Homes & Gardens

As more powers shift from Whitehall to town halls, the South West Housing Initiative (SWHI) is rallying businesses to call for politicians to shape UK devolution in a way which will solve the region’s housing crisis. This crisis is having a detrimental impact on businesses. SWHI, a partnership of housing professionals committed to combating the region’s housing crisis, said that employees will increasingly struggle to find affordable homes near where they work.

Businesses are already struggling to retain staff and recruitment is becoming more challenging. The average house price in...

When your you’re as passionate about climate change as Met Office scientist Jeff Ridley, reducing your carbon emissions is extremely important. So, how has the global-warming specialist taken measures to reduce his own CO2?

After having solar PV and solar thermal systems installed at his home in Exeter, Jeff’s next step was to ensure that all of his winter heating and hot water came from renewable energy sources.

Jeff had been involved with the Met Office Energy Centre’s solar PV system, which was carried out by Devon experts SunGift Energy, and was so impressed with the...

After three years trading at the Custom House on Exeter Quay Chandni Chowk is to return to the heart of Exeter.

The store, which is known for its hand made textiles and clothing ranges, has found a new location in the Medieval Hall at 8 Cathedral Close, just off the Green.

Described by one historian as "one of the most remarkable medieval sights in the southwest of England" the building, also known as The Law Library, dates from the 15th century and is noted for its unusual hammer beam roof.

The company, which began in Barnstaple Pannier Market, has been...

Husband and wife, Warren and Gemma Wilkins, are expecting a new arrival at their C G Fry & Son home, purchased under the ‘Help to Buy’ (HTB) scheme at Tregunnel Hill in Newquay, Cornwall. The couple who already have two children, Sebastian aged eight, and Oscar four, are expecting their third child imminently.

Warren Wilkins said: “When Gemma and I first moved into our new C G Fry home last summer, my father jokingly said ‘new home, new baby’, and a few weeks later we found out she was pregnant!”

Tregunnel Hill, built on Duchy of Cornwall land, boasts traditional-styled...