Essential Guide to Landlord Services and Resources in the UK

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Being a landlord in the UK involves more than just collecting rent; it requires a deep understanding of legal obligations, tenant management, and property maintenance. Whether you’re a new entrant into the market or a seasoned professional, leveraging a range of landlord services and comprehensive guides can significantly ease the complexities of property management. This article explores essential landlord services and resources that can help maximize your investment while ensuring compliance with current regulations.

Landlord Knowledge

is a great place to learn about all it takes to be a successful UK landlord.

1. Landlord Services: Enhancing Property Management Efficiency

Landlord services encompass a wide array of professional offerings designed to assist landlords in managing their properties effectively. These

landlord services

range from property management firms to online platforms that streamline various landlord responsibilities. Here are a few key services:

Property Management Companies: These firms take over most of the day-to-day responsibilities of being a landlord, including tenant screening, rent collection, and maintenance issues. While this option involves a fee, usually a percentage of the rental income, it can significantly reduce the burden of property management, especially for landlords with multiple properties or those living far from their rental units.

Legal and Compliance Advice: Staying compliant with UK housing regulations is crucial. Services provided by legal experts can help you navigate the complexities of landlord-tenant law, from drafting tenancy agreements that comply with current legislation to handling eviction processes legally and ethically.

Tenant Referencing Services: Properly vetting tenants can prevent numerous issues down the line. Tenant referencing services check a potential tenant’s credit score, employment status, and rental history, helping landlords make informed decisions.

Online Rent Collection Tools: Technology has made rent collection easier and more efficient than ever. Online services offer automated rent collection, reducing the hassle of manual payment follow-ups and providing a convenient payment method for tenants.

2. Landlord Guides: Navigating the Real Estate Terrain

In addition to services, several comprehensive

landlord guides

are available to help landlords understand their responsibilities and rights. These guides cover a range of topics from the start of a tenancy to its end, offering valuable insights and advice on best practices in property management.

Government Publications: The UK government provides various publications that are crucial for landlords. These include guides on fire safety, energy efficiency standards, and tenant eviction protocols. For example, the ‘How to Rent’ guide is a mandatory document that landlords must provide to tenants, outlining their rights and responsibilities.

Professional Associations: Joining a landlord association can provide access to a wealth of resources including template documents, advice hotlines, and regular updates on legislation changes. Associations such as the National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) offer training sessions and guides on topics such as conducting property inspections and managing rental arrears.

Online Forums and Blogs: These platforms offer a space for landlords to share experiences, advice, and solutions. Websites like LandlordKnowledge.co.uk are popular among UK property owners for their practical tips and legislative updates.

3. Keeping Up with Changes: Continuous Learning and Adaptation

The real estate market and regulatory environment are constantly evolving, making continuous education and adaptation vital for success as a landlord. Subscribing to newsletters from real estate experts, attending webinars, and participating in workshops can keep you informed of the latest trends and legal requirements.

Conclusion: Leveraging Landlord Services for Success

Effectively managing rental properties in the UK requires a proactive approach to understanding and fulfilling the duties of a landlord. By making use of professional landlord services and thoroughly engaging with comprehensive guides, landlords can enhance their operational efficiency, stay compliant with the law, and provide excellent service to their tenants. These resources are not just aids; they are essential tools that empower landlords to navigate the complexities of the real estate market confidently and profitably.

 


Commercial Real Estate Leasing Guide

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A commercial lease agreement allows a business to rent a commercial property from a landlord and is significantly different from residential leases. Having a guide to negotiating commercial leases and how to negotiate leasing office space is invaluable as there are many costly mistakes that can be made, as well as missed opportunities with lease agreement terms. 

Read below and discover how to navigate a commercial lease and secure the right property for your business.

Define the Commercial Space You Want to Lease

Before looking for commercial real estate, you need to define the parameters of the building or space you want and need. Having a list of qualities such as budget, office space size, must-have amenities, accessibility, and security can help limit your search for commercial real estate to lease. 

Accessibility, for example, is important to consider, whether customers will be coming to the property or not, as it’s important that your employees can get there as well. Consider the foot traffic, what kind of neighboring businesses are around, parking space, and proximity to public transportation. 

How is the Commercial Real Estate Zoned?

