homes

KENDALL Jenner secretly celebrated her 30th birthday at designer Tommy Hilfiger’s luxury villa on a private Caribbean island, The U.S. Sun can reveal.

Supermodel Kendall began posting snaps on Monda after spending the weekend at the $125k-a-week property in Mustique.

Kendall was joined by dozens of family members and friends, including her mom, Kris Jenner, and sisters, Kim, Kylie, and Khloe, although Kourtney was notably absent from the festivities.

She also celebrated with longtime friends, including Hailey Bieber, Fai Khandra, Renell Medrano, and Lauren Perez.

There was no expense spared as the large group enjoyed a lavish spread, an 818-themed birthday cake, and $500 bottles of Chateau Haut-Brion red wine, bottled in 1995 – the year Kendall was born.

She was also spoiled with decorations, including huge silver balloons reading, ‘Happy Birthday Kendall’ and cups with baby photographs emblazoned on them.

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There appeared to be a theme for the bash with everyone dressed in brown, black, and pink beach outfits for the fashionista.

Kendall joined the Tommy Hilfiger family by fronting the brand’s Spring Campaign last year.

His private property in Mustique is known as the Palm Beach Villa, and boasts seven en-suite bedrooms and two pool cottages with room for up to 18 guests.

A website claims the vacation home is situated on six acres on the beachfront land and costs between $125,000 and $130,000 per week to rent.

‘BEACH SEATING’

“The Colonial design of the property is simple yet imposing, and the white facade gives a very welcoming feeling to guests,” the bio reads.

“The grand Palladian-style residence was built in 1999 and has undergone renovation works since.”

Kendall and the gang made the most of the private beach with a seating area set up on the sand, as photographs on Instagram showed pillows and tiki torches.

The bio online also explains, “The villa offers impressive views over the sea and the neighbouring islands from its balconies and terrace.

“Guests can enjoy the views from the large swimming pool, or soak up the rays from the surrounding sun loungers.

“The poolside gazebos are ideal for evening drinks, and there are plenty of spaces to relax throughout the perfectly manicured gardens.”

Services at the villa include a manager, chef, waiter, housekeeping, and laundry, according to the website.

Although food and beverage cost extra, along with grocery pre-stocking, spa and beauty treatments, and activities and excursions on the island.

Dee Hilfiger, Tommy’s wife, gave Marie Claire a tour of the house in 2024, with photographs showing her relaxing in the luxurious setting.

Although she admitted it was all about simplicity and guests being able to relax at the home, not worrying that they might damage antiques or expensive furnishings.

“We have a lot of furniture with slick covers,” she explained.

“We constantly change out all the lampshades in the house because it’s right on the ocean, so things rust.

BIRTHDAY TRIBUTES

“We don’t have anything too precious. It’s a family home and we also rent it a lot.

“I would describe it as a chic but user-friendly type of home where nothing’s too precious or expensive. It’s designed to walk through with sandy feet.”

The outlet explained that the villa sits on the shores of Mustique’s L’Ansecoy Bay and is named Palm Beach for the trees that surround it. 

Kim, 45, shared snaps from the getaway, writing, “Happy 30th Birthday @kendalljenner may this decade bring you the kind of love and joy you so freely give to everyone else. I love you more than you’ll ever understand! Here’s to 30 Kenny.”

Kim could also be seen joking around with a handful of tequila shots in one photograph as she threw her head back laughing.

Sister Khloe, 41, also wrote a lengthy tribute to Kendall, posting, “To my baby sister, my forever girl, happy 30th birthday. I can’t believe you’re thirty. It feels impossible and yet, here you are; more radiant, grounded, and beautifully you than ever before.

“Something I’ve always admired and respected about you is how deeply and unapologetically you live in your truth. In a world where so many try to fit in or please others, you’ve always just been yourself. […] You have this energy that can’t be replicated.

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“Gentle but strong, mysterious yet warm, and so full of love that it overflows into everyone lucky enough to know you.

“You make people feel seen, safe, and inspired just by being who you are. Kenny, I hope you know how endlessly proud I am of you. […] Happy birthday, my sweet angel. I love you with everything I am @kendalljenner.”

LILY Allen and David Harbour are selling their Brooklyn townhouse just days after her new album and are set to make millions in profit.

The stunning property has hit the market for a whopping $8 million (around £6m) after the pair bought it for just $3.3 million (£2.5m) in 2020.

The 19th-century townhouse only went on sale yesterday – two days after Lily, 40, released her breakup album which has been branded her “revenge” album by fans.

Lily and Stranger Things star David, 50, split in December and it was later reported he’d had a three-year affair. 

David had even made a shock “cheating” joke while doing a tour of their New York City home two years prior.

Lily and David bought the property under two separate trusts as co-owners, according to documents seen by The U.S. Sun, and made several renovations worth thousands.

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Lying at the heart of Brooklyn and spread across four levels, the house has five bedrooms and four bathrooms interspersed throughout.

The property listing eloquently describes the home as a “layered narrative of traditional English charm, modern Brooklyn sensibilities and rich Italian influence”.

The main level opens out into an exotic living room wrapped in high-end Zuber wallpaper and “detailed crown mouldings”.

With a fireplace at its centre, the room is framed by glass doors that lead to a private backyard with a sauna and cold plunge at the owner’s disposal.

The kitchen is described as spacious with “plain English cabinetry” and houses a huge island as well as a custom-built banquette beneath is windows with natural light flooding the room.

Walk upstairs and you’ll find another sitting area with a fireplace as well as dual walk-in closets alongside the main bedroom.

There are two well-equipped guest bedrooms on the third floor as well as a skylit lounge and a home office.

There’s an additional guest suite on the garden level too with a powder room and casual living room, another fireplace and access to the backyard.

And a fully-furnished basement see’s a gym, ample storage and closet areas as well as a laundry room.

The pair took out a big mortgage on the house which they first purchased on November 16 2020 for $3.35 million.

The loan is listed for $2,512,500 with City National Bank in 2021, and they had until February 1, 2051 to pay it back.

They made extensive renovation on the property filing several building permits, many for tens of thousands, with the most expensive being for $282,600 and $265,600 for general construction.

Lily had moved to New York to start a new life with the US actor, who she wed in 2020 a year after meeting on celebrity dating app Raya.

But five years later, one local resident said: “It appears no one has been home for quite some time”

“Every house on the street has Halloween decorations, but not Lily and David’s”

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“It’s a very family-friendly neighbourhood, Lily was very active in the community when she lived here with David.”

The Smile singer has now moved back to London with her two daughters from her first marriage.

IF you want some ultimate seclusion right on the ocean, there is a holiday cottage you can rent in the UK.

Hallane Mill is in the village of Charlestown in Cornwall, near St Austell Bay.

And with Cornwall often being overcrowded and busy during the summer, the quaint house is ideal for escaping the bustle.

Sleeping four across two bedrooms, the cottage is down a short driveway so don’t expect to see anyone else around.

