Downtools

Reviews of four tomes ideal for your coffee table – and for perusing during holiday downtime

The English House: A History in Eight Buildings ...

In 1993 Sarah and Chris Vermont moved from Brixton, London, to Hungerdowns in Essex, an old farmhouse dating back to 1600 with a Georgian front added in 1757. In the garden there were existing hedges,

The garden was a blank canvas when I first moved in. A single tree. A lawn invaded by alkanet. London clay so hard you couldn’t push a spade in. I was more concerned with urgent matters such as the de

John and Jenny Brett have created an all-year garden design at St Mary’s, combining formal plant structures with colourful insect-friendly perennials, but in winter, when dusted with white and dancing with shadows, the garden shimmers

Throughout the festive season, this lively family home is decked with a gorgeous mix of garlands, greenery, flowers and trees that take their cue from the surrounding Yorkshire woodland