Commercial zoning is important to consider as different buildings fall within different uses. For example, a warehouse and office space are both considered commercial property but will be zoned for different types of businesses. The type of zoning dictates what type of business can make use of the commercial space and is typically local jurisdiction.

When choosing where to look for commercial spaces, check with your local chamber of commerce or zoning regulations based on ZIP code. This will help you narrow your search even further so you can focus on which commercial lease to look into. 

Types of Commercial Leases

Once you’ve narrowed down what a commercial building must have, your budget, and where zoning permits you to do business, you can look at the commercial leases offered by the different properties. It’s important to consider what type of commercial lease is appropriate for your business needs as well as the details of each lease. There are three primary types of commercial real estate leases:
 

Full-Service Lease

This is the most common type of commercial lease and usually with office space. Essentially, the landlord is responsible for the expenses of the property like taxes, insurance, maintenance, janitorial services, and utilities. There are no hidden costs and enables businesses to accurately budget for their monthly and annual lease payments.
 

Net Lease

A net lease agreement is typically cheaper in annual rent, but can also include monthly “usual costs, ” such as property insurance, taxes, and common area maintenance items. These leases can be single, double, or triple net:

  • Single: the tenant pays rent plus a pro-rata share of the building’s property taxes
  • Double net: the tenant pays a portion of the property insurance on top of rent and property taxes
  • Triple net: the tenant pays the pro-rata share of property taxes, property insurance, and common area maintenance items. These are more common with restaurant and retail commercial spaces. 
     

Modified Gross Lease

This type of lease is a mix of full-service and the net lease. For example, a commercial tenant might pay for their portion of the property taxes, insurance, and common area maintenance items, but in a lump sum along with the rent. The benefit here is that the rent is fixed without any hidden costs or sudden expenses. The utilities and janitorial services are covered by the landlord and if the taxes, insurance, or common area maintenance items increases the rent still stays the same. 

Find a Broker to Facilitate the Commercial Lease

Commercial real estate leasing can be intricate and costly when mistakes are made or to get out of, if you’re able to at all. It’s important to have a commercial real estate agent or a tenant broker to help guide you through the process and go over the leases for the building or office space with you. Here at Goodale & Barbieri, we provide tenant representation to help our clients secure the right commercial space for their business. As one of the largest developers, property managers, and a leading real estate firm, we understand what to look for with tenants and the nuances of negotiating a lease, as well as the market. Since 1937 we’ve handled properties of all sorts and currently have over 4 million square feet of commercial property. Discover more about working with experienced experts by following the link below.

Goodale & Barbieri | Commercial Real Estate


The Ins and Outs of Hybrid Work

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Introduction: The New Normal in Employment

The traditional 9-to-5 work framework has been around for a long time. But,in the past few years—and more so since the COVID-19 crisis—the notion of Hybrid Work has come up as a innovative option. So,what exactly is this new work system? Let’s examine the dynamics,advantages,and obstacles that come with adopting hybrid work.

Explaining Hybrid Work

Flexible Work is a adaptable employment framework that integrates both off-site and on-site work. In this system,employees have the autonomy to choose the times they want to be present at the physical office,and when they wish to work from a different location,be it their home,a coffee shop,or even another country.

Key Components of Hybrid Work

  1. Versatility: Enables workers to create their daily routines.
  2. Option: Gives the ability to work from an official setting or another place.
  3. Collaboration: Facilitates better cooperation,both online and on-site.

Benefits of Hybrid Work

Embracing a hybrid work approach can yield various upsides for both businesses and employees.

Job Satisfaction

The most direct advantage is,naturally,employee satisfaction. Giving people the flexibility to control their personal life results in increased happiness at work.

Cost-Efficiency

From a business angle,reduced workspace and utilities mean major financial benefits.

Productivity Boost

Research have shown that people can be as effective,if not even more,when given the flexibility to choose their workspace.

Increased Workforce Diversity

With a hybrid work model,you’re not limited to employing people in the vicinity of commuting distance.

Challenges and Solutions

While the hybrid work setup is attractive,it’s not free from challenges.

Miscommunication Risks

The risk of poor communication is greater when workgroups are spread across various settings.

Team Unity

Maintaining workplace unity and a robust organizational culture is a different challenge.

Security Concerns

Another problem is about data protection.