But the main attraction is the beach right on the doorstep, with the small rocky patch all to yourself.

Guests have exclusive access to it for everything from wild swimming to paddle boarding

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It has an indoor dining area as well as a outdoor alfresco table area with hammock and barbecue overlooking the ocean as well.

Even if the weather turns, most of the rooms have views of the sea including one of the bedrooms and a cosy window seat in the back.

The cottage even has a log burner for when you visit in the colder months.

Previous visitors have raved about their stay with many saying they had already booked to stay again.

One said: “This place is where you have to pitch your self to see if it is real.

“Along with the amazing service amazing location amazing cottage and to top it all of the wildlife owls woodpecker seals hawk bats see you next year.”

Another said: “We have holidayed in Cornwall for many years but have never quite found the accommodation and location that has everything we could ever have dreamed of until now.

“Hallane Mill was everything we could ever want and more. The property was exquisite in every way our little slice of heaven.

Stays start from £987 for a week stay, working out to around £35 each a night.

If you want to explore the nearby area, there is also the nearby Eden Project.

The nearest pub is The Ship Inn, just over a mile away which has a beer garden overlooking the harbour.

Otherwise you can explore the village of Charlestown, which is known for being the filming location of Poldark.

And it is even being currently used to film the newest series of Death in Paradise.

The historic harbour village is even home to the world’s biggest private collection of shipwreck artefacts.

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Here’s another fairytale cottage you can book in the UK.

A WEEKEND in the home of Lego? Be there and be square, says Lifestyle Editor Catherine Bennion-Pedley.

As the jail bars slam shut and the Lego robber dramatically bows his head, the credits roll on my six-year-old daughter’s first-ever stop-motion movie.

It may not win an Oscar anytime soon, but there will surely be a sequel. Probably in about 10 minutes’ time.

We’re in the home of Lego – Billund in Denmark – visiting Lego House, which is home to 25 million bricks and a whole heap of fun.

From sitting in a huge pit of Duplo in the shadow of a giant rainbow-coloured waterfall with my son Raffy, four, to being towered over by a Lego Technic dinosaur and marvelling at the 15m-tall tree made of more than 6 million bricks, we’re amazed time and time again by the power of a toy invented more 70+ years ago.

Plus, it’s seriously hands-on and the staff are super-passionate and helpful. There are four zones – our favourite is Yellow.

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Here, we design sea creatures, before releasing scanned versions to splash about in the digital aquarium.

Next, we build characters to reflect our emotions for the dance stage. Poppy and Raffy’s eyes pop as their designs come to life.

Chef’s Table

My husband Andy and I watch the same jaw-dropping reaction from the kids at Lego House’s eatery Mini Chef, where bricks are code for menu items.

We pop our chosen combo into the computer at our table and wait for the ”mini chefs” to cook up a storm.

Once ready, our Lego lunch boxes fly down a chute and characterful robot waiters Roberta and Robert hand them over.

The lemon-and-herb-marinated salmon is the winning dish, although the special-edition chef figure and bag of bonus bricks are the real wins for the children.

Lunch costs £16 for kids, £27 for adults (Legohouse.com).

Of course, we’re not going to fly 500 miles without visiting the original Legoland up the road, too.

It feels quainter and more traditional than its Windsor counterpart back home, but the queues are shorter and there’s so much Lego to play with that a fellow Brit visitor whispers in disbelief: “This stuff would all get nicked back home!”

Driving School

Watching Poppy switch into irate driver mode, gesticulating frantically at the baffled Scandinavian kids as she drives the wrong way around a roundabout, crashes into the police car and makes a sharp U-turn into the car wash at Traffic School is well worth the extra £13 fee.

Even better, it’s a half-hour experience with a photo driving licence lanyard presented at the end – even for those who clearly shouldn’t be allowed on the road!

We kip at the Legoland Hotel, also filled with bricks aplenty, so the kids can escape the dinner table at Panorama restaurant for more Lego play once they’ve had their fill of brick-shaped chips and unlimited DIY ice-cream sundaes from the children’s buffet, £21.

We find the beef carpaccio and rich bouillabaisse hits the spot nicely, though it is pricey at £35 for two courses.

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Our final day at Legoland whizzes by riding the kids’ fave rollercoaster, the Flying Eagle, numerous times and watching Andy doing somersaults at 14m high on Apocalypseburg Sky Battle.

As weekends go, this is pretty fantastic plastic.

It’s no surprise that well-known faces are regularly spotted in this beautiful seaside village

It’s one of my favourite places on the UK coast and it came as no surprise to me that reality TV star Molly-Mae Hague recently visited for a seaside escape. In one of the latest episodes of her Amazon Prime series, Molly-Mae shared some of the moments from her recent trip to the lovely Abersoch in north Wales.

Staying in a beach house on the seafront, she and a friend, plus her daughter Bambi, had their own steps down to the sand and views straight out over the dreamy coastal landscape, which she described as “gorgeous.”

It’s not the first time a celebrity has been spotted here. In 2024, Hollywood mega star Bradley Cooper was seen in Abersoch with survival expert Bear Grylls.

The pair ate a quiet lunch in Blades cafe and are reported to have even cleared away their own plates. Traitors star Kate Garraway went for a break with her family, calling it an “amazing weekend”. Coleen Rooney also shared a snap of her holiday in the area.

Abersoch has loads of affordable holiday homes, guest houses and cottages for a weekend break, and you can get great deals in the off-season. You can check for hotel deals on sites like booking.com, Sykes Cottages, and Holiday Cottages to find a hotel, cottage, or self-catering stay that suits your budget and group size.

With sandy beaches, resident dolphins and a swish ice cream parlour named one of the best places for ice cream in the UK, it’s easy to see why celebs flock to Abersoch.

Located on the Llŷn Peninsula, or Pen Llŷn, the coastal town of Abersoch is one of the most lovely spots along the Llŷn. This peninsula in northwest Wales is packed with natural beauty, rich cultural heritage and beaches.

Things to do in Abersoch

Surrounded by the sparkling clear waters of the Irish Sea on one side and Cardigan Bay on the other, this area of Wales is a perfect alternative for a holiday abroad, where you’ll find plenty of activities, accommodation and indie restaurants and cafes.

There are remains of Iron Age forts and islands to discover, sweeping stretches of sandy beaches and plenty of cute coastal villages and historic sites to visit.

Known as the ‘Welsh Riviera,’ Abersoch, on the southern part of the Llŷn, is widely known for its sandy beaches, internationally recognised sailing waters, and a small high street filled with trendy bars, restaurants, big brands, and independent shops.

This coastal bolthole is also renowned for its water sports, especially paddleboarding. If you’re lucky, you may even catch a glimpse of resident dolphins slicing through the clear waters.

The sheltered bay provides perfect conditions for both beginners and experienced paddleboarders, and the village hosts several events and competitions throughout the year, attracting enthusiasts from all over the UK.

