Cambridge Property Edition February by Bright Publishing

Brought to you by Cambridge Edition

FEBRUARY 2015

www.cambsedition.co.uk

BUYING TO LET

AN EXPERT GUIDE

BOOMTOWN BULLETIN

PROPERTY NEWS TURN OVER FOR

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WELCOME

ands up who else is in the middle of a little new year’s redecorating? Having bought my first house in December I’ve so far spent 2015 stripping wallpaper, sanding skirting boards and teetering up stepladders, determined to transform my Victorian terrace from tired family home (kitchen circa 1987) to a magnificent, modern marvel with a touch of traditional elegance. At least, that’s the vision. And it’s coming at a price. Taking new steps in life like buying a house surely help you discover who you are. I feel like a fully paid-up member of the adult world now I’ve ordered a carpet and know about balancing radiator circuits. But it also turns out I’m a massive DIY diva. 17 tester pots, several fractious trips to B&Q and a couple of mini tantrums later and I’m finally happy with the colour of the living room walls (a self-mixed wine red and toasted almond, since you ask). Who knew there were so many wrong shades of neutral? More on my homeownership adventure (I sense a blog in the making – Fifty Shades of Beige?), next month. In the meantime, fellow decorators – and indeed those who would, sensibly, rather leave it to the professionals – can be inspired by four very different local interior designers in our feature on page 27. And if you’re currently obsessed with Hilary Mantel’s brooding, dangerous Tudor world in Wolf Hall, take a look at the elegant 16th century country house for sale near Saffron Walden. We’re sure Henry VIII would have approved of the pool addition. Finally, if history is your thing, find out what two academics uncovered about their house in Fen Ditton on page 13.

JENNY SHELTON, FEATURES EDITOR

jennifershelton@bright-publishing.com 01223 499463 For commercial enquiries, contact Maria Francis 01223 499450 Lauren Widdowson 01223 499451

COVER STAR

On the cover this month, the new At home with Ashley Thomas range from Debenhams (bedding £80, cushions £20£22, throw £40). www.debenhams.com

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PROPERTY

WORDS JENNY SHELTON

PROPERTY

NEWS

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

A swimming pool might not sound appealing in February, but come summer youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be the envy of everyone you know as owners of this marvellous country house, complete with outdoor pool, in Hempstead, Saffron Walden. The Grade II-listed former farmhouse dates from the 16th century and offers highly attractive and roomy, character accommodation. This includes an oak panelled drawing room with Tudor brick fireplace, a further sitting room leading onto a terrace, plus an excellent family kitchen. The first floor comprises two principal bedrooms with shared en-suite, plus two further bedrooms and two more bathrooms. There are two additional attic bedrooms on the second floor. This property also comes with a double annexe offering a self-contained flat, ideal for a dependant relative. Much care has been taken to create the lovely formal gardens, and there is a tennis court in addition to the pool. In total, it extends to around 6.5 acres. The guide price is ÂŁ1.6 million. Contact Carter Jonas on 01223 855841. www.carterjonas.co.uk

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PROPERTY

GET MOVING IN FEBRUARY Spring always comes out on top as the best time to sell, but homeowners should be thinking about marketing at the start of the year to beat the competition. So advise Cambridge estate agents Strutt & Parker, who normally see activity in January, February and March. “The start of the year is when most people are back at work and will start to browse for their next big move. Serious sellers will have their home online early to ensure they don’t miss this audience,” says Cameron Ewer from Strutt & Parker. “Motivated sellers should be first to the post for the early spring market and January/February isn’t too early. Now the festive season is over, solicitors and estate agents are back at their desks and eager buyers who might have struggled to secure a deal at the end of last year are lying in wait. Marketing your home now could be a very canny move, especially when there is a lack of stock on the market, allowing your property to stand out.” Beat the spring rush – traditionally a season when many put their house onto the market. Waiting for those picture-perfect moments when the blossom is on the trees can mean that sellers are missing out. Historically, as the property market becomes saturated in spring and summer is dominated by high supply and high demand, this can mean you’re one of many houses for sale. Instead, selling in a period of high demand but low supply can mean you are one of few. www.struttandparker.com

A substantial city centre property has been brought to the market offering beautiful accommodation in a convenient and much sought-after spot. The Victorian property, in Fair Street, is nestled between Midsummer Common and the Grafton Centre and was formerly a university building. It has since been transformed into a stunning family home, offering a reception hall, light and airy living room with twin sash windows and an open fireplace, a dining room, charming kitchen/breakfast room, conservatory, utility room, ground floor shower room, three first-floor bedrooms (two doubles) and a bathroom. Unusually for its city centre location, the property benefits from its own walled garden with cycle access, plus a small garden to the front. This fantastic home has a guide price of £695,000. Contact Strutt & Parker on 01223 459502. www.struttandparker.com

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PROPERTY

Do you know much about your house before you lived there? Has it always been a home or was it a shop, a pub or something else? Two Cambridge academics delved into the history of their home in Fen Ditton and discovered it was once the site of the second paper mill in England. Dr Leah Tether, principal lecturer in publishing at Anglia Ruskin University, and her fiancé Dr Benjamin Pohl, a research fellow in medieval history at Cambridge University, discovered that their home has had an eventful history. As a paper mill, it was run by a German papermaker called Remigius who moved to England in 1551. It was used to supply paper for the world’s oldest publishing house: Cambridge University Press. However Remigius had financial difficulties, not helped by the Stationers Guild which tried to prevent foreigners entering the English book trade, and the mill had ceased paper production by 1557. The property continued to work as a mill (though not a paper mill) until 1824. Part of the building was used as an inn, later revived as The Globe Inn, which closed its doors in 1990.

