Country Houses

A rare butterfly is causing a flutter after moving into a derelict mansion. Wildlife experts have spotted a Large Skipper making a home for itself in the fenced-off Belleisle House. The unusual rustic orange insect was spied during a nature trail. It is the first time one has been seen in Ayr as they are … Continue reading »

A business enterprise hub based in a picturesque Georgian country house in Northumberland is growing amid the arrival of a new firm and expansion of existing tenants. Dissington Hall Enterprise Hub in Ponteland has been going from strength-to-strength since launching in March 2015. Formerly a successful wedding venue set up by owners Gill and Michael … Continue reading »

Our country houses are so much richer than we imagine. John Goodall is impressed by this exemplary new study. Apethorpe: the story of an English country house Edited by Kathryn Morrison (Yale University Press, £60) The dramatic rescue of apethorpe from two decades of neglect by the actions of east Northamptonshire Council and the former … Continue reading »

Blur captured the mood of fed-up urbanites when they sang about a hacked-off city dweller turning his life around after moving to a “very big house in the country”. Two decades later, it remains the dream of many. Compared with built-up spots where land comes at a premium and competition is fierce, it’s possible to … Continue reading »

The Midlands 1. Alton Towers, Staffordshire Among the stomach-churning highlights are Nemesis, Air and Oblivion (a vertical drop of more than 180ft). This year saw the launch of the first “virtual reality” rollercoaster, “Galactica”, where riders use headsets to experience a space adventure. Price: on the day: adult £50.40; senior £25.20; child £45.60; family £43.80; discounts … Continue reading »

Neil Sowerby started his Welsh fine dining odyssey at Tyddyn Llan, took in fellow Michelin star holder Ynyshir Hall and completed his revelatory trip at the perfect country house hotel, Llangoed Hall THE vestment in its glass case on the landing has the aura of a sacred relic. Which in a way it is. This tabard … Continue reading »

Millions of pounds raised from the sale of a painting will be spent buying back and restoring grounds at an historic country home. An auction raised £4.4m for Stansted Park Foundation, which owns and runs the house, with the sale of an 18th century painting by Old Master Jean-Etienne Liotard. James Cooper, director of the … Continue reading »

Published: 17:45 EST, 8 July 2016 | Updated: 18:24 EST, 8 July 2016 Former Karen Villeneuve pictured with Earl Charles Spencer at Royal Ascot 2014 As its current master Charles Spencer loves to boast, Althorp has been home to 19 generations of Spencers, a fittingly imposing ancestral seat for one of England’s foremost aristocratic families. … Continue reading »

Melissa York Inheriting a country estate sounds like one of the most ridiculous privileges that could be bestowed upon a 30-something in modern Britain. In reality, it’s a bit like being told to look after a dying relative in the middle of nowhere who keeps stealing from your wallet when you’re not looking. When five … Continue reading »

Heveningham Hall Country Fair to host around 50 ‘spectacular’ classic cars for its Concours d’Elegance 19:01 29 June 2016 One of the vintage cars to appear at Heveningham Hall’s inaugural Concours d’Elegance Archant A Suffolk estate has announced a “spectacular” line-up of classic cars to appear at its popular country fair. Heveningham Hall’s Concours d’Elegance … Continue reading »