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Gilling Castle, the medieval stronghold and its journey through the Baroque to the 20th century
Gilling Castle, North Yorkshire — part of the Ampleforth Abbey Trust — is a medieval castle that underwent a Baroque conversion before having many notable 20th-century fittings. In the first of two articles on the castle John Goodall describes what happened. Photographs by Paul Highnam.
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Nine wonderfully-restored Georgian buildings and landscapes, as recognised by The Georgian Group’s 2021 Architectural Awards
Nine mesmerisingly Georgian buildings and landscapes that have been brilliantly restored, as recognised by The Georgian Group’s 2021 Architectural Awards
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Down House, Kent: the house where Charles Darwin lived for almost 40 years
In 1927, the house and garden where Charles Darwin lived for nearly 40 years were saved for the nation as a monument to his research and ideas. John Goodall investigates. Photographs by Paul Highman.
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'We tell the story of England — 6,000 years of history. We look after it and bring it to life': Kate Mavor of English Heritage
Kate Mavor, the chief executive of English Heritage, speaks to Country Life's John Goodall about on charity status, education and taking a broader view.
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The Parliament Buildings, Stormont, Belfast: 'The Ulster acropolis'
In the second of two articles marking the centenary of the establishment of the Northern Ireland Parliament, John Goodall looks at the Art Deco seat created to accommodate it. Photographs by Paul Highnam
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Stormont Castle: How a 'plain house' in Belfast became the seat of power
A century ago, the Stormont estate was chosen as the seat of the government of Northern Ireland. In the first of two articles, John Goodall looks at the history of this decision and the castle now at the centre of politics. Photographs by Paul Highnam.
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Elton Hall: A 'house of many faces', with one of the greatest private art collections in Britain
Jeremy Musson looks at the exemplary revival of Elton House and its outstanding collections on the eve of its handover to the next generation, while John Goodall looks at the history and changing face of the buildings from the Middle Ages to the 19th century. Photographs by Will Pryce for Country Life.
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Athelhampton: The idyllic Tudor home that inspired generations of country house lovers
The 1890s restoration of the idyllic Tudor manor house Athelhampton, Dorset — now the home of Giles Keaton — helped kindle an enthusiasm for England’s ancient houses and a new style of formal garden, as John Goodall explains. Photographs by Paul Highnam.
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The architecture of the National Gallery, 'one of the defining landmarks of London'
In the wake of the re-opening of museums, John Goodall looks at the architecture of the National Gallery in London — with its interior photographed by Will Pryce for Country Life during lockdown.
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Harewell Hall, Wherwell, Hampshire: 'It is extremely unusual to be able to enjoy a contemporary building of such variety'
An architect noted for his Classical buildings has invented a narrative to help him design a modern home for himself in the vernacular. Photographs by Will Pryce.
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The Royal Albert Hall: A 19th-century marvel that 'has lost none of its power to amaze'
This week, the Royal Albert Hall celebrates its 150th anniversary. With photographs taken during the unnatural quiet of lockdown, John Goodall looks at the remarkable story behind the creation of this world-famous venue. Photographs by Will Pryce.
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Beckside House, Lancashire: A monument to the preservation of Georgian architecture
The home of one of Country life's architectural correspondents, Dr John Martin Robinson, reveals the influence of pattern books in the practice of English architecture. John Goodall admires its revival and the addition to it of two brilliantly judged new wings. Photographs by Paul Highnam.
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In Focus: The greatest Victorian houses in Britain, as featured in a magnificent one-off magazine
Under the expert eye of architecture editor John Goodall, Country Life has published a superb look at the greatest Victorian Houses in Britain, from Balmoral to Westminster. Here, John explains more about the places he has chosen — and why.
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Templeton House's escape from demolition and oblivion to become an incredible rarity: a country estate within the M25
A house that might have vanished beneath London’s spreading suburbs has been lovingly returned from institutional use and forms the heart of an estate within the capital. John Goodall reports on Templeton House, Roehampton, the home of David and Laura Rich-Jones. Photographs by Will Pryce for the Country Life Picture Library.
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Curves and curlicues: 10 stunning staircases from the Country Life Archive
Iron can be wrought into the most delightful staircase balustrades. John Goodall chooses some favourites from Country Life’s outstanding archive.
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Hampton Court's Baroque era reinvention: The transformation of the threshold of power
Hampton Court's association with Henry VIII takes the focus away from its Baroque elements, but they're worthy of attention argues John Goodall. Photographs by Will Pryce for the Country Life Picture Library.
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The Great Hall at Hampton Court, the building that 'brings the visitor closer to the world of Henry VIII than any other'
John Goodall looks at the remarkable history of Henry VIII's celebrated great hall at Hampton Court Palace.
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The salvation of Sudeley Castle: How one of the finest castles in the Cotswolds was saved from ruin
John Goodall delves into the later centuries of Sudeley Castle's existence, telling the story of its revival as a shrine to English history.
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Sudeley Castle: The tumultuous tale of one of the finest castles in the Cotswolds
John Goodall tells the story of Sudeley Castle, Gloucestershire, and explains how a soldier — probably with the help of his mother — won the trust of a child king and created a great castle in the Cotswolds with the rewards. Photographs by Paul Highnam for the Country Life Picture Library.
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The Fraser Mortuary Chapel, a grand monument that's 'one of the most splendid in Britain'
The Scottish revival architecture of Patrick Allan-Fraser in Arbroath includes the Fraser Mortuary Chapel, an extravagant creation he designed for the town cemetery. John Goodall takes a closer look; all photographs by Paul Highnam for the Country Life Picture Library.
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Hospitalfield: The Victorian creation of a visionary patron of the arts
Replete with late-Victorian collections and furnishings, Hospitalfield, Angus — the property of the Patrick Allan-Fraser of Hospitalfield Trust — is today home to a cultural organisation for artists and education in the Arts. John Goodall looks at the driving personality behind a remarkable survival. Photographs by Paul Highnam for the Country Life Picture Library.
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The Ring of Gullion AONB: 'A landscape rich with archaeology and mythology, ancient churches and castles'
John Goodall looks at a spectacular part of Northern Ireland that's full of legends and myths.
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Arundells, Salisbury: Inside the private sanctuary that was the beloved home of a former statesman
Sir Edward Heath's house in Salisbury, Arundells, is at the heart of this wonderful small city. John Goodall pays a visit to tell its story; photography by Justin Paget for the Country Life Picture Library.
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The Howardian Hills AONB: 'If Yorkshire really is God’s own county, then the Howardian Hills are the divinity's chosen estate within it'
John Goodall takes a look at one of the varied and picturesque parts of Yorkshire: the Howardian Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
