Beresfords Autumn 2012

H O M E S

&

S T Y L E

essex YO U R G U I D E TO P R O P E R T Y, H O M E , STYLE & LIFE

We compose ourselves with Debbie Wiseman; while Michelin-starred chef Tom Kerridge cooks up a storm; and milliner Jane Taylor thinks outside of the hat box.

Autumn 2 0 1 2 14TH E D I T I O N

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Welcome As we progress through the second busiest time of the year­— the Autumn­— although the property market continues to be challenging it is seeing good levels of activity. At the time of writing, serious buyers are out viewing properties with the aim of being settled into their new abode before the Christmas festivities begin.

Throughout the year we have seen quality homes of all kinds, from smart apartments to country estates, come into the market and sell well. However, accurate pricing is critical which is why you must work closely with your estate agent who understands the local property market, has knowledge of what properties have sold for and can therefore recommend an appropriate selling price for your very own home.

Of course the country has had great reasons to rejoice throughout 2012 thanks to the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and the London Olympics and Paralympics. With the nation’s spirits high, due to the fantastic efforts of Team GB and the Royal anniversary, some predicted that business would suffer. However, I am delighted to report that this has not been the case. The Olympics and Paralympics not only had a positive impact generally on morale but also on the property market in Essex.

Buyer registrations increased by 10 per cent when compared to last year, as people worked from home or enjoyed a staycation and took the opportunity to search for a property.

In terms of the performance of the local property market, we are certainly very fortunate in this area that our commuter links to London, and particularly the City, cannot be beaten. In the near future, access to London will be even better thanks to Crossrail which will have Shenfield as its Eastern hub. This will provide a direct mainline service that instead of terminating at Liverpool Street will go right through Central London and on towards the West Country. Add to that excellent road links thanks to the M25, M11 and A12, a major airport in Stansted, a combination of wonderful countryside and one of the longest coastlines in the country, it’s not hard to see why Essex is considered by so many people to be such a good place to live.

What has been particularly noticeable is the considerable increase in the activity of those currently living in the southern part of the county looking to move to north Essex and into Suffolk where property values are more attractive yet they are still able to benefit from excellent commuter links.

The rental sector shows no signs of abating. Strong rental values, due to high tenant demand linked to competitive mortgage rates and increased mortgage availability, has led to a big rise in interest from buy to let landlords. With pension performance being a major issue to many, people are seeing property as an excellent flexible alternative, ultimately financed by the tenant for their retirement.

I cannot deny that times are challenging but with a positive approach and extensive marketing coverage, there is still a strong property market in Essex and successful moves are taking place hourly across the county.

I do hope you enjoy this edition of Essex Homes & Style and if we can be of any help now or in the future please do not hesitate to contact us.

SALES OFFICES Country Homes Office | (01245) 397475 Billericay Office | (01277) 626262 Braintree Office | (01376) 348444 Brentwood Office | (01277) 231515 Chelmsford Office | (01245) 500555 Colchester Office | (01206) 764444 Gidea Park Office | (01708) 730255 Hornchurch Office | (01708) 474034 Ingatestone Office | (01277) 350505 Shenfield Office | (01277) 212111 Upminster Office | (01708) 222200 Writtle Office | (01245) 420880 LETTINGS OFFICES Billericay Office | (01277) 658666 Braintree Office | (01376) 348666 Brentwood Office | (01277) 218151 Chelmsford Office | (01245) 500666 Colchester Office | (01206) 763333 Havering Office | (01708) 222211

Paul Beresford, FNAEA, MARLA Managing Director/Chairman

Beresfords win two prestigious awards at the UK Property Awards, Best Estate Agency in Essex and Best Website.

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Contents 6

82

Property

Property Section

A selection of some of the finest properties currently available in your area from Beresfords.

38

residential lettings

safe as houses

We talk to Steven Bond, Managing Director of Beresfords’ Residential Lettings and Survey Divisions, to discover the advantages of buying-to-let and how Beresfords’ expertise can help.

58

40

64

development

77

grand designs

When Les Coe was unable to buy the home he had been wishing for, he decided to build his own, as Simon Burton finds out.

45

Fashion

Jane Taylor

Leanne McGrath meets London-based milliner, Jane Taylor, to discuss her involvement in the Royal Wedding and the rise to success that she has encountered.

51

Home and Garden

Home Stagers

Collette Hanlon, Creative Director of Home Stagers, advises on how to bring autumnal tones to your home this season.

55

68 45

Food

Tom Kerridge

Simon Burton talks to chef, Tom Kerridge, owner of the first pub in the world to win two Michelin stars.

58

Travel

South Korea

Claire Durkin ventures to Seoul, the capital of South Korea.

64

Arts

Debbie Wiseman

Composer Debbie Wiseman talks to Simon Burton about writing music for film, television, and the Diamond Jubilee.

68

Events

Spirit of Christmas

The Spirit of Christmas Fair is London’s premier Christmas retail event; Faith Back discovers why.

77

Sports

A DAY AT THE RACES

We take a look at a number of racecourses throughout the country who are holding autumn events.

82

Motoring

La crème de la crème

Kevin Haggarthy goes continental to check out the new Ferrari FF and the Rolls-Royce Phantom II.

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55 Advertising: Tel: 0845 521 5221 E-mail: sales@cream-group.co.uk Editorial: Tel: 0845 521 5221 E-mail: editor@cream-group.co.uk © Cream Club. All rights reserved. Reproduction is forbidden except by express permission of the publishers. The content of this magazine is believed to be correct but its accuracy is not guaranteed and does not form part of any offer or contract.

Beresfords cannot accept responsibility for any omissions or errors. The views expressed within editorials are those of the writers and not those of Cream Club.

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Fryerning Guide Price ÂŁ3,600,000

Occupying probably one of the finest plots in this exclusive village. The elegant accommodation is light and airy with all five bedrooms benefiting from stunning views over the gardens. The well-proportioned and comfortable living space enjoys attractive views over the established grounds which extend to approximately 6 acres (stls), featuring two large lakes, swimming pool area, patios and terraces.

View our properties on TV at

www.beresfords.tv

Country Homes Office (01245) 397475

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High Ongar Guide Price ÂŁ2,750,000

Occupying an idyllic private setting within mature grounds of 3 acres (stls), this highly appointed and well-presented Grade II Listed country house has far-reaching views. The grounds also feature an impressive Essex barn offering great potential, detached guest cottage, triple garage, secondary barn and storage all with excellent scope for conversion (stpp), attractive swimming pool area and paddock.

View our properties on TV at

www.beresfords.tv

Country Homes Office (01245) 397475

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East Hanningfield Guide Price ÂŁ1,895,000

A stunning five bedroom detached Grade II Listed residence, set in private grounds of approximately 7.5 acres (stls). Sympathetically extended during the 18th and 19th centuries, the property exudes character and charm and also benefits from a detached one bedroom annexe and separate holiday cottage, swimming pool, tennis court and equestrian facilities.

View our properties on TV at

www.beresfords.tv

Country Homes Office (01245) 397475

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Woodham Mortimer Guide Price ÂŁ1,500,000

A highly appointed timber-framed period property set within an idyllic plot. This four bedroom residence retains many features dating back to the late 13th century. The 8.4 acres (stls) of equestrian grounds include six paddocks, separate gated access onto a generous yard, manège, internal stabling, tack room, storage barn and further parking. Further land is available under separate negotiation.

View our properties on TV at

www.beresfords.tv

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Stock Guide Price ÂŁ1,700,000

A beautifully presented six bedroom family residence, set amongst well-maintained grounds of approximately two acres (stls), within a private and secluded setting amongst woodland and countryside.

The light and airy accommodation features a large master suite with dressing room and en suite, with many rooms offering delightful views over the gardens. With a heated swimming pool and double garage.

Country Homes Office (01245) 397497

Stock Guide Price ÂŁ1,150,000

Set on a plot of approximately 0.7 acres (stls), this charming four bedroom farmhouse offers a wealth of ancillary buildings including office suites, annexe, Essex barn and equestrian facilities. Situated in a private country lane setting just outside this much sought-after village. The south-facing formal gardens are an addition to the 3.8 acres (stls) of pasture land behind the property.

View our properties on TV at

www.beresfords.tv

Country Homes Office (01245) 397475

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Chelmsford Guide Price £895,000

Commanding a most idyllic rural setting this late-Victorian family home is surrounded by picturesque countryside with gardens and grounds of approximately two acres (stls). Approached via a long private drive this four bedroom home offers well-planned family accommodation together with substantial garaging. Planning permission to extend into the second floor (plans available).

Country Homes Office (01245) 397475

Fryerning Guide Price £875,000

Set in attractive grounds of approximately 2.11 acres (stls), a former lodge extended in later years with far-reaching views. The features include substantial garaging and outbuildings together with extensive stabling, paddocks and Charles Britton floodlit manége. Although nestling in beautiful countryside the property is in reasonable walking distance of Ingatestone station.

View our properties on TV at

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Country Homes Office (01245) 397475

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Blackmore Guide Price ÂŁ775,000

A beautiful period cottage situated in the heart of Blackmore. The Grade II Listed property is thought to be the oldest cottage in the village, dating back to the 15th century. This property enjoys a wealth of original features, combined with the comfort and convenience of modern-day living. The property also has a conservatory with a lovely aspect over the rear garden.

Country Homes Office (01245) 397475

Southminster Guide Price ÂŁ745,000

A charming Grade II Listed four bedroom cottage dating back to the 1800s. Retaining a wealth of charm and character set within 1.3 acres (stls) of part-walled secluded grounds with tree-lined driveway, orchard and vines. The property also benefits from four reception rooms and a conservatory as well as a peaceful and private location surrounded by local countryside.

View our properties on TV at

www.beresfords.tv

Country Homes Office (01245) 397475

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Billericay Price £1,995,000

Situated on one of Billericay’s most prestigious roads, is this substantial Georgian-style residence over 4,200 sq ft in size occupying a plot of approximately 0.6 of an acre backing directly onto Norsey Woods. The spacious layout includes a magnificent entrance hall, Clive Christian kitchen/breakfast room, six reception rooms, two en suites, large in-and-out driveway, 270 ft rear garden.

Billericay Office (01277) 626262

Billericay Price £825,000

Substantial detached family residence situated in one of Billericay’s most popular roads. Internally the property has been vastly updated and now features an impressive luxury fitted kitchen and open plan breakfast area with vaulted ceiling, two further reception rooms and utility room. South-west facing rear garden with extensive paved patio area and inset pond and water feature.

View our properties on TV at

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Billericay Office (01277) 626262

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Billericay Price £765,000

Stunning modern five bedroom detached house sitting on a plot of approximately 190 ft deep x 44 ft wide with a 110 ft rear garden and integral garage, four reception rooms, kitchen and utility room, two en suites and family shower room. The property has to be viewed internally to appreciate fully, not only the excellent layout, but also the decorative standard throughout.

Billericay Office (01277) 626262

Little Canfield Price £525,000

This impressive four bedroom family home is one of only two flagship “Longfellow” designs on the development. The traditional design boasts many features and occupies a delightful cul-de-sac position.

The local village of Takely has many amenities including churches, pubs and transport links and is near the towns of Bishop’s Stortford and Great Dunmow for their more comprehensive facilities.

View our properties on TV at

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Braintree Office (01376) 348444

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Bocking Price £429,995

An impressive double-fronted mock-Tudor-style house set in a mews of executive properties. Internally the accommodation boasts four reception rooms, four double bedrooms with master incorporating a dressing area, two en suites, and enjoys views to rear overlooking open countryside. To the front of the property there is a detached double garage and a block-paved driveway.

Braintree Office (01376) 348444

Brentwood Price £925,000

Situated at the end of one of Brentwood’s premier turnings, within walking distance of High Street and mainline station, is this superb four bedroom split-level house. The property offers well-presented and spacious accommodation including three reception rooms, kitchen/breakfast room, two en suites and family bathroom. Attractive and secluded rear garden, ample parking and detached garage.

View our properties on TV at

www.beresfords.tv

Brentwood Office (01277) 231515

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Clements Park Price ÂŁ825,000

Situated in a pleasant position siding onto a wooded area on the sought-after Clements Park development, is this impressive modern five bedroom detached family home. The property offers good size accommodation including dining room, impressive kitchen/breakfast room with granite work surfaces, utility room, family room, en suite, three further bathrooms, double garage and 50 ft rear garden.

Brentwood Office (01277) 231515

Hook End Price ÂŁ595,000

An extremely impressive Grade II Listed redbrick three bedroom semi-detached house. The property is believed to date back to the 15th century and offers many character features including inglenook fireplaces to the reception rooms, master bedroom with vaulted ceiling and brick fireplace and feature beams. Parking and triple garage, rear garden, five miles from Brentwood High Street, no onward chain.

