Posts

• Step into Spring: Easter adventures at Britain’s listed properties
  After quite a gloomy Winter, Spring is arriving and the school’s Easter break is coming up which will offer the perfect opportunity for families to get outdoors to explore somewhere new and make ...
• When and how to secure listed property insurance when buying a listed home
  Buying a listed property is a wonderful opportunity to take ownership of a piece of the country’s heritage, but it also brings responsibilities that modern homes simply don’t require.
• The importance of disclosure when insuring your listed building
  Because these homes can behave differently from modern buildings, insurers need a clear, accurate and detailed picture of your property’s condition and history.
• Preserving the past, inspiring the future: Octavia Hill and the foundation of the National Trust
  Octavia co founded the National Trust, an institution that continues to protect the natural and cultural heritage we value today.
• Flooding in listed properties: Resistance, resilience and what to do when if your home floods
  While you can never completely eliminate the risk of flooding, you can take steps to reduce the risk of water entering your listed property and minimise the damage if it does make it over the thres...
• Ensuring your jewellery insurance shines when you need it most
  Discover what insurers need from jewellery valuations and how to ensure yours is accurate, up to date, and fully protects you.
• Half term days out at some of the UK’s grade 1 and A listed properties
  Discover family‑friendly Grade I and Category A heritage days out this February half term, and learn how to care for your own listed home with Abode.
• Love at First Sight: Why listed buildings capture our hearts
  Some homes have an immediate impact. The kind that makes you pause, take in the details, and feel an instant connection. For many people, that moment happens when they encounter a listed property. ...
• Key differences between standard home insurance and listed home insurance
  Own a listed property? Discover why standard home insurance often falls short and how specialist listed building insurance, arranged via expert brokers can protect your listed home properly.
• Combined insurance policies for listed properties: What you need to know
  Discover how combined buildings and contents insurance can simplify protecting your listed property. Learn the benefits, drawbacks, and what to look for.
• Designing England: The legacy of Capability Brown
  From sweeping parklands to architectural enhancements, his legacy is woven into the fabric of England’s historic estates.
• Best ways to protect your listed home: Part 1 – Listed home insurance
  The first step in protecting any listed property is to insure it properly.
• Best ways to protect your listed home: Part 2 – Damage prevention and building protection
  When you own any home, insurance is an invaluable safety net if anything goes wrong, but when you own a listed building of historic interest, it is even more important.
• Best ways to protect your listed home: Part 3 – Listed home maintenance and upkeep
  Keeping your property in the best possible condition not only enhances its value – regular home maintenance is also a great way to safeguard against serious problems.
• A Royal Christmas; Traditions in grade listed locations
  With the festive season upon us we thought we would take a look at some of the traditions of our Royal family and how they celebrate this wonderful time of year in their grade listed family homes.
• Protecting your listed property from storm damage
  With storms becoming more frequent and severe across the UK, it’s more important than ever to take proactive steps to protect your home, especially if it’s a listed property.
• Spectres and spires: A paranormal tour of Pluckley’s Grade I and II listed buildings
  While many towns in the UK embrace the Halloween season with costumes and carved pumpkins, there is one village that doesn’t need to try very hard to be frightening.
• Stately Stars – A closer look at two grade listed TV & film locations
  With the release of the final Downton Abbey film, and fourth series of the Traitors released in Autumn 2025, we thought it would be a great time to look at the amazing historic properties used in f...
• Purchasing a listed property? Understand your finance and insurance options
  Buying a listed home may feel like a daunting prospect, but potential buyers may dream of owning their own little slice of history.
• Snowshill Manor – a Grade 2* listed treasure trove
  Snowshill Manor is a Grade II* listed building, recognized for its architectural and cultural importance. Built in the late 16th century, the manor features classic Cotswold stonework, mullioned wi...
• Summer adventures start here with some top activities at historic listed properties
  With the school summer in full swing, why not spend some time exploring the spectacular British heritage?
• Keeping your listed property safe while on holiday this summer
  When planning a holiday, it’s essential to ensure your listed property remains safe and secure.
