Carla Passino
Carla must be the only Italian that finds the English weather more congenial than her native country’s sunshine. An antique herself, she became Country Life’s Arts & Antiques editor in 2023 having previously covered, as a freelance journalist, heritage, conservation, history and property stories, for which she won a couple of awards. Her musical taste has never evolved past Puccini and she spends most of her time immersed in any century before the 20th.
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The UK's top property hotspots over the last 10 years — and the place where property is cheaper now than a decade ago
Prices rose by an average of 54.7% in the past decade, but some surprising locations saw much higher increases — while one even saw a drop. Carla Passino takes a look.
By Carla Passino Published
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A grand country house with unparalleled nature views near Chichester
A magnificent Arts & Crafts property that's ideal for entertaining, Honer House also looks out across the RSPB Pagham Harbour nature reserve.
By Carla Passino Published
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A modernist house by the architect that inspired James Bond's arch-villain
Teesdale, in Windlesham, Surrey, was built by Ernö Goldfinger, the inspiration for Auric Goldfinger, and it's luxurious enough to suit a Bond villain.
By Carla Passino Published
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A fairytale cottage in need of work in North Devon
This Grade II-listed cottage in Lynton could make the perfect summer escape once renovation is completed.
By Carla Passino Published
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How Clerkenwell turned from monastic outpost into a hotbed of revolutionaries only to become one of London's most sought-after villages
Its renovated warehouse buildings feel thoroughly modern, but this creative district in the capital can trace its roots back to medieval times, finds Carla Passino.
By Carla Passino Published
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A charming, Grade II-listed house with its own ancient tortoise
Grade II-listed The Old Dairy, in Box, Wiltshire, has four bedrooms, a lovely sitting room with open fire—and a 94-year-old tortoise living in the walled garden.
By Carla Passino Published
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A beautiful family home in Buckinghamshire, with delightful gardens and a stream
With plenty of space, striking interiors and exquisite gardens, Minshulls, in Aston Clinton, is the ideal place for a family.
By Carla Passino Published
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A Grade II-listed Georgian house with magnificent gardens that's one of the biggest — and prettiest — in Redruth
Exquisite interiors meet delightful gardens at Trewirgie House, in Redruth, which also has the benefit of having additional accommodation to let.
By Carla Passino Published
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A pastel coloured 'village-within-a-village' in picturesque Appledore, Devon
Hidden behind a single door is a delightful collection of Grade II-listed houses and flats for sale.
By Carla Passino Published
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What to look for in a great retirement property
As growing numbers of people are choosing to downsize to age-exclusive developments, Carla Passino discovers what makes a great retirement property.
By Carla Passino Published
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A panoramic country house in Wales at the price of a large London flat, with swimming pool, Japanese bridge and walled garden
First advertised in Country Life in 1905, The Lee, near Knighton in Powys, makes the most of its glorious setting and period interiors.
By Carla Passino Published
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As woodland is booming, and planting trees has become the right thing to do — with both heart and head
Investing in woodland has never been more popular, and the reasons are as much about sustainability as they are commercial. Carla Passino explains more.
By Carla Passino Published
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A historic Scottish castle, complete with battlements, a loch and its very own ghost
Built by Mary Caroline, Duchess of Sutherland, to spite her husband's family, Carbisdale Castle has it all, from royal connections to a trout-filled loch.
By Carla Passino Published
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Can we make our houses Green? The huge battle we face to make our properties fit for a carbon-neutral world
Decarbonising the UK housing stock is one of the biggest challenges the country faces. Carla Passino investigates.
By Carla Passino Published
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A charming family home in Kent with magnificent, wildlife-friendly gardens
The Croft, in Detling, has repeatedly won awards for its striking grounds, which support a variety of wildlife.
By Carla Passino Published
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A magnificent, Grade I-listed house in Devon, where Charles I once slept
Set at the edge of the village of Bradninch, Grade I-listed The Manor House combines a rich history with exquisite interiors and glorious gardens.
By Carla Passino Published
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A hopelessly romantic beach hut in Cornwall that once hosted Kate Winslet, up for sale at £1.7 million
Popular with celebrities and surfers alike, The Beach Hut, in Millook, is a charming seaside home at quite a price — but it comes with its own stretch of beach and 40 acres of Cornwall.
By Carla Passino Published
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A grand Hampshire house in need of renovation, which once belonged to Jane Austen's nephew
Home to George Austen until 1895, Oaklands House, in Rowland's Castle, Hampshire, has kept intact many period features, but now needs some TLC.
By Carla Passino Published
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A Grade II-listed, beautifully renovated barn in a vibrant Bedfordshire village
The Dovecote, in Colmworth, Bedfordshire combined sleek modern style with striking period features.
By Carla Passino Published
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Best walking boots for women, from walks in the woods to hiking the Himalayas
Whether you are planning a long country walk or a gentle stroll on a well-beaten path, make the most of the good season with our round-up of the best footwear.
By Carla Passino Published
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A Grade II*-listed manor set in idyllic grounds in the South Hams
Dating from the 17th century, Ranscombe Manor combines period elegance with manicured grounds and an amazing setting.
By Carla Passino Published
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England's top rural hotspots as property prices soaring amid dwindling supply
A buoyant market sees rising house values with the South East of England leading the charge in the country sector.
By Carla Passino Published
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A striking contemporary house with spectacular views across Rutland Water
Highfield House, in Hambleton, Rutland, has been specifically designed to make the most of the panorama over the wildlife-rich reservoir.
By Carla Passino Published
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1,841 glorious acres of pristine Scottish forest have come up for sale
With timber and forestry enjoying a boom, a rare opportunity has arisen in the Scottish Borders. Carla Passino takes a look.
By Carla Passino Published