In this issue

Christmas Special
Advent calendar, food and gifts.

In The Library With The Lipstick

Agatha Christie set many of her murder mysteries in country houses. With the help of specially commissioned drawings by Matthew Rice, Jeremy Musson looks at the architecture of the buildings she knew and imagined

8 mins

In A World Of Pure Imagination

There may not be any Oompa Loompas, but The Chocolate Libertine’s mesmerising confections are more than a little reminiscent of Willy Wonka’s wares. Mark Palmer dives in

5 mins

Doing It By The Book

Sir Quentin Blake reveals the inspiration behind his new exhibition, ‘Anthology of Readers’, in which he affectionately caricatures the bookish among us

2 mins

Holy Smoke!

Are much-derided kippers the new avocado on toast? Emma Hughes finds out

5 mins

The Squire And The Rectors

Two Georgian-era properties, one created by a noted hound breeder, the other by a series of clergymen, make rare appearances on the market

4 mins

Going Round The Bend

From Stonehenge to modern apartment blocks, Nicola Venning explores the undying appeal of architectural curves

3 mins

Halls Of Festive Cheer

Royal florist Shane Connolly tells Jacky Hobbs how garden evergreens and hedgerow clippings can make beautiful Christmas decorations

5 mins

They're Justified And They're Ancient

There are many things that improve with age: firewood, wine, friends and most certainly cigars

3 mins

Just A Spoonful Of Sugar

’Tis the season for a treat. The musical is vying with the pantomime as the traditional Christmas outing, but the main thing is that hearts are warmed and spirits cheered

4 mins

A Blaze Of Northern Lights

The Scottish Colourists are enjoying a rare outing in the north and south of England. Mary Miers visits a pair of shows that dispel the winter gloom

3 mins

Read all stories from Country Life UK

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.