Laura Ashley's homes

Perhaps slightly over budget for most of us but who wouldn't enjoy a look around? Famous designer, Laura Ashley's family home in Wales along with her French Chateau in Picardy, Northern France are up for sale.

Here are some photos of her family home, a classic Victorian Country house, in Rhydoldog, Wales. It's on the market for £1.2 million (but that does include about 50 acres of land!).

Photos c/o Savills

Laura Ashley, originally from Wales, got her big break when Audrey Hepburn (my absolute fave!) appeared alongside Gregory Peck in the 1953 film Roman Holiday, wearing one of Ashley's Victorian style headscarves. As Hepburn was such a fashion icon, she instantly created a style that became popular around the globe.

And with it, she inadvertently placed what was to become one of the world's most successful fashion and home furnishing companies firmly on the map.

Here is her French Chateau in Picardy, Northern France, dating back to the 18th century. It includes four reception rooms, 11 bedroom suites, extensive outbuildings, walled park, English lawns, swimming pool and tennis court set in grounds of 34 acres. Asking price? €3,500,000.

Photos c/o Knight Frank

Laura Ashley was a family run business with everyone from her husband, Sir Bernard Ashley, to their four children involved. The ultimate cottage industry turned global empire. 

Comments

[Jens]

So - where is the BEMZ castle?

[Christie]

Funny you should ask Jens! Based on the old saying your home is your castle, Bemz is just in the midst of an exciting castle change. The offices are moving from Riddargatan to the corner of Odengatan and Birger Jarlsgatan, considered the interior design district of Stockholm. Along with the move is a new and exciting addition to the Bemz portfolio. Watch this space as I shall divulge all shortly!

[Sara]

wouldn't mind one in France though... with swimming pool and preferably staff to bring you drinks and goodies :)

sara from Bemz

[blue ridge mountain homes]

Wow, a really beautiful castle!

-Sam

[Christie at Bemz]

I agree Sam. As far as castles go, that people actually LIVE in, it's right up there!
Christie

[homes in philippines]

WOW! The house, every room was so beautiful. Each photo was so beautiful in a wonderful and unique way. This was a lot of fun. The aspect of the home is quite appealing. What a peaceful mind when you stay in a place like this. I really enjoyed looking.

Deirdre G

[condo Philippines]

Thank you for a very entertaining and enlightening piece. It definitely opened my eyes to all of things I saw here.

Mitch

[builders richmond va]

You have an amazing blog. Thanks for escalating my knowledge. I was not well-known with it. For more update I will be in touch.

[your shed building]

These houses are classics, the interior designs are great, Wow! Are there really people living in that huge houses? or are those just their vacation houses? Just wondering. Thanks.

[Candie Rossler]

This is one of the most beautiful houses I've ever seen! They are so fantastic! I never thought that the other houses were from Laura Ashley. She's very fortunate to own those beautiful nests. I wish I could have that one, too. But even though I'm not that rich, I'm still lucky enough because I already own a country home. I just moved in five months ago and I got easily comfortable with it because it's simple and quiet. I made some renovations like moving the furniture, painting the walls, replacing the spiral staircase, and fixing the fences. Well, I'm still hoping that maybe one day, I'll own a mansion too.

[Nuri Rossignol]

She must have enjoyed living in these beautiful castles! She had everything that princess had in every fairytale that most of us dreamt when we were younger. Even though some of us didn’t have a chance to live in any of it, at least we can say that at some point fairytales are true. ;)