View our properties on TV at

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Brentwood Office (01277) 231515

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Great Leighs Price ÂŁ419,995

Set in this popular village is this Georgian-style four bedroom detached modern family home. The property is well appointed throughout and benefits from two en suites, professionally landscaped rear garden and ample off-road parking with a double garage. Local to the area are primary schools, post office, public houses and country walks. Offered with no onward chain.

Chelmsford Office (01245) 500555

Great Baddow Price ÂŁ645,000

Newly built Victorian-style family home which enjoys a generous rear garden with well-thought-out accommodation arranged over two floors. Benefiting from three reception rooms, four bedrooms, two with en suites and family bathroom. Chelmsford Railway Station is located within two miles, with regular bus routes to the city centre. Local shopping amenities and schooling are within easy access.

View our properties on TV at

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Chelmsford Office (01245) 500555

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Great Braxted Price ÂŁ975,000

This individually built and designed five bedroom family residence is set within grounds approaching 1.5 acres and is accessed via electric wrought iron gates onto a long pea shingle driveway leading to the property which is set well back within the plot. The property affords ample off-road parking with detached double garage with two electric up-and-over doors.

Colchester Office (01206) 764444

Fingringhoe Price ÂŁ795,000

This impressive, individually built, five bedroom detached family residence was built by the present owners in 1980 and is set within private grounds approaching 1.3 acres. The property is located within this popular village, surrounded by countryside and woodland areas, and is approached via a pea shingle circular driveway, accessing a treble and double garage block.

View our properties on TV at

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Colchester Office (01206) 764444

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Gidea Park Price £1,999,995

This wonderful six bedroom detached house offers sumptuous accommodation over three floors. With four bedrooms, two with en suites, family bathroom, three reception rooms, kitchen/family room, indoor heated swimming pool, bar, sauna and snooker room/gym. The carriage driveway leads to a detached double garage with annexe providing a lounge, bedroom and en suite.

Gidea Park Office (01708) 730255

Gidea Park Price £650,000

A four bedroom house located on the sought after Exhibition Estate which features in ‘The One Hundred Best Houses’. Having been considerably improved in recent years with much consideration given to retaining its original character, including the Art and Crafts-style woodwork and an inglenook fireplace and an escritoire. The property features a superb Clive Christian kitchen/breakfast room.

View our properties on TV at

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Gidea Park Office (01708) 730255

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Gidea Park Price £599,995

Five bedroom detached family house within easy access of Gidea Park’s village shops and local amenities and under one mile radius of Gidea Park Station. Two reception rooms, the rear opening out to a double-glazed conservatory, five bedrooms to the first floor, bathroom and separate shower room.

There is an integral garage and pleasant rear garden with two sheds.

Gidea Park Office (01708) 730255

Romford Price £599,950

Located in the sought-after turning of Lake Rise, within walking distance of Raphaels Park and within easy access to Romford town centre and mainline railway station is this imposing and attractive four bedroom detached house. Offering good size family accommodation comprising three reception rooms, kitchen/diner, ground floor cloakroom, 100 ft west-facing garden and in-and-out driveway.

View our properties on TV at

www.beresfords.tv

Gidea Park Office (01708) 730255

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Emerson Park Price ÂŁ3,250,000

Classic beautifully appointed five bedroom Edwardian family home. This stunning property has beautiful professionally landscaped parkland grounds approaching one acre, four reception rooms, superb bespoke Clive Christian kitchen opening up into a 34 ft family room and orangery, four excellent en suites, indoor pool and leisure complex and garaging for six cars.

Hornchurch Office (01708) 474034

Emerson Park Guide Price ÂŁ1,250,000

Occupying a generous corner plot on this highly desirable tree-lined avenue within sought-after Emerson Park is this well-presented five bedroom family house. This spacious property offers two en suites, one with en suite dressing room, family bathroom, ground floor cloakroom/wc, four reception rooms, independent block-paved drive with double garage and enjoys an enclosed 85 ft rear garden.

View our properties on TV at

www.beresfords.tv

Hornchurch Office (01708) 474034

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Emerson Park Price ÂŁ874,995

Stunning and immaculate five bedroom detached family home situated within a cul-de-sac location.

The accommodation features en suite and dressing area to bedroom one, two reception rooms, conservatory, contemporary fitted L-shaped kitchen with open plan breakfast room, ground floor cloakroom, family bathroom and a rear garden which offers a heated swimming pool.

Hornchurch Office (01708) 474034

Hornchurch Price ÂŁ850,000

Situated in one of the most sought-after roads within the Hornchurch area is this outstanding five bedroom detached double-fronted family home. The property is presented in excellent decorative order with spacious accommodation comprising kitchen/breakfast room, utility room, four reception rooms, conservatory, ground-floor cloakroom/WC, three en suite shower rooms, and 130 ft rear garden.

View our properties on TV at

www.beresfords.tv

Hornchurch Office (01708) 474034

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Stock Price ÂŁ1,475,000

This residence offers accommodation of approximately 4,040 sq ft combining a one/two bedroom self-contained annexe. There is a reception hall, spacious lounge, dining room, kitchen, utility room, conservatory, swimming pool complex featuring changing rooms and terraced area, five bedrooms, en suite and family bathroom. The driveway leads to the garage and provides additional parking.

Ingatestone Office (01277) 350505

Ingatestone Price ÂŁ545,000

Superb high street location, very spacious, extended and much-improved, charming Grade II Listed 18th century cottage, where the vendor has successfully combined contemporary fittings and modernday living appliances yet still retaining a beautiful and original character property. Throughout this comfortable home many fine features can be seen, including beams, sash windows and feature fireplace.

View our properties on TV at

www.beresfords.tv

Ingatestone Office (01277) 350505

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Hutton Mount Price ÂŁ1,625,000

An attractive family residence standing in 0.25 of an acre (stls). The beautifully landscaped gardens are set behind electric gates and the property is situated within 0.6 miles of Shenfield Station. Reception hall, lounge, open plan to garden room, dining room, open plan fitted kitchen/breakfast room leading to family room, five bedrooms, two with en suite. Located close to St Martins Technology School.

Shenfield Office (01277) 212111

Hutton Mount Price ÂŁ1,250,000

Constructed approximately 19 years ago for the current vendors is this four bedroom detached house standing in approximately 0.28 of an acre (stls) within 0.5 miles of Shenfield station, bars and shops.

Comprising lounge, dining room, family room, study, kitchen/breakfast room, laundry room, cloakroom, two en suites, family bathroom and potential to extend subject to the usual consents.

View our properties on TV at

www.beresfords.tv

Shenfield Office (01277) 212111

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Telephone: 01277 659441 Fax: 01277 630596 Website: www.rogergreensolicitors.co.uk Email: enquiries@rogergreensolicitors.co.uk Roger Green and Company, Foxcroft, 100 High Street, Billericay, Essex CM12 9BY

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Hutton Mount Price ÂŁ1,050,000

Located in a cul-de-sac position is this well-presented five bedroom residence on a west-facing plot with a 108 ft rear garden (stls) within 0.5 miles of Shenfield station. Comprising entrance hall, cloakroom, two reception rooms, study, kitchen with family/breakfast room area, laundry room, en suite to master bedroom. The property offers scope, subject to all the necessary consents, for extension.

Shenfield Office (01277) 212111

Hutton Village Price ÂŁ725,000

A charming semi-detached residence believed to date back 300 years and standing in approximately 0.3 of an acre (stls). The property enjoys a secluded position offering some superb character features including a cellar, two reception rooms, fitted kitchen, utility room, cloakroom/ground floor shower room and four first floor bedrooms with family bathroom. Shenfield station is within 2.5 miles.

View our properties on TV at

www.beresfords.tv

Shenfield Office (01277) 212111

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Upminster Price £995,000

Situated in the south side of Upminster, in a premier tree lined-avenue, is this stunning and extended five bedroom family home. The property is within easy reach of Upminster town centre with its mainline rail station reaching London Fenchurch Street in as little as 22 minutes, as well as Upminster’s highachieving schools for all ages.

Upminster Office (01708) 222200

Upminster Price £875,000

Situated to the north side of Upminster’s town centre, within easy reach of Upminster’s mainline railway station and District Line, is this four bedroom detached chalet bungalow. Benefiting from a larger than average frontage providing ample off-street parking for multiple vehicles and a well-maintained private rear garden. Potential, subject to planning consent and regulations, for self-contained annexe.

View our properties on TV at

www.beresfords.tv

Upminster Office (01708) 222200

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Upminster Price £625,000

Positioned within a popular tree-lined lane on the south side of Upminster, within easy reach of highachieving schools, town centre and mainline rail station, is this extended four bedroom semi-detached property. The rear garden is south-facing and fully enclosed and there is ample off-street parking to the front as well as a garage.

Upminster Office (01708) 222200

Upminster Price £339,995

Grade II Listed three bedroom character cottage, with accommodation over three floors, within easy reach of Upminster town centre, mainline station and high-achieving schools for all ages. The rear garden has a southerly aspect and also provides rear access to the property. The allocated parking area benefits from an additional communal visitor’s space.

View our properties on TV at

www.beresfords.tv

Upminster Office (01708) 222200

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Writtle Price ÂŁ625,000

This spacious residence is set within a close of similar style properties with bright accommodation arranged over three floors, complemented by a southerly facing garden. The property comprises a lounge, sitting/play room, kitchen/dining/family room, master bedroom with en suite, three further bedrooms, ground-floor cloakroom and family bathroom. Externally there is a double garage.

Writtle Office (01245) 420880

Roxwell Price ÂŁ575,000

Family detached property situated in a rural setting with excellent ground floor accommodation with family lounge, snug/TV-room, two separate study rooms, conservatory, kitchen/diner, utility and groundfloor cloakroom. Four double bedrooms with en suite and family bathroom. Private and impressive rear garden approximately 200 ft in length with farmland views to the right and front of the property.

View our properties on TV at

www.beresfords.tv

Writtle Office (01245) 420880

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Stock ÂŁ5,000 pcm

Luxurious six bedroom residence set on three levels, offering landscaped grounds, superb lounge with beamed ceiling, master bedroom suite with balcony, welcoming entrance hallway, dining room, and wellappointed kitchen with adjoining family room. The sought-after village of Stock is within easy access to the A12. Local golf clubs and Greenwoods Health Club & Spa are close by.

Billericay Lettings Office (01277) 658666

Wickham Bishops ÂŁ2,995 pcm

Located in the picturesque village of Wickham Bishops is this large, well-specified wing of an imposing Georgian Grade II Listed country house, surrounded by extensive landscaped grounds. With grand double height entrance hall, three reception rooms, kitchen with high ceilings and polished bare wood floors, utility room, large master suite with five further bedrooms and three bathrooms.

View our properties on TV at

www.beresfords.tv

Braintree Lettings Office (01376) 348666

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Hutton Mount £3,500 pcm

This four bedroom detached house with in-and-out driveway is located just 0.9 miles from Shenfield station. The property comprises a spacious lounge, dining room, kitchen/diner, utility room, four double bedrooms, two with en suite shower rooms, family bathroom and study. The property is well presented with neutral decor and the rent includes gardening services. Available now, unfurnished.

Brentwood Lettings Office (01277) 218151

Chelmsford £1,750 pcm

A beautifully designed four bedroom link-detached house situated on the semi-rural edge of Galleywood with good road access to Chelmsford city centre with its shops, nightlife, station and the main ‘A’ roads.

This attractive family home has designer cloakroom/WC, bathroom with jacuzzi and en suite shower room, fitted kitchen, 40 ft garden, garage and parking at rear.

View our properties on TV at

www.beresfords.tv

Chelmsford Lettings Office (01245) 500666

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Bespoke mortgage advice for high net worth individuals

Telephone:

0800 389 9986

experience: the difference www.beresfordsgroup.co.uk YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE

16:07:14

Ber_0141_258x311_Mort_advert.indd 1 2012.indd 35 BERESFORDS MAGAZINE AUTUMN

12/3/10 10:37:44 16:08:10 22/10/12

Life has many grey areas.

The task of a solicitor is to provide clarity

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misunderstanding and fairness where there is unfairness.

To create equality and balance for, and on behalf of,

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WORTLEY BYERS NEWS Wortley Byers are delighted to announce the October launch of our Private Client Department under the leadership of partner Anne Elliss. Anne says: “Bringing together our probate, wills, trust and residential conveyancing lawyers and support staff into one team will help us deliver a high quality all-round service to meet the needs of the private individual. People come to us for help and we will never be a faceless, factory operation. We are committed to giving personal and sympathetic expert advice in all cases whether simple and straightforward or complex and challenging. We won’t be the cheapest but we will offer great value for money.”

Wortley Byers LLP Cathedral Place Brentwood Essex CM14 4ES

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Tollesbury ÂŁ1,500 pcm

A substantial family home situated in this popular village. The property offers versatile accommodation throughout with lounge, dining room, study and fitted kitchen. To the first floor are four good size bedrooms, en suite and family bathroom. The property has the added benefit of a generous size plot plus off-road parking and a double garage.

