The Royal Horticultural Society certainly saw its ecological merits, agreeing that while it was wild, it was worthy of an award. Officials at Mrs Grootendorst's local council, however, took a different view – and branded it an almighty mess. They instructed a team of lawyers and took her and her husband Pieter to court to get them to tidy it up. ...read
Homes and Interiors big picture gallery
The opportunity to live the quiet life doesn’t come cheap - this stunning cliff top, 15 acre estate is on the market for £4.75million.
TODAY'S TOP PROPERTY STORIES
THROUGH THE KEYHOLE
Tim Allen buys $1.4m house in the Hollywood HillsMARKET WATCH
Urban vs rural house prices
DESIGN FILE
The crafty styles your grandmother will love
OBJECT OF DESIRE
Selfridges, Kitchen Aid Artisan Stand Mixer, £419
HOMES AND PROPERTY HEADLINES
Zoopla: Property Search
- Houses for sale Search over 350,000 houses and flats for sale in London and the UK
- Property to rent Search over 150,000 flats and houses available to rent in London and the UK
- UK house prices Up-to-date information on the latest property values, rental prices across the UK
- International property Looking to move or invest abroad? Search through 1,000s of properties around the world
Zoopla: Property Guides
- Guide to selling a house Our selling guides can help you value your house and sell your home quickly.
- Guide to buying a house Thinking about moving? Read our essential guides to buying a property.
- Guide to renting property Find information and tips on how best to rent a home, a house or a flat.
- More property guides Read our range of property guides including mortages, legal and environmental guides.
INTERIORS
Gran designs: From bobbins to buttons, the crafty styles your grandmother will love
Old-style crafts with a modern twist are very much in vogue, and 'Granny Chic' is the latest buzz-phrase for interiors. As Gillian Anderson, trading director at Heal's, explains: 'It nods to British vintage style in its use of heritage fabrics and prints but with a contemporary update. So for example, crochet patterns on our bed linen are digitally printed.' ...read
OVERSEAS PROPERTY NEWS
Hamptons estate belonging to cosmetics heiress Jane Lauder 'destroyed' by Hurricane Sandy
The majestic country estate belonging to Aerin Lauder (left) – passed down from her grandmother Estee - remains standing, but a beachside cottage belonging to her sister Jane (right) has fallen victim to the violent winds of Hurricane Sandy. ...read
Something to sing about! Adam Levine 'purchases six bedroom Beverly Hills home for $4.8 million'
According to toofab.com, the 33-year-old has purchased the 'Benedict House' in Beverly Hills for $4.83m. ...read