Cambridge Property Edition July

Brought to you by Cambridge Edition

JULY 2015

www.cambsedition.co.uk

BUYING TO LET

AN EXPERT GUIDE

PROPERTY NEWS

BOOMTOWN BULLETIN TURN OVER FOR

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WELCOME

f you’ve ever glanced up at the shining, towering new apartments while stuck in traffic crossing Hills Road bridge, and wondered how the other half lives, let your curiosity be sated. Citystay own 60 apartments in developments such as The Marque, Ceres and The Belvedere, offering a chance to live the city slicker lifestyle in one of Cambridge’s most prestigious addresses for a weekend, a week – however long you like. Their serviced apartments are pitched as an alternative to hotels, giving you your own space to kick back in (and your own kitchen to cook in – the best part, in my humble opinion). In many ways, it’s greatly preferable to a cramped hotel room, especially if you’re in town for any length of time. It’s popular with business guests and families alike – read more on page 12.

We’ve sought out an elegant 1920s city pad in this month’s Property & Home Edition, plus had a lesson in the dos and don’ts of student letting. And the early 20th century was very much in mind when building the new properties at Hauxton Meadows: a select development not of skyscraping flats but traditional-style Arts & Crafts homes fit for a family.

And remember the family living rent-free in their new eco house? Catch up on their story on page 14, which looks set to play a significant part in the future of environmentally conscious housebuilding.

Then, take some inspiration from our interiors pages. With summer in full swing, we’re all over hot tubs and chimeneas. And if there’s anyone out there who doesn’t want an egg chair hanging from a tree in their backyard, I’ll eat my hat.

JENNY SHELTON, FEATURES EDITOR

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

COVER STAR

The products on this month’s cover are from the spring/summer range at Marks & Spencer. For homewares, visit the Sidney Street branch of M&S. www.marksandspencer.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

STUDENT LETTING: USE AN AGENT OR GO IT ALONE? Looking to sign up student tenants? Christopher Toynbee of CTP Property advises on whether to use a property management service or go it alone

Students look in spring for places to live come September, and group lettings are usually tied up by the end of May, so at this time of year, you are more likely to receive enquiries from individuals looking for rooms in houses (see our previous articles regarding tenancy structures).

There are two routes available to landlords: either manage the property yourself or use an agent. Managing a property yourself is fine for the experienced with plenty of time, but means you’ll have to deal with advertising, enquiries, viewings, referencing, contracts etc yourself. Often this is the first time students have rented, and you’ll deal with four or five of them – plus their parents, who’ll want to know everything is legitimate. It has its plus sides, but being a student landlord is more labour intensive than the standard family let.

If you use an agent, though the services vary slightly from agent to agent, the basic

offer is either a full management or a letonly service. For let only, the advertising, viewings, setting up of the contract is all done for you. However, you are the tenant’s main point of contact once the tenancy commences, from being locked out to emergency leaks on a Sunday morning – so make sure you have trusted contractors.

For fully managed services, not only is everything set up prior to commencement, but the agent remains the point of contact throughout the tenancy, dealing with all calls and issues as they arise. This ensures that the initial, vital legal aspects are taken care of (like registering the deposit and arranging the inventory) and lets the landlord be hands-off. A good agent is proactive in their management, pre-empting issues before they arise and providing information to tenants about how best to deal with situations that may arise. If you’re new to student letting, I’d advise the fully managed route.

• Where are we in the student letting cycles?

• Are you aware of joint and several liability?

• Will you use an agent and if so, which service?

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CTP offer both let-only and fully managed services to our landlords. Our students are some of the best tenants we have, proven by the fact that they tend to stay in our properties for their entire time in Cambridge – providing our landlords with 100% occupancy and strong rental returns. If structured correctly, and quality accommodation is provided, student lettings can be an excellent area of the market for Cambridge landlords. For more information, contact 01223 226183. www.ctpproperty.co.uk

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PROPERTY

By Jenny Shelton After renting in Cambridge throughout my early 20s, I’ve since abandoned the bustling shopping streets, fantastic pubs and eateries and the ease of being able to cycle everywhere for the peace, space (and affordability) of small-town life. I’ve got a nice garden and a parking space, but there are times when I miss being able to hop on my Dawes Duchess and go for a pint at the Pickerel or see a show without worrying about missing the last train home.

