The Finer Things
-
Lost and then found: A missing painting by Lord Leighton returns to London
Someone, somewhere, knows something about where it went.
By Carla Passino Published
-
The Aston Martin DB12 Volante: 671 horsepower wrapped in a smoking jacket
Aston Martin's convertible 'super tourer' is an elegant bruiser that tiptoes the line between relentless power and comfortable cruising with aplomb.
By James Fisher Published
-
Masterpieces in miniature: Where art and elegance meets the precision of timekeeping
Rare metiers d’art timepieces are more than mere conversation starters. They are a joy to behold and the craftspeople at the top are as sought after as the highest-paid rock stars, explains Nicholas Foulkes.
By Country Life Published
-
An unofficial guide to some very nice whiskies that you can drink this Christmas (or before, if you like)
Freshen up your drinks cupboard with these two fine special releases, as well as three classics that everyone should own (in my unofficial opinion).
By James Fisher Published
-
Bentley tells us the future and announces fully electric car for 2026
The Crewe-based luxury car maker also reveals plans to go fully electric by 2035.
By James Fisher Published
-
What do you get the dog that has everything? A shepherd's hut with a heated towel rail
Plankbridge's latest hut is designed specifically for washing the dog. Because a clean hound is a happy hound.
By James Fisher Published
-
How to dress with joy, elan, exuberance and carefully-managed extrovertism — no matter how old you are
A wardrobe consisting of the perfect balance of colour, character and joie de vivre might be hard to achieve, but is worth striving for. Simon Mills finds out how it’s done.
By Alec Burt Published
-
No Time to Buy: A James Bond themed advent calendar for the spy who loves you
Whether it's a man with a golden gun, or diamonds are forever, James Bond has always been associated with luxury. This special advent calendar is no different.
By James Fisher Published
-
No Mr Bond, I expect you to drive: The Rolls-Royce dripping in gold created to celebrate 60 years since Goldfinger
Rolls-Royce and Aston Martin have gone to town with their special edition cars celebrating Goldfinger, the third James Bond film, which came out 60 years ago.
By Toby Keel Published
-
A few of my favourite things: Matthew Goode
The British actor tells Hetty Lintell about three objects he can't live without.
By Hetty Lintell Published
-
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.
By Rosie Paterson Published
-
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.
By James Fisher Published
-
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...
By Toby Keel Published
-
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.
By James Fisher Published
-
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.
By Toby Keel Published
-
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.
By Mary Miers Published
-
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.
By Country Life Published