Low-carbon luxe: Hartdene Barns revisit
November 26, 2025 2:38 pm Comments Off on Low-carbon luxe: Hartdene Barns revisitA couple of years ago I wrote a story about some rather special homes being built on the site of... View Article
Author Archives for Mary Richards
28 of the best sustainable wallpapers
November 21, 2025 2:00 pm Comments Off on 28 of the best sustainable wallpapersMaximalism is in, so we’ve rounded up some of the most beautiful wallpapers around that will help you bring gorgeous... View Article
18 brilliant Christmas gift ideas for self-builders 2025
November 20, 2025 9:00 am Comments Off on 18 brilliant Christmas gift ideas for self-builders 2025Looking for a Christmas gift ideas for an avid self-builder? Here’s our pick of the best – plus a few... View Article
What is a back-to-wall toilet? Everything you need to know
October 30, 2025 11:04 am Comments Off on What is a back-to-wall toilet? Everything you need to knowThe traditional toilet we are most familiar with is called a close-coupled toilet. On a close-coupled toilet, the cistern –... View Article
How to clean your gutters: the definitive guide
October 15, 2025 11:25 am Comments Off on How to clean your gutters: the definitive guideCleaning out your gutters is a job that it’s easy to keep putting off. But, it’s got to be done,... View Article
How to finance your self-build home
October 15, 2025 11:05 am Comments Off on How to finance your self-build homeThe majority of us will need to raise funds in order to finance a dream new self-build house. There are... View Article
The Venice Bienniale: everything you need to know the architecture international show
October 9, 2025 4:12 pm Comments Off on The Venice Bienniale: everything you need to know the architecture international showIronically enough, if you’re looking for inspiration for your next building project, the Architecture Biennale in Venice probably isn’t the... View Article
Turning your home into an Airbnb: how to prepare your property
September 26, 2025 8:12 am Comments Off on Turning your home into an Airbnb: how to prepare your propertyThinking of turning your home into an Airbnb? Short-term renting is bigger business than ever – with 5 million Airbnb... View Article
Explore: A simply wonderful windmill conversion
September 10, 2025 4:23 pm Comments Off on Explore: A simply wonderful windmill conversionThere are windmill conversions, and then there’s The Windmill in Suffolk – one of the very best. Sitting in gently... View Article
Do I need an architect for an extension?
September 10, 2025 3:52 pm Comments Off on Do I need an architect for an extension?A simple, single-storey brick box on the back of the house, containing a living-dining area and featuring bifold doors, is... View Article
How to get the perfect pantry
August 28, 2025 11:30 am Comments Off on How to get the perfect pantryA pantry is a small room used to store food, usually attached to or just off the main kitchen. The... View Article
Solar water heating: how to use the sun’s energy to heat your water
August 13, 2025 2:45 pm Comments Off on Solar water heating: how to use the sun’s energy to heat your waterAlthough we think of solar energy as primarily a way of generating electricity, solar water heating is an alternative use... View Article
Outdoor showers and tubs guide
August 8, 2025 9:15 am Comments Off on Outdoor showers and tubs guideAn outdoor shower can be a great practical addition to your garden. For example, if you live near the sea... View Article
Moving out: How to leave your dream home
July 28, 2025 4:47 pm Comments Off on Moving out: How to leave your dream homeWhat do you do when you have to leave a home you’ve lovingly designed and built yourself, or spent years... View Article
How to create the perfect pond
July 23, 2025 9:07 am Comments Off on How to create the perfect pondA pond can be a source of constant delight in your garden. Whether you choose a formal water feature or... View Article
How to buy your dream home overseas
July 21, 2025 11:44 am Comments Off on How to buy your dream home overseasFinding a property you love in the sun should be the easy part. That’s when the hard work begins to... View Article
Fire pit buying guide and tips to make your fire more environmentally friendly
July 16, 2025 12:37 pm Comments Off on Fire pit buying guide and tips to make your fire more environmentally friendlyFirepits and bowls, chimeneas, fire baskets, outdoor fireplaces and wood-burning stoves remain favourite forms of outdoor heating. As you sit... View Article
Amazing one-of-a-kind circular home in former water tank
July 2, 2025 2:54 pm Comments Off on Amazing one-of-a-kind circular home in former water tankThe vibes of this unique home in Devon are ‘Bond villain’s lair – if that villain had a change of... View Article