The Finer Things
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In full bloom: 'Flowers: Flora in art and culture' opens at the Saatchi Gallery
From 100,000 dried flowers to a contemporary interpretation of Van Gogh’s 'Sunflowers', the Saatchi Gallery's new 'Flowers' exhibition is the perfect spring antidote to long winter days.
By Charlotte Mullins Published
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Land of soap and glory: How the British beauty industry is setting global standards for sustainability and style
From packaging inspired by Paganism and fragrances released on the equinox and solstice, to powerhouse ingredients grown right here in Britain — we are leading the way when it comes to innovative and effective beauty products.
By Jennifer George Published
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'We moved here to be in a remote area, but there are 1,000 cars and motorhomes passing my house every day. It’s like Disneyland': How Scotland's best roads are causing local people the biggest headaches
10 years after it was established, the North Coast 500 continues to divide opinion. More tourism means more money, but for those who live along the route, their peaceful lives have been turned upside down. Matthew MacConnell investigates.
By Matthew MacConnell Last updated
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This rare Picasso lithograph could be yours for £60,000
Picasso's 'David and Bathsheba' — printed on rare Chinese silk paper and intertwined with the artist's infamous and complicated love life — has come up for sale.
By Carla Passino Published
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Five of the National Trust's most outstanding paintings, as chosen by the curators who care for the charity’s world-class collection
As The National Trust celebrates its 130th anniversary, we asked five of their curators to choose a key artwork from the charity's huge collection.
By Carla Passino Last updated
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Curious questions: Where did the Snakes and Ladders board game come from?
Games of Snakes and Ladder punctuated most of our childhoods, but how many of us know about its Ancient Indian origins and the fact that it was designed to teach us about liberation from the transmutations of karma?
By Rob Crossan Published
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‘What we petrolheads wanted but feared we’d never get’: Behind the wheel of Audi’s new, all-electric A6 e-tron Avant
His Majesty is a known fan of an Audi estate, but what will he — and Country Life — make of the brand new EV version?
By Ben Oliver Published
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Barbour’s heritage jackets get a floral makeover courtesy of Erdem
Utilitarian outwear has taken the fashion world by storm and now Britain's world-famous wax jackets are getting in on the act, inspired by some of our greatest countryside icons.
By Amy de la Haye Published
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Dawn chorus: London’s ‘White House’ sells for £139 million, WNU pops up in Scotland and our quiz of the day
One of London’s biggest property sales, our favourite shirtmaker and Slow Horse’s Jack Lowden round out today’s Dawn Chorus.
By Rosie Paterson Published
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From fighting for stockings to flying on the Moon: How nylon changed the world
Almost 90 years after it was first discovered, Martin Fone looks at the history of this mass produced man-made fibre.
By Martin Fone Published
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Right on time: Our Luxury Editor’s favourites from LVMH Watch Week
Doesn’t time go by so fast? LVMH Watch Week is back for its sixth iteration and there are plenty of new and old faces to marvel at, says Hetty Lintell.
By Hetty Lintell Published
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The light at the end of the tunnel is a car club
As the internet and the businesses that use them become more and more inhospitable, James Fisher praises the car club, for being that increasingly rare thing — a good invention that works well.
By James Fisher Published
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Curious Questions: Why do woolly hats have bobbles?
Some can rock a bobble hat, others will always resemble Where’s Wally, but the big question is why the bobbles are there in the first place. Harry Pearson finds out as he celebrates a knitted that creation belongs on every hat rack.
By Harry Pearson Published
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Style and substance: Why the handkerchief remains a small symbol of civilised behaviour
Once considered a luxury item and given as a love token — or even used as a makeshift toothbrush — the handkerchief still offers an elegance sorely lacking in a packet of paper tissues, says Matthew Dennison.
By Matthew Dennison Published
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Lexus LBX 2025: Where compact luxury meets affordability and economy
The Lexus LBX is a compact all-rounder for the city and the country that ticks almost all of the right boxes.
By James Fisher Published
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Country Life's top 10 arts stories of 2024
From the artist killed on his first day in the war to a masterpiece once sold for £30, these were our most popular arts stories of 2024.
By Toby Keel Published
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Christmas gift ideas for children
From adorable booties and cardigans to toys that will keep tiny tots entertained for hours.
By Hetty Lintell Published