Citystay, who manage 60 serviced apartments in 12 locations in Cambridge, offer a slice of city living for a week, a month or just a few nights. As such, it’s proved popular with businesspeople visiting Cambridge but also families, mature students on language courses and even holidaymakers wanting somewhere more substantial to base themselves than a hotel room. I stayed in one of their two-bedroom apartments at The Belvedere, the smart development off Hills Road within Cambridge’s most modern, metropolitan quarter. You can dine at Michelin-starred restaurant Alimentum in the evening, then go for breakfast at the local Sicilian café, while Cambridge Junction and a range of other amenities are on your doorstep.

Met by two cheerful members of staff on arrival, I was shown to my parking spot, then up to the flat. Light, spacious and plush, you feel like you’re the first to ever tread the lovely, springy carpets

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and the state-of-the-art kitchen is a dream. Bread, milk, fruit, a selection pack of cereals, biscuits – even wine and chocolate – is all provided for your first night, saving you the unwelcome effort of getting in supplies: a welcome detail for anyone arriving after a long journey.

I’m sold on the idea of self-catering while away: dining out every night is a treat, but it’s nice to have the option of whipping up a home-cooked meal or padding into the kitchen for a piece of toast or glass of milk at midnight.

Citystay strikes the perfect balance: creating the feel of being ‘at home, from home’ with all the comforts that come with being a hotel guest.

Guests can choose from one- or two-bedroom apartments, and the bedrooms at the Belvedere, like the rest of the property, were spacious and tastefully styled, with an en suite to one and balconies to both. Backing onto the communal gardens, they’re beautifully quiet, and the bathrooms, with accessories from The White Company, are a lesson in luxury.

Along with your well-equipped and stylish apartment, guests have access to The Belvedere’s private residents’ gym and pool. If you’re here longer than a week, housekeeping will come in, change the linen and tidy.

Through their well thought-out serviced apartments scheme, Citystay offers a taste of luxury city living with broad appeal. More than just sensible, it’s a pleasure to relax in your own lounge, eat breakfast in your PJs (as late as you like) and come and go as you please, while still being looked after. One guest, their representatives tell me, stayed for six months after her flat was flooded.

Very tempting… www.citystayuk.com

An elegant detached home has come onto the market with Carter Jonas, situated on Cambridge’s Hills Road. Dating from 1924, and extensively updated by the current owners, it offers ample accommodation for a family. There are four bedrooms, three reception rooms, a modern, open-plan kitchen with breakfast bar and hatch to the wine cellar, plus a luxurious family bathroom. The master bedroom also benefits from its own en suite.

There is a south west facing rear garden with lawn and summerhouse, plus gated parking in front.

This smart family home is convenient for access to Addenbrooke’s and the train station and has a guide price of £1.9 million.

Contact Carter Jonas on 01223 634295. www.carterjonas.co.uk

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PROPERTY WORDS JENNY SHELTON

BOOMTOWN BULLETIN BE W ST IN EC N O- ER LI VI NG

The latest from Cambridge’s new property developments

ECO WIN FOR CAMBRIDGE Leading housebuilder Hill has won the Best Eco-Living Award for its groundbreaking Virido Concept House in Cambridge at the Evening Standard New Homes Award ceremony. The pioneering new house, which was featured earlier in Property & Home Edition, was designed to respond to the environmental challenges of today and to surpass industry targets in terms of energy efficiency, recycling and sustainability. The award-winning house features triple glazing, high levels of insulation, photovoltaic panels, a heat recovery ventilation system and even a green roof.