You can book a SUP session at Abersoch Watersports, where expert instructors will guide you around the beautiful coastline, pointing out marine life and coastal features. Even if you’re new to paddleboarding you can learn to paddleboard with their ISA-qualified instructors using the top-of-the-range Red Paddle Co paddleboards. You’ll be coached in the bay and learn correct paddle techniques to build confidence and develop your SUP skills so you can get out of the water and start looking for dolphins.

Beautiful beaches

One of the town’s other main draws is the large sandy beach, which the AA previously named one of the ‘best seaside destinations’, saying: “The top place goes to this sandy beach, which is dog-friendly and also manned by lifeguards. There are two nearby tourist attractions: the Porth y Swnt Interpretation Centre and Nant Gwrtheyrn, which is home to the National Welsh Language and Heritage Centre.”

Nearby is Harbour Beach, a strip of sand on the River Soch between the harbour and Warren Beach. If you fancy a bit of a challenge, Porth Ceiriad is a secluded beach that can be tricky to find. Despite being near the popular Abersoch, this idyllic spot remains less frequented, a fact that regulars undoubtedly appreciate. Its deceptive closeness to Abersoch and the enveloping cliffs add to the mystery of finding this secluded beach.

The adventure of discovering Porth Ceiriad is well-known locally. It earned the moniker of the “Porth Ceiriad Mystery Tour” because of the curious case of disappearing tourists led astray by unreliable Satnav directions and confounding maps.

Don’t miss the ice cream

After exploring Abersoch’s dreamy beaches and coastline, make sure to go for ice cream at Two Islands, a small-batch ice cream parlour that’s just been named one of the best places for ice cream in Wales.

Locals and tourists have been raving about this ice cream spot since it opened in 2018. The small-batch ice cream parlour makes the ice cream on-site using local and natural ingredients, including Welsh free-range eggs and organic and fair-trade produce from a co-op that sets the standard for fair and equal working conditions.

Inspired by their trip to parlours on the west coast of the USA, the small business aims to create rich textures and original flavours using the best produce with a Welsh twist. For the latest restaurant news and reviews, sign up to our food and drink newsletter here.

Their small but ever-changing menu focuses on seasonality, but you will always find their unique take on a few of the classics. Salted Coffee is a favourite Two Islands Flavour, with a distinctive blend of Coaltown espresso and HALEN MôN sea salt, while marscapone and blackcurrant are standout choices when they grace the menu.

CITY boy David Beckham has spent the best part of a decade becoming a country gent — and is now proudly sharing his new lifestyle in an iconic magazine.

He has turned a Cotswolds farmhouse into the perfect family home and is pictured wandering its idyllic sprawling grounds with his working Cocker Spaniels Sage and Olive.

The father of four, nicknamed Goldenballs in his playing days, has planted hundreds of trees, put up 27 bee hives and created a lake with duck house and wooden jetty.

In a special edition of Country Life, he tells how he keeps chickens and has a vegetable plot, where he tends onions, radishes, carrots and kale.

East London-born David tells how he counts fellow converts Vinnie Jones and Guy Ritchie among his country friends.

But he recalls: “My earliest memories of doing anything in the countryside are when I was a Cub, then a Scout, and we used to go camping in Epping Forest.”

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His kitchen fitter dad Ted and hairdresser mum Sandra did not have much time for gardening — though grandad Joe would tend to the roses, often damaged by the young David kicking a ball about.

The 50-year-old former Manchester United and Real Madrid star’s interest in country pursuits grew after meeting Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels director Guy, 57.

The ex-England skipper even made a cameo appearance in Ritchie’s 2017 flop King Arthur: Legend Of The Sword.

David says about Guy: “He’s a modern-day caveman, who has made me fall far deeper in love with the countryside and helped me to understand it even more than I did before.

“Sometimes, we sit for hours around a fire, just the two of us, and talk late into the night.”

Ritchie’s sweeping 1,100-acre estate Ashcombe House in Wiltshire is the inspiration for what David is trying to achieve.

And it was during late nights at the homely Georgian property that Becks got to know footballer-turned-actor Vinnie, who has appeared in a number of the director’s projects.

Guest editing 128-year-old Country Life, David admits: “When I was playing, he was one of those footballers you did not want to go near on the pitch.

“He would either grab you, throw you or kick you!

Sometimes, we sit for hours around a fire, just the two of us, and talk late into the night

David Beckham

“Back then, that was his thing and he made a successful career before becoming a pundit, when he did criticise me.

“I didn’t think he liked me. But when I met him later at Guy’s place, we didn’t stop talking.”

‘Solace in the country’

Former Wimbledon hardman Vinnie, 60, has a 147-acre farm in Petworth, West Sussex.

David adds: “He bought me a walking stick he’d made for me and he’s now a great friend, who, like me, has found solace in the country later in life.”

The three stars are now happiest in tweeds and welly boots, a world away from the glamorous lifestyles which made them famous.

Vinnie used to booze too much but tells how he prefers a teetotal life.

He comments: “You’ve got to commit. Do it on a Monday.

“Everyone who has done it says, ‘I wish I’d done it before’.

“You never hear anyone regret ­giving up booze.”

For the main article in the magazine — marking its 1,000th edition with a 288-page gold embossed issue — David, his tattooed hands ­poking from his cuffs, gives TV gardening expert Alan Titchmarsh a tour of the family estate

He and fashion designer wife Victoria, 51, bought the farm near Great Tew, in Oxfordshire, for £6million in 2016. It is now estimated to be worth twice that sum.

They have turned a 26-acre plot with one maple tree and a few derelict barns into a landscape of wildflower meadows, native trees and shrubland that form a home for insects and birds.

Proud David reveals: “I can still remember the morning when Victoria and the children were all due to arrive to see the refurbished barns for the first time.

The moment she walked in, she burst out crying

David Beckham

“It was still a complete mess. One of the guys, who was helping with the building work, and I were literally running around laying the rugs, sweeping up and getting all the dust out.

“Then I waited at the front door with a glass of wine for Victoria to arrive.

“And, the moment she walked in, she burst out crying because she couldn’t believe how perfect it was.”

Now the couple often serve their home-grown ingredients in meals served for friends and family.

And in the magazine, David gives the Queen’s son, Tom Parker Bowles, a taste of his culinary skills.

David, originally from Leytonstone, tells Tom: “There’s something so nostalgic about mashed potato, liver, bacon and lots of gravy.

“It’s one of those British comfort classics that my mum used to make for me and was also my grandad’s favourite dish.

“My gran was also a great cook, and it was always a treat going down to the pie and mash shop in Chapel Market.

“If I had to choose my last meal, it would be pie, mash, liquor and ­jellied eels.”

Previous guest editors of the Country Life have included King Charles, and the most featured face on the cover in the past was the late Queen Mother.

In his cover shot, David looks every bit the rural gent, leaning on a ram’s horn cane and dressed in a tweed jacket.

