Private houses, museums, restaurants, pubs, a former cinema and numerous little-known treasures jostle for attention in this beautifully photographed collection of weird and wonderful interiors in England.

Often featuring deliberate references to the tastes and styles of bygone eras, all the interiors in this book are united by a wonderful blend of vivacity and individuality, as well as displaying a great deal of passion and dedication in the creation of a unique space. At the same time, the 'Englishness' that characterises these interiors is often a diverse assemblage of traditions and tastes from every corner of the world, not only reflecting the historical make-up of British society but also the far-reaching knowledge-base upon which the creators of these glorious interiors have been able to draw.

From a bizarre magician's house in London to a wildly entertaining hotel in rural North Yorkshire, there is ample evidence across England of the creative output resulting from this heady mix of enthusiasm and expertise. Historical fantasies sit alongside glorious 21st-century expressions of maximalism, from Walpole's stunning 'little play-thing house' at Strawberry Hill in Twickenham to the newly opened Great John Street Hotel in Manchester where the style is joyfully described as 'New York meets vintage chic'. Quirky, intellectual, stylish or humorous, all the interiors in this book serve as a glorious testimony to the richly creative tradition of English eccentricity, past and present.

Creating gardening magic on the weekends

For anyone entertaining the in-laws, or planning a barbecue, or thinking of reselling a house, turning a neglected backyard into a showcase-almost overnight-might sound impossible. Ideal for the gardener strapped for time, "Garden Makeovers" shows how, with only a few inspired touches-like candle holders, decorations, and a reshaped lawn-to instantly transform a weed-ridden patch into an awe-inspiring creation that will wow the neighbors. Featuring ten gardens in detail, the book includes each garden's plan as well as overall and close-up photos, all in an easy-to-read magazine-style format.