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The property, in Trumpington, is part of one of the largest zero-carbon developments in the UK and is being used to assess which sustainable features are best suited to modern family life. As such, a Cambridge family – the Rayners – were selected to live in the house and report on how they use the technology over one year. Their feedback and the technical research gathered from the project will influence which technology Hill includes in the larger scheme.

Virido (which means to become green in Latin), will be part of the Great Kneighton development, to be delivered in

conjunction with Cambridge City Council, which is set to deliver 2,300 new homes between Trumpington and Addenbrooke’s.

Rob Hall, deputy managing director at Hill, says: “Carbon zero living is the future and we are thrilled to have our pioneering work rewarded with this prestigious accolade. Through our research with the Rayner family we hope to find the perfect balance: building homes which have minimal impact on the surrounding environment and promote a sustainable lifestyle which is also easily achievable for everyday families.”

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PROPERTY

GRAND CENTRAL LAUNCHES IN CAMBRIDGE

A collection of 143 new homes is launching in Cambridge, situated just a short walk from the railway station. The development,

by Weston Homes, comprises a mixture of one- and two-bedroom apartments and duplexes and two- and three-bedroom houses featuring luxurious finishes, high specifications and a convenient location.

Grand Central will occupy 2.92 acres across 14 blocks: the first phase of homes are set to be completed in spring 2016.

Bob Weston CEO of Weston Homes commented: “Cambridge is a highly desirable university town which attracts purchasers from around the world. The area’s history, lifestyle opportunities and steady market has led to it becoming a hub for science and technology, attracting high-level experts in the field and further enhancing its appeal for investment.

“We have already received a high level of interest from those looking to purchase a home at Grand Central. The scheme is in an ideal location for professionals, students and London-bound commuters, and is situated

right next to the Cambridge Leisure park, which provides an array of leisure facilities and restaurants.”

Each property will feature a balcony, terrace or garden and include generous living spaces with high quality finishes.

The homes will include Weston Homes’s signature high-specification interiors with engineered oak flooring and luxury carpeting, designer Oakwood kitchens with stone worktops, Zanussi appliances, Fascino basins and hot water boiling taps. The luxurious bathrooms will offer Laufen Pro wall hung basin, Roca Laura, wall hung WC, porcelain floors and wall tiling by RAK tiles.

Grand Central is only a short walk from Cambridge train station, which provides links to King’s Cross in 50 minutes and Stansted Airport in 30 minutes. Meanwhile Cambridge city centre is just ten minutes away by bike.

Prices start from £340,000 for a onebedroom apartment, £425,000 for a twobedroom house and £540,000 for a threebedroom house. www.weston-homes.com

The first phase, Sanderson Manor, is available to buy ‘off plan’ through Bidwells.

The second phase, Cobden Gardens, will follow in late summer. The phase names are a nod to T J Cobden-Sanderson, a designer from the Arts and Crafts era who studied at Trinity College, Cambridge.

“The great thing about these homes is that they will appeal to a variety of

purchasers including families, young professionals and downsizers.” Prices start from £514,950 for a typically Arts and Crafts looking Worcester style detached home with three double bedrooms, including master with en suite, ground floor cloakroom, utility and integral garage. For more information, call 01223 665254. www.redrow.co.uk/hauxton

TRADITIONAL HOMES IN DEMAND Traditional-style new homes in Hauxton are likely to help satisfy demand close to Cambridge, according to experts.

David Bentley, of Bidwells, says that a lack of supply has pushed up property prices in Cambridge and has led many people to move further away from the city in search of their ideal character property in the surrounding villages.

“We desperately need housing supply in and around the city and so we’re glad to be working with Redrow to market its Hauxton Meadows development,” David explains.

“Located on the outskirts of Cambridge, only five miles from the centre, Hauxton Meadows offers quite a different product to what is being built in the city, where new build homes tend to feature quite contemporary architecture. There isn’t much traditional two-storey housing stock in the centre, so the Arts and Crafts influenced Heritage Collection designs will be popular with buyers looking for a home that’s full of charm and character.”

