“Whether living in a castle or cottage, these British designers are as devoted to their beloved dogs as they are to the sumptuous interiors they have created for themselves at home. Living with dogs in the country after all, is as quintessentially English as chintz, Wellies and roses,” shares lifestyle author Susanna Salk, who has written many books, including Power of Pattern, Room for Children, Decorate Fearlessly, and Be Your Own Decorator, all published by Rizzoli. She also hosts (and co-produces) the Quintessence At Home With video series featuring visits with leading tastemakers which she produces with interior designer and architect Stacey Bewkes.

“You’ve got a long journey ahead, don’t you, ladies,” proclaimed the rental car gentleman, handing me my keys,” says Susanna. “His jolly yet concerned English lilt pushed his words into more of a statement than a question. My photographer, Stacey Bewkes, and I were only traveling for eight days across the English countryside to shoot the British companion to our previous book, but our far-reaching and ambitious timetable, and the fact that I would be driving for the first time on the opposite side of the road, meant that we might as well have been setting out on a Lord of the Rings kind of adventure.”