Cambridge Property Edition January by Bright Publishing

Brought to you by Cambridge Edition

JANUARY 2015

www.cambsedition.co.uk

STAMP DUTY SHAKE-UP

AN EXPERT GUIDE

BEAUTIFUL BARNS INTERIORS

FIREPLACE SPECIAL TURN OVER FOR

EE INE FRGAZ A M PE01_001 (PECOVER).indd 1

19/12/2014 12:22

CE ADS_JANUARY.indd 139

19/12/2014 13:52

CE ADS_JANUARY.indd 138

19/12/2014 13:51

CE ADS_JANUARY.indd 137

19/12/2014 13:51

WELCOME

appy new year, house hunters! If you’re planning a move in 2015, firstly: keep reading, and secondly: start planning now. After the Christmas lull, the property market tends to pick up pace towards the end of January ready for a swift acceleration come spring, as everyone vies to find a new home ready for summer. So, if you’ve got a place to sell, make sure it’s looking its best, ready for potential viewings, and to catch that early crowd before too much competition sets in. This month in Property & Home Edition, we head beyond the city to pick out some rather lovely barn conversions which make spacious and sophisticated family homes with heaps of character. We also take a look at how George Osborne’s stamp duty shake-up has benefitted buyers. The new system, which is being hailed as much more progressive, is good news for pretty much everyone, especially those who were struggling to get a foot onto the property ladder. There’s more on this on page 12, where you’ll also find the most expensive Cambridge streets revealed... Our cover star this issue is a striking masterpiece of Victorian architecture on Lynn Road, Wisbech. This handsome family property sports six bedrooms, three bathrooms, outbuildings and a large, well-kept garden. It’s on the market for offers in excess of £650,000. Make your house a home using inspiration from our gorgeous interiors section. We’re focusing on fireplaces for January, from the ultra-modern to the classic and traditional. So, snuggle up and have a read – we hope you enjoy!

JENNIFER SHELTON, FEATURES EDITOR

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

COVER STAR

This Grade II listed Victorian beauty was once the vicarage to nearby St Augustine's Church in Wisbech. It boasts wellproportioned rooms, brought bang up to date, plus large gardens. www.struttandparker.com

PE01_005 (WELCOME)hbljc.indd 5

Property & Home Edition | January 2015 | 5

18/12/2014 17:13

CE ADS_JANUARY.indd 135

19/12/2014 13:50

CE ADS_JANUARY.indd 134

19/12/2014 13:50

CE ADS_JANUARY.indd 133

19/12/2014 13:50

CE ADS_JANUARY.indd 132

19/12/2014 13:49

CE ADS_JANUARY.indd 131

19/12/2014 13:49

PROPERTY

WORDS JENNY SHELTON

PROPERTY

NEWS

Make this light and spacious home your own for 2015 and enjoy all the benefits of countryside living. The property, situated in Twenty Pence Road, Wilburton, has been recently refurbished to provide 2600 square foot of magnificent family accommodation. On the ground floor there is an open-plan kitchen/breakfast room with limestone flooring, a dining area and two further reception rooms – including a triple-aspect sitting room – benefitting from plenty of natural light.

Upstairs rooms include a master bedroom with balcony, dressing room and en suite, four further bedrooms and a wellequipped family bathroom. The property, known as Old Australia Farm, stands within lawned gardens overlooking open countryside just nine miles from Cambridge and eight miles from Ely. The property has a guide price of £745,000 and is marketed through Carter Jonas. Contact 01223 855942 for further information or to arrange a viewing. www.carterjonas.co.uk

PE01_011-013 2(PROPERTY NEWS)hb.indd 11

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

Property & Home Edition | January 2015 | 11

18/12/2014 16:06

PROPERTY

STAMP DUTY SHAKE-UP BENEFITS MAJORITY OF HOMEBUYERS First-time buyers and those on the lower rungs of the property ladder received some welcome news on 4 December when George Osborne declared a change to the stamp duty land tax system. Coming into immediate effect, it means that, where stamp duty had been charged as a single percentage of the property price, it would now fall into clear bands, relative to the property price – 0% for properties under £125,000, 2% for £125,000-£250,000, 5% above £250,000. And crucially, you only pay for the proportion of the purchase price that comes in above that bracket. The new system is being hailed as a progressive move which will make homeownership more affordable and thus more accessible. Cameron Ewer of Strutt & Parker in Cambridge said: “This is a surprising and decisive move from the government. If it means that there is no longer any need for a mansion tax, and it almost seems to make the case for it obsolete, then it also seems to be a largely positive move. It effectively replaces the need for an annual levy on properties above £2,000,000. “It was almost universally recognised that our stamp duty system was out of date and in desperate need of modernisation. The old thresholds were acting like invisible barriers and making the market very sticky in places. Clearly those buying homes over the £1.1 million mark will pay more tax tomorrow than they will today. However, overall this new system will benefit the vast majority of the UK’s homebuyers.” Jeremy Blackburn, Head of Policy at RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors), says: “Finally we see long overdue reform to the stamp duty tax system – described by the Chancellor as the most damaging tax of all. Time and time again RICS has called for these