The Arts and Crafts era (1850-1915) remains one of the most popular and enduring domestic architectural styles. It grew from the desire to bring back the skill and creativity of the individual craftsman.

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INTERIORS NEWS

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

SET OF 2 WIRE BASKETS WITH ROPE HANDLE £20

SAN MIGUEL RECYCLED GLASS JAR MEDIUM £6

MONOCHROME SET OF 2 WOVEN BASKETS £10

STYLISH STORAGE FROM SAINSBURY’S

We love the nifty storage ideas in the new Sainsbury’s summer range – which includes chic but very practical wire and woven baskets, plus dinky jars for the kitchen and bathroom. Perfect for banishing clutter, and great value for money to boot! www.sainsburys.co.uk

EDITION LOVES Lovely Cambridge store Susie Watson has unveiled a gorgeous new range of products ideal for adding a touch of class and tradition to your home. Amongst them is this adorable dog bed, made of wood with a sweet checked duvet in duck-egg blue with heart and paw embroidered detail. It’s removable, machine washable and suitable for small to medium-sized pooches.

We just love it. You can even have the duvet cover personalised – just allow four weeks for delivery.

Costs £49. www.susiewatsondesigns.co.uk

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INTERIORS NEWS

SUMMER AT HOMESENSE HomeSense, the Cambridge branch of which can be found at the Beehive Centre, is a veritable treasure trove of unique items for the home and garden. Pop by and peruse their fabulous summer range, which features gorgeous alfresco entertaining pieces including tablewear, and cocktail glasses and mixers, plus lanterns and colourful garden furniture. www.homesense.com

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INTERIORS IMAGECOTE BESPOKE SPLASHBACK, £700, RANGE STARTS AT £200 GO GLASS, WWW.GO-GLASS.CO.UK

FASTBO WALL PANEL £10 IKEA

SPLASHBACK

SUPERSTARS

WHISPER SELF-ADHESIVE TOUGHENED GLASS SPLASHBACK 750X600X 6MM £69.99 SCREWFIX, CLIFTON ROAD

Stylish but practical, a statement splashback can give your kitchen a whole new lease of life.

Here's our pick of some of the best around...

GLASSWORKS ULYSSES GW ULY2010B LANDSCAPE £199.95 WWW.ORIGINALSTYLE.COM

BAMBOO KITCHEN SPLASHBACK FILM, FROM £70 PER M2 , PURLFROST, WWW.PURLFROST.COM

A SPLASHBACK FROM THE BLACK STAR RANGE, PRICES START AT £150, GRANITE TRANSFORMATIONS

BOTTLE SPLASHBACK FILM PATTERN

BY PURLDECO, FROM £70 PER M2, PURLFROST, WWW.PURLFROST.COM

WOLF 810435 SPLASHBACK, STAINLESS STEEL £999 JOHN LEWIS, GRAND ARCADE SIGN UP TO THE EDIT NEWSLETTER AT CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK

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INTERIORS IMAGE: Petra Bistro Set, £299, and Hanging Bubble Tealight Holders, £4.50, from John Lewis (01223 361292; www.johnlewis.com).

WORDS ANGELINA VILLA-CLARKE

Our outdoor living spaces have become just as stylish as the inside of our homes. From hot tubs to hot pinks, we’ve uncovered the latest new trends to keep your garden a perennial favourite place to be SIGN UP TO THE EDIT NEWSLETTER AT CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK

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INTERIORS

THIS IMAGE Maze Rattan Victoria Kingston Sofa Dining Set, from £1,199, White Stores (03331 235 235; www. whitestores.co.uk). BELOW Trex Contour in Sand Brown, from £75 m2, needs minimal maintenance (www.trex.com/uk).

he way we use our gardens has drastically changed over the past few years, from the rise in edible planting to the increased popularity of dramatic landscaping (think black fencing, architectural planting and oversized pots). Just like how we furnish our interiors, we are taking note of what’s on trend and elevating our outdoor spaces. New advances in weather-proofing, for instance, mean we now have a wide choice of chic furniture options that wouldn’t look out of place in Miami or LA. These days there is also a focus on home entertaining and social time spent outdoors with friends and family. It all adds up to a desire for the most stylised gardens that we can achieve.

