Top Rural Spots to move to in the UK

The UK is a haven for scenic landscapes, rolling hills and endless stretches of green. But where can you find your perfect home here if you’re looking to take the plunge? Living on the rural side certainly comes with its benefits and whether you simply need a break from the city or you know your a village life lover spellbound by farmers markets and wide open spaces, moving to the countryside could really transform your outlook on life.

Surrey

Just south of the Capital city, Surrey is a world away from the hustle and bustle of the bright lights of London life. With the Surrey Hills on your doorstep and quaint little villages that really bring out the charm, Surrey is a gem in the South of England with just about everything you want from rural life. Home to the town of Guildford, you can still get a little dressed up and hit the town when the local pub and the friendly neighbourhood warmth feels a little too small for the occasion. And you can also get yourself on the property ladder here for less with the government scheme Shared Ownership Surrey. A great little county with some enchanting scenery, Surrey is a dream for any countryside lover.

Kent

Known as “The Garden of England”, Kent is an enviably beautiful county in the South of England that is home to some of the most beautiful natural landscapes the UK boasts. With the Kent Downs named “An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty”, the scenery here can’t be overstated. Kent is home to many towns and villages all benefitting from the majestic landscape and leisurely pace of life. Shared Ownership Kent is also available here for first time buyers and you will be falling in love with just about everything this region has to offer from the long stretches of white sandy coastline to the arundel castles that pepper the landscape.

The Lake District

A muse of poets, artists and authors alike, this northern stretch of hills and lakes is under no question as to why this area has captured so many imaginations, inspirations and hearts. From thatched cottages to kooky cafes and majestic lakes that seem to span miles into the sublime chaotic valleys, there is something magical that the Lake District exudes that so many historical figures have captured. Carved out by the ice Age this area has been untouched landscape for millenia and a part from the boat rides in summer and the busy ice cream parlours on the jetty, you could walk along these cobbled streets and believe you were in the simplicity and enchantment of quite a different century altogether.

Maidstone

Perhaps a lesser well known region that packs just as much quirk and charm as the others, Maidstone is quintessential English Countryside town with scattered villages into the High Weald and Kent Downs boasting some sublime views of the moors and meadows just outside. Also home to some great schools, a warm community and unbeatable train links to London and beyond, shared ownership Maidstone is a real steal. 

How Much Does It Cost to Fuel Your Home

fuel-cost

How much does it cost to fuel your home? It’s an interesting question, but how much does it cost to fuel your home depends on several factors:

Home heating oil prices fluctuate for several reasons: When demand for oil is high, home heating prices tend to increase in the fall, typically in October through March; when crude oil prices remain stable, home heating costs tend to decrease in the spring and summer, and they decrease again in the fall, typically in October through November. If a homeowner in the northeast uses about 1,000 gallons of oil to heat his or her home, the cost of heating oil can reach as high as $4 a gallon. However, if a homeowner in the central part of the United States uses just 200 gallons of fuel, he or she may be able to maintain comfortable temperatures without having to pay high home heating oil costs.

How you heat your home also affects the price of heating your home. If your home gets very cold, it may be difficult to heat your home with a tank full of oil. For this reason, many homeowners with electric heaters instead choose to use heat pumps or to use a small amount of oil to keep their home warm. By using a heat pump hot water system, you can save quite a lot of energy in comparison to using other methods. As many heat pumps have a high COP number, they help to save energy in household settings. Making the switch from oil heating to using heat pumps can be cost effective in the long run even though the initial change may cost some money to make happen. There are many reliable heat pumps available on the market, like Goodman Heat Pumps and others that could be used as an alternative to fuel heating. This has the potential to significantly reduce your energy bills.

Nevertheless, if for the time being you are happy with your current heating system, you choose to use a small amount of fuel, and your home stays relatively warm, how much does it cost to fuel your home will depend on several factors. The efficiency of your heating system is the most important factor, so making sure it is regularly serviced by professionals like Morris Jenkins, for example, is critical to reducing costs. The size and weight of your car will determine how much it costs to fuel your vehicle. A similar calculation can be done for the home too.

