New-home sales in U.S. post surprise gain1

U.S. consumer confidence increases8

Worst may be over for the embattled housing sector, reports show 26/08/08 11:09 AM 8

Slump in U.S. housing market helps drag B.C. economy to new low5

Growth falls to its lowest levels since the provincial Liberals took power in 2001 20/08/08 4:54 AM 5

U.S. home builders stay grim1

Sentiment stuck at record low in August, National Association of Home Builders survey shows 18/08/08 1:08 PM 1

U.S. prices rise, housing slump deepens43

Construction fell in July to lowest level in over 17 years as wholesale prices climb by fastest rate since 1981 19/08/08 12:12 PM 43

B.C. green report pushes for carbon-neutral construction12

Proposal suggests new houses be built with solar panels, wind turbines or geothermal systems 12/08/08 4:52 AM 12

FURNISHINGS: Mix-'n-match chairs add a touch of country

Cottagers can get an instant hit of authenticity from vintage pieces, which are cheap and plentiful 01/08/08 12:00 AM

COUNTRY KITCHENS: Salvaged cabinets give this kitchen 'the look'1

A small cottage on Rice Lake gets a dose of authenticity from century-old oak pieces that glow with the soft patina of age 18/07/08 12:00 AM 1

COTTAGE COLLECTING: Nothin' says country like a quilt

If you're patient and willing to embrace imperfection — which of course is much of what cottage life is about — there are lots of deals out there. 18/07/08 12:00 AM

COUNTRY ANTIQUES: Mix-and-match plates trade formal for fun

A table set with a variety of blue and white dinner plates can look great; their differences subtle, their similarities harmoniously obvious. 27/06/08 12:00 AM

CLEANUP: Conquering clutter1

An entire organization industry has sprung up around managing household clutter, but we still don't appear to be winning the battle. 06/06/08 12:00 AM 1

BUILDING MATERIALS: A monument to the glories of hemp

Greg Herriott and Kelly Smith constructed their home to showcase the versatility of the ancient product. But don't call them hippies 11/07/08 12:00 AM

GARDENING: Veggies move to the front yard9

'During the war, when my mom was a girl ? every inch of growable space [at her house] was used for vegetables and produce in a victory garden. I can see the pendulum swinging that way now.' 20/06/08 12:00 AM 9

ENERGY CONSERVATION: Net zero homes come to the Annex14

But for a little luck, the chance to build three Toronto townhouses that produce as much power as they consume almost didn't happen, Matthew Trevisan reports. 13/06/08 12:00 AM 14

SUSTAINABLE DWELLINGS: Solar advocates look to spread message3

Jed Goldberg's roof is causing a stir in his neighbourhood, with its collection of panels, tubes and equipment. He has used every bit of real estate up there to house his electricity-producing solar photovoltaic system. 13/06/08 12:00 AM 3

RECREATIONAL PROPERTIES: The joys of cottage life, at a fraction of the costs

Interval ownership means a lakefront getaway has multiple owners who not only use it themselves but can also rent it out 08/08/08 12:00 AM

VACATION PROPERTIES: The County works its charm

Bucolic Prince Edward County has caught the eye of one of Toronto's biggest real estate firms. City dwellers searching for vacation homes are a match for a firm that now has a wealth of country expertise. 01/08/08 12:00 AM

GETAWAYS: The gilded cottage40

When Salah Bachir first saw the living room of his country retreat in Paris, Ontario, he admired the mouldings, the high ceilings, the astonishing architectural detail, and thought "Wow, what I could do with a place like this" 25/07/08 12:00 AM 40

COTTAGES: For a cheaper cottage, ditch the road9

A boat ride may not be everyone's preferred method of getting to the cottage, but for those who are into boating, buying a water-access property can mean significant savings. 18/07/08 12:00 AM 9

STAYCATIONS: The backyard as holiday getaway7

Deciding that they didn't have time to drive to a cottage all the time, a Toronto couple created a Japanese-style retreat right at home. That move, made 20 years ago, looks good in light of today's traffic congestion and gas prices 04/07/08 12:00 AM 7

HOUSE PROUD: When the 'second home' comes first

Cracked plates and a ratty sofa is okay for the city place, but not the cottage: 'We didn't want to fill it up with junk,' says Grace Bugg 27/06/08 12:00 AM

SUCCESSION PLANNING: Who gets the cottage when the folks are gone?1

Squabbling among heirs and hefty tax bills can be avoided with proper planning, experts say 06/06/08 12:42 PM 1

RESTORATION: An old home gives up its secrets

The new owners of a 1910 Forest Hill mansion revel in its unexpected delights — and discover a few naughty bits 13/06/08 12:00 AM

RESTORATION: An arts-and-crafts odyssey3

For a Victoria couple, restoring their cottage-style bungalow becomes a 26-year labour of love 13/06/08 3:35 PM 3

ENERGY: Solar panels get aesthetic designs

Spurred by recent advances in technology, solar panel makers are scrambling to come up with neater and cleaner products that will overcome the aesthetic objections of home owners to traditional solar panels. 25/07/08 12:00 AM

THORNBURY: 'You'd swear you were somewhere in Mu