Western Mail

The Property Doctor [ ... ]

am buying a leasehold terraced property which currently has 75 years left on its lease. Would it make sense to buy the freehold, or is it a waste of money? AIf S you are looking to sell a leasehold property with less than 70 years to run then it is possible your buyer's mortgage company may insist on either the lease term being extended or that the property is freehold. You will, therefore, need to consider the possibility of either buying the freehold or extending the lease term once it fall...

House Prices Fall in Wales Despite Uk Upturn

HOUSE prices in Britain as a whole edged upwards for the first time in more than a year in June, but continued to fall in Wales. The average cost of a property in England and Wales increased by 0.1% during the month, according to the Land Registry, the first positive monthly change since January 2008.

Energy Efficiency Now Top of Buyers' Agenda ; Cost-Conscious Homebuyers Put Energy Saving at the Top of the Agenda, Writes David Bexon of Smartnewhomes.Com

THE concept of "eco homes" has long been a popular topic of debate and discussion, both within the construction and home- building industry and among consumers, as environmental issues top the agenda and new innovative technologies have evolved. In the current climate, however, energy efficiency has taken on a renewed relevance for many people, with its promise of solid cash savings now a serious incentive for home-buyers and home-owners.

Historic Home Set in Beacons National Park ; Grade Ii Listed Millbrook has Large Gardens Including a Coach House and Is Close to the Famous Skirrid Inn

SET in approximately a quarter of an acre, Millbrook is a substantial country home nestling in the quaint village of Llanvihangel Crucorney near Abergavenny and within the picturesque Brecon Beacons National Park. With fabulous walking and riding opportunities on the doorstep, the delightful property offers plenty of charm and dates back to the 1300s. It is a property of historic significance with an abundance of features from the 17th century additions but it also offers modern day comfort.

Pembrokeshire Cottage Offers a Taste of Tradition

HOME-BUYERS are being offered a unique opportunity to buy a traditional 18th-century Pembrokeshire cottage that has just come on the market. Little Mayeston Cottage stands in approximately two acres of land with rural views of farmland and has been restored to incorporate three double bedrooms, a living and dining room, a sun room and two bathrooms.

Buyers Rush for Luxury Apartments

THE Vale Resort near Cardiff has announced that it has already sold phase one of its exclusive new residential development based at Hensol Castle Park following its public launch last weekend. The luxury apartment scheme which neighbours the current four- star world-class hotel, golf, spa and leisure facility, the Vale Resort, is part of the multi-million pound redevelopment of the grade one listed 17th century Hensol Castle and its grounds into one of the most prestigioS boutique hotel, spa ...

Q I Would Love an Aga in My Kitchen [ ... ] ; a Question of Design

Q I would love an Aga in my kitchen but it just wouldn't suit the modern interior of my home. Is there a happy medium out there that combines all the form and function of a traditional oven with a more modern exterior? A I think you might have hit on a very common dilemma as I visit lots of home owners who say "I'd always wanted an Aga," and when they've bought a period style property it's the first thing they've bought. But, like you, I have a modern home and think the new Falcon Bronze Delu...

Don't Make a Move, Plan a Makeover

WITH uncertainty hanging over the economy and the housing market, many people are putting plans to move on hold and improving their current homes instead. Staying where you are provides the opportunity to sort out a few of those things that have always been on the wish list, lustrous granite work surfaces for the kitchen, for example, or a luxurious free-standing bath.

Confidence Returning, Says Agent

WHILE the property industry has suffered its most turbulent 12 months for many years, one Cardiff estate and lettings agent is celebrating its best-ever month, having enjoyed a recent rush of sales. In fact Thomas George, based on Churchill Way, reports an extremely successful first half of the year in terms of sales and lettings.

Last Chance to Secure Your Place On 'Millionaires' Row'

HOUSEBUYERS are urged to act quickly if they want to snap up the final property at Waterstone Homes' luxurious Druidstone Grange development in Cardiff's Old St Mellons. Just one five-bedroom detached property remains at the exclusive gated development, which has been dubbed Cardiff's first purpose- built millionaires' row, offering a semi-rural setting with panoramic views of the surrounding hills, while still within easy access of Cardiff city centre.

Room with a View of the Stars

LOOKING out across the ocean towards America, Jane Young likes to imagine the Labrador Islands that lie in an almost straight line from her living room window at Ogmore-by-Sea near Bridgend. Jane, 58, programmes officer at Cardiff's science museum, Techniquest, just loves the view from her window.

Take 3what Can You Get for Your Money Across Wales Right Now?

Under pounds 150,000 WHERE?Ferry Court, Cardiff Bay WHAT? A third floor apartment with two double bedrooms, allocated parking and concierge and on-site leisure suite including lap pool. WHY? This is right on the water's edge in the lively Cardiff Bay area. HOWMUCH?pounds 129,950 from ACJ Properties. Call 029 2041 5161.

Enjoy the Best of Both Worlds at the Chantry ; Home Offers Modern Style and Village Life

PURCHASERS looking to enjoy village life without the hefty price tag now have only two opportunities left to secure a house at Bryant Homes' development The Chantry in Radyr. The two remaining properties are a four bedroom, detached Fairfield townhouse and the Fairfield showhome.

Shedding Some Light On a Bargain Buy

THIS is quite an unusual item which I was pleased to come across on a recent visit to the Pumping Station Antiques Centre in Cardiff. It's a small late 18th century candlestick or taperstick.

Antiques Under the Hammer

A FASCINATING display of rare scientific and medical instruments will be among antiques on sale at the annual Westonbirt School Antiques and Fine Art Fair, near Tetbury from August 14 to 16. These are some of the items on offer. A 22ct Toumaline ring with diamonds, signed Rothschild, pounds 5,500. To be shown by Plaza, 20th century jewellery specialists from Wales.

The Lord of Song and Dance

T H E Firstwo Rd

O H my God, you are not going to believe this Hannah," said an ecstatic Karen Price. Possibly afraid that her legs would go from under her, the Western Mail's arts and media bod crouched down by my desk and told me her good news, the best news, the news she'd been waiting for since she first learned the words to Les Mis. All of them. Plus actions.

I'm a Complete Quality Control Freak ; so Says Andrew Lloyd Webber As He Puts the Cardiff Cast of the Sound of Music Through Their Paces. Arts Correspondent Karen Price Is Granted a Rare Audience with the King of Musical Theatre

IT'S late in the afternoon and Andrew Lloyd Webber is deep in concentration. The king of musical theatre is standing behind the orchestra pit at the Wales Millennium Centre during last-minute sound checks for the new touring version of The Sound of Music. As a casually-dressed Connie Fisher and her co-star Michael Praed stand on stage singing the chorus of their duet Something Good, the Lord, as Andrew is affectionately known, clearly isn't happy about the sound.

Mindmatters

T HERE'S no smoke without fire, or so they say. But after a decision to protect cared-for children from nicotine fumes maybe "smoke" should be swapped for "smoking", given the blaze of indignation that greeted the move. Last week, Merthyr Tydfil council became the first in Wales to impose a blanket ban on smokers becoming foster parents or adopters for children and young people of any age.

Taketwo ; Culture Vulture Mark Kermode On Movies, Podcasts and Constrictive Criticism

Q: You've been doing The Culture Show now since it started in 2004. What do you think is the secret of its longevity? A: We all understand any show with the word 'culture' in the title runs the risk of being considered snobby or coming with a sense of being exclusive. We've striven to get away from that over the years, and I think when you're watching The Culture Show, we're always trying to engage with the maximum audience without compromising the quality of what we cover.