Alexandra Fraser

The five most expensive homes in London, from a listed townhouse in St James's Park to a palatial mansion in Hampstead

It's mind-boggling to think of price-tags this high, but if there is any place for them, it's London.

Millennials gone mad? How 2020's dog owners are playing Spotify podcasts to pooches called Quinoa

2020 is already shaping up to be the year of the dog, with owners doing their absolute utmost to ensure their pet's comfort and happiness. Alexandra Fraser explores the top dog trends of the year – so far.

The Utterly Inessential Red Shopping List: No-holds barred options for Valentine's Day — or anyone who just really likes red

A 1930s modernist house by William Lescaze, set on a marvellous 14th-century 1,200 acre estate

All of the benefits, none of the fuss; that's 4 Warren Lane offers as a wonderful house in the centre of the Dartington Hall estate.

A drink for all seasons: Drinks fit for royalty, including a Duchess's gin and the Queen's top tipple

If you're part of the Royal Family, chances are you could probably use a nice, stiff drink right about now. Alexandra Fraser is here to help.

The Utterly Inessential Sales Shopping List: From Britain's finest shops to refreshing your house in the name of charity

Utterly Inessential is back with the things which you‘d rather have received for Christmas itself, but have resigned yourself to purchasing in the January sales.

A secret communications tower in a WWII prison, transformed into a swish home with a frankly ludicrous dressing room

Once an early warning system for a nearby American air base, The Water Tower is now the furthest possible thing that it could be from its previous occupation.

Country Life's quirkiest features of 2019: The dog who summoned the armed police, the bus that jumped Tower Bridge and the likelihood of death by coconut

The best thing about being a magazine with such a wide readership is the truly eclectic mix of articles that we're able to deliver to your doorsteps. Here are our favourites from the past year.

Country Life's best dog stories of 2019: Adorably loyal terriers, political pooches and the dog who ate Christmas

Here at Country Life we (unsurprisingly) discuss a lot of four-legged friends. Here are our favourites from 2019.

Country Life's best Instagram posts of 2019: Gorgeous interiors, stately homes and the lamb that broke the internet

One of Country Life's crowning jewels is our carefully-curated Instagram feed, displaying the Best of Britain twice a day, every day.

The ultimate guide to choosing, preparing and cooking a perfect Christmas turkey

The star attraction of a Christmas dinner is unfortunately often the thing that goes the most wrong. Read our top tips to avoid disaster and present a turkey cooked to perfection.

The Utterly Inessential Shopping List: 10 things which under no circumstance should you ever, ever purchase

At the end of 2019, we look back on the crème de la crème of Utterly Inessential, mulling over what we thought then and whether our opinions have softened much. Spoiler: They haven't.

Best Grade II listed country houses for sale

These beautiful listed country homes stand in the heart of some our most beautiful countryside.

Four glorious gatehouses for sale, from under £325,000

If owning your own stately home is out of reach, living in the gatehouse can offer much of the charm at a fraction of the price, as these lovely homes demonstrate.

London's iconic red bus at risk and 6,000 year old chewing gum gives clues into our DNA history

Eight utterly irresistible thatched cottages for sale, from £400,000

As Bilbo Baggins has it: ‘It’s a dangerous business, Frodo, going out your door.’ Best stay warm, under cover of thatch.

County Life Today: What do the election results mean for the British countryside?

The Utterly Inessential Shopping List: The top 10 gadgets you absolutely do not need this Christmas

Nine of the best country houses for sale in Yorkshire

From a picture-perfect 'Hansel and Gretel' cottage to a grand converted chapel, our round-up of homes starts at just £128,000.

My Favourite Painting: Robert Dalrymple

'Our West Highland terrier stood in for the cat; Anna put on a big hat, but, to my regret, I never got round to buying a spotty dressing gown.'