“On moving in, Ben and I were immediately curious to know more about its history,” says Leah. “Initially, we thought it must be relatively modern, since the house on the site is clearly 19th century. “Eventually, we found a reference to a paper mill at Fen Ditton and soon discovered that the mill was rather older than we had suspected. “We’re both medievalists and the fact that the original mill was apparently 16th century meant that its history was a little out of our area of expertise. And yet our interest was piqued, especially as so little had been done to investigate the mill’s importance. Additionally, there was a possible link to my own research on publishing history, since I knew that Cambridge University Press was established during the same period. “Archival research at Corpus Christi’s Parker Library and the Cambridge University Library soon gave rise to various original documents, from letters to leases, which helped us to understand that this paper mill was only the second to be established in England. Additionally, the persons implicated in the mill’s

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establishment were of considerable profile – among them the Bishop of Ely and the prominent German reformer, Martin Bucer, who was then a Regius professor at the University of Cambridge. “It was exciting to find that our house had such a fascinating history and considerable level of historical importance, and we were particularly delighted to discover that we were far from the first academics to live here! “Early 20th century Cambridge scholars Hector Munro Chadwick, an AngloSaxonist, and Nora Kershaw Chadwick, a medievalist, owned the house and even delivered lectures here. We feel incredibly privileged to not only live in, but also provide an insight into, this historic site.”

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PROPERTY

CARTER JONAS ACQUIRES TWO LOCAL PROPERTY FIRMS Carter Jonas is acquiring the New Square Holdings Group, comprising two wellknown Cambridge-based property companies: Januarys, the commercial and planning consultants, and residential sales and lettings agency, Bradshaws. Effective from 30 January 2015, the various business streams of the two firms will combine to produce a multidisciplinary property consultancy, covering the eastern region with offices in Cambridge, Bury St Edmunds, Peterborough, Sawston, Long Melford and Northampton. Says Will Mooney, head of commercial at Carter Jonas, Cambridge: “The acquisition of Januarys’ commercial business further strengthens our team advising colleges and corporate clients across both the public and private sectors.” Colin Brown, who joins Carter Jonas as a partner to head up the planning team in Cambridge, adds: “Carter Jonas already has a planning team under Richard Seamark that is well respected in the eastern region, and by bringing the two consultancies together, including

our recent acquisition of John Popham Planning in Bury St Edmunds, we will establish one of the strongest planning teams in the region.” Following the purchase of Bradshaws, the combined residential sales and lettings businesses will initially trade as Carter Jonas Bradshaws. “The merging of the Carter Jonas and Bradshaws residential sales businesses will make us considerably stronger, particularly in the city market,” explains Richard Hatch, head of residential at Carter Jonas, Cambridge. “In addition, bringing the two development land businesses together, where Robert Harrison and Michael Hudson will form one of the most respected teams in the area, will lead to a stronger new homes operation, at a time when the region is due to see in excess of 25,000 homes coming through the planning system over the next six years.” Anton Frost, who will head up the combined residential lettings business, says: “We have seen considerable growth in our business over the last few

Together we will be one of the strongest national property consultancies in Cambridge

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years, and I look forward to working with Bridgit Knowles and her team as we seek to develop Carter Jonas into one of the strongest lettings agents in Cambridge, operating in both the city and village markets.” Simon Dazeley, chairman of New Square Holdings, who will join the firm as a consultant, says: “Combining our wellestablished business with national brand Carter Jonas is a great development, not only for our existing clients, but also for prospective ones. Together, we will now be able to offer advice across a broad range of property sectors from a consultancy that will be one of the strongest in the eastern region. The strong links to a network of 11 offices in London is something that we see as being vital as Cambridge continues to attract investors and multinational companies to its thriving economy.” Adds Tim Jones, head of Carter Jonas in Cambridge: “We are delighted that the Januarys and Bradshaws teams are joining us. They have developed an excellent business over the last few years, and together we will be one of the strongest national property consultancies in Cambridge.” www.carterjonas.co.uk

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PROPERTY

PART #3: FINDING THE PERFECT PROPERTY So, you’ve decided to invest in a rental property this year. But what kind of place do you go for? Christopher Toynbee of CTP in Cambridge continues his buy-to-let guide with a word on seeking and securing 'The One'

