We had a great opportunity to have a small conversation with Sarah from @godsavethescene and to see some beautiful corners in her house in Middleburg, Virginia. It has been our privilege to see her enjoying styling her little ones with FIN and ZEE’s garments.

 

Could you tell us a little bit about you and your family?

My husband and I lived in London for six years before getting married. We had the most charming little mews house in Parsons Green. I used to work in art museums. When we decided to start a family, we knew we wanted our children to have a similar upbringing as we did. My husband grew up in the Cotswolds and I was raised in rural Maryland. So, we had to decide between the English countryside or a temporary move to America…We initially moved to the seaside, just outside Charleston, South Carolina where our son was born. We then moved to Middleburg, Virginia, where we’ve really settled in. 

Could you share with us your family’s everyday life in Middleburg?

The village itself is small but so lovely. It has everything we need, including a couple of pubs (very important). The local flower shop - Nature Composed and antique thrift shop, are my favourite places to go for inspiration around the home. We go to our local library almost every other day; the children love storytime. The town is very community-centered and there are always activities and events for families, like free concerts, barbeques, holiday parades, and the annual children’s fete put on by the town firefighters and police crews. During racing season, there’s always a point-to-point at a different farm each week as well as Sunday polo matches at the two local polo grounds. 

The butcher and local farm grocer are in the next town over, as well as a couple very good restaurants. 

 

Have you experienced the differences in motherly lifestyle in the countryside in America?

Country living can sometimes feel a bit isolating. Because of the long commute to Washington DC there aren’t too many young families close by… I also sometimes worry that the children are missing out on having the cultural advantages of living in a city. We can’t just pop out to explore a museum or children’s theatre. But then I see them outdoors every day, so happy just exploring nature and running a bit wild… There’s a freedom here and a calm we could never have in the city. 

The children are both at good ages where they can play independently, Luc much more so. Luc goes to the local Montessori nursery three mornings each week. When we are at home together, we always have a project. The children love to build and create. It could be blocks or just an empty cardboard box. We are always cooking and baking, and Luc loves to help with work in the kitchen. Daisy loves to taste and feel everything!...

…Luc is a performer. Most nights he’ll have us sit on the sofa while he climbs up on the hearth (his stage) to sing. It’s usually some crazy freestyle that we can barely understand, but his dance moves are the real showstopper!

How would you style your little one with FIN and ZEE’s clothing?

When it comes to dressing the children, I always prefer to shop small. I only put them in natural fibers, most of their wardrobe is cotton, linen and merino wool. Because they grow quickly at these ages, we need versatile quality pieces which can be worn hard outside and around the house, but still look darling when I run to shops and the post office. I love Fin & Zee for their beautiful fabrics and easy style, with fun little details and pops of colour. I especially like their denim pieces.They can be layered over a linen top in the spring or over thick wool knits this time of year. Even with the fire going and furnace up, some rooms of the house can be frigid no matter what, so we are always bundled up in several layers and these styles are perfect for that.