“If visualization helps us observe and aspire to another reality, then perhaps, in a subconscious way, these two prints played their part in leading us all to Oxfordshire. I like to think so.” These are the wise and slightly witchy words of Suzie de Rohan Willner, the CEO of clothing and homeware brand Toast.
Suzie de Rohan Willner, pictured at home. Suzie is recounting the story of how two original prints traveled with her for many years before eventually ending up in the county they depict.
One of the two original prints that led Suzie and her family to Oxfordshire.
The pair agreed it would be “a perfect place to live one day.” In 2020, their search for a new life outside of London led them to this handsome Georgian farmhouse.
“Our home is an evolving collection of snippets from our lives, reminding us of people we love and places we have ventured,” says Suzie.
Suzie uses the Victorian greenhouse all year round—”although we do have buckets on the floor in winter to catch the rain coming through!”
Designed by Barr Kitchens, the kitchen features Almond Flower lime paint by Bauwerk Color on the walls and Emerald Green Farrow & Ball on the units—“to remind us of the South of France.” (Suzie lived in the Var region for many years).
The egg-yolk yellow Aga and original slate floors came with the house.
The dresser is reminiscent of a traditional apothecary and is used to display my collection of beautiful yet functional handmade ceramics and kitchenware, such as my Leach Pottery mixing bowls and brushes from Toast’s Rosa Harradine.”
The apothecary cupboard.
The family spend most of their time in the light-filled rooms facing the garden.
When it comes to textiles, Suzie’s preference is for “rich and interesting, off-beat combinations of colors and materials.” Seen here is a classic ticking stripe bedlinen and the Firle Patchwork Quilt crafted in India from a patchwork of cotton fabrics, both available from Toast.
A sculptural Julie Gurr basket in the bathroom.