From an investor’s point of view, the first question you should be asking is what kind of tenant you want to go after. The answer to that will inform the kind of property you look for. All our student tenants are from Anglia Ruskin University, and the popular areas for them are Mill Road and East Road, so we immediately looked down Mill Road and found a great property which we’re planning to extend. When finished, it’ll have six bedrooms over three floors. For a student house, it’s helpful to find somewhere with rooms of a similar size. You don’t really want two large doubles and one single, as no one’s going to want the small room. We looked at the size of the reception rooms too, with a view to converting them into bedrooms. A goodsized kitchen is usually preferable as this will be used as the communal space. Bike storage is also essential for Cambridge. The house we’ve bought had been used previously as a professional let and

was pretty tired. I’d also advise looking for somewhere that does need a bit of work doing to it, as then there’s value to be added. If a house is already done up, then someone else has already made that money and they’re charging you for that. We wanted somewhere that we could extend, and have plans to convert the loft in our property. But as loft conversions in conservation areas (most of Cambridge) require planning permission, there are considerations there, which I’ll go into in more detail next month. Once we had found the property, it was a case of making the numbers work. With the Cambridge market as busy as it is, there was no point going in too far below the asking price as we knew it’d get snapped up, or we wouldn’t be taken seriously. Still it’s important to budget, and to allocate funds to be used just for your housing project, and not dip into other pots for it.

If a house is already done up, someone else has already made that money and they’re charging you for it

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Timing is key. It’s important to get things done quickly as void periods are expensive. All the while you don’t have tenants in, you’re still paying council tax, bills etc. So don’t sit back and wait eight weeks for the conveyancers to come back, make sure you’re being proactive in other areas, researching the tenant market for instance, getting prices for jobs and generally staying on top of everything. The sooner you can get it up and running and making your money back, the better. Students will be looking now for properties they’ll move into in August, so if that’s the market you’re targeting, now’s the time to secure your property. This gives you the whole spring and summer to prepare and do any work on it. We’re tying tenants up from August 2015 to August 2016, which you wouldn’t get with a professional let, so it’s a great market to go for. CTP Property specialises in residential property lettings in Cambridge. For further advice on lettings or buy-to-let investments, contact 01223 226183. www.ctpproperty.co.uk

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PROPERTY

BOOMTOWN BULLETIN The latest from Cambridge’s new property developments SWALLOW GARDENS

PROPOSAL FOR NEW STUDENT ACCOMMODATION Last month, King’s College Cambridge and its development partner Howard Group held a public exhibition about their proposals to redevelop the student accommodation block at Whichcote House, which is located near Springfield Road and Mitcham’s Corner, Cambridge, for new student accommodation. The drop-in event allowed the local community and other interested parties to come and find out more about the proposals and have their say. Around 40 people were in attendance, and a planning application is due to be submitted to Cambridge County Council this month. The plans will be to demolish the existing dated building and construct 46 new highquality, attractive student apartments. Howard Group property development director William Jewson said of the matter: “Engaging with the local community about our development plans helps people understand the need for the positive changes to the current site and how this will benefit the local area. The feedback that we received was very positive and we were pleased to see so many people at the exhibition.” www.whichcotehouse-cambridge.co.uk

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A smart development of new homes, inspired by the children’s book Swallows and Amazons, has been completed in Chesterton, offering 11 homes in this desirable, up-andcoming area of the city. The two-, three- and fourbedroom townhouses were developed by Cambridge and County Developments and designed to pay homage to the popular children’s book written by Arthur Ransome, who lived in nearby Water Street. Situated to the north-east of the city, Chesterton is well placed for access into Cambridge city centre (a short, scenic walk across the river), the Science and business parks and the forthcoming Chesterton railway station, due to be completed in 2015/16. The properties are close to Stourbridge Common and Chesterton’s local amenities, including some of the city’s top restaurants and pubs, and are expected to be popular with young professionals and commuters. Parking and cycle storage is also included, and each house comes with a turfed rear garden. Prices start at £395,000 for a twostorey semi-detached house. www.candcd.co.uk

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PROPERTY

NORTH WEST CAMBRIDGE 400 homes will be built as part of the first phase of North West Cambridge, set to become the next new district of our growing city. The University of Cambridge has awarded contracts to two residential developers, Countryside and Hill, to build the market housing on the North West Cambridge Development, which will join the 700 already planned homes for University key workers. Brian Nearney, commercial director of the North West Cambridge Development, says: “Our partnerships with Countryside and Hill mark another major chapter in development. Both developers have demonstrated to the University that they will create new homes that will meet our objectives of sustainable living and exemplar design. We look forward to working with them in delivering this new quarter of the city.” All 400 market homes, as well as the 700 University key worker homes

that are part of the first phase of the development, will be designed to high levels of sustainability meeting the Code for Sustainable Homes Level 5. They will be integrated into the Sustainable Urban Drainage System including the UK’s largest non-potable water recycling system, as well as the district heating network, and make extensive use of photovoltaics. The housing will comprise a mix of apartments, terraces, semi-detached and detached family homes. Says Graham Cherry, chief executive of Countryside’s New Homes & Communities division: “We are delighted to have been selected by the University of Cambridge to help create a dynamic new district that will form the next chapter in the evolution of Cambridge. Working with Proctor and Matthews we will use our design and place making skills to create a quarter that will set new standards for 21st century living.” Andy Hill, chief executive officer of Hill, comments: “Our scheme will deliver