Colchester Lettings Office (01206) 763333

Stapleford Abbotts ÂŁ3,995 pcm

A magnificent five bedroom family home situated in a semi-rural location, whilst also being within a short drive of country parks, golf courses and shopping centre. The property boasts two fantastic reception rooms and a bespoke fitted kitchen/diner. There are five excellent size bedrooms with two en suites. The property benefits from off-street parking for multiple cars.

View our properties on TV at

www.beresfords.tv

Havering Lettings Office (01708) 222211

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Safe as houses?

Faith Back talks to Steven Bond, Managing Director of Beresfords’ Residential Lettings and Survey Divisions, to discover the advantages of buying-tolet and how Beresfords’ expertise can help

– Buy-to-let

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raditionally, many people have invested their savings in areas such as stocks and shares, ISAs, fixed rate bonds or general savings accounts.

However, over recent years, annual returns in some instances have been disappointing. As a result, increasing numbers of people are turning to buy-to-let as an alternative option. So, is buy-to-let a safe bet in the Essex area?

“Within Essex, investment landlords can on average secure gross annual yields of between five and eight per cent and, despite the difficult economic climate, there is also still a realistic opportunity for potential capital growth,” Steven asserts, continuing; “Demand for rented accommodation in the Essex area is at an all-time high. The biggest problem is having the available stock to satisfy this demand.”

And what lies behind the increasing demand? Steven believes there are a number of reasons: “Firstly, many young people, who would previously have been first-time buyers, cannot raise the deposits required to secure a mortgage or meet the lender’s strict criteria. Many are sharers and, on this basis, renting a property is much more straightforward than attempting to buy a property together.

“Secondly, some of the middle-aged generation, who have traditionally been homeowners, have opted to sell up and become long-term renters instead.”

But it’s not just existing UK residents who are turning to rented accommodation, as Steven explains; “There are an increasing number of people travelling from abroad to work in London and the Home Counties; however, the large majority do not plan to stay on indefinitely but return home instead and renting proves a more viable alternative to them in the short to medium term.”

Current projections indicate that demand for new homes is growing at a rate of 245,000 a year but current house building levels are less than half this figure. Steven feels that, instead of buying a property, more people will become habitual renters, either through choice, affordability or other credit-related issues. Steven elaborates; “In 2006, there were 2.4 million homes in the UK’s private rental sector. And, by 2021, it is anticipated that this figure will have risen to more than 7 million. The key point here is to remember that every one of these properties will need to be owned by someone, so there is good long-term opportunity for decent returns for those now looking to invest in buy-to-let property opportunities.”

One topical issue currently on many people’s lips is how they will fund their retirement in years to come. In 2010, the total population in the UK was nearly 62.3 million. By 2035, it is predicted that this figure will have risen to more than 73.2 million, mainly due to increased migration and people living longer.

“In such circumstances, the drain on sate resources will be both inevitable

Chelmsford: Onebedroom groundfloor flat, one mile from Chelmsford Station. Asking price: £119,950. Projected annual rent: £7,140.

Anticipated gross yield: 5%

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Chelmsford: Smart apartment within an imposing building close to the city centre and station. Currently rented out on an AST at £850 pcm. Ideal purchase for a buy-to-let investor. Asking price: £169,995. Projected annual rent: £10,200. Anticipated gross yield: 6%

and substantial. Therefore, without other advance provisions in place, many people may, upon retirement, have to face a dramatic change in their lifestyle,” says Steven, continuing; “The current basic state pension for a single person is £102.15 per week, or £5,311.80 per annum; just imagine someone used to earning say £52,000 per annum, who has not made adequate advance plans for retirement. Their monthly income would reduce from £4,000 to £443! This could mean that many people will be forced to work into their late 60s and early 70s.”

Steven feels that purchasing a buy-to-let property is a good way of planning for retirement over the longer term. At a later date the owner could either opt to sell the property and use the cash to help fund retirement, or continue to rent it out and make use of the regular monthly income that it generates.

next 41 years?”

More and more people who are looking to purchase buy-to-let properties are not established landlords; instead, they have some savings which are not working particularly well for them in more mainstream investment routes. They are attracted to buy-to-let property because of the annual returns and the potential for capital growth that can be achieved.

Beresfords retain their own Property Investment Division; and a team member will meet potential investors to explain the entire process of buy-to-let from start to finish. Should the client then choose to move forward, Beresfords help source a property specifically suitable for this purpose, as Steven expounds; “This can help save our clients considerable time but, more importantly, avoids the wrong kind of property being purchased. Our team can also help with suitable funding where required, play their part in negotiating a suitable purchase price and progress matters through to an exchange of contracts.

“At this point, providing the property requires no work, we will immediately release the property into the rental market and source professional, working tenants at the earliest opportunity. Once secured, the tenants will be extensively referenced

Colchester (south side): One-bedroom maisonette with private parking; no onward chain. Asking price: £85,000. Projected annual rent: £5,820.

Anticipated gross yield: 6.8%

Harold Hill: Three-bedroom house in good decorative order throughout with off-road parking. Asking price: OIEO £190,000. Projected annual rent: £12,000. Anticipated gross yield: 6.3%

“The longer that the asset is retained, the more likely that it is to increase in value.”

Steven bases this assertion on information gleaned from Land Registry records, which comprise completion figures of all properties recorded as having been sold throughout the area on an annual basis. The average selling price of a property in Greater London in 1995 was £92,552 – in 2011 this had increased to £342,677.

Comparable figures for Essex show the average selling price in 1995 was £66,497, increasing to £188,114 by 2011. So, a house bought in 1995 and sold in 2011 would have yielded excellent capital growth returns over the 16-year period.

Steven also cites a particular property located in Springfield Gardens, Upminster, which has been sold by Beresfords on seven separate occasions over the last 41 years: its purchase price was £7,500 in 1968; when it last sold in 2009, it went for £495,000 – giving a total capital growth of 6,500 per cent!

“Once again, it demonstrates that if a property in a popular area is retained over the longer term, the potential for capital growth proves very exciting,” declares Steven, continuing; “It is accepted that there were some boom times within this period but who’s to say that those days may not return at some point within the

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prior to moving in and we can then manage the entire tenancy on our new landlord’s behalf.”

Steven declares that this service has proved useful to many first-time landlords but especially to those who lead busy lives running their own businesses or fulfilling demanding careers; “We can provide landlords with the confidence that their asset is in safe hands. For those landlords that don’t want to get involved, we deal with the entire project on their behalf. Over the years, many landlords who started with just one property have since developed a healthy portfolio without it having impacted on their own lives and careers.”

Hornchurch: Recently refurbished two double bedroom maisonette with a balcony, a rear garden and private parking.

Asking price: £164,750.

Projected annual rent: £11,100.

Anticipated gross yield: 6.7%

22/10/12 10:38:18

Grand designs When Les Coe was unable to buy the home he had been wishing for, he decided to build his own, as Simon Burton finds out

F

or many people, their dream home is just that: a dream, out of reach. However, when one Essex family were unable to buy their dream home, they decided to move on in a unique way: build their own ideal home from scratch.

Former publisher Les Coe explains how this intriguing, and potentially risky, endeavour came about: “My wife and I had lived in the same 600-year-old house for about 18 years, and we were always trying to buy another old house off a chap who wouldn’t sell it. So we found this plot, and decided to build our own house.”

The pear-shaped site, which covers approximately five acres, sits surrounded by a moat within farmland and countryside less than ten miles to the west of Chelmsford, which suited Coe perfectly.

“We thought it was like being in the middle of Suffolk somewhere,” he recalls; “but it was only a few miles from Chelmsford, Brentwood, the A12, and the M11. It’s only half an hour from Chelmsford Station to London Liverpool Street. We felt really lucky that we’d found something that was completely private, but as accessible to the city as that.”

Although he has worked in publishing for much of his life, Coe has always had an interest in property from a very early age.

“I built my first house when I was about 22,” he

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recollects. “People in the company mention that I came alive when we moved to a new office, or had to renovate the offices, so I’ve always enjoyed being hands on.”

Coe translated this enthusiasm for property into designing the house himself, with the only other input coming not from an architect, but from his wife.

“We knew exactly what we wanted. We designed the house and the floor area, and used an architect to put the plans through the local authority. The architect didn’t have any say in the floor plan or the design of the house.

“Architects like to create something that they can show to people and say ‘look what I’ve created’. When I created the house, we did it a completely different way. We didn’t start like an architect would normally start, by designing the shape of the house, and try and fit the room space into that shape. My wife and I sat down and thought about what shape lounge we wanted, and what size it should be, and what size dining room we wanted, and so on. Then we cut all the sizes out from bits of graph paper, and we fiddled about with them and placed them all together, so that all the rooms we wanted would fit together. We knew that we liked things to be traditional; we wanted a house that sat in the land, like it may have always been there. A few people have said they think it’s a lovely renovation, but it isn’t; it’s a brand new house, it just

looks very traditional.”

To the amazement of his friends and colleagues, some of whom are in the construction trade themselves, the house was completed in six months.

“I set out the site myself, with strings and pegs, and from the day the piling rig moved onto the site, to the day we moved in, was six months to the day. The first three months was fairly straightforward, because you’re overseeing the ground beams going in, and brick walls, and a roof and such. There’s not too much

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to think about, because they’re all very large jobs, that you put in place and watch happen. The second three months – when you’re choosing colours, designing the kitchen, designing the bathroom – was probably the busiest three months that I’ve had for an awfully long while. It was pretty flat out, probably at least 12 hours a day, six days a week for three months. It was very intense, but we did it. If I’d used a builder, they’d have had all sorts of reasons why it couldn’t get done. But our own house was sold, we had people moving in on the day I’d said, we were moving out on the day I’d said, so it had to happen.”

By handling all of the design work himself, and overseeing the construction without the use of a builder, Coe was able to manage carefully the large number of people working on the construction and landscaping: “We had as many people on site as possible all the time; instead of waiting for one person to finish and getting the next person in, there was a lot of overlap. We made sure that each bit got finished on time and each individual turned up when we booked them by putting it in the contract.”

The specifications of the house are hugely impressive, with over 7,000 square feet of accommodation arranged over two floors, covering an area the size of a public swimming pool, including modern and unique features to ensure that the whole property is always warm and naturally well lit. That the house was finished on time is testament to the hard work of all involved, who Coe praised highly and says that he would gladly use again, should the situation arise.

“I’ve been retired from publishing for about nine years or so, and since I’ve built the house, I’ve been asked by friends if I can build them a house. They’re very impressed with what it looks like, and the time in which it was done. It’s something I’m looking to maybe take up as my last profession. I enjoy it greatly, I understand it all, and I think I could do a good job for people, because I’ll be listening to what people actually want. I would be looking to be proud of myself for building the house that someone wanted me to, rather than something to show my peers as a piece of art.”

However, after the house was finished and the Coe family had moved in, there was an unexpected

BERESFORDS MAGAZINE AUTUMN 2012.indd 41

development. They were contacted by the owner of the house that they had originally wanted to buy, who said that he was considering selling if the Coe’s were still interested.

“It was a real heart-tug,” says Coe. “My wife and I thought about it hard. At first we didn’t want to do it, because we were used to our incredibly efficient house.

We saw the other property and thought, ‘how can we live in an old house now, that won’t work with all the technology, and ease of working that our house has got in it?’ We thought about it and we went around and looked at it. It was a heart-wrench, but it’s what we always wanted, it’s where our hearts always lay; so that’s why we decided to sell.”

Considering the love and effort that went into creating their magnificent property, it needed the right estate agent to sell it to the right buyer, and for Coe there was only ever one agent to go to.

“I wanted people who properly knew about property, and people who ran a really good business.

Paul Beresford has a large organisation, it’s not just the one office; and he has a construction side to his

business where they acquire land, so he understands all aspects of property. He actually goes to work on a daily basis, so I dealt with him personally, because he has an overall knowledge. He’s a local guy, I knew him anyway, and I just thought there’s no-one better than someone like that.”

For more information about this property, contact Beresfords’ Country Homes office on 01245 397475.

The property also benefits from planning permission for a 3 bedroom detached gate lodge which could have its own independent access if required.

22/10/12 10:38:27

Effective Marketing for a

Successful Sale

by Collette hanlon

You get one chance to make a good impression, so fabulous, inspiring interiors and quality photographs are essential for successful marketing

O

ur Home Stagers’ team carefully take into consideration a number of key elements before we embark on a quotation for a show home. Primarily we know that it is crucial to consider the target market for the property to ensure the marketing potential is maximised. Our team comprises interior designers, stylists and property professionals with estate agency and promotional experience, all with specialised knowledge in their given field.

It is this unique combination of skills and resources that enable us to create cost-effective presentation in the form of “Show Homes” that give rise to editorial for featured properties for sale that increase viewings’ potential across the broadest target market.

