Architecture

Raglan Castle: How the last great medieval castle in Britain became a Renaissance palace — and a Civil War ruin

We look at the remarkable story of Raglan Castle, near Abergavenny, by delving into the Country Life archive.

Discovering Owletts, the family home of Imperial architect Sir Herbert Baker

The stunning salvation of Castle Howard, one of the greatest houses in Yorkshire — and, for that matter, the world

The Herculean efforts which saved Castle Howard's architecture and collections after a devastating fire in 1940 have lasted for decades; the results are truly magnificent.

Shawford Park, Hampshire, an idyllic 17th century house by the river where 'the old and the new spark off each other'

John Goodall visits Shawford Park, Hampshire, the home of Peter and Elisabetta Mallinson, and finds an idyllic 17th-century house set between two branches of the River Itchen. All photographs by Paul Highnam for the Country Life Picture Library.

The salvation and restoration of Gunton Park: 'Everyone thought it was a hopeless cause 25 years ago'

Jeremy Musson reveals the winner of the 2007 Country Life/Savills Gennius of the Place Award - Gunton Park in Norfolk

Blair Castle: Feudal power, sophisticated patronage, rebellion and romance

Reinvented several times, this ducal seat reveals to Mary Miers the story behind the Rococo palace in the wilds. Photographs by Simon Jauncey. 

Belgravia: How ITV's 'new Downton Abbey' is set to make a star of a great Scottish country house

Cannons, Middlesex: A brilliant, opulent and sadly short-lived Baroque masterpiece, scattered into homes across the country

One of Britain’s outstanding Baroque houses vanished in 1747, having been sold within three years of its patron’s death. William Aslet looks at the tantalising fragments that survive and what they tell us abut this prodigy building.

In Focus: How mass tourism to the seaside produced an entire era of iconic Modern art and architecture

Clive Aslet examines how seaside resorts used Art Deco to catch the eye, spurring on a movement of Modern designs for health and beauty.

The Channel Tunnel's centuries-long shift from fear of 'foreign hordes' who'd 'deface the countryside' to our magnificent link to the Continent

This week's architecture archive looks at the two centuries' worth of plans which eventually resulted in the Channel Tunnel between Britain and France.

The Bishop's Palace, Wells: How a magnificent episcopal residence was built in the shadow of one of our greatest cathedrals

Encircled by water in the shadow of its cathedral, the Bishop’s Palace at Wells is a captivating survival. John Goodall looks at the history of this outstanding building 800 years after its construction. Photographs by Paul Highnam.

The Country Life Top 100 architects, interior designers, craftsmen, builders 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 country house architects in Britain

Country Life has once again delved into its to update the list of the finest architects in Britain — an indispensable guide if you're considering serious work on your home.

Five things you didn't know about Blenheim Palace, from helping with royal adulterers to its unique role in equal rights

Blenheim Palace, the Duke and Duchess of Marlborough's Oxfordshire home, is one of the most famous country houses on the planet — not to mention the birthplace of Winston Churchill. Discover five things you (probably) didn't know about the estate.

The tale of the finest Winter Gardens in Britain, and what lies ahead for these majestic glass palaces

Winter Gardens have had a difficult late 20th century. What lies ahead for these extraordinary architectural creations, asks Marcus Binney, and might they be about to enjoy a revival?

Minterne Magna: The early 20th century transformation spearheaded by a radical architect to who turned his hand to creating a cosy, beautiful home

We delve into the archives to enjoy the tale of the early-20th century rebuilding of Minterne Magna in Dorset.

Why now is the best time since 1845 to enjoy the incredible interiors of Brighton Pavilion

John Goodall reports on the latest at Brighton Pavilion, detailing how an extraordinary loan from The Queen has made it possible to enjoy the inside of the building more completely than at any time in living memory.

The history of the country house drawing room

Jeremy Musson delves into the history of the country house drawing room.

The Athenaeum: Ancient history, old rivals and a recent revival for the old Carlton House haunt

One of the grandest Regency clubs in London has undergone a revival in recent years. John Goodall looks at the remarkable story of its development on the former site of Carlton House.

The tale of the fire that turned Cowdray's ancient castle to ruins, the treasure hunters who made it worse, and how what was left was saved