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distinctive contemporary homes that will appeal to Cambridge’s desire for a highly sustainable lifestyle within this new urban quarter. We are already invested in shaping the future of this historic city and this new community will secure a legacy for all future generations.” Bidwells has been working with the University of Cambridge as development advisors to the North West Cambridge Development. Brian Buckingham, who is a partner at Bidwells, says: “These two strong local developers will set the benchmark for the quality of homes for the later phases of the scheme and underpin the ambitions of the University to create a long-lasting place.” The market housing for the North West Cambridge Development will be available from spring 2016 and the designs will be subject to reserved matters applications to the local authorities in 2015. www.hill.co.uk www.countryside-properties.com

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INTERIORS NEWS

A MONTHLY GUIDE TO WHAT'S HOT IN THE WORLD OF CAMBRIDGE INTERIOR DESIGN

FOOD & FUN DAY AT KITCHENOLOGY Take a day trip to Bury St Edmunds on 1 February when Kitchenology will host a day of food and fun, 11am-4.30pm. Taking place in the kitchen dealership’s stunning showroom, this free event will offer a chance to pick up some top culinary tips from the pros, as well as plenty of tasty food to try and special offers to take advantage of. Pop along and watch the professional chef at work as she prepares a selection of delicious dishes while offering her expertise and answering your burning foodie questions. The event will begin with a brunch at 11.30am when a selection of

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sweet and savoury treats will be cooked and available to sample, followed by a Sunday lunch of roast chicken and a warming pud, all cooked in a combi steamer! Next up will be afternoon tea at 3pm, and there’ll be fantastic exclusive offers all day long. There will also be the chance to win a coveted KitchenAid Mixer – the ultimate stylish kitchen must-have for all enthusiastic bakers. Director Jennifer Shaw and the Kitchenology team will be available throughout the event to answer any questions on kitchen design, construction and installation, and guests will be able to

admire the elegant Kitchenology range. Kitchenology are an Alno Premier Dealer, who design and install stunning state-ofthe-art kitchens tailored to each individual and their needs. You’ll find both classic and contemporary styles, so it’s ideal for picking up a bit of inspiration for a kitchen makeover of your own – whether you’re in the market for sleek and modern or classic and traditional. It’s also a great excuse to visit charming Bury St Edmunds, one of our very favourite spots for a day trip for all its lovely independent shops and great cafes and restaurants. www.kitchenologyltd.co.uk

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INTERIORS NEWS

25 years

GREEN HEAT CELEBRATES

NEW AT

25 YEARS

Congratulations to Green Heat, which this year celebrates a fantastic 25 years in business. Founded by Peter Thom, this Girton based company was established with a goal of raising awareness about energy efficiency and helping homeowners to save energy, money, and ultimately, the planet. It’s been an interesting journey for Peter, a passionate environmentalist, who pioneered and developed home energy ratings (now integrated into all energysaving legislations), as well as working to encourage the wider use of high efficiency condensing boilers and better heating and hot water controls. In 1990 they were one of just a few heating companies promoting and installing this technology, whilst through lobbying and educating people about their benefits, condensing boilers were eventually made a requirement in the 2005 Building Regulations. There have been numerous other high profile successes too, and Peter certainly shows no sign of slowing down. “I suppose you could say I’ve been on a mission,” says Peter. “But a mission that I believe is possible. Green Heat was specifically established to help more people understand energy efficiency and the benefits it can bring to them as well as future generations in protecting our planet.” Green Heat is now one of the country’s leading energy efficiency companies, and has picked up a crop of accolades. To mark their anniversary, they’ll be planning a number of events to celebrate with the community. Watch this space for more info and turn to page 36 for more information about the impressive ecoachievements that Green Heat has been part of over the past quarter of a century. www.greenheat.uk.com

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OLIVER BONAS Always brightening up the high street with their vibrant homewares, the new Oliver Bonas collection is typically fun and quirky. Here’s a few of our faves

1. Woop Woop Wall Art £59 2. Don’t Grow Up Wall Art Frame £59 3. Wire Bin £29 4. Palm Tree Jewellery Stand £26 5. Pineapple Jewellery Stand £20

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INTERIORS AIRFRAME DESK £275 JOHN LEWIS, DOWNING STREET, CAMBRIDGE

RECYCLED GEOMETRIC HOME OFFICE PIECES, STARTING AT £3.95 (PEN POT), KARENZA & CO

DRAWER STORAGE CABINET £12 MAGAZINE FILE £7 PEN POT £3.50 ALL PAPERCHASE, MARKET HILL, CAMBRIDGE

NAYOKO DESK £549 HYBRID TASK TABLE LAMP £79 MARKS AND SPENCER, SIDNEY STREET, CAMBRIDGE

A STUDY IN Create your dream home office with these hip ideas for your workspace

CODY OAK EFFECT TASK LAMP £95 HOUSE OF FRASER

VINTAGE WORLD MAP DESIGN DESK TIDY£4.95 DOTCOMGIFTSHOP

BLOCK MEDIUM PEG BOARD NOW £36 RED CANDY

ALBERT DESK £450 OLIVER BONAS, SIDNEY STREET, CAMBRIDGE

ZINC DESK TIDY BY THE ORCHARD NOW £15.75 NOTONTHEHIGHSTREET.COM

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RODNEY WOOD CHEST £650 OLIVER BONAS, SIDNEY STREET, CAMBRIDGE

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INTERIORS

Designer: Sandra Jane At Home

Designer: Janet Church Interiors

INTERVIEW BY ANGELINA VILLA-CLARKE

CALLING ON THE

EXPERTS Designer: Katie Malik Interiors

Redesigning your home or simply overhauling a room can be a daunting task. Faced with a myriad of choices, it can be difficult to know where to start. That’s where a talented interior designer can help. We talk to four local leading names about what it’s like to design other people’s homes.