Answers

  1. Frequent Meetings: Group sessions can be beneficial in bridging dialogue barriers.
  2. Unity Efforts: Digital group events can help in keeping workplace unity.
  3. Data Protection Plans: Integrating secure login methods can mitigate cybersecurity risks.

Final Thoughts: Where Work is Headed

While the hybrid work approach is still comparatively new and developing,it’s obvious that it gives enticing benefits that are impossible to dismiss. The mixture of freedom,employee satisfaction,and budget-friendliness makes it an attractive option for today’s businesses. However,knowing and getting ready for the related hurdles is essential for fruitful implementation.


The Importance of Insuring Pleasure Craft and Commercial Marine Boats

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Owning a pleasure craft or a commercial marine boat can be a source of immense joy and profitability. However,the inherent risks associated with maritime activities make having a comprehensive insurance policy an absolute necessity. Insuring pleasure craft and commercial marine boats provides a safety net that not only protects your investment but also safeguards you against unforeseen events that could have serious financial and personal consequences.

Pleasure craft,ranging from yachts to sailboats,are often significant investments. These vessels are vulnerable to a range of risks,including damage from collisions,storms,fires,and theft. Comprehensive insurance ensures that you’re covered financially in the event of these unfortunate incidents. Furthermore,it provides liability coverage in case your vessel causes damage to other boats,structures,or injuries to individuals. Accidents on the water can lead to complex legal situations,and having appropriate coverage can save you from significant legal expenses.

For commercial marine boats,insurance is equally crucial. These boats are the backbone of numerous industries such as shipping,fishing,and transportation. Insuring commercial marine boats not only safeguards the vessel but also protects the cargo,crew,and business operations. Damage to cargo during transit,mechanical breakdowns,and accidents on the water can result in substantial financial losses. Moreover,liability coverage is essential in case the boat causes environmental damage or collisions with other vessels.

When searching for a competent insurer for pleasure craft or commercial marine boats,several factors should be taken into consideration:

Experience and Specialization: Look for insurers with extensive experience in maritime insurance. Specialized insurers are well-versed in the unique risks associated with water-based activities and can provide tailored coverage.

Coverage Options: Ensure that the insurance policy covers a wide range of risks,including physical damage,liability,medical payments,and more. Customizable policies are beneficial as they allow you to tailor coverage to your specific needs.

Financial Stability: Opt for an insurer with a strong financial track record. This ensures that the company will be able to fulfill its obligations in the event of a claim.

Claims Process: Research the insurer’s claims process and reputation for handling claims efficiently. A transparent and responsive claims process is essential to getting timely compensation.

Additional Services: Some insurers offer additional services such as emergency assistance,salvage and wreck removal,and legal support. These services can be invaluable during challenging situations.

Reviews and Recommendations: Read reviews and seek recommendations from fellow boat owners or industry professionals. Their experiences can provide insights into the quality of service an insurer offers.

Policy Exclusions and Limitations: Thoroughly review the policy’s terms,exclusions,and limitations to ensure you have a clear understanding of what is covered and what isn’t.

In conclusion,insuring pleasure craft and commercial marine boats is not just a legal requirement in many cases,but also a strategic decision to protect your investment,mitigate risks,and secure your financial stability. Whether you’re a recreational boat owner or a commercial operator,having comprehensive insurance coverage can provide you with peace of mind as you navigate the unpredictable waters. Remember to do your due diligence when choosing an insurer,and opt for one that aligns with your unique needs and priorities.

For more information see Velos Insurance


Longwood FL – A Small Town With a Big Heart

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Longwood FL is a bedroom community located in Central Florida. It offers more than the average suburb. World class theme parks and a thriving downtown area are just minutes away.

The city’s historic district is a great place to meet friends for a bite or find a hidden treasure in one of the local boutique shops.

1. Candyland Park

Candyland Park is an idyllic sports complex that blends well with the scenic natural beauty of its surroundings. The park has three softball/baseball lighted fields,two batting cages/bullpens,and multipurpose sports fields such as soccer and flag football. This community park also has three lighted tennis courts,a lighted futsal court,a playground and picnic areas.

The facility is equipped with Earth Networks Sferic Siren Lightning Alert System that warns of dangerous weather conditions. In addition,a large gazebo shelter provides protection from sun and rain,while the medium-sized playground offers something for kids of all ages to do.

