Cambridge Property Edition June by Bright Publishing

Brought to you by Cambridge Edition

JUNE 2016

www.cambsedition.co.uk

HELP FOR FIRST TIME BUYERS

EXPERT ADVICE

PROPERTY NEWS

INTERIORS

TURN OVER FOR

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CONTENTS

ON THE COVER…

The products on this month's cover are available from HomeSense, the Cambridge branch of which is located at the Beehive Centre. www.homesense.com

EDITORIAL For editorial enquiries, contact Editor Nicola Foley 01223 499459 nicolafoley@bright-publishing.com

ADVERTISING For commercial enquiries, contact Key accounts Maria Francis 01223 499461 mariafrancis@bright-publishing.com Senior sales executive Natalie Robinson 01223 499451 natalierobinson@bright-publishing.com

THIS MONTH… 6-12 • INTERIORS Create a blissful boudoir with a little help from our interiors expert 20-21 • PROPERTY NEWS The latest from the buzzing Cambridge property market 23 • BOOMTOWN BULLETIN Updates from new residential developments in the area

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INTERIORS

WORDS ANGELINA VILLA-CLARKE

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INTERIORS

As we are asleep for a third of our lives, the bedroom is where we spend a lot of our downtime. We talk to the experts to reveal the latest trends and how to achieve the perfect sanctuary

S L U M B E R The bedroom is one of our most private rooms and it is often the place where many of us express our personality. It’s a personal sanctuary we can retreat to and relax in at the end of a busy day. To create the ultimate modern bedroom, blend trends with timeless pieces of furniture, adding in cherished items which have special meaning for you. Whether you veer towards a Nordic cool sensibility or boutique boudoir, comfort and cosiness is important, so choose fine linens, sumptuous bedcovers and luxury window treatments. A one-stop shop for a pulled-together, unique finish is Sandra Jane at Home. As well as advice on how to create your theme, with complementary fabrics, wallpapers and accessories, they can also commission original, crafted furniture to match your style. A neutral colour palette works well. Iced Mauve, Pashmina and Lavender Mist are all pretty, pared-back paint shades available at Benjamin Moore. These are ideal base colours from which to add interest – paint a bolder statement wall, mix and match prints and textiles and use contrasting accessories. Ruth Mottershead, marketing director at Paint & Paper Library, suggests darker hues give a cocooning feel: “Clutter-free bedrooms

S T Y L I N G are the key to a good night’s sleep – so painting walls, doors and skirting boards the same in our Architects’ Matt helps create an oasis of tranquillity. I choose dark colours for the bedroom so that, even in lighter evenings, I am sure of a restful sleep and feel cosseted in the rich colour.” Textile designer Vanessa Arbuthnott reveals how to bring this idea to life: “Layer colour and pattern gently for the ultimate in pared-down living. Make this room a haven from the busy world outside. Made-to-measure quilts and padded headboards are the ultimate bedroom luxury.” To complete the look, add in accessories. Check out the homeware collections at Sainsbury’s, currently causing a stir with their accessible take on high-end design. From the indigo-blue bed linens to the relaxed, muted Coastal range, you’ll find a host of covetable pieces for a contemporary bedroom. Rona Olds, head of buying for Sainsbury’s Home, comments: “There’s no doubt that patterned bed linen is having a renaissance. It is a brilliant way to bring a focal point to a bedroom scheme. Layering is key, so team the

Ditsy Geo linen set with a bold Moroccan style cushion and a navy knitted throw.” Wallpaper is also back in vogue. Sandberg designs combine flora and fauna, while the new ‘trompe l’oeil’ effect wallpapers, such as Mineheart’s Panelling Wallpaper, are a contemporary update for bedroom walls. David Mottershead, managing director of Little Greene, says: “Waking up surrounded by a botanical print is like waking up in your own art gallery. Keep the look on-trend by painting the skirting boards and mouldings in a dark colour inspired by the wallpaper.”

