Introduction
Restoration’s conservation architect, Ptolemy Dean, charts the vernacular history of Britain through the stories of its villages, and attempts to find 'The Perfect Village'.
Why do some villages prosper where others decline? Why do some delight while others disappoint? What are the magic ingredients that make some so cherished while others are ignored? What role is played by the design of the buildings, their arrangement and the materials used? How important is a sense of community? Is it vital for a village to be living and changing – or can it be preserved in aspic yet remain attractive and functional?
Ptolemy’s tour paints a picture of the past, but will also look ahead. What issues do villages face today? Are they coping successfully or are they floundering?
