Lifestyle
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Is it a farm? A luxury hotel? The Outbuildings are a bit of both, and a beautiful weekend away that feels worlds away from reality
Farm diversification is nothing new, but few have done it quite as well as The Outbuildings near Bridport in Dorset, says Dean Usher.
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'I have tasted ecstasy and felt peace': The Retreat at the Blue Lagoon, where the Northern Lights dance
The Blue Lagoon has long been one of Iceland's most famous attractions. The five-star Retreat Hotel on site is the ultimate way to experience it and to remind yourself that everything is going to be ok.
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The dish that's as simple as it is brilliant: Tom Parker-Bowles on omelettes, and his ultimate omelette recipe
On omelette takes minutes to make, but a lifetime to master — and practice may eventually make perfect, hopes Tom Parker Bowles.
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Think what you got for Christmas was bad? The worst presents in literature will cheer you up...
A diamond-encrusted tortoise, a humble pencil case tied up with string and a cursed jewel: Felicity Day unwraps some of the best and worst presents given in literature
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The most wonderful time of the year: Country Life's A to Z of Christmas
Lights and turkeys and bells, oh my! Embrace the festive spirit with Amie Elizabeth White’s A to Z of Christmas
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Country Life's best, worst and funniest adverts of 1923, from Burberry and thinning baths to the SUV of a century ago
From telephone-equipped hotel rooms to cars ‘for lady drivers’, the advertisements featured in Country Life in 1923 captured Britain’s evolution as well as the odd quack remedy. Melanie Bryan takes a look.
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Not so jolly old St Nicholas? The dark side of Santa
Father Christmas may be the rosy-cheeked, jolly character who personifies the fun of the festive season, but he’s had to overcome a few setbacks on the way, notes Ian Morton.
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Not just for Christmas: The enduring appeal of jigsaws
Born as a brain-teaser to teach children geography, the humble jigsaw puzzle is now one of the world’s favourite pastimes. Ben Lerwill explores its enduring appeal.
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Britain's best folk festivals, from the weird and wonderful to the downright dangerous
Burning barrels, hare-pie scrambles, bottle kicking and horn dances: no one does eccentric quite like the English. Harry Pearson explores our weird, wonderful and sometimes distinctly dangerous folk festivals.
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Are these the seven best independent bookshops in Britain? A writer makes her case
Our desire to buy online may have blighted many high streets, but, happily, plenty of independent bookshops are still thriving against the odds. Catriona Gray picks seven of her favourite stores off the shelf.
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Curious Questions: Why can women 'only' propose on the 29th February?
It's 2020, and women can propose whenever and wherever they want. But where did this strange tradition come from? Ladies, gather your red petticoats and Poundland rings – Victoria Marston is here to clear things up a bit.
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The poppy maker: ‘I was very weak, very emotional and in a bad place when I started, but I’m back to my old self again now’
Wish Lloyd battled a traumatic childhood, the army, an athletics injury and homelessness to find his place at the Poppy Factory, making the poppies we wear every November.
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The Dorset button-maker: Easy to learn, cheap to source and fun to create
Born in the heartland of Dorset button-making, Jen Best's yarn shop doubles as a classroom where she passes on her knowledge to anyone wanting to produce their own unique creations.
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Four essential wedding marquee tips to help you hold the perfect countryside wedding
For the perfect wedding setting you'll need to call in the professionals, says newlywed Hetty Lintell.
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The secret life of duchesses, from nursing and sculpture to flying aeroplanes at retirement age
Being a duchess isn't all going to lunches strolling through the shrubbery – they have a job to do. Jane Dismore explores the achievements of some of our great chatelaines, past and present.
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The absolutely inessential, utterly indulgent and entirely marvellous weekend shopping list
Check in weekly to see the latest additions to our list – to look at, laugh at and to (occasionally) treat yourself to!
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The Country Life guide: How to survive a dinner party
With the festive party season looming, here are our top tips for getting through a large social occasion.