Rest your head LEFT And So To Bed’s Dickens Bedstead, from £6,675, in polished nickel, is perfect for adding a sense of grandeur to a bedroom ABOVE, FROM TOP Little Greene’s Scree and Shallows shades of grey paint, £38 for 2.5l of matt emulsion, gives a calm and sophisticated atmosphere. Put up Sandberg’s Liljekonvalj wallpaper, £90 per roll, for a fresh feel. Sainsbury’s Coastal range of bedroom accessories, from £6, offers a relaxed and gentle vibe

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INTERIORS

I T ’ S

A L L

Central to any bedroom is the bed you choose. Whether you go for a lavish, padded style, like those at And So To Bed, or a practical, wooden bed with storage, like those at Direct Furniture, make sure you select a model that will stand the test of time. Space is also important. Dwell’s felt Morrison storage bed is a practical choice, while Natuzzi’s Fenice model lifts up to give extra storage space underneath, making it ideal for smaller rooms. Specialising in beautifully romantic beds is Sweetpea & Willow and co-founder Jacquie Dunton says the size of your room is the most important consideration: “It’s essential that a bed is practical and beautiful. Before committing to your favourite design ensure that you’ve taken into account the size of the room and the measurements of the bed. Many homeowners don’t realise the size of a headboard or height of the bed and this can completely distort the feel of the room if not considered correctly. If storage is a necessity then an ottoman or drawerbase bed is imperative. Look for beds with wide panelling, which will give your mattress support and additional comfort. A bed can often completely change the feel of a room

A B O U T

T H E

and with an array of headboard options it is important to pick one which complements the rest of the scheme.” Arguably more important than the frame is the mattress – after all, this will be where you will be resting your head for many years to come. Interior designer Nicola Sanders, at Parsons Gray in Cambridge, agrees: “When choosing a new bed and mattress, apply an approximate rule of one third of your budget on the base and two thirds on the mattress. It’s possible to pick up a decent base for under £200 if budget is tight, but it’s well worth spending as much as you can afford on the mattress. Less glamorous, yes, but a really good mattress should last you ten to 15 years and will improve the quality of your sleep, which is invaluable. I prefer natural fillings – such as silk or wool – but it really comes down to personal preference.” Jim Carlile, managing director of Reeds Homestore, gives his expertise: “On average we spend a third of our lifetime sleeping, so choosing the right bed is a very important decision. Reeds Homestore in Ely have a huge range of beds and mattresses to suit everyone. With so much choice, finding the right one can be daunting so we have

B E D

trained staff to help you. With the latest health advice being about the importance of getting a good night’s sleep, it is vital to create a serene environment in the bedroom. Make sure your pillows are technologically designed to do the best job to suit your sleep patterns (replace them every two years) and get some expert advice on the best mattress for you.” Lastly, choose your pillows, duvets and bed linen wisely. According to John Lewis, how your pillow feels is affected by how firm or soft your mattress is. It will perform best when there’s a match rather than a contrast, so avoid a firm pillow with a soft mattress. Taibah Mazhar, brand director at Bedmonkey, adds: “The bed is the main visual focus in any bedroom, so it’s worth choosing the right bedding to make your room look and feel as cosy and plush as possible. Invest in a feather duvet and layer with pillows, cushions and a throw to create the ultimate on-trend stylish bedroom retreat. Combine different luxurious materials and textures in your bedding, rugs and accessories too, for instance try layering textured linens with silk throws, knitted blankets and velvet cushions.”

Softly does it ABOVE, CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT Sweetpea & Willow’s Lauren Bed, from £1,190, oozes romance. The felt Morrison bed, £899, Dwell, provides storage. Reeds Homestore offers a range of beds, such as this Harrison Breeze four-drawer divan, £899

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L O V E LY

L U M I N O S I T Y

Serenity is all-important in the place where we end and start the day, and lighting is key to this. A stand-out ceiling fitting, such as a chandelier or modern pendant, will give the wow factor and dimmer switches mean you can create different moods. Søren Ravn Christensen, chief creative developer at VITA Copenhagen, says: “A central, stunning pendant lamp is key to any interior design. Just like a piece of jewellery, it can create a powerful design statement. Consider style, shape, size and colour when choosing the centrepiece light in a room.” Adding in different layers of illumination with bedside lamps or reading lights, which are practical choices if there are two of you, can heighten the ambience. Smaller pendant lights, like the Cask model at Bert Frank, hung either side of the bed are currently in vogue, while the Swiss Oak lamps, from MOS Furniture, have neon flock internal surfaces to create coloured circle patterns from the light giving a gentle glow to the room. “In the bedroom it is particularly important to choose several light sources for different functionalities,” says Sarah Lister, director at David Hunt Lighting.

