I own over a hundred interior design and decorating books. If I could only keep five of them, this is one of the five I would keep.
Why?
It's quintessential English design at its best in middling size to smaller homes that you'd like to live in. They're scaled to the human body to comfort and cozify. Not castles, not huge country estates but a great mix of Georgian, Palladian and Gothick Follies. Eleven homes are featured. The owners have stylish and original taste--there's not an ugly room in the mix. You can study the book and its details for a long time.
The English interiors have all the elements those who appreciate English design love: gilded mirrors, Gothic bookcases, 4-poster beds, lacquered cabinets, ancestral portraits, collections, eclectic antiques, arched doorways, color-suffused walls etc.
There's ample photos of exterior views of the homes and their gardens. I simply love this book. If you love English style, I don't think you'll be disappointed.