While the architecture and the structure of the property form the

Beautiful accents layered with rich texture add a pop of colour to the open plan living area

main components of a property sale, the exterior and interior presentation has to appeal and capture the imagination of potential buyers. This principle applies not just to a new build, but to any property that you want to market effectively to sell. We live in a world full of clever marketing images; subconsciously each of us take on board thousands of carefully choreographed pictures on a daily basis, which raise our level of expectation.

Consequently, when we are looking to purchase one of the most important or largest investments in our lives, buyers have very high expectations and aspirations. It is no longer enough to assume that potential buyers can see beyond empty rooms, poor décor and clutter. Marketing a home “For Sale” is just that… marketing!

When we stage a home for sale we aim to achieve a balance between a stunning, sophisticated interior that will result in fabulous marketing photos, and a comfortable, welcoming interior that feels like home for potential buyers.

We are very aware that the property market is complex; with that in mind our drive and objective is to ensure our clients’ properties are more desirable to attract more viewings. Over the last decade we have listened very carefully to our clients, and work with their chosen agents to achieve the best chance of realising a quick sale at the best price, for we know the first six weeks of marketing is crucial.

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Layer luxury throws and pillows to create an inviting bedroom

Contemporary mirrored side tables make unusual bedsides

Buyers expect to see stunning bedrooms beautifully dressed with a sense of luxury

Home Stagers offer a totally unique and costconscious design service for effective marketing.

We combine design skills and a wealth of industry knowledge together with our marketing expertise as part of our bespoke Show Home Furniture Rental service. We confidently create show homes that meet aspirations and, more importantly, we share your aim: to achieve a sale quickly, effectively and with panache!

“Buyers buy what they see – Not what they imagine!”

Sleek and contemporary kitchens with high spec fixtures and fittings are highly desirable!

For more information regarding Preparation and Presentation or for a FREE, No Obligation Quotation visit www.homestagers.co.uk or www.showhomefurniture.co.uk where we also rent Show Home Furniture tailored and styled by our designers to suit your target market.

For a friendly chat to create your Show Home just call Collette Tel: 0800 542 8952 or email collette@homestagers.co.uk

43 EDITORIAL OCT 2012 BERESFORDS.indd 43

22/10/12 10:40:04

ANDERSON SINCLAIR

Call now for an informal chat with a member of our team or pop into your local showroom Experience the ultimate in interior design and redefine your home with a stunning new kitchen or bedroom. From mid-range market options right through to fabulous bespoke designs Anderson Sinclair will help you achieve something astonishing.

Anderson Sinclair as good as interiors get.

KITCHENS | BEDROOMS | STUDIES | APPLIANCES Tel: 020 85081941 | anderson-sinclair.co.uk | sales@anderson-sinclair.co.uk 13A Oakwood Hill Ind. Est. Oakwood Hill Loughton Essex IG10 3TZ | 39 Station Lane Hornchurch Essex RM12 6JL

ANDERSON SINCLAIR SEPT 2012.indd 1 EDITORIAL OCT 2012 BERESFORDS.indd 44

3/10/12 17:09:55 22/10/12 10:40:08

F Hats off to the milliner London-based milliner, Jane Taylor, has seen her career rocket to success, as Leanne McGrath finds out

or any formal occasion, your outfit is only complete when you have added the necessary accessories; you could even say that, without accessorising, you are committing a fashion faux pas.

And one of your essential accessories, whether you are attending a wedding or a day at the races, is some kind of headwear – ranging from a stylish hat through to a delicate fascinator.

Millinery has seen something of a revival in recent times; in the 1980s, the late Princess of Wales’ enthusiasm for hats prompted public interest in imaginative and decorative headgear once more, and this provoked the re-emergence of innovative hat-making throughout the 1990s.

Fast forward to today and headwear is not only a fabulous accessory but a necessity. A number of names are often thrown into the ring when mentioning millinery, such as Stephen Jones and Philip Treacy, who created a selection of bespoke headwear for some of London’s

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iconic statues as part of the London 2012 Festival – a series of cultural events running alongside the Olympics.

More recently, there is a new name on the block: Fulham-based Jane Taylor has firmly established herself as a favoured milliner with her three collections of bridal pieces, ready-to-wear and bespoke designs.

So when did Taylor first fantasise about the idea of becoming a milliner?

“I’ve always been obsessed with the idea of how things are created, so I decided to do a degree in embroidery, which was followed by a year course in millinery design at Kensington and Chelsea. I love the idea of construction and problem solving, and wanted to combine these skills,” Taylor explains.

Her determination and enthusiasm for millinery didn’t just stop there. Taylor also had the privilege of training under one of the Queen’s former milliners – Marie O’Regan. Under guidance from O’Regan, Taylor learnt the crucial elements required for success as a milliner, while at the same time her designs began to flourish.

“Marie is a true inspiration to me – her work ethic is very encouraging. Marie has a strict regime, but gives honest and constructed feedback. It was really rewarding working under Marie, and I learnt so much from her,” says Taylor, before continuing; “I learnt so many invaluable techniques from Marie that aren’t taught at colleges any more. The one technique that I will remember forever is about the hat as a whole – the hat must look perfect from all angles, not just the front.”

Although O’Regan has heavily influenced Taylor in her designs and working practices, Taylor has also worked alongside Bruce Oldfield – the British fashion designer best known for his couture occasion wear.

Members of the Royal Family are often seen teaming Bruce Oldfield outfits alongside Jane Taylor’s headwear – something which is a massive compliment to the milliner.

“Bruce is so very kind; it was very exciting working alongside such a prestigious designer. He is so talented at creating timeless elegance through his designs, which is something I desperately admire.”

And it’s the admiration of both O’Regan and Oldfield, along with her determination and enthusiasm, which persuaded Taylor to launch her own brand, working from a studio in Fulham.

“I’ve worked with Marie and Bruce during my career as a milliner and this inspired me to launch Jane Taylor Millinery in 2008.”

Since launching her brand four years ago, Taylor has seen herself catapulted to the heights of success.

Although O’Regan and Oldfield have been of great inspiration to Taylor, she draws upon a wide variety of sources to achieve her unique designs: “Although I am a vegetarian, I love taxidermy and I take a lot of inspiration from vintage and antiques. I love nature and botanical prints, which I incorporate into my designs to help create dramatic and theatrical pieces.”

What makes Taylor’s designs and creations different, is that she matches embellishments to whatever has inspired her. What’s more, each of her pieces is handmade, which means that her products are individual, as Taylor explains:

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“I use an array of delicate feathers, highly soughtafter silks, distinctive pearls and Swarovski crystals in my designs. I love to source vintage and antique trinkets that are one-offs from fairs and markets for each of my pieces. All of my designs are handcrafted, and personally designed for the client. There is no signature look in my designs, as I strive to produce individual creations for each of my clients that reflect their character and is suitable for the occasion.

“I love sourcing vintage materials and veiling.

These one-off pieces help to create a timeless yet contemporary look. I use a mixture of different fabrics and textures, including hand-painted feathers and stitched silk roses, to help create a distinctive feel to my pieces.”

Taylor works directly with individual clients in order to create one-off pieces; an enthusiastic reception to her ideas from a client has the effect of motivating and spurring Taylor further: “It’s very important to me that my clients feel confident and comfortable in my pieces. I strive to create timeless and elegant hats that are unique and stand out but don’t wear the wearer!

“I work closely with all of my clients through private one-on-one consultations at my private showroom. We work through shapes and style first, and then move onto colours and textures and any other detailing that would work. A lot of my clients send me their dresses so that I can match colours exactly to their outfits – it’s all in the detailing,” Taylor adds.

The pinnacle of Taylor’s career so far has to be designing and creating headwear for some of the guests at the Royal Wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton. This prestigious event, which was broadcast all over the world, brought together members of the Royal Family, members of many foreign royal families and a large number of world leaders. Much debate in the fashion industry was raised by Kate’s dress, and by some of the headwear that some of the guests had chosen to wear. It was a great achievement for Taylor’s creations to be worn with outfits by some of the greatest designers of all time and proved her to be a success in her own right.

“It was an honour to design pieces for the Royal Wedding and very exciting to have my pieces worn to such a prestigious British event. I thought all of my clients looked beautiful and hope that everyone else did too!” says Taylor.

After the Royal Wedding last year, her profile has continued to rise, with clients including the Duchess of Cambridge and the Countess of Wessex. Having a celebrity clientele has certainly helped put Taylor on the hat map for millinery, as she explains: “Paloma Faith and Kelly Brook are perfect brand ambassadors and always look stunning in my hats! Rita Ora recently wore one of my Swarovski headpieces; I got over 45 commissions the next day!”

Taylor’s career has had some major highlights so far, what with training under some of the biggest names in the business and working alongside a number of high profile clients. So what does the rest of 2012 have in store? Taylor laughs, and explains: “I have a lot of exciting collaborations in the pipeline – you will just have to wait and see!”

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3/4/12 10:40:56 13:39:10 22/10/12 22/5/12 12:00:09

Fall for your home Collette Hanlon, Creative Director of Home Stagers, takes a look at how you can bring the autumnal tones into your home this season

A

t seasonal times of the year we seek comfort from surrounding ourselves with different elements; in design terms this is not just an aesthetic, there is a practical consideration too.

As we move into autumn, I always feel the desire to hunker down and cosy up both in my own home and within our design projects. The way we use our rooms from summer to winter can change because of subtle differences in our lifestyle pattern. Take a simple example of realigning furniture and drawing into a cosy grouping around a fireplace – the result can feel instantly more intimate!

The seasonal changes can offer great opportunities to rethink your home. Inspiration can come from any number of sources; for example, tones and textures in nature, and even fashion trends translated into interior design, will freshen and update your decor.

These emerging trends can easily be interpreted

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into our homes; throws are a perennial favourite for autumn updates and this season there are some beautiful chunky cable knits available, which look sumptuous over aging leather sofas teamed with linen and velvet cushions in soft tones. Tactile layering of textures can create the ultimate comfort factor.

When I am collating an inventory for a show home at this time of the year, I look to introduce heavier weight fabrics, more natural textures, more seasonal colours, and furniture with more solidity.

Seasonal foliage, such as dried seed heads, cones and rustic twigs add a wonderful cost-effective decorative feature. These elements, I feel, add an altogether more fortified resistance to the impending cold!

Colour is a fantastic tool for creating a change of atmosphere; and as we move into autumn and nature turns from fresh greens to harvest yellows, through golden umbers to intense berry reds, there is plenty of inspiration for accent colours that reflect the outdoors.

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‘

‘

A sitting room benefits from ambient lighting at that same level, giving a more welcoming feel

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Heavier weight fabrics are designed to reflect the richer autumn and winter palettes that are trending.

This year sees a continuation of the rich grey-toned heathers, strong inky blues, and peaty earthy browns, illuminated with vibrant highlights in warmer tones.

Natural fabrics like wool and linen feel gorgeously organic and cosy, especially when coupled with deep fringing and rustic buttons on cushions and throws.

Bespoke interlined curtains are an investment, but they look fantastic and provide a great added layer of insulation for period properties with original windows.

I adore the tailored look of double dressing windows with smart Roman blinds and Dress curtains; it is neat, practical and makes a sharp design statement as well as creating a more heartening feel.

Lighting is an essential design element and introducing an additional layer of lighting can make a room more functional and comfortable at this time of the year. A room that is primarily used for sitting will benefit from ambient lighting at that same level, giving a more welcoming feel. A room lit by a solitary central pendant light can look dismal and unflattering.

It is worth experimenting with two or three lamps placed around the room to ascertain what effects can be achieved. It is worth mentioning that you can help to counteract the blue tone of energy saving bulbs by seeking out lampshades that give out a warm glow, like cream or linen or gold-lined shades.

One of the great benefits of decorating with a neutral palette is that it allows for these simple subtle seasonal changes; chunky soft throws, plump, feather-filled cushions, and tactile rugs in warmer, stronger tones can transform a room completely and relatively quickly. If the colours and textures and forms all work well together, then the overall design will have harmony, and harmony lifts the spirits! One of the tricks that we employ at Home Stagers is to encourage home owners to be confident to edit out any seasonal clutter that is surplus to need; by just retaining a few eye-catching focal pieces, it is possible to create a room that is less busy and calmer.

When you are presenting your home for sale, it is essential that your potential buyers feel comfortable and at ease in order for them to envisage themselves living there. If your home has been on the market for a few months, it could be beneficial to reassess your marketing photos and, if necessary, make subtle changes to update and refresh your campaign. If you are moving into a new home, it can be a good time to edit your belongings and, if you can’t bear to part with them, box them up for different looks each season.

If you are simply preparing to cosy up your home this autumn, embrace the chill and darkening days by filling jugs and vases with seasonal branches and foliage, and scent the air with vanilla. Clean windows until they sparkle to maximise the late summer sun

22/10/12 10:41:13

and place furniture to ensure each room looks at its best as you enter. Take a tip from the Swiss and create a heart-warming stack of logs for the fire on the patio and, if you don’t have an open fire, you can use them on a fire-pit for autumn bonfires with roast chestnuts and baked potatoes!

