CATEGORIES
Why old is gold
The deeper designers dig into our decorative past, the more gleaming nuggets they unearth
Sealed with a kiss
Peaking at Christmas, regard for mistletoe is deeply rooted in myth and legend, finds Ian Morton-not to mention the age-old tradition of kissing underneath it
Hung up by the chimney with care
Children around the land will soon awake in the darkness of early morning, straining their eyes to make out the shape of a now-bulging Christmas stocking-but when did we start filling socks with satsumas, sixpences and tin whistles.
Peace on earth and mercy mild
We have a tendency to exhaust ourselves trying to create the perfect Christmas, but we should return to the charitable heart of the season and be mindful of those who are struggling, advocates the Revd Daniel A . French
Journey of the Magi
Britain's greatest masterpieces
All is calm, all is bright
On a two-coat, chilly December night, a John Lewis-Stempel and his labrador Plum venture out into the glass-hard air to check on the sheep and drink in the stars
A new lease of life
From a windmill to old stables, these conversions pack historical punch
Talking a lot of rot
ONCE upon a time, the three ‘r’s meant reading, ’riting and ’rithmetic. Nowadays, they stand for ‘recycle, repurpose and re-use’.
The big list
To describe a building as ‘listed’ is a way of saying it is important, but what does it mean? Roger Bowdler looks at how listing came about and how it has changed
A new lease of life
A light touch is the secret to sensitive restoration, finds Amelia Thorpe
‘We're the solution, not the problem'
The new CLA president on farming today, family tragedy and grey partridge
The restoration game
Some of our most desirable country houses were almost completely remodelled by the likes of Lutyens, Lorimer, Voysey and Blow. Yet, under current rules, such projects wouldn’t be allowed, says Hamish Scott
The moody new hue
As range cookers become ever more sophisticated, Aga has launched a dark and glamorous new incarnation, finds Eleanor Doughty
Labours of love
Two country houses have flourished under the stewardship of their current owners, whose efforts have turned them into perfect homes
A garden restored
At his home at Westonbirt in Gloucestershire, Robert Stayner Holford created one of the finest gardens of the Victorian era. Following a major restoration, this little-known gem is once again turning heads, finds Natasha Goodfellow
A building back from the brink
A major restoration project promises to restore and reunite not only a magnificent house, but its landscape as well. Marcus Binney reports on the remarkable work undertaken so far
Sleeping beauty
All looks peaceful at Morton Hall, Worcestershire, but key tasks will be tackled in winter to ensure that, come spring, the garden is ready to burst into life, says Tiffany Daneff
Yacón and oca: like potatoes, but not
IN the weeks to come, you may find yourself sitting by the fire with a glass of something relaxing, mulling over a few plant and seed catalogues, anticipating spring. It is one of my favourite winter activities.
In glorious technicolour
Our cathedrals were once filled with colour, argues Simon Jenkins. Isn’t it time we brought it back?
The flying barn door
Once accused of snatching children, but more likely to take a tennis ball, ‘the eagle with the sunlit eye’ is back soaring through our skies thanks to a careful reintroduction programme, discovers Vicky Liddell
Pick of the year
The thrilling discovery of an Old Master drawing forms the centrepiece of London Art Week
A temple to peace
Grand Lodge, London WC2 The Freemasons’ Hal: One of London’s most imposing Art Deco interiors has thrown open its doors to visitors. James Campbell explains the remarkable history of this extraordinary building Photographs by Will Pryce
Life is a highway
From winding mountain passes to broad, salt-washed vistas that make you feel you can fly, Britain was made for taking the scenic route.Annunciata Elwes describes eight glorious roads
Island hopping in the Caribbean
From Antigua to St Vincent, Caribbean countries are known for their pristine beaches, crystalline waters and luxuriant vegetation, but there’s more to them than scenic beauty. Carla Passino discovers some of their perks and quirks, plus superb properties for sale
Crystal Palace
VISITING Hyde Park to look for traces of the Crystal Palace is a fruitless exercise. For a few months in 1851, as the purpose-built venue for the Great Exhibition, the 100ft-high, 1,848ft-long and 408ft-wide structure stood in the area between the Prince of Wales Gate on Kensington Road and Rotten Row.
A shaggy dog story
These big bundles of fur have advertised Dulux and danced with David Bowie, but numbers of old English sheepdogs are plummeting, warns Katy Birchall
Interiors - The designer's room
A large collection of books lines the informal library of Kit Kemp’s Hampshire home
Bonkers bespoke
What to do when you can’t find that perfect luxury item? Design it from scratch, of course, and, with the right help, it’ll be beyond your wildest dreams
Fix up, look sharp
These dream projects need TLC, but are well worth the bother
Snug as a bug in a quilt
If you’re planning to make a patchwork quilt, be sure to stick with tradition, inviting your friends and stitching to the accompaniment of violins and bagpipes