While I've been on holiday, Charlotte Becque has created one hell of a list to help us look forward to the start of September. If you need sample sales, restaurants or an Open House, well we have it - and far more. So three cheers for the la Rentrée and we hope to see you galavanting about town.

August, you say. August, the quiet summer month where the housing market takes a break like the rest of Europe, correct? No, very much incorrect, as this is some of the finest selection of houses under £500k I have seen and you and I both know I've seen a lot. Charlotte Becque has tried her hand at finding properties of all shapes and sizes, and I just think she has done a terrific job. The seaside wins this month, with number 7 offering up a glorious stable in Whitstable and no. 12 a regency ap

When looking through this month's offerings I felt a sense of calm. Charlotte Becque has given much of it over to the exhibitions that will soon leave our museums, and I always think that a nudge to look at the end date is as important as knowing when it will start. I have never forgiven myself for leaving the William Nicholson exhibition at Pallant House until the last minute, and when I finally readied myself it had closed two days before. I shall be remedying that mistake by making sure I get