Notes From Nicolas | 8th August 2025

Beauty in the Cotswolds, and a special giveaway for subscribers

As summer continues to unfold in its golden glory, I’m thrilled to share something extra special with you today. As a token of my appreciation for your support, I’m giving away a gift to 5 of my paid subscribers. More details will be revealed later in the issue, but trust me, it’s something I think you’ll love.

Summer is in full bloom, and I find myself savouring every vibrant, sun-soaked moment. There’s something truly magical about this time of year—the long, golden evenings, the fragrance of flowers still lingering in the air, and the freedom that comes with the season. It’s a time to pause, breathe deeply, and simply enjoy life as it is.

Lately, my days have been a mix of work and leisure, from filming in the picturesque Cotswolds with Nathan to planning my upcoming trip to Paris. Each day brings its own little adventure, and I’ve been reflecting on the beauty of balancing both the joys of the present and the excitement of what’s to come.

I’ve also been collecting a few treasures along the way: beautiful objects that carry their own stories, like an antique piece I found in the Cotswolds or my new Cartier Tank watch, which continues to feel like the perfect investment. It’s the small details, after all, that make life truly refined.

I hope this moment of the year finds you just as inspired and content, no matter what your season may be.

With warmest thoughts,
Nicolas

Nicolas’ Saved Treasures

Each week, I find myself curating little gems on Instagram, whether it’s a beautifully crafted piece of art, a stunning home idea, or an inspiring quote. In this new feature, I’ll be sharing the things that have caught my eye and made their way into my saved folder. I hope they inspire you as much as they’ve inspired me.

A chic little shop in the USA - Image by Widenercompany

I loved this elegant portrait of Pamela Anderson, posted by MarkDSikes

Morning coffee, with style, by Thebirkinboy

This vintage photo of a country lane in England always stops me in my tracks. From roaming_the_greenwood

Cotswold Fizz

A crisp and refreshing cocktail that brings together the floral notes of St-Germain, the bright zing of lemon, the effervescence of Prosecco, and a smooth finish from egg white.

Ingredients:

• 1 oz St-Germain (elderflower liqueur)

• 1 oz fresh lemon juice

• 1 egg white (for frothiness)

• 3 oz Prosecco (or more for topping)

• Ice cubes

• Lemon twist or flower for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a cocktail shaker, combine St-Germain, fresh lemon juice, and egg white.

2. Dry shake (shake without ice) vigorously for about 10-15 seconds to create froth from the egg white.

3. Add ice cubes to the shaker and shake again for 10-15 seconds to chill.

4. Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe or flute glass.

5. Top gently with Prosecco.

6. Garnish with a lemon twist or a small edible flower for an elegant touch.

Speaking of the Cotswolds, I was there last week for a lovely holiday with my best friend, Nathan. We spent 10 glorious days exploring the countryside, indulging in antique shopping, visiting stunning gardens, and enjoying the best the region has to offer. It was the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure, and I'm so excited to share it all with you.

Watch my latest vlog here to see what we got up to during our unforgettable trip.

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A Special Giveaway Just for You

As a thank you for your incredible support, something I genuinely cherish more than anything, I’m giving away my Nicolas Fairford Botanica Candle to five lucky paid subscribers. This candle is close to my heart, with its delicate blend of scents that embody everything I love about elegant living.

The candle is a limited edition, and I’m planning one last release of the remaining stock before creating something entirely new. This is your final chance to grab one before it's gone for good!

To enter, all you need to do is be a paid subscriber (you can sign up, below) to my Substack newsletter.

The winners will be announced on August 29th, so make sure you're subscribed by then for your chance to win. Thank you again for being part of this journey—good luck!

A Glimpse Into My Cotswolds Adventure

The Cotswolds holds a special place in my heart—its timeless beauty, charming villages, and serene landscapes always leave me feeling inspired, so I wanted to share a few of my favourite moments from the trip.

A Final Thought

As always, I’m so grateful to have you here, sharing these moments with me. Whether it’s through a quiet cup of tea, a wander through the Cotswolds, or a new project on the horizon, I feel so fortunate to be able to connect with all of you. Thank you for your continued support and for being part of this beautiful journey. I’m excited for what’s ahead, and I can’t wait to share more with you next time.

With all my best,
Nicolas X