I've grown and used herbs since I was a teenager. I don't really have a favourite as such. Our last house as a C18th thatched cottage and I planted up a herb garden with varieties authentic to the period. Grow the right varieties such as smallage, marigold and good-king-henry and you can put together a great salad. I also make my own herb oils and vinegars, dried herbs for sachets and use herbs in home made toiletries. In addition I'm interested in the history and folklore of herbs and gave a collection of books on the subject.
My herb garden here consists mostly of a large rosemary bush and some herbs in pots - although the garden is large it's mostly laid to lawn and has been taken over as a football pitch. I'm looking forward to planting up a proper herb garden again when we finally move, regardless of the style of house.