We escaped to the country!
Lady Rudge discovered her love for country living and the great outdoors in her early thirties, swapping the fast pace of her photography career for the rhythms of farm life. Before moving to the countryside, she was a full-time photographer specialising in weddings, births, and portraits—all while raising three young boys. Though her focus has shifted, her passion for photography remains, and now she finds joy in capturing the beauty of wildlife, farm animals, and the ever-changing landscape around her.
Creativity has always been at the heart of Lady Rudge’s world. A lover of craft, upcycling, and vintage shopping, she has an eye for bringing new life to old treasures. Her home is a perfect reflection of her style—warm oak, deep rich colours, and a carefully curated collection of vintage rugs she fondly calls her “rug babies.” Each room in the farmhouse is home to one, adding to the charm and history she so adores. Her love of music and singing also plays a big role in her life, often providing the perfect soundtrack to busy days on the farm. She also has a passion for a good auction, whether it’s poultry or furniture, and sees it as the ultimate thrill of the hunt. A perfect day out might involve scouting for hidden treasures at an auction or dragging Mr Rudge through every charity shop in Sherborne—an outing she recently declared a “date day,” much to his amusement.
A true country convert
Lady Rudge quickly embraced the lifestyle—though not without a few lessons along the way. Initially baffled by the farmers’ preference for wax jackets and tweed over cosy down-filled coats, she soon learned the hard way when her own puffer jacket was shredded within a week on the farm. Now, she’s rarely seen without a pair of well-worn country boots, fully embracing the outdoor life. After long days spent tending to the animals, running the farm, and cheering on her sons at rugby, her favourite way to unwind in the summer is to sit in the goat field with a vodka spritz in hand, poured into a beautiful glass goblet. And when she’s not on the farm, her idea of a perfect escape is a bottomless brunch with her favourite ladies—complete with a beautifully brewed coffee, great conversation, and, of course, a perfectly made Porn Star Martini.
Say Cheese!
In 2023, Lady Rudge took her love of photography to the next level by launching her very first photography retreat. It was an incredible success, bringing together a group of 20 like-minded creatives for a weekend filled with inspiration, learning, and of course, plenty of photo opportunities. They spent time capturing models in the woodland, experimenting with natural light and composition, and pushing their creativity in new ways. When an extra subject was needed for practice, Lady Rudge found herself stepping in—quite literally—by wading into the sea as the non-model for the day. Despite the freezing water, she embraced the moment, knowing how valuable it was for the photographers to work with someone who needed guidance and posing direction.
The retreat was a highlight of the year for Lady Rudge, not just for the photography but for the sense of community it created. Sharing her passion with others in such a hands-on and immersive way was a dream come true, and she is already looking forward to planning future retreats. Alongside her creative projects, she regularly captures beautiful family portraits for guests staying at the farm, offering them a chance to take home more than just memories. Whether she’s behind the camera, sourcing hidden gems at an auction, or enjoying a quiet moment in the goat field, Lady Rudge brings creativity and character to everything she does.
To see more of her photography work, visit www.daniellewatkinsphotography.com
Photo of Lady Rudge in the water from the very talented http://www.kateventressphotogrpahy.com
Find out more about Lady Rudge’s weekly adventures in our blog posts below
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Autumn at Rudge Farm: When the Cottages Calm and the Land Comes Alive
When the bustle of summer holidays fades and the cottages quieten, the fields and woodlands at Rudge Farm take on a golden glow. Most people think of autumn as the time to hunker down indoors — but for us, it’s quite the opposite. As much as we’d love to be curled up by the fire…
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Regenerative Rudge Farm: Powering a Greener Future
Discover how Rudge Farm is leading the way in regenerative tourism. From 30 solar panels and nearly 50 kW of battery storage to a groundbreaking hydrogen-ready plant room and off-grid heating system, we’re creating a fully self-sustaining, eco-friendly haven in the heart of the countryside.
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A Night to Remember: When Rudge Farm Took Home Gold (and Then Some!)
Every so often, there’s a night that takes your breath away — the kind you’ll be talking about for years, probably every time someone dares to mention an awards ceremony. It started with a few nerves, a bit of last-minute mirror-checking, and the distinct sound of Jason muttering about his bow tie. It ended with…