12 | Property & Home Edition | January 2015

PE01_011-013 2(PROPERTY NEWS)hb.indd 12

changes to stamp duty structure, which now mean 98% of housebuyers will benefit. “These changes reduce distortion and ensure those at the top end of the market contribute fairly, while those at the bottom will be given a fairer chance to get on the ladder.” Still, the news has caused some problems, namely the increased amount of property buyers now demanding lastminute reductions to their purchase price – a practice known as gazundering. “In the short term, current ongoing transactions will be impacted. When any new tax is enforced this inevitably causes disruption,” explains Ewer. “However, keeping the status quo was an unlikely outcome. Making this change immediate was sensible as it leaves no room for speculation and will not cause any further uncertainty which has been so damaging to our housing market around taxation changes in recent years. In the long term this new system shouldn’t cause significant market disruption over an extended period of time.”

MOST EXPENSIVE STREETS IN CAMBRIDGE REVEALED Nine of the ten most expensive streets in East Anglia are in Cambridge, according to a report from Lloyds Bank released late 2014. The priciest streets are Newton Road, with an average house price of £1,803,000; Barrow Road (£1,645,000); Woodlands Road (£1,614,000) and Millington Road (£1,585,000). Most of these are close to the main University area. Still, that's nothing on the most expensive street in London: Grosvenor Crescent, where the average house price is an eyewatering £16.9 million. Richard Hatch of Carter Jonas wasn’t surprised by the findings, but didn’t agree with the ‘pecking order’. “The best roads in Cambridge are Latham Road and Chaucer Road, with Millington and Barrow Road close behind. However these don’t show up as very few transactions take place here and when they do, they are often private deals.” There have been just four houses sold on both Latham and Chaucer Road since 2000 – all between £1.35 million and £3.975 million. Stuart continues: “Cambridge is so expensive simply due to supply and demand. Cambridge is a fantastic place to live, with excellent employment opportunities, first class schooling, a world class University and an easy commute to London.”

18/12/2014 17:02

PROPERTY

FANCY GETTING STUCK INTO A NEW PROJECT THIS YEAR? Christopher Toynbee of CTP Property takes us through the buy-to-let process, starting with how to decide on the ideal property

CHURCH LANE, LITTLE EVERSDEN Situated in Church Lane, Little Eversden, this converted barn dates from the 17th century but has been updated to provide extensive living accommodation, ideal for a family. The reception rooms are mainly open plan, with impressive original beams and inglenook fireplaces lending character. There is a good-size kitchen, six bedrooms, three bathrooms plus outbuildings. The building stands within over four acres of land, including equestrian facilities, offering beautiful countryside views. A guide price of £1,295,000 is being asked by Strutt & Parker. FOX ROAD, BOURN Strutt & Parker are also marketing this handsome barn conversion in the pretty and well-served village of Bourn. Whipple Tree Barn comes with four bedrooms, three reception rooms and three bathrooms, and is on the market for £675,000. It boasts impressive ceiling heights, particularly the double-height galleried reception hall, and has a log burner to the living room plus a charming snug. The master bedroom also benefits from its own en suite. Outside, there is ample off-street parking and a lawned garden. For more information on either of these properties, contact Strutt & Parker on 01223 459502.

PE01_011-013 2(PROPERTY NEWS)hb.indd 13

We at CTP Property have recently completed on a purchase of a new property in prime student rental location. It has been purchased with a view to complete renovation, including provision for a loft extension for extra accommodation, and then marketing to the student rental market in the spring for a tenancy to commence in August. At CTP Property we specialise in residential property lettings and management. As landlords ourselves, we know what our clients want and can provide expert advice at all stages. When looking for an investment property, in the first instance, it’s always vital to have your target tenants in mind. Your target tenants will be determined to a certain extent by the type of investment you are looking for and your end goals – be it supplementing your income or longterm pension provision or a combination of the two. Having your tenants in mind from the start will dictate the location and style of the property. This will also enable you, as an investor, to check that the numbers work. For our new investment, we chose an area of strong student let demand. The property is of generous proportions, with two reception rooms to the ground floor and a large kitchen. It has rear access (important for cycle storage), a wide and spacious first floor landing and a high roof ridge, meaning a loft conversion is a strong possibility. Over the next few months I will be taking you through the various stages of this end-to-end investment. From the identification and purchase of the property, the various legal and planning requirements, the refurbishment, the particular characteristics of a House of Multiple Occupation (HMO) and finally the marketing, setting up and managing of the tenancy. In the meantime, to get in touch with CTP Property, contact 01223 226183. www.ctpproperty.co.uk