“A bedside or wall light creates ambience and is perfect for reading, while an overhead light is bright enough for dressing. To create a cosy and intimate atmosphere, try placing reading lamps on either side of the bed. For table lamps, opt for tinted low-wattage bulbs to mimic candlelight.” Revealing the latest trends in bedroom lighting is Diane Simpson, lighting buyer at John Lewis: “We’ve seen some beautiful, ornate lighting using mixed materials and wonderful coloured and smoky glass finishes over the past few seasons. This year, we’ve seen a growing trend of customers wanting well-designed lighting made from natural materials such as raw wood and polished concrete. The emphasis has moved to a focus on using high-tech design techniques on raw base materials to create lighting that can work in any interior space, be it classic or modern. There is still very much a trend for using bold colours and pattern, but the quality of craftsmanship and beauty of using raw materials is at the forefront. This is something we feel the market is moving towards and will be relevant to the customer for the coming season.”

Light up the room CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT David Hunt’s Dallas Pendant, £63.50. Soften the mood with the grey Eos feather light, £84, Vita Copenhagen. Bert Franks’s modern Revolve Table Lamp in Brass and Matte Petrol Blue, £79. The Swiss Oak Lamps, £295, MOS Furniture, have neon flock internal surfaces to give coloured circles of light

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INTERIORS

S E N S I B L E S T O R A G E Having ample storage is vital to creating a decluttered aesthetic and therefore a calm environment. Due to its practicality, fitted bedroom furniture is having a renaissance and is perfect for rooms with alcoves or odd-shaped walls. Add personality by mixing and matching quirky bedside tables or a vintage dressing table. “It’s all about using every spare inch of space for storage,” says Mark Law, managing director at Law & Lewis Joinery of Cambridge. “Clever, fitted wardrobes including pull-down hanging space to take advantage of full room heights, lighting fitted into wardrobes so you can see into dark corners and ingenious shoe and handbag shelving to keep everything in perfect condition with easy access are all really great.” Another expert in fitted bedrooms is Langtry Fitted Furniture, also in the Cambridge area. The company offers a range of different styles, all made to fit individual bedrooms. Owner Tony Jones comments: “Our bedroom storage is fitted from floor to ceiling so it makes the most of a room’s space. Sleek designs are popular at the moment, with natural colours – cream and grey – our bestsellers. Another trend are designs that feature coloured glass in the doors.” For more traditional, stand-alone cabinetry then turn to John Lewis of Hungerford. Its range of painted wardrobes and bedside cabinets means everything has its place but is hidden from view.

Hideaways CLOCKWISE FROM TOP RIGHT The Pure Bedside Table matches the Pure fitted wardrobe range, from £5,000. The Artisan lay-on bedroom furniture comes in birch with clear crystal handles, from £5,000, all John Lewis of Hungerford. Langtry Fitted Furniture offers a wide range of bespoke fitted furniture, prices vary. Visit John Lewis for a selection of lighting options

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INTERIORS

A C C E N T Finally, pulling a look together are those all-important finishing touches. Source sumptuous carpets from The Carpet Mill or from leading specialists Brintons. “Carpet is perfect for creating a cosy bedroom,” says Natalie Littlehales, consumer marketing manager at Brintons. “The texture of wool coupled with a warm colour or pattern is a great way to build a comfortable scheme. We have seen a surge in demand for our Bell Twist Rosebud carpet. A luxurious shade in a hard-wearing weave, it pairs perfectly with grey furniture and accessories.” Dress windows with luxurious fabrics made into flowing curtains, such as those available from Sandberg or Harlequin. If budget allows, fit wooden shutters or roller blinds underneath for a practical touch. Fiona Garwood, director at Cambridge Sunblinds, gives her insight: “White and cream wooden shutters are popular. Giving a classic finish, they filter the light and give privacy. We also have a fabulous range of Roman blinds. Printed designs, with birds