These techniques can work well in both traditional and contemporary homes; the key to achieving warmth within a contemporary setting is to think about layering texture and tone, rather than pattern and colours. I like to include elements of organic texture into a design scheme as I feel that this is naturally more evocative. For example, a contemporary room, which has lots of glass, hard floors, flat walls and leather upholstery would result in a hard, shiny, quite echoey, and cold-feeling environment. Take the same room and use timber floors or wool carpets, a mohair throw, and a couple of textured wool felt cushions, and it instantly changes the ambience of the room completely.

The colour palette associated with contemporary style is simply neutrals and monochrome, which again makes for a perfect show house backdrop. Black or the softer slate grey is used to ground and define a contemporary style interior, but in selected items rather than large expanses. It is easy to inject some punchy bright and bold colours with small accents and, the less you use, the more striking the impact, which is great for marketing photos!

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22/10/12 10:41:31 22/5/12 09:14:37

The Hand that feeds you F

The first pub in the world to attain two Michelin stars is as unpretentious as exceptional dining gets, as chef and owner Tom Kerridge tells Simon Burton ine dining is big business these days, with celebrity chefs popping up all over television and on bookshelves, trying to wow us with their interesting new take on food. Tom Kerridge, however, doesn’t want to do that. After a number of years working in well-regarded and established restaurants throughout London, Gloucestershire and East Anglia, Kerridge took over the running of a pub: ‘The Hand and Flowers’, which is situated in the beautiful Georgian town of Marlow, Buckinghamshire.

“I’ve worked in Michelin-starred restaurants my whole life,” explains Kerridge; “but I’ve never really found them to be the sort of places that suited me; I’m much more of a pub kind of guy, so the idea of doing

Michelin quality food in a pub really suited me to the ground.”

There was no grand plan to attain a Michelin star, though. For Kerridge it was always about making good food: “The reason why it’s worked so well is that we do food that is fantastically well-sourced,” Kerridge enthuses, continuing; “We find the best ingredients we can find and we treat them with love and respect, and that’s about it. I’m not trying to be ground-breaking, or cutting-edge, or do anything different or mad or crazy.

If you want a great steak and chips, you’ve got it here; you want a beautiful fillet of pork, you have it here; you want great well-sourced fish, you can get it here; it’s no bother. It’s just all well-sourced, looked-after ingredients

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that hopefully appeal to everybody.”

However, critical acclaim soon caught up with him again, as after only ten months ‘The Hand and Flowers’ won a Michelin star – “so it’s a pub with a Michelin star!” laughs Kerridge. The exceptional food and service remained the same, and Kerridge stayed focused on delivering the best experience possible, as he explains; “There are still people coming here like it’s a pub, and we’re giving them food at a very reasonable price; so hopefully they’re going away thinking ‘that’s absolutely fantastic’ – we undersell and over deliver. Fortunately, people come to eat the food that we offer, which is a fantastic compliment to us.”

‘The Hand and Flowers’ has recently won a second Michelin star, which, while hugely gratifying for Kerridge and his team, has meant even further interest and expectation from the food and service they provide.

“We spent six and a half years underselling and over giving.

People came and said ‘oh, it’s a pub’; and now, the problem is that people’s expectation is on two Michelin stars. We’re the only pub in the world to have two Michelin stars. The only thing they can really compare us to is [Raymond Blanc’s restaurant] Le Manoir, which is fantastic because food-wise we like to consider ourselves as wellsourced and as well-cooked, but setting-wise we’re very different.

And we’re also about a quarter of the price.”

When asked whether the pressure is a burden, and how they cope with the increased expectation, Kerridge is characteristically calm about the whole thing; “It’s kind of like water off a duck’s back. We just make sure that every dish is as good as it can be; the same as every other two star

restaurant does.”

Despite sharing the accolade of two Michelin stars with such illustrious venues as Le Manoir, Le Gavroche, and The Ledbury, Kerridge feels that there is no reason to change their menu to follow the finer dining experiences that more well-known restaurants offer.

“That’s the most beautiful thing about this country. If you look at every two Michelin-starred restaurant, every single one is different, every single one is individual. None of them are the same, they’re all very different chefs that all cook beautiful food very differently, so it is incomparable. It is comparable only for the sake of there being two Michelin stars. The pressure is massive, but it’s unfair on anybody to be compared.

“What every restaurateur would like is for customers to turn up, have a wonderful time, pay their bill, and leave as very happy satisfied customers who would love to come back.”

The addition of a second Michelin star has not only raised expectations, but raised interest in ‘The Hand and Flowers’, as more customers than ever are flocking to see what the first ever two Michelin-starred pub is like.

“We’re fully booked for every service, and we have customers from all over; not just nationally, but internationally. We’re as busy and as big a kitchen brigade as any Michelin-starred restaurant in the centre of London, if not busier. We do 70 for lunch and dinner every single day, so we’re probably busier than a lot of places in London right now.”

It’s a long way from his early years, when a brief acting career in his childhood led to an appearance in a television episode of Miss Marple; “Basically, I grew up on an estate,” explains Kerridge. “My mum put myself and a mate in a youth theatre to keep us off the street, and within about a week of being there I ended up filming, completely by accident, a Miss Marple Christmas special for BBC1.

This was about 22 years ago, maybe, and then I just spent about a year working as an actor, in a few bits and bobs, but it really wasn’t anything I wanted to do. It all happened a bit by mistake to be honest.”

After attending culinary school at 18 years of age, he found his true calling as a chef and never looked back. His favourite aspect of being a chef, however, is a somewhat surprising one; “I think it’s the lifestyle,” Kerridge ponders, continuing; “which is what everybody else would say is the most negative thing about being a chef. For me it’s the most positive. You meet so many great people, you do things at different times, you go out to different places, you have the ability to see the world and eat in wonderful restaurants. How is there any better industry than that? I don’t understand why anyone would not want to do it!”

In the last few years, Kerridge has been actively involved in encouraging the younger generation to become involved in the

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career which he himself has gained so much pleasure from. This has involved joining The Great British Menu, winning the London and South East heat in both 2010 and 2011, and going on to cook the main course in the final banquet, making Kerridge the first chef to create the main course twice.

Kerridge is also on the judging panel for the Craft Guild of Chefs National Chef of the Year 2012, for which he hopes his experience will help the search for an enthusiastic and skilful chef.

“I think if you’ve been in the industry for 20 years, like me, you hope that you will be able to see people that are doing a great job as they’re cooking in front of you. For a judge of Chef of the Year, you’re just looking for cooking skills, out and out cooking skills; you are just looking for somebody who is going to be an immense talent, that’s what we’re looking for.”

Together with National Chef of the Year, Kerridge also acts as an ambassador for the CHEF Club, which was set up by Nestlé to support and encourage chefs to help them achieve their goals.

“I was asked by Nestlé if I would help in any way,” remembers Kerridge, continuing; “Helping young guys that are at college, to encourage and give something back to the industry. My involvement with Nestlé is nothing, but my involvement with trying to help and encourage college leavers to take up the career is massive; whether it’s sponsored by Nestlé, or whether it’s a local college, or whether it’s a school leaver on an apprentice scheme. Anything I can do to help show people it’s a great industry to be in. The encouragement is massively important.”

Given his love for his chosen profession, Kerridge is understandably enthusiastic about helping young chefs, but he’s also aware of the more challenging aspects of the job.

“You have to love the long hours; you have to love the pain and the heartache, and the graft and the burns. But if you do love all of that then it’s the best industry in the world.”

Before returning to the heat of the kitchen, Kerridge imparts one last bit of advice for any budding young chefs hoping to make it in the culinary world; “Dig deep, work hard, and push on. And make sure you get at least four hours sleep a night!”

For more information please visit www.thehandandflowers.co.uk

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22/10/12 10:42:01

Confucius says...

a wise woman

goes east

N

Claire Durkin ventures to Seoul, the capital of South Korea

ever having visited the Far East before, to be invited on a trip to Seoul in South Korea was the most thrilling prospect, but it required me to do a little basic fact finding first, as about the only thing I knew was that Seoul had once been host to the Olympic Games!

The Korean Peninsula is currently divided into two sovereign states: North and South Korea. The latter is bounded on three sides by the sea and on the landward side by North Korea, and its other nearest neighbours are China and Japan. Seoul, it seems, is classified as a mega city, having a population of more than 10 million, but it also lies at the heart of the second largest metropolitan area in the world, which is home to nearly half the population of the entire country.

Christianity is actually one of the main religions here and rubs shoulders alongside many followers of the Buddhist tradition. However, Confucianism, which is not a religion, plays an important part in the Korean people’s understanding of their social structure and relationships, and is based on respect.

Because I’m the luckiest girl in the world, the long journey was turned into a sumptuous affair upstairs in the private, business class cabin of the massive Korean Air jumbo jet. However, with Korean Air, it makes little difference whether you turn right, left, or upstairs, your flight experience will be superb; the service and attention to detail from the diminutive, elegant women who make up the cabin crew will be excellent, and the food will be of a very high standard.

I spent some time at Korean Air headquarters

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and was deeply impressed by their pioneering spirit and their passion for the industry in which they are determined to be a key player. We saw their latest flight simulators and learned that it takes ten years to qualify fully as a Korean Air pilot. Korean Air has lately broken into the private jet division and is expanding its routes: our return journey into Gatwick was the airline’s inaugural flight to this airport and I was proud to be on board.

It felt exhilarating to touch down in Seoul at last, after the long flight and an eight hour jump forwards in time. Our next stop was the Banyan Tree Club and Spa, which is in the centre of Seoul; I’ve never been one for labelling anything, but ‘a sanctuary for the senses’ is perfectly justified in this case. I don’t know whether it was the polite and gentle people with a reassuring welcome, or the calming ambience of the hotel, but I instantly felt able to ‘take it down a notch’ and relax.

Banyan Tree regularly offers tempting promotions and has strong links with Ballantine golf (and whisky) and Maserati, that icon in automobile excellence. The hotel has much to recommend it. The huge gym and spa, the swimming pools, the golf range, the rooftop open-air space with running machines, the night club, the restaurants and much more will make your stay a high-end experience. My bedroom was gorgeous with my own mini swimming pool, an enormous bed and every luxury. Outside my window was an astonishing vista over Seoul and I could see the hotel’s raised golf range.

EDITORIAL OCT 2012 BERESFORDS.indd 59

I didn’t care that it was raining as I ventured out with my group to sample Seoul’s night life, in fact, it made it even better. It was damp and balmy as we wandered through the Myeongdong market, and the umbrellas of the local women added yet more colour to the neonsoaked streets. We hit the street food straight away and it was exactly how I had imagined it; traders under plastic canopies were cooking up endless supplies of extraordinary dishes, which generated long queues of both locals and tourists. We tried and enjoyed many culinary surprises that night and laughed about the ‘Jolly Pong’ crunchy snacks, but most of us (not all) shied away from the silkworm pupae. It became ever busier, the later the hour, and our group became scattered, but luckily the street pattern has a certain logic to it that brought us all back together again.

Seoul is an intoxicating brew of new and old and is one of the world’s 24-hour cities. Relentlessly sensual, there is an unending array of palaces, temples, royal tombs, ancestral shrines, spicy food stalls, markets, top designer shops, cocktail bars, karaoke bars, traditional villages and cutting-edge, innovative architecture. So it goes on. There is something for everyone. Hold your breath and jump for the ride of a lifetime.

North Seoul Tower, which is 237 metres high and stands sturdily on top of the mini Namsam mountain,

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Seoul is an intoxicating brew of new and old... there is something for everyone

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We were fascinated by views of the traditional housing set against the stunning backdrop of today’s very modern world

had a makeover in 2005 and now the upper floor has a viewing platform and there are cafés and restaurants.

Sunset is the best time to come up here to take in the panoramic views, especially when the grey sprawl of Seoul magically ignites into a spectacular neon light show. In the late foggy evening, streams of traffic could be seen heading home across the many bridges that span the River Han. Lower down on the tower, you will be astonished by the sight of thousands of padlocks attached to the railings. These are put there by young couples who write their names on them and then throw the keys over the edge to be sure of unending love.

We took a walk around a hanok village, which is how Seoul would have looked before the fall of the Joseon kingdom in 1910 when everyone lived in squat houses or ‘hanoks’ made from wood, paper and earth.

These delightful buildings are highly treasured and respected and make a very popular tourist attraction.

They are open to guests who want to sample this simple style of living, but please leave your shoes outside. Since the 1960s, the architecture in Seoul has changed dramatically with towering buildings and apartment blocks edging the skyline. Walking down through the steep streets in Bukchon district, we were fascinated by views of the traditional housing set against the stunning backdrop of today’s very modern world.

