Homes & Gardens

More than half of Devon residents suffer health problems due to condition of their rented home

The Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act has now come into force across the UK and Devon’s tenants might be feeling positive. After all, it’s now easier for them to sue a landlord who fails to keep their home in a habitable condition.

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The latest in Homes & Gardens

BB Estates pushes forward with confidence

Like a phoenix risen from the ashes, BB Estates, the estate and lettings agency on Cowick Street in the St Thomas area of Exeter, is pushing forward with confidence as owner-manager, Merle and her team continue to build on its success over the last few months with a growing bank of new and loyal clients, and a positive reputation for sales and lettings.

The upcoming home decor trends to expect in 2019

A brand new year is here, and what comes with that is copious amounts of home interior and decor trends. Whether it’s colours, materials, textures or prints, each year we see new ones step forward to give us major inspiration for jazzing up our homes and living spaces.

Read on to discover a collection of trends and ideas that will be making their mark on the home interiors world for 2019.

Sustainability in the Home

National Wellbeing plan piloted at Millbrook Village sees pensioners walk twice as far as average Briton

A new national wellbeing plan for older people has been launched at Millbrook Village later living community in Exeter which has seen residents clock up more than 7 million steps in the space of just six weeks. Inspired Villages, the later living developer and operator behind Millbrook Village, has joined forces with three high profile wellness organisations to boost the health and wellbeing of its residents. It has partnered with ukactive, hero and Oomph! to dramatically improve the physical, social and mental wellbeing of its residents around the UK.

Are you going to rent in Scotland? Don’t skip this guide if you are a first timer

Whether you want to rent a flat, a room, or even a home, it is critical to know the particulars of the whole approach.

From planning viewings to ensuring the budget are usually up to scratch, this informative guide from CityLets will certainly arm you with all the important information to find your perfect house.

Finding a Property

How to stay in your own home as you age

No-one relishes the prospect of having to leave their home when they start to have difficulties due to the infirmities of old age. That reluctance to leave your home has been backed up by research which has shown that it’s far better for older people to remain in their homes for as long as possible, where they are happier and more at ease.

The ultimate Exeter property guide

If you’re looking to move into Exeter, it’s a good idea to do as much research as you can before buying a property. Often referred to as Devon’s hub, the city has so much to offer and tends to be a popular location for those leaving major cities such as London. Here, you’ll discover everything you need to know before you pick up and move to Exeter.

Which areas are most popular?

Reasons why you should hire professional window cleaners

Cleaning windows at your home or office is a challenging task. But you need to keep your windows looking clean. Clean windows keep your office or your home fresh and looking good. Unprofessional cleaners do not have the expertise or tools to properly clean them. Additionally, it is very dangerous to clean window without the expertise, especially for buildings with more than one storey. You need to be careful who you choose to clean up the windows for you. They must be experienced professionals. This article will give you more reasons why you need to hire professional window cleaners.

Photo: John Wyand, Historic England Archive

Wood burning stoves proved to be a fire risk in buildings with thatched roofs

Thatched roof buildings that are fitted with wood burning stoves are at greater risk of fire than those with open fires and new research funded by Historic England and NFU Mutual and undertaken by the Fire Protection Association has now explained why.

Building a better community

Community Builders are operating in a neighbourhood near you…and this has nothing to do with bricks and mortar!

Instead, the initiative is all about building better communities and providing firm foundations to allow individuals and communities to improve their own health and wellbeing.

The Builders are working across Exeter, listening to residents and through these conversations, helping to uncover what people feel strongly about and what activities they can get involved in.

3 things you should know before purchasing a rural property

Unless you are very much into city living, many of us dream of residing in the gorgeous countryside with plenty of space for the whole family to enjoy. It is easy to get carried away with the idealistic dream of rural living, but it is essential to focus on the realities of day-to-day life, as well as any issues that may be part and parcel of the countryside lifestyle.

If you are keen on making a new life in a rural area in the very near future, what are the key factors you need to keep in mind in order to make the right decision for your family?