T O U C H E S

and butterflies, in grey, natural and duck-egg blue, are on trend. These can be supplied with blackout lining and give a warm, cosy look. If you don’t know where to start, we offer a free measuring and estimating service, where we bring samples to your home, and help you find the perfect choice.” Added touches, such as throws – the merino wool versions at Janie Knitted Textiles are super luxe – and fine bed linen, like the Beardmore Egyptian cotton range by Sheridan, give a welcoming feel. Statement pieces of furniture also give personality. Visit Rachel Bates Interiors for inspiration. “The Horatio carver chair makes a smart, cosy addition to any bedroom,” Rachel says. “The world’s your oyster when choosing upholstery, trims and wood finish. We can bespoke the chair to your requirements creating a statement piece for any scheme.” Championing British design, Mineheart is a great source of eclectic finds. John Mabhegede, Mineheart’s commercial director, comments: “One of the emerging trends

for 2016 is the use of feathers for interior decoration and as motifs in pattern and textiles. The Mineheart Feather Table Lamp is the perfect way to introduce this trend. These glamorous feather lamps feature luxurious black or white ostrich feathers held in place by a gold metal wire frame. Soft and delicate, the lights are reminiscent of the elegant feather boas and decadent hats of days gone by, but the design is totally contemporary.”

Pretty it up CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT Go quirky with Mineheart’s Feather Lamps, from £395, and the Birdcage Pendant Lamp, £1,150. Add a feminine touch with Brintons’ Bell Twist carpet in Rosebud, £39.99 per sq metre. Cambridge Sunblinds’ stylish shutters offer a perfect finish. Make a statement with Rachel Bates’ customisable Horatio chairs, from £1,400

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INTERIORS

AND SO TO BED 0808 144 4343 www.andsotobed.co.uk

LANGTRY FITTED FURNITURE 01353 725380 www.langtryfurniture.co.uk

NATUZZI 01322 771442 www.natuzzi.co.uk

BEDMONKEY 01924 469993 www.bedmonkey.com

LAW & LEWIS JOINERY OF CAMBRIDGE 01954 260575 www.lawandlewis.co.uk

PAINT AND PAPER LIBRARY 020 78237755 www.paint-library.co.uk

BENJAMIN MOORE PAINT 01753 575756 www.benjaminmoorepaint.co.uk

LITTLE GREENE 020 79358844 www.littlegreene.com

PARSONS GRAY 07789 658370 www.parsonsgray.co.uk

BERT FRANK 020 71646482 www.bertfrank.co.uk

MINEHEART 0845 467 4580 www.mineheart.com

RACHEL BATES INTERIORS 01625 464300 www.rachelbatesinteriors.com

BRINTONS 0800 505055 www.brintons.co.uk

MOS FURNITURE 01768 798387 www.mosfurniture.co.uk

REEDS HOMESTORE 01353 669754 ely.reedshomestore.co.uk

CAMBRIDGE SUNBLINDS 01223 460192 www.cambridgesunblinds.co.uk

SAINSBURY’S 0800 636262 www.sainsburys.co.uk

DAVID HUNT LIGHTING 01295 672 200 www.davidhuntlighting.co.uk

SANDBERG +46 321 53 16 60 www.sandbergwallpaper.com

DIRECT FURNITURE 01284 752086

SANDRA JANE AT HOME INTERIORS 01223 323211 www.sjah.co.uk

DWELL 0345 675 9090 www.dwell.co.uk

SHERIDAN 01925 453410 www.sheridanaustralia.co.uk

HARLEQUIN 0845 123 6815 www.harlequin.uk.com

SWEETPEA & WILLOW 0345 257 2627 www.sweetpeaandwillow.com

JANIE KNITTED TEXTILES 01909 480163 www.janieknittedtextiles.co.uk

JOHN LEWIS OF HUNGERFORD 01223 305480 www.john-lewis.co.uk

©Benjamin Moore

JOHN LEWIS 01223 361292 www.johnlewis.com

THE CARPET MILL 01223 316866 www.thecarpetmill.co.uk

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VANESSA ARBUTHNOTT 01285 831437 www.vanessaarbuthnott.co.uk VITA COPENHAGEN www.vitacopenhagen.com

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PROPERTY

PROPERTY Edition takes a look at the latest happenings in the buzzing local property market

WHAT CAN I GET FOR MY MONEY? £500,000 NEWTON ROAD, LITTLE SHELFORD £500,000 (pictured right)

YOUR FIRST CHAPTER The question still remains: when will the property market cater for first-time buyers? With property prices at an all time high and the government’s starter homes proposal gaining little traction with the House of Lords, the outlook for first time buyers still appears challenging. If the Government’s starter homes proposal goes forward, under 40s are set to receive a boost, as they will be eligible for a 20% discount off the starter home market price: this is with the intention that anyone who is in a position to start their journey on the property ladder should be given the opportunity to. In order to ensure that there is a constant supply of starter homes, the government has proposed a single national minimum requirement of 20% for starter homes on residential sites that comprise of 10 or more units, or more than 0.5 hectares. There has been scepticism over the proposed plans, with the House of Lords challenging that these enforcements will only benefit

