In this issue

Just blame it on the weathervane
From once-ubiquitous cockerels to pigs and ships, weathervanes top a building off with style and meaning, finds Harry Pearson.

A design of splendid convenience
In the second of two articles, John Goodall explores the magnificent and well-planned interiors of Holkham Hall, Norfolk..

The Ark

'Tradescant had one of the first horse chestnuts planted in this country'

4 mins

A design of splendid convenience

In the second of two articles, John Goodall revisits this celebrated house and the story of its creation in the mid-18th century by the Earl of Leicester and his widow

8 mins

Just blame it on the weathervane

Once only made to resemble cockerels thanks to a papal decree, weathervanes now come in all shapes and sizes, from dolphins and fleurs-de-lys to gryphons and witches, finds Harry Pearson

6 mins

The beauty of materials

Tim Moulding of traditional builders R. Moulding & Co explains the relationship between good-quality, well-chosen materials and beautiful buildings

4 mins

We must restore local churches to local people

Parish churches may still be physically the centre of communities, but their redundancy as places of worship is becoming a national crisis. Simon Jenkins proffers solutions to the nation's greatest conservation challenge, including deconsecration and looking to European models

7 mins

My salad days

Obey the rules and there are few finer things than a salade Niçoise served in the shade of an old olive tree, believes Tom Parker Bowles

3 mins

Rediscovering the Boy King

In the 100 years since George Herbert, 5th Earl of Carnarvon, stood alongside Howard Carter at the entrance to Tutankhamun's tomb, he has been demoted to a mere financier. Now, the current Earl and Countess want to give their forebear his time in the limelight, says Eleanor Doughty

5 mins

The rewards of restoration

Antique rugs and carpets add extraordinary character to interiors and, with care and attention, can be preserved for generations

3 mins

Way out west

Two vast and important estates in the South-West have it all, from copious farmland and rental income, to clifftop views and near-private beaches

5 mins

Let there be light

Orangeries, be they the old-fashioned kind for growing fruit or more modern ones barely distinguishable from conservatories, certainly can brighten a place up

2 mins

Awash with colour and inspiration

A visionary, painterly approach by a nurseryman gardener has resulted in an extraordinarily brilliant display, finds Mary Keen

5 mins

Sir Frank Brangwyn – 'To decorate life'

An artistic polymath whose murals were revered around the world, Sir Frank Brangwyn ended his days as a recluse after a crushing rejection, reveals Matthew Dennison

4 mins

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Country Life UK Magazine Description:

Country Life; architecture, gardens, countryside, property, the very best of British life Published by IPC Media. Country Life, the quintessential English magazine, is undoubtedly one of the biggest and instantly recognisable brands in the UK today. It has a unique core mix of contemporary country-related editorial and top end property advertising. Editorially, the magazine comments in-depth on a wide variety of subjects, such as architecture, the arts, gardens and gardening, travel, the countryside, field-sports and wildlife. With renowned columnists and superb photography Country Life delivers the very best of British life every week.