For most, buying a home abroad remains a significant, long-term commitment, especially if mortgage finance is required, but how do you ensure that your dream property in France remains as wise a purchase in 20 years’ time? According to experts, the best way to future-proof your French home is to think green.

Consideration for the environment and our impact upon it has become almost unavoidable in the 21st century. The UK has signed up to a variety of green legislation including the ...

The UK is both one nation and four – the English may casually switch allegiance between Britain and England but ask a Scot his nationality and he will always say he is a Scot. Moreover, the UK is teeming with Poles, Indians, Aussies, Jews, Turks, Saffers and hundreds of other races, while restaurants serve everything from Chinese to Argentine to Eritrean.

Beneath this influx, British stereotypes have fallen by the wayside. The bowler-hat-bedecked, cricket playing gentry has been...