Country houses for sale
Guides and advice
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Architectural lighting: Art Deco and Art Nouveau
We take a look at the similar influences, but very different implementations, of Art Deco and Art Nouveau
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Restoration: The many advantages of lime
An old building material, the many advantages of lime mean it can also be used on more modern stone houses as well
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Ten house tips for the winter
Now is the time to put your house in ship-shape for the winter months ahead. Chartered surveyor Tom Grillo shares his ten top tips
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Adaptation of Historic Buildings: the past
Historic buildings have commonly been adapted, changed, updated and remodelled according to previous owners, which tells us we can also play our part
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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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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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How to get the best mortgage deal in France
Getting finance in France to buy a property is easy if you know how, but be prepared in advance as French banks are notorious for changing their minds
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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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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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Country Life International Summer 2011
Country Life International - out on Wednesday May 11 - features some of the best houses for sale all over the world, from the Riviera in France to Sardinia, and Monaco.
