Property Edition June 2013 Issue

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JUNE 2013

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Boomtown Bulletin

spotlight on...

NEWNHAM

WELCOME

WELCOME TO

PROPERTY EDITION

hanks for all your great responses to last month’s launch issue of Property Edition; we’re now delighted to be able to offer you our second issue, packed with lots more information and great ideas for buyers and sellers in Cambridge.

A particularly magnificent building came up for sale in time for this issue, which is bound to turn a few heads. Tucked away off the High Street in Sawston, Sawston Hall is a Grade I listed Tudor mansion boasting a Great Hall, chapel, library and a ballroom, no less.

It’s actually right across from our offices (we didn’t even know it was there!) and I was lucky enough to be invited for a tour to discover all its fascinating secrets. Read the jam-packed story inside.

Also this month, as the weather warms, borders bloom and our thoughts turn to afterwork glasses of wine out on the patio, we’ve been on the hunt for homes with particularly beautiful gardens. You’ll find a selection of our

favourites on page 7.

Cambridge is one of those locations where you can just about get by without a car.

Everyone knows it’s all about cycling here – but sometimes, when a big supermarket shop looms or you fancy a spur-of-the-moment trip to the coast, a car could really come in handy.

Great Kneighton, the new development in Trumpington, has a solution: the Zipcar. The Boris Bike of the car world, you can rent a Zipcar for an hour, a day or a week, by booking online or using a smartphone app. We think it’s a darn good idea. Read more on page 33.

Finally, our focus falls on Newnham for the Spotlight On… feature. A timelessly popular and pretty area of the city, it’s close enough to walk into town from, while being surrounded by lots of green spaces – with the lovely walks at Grantchester just down the road, too. We asked local experts for tips on what to expect if you’re looking to buy in this sought-after area.

We hope you enjoy reading this issue – see you next month.

JENNIFER SHELTON, FEATURES EDITOR

jennifershelton@bright-publishing.com 01223 499463

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COVER IMAGE The property featured on the cover is Street Farm, in Weston Colville, Cambridgeshire. The guide price on this property is £1,650,000. For more details or to arrange a viewing, contact Jackson-Stops & Staff Newmarket office on 01638 662231 or the Carter Jonas Cambridge office on 01223 368771. Alternatively, visit www.jackson-stops.co.uk or www.carterjonas.co.uk

KEY ACCOUNTS MANAGER George Pearson 01223 499464 georgepearson@bright-publishing.com

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PROPERTY

WORDS JENNIFER SHELTON

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

A ROOM WITH MANY VIEWINGS A city centre property being marketed by Strutt & Parker proved that the right property, at the right price, can generate plenty of interest even in today’s challenging market.

The classic 1940s property on Newton Road, situated close to the train station within large, pretty gardens, was advertised for sale on 2 May, and by close of business on the same day the office had amassed over 60 viewing requests. This translated into four offers within the following week, all of which were above the asking price of £800,000.

The detached house occupies a prime city location and comes with five bedrooms, three bathrooms and a garden of 0.42 acres.

Cameron Ewer, who heads up the Strutt & Parker Cambridge office, believes the desirable location and realistic pricing has paid off. He comments: “When a good-sized property on a sought-after road becomes available, you expect some interest – but the phones simply haven’t stopped ringing for this home. Let’s hope that it sets a precedent for the rest of the spring market.” www.struttandparker.com

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A house with history Dating from the late 1700s, and with origins back to Medieval times, this Grade II listed home has plenty of stories to tell. It occupies a picturesque spot in Cotton End Road, Exning, and used to be a cornmill in a former life. Evidence of its working role is still seen in the upper floors; go exploring and you’ll soon find part of the original machinery providing a unique focal point in the study and master bedroom.

Elsewhere, rustic timber beams have been retained to give a sense of character throughout, while outside, the property benefits from beautiful paddock and parkland views from an elevated terrace. This unique property is for sale at £525,000 through Pocock & Shaw, 01638 668284. www.pocock.co.uk

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PROPERTY

THE GREAT OUTDOORS They say it’s what’s inside that counts – and that’s true to an extent when it comes to houses. But when the weather is glorious, the garden’s the only place you’ll want to be. Here are three beautiful homes which offer the best in outside as well as inside space.

