Just a hop, skip and jump from London, but a million miles from the stresses of the city, newly refurbished countryside retreat Burnham Beeches makes a perfect escape, whether you’re seeking a Mother’

With 36 years in hunt service behind him, Robert McCarthy is one of the country’s most senior and most respected huntsmen. He talks to Tessa Waugh about Crufts, the current situation and life in Northumberland

As the sun sinks over the moat encircling Columbine Hall, reflections of the manor house stretch and soften on the still surface of the water. This is a profoundly romantic setting and, along with the

Lydia Macpherson and Nick MacKinnon, both poets, have turned a property on the wild Yorkshire Moors into a magical home

HIGH HEELS AND MINISKIRTS, heaving cleavages and Cupid’s bow lips. Sunburn, swathes of fur and leopard print. Pints, cigarettes, flirting. Bars and bingo halls, bowling greens and beaches. Fleshy figu

Our round-up of the funny, fascinating and unusual stories this fortnight