The year 2021 has been another tumultuous 12 months, but one thing remains certain: the joys of the countryside are always there to be enjoyed, come poor weather or even (heaven forbid) another lockdown. In this year’s country life Annual, we celebrate the finest houses, most gorgeous gardens and tastiest recipes printed in the magazine this year. Take a look inside some of Britain’s most interesting residences – treehouse, anyone? – before learning more about the glorious plants and animals that call this land home. We also look back to May, when HRH The Prince of Wales invited the country life team to record a year in the life of the Sandringham Estate’s journey to becoming a full organic enterprise. Here’s hoping 2022 will be less eventful, but until then, sit back and enjoy.