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American celebrities such as Beyonce, Jay-Z and Ellen DeGeneres have since followed the Beckhams to the Cotswolds — and it is easy to see why.

• David Beckham’s Guest Edit of Country Life is available now.

The delightful village of Solva in Pembrokeshire is less than a 10 minute drive away from the well-visited St Davids and is a must-visit for anyone in the area

Pembrokeshire, a county brimming with scenic spots from Narberth to Fishguard and St Davids, also boasts a charming coastal village that’s just as delightful but half as crowded.

The charming village of Solva is a mere 10-minute drive from the popular St Davids in Pembrokeshire. It has earned its place on many lists, being named among some of the best villages in the UK.

With tranquil views, quaint shops and eateries, it’s the perfect spot for a day trip or weekend getaway.

There’s plenty to take in when you visit Solva, but it’s undeniable that the real gem is their picture-perfect harbour. Framed by lush, rolling hills dotted with colourful cottages and clear waters speckled with sailing boats, the harbour is a sight for sore eyes.

At low tide, the harbour is completely dry, save for a small stream running down the middle, creating the ideal spot for catching crabs, fish and shrimp. There are ample rock pools and caves around Solva for the little explorers in your group to discover on a warm day, reports Wales Online.

One pleased visitor took to TripAdvisor to say: “This place is heaven on earth! Oh my! It’s so beautiful. Visited at high and low tide, and both were stunning in different ways.”

Another wrote: “Solva is lovely, from the brightly painted cottages to the estuary and harbour and to the pub, it’s picture perfect. A lovely place to visit in a beautiful part of Wales.”

Outside of its sweeping landscape and dreamy seashores, Solva is home to a lovely array of independent shops, galleries and traditional pubs. A notable place to catch a glimpse of in the village is the Raul Speek Gallery, where art admirers can congregate and enjoy local talent. The owners of the gallery are well known amongst locals and visitors alike for seemingly bringing some new colour to a historic building.

Beyond its stunning scenery and picturesque coastline, Solva boasts a charming selection of independent retailers, art spaces and traditional watering holes.

One standout attraction in the village is the Raul Speek Gallery, where art enthusiasts can gather and appreciate work from talented local artists.

The gallery’s proprietors have become familiar faces to both residents and tourists for apparently injecting fresh vibrancy into a building steeped in history.

One review reads: “Visiting Solva we were delighted to find Raul’s gallery in an old chapel. Truly original and well conceived art with powerful messages – this was backed up in a conversation with Raul who is intelligent, witty and thoughtful. This gallery is the gem of a lovely village.”

For high-quality keepsakes and artisan products, Window On Wales receives particular praise as one of the area’s must-visit destinations, according to TripAdvisor.

Ideal for having a browse and securing a little piece of Solva to take away, this dual-cottage shop represents just one of numerous cherished boutique establishments dotted around the locale.

Describing the village, The Telegraph said: “With its flower-draped, stone cottages in bright ice-cream pastels and deep, fjord-like harbour where boats gaily bob, you’ll be sorely tempted to jack in the day job and move to the coast pronto.”

The quaint village of Solva, nestled in a colourful corner of Wales, is a hub of community spirit and annual events. From their summer regatta to the newly introduced family festival, and even the much-loved yearly duck race, charity and community are at the heart of this charming locale.

The tranquillity that visitors experience as they meander through Solva is testament to its warm and welcoming atmosphere.

This seaside town has a reputation for being one of the country’s most expensive but I was forced to second-guess my assumptions

When I arrived at this seaside town, I expected the usual trappings of a millionaire’s coastal enclave: quiet streets, immaculate homes and the faint sense that everything is just a little too polished. After all, this New Forest harbour town is one of the most expensive coastal spots in Britain, with average house prices more than double the national average at £600,000, Express reports.

I was expecting it to be the kind of place where second homes outnumber locals, where the shops sell handmade dog treats, and where residents drive the kind of cars that never seem to gather dust. But as I wandered its cobbled streets and Georgian lanes, it became clear that Lymington in Hampshire doesn’t fit that stereotype.

For all its quiet wealth and picture-perfect charm, the town felt unexpectedly alive. What surprised me most wasn’t the grandeur of the homes or the sparkle of the Solent. It was the sense of community that seemed to ripple through everything. Even in a place where many doors stay closed for much of the year, there’s warmth and connection that you can feel as soon as you arrive.

Taking a stroll down the High Street on market day, the stretch of road transforms into a bustling corridor of colour and conversation. Locals chat across stalls piled high with artisan bread, handmade soaps and the day’s catch from the nearby quay. There’s the smell of roasted coffee from one of the independent cafes and the sound of a busker’s guitar drifting between the Georgian facades.

Down by the quay, children crouch on the old stone walls, dangling lines and bacon rinds into the water in hopes of catching crabs. The chatter of families mixes with the clang of yacht masts in the marina. Behind them, pubs like The Ship Inn and The Mayflower are full with people swapping stories over pints, as they’ve done for generations.

A few streets away, tucked behind the main road, small galleries and bookshops hum with quiet trade. And that’s the contradiction that makes Lymington fascinating. There’s no denying that many homes sit empty for large parts of the year. Walk along Captain’s Row or past the elegant townhouses near Bath Road, and you’ll spot drawn curtains and pristine gardens with not a footprint in sight. Yet somehow, the town refuses to feel hollow. Residents talk about the issue openly.

“It’s frustrating,” admits Adam Stote, 55, who recently downsized to a smaller property near the river. “We all wish more homes were lived in full-time. But the people who are here, we make up for it. There’s a real community and everyone looks out for each other.”

Part of that may come from the setting itself. The Solent glitters on one side, the New Forest rolls in from the other, and in between, Lymington feels cocooned, almost self-contained. It’s a place where the pace slows, where people stop to talk, and where heritage feels more like a habit than a history lesson.

Unlike other luxury coastal enclaves, the flash of Sandbanks, the celebrity polish of Salcombe, Lymington’s wealth whispers rather than shouts. Residents here seem to gladly trade glistening supercars and infinity pools for sea salt-dusted climbing ivy on weathered bricks. This difference adds to the town’s traditional character, from the quirky antique shops to the long-running St Barbe Museum and community theatre. Even the famous seawater baths, dating back to the 19th century, are run by locals who fought to keep them open.

Of course, Lymington isn’t perfect. The housing market prices out young families and parking is an eternal headache. As I walked back toward the train station, the tide was slipping out of the harbour and the sky had turned gold over the masts. It may be one of the most expensive seaside towns in Britain, but it’s also one of the few that still feels like a community first, and a postcard second.

Thousands of displaced Palestinians have been returning to northern Gaza following the ceasefire, only to find their homes reduced to rubble.

A HISTORIC village made famous by Bridget Jones has been locked in a bitter row over strict planning rules.

Locals in Snowshill, Gloucestershire, which appeared in the 2001 film, ‘Bridget Jones’s Diary’, have been left divided over the rules.

