How a sociable couple created an entertaining space that celebrates smart design

THE FIREPLACE HAS SURVIVED CENTURIES OF CHANGE TO EMERGE IN ALL ITS GLORY AS THE FOCAL POINT OF THE LONDON RECEPTION ROOM, DISCOVERS ANNE CUTHBERTSON

Rufus Bird says rumours of a market decline are overstated

There is nothing quite like a barn conversion with its characterful features and nod to an agrarian past to get the pulse racing, so who wouldn’t love one of these distinctive homes magnificently transformed for rural living

The latest fireplaces, stoves and fireside accessories, selected by Amelia Thorpe

Barnbarroch House, Barnbarroch, Dumfries & Galloway, Scotland. A country house with views towards Urr Water estuary with two two-bedroom cottages in the grounds. It has period fireplaces and a kitchen