London's new garden squares
London is already the greenest capital in Europe, with homeowners enjoying more than 600 garden squares. And the good news is that there are more to come.
As the BBC move out, Shepherd's Bush switches to a new programme
As Aunty leaves the Bush the borough seizes the opportunity to create a proper neighbourhood.
Spotlight on Camden Town
The shops and markets clustered around the high street and canal make Camden one of the most colourful of London's neighbourhoods. The area's period homes and loft-style apartments attract a mix of homebuyers.
Revealed: from Reading to Redhill – the top 20 commuter stations
Choose your route. Our exclusive property buyers’ guide shows travel times, costs and house prices.
My design London - Russell Norman
Owner of Polpo, Spuntino and Polpetto restaurants in Soho, and da Polpo and Mishkin's in Covent Garden, restauranteur Russell Norman opens up on his favourite London haunts.
Find a rated tradesman
Want to add value to your property, make your house a home, or sell your place fast? With 1,000s of tradesmen nationwide, rated and recommended by previous customers, this is the smart way to find a reputable tradesman.
Buy of the week: Camden Town
This two-bedroom flat has a pretty park on its doorstep, while buzzing Camden Town is only 10 minutes’ walk away. Big sash windows and high ceilings give a spacious feel and there’s a private garden with a studio/home office (£525,000).
Swap of the week: Willersey, Glouc
This little Cotswolds beauty is just across the road from the village green and duck pond. For £530,000 you get beams, exposed stone walls and an open fireplace, plus four bedrooms, a useful attic room and lush gardens to enjoy.
Life-changer: Trescowe, Cornwall
For a project brimming with potential, what about this coastal home, yours for £545,000? The family space includes six bedrooms, while its collection of outbuildings overlooking an acre of gardens could become income-generating holiday lets.
Spotlight on Camden Town
The shops and markets clustered around the high street and canal make Camden one of the most colourful of London's neighbourhoods. The area's period homes and loft-style apartments attract a mix of homebuyers.
Property search
Grand Designs London at Excel
Grand Designs Live is back for the seventh year at London's Excel, and it's bigger and better than ever before, says Barbara Chandler
The Beachhouse, built to full size at this year's show, combines New England good looks with eco-friendly technology
GlasSpace is a slick and stylish double-storey glass extension for the “don’t move, improve” brigade
This year's main attraction is four houses built to full size in the Grand Village. Launched at the show is the Qube Module, billed as a “quick, responsible, sustainable and cost-effective solution to modern living.”
Also see the GlasSpace, a slick and stylish double-storey glass extension for the “don’t move, improve” brigade.
Then there’s the Beachhouse (right) for “eco modular living”. It's fashionable New England good looks in fact achieve four on the Code for Sustainable Homes, with new Structurally Insulated Panels (SIPS), energy-efficient lighting and advanced water saving.
The fourth property is masterminded by Philips; called “Light My Home”, it shows off new technology including LEDs and lighting controls.
Then there’s the House of the Future in the Grand Technology section, an interactive showcase of domestic gadgets for indoors and out – you won’t believe some of these ideas until you see them. The Grand Kitchens and Grand Bathrooms areas offer ideas for updating the most vital rooms in a house.
If you are building your own home – or improving the one you have already, then visit the Grand Build area with the latest products and techniques on display. Get more inspiration in Grand Interiors, sponsored by Dulux, who are bringing a phalanx of colour consultants. Also popular is Grand Food, with demonstrations, tastings and cafés, and Grand Gardens for summer living.
Also launched at the show is the Qube Module, billed as a sustainable and cost-effective solution to modern living
Grand Designs ticket offer: save £6
Homes & Property readers can take advantage of a special offer to book tickets and save £6 off the door rates. Weekend tickets are just £12; weekday tickets are £9 each. Plus kids aged 15 year and under go free when accompanied by a paying adult.
CLICK HERE for details on how to book this special offer.
ExCel London, One Western Gateway, Royal Victoria Dock, E16; visit granddesignslive.com; or call 0844 209 7349.
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