It's Time To Go Primitive

The hardy, multi-talented sheep from the Scottish isles, whose wool once kept royal legs warm, are coming into their own again as their conservation credentials and flavoursome, lean meat are being rediscovered. Kate Green reports

Land Ahoy!

These three beautiful properties on the water’s edge have been tempting sailors to dry land for centuries

Turning a town into a palace

The townscape of Royston in Hertfordshire preserves the vestiges of one of Britain’s most surprising royal palaces. Simon Thurley describes the form and history of this remarkable building

The painter and the muffin man

The celebrated bird artist Audubon collaborated with a Scottish ornithologist who is often unfairly forgotten.

Our heroes of the high street

They’re the backbone, heart and soul of the community, but village stores have had to evolve to survive

Master in miniature

The tiniest estate buildings can make wonderful homes, says John Tanner, who transformed a 600sq ft gardener’s bothy at Gunton Hall

The belle of the ball

Alligators, oysters and gallons of iced tea: new direct flights to Charleston mean it’s never been easier to enjoy the jewel of the American South

The silly season goes on

The peerless panellist on self-obsessed humour, an eczema cure and Boris Johnson

I want to be in America

Annunciata Elwes selects the market’s finest Stateside properties

Making History

A high-profile film set on Guernsey has opened up the island’s charms to a new audience,

Just Around The Corner

From castles to coppersmiths, bunkers and buildings made of seashells, a walking tour of Guernsey is full of surprises

I'll Drink To That

With sterling dedication, James Fisher visited as many Guernsey pubs as possible–here are his recommendations

How To Make A Move

Some dream, others make it happen. Holly Kirkwood talks to two families who have relocated to Guernsey to see how they made it work

I Heard It Through The Grapevine

THE sweet, black dessert grapes that flourish on The Great Vine at Hampton Court Palace must have delighted the palate of Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown, who planted the impressive specimen 250 years ago, during the reign of George III.

Living National Treasure

PHILIP REED describes his need to build model ships as an obsession. ‘At best, it provides total, meditative absorption—at worst, total frustration,’ he discloses.

Summer Leaving

AS the Isley Brothers almost said, summer leaves make me feel fine. As much as I love barbecued delights, sunny weather makes me crave clean, fresh leaves to go with them or redress the balance—some as plain and crisp as frost, others lively and bold as brass. Dedicating a small space to growing your own salads and other embellishments will keep you in money can’t-buy flavours and combinations and takes little effort or outlay.

The Secret Life Of An Heirloom

Matthew Dennison uncovers the remarkable travels of some of the world’s greatest artworks, often lost, hidden and rediscovered.

The Play's The Thing

Is it a play within a play or a ploy within a ploy? Two works, written centuries apart, prove thought-provoking.

Shooting From The Hip

For centuries, the sporting bond has been sealed by a sip or a slugfrom a shared hip flask. Flora Watkins salutes this most convivial of traditions and recommends three spirit-lifting concoctions

Jumping's The Name Of The Game

For many racegoers, the changing of the clocks signals the start of the National Hunt season proper. MarcusArmytagereveals his top horses, trainersandjockeys

Cult Status

ET me now praise Emmenopterys henryi. I’m sorry, but it doesn’t have an English name, which isn’t surprising because you don’t often see it in European gardens.

The Future Is Now

Canada has got a head start on exciting property industry technology, as Carla Passino explains

Bathing In Beauty - The Roman Baths, Bath, Somerset

In the late 19th century, the eponymous hot baths of this city were recast in their modern form. Clive Aslet describes this fascinating transformation

High On A Hill Lived A Lonely Laird

IN direst January, the lovelorn laird from the west threw in the towel and fled south.

A Passion For Pattern

The textile designer Molly Mahon is sharing her enthusiasm for block printing through teaching, says Arabella Youens

Currying Favour

Pulses have long been the base of stews, curries and soups. Julie Harding meets the man who brought lentils back to grow in the UK

Our Friends Electric

We all know we should be driving electric-powered cars, but what are the practicalities of owning one? Charles Rangeley-Wilson considers the best models for a trip down electric avenue in the countryside

At Bagatelle, Admire ‘The Best The World Has Seen'

THE market for roses is driven by novelty—and always has been since French nurserymen started large-scale rose-breeding 200 years ago.

The Wide Blue Yonder

Santa Marina, Mykonos, Cyclades, Greece

Zen And The Art Of Zoning

When designing an an open-plan apartment, the secret to success lies in creating distinct zones