Property & Home Edition | January 2015 | 13

18/12/2014 16:07

CE ADS_JANUARY.indd 127

19/12/2014 13:48

CE ADS_JANUARY.indd 126

19/12/2014 13:48

PROPERTY

BOOMTOWN BULLETIN The latest from Cambridge’s new property developments

THE RISE OF MULTIGENERATIONAL LIVING According to the Office for National Statistics, more than 3.3 million UK adults aged 20 to 34 were living with their parents last year. In addition, a study from the Institute of Fiscal Studies says that record numbers of young people will stay living with their parents, as the generation struggles to buy their own homes. As such, the demand for properties to suit multigenerational households is on the rise. The Green Lanes at Abode, Great Kneighton, is a new community being created by Countryside on the southern edge of Cambridge city centre. Flexible layouts and lots of space make these homes ideal for large families and multiple generations living under one roof. The barn-style properties at Abode, with four to six bedrooms, are idyllic for extended families, with bedrooms and bathrooms on

16 | Property & Home Edition | January 2015

PE01_016-017 (BOOMTOWN)hb.indd 16

the second floor, where either the parents can escape to relax and unwind, or their children can appreciate their own space. Andrew Loveday, sales and marketing director of Countryside’s New Homes & Communities division comments: “There is a good selection of barn-style four- and sixbedroom properties at Abode with a home to suit all sorts of families. The design of each property is ideal for multigenerational households with plenty of space ensuring each member of the family can have their own ‘zone’ as well as enjoying the home together. The kitchens are the real hearts of the homes with plenty of space for a family of eight to eat together.” The flexible living spaces offer bright and light homes with full-height glazing opening onto private outdoor areas. All master bedrooms and some second

bedrooms have en-suite facilities and a selection of houses have offices for those working from home. Situated on the southern fringe of the city centre, Abode is part of Great Kneighton, where Countryside is creating over 2,250 new homes and community facilities, including a proposed health centre, shops, library, community square, sports pitches and a public art programme. Abode is situated on the fast-track Cambridge guided busway, providing a 17-minute journey to the city centre and just a short ride to the train station, which links onwards to London and Stansted Airport. The M11 is only a few minutes away. Prices for the Green Lanes at Abode range from £575,000 for a four-bedroom house to £999,950 for six bedrooms. www.abodecambridge.co.uk

18/12/2014 14:58

PROPERTY

LOCAL DEVELOPMENTS WIN AWARDS AT PROPERTY OSCARS

SUMMERS FIELD Thanks to changes in stamp duty legislation and the government’s Help To Buy initiative, becoming a homeowner in 2015 may no longer be out of reach. One development that’s sure to be popular this year is Summers Field, situated on the edge of Papworth Everard offering beautiful countryside views. This cluster of three-, four- and fivebedroom homes is within easy reach of Cambridge, St Neots, Huntingdon and London, with good schools and village facilities all close by. The third phase of Summers Field has now been released, comprising an attractive three-bed home at £234,995 and two spacious five-bed properties priced at £472,995. Those moving into a new home at Summers Field can expect modern kitchens, light and airy living spaces, en suites, a garden and space for parking. These are available with deals on stamp duty or part exchange. Contact Barratt Homes for details. www.barratthomes.co.uk

Two Cambridge housing schemes scooped prestigious awards at the What House? Awards in November. Developers Countryside received Silver for Best Interior Design for its striking show home at Aura, Long Road, and Great Kneighton won a Bronze for Best Development. The awards were presented on 21 November. Now in their 33rd year, the ‘Oscars of the housebuilding industry’ are judged by property experts and are a highly respected symbol of prestige and excellence. The judges said of Aura: “This is a housebuilder that has benefitted from selecting a great firm of architects and interior designers who, between them, have created a luxurious and sophisticated residence. Suna Interiors has exploited every inch of space in this house and its designs have created a Mayfair-style home in Cambridge.” The judges said of Abode: “The houses and apartments have been designed in an imaginative and contemporary way, with excellent use of natural light to create airy, flexible living spaces. Many properties have full-height glazed openings on to private outside space. This simple but effective way of breaking down the divide between the outside and the inside extends the house into the garden and vice versa. This is a large-scale new build housing project that oozes a confident, no-nonsense message, with its bold and striking buildings. A modern housing project that still manages to retain traditional undertones.” Tony Travers, managing director of the New Homes & Communities central division

