You see many different types of property coming onto the market, from converted barns and windmills to old cottages with wooden shutters, to brand new architect-designed modern houses. We are fortunate in a way that our planning system allows such diversity that it is easy to escape the homogenous designs that you find in many other countries.
Whatever you fancy you can pretty much well find in this country. Our nation loves to restore and renovate and you can come across converted railway stations, former factories, old castles dating back centuries and even renovated lighthouses!
Then you have the brand new houses, some of them startling to look at with their metal and glass designs and strange shapes - but very practical and often self-sufficient with their energy as they have been built with the environment in mind.
And you must not forget the traditional chocolate box houses, as they hold a special place in the hearts' of this country. The image of rambling flowers in the garden, a pot of tea and clotted cream and scones on the table; so Miss Marple and so quintessentially English!
We are truly gifted to have such a wealth of designs for our houses, both old and quirky and often modern and quirky! We must make sure that we preserve them for future generations.
