Country houses for sale
Guides and advice
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Historic interiors, new furniture
You don't necessarily have to replicate historic furniture for historic interiors; after all past generations filled their houses with inherited furniture from different periods
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Choosing an interior designer
Finding the right skilled interior designer for your period property requires some dedication; in particular you need to make sure you share the same vision
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How to convert your attic
Converting your roof space can add enormously to the appeal of your property, but if done badly can cost you dear in repair works
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How to prevent condensation on your windows
There are many rumours about steel windows and condensation - out expert gives the lowdown on the causes of condensation and how to prevent it on your windows
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The history of electric lighting
Our period lighting expert retells the story of how electric light made it into our properties and onto our streets
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Old houses: The importance of using the right materials
You can't use modern materials on period properties because they upset the original mechanism for how the building breathes. Alan Tierney explains.
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How French mortgages work
French mortgages are issued on straightforward guidelines – we explain how they work
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Types of French mortgage
The majority of loans in France are on a long term fixed rate, or a capped rate which helps the borrower says John from Athena Mortgages
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French mortgage timeline
You can go from application to agreement in just 60 days if you want to apply for a mortgage in France. We show you how, step by step.
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Gas Lighting in Victorian times
The Victorians were pleased to be able to control gas more than the wax candles of Georgian times, although it wasn’t always the safest method of lighting the house
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The joy of owning a historic building
Blogs and articles about living in a period house often address the problems, and too often we forget the joys
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Need to Know: Trees and the law
As well as adding aesthetic appeal, trees can also be a nuisance, but there are legal provisions for most areas of potential dispute says Elizabeth
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Building projects: How to come in on budget
How to make your building project come in on budget: top five tips from an architect
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Saving VAT on building materials
As well as saving VAT on work classified as 'approved alterations' you can also save on building materials
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From fish oil to chandeliers: early domestic lighting
Karen Wallis-Smith offers some insight into the ways we used to light our houses before electricity
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How to decorate your house
Our latest bloggers from Projectbook explain that it pays to be prepared if you’re about to start decorating with paint or wallpaper
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Artists and writers and the French Riviera
The Côte d' Azur has attracted famous artists and writers since the 18th century - Holly Kirkwood investigates why so many creative minds are still drawn to the area
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The lowdown on low energy lighting
Low energy lightbulbs don't have to be frustrating - they are improving in leaps and bounds and can enhance the atmosphere of an old or a new country house
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Property in St Kitts
Affordable, untouched and yet—now—accessible, St Kitts is about to become the new must-have Caribbean holiday home destination. Get in now, advises Arabella Youens
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Choosing suitable paint for period properties
Patrick elaborates on choosing paints for your period house – and warns owners not to be swayed by marketing ploys
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Need to Know: Purchasing farms and estates with rivers
In the first of our series on purchasing farms and estates, Need to Know, Elizabeth looks at the pros and cons of rivers and fishing rights
