Lotte Brundle

1 week ago | countrylife.co.uk | Lotte Brundle

Ah, Sandringham. This Norfolk estate has long been steeped in royal history. The deathplace of George V. The birthplace of George VI. It is here that Elizabeth II delivered the first televised Christmas message, and it is now a residence of His Majesty The King. As of this month, you too can stay on this most celebrated slice of Norfolk, courtesy of The Folly. Available as an exclusive rental through Oliver’s Travels, The Folly is a turreted retreat set in the estate’s private grounds.

1 week ago | the-fence.com | Lotte Brundle

Does Battersea host the most basic night out in London? We sent our intrepid Gen-Z correspondent to find out. ‘The most basic night out in London’, my editor told me, showing me an Instagram video of an un-diverse crowd of 20-somethings unironically enjoying a one-man acoustic Maroon 5 cover in the sun. They were at the Pear Tree Cafe in Battersea’s green and pleasant parkland, sunglasses on, phones out to capture the moment. Friends sung the lyrics to each other, this was a moment to remember.

3 weeks ago | countrylife.co.uk | Lotte Brundle

Is there a more famous handbag than Jane Birkin’s original Hermès accessory? The British and French entertainer notably gave her name to the tote bag, perhaps unaware that the bag’s fame would surpass hers. Now, this iconic piece of fashion history is up for grabs. The star's original Hermès Birkin comes to auction in Paris with Sotheby’s on July 10, as part of their ‘Fashion Icons’ sale.

3 weeks ago | countrylife.co.uk | Lotte Brundle

‘People will stare. Make it worth their while.’So said Harry Winston, the famed jeweller. Nancy Astor took the advice seriously. The viscountess, born in 1879, and the first woman to sit as an MP, was the proud owner of a turquoise and diamond tiara and the exceptionally rare Cartier piece will be going up for auction with Bonhams with a pre-sale estimate of £250,000-350,000. No-one said style didn’t come at a price; their London Jewels sale is set for June 5.

3 weeks ago | countrylife.co.uk | Lotte Brundle

‘For me, the best sauna you can have is when it's wild, windy, awful weather,’ says Robin Bartlett. ‘You're outside, standing in the driving rain and it's freezing, but you're not cold. Then you're floating in a five degree sea, which — at any other time — you would be screaming and running out of, and probably calling for an ambulance, or at least a towel.’Bartlett founded Sea Scrub Sauna, in Kent, alongside a friend, and his cousin, Luke, who once lived in Norway.