Next, after having stopped to find more ‘Jolly Pong’ crispy snacks, we moved on to the Cheonggyecheon recreation space, the result of a massive urban renewal project initiated in 2003 to restore a dried-up stream. At one time, the stream removed the royal waste from the 14th-century royal palace of Gyeongbokgung; by the 1950s it had

become an eyesore of makeshift houses. The stream was gradually concreted over and finally an elevated highway was erected over it. The stream’s once controversial restoration is now one of Seoul’s most visited attractions. We merged with locals and visitors from further afield to enjoy the stream’s waterfall in this amazing revived green space, which nestles in the heart of this thumping metropolis.

That evening we dined in a traditional Korean restaurant and sampled the famous bibimbap, which is the most popular dish in this country. It is a bowl of steaming rice to which are added vegetables, meat and raw egg, which cook quickly in the heat. It is sustaining and nourishing and I don’t know what the spicy heat came from, but it was there.

Next morning, before leaving for home, I indulged in a cool dip in the lovely Banyan Tree indoor pool, which is set in a low-level room with soft lighting and an undulating ceiling of slatted wood. Mini tropical plants fringe the water’s edge, and I had the pool all to myself. Afterwards I had my choice of the relaxing beds with gowns and towels to make me warm and dry, before heading off into one of the restaurants for an enormous and fantastic breakfast of almost anything you care to imagine.

Visiting Seoul has been an education – I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to discover this exploding metropolis and to meet some of its delightful people. This part of the world had previously been a mystery to me, and I would like to think that, by my visit and from the opportunity I have to write about it, I have played a small part in enticing others to sample this striking and powerful city.

I would like to thank Melissa Holstege for bringing me here and furthering my education.

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A winning

score

Composer Debbie Wiseman talks to Simon Burton about writing music for film, television, and the Diamond Jubilee

image: Martyn Goddard

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F

or most people, film music is something in the background, not anything to be noticed unless it’s a popular song. However, imagine your favourite film without music: think of ‘Jaws’ without John Williams’ menacing score; or ‘Chariots of Fire’ without Vangelis’ triumphant main theme. As a composer for film and television, Debbie Wiseman is keenly aware of the effect of music over moving images.

“When an audience goes to see a film, everything that they would naturally take for granted is enhanced so much by the music, that people barely notice it,” says Wiseman. “Music adds this hugely important dimension to the picture; one which you can only do with music, that you can’t always do with words. The music goes straight to the heart, because if the music is telling you to feel something, you do.

It’s a very powerful force in a film.”

Wiseman has been a prolific and highly regarded composer for film and television for almost 30 years, and was awarded an MBE in 2004 for her services to the British film industry. Among the projects she has scored (written music for) are: the family film ‘Tom’s Midnight Garden’; the television series ‘Judge John Deed’; the French action adventure film ‘Arsene Lupin’; and the biopic ‘Wilde’, starring Stephen Fry. This wide range of genres and styles is one of the more exciting parts of composing for film and television, as Wiseman explains: “What’s so exciting about the job that I do is that every project is so different. One moment you’re writing very nostalgic music for a series set in the 60s, and then the next I might be writing for an action adventure film, or a horror film, or a psychological thriller. If you’re lucky to work on lots of different projects, as I have been, you get inspiration from the stories. You’re never just sitting at the piano thinking ‘what am I going to write today’, because you’ve got this film, which is inspiring; it helps you come up with the music.”

Together with ten other British composers, Wiseman was chosen to write a piece for ‘The New Water Music’, which was performed on one of the hundreds of boats involved in the Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant.

“We were given individual titles for each movement,” recalls Wiseman. “I was given Gigue, which is sort of like a country dance, but I didn’t know the music that the other composers were writing. We all had the same line-up of instruments, so we knew what the parameters were; and we were given a kind of brief, knowing that it was going to have to be heard by people along the riverbank. It was going to have to be quite robust music, because it was going to need to be heard in any weather. As it turned out, of course, that was good, because it was quite a wet and windy day! It was a lovely experience, the whole day was absolutely magical; being on the river with all those boats was the most wonderful experience.”

The experience also allowed Wiseman the opportunity to meet with fellow composers, something which, for such a relatively small group of people, is actually a rare occurrence.

“It’s completely unusual that we ever get to meet at all. The only time we really get to meet is at industry functions, or at things like awards’ ceremonies. It was really lovely to have the opportunity to meet these people who do the same kind of job as you, and chat with them.”

For such an important part of the film and television experience, music composition is a relatively unknown element of production; so how did Wiseman find herself writing music for film?

“I’ve always loved the idea of writing to pictures, and that’s why I was drawn to writing for film. I suppose my first love is just simply writing music. The act of writing music is endlessly rewarding, and there’s nothing I like more than just sitting at the piano and coming up with a tune. I also like collaboration, and the thing about writing for a film or television production is that you’re very much part of a team; the director, the producers, the editor, the executive producers.

So it’s a very collaborative medium; whereas when you’re writing for the concert hall and standalone pieces it’s exactly the opposite, you’re really on your own, and you don’t get to throw ideas around with anyone else.”

Throughout her career, Wiseman has collaborated with a number of esteemed directors and producers, and has formed several lasting working relationships, including with Stephen Fry, who she met whilst scoring ‘Wilde’; lyricist Don Black, with whom she is currently working on a musical version of ‘Feather Boy’; director Peter Kosminsky, with whom she has worked five times; and vocalist Hayley Westenra, who has provided haunting tones for ‘Flood’, ‘Arsene Lupin’, and ‘Lesbian Vampire Killers’.

“You do find that there are people that you love collaborating with and you do want to do as much as you can with them,” explains Wiseman. “Obviously there’s not always going to be that opportunity, but when the opportunity arises, it’s great. One of my favourite directors was Lewis Gilbert. The first film we worked on together was called ‘Haunted’, with Aiden Quinn and Kate Beckinsale. At that stage he was coming up to 80 years old and he had more energy than everybody else on set; he was an absolute inspiration. Every time I’ve worked with Lewis, it’s such great fun; he’s got a great sense of humour and he loves music, so he brings out the best in me really, which is great. ‘Haunted’ was a particularly lovely experience and I think you tend to get wrapped up in the experience when you write, and that makes it one of my favourite scores.”

With such a varied range of genres and styles, Wiseman benefits from a more classical background, including periods spent studying at the Trinity College of Music and at the Guildhall School of

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Music and Drama.

“When I was studying at college we were always encouraged to write quite avant-garde music,” Wiseman remembers. “I would always sort of rebel against it, because I wanted to write melodic music. But then I found Olivier Messiaen’s music, and that somehow opened the door to write that sort of music. It was slightly more accessible, and I could draw pictures in my mind to the music. He used to go out and listen to birds with their wonderful birdsong, and translate it into music. As a film composer, I could relate to that idea.”

This traditional musical education has stayed with her ever since, informing the way in which she continues to write music.

“I like the physical act of actually sitting at a piano and writing the notes on a page. I don’t think I’d be happy just sitting at a computer keyboard and tapping it all in. I like the physical act of actually writing it, and connecting with it, with a bit of manuscript paper, and writing black dots on a page. There’s something very personal about that, and I think I’ll probably always work like that.”

As well as presently working with Don Black on ‘Feather Boy’, Wiseman is currently scoring ‘Father Brown’, a detective series for the BBC. “It’s actually fun doing ‘Father Brown’, because what I’m doing is planting a little bit of doubt over one of the suspects musically. You kind of throw in a musical red herring, and then it’s not him in the end. That’s really good fun when you can do that.”

This darker side of scoring is something Wiseman hopes to be

able to explore further in future projects.

“I do quite like writing dark, moody music, so maybe some more psychological thrillers, which lend themselves to music very well, because you can plant the seeds of doubt with music. I’d quite like to do more action adventure films, as well. I’ve done one or two, and I’ve absolutely loved it.”

In addition to her own potential opportunities, Wiseman is also enthusiastic about the broader future of film music, and she takes an active role in educating prospective composers in the understanding of writing music for film and television. She presented ‘Backtracks’ for Channel 4, which was a series aimed at schools about writing music to pictures; regularly visits schools and colleges to lecture on the subject; and has also composed a new ‘Young person’s Guide to the Orchestra’, called ‘Different Voices’.

“I think it’s very helpful if, when you learn about music, that you also learn about the way it can work with another medium,” Wiseman enthuses, continuing; “How it can work within a film, or in a television series, or even listening to how music can be used usefully. It can be at its most dramatic when it’s coupled with another medium. And that medium might be a film, or a ballet, or an opera, but it’s at its most powerful when it means something, and drama is the most important part of music. It makes you listen more, I think, and music is all about how you listen, and how you respond to it.

I think it’s a hugely important thing, because if music doesn’t mean anything, then I don’t know what it’s there for.”

Image: Phil Watkins

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In the Christmas Faith Back looks ahead to London’s unique sixday Christmas shopping extravaganza: the Spirit of Christmas Fair

A

s the nights draw in, so our thoughts start to turn to what we can do to make the winter ahead warm and cheery; and that doesn’t mean just toasting ourselves in front of a glowing fire with a mug of cocoa or something stronger! For many of us, the delight of early winter is about preparing for that most important of family and religious festivals – Christmas. And there is no better way to get into the Christmas spirit than by taking a trip down to Olympia’s Grand Hall and indulging in a superb day out at London’s premier shopping experience: The Spirit of Christmas Fair 2012, held in association with House & Garden over six days from Tuesday 30 October to Sunday 4 November.

Since the first Spirit of Christmas Fair was held in 2001, the event has established itself firmly on the calendar as one of the most significant retail attractions of the year. Some 30,000 visitors attend this stylish event annually to discover the vast range of beautiful and unusual gift ideas on offer, many of which you are unlikely to find on the high street.

However, it doesn’t end there. Fully inclusive with your ticket will be access to The Great Taste Awards Theatre; these awards are to fine food what Michelin is to fine dining. Here you’ll have the chance to discover for yourself what makes these foods so special and so different to those found in supermarkets, while experts will be on hand to inspire and educate about Christmas tipples and other delicacies.

Also included free with your ticket will be the chance to participate in a myriad of daily interactive House & Garden workshops, which are designed to provide you with first class festive inspiration. To name but a few, these will include, for example: innovative ways to wrap up your

Spirit

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gifts with Jane Means, the style guru of gift-wrapping; flower arranging under the expert guidance of The Dorchester or Simon Lycett; creating gorgeous Christmas canapés with Leiths School of Food and Wine; concocting scrumptious Christmas cupcakes with Cookie Girl Xanthe Milton; sampling champagnes in a Louis Roederer Champagne Masterclass; and discovering top tips for creating a perfect party with Rhubarb party planners.

Alongside the Spirit of Christmas Fair, Condé Nast Traveller will be presenting The Luxury Travel Fair from 1 to 4 November. Now in its seventh year, The Luxury Travel Fair has established itself as a unique and boutique event for the world’s most luxurious travel brands. It brings together an exclusive audience of luxury travel enthusiasts seeking the best in unique travel experiences and it will provide you with a rare opportunity to meet face-to-face with the world’s finest travel companies and take advantage of a huge selection of exclusive offers.

On arrival at The Spirit of Christmas Fair, you will be welcomed with four stylish product sets reflecting the most important days of the festive season, including Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Eve, which have been designed and created to inspire your day’s shopping. This year, more than 650 companies have been carefully selected for both their quality and originality by House & Garden, in order to ensure that the calibre of their products reflect the Spirit Fairs brand. Among them you will find firm festive favourites rubbing shoulders alongside enticing debutante brands from the worlds of interiors, fashion, food, gifts and lifestyle.

Interior specialists will include Indigo and Rose, whose gift and homeware ranges combine the new

Above: Free workshops will include demonstrations by Jane Means, the style guru of gift-wrapping Left: Emily ReadettBayley’s stunning Christmas collections of carved wooden words, letter tags, decorations and other items

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and the nostalgic and are made from heritage textiles; look out for their cute lambs’ wool wheat dogs, lavender owls, plump robins and vintage furnishings.

You’ll also find Charcoal & Grey’s exclusive handcrafted lifestyle and home textile products, made in silks, cottons and woollens, and using mostly natural dyes, while LilyMatthews offers a range of beautiful soft furnishings, including flame retardant cushions for fireside cosiness. Visit the Pure Lana stand to discover their luxurious homeware and fashion garments handcrafted from natural fibres using traditional weaving and knitting methods.

If you’re looking for the latest must-have fashion accessory, then head for the stand of talented handbag designer Anouk, who is renowned for handmade bags of exceptional quality. Also watch out for Harriet Sanders, whose hand-crafted bags are made from ethically produced leathers, including her awardwinning made-to-order Dicky Bow Clutch, which incorporates a recycled bow tie. The Toft Alpaca Shop will also be there, offering their exclusive knitwear and accessories, yarns and knitting patterns. You will undoubtedly find that special outfit for the party season in collections such as Girl in the Green Scarf and Beatrice von Tresckow, while for children there will be sparkling handmade outfits from Damselfly and glittering clothes and accessories for girls from ilovegorgeous. There will also be a dazzling array of jewellery stands to visit, including contemporary designers such as Melissa Lo and Otis Jaxon.

