'The most beautiful car in the world' made both better, and worse, all at once
A roofless conversion of an E-Type, Disney fever dream and more in this morning's Dawn Chorus round-up.
The Finer Things
When it comes to treating yourself to a new party dress or a pair of cufflinks, or if you want to buy a brilliant present for a loved one, look no further than our High Life section. From the most inspiring travel trips to the latest news in luxury watches, and beautiful jewellery, let Country Life guide you to the very best in beautiful things.
Plus, read articles from our brilliant Gentleman’s Life magazine, including the 39 steps to being a gentleman.
-
-
Christmas gift ideas for children
From adorable booties and cardigans to toys that will keep tiny tots entertained for hours.
-
Seven perfect Christmas gifts for people who just love beautiful, functional things
William Morris famously said to have nothing in your house that you don't know to be useful or believe to be beautiful. These things do their best to hit both targets.
-
Mushroom gin, Lego houses, and dull men and women, with James May
That bloke off Top Gear joins the Country Life Podcast to talk about making his own gin, how to run a pub, why dull men and women are anything but and why he hates the North Pole and suitcases with wheels.
-
Dacia Jogger: Perfection is many things, but most of all it's simplicity
The Dacia Jogger is that rarest of things: a simple car that does the things you want very well. Also, if you want, you can sleep in it.
-
The Christmas wreath-maker: 'They sell quicker than we can make them'
All this week we're running a series on the people who make Christmas in the country what it is. Today, Paula Lester meets wreath maker Ellie Taylor.
-
How 'the best picture in the world' was saved from destruction by a British army officer refused to follow his orders
Claudia Pritchard on the extraordinary tale of how Piero della Francesca’s 1460s fresco 'The Resurrection' was saved.
-
Dawn Chorus: Santa's sleigh up for sale, the Royal photographs and sketches going on show, plus our Quiz of the Day
Today's Dawn Chorus looks ahead to an exhibition set to delight at Buckingham Palace next year.
-
Eyes wide shut: The art of sleeping
Sleep takes many shapes in art, whether sensual or drunken, deathly or full of nightmares, but it is rarely peaceful. Even slumbering babies can convey anxiety, discovers Claudia Pritchard.
-
The original ULEZ-style enforcement? How the Victorians taxed all the coal coming in to London
Martin Fone takes a look at the history of London's coalgates, and finds that the idea of taxing things as they enter the City of London is centuries old.
-
A few of my favourite things: Dame Mary Berry
The culinary writer and broadcaster, who turns 90 next year, tells Hetty Lintell about three objects she can't live without.
-
The grand master 'paintings' that are actually the most exquisite floral photographs you'll ever see
Harald Altmaier’s photographs of floral tableaux, as colossal in effort as in scale, recall 17th-century Dutch still lifes, but the inspiration behind them is far wider, as Carla Passino finds.
-
Can I just shock you? I quite like the new Jaguar
Amid declining sales, the real betrayal would have been letting Jaguar die a slow and painful death by doing nothing at all.
-
How to feel like the most important person at an England rugby game
The hospitality experience at the Allianz Stadium in Twickenham promises much. But does it live up to expectations?
-
Christmas gift ideas for ladies
From mothers and sisters to wives and girlfriends, these gifts are sure to bring a smile to the face of the special lady in your life.
-
Christmas gift ideas for men
From fathers to brothers to lovers, we run through some smart ideas for Christmas presents for the men in your life.
-
The florist-photographer turning vases of flowers into a 21st century Grand Masters
A look at the work of Harald Altmaier, an unusual solution to an imaginary problem, and much more besides in today's Dawn Chorus.
-
By Royal Appointment: We spoke to 10 of the newly appointed warrant holders
Being appointed a Royal Warrant holder is still the highest form of accolade and influence. United in their commitment to the highest quality of service, sustainability and responsible environmental practice — these remarkable organisations are known and trusted by The King.
-
Curious Questions: What is a Royal Warrant and how do you get one?
From biscuits to thatchers, a warrant from King Charles III (or other members of the family) is nothing short of a royal seal of approval.
-
The £3 million Van Dyck painting going under the hammer with a unique buy-one-get-one-free offer
If you've ever dreamed of owning an Anthony van Dyck, now's your chance to pick up two in one go — plus more fun from today's Dawn Chorus.
