Meet Lynne Franks: The Fashion Pioneer Who Found Her Home in Somerset

From launching London Fashion Week and representing some of the biggest names in fashion and entertainment to becoming a champion of sustainability, wellbeing and women's empowerment, Lynne Franks has lived a remarkable life.

Today, however, you'll find her far from the bright lights of London's fashion scene.

Instead, Lynne has chosen to make her home in the heart of Somerset, where she has embraced a slower, more meaningful way of life while continuing to inspire people through her work, mentoring and community projects.

From Fashion Icon to West Country Life

Lynne Franks first made her name in the 1970s when she founded her own public relations agency, eventually working with major fashion brands, designers and celebrities. She is widely credited with helping to establish London Fashion Week and became one of the most influential figures in British fashion.

Many people also know her as the woman often said to have inspired the character Edina Monsoon in the hit comedy series Absolutely Fabulous. Jennifer Saunders was once a client of Lynne's PR agency, and over the years the connection has become part of British television folklore.

Yet after decades in the fast-paced world of fashion, media and celebrity culture, Lynne's focus shifted towards sustainability, community building and women's leadership.

Why Somerset Captured Her Heart

Having travelled extensively throughout her career, Lynne eventually settled in Wincanton, Somerset, where she says she feels deeply connected to both the landscape and community. She has described Somerset as a place where she feels she has "come home", drawn by its creativity, spirituality and strong sense of place.

It's a story many people relocating to the West Country will recognise.

What begins as a visit often becomes something much more permanent.

The county's rolling countryside, historic towns, independent businesses and slower pace of life continue to attract people seeking balance away from the pressures of city living.

The SEED Hub: A Somerset Success Story

In Wincanton, Lynne created the SEED Hub, a wellbeing, creativity and community space that brings together workshops, retreats, mentoring, sustainable living and personal development. Based in a beautifully restored historic building, the hub has become a destination for people seeking connection, learning and inspiration.

The project reflects many of the values that have become increasingly associated with modern West Country living:

• Sustainability
• Community collaboration
• Wellbeing
• Creativity
• Entrepreneurship
• Local food and independent businesses

It's these qualities that continue to attract people from across the UK to Somerset and the wider South West.

A Different Kind of Success

What makes Lynne's story particularly interesting is how it mirrors a broader trend across the West Country.

Increasing numbers of entrepreneurs, creatives and business leaders are choosing to leave major cities behind in favour of a lifestyle that prioritises wellbeing, connection and quality of life.

The move doesn't mean slowing down.

Instead, it often means redefining success.

For Lynne, that has involved mentoring women, running retreats, supporting sustainable businesses and helping build stronger communities.

Lynne Franks receiving her OBE

Discovering Wincanton and South Somerset

For visitors, Wincanton is often overlooked in favour of Somerset's larger destinations.

Yet the town sits within easy reach of:

• Bruton
• Castle Cary
• Glastonbury
• Wells
• The Mendip Hills
• Dorset's Jurassic Coast

The area has become increasingly popular with those looking for beautiful countryside, independent shops, artisan food producers and a strong sense of community.

It's also one of the reasons South Somerset continues to attract buyers seeking both primary residences and second homes.

The West Country Escapes Verdict

Lynne Franks could have chosen to live almost anywhere in the world.

After a career that took her from fashion runways and celebrity events to global conferences and business leadership programmes, she chose Somerset.

That decision speaks volumes.

For many people, the West Country isn't simply a place to visit — it's a place to reconnect, reinvent and rediscover what matters most.

And Lynne Franks' Somerset story is a perfect example of why so many people are making the same choice.

Thinking of Your Own West Country Escape?

Whether you're planning a holiday, searching for a second home or considering a permanent move, the West Country offers the space, community and quality of life that continue to attract some of Britain's most inspiring people.