Designer: The Interior Design Oracle

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INTERIORS

ALISON DOWNS, THE INTERIOR DESIGN ORACLE

Alison is owner of The Interior Design Oracle, a specialist interiors sourcing company, which helps customers track down anything from a unique light fitting to sourcing advice for a whole project.

What led you to set up The Interior Design Oracle? I set up my company as I identified that it is often the procurement element of projects which both clients and professionals find most time-consuming and stressful. We aim to take the hassle out of this process. Through our extensive contacts, we can keep costs down by sourcing elements with different price points. What do you feel passionately about when it comes to design? Put simply, the quality and feel of a completed scheme. I always advise clients to use the best quality finishes that they can afford and to keep a close eye on the small details. The concept can be great but if the delivery is not perfect, the effect can be compromised. Often finding the right suppliers and contractors is the key to delivering a successful project.

What aspect do you find to be the most challenging? It can be difficult when a couple have very different ideas for their project. The skill is then finding a way of fusing the two together. Once we have a clear vision and everyone is happy we can set about delivering it. It can sometimes take a few discussions to get there. How would you sum up your style? I like to use classical details – think original cornices, characterful window shutters, fireplaces and old bookcases – mixed with modern fittings and fabrics. At the moment I love the boxy, contemporary shape of David Seyfried’s Gilston Sofa (www.davidseyfried.com) highlighted with Boeme Design’s Tide Sunrise cushions (www.boeme.co.uk). What would be your dream project? Again I like to work with old and new so a historically interesting building, with a

I always advise clients to use the best quality ﬁnishes they can afford and keep an eye on the small details

contemporary addition is always fantastic. I find it fascinating how well conservation and contemporary work can complement each other, when done sensitively. Whose home would you most like to design and why? I’d love to work with Kristin Scott Thomas. She is incredibly stylish but, more importantly, is an independent thinker who doesn’t follow the crowd. What inspires you? I often find travelling can provide great inspiration. Many of my holiday snaps are of little details that I have spotted or of products from newly discovered shops that might be useful in the future. What’s new for 2015? I am quite drawn to dark walls, in grey or very dark blue tones, and contrasted with furniture or fabrics in vibrant yellows and greens. Describe your own home. I am very lucky to live in a beautiful house on the Hatfield Park Estate in Hertfordshire. The main part of the house dates from around 1780, and it has had a number of later additions. We spend a lot of time in the kitchen. The units are painted in Farrow

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INTERIORS

and Ball’s Ball Green and were customised with antique brass handles. One of my favourite things in the kitchen is a beautiful painted wall cupboard, which we found in Switzerland and dates from 1781. The study is also well used. This has timber panelling and bookcases with simple Georgian mouldings painted in Farrow and Ball’s Lichen. We’ve kept the original fireplace and put in a log burner. Above the fireplace is a 19th century bird’seye view of Cambridge, from the Lawson Gallery in Cambridge (www.lawson-gallery. com). It’s cosy with oak flooring, a small leather chesterfield and lighting dotted about. This helps to give the room a great atmosphere at night. Can you give any design tips for readers? Don’t go with the latest fads, they date very quickly. Specify the best quality you can afford, you will not regret this. Take time to think about what your requirements are before you embark on a project. It can be unnecessarily stressful when decisions need to be made in a hurry.

What’s the biggest highlight of your job? The fact that it is so varied. Some of my more unusual assignments have included sourcing carved Carrara marble angels from Italy and working with specialists to investigate and restore historic finishes within a Grade I listed building. What advise would you give homeowners who want to pull together a design but have a small budget? I would advise homeowners to keep things simple, perhaps investing in just one key piece, which they love. Don’t be afraid to try small suppliers or to go direct to the manufacturers. Think creatively and don’t be afraid to ask for advice – specialist knowledge can be invaluable.

The Interior Design Oracle, 01707 268178; www.tido.uk.com

I would advise homeowners to keep things simple, perhaps investing in just one key piece that they love

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INTERIORS

KATIE MALIK, KATIE MALIK INTERIORS Interior designer Katie Malik believes that a home should reflect the people living there. Her design studio, Katie Malik Interiors based in Cambridge, provides a holistic approach to interior design.