PE01_016-017 (BOOMTOWN)hb.indd 17

at Countryside said: “We are thrilled to win two What House? Awards. The Silver Award for Best Interior Design for the show house at Aura is a great tribute to the excellent partnership we have with our team of architects and interior designers, who have responded perfectly to our brief to design a luxurious yet welcoming and comfortable home for a family with teenage children. “At Abode, the Bronze award for Best Development is a perfect accolade for the excellent new homes designed by Proctor and Matthews at this exciting and innovative development.” A range of new homes are currently for sale at Aura, with two-bedroom apartments and penthouses starting at £470,000 and houses from £695,000 to £925,000. 12 luxurious four- and five-bedroom mansions are soon to be released at Aura, which offer a contemporary and elegant style. Aura benefits from an enviable location on Long Road, bordered by woodland and landscaping whilst Cambridge city centre is within easy reach. The railway station is just over a mile away, and services to London King’s Cross take around 50 minutes. At Abode, the final few three- and fourbedroom houses remain on the current phase, with prices ranging from £485,000 to £625,000. A new phase is due to launch at Abode in early 2015, and will comprise one- to five-bedroom apartments and houses. Located within Countryside’s Great Kneighton development, residents at Aura and Abode will benefit from the new 120 acre country park and new amenities. www.auracambridge.co.uk

Property & Home Edition | January 2015 | 17

18/12/2014 14:58

CE ADS_JANUARY.indd 123

19/12/2014 13:48

INTERIORS NEWS

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

PUT AWAY BOX £39.95 WOODEN TRACTORS FROM £4.95 HOMESTUFF WITH HISTORY, BURWASH MANOR

MATILDA PRINT £18 AT HOME, GRAFTON CENTRE, CAMBRIDGE

WOODEN HORSE LAMP £95 SANDRA JANE AT HOME INTERIORS, HARSTON

TOY BAG IN ROSE STRIPE WITH OWLBERT £48 SUSIE WATSON DESIGNS, GREEN STREET, CAMBRIDGE

LITTLE

TREASURES FOX DOOR STOPPER £13 AT HOME, GRAFTON CENTRE, CAMBRIDGE

ANIMAL CARNIVAL MINI PRINT £25 SUSIE WATSON DESIGNS, GREEN STREET, CAMBRIDGE

PE01_019-021 (INTERIORS NEWS)hb.indd 19

Our local indies our bursting with lovely bits for kids’ rooms and nurseries. Here’s our pick of the bunch

KATE LYCETT WHITBY LANTERN £15 PODAROK, BENE’T STREET, CAMBRIDGE Property & Home Edition | January 2015 | 19

18/12/2014 15:00

INTERIORS NEWS

COPPER FEEL Copper has been a mainstay in high-end interior design for some time, but recently it’s hit the big time, popping up all over the high street. It’s brilliantly versatile, looking luxurious and sophisticated in its polished state, but also nicely complementing the more rough around the edges industrial-style trend which is so popular at the moment. It’s so ‘now’, in fact, that Dulux have announced their shade Warm Copper Blush as their colour of 2015, but if you just want to dip your toe into the copper trend, rather than covering a whole wall in it, there’s plenty of subtle ways to experiment. We love this stylish brushed copper cutlery set from House of Fraser and Paperchase’s quirky frames. You could also add a copper accent with this super cool champagne bucket by Tom Dixon (available at John Lewis, £175), but our favourite of all the high street offerings so far is this eye-catching new lighting range from Marks and Spencer.