For children, of course, there will be a huge variety

of products, while you can also spoil other family members and friends with inspired ideas, such as a limited edition art poster from Antikbar or a stylish Debretts diary. And Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without decorations; the Spirit of Christmas Fair is set to provide an Aladdin’s Cave of beautiful items, many handmade, including candles from the Spitalfields Candle Company, and Emily Readett-Bayley’s stunning Christmas collection of carved wooden words, letter tags, decorations and other items.

A host of gastronomic goodies will also be on offer in the Food Hall. Feast your senses on carefully selected foods, including delicious dressings and condiments, sumptuous liquors and chocolates, specialist cheeses, olive oils, home-made Christmas cakes and mouth-watering puddings. There will be a breathtaking selection of artisan products, such as award-winning meat from Aubrey Allen, the Coventrybased premier butcher who this year won Restaurant magazine’s Chef Choice Awards’ Meat Supplier title for the third year running. You’ll also find Baruzzo’s hand-crafted fine Italian chocolates, which include incredible creations, not only in taste but also in colour and aroma; their TuttiFiori Baruzzo box is full of flowerscented sensations, including Calendula, Chamomile, Rose, Violet, Orange Blossom and Jasmine.

Not only does the Fair provide you with the opportunity for some exclusive shopping, it also gives you the chance to dine and socialize in style.

Visit the stunning Louis Roederer champagne bars, where you can relish a glass of bubbly along with a

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sumptuous seafood platter, while soaking up the festive atmosphere. There will also be a number of other bars and cafés around the hall, so whether you fancy a morning coffee on the go, a light snack, or simply a nibble to keep you going until dinner, there will be a wealth of choice. Special dining tickets, which can be bought in advance, will also be available to enjoy Mosimann’s Winter Restaurant; its chic dining space will provide the perfect place in which to relax and socialize over a glass of Grand Cru Champagne and sample the delicious menu, which has been exclusively created for the Fair.

So, get ready and book ahead for a fantastic day out!

Or if you think that a single day won’t give you enough time to sample all the delights of the Fair, then you can buy an Unlimited Entry Pass, which will allow you to visit at any time over the six-day period.You can also enjoy some essential Christmas shopping after work by taking advantage of Thursday Late Night (3pm – 8pm).

For further information, details of ticket packages and to book in advance, visit www.spiritofchristmasfair.co.uk or telephone 0871 230 1089.

Left: The Luxury Travel Fair is taking place alongside the Spirit of Christmas Fair from 1 to 4 November Above right: Harriet Sanders’ hand-crafted bags are made from ethically produced leathers Above left: Harriet Sanders’ award-winning made-to-order Dicky Bow Clutch Opposite page, bottom right: Hand-crafted fine Italian chocolates from Baruzzo

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A day at the races

Image Š Lingfield Park Racecourse

Leanne McGrath tours some of the UK’s finest racecourses to discover great autumn and winter days out

W

ith the summer officially over and the dark nights drawing in, you may be tempted just to crawl under a blanket, turn off the lights and hibernate. However, there are plenty of sporting events happening throughout the autumn and winter seasons to tempt you into the open air.

If like me, you only indulge in going to watch horseracing during the summer but take to your armchair to view the action over the autumn and winter seasons, then I urge you to think again and throw off your blanket, don those wellies and get down to your nearest racecourse!

Horseracing is a popular spectator sport throughout the UK, and one which can be enjoyed throughout the year. Nothing beats hearing the sound of the horses thundering along the course at lightning speed, getting louder and louder as they approach. Blink and you will be sure to miss them as

they race on past.

The UK has produced some of the greatest jockeys of all time, and it is almost certain that you will be able to see some of them in action at premier racecourses across the country over the coming autumn and winter seasons. Here we take a look at some of the finest racecourses around the UK where you will be able to enjoy a fabulous day at the races.

Newmarket Located in the heart of East Anglia, Newmarket is the headquarters of British horseracing and is the home of the Jockey Club, the National Stud and the National Horseracing Museum. Horses take pride of place in the town, which boasts a high number of training yards and many other key organisations; around one in three jobs in the town is connected to horseracing. Every day, from the early morning onwards, hundreds of horses can be seen training on the gallops. Newmarket has two racecourses:

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Sandown Park will long stay in my mind due to its friendly atmosphere and the facilities on offer

CHRISTINE DUNNETT We have a quick chat with one of East Anglia’s leading lady racehorse trainers.

Why did you start training horses?

It has been a lifelong ambition, and I wanted a challenge following the death of my husband back in 1998.

class. The most popular is probably Gone’n’Dunnett, to keep my name in lights, winning 13 races, plus my first winner Warden Warren, who won 14 races.

What has been your favourite or proudest moment in your training career?

Training my first home-bred winner Mr Malarkey, and my treble at local track Great Yarmouth.

Do you have many two-year-old yearlings: if so which one is the best breed?

I only have two two-year-olds this year, my best being a cracking colt by Johannesburg. I have a really nice couple of yearlings for next year’s two-year-olds

by Dutch art and Pastoral Pursuits.

Is there a particular reason why you chose to set up where you have in Norfolk? norfolk is my home, and I have the space and facilities I need here.

What are the main things you look for in a racehorse for it to be successful?

That’s a tricky one! PMa – Positive Mental attitude. even with all the ability in the world, if they really don’t want to do it, it makes it very difficult!

How many horses do you train at one time?

Currently I’m training 15. In the past we have had 20-25 in training at any one time.

What sorts of training do they undergo?

Fairly standard training with as much turnout as possible to keep them happy and healthy.

Which has been your most successful horse?

Home-bred Mr Malarkey was probably my most successful in terms of

EDITORIAL OCT 2012 BERESFORDS.indd 78

What is your favourite and most successful racecourse?

My favourite track is newmarket July Course. My most successful is the local track of Great Yarmouth.

Image © Sandown Park Racecourse

the L-shaped Rowley Mile, which is used for racing during the spring and autumn, and The July Course, which is used only during the summer. What makes the Newmarket courses unique is that they straddle two counties: Cambridgeshire and Suffolk. The Rowley Mile, which is one of the oldest and most famous courses in the world, boasts world class racing, suitable not only for those die-hard enthusiasts but also for those who are looking for a family day out. The final meeting, on the 2nd and 3rd of November, may come at a time when the weather is turning crisp and cold, but the action on the course is sure to reach fever pitch.

Image © Newmarket Racecourse

Do you have many syndicates in your yard and if so, how easy is it for a person to get involved with a training stable?

I run a small syndicate for like-minded people to get involved at a very reasonable cost. I cater for all pockets and am keen to give people the opportunity to enjoy the thrill of racing at an affordable price.

Do you have an Open Day for the public?

I normally hold an Open Day at the yard for the public and to raise money for charity and Brain Tumour UK. last Christmas our Open Day and Charity Christmas Fair raised over £4,000.

For more information visit www.christinedunnett.com

22/10/12 10:44:56

Image © Lingfield Park Racecourse

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Aintree When you utter the words ‘Aintree’, the first thing that is likely to spring to mind is the John Smith’s Grand National – one of the most famous races in the world, which takes place in the spring. The iconic, jumps-only racecourse of the north-west plays host to only a further five race days, making it one of the quieter courses. However, what it lacks in events it certainly makes up for in terms of atmosphere. During the autumn and winter seasons, race days include the Matalan Family Funday (28th October), which is suitable for everyone to enjoy with a number of races and an action-packed entertainment programme to keep the children occupied. What’s more, admission gives you access to all public areas, meaning that you have the chance to gain an ultimate viewing point from which to watch the racehorses galloping by. The final race of the year, and before the much-anticipated Grand National, is the Becher Chase Grand National Trials Day (8th December), where two races will be run over the Grand National course. Keep your eyes on this one if you fancy a cheeky bet on the National in April – it could give an early indication for the event itself.

‘

‘

Doncaster Doncaster, one of the oldest and busiest racecourses in the UK, offers world class racing against a backdrop of stunning facilities. Doncaster is home to a highlight of the racing calendar; the prestigious St Leger Festival, which is held over four days in September. The festival features the world’s oldest Classic race, the St Leger Stakes, which is run over a distance of one mile, six furlongs and 132 yards. The atmosphere at this race is one not to be missed, as you can be sure that there will be tumultuous cheering from the race-goers as their favourite charges towards the finish line of this top Group 1 flat racing event. The racecourse also hosts the last Group 1 event of the British flat racing season, the Racing Post Trophy, which this year will be held on the 27th October; my tip would be to watch it from the impressive five-storey Grandstand, which allows you not only to view the course, but also the saddling boxes, the Parade Ring and the Winners’ Enclosure.

Lingfield promises great days out for everyone, all year round

Lingfield Park Found in the beautiful Surrey countryside amid 450 acres of land, lays the beautiful and elegant Lingfield Park racecourse. The track is best known for being an all-weather flat-racing course; one of only five throughout the UK. Having celebrated its centenary in 1990, Lingfield is one of the oldest courses in the UK, with its all-weather track being triangular in shape – something which can hamper the horses’ efforts when racing. There are many races taking place during the autumn and winter seasons from which to choose, with Christmas and New Year events to help you get in the festive spirit and celebrate. With a mixture of autumn and winter flat racing and National Hunt racing, Lingfield promises great days out for everyone, all the year round. What’s more, Lingfield Park, like a number of other racecourses throughout the UK, hosts a number of other events, including live music and family activities, whilst also boasting the first UK on-site resort – The Lingfield Park Marriot Hotel and Country Club.

Sandown Park Sandown Park is where I first encountered horseracing and it will long stay in my mind due to its friendly atmosphere and the facilities on offer – and for being the first place where I made a bet. Located in Esher, Surrey, within the outer suburbs of the Capital, Sandown Park offers the ideal place if you are looking for something more than the usual tourist-type attraction.

As a flat and a National Hunt-type course, Sandown Park hosts a variety of races throughout the year. In November, Sandown Park plays host to Gentlemen’s Day, a twist on the usual Ladies’ Day, which will feature a ‘best dressed’ competition; this year’s theme is James Bond, to tie in with the release of the latest film in the franchise and, in addition to betting on the races, there will also be a Bond-style casino and poker table. Although primarily a horseracing course, Sandown Park is also credited as a leisure venue, as it has hosted numerous well-known bands, whilst also including facilities such as a golf course, a gym, and a dry ski slope, snowboard and ski club. Some areas of the Park allow you to enjoy far-reaching views over London and its many landmarks, including Wembley Stadium.

Image © Lingfield Park Racecourse

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La crème de la crème

Kevin Haggarthy goes continental to check out the new Ferrari FF and the Rolls-Royce Phantom II

I

don’t know about you, but I have never really regarded Ferraris as ‘practical’ motor cars, and certainly not for everyday use.

They are supercars, legends, meant to be fettled, polished, driven hard and put back safely in the garage again. What’s more, although it’s admittedly ten years ago now, the Ferraris I have owned have been fast, yes, but have needed as much care, sensitivity and enforced discipline as a spoilt child. The new Ferrari FF is a wake-up call to all of that, conclusively binning previous perceptions

as myth.

The difference lies in the fact that most examples of Ferrari’s mainstream models, namely the 458, the California, and the 599, can all be used as day-to-day cars without any greater compromise than you’d make with any other mainstream sports car of this kind; they are comfortable, reliable, and well-built – they even have an acceptable amount of boot space. You just wouldn’t be saying this of a Ferrari of even ten years ago.

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FOUR-WHEEL DRIvE The Ferrari FF was designed to be Ferrari’s all-weather all-purpose production vehicle, set for the challenge of being able to go anywhere and in any conditions you care to name. The first time we actually spotted this car on the road was in Switzerland… in the snow! How ‘cool’ is that? Yet its handling remains true to Ferrari’s thoroughbred tradition, for it is the rear wheels that drive the car most of the time, with the drive kicking in

‘

to the front wheels only where conditions dictate that extra traction is needed. This lightweight four-wheel drive system is patented exclusively to Ferrari – its proper name is the ‘4 RM ‘system – it is ‘intelligent’ in that it monitors the dynamics of all four wheels, and adjusts them to maximise traction in grip-challenging terrain.

BEHIND THE WHEEL Once seated behind the wheel, only the most blasé and unappreciative person will fail to savour this cabin of quality. Indeed, the more time you spend just looking at and observing this car, the more you’ll appreciate the justification for its price tag. We’d say that it exceeds ‘state-of-the-art’ and takes it to another level. Even the already excellent quality of the leather has been upgraded.

