The Utterly Inessential Shopping List: Winter's least appropriate shoes, a bed of rare glory and an everything-proof mobile for adventurers or the incurably clumsy
Every week in this little slot, we lament the nastiness out in the world and suggest that you alleviate some of that negativity with something to make you smile. This week's selection comes from Victoria Marston and Toby Keel — enjoy.


The 4x4 phone
A few years ago, Land Rover released a phone which they claimed was the 'toughest in the world'. This year, they've produced a new version, which is, naturally enough, even tougher. And boy does it feel it: the Land Rover Explore R really does have the sort of heft you'd expect of the car whose name it bears. It's a huge, heavy metal beast that feels as if you could use it to hammer nails into a block of wood — apparently the makers (a mobile phone company called Bullitt, who produce it for Land Rover) test the phone by dropping it from 6ft onto a steel floor, as well as dunking it in sea water and attacking it with a flamethrower. Okay, probably not that last bit...
The phone is not crazily expensive by mobile standards at £399, though if all you're bothered about is speed, screen resolution and camera you'd be able to find a model with comparable innards for half the price. But that wouldn't have buttons modelled on Land Rover Defender door handles, nor would it come with a year of OS maps, or a scratch-proof screen that you can operate even while wearing gloves — and nor could you use it to defend yourself from a rampaging bear while trekking through the Canadian tundra. TK
Just loafing around
Let's be honest — it's a terrible time of year to even attempt to wear suede outside of the house. I, however, have always been an absolute daredevil. I would also cry the second it started raining on these shoes. Life is a rollercoaster. VM
I've got the key, I've got the secret
Do we think there's anyone who genuinely needs a keyring? I don't think I remember ever buying one, yet I believe I own approximately 5,463 of them. Or thereabouts. I do enjoy a spaniel though, so would be willing to make some space in the keyring draw for this little number. VM
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The Swiss Family Bunkbed
A pal of mine — a slightly eccentric pal, right enough — got rid of his bed years ago. He replaced it with a couple of reclaimed builders' pallets, and simply popped his mattress on top — all at a cost of £0.00. So there's the proof that beds are in the 'Utterly Inessential' category. Yet if you can see this wonderful bed, and not immediately want to throw out your boring John Lewis model and get one, then I don't believe we can ever truly be friends. TK
A hat not recommended for anyone called Timothy Iain Tait or Belinda Ursula Munnings
I'm not entirely sure why you would need your initials emblazoned all over your bobble hat, yet I'm strangely taken with the idea. Bonus points if you have amusing initials (and bravo to your parents). VM
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A rare chance to own a Royston Summers house on Lakeside Drive in Esher
The development won the RIBA Architecture Award in 1976, and is a defining example of the Summers's work.
By James Fisher Published
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Great Comp: The blissful garden flooded with rhododendrons and azaleas that's just beyond the M25
Each spring, Great Comp Garden — just outside the M25, near Sevenoaks — erupts into bloom, with swathes of magnolias, azaleas and rhododendrons. Charles Quest-Ritson looks at what has become one of the finest gardens to visit in Kent.
By Charles Quest-Ritson Published
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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.
By Toby Keel Published
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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.
By Country Life Published
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Perfect Father’s Day gifts for dads who deserve it
There are many ways to show your dad that you love and appreciate him. There's breakfast in bed, an offer to mow the lawn, a big hug and the offer of the last biscuit. Or you could just buy him something that he definitely doesn't need, but we're pretty sure he'll want.
By Amie-Elizabeth White Published
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The Utterly Inessential Wimbledon Shopping List
We've rounded up all the utterly inessential products — posh tennis gear, in other words — that you absolutely do not need to enjoy Wimbledon, but would probably fancy having anyway.
By Country Life Published
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The Utterly Inessential Mother's Day list: 16 gifts guaranteed to either surprise or delight
Is your mum the sort who's happiest with what she knows — or one who loves a surprise?
By Toby Keel Published
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The Utterly Inessential Shopping List: Supercharged home Wi-Fi, smart headphones and a mobile phone literally anyone can use
Our Utterly Inessential Shopping List returns with some technology that is far cleverer than we are.
By Toby Keel Published
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The best weekend bags and finest holdalls that (rather a lot of) money can buy
Going somewhere nice? You might be soon, so here's Hetty Lintell with her pick of the finest holdalls and best weekend bags you can buy.
By Hetty Lintell Published
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Best smart speakers for non-techie people: What to expect, what you'll love and what doesn't work
Smart speakers are no longer the preserve of tech geeks and millennials — these handy speakers are, and (as we'll discover) particularly handy for those living in the countryside. We've looked at some of the main contenders to see which one comes out on top: Google Nest Audio, Amazon Echo Studio, the Apple HomePod Mini, and the Audio Pro G10.
By Toby Keel Published