Annunciata Elwes
Annunciata grew up in the wilds of Lancashire and now lives in Hampshire with a husband, two daughters and an awful pug called Parsley. She’s been floating round the Country Life office for more than a decade, her work winning the Property Magazine of the Year Award in 2022 (Property Press Awards). Before that, she had a two-year stint writing ‘all kinds of fiction’ for The Sunday Times Travel Magazine, worked in internal comms for Country Life’s publisher (which has had many names in recent years but was then called IPC Media), and spent another year researching for a historical biographer, whose then primary focus was Graham Greene and John Henry Newman and whose filing system was a collection of wardrobes and chests of drawers filled with torn scraps of paper. During this time, she regularly gave tours of 17th-century Milton Manor, Oxfordshire, which may or may not have been designed by Inigo Jones, and co-founded a literary, art and music festival, at which Johnny Flynn headlined. When not writing and editing for Country Life, Annunciata is also a director of TIN MAN ART, a contemporary art gallery founded in 2021 by her husband, James Elwes.
-
A magnificent Georgian home in Hertfordshire with fine period features and sublime gardens
Walton House, in the village of Broxbourne, Hertfordshire combines a rich history, exquisite period details and wonderful outdoor space to create a really special family home.
By Annunciata Elwes Published
-
A wonderful period property from the 15th century whose ancient features will surely inspire
Named after the King from the period in which this charming property was built, Henry VI Cottage is a splendid house framed around wonderful historical touches.
By Annunciata Elwes Published
-
A wonderfully refurbished 16th century cottage that offers the perfect timeless blend of old and new
The Old Farmhouse in the village of Great Horwood, Buckinghamshire, is a comfortable family home that effortlessly blends iconic period features with a timeless take on modern interiors.
By Annunciata Elwes Published
-
An irresistible 17th century 'chocolate box' cottage nestled in a Norfolk Conservation Area — for sale for £365,000
Timber-framed with a thatched-roof, May Cottage is a delightfully charming period property set in pretty gardens measuring one third of an acre.
By Annunciata Elwes Published
-
The reincarnation of Battersea Power Station, from fenced-off wasteland to a unique London neighbourhood
Long gone is the Thames-side wasteland — a new neighbourhood is thriving and the transformation of its centrepiece, Battersea Power Station, will be up and running in September. Annunciata Elwes reports.
By Annunciata Elwes Published
-
A truly imaginative oast house conversion that's created a simply breathtaking home in the Kent countryside
Hayle Oast is a highly unique, spectacular oast barn conversion which magically blends glass, exposed oak beams and cathedral-like ceilings within its interiors.
By Annunciata Elwes Published
-
A lovely Cotswold idyll with 31 acres of land to play with and outstanding views
Manor Farm is a charming home that really makes the most of the surrounding landscape, including a spectacular garden which has been the recipient of years of care and attention.
By Annunciata Elwes Published
-
An equestrian home in Buckinghamshire with delightful period features and gorgeous country views
Exposed beams, Inglenook fireplaces and ornate Edwardian ceilings meet beautiful vistas across the countryside at Dorcas Farm in Stoke Hammond.
By Annunciata Elwes Published
-
A grand Victorian stone house on the edge of a popular commuter village in the Northumberland countryside that offers the best of both worlds
The desire to escape to the country has never been greater, and Apperley Dene showcases the type of property available to commuters that allows you to fully immerse yourself in the very best of country living whilst still maintaining great access to a major city.
By Annunciata Elwes Published
-
Exquisite views, perfect privacy and a setting among camellias, rhododendrons and azaleas at this Arts-and-Crafts property in Cornwall
Perran Cove, near Mawnan Smith, six miles from Falmouth, is perched high above the Helford River, taking in views of the waters and ancient woodland.
By Annunciata Elwes Published
-
A handsome Georgian property near Hereford with outbuildings and over 40 acres of land that is bursting with potential
The Valletts is a beautifully raw property with the potential – and space — to transform it into something incredibly special.
By Annunciata Elwes Published
-
A fairytale cottage with exposed beams and long country views, in the heart of Jane Austen's Hampshire
Grade II-listed Fern Cottage originally dates from the 17th century and has kept intact its original charm.
By Annunciata Elwes Published
-
A truly exquisite Georgian townhouse on the south coast with grace, style and a roof terrace
This Grade II*-listed house in Worthing has grand Georgian interiors and a panoramic roof terrace.
By Annunciata Elwes Published
-
In Focus: Vaughan Williams, the composer who wrote 'the world's most beautiful melody'
Ralph Vaughan Williams is one of Britain's great composers, and as a major milestone arrives his fans are celebrating his body of work and life.
By Annunciata Elwes Published
-
A spectacular North Pennines farmhouse with 100 acres, its own power and water, and a 21-bed bunkhouse ripe for an enterprising new owner
Buyers looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life may well find themselves craving the great outdoors — and what better place to escape to than a sprawling, eco-friendly farm in County Durham?
By Annunciata Elwes Published
-
Why buy one house when you can have three? A unique opportunity to buy a trio of homes in a Surrey spot surrounded by exquisitely beautiful woodland
Hidden amongst a 4 1/2 acre sea of mature plants, specimen trees and large Victorian pond are three unique properties, each bursting with character and their own unique charm.
By Annunciata Elwes Published
-
Dunvegan Castle gardens opened up to RHS members
The gardens at the 900-year-old Dunvegan Castle on the Isle of Skye have joined the RHS Partner Gardens scheme. Annunciata Elwes reports.
By Annunciata Elwes Published
-
The rare images of J.R.R. Tolkien which caused a sensation at auction
Pamela Chandler's portraits of the great J.R.R. Tolkien went under the hammer recently, almost doubling the estimate set by the auctioneers.
By Annunciata Elwes Published
-
Kew's 2022 list of vital plant species, including a mushroom with teeth, an orchid that grows only in the dark and the Leonardo di Caprio tree
Uvariopsis dicaprio might be a first in the natural world: a tree named after a Hollywood A-lister, and a plant which is on the radar of Kew. Annunciata Elwes reports.
By Annunciata Elwes Published
-
The anniversaries to look out for in 2022, from Ferdinand Magellan to Harry Potter, and from The Beatles to Carter unearthing Tutankhamun
Battles, Beatles, Bond and an ancient Egyptian curse... there’s a lot to remember in 2022.
By Annunciata Elwes Published
-
125 years of property sold through Country Life, from Chartwell to Stonehenge (yes, really)
Country Life has been at the heart of the finest property for sale in Britain ever since the first issue, some 125 years ago today. Our property editor Annunciata Elwes took a look through the archives to see some of the most extraordinary and noteworthy places for sale.
By Annunciata Elwes Published
-
Britain’s most scenic drives: The Black Mountain Pass, Brecon Beacons
On a quest to find the country's most glorious roads, Annunciata Elwes explores The Black Mountain Pass on the Brecon Beacons.
By Annunciata Elwes Published
-
Just a mile from the Jurassic coast, an adorable seven-bedroom vicarage that's a huge opportunity for a savvy buyer
Near the thriving market town of Bridport — known for its quirky arts and cultural scene — is The Old Vicarage: a 19th century family home that enjoys rural and coastal living amid pretty gardens and charming period touches.
By Annunciata Elwes Published
-
Britain’s most scenic drives: The Atlantic Highway linking Somerset, Devon and Cornwall
On a quest to find the country's most glorious roads, Annunciata Elwes is wowed by The Atlantic Highway.
By Annunciata Elwes Published