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Where is the cottage from The Holiday film located?
Do you like the film ‘The Holiday’? I've lost count of how many times I've seen it! It's definitely one of my favourite Christmas films... it's romantic, funny and tells a story that makes you daydream.
Who wouldn't want to spend Christmas in Iris's wonderful cottage (maybe with Jude Law...)?
In this video, I'll take you on a tour of the film's iconic locations in England and tell you some little-known facts about the actors.
Are you ready to follow in the footsteps of Iri
Laura Mattei
5 days ago1 min read


Why do the English love the countryside so much?
The countryside is the beating heart of England. This idyllic world of green hills, breathtaking landscapes, and picturesque villages represents the dream of millions of English people still today.
This deep connection with the rural world is a uniquely British trait. But where does it come from, and why is it still so strong in 2025?
In my new video, I give my own answer to these questions and take you on a journey into a love story that shows no sign of fading.
Laura Mattei
Nov 271 min read


Where the Leaves Whisper: the Thousand Colours of Autumn
The English countryside enchants in every season, but in autumn it casts a special spell. Woods and hills become a canvas, brushed with red, gold, and copper - nature painting with fire and nostalgia.
Wandering through the forests of England at this time of year feels like stepping into a living masterpiece.
In my new video, I take you to an enchanted place where the English autumn reveals its full splendour - a sensory journey of emotion and wonder that feels like stepping
Laura Mattei
Nov 121 min read


Three things I like to do in autumn in the English countryside
When I was a child, I didn't like autumn at all and always felt melancholic when summer ended. Now instead, especially since I've been living in Chawton, it's one of the seasons I like the most and look forward to every year.
In my new video, I talk about the things I love to do in the English countryside in autumn - simple yet engaging things that allow me get into the spirit of this magical and fascinating season.
Don't miss it to find out what's on in the English countr
Laura Mattei
Oct 291 min read


What is it like to live in an English country cottage? Pros and cons
Do you like English cottages? If you follow my blog, you probably do...and you are not alone: few other houses are loved across the world like cottages.
But, beyond their cosy look, have you ever wondered what it like is to live in one of these quaint houses?
I have been living in a old cottage in the English countryside for five years, and in this video I talk about the pros and cons of living in one of these fascinating dwellings.
Don't miss it to discover the secrets o
Laura Mattei
Oct 81 min read


The Cottage
“She entered. A long oak table with Morris-style chairs dominated the square room with its low ceiling made of thick, dark wooden beams.”
This is how the story 'The Cottage', written by musician Margherita Anselmi and inspired by my own cottage, begins.
A short tale that describes the feelings experienced by an elderly lady during her first visit to an old cottage and perfectly captures the magical atmosphere of these fascinating houses.
Don't miss it if you love cottages
Margherita Anselmi
Sep 245 min read


Better London or the villages in the English countryside?
Think England, think London. But England is not only London…in many ways, the true soul of England lies more in the rural counties and postcard-perfect villages of the English countryside than on the banks of the Thames.
I have lived six years in both places and in my new video I tell you what, based on my experience, are the pros and cons of living in London and in a village.
Don’t miss it to join one of the most passionate debates that divides Britain: what is better, Lon
Laura Mattei
Sep 181 min read


The prettiest English village in East Sussex
Southern England, and in particular the South Downs National Park, is peppered with small, picture-postcard villages that look like something straight out of a fairy tale. Magical places where you can enjoy the beauty of nature together with a very high quality of life.
In this video, I take you on a journey of discovery of one of these enchanted places. A medieval village so charming that it is universally considered the most beautiful village in East Sussex.
Laura Mattei
Aug 262 min read


Discover my cottage garden
England and gardens are a match made in Heaven. Nowhere else is the love of gardens such an integral part of the national culture and identity.
From the formal gardens of stately homes to the parks of country mansions, there are many types of gardens in England. However, the style which England is most famous for is Cottage Garden.
In this video I show you my garden, which, in small, is an example of a traditional cottage garden and tell you about the key features of this
Laura Mattei
Aug 51 min read


How my life has changed since I moved to the English countryside
When you move to a new place, you'll inevitably have to change some things.
In this video, I tell you how my life has changed since I left London and moved to the English countryside and explain why, in my opinion, challenging your assumptions and embracing new lifestyles is often the best way to grow and become a better person.
The video is in Italian, but has proper English subtitles that can be activated on YouTube
Laura Mattei
Jun 251 min read


A Saturday in Petworth enjoying Art, Shopping and Antiques
What do people do in the English countryside on weekends? To answer this question, I'll take you to spend a Saturday with me in Petworth.
Petworth is a quaint town in West Sussex surrounded by the beautiful countryside of the South Downs National Park.
But Petworth is best known for being one of England's top antique centres and for Petworth House, a National Trust residence with an extraordinary art collection and a magnificent park.
Discover with me this gem of the Engl
Laura Mattei
May 271 min read


What is classic British pub grub?
Pubs are one of the great British institutions and a fundamental part of British social culture.
For centuries, these quirky establishments have played a crucial role at the heart of local communities, and are still the beating heart of English villages.
In this video, I talk about pubs and their long history, discuss their ever changing role in British society and look at some of the typical pub grub.
Are you ready to delve with me into this quintessentially icon of Brit
Laura Mattei
May 61 min read


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
Apr 152 min read


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


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


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


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


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


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


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
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