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The Cotswold village appeared in the much-loved classic as the home of Bridget’s parents, played by Jim Broadbent and Gemma Jones, and it is often called “the jewel of the Cotswolds”.

But now, planning rules mean real-life residents must seek permission if they want to paint their front door a new colour, erect a gate or lay a patio.

Tewkesbury Borough Council has put Snowshill under an Article 4 Direction.

The change has been made by the council to preserve the picturesque village’s “exceptional historic character”.

As a result, any work or alterations to the buildings will have to be cleared by the authority.

Alterations include, putting in a patio, changing the colour of an outside wall, installing roof lights or replacing exterior windows and doors.

But the new rules have left residents who call the picturesque village home divided.

Some supporters reckon the rules will stop the slow creep of white plastic windows and modern black doors from ruining the honey-stone cottages and old leaded windows that bring in coachloads of selfie-snapping tourists.

But others reckon it’s all got a bit too much and claim a small group are using the red tape to control what others do with their homes.

Meanwhile, concerns were raised the measures could place “undue burdens on property owners” carrying out routine maintenance.

One newer resident, who asked not to be named, told The Times that the new rules are “way too strict”.

They claimed they have had several spats with neighbours while fixing up their crumbling cottage over the past ten years.

The resident told the outlet: “It’s just a small group pushing for this, but they’re the ones being heard.

“Our house was falling apart when we bought it — we’ve poured our heart, soul and savings into making it liveable.

“Now if we want to put up a simple fence or a greenhouse, it feels like climbing Everest. We love it here, but it really does make you think twice.”

But other residents had an opposing point of view.

Long-time resident Sheila Wilkes told The Times: “Everybody wants to build bigger these days — all the little country cottages are being replaced with flashy big houses.

“I’ve lived here forever and I hate change — the houses are beautiful as they are. They don’t need tarting up.”

And Grant Brooker, 64, a retired architect who is restoring a 17th-century house, said the rules would stop people using cheaper materials which devalue properties and damage the character of the village.

Snowshill, part of the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, is known for its historic buildings.

According to the council, the “majority” of buildings in the village are not listed and are “at risk” from changes that could have a “significantly harmful effect”.

Councillor Sarah Hands, from Tewkesbury Borough Council, said: “If you want to paint your door in the same or a similar colour – no one’s stopping you from doing that – [but] a different colour, would have to be put in as a planning application.”

Ms Hands added: “Changing a window here, changing a door there – you think it isn’t making much difference.

“But accumulatively over the village, if everyone started making these changes, those things that make it a beautiful, unique, preserved village would start to chip away.”

It comes after residents in another village said strict rules mean they all have to paint their doors the same colour.

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BRITAIN’S smallest castle, a charming 19th century Gothic turret in the heart of Hertfordshire, has gone up for sale.

The Gazebo Tower is a glorious Grade II listed landmark which dates back to 1833 and is packed with royal-looking features inside its 645sqft of living space.

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Described as a “local icon”, this three-storey tower in Ross-on-Wye looks out over the River Wye and the Hertfordshire countryside.

Inside, each of its circular rooms – roughly 16ft across – has been transformed into a kitchen, a bedroom and a living room.

It also comes with a picturesque roof-top terrace, described as offering 360-degree views of the Black Mountains of Southeast Wales, the spire of Saint Mary’s Church, Chase Wood and Ross-on-Wye’s vibrant architecture.

It’s currently available to buy for £330,000.

Estate agents Hamilton Stiller described it “an opportunity to own a landmark and one of Ross-on-Wye’s most striking features.”

One of the most whimsical touches to the property is how the double bed hides a bath underneath – making the most of the space.

The top floor also includes an en-suite wet room and a spiral staircase leading to a battery-operated roof hatch.

Athletes from the Ross Rowing Club can even often be seen sailing down the River Wye from the windows.

The quintessential market town of Ledbury is only 13 miles away, while trains to London Paddington take two hours.

This tower, once owned by Herefordshire Council, was sold in 2001 when its only floor was accessible by ladder.

Tony Billingham, who won the bid by post, lovingly restored the tower into a cozy, functional home and later opened it to visitors, donating proceeds to local charities.

This isn’t the only house that has caught widespread attention recently.

A seemingly ordinary home has gone up for sale at £400,000, but there’s one very unexpected twist that’s caught people’s attention.

Photos of the property reveal that one of its two bathrooms has been transformed into a home office – giving workers the chance to “do their business” without ever leaving the room.

A three-bedroom home in Walton, Chesterfield, has hit the market for £150,000, appearing perfectly normal from the street – but step inside, and things take a decidedly unexpected turn.

Baffled house hunters have branded the interior “bonkers”, with photos revealing a quirky layout and eccentric design choices that are anything but ordinary.

A charming seaside property with a fascinating backstory has caught the attention of locals and house hunters alike.

Listed for £235,000 in February, the home was purchased by a couple in July after making several visits over the summer.

Nicknamed “the Dolls House” by locals, the petite property is cleverly built in an alleyway between two neighbouring homes and offers breathtaking views of the coast.

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Tens of thousands of forcibly displaced Palestinians are making their way back to devastated areas in northern Gaza as Israeli forces stop operations as agreed under phase one of the ceasefire plan with Hamas, and partially withdraw.

Gaza’s al-Rashid Street, which has witnessed massive population movements northward and southward over recent months as Palestinians fled Israeli attacks, is once again witnessing a tide of humanity on the move.

Now, with the ceasefire in effect and Israeli forces withdrawn from the Netzarim Corridor that previously divided the road, tens of thousands of Palestinians are journeying north – hoping this time to return permanently.

“Once again [displaced Palestinians] are taking the same exact road, the only lifeline for Palestinians now to go back to their homes in Gaza and the northern part [of the enclave],” reported Al Jazeera correspondent Hani Mahmoud from the central Gaza coastal highway.

Mahmoud noted that the critical highway has been extensively damaged by Israeli bulldozers, creating a difficult passage for those carrying their belongings.

Al Jazeera’s Tareq Abu Azzoum, reporting from Al Nuseirat, Gaza, said: “Since this morning, we have seen families walking towards Gaza City. We saw children, women, elderly, cars, vans, donkey carts loaded with furniture. Families removed their makeshift tents to take and reset them over the ruins of their destroyed homes in Gaza City.”

These residents were originally forced to abandon Gaza City due to bombardment, only to find overcrowded conditions in central and southern Gaza upon arrival.

“While this return marks a historic moment, it must be accompanied by substantive measures to address the humanitarian crisis,” Abu Azzoum added.

Most returnees are discovering barely any intact buildings in Gaza City following Israel’s relentless bombardment and ground invasion there. There is now an urgent need for temporary shelters and mobile housing units for these returning families.

Israel’s genocidal war on Gaza has killed at least 67,211 people and wounded 169,961 since October 2023. A total of 1,139 people were killed in southern Israel during the October 7, 2023, attacks and about 200 were taken captive.

