Carla Passino
Carla must be the only Italian that finds the English weather more congenial than her native country’s sunshine. An antique herself, she became Country Life’s Arts & Antiques editor in 2023 having previously covered, as a freelance journalist, heritage, conservation, history and property stories, for which she won a couple of awards. Her musical taste has never evolved past Puccini and she spends most of her time immersed in any century before the 20th.
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Best walking boots for women, from walks in the woods to hiking the Himalayas
Whether you are planning a long country walk or a gentle stroll on a well-beaten path, make the most of the good season with our round-up of the best footwear.
By Carla Passino Published
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A Grade II*-listed manor set in idyllic grounds in the South Hams
Dating from the 17th century, Ranscombe Manor combines period elegance with manicured grounds and an amazing setting.
By Carla Passino Published
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England's top rural hotspots as property prices soaring amid dwindling supply
A buoyant market sees rising house values with the South East of England leading the charge in the country sector.
By Carla Passino Published
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A striking contemporary house with spectacular views across Rutland Water
Highfield House, in Hambleton, Rutland, has been specifically designed to make the most of the panorama over the wildlife-rich reservoir.
By Carla Passino Published
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1,841 glorious acres of pristine Scottish forest have come up for sale
With timber and forestry enjoying a boom, a rare opportunity has arisen in the Scottish Borders. Carla Passino takes a look.
By Carla Passino Published
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A spectacular Oxfordshire house that was home to Agatha Christie
Once home to the Murder on the Orient Express author and her husband, Grade II-listed Winterbrook House is also appealing for its magnificent Thames-side setting.
By Carla Passino Published
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Discover the British cities with the friendliest neighbours
It turns out the British rather like the people living next door to them — particularly those in a coastal Hampshire city.
By Carla Passino Published
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A spectacular clifftop home with magnificent views of the English Channel... and a huge amount of work to be done
With its fabulous sea views and plenty of entertaining space both indoors and on the grounds, South Sands House, in St Margaret’s Bay, near Dover, is a striking family home. Or at least, it will be.
By Carla Passino Published
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A grand Queen-Anne house overlooking the Green in Richmond-upon-Thames
A magnificent period property with private garden, the Grade II*-listed The Old Court House is perfect for entertaining.
By Carla Passino Published
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An unusual round house enjoying fabulous sea views in Devon
Built because of a dare, the Round House, in Ilfracombe, Devon, is not only an unusual place to live, but it takes in superb sea views thanks to its round roof terrace.
By Carla Passino Published
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A postcard-pretty, Grade II-listed cottage in the Suffolk countryside
Once two cottages that have now been combined to form a family home, Laurel Cottage, in Thorndon is full of period features.
By Carla Passino Published
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Curious Questions: Why are four-leaf clovers lucky?
Ian Morton investigates the myths and legends linked to Ireland's favourite plant.
By Carla Passino Published
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How Maida Vale turned from boudoir village to one of London's most vibrant neighbourhoods
Maida Vale took its name from a small Italian town and an even smaller pub, so it’s the perfect place to celebrate the end of lockdown, says Carla Passino.
By Carla Passino Published
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Boris Johnson's country house in Oxfordshire comes up for rental
The Prime Minister is letting his country home in Thame, which comes complete with swimming pool and tennis court.
By Carla Passino Published
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A vast, late 19th-century house brought back to full glory in a delightful Kent village
With 10,166sq ft of accommodation and a wide range of formal reception rooms, Blackmoor House is ideal for entertaining on a large scale.
By Carla Passino Published
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A collection of luxury apartments in the north-east London mansion that hosted Churchill and The Queen
Developers Berkeley are converting the grandiose Trent Park House, in Enfield, into 14 exquisite apartments.
By Carla Passino Published
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A dinky mini-castle at the price of a pleasant detached house
The Castle, in Holt, is a miniature castellated home next to one of Norfolk's most prestigious schools.
By Carla Passino Published
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A magnificent Grade II-listed townhouse in the heart of Bath
Built in the late 18th-century and recently renovated, Grade II-listed Number 9 Miles's Buildings brings togetehr period grandeur and contemporary style.
By Carla Passino Published
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Best houses for sale in Suffolk, from thatched cottages to fine manor houses
From period cottages to grand former rectories, Suffolk has a property for sale to suit every buyer.
By Carla Passino Published
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A beachfront villa once owned by a star of the international jet set, where the Kennedys and Hepburns once partied
The former home of American socialite Aline Griffith, Villa Annabel was the backdrop to some of Marbella's glitziest parties.
By Carla Passino Published
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An exquisite townhouse that once belonged to Pitt the Younger, with probably the grandest home office in Bath
History meets magnificent Georgian architecture and luxurious interiors at Grade I-listed Pitt House, in the centre of Bath.
By Carla Passino Published
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The 10 most expensive streets in London — and how much you'd need to spend to live on them
Ten streets in London blow the rankings for luxury property, with median prices all well above £10 million (and some above £20 million).
By Carla Passino Published
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Inside Britain's privately owned villages
Surprising as it may sound, there are still privately owned villages scattered throughout the UK. Alec Marsh wonders what is it really like to be at the helm of a community.
By Carla Passino Published
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An opulent country house with lake views, set in 20 acres in the New Forest
A superb New Forest setting meets luxurious interiors and panoramic views at Chatley Wood House, in Highwood, Hampshire.
By Carla Passino Published