
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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A beachfront villa once owned by a star of the international jet set, where the Kennedys and Hepburns once partied
The former home of American socialite Aline Griffith, Villa Annabel was the backdrop to some of Marbella's glitziest parties.
By Carla Passino Published
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An exquisite townhouse that once belonged to Pitt the Younger, with probably the grandest home office in Bath
History meets magnificent Georgian architecture and luxurious interiors at Grade I-listed Pitt House, in the centre of Bath.
By Carla Passino Published
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The 10 most expensive streets in London — and how much you'd need to spend to live on them
Ten streets in London blow the rankings for luxury property, with median prices all well above £10 million (and some above £20 million).
By Carla Passino Published
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Inside Britain's privately owned villages
Surprising as it may sound, there are still privately owned villages scattered throughout the UK. Alec Marsh wonders what is it really like to be at the helm of a community.
By Carla Passino Published
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An opulent country house with lake views, set in 20 acres in the New Forest
A superb New Forest setting meets luxurious interiors and panoramic views at Chatley Wood House, in Highwood, Hampshire.
By Carla Passino Published
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A striking contemporary house set in perfect solitude by the waterside in Cornwall
Driftways, near Penzance, is the perfect mix of striking contemporary architecture, magnificent views and utter peacefulness.
By Carla Passino Published
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A 16th century farmhouse overlooking beautiful countryside in Buckinghamshire
Dorcas Farm combines elegant interiors with an idyllic setting only 15 minutes from Milton Keynes.
By Carla Passino Published
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How Mayfair went from a hotbed of scandal, science, art to one of the world's most sought-after addresses
Romance — as well as scientific and artistic endeavour — was synonymous with Mayfair long before Bridgerton appeared on our screens discovers Carla Passino.
By Carla Passino Published
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A Georgian family home with long views of the landscape that inspired David Hockney
Beautiful Rickman House sits at the edge of Warter, in the East Riding of Yorkshire, and enjoys glorious views of the Yorkshire Wolds.
By Carla Passino Published
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A former Dower House in magnificent Hertfordshire countryside half an hour by train from London
With its several centuries of history, beautiful country views and an ideal location within easy reach of London, Grade II-listed Great Offley House is perfect for a family.
By Carla Passino Published
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A graceful riverside house in a perfect Thames-side village that was painted by Sir Stanley Spencer
Riverdene, in Cookham, not only appears in some of the Royal Academician's works but was also home to racing daredevil Sir Algernon Guinness.
By Carla Passino Published
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A Grade II-listed former mill in a canal-side Northamptonshire village
Circular architecture meets modern interiors at Grade II-listed The Mill, in the village of Braunston, Northamptonshire.
By Carla Passino Published
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Belle Isle, Co Fermanagh: The ups and downs of a Northern Irish gem
An 18th-century beauty spot that briefly fell into complete neglect has been restored. John Goodall tells the remarkable story of this estate and its modern revival.
By Carla Passino Published
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The 10 most family-friendly places to live in England
York has topped a new survey of the best towns and cities for families, but the rest of the top 10 is spread far and wide across England.
By Carla Passino Published
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An extraordinary estate set in the countryside that inspired Turner, with ballroom, ponds and a waterfall
The Nonnington estate in Graffham, West Sussex, combines exquisite period details with beautiful grounds featuring a small waterfall.
By Carla Passino Published
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Stamp Duty holiday extended to June and tapered until September, and government backing 95% home loans
The Chancellor is expected to move the tax-break deadline to the summer, but agents say it needs a tapered end, not just an extension.
By Carla Passino Published
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An eco-friendly house with a magnificent kitchen, just outside the idyllic town of Sherborne
You'll never want to put down pots and pans at this exceptional property in Leigh, five miles from Sherborne.
By Carla Passino Published
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A historic ruined castle for sale in need of love, complete renovation — and deep pockets
History and literature meet at 15th-century Piteadie Castle, which now needs consolidation and renovation work to return to its former glory.
By Carla Passino Published
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A sustainable farm set in beautiful countryside close to Prince Charles's Welsh home
The buyers of Mandinam, a 362-acre farm with an emphasis on sustainability, will count the Prince of Wales among their neighbours.
By Carla Passino Published
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A historic property with exceptional views in a picture-postcard Cornish hamlet
Once belonging to Sir Edward Hain MP, Morveren House combines beautiful views with handsome architecture and an idyllic setting just outside St Ives.
By Carla Passino Published
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A charming period property in a rural Welsh village, yet with city, seaside and airport all in easy reach
The Old Vicarage combines elegant interiors with lush grounds in a rural village within easy reach of Cardiff International Airport.
By Carla Passino Published
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Revealed: The best places to live in Great Britain for work-life balance
The Outer Hebrides lead the chart of the local authorities that offer the best work and life balance, according to new research. Carla Passino explains more.
By Carla Passino Published
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A picturesque mill for sale in Staffordshire, with eclectic interiors and gorgeous grounds
Period charm meets contemporary living at Grade II-listed Chorlton Mill, in Staffordshire, a historic property that's especially well suited to entertaining.
By Carla Passino Published
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A Grade II-listed manor house set in a wildlife paradise in Wales
Dating from the 18th century and set in beautiful countryside, Cuffern Manor is an award-winning guest house that could be easily converted into a lavish family home.
By Carla Passino Published