EDITION LOVES We’re a bit in love with the Decorators Notebook, a treasure trove of beautiful handmade and one of a kind home accessories. Stocking luxury pieces from all over the world, they’re big on design and quality, but also on ethical products. The Kantha bedspreads (pictured) are made using vintage saris and stitched by hand. They’re created by a social enterprise in Bangladesh that helps victims of sex trafficking rebuild their lives, with each quilt hand-sewn by a single woman and finished with an embroidered label telling you her name and a link to her personal story. They come in a range of colours and cost £165 each. www.decoratorsnotebook.co.uk

20 | Property & Home Edition | January 2015

PE01_019-021 (INTERIORS NEWS)hb.indd 20

18/12/2014 15:01

INTERIORS NEWS

JOHN LEWIS SPRING/SUMMER ’15

First Look

One good reason to love January is that it gives us a chance to get a first peek at the new ranges at our fave interiors hotspots. Always offering an abundance of covetable new-season homewares is John Lewis, and they’ve not disappointed for 2015. We especially like the look of the latest in the House range, which combines a pared back aesthetic with a zingy, fresh colour palette for springtime. We’re loving the geometric patterns on the rugs and textiles, as well as the nifty design-led storage solutions. New to John Lewis this year is the Fusion range, which takes inspiration from exotic corners of the globe, offering lots of intricately patterned cushions and throws with vibrant tones of indigo and saffron. www.johnlewis.com

EXHIBITION AT NORD Be inspired by the urban beauty of artworks by Loukas Morley this month, going on display Nord, Sussex Street's stylish Scadiniavian design shop and café. Loukas' brightly-coloured paintings, collages and prints exude a sense of playfulness and are inspired by the likes of Andy Warhol. He uses reclaimed materials in many of his pieces in order to give objects new life and save them from being cast aside and discarded. In this way he hopes to inspire us to give worth to the seemingly worthless and appreciate the world around us. You'll find his latest work upstairs at Nord: a location which he believes complements his outlook perfectly. "I'm very touched to have been asked to exhibit at Nord - I love the design aesthetic that Nord has to offer and the works are right at home on display here." www.nordesign.co.uk

PE01_019-021 (INTERIORS NEWS)hb.indd 21

Property & Home Edition | January 2015 | 21

18/12/2014 15:01

CE ADS_JANUARY.indd 119

19/12/2014 13:47

CE ADS_JANUARY.indd 118

19/12/2014 13:47

CE ADS_JANUARY.indd 117

19/12/2014 13:46

INTERIORS

THROW £75, GREY CUSHION £40 DOUBLE DUVET COVER £90 PINK ROUND CUSHION £40 ALL HOUSE OF FRASER SOPHIE ALLPORT PALE BABY ALPACA THROW £165 SOPHIE ALLPORT LIMITED

Hibernate in style this winter with these luxurious homewares HOT WATER BOTTLE IN OATMEAL £57 LUCY DONNELL

SUNSET KNITTED LAMBSWOOL THROW BY GABRIELLE VARY £149 WWW.NOTONTHEHIGHSTREET.COM

FROSTED CHERRY & CLOVE DELUXE CANDLE £120 JO MALONE, ROSE CRESCENT, CAMBRIDGE

ADEENA PERCALE COLLECTION DUVET COVER FROM £29.99 DUNELM

RJR CUSHION £40 DEBENHAMS, GRAFTON CENTRE, CAMBRIDGE

WINTERBERRY CHECKED DRAUGHT EXCLUDER £35 M&S, SIDNEY STREET, CAMBRIDGE

100 WARM WHITE FAIRY LIGHTS BY LIGHTS4FUN £22 WWW. NOTONTHEHIGHSTREET.COM

PE01_025 (INTERIORS 1 PAGE)hb.indd 25

Property & Home Edition | January 2015 | 25

18/12/2014 15:03

CE ADS_JANUARY.indd 115

19/12/2014 13:45

INTERIORS

Image courtesy of Harlequin Interiors

WORDS ANGELINA VILLA-CLARKE

Whether it’s an authentic period fireplace or an ultra-modern log burner, there’s something magical about the glow of a fire. Add a few design twists and you can elevate your hearth to be more than just a heart-warming presence in your home

PE01_025-032 (INTERIORS)hb.indd 27

Property & Home Edition | January 2015 | 27

18/12/2014 15:16

INTERIORS

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP Terra Black Bioethanol Fire, £1,930; Deco Flame New York Plaza, £1,800, and Cocoon Aeris Stainless Steel Bioethanol Fire, £2,990 (020 7731 9540; www. gomodern.co.uk).

•What’s hot

A stunning fireplace is a wonderful thing. A natural focal point of a room, it can make – and sometimes break – the aesthetics of your home. Traditional surrounds and open fires are often coveted by those yearning for period details, looking for a timeless appeal. There’s something enchanting about sitting curled up in front of crackling wood and dancing flames. As wonderful as this idyll is, however, there’s a growing trend for modern woodburners and statement installations, which is fast biting on the heels of the classic option. Go Modern (020 7731 9540; www. gomodern.co.uk), for instance, a specialist

28 | Property & Home Edition | January 2015

PE01_025-032 (INTERIORS)hb.indd 28

in cutting-edge fires, has seen a rise in people opting for luxury, contemporary bioethanol models. “The popularity of these fires is down to their eco-friendly features and the fact that there’s a growing number of people living in modern houses that do not have a traditional fireplace,” says director Tina Mahoney. “Bioethanol fires can be used anywhere and, depending on the version, they’re also portable with some models suitable for outdoor and indoor use. They are great statement pieces, with some models hanging from the ceiling, others free-standing or wall-mounted.

