I love Henry Greene's home. Forget Minimalistic decor this is beautifully and lovingly furnished - a pleasure to live with such a wonderful collection - put together over a lifetime. Britain's Smallest Stately Home
I put this clip on a few years ago and would like to thank the people who have given it a 'thumbs up' plus the many who have viewed it. In this difficult world we live in Henry shows how you can make your own home and life a positive experience. I hope this inspires people or they just enjoy their visit to his home. Anne.
Henry had an interesting career in TV and Movies - set design and was a very talented man. Yes, a cup of tea with him would be great. He inspired me to get out some of my own china and antiques. Thank you for your comments.Christina Charlton
Mary Jane - you have captured the reason I posted this clip. You can make your home your sanctuary - whatever taste you have. A reflection of you in fact. Yes, I also love the elegant way he stands with his hand in his pocket. A very talented man , a man of style and taste. Anne.
Thank you Ms White for posting such a wonderful segment. Let this be testimony to the lives we can attain when we don't indulge in the nasty vices that keep people from having the things in life that we desire.
Hello Bruce, I think Henry talking about the hardships he and his mother had after the war inspired him to value and treasure his home and the joy it gives him. Yes we can all attain a home like his - just takes discipline and a want to avoid the vices which can destroy lives. I would love to have a cup of tea with him and hear his life story. Anne xx
Thank you, Anne, for sharing this with us. I so enjoyed viewing it & got such a chuckle concerning the fact that in Britain all houses (no matter how big or who lives in them) that are own by the state are counsel houses. The truth of that brings would NOT please those who live in the grander counsel houses, no doubt! LOL Again, thank you!
Love to read comments - Henry created a wonderful haven with his home. You are correct - doesn't matter how big or small, council or owned - your home can be your own palace. Many thanks Anne.
I agree with Mr. Green. Why shouldn't someone make their home nice? And what he said about his not drinking, gambling, etc., I can very much relate, especially since I am disabled. I took a big drop in income, not to mention my life in general ten years ago when I became disabled, but when I was able to live on my own again I decided that since I was no longer able to leave my home often then I should at least make it comfortable. I don't drink, I don't smoke, I never did recreational drugs, I don't have children, and I can no longer drive, so although my income is very low, what extra I have at the end of the month I put away towards things for my apartment. When I first began living on my own again, I had nothing but a cheap bedroom set and some leftovers. In three years, I've had people come into my home and their mouths drop. They cannot believe that I am able to do what I've done, but there is no mystery to it. I buy cheap, I scour the local offerings, eBay and other online sources, etc. What I cannot afford now, I save for after I've prioritized other elements. And I plan my three rooms ahead of time, lol. Yes, when you have only a dining room, bedroom and living room and all the size of a tree house (without the tree), you really have no excuse but not to do something with it. As for time, well if it takes a two or three years, what difference does it make? You are still going to be here in three years, so why not start now? In the past few decades, it seems that people have lost sight of the importance of where and how they live. It's as if they never grew up and are still living out of their bedrooms back home with their parents. Sometimes it's so depressing to see how people choose to live. Cleaning products are cheap, buy them and use them. If you would rather spend your money on toys, smoking, drinking, or drugs, then at least keep your living quarters clean. Being poor does not mean being dirty, not in the States. You may have little to nothing, but you can afford soap, ammonia, bleach, white vinegar, and other inexpensive cleaning supplies. If you can afford toys, and other non-essentials, then you can afford to keep your home clean. And yes, living standards have dropped tremendously for the working class since the late 70s. Minimum wage has fallen so far behind since then that it should be considered a crime against humanity. But that is what we get for loving the super wealthy, and believing that uncontrolled capitalism is some cure all for all humanities ills. So, yes, no more can a person on minimum wage afford to live alone, or even have a family - at least not since the sixties. So what if we don't want to fight for changes to make it better, that's our own fault, but we don't have to live like slobs now do we? Go on! Clean those windows! Wash your dishes! And vacuum up those fur critters under your sofa!!! You do have a sofa, don't you... and a vacuum cleaner? As for beyond that, like Mr. Green, if you are on a fixed income it may take much longer and much more thinking, but it can be done. If all you have is your living space, then make it comfortable for yourself. Maybe you might find that it will cheer you up.
Thank you for taking the time to send this message. I couldn't agree more - people have lost sight of what a home means and you have created a home which gives you much satisfaction - a safe place to live and be yourself. I often look at other peoples homes on Google. One man has created a 1940's style home and a lovely lady in the US has all 1950's. There is a Uk TV series from the early 80's called 'To The Manor Born' and the main character leaves the large stately home and lives in a smaller house. The decor of that smaller house inspired me to decorate in a similar style. It is a timeless style. Please take care and I hope to hear from you again. Anne.
Thanks for your comment Bob. I think he means the Palace and Windsor are not personally owned by The Queen. I am in Australia so not sure what she personally owns - is it Sandringham and Balmoral. Henry is a costumier and set decorator. He works Windsor maintaining the many costumes and regalia the Queen and others wear. A lovely man with an interesting life and attitude.
Hello Jon, I love to hear from people who have found that you can turn any home into your own private palace - or stately home. Many years ago, I was inspired by the lodge Audrey Forbes-Hamilton moves into - from the series 'To the Manor Born'. In many ways I have adopted that style and still love it. God luck with your home, wish I could see some of your photos one day. Anne.
Thank you for your comment and interest - not sure about the Royal Doulton china but do notice some very nice antique Staffordshire figurines. I bet, he has a few pieces of Royal Worcester as well. xx
Hello Diane - to each his own - but not sure about flocked wallpaper in the bathroom. Thanks for your comment - Henry is a lovely man who is very talented.
Henry lives in the top part of this house - built after the 2nd World War, He tells of moving there with his mother after the war. From basic, plain rooms he spent years turning it into his own special castle.
