The gentle crackling of a fire is one of winter’s joys and it can be even more heartening when the fireplace area is decorated with panache

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

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

Fairy-tale dwellings

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

This historic manor house celebrates the best of old and new and its elegant interiors look beautiful decorated for the holidays