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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Best gifts for dads, from 'the ultimate experimental whisky' to gadgets, hampers and more
There are many ways to show your Dad that you love and appreciate him. There's breakfast in bed, an offer to mow the lawn, a big hug and the offer of the last biscuit. Or you could just buy him something that he definitely doesn't need, but we're pretty sure he'll want.
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Jonathan Self: My 146-year-old timepiece is the antithesis of the smartwatches — and it's all the better for it
How lovely to have a beautiful watch to order your life, says Jonathan Self; but how much better to have no need of one at all.
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My favourite painting: Joanne Ooi
EA Festival founder Joanne Ooi picks a bold image that's a mix of acrylic, ink and oil paint on canvas.
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Country Life's Little Green Book: The top eco-friendly companies making the world a better place
In our inaugural Little Green Book, Country Life presents a list of brands that are striving to make the world a better place without compromising on style. Compiled by Giles Kime and Rosie Paterson.
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My favourite painting: Beatrice Grant
The Lord-Lieutenant of the County of Worcestershire chooses a Piero della Francesca masterpiece.
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The best regional art galleries in Britain, from Cornwall to Orkney
Wherever you are in Britain, you’re never far from an interesting gallery. Here we present an eclectic round-up of 45 places to see art outside the big cities.
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My Favourite Painting: Christopher Jackson
The poet and artist Christopher Jackson chooses 'a macabre picture, with marvellous details': Chatterton by Henry Wallis.
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William Shakespeare: The original Nature boy
William Shakespeare wasn’t only the greatest playwright of our history, he was an avid ornithophile, a green man and a master of transposing the true power of Nature onto the page, says John Lewis-Stempel.
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My favourite painting: Lady Caroline Percy
The designer and art consultant Lady Caroline Percy chooses a vision of Ancient Rome by Turner.
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My favourite painting: Susannah Constantine
Susannah Constantine chooses a painting by her own father, Joseph Constantine.
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How the sheep of the Cotswolds outlasted the Roman Empire and the Black Death to help build one of Britain's most beautiful areas
From warm cloaks for the Roman army to many handsome churches, much of England’s might and wealth once rested on the back of the Cotswold sheep’s ‘golden fleece’, says Charles Harris.
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My favourite painting: John Chatfeild-Roberts
John Chatfeild-Roberts of the British Sporting Art Trust chooses a classic Munnings image.
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My Favourite Painting: Henry Dallal
The photographer Henry Dallal, a favourite of the late Queen Elizabeth II, chooses a modern take on an ancient Persian image.
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Coronation memorabilia: Future heirlooms, or future charity shop tat?
Love it or loathe it, royal memorabilia is big business. Huon Mallalieu takes a look at the commemorative souvenirs of the past and considers if they ever really make an investment for the future.
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Dior: All sewn up
Dior’s exquisite jewellery and watches will add the finishing touch to any new outfit.
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My favourite painting: Raynor Winn
The award-winning writer chooses a beautiful landscape.
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My favourite painting: Mark Tufnell
The CLA president chooses a magical landscape.
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My Favourite Painting: Viscount William Astor
William Astor chooses a painting from an artist with whom he was lucky enough to have a personal connection: Sir Stanley Spencer.
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Who opened the first ever department store?
Forget the mid-19th century institutions of Harrods, Macy's or Bloomingdale's — the oldest department store in the world was founded in London in the 1780s. Martin Fone tells the story of Harding, Howell’s & Co Grand Fashionable Magazine.