“Bioethanol is a green fuel, a byproduct of crops such as sugar cane, and generates no harmful gases, sparks or soot. The heat output is superb and each fire has a burn time of up to eight hours. They need no electricity or gas to power them, and no flue or chimney, so they’re incredibly flexible,” she explains. At Cambridge-based Cam Gas (01223 214747; www.camgasltd.com), which has been in business for 30 years, director Ruth Davies reveals that while a traditional open fire certainly looks good, there is a rising trend in customers returning to a new generation of gas and electric fires, due

There is a rising trend in customers returning to a new generation of gas and electric ﬁres SIGN UP TO THE EDIT NEWSLETTER AT CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK

18/12/2014 15:16

INTERIORS

ABOVE, BELOW & BOTTOM Charnwood Country 6 Multifuel, Charnwood C-Five Wood Burner and Chesney’s Barrington 8 Multi Fuel, from £924 (01763 209236; www.grangefarmstoves.co.uk),

ABOVE & BELOW Log burners and multi-fuel burners can give a traditional fireside feel within a modern setting. Purevision Freestanding Stove on Log Store (above) and Desire Multi Fuel Stove (below) both by Ludlow Stoves, prices vary (01584 861628; www.ludlowstoves.co.uk).

to their highly improved performance and functionality compared to a few years ago. “There’s no doubt that you can get a very high efficiency from the latest gas and electric fires,” she states. “Many are up to 89% efficient and can often be controlled remotely, so they prove to be very convenient, economical and eco-conscious. “It’s a fast-moving and blossoming area of the industry and companies such as Dimplex manufacture an array of innovative and aesthetically pleasing fires. The Dimplex Optimist range of electric fires is a case in point. It uses unique state-ofthe-art technology to give a realistic flame and smoke effect. The 3D appearance uses ultrasonic technology to create an ultra fine mist that is illuminated to create the ‘flames’ and ‘smoke’. It is very impressive.”

Modern wood-burners, such as the stylish options made by Ludlow Stoves (01584 861628; www.ludlowstoves.co.uk), are also an aspirational addition to a modern home. They are often smaller in size than conventional fireplaces, so they can be adapted to smaller spaces if necessary where a conventional fireplace would look out of place. Ludlow Stoves are available in a range of colours to add a pop of colour to a scheme, while the double-sided models are ideal for giving a focus to large, openplan rooms. Michael Macfarlane, director of Grange Farm Stoves (01763 209236; www. grangefarmstoves.co.uk), has also seen a shift in people’s tastes: “There’s certainly a move towards people opting for wood-

PE01_025-032 (INTERIORS)hb.indd 29

burning stoves over an open fire. They are so much more economical to run. With an open fire, around 85% of the heat is lost up the chimney but with a sealed, free-standing stove – you have the benefit of most of the heat going into the room. They are also very safe – an important consideration for families with children – and are eminently controllable. “The multi-fuel and wood-burning stoves from Charnwood are among our bestsellers. The British brand offers a range of models – such as the contemporary, streamlined Tor collection and the more classic Country Range. We also supply contemporary statement stoves from Morso, a Danish company, which are extremely environmentally friendly and definitely give the wow factor.”

Property & Home Edition | January 2015 | 29

18/12/2014 15:16

CE ADS_JANUARY.indd 111

19/12/2014 13:45

INTERIORS

•Traditional keeps on burning Despite this appetite for the modern, the idea of an elegant surround, complete with hearth and mantelpiece, still has an eternal appeal as long as it is in the right context. Chesney’s (020 7627 1410; www. chesneys.co.uk), one of the UK’s leading fireplace manufacturers, has seen a 25% rise in sales of decorative and periodstyle fireplaces over the past 12 months, and is calling it the ‘Downton effect’. The company is attributing the spike, in part, to period dramas like Downton Abbey and Mr Selfridge, which it believes has influenced the public on home interiors. “We have found that our customers are moving away from minimalist, contemporary interiors, in favour of decorative detailing in the home,” says director Paul Chesney. “Recently we’ve seen a rise in homeowners wanting to reinstate architectural decoration into a wide range of properties. From restoring period homes, which have had these