How much does it cost to fuel your home also depends on the type of fuel that is used to power your furnace. When the cost of oil is high, homes that are located near the Gulf of Mexico generally use less fuel to heat their homes, and those homes generally have less expensive fuel costs than other types of homes. Those who live in areas that are more dependent on the use of fossil fuels, such as areas along the Eastern Seaboard or Great Plains, pay more for their fuel because the cost of fuel used to fuel those areas is usually very high.

There are several ways to learn how much does it cost to fuel your home: By talking with an energy advisor at your local bank or credit union, you can learn how much it costs to fuel your home. by doing some basic research on the internet. In addition, you can also find out how much it costs to fuel your home by searching the web to find information about heating cost trends in various areas.

Tips on How to Decorate Your House

Interior design is an art and science of improving the interiors of a place to produce a better and healthier environment for those who use the space. A well-designed interior can add value to your house and increase its property value. An interior designer is one who studies, researches, oversees, and handles such improvement projects. This person can help you design your house from scratch or can simply give you a brief description on what needs to be done.

To do a home improvement project, the interior designer should know his/her field and should have enough experience in that field to ensure quality work. You may ask your interior designer for recommendations on what to include in the renovation. A good interior designer can also make suggestions as to how much you should invest.

The most crucial part of the interior designer’s job is to take note of the size of the room and its dimensions with regards to the furniture and other fixtures. These details will determine the kind of materials used, the kind of style of the furniture, and the color of the walls. The designer should make the entire room look attractive by adding finishing touches.

Another important thing is making sure that the walls and the flooring are in good condition. This is important especially when you are dealing with hardwood floors since they can wear and tear easily. If the flooring is too worn, then you need to replace it immediately before it shows signs of deterioration. Likewise, if the walls are not in good condition, then they might need fixing. Your home’s appearance can be transformed by painting the walls and repairing the drywall. You might need to contact a professional service provider who can fix any dent, give an even finish, and so on. In this regard, you can click here for information that might be helpful to you in improving the interior of your home.

The kind of flooring you will use is equally important since they affect the appearance and feel of the room. The more expensive the flooring, the more durable it will be. You may also consider using carpeting instead of wood floors since carpets usually last longer than wood.

The furniture in your home improvement project should also coordinate with the room. Furniture should complement the room colors, design, texture, and other elements of the room. You should also consider the shape and size of the furniture since it is also a contributing factor to the overall look and feel of the room. You can buy some furniture at different rates depending on how many pieces you need in order to complete the room.

Another thing to take note of would be how the window are designed, and if there are any shutters on them, what material they are made of. Using Timber Plantation Shutters could work well with wooden flooring, and give the house a consistent feel. Plus, shutters on the windows help regulate the amount of natural light your home gets.

The lighting in your home is also very essential to enhance the interior. The interior design firm may suggest lighting so that the rooms will look more beautiful. and uplifting. Depending on the type of lighting fixtures that you want to have incorporated into your home, it may be worthwhile getting in touch with a professional to come and install them for you, just as you would use the services of somewhere like https://safeandsoundelectric.com/ if you needed any tripped circuits or flickering lights repairing. However, you could always install your lights on your own, but if you wanted to ere on the side of caution, enlisting the help of professional services should always be considered, especially if you want your lights to function to the highest quality.

In conclusion, interior designers are experts in helping you improve your home. Whether you choose to hire an interior designer or seek one from the Internet, you should consider hiring an expert to do your renovation.

Interior designers are very knowledgeable about what they are doing. They know where to start and which direction they need to take in order for their clients to achieve their dream home. Most interior designers are well-informed about the ins and outs of renovation. You can also find a lot of information about how they do their jobs in websites and magazines available online.

A certified interior designer will not only help you with renovation but will also give you guidance when it comes to choosing the best furniture, furnishings, flooring, walls, or any other features of your house. If you want a contractor to do all the work, then you have to pay a little more.

If you want to save money, then hiring an interior designer is the better choice. However, you have to do your homework before hiring an interior designer. You have to check whether or not the designer is experienced in renovating houses. and knows what kind of company you should work with.

