Alexandra Fraser
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The Utterly Inessential Mother's Day Shopping List: The gins, gifts and experiences to brighten up your mother's Sunday
Let's face it, your mother would be happy with breakfast in bed and some hand-picked flowers. But, if you're considering something a little more special, this list seems like a good place to start.
By Alexandra Fraser Published
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The Utterly Inessential Crufts Shopping List: The toys, treats and trends that your dog deserves this year
Alexandra Fraser rounds up the top dog accessories on the market right now in honour of Crufts this weekend. After all, who deserves a treat more than Man's Best Friend?
By Alexandra Fraser Published
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The Utterly Inessential Storm Shopping List: An umbrella for two, a jacket which doubles as a tent and the recipe for fluffy cinnamon buns
The weather the last few weeks has been awful and the way that it had affected certain parts of the UK is certainly no joke. However, for those who are trying to look on the lighter side of things, Alexandra Fraser has picked a few products which may rage calm against the storm.
By Alexandra Fraser Published
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Aqua Sana, Longleat: A spa experience like no other, inspired by forest bathing and nestled in the heart of one of Britain's greatest treasures
Aqua Sana's newly-refurbished Forest Spa combined 24 different spa experiences into one seamless, relaxing tapestry. Alexandra Fraser was fortunate enough to pay a visit; here's why she struggled to leave.
By Alexandra Fraser Published
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A curiously-shaped country cottage in East Anglia, with a beautiful orchard and a scandalous history
The Round House is not entirely round and didn't used to be a house, but its colourful history has finally settled in this, the next chapter of its life. Alexandra Fraser peaks inside.
By Alexandra Fraser Published
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An absolutely idyllic stone farmhouse, buried in the Caldbeck Fells of the Lake District
Claybottom Farm is exactly as it should be, with a price tag that reflects the love and care which has gone into preserving it for generations to come. Alexandra Fraser takes a look.
By Alexandra Fraser Published
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Five top tips to make the most of your dog walk, plus five incredible National Trust spots to explore off-lead
With National Dog Walking Day just in the rearview, we've pulled together some top tips to make that time with your fluffy best friend as good as it can possibly be, as well as some of England's most beautiful walks.
By Alexandra Fraser Published
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A drink for all seasons: A Chelsea grotto that's the epitome of the tactically-placed wine bar
Alexandra Fraser extols the wonders of her favourite flavour of city escape, while sampling London’s latest rendition: Bottles, on Draycott Avenue.
By Alexandra Fraser Published
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A converted university building becomes a Hampstead mansion, with a price tag to match
The Chapel at the Hampstead Estate is a gorgeous restoration project, completed to the highest standard. Alexandra Fraser takes a look inside.
By Alexandra Fraser Published
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The Utterly Inessential Shopping List: Spring flowers, rugby shirts and sterling silver Marmite lids
Alexandra Fraser takes a look at a few things set to brighten up the end of your winter, from a non-denominational rugby shirt to a £145 sterling sliver marmite lid. No, we're not joking.
By Alexandra Fraser Published
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The Utterly Inessential Valentine's Shopping List Part II: Pink gin, heart-shaped earrings and a dog bed for the true love of your life
Every year, we round up the top gifts one could possibly give without going over-the-top-crazy for Valentine's Day. Fortunately, this year our Utterly Inessential columnist is in love. Unfortunately, her heart still belongs to gin. You can't win them all.
By Alexandra Fraser Published
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A minature 18th century castle large enough to house a small family, with a panoramic roof terrace and far-reaching views
Dinton Castle was built to house the fossils stored in its walls. A recent renovation sees it as a perfectly appointed family home, ready to wow the next owners. Alexandra Fraser takes a look.
By Alexandra Fraser Published
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Beavers back in Sussex for the first time in 400 years
Thanks to the Sussex Wildlife Trust and the Knepp Estate, beavers will once more be seen in the the Adur area.
By Alexandra Fraser Published
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The Utterly Inessential Shopping List: The most utterly stylish four poster beds on the market right now
Four-poster beds are the cornerstone of any good childhood interior-design-related dream. Alexandra Fraser explores some of the most opulent on the market right now.
By Alexandra Fraser Published
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An 18th-century manor house in Powys that may just convince you to move to Wales
Wanting a change of scene? Dan Y Castell, a gorgeous townhouse metres from the UK’s best high street in 2018, may just be the house for you.
By Alexandra Fraser Published
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Bucket List inspiration: Nine incredible, immersive spas from all around the world
No matter who you are or where you're from, everyone loves a spa trip.
By Alexandra Fraser Published
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The Caribbean home of Cliff Richard, with tennis courts, swimming pools and ocean views in every room
The enchantingly-named Coral Sundown is on the market, with panoramic views as wistfully beautiful as 'Mistletoe and Wine'.
By Alexandra Fraser Published
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Own your own Longleat: A Scottish safari park, complete with four lakes and a stunning stone home
It's hard to imagine a more magical childhood than growing up on a safari park. Now a new family can seize this unique opportunity, as Auchingarrich Wildlife Park comes onto the market.
By Alexandra Fraser Published
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In Focus: How the belt of a goddess revealed the true colours of the Parthenon marbles
For nearly 200 years the Parthenon marbles held onto the secret they were suspected of keeping.
By Alexandra Fraser Published
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The Utterly Inessential Shopping List: Helping you to maintain 'New Year, new me' for at least another month
With one more week to know, it's an uphill battle to maintain those January resolutions. Here are a few things which you absolutely do not need to continue your fight for a cleaner, greener life, but which may help a little regardless.
By Alexandra Fraser Published
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The five most expensive homes in London, from a listed townhouse in St James's Park to a palatial mansion in Hampstead
It's mind-boggling to think of price-tags this high, but if there is any place for them, it's London.
By Alexandra Fraser Published
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Millennials gone mad? How 2020's dog owners are playing Spotify podcasts to pooches called Quinoa
2020 is already shaping up to be the year of the dog, with owners doing their absolute utmost to ensure their pet's comfort and happiness. Alexandra Fraser explores the top dog trends of the year – so far.
By Alexandra Fraser Published
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The Utterly Inessential Red Shopping List: No-holds barred options for Valentine's Day — or anyone who just really likes red
There comes a time, usually in mid-January, when you decide that your home needs more colour. Here are some options to brighten your interiors and your day.
By Alexandra Fraser Published
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A 1930s modernist house by William Lescaze, set on a marvellous 14th-century 1,200 acre estate
All of the benefits, none of the fuss; that's 4 Warren Lane offers as a wonderful house in the centre of the Dartington Hall estate.
By Alexandra Fraser Published