Need to Know
28 : 01 : 21

Utah, US – Benloch Ranch, a new housing community in the Wasatch and Uinta Mountains, is built around minimalism and practicality.

Designed to offer luxury living in a near-wilderness, the houses sit easily in the natural environment, prioritising fluid outdoor living spaces. Featuring over 900 acres of open space, Benloch Ranch's expansive land provides residents with trail walks, skiing and golf, among other outdoor activities. A community retail centre and grocery store, as well as restaurants and bars, are accessible in nearby Park City.

To bolster the Ranch's eco-credentials, its developers are planting native plant species, sourcing sustainable materials and reducing noise pollution to protect the health and safety of native wildlife species. Developer Jamie Mackay explains: ‘We have adopted a high level of sustainability standards including protection policies surrounding wildlife preservation, conservation of vegetation and water quality protection.’

This new development is providing a level of luxury living tied to outdoor activities and the preservation of nature, reflecting the wider shift towards rural living as a luxury.

UK – New estate agency Inigo specialises in giving historical context to Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian homes being sold across Britain.

Launched by estate agency The Modern House, this sister broker will target prospective buyers of period style homes in rural and urban areas. As part of the selling experience, Inigo aims to set itself apart by offering in-depth historical explorations about each house, uncovering aspects like the home’s architectural style and facts about previous home-owners. Listings will also be supported by magazine-quality imagery.

‘Inigo is a logical extension to what we’re already doing [with The Modern House], with shared core values, a strong editorial point of view and a personal approach to service,’ says Matt Gibbard, co-founder of the estate agency. ‘The market for period townhouses and village rectories is well established, but we believe that there’s a requirement for a new estate agency with modern marketing methods and genuine brand integrity.’

From high-end homes to fashion houses, the luxury sector is becoming more transparent about historical legacies. Read more in Heritage Refashioned.

US citizens are uneasy about the increase of false information being shared online, particularly when it's posted on social media.

According to a recent poll by Ipsos, more than eight in 10 (83%) Americans are concerned about the spread of false information – with over half (54%) saying that they are 'very concerned'. Some 69% believe that what they’re reading on social media is inaccurate. Many citizens are especially worried about false information in relation to current affairs, with 80% specifically concerned about claims relating to Covid-19 and vaccines.

With fake news and alternative facts gaining ground among some Americans – including false claims about Covid-19 and QAnon – people are seeking media outlets that are trustworthy in order to stay informed about current affairs. For more, see Veritas Media, which explores some of the ways in which organisations are helping people to identify authentic news stories.