There are a number of family-friendly restaurants in the area. Victorio’s Oyster bar and Grille,located on Dog Track Road,is a local favourite for live music and seafood Friday nights. Gigi’s Cafe and The Longwood Tavern are also options. For those who want to relax,you can kayak and boat on the Wekiva river. You can also shop in the Historic District. Or enjoy the Tooting Otter Craft Wine and Beer Bar’s daily drink specials and delicious food.

2. Longwood Farmers Market

Visiting a local farmers market in your area is an excellent way to find fresh fruit and vegetables that are in season along with other unique food items. These markets often feature handmade crafts that can be used as gifts or to enhance your home decor.

The Longwood Farmer’s Market is located in Reiter Park and opens every Saturday morning. This market features everything from organic produce to specialty foods and locally roasted coffee. Local honey,regional sauces and a range of kitchen crafts are also available.

Longwood FL offers a great choice for families,thanks to the proximity of local boutiques,restaurants,and a farmers market. Orlando attractions,top employers such as AdventHealth Altamonte Springs,Altamonte Mall and Altamonte Mall can be reached by SunRail or a short commute. This friendly suburb feels like a small community,but still offers all the amenities you need.

3. West Branch Library

Longwood has a peaceful community that offers a lot. It’s big enough to have what you need,but small enough to feel like you belong. It’s home to great dining,shopping,the Longwood Historic District and a retirement community tailor-made for inspired senior living–Village on the Green.

This library is part of the Seminole County Public Library system and is one of the five branches in the county. The library offers a wide range of books,magazines and other media. It also provides free internet access. In the adult and child sections,there are five catalog and online resource computer.

The library is also home to several seminars,shows and children’s fairs. It’s located in a residential area and serves the city of Longwood and surrounding areas. The Cross Seminole Biking/Walking Trail,Lake Concord Park,and Planet Obstacle are all great options for nature-based entertainment.

4. Longwood Parks & Recreation

Longwood is a small and quiet community with a lot to offer. The town offers something for everyone,whether you like to shop or visit local attractions. If you’re looking for a place to retire in Florida that is both peaceful and fun,Longwood FL has plenty of natural attractions to keep you active and happy.

Reiter Park is one of the most beautiful spots in town and a favorite destination for families who love spending time outdoors. The park has many amenities,including pavilions,lounge areas,a play area,and more.

Downtown Longwood will host Food Truck Thursdays in Reiter park during the month of may. The event is family friendly and offers a wide variety of delicious foods to choose from.


Wichita Falls TX Fun Things To Do

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The city of Wichita Falls is renowned for its small-town charm and fantastic attractions. Lucy Park offers scenic trails and the city’s famous waterfall.

Families can enjoy a wide range of activities in the surrounding area. You can play golf or visit a brewery in downtown to try a cool drink.

Braum’s Ice cream

The Oklahoma-based chain offers breakfast,lunch,and dinner,as well as an old-fashioned grill,soda fountain,and grocery store. The company offers 100 different flavors of ice-cream,frozen yogurt and other baked goods. It also has a range of dairy products that come from the family farm.

Some cold desserts need that little something extra. This cookie dough flavor adds a hint stone fruit. The toasted almonds give it a crunch and a subtle flavor.

This flavor is only available at certain times of the year,so it’s a special treat when you do find it. It’s a rich and creamy combination that’s perfect for the holidays.

Deep End Arcade

One of the most fun things to do in Wichita Falls TX is to go bowling with friends. This unique activity is available at Village Bowl,which has a variety of games and also a bar. It is a great place to relax with family and friends,and a good choice for a rainy day.

The Deep End Arcade is another fun activity in Wichita Falls. This arcade has all the latest games as well as old school ones. The bar offers non-alcoholic beverages and snacks such as nachos or hot dogs. The barcade is open to all ages and hosts special events such as trivia nights,karaoke,and standup comedy.

Sikes Senter mall

There are many shops and restaurants in the mall,including Old Navy,Dillard’s and others. There are also several entertainment experiences that make this a fun place to visit for both families and kids.

The shopping center is located close to Midwestern State University and the village of Lakeside City. It is also within a 10-mile drive of Sheppard Air Force Base.

