
Toby Keel
Digital Editor
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Chasing the dream of owning a home in a pretty village in Cumbria
There was a time when moving from city to the country usually meant being within an hour of one of the major cities; now, those restraints have been lifted for millions. We take a look at what you could find if you decide on a move to Cumbria.
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The best small cities across Britain are booming, as buyers flock to Winchester and Bath
Buyers aren't just leaving Britain's biggest cities for countryside idyll, according to the latest research — they're also heading to smaller cities which offer a balance of amenities and quality of life.
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Best smart speakers for non-techie people: What to expect, what you'll love and what doesn't work
Smart speakers are no longer the preserve of tech geeks and millennials — these handy speakers are, and (as we'll discover) particularly handy for those living in the countryside. We've looked at some of the main contenders to see which one comes out on top: Google Nest Audio, Amazon Echo Studio, the Apple HomePod Mini, and the Audio Pro G10.
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The Cotswolds town voted the best place to live in Britain, and how much you'll need to buy a house there
The Cotswolds town of Stroud has been voted the best place to live in the country — but what's the appeal? And what sort of properties are on the market there?
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15 absolutely beautiful character properties for sale at under £400,000
Beautiful country houses often come with price tags which put them out of reach for many – but delightful character properties can be found that are well within reach for most buyers, as these places demonstrate.
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A gorgeously-converted water pumping station in Sussex that could literally pay for itself
An old waterworks might not sound like the ideal starting point to create a beautiful house, but Studio Fold in West Sussex proves that it can be done. And while it would make a great family home, it has been such a successful holiday let in recent years that another enticing option has presented itself. Toby Keel takes a look.
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The best news of the year about puppies, just in time for National Puppy Day
Almost nine out of ten puppy owners agree their new pets helped them get through the pandemic — and almost eight out of ten admitted that spending time with their new furry friend was the best thing about lockdown. On National Puppy Day, we take a look at the latest Kennel Club statistics.
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Seven splendidly isolated houses for sale across Britain, from £185,000 to £1.1 million
If you fancy getting away from it all — REALLY getting away from it all – our selection of houses in the middle of nowhere has gorgeous spots across the country.
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A Great British holiday on wheels? What it's like spending four days in a Ford Nugget campervan
The boom in British holidays has brought a boom in the number of people getting campervans such as the Ford Nugget — but what are they like for those who've never holidayed in one? Toby Keel found out.
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The best gins for Mother's Day
What better for Mother's Day than a bottle of 'Mother's Ruin'? We've selected some of the finest gins on the market which are sure to give your long-suffering parent a treat.
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The Utterly Inessential Mother's Day list: From flowers and pillows to baths and scarves
From The Royal Osteoporosis Society's extraordinary auction to wonders from Aspinal and flowers in a tube (really), we take a look at some of the loveliest ways to give your mother a treat for Mother's Day on March 14, as picked out by Toby Keel and Hetty Lintell.
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How to make Eton Mess with coffee and hazelnut
How to make Eton Mess that's got a hidden surprise within.
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In Focus: Sir Thomas Lawrence, the child prodigy who painted Queen Charlotte
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A glorious Georgian country home where Jane Austen once stayed — but did she write Pride and Prejudice here?
This delightful villa apartment set in the historic village of Wrotham, near Sevenoaks, has links to Jane Austen at the peak of her powers. But just how strong are those links?
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10 majestic pictures of the beautiful nature of Britain, in honour of World Wildlife Day
March 3 is World Wildlife Day, so to mark the occasion we're celebrating the stunning flora and fauna of Britain.
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12 utterly beautiful thatched cottages for sale, from under £250,000
As Bilbo Baggins has it: ‘It’s a dangerous business, Frodo, going out your door.’ Best stay warm, under cover of thatch.
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The best country houses for sale in Surrey, from £500,000 to £30 million
There is lots on sale in Surrey to tempt London buyers in search of a new family home. We take a look at what you can get for any budget.
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The top 20 cutest dog breeds in the world, ranked according to science
Ranking the cuteness of dogs? You might as well rank the beauty of flowers. Yet a study has claimed to find a pattern which suggests which are the best-looking dogs in the world. Toby Keel takes a look.
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Property with potential: Renovation projects for sale
Wanted: brave new owners with patience and imagination.