Who lives in a house like this? 

Who lives in a house like this?

The family behind ultimate interiors inspiration Petersham Nurseries, that’s who. This glimpse inside their 17th-century estate will soon have you rethinking your own home… 

The conservatory features a creative mix of bluestone floor and 2nd-century marble torso

This striking antique marble dining table adds a sense of drama, with an imposing 17th-century Genovese chandelier above. Lit by candles, the design inspired the large chandeliers in Petersham Nurseries’ Covent Garden event space. For similar, try vinterior.co

This striking antique marble dining table adds a sense of drama, with an imposing 17th-century Genovese chandelier above. Lit by candles, the design inspired the large chandeliers in Petersham Nurseries’ Covent Garden event space. For similar, try vinterior.co

An arched gate leads from the walled kitchen garden, planted by son Harry as a child, through to Petersham Nurseries. Most of the produce is sourced from the family’s Haye Farm, founded by Harry in Devon

An arched gate leads from the walled kitchen garden, planted by son Harry as a child, through to Petersham Nurseries. Most of the produce is sourced from the family’s Haye Farm, founded by Harry in Devon

Tucked down a narrow, bumpy lane in Richmond sits Petersham Nurseries, a one-stop shop for all things green and gorgeous. Founded in 2004 by Gael, an Australian former model, and Francesco Boglione, a ‘hippie traveller’ turned businessman, the couple have since been joined by their four children, and together continue to build and expand the brand.

At the heart of their story lies Petersham House, a 17th-century Queen Anne estate. Francesco and Gael bought it in 1996 after being introduced to it by friend (and godfather to eldest daughter Lara) Mick Jagger. It was stripped back and painstakingly restored in a rich earthy palette, then decorated with English and Italian antiques and artwork.

‘The nursery at the bottom of our garden was bought eight years later – and quickly became a passion project we all worked on,’ says Lara. Now transformed, it is home to a plant nursery, café, teahouse and popular lifestyle store set amid a maze of paths lined with antique planters. At the core of the business lies the Boglione family and their shared journey that keeps evolving.

 petershamnurseries.com

The entrance hallway frescoes painted by Louis Laguerre were painstakingly restored. Previously covered up, they have been brought back to life and are loved by the family

The entrance hallway frescoes painted by Louis Laguerre were painstakingly restored. Previously covered up, they have been brought back to life and are loved by the family

The Petersham store sells antiques, handcrafted bespoke designs and covetable homewares from the likes of Astier de Villatte, Mad et Len and Libeco. Products are sourced from artisans all around the world

The Petersham store sells antiques, handcrafted bespoke designs and covetable homewares from the likes of Astier de Villatte, Mad et Len and Libeco. Products are sourced from artisans all around the world

The Boglione family – father Francesco, mother Gael (seated in front of him) and their daughters (from left) Lara with son Achille, Anna and Ruby – in the Petersham House conservatory. The antique zinc table was from a French oyster restaurant. For similar, try oka.com

The Boglione family – father Francesco, mother Gael (seated in front of him) and their daughters (from left) Lara with son Achille, Anna and Ruby – in the Petersham House conservatory. The antique zinc table was from a French oyster restaurant. For similar, try oka.com

In the living room, the sofa and chairs are from Rome and the decorative plasterwork above the fireplace is an 18th-century original. For similar, try stevensons-of-norwich.co.uk

In the living room, the sofa and chairs are from Rome and the decorative plasterwork above the fireplace is an 18th-century original. For similar, try stevensons-of-norwich.co.uk

 Get the look

Echo Petersham chic with pared-back rustic pieces in earthy tones 

Poster, £8.95 unframed, desenio.co.uk, Ceramic planters, from £9.99, hm.com, Plate, £120, summerillandbishop.com, Chandelier, £440, maisonsdumonde.com. Table, £899, barkerandstonehouse.co.uk. Sculpture, £55, oka.com. Sofa, £1,745, loaf.com. Vases, from £14.99, hm.com. Plant arrangement, £110, sweetpeaandwillow.com. Table lamp, £210, pooky.com. Glass, £85, conranshop.co.uk. Galvanised plant pots, £69 for four, rockettstgeorge.co.uk

Poster, £8.95 unframed, desenio.co.uk, Ceramic planters, from £9.99, hm.com, Plate, £120, summerillandbishop.com, Chandelier, £440, maisonsdumonde.com. Table, £899, barkerandstonehouse.co.uk. Sculpture, £55, oka.com. Sofa, £1,745, loaf.com. Vases, from £14.99, hm.com. Plant arrangement, £110, sweetpeaandwillow.com. Table lamp, £210, pooky.com. Glass, £85, conranshop.co.uk. Galvanised plant pots, £69 for four, rockettstgeorge.co.uk

Leave a Comment