The country house was the focal point of Georgian architecture, landscape and society. This study explores the meaning of this distinct architectural form through a range of examples and approaches to its history. The main body of the text presents an analysis of the social and cultural significance of the country house, and is complemented by essays from experts in a variety of disciplines. Illustrations, showing exteriors, interiors and landscapes of houses, ranging from Blenheim and Harewood to lesser known examples such as A la Ronde, provide a thorough historical and visual survey of the period. Accessible interpretations allow the reader to gain an insight into the pivotal role the country house played in 18th- and early 19th-century English society.