A rarity for Cambridge, this smart, central family home has plenty of outside space in the form of a long, sweeping and immaculate lawn, lined with trees and colourful borders.

Situated in Storey’s Way, the property has six bedrooms, a garage/workshop and parking, and is for sale with a guide price of £1.85 million. Contact Jackson-Stops & Staff on 01638 662231. www.jackson-stops.co.uk

This pretty Victorian property in London Road, Harston, comes with a suntrap terrace and large, south-west facing lawn, and occupies a superb spot within this popular village. Inside, there are four bedrooms, a swish kitchen and original features aplenty. Guide price is £575,000; contact Carter Jonas on 01223 368771. www.carterjonas.co.uk

About a mile outside of Stapleford, this idyllic country house is right on the edge of the Magog Down and has fabulous views from its elevated position. There’s a huge lawned garden to the rear, complete with pretty fruit trees, while the house itself (once two farm cottages) is light, spacious and up to date with four bedrooms.

Guide price is £825,000 (SSTC); call TuckerGardner on 01223 845240. www.tuckergardner.com

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PROPERTY

A family affair

Featured property

Will (left) and Nick Redmayne of Redmayne Arnold & Harris

Redmayne Arnold & Harris has announced that Will Redmayne has been promoted to the position of lettings manager. Will has been working in the lettings department at the firm full-time since 2011. Before that, he was a familiar face at the company, often helping out during busy periods, getting an early insight into various aspects of the lettings market.

“It used to be far more commonplace for sons to follow fathers into the family business and it is great that Will can do this here,” commented Nick Redmayne, one of the founders of the company.

Will’s promotion is part of an expansion and reorganisation of the lettings department so that Redmayne Arnold & Harris can deliver the best level of service to their landlords and tenants. The department has been split into two teams, with the property management team taking responsibility for ongoing dealings with landlords and tenants (property visits, maintenance issues, rent reviews and checkouts) and, in parallel, the lettings team handling all marketing, viewings, negotiation, referencing and start-up paperwork for new tenants moving into properties.

The firm has also been recruiting new members of staff to manage its growing portfolio of properties. Alison Miller and Kimberley Roman have joined the lettings team, while Daniella Nelson and Ashley Carter have joined the property management team. www.rah.co.uk

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PROPERTY

DETAILS: Sawston Hall

£6 million

Grade I listed Tudor mansion 57+ acres Paddocks & coach house

ne of the most significant houses in the Cambridge area has come onto the market through Savills. Nestled secretively behind the church in Sawston, the magnificent Sawston Hall has presided quietly over the village for over 500 years: a stunning example of Tudor architecture and the glory of the age, fully restored in a sympathetic style and standing comfortably within over 57 acres of immaculate gardens, woodland and parkland.

The Grade I listed Sawston Hall was the Huddlestone family seat for over half a millennia and made a significant contribution to British history. The family played a major role in Queen Mary securing the crown (in return she assisted the build), and during the reign of Elizabeth I, the house became a

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Catholic safe house (the famous priest’s hole created by St Nicholas Owen can still be found in the attics). During the Second World War, it was used as the US 66th Air Force’s headquarters.

The Hall has recently undergone a major refurbishment programme, resulting in tastefully decorated rooms that celebrate the property’s heritage while providing stunning, practical family accommodation, with potential for alternative uses. Of particular note are the two state Tudor bedrooms, library, bespoke Mark Wilkinson family kitchen and magnificent ballroom.

Sawston Hall is seven miles from Cambridge and well placed for access to London and both Cambridge and Stansted airports. The guide price is £6 million. Contact Savills on 01223 347147. www.savills.co.uk

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PROPERTY

WORDS CHARLOTTE PHILLIPS IMAGES BEN PUCKERING

SPOTLIGHT ON

NEWNHAM This month, Edition takes an in-depth look at Newnham, with its ‘village inside the city’ appearance and appealing sense of local community omping through the adjectives to find original ways of describing our lovely city is tricky at the best of times. It’s not that there’s any shortage of choice – quite the contrary. The problem is that so many of them have been well and truly done to death already. It’s particularly true of the desperate scrabble for fresh-sounding ways of describing the delights of Newnham.

