Moving house,

and indeed the whole process of finding and buying a property, is thrilling and panic-inducing in equal measure. In my experience, it starts with setting (and then dramatically readjusting) expectations of what’s affordable, optimistically circling on a map the most desirable areas (then realising it would take two hours to get to work), and obsessing over the houses that are just out of reach, imagining that we could secure a bigger mortgage or take on the project of a lifetime. Finally, when ‘The One’ comes along, all common sense goes out of the window as the desperation to secure it takes over – the property’s flaws totally obscured by the rose-tinted haze of its mystical allures. And once you have signed on the dotted line, that’s really just the beginning, as the reality sinks in, and the work and money needed to make it ‘yours’ become apparent. Thankfully, Roger Hunt, PL’S resident expert and author of Old House Handbook, is here to help. From page 111, he takes an in-depth look at the potential risks of buying an old home, and how to go about improving it. Take his essential home buying checklist on your next house viewing so you don’t get left with a money pit that you can’t afford to fix. Elsewhere this issue, we look forward to spring with advice on creating a natural meadow in the garden (page 134). What could be more romantic than a wild, colourful area alive with birds, bees and butterflies? A meadow is less maintenance than more formal planting and is the perfect way to make a garden feel relaxed and inviting. Heading inside, style editor Pippa Blenkinsop extols the benefits of decorating in yellow (page 24). Not only is it a cheery, uplifting hue, but it can make a space feel bathed in sunlight, which at this time of year is most welcome. Finally, this month don’t miss the chance to subscribe to Period

Living for just £20.50 for six issues, and receive a gorgeous

Annie Sloan paint set worth £29.95 (page 86). Enjoy!

Melanie Griffiths

Editor, Period Living