E X T E N D T H E H O M E Long gone are the days when garden furniture meant plastic tables and folding chairs. Designers are now taking the same approach they usually apply to living and dining room furniture and as a result, there is a wide choice of super-stylish garden sets available so homeowners can create that sought-after, elegant al fresco area.

James Whiteley, founder and managing director of White Stores (03331 235 235;

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www.whitestores.co.uk), a leading online retailer of garden furniture and accessories, is at the forefront of modern garden design: “Despite the ups and downs of the great British weather, al fresco dining and entertaining is becoming more popular every year, as homeowners extend their kitchens and living rooms outside into the garden.

“An outdoor living trend we are seeing for 2015 is the widespread availability of more colourful garden and patio furniture. While many of our customers still prefer their outdoor sofa and chairs to be a traditional grey or brown colour, others want to make a bold statement with bright, funky colours like yellow, orange and lime green. Of course, this wider choice of designs, colours and materials allows people to bring a truly unique look to their outdoor space – and that’s something we’d all like to achieve.”

A growing trend towards a more organic look has meant a boom in natural materials being employed, which echo the look and feel of a garden. Woods, linens, all-weather rattan (choose synthetic for durability) can be mixed and matched. What’s more, manufacturers are now producing many styles of furniture and textiles that resemble indoor versions but which can withstand the elements, like those available at John Lewis (01223 361292; www.johnlewis.com).

Nicola Gidlow, buyer for Outdoor Living at John Lewis, gives her insight as to what is

popular right now: “Our key trend for garden furniture in 2015 is Fusion, which looks at authentic pattern, shapes and finishes through a contemporary lens and develops them into beautiful pieces of modern design.

The Ariel range perfectly captures the essence of this trend, and with a weathered finish and a fisherman’s rope detailing, this is a perfect focus for gardens and conservatories alike. The Shanghai Parasol is key to achieving the look: its neutral colour combined with an intricate multi-rib design creates a striking focal point for the garden, perfect for entertaining.”

For a large garden, add interest with occasional outdoor furniture dotted around.

A group of rattan armchairs, for example, or a metal table and matching chairs, can

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INTERIORS

be grouped together to form cosy corners.

Source items from home emporium Adventino, an online emporium inspired by the British countryside (01529 307 812; www.adventino.co.uk).

The seamless transition of the home to garden can also be emphasised by using typical interior materials such as ceramic tiles. Creating a glamorous effect are Fired Earth’s (01223 300941; www.firedearth.com)

THERE’S A NOTICEABLE TREND TOWARDS USING COLOUR AND PATTERN OUTDOORS

ABOVE Keep the home fires burning: La Hacienda Zestasia Clay Chimenea, £129, from John Lewis (01223 361 292; www.johnlewis.com). BELOW LEFT Room to grow: create an outdoor office like this one found in the Crane Scandinavian Pavilion Summerhouse, £7,395, from John Lewis. BELOW RIGHT Make yourself at home: Martinique Outdoor Furniture by Adventino, from £199, (01529 307 812; www.adventino.co.uk).

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new porcelain tiles, available in geometric hexagon mosaics and pretty floral patterns, which are slip resistant, making them perfect for paths and patios.

Fired Earth’s creative director Rob Whitaker comments: “Just as we’re seeing with interiors, there’s a noticeable trend towards using colour and pattern outdoors.

Tiles that feature decorative motifs or geometric patterns are particularly popular since they’re ideal for creating welcoming paths and stylish terraces. For example, Fired Earth’s new Sorrento porcelain range is available in six eye-catching designs.

