The Story Behind Shop at Babington: 22 Years in a Very Special Place

For over two decades, Shop at Babington quietly served a select few. Tucked inside the grounds of Babington House in Somerset, our boutique was something of a hidden gem — open only to members and guests, but often remembered long after they left.

Now, for the first time, we’re making our collection available online. Our members and guests will be able to access our carefully curated and edited collection from anywhere. And we are able to open our collection out to everyone.

As we take this step, it feels right to share a little more about where we’ve come from, and what has shaped the shop you’re about to discover.

A Boutique Born from an Editor’s Eye

The shop was originally founded by a former fashion editor with a clear vision: to curate a space filled with exceptional pieces — the kind you always hope to find, but rarely do. From the outset, the boutique was guided by an editorial instinct: less about trends, more about longevity, style, and surprise.

What followed was 23 years of careful sourcing. A small but considered mix of British and European designers, with a strong focus on quality, wearability, and pieces that earned a place in your wardrobe, rather than passing through it.

A Place Defined by its People

Though the setting is undeniably beautiful — a listed historic building with elegant grounds — Babington House has always offered something more unexpected: a cool, creative energy in the heart of the countryside.

Originally with a largely media and creative crowd, Babington blends old-world charm with an urban sensibility. It’s stylish, but never stuffy. That same spirit shaped the shop — a boutique for people who care about how they dress, but don’t want to look like everyone else.

Guests would often wander in after breakfast or from the pool, and stay chatting for half an hour, leaving with something they hadn’t planned to buy but instantly loved. Our customers were always discerning — seeking something individual, considered, and wearable.

Most returned again and again. Others still ask after pieces they bought years ago. That’s the kind of shopping we believe in: personal, memorable, and lasting.

Going Online — But Staying True

With the physical shop soon closing its doors, the website marks a new chapter. One where the same careful curation can finally reach those who’ve asked — often from afar — if we could send something by post.

We’re not scaling up for the sake of it. The edit remains small. The pieces remain considered. We’ll continue to select items that reflect our values: timelessness, craftsmanship, and quiet confidence.

You won’t find everything here. Just what we think is worth finding.