The top 10 market towns in England, from Kent to Cumbria
Country Life presents the top 10 market towns in England, from Kent to Cumbria, where you'll find fine properties, great schools and beautiful surroundings.
Guides and advice
Whether you’re buying your first home or you’re already on the property ladder, use our property guides and advice to help you with your next purchase. We reveal the latest trends in the market, and also offer buying and selling tips, as well as general housekeeping tips to keep your property in peak condition.
Looking for a new home? Browse beautiful properties for sale across the UK here.
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St Mary's Bridge, Stamford, Lincolnshire Credit: Alamy -
Soap bubbles with beach scene, banknotes, house and car Credit: Alamy Why those 'win a house for £10' raffles should come with a health warning
Too good to be true? Eleanor Doughty investigates the trend for sale by raffle and explains why you should always read the small print.
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Credit: Alamy Stamp duty: What it is, why we have it and why you might be due a refund
What do wig powder and newspapers have in common? They’ve all been subject to Stamp Duty. Roderick Easdale recounts the history of our least favourite tax.
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Credit: Jackson-Stops A superb Marlborough townhouse which shows the incredible patience needed to save a fine old home
The restoration of a glorious townhouse in Marlborough has required extraordinary attention to detail – something which, thankfully, the owner had in spades.
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How to turn your home into a film location
Welcoming a film crew into your home can bring fame and a little fortune, says Flora Watkins.
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Credit: Getty Where to live in the Cotswolds: A guide to choosing the perfect spot
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Credit: Alamy The best things to add to to your house to increase its value, from party barns to dressing rooms
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Credit: Butler Sherborn / onthemarket.com 45 great places to live within an hour of London
There are literally thousands of places where you can live outside of London but still get to the city inside an hour. Eleanor Doughty picks out 45 where you're sure to find something which suits you.
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Credit: Pic by Rachael Smith - Beautiful Homes_2/ISSUES/2014/09 SEPT/CLAYTON/IMAGES hi res The Country Life Top 100 builders, architects, interior decorators and garden designers in Britain
Country Life's experts have delved into their little black books to bring you the finest architects, builders, interior decorators and garden designers in Britain.
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The best country house architects in Britain
Country Life has once again delved into its little black book and fully updated its list of the finest architects in Britain – an indispensable guide if you're considering serious work on your home.
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Credit: Emma Harris The best builders in Britain
Whether you're embarking on a new-build or painstakingly restoring a listed building, here are the craftsmen with excellent foundations.
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How to choose a conservatory, orangery or timber-framed extension to suit your house
Let there be light – conservatories, orangeries and garden rooms are sympathetic and practical ways to add extra space to a house, says Amelia Thorpe.
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Britain’s top property hotspots for 2018, and what you could get if you moved there
The market as a whole is expected to stagnate or even fall in the next 12 months, but it won't happen everywhere. Penny Churchill canvassed expert opinion from estate agents across the country to find nine places where things are still on the up.
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Seven golden rules for selling a country house
We've spoken to Britain's top country house agents to get their advice on how to sell a country house – from presentation and security to tricks and tips.
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The mysteries of 'topping off': Why workers erect trees and crack open a beer when they finish a building
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The future’s bright: New colour palettes bring life to period properties
Period houses are being treated to a jauntier palette of colours, says Giles Kime, as he explores bold beautiful hues for your home.
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Credit: OKA How to master the art of perfect picture hanging
Hanging art, pictures and photographs correctly can be a daunting task. Art and framing consultant Marcus Wells shares his expertise.
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Living in a conservation area: Ten things you need to know
Conservation areas have been protecting Britain's most beautiful areas for 50 years – here's what you need to know if you live in one, or are thinking about moving to one.
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How to declutter your house without losing your mind
Decluttering a house filled with inherited treasures can be a monumental challenge. Debora Robertson explains how to sort out your stuff without losing your mind and alienating your entire family.
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The bizarre superstitions that could see you lose out on a dream house – or help you get a bargain
From the seller who refused to take an extra £11,000 because it would have been bad luck to man who refused to move until Mercury was heading in the right direction, Roderick Easdale takes a look at some of the most superstitious house buyers and sellers in Britain.
