March 2010

To say that the cottage remains the best-loved of all the British house types is something of an understatement. Even with the current vogue for contemporary-style design – driven in part by the movement towards low-energy homes – nothing stirs our in-built emotions of home, cosiness and shelter quite like a pretty cottage.

But as the owners of our charming cover home discovered, cottages are not without their issues. Their small rooms and modest footprints, low head heights and tiny windows are ‘character’ to some and constraints to others. For growing families in particular, the same things that initially proved attractive can quickly become frustrating.

Which is where your trusty Homebuilding & Renovating magazine can help this month. In addition to taking inspiration from our cover home, check out Michael Holmes’ definitive guide to extending and making the most out of cottages — without taking away that all-important charm.

Elsewhere in this issue, there are plenty of house design ideas, readers’ homes to suit all budgets and styles, and bags of expert advice. Enjoy.

Jason Orme, Editor

Inside the March 2010 issue of Homebuilding & Renovating magazine...

Homes

Ultimate Luxury - A city renovation sets a precedent for high-spec, hi-tech luxury
More Grist to Their Mill...  - A derelict mill, with no foundations, is converted into a family home 
A Greener View - A scenic but challenging plot provides space for a new eco home
Picture Perfect (Cover Story) - A charming cottage is sympathetically restored and extended
A New Direction - A modern ‘green’ home springs up next to its period predecessor
The Clock House - A timely ten-year self-build evolves in character

ALSO: A guide to cottage design - Creating the perfect entrance hallway - How to save £1,000s on your self-build - How to find a plot - How to stick to your budget - A guide to knocking down walls

PLUS: Buyers guides, expert advice and opinions, build cost guides and much, much more...

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FULL CONTENTS

Design

Toilets: The Top Choices
Design Masterclass: Extending Traditional Cottages - How to enhance character with clever design and materials
All About Engineered Wooden Floors
Before & After Design: A Modern Makeover - A ’70s build is transformed into an efficient home with a new façade
Creating the Perfect Entrance Hallway
Roof Tiles and Slates
Portfolio: A Pick of More Projects Across the UK

Advice

Save £1,000s on Your Self-build - How to get the best deals in the current climate
Wet or Dry: How to Choose Your Plaster
How to Stick to Your Budget
Your Guide to Knocking Down Walls
Masonry Walls Explained
Green Finishes: Natural Paints, Plasters and Flooring
Self-build Story: The Moving-in Date Gets Closer
How to Build Quality into Your Home - Why quality is defined by the way you build, not a designer kitchen
Build Costs: The Roof
Services: How to Get Connected
Getting Started: How to Find a Plot
Solutions: Our Experts Answer Your Questions

Regulars

Upfront: News, Courses and Competitions
In My View
Looking Back

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