Tiles such as these are beautiful and robust, meaning that they’re equally at home indoors and out. They’re perfect for extending seamlessly from a kitchen onto a patio, creating the illusion of more space.”

SACW Paving (020 8993 5545; www. sacwpaving.co.uk) also offers special 20mm thick porcelain tiles, designed specifically for outdoor use, and are quick and easy to install onto various surfaces. They are also virtually maintenance free, non-slip, and scratch, frost and chemical resistant, ensuring an outside space that can be enjoyed year after year.

Another practical choice for patio areas is Trex composite decking (www.trex.com/uk).

The eco-friendly brand supplies decking comprised of more than 95% recycled materials and it offers an elegant finish with minimal maintenance, as it only needs cleaning with soap and water, and never requires sanding, staining or painting.

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INTERIORS

H I D D E N S A N C T U A R Y Create a true retreat in your garden by indulging in a few luxury touches like a hot tub or spa. Fenland Arctic Spas is one of the leading suppliers of hot tubs and garden spas in Cambridgeshire (01353 863115; www. fenlandarcticspas.co.uk) and owner Denise Mason comments: “Add a little bit of luxury to your outdoor space with the addition of a hot tub, which can be enjoyed by all the family. We supply Arctic Spas and Coyote Spas, which offer high spec and technologically advanced products. Your own spa – which is suited to all weathers – means you can create the ultimate sanctuary in the privacy of your own garden.”

Meanwhile Bathing Under the Sky (01763 268 551; www.bathingunderthesky.com) offers luxurious, wood-fired hot tubs and barrel saunas that are perfect for escaping the distractions of modern life and look good enough to become a garden ‘feature’.

Available to buy or hire, the saunas and tubs are handcrafted from premium western red cedar – famed for its durability, insulating qualities and therapeutic aroma. Also turning up the temperature are the new ranges of uber-stylish outdoor ovens, chimeneas and garden heaters now widely available.

The Morsø Living range of grills and outdoor fireplaces (www.morsoliving.co.uk)

ABOVE Keep it hot: Morso’s modern grills, £895, mean you can cook and dine al fresco (www.morsoliving. co.uk). BELOW Garden sanctuary: soak your stress away with a hot tub from Fenland Arctic Spas, POA, (01353 863115, www.fenlandarcticspas.co.uk). BOTTOM Heart-warming: Cool Scandinavian design courtesy of Morso’s Kamino Outdoor Heater, £1,200 (www.morsoliving.co.uk).

ADD A LITTLE BIT OF LUXURY TO YOUR OUTDOOR SPACE WITH A HOT TUB brings a touch of cool Scandinavian design to outdoor entertaining. Declan Walsh, managing director of Morsø UK, says: “More households are now branching out from the traditional BBQ, and are looking at more versatile and aesthetically pleasing products such as the Morsø Outdoor Oven. This allows you to cook traditional barbecued food as well as your very own pizza creations, or it can simply act as a heat generator.

“Made of enamelled cast iron, this oven’s chic globular shape will make it an eyecatching addition to any patio. The Outdoor Firepit, meanwhile, is another crowd pleaser.

Use it for creating an inviting ambience at a get-together or opt for the additional grate to barbecue delicious food. Incorporating clean lines fused with functional Danish design, this product is also fashioned from solid enamelled cast iron, making it a durable purchase to enjoy for years to come.”

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INTERIORS

ABOVE Genoa Parasol, £79, Savona Lounger, £25, Bodum Fyrkat Tabletop BBQ, £39.99 (01992 636465; www.fishpools.co.uk). RIGHT Tobago Hanging Chair, £249, Fishpools. BELOW Cacoon Hanging Pod, £225, (01223 361 292, www.johnlewis.com).

F U N F A C T O R Corner sofas and recliners are practical and attractive choices for days spent in the sun, but you can liven up your space further by choosing a statement piece of furniture.

