Country Living UK

Whether you live in the town or countryside, in Country Living you’ll find a wealth of ideas for your home and garden, learn about traditional crafts, keep informed of rural issues, enjoy irresistible dishes using seasonal produce and, above all, escape the stress and strain of modern-day life.

Here comes summer

Country Living

Hello and welcome…

Art CLASS • Let a sunny afternoon stir your creativity. Pack materials plus fuss-free snacks and head off to study the great outdoors

DESIGNED FOR LIFE • This elegant creekside Devon house demonstrates an eye for design but is, above all, a comfortable family home

FRESH ideas • The Colman family have re-established an old peppermint variety in the Hampshire countryside and now produce essential oils with a flavour as distinctive as that of their famous mustard

The SWALLOWTAIL

Perfect PETALS • Indulge in a little flower power with these sweet makes that bring the charm of summer blooms into your home

SOUNDS of SILENCE • Forest bathing, the act of being calm and quiet among the trees, has scientifically proven health benefits, says Dr Qing Li

THE POWER OF TREES

HOW TO PRACTISE SHINRIN-YOKU • You can ‘forest-bathe’ wherever there are trees – in rain, sunshine or snow. It is important not to hurry through the woodlands, though. Walking slowly will help you to keep your senses open, to notice the things around you and smell the forest air.

ROSES ALL THE WAY • Bring roses in from the garden and let them add their delicate, perfumed flavour and pretty petals to these beautiful, summery dishes

ESCAPE the EVERYDAY with COUNTRY LIVING • Offering you a joyous escape from the everyday, we fill every issue of Country Living with a unique blend of features on decorating country homes, sustainable gardening, artisan crafts, British food producers, UK travel and more. Plus, our new Country Living app includes access to our full library, plus special-edition guides on gardening, interiors and food to access wherever you are. Subscribe with our special offer and start reading today.

SEEDS OF AN IDEA • Learning from the ground up, Sandy Coppen’s knowledge has grown with her garden, which was once neglected but is now bursting with life

BUILDING ON THE PAST • Finding a sympathetic architect was essential when remodelling and adding a large new wing to this 19th-century barn

Down by THE RIVER • Escape the high summer heat – go for a paddle, watch dragonflies, then laze away the afternoon in the shade

Gold RUSHES • In Bedford, Felicity Irons is keeping an ancient craft alive, weaving magical creations from riverside bulrushes that entrance customers around the world

The HIGH BROWN FRITILLARY

Summer SCENES • These pretty ideas will add finesse to any garden gathering and help the day live long in the memories of your guests

Summer BREEZE • Fill your garden – and home – with the sun-warmed fragrance of these beautifully scented plants

LET’S EAT OUT • Celebrating the lush flavours of the season, these dishes are perfect for a relaxing alfresco lunch. Just add sunshine

Pack A PICNIC • Load up your bicycle baskets and head off for a retro-styled feast in the wild. These crafty makes will help you set the scene

LIGHT AS AIR • A clean aesthetic allows the structure of a Norfolk barn conversion to remain the centre of attention, its soaring ceilings and simple lines the perfect backdrop to a family home

The LARGE BLUE

GROW and GATHER • Every summer, five acres of an Oxfordshire farm burst into glorious colour, thanks to Rachel Siegfried’s devotion to her blooming cutting garden

SWEET AS SUMMER • Celebrate the season’s bountiful fruits with desserts...