How did your career start as an interior designer? My first exposure to design started at a very young age, as my father ran a decoration business. I assisted on my first project when I was 18 in New York, where my father worked. After that I had a chance to learn more in an architectural practice in Chicago. When I moved to the UK, I spent some time expanding my knowledge and experience at interior designers Fenton Whelan (www.fentonwhelan.com) and 1508 London (www.1508london.com), and more recently, I have undertaken projects in and around Cambridge. What do you love about the job? There’s not much I don’t like. I love designing, researching, liaising with suppliers and clients. If I had to choose my favourite part, I think it would be the installation days where the team efforts come together. What do you find most challenging? Every day is different, and full of situations which can pose some difficulties, for example, finding the perfect fabric that a client likes and which fits the scheme and the budget.

I take a very personal approach to each project, so when it comes to completion it’s very satisfying How would you sum up your style? My style has been heavily influenced by my early childhood and teenage years. I would say it’s contemporary classic – quite bold but mixed with the mid-century aesthetic.

adventure – no matter who they are. I have actually worked with a few famous people, and they are no different to me than my current clients, who are not internationally recognised.

What would be the perfect project? Every project is like a little dream. I take a very personal approach to each one, so when it comes to completion it’s very satisfying. I love both houses and apartments, city and country dwellings – it would be tricky for me to choose between.

What gets you out of bed every day? I’m inspired by my everyday life. I get a lot from spending time with friends, looking at buildings, sourcing new fabrics, discovering exciting food and looking at elements of nature.

Is there anyone in particular you’d like to design for? I don’t have a desire to design a home of anyone in particular. Everyone’s home is so different, and designing it is just a different

What are your trend predictions for 2015? Interiors tend to reflect what is happening in the fashion worlds so, following the bold colour palettes that were presented during the New York Fashion Week for SS15, we can expect to see vibrant palettes and pops of colour. I believe we’ll continue to see eye-catching graphic prints and soft geometric patterns. I suspect the trend of textures will now include more 3D designs with an organic feel to them. We might also see more modern classic tendencies in furniture design. I am looking forward to visiting this year’s Salone del Mobile, in April in Milan (www.salonemilano.it), during which many trends are revealed. Describe your own home. My current home represents a theme of travelling so every room is different. The closest to my personal style is

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JANET CHURCH, JANET CHURCH INTERIORS

The founder of Janet Church Interiors has built a reputation on being a leading expert in soft furnishings, curtains and blinds. The shop in St Ives is a one-stop shop for made-to-measure curtains and blinds, wallpapers and paints.

probably the living room – which represents the Americas and the concept of big cities. There are many angular statements and bold colours mixed with some natural materials. Do you have any design tips? If you’re planning to redesign your home, don’t be afraid of contacting a designer, even if your budget isn’t very big. We can offer advice, especially if you’re unsure about the direction or execution of your ideas. You can choose the extent to which you can afford or want a designer to be involved. In fact, hiring a designer can actually save you not only a headache, but money as well, especially on items which a designer can obtain at trade prices. Do you have a favourite project that you have been involved in? All of them have been interesting but I am currently working on a redesign of the whole house – going from an eclectic cottage into a sophisticated minimalist home with some Art Deco elements.

What are the new trends for homes for 2015? As a soft furnishings specialist, we are seeing printed and embroidered fabrics with a global/ethnic influence coming through, for example the new Zanzibar collection from Clarke & Clarke (www. clarke-clarke.co.uk) is filled with bright colours and geometric patterns inspired by the spice markets of Zanzibar. I’m also seeing a revival of vintage floral prints for 2015. Sanderson’s Vintage 2 collection (www.sanderson-uk.com) contains lovely bold bright florals, which are great for spring/summer Does how we live nowadays affect people’s approach to home design? I think people are looking for practical and functional design that works for their busy lifestyle. People want effective but simple styles. We have seen a big rise in plainer window treatments, such as Roman blinds and unfussy curtain headings, such as twin pleats. Easy-to-use remote-controlled roller blinds – which are safety conscious – have also become popular and are practical choices for families with young children.

What does good design mean to you? Good design should be practical for the customer and suit their needs. It should bring people and families together. Describe your signature style? Our customers come to Janet Church Interiors for our range of unique accessories that are a little bit different to the rest of what you can find on the high street. We are always looking for quirky and individual accessories. What inspires you about home interiors? It is always inspiring to see our work finished, and our customers happy. I also love seeing the many different styles of home that we visit. What is challenging about your job? It can be challenging to find a window treatment to suit the diverse range of homes we cater for. We need to make sure that we bring our customers’ visions to life in a practical way. Sometimes we will need to explain why a certain fabric or style may not work and find solutions to these problems. We pride ourselves on offering fantastic customer service.

We suggest using more expensive fabrics on smaller items, such as Roman blinds or curtains

How can homeowners redesign a space on a tight budget? Soft furnishings, such as cushions, window treatments and accessories, can quickly update any space without breaking the bank. Even with small budgets, it is a good idea to consult an interior designer. Sometimes, choosing the wrong wall colour or a wrong cushion can have a detrimental effect on the whole space and can be easily avoided.

