Big Country House is owned and operated by me, Rob Tourtelot.

While this site does originate from an actual country house north of New York City, it should be noted that it’s not, by area standards, a remarkably big house. The site’s name actually derives from the chorus of a very catchy Blur song from their 1995 album, Great Escape.

During working hours (and often well beyond), I can be found at the Pump Audio HQ, helping to fight the good fight for independent musicians. This CNet article almost perfectly explains what we do.

Along with music, my longstanding obsessions include photography, design, and muay thai. A more recent obsession is cricket.

I share this country house with my wife, Emma, who writes very funny and wise books and magazine articles on sex and dating (or “relationships and dating,” depending on who’s asking).

In the days, weeks and months following February 1st, 2008, all of Emma’s and my possessions were replaced with colorful and noisy infant toys and gear. All of this was done while we were otherwise distracted by the tiny, gummy smile and high-pitched giggle belonging to Evie. Other than the chronic sleep deprivation and the occasional stubbed toe on a Fisher Price xylophone, it’s been a very worthwhile trade of our past life for this one.

I took the photo used in the header of this website while walking in the countryside near Emma’s hometown of Oxford, England—just a few steps away from the spot where, on a slightly rainier day, I asked her if she wanted to make things between me and her official-like.

We’re followed closely at nearly every step by We still miss our now-relocated genius/idiot dog, Baci.