• Glastonbury festival: history and historic surroundings
  Transform your outdoor space into a heritage haven. Explore landscaping tips that enhance the charm of your listed property’s grounds.
• Gardens of heritage: Landscaping tips for listed property owners
  Transform your outdoor space into a heritage haven. Explore landscaping tips that enhance the charm of your listed property’s grounds.
• Kensington Palace: A Jewel in Britain’s Royal Crown
  Nestled in the quaint village of Ayot St Lawrence, Hertfordshire, Shaw’s Corner stands as a testament to the life and works of the renowned playwright George Bernard Shaw.
• Shaw’s Corner: The home of George Bernard Shaw and Charlotte Payne-Townshend
  Nestled in the quaint village of Ayot St Lawrence, Hertfordshire, Shaw’s Corner stands as a testament to the life and works of the renowned playwright George Bernard Shaw.
• Listed with a view: A taste of some of Britain’s coastal gems
  Britain has a rich and distinctive seaside heritage with rugged coastlines. It is home to an array of historic coastal structures that all tell stories of navigation, defence, industry and leisure....
• Choosing to not insure or self-insure a listed building
  This trend reflects the growing frustration with rising premiums, but it comes with a risk – especially for owners of listed buildings.
• Listed buildings and their gardens: Putting a spring in your step
  There are countless beautiful gardens to visit up and down the country with beautiful green space and flower beds to explore all with a connection to a historic listed bit of history.
  We have...
• Vicars’ Close: A walk through the history of Europe’s oldest residential street
  A walk through the history of Europe’s oldest residential street. Grade 1 listed Vicars’ Close is a remarkable testament to medieval architecture and urban planning.  
• Greys Court: A Grade I listed historical gem in Oxfordshire
  Nestled in the picturesque Chiltern Hills near Henley-on-Thames, Greys Court is a Tudor country house with a rich tapestry of history and architectural beauty.  
• Renovations, restorations and contract works on your listed building
  It is crucial to use contractors who have experience working on listed buildings.  
• Celebrating International Women’s Day and the visionary Beatrix Potter
  To mark International Women’s Day 2025 on March 8 we celebrate the visionary Beatrix Potter – she was so much more than an author and illustrator, she was a trail-blazing businesswoman and scie...
• What is a listed building and what does it mean to own one?
  Homeowners of listed buildings must gain special permission from local authorities before they can make any alteration, demolition or an extension.  
• Hopping through the history of oast houses
  With their interesting pasts, integral to society, agriculture and the economy at one time, it is clear to see why many of these unusual structures have been granted listed building status, helping...
• Winter walks in the British countryside, with listed buildings and landmarks along the way
  Now the new year is here, and winter is in full swing, there is no better time to wrap up warm and get outside to enjoy some fresh air and visit some historic, listed gems along the way.  
• Protecting listed properties during colder winter months
  Throughout winter, owners of older grade listed properties face unique challenges in maintaining and protecting their historic homes.  
• Festive days out at Grade 1 and Grade 2 listed properties
  Over the Festive period many listed properties have a festive make over. From grand houses bringing a festive story to life, to the charm of an illuminated Christmas trail.  
• Protecting your historic listed property this Christmas
  The festive season is a time for joy and celebration, but it also brings risks – which can prove costly for owners of listed properties.  
• Protecting your listed property during fireworks season
  Fireworks can be a spectacular sight, but they also pose potential risks to your listed property. Here are some tips to help you safeguard your historic home.  
• Why your listed property might be underinsured
  Owning a listed property comes with unique responsibilities and challenges, especially when it comes to insurance.  
• Navigating listed property insurance when your broker or insurer doesn't offer renewal terms
  What happens when your current insurer or broker doesn’t offer renewal terms on your listed property? Here are some steps you can take to navigate this situation.  
• The legacy of Frank Green: the last owner of Grade 1 listed Treasurer’s House, York
  Nestled in the heart of York, Treasurer’s House is a testament to history, architecture, and the vision of its last private owner, Frank Green. This historic house, now a cherished property of th...
