Chloë Luxton

The Wiltshire‑based creator of the Bramley natural bath and body products tells Rosanna Rothery where she likes to eat, shop and hang out in the South West

Bramley personal care and wellness products have become a beloved South West brand – favoured by those who value nature, beauty, sustainability and the therapeutic potency of essential oils. The woman behind these bottles of ‘botanical magic’ is Chloë Luxton, a busy mother of three who believes we can all inject a much‑needed moment of calm and joy into an otherwise frantic day by utilising the sensory uplift of fragrance.

Chloë first developed her all‑natural skin, hair and hand products for The Beckford Arms in Wiltshire, when she and her husband took over the inn 15 years ago. Her desire was to offer guests beautiful bathroom products to reflect the pub’s stunning countryside setting on the edge of the Fonthill Estate. When she couldn’t find products with all‑natural and sustainable ingredients she decided to create her own.

Believing in the secrets of centuries-old botany, Chloë and a team of expert plantsmiths worked to harness the power of nature to create the Bramley brand. The resulting products were not only a hit with her guests at The Beckford but also further afield. Today, Bramley is found in over 500 hotels, pubs and restaurants as well as retailers such as Fortnum & Mason and John Lewis.

Chloë’s life is rooted firmly in the South West countryside: she lives in Wiltshire with her husband Charlie Luxton (co‑founder of The Beckford Group) and their tribe of kids, dogs, tortoise and chickens.

Why do you use essential oils to fragrance your products?

Artificial fragrances can be very one‑dimensional. You get a hit and then it just disappears. In contrast, all our products are layered with at least six essential oils, working together beautifully to ensure the scent comes back at you throughout the day.

The botanical magic happens when you experience the fragrance; it’s a moment for yourself. We are all so busy, but even something as simple as washing your hands can provide a reset.

What is your definition of beauty?

Living and immersing yourself in the countryside. I love the seasons: even when you go for a walk in autumn or winter you can always find something utterly amazing growing. The natural world is so beautiful, whether that’s the British countryside, the seaside or wildlife.

What do you consider luxury?

Luxury is time – like a lot of people I feel I never have enough. It’s that moment when you don’t really have to do anything and can just relax. How do you switch off? I attend a weekly pottery course at Messums Art Gallery in Tisbury. I love it because my mind has to focus on something other than the to‑do list. It’s like therapy too: once a week you get to check in with this lovely diverse bunch of creative people. It’s also rewarding to come away with something you’ve made. Some of it doesn’t work out and is a bit rubbish of course but that doesn’t really matter.

Where do you go for a night out?

If we want a treat, we head to Matt’s Kitchen in Bruton. You could say it was the original supper club, before supper clubs even became a thing. It feels like you’re dining in chef Matt Watson’s home because he rustles up one small set menu and it’s always delicious. If we’re going out after work, we go to the most amazing curry house in Shaftesbury called Chutney’s – David Beckham has been spotted there! It’s got a great reputation and a good curry house in the countryside can be hard to find.

Your favourite pub?

I’m not just saying this because it’s my husband’s pub, but The Beckford Arms has an amazing garden, atmosphere and staff. The food is dependably good and the location on the edge of the Fonthill Estate is second to none. The kids even come along for the Friday Night Feasts they hold for children.

Where do you take friends when they stay?

To browse the exhibitions in Messums Art Gallery in Tisbury or to visit two fantastic antiques emporiums in Semley. We usually follow the latter by a bite to eat at Pythouse Kitchen Garden. There’s also a lovely walk from our house down to The Compasses Inn in Lower Chicksgrove.

Where do you shop for clothes?

Shaftesbury has some independent boutiques and is a sweet town for pottering around. However, a couple of years ago I decided to do an experiment for 12 months and buy only secondhand clothes from charity or vintage shops. It really changed my mindset and to be honest I don’t really buy new clothes any more.

Where do you do your food shopping?

There’s a great deli called Bird & Carter in Wilton as well as an independent butcher in Tisbury. For fruit and veg I like The Veg Shed at Kensons Farm in Sutton Mandeville and Tokes Farm in Semley.

What’s been your most recent foodie find?

Sea Sisters: it’s a craft cannery based in Bridport, Dorset. They do fantastic South West fish in a can. British bacalhau in garlic and bay oil is delicious on a slice of sourdough.

Must‑have South West product?

I love Compton Marbling in Tisbury which makes beautiful old‑school marbled paper, notebooks and recipe books.

Favourite spot for a weekend away?

Charlie and I love Cornwall. I spent my early childhood in Millbrook in the southeast of the county and Charlie has family in Penzance. We sometimes stay at Artist Residence, a Georgian hotel in Penzance, and eat out at Mackerel Sky in Newlyn. It’s small plates so you get to feast on an amazing variety of fresh fish. We also like Argoe, which is a newer trendy seafood restaurant on Newlyn harbour. Our stay wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Jelbert’s Ice Cream in Newlyn. They do massive vats of vanilla ice cream next to a massive vat of clotted cream. It’s so good we actually served their ice creams at our wedding.

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