Life on Shetland: The peace and security of an island existence
Eleanor Doughty explores life on Scotland’s myriad beautiful islands.
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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Butt Lodge, in the village of Lochranza (famous for its castle) at the northern tip of Arran, has eight bedrooms and is currently run as a B&B. On the market through Savills. Credit: Savills -
You don't have to live in an eco house, like this one at Luskentyre on the Isle of Harris. It would help, of course. But you don't have to. Credit: Alamy Stock Photo 60 simple sustainability tips to make your home, garden and life better
We spoke to experts to get their tips on practical steps we can all make to live a more sustainable life in all areas of our homes and gardens.
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If you're moving on from a country house like this one in Shropshire, you'll need the right people in your corner. Credit: Alamy 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 blue plaque marking a home of writer, journalist and poet Rudyard Kipling in Villiers Street, London. Credit: Alamy Stock Photo Curious Questions: Does a blue plaque make your house more valuable?
London’s multiplying Blue Plaques certainly add interest, but do they affect property values? Eleanor Doughty investigates.
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St Mary's Bridge in Stamford, Lincolnshire. Credit: Alamy The age of the 'townsizers': The downsizers who are heading back into town instead of retiring to a country cottage
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The title of Giles Kime's recent book about the designer of this room says it all: 'Nina Campbell: Elegance and Ease'. What more could anyone wish for their home? Credit: Paul Raeside/Rizzoli 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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An Artichoke room inspired by the kitchen at Lanhydrock in Cornwall Credit: Artichoke The best builders and craftspeople 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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Team of architects working on a project, discussing blueprints Credit: Alamy Country Life's top tips on how to be a good client for your builders, architects and designers
Having a great working relationship with the people you trust to transform your home is essential – we spoke to some of Britain's best architects, builders and designers to get their tips on how clients can get the most out of the process.
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St Mary's Bridge in Stamford, Lincolnshire. Credit: Alamy 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.
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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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This Yiangou project included a Jacobean-style ballroom - yet the house was newly constructed Credit: Yiangou 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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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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The mysteries of 'topping off': Why workers erect trees and crack open a beer when they finish a building