Katie Malik Interiors, 07596 190914; www.katiemalik.co.uk

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What is the most interesting aspect of your role? It is always inspiring to visit trade fairs and see the new collections and colours that we will be working with in the future. I like to visit the Design Centre at Chelsea Harbour (www.dcch.co.uk) for inspiration – I always leave with tons of ideas. What area would you like to work in? I’d love to expand into the design process for new property developments and show homes. They are ideal places to show off everything that we can do in terms of home style. What’s your own home like? My home is first and foremost family orientated. We have three dogs and we always have people visiting so it is stylish but practical. We spend most of our time in the open-plan kitchen/living area. Here, I have Sanderson’s Dandelion Clocks fabric on my blinds and on a matching feature wing-backed chair. One of my favourite things in this room is a painting by Caroline Walker. It’s of two cows with a bright duck egg blue background (www.caroline-walker.co.uk). We bought it while on holiday in Padstow, Cornwall when the children were little and so it has really nice memories attached to it. It also really complements the fabric. I am always updating my rooms, as I can't resist a new fabric when it comes in!

Can you offer any advice on easy and effective home design? Think about the style of the house you’re working on – what style will complement it best? Use neutral colours as a base (we sell Farrow & Ball paints, and there is a huge range of neutral colours and greys to choose from) then use coloured accessories and fabrics to inject your colour. This is a cost-effective way to keep updating your rooms. Can you have a stylish home on a small budget? Yes, you can! We often suggest using more expensive fabrics on smaller items, such as Roman blinds or cushions as you simply don’t need a lot of fabric. Look for cheaper alternatives and diffusion ranges – such as the Sanderson Home range, which has modern designs at much more affordable prices. Is there someone in the public eye that you would like to work with? The Queen! I would love to dress those big windows in Buckingham Palace!

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Janet Church Interiors, 01480 493400; www.janetchurchinteriors. co.uk

SANDRA JANE TURKENTINE, SANDRA

JANE AT HOME INTERIORS Sandra Jane’s interior design service can offer advice on soft furnishings and elements of your scheme as well as designing complete schemes. The studio stocks wallpapers, accessories, and has an extensive fabric library.

What trends will be seeing in our homes in 2015? In terms of fabrics, bolder, geometric prints are back. Manuel Canovas (www.manuelcanovas.com) has some gorgeous, luxuriously bold styles. Embroidered linens are also making a return. Generally, I think we are moving away from neutral colour schemes to the use of bolder shades – such as lime green, fuchsia and orange. These look particularly effective against greys. What are people after in their homes at the moment? We all lead busy lives but are actually spending a lot more of our leisure time at home. The cost of living has gone up so lots more people are entertaining at home, where once they would have dined out, for instance. This means more of us are after comfortable, stylish homes that are welcoming for friends and family. Open plan living is big

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and the interest in gardening is also having an effect. Outside influences, such as use of greens, botanical prints and casual living, are all big news. What does ‘good design’ mean? Quality and adaptability are key. I would advise on investing in a few key pieces that will stand the test of time. Spend most on your sofas, dining table and occasional pieces – you simply can’t beat good quality. These things will last and you can always reupholster or repaint pieces in years to come if you get tired of them – the basic structure will still be good. Choose elegant items from amazing designers – like Tom Faulkner (www.tomfaulkner.co.uk) – and they will never go out of style. Describe your home for us. It is a converted coach house and I guess it has an eclectic feel. I have three grandchildren so it is imperative that it is a comfortable, family house. You’ll find a Carew Jones Perspex coffee table (www.carewjones.co.uk) against traditional tweed sofas (practically chosen so the dogs can jump on them). I’ve used lots of warm colours – such as reds and ochres so it feels cosy and each bedroom has a different theme. Best of all it has views to a paddock so I can see my horse. What inspires you about working with interiors? After 25 years in the business I am still inspired about discovering new collections and the creativity of the job. What is challenging about your job? You have to understand what a

Don’t throw furniture away – most pieces can be updated with new knobs or repainted customer wants and put their vision into practice. It’s a fine line between pleasing them and advising on what will work in a given space. You have to be positive.

means that we work in many homes with traditional features and modern elements – it’s about pulling it all together in a cohesive way.

What attracted you to interior design? Put simply, I loved homemaking! It just comes naturally to me. I have done up lots of houses myself over the years and have never struggled with it. After spending ten years at Colefax and Fowler (www.colefax. com), it made sense for me to go it alone.

Can you give three tips for readers on easy and effective home design? Don’t throw furniture away – most pieces can be updated with new knobs or repainted. Think again about what you have – sometimes all you have to do is move things into different rooms to give them a new lease of life. Source items from sale rooms, ask to see remnants of fabrics, which will be much cheaper, and think about taking a few basic classes – such as upholstery. You’ll get tons of new ideas.

What would be your dream project? If I can walk away feeling satisfied and the client is also happy – that’s my dream. What’s Home Interiors’ signature style? We are known for our ‘country home’ look – although that’s not to say that we don’t do modern. We’re good at bringing a mix of styles together. The Cambridgeshire area has lots of period properties so it

How can you keep your home fresh without breaking the bank? You don’t have to overhaul everything or overdo things. A little change is actually better than a lot. Repaint a wall or buy a small piece of furniture – like a footstool – that you love. Whose home would you like to get your hands on? I’d love to work with Darcey Bussell. I have followed her career and she seems to adapt herself with style as she has got older. She seems a genuinely lovely person who is well-respected. She’s not showy or flashy and has a nice aura.

