Architecture

Curious Questions: How does Tower Bridge work?

Tower Bridge celebrates its 125th birthday on June 30. But how does it work? And why was it built that way in the first place?

Belvoir Castle: From Norman conquest to Regency prodigy

New discoveries in the archives at Belvoir are fleshing out the history of this outstanding castle. John Goodall delves into the fresh evidence for the development of Belvoir from the Norman Conquest to the eve of its wholesale reconstruction from 1800.

A rare look inside Higham Hall, home of the Prince of Wales’ favourite architect Quinlan Terry

Higham Hall in Suffolk is the home of Quinlan Terry, the favourite architect of HRH The Prince of Wales and a leading contemporary exponent of Classicism. Clive Aslet reports; photographs by Paul Highnam.

The Devon Mansion that dreamt it was Versailles

An outstanding, but little-known treasure faces an uncertain future. Marcus Binney looks at the notable history of this house and issues a call for help.

Osborne House: Victoria and Albert’s Italian getaway on the Isle of Wight

The search for privacy and peace encouraged Queen Victoria and Prince Albert to create an Italianate seaside villa. It offers an unparalleled insight into their domestic life and private interests, as John Goodall explains.

How William Morris transformed his London home: 'Let us hope we shall all grow younger there, my dear'

William Morris's London home was just as remarkable as his country houses, as Clive Aslet discovered during a visit to the new exhibition at Kelmscott House.

The tale of Avington Park: ‘I have just bought a house. It doesn’t have five bedrooms, but 50. I think you should probably come home.’

Avington Park, Hampshire — the home of Sarah and Charlie Bullen — is a home with rather astonishing history that’s superbly set in the valley of the River Itchen. John Goodall finds out more; photographs by Will Pryce.

Life at the Royal Hospital Chelsea: From pensioners pumping iron to ‘Chelsea Chests’

The Hall, Bradford-on-Avon: A house that's a perfect expression of its style and a nursery for great British invention

The Hall in Bradford-on-Avon, Somerset, is a fine Jacobean house that's one of the finest surviving examples of its type. Nicholas Cooper explains its architectural and historical importance, and how it became home to some remarkable mechanical minds. Photographs by Paul Highnam for the Country Life Picture Library.

The magnificent puzzle of Crichel, one of Dorset’s grandest Georgian houses

John Martin Robinson is your guide to a place where peeling away one layer only ever seems to reveal several more.

Notre Dame: The soul of Paris, the heart of France

The devastating fire at Notre Dame in Paris has illustrated the huge affection in which this cathedral is held in Paris and across the world. It is an exceptional building that deserves its high reputation – John Goodall explains why.

Sir Edwin Lutyens: Britain's greatest architect?

This year is the 150th anniversary of the birth of Edwin Lutyens, one of Britain’s most celebrated architects. John Goodall revisits his life, personality and work.

The Hope Mausoleum, Deepdene: As grand a resting place as any of the great and the good could wish for

The restoration of this once-forgotten 19th-century mausoleum in Surrey is 'heroic', says John Goodall. Photography by Justin Paget for the Country Life Picture Library.

The Roman Baths: A tale of two architects, a heated competition and a fascinating restoration

In the late 19th century, the eponymous hot baths of this city were recast in their modern form. Clive Aslet describes this fascinating transformation. Photographs by Paul Highnam.

Hamptworth Lodge: An Arts-and-Crafts house in the New Forest that blends in a touch of the Cotswolds

Hamptworth Lodge grew as a haven for collectors of all kinds, as well as a lovingly-created family home. Clive Aslet reports. Photographs by Justin Paget.

The great architect Donald Insall on saving Windsor Castle, refurbishing Westminster and how buildings change throughout their lives

Inside the restored Brighton Pavilion: ‘It’s hard to imagine a more perfect time to visit this extraordinary Regency creation’

The Country Life Top 100 builders, architects, interior decorators and garden designers in Britain

Country Life's experts have delved into their little black books to bring you the finest architects, builders, interior decorators and garden designers in Britain.

The best builders and craftspeople in Britain

Whether you're embarking on a new-build or painstakingly restoring a listed building, here are the craftsmen with excellent foundations.

The exceptional tale of Manchester Town Hall, a Victorian masterpiece that's the finest building of its kind in Britain

In 2018, the celebrated Manchester Town Hall closed for a six-year renovation. Country Life recorded its empty interiors before work began and Steven Brindle tells its exceptional story. Photographs by Will Pryce.