Tachbrook Street is only half Thomas Cubitt. The opposite terrace was replaced in the 1960s by Darbourne and Darke's Lillington Gardens estate, still unsurpassed as an example of civilised mass housing. The old section has balconies, brick detailing and (now) a premier destination for real ales (‘pub' hardly does it justice). But the budget fell at our end of the street. So when we bought our home 20 years ago, we weren't sure that we would like the view, which includes a row of small shops.
We've come to regard those shops with joy. They're our lifeline. Not only do they serve our need for flowers, hairdressing, dry cleaning and computer services, but Pimlico Food and Wine is like a second larder, which one or other of us visits several times a day.
The staff there holds the keys to our front door and takes in post. It's one of seve-ral small food shops in the area. Last year, local residents protested when Sainsbury's threatened to open a Metro-type store in the former library. Westminster City Council heard our plea. But you know what supermarkets are like. It has come back, offering more money. Keep it away. We already have a mega Sainsbury's within walking distance. We prefer people to retail giants.
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'I have lost a treasure, such a sister, such a friend as never can have been surpassed': Inside Jane Austen's Winchester home, the house where she penned her final words and drew her final breathJane Austen spent the last days of her life in rented lodgings in Winchester, Hampshire. Adam Rattray describes the remarkable recent discoveries made about the house in which she died.
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An utterly charming island home in Scotland with gardens so beautiful they made the cover of Country LifeAn Cala on the Isle of Seil has a fascinating history that is only enhanced by its amazing setting.
