A few of my favourite things: Matthew Goode
The British actor tells Hetty Lintell about three objects he can't live without.
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.
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Horsepower and hot air balloons: All of the action from the Chantilly Arts et Elegance Richard Mille
Europe's most beautiful concours returned to Chantilly, France, last week and it didn't disappoint. Rosie Paterson was there to record all of the action.
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Bentley launches new fragrance, causing me to briefly lose touch with reality
Bentley's has launched an Eau de Parfum named Become. James Fisher ponders the nature of the 21st-century economic system as a result.
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The £7,500 peacock that brings grace, elegance and beauty... but without the noise and the defecation
Peacocks are beautiful birds — but that doesn't mean they're easy to live with. Unless they're not really peacocks at all...
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The McLaren Artura Spider: A hybrid triumph that carries on a rich British tradition
McLaren's hybrid supercar has been re-engineered to perfection. The result is an eye-wateringly quick spaceship that is endlessly entertaining and easy to drive.
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The great electric car conundrum: In 35 years, driving a petrol car will be like driving a steam engine. But is now the time to make the switch to an EV?
To EV or not to EV? That is the question for car buyers today, whether they're looking for a new car or going second hand. So is now the time to take the plunge? Toby Keel takes a look.
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The story of how 007 creator Ian Fleming came to write Chitty-Chitty-Bang-Bang
Chitty-Chitty-Bang-Bang, our fine four-fendered friend, turns 60 on October 22nd. Mary Miers relives the adventures of the magical flying car and reveals the little-known story of its creation by Ian Fleming, as the writer turned his attention from the world of 007 to a children's tale.
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Opinion: A vanishingly rare thing has happened — we have a minister for culture who actually sounds like he's visited some of the places he has responsibility for
Our culture columnist Athena is cautiously optimistic about the future of arts, culture and architecture — even if the same old problems remain.
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We used to fly cars across the English Channel in 20 minutes — why did we stop?
It seems hard to believe, but taking your car across the English Channel to France by air actually pre-dates the cross-channel car ferry. So how did it fall out of use almost 50 years ago? Martin Fone investigates.
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The genius inventors who created the world's most important clocks
Early clocks had variable hours, but even in the golden age of British horology, when Thomas Tompion made his masterpieces, a man relying on public timepieces could end his walk earlier than he had started. Huon Mallalieu traces the evolution of British clock-making.
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More Champagne, madam? The beautiful train journeys that bring back the Golden Age of travel
The romance and glamour of taking a trip on an original steam train is hard to resist, and all the more so when paired with fine dining and opulent surroundings. Octavia Pollock took a trip to find out more.
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'Where new money transforms into old, via a century’s worth of luxury automobiles': A report from Monterey Car Week
Vintage Mercedes, classic Porsches, and a best-in-show Bugatti, combined with cravats and Stetsons. The only thing more interesting than the cars is the people, writes Adam Hay Nicholls.
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An exhibition that brings together the gun that started the First World War, Hemingway's typewriter, Captain Scott's snow goggle and Sgt Pepper's Drum
The gun used to assassinate Archduke Franz Ferdinand, Hemingway's typewriter and the drum featured on the cover of Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band are part of Rick Guest's extraordinary collection of photography, Holy Relics at the StART Fair.
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'As a child I wanted to snuggle up with the dogs and be part of it': Alexia Robinson chooses her favourite painting
Alexia Robinson, founder of Love British Food, chooses an Edwin Landseer classic.
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Curious Questions: Who invented the rear-view mirror?
Although obvious now, the rearview mirror wasn't really invented until the 1920s. Even then, it was mostly used for driving fast and avoiding the police.
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The beauty of bespoke: A journey with Julia Lloyd George
Going bespoke with Julia Lloyd George means getting not just a piece of jewellery, but a lifelong treasure.
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My Favourite Painting: Geraldine Collinge
Geraldine Collinge, the director of Compton Verney art gallery in Warwickshire, selects Pierre-Jacques Volaire's An Eruption of Vesuvius by Moonlight.
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Hancocks: Sparkle of genius
Historic jewellery firm Hancocks, now in its new St James’s home, specialises in old-cut diamonds pieces that gleam and turn heads even in low light.
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My Favourite Painting: Rachel Podger
Rachel Podger, one of the world's leading violinists who specialises in Baroque music, chooses one of Vincent van Gogh's 'Sunflowers'.
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Anya Hindmarch: 'Luxury can become achingly boring and a bit worthy. I like things that make you smile’
The thrill of a new pencil case doesn’t fade with age, finds Jo Rodgers, on a visit to Anya Hindmarch’s new stationery pop-up shop.
