From the humble open hearth to elaborate Victorian designs, the fireplace has evolved over time and has, for centuries, been the focal point of the home

After years of delays and funding issues, the new stations on Birmingham’s Camp Hill Line are finally taking shape. PETER PLISNER reports

Discover the last surviving court of houses that once dominated the Midlands, and hear the stories of the workers who built Britain’s second city

Belmont House, Kent The property of The Harris (Belmont) Trust

Thanks to an innovative renovation, a tiny two-up two-down cottage has been completely transformed into a wonderfully lofty, open-plan space

By mixing old and new, designers Alykhan Velji and Alison Connor have created a home with heart