You will receive a complimentary breakfast and free internet access during your stay at Hampton Inn Wichita Falls – Sikes Senter Mall. You will also be able to use the gym and pool.

Wichita Falls Brewing

Wichita Falls Brewing is a brewery located in a historic downtown location. The owners worked hard to create an inviting place where people can drink beer with their friends and have a good time. This bar serves pizza,as well as other foods. The bar has a spacious open area that’s perfect for large groups.

Bitsche said they are passionate about good beer. He cited their Plum Luck,a saison made with li hing mui,as one example. Plum Luck is 7.5 percent ABV. Another is Glamorama,a tropical session IPA.

Historic Memorial Auditorium

Historic Memorial Auditorium hosts many events and performances. The facility has a variety of seating options that can accommodate up 2,700 people.

The building was built in 1927 as a replica of Fair Park’s Music Hall in Dallas,Texas. Its awe-inspiring structure is located on the bluff overlooking the Wichita River,where the last area Native American battle took place only ten years before its construction.

The Memorial Auditorium,with its long and illustrious past,has hosted a variety of famous comedians and musicians. The auditorium also houses one of the most impressive theater organs in the world.

Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum

The Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum honors wrestling as a sport. It is America’s shrine to the sport,and it celebrates the top wrestlers while educating people about the history of wrestling. The museum also has an extensive collection of wrestling memorabilia.

Horseshoe Bend Cellars

Horseshoe Bend Cellars,a commercial winery and vineyard located in quiet countryside. The winery offers a variety of wines,including sweet and dry ones. They also host events such as stargazing nights and dinner dates. The facility is open to guests who want to see how wine is produced. While they tour the oak barrel aging,fermentation tank,and bottling rooms,guests can sip a glass of wine.


2023 UK Rental Tax Revisions: Navigating the Key Changes for Landlords

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The landscape of the UK’s property market has always been dynamic. As landlords,keeping abreast of regulatory and tax changes is not just prudent—it’s essential. With the roll-out of the 2023 rental tax amendments,landlords across the UK have found themselves navigating through new terrains. This article offers a simplified overview of these changes and their implications,for further landlord services visit Landlord Knowledge.

1. Introduction to the 2023 Tax Changes

The UK government,in its continued effort to regulate the property market and ensure fairness in housing,introduced the 2023 rental tax changes. These amendments primarily target property income and related deductions,aiming to create a balanced ecosystem for both landlords and tenants.

2. Impact on Rental Income

One of the significant changes in the 2023 tax regime concerns the treatment of rental income. While previously landlords could deduct a variety of expenses before calculating their taxable income,the new changes cap certain deductions,especially those concerning property wear and tear.

Recommendation: Landlords should maintain meticulous records of all income and expenses. With the deductions being capped,it’s crucial to ensure that all claims are accurate and verifiable.

3. Mortgage Interest Relief Phasing

Initiated in previous years,the phasing out of mortgage interest relief reached its culmination in 2023. Landlords can no longer deduct their mortgage interest from their rental income before paying tax. Instead,they receive a tax credit based on the basic rate of tax,which for many landlords,especially those in higher tax bands,can result in a significant increase in their tax bill.

Recommendation: Landlords might consider restructuring their investments,perhaps through a limited company,although this comes with its own set of challenges and should be done after consulting with a tax specialist.

4. Capital Gains Tax (CGT) Revisions

For those landlords considering selling their properties,the 2023 amendments brought forth modifications in the Capital Gains Tax. The tax-free allowance remained consistent,but the rates witnessed a surge,especially for higher-rate taxpayers.

Recommendation: If you’re contemplating selling,it’s worth calculating the potential CGT and factoring this into your decision-making process.

5. Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) Adjustments

Though the focus was on regularizing the rental market,the government also revised the SDLT thresholds for buy-to-let properties and second homes. These adjustments,while subtle,can influence investment decisions.

Recommendation: Potential property investors should familiarize themselves with the new thresholds to understand the initial costs of property acquisition better.

6. A Closer Look at Energy Efficiency Grants

On a brighter note,the 2023 tax changes brought about more substantial incentives for landlords who make energy-efficient upgrades to their properties. While not directly a tax,the enhanced grants can offset some of the other tax burdens by reducing renovation costs.

