Country houses for sale
Guides and advice
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So you want to buy a ruined castle? Here's what you need to know
Buying a property that includes a ruin — whether it be a castle, ancient priory or a crumbling Roman villa — carries undoubted romance, but there are caveats.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Property guide to Elstead
Freddie Mack shares the secrets of Elstead in Surrey, a prime spot for young families looking for properties outside London near good schools
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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
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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
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Restoring Georgian period property
Top tips for restoring Georgian properties, from kitchens to staircases to woodcarving and exteriors
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Georgian lighting: the romance of candles
Many examples of wonderful Georgian lighting survive today, to remind us of the innovative, and grand Georgian, period
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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?
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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.
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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
