Town mice itching to leave the Big Smoke and embark on a new life as a country mouse can soon scurry over to the Move to the Country Show. In its second year, this informative exhibition organised by Douglas & Gordon, one of central and south west London s leading estate agents, and The London Office group of country agents gives help to anyone inquiring about property in rural locations. Country Life, a supporter of the event, will have a stand where interested buyers can learn about the finest country homes on the market, from grand country estates to chocolate box cottages and family friendly farmhouses. The Move to the Country Show is for those who are inquisitive about moving out of London and who do not want to drive to the country every weekend to do their research, says George Franks from Douglas & Gordon. We will have independent country agents there to provide information about schools, communities, villages and what you will get for your money, together with members of Douglas & Gordon staff to provide any help and advice on London properties, he adds. An opportunity to display the best of country property, Bob Bickersteth, director of The London Office, says partners from the local offices will be there to answer questions relating to specific properties and provide balanced, objective advice. He says in the current market conditions, people are taking the opportunity of the price differential between London and the country by selling or downsizing their London property, paying off part or all of their mortgage and purchasing a larger property in the country. Mr Bickersteth adds: Additionally, we have had interest from first-time buyers unable to afford homes in London and also from those looking to capitalise on the increased rental value of their London property to move out to rent a home in the country. The Move to the Country Show will be held at The Grand Hall, Battersea Arts Centre, Lavender Hill, London SW11 5TN between 2 and 8pm on April 24. Admission is free. For further information, call Douglas & Gordon s Northcote Road office on 020 7924 2000 or The London Office 020 7839 0888.
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‘‘In the silence, it is the most perfect blue I have ever seen. If my goggles weren’t already overflowing with water I might even weep’: Learning to freedive on the sparkling French Riviera with a five-time World ChampionFive-time freediving World Champion Arthur Guérin-Boëri calls the serene waters of Cap-Ferrat his office. Now, one storied hotel is offering guests a chance to take a deep breath and jump into the deep unknown with him.
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The Hollywood garden designers who turned their hand to a magical corner of SomersetCaisson House's fifteen abandoned locks were part of the draw for Amanda and Phil Honey, who have created this astonishing garden in the grounds of the former headquarters of the Somersetshire Coal Canal Company just outside Bath. Caroline Donald discovers more; photography by Jason Ingram.
