A STORY OF CONNECTION
“At the heart of it, our purpose is connection. Shining a light on those who are shaping, and those who are inspired by, this place we now call home.”
Sharing life here…
Notswolds was born from a desire to explore what connection looks like. Between people and place, craft and culture, work and life.
It’s our way of giving voice to a community built around creativity and shared values. Bringing together the makers, thinkers, and families shaping this region and those who find inspiration in it.
~ Laura & John
Our mission is to celebrate and connect through design, culture, and thoughtful storytelling.
Notswolds was created as a way of celebrating and gathering this community. It is a place of discovery, collaboration, and belonging: telling the stories of the region, curating experiences, and champion the people and products that make this corner of England so distinctive.
Our values
What matters to us and how it shapes the way we create, connect, and share through Notswolds.
NATURE & SEASONALITY
We’re guided by the rhythm of the seasons and a respect for the natural world. It informs the heart of our work and reminds us to move with intention and in tune with our surroundings.
SLOW LIVING
We value depth over speed and quality over quantity and choose to live with greater intention. Taking time allows us to notice details, nurture relationships, and create things that last.
BELONGING & COMMUNITY
We believe in the strength of community and the joy of belonging. Through shared stories, experiences, and ideas, we bring people together to celebrate what makes this region unique.
CRAFT & CREATIVITY
We honour creativity and the skill of making, from traditional craftsmanship to contemporary design. Thoughtful, well-made work sits at the heart of everything we do.
Finding home…
As we started a family, we found ourselves drawn back to the region that Laura, who was raised in Northamptonshire, grew up in. What began as a homecoming became the start of a deeper connection to place, to people, and to the rhythm of life here.
Through Laura’s work as a decorative artist, and the everyday threads of family life, we began meeting other families, makers and creatives. There was a sense of energy in these encounters. A momentum building around shared ideas of craft, culture, and the art of living well - in the spaces we inhabit, the food we share, and the ways we choose to spend our time.
About us…
Between us, we’ve spent decades bringing stories to life.
Through his career in television and documentary film, John works on BAFTA-winning projects and collaborates with the leading broadcasters and directors. Laura’s background in brand strategy and marketing spans FTSE 100 firms and private-client brands in the City, where she’s led high-profile campaigns and helped shape how brands connect with discerning audiences across the globe. Together we share a natural instinct for how stories are told, seen, and shared.
Years living and working in London shapes how we see the world. Our love of flavour and good food, an appreciation for quality and design, and a curiosity about people and place.
Leaving the city has given us space to bring together our experience and influences with the things we value most - family, friends, craft and nature. These are the things that continue to inspire how we live and create today.
For glimpses into family life and Laura’s work as a decorative artist, follow @laura.jekyll and visit laurajekyll.com
ALONGSIDE US
At the heart of Notswolds is collaboration. Alongside Laura and John, a team of like-minded people bring their expertise and imagination, each contributing to the shared vision of celebrating this region and the lives shaped here.
BRONYA HALLETT
Bronya leads press and media relations for Notswolds, shaping its voice with creative flair and insight. A natural connector, she brings together stories, people, and opportunities that help the project thrive.
Through her Lincolnshire studio, Sedere & Co, she designs bespoke club fenders. With a focus on colour, craftsmanship, and conviviality, each piece reflects the values at the heart of Notswolds - celebrating design, heritage, and the art of living well.
CHRIS YOUNG
Chris advises Notswolds on planning and strategy, bringing energy and clarity to how ideas take shape and move forward. Chris runs CY Gardens, a bespoke garden and landscape studio known for its thoughtful and beautifully crafted outdoor spaces. With decades of experience as both strategist and designer, Chris offers Notswolds a valuable perspective that strengthens its commitment to people, place, and creativity.