Source unusual love seats or day beds, such as the Maze Rattan Apple Daybed and the Pear Daybed, available at White Stores (03331 235235; www.whitestores.co.uk). The garden store also stocks the dramatic Aztecinspired Alexander Rose Cabana. The cosy ‘indoor’ space for the back garden contains two beds and a side table and has three archways forming a cool, mini hideaway.

A swing is also a fun addition. The Cacoon Hanging Pod (John Lewis, 01223 361292; www.johnlewis.com) is part tent, part hammock and part tree house.

Meanwhile, the Tobago Hanging Chair (Fishpools, 01992 636465; www.fishpools. co.uk) is an open-weave rattan chair, with a 60s sensibility, ideal for long, lazy days.

Kate Watson, interior designer at Fishpools, adds her take: “This season’s tropical trend has found its way into our

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gardens and is the perfect way to add the fun factor. Bold and bright accessories are leading the way. From jewel-hued cushions to colour pop parasols, these fun additions are a great way to add character and style to al fresco spaces. They can also be mixed and matched with ease.

“When it comes to choosing a colour palette, with an outdoor space you can afford to be brave, so don’t be afraid to introduce rich shades. They’ll immediately establish a tropical feel and will be complemented by a garden’s flowers and foliage. Try to limit your tropical theme to one or two key colours; this will help to create consistency and tie your look together. Smaller splashes of accent colours can then be built up around them.

“In addition to accessories, painted or tiled outdoor walls are a fabulous way to inject a touch of tropical that will last all year round. Planters filled with jungle style flowers can also be used to break up large spaces for an eye-catching display.”

Sweeping curves – created by spiral paths and shaped flower beds – are another way to add a fluid, young feel to an otherwise boring expanse

of grass. Experts in garden design and natural fencing are Cambridgeshire-based Foxcotte Fencing (01223 263702; www. foxcottefencing.co.uk). Tim Radford, owner, comments: “Many clients invest heavily in their outdoor space and it is increasingly seen as just as important as the inside of a house. New advances in outdoor furniture, weatherproofing and design mean that gardens and patios can look modern, fresh and appealing.”

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INTERIORS

ABOVE Outdoor living: La Hacienda Axis Firepit, £119, Espina Dining Table, £399, and chairs, £150 (01223 361 292, www.johnlewis.com). TOP RIGHT Fuse home and garden with a Lanai glass room, POA (01223 915822, www.lanai-outdoor.com). BELOW RIGHT Extend your home with a difference with a Linc Garden Room, POA (0345 260 8929, www.lincgardenrooms.com).

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Whether you opt for a contemporary bespoke garden room or a traditional, pastel-coloured summer-house, many of us are realising the potential that our gardens have to give us extra living space.

For many years, the only option for bridging the gap between garden and home was the conservatory, now that has changed with a range of options available for homeowners. Westbury Garden Rooms (01245 809626; www. westburygardenrooms.co.uk) offers contemporary garden rooms, oak orangeries, pool houses and wooden conservatories that ooze style and sophistication. Each of the glazed buildings is a bespoke project for the homeowner so all differing needs can be met.

Nicola Gidlow, buyer for Outdoor Living at John Lewis (01223 361292; www. johnlewis.com), comments on the growing trend: “Outdoor rooms are versatile spaces

and can really work hard for your home. In the winter they add extra space to safely store outdoor furniture and then become a haven in the summer months. They are also ideal for setting up a home office, hobby room or relaxation space.”

Specialist Linc Garden Rooms (0345 2608929; www.lincgardenrooms.com) provides garden spaces with a difference.

The modern or traditional designs can be

MANY ARE REALISING THE POTENTIAL THAT OUR GARDENS HAVE TO GIVE SPACE used as garden rooms, pool rooms, home offices, or as an extension to the main house for additional living space.

Neville Brownhill, managing director, advises: “Our totally unique rooms offer clients the opportunity to have quality, individuality and style unrivalled in their design and originality. All of our standard or totally bespoke designs can be used for anything from cinema rooms, hideaways, spas or additions to the main property.

