Marvin the lamb, The Lost Gardens of Heligan
We begin our round up of Country Life's top Instagrams of 2019 just as we should, with the most beloved of all creatures, Marvin the lamb. Marvin basically broke the internet with his whimsical smile and teddy-bear face, receiving the most likes we've ever seen and propelling himself firmly into our hearts forever.
Asthall Manor, Oxfordshire
Our next highest number of likes fell to Asthall Manor in September. Beautifully framed by buttery stone gates, the gabled Jacobean Cotswold manor house was home to the extremely talented Mitford sisters.
The home of Birdie Fortescue, Norfolk
Interior designer Birdie Fortescue turned her family beach house into their main home. Our inbox was instantly bombarded with people asking who had supplied the stair runners and beautiful flagstone flooring.
Reddish House, Wiltshire
The 'dream house' and gardens of Cecil Beaton attracted admirers from all over the world in July, even converting one person who previously (unimaginably) hated period properties to our cause.
A sleeping dormouse, Yorkshire Dales
This little guy unsurprisingly garnered much love in November as he raised awareness for the dwindling dormouse population, suffering from loss of habitat. If you do see a dormouse, please report it on the PTES website.
A sleeping hedgehog, Suffolk
Another slumbering angel, this little guy taught our followers that baby hedgehogs are called hoglets. Longer summers have increased births later in the season, meaning that many hoglets are still too small to survive the winter cold. You can help by installing a hedgehog house or (if you don't have animals that would eat it themselves) leaving a little kitten or puppy food out for them if you know there are some in your area.
Findon Place, West Sussex
This year saw the birth of another Country Life Instagram account, Country Life Property. We recently celebrated the account passing 10K, and this wonderful picture shows just how we managed to pass the milestone so quickly!
Slad Valley, Gloucestershire
Beautiful country views are our bread and butter. The charming setting of Cider with Rosie shines in this post from September, reminding us that those little idyllic pockets of England are still there for those who care to find them.
The gardener's bothy at Gunton Hall, Suffolk
We're entirely unsurprised that this little beauty shot to the top of the leaderboard – after all, there is something uniquely fascinating about minature homes. This is certainly the case with Vine House, transformed from an awkwardly-shaped collection of rooms into a lovely, flowing home.
Badminton Horse Trials (1973), Gloucestershire
Finally, a lovely family portrait marking the 70th anniversary of Badminton reached our top ten by merit of the family pictured. One follower remarked Lord Snowdon's resemblance to British movie star Benedict Cumberbatch, while others were left longing for tweed outfits and woolly tights.
Country Life's best Instagram posts of 2018: Wondrous nature, spectacular architecture and men in red trousers
This year has been a stunning one for Country Life photography and we're lucky to have been able to share
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ChilstoneChilstone have been makers of fine cast stone garden ornaments and architectural stone since 1953.
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Guild AndersonGuild Anderson’s work in country houses and historic buildings centres around the design and reimagining of domestic working spaces, chiefly kitchens, sculleries, boot rooms and pantries.
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The prestigious Saut Hermès was a tantalising taste of what to expect when Paris's Grand Palais reopens to the public in JuneThe Grand Palais in Paris, France, has been closed to the public for extensive renovation works since 2021.
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Curious Questions: Why do golf balls have dimples? And why are tennis balls furry?As the weather picks up, millions of us start thinking about dusting off our golf clubs and tennis rackets. And as he did so, Martin Fone got thinking: why aren't the balls we use for tennis and golf perfectly smooth?
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Everything you might've missed last week — including the new Aston MartinA lot has happened in the last few few days, from an Aston Martin reveal and new Rolex flagship store opening, to a case of mistaken identify at the Wallace Collection.
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Dawn Chorus: Britain's best museum gift shopsOur Friday morning news review on museum shops, beech trees, ash dieback, and a rail replacement service you'll be happy to see the sight of.
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Dawn Chorus: How to listen to The King's new playlist, Spike Milligan's wonky house and Burgh IslandMonday morning's Dawn Chorus round-up finds presidential inspiration, a comedic home and more.
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Mexico, Miss Argentina and north Norfolk: How padel is taking over the worldWhat is padel? Why is it so popular? And what can it do for the countryside?
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'As fun a dog as you’ll ever come across’, and a global icon — so why have smooth fox terriers become so rare?Once so popular they were labelled the ‘English terrier’, numbers of smooth fox terriers have dwindled to worrying levels. Yet these smart and charming little dogs could rival the labrador if better known, devotees tell Flora Watkins.
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Dawn Chorus: The unseen Queen, the ultimate Highland train and the three-bedroom wreck for sale at £695k