‘Idyllic’? Repeated ad infinitum. ‘Village within the city’? Heard it all before. The problem with those old clichés is when it comes to describing a Newnham state of mind, there really is nothing else that fits the bill.

“It’s idyllic; a special little corner of Cambridge that has for as long as one can

remember always had a special appeal,” enthuses Andrew Bradshaw at Bradshaws Residential. Kevin Burt-Gray, residential sales expert at Pocock & Shaw, is similarly upbeat: “You’ve got the proximity to the river and the meadows there. It’s just a nice place to be.”

Comprising a compact little network of streets to the west of the city, plentifully supplied with open space and bounded on one side by water, Newnham is in the enviable position of checking just about every box on the dream neighbourhood tick list. “I think what’s particularly nice is the amount of green space around it,” says Stuart Harris at Carter Jonas. “You’ve got Lammas Land, the riverside area… and the way it swings into Grantchester Meadows is really rather nice.”

Though slightly away from the centre, that doesn’t render it inaccessible, as Andrew Bradshaw explains. “It’s so close you can get to the middle of the city in minutes.” Belinda Holmes-Smith, part of the residential sales team at Strutt & Parker, which has recently opened for business in Hills Road, agrees: “I even know a family whose children used to canoe there.”

In addition to historic buildings, including Newnham Mill, rebuilt in the 19th century but pre-dating the Norman Conquest, there is also a decent array of thoroughly up-todate shops and services, including a butcher, chemist and hairdresser as well as a good local primary school, Newnham Croft. Boasting a tranche of university families on its books, it is

IMAGE: Newnham has a mix of houses from the early 19th century, to newer builds designed to fit in with the style

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PROPERTY

IMAGE: Having the city centre nearby means Newnham presents the best of both worlds – city and quiet village

particularly strong in literacy, as well as being notable for a busy parent-teacher association which binds the school community together with events ranging from fêtes to weekly treat stalls. “Newnham is almost a little micro community,” says Andrew Bradshaw. “You’ve got the individual, old-fashioned shops – it’s completely uncommercial and unspoiled.”

Not only did a number-crunching site rank Newnham at 30,447 out of 32,482 neighbourhoods in England, where one was the most deprived and 32,482 the least, giving it a golden or possibly platinum glow of affluence, but a recent report by the Cambridge Hub, conducted by students, shows that Newnham residents – women in particular – can live up to seven years longer than those in less well to do parts of Cambridge. All this from some relatively modest origins.

Newnham didn’t amount to much until the 19th century, when it put on a bit of a growth spurt and terraces of working men’s houses were built in Croft Town in the 1870s. This was shortly followed by new properties in Selwyn Terrace, Owlstone Road, Eltisley Avenue and Millington Road, including some larger houses with more spacious grounds, built by the University to accommodate married dons.

Newnham’s patchwork of houses was reflected by its diverse social mix, ranging in

Newnham didn’t amount to much until the 19th century, when it put on a bit of a growth spurt the 1840s from skilled tradesmen and college servants to tutors and even the occasional undergraduate. And in development terms, that was pretty much that.

Part of Newnham’s appeal is its blend of serendipitous location and enlightened planning that recognised, well over 100 years ago, that creeping city streets were something best kept in check. Even before the First World War, the decision had been made to preserve

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the remaining agricultural land. Ringed by sports fields, bounded by the River Cam, by 1910, Newnham had pretty much taken shape.

As a result, photographs of the area as it is now, compared with those from a century or so ago, show surprisingly few changes.

Even when more modern homes have been added, they’ve been planned with care, thinks Belinda Holmes-Smith. “There are a few modern houses, [built in] the 1980s but even

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PROPERTY

Newnham has a strong sense of community with a range of independent shops, yet city life is just a short hop away

those have been thoughtfully designed so that although they’re completely different to what’s been there for years, they still seem to work.”