Sandra Jane at Home Interiors, 01223 323211; www.sjah.co.uk

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CAMBRIDGE’S GREEN HEAT CELEBRATES 25 YEARS OF SAVING THE ENVIRONMENT t isn’t often that a silver and diamond anniversary are celebrated in the same year, but for Girton-based energy efficiency specialists, Green Heat Ltd and founder, Peter Thom, 2015 marks a momentous double milestone in the heating industry. Since Green Heat was established by Peter 25 years ago with the aim of making more homes energy efficient and bringing affordable warmth to more people, the company has helped to make substantial reductions to household fuel bills. Over the past two and a half decades Green Heat has trained over 65,000 people in energy efficiency, assessed and surveyed nearly 100,000 dwellings and buildings and helped its clients to save over 680,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide – that’s the equivalent of 3.6 million double decker buses, or enough to fill over half a million hot air balloons measuring 10m wide! From his beginnings as an apprentice with Eastern Gas in 1965, Peter Thom has witnessed, campaigned for and successfully instigated some major changes in the world of energy-saving. A dedicated environmentalist, he has worked tirelessly to raise awareness of

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energy efficiency in the domestic market. Over an impressive 50 years in the industry, he has been instrumental in getting climate change and energy efficiency not only on the political agenda, but at the top of it. One of his key objectives in setting up Green Heat was to develop and introduce a methodology to measure and rate the energy efficiency of homes. Peter explains: “Back in 1990 energy efficiency was only concerned with draught proofing windows and insulating cylinders, with no recognition of efficient heating. “We pioneered and developed home energy ratings and lobbied to get these into Building Regulations. We succeeded in 1995, when SAP Ratings were first required by Part L of the Building Regulations. Since then, SAP ratings have been woven into all energy saving legislation and Government schemes,” he says. Peter continues: “Our second mission was to encourage the wider use of high efficiency condensing boilers and better heating and hot water controls. In 1990 we were one of only a very few heating companies promoting and installing this technology. Over subsequent years of lobbying and successfully demonstrating their benefits, condensing boilers were

eventually made a requirement in the 2005 Building Regulations.” These major developments in energy efficiency are now recognised as the two most significant changes to have been made to Building Regulations. The Boiler Scrappage Scheme – loosely modelled on the Government’s Car Scrappage Scheme – was another of Peter’s initiatives to help cut carbon emissions and help people reduce their energy bills. The scheme enabled householders to apply for vouchers from the Energy Saving Trust to replace their lowest ‘G’ rating boiler with an ‘A’ rated energy efficient model, or to install a renewable heating system. The scheme was heralded a great success in environmental change, not only in reducing emissions and helping people cut down on their fuel bills, but also in helping to sustain work for the 130,000 installers, and around 25 UK-based boiler manufacturers throughout the economic recovery. Peter’s latest victory is to persuade the Government to amend its new Green Deal Home Improvement Fund. “I’m a great supporter of the Green Deal, but was concerned that the small installer

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businesses were losing out to the big energy suppliers. So I made an FOI request. This revealed British Gas was securing more than 95% of the Government’s cashback vouchers for boiler installations, leaving small installers out in the cold,” said Peter. “The scheme has now been opened up to smaller businesses and is much fairer and easier for the public to understand.” Few can match Peter’s commitment, focus and drive to make energy-efficient homes a reality for all. “I suppose you could say I’ve been on a mission, but a mission that I believe is possible,” explains Peter. “Green Heat was specifically established to help more people understand energy efficiency and the benefits it brings to them as well as future generations in protecting our planet.” Peter continues to drive this change. “There is still too much red tape and industry jargon preventing people improving their home’s efficiency. The multitude of products, services and solutions that promise to save us money and be kinder to the environment is baffling to a lot of people and the sheer volume of information causes many to question their claims. This confusion and mistrust leads to inaction, with the result that the UK has some of the most inefficient housing in Europe. “People are wasting energy and paying much higher fuel bills than necessary,” Peter explained. Green Heat is now one of the country's leading energy efficiency companies. The

contribution the company and Peter have made to the industry over five decades has been recognised year on year in an abundance of accolades, including: John Cheshire Green Business Award 2010 – Peter was the inaugural winner in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the improvement of energy efficiency in the UK over the previous two years. H&V News Domestic Heating Installer of the Year – Green Heat won the title two years running. CORGI Green Installer of the Year 2009 Gas Industry Energy Efficiency Award 2009 “Looking back, there has been definite progress,” added Peter. “There’s a much better awareness of energy efficiency today – among both public and political audiences – and more effective measures in place. However, there’s still a way to go and challenges ahead which need to be met head on to bring more efficient, affordable warmth to more homes. “Over the next few years we hope to really push the fight against fuel poverty and raise the profile of water efficiency, both here in the UK and as a global issue facing the next generation.” To mark its anniversary year, Green Heat will be planning a number of events to celebrate with the local community. For further information, please visit: www.greenheat.uk.com

Peter Thom, founder and managing director of Cambridge-based Green Heat Ltd.

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