The intrepid châtelaine

Most people move to France with the intention of integrating, but how easy is it to be accepted into the heart of the local community? Gillian Harvey talks to three couples who’ve done just that

The classic French formal garden is typified by features including geometric shapes and symmetrical patterns, like those you find at châteaux, but it’s a style that can be easily adapted to more modest properties, writes Richard Wiles

The garden at Caisson House, near Bath, Somerset The home of Amanda and Phil Honey

There’s a treat in store for lovers of history, design and fine food at Aynhoe Park in Oxfordshire. The estate was redesigned in the 19th century by Sir John Soane, and today it integrates collections

A magnificent chalet in one of the Alps’ premier dual-season destinations inspires Ruth Wood to live life to the full

In the six acres of grounds, Maud Peters has adopted a classical English gardening style with a dose of her own characteristic French flair