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Just launched is our new 5m Round Spa, incorporating a sauna, steam and feature shower with relaxation beds.”

Finally, for something more unusual, Lanai, meaning open-sided veranda in Hawaiian, is an innovative, outdoor living specialist in Cambridge (01223 915822; www.lanai-outdoor.com). Peter Morris, managing director, says: “Our glass rooms and verandas fuse the garden and home.

Their elegant and contemporary design gives a home the wow factor. There’s an increasing trend for homeowners to want to maximise their space in the home and garden; these ‘extensions’ are unlike traditional conservatories in that they are beautiful and practical.

“Lanai glass rooms are available with either sliding doors or concertina style doors. Both these styles of doors can be opened up to bring your garden into your home. With so many flexible and fixedglazing side elements to choose from, there are combinations galore. What’s more, the doors are easy to open, and sliding the panels is a breeze due to exceptionally smooth operation and a foot-operated lock on the inside.”

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INTERIORS

ABOVE Outdoor furnishings needn’t be boring, especially with zingy Indoor Outdoor Pouffes, £250, from Dash & Albert Europe (www.dashandalberteurope.com). RIGHT Colour me pretty: Farrow & Ball have a vast range of external paint colours to choose from (01223 367771; www.farrow-ball.com). BELOW Floral design: source pretty textiles for the garden from Cambridge-based Barker and Barker, prices vary (01223 733730; www.barkerandbarker.co.uk).

A L L I N T H E D E TA I L S Once you have the main structures in the garden, it’s time to add in colour and texture with accessories and an interesting colour palette. Seek out items that are practical, though that doesn’t have to mean they should fall short on the style factor. A case in point is the new Garden Glory range of funky garden accessories at John Lewis, which includes pink wall mounts, gold hoses and striking stag antler wall tidies.

Choose items that can withstand our changeable climate. Offering a large range of outdoor soft furnishings and rugs is Dash & Albert Europe (www. dashandalberteurope.com). Director Genoveva Alfaro agrees: “Outdoor living

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has evolved with new and improved fabrics and accessories that can withstand the elements. Decks and patios are an extension of the decorating style inside your home and people are loving the opportunity to put a personal stamp on their outdoor space.”

Fabrics from Extex (01634 718871; www.extex.co.uk), are water-repellent, stain resistant and machine washable.

Pappelina Rugs are also unique in that they can be used indoors or out (www. scandinavianshop.co.uk) while British textile company Barker and Barker, which has a new showroom in Cambridge, offers a range of fabrics for the garden (01223 733730; www.barkerandbarker.co.uk).

Translating new home trends by way of affordable accessories is Sainsbury’s (www. sainsburys.co.uk). Anna Sheppard, head

of seasonal buying, says: “For summer 2015, our outdoor collections have been inspired by our two main trends. The Monochrome collection features luxurious metallic accessories and Moroccaninspired patterns, whereas Country Fair brings a touch of the British countryside with traditional gingham prints on picnic and tableware. The quality melamine and acrylic tableware is designed to be used time and again whereas paper tableware in trend-led designs is perfect for big parties.”

When it comes to colour in the garden, there is now even more choice of exterior paint colours which can give a new lease of life to fencing, furniture and structures.

Josephine Rance, marketing director at Farrow and Ball (01223 367771; www. farrow-ball.com) says: “As the warmth of summer brings budding flowers and fresh green leaves, it’s the perfect time to give exterior spaces an uplift. You can brighten up tired brickwork or add pops of vibrant colour to exterior woodwork and metal.”

David Mottershead, managing director of Little Greene (020 7935 8844; www. littlegreene.com) says: “On trend are bright pops of colour against a dark background – replicating the wild planting of cottage gardens. Choose colours linked to stone, slate, sky and earth for larger expanses of painted surfaces, and opt for highlights in bolder fun colours for summerhouses, furniture – and fancy birdhouses!

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