Renowned designer and author Pearl Lowe has decided to part ways with Selwood Lodge in Somerset, a property she admired for six years before acquiring it in 2017 with her musician husband, Danny Goffey. The couple is now selling the stunning estate as they look to downsize.

With its gothic revival architecture and European villa-style aesthetics, the lodge features a fishscale roof and trefoil windows that evoke a fairytale ambiance. “It’s a wonderful place for entertaining; we’ve hosted numerous celebrations here, including my son’s 21st birthday and my daughter’s 18th. One year, Danny and I even organized a festival,” Lowe reminisces.

Situated on an expansive 7,500 sq ft with 11 bedrooms, Lowe reflects on the need to downsize as their youngest child, Betty, is now 19 and attending university. “It’s that classic situation; we’re rattling around in all this space,” she admits.

The grade II listed property, on the market with an asking price of £3.5 million, was built in 1825 for a couple and their ten children. Lowe possesses framed photographs that reveal historical details, saying, “The wife was named Augustus and she wore a crown.”

Lowe has a deep appreciation for history, as evidenced by her nostalgic approach to design. Her brand specializes in Liberty-print tea dresses and lace homewares. “I enjoy designing homes that resemble film sets—sometimes I prefer to remain in a fantasy environment, akin to Peter Pan. So, I decorate with dressing-up clothes and disco balls,” she explains.

Unusually, a disco ball is the centerpiece of the grand dome on the first-floor landing; when sunlight strikes it, reflections dance across the space. Lowe advises potential buyers to visit during sunset for the best experience. “We have the most stunning sunsets; the house is bathed in orange hues. My eldest daughter, Daisy, joked recently about how many sunset photos I have on my phone,” she says with a laugh.

While the exterior exudes charm, Lowe candidly shares that the interior might not suit everyone’s taste, describing it as a haven for maximalists. “I understand that it’s not to everyone’s liking. Over the last eight years, I estimate I’ve redecorated three times and learned from my mistakes. The size can be overwhelming,” she confesses.

She has found her rhythm with a mix of bold wallpaper from esteemed brands like House of Hackney and Cole & Son, complemented by painted woodwork in hues by Farrow & Ball. The bathroom features a striking copper tub set against graphic pink zigzag tiles from Bert & May.

The kitchen has gained popularity on social media, drawing admiration for its design inspired by a vintage haberdashery counter. With glass-front cabinets surrounding a spacious island, the kitchen incorporates high ceilings, elaborate cornicing, and antique touches to create a cozy atmosphere. Lowe states, “Danny does most of the cooking, and it’s where we spend the majority of our time.”

With their children grown, the couple is settling into life in London, having purchased a smaller flat in Notting Hill. Lowe mentions that a friend suggested converting Selwood Lodge into a boutique hotel, noting that previous owners rented out parts of the house Airbnb-style. “You would need to add a kitchen on the other side for serious rentals, which could be manageable,” she considers.

During times when the family is away, short-term rentals have proven financially beneficial. “It was listed to accommodate 18 guests, but it actually sleeps 23. There are countless opportunities for its future use—adding a pool or a cabin has even crossed our minds,” she adds.

Currently, Lowe is searching for a smaller home near the vibrant town of Frome. A London native, she has embraced her life in Somerset over the past 17 years. “When we arrived, the area was quiet, but now it’s a vibrant mix of excellent restaurants and shops. The local antiques and vintage market on the first Sunday of each month is fantastic. The community is welcoming and down-to-earth,” she observes.

While Selwood Lodge offers a picturesque rural setting, it remains conveniently close to town, just a 15-minute walk away, providing access to amenities. “My kids enjoyed walking everywhere; they could easily reach the station for trains to Bath or London without needing to drive,” she recalls.

A major consideration for Lowe is managing the excess furniture once the house sells. “I hope to sell most of it with the house if possible. After recently selling our beach house near Rye, I went through the effort of listing many items for sale. The traditional platforms like eBay aren’t as effective as they once were,” she reflects. Should the next owner prefer a minimalist style, there may be opportunities to acquire some vintage treasures.