elements removed, to those living in new build properties wishing to add character to their scheme, this shows a definite shift away from more austere decorating styles.” London-based specialist in antique fireplaces, Renaissance London (020 7251 8844; www.renaissancelondon. com), believes that by making the most of a period fireplace, you can add instant glamour and intrigue to a room. “Installing features, such as an original fireplace for the period of the property you live in, can add drama and glamour to the heart of any room and the space becomes instantly more alluring,” says company founder Owen Pacey. “With a good eye and savvy choices, mixing origins and periods can work brilliantly when decorating a fireplace mantle, while accessorising with a striking chandelier or a marble statue can add character and depth.” Use the fireplace itself as the starting point of your room’s design. Many antique

SET IN STONE The Chichester Surround, £4,620, and the Osterly Steel Basket, £1,860 both from Chesneys (020 7627 1410; www. chesneys.co.uk).

By picking out a colour used within the tiles, you can effectively and subtly draw a room together

PE01_025-032 (INTERIORS)hb.indd 31

ABOVE & BELOW Keep the fires burning. Examples of original Victorian Corbel fireplaces, circa 1860. Above has a reproduction cast iron insert, from £1,800, at Renaissance London (020 7251 8844; www.renaissancelondon.com).

fireplaces have tiled panels or hearths, which can be used as inspiration for a room’s palette. By picking out a colour used within the tiles, you can effectively and subtly draw the elements of a room together with the fireplace at the centre. Ruth Gooderham, director of St Neots Fireplace and Stove Centre (01480 470656; www.stneotsfireplaceandstovecentre. co.uk), agrees that many of us like to see a proper fireplace surround in a room and suggests that a good compromise is to combine this with a high-efficiency stove. “A fireplace gives a focal point to a room. It’s an important factor. But you don’t have to stick to having an open fire – use the space instead for a wood-burner or gas fire. That way you get the best of both worlds. They are environmentally friendly and very energy conscious yet you can still have that sense of grandeur by opting for a typical surround.”

Property & Home Edition | January 2015 | 31

18/12/2014 15:16

INTERIORS

•Style

your surround

You can keep a room looking modern by updating the way you style your mantelpiece. If you are lucky to have a classic surround, beware it is not used to accumulate clutter or display a mismatched collection of knick-knacks. Instead edit your display wisely and consider the objects you choose so they give a dramatic impact. You don’t have to bust your budget to keep things looking fresh, either. Supermarkets such as Sainsbury’s (www.sainsburys.co.uk) are often fantastic places for picking up affordable and co-ordinated pieces. Kate Rowland, Sainsbury’s home living buying manager, gives her opinion: “The fireplace is the focal point and an eyecatching element to any room, so the way it is dressed can have a dramatic impact. Use it as an opportunity to make a style statement; adorn the mantel with the things you love, adding character and bringing a personal touch. “The fireplace is an easy place to make small changes to keep a room from feeling stagnant and a spot where a minimalist or maximalist style works. Decorate with a selection of different-sized candles, vases and objects or for a more dramatic effect, place a single clock or mirror above the fireplace. Symmetry can look perfect for some interiors whereas breaking the symmetry for other decorative themes can create visual interest.” The choice of paint colours and wall coverings can also give an added dimension. Consider wallpapering a

32 | Property & Home Edition | January 2015

PE01_025-032 (INTERIORS)hb.indd 32

Consider wallpapering a chimney breast with a contrasting paper to the rest of the room for effect CLOCKWISE FROM TOP Create a feature mantelpiece: accessories from the Indigo Collection, from £4, at Sainsbury’s (www.sainsburys.co.uk). Walls painted in Pavilion Gray by Farrow and Ball (01223 367771; www.farrow-ball.co.uk); Bark Wallpaper in Heath by Little Greene (0845 880 5855; www. littlegreene.com); Momentum Lotus Wallpaper, £59, by Harlequin (0845 123 6815; www. harlequin.uk.com).

18/12/2014 15:17

INTERIORS

DEFACED DUCHESS CANVAS £183 (01444 415 430; www.frenchbedroomcompany.co.uk)

PINE CONE BOOKENDS £29.95, (0845 120 3224; www.adventino.com.uk)

ANTIQUE STAG HEAD (01444 415 430; www. frenchbedroomcompany. co.uk)

BUTTONED DEEP CHAIR £645 (01444 415 430; www.frenchbedroomcompany.co.uk).

