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 CITY COUNTERPARTS. 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. ? 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