Once you find the right interior designer, the job will be all yours to do. You can ask questions about the things he or she will do, and he or she will give you good advice on which you can do. Be patient in asking questions and in learning about their services. You have to have patience when it comes to finding the right interior designer because after all, the whole point of hiring an interior designer is for your renovation to be successful.

Countertop Ideas for Your Newly Built Kitchen

The kitchen countertop is the ideal place to add a final design touch to your kitchen. Despite which kitchen countertop thoughts you’re pulled in to, select materials sturdy and worked to withstand the mileage related to cooking and prep.

The scope of materials that can be utilized for kitchen countertops is incredibly assorted, and a few materials on the list might be astonishing to you. Every material has its points of interest and disservices, all of which should be weighed while picking. For example, the more elusive materials, bamboo, zinc, and stainless steel, may end up being excessively costly and challenging to keep up for the vast majority. For most homeowners, the more reasonable choices will incorporate materials, for example, slab granite, engineered stone (quartz), solid surface material, just as conventional overlays and ceramic tile.

Engineering and innovation have settled on a wide assortment of design options and finishes conceivable. While many accompanying kitchen countertop thoughts are tough, it’s a smart thought to consistently work with cutting sheets and silicone trivets for hot pots. Keep countertop surfaces clean with a non-grating, delicate towel and follow maker or installation guidelines on what items to use to clean and keep up your countertops’ magnificence for a considerable length of time.

The mystery is in the difference. If you need your countertop to stick out, select a countertop shading that pops or stands apart from the cabinetry.

1. Laminate

Disregard all that you thought about the dated material. Brands, for example, IKEA, are giving laminates a cool name again by offering choices that resemble fancier stones. Mallory Fletchall of Reserve Home put the Swedish retailer’s false marble variant in her rental kitchen. Since the stuff is anything but difficult to cut, she utilized additional pieces to make an inherent breakfast bar and a little shade.

Although once thought about the odd one out of the countertop business, laminates are currently accessible in such a decent variety that they make a major rebound. Try not to disregard laminates until you see what is available.

2. High-Quality Quartz

The flushed pink and deep aqua cabinets are reflective, which implies they cause the space to feel huge (like the excellent mirror trick, yet beautiful). To add a more immortal component to the kitchen, inside fashioner Michelle Nussbaumer selected Dekton by Cosentino for the countertops. The top-notch quartz is more sturdy than a natural marble; however, it looks similarly as stylish.

3. Thick Slab Kitchen Countertops

The most recent trend in contemporary kitchens is the thick piece countertop impact. While most countertops are regularly 2″ thick, picking a 3 – 5″ thick countertop makes a secured, dignified look. Make sure to alter cabinet statures to compensate for the tallness increment from the thicker countertops. Getting in touch with professionals such as Rock Solid Custom Granite could give your house and kitchen countertop the much-needed pizzazz!

4. Ceramic Tile

Ceramic tile countertops are produced using singular clay-based tiles followed over a concrete board center utilizing dainty set mortar glues. It may be a good idea to make use of a saw-cut concrete slab as it prevents the cracks from forming on the surface of a concrete slab as it dries. You could get help from Wisconsin concrete sawing professionals or anyone near your locality for the same. For kitchen countertops, grout creases make tile a not exactly perfect countertop material, yet more up to date ceramic and porcelain tiles are available in enormous sizes (1 x 2 or 2 x 2 feet) to limit the number of creases and make for more straightforward maintenance.

5. Blizzard Caesarstone

A goliath kitchen needs an island that can contend with its size. A Caesarstone countertop in Blizzard beat this 14-foot-long station, tying down the floor plan. The vastness would gobble up anything littler.

6. Butcher Block

Timeless and welcoming, wood butcher square countertops add a warm look to your kitchen. To keep the complete process of looking new and fresh, seal wood countertops with a sturdy polyurethane and use trivets and slicing sheets to shield the surface from heat and damaging.

7. Modular Granite

A more affordable alternative for homeowners who need a rock or those you need the cost investment funds of introducing stone themselves is modular granite. Particular stone involves a specialty somewhere between strong sections and rock tiles. Modular granite can be depicted as enormous tiles sorted out to frame a countertop. Although still weighty, measured pieces are lighter than slabs, making them better than the right choice for DIYers.