RED FREEBIRD CLOCK £120 (01386 257654; www.desresdesign.co.uk)

BAOBOB CANDLES The Pearl Range, £89 (www.baobabcollection.com)

PE01_025-032 (INTERIORS)hb.indd 33

chimney breast with a contrasting paper to the rest of the room for added effect, for instance, or painting it in a traditional shade that is in keeping with the date of the fireplace – a subtle nod to your building’s heritage. Harlequin wall coverings (0845 123 6815; www. harlequin.uk.com), Little Greene paints and wallpapers (0845 880 5855; www. littlegreene.com) and Farrow and Ball (01223 367771; www.farrow-ball.co.uk) are all inspiring brands that have a wide range of classic and contemporary designs. “Painting your fireplace surround makes a budget-friendly transformation. It is a quick and easy way to create a dramatic focal point to any room,” says Sarah Cole, marketing director at Farrow and Ball. “A traditional style is to apply one colour to the walls and a different colour on the fireplace. Or why not opt for the same colour on the mantel and the walls for a seamless backdrop in the room. By choosing not to paint the mantel a contrasting colour, artwork or a special decorative accessory is easily showcased, becoming the focal point of the room.” Give a new take on the customary mantelpiece accessories by choosing pieces with a quirky element. Seek out the pine cone bookends at homeware emporium Adventino (0845 120 3224; www.adventino.com.uk), the bold Freebird clocks at Des Res Design (01386 257654; www.desresdesign.co.uk) or the beautifully crafted Baobab Candles which come in a range of unusual but exquisite designs (www.baobabcollection.com). Offering a range of elegant mirrors, art and accessories such as stag heads and angel wings, The French Bedroom Company (01444 415 430; www. frenchbedroomcompany.co.uk) is a wonderful source to find unusual pieces to uplift your fireplace no matter what room it is in. “The fireplace has always been a traditional focal point in a room,” says Georgia Metcalfe, owner. “In ages gone by, specifically the Arts & Crafts era, fireplaces were the largest, most dominating spectacle in a room, with the surround reaching as far as the ceiling. “They are wonderful in winter with either a blazing fire or filled with candles, and in summer they look beautiful adorned with dried or fresh flowers. And of course, the mantelpiece makes the perfect place for displaying the most treasured of ornaments or maybe the most prestigious of party invites.”

Property & Home Edition | January 2015 | 33

18/12/2014 15:17

INTERIORS

ABOVE Asan Jade hand-woven cotton dhurrie, £765 (020 7243 7342; www.therugcompany.com).

•A homely hearth

Just as important as the mantle is the area around the front of the fireplace. Rugs, such as the luxurious offerings from The Rug Company (020 7243 7342; www. therugcompany.com), which are more like art for the floor, add texture and a sensuous touch to the room. The Rug Company’s creative director Suzanne Sharp gives her tips: “Patterned rugs can be an effective way of creating a strong impact in a little room or a corridor or study. It’s a good way of introducing personality. When attempting patterns, scale is very important,” she says. “A small room should have a rug pattern that has small repeats because it makes the room look bigger. A larger room can take a bigger repeat.” Mix and match cosy seating, occasional tables and contrasting textiles for a multilayered, modern fireside tableau. If your room is large enough to allow, arrange sofas around the fireplace – rather than the obligatory TV – for a classic, country house feel. Period fireplaces can also be brought up to date with modern statement lighting and by choosing, cool, contemporary furniture, such as that found at Italianbrand Natuzzi (01322 771 442; www. natuzzi.co.uk).

ABOVE Heart your hearth. Mohair Sable, a mohair wool Indian rug, £3,685, by The Rug Company (020 7243 7342; www.therugcompany.com). BELOW Jasper Large Sofa in Camelia Apple, £999, by Sofa Workshop (0808 256 1348; www.SofaWorkshop.com).

Irene Zia, Nutuzzi’s retail sales and marketing director, gives the final word: “The fireplace can be a fantastic focal point in many different locations – from living rooms and hallways to bedrooms. When dressed correctly and surrounded by stunning, carefully selected furniture, it can add a whole new ambience and dimension to the home. A classic surround combined with contemporary pieces can provide a beautiful juxtaposition of modern and traditional style.”

Mix and match cosy seating, occasional tables and contrasting textiles for a modern fireside tableau 34 | Property & Home Edition | December 2014

PE01_025-032 (INTERIORS)hb.indd 34

ABOVE Antique black lacquered steamers and accessories from Orchid Furniture, prices vary (01264 811111; www.orchidfurniture.co.uk).

18/12/2014 15:17

CE ADS_JANUARY.indd 106

19/12/2014 13:45