• Discover some of the best listed properties in Somerset
  Nestled in the heart of the Southwest, Somerset boasts a rich history and charm making it a prime location for some of the UK’s most stunning listed properties.  
• What are thatched roofs and how are they made?
  Thatched roofs are fascinating structures that have been used for centuries, and their revival in modern construction is a testament to their enduring appeal and practicality.
• Protecting your listed property from escape of water
  An escape of water is defined as a leak of water originating from inside the home.
• Top mistakes when insuring your listed building
  Understanding listed building insurance can be a challenge. Many potential mistakes can leave the owner high and dry when it’s time to make a claim.
• What is the difference between standard and listed house insurance?
  Insurance plays a vital role in safeguarding your home. But what if your home is listed? Listed home insurance is unique, differing from standard home insurance in several ways.
• Liverpool’s finest listed buildings
  Take a look at seven of Liverpool’s finest Grade 1 listed buildings, from the Liver Building to the Anglican Cathedral and the stories and architecture behind them.
• Easter egg hunts for the kids at listed properties
  Easter egg hunts with chocolate rewards, adventure playgrounds, and even some brick building are a few of the incredible days out for kids across the whole of Britain during the Easter holidays.
• Great days out for spring and Easter at listed properties
  Medieval castles, waterside piers, palaces, and chocolate making – all close to or part of listed properties. Find the perfect spring day out for you.
• Factories, churches, convents, and workers’ residences: Listed building transformation stories
  The UK is packed with listed buildings that have a fascinating former purpose. We look at five of the Grade 2 churches, convents, and water towers that are now residential properties
• An essential guide to insurance for empty listed buildings
  Listed buildings have fantastic architecture but sometimes stand vacant for extended periods, waiting to be repaired or fixed, thereby making them a target for vandals, thieves, or the ravages of t...
• The impact of building regulations on listed properties and listed property insurance
  When insuring a listed building, there’s more than meets the eye.
• Your essential guide to listed property insurance in Kent
  In the picturesque county of Kent, owning a listed property can be a real joy. It’s a chance to live in a piece of history, but it also comes with its share of challenges. One of these is ens...
• Financial planning for those hoping to own a listed property
  Advice and guidance from Abode on financial planning when buying a listed property from budgeting to inspections, mortgages and insurance policy cover
• The hidden costs of listed home ownership
  Insurance is another area where the costs can mount up. Standard policies often won’t cover these historical gems. So, you’ll need a bespoke policy that could add a hefty sum to your annual...
• The case for making a listed property more energy-efficient
  As more relaxed rules on making historic homes more energy efficient come into play, we look at what this means for a listed property.
• The challenges of running Grade II* listed country house Braxted Park
  Duncan Clark reveals the challenges of running Grade II* listed country house Braxted Park, in Essex.
• A tower of mysteries
  He was the greatest architect of his time –  but have you heard of Gundulph?
• Locking up the Tower of London
  Witnessing the Ceremony of the Keys brings home the magnificent history of Europe’s most secure castle.
• Listed locations for Christmas films and TV programmes
  Discover the locations and buildings used for Christmas films and programmes that have a listed and historical significance
• Festive fun of only the highest grade
  There are many places that know how to put on a Christmas display, but none have the olden time charm of those in listed properties throughout the UK.
• Banishing the damp from Grade I-listed Belsay Hall in Northumberland
  Completion of conservation project revives historic castle and gardens
• Listed property home insurance price increases
  Your insurance premium has gone up, but you haven’t claimed! How is that fair, you may be asking.
• Understanding the importance of sustainable practices for listed properties
  It is possible to make a listed property energy-efficient and sustainable?. Read Abode’s guide for the best way to make it happen.
• Fire safety in your listed property part 2: lithium batteries
  Invented in the 1980s, lithium – or lithium-ion ­– batteries are included in more products than ever.
• Fire Safety in Your listed property Part 1: Time to turn the heat up (safely)
  Now winter is setting in, we’ll see the outdoor temperature start to drop more and more. And with that comes the need to heat up yourself and your listed home.