US President Donald Trump says Israeli captives held in Gaza will be released on Monday.

FOUR streets have been urgently evacuated over fears of bombs found inside a home in a UK seaside town.

A bomb disposal team is currently attending the scene and a person has been arrested in relation to the incident.

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The precautionary measure was taken after cops arrived at the scene in Margate, Kent, at around 4pm on Wednesday 8 October.

They responded to reports of “suspicious items” found in a flat at an address on Rosedale Road.

A bomb disposal team from The Ministry of Defence (MoD) are attending the scene in Rosedale Road and inspecting items.

Police and fire crews are also present and a cordon has been put in place.

A spokesperson for the force has also confirmed that a person has been arrested in relation to the incident and has been taken into custody.

Homes in Rosedale Road, Glencoe Road, Wharfedale Road and Malham Drive have all been evacuated.

One resident, Liam John, 28, told KentOnline: “I think everyone just shocked that there were loads of police and a bomb squad.

“It looks like I’m going to be on the street tonight, so yeah, there’s not much I can do really.”

Another local has described the incident as “all a bit crazy.”

Councillor Jack Packman has urged effected residents to seek help.

Thanet District Council has set up an evacuation point at Hartsdown Leisure Centre, where support and assistance is available to those in need.

A Kent Police spokesperson said: “Police have evacuated residents in four roads in Margate following a report of a property containing suspicious items. 

“The precautionary measure was taken after Kent Police was called at around 4pm on Wednesday 8 October, to an address in Rosedale Road.

“Concerns were raised about items contained inside a flat.

“A cordon has been put in place and an Explosive Ordnance Disposal team from the Ministry of Defence is at the scene and inspecting the items. Kent Fire and Rescue Service crews are also in attendance.

“As well as in Rosedale Road, homes have been evacuated in Glencoe Road, Wharfedale Road and Malham Drive.

“Thanet District Council is managing residents’ welfare and Hartsdown Leisure Centre is being used to assist this process.  

“A person has been arrested in connection with the incident and taken into custody.”

A statement form Dane Valley Ward councillors adds that, at this stage, there is no cause for concern.

It reads: ““They have identified some items that require specialist examination, and as a precaution, a small number of nearby homes have been temporarily evacuated.

“At this stage, there is no cause for concern, and the situation is being handled carefully and professionally.

PAYING close attention to your boiler can help you cut down on your energy bills.

In fact, one small change can save UK households up to £200 this winter.

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Experts have advised UK residents to take a closer look at their boiler dials before the winter weather sets in.

According to the pros, a simple adjustment could cut annual energy bills by as much as £200.

Boiler specialists at Your NRG, the UK’s leading independent fuel distributor, shared their expertise.

They explained that many families are paying more than necessary because their central heating flow temperature is set too high.

Around 80% of UK homes use a combi boiler, which heats water directly from the mains without a storage tank.

However, most homeowners do not realise that the flow temperature, which is the temperature of water circulating through radiators, is often set unnecessarily high.

Hidden dial

Locating the dial that controls this and reducing the setting from 75-80 degrees celcius, down to around 60 degrees can improve efficiency.

This will help to lower your bills by up to 8%, which could represent savings of around £200 a year for the average household.

But make sure you’re turning the correct dial and not confusing the flow temperature dial with the hot water temperature dial, which controls water used in taps and showers.

It is vital not to lower this dial as hot water must be stored at a minimum of 60 degrees to prevent the growth of legionella bacteria.

Adjustments should only be made to the dial marked with a radiator or thermometer symbol.

And for homes with heat-only or regular boilers that heat a separate hot water tank as well as the central heating, the advice differs.

Caution message

These boilers often have only one dial, which should never be set below 60 degrees for safety reasons.

Adjusting the central heating flow temperature on most combi boilers only takes a few minutes. 

Most models have a flap at the bottom to reveal the controls, and for boilers with a pointer rather than a digital display, setting it to the 12 o’clock position usually lowers the flow temperatures to 60 degrees. 

Homeowners who are unsure are advised to ask a heating engineer to make the adjustment during the next service.

More on home heating

Plus, an £18 buy from The Range that will keep your whole family warm.

An energy expert broke down the top ways to keep your home warm this winter.

And a completely free way you can keep your house warm, and it only takes minutes.

A luxury gadget will cocoon you on winter nights, and only costs 4p to run.

We’ve rounded up the best heated throws to keep you cosy without racking up your energy bills.

A FOUR-BEDROOM property in Dunfermline, is making the internet laugh for all the wrong reasons.

The Rightmove home has gone viral for photoshopping cars to a listing photo that look like they’ve been “stuck on with Pritt Stick.”

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What was meant to advertise a family home has instead become an internet meme.

On the market for £295,000 the house should be inviting and comforting but the listing makes it hard to see past the comedic value.

Instead, the photos look like a school art project.

The cars have been awkwardly stuck on the image to look as though they are “parked” on the driveway.

The photo, presumably there to show the spaciousness of the driveway, has done its job however.

The Emoov agent told Metro that the vendor had organised “quite a few viewings” off the back of the listing.

One social media user even noted: “Room for 4 or 5 cars but they only photoshopped 3 in!”

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The photographs of the interior are so saturated that the glow almost makes them look like stills from a video game.

Another person joked that the photos themselves “look like they were taken on a Game Boy,” in reference to the low-resolution, pixelated quality of some shots.

Reddit commenters called it “the worst Photoshop effort I’ve seen on Rightmove.”

Others compared the images to a “Sims build gone wrong.”

Each photograph showcases another bizarre detail, turning what should be a standard property listing into a hilarious set of meme-worthy pictures.

Rather than envisioning their future in living in the home, viewers are laughing at stuck on cars, gleaming interiors, and grainy, Game Boy–style images.

The Scottish property proves that in the age of social media, sloppy picture editing will get far more views than the actual listing.

A spokesperson for Emoov said: “As an online estate agent, our vendors manage their own property sale—conducting viewings and creating their listings.

“Unless vendors choose our professional photography package, the photos are taken (and, as in this case, edited) by the sellers themselves.

“The images in question were supplied entirely by the vendor and not produced by Emoov.

“Vendors are free to use whichever images they prefer, however creative they choose to be.

“It seems this vendor enjoyed a weekend of virtual arts and crafts and decided to put the results on display!”

Whether or not the comical advertising works and property eventually finds a buyer, this house will be remembered and laughed about for a long time.

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This comes following last month’s Open House Festival during which Rightmove opened the doors to some of London’s most interesting and aesthetic houses.

Each year, over 700 properties, buildings and other sites of architectural significance across London’s 33 boroughs open their doors with many said to be a “once in a lifetime visit”.

Bradford in West Yorkshire is the most haunted place in the UK, according to an analysis of spooky buildings and paranormal sightings by tarot reading platform Tarotoo

Halloween is creeping closer, and there’s definitely something spooky in the air. You may be a firm believer in ghosts, feel like the paranormal follows you, or suspect your own home might be haunted. But do you live in the UK’s most haunted city?

