Homes & Gardens

Why Devon Homeowners Are Choosing Timber Over uPVC for Period Property Restorations

Drive through any of Devon’s historic market towns — Topsham, Crediton, Totnes — and you’ll notice something shifting. Where white uPVC once replaced ageing window frames wholesale, a growing number of homeowners are turning back to timber. It’s not just nostalgia. The reasons are practical, financial, and increasingly tied to how local planning rules are being enforced.

The Conservation Area Factor

Devon has over 130 designated conservation areas, from the cobbled lanes of Dartmouth to stretches of central Exeter itself. If your property falls within one, permitted development...

Full story

What To Do If You Have Mould In Your Rental Property?

Mould is a common problem in rental properties across the UK, particularly in homes that suffer from excess moisture, poor ventilation, or heating issues. It can cause health problems such as respiratory issues and allergic reactions.

A study by Shelter found that 42% of private renters had experienced issues with damp and mould in their homes, highlighting the scale of the problem. If left untreated, mould can damage the property and pose serious health risks to tenants.

How to Get Rid of Mould

The first step in dealing with mould is removing existing growth. Mould...

Bringing Natural Design Elements into Your Kitchen and Dining Room Décor

A well-designed kitchen and dining space should feel warm, inviting, and harmonious. Incorporating natural elements into your décor is a perfect way to create a timeless and calming environment. Whether you favour rustic charm, modern minimalism, or a nature-inspired aesthetic, using organic materials, earthy tones, and sustainable décor can transform your kitchen and dining area into a welcoming retreat. Here’s how to embrace natural design elements for a stylish and serene space.

Use Natural Materials for Furniture and Surfaces

One of the most effective...

Questions landlords must ask themselves

If you have plans to become a landlord, there are a few important questions that you should ask yourself before embarking on this journey.

Being a landlord can be an excellent way to boost your income, and it can be an interesting and rewarding business venture, but it is also a lot of work and not well suited to everyone.

By focusing on these questions, you can determine if it is right for you and make intelligent decisions that will set you up for success down the line. So, if you are planning on becoming a landlord, be sure to ask yourself the following.

How...

Effective Approaches to Household Infestations

Household infestations can be a stressful and overwhelming problem, often leaving homeowners feeling helpless as pests infiltrate their homes. Whether it’s termites, cockroaches or rodents, addressing these issues promptly and effectively is crucial to maintaining the safety and comfort of your living space. In this blog, we will explore fresh and practical strategies for tackling household infestations and keeping pests at bay.

Understanding Pest Behaviour

Before diving into solutions, it’s important to understand why pests invade our homes. Most pests are driven by basic...

Topsham’s Cream of the Crop: The Ideal Place to Call Home

A charming period property, on the market for the first time in over 10 years.

11 Follett Road is nestled in the heart of Topsham, a town frequently named one of the best places to live in the UK. This property blends period charm with modern conveniences, offering prospective homeowners an unparalleled opportunity.

Described by Luke Jones, the property agent representing the home, as “a piece of local history,” this delightful house boasts original features including fireplaces in every room, high ceilings typical of its Victorian-era heritage, and a private raised garden...

Rising Rents in Exeter Amidst Growing Demand

According to the latest report from the Office for National Statistics , the average monthly private rent in Exeter rose by 6.5 per cent between 2024 and 2025. This highlights the growing demand for housing in the city, with various factors playing a part in that.

For property owners in Exeter, there’s a huge opportunity to benefit from this growth. Along with becoming a potential renter to the influx of people moving here, some homeowners may want to sell their homes to landlords.

What’s Driving the Increase?

The spike in average monthly rent in Exeter to around £1,268...

Key Materials for Building Sturdy and Stylish Furniture

Creating furniture that is both durable and aesthetically pleasing requires choosing the right materials. Whether you're crafting a bespoke dining table, a modern wardrobe, or a classic wooden cabinet, the quality of materials directly impacts longevity and appearance. From traditional hardwoods to contemporary composite materials, selecting the best option depends on your design goals, budget, and intended use.

Below, we explore some of the best materials for building sturdy and stylish furniture.

1. Solid Wood Hardwood vs Softwood

Solid wood remains one of the most...

Edenstone and LiveWest start work on £30million housing scheme in Exeter

WORK is underway to create 93 new homes in Exeter which will bring more than £1.5 million in vital community investment.

Under a joint venture, Edenstone Group and the largest housing association in the South West, LiveWest , will build 61 private sale properties and 32 affordable homes across circa 10 acres of a 32-acre site off Spruce Close and Celia Crescent, Beacon Heath.

Vision of the future for Exeter

Edenstone Group operations director Chris Edge said: “There’s been a lot going on behind the scenes since we secured reserved matters approval to redevelop...

Unlocking Creativity: Can Granny Flat Designs Be Made Custom for You?

As housing needs evolve, more homeowners are exploring the potential of granny flats as flexible, functional living spaces. A common question that arises is: Can granny flat designs be made custom? At Granny Flat Solutions , we believe the answer is a resounding yes. Customizing your granny flat allows you to unlock creativity and tailor the space to your specific needs and aesthetic preferences.

The Benefits of Custom Granny Flat Designs

Opting for a custom granny flat design offers numerous advantages that go beyond standard layouts:

1. Personalized Space...

Hiring Cheap Skip Bins: Top Providers & Tips

Hiring a skip bin is one of the easiest ways to manage waste, whether for a home clean-up, renovation, or construction project. But finding an affordable skip bin provider that offers quality service can be challenging. If you’re searching for a cost-effective option, Skip Bin Finder provides a simple way to compare prices and find the best deals in your area. But where to hire cheap skip bins without compromising on service? This guide will help you identify the top providers and share expert tips for saving money.

Top Providers for Cheap Skip Bin Hire

Several providers offer...

Homes & Gardens

Why Devon Homeowners Are Choosing Timber Over uPVC for Period Property Restorations

What To Do If You Have Mould In Your Rental Property?

Bringing Natural Design Elements into Your Kitchen and Dining Room Décor

Questions landlords must ask themselves

Effective Approaches to Household Infestations

Topsham’s Cream of the Crop: The Ideal Place to Call Home

Rising Rents in Exeter Amidst Growing Demand

Key Materials for Building Sturdy and Stylish Furniture

Edenstone and LiveWest start work on £30million housing scheme in Exeter

Unlocking Creativity: Can Granny Flat Designs Be Made Custom for You?

Hiring Cheap Skip Bins: Top Providers & Tips

It's your Daily

You make the news

Top video

Selco Builders Warehouse | England Rugby star Jack Nowell visits Exeter Saracens junior teams

Exeter Weather

Search form

Homes & Gardens

Top video

Exeter Weather