Living in the country means enjoying peace and calm far away from urban stress. The country retreats we create for ourselves reflect this difference. A measure of the value we place on our rural sanctuaries is the attention paid to every aspect of their design and construction. Today’s rural retreats are far more luxurious, with a greater emphasis on rich and exceptional materials. Yet these dwellings are still quite different from their counterparts in the city. The houses featured in these pages embody a simpler yet no less stylish attitude towards life. Country houses all over the world have been selected for their distinctive architecture and interiors.

Cristina Paredes lives and works in Barcelona, where she graduated with a degree in Fine Arts. She has collaborated with several publishing companies and has worked as a picture editor at various photo agencies.

• A lavishly illustrated, round-up that spotlights the best house designs for country settings
• Inspiration and ideas for all who would like to upgrade a country retreat, as well as for those who would like to create one