The Finer Things
When it comes to treating yourself to a new party dress or a pair of cufflinks, or if you want to buy a brilliant present for a loved one, look no further than our High Life section. From the most inspiring travel trips to the latest news in luxury watches, and beautiful jewellery, let Country Life guide you to the very best in beautiful things.
Plus, read articles from our brilliant Gentleman’s Life magazine, including the 39 steps to being a gentleman.
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Jason Goodwin: 'My own predictions would be for the return of fountain pens and safety razors'
Jason Goodwin suspects that shag carpets may not be making a comeback, but praises the few things that Brexit could bring to our doorsteps – especially those which significantly lessen our environmental impact.
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Grabbing a slice of mid-winter sunshine, with golf, biking and a Ford Puma
Yes, a short break to the sun at this time of year is an indulgence — but it's one which will do wonders for your state of mind, says Toby Keel.
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My Favourite Painting: Martin Yeoman
'There is a sublime and sensual beauty about all aspects of this painting.'
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In Focus: The story of life of St Clare, and other restituted paintings that found their way back home
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The Utterly Inessential Shopping List: Spring flowers, rugby shirts and sterling silver Marmite lids
Alexandra Fraser takes a look at a few things set to brighten up the end of your winter, from a non-denominational rugby shirt to a £145 sterling sliver marmite lid. No, we're not joking.
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Toyota Supra: An invitation to a very special club, where fast and furious is the order of business
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Banning sale of fossil fuel cars from 2035 is the right thing to do — but countryside pressures could keep the diesel pumping for decades after that
The future of cars is electric — can ONLY be electric, eventually — but the timetable for us to switch over could take a lot longer than you might think. We take a look at the ramifications of the government's 2035 deadline for banning the sale of diesel and petrol-powered automobiles.
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My Favourite Painting: Viktor Wynd
Artist and collector Viktor Wynd chooses a haunting picture by Austin Osman Spare.
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In Focus: Why Dora Maar’s vision placed her in the first rank of Surrealists
The brilliant, innovative photographer at the forefront of Surrealism was much more than merely Picasso’s mistress, says Matthew Dennison.
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The Utterly Inessential Valentine's Shopping List Part II: Pink gin, heart-shaped earrings and a dog bed for the true love of your life
Every year, we round up the top gifts one could possibly give without going over-the-top-crazy for Valentine's Day. Fortunately, this year our Utterly Inessential columnist is in love. Unfortunately, her heart still belongs to gin. You can't win them all.
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The mysterious billionaire's superyacht which shows the way forward for future travel at sea and on land
This astonishing superyacht has made headlines for its potential future owner and the ingenious, futuristic engines which propel it using clean energy.
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My Favourite Painting: James Birch
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Why automobile-inspired interiors are creeping into the family home
Furniture designers still have much to learn from the automotive industry.
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In Focus: The scandalous child of Empire, the murderous photographer and the woman who fatally brought them together
Eadweard Muybridge was not only the pioneering photographer of motion, but also a murderer. Jason Goodwin relishes this tale of the dashing rogue and adventurer who became his victim.
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The Rolls-Royce Cullinan: Audacious, outrageous, stupendous and luxurious
Charles Rangeley Wilson tries out Rolls-Royce's new SUV and declares it to be the best of all the cars he's reviewed for Country Life, winning out over the other Rolls models for 'sheer chutzpah'.
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My Favourite Painting: Judith Weir
'This exquisitely decorated painting with a young, ginger-haired man screwing up his face, expressing disgust, and also fear, suggested by the whites of his eyes – such a vivid detail.'
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In Focus: A masterpiece by Fergusson, the Scottish colourist whose work is tinged by French avant-garde
Lilias Wigan takes a look at a work by JD Fergusson that's statuesque, sculptural and erotic.
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The Utterly Inessential Shopping List: The most utterly stylish four poster beds on the market right now
Four-poster beds are the cornerstone of any good childhood interior-design-related dream. Alexandra Fraser explores some of the most opulent on the market right now.
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A tribute to the four great theatre talents we lost in 2019
Gone, but never forgotten, these four theatre giants shaped today's theatre in more ways than one. Michael Billington remembers.
