Country Life November 16 2016

Country Life November 16 2016 offers up fires to keep you warm this winter; politicians' pets; Nathaniel Parker on political turmoil; plus Gentleman's Life. Find out more here:

ARCHITECTURE: The harmonious appearance of St Giles House, Wimborne, Dorset, seat of the Earl of Shaftesbury, belies its complex history, says John Martin Robinson

GARDENS: George Plumptre explores the restored garden at Painshill Park, Cobham, Surrey, when it is magically illuminated

GENTLEMAN OF THE YEAR: We outline the 21 candidates for the title

INTERVIEW: Actor Nathaniel Parker, who plays the Speaker, Jack Weatherill, in a new play, talks to Jack Watkins

THE WORLD SERVICE: The BBC World Service was a lifeline for Terry Waite during the dark years of his kidnapping in Beirut

FIRES: The secret to a good fire is in the stacking and chopping of logs, says John Wright, who admits to perfectionism

POLITICIANS’ PETS: Forget polls and conferences, the best way for a politician to court popularity is to get a pet, finds Harry Wallop

COOKING: Simon Hopkinson offers onion recipes without tears

CINEMA: Going to the cinema needn’t be a soulless, sticky- floored experience. Emma Hughes recommends a treat at one of Britain’s historic picture houses

PROPERTY: Penny Churchill finds business is booming in South Bucks plus Lincolnshire bargains and bachelor pads

INTERIORS: Giles Kime admires a tranquil Kate Earle kitchen-dining room

** If you loved this issue, why not subscribe to Country Life and get your copy delivered to your door every week? Or subscribe to the digital edition on your tablet and download your copy every Wednesday. Back issues of Country Life magazine can be ordered online here.