Launching with Story and Place: Megan Haigh finds her perfect orchard setting

When Megan Haigh began her journey into surface pattern design, she could never have imagined how quickly her dream would take root. Within six months of discovering the discipline, she had launched her business, created her first textile goods, and seen them brought to life in a brand photoshoot at Stapolian through Fablefaine.

In this feature, we explore Megan’s creative vision, her love of nature, and how working with Fablefaine at Stapolian helped set the stage for her launch.

 

Finding a Creative Path

Megan’s journey began with a long-held dream: to see her watercolour and pencil sketches translated into saleable products. A chance discovery of surface pattern design opened up exactly that possibility.

“I took a course with Bonny Christine earlier this year, and it completely changed everything,” Megan explains. “By the end I was designing repeating patterns, creating textiles, and imagining a future career I had only ever dreamed about.”

Encouragement also came from photographer and Fablefaine’s co-founder, Kate Cullen. During their shoot, Kate suggested Megan consider producing her own textile goods, rather than solely licensing her designs. That moment proved pivotal in shaping the direction of her brand.

Nature as Muse

Based in Cornwall, Megan draws much of her inspiration from the countryside around her. “My local dog walks take me through beautiful scenery, and I can’t help but sketch or paint what I see,” she says. These sketches are then translated into digital patterns, which become fabrics, tablecloths, cushion covers and more.

Her work is rooted in the idea of everyday enchantments. A tulip petal, a walled garden, or a simple harvest basket can spark a design that transforms into a timeless, tactile product.

“Nature is perfect and beautiful,” Megan reflects. “For me, it’s about sharing the story behind each design so it becomes more than just a pattern.”

 

The Role of Stapolian

Choosing the right setting for a brand launch was crucial. Stapolian, one of Fablefaine’s exclusive photoshoot and filming locations, offered the timeless backdrop Megan needed. Its Victorian courtyards, walled gardens, and apple orchard resonated deeply with her brand values.

“The orchard felt so personal. I was brought up in the countryside by a family of gardeners, and being there brought back so many memories,” Megan recalls. “It was like stepping into my own story.”

The atmosphere shifted beautifully throughout the day. As the sun lowered, golden light played across the red brick walls of the walled garden, creating the sense of a period drama scene, an atmosphere that infused the imagery with warmth and depth.

Working with Fablefaine

For Megan, the support of Fablefaine was invaluable. From connecting her with Stapolian to guiding the creative direction, the process gave her confidence in shaping her first brand visuals.

“Fablefaine organised everything. Kate’s vision, her experience, and her ability to understand exactly what I wanted were priceless. It was such a dream start for my business,” Megan says.

 

Looking Ahead

Storytelling remains at the heart of Megan Haigh Design. Every product is designed to carry a sense of place, season, and memory. Looking to the future, she hopes to expand into new collections, explore collaborations, and even release a line of dresses.

“I’d love to work with Fablefaine again for future shoots,” Megan says. “Perhaps a country manor house next time, making use of kitchen gardens and timeless interiors.”

 

 

Discover Stapolian and More

Stapolian is just one of the many photoshoot and filming locations available through Fablefaine. From orchards and walled gardens to contemporary homes and historic estates, our directory is designed to help brands tell their stories in settings that bring vision to life.

Contact us today to explore our beautiful countryside locations and see how we can help you create the perfect setting for your next brand campaign. Embrace the extraordinary and let your brand flourish against the backdrop of Britain’s finest locations.

 

Credits:

Dress & Textiles: Megan Haigh

Knitwear: Herd

Creative Direction & Photography: Kate Cullen

Wooden Chair & Wicker Basket: Hayloft Salvage

Location: Stapolian

Apron: An Acre of Land

Cake: Summer Cafe, Malmesbury

Flowers: Larches & Blooms and Polbathic Flower Farm