A twist of fate led André and Lisanne Hedger to realise their dream of owning a chocolate-box thatched cottage in the heart of the countryside – the perfect place to create happy memories with their young family

"Dad used to call me a feckless environmentalist,” Hugh Crossley says warmly of his father, the 3rd Baron Somerleyton. “But he was a conservationist in his own way – he’s the reason we have good hedge

Will and Sarah Leslie inherited a baronial-style castle in poor repair, and are slowly turning it into a fantasy family home

Which gardens are COUNTRY LIFE contributors most looking forward to visiting this year?

Chantal and Rob Powell have used sympathetic methods and materials to give their ancient Dorset farm a new relevance for the 21st century

Alison Lewis planned to mark her 50th birthday by buying a diamond ring, but instead she bought this gem of a house – and has never looked back