Tarot reading platform Tarotoo has delved into the data, analysing a range of eerie metrics, from the number of cemeteries and graves to reported ghost hotspots, empty properties, and homes over 100 years old.

According to Tarotoo, the spookiest city in the UK is Bradford. The West Yorkshire spot was found to have an alarming 143 cemeteries and 255,699 grave sites. It also had 3,284 empty houses and 66,080 properties over 100 years old. As everyone knows, ghosts love old houses.

OPINION

READ MORE: UK’s ‘best pumpkin patch’ for families also happens to be in a seriously beautiful setting

The city has a number of reportedly haunted hotspots too, including Paper Hall, which is a Grade II listed building dating back to 1643. One of the most striking reports of paranormal activity to come out of Paper Hall tells of a pair of large staring eyes belonging to a very ghastly face often seen looking out of the windows.

Residents have also reported the sound of someone going up and down the staircase in the dead of night, only for those confronted by the spooking to find no one is there.

Some have argued that the footsteps belong to an old sailor with a peg leg due to the distinct ‘tapping’ pattern of the sound. Rumours have also circulated that an admiral was once killed in the house.

Bradford City Hall, built in 1843, is also said to be a site for paranormal activity. The cellars once served as police cells, and legend has it that a prisoner ghost named Charlie still roams the building. He is said to be stalking the building still, his restless soul continuing to seek his revenge for the ill-treatment at the hands of the police.

Parkside Social Club is another spot that has inspired a number of ghostly reports. In the past, the building has served as an institute and a schoolroom. One of the most common sightings is of a young girl in Victorian-style clothing who enjoys running around in a spooky way.

Bolling Hall is the oldest house in Bradford, according to the Haunted Rooms website. It has clocked up “20 recorded sightings” over the years, including a child’s crib rocking back and forth without being touched, and a lady in white who floats back and forth before disapearing into the fireplace.

Tarotoo’s spookiest cities

(City, Population, Number of cemeteries, Number of Graves, Number of Ghost hotspots, Number of Empty properties, Houses over 100 years old)

1. Bradford: 299,310, 143, 255,699, 12, 3,284, 66,080, 79, 2
2. Leeds: 455,123, 156, 827,636, 35, 3,450, 64,510, 78
3. Aberdeen: 196,670, 28, 48,300, 24, 5,793, 30,750, 75, 4
4. Swansea: 300,352, 103, 109,360, 12, 8,700, 30,840, 74
5. Edinburgh: 464,990, 82, 114,257, 107, 3,093, 81,108, 74
6. Manchester: 551,938, 75, 861,751, 65, 1,700, 56,020, 70, 6
7. Newcastle upon Tyne: 192,382, 39, 35,448, 32, 1,449, 26,060, 69
8. Belfast: 274,770, 31, 225,150, 13, 3,694, 43,708, 69
9. Cardiff: 447,287, 55, 143,068, 41, 7,525, 39,640, 66
10. Bristol: 617,280, 105, 286,860, 80, 1,654, 64,410, 65

Many households will experience dampness later in the year, but it doesn’t have to cost a fortune to tackle it.

The Absodry Mini Moisture Absorber is one solution shoppers are trying, and it only costs £17.99 from Lakeland.

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Absodry Mini Moisture
Absorber, £17.99

Condensation on windows is commonly caused by warm air hitting a cold surface, which means it increases when outside temperatures drop.

Autumnal weather is here, and leaving condensation to build up can lead to longer-term problems, like damp.

The Lakeland Absodry Mini Moisture Absorber is a new solution, launched just in time for the latter part of the year.

Unlike large dehumidifiers that are expensive and can take up lots of space, a moisture absorber could do the trick for targeting specific areas.

Due to its small size, it can be placed on windowsills or in tight corners, plus you can move it around to tackle different rooms.

It contains absorbent crystals, which soak up excess moisture from the air and collect it as water which can then be emptied.

Unlike the bead-filled bags you can buy, these are neatly tucked away within the minimal outer shell, which comes in five colours.

The bags last up to 90 days, and you can buy inexpensive refills on Lakeland’s website when you need a replacement. 

One handy thing is that because the dehumidifier alternative requires no power, it won’t run up your electricity bill like a large gadget could.

Although it’s very newly launched, shoppers have started leaving their feedback on the Absodry Mini Moisture Absorber, praising how effective it is.

One shopper said: ‘’Great little unit, takes moisture out of my room, wake up in morning and doesn’t feel damp – great product.’’

Another shopper commented: ‘’I like the look of this item and have two.

‘’I have placed them in my bedrooms on the window sill.

‘’They are collecting moisture well, but on the colder nights there is still a little on the windows.’’

A third shopper added: ‘’I was given an Absodry Mini by someone who purchased it from Lakeland, its collected so much moisture from the air which is in my Bedroom.

‘’I’ve seen it reduce the condensation I get on my windows in the morning, I recommend getting one, I’m going to purchase the larger Absodry for my bathroom next as its always an issue when I shower.’’

Absodry Mini Moisture
Absorber, £17.99

If you’ve got larger rooms and are looking for a more drastic fix, our round-up of the best dehumidifiers is worth taking a look at.

During the winter months, the best heated throws are great for keeping warm and cosy when you’re relaxing in bed or on the sofa.

FAMILIES can now receive a cut of £56million in energy bill support from a ‘Big Six’ supplier.

From today, OVO Energy is handing out free electric blankets as one of its ways to help customers with rising energy bills.

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The supplier runs the extra support service for users all year round, but is now increasing the amount of aid it’s giving out ahead of the winter months.

Since 2022, OVO has given £190million in aid, including heated blankets, smart sockets, and efficiency kits, helping 42,000 customers last year.

The latest £56million package includes free energy-saving products and direct financial support.

And it’s not just electric blankets that you could bag for free.

OVO is also giving away mattress toppers and home efficiency kits to struggling households as part of the scheme.

Customers could also receive a wide range of energy-saving measures installed through ECO4 – from loft insulation to a new boiler, or even high-end tech like heat pumps.

Eligible customers could get a whole package installed, all for free.

Financial support including Direct Debit reductions, emergency credit top-ups, and extended repayment plans are also being offered.

To check your entitlement, visit ovoenergy.com/extra-support.

Ovo is separately campaigning for the introduction of a social tariff to protect vulnerable customers from high energy prices and combat fuel poverty across the UK.

David Buttress, chief executive of OVO, said: “We’re providing support to those who need it most by working together with our charity partners and committing our largest ever customer support package.”

“But this isn’t a long term solution.

“We need to make the energy system work better for everyone.

“That starts with targeted support in the form of a social tariff – no one can be, or no one needs to be left behind.”

What other grants are available?

There are several other ways households can boost their home’s energy efficiency and save money through a variety of grants.

