How many people have holiday homes in the UK?

This report by the GMB about the number of holiday homes says 173,276 Have Holiday Home In UK.

The GMB think : LOCAL COUNCILS NEED POWERS TO COMPULSORY PURCHASE UNDERUSED HOUSES AFTER CENSUS SHOWS 173,276 RESIDENTS HAVE HOLIDAY HOMES IN THE UK
A holiday home that is only used for a few weeks a year is very different to a holiday home that is occupied for most of the year in terms of its economic benefits to any locality says GMB

House extension

The four-storey London mansion hidden almost entirely underground: 15 bedrooms, 7 bathrooms, 20 toilets, a ballroom, a pool… and neighbours in uproar
David Graham’s home will feature 14-metre swimming pool and ballroom
Three-storey basement extension will be deeper than height of neighbouring houses and will treble size of the current Knightsbridge property
Novelist Edna O’Brien and other wealthy locals furious at plans

Daily Mail story here

Obama’s house for another 4 years

Obama has won the US presidential election. He’ll be living at the White house for another four years. To celebrate – why don’t you buy this amazing lego model and build a replica!

Save 10%, offer ends 08/11/2012


Lego Architecture The White House
 £35.95
Introducing Lego’s Architecture Landmark series of real-world construction models. Washington’s most famous address and home to the President of the United States, this imposing replica of The White House is made from white and black bricks. It measures 22cm wide and sits on a labelled, grey and black base. The set includes a booklet full of details about The White House

I’ve added this under DIY because you have to do it yourself – build your own version of the white house! Excellent fun and an amazing gift for a fan of lego or Obama!

John lewis have a range of architectural lego sets

Fred Dibnahs house for sale

Fred Dibnah’s house for sale – Now reinvented as the Fred Dibnah Heritage centre, it is for sale for £1.25 million.

We bought it for £185,000, but it was pretty much derelict because it had stood empty since Fred died. We had to spend £7,000 on curtains and blinds before we moved in, and then two months just cleaning it out. After that it took us about a year to secure planning permission to create the heritage centre.”

Accessorise with HOUSE from John Lewis

Kitchen items in the house range at John LewisIf you’re looking to sell your house then you have probably cleaned, decluttered and perhaps even refreshed the paintwork. Sometimes adding some real lifestyle elements can really help enhance how a room looks.
With HOUSE by John Lewis the styling is easy. Beautiful accessories that will turn a room into something else. Adding a really desirable touch to the rooms in your home.
Their kitchen accessories include stunning cookware, accessories and even smart bins! Colour co-ordinating accessories is important. It adds a complete tie up of styling that gives the room the finish it needs. You’re selling the lifestyle as much as the house when you’re selling a home, so show people how wonderfully they can live in your home. Remember too that all your wonderful new accessories can go with you to the next house too!
Stoneware storage jars add a real touch of quality to the storage range too – neutral colours to ensure they’ll blend in with every kitchen. Crockery in white ensures a clean sharp look to a kitchen. Don’t overdo it though, you’ll just need a few pieces that tie in colourwise to add a fantastic look.