Guides and advice
Country houses for sale
Guides and advice
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The catch-22 holding back the property market in Britain — and the clever idea that could take the handbrake off
There's a growing swell of opinion that a Stamp Duty tax break for downsizers could unblock the impasse in the property market. Annabel Dixon explains.
By Annabel Dixon Published
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60 simple sustainability tips to make your home, garden and life better
We spoke to experts to get their tips on practical steps we can all make to live a more sustainable life in all areas of our homes and gardens.
By Country Life Published
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How to buy a house where you can be your own beekeeper
Beekeeping is on the rise and you needn’t own lots of land. Eleanor Doughty explores the property possibilities.
By Eleanor Doughty Published
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Curious Questions: Does a blue plaque make your house more valuable?
London’s multiplying Blue Plaques certainly add interest, but do they affect property values? Eleanor Doughty investigates.
By Eleanor Doughty Published
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The best things to add to to your house to increase its value, from party barns to dressing rooms
Which does more for your house’s value – a conservatory, dressing room, gym, media room or party barn? Annunciata Elwes calls on the experts.
By Annunciata Elwes Published
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The perfect shopping list for a 'forever home'? Detached, in the country, and close to a decent pub
The ideal 'forever home' has four bedroroms, two bathrooms and a garden that's not too big and not too small, according to new research.
By Toby Keel Published
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Northamptonshire: Why this county of spires and squires is more than just a backdrop to the M1
There’s much more to Northamptonshire – including the great houses of Althorp, Boughton and Easton Neston – than meets the eye of drivers on the M1, discovers Rupert Uloth.
By Rupert Uloth Published
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How to dress a property to rent quickly, and at the best possible price
A bit of time and effort spent presenting your rental property can pay huge dividends, as Molly Biddell explains.
By Country Life Published
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The best of culture in the countryside
These days, there's so much more than duck-racing and cricket going on across the countryside. Tessa Waugh picks out some of our most culturally inclined village communities
By Country Life Published
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Property guide to Cheriton
If you're considering buying property in or around Cheriton this year, take a look at our property guide which covers where to buy, what prices to expect and where to have fun in the area
By Country Life Published
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Restoring Georgian period property
Top tips for restoring Georgian properties, from kitchens to staircases to woodcarving and exteriors
By Country Life Published
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Caring for stone roofs
This continued wet and stormy weather can be catastrophic for old houses - make sure you care properly for your roof
By Country Life Published
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Improve your period windows
Instead of replacing draughty period windows with double glazing, choosing secondary glazing can improve heat retention and aesthetics
By Country Life Published
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Save money on your restoration project
How can you economise on a big country-house restoration project? By not moving in for two years, finds Arabella Youens
By Arabella Youens Published
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Top ten things to look for when buying a period house
Buying and renovating a period property is many people's dream but there are issues to take into consideration even when commissioning the survey which will save time and money down the line
By Country Life Published
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How to prepare your house for winter
As winter approaches, experts advise that preventative measures are crucial for our houses to weather hard winters
By Country Life Published
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North Yorkshire Property Guide: Where to buy a country house or cottage
Expert advice abouts schools, train stations and house prices in North Yorkshire's towns and villages
By Country Life Published
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Discover the history of your house
Discovering the history of the previous owners, and or guests to your property can be fascinating, but also sometimes grisly. Can you handle the truth?
By Country Life Published
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Need to Know: Overriding Interest and a 2013 deadline
Manorial rights are retained on pieces of land, including mineral and sporting rights, and they need to be registered with the Land Registry by 2013.
By Country Life Published
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Fireplaces, flues and chimneys
Fireplaces are often the focus of recpetion rooms and bedrooms within period country houses, so make sure you get yours in good working order
By Country Life Published
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Planning reforms and listed buildings: the law
Joanna Burton, senior heritage consultant at Beacon Planning reviews recent legislative reforms and their impact on listed buildings and conservation areas
By Country Life Published