Against a backdrop of overseas conflict and domestic economic uncertainty, the London market has faced challenges in the past 12 months. But rare and ‘best in class’ homes will always win, Zoe Dare Hall discovers, as the capital’s top agents reveal their deals of the year

Houses with good railway connections Kent: Palm Cottage, ...

Three historic country houses in Yorkshire, a stone’s throw from the most northerly of Britain’s 16 white chalk horses, offer comfortable contemporary living and fascinating backstories

A sale of Modern British Art earlier this year brimmed with the kind of wonderful works that auctioneers find a little heart-wrenching to let go, including a Waterfall full of wild windiness by Sir Kyffin Williams

These five standout properties have halls made for towering trees, sparkling decorations and Champagne-bright celebrations– festive magic that will practically begin before new owners move in

Owning listed properties means stepping into centuries of craftsmanship and character, plus, perhaps, a few quirks, but buyers who truly love history wouldn’t have it any other way