An illustrated survey of vernacular building for everyone who believes in the importance of conservation and who wishes to have, in one volume, examples of village building styles from all over the country. Each of the 11 chapters includes a selection of buildings painted from life in watercolour in a style which combines accuracy with charm. With his painter's eye for detail, Matthew Rice also picks out a variety of local features such as windows, doorways, ironworks and stonework which help to establish the character of each part of the country. In writing and illustrating this book, Matthew Rice aims not only to arm his readers with a collection of architectual drawings but also, with his heartfelt passion for conservation, to ensure that those people lucky enough to own a country cottage have a better idea of how to maintain or convert it in such a way that it continues to stand in harmony with its surroundings.