• Wonders of Grade I listed Godinton
  Abode, specialists in listed property insurance, take a deep dive in to the Wonders of Grade I listed Godinton.
• Your listed property: Weathering winter
  Learn how to protect your listed building against harsh winter weather.
• Protecting your home from top to bottom: Listed property historic restoration insurance in the Cotswolds
  Learn the importance of top-notch roof care for listed properties. Explore roofing maintenance tips that ensure your property’s integrity.
• Preventing dampness and mould in Cotswolds listed buildings and beyond
  Uncover strategies to manage moisture, prevent dampness, and control mould-growth in your cherished listed building.
• Five of the most haunted listed buildings
  In this article, we’ll go through our top five listed buildings, each with a spine-chilling story behind them.
• Weathering time: Protecting your listed property from the elements
  Learn practical strategies to protect your listed property from weather-related damages. Explore expert insights for maintaining your heritage building’s integrity.
• Our top five “listed” days out for families this Autumn
  If you’re stuck for things to do to keep the family entertained this autumn, here’s our list of five days out and places to visit that are sure to please all (and they just happen to be in list...
• Our top five “listed” days out for adults this autumn
  As the cool air rolls in and crunchy leaves are under foot, our team at Abode have come up with our top five autumnal days out for you to enjoy. And they just so happen to be in listed buildings too.
• Guide to proper material maintenance in listed properties
  Dive into the world of material maintenance for listed properties. Explore care techniques for wood, stone, and other unique elements.
• Literary folk and the listed buildings they lived in
  Exploring the home of famous writers is a fascinating way to spend your time. Their living environments offer up many clues as to what inspired them, and many of these have protected or listed stat...
• Historical tower of strength looks out over York
  Since the radical £5 million restoration of Clifford’s Tower in the centre of York, it’s become one of English Heritage’s most visited buildings, with more than 262,900 visitors in the last ...
• How to manage the risks of your historic or listed home
  Living in a historic home is a true joy. Whether your home is listed or non-listed, you’ll have a real appreciation for its charm and character, including the individual quirks and unusual featur...
• Your listed building: Is your rebuild cost correct and is your broker really doing their job?
  When those dreaded renewal documents come through from your insurer, it’s all too easy to just look at the price and renew (or question it!).
• Spectacular homes with spectacular owners Part 3: Special features
  Listed properties are known for their historical interest, beauty, and character – so it comes as no surprise that they’re a popular choice for celebrities to call their home. And some of these...
• Spectacular homes with spectacular owners Part 2: Works
  Listed properties might be known for their historical interest, beauty, and character. However, some owners still want to make changes and add their own touch to them. Getting planning permission f...
• Spectacular homes with spectacular owners
  Listed properties are known for their historical interest, beauty, and character – so it comes as no surprise that they’re a popular choice for celebrities to call their home. Keep reading for ...
• Britain’s Listed Coastline
  The Grade 1 listed Blackpool Tower may be one of the most famous historically significant listed sites along the UK coast, but there are many other gems worth adding to your list of heritage sites ...
• Listed restaurants near our listed summer days out
  Abode insurance recommends five listed restaurants located close to Grade 1 and Grade 2 listed attractions in the UK, combining history, architecture and dining
• Listed buildings in the world of film and TV
  Listed properties are known for their historical interest, beauty, and character – so it’s not surprising that they’re a popular choice for use in the big world of film and TV. Here’s a lis...
• Essential Listed Home Security Measures
  Explore essential listed home security measures to safeguard your property and loved ones, including tips on installing alarms, enhancing locks, and effective deterrents
• Debunking common myths about Listed Home insurance
  Uncover the truth behind common home insurance myths and misconceptions to make informed decisions about your coverage needs and avoid potential mistakes.
• Choosing the right insurance policy for your listed home
  Discover valuable tips for selecting the right insurance policy for your property, considering factors such as coverage options, deductibles, and premiums.
• The world of insurance: Busting common misconceptions
  The insurance industry is crowded, complex, and full of misconceptions. At Abode, we understand that insurance isn’t always an exciting topic and that many people dread “that time of year” �...