Recommendation: Explore the various grants available and consider making green improvements to your property. Not only can this save you money,but it also makes your property more appealing to eco-conscious tenants.

Conclusion

Navigating the maze of rental tax changes can be daunting,but understanding the essentials goes a long way. As always,while this article provides an overview,every landlord’s situation is unique. Seeking advice from a qualified tax advisor or accountant is essential to ensure that you’re not only compliant but also making the most of your property investments in these changing times.

For further information visit Landlordknowledge.co.uk.

Disclaimer: This article provides a general overview of tax changes and might not cover specific scenarios or individual cases. Always seek guidance from a tax professional or consultant when making decisions related to your properties


The City of Stonewood, West Virginia

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The city of Stonewood is located in Harrison County,West Virginia. Its population was 1,806 in 2023. Its median household income was $60,285 in recent years.

Living in Stonewood WV can be a fun and rewarding experience. This small mountain community offers a variety of outdoor activities as well as a tight-knit,friendly community.

City Hall

Located near the Appalachian Mountains,Stonewood WV offers residents a tight-knit community and friendly atmosphere. The small mountain town is known for its natural beauty and rich heritage.

Stonewood has many ways for residents to be involved with the government. Residents can volunteer to serve on the city council or attend meetings. Residents can contact the mayor or manager of the city directly with questions or concerns.

Water pipes can corrode,causing harmful minerals to leak into the water. The Clarksburg Water Board has introduced phosphoric acids to its water in order to combat this problem. This chemical helps to create scale on the water pipes,preventing corrosion.

Single-family home 8041 City Hall Lane is located in Stonewood,WV. It has two bedrooms and one bathroom. It was constructed in 1967.

Police Department

It is the responsibility of the Stonewood Police Department to keep the city safe. It features over 32 precincts featuring patrol officers and detectives. It also works with the Greater Harrison Drug & Violent Crime Task Force,the Bureau of Alcohol,Tobacco,Firearms,and Explosives,and the Clarksburg Police Department.

The department carries out many different day-to-day functions such as processing arrests and updating the sex offender search database. Its mission statement is to provide high quality community policing without compromising citizens’ rights.

The Stonewood Police Department jail is a place where arrested people are held until their court appearance. It consists of four cells and separates male and female inmates. Inmates are allowed to stay for up to 84 hours. Inmates can find their release dates online.

Fire Department

The Stonewood Volunteer Fire Department provides first responder services in the city of Stonewood and mutual aid to surrounding communities. Their mission is to serve the public with prompt,courteous service with the highest levels of professionalism that saves lives and minimizes property loss from natural or man-made disasters. They offer fire protection,ALS/BLS transportation,hazardous materials mitigation and emergency 911 dispatch. They also provide public education,community assistance,training,and fire code inspections.

In Harrison County,a fire destroyed a mobile house on Monday morning. It happened on Coal Mine Lane in Stonewood around 3:30 a.m. The fire started in an outbuilding,then spread into the house. The fire also damaged active electric lines,which delayed the response time. The fire is being investigated. Clarksburg Water Board staff will be adding phosphoric acid to the water system next week to add scale. The chemical creates a protective layer on pipes that prevents corrosion.

Library

The library aims to provide children with materials that will broaden their horizons,enhance and facilitate their reading skills,complement their educational needs and stimulate an interest in literature and current events,reflect the community’s diversity,and promote a love of lifelong learning. However,the choice of reading and viewing material by children is ultimately the responsibility of their parents,who are best able to guide and oversee their development. The library will not try to interfere with this relationship by imposing their own preferences.

This page contains STONEWOOD 9-digit ZIP Code list,population,schools,libraries,museums,hospitals,post offices,and random addresses. Click the map to zoom. This is a map of STONEWOOD,West Virginia 26301. This data is only for reference.

Parks & Recreation

Stonewood Estates Park is a 2 acre neighborhood park in the northwest corner of Sussex in the Stonewood Estates subdivision. This neighborhood park is fenced and has two covered shelters for gatherings. On MHVillage,there are a number of mobile home parks located in Stonewood with homes and lots for sale. Browse listings,read reviews,look at photos,and learn about mobile home park amenities using our tools. You can also narrow down your search by including pet-friendly communities and senior communities.