


Six typical features of English country cottages
Find out in this video what are six typical features that make English cottages so unique and fascinating and help define their identity.
Laura Mattei
Oct 30, 20241 min read
6 views
0 comments


A day at real Downton Abbey
Discover in this video the majestic residence in the Hampshire countryside where Downton Abbey was filmed and its connection with Italy.
Laura Mattei
Oct 16, 20241 min read
5 views
0 comments

Why England is a paradise for walking in nature
Walk with me through the beautiful Hampshire countryside and discover in this video why England really is a walker's paradise.
Laura Mattei
Oct 2, 20241 min read
4 views
0 comments

Six books to read on the English countryside (part 2)
Discover in this video the last three books of my selection of six masterpieces inspired by the English countryside. With a final twist...
Laura Mattei
Sep 18, 20241 min read
9 views
0 comments


Discover England's most crooked Tudors houses
Discover Lavenham, England's best preserved medieval village where houses have been defying gravity for more than 600 years.
Laura Mattei
Sep 4, 20241 min read
6 views
0 comments


Six must-read books about the English countryside (Part 1)
Discover in this video the first three novels in my personal selection of books that are set in or inspired by the English countryside.
Laura Mattei
Aug 21, 20241 min read
7 views
0 comments

Discover England's most beautiful garden
England is the land of gardens. In this video full of colours and emotion I take you on a tour of England's most beautiful garden.
Laura Mattei
Aug 7, 20241 min read
1 view
0 comments


His Majesty, the pub. History & fun facts about English pubs
Pubs are quintessential British institution and continue to play a crucial role in British society, especially in villages. Find out why.
Laura Mattei
Aug 1, 202411 min read
176 views
0 comments

A Regency Week in the footsteps of Jane Austen
Discover in this video the festival that every year celebrates in Chawton Jane Austen's literary heritage and the Regency era.
Laura Mattei
Jul 24, 20241 min read
6 views
0 comments


The five most picturesque villages in the Cotswolds
Nothing is more quintessentially English than the Cotswolds. Uncover in this video the five
Laura Mattei
Jul 10, 20241 min read
2 views
0 comments


The great mission of the National Trust
The National Trust is one of the great British institutions and plays a crucial role for the English countryside. But what is its mission?
Laura Mattei
Jul 3, 20249 min read
7 views
0 comments


The English cottage: origins, history and fun facts
Discover in this video blog the origins and history of the most romantic houses in the English countryside.
Laura Mattei
Jun 26, 20241 min read
6 views
0 comments


English villages: history & fun facts
Discover everything you need to know about English villages and three villages you should absolutely visit on your next holiday.
Laura Mattei
Jun 18, 202410 min read
4 views
0 comments


What are the origins of thatched cottages?
What are the origins of thatched cottages? What are these cosy roofs made of? And where does the idiom 'chocolate box cottage' come from?
Laura Mattei
Jun 2, 20241 min read
3 views
0 comments


Why do the English love the countryside so much?
The countryside holds a special place in the heart of millions of English men and women. Where does this enduring love come from?
Laura Mattei
May 27, 202411 min read
24 views
0 comments