• Insurance brokers vs insurance companies: What’s the difference?
  An insurance broker is licensed to sell insurance policies to people, but they don’t work for one insurance company. Instead, they work for their customers. Insurance brokers are effectively a li...
• Five of the best places “listed” to visit this summer
  The summer holidays are here at last, and at Abode we’ve come up with some great days out and places to visit that just happen to be listed. So whether you’re “staycationing” or planning a ...
• Welcoming new entrance defines National Portrait Gallery’s transformation
  Beauty of Ewan Christian’s Florentine palazzo restored to full glory after three-year refurbishment.
• Things you didn’t know about living in a listed property
  Discover the essentials of living in a listed property and learn about the restrictions, benefits, maintenance, and modernisation options. Understand the historical significance, explore preservati...
• 7 reasons why you need Grade 1 Listed Building insurance
  These architectural gems hold historical significance and are often cherished for their unique features and cultural value. However, safeguarding such properties requires specialised insurance cove...
• Why does my listed home insurance go up in price if I don’t claim?
  Insurance premiums are ever increasing with what might seem like no justification, so at Abode we want to be as transparent as possible and help you understand why your listed property might be get...
• UK homes fit for a King (and his Queen)
  With King Charles III being at the forefront of his first Trooping the Colour as Monarch on Saturday 17 June – also his “state” birthday” – here at Abode we take a whistlestop tour of som...
• 5 tips to take onboard before getting Fine Art and Antique insurance
  Are you a passionate collector of fine art and antiques? If so, you understand the value and significance of these treasured possessions.
• 10 reasons why you should have Historic Restoration insurance
  Are you considering embarking on a historic restoration project? Preserving and restoring historic buildings is a labour of love and an essential contribution to our cultural heritage.
• Desperate ruin now an architectural wonder
  Sheerness Dockyard Church has risen from the ashes of a devastating fire to become “a beacon of hope” for the community. 
• The Cotswolds – a region of history and heritage
  There’s much more to the Cotswolds than its famous scenery and countryside. Hidden behind this is a collection of golden villages, thatched cottages, evocative churches, and honey-coloured mansio...
• A celebration of listed buildings
  Eltham Palace is Britain’s most architecturally important 20th century private home. Conceived in 1933 to incorporate a medieval great hall where Henry VIII spent much of his boyhood,
  it ha...
• Chapel throws open doors on bright new future
  Thirty years ago, Westminster Chapel was listed as a Grade II building by Historic England – and today it has been given a new lease of life. Westminster Chapel was built in the mid-1860s as a ma...
• Buckingham Palace and the Coronation of King Charles
  While we wonder what this new ‘Carolean era’ may bring, Abode wanted to look back at the fascinating history of Buckingham Palace – one of the finest and most interesting Grade I listed build...
• Buying a Grade II Listed Building – An Expert’s View
  If you’re thinking about buying a piece of history in the form of a Grade II listed building, then our expert views on the buying process are a must read.
• Typical Period Property Characteristics of Old Buildings
  In this blog post we discuss the typical characteristics you’ll find in a period property, so the next time you visit one you’ll know what to look for.
• Listed Building Grant – What is it & your eligibility
  Read our helpful article to discover what a listed building grant is and whether you’re eligible. If you’re planning to restore your property, then read on.
• Make your listed property more energy-efficient
  The cost of living shows no signs of going down, while energy prices are still on the up… so what does that mean for maintaining your listed property?
• New laws for log burning stoves
  Discover the new changes to the law for owners of log burning stoves and make sure you don’t accidentally fall foul of an unwanted £300 fine.
• Regulations regarding double glazing for Grade I and II listed buildings
  In this blog post the Abode team explains what you need to know about fitting double glazing to your listed property & how to do it correctly.
• Fire marks on listed buildings
  Discover the history and meaning of  fire marks on listed buildings and historic properties.
• Get your listed home renovations done correctly with listed building consent
  Discover the meaning of listed building consent so you can ensure any changes to listed buildings are appropriate & understand when permissions are needed.
