For our next Cabbages Dispatch, we chat with wellness editor and illustrator, Susannah Taylor in her Cotswolds home about the inspiration she draws from nature, her signature curry and the lockdown collaboration hit she wrote with Jack Savoretti...

What do you love most about your job? 

I love that it is varied. One day I could be hosting a wellbeing retreat, another day I may be interviewing a fascinating wellness expert and the next with a pencil and paintbrush in my hand illustrating for a brand.

Can you describe a perfect day? 

I would start the day by journalling. I am currently going through the process of a famous book called The Artist’s Way where you get up in the morning and write whatever comes into your head. It is an amazing process and helps to make the path ahead clearer. It’s incredible how much it helps. I would then go outside and pick some flowers or herbs and come back and do some illustrating. I have been an artist all my life but mostly on the side - this year I want to focus on it more. 2025 is my year of living more creatively. I am launching some prints of my works which will be available on my website www.susannahtaylor.com soon. In my perfect day I would write my newsletter  - The Glow Gazette  - too, which is all about glowing from the inside out. Then I would take Barley our dog for a walk and hang out with my lovely family in our courtyard (I have 3 kids age 17, 15 and 6). The sun would be shining of course. If there was time I’d also do a yoga class (I LOVE yoga and have been practising it for nearly 20 years) I would also cook myself some amazing nourishing food and finish the day with a warm bath and a book. Heaven.

What are the most cherished items you own and why? 

Without a doubt my jewellery.  I love jewellery. I have a rose gold ring with a square rose quartz in it that my husband gave me for my 30th birthday and I never take it off. Also my granny’s ring  - it’s art deco – like a mini dart board of diamonds and sapphires which goes on my pinky finger. It’s so beautiful and I wore it on my wedding day as something ‘old and blue’. I never dreamed it would be mine one day and think of her often when I wear it. I also have a beautiful gold ring from Sophie Theakston which has the OM symbol on it set in diamonds that I wear daily. Then there’s a gold plaited bracelet that was also my grandmother’s that I wear all the time – the gold back then was much softer and more beautiful in colour.

What’s your favourite failsafe dish? 

Homemade chicken curry. It’s a Leith’s recipe and a real crowd pleaser – chicken with onions, turmeric, cumin and coriander. You add yoghurt at the end, sprinkle with fresh coriander and everyone loves it.

Dog walks, country pubs or gallery hopping: how do you spend your Sundays? 

I live in the Cotswolds and gallery hopping isn’t readily available on a Sunday sadly otherwise I’d be there! Sundays are somewhat a sacred time however for chilling out when everyone’s home from school with dog walks, cooking a roast chicken and catching up from the week. I often go to a yoga class first thing at Soho Farmhouse which I love too.

Where do you go for inspiration?

The nature around me in the Cotswolds or wherever I am. The sunrises, the grasses, the nature, the birds, the wild flowers, the sky at different times of the year - that’s what makes my heart sing wherever I am in the world.

What was the last book you loved and why? 

I have been reading Wintering by Katherine May and it’s a very beautiful, comforting book about succumbing to the darkness and cold of the winter months, but also it’s a metaphor for life: that we all go through winters (lows or troughs) in our time and Katherine explores how to make the most of it.

What’s your favourite hotel and why? 

Pic credit: Thyme

I love Thyme in the Cotswolds.  I adore the buildings, the elegance of it all and the surrounding gardens. I especially love the Watermeadows which are a haven for nature, some of it very rare. I’m excited to say that I’m going to be hosting some breathwork sessions at Thyme in the new year. To book head here

Favourite restaurant? 

Is called Buena Vista on AntiPaxos in Greece. It’s a tiny island with not much on it and it’s a hike up the hillside in the heat to get to it but it’s well worth the effort. The view overlooking the azure waters below is insane, as is the Greek salad, white wine and freshly caught fish. 

Your favourite artist, living or dead, and why? 

I think it would have to be John Singer Sargent. I absolutely adore the softness of his portraits, the hues, the elegance and the beautiful folds in such dreamy luxurious dresses. I also absolutely adore the paintings of an artist called Cedric Morris who painted the most beautiful oil paintings of wild flowers. 

Name a song that is significant to you and why? 

Dancing Through the Rain by Jack Savoretti – I wrote the lyrics during lockdown and Jack (who is a friend) turned it into a song which then came out as a single. I know, pretty cool right!?

Who would play you in a film?  

Saiorse Ronan  - I think she’s amazing.

Who has had the biggest impact on your career?

I would say Jo Elvin – Jo gave me my first big break in magazines at Glamour when it launched. She also made me a columnist at YOU mag many years later.

Which delights you more: garden pottering or kitchen pottering?

Garden pottering – with maybe some kitchen delights in hand. Definitely a cup of a tea and a snack, walking through the orchard in summer is heaven to me.

If you had to choose, are you happier in city or country – and why? 

The country. I lived in London from 18 to 32 and whilst I love visiting it I adore the countryside. I love the space, the nature, the birds and bees and butterflies and also the people. There are so many amazing, creative people out here.

Early riser or night owl? 

Night owl – but every year I say I will be an early riser. I am determined to make 2025 the year of getting up earlier.

How would you describe your interiors style? 

Modern rustic. I love finding old pieces of furniture in auctions or markets and doing them up. Most of the things in our house were bought second-hand but I love to add in modern accents and splashes of modern design and beautiful fabrics.

Which item in your home holds the most meaning?

It’s not an item but I have recently painted a mural on the walls of our downstairs loo using all Edward Bulmer paints - something I hope to do lots more of. Check out @susannahtaylorstudio on Instagram to have a look.

What job would you do in a parallel life?  

I’d be an actress – I acted loads as a child and always imagine being on stage. I dream at night about it too! Maybe that’s what I was in a past life.

What pieces from the Cabbages & Roses AW24 have you got your eye on?

The Dover Dress in Christina Rose Print  - is so VERY beautiful, a wow piece and I think would bring so much joy with a t-shirt underneath in summer or  jumper on top in winter. The rose print is absolutely exquisite.

Susannah sends a twice monthly wellness newsletter, The Glow Gazette - learn more at www.Susannahtaylor.com or head to @susannahtaylorstudio to discover her artwork.