Overview

"For over 100 years, ""Country Life"" magazine has been recording the country houses of the British Isles and Europe. From the start, its weekly articles on the subject were illustrated with specially commissioned photographs by some of the century's pre-eminent architectural photographers. Photography remains the lifeblood of the magazine, and it has built up an unrivalled archive of architectural photographs of some of the finest houses in Western Europe. ""Great Houses of Europe"" brings together a collection of over 200 colour and black-and-white photographs by the master of natural-light photography, ""Country Life"" photographer Alex Starkey. And the distinguished architectural writer and historian Marcus Binney contributes an illuminating text, providing an essential historical background to some of Europe's most remarkable houses and their magnificent interiors. The book covers a wide range both geographically - there are houses in France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Austria, Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands and Sweden - and in terms of architectural style - from Dutch Classical architecture (Het Loo) to spectacular Gothic revival (Kastel de Harr). There are astonishing interiors: the stunning stucco ceilings of the Venetian Palazzo Abruzzi, and the beautiful mirror rooms done by the ladies of the Court for the enchanting ""lust schloss"". Schloss Favourite near Baden; the magnificent Baroque interiors of Schloss Bruhl, built for the Elector of Cologne, and the early 18th-century Baroque Castello Guarane in Piedmont with its fine frescoes; the early 20th-century Quinta da Regaleira in Sintra, built for a diamond tycoon with its fantasy gardens, half underground; the palatial Chateau de Roquetaillade near Bordeaux, gothicised in the 19th century by Villet-le-Duc, and the quintessential medieval extravaganza, the Chateau de Meillant in Burgundy; and, finally, the dramatic Swedish post-Renaissance Castle Stokloster, arguably the finest house in Europe."

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9781854108494

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Photographs of houses from Country Life magazine. But these are special houses and Country Life is a rather special magazine, having accumulated over 100 years an unrivalled archive of architectural and interior design photographs. The houses are situated all over western Europe, from Britain and Belgium to Portugal and Sweden, and date from the Renaissance to the 20th century. These are houses that are works of art, as are the photographs, which undoubtedly deserve preservation between hardcovers. This is not quite Changing Rooms territory, but readers working to more modest DIY and decorating budgets will find plenty of inspiration here. Or just plenty to dream about, for these are for most of us without doubt fantasy homes built and maintained with fantasy sums of money.

Short of visiting these wonderful houses yourself, this is as good as it can possibly get. The photography is of amazing quality, the text as informative as any personal guide. In Country Life tradition, excellence prevails on each glossy page. Binney and Starkey began their European travels in 1970 when it seemed that British country homes could soon be taxed into penury. Over the years they have visited scores of palaces, castles, mansions and estates across western Europe and here they have chosen 25 of the best. While the specialism of former Country Life editor Binney is architecture, he goes beyond what the eye can see in relating anecdotes about the houses' history and the lavish (and often quirky) deeds of the owners. One aristocratic family valued their privacy so much that they had an entire village uprooted and transplanted several miles away. Also here are first-hand accounts of guests who stayed during the houses' heydays and recorded their impressions of the hospitality offered. Just as important as the text are Starkey's photographs - more than 200 of them, all taken in natural light and showing pinpoint detail. From flamboyant gothic to rococo and neo-classical, every architectural style is covered as are the varied styles of furniture and interior decoration. Some of Europe's most opulent rooms feature, but not all the locations are readily familiar. Binney and Starkey discovered many little-known gems in the form of country villas and hunting lodges well off the tourist route, and Starkey's pictures reveal shimmering silks and gorgeous frescoes that have been kept secret for too long. The homes are in France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Austria, Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands and Sweden. Not all were the family seats they may appear to be - the Quinta da Regaleira in Sintra was built for a diamond tycoon who demanded a set of fantasy gardens in which to relax. Full of treasures, this book is a treasure in itself. (Kirkus UK)

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