The cover of the 29 April issue boasts a beautiful oil painting commissioned by Country Life and created by celebrated landscape artist Jonathan Myles-Lea – the first commissioned painting to ever grace the cover of Country Life.
The painting brings to life a magnificent master plan designed by Chelsea gold-medallist Arabella Lennox-Boyd – based on a ten acre estate around an imaginary Georgian house – which is featured inside the magazine as a double gatefold.
Country Life has joined forces with internationally renowned landscape designer Arabella and respected writer and columnist Jonathan Self to produce Dream Acres, the most exciting series in the magazine’s history, according to the publisher.
The 12-week Dream Acres series – which shows readers just what can be done with careful design, flair and imagination in a country house landscape – is introduced this issue with a nine page launch.
Country Life publishing director Jean Christie says: “This is the first cover of this kind for Country Life in its 112-year history, and the first editorial double gatefold we have produced. Following the unique advent calendar cover of 2007, this is another example of Country Life breaking with tradition to showcase a magnificent issue.”
Each week informative text by Jonathan Self examines a different garden area – from orchards to courtyards and wildlife ponds to tennis courts. Every issue will contain detailed designs, useful tips, suggestions of good examples to visit in other gardens, recommended suppliers, product information and much more. Jonathan also talks to those who have created the best examples in the UK and Ireland.
Editor of Country Life Mark Hedges says: “I am delighted that Country Life has three legendary figures on board to create a highly desirable and memorable series. This is one of the most exciting projects in Country Life’s history and I’m looking forward to all that is still to come over the next 12 weeks.”