From insulation and boiler upgrades to modifications for disabled residents, financial assistance can cover a substantial portion of your home improvement costs.

Some grants may even cover up to £50,000 worth of home improvements.

Great British insulation scheme – £1,000s

You can get help insulating your home through the Government’s Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS) if you’re not eligible under the ECO scheme.

GBIS is open to an extra 400,000 households in council tax bands A to E across England, Wales and Scotland who might not be claiming benefits.

To qualify, you must have an energy performance certificate rating of D or lower.

You could be in line for essential upgrades to your home, including roof, loft or cavity wall insulation – which could cut your annual energy bill by £100s.

Check whether you meet the eligibility criteria by visiting gov.uk/apply-great-british-insulation-scheme.

Boiler upgrade scheme – £7,500

Through the boiler upgrade scheme, you could get a grant to cover part of the cost of replacing fossil fuel heating systems with a heat pump or biomass boiler.

You can get one grant per property, towards help with the following:

• £7,500 towards an air source heat pump
• £7,500 towards a ground source heat pump (including water source heat pumps and those on shared ground loops)
• £5,000 towards a biomass boiler

To qualify for this scheme you must own the property you are looking to upgrade.

You must find an MCS-certified installer to claim the grant on your behalf.

MCS is the certification scheme for energy-efficiency product installers.

You can find the nearest ones to you by visiting www.mcscertified.com/find-an-installer, but it is worth shopping for a few quotes.

Home upgrade grant – £1,000s

The home upgrade grant provides funding for various energy efficiency measures for homes that are not connected to the gas grid, often in rural or semi-rural areas.

To be eligible, you must own and live in the property you’re applying for and not use a mains gas boiler as your home’s main heating system.

You’ll also need an performance certificate (EPC) rating of D, E, F or G – if you do not know your home’s EPC you can find it out when you apply.

You’ll usually need to have a household income of £36,000 a year or less.

If you’re eligible, your local council will arrange a home survey to see how your home could be made more energy efficient.

They might suggest improvements like installing wall, loft and underfloor insulation, air source heat pumps, electric radiators

Find out more by visiting gov.uk/apply-home-upgrade-grant.

What energy bill help is available?

There’s a number of different ways to get help paying your energy bills if you’re struggling to get by.

If you fall into debt, you can always approach your supplier to see if they can put you on a repayment plan before putting you on a prepayment meter.

This involves paying off what you owe in instalments over a set period.

If your supplier offers you a repayment plan you don’t think you can afford, speak to them again to see if you can negotiate a better deal.

Several energy firms have schemes available to customers struggling to cover their bills.

But eligibility criteria vary depending on the supplier and the amount you can get depends on your financial circumstances.

For example, British Gas or Scottish Gas customers struggling to pay their energy bills can get grants worth up to £2,000.

British Gas also offers help via its British Gas Energy Trust and Individuals Family Fund.

You don’t need to be a British Gas customer to apply for the second fund.

EDF, E.ON, Octopus Energy and Scottish Power all offer grants to struggling customers too.

Thousands of vulnerable households are missing out on extra help and protections by not signing up to the Priority Services Register (PSR).

The service helps support vulnerable households, such as those who are elderly or ill.

Some of the perks include being given advance warning of blackouts, free gas safety checks and extra support if you’re struggling.

Get in touch with your energy firm to see if you can apply.

LOOKING for some domestic help around the house this autumn?

Head straight to Amazon, where there’s a self-emptying robot vacuum on a massive, limited-time sale, slashed to under £200.

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Vexilar Self-Emptying Robot Vacuum
Cleaner, £199.98 (was £329.99)

Robot vacuums come in a wide variety of budgets and capabilities, from basic models that just sweep to high-end devices that map your entire home and even mop.

But you don’t always have to splash the cash for great features, as Amazon often drops the price on some leading cleaning devices.

Right now, you can snap up the Vexilar Self-Emptying Robot Vacuum Cleaner for an absolutely steal.

It was priced at £329.99, but is currently reduced to just £199.98 – that’s a discount of almost 40%.

We in the Sun Shopping team haven’t tested out this particular models ourselves – for some tested recommendations, you’ll need to head to our best robot vacuum cleaners page.

But this device has proved incredibly popular with shoppers, currently ranking as the third-best selling robot vacuum on the Amazon site.

The Vexilar packs two pieces of impressive tech for a price that’s now firmly in budget territory.

Firstly, it’s unusual to get a robot vacuum for less than £200 that comes with a self-emptying bin – that’s usually the domain of premium devices.

(I recently reviewed a flagship robot vac that self-empties, but it costs a whopping £1,119 – read my Eureka J15 Max Ultra review if you’re curious.)

The Vexilar’s base station contains a 2L dust bag, which is advertised to last for 60 days before you need to empty it.

That’s a massive plus for busy households.

Secondly, there’s the laser-mapping, which is something you’ll not often see with cheaper devices.

Basically, its Advanced LDS Laser Navigation will precisely map your home in 360 degrees, allowing it to plan the most efficient cleaning route.

It even lets you set virtual ‘no-go’ zones and customise suction or water levels for specific rooms via the app.

When it comes to power, the vacuum boasts a 6000Pa suction, and the manufacturer says it’s effective at tackling pet hair and debris on everything from hardwood floors to low-pile carpets.

The device also has a long 180-minute runtime on a single charge in quiet mode, before returning to its base station to re-charge.

You can control it via the companion app, or connect it to your smart home using Alexa, Google Home, or Siri – that’s seriously hands-off cleaning.

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Vexilar Self-Emptying Robot Vacuum
Cleaner, £199.98 (was £329.99)

Over 800 people have left five-star reviews on the Amazon page for this device.

“Worth it – powerful, reliable, and hassle-free,” says one happy customer.

“[I’m] really happy with this robot vacuum. Easy to set up, cleans well, and the auto-empty base is a big time saver.

It navigates around furniture without any issues and picks up dust and pet hair easily… Makes life a lot easier. Definitely recommend.”

Another shopper writes: “I’ve been using this for a few days now but oh boy! I’m honestly impressed!

“The battery lasts long enough to finish the whole house, and if it runs low it goes back, recharges and picks up where it left off.

“I also like that I can control it with the app or just ask Alexa to start cleaning,” said another.

“Worth every penny, don’t hesitate!” wrote a third shopper, while other buyers described it

“Complete game-changer,” commented a fourth.

“Life-changing,” was the verdict of a fifth reviewer.

This huge saving on the Vexilar Self-Emptying Robot Vacuum Cleaner is marked as a limited-time deal, so you shouldn’t wait too long if you want to bag this bargain.

Keep in mind that Amazon Prime Day is happening next week (October 7th-8th), and it’s not impossible that this device could drop even lower in price.

However, any potential further discount will likely be a deal only available to Amazon Prime members.

Shoppers getting winter-ready shouldn’t miss a superb deal on a heated throw, which has been reduced by 54% on Amazon.