• The listed buildings register of listed properties
  Discover the exact place you need to look to find all the listed properties you may be interested in visiting or buying.
• Fallen in love with a listed building? Here’s what you need to know
  Everything you need to know about being a listed property owner | Abode Insurance
• When to arrange a listed building survey
  When was the last time an accredited surveyor viewed your property and advised on the amount to insure for? If the answer is over 3 years ago, it might be time for you to arrange a building survey.
• Bad Santa
  Whilst enjoying a merry Christmas and a happy new year, don’t forget that not everyone is quite so generous during the festive period! Other people will not always have good intentions. The ‘ba...
• Protecting your presents and precious possessions at Christmas
  From antique Christmas decorations to the latest must have gadgets and jewellery beautifully wrapped under the tree, the total value of all items in your home will likely peak between Christmas and...
• Protecting your listed home throughout the winter
  Low temperatures and periods of extreme wind and rain are just some of the adverse weather conditions we see in winter. Here are Abode’s top tips for protecting your listed building from damage o...
• What is a listed building?
  Have you heard the term, thought about buying or maybe even own a listed building but aren’t exactly sure what it means?
• Owning a listed property
  Owning a listed or period property has many obvious benefits, but with conditions attached.
• Preparing to renovate a listed home
  At Abode, we are well versed in contract works and large-scale renovations, so we have put together our checklist of things to consider before any work begins.
• Renovating your property
  Here we share a few tips on updating your current policies and arranging new cover – from why you need it, to when to get in contact and what information you’ll need to share.
• A guide to underinsurance
  Have you ever wondered if your insurance policy actually covers you for the right amount, or do you just look at the price each year?
• Hot news
  Burglars have had it hard since the Covid lockdowns increased homeworking to levels never seen before. But burglars are opportunists and will always be looking at ways to break into your home.
• A Privilege Preserved
  Specialist listed building insurance broker Abode are dedicated to helping listed building owners achieve their goal – to preserve the homes they live in as heritages of the past.
• New Fire Alarm Laws – Scotland
  All homes in Scotland are now required by law to install more robust protection against fire.
• New year, new home insurance renewal law 2022
  This year sees insurers banned from quoting existing customers a higher price for their home insurance, compared to quotes for new customers.
• A simple guide to insurance excesses
  We’re often asked about the excess on a home insurance policy. Here are answers to a few frequently asked questions.
• What is a floating limit?
  One way homeowners can reduce their premium is by talking to their broker about their jewellery and watch wearing habits. Our advisors often speak to clients who have previously had all of their je...
• Why you should have home emergency cover for your home
  Imagine waking to find a leak coming from under your kitchen sink. You can’t get hold of any local plumbers to repair it quickly. The leak is getting worse and your kitchen floor is slowly becomi...
• Why use a listed insurance specialist broker like Abode?
  Whilst price comparison sites can sometimes provide cheaper insurance quotes, working with specialist insurance brokers has many benefits too.
• What is All Risks home insurance?
  As a listed property insurance specialist, we’re sometimes asked to explain what we mean by the terms “Perils Based” policy, “All Risks” policy and “worldwide cover”.
• What is a single article limit on a home insurance policy?
  If you’ve recently purchased a significant new item for your home, whether that’s an exquisite piece of jewellery to celebrate an anniversary or an expensive piece of furniture, one of the most...
• How to calculate the ‘sums insured’ figure for your home
  More than two thirds of household properties are underinsured and are normally covered for less than 70% of their correct rebuild cost, according to data from RebuildCostAssessment.com
• The Importance of Smoke Detectors & Smoke Alarms
  Smoke detectors can help save lives and it’s important to have them fitted, especially in listed properties which can carry greater fire risks.
• How do trees on my land impact my home insurance?
  While they often provide an attractive addition to our garden and are important for our ecosystem, trees can cause problems such as damaging property or causing subsidence.
• Is my house classed as being non-standard construction?
  Standard construction is normally defined as a house built of brick or stone with a tiled roof. So any property that doesn’t fit this would be described as “non-standard”. However, homes that...