Today, while its conspicuous lack of bright lights might not make it the natural first choice of ultra-urban creatures, Newnham certainly doesn’t lack for those keen to snap up property there. “It’s got a reasonably cosmopolitan mix of people living there. I have to say they don’t move all that often, so property doesn’t change hands very rapidly,” says Stuart Harris. “You’ve got a nice collection of what are generally Victorian terrace houses, many of which – judging by the number of workmen’s vans in that area in recent years – are being upgraded. It’s such a sought-after area that people are wanting to better the properties they’ve got.”

As to desirability? Every road, say the experts, has its charms. While houses close to Grantchester Meadows and backing on to the river are appealing, so, too, are the small but pretty terrace houses popular with young professionals settling into family life.

With this level of popularity, there are predictably few bargains to be had, with prices comparable to the areas round Parker’s Piece, think the experts. Expect to pay a minimum of £400,000 and upwards for a two-bedroom cottage and around the same for a modern flat, while a 1970s townhouse, needing at least £50,000 spending on it, has recently sold for close to £500,000. Prices for the largest, grandest properties will take you beyond the £1,000,000 mark.

On the plus side, what you’re getting is a foothold in an area whose appeal looks unlikely to wane any time soon. Forget the three Rs (though with the university so close at hand, they’re there in superabundance).

Here, it’s the three Ls that count. When it comes to looks, locale and lifestyle, Newnham comes close to topping the bill.

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WHAT CAN I GET FOR MY MONEY?

£675,0(S0ST0C)

£620,000 1) Redwood Lodge

2) Gough Way

A modern second-floor apartment spread across 1225 square feet within the Pinehurst complex in Newnham. Redwood Lodge contains 15 high-spec apartments overlooking mature and established grounds. Accommodation comprises three bedrooms, an en-suite to the master bedroom, bathroom, lounge with southfacing balcony overlooking the communal grounds, kitchen and hallway. Comes with a single garage within a nearby block.

Contact Russells. www.russellres.com

A well-presented, detached family house on Gough Way with a west-facing garden.

Boasts a light and spacious living room with original fireplace and patio doors to the rear garden. Four good-sized bedrooms, including a master bedroom equipped with an en-suite bathroom.

There’s off-road parking and two garages (with power and light). The rear garden is of excellent proportions, overlooks fields and has a sunny, west-facing aspect.

Contact Tucker Gardner. www.tuckergardner.com

3) Barton Road

£950,000

A unique three-bedroom property on Barton Road with spectacular views over a large lake.

This single-storey property, which retains lots of interesting original design features, has three bedrooms, with the master bedroom boasting a dressing room and en-suite. There’s also a cobbled courtyard, pond and large double garage or workshop.

Contact Savills. www.savills.co.uk

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PROPERTY

WORDS JENNIFER SHELTON

BOOMTOWN BULLETIN

All the latest from Cambridge’s new property developments

CAMBRIDGE RIVERSIDE This could be your last chance to purchase an apartment at Cambridge Riverside, the new development overlooking Midsummer Common. There are just six apartments left across two phases of the development, in Newton Court and Darwin House.

The properties have proved hugely popular, as Tina Dedman, sales and marketing director for Berkeley Homes, explains: “Cambridge Riverside offers a rare chance for people to own a high-specification modern home in the very centre of this exciting, vibrant and prosperous city.”

One couple, Paul and Jenny Versnel, bought a three-bedroom apartment in Darwin House, one of the most exclusive phases of the Cambridge Riverside development. Paul, a geophysicist working on the Cambridge Business Park, and his wife Jenny, studying for a PhD at Cambridge University, chose a modern apartment overlooking Midsummer

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Common and the River Cam because of the central location and ease of living the property would provide them.

Paul, 49, explains: “Jenny and I like apartment living because there is little maintenance needing to be done, fewer security issues, and developments like Cambridge Riverside tend to be located in much more central areas of cities, where it is easy for us to walk or cycle.

“Our last property was a period cottage in a rural village setting, and whilst idyllic in many ways, the distance from the city centre became an issue. We wanted sophisticated apartment living but with sufficient space for the family and nothing could match the luxurious quality, amenities, security and location that Cambridge Riverside offers.”