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middle or higher income earners. Someone in London would need an annual income of £76,957 – £50,226 in the rest of the country – to qualify, but developers will still be able to classify them as ‘affordable’. Richard Hatch, partner at Carter Jonas Bradshaws, says: “Property prices in Cambridge are at record levels, and although this is good for the sellers and people who already own property in Cambridge, it makes it all but impossible for first-time buyers to afford to buy in or around the city. There needs to be a scheme in place that can provide firsttime buyers with affordable starter homes so we can break away from this renting generation.” Our economy is growing at such a pace that it is estimated that we will require 43,000 affordable homes by 2031 just in Cambridge. The government has pledged that there will be 200,000 extra starter homes across the country by 2020.

A lovely, light-filled three-bedroom home located in the pretty village of Little Shelford, this property is on the market with Cooke Curtis & Co. The main sitting room boasts period fireplaces and exposed floorboards, leading to a contemporary countrystyle kitchen with quality cabinetry and a wood burning stove. French doors lead out onto a beautifully kept, south-east facing garden with flower and shrub borders and mature trees, as well as a covered storage area and a timber shed. For the greenfingered, the rear of the garden adjoins the village allotments. On the first floor are three bedrooms, all of a good size, including a master bedroom with en-suite and fitted wardrobes. The location offers good cycle routes into the city and to Addenbrooke’s Hospital, and the property is situated about a mile away from the Great Shelford train station, which links Cambridge to London Liverpool Street. Little Shelford also has a thriving community, with a large recreation ground and sports pavilion and dining options including a Thai restaurant, Chinese takeaway and fish and chip shop. Neighbouring Great Shelford offers further amenities such as a post office, hairdressers, butchers, GP surgery, dentist and supermarkets. www.cookecurtis.co.uk

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PROPERTY

THE PENROSE AT ABODE, ADDENBROOKE’S ROAD £499,995 (pictured left) On the market with Bidwells, this sleek and contemporary two-bedroom house provides 1018 sq ft of accommodation set over two floors. The property forms part of Abode at the Great Kneighton development, a semi-rural community that is positioned adjacent to a 120-acre country park. Downstairs, you’ll find a dining and living area leading onto a private garden with a generously sized open-plan kitchen that boasts high-spec, fully integrated appliances. Upstairs are the two bedrooms and family bathroom, with the master bedroom also benefitting from a luxury en-suite and fitted wardrobes. There is allocated parking available and the location offers excellent transport, education and amenities within easy reach. Looking for a buy-to-let opportunity? The agent anticipates a monthly rental value of £1350 per calendar month. www.bidwells.co.uk

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PROPERTY

BOOMTOWN

The latest from Cambridge’s new property developments

Bulletin REFLECTIONS CAMBRIDGE Five luxury detached homes with their own private mooring rights on the River Cam comprise a new development appropriately named Reflections. Situated overlooking Stourbridge Common, Reflections is on the edge of Chesterton and half a mile from the new Chesterton Station, which is due to open next year. Each home is built to the highest quality, with beautiful details such as sleek, bespoke kitchens and oak and glass staircases. Frameless bifold doors on the ground floor fill the reception space with light and provide uninterrupted views across a decking area with glass balustrade, with the river beyond. Upstairs, each of the three bedrooms has its own en-suite. The show home launches this month. To secure your place at the launch event, call 01223 258382. www.abbots.co.uk

ALCONBURY WEALD

TRADITIONALLY DESIGNED 2, 3, 4 & 5 BEDROOM HOMES

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Alconbury Weald is a new development offering two- to five-bedroom homes in a variety of styles by Hopkins Homes. Whether you’re a single professional, have a growing family or are looking to downsize, there’s a home to suit. All the homes benefit from the finest construction and finish, built with traditional methods alongside cutting-edge technology. The layout of the development itself boasts mature shrubs and trees, off-street parking, a network of cycle routes and footpaths, as well as parks and beautiful gardens. Set between Alconbury and The Stukeleys, near Huntingdon, Alconbury Weald offers a wide range of amenities, including a post office, doctor’s surgery, pub and church. www.hopkinshomes.co.uk

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