Its 450 litres of boot space easily accommodates your golf clubs and more, but the added flexibility of fold-down rear seats is a welcome option for extending it to 800 litres if needs be, albeit at the sacrifice of rear seating space. In addition to golf clubs it also means ‘yes’ to skis, a bespoke luggage set for four,

The more time you spend observing the Ferrari FF, the more you’ll appreciate the justification for its price tag

‘

FOUR SEATS This new Ferrari FF replaces the Ferrari 612 Scaglietti, both being the only modern-day Ferraris that can be regarded as genuine four-seaters. The FF takes the usability dimension further than any Ferrari in the company’s history, not only in terms of accommodation, but by combining it with Ferrari’s own four-wheel drive system, meaning that you can even use it all-purpose in winter too. Hence the ‘FF’ refers to four seats and the car’s four-wheel drive capability. And yes, it is a true four-seater. It doesn’t look like there’s loads of space in the back to the eye, but once seated, it’s genuine.

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and even a specially made baby seat – or two.

Then, of course, there’s a host of in-car entertainment accessories; our car had flat screen TV and video fitted to the rear headrests with remote control operation for the rear passengers and two sets of cordless headphones, as well as a six DVD player, and a digital terrestrial TV tuner. Add to that the 1,280 watt 16 channel stereo system with QuantumLogic surround sound and you want for nothing… other than the magic of Ferrari performance.

Great engine Don’t worry, there’s not a hint of DNA compromise in any of this; it’s all true blood Ferrari – be reassured, for at the heart of the FF is a new mid front-mounted 6.2 litre V12 engine producing 651 bhp at 8,000 rpm, a staggering 683 nm of torque, 62 mph in 3.7 seconds and a top speed of 208 mph. Even if you had no knowledge of these figures, the engine feels astonishingly powerful, and of equal importance, sounds amazing ‘on song’. In fact, this engine makes the Ferrari FF the most powerful four-seater in the world. It’s also a work of art to look at – a ‘proper’ engine in a world where most are decorated in plastic covers with just enough space to plug in a diagnostic laptop when trouble strikes.

ON-ROAD PERFORMANCE Right in front of you is a big yellow rev counter, ‘redlining’ at 8,000 rpm. The message?: ‘This is a Ferrari’.

To the right, and placed in a position of secondary importance, is a speedometer, while to the left are

electronic options for digital displays of endless car data and monitoring functions. But what matters right now is that big red starter button on the steering wheel, and the manettino switch mounted on the right hand side of the wheel, which allows you five settings for the set up of the car; ESC OFF (disabling all traction and stability control systems – I wouldn’t go there if I were you), SPORT, COMFORT, WET, and ICE-SNOW. We’ll go for SPORT. The FF’s engine initially appears remarkably tame ‘for a Ferrari’ but soon erupts into a razor sharp wail when you give it some throttle. Don’t be fooled by the engine’s low speed tractability; it’s one serious powerhouse of an engine, getting the heart racing with its sheer shove-in-the-back force right the way through to 8,000 rpm – if you dare, and by that time, you’ll be well into three figure speeds, from at least the third of the seven paddle-shifted gears.

Oh my God, so this is what it’s really all about then; rock solid, hard core performance. Right now, we’re pushing hard but sensibly, and the FF is coming into its own; it handles just like a rear-wheel drive car (thankfully) with the added safety that extra traction will kick in when needed; the technology has created astonishing grip and, matched with all this power and a totally rooted yet flexible chassis, it is an absolutely engaging and rewarding experience. The FF almost begs you to be a great driver so that it can show off its capabilities. You’ll just want to keep driving it, and the good thing is that because of its all-purpose capabilities – you can.

We motoring scribblers are forever commenting on steering feel, brake feel and the like. You know, it really

does matter; when you can communicate confidently with what the front wheels are doing, and temper the brake pedal pressure for finite control at any speed, it lifts the whole driving experience to another level.

It’s that oneness of driver and car that makes all the difference – the FF does that. All Ferraris do; it’s just one reason why keen drivers love them so much. This is what makes Ferrari, ‘Ferrari’, and it’s not just the magic of the name, but more its proven ability to deliver.

Simple.

Cost-effective?

We spent four days and 600 miles with Ferrari’s amazing FF and, taking account of its performance, its £227,000 + starter price tag, it was ironically turning out to be ‘acceptable’ value. It may well be cheaper to buy a Ferrari FF that you can use all-purpose and every day, rather than buying a supercar for fun, and a practical saloon or 4x4 for everyday use. What’s more, you have only one set of running costs to think of, and just in case you were thinking all Ferrari’s are extortionate to run, the company is now offering free servicing for seven years, and it’s fully transferrable to new owners during that period. The servicing offer is a boon; it shows you how much confidence Ferrari have in the brand, but it also deters the Ferrari owner from taking the car to non-approved specialists who might not always repair or service the car exactly to Ferrari’s specification, potentially leading to long term problems.

Peace of mind, usability, reliability, quality, style, performance, beauty and the passion of Ferrari is what you buy here.

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New flagship If you are one of those fortunate enough to be looking to buy a ‘Rolls-Royce’ you are buying something very special. It doesn’t really matter which model it is; for the quality and craftsmanship is a given, as is the care to ensure that your Rolls-Royce is unique to you. Almost anything is possible when it comes to options, and we doubt that there are any two Rolls-Royces in the world that are exactly the same.

It takes 60 pairs of hands and more than 450 hours to design, construct and craft a Rolls-Royce motor car.

Only the finest materials are used, and in the words of their maker, they are ‘painstakingly prepared so their inherent beauty is displayed to best effect’. At least five layers of paint and clear lacquer coating are applied to each Phantom; seven if the car is two-tone.

Between each layer, technicians sand the body by hand, meticulously hand polishing it for five hours to achieve the glassy lustre normally associated with a grand piano.

Single or double coach-lines can also be applied – by hand of course. Each five metre line takes three hours to apply using a combination of squirrel and ox hair brushes.

Fully trained cabinet makers and boat builders apply their craftsmanship to the wood with the help of modern technology. Depending on specification, up to 43 wooden parts are used in every Phantom, each constructed from up to 28 layers of wood. These are interspersed with thin sheets of aluminium for strength and to prevent splintering on impact. Multiple layers are pressed, bent and hand-finished before craftsmen cut and apply matched veneers, which are subsequently detailed, lacquered, hand polished and highlighted. All veneers come from one log of wood, and these are

carefully selected and laid out so that the grain detailing is mirrored across the interior of each car.

Inspired by J-class yachts of the 1930s, teak is used because of its hardy properties and resistance to moisture and decay. Each deck, comprising more than 30 wooden pieces, features precisely machined grooves and is protected by a specially formulated blend of oils.

On the leather side, hides are hand-selected from Alpine bulls, due in the main to the healthy environment, and to the open meadows, where the absence of thorn or barbed wire help to prevent marking. The leather is drum-pigmented to allow the leather to retain its soft and supple feel.

TEST DRIVE And so to this latest example of the flagship of the brand, the Phantom II. We tested this car on the wonderful shores of the Cote D’Azure, in blazing sunshine; a blissful place and a totally appropriate environment for sampling Phantom II. Originally introduced in 2003, this was the first Rolls-Royce produced under BMW ownership of the brand, carefully studied and developed after analysis of the lifestyle, preferences, and tastes of a typical Phantom owner.

As you might expect, Phantom II hardly represents radical change, nor was it intended to. Changes to the external styling and detailing are focused on the front, and minimally at the rear end. The front bumpers and rectangular light apertures have been restyled to house full LED light clusters, adaptive headlamps, and curved light technology, enabling the headlight beams to reflect in the direction of travel. In designer Ian Cameron’s words; “...it’s a familiar design but it’s lit in a different

way”. At the back, the rear bumper has been redesigned to incorporate a polished stainless steel highlight for trim detail.

On the engineering side, the Phantom II retains its all-aluminium space frame, reinforced with the addition of brace bars to enable the fitting of a dynamic package to the new car, featuring stiffer suspension, visible exhausts, a thicker steering wheel, alternative gearbox tuning and linear braking.

The fitting of a new eight-speed gearbox and rear differential have significantly improved the ride quality and handling to what was already an excellent package.

To our minds, this is the really substantial improvement of Phantom II over Phantom I, and a seriously worthwhile reason for ‘trading up’ to the new car.

Other than that, the front door pocket space has been only slightly compromised by the addition of a crash pad for more even distribution of forces following 30 degree side impact pole testing.

Whilst the inside of the Phantom looks much the same, there is a new chrome rotary roller, an improved all-round camera system (including ‘top view’), a larger chrome centre display, and a much updated satellite navigation system with 3D viewing, and the capacity to be programmed for guided tour.

POWER AND AGILITY Of course, most Phantom buyers are likely to be chauffeur-driven rather than driving the car themselves.

Being seated in the back of the car was a heaven of fittings – the interior is dripping with quality at every point, and there are gadgets at hand to enable every option, bar pouring the tea. You sit in absolute comfort for literally thousands of miles.

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Yet your first time behind the wheel of a Phantom can be quite a daunting experience. It is a very big motor car and an even more imposing one should you pause on its value, starting at over a quarter of a million pounds.

Hence, a rather tepid and mildly anxious start marked our departure from the Cote d’Azur’s wonderful five-star Le Cap Estel Hotel. The narrowness of the streets, and the daredevil scooter riders certainly didn’t help either.

Funnily enough – and this is a common experience to Phantom drivers – with familiarity, the car eventually feels less large and bulky, allowing you to start relaxing with the drive rather than worrying about it. You’ll soon find yourself enjoying the driving experience and quite frankly marvelling at the Phantom’s power and agility for a car of this size. Yes, of course you can ‘waft’ if you choose, but so driveable is this vehicle, that we suspect many owners drive the car themselves as well as being chauffeur-driven in it; and you should really, to get a proper appreciation of its dynamic qualities.

CRUISING As you might expect, motorway cruising is where the Phantom comes into its own. Its visible presence alone is enough to impress and, from the inside, the experience is like riding on air. The new eight-speed transmission is so refined that you can barely detect a gear change – it is so subliminally smooth. On long cross country single carriageways, where torque and handling can matter most, Phantom II will surprise with its power to accelerate, turn into bends, and how well it manages 2.56 tons of weight under braking.

One hundred per cent of torque is available from as little as 1,000 rpm revs, so overtaking is easy. Of course Phantom II will lean when pushed hard into bends; that’s inevitable, but the car is remarkably good at keeping all that weight under control even if disturbed under braking into uneven cambers; in short, the Phantom II is a very safe car, and you’d need to be a maniac to provoke it to misbehave… but it’s tempting, just to see how far you can really push it. Judging by its on-road performance in our hands on the hills of Nice, if we had pushed it any harder than we did, we would have been arrested as suspected bank robbers. An odd note to end on for an appraisal of a Rolls-Royce but testimony to the deceiving grunt this machine displays. The official starter price tag is £305,350, yet I doubt there’s one living example around at this entry level price, but need I say ‘If you need to ask…’

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The Maddox This stunning home offers up to eight bedrooms, five of which benefit from en-suite bathrooms and three with separate dressing rooms and master suite enjoying a Juliette balcony to the rear. The spacious ground floor comprises of a grand entrance hall with open atrium oak staircase with dual oak galleried landings above, sitting room with open fire and bay window, lounge area providing an open aspect with an impressive open plan living space with dual orangery lantern roofs, Lemongrass fitted kitchen and a 110ft. Southerly garden.

The Mulberry This individual residence offers flexible accommodation presented across three floors. The top floor offers a guest suite with bedroom, lounge and bathroom, three additional independent rooms and a shower room. The stunning ground floor accommodation comprises of a grand entrance hall, sitting room, separate lounge and an outstanding open plan living space. Entrance to the property is controlled via a security video entry system with an immense parking area, double garage and good size Southerly rear garden.

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At Queens Gardens you’ll find just five 3 bedroom semi-detached and detached houses built to impeccable standards. Each new home will feature a stylish bathroom, a contemporary kitchen with smart, built-in appliances, a considered approach to internal and external features with craftsman built standards throughout.

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Computer generated image

Queen’s

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CRANHAM NR. UPMINSTER An impressive 5700sq.ft. executive residence offering five/six bedroom accommodation over three levels with large reception hall and central staircase leading to a galleried landing. A spacious drawing room leads from the hallway and has bifold doors overlooking the rear garden, spacious study, family room open plan to kitchen/breakfast room with semi vaulted ceiling and laundry room.

To the first floor there is a master bedroom with dressing room and spacious en-suite bathroom. There are three further bedrooms with en-suites and family bathroom whilst to the second floor bedroom five has a jack and jill en-suite plus there is a cinema room/bedroom six. The property is located in one of the most sought after turnings on this private residential estate and stands in approximately 0.34 of an acre (stls) with west facing rear garden.

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Thoroughly Wood are a family run company making traditional handmade bespoke furniture of superior quality in solid timber, using a range of soft and hardwoods. Involving our customers in the whole process, we have a loyal following who are extremely enthusiastic about their experience with Thoroughly Wood.

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