Cambridge Riverside is a chic collection of studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments and penthouses that each

come with a terrace or balcony. While most apartments have sold, the luxury development will soon add ten four- and fivebedroom townhouses to its offering, all with quality features and private gardens.

The lively River Cam provides a breathtaking backdrop to Cambridge Riverside. There’s easy access to the river and its walkways, while the city centre is just a short stroll away via Midsummer Common.

As well as enjoying the best of riverside and city life, all buyers have use of the development’s state-of-the-art residents’ gym. Two-bedroom apartments start from £499,950, and one three-bedroom duplex apartment is now available, priced from £899,950. In addition, an exclusive collection of four- and five-bedroom townhouses will be launched soon. For further information contact 01223 656010. www.cambridgeriverside.co.uk

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PROPERTY

Trumpington Meadows The new homes at Trumpington Meadows are proving popular with Cambridge housebuyers. The housebuilder behind the development, Barratt Homes, has also seen a sharp rise in interest in the recently launched second phase, which it believes has been encouraged by the Help to Buy scheme that was introduced at the start of April.

Jason Colmer, sales director at Barratt Eastern Counties, comments: “There is a great deal of positivity surrounding our development at Trumpington Meadows and to date the first phase is over 95% sold. The number of visitors coming through the door remains high, and we expect this to increase as more people find out about the new Help to Buy scheme.

“The magic of Help to Buy is that not only is it available to first-time buyers, but also to other movers who may have less equity in their property, meaning that those people who want to move to a larger property can.”

Jason added: “The new homes have appealed to a variety of purchasers. Given the high specification and location of the development, this is really great news for the local housing market.”

Trumpington Meadows is on Hauxton Road and includes a range of stunning three- and four-bedroom houses all available through the scheme. Prices start from £379,995. www.barratthomes.co.uk

CERES Living in Cambridge, you can’t help but have noticed the spectacular recent transformation of the Station Road area. Included within this redevelopment is Ceres, by Hill Residential, situated along Mill Park and providing a range of apartments in this prime location opposite the station. The first release is now over 85% sold; the second phase, Watson House, is nearing 50% sold. Watson House comprises a mix of studios, one- and two-bedroom apartments, with prices starting from £194,950. All properties are finished to a high

standard – with Amtico flooring, Siemens appliances in the kitchens and underfloor heating.

The development is generating interest from a mix of occupiers and investors – highlighting that this newly redeveloped area is emerging as a vibrant a gateway to the city.

The show apartment is open seven days a week between 10am and 5.30pm and can be contacted on 0844 225 1977. Alternatively contact Bidwells on 01223 841842. www.bidwells.co.uk

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Fancy a drive in the Zipcar?

Residents of the Abode and Novo developments in Great Kneighton, Trumpington, might have noticed a new four-wheeled addition to the community.

They now have car club facilities right on their doorstep, thanks to Zipcar, the world’s largest pay-as-you-drive car club.

The Zipcar is part of a smarter transport system designed to complement public transport and reduce congestion, and has been hailed as ‘car ownership for the 21st century’. It not only encourages a sense of community but is also economical for the environment and the homeowner’s budget. Statistics show that the typical Zipcar member saves a whopping £3,000 per year, or £250 per month, compared to owning your own vehicle.

The car can be booked online or via a smartphone app for an hour, for a day, or a few weeks if you want to take it on holiday.

A large range of car sizes is available.

Guy Davis, senior associate at Zipcar, says: “We’re very excited to be partnering with Countryside Properties to provide the residents of Abode and Novo with a cost-effective, flexible and convenient alternative to private car ownership. By using Zipcar, residents can forego the hassle of car maintenance, depreciation, tax and insurance. Furthermore, Countryside Properties is providing new residents with free membership for one year, plus £50 of driving credit, so there are even more cost savings to be had.”

The car club complements Countryside Properties’ approach of designing and building energy efficient places in which to live. Environmentally friendly and costsaving features in the new homes include low-energy lighting, solar or photovoltaic panels, energy efficient glazing, A-rated appliances, green wall and roofs, and wellinsulated floors and walls. www.greatkneighton.com

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