8. Stainless Steel

Why not coordinate your surface with your machines? The sparkly metal is all over the place, including the cabinet handles and open racking. The pale greenish-blue cabinets shield it from feeling excessively sterile. While treated steel is a decent and excellent metal choice, two different metals see a flood in kitchen countertop popularity.

9. Oak Slab

Give a rustic touch to your kitchen with oak slab counters. It would glance gorg in a Barn style farmhouse, Tuscan-style, or mountain-enlivened kitchen.

10. Marble

Another natural stone choice sought after for countertops is marble, even though it has restrictions that should be perceived in kitchen applications. Marble’s one of a kind appearance, and veined examples make it one of every natural stone’s most appealing. Marble is a moderately delicate and porous stone that must be cautiously and over and over fixed whenever utilized for kitchen countertops. Like granite, marble is available in three structures- concrete slabs, marble tiles, and modular marble. Similarly, as with granite, concrete slabs are the ideal choice for countertops.

11. Copper Countertops

Copper makes a warm shine that mollifies the hard edges of a contemporary kitchen. In case you’re utilizing copper in a kitchen countertop and need to keep the smooth, cleaned look, select copper that has been sealed.

12. Concrete Countertops

Concrete is sturdy, gritty, and has a natural textural feel to its example. Best of all, concrete can be tweaked with re-coloring, textural treatments, and various finishes. This material isn’t only for warehouses. Concrete fits directly in with the touchy, modern farm buildings and garages.

13. Wrapped Countertops

A trending countertop look includes wrapping your countertop material by utilizing it on the cabinets’ top and sides. A wrap makes an intriguing look that draws the eye across different pieces of the room. For the most visual effect, add this impact to your kitchen if your countertops are differentiating shading to the rest of the kitchen parts.

Since we’ve shared our most recent news and current kitchen countertop thoughts, which one’s your top choice?

5 Great Tourist Spots in Virginia

If you are looking for a residential community with rural beauty and a metropolitan atmosphere, look no further than Arlington, VA. You’ll find some of the best neighborhoods in the D.C area here. Arlington real estate tends to be a bit pricey but comes down to location, location, location. As home buyers get farther and farther away from Washington, D.C., the square foot housing prices drop dramatically. Below are 5 great tourist spots in Virginia. 

  1. Williamsburg

Williamsburg is a curious mix of a living museum and a lively, historic college town that is a delight to visit. Hop on a Segway and glide along for a one- or two-hour adventure covering the waterfront and historic Main Street in Yorktown with stories of the city’s Revolutionary and Civil War battles. You will have the pleasure of seeing the Great Hopes Plantation, the Courthouse, the Goal, and many other fascinating sites with this exciting activity.

  1. Arlington

Located on the Potomac River across from Washington D.C., Arlington, Virginia is home to some of the most beautiful memorials and parks in the United States. Visit Arlington National Cemetery, the U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial, the National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial, the Women in Military Service for America Memorial, and many other important monuments. 

  1. Richmond

While Richmond doesn’t sit on the Atlantic, there’s a ton of water fun to be found, in fact, Richmond is the only place in the country where extensive whitewater conditions exist within sight of skyscrapers. You will have the opportunity to Kayak and whitewater rafting through town. Kids will also enjoy a host of activities built just for them including the Children’s Museum of Richmond, the Science Museum of Virginia, and a section in the world-class Virginia Museum of Fine Arts just for the cute set.

  1. Chincoteague

Chincoteague Island is a serene, yet fun-filled, tourist destination, and is Virginia`s only resort Island. Located on Virginia’s Eastern Shore, we are within easy reach from all major cities on the mid-Atlantic seaboard. If you’re looking for a place to relax, rejuvenate, and reconnect with those who matter most, our little Island is the place for you. 

  1. Virginia Beach

Located on Virginia’s southeastern border where the Chesapeake Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean,  Virginia Beach is Virginia’s largest coastal city, combining delicious food, outdoor adventures, and plenty of award-winning craft beer, wine, and spirits within its borders. Spend a long weekend exploring Virginia Beach, where you’ll find fun in the sun, exciting nightlife, and world-class cuisine within a few blocks of each other.