Bury Property Edition January

JANUARY 2014

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WELCOME

WELCOME TO

PROPERTY EDITION

A

warm welcome to our first Property Edition of 2014!

Here’s hoping you had a lovely Christmas and that your house isn’t looking too bare now all the decorations are down (go on, you can leave those fairy lights round the window – they’re not strictly Christmassy, right?).

Inside the magazine this month we’ve got a round-up of the latest properties to come onto the market in the Bury area, including a lovely home to the west of the town centre, featuring a delightful garden – ideal for a family. Read more about this one, and some other gems we’ve found, on page 7.

On the cover is a real beauty, on the market with David Burr. If a swimming

pool, putting green and near-central location are on your checklist, we may have found you a late Christmas present.

And, if you spent December squished in the kitchen, tripping over relatives while trying to concoct a three-course meal for 12, then sat on garden furniture while squeezed around a too-small dining table, it’s possible that thoughts of extensions and knocking through walls have begun popping into your head. We spoke to architects KMP about their current projects and how appointing an architect could prove an excellent move – not only in terms of giving you more space, but increasing the overall value of your home as well.

Happy new year!

JENNIFER SHELTON, FEATURES EDITOR jennifershelton@bright-publishing.com 01223 499463

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COVER IMAGE This month’s cover star is a palatial home just outside Bury town centre, on the market with David Burr for £1.75 million. Call 01359 245245.

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PROPERTY

WORDS JENNIFER SHELTON

PROPERTY NEWS

Edition takes a look at the latest happenings in the buzzing local property market WHY USE AN ARCHITECT? When you appoint an RIBA Chartered architect you are employing someone who has undertaken seven years of training – no other building professional is trained in design and construction to such a level of expertise.

An architect will help you achieve your aspirations, and add value to your project through good design and sound construction management. They could also save you money.

NO ROOM AT THE INN? There’s nothing like having a houseful of relatives to make you consider an extension. Or perhaps converting the loft, cellar or even the garage. Here’s where an architect can help you out.

“Over Christmas, many people start to reflect on how much space they have and whether or not their homes are working for them,” says principal architect John Patterson. “It might be that you’ve had Auntie Mabel to stay and realised you need better guest accommodation, or you’ve got a baby on the way and simply need more room.

“People automatically think they’ve got to move to gain more space, but in reality many are being forced to stay where they are because of the downturn,” he adds. “I believe it’s about making the most of what you’ve got and maximising your current house’s potential.”

Founded in 1980, KMP is a well-established, award-winning RIBA Chartered architects practice based in Saffron Walden. They offer a professional yet friendly, approachable service, working closely with you, the client, to help you realise your vision.

“An architect will help you achieve your aspirations and vision, and add value to your project through good design and sound construction management,” says John. “We’ll help you decide what it is you want – whether it’s something seamlessly in keeping with the character of the property, or something completely modern. And most importantly, we’ll listen.”

KMP works on all manner of projects, both residential and commercial, from barn conversions to new builds, listed buildings to stunning contemporary structures. They rely on trusted craftsmen and builders to ensure that each project is completed to the highest standard, and gain much of their business through recommendations.

“What sets us apart from other architects is that we also offer full in-house surveying and project-management services,” adds John. “This means costs are controlled and the process is much more efficient. Our vision is to be a one-stop shop in all aspects, providing surveyors, project managers, structural engineers and all other professional services under one roof. Above all, at KMP, we pride ourselves on our commitment to offer a highly personal service by working closely with each and every client to help them to realise their vision and their project.” www.kmpractice.co.uk

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HOW MUCH DOES IT COST? Architects’ fees can be based on a percentage of the total construction cost or time expended, or can be a lump sum. You can select all or part of an architect’s service, from an initial design discussion through to the final delivery of the project on-site.

HOW DO I SELECT AN ARCHITECT? Clients often appoint an architect based on recommendation from acquaintances. This is understandable, if your project is similar.

Call each firm on your shortlist, describe your project and ask if they are able to accommodate it. If so, request literature that outlines the firm’s qualifications and experience, and consider whether this is appropriate to your project.

Check if they are RIBA Chartered – this will guarantee a code of conduct and a certain level of professionalism.

Above all, talk to your intended architect. It is important to ensure that you are compatible.

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PROPERTY

FAMILY HOME A lovely home on the favoured western side of town has come onto the market through Linnet. Situated on Westbury Avenue, it offers spacious family accommodation including four bedrooms, a living room, dining room, kitchen, breakfast room, conservatory with views of the garden, a cloakroom, bathroom and utility. The pretty gardens are particularly noteworthy, featuring fruit trees, a patio, greenhouse and large lawn, and there is a garage and driveway for parking.

The property is on the market for £380,000. For more information or to view, contact 01284 723332. www.linnetproperty.co.uk

QUIET LIVING Tucked away on a quiet cul-de-sac, but still within walking distance of the town centre, is this perfectly sized home in Minden Drive, Bury. It is on the market with All Homes Estate Agents for £345,000.

The contemporary white kitchen features stylish handleless cupboards and along with an airy lounge, bathroom, dining room and cloakroom makes up the ground floor of the property. Upstairs there are three good-sized bedrooms, one with an en-suite bathroom and another with fitted double wardrobes. There is also a garage and both front and rear gardens, the latter of which benefits from border planting. For information or to view, please contact 01359 234444. www.allhomes.uk.com

ROOMY & MODERN Space is something that is in abundance at this property in Sudbury Road, Sicklesmere.

From the double garage to the quarter-acre garden, generously proportioned kitchen and breakfast room, there is plenty of room to fit a growing family.

Sitting less than a ten-minute drive from Bury’s centre, the property is immaculately finished and there is underfloor heating throughout the entire ground floor. Floor-toceiling windows flood light into the living room, which also has a woodburner, and the dining room looks out onto a pretty, well-kept garden. Two of the four bedrooms have en-suite bathrooms and there is also a modern family bathroom with a roll-top bath and a shower. Offers in excess of £425,000 are invited, contact 01284 767121 for more information or to arrange a viewing. www.haart.co.uk

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