What a difference a month makes. Last issue, I was extolling the virtues of summer – yet it’s come and gone in the blink of an eye, and we’re already feeling the autumn chill. I’ve even heard a few people mention the idea of cranking on the radiators soon. Hopefully before they do they’ll pick up this issue, which comes complete with our Essential Guide to Home Heating. With guidance on everything from how smart tech can help you maximise efficiency through to guides on boilers, heat pumps, stoves and more, it’s sure to help you create a comfortable living space without racking up the type of energy bill that’s likely to burn a hole in your pocket.
Back to the main mag and you’ll find plenty of Inspiration and advice to help you make a success of your project. Our cover home on page 22 – a stunning vernacular oak frame self-build – can’t fail to capture the imagination; but if you’re looking for more then check out our guide to building with oak on page 64. At the other end of the spectrum is Freddie Pack and Katie McNie’s ‘tiny house’ (page 48). The intrepid young couple managed to build their way onto the housing ladder by constructing a high-spec, 30m2 mobile starter home for just £47,000. If you have family members struggling to buy their first property, or want to accommodate other relatives, then multigenerational living might be for you. Julian Owen takes a look at how to get it right on page 92. We also have advice on how rooflights can maximise a space’s potential (page 70), the pros and cons of open-plan layouts (page 103), how to renovate your way to a healthier home (page 81) and more.