Shaping history

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

Gracing the banks of the River Thames, this exquisite gem survived the Civil War thanks to a shrewd political operator, and is one of the finest Stuart houses in the country

This historic Cumbrian garden blends formal design with playful planting

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

The garden of Penns in the Rocks, near Tunbridge Wells, East Sussex The home of Hugh and Frances Gibson

Tucked away in the heart of busy west London is a tiny but enchanting garden full of hidden corners, playful elements and unusual woodland plants