Blog Post

An utterly charming old rectory in the village where Sir Christopher Wren grew up

An utterly charming old rectory in the village where Sir

Britain’s greatest-ever architect, Sir Christopher Wren, was the rector’s son in East Knoyle, where he was born and grew up.
How sniffer dogs have moved on from drugs and bombs to Japanese knotweed

How sniffer dogs have moved on from drugs and bombs

Kat Janczur spent years training dogs to sniff out drugs and explosives. Today, she and her canine companions have a
The solution to the second home problem? A charter that would ensure second home-owners enrich and support communities

The solution to the second home problem? A charter that

Simon Jenkins — himself a second home owner — tackles the thorny problem of second home ownership, which hits 70%
Patrick Galbraith: ‘Rather than asking if she could be next up for a pigeon, she quit. Her liking for oat milk should have given the game away’

Patrick Galbraith: ‘Rather than asking if she could be next

Country Life’s newest columnist Patrick Galbraith on car washes, dogs and the inevitable culture clashes that come with being a
A cleverly-converted 14th century village hall that’s taken on a new lease of life in Worcestershire

A cleverly-converted 14th century village hall that’s taken on a

A total renovation needn’t mean that a property loses its heart and soul, as The Old Hall, in Worcestershire, demonstrates.
My Favourite Painting: Marie Soliman

My Favourite Painting: Marie Soliman

Interior designer Marie Soliman chooses an unforgettable image by Mark Rothko, one of the most distinctive modern artists of the
Five country homes for those with deep pockets, as seen in Country Life

Five country homes for those with deep pockets, as seen

This week’s round-up takes a look at some magnificent houses which start at the £2.6m mark. Hampshire — £8.5 million
Grow your own tomatoes: What to plant, when to plant them and how to make sure they thrive

Grow your own tomatoes: What to plant, when to plant

Nothing beats the flavour of homegrown tomatoes, whether you like them large and meaty or tiny and juicy. Mark Diacono
How to train your dogs around your gardening, by expert trainer Ben Randall

How to train your dogs around your gardening, by expert

It’s the time of year when we’re all starting to get out more and more — particularly in the garden. That’s
Church Cottage, Humbleton: The school that became a picture-perfect country house

Church Cottage, Humbleton: The school that became a picture-perfect country

Church Cottage in Humbleton, South Yorkshire, is an 1830s schoolhouse that’s been reworked to create a perfect smaller country house.
A truly incredible medieval house in West Sussex where even the front door is 1,000 years old

A truly incredible medieval house in West Sussex where even

Penny Churchill takes a look at the splendidly ancient Homestall Manor, whose every inch seems to be filled with rich
Curious Questions: Why do churches have gargoyles?

Curious Questions: Why do churches have gargoyles?

Inevitably hideous-looking and often mischievous, why do gargoyles and grotesques adorn some of our most solemn churches, asks Ben Lerwill.