essence issue 96 by essence magazine

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ISSUE 96 | NOVEMBER 2018

Living the dream Jessica Ellerby interview

Also inside this issue: GAME CHANGER Jaguar’s I-PACE VIBRANT VILLAGE LIFE Claygate spotlight NOËL TOURISM The Route des Vins d’Alsace

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contents Issue 96 | NOVEMBER 2018

6 | Interview | JESSICA ELLERBY

Actor, writer and director Jessica Ellerby talks to Andrew Peters about her past projects and future creative aspirations.

14 | Garden design | ALLADIO SIMS

Emanuela of Alladio Sims Garden Landscape Design looks at the importance of planning a structure for a garden and how to make Autumn sing!

22 | Travel | ALSACE

As British summer time ends, Kevin Pilley seeks out the varied roads that all lead to one thing, the celebration of Christmas via the Route des Vins d’Alsace.

28 | Motoring | JAGUAR

Jaguar has produced Europe’s first all-purpose electric car and it’s a dream to drive, says Euan Johns.

32 | Spotlight | CLAYGATE

Mixing the best of both old and new, Claygate has a large and diverse selection of independent shops, pubs and restaurants, and in 2016 it was runner-up in the Great British High Street Competition.

38 | Fashion | DAKS

The inspiration for the DAKS’ autumn/winter 2018 collection is a meeting on a romantic winter afternoon, rich in colours, prints and window checks.

41 | Tax | EVERFAIR

Gillian Everall of Everfair Tax provides essence readers with her advice for reducing a tax bill.

44 | Legal | MUNDAYS

James Picknell, Partner at Mundays, explains that it’s often not an incorrectly placed fence which sparks a land dispute with a neighbour.

48 | Artisan food | EAT SURREY

Shirlee Posner introduces readers to Pewley Down Vineyard – a winery in Surrey just a short walk away from Guildford town centre.

50 | Food review | STEPHANIE BROOKES

Stephanie Brookes, BBC Radio London food expert, offers her pick of an eating establishment for this month, choosing something a little different, Circus London in Covent Garden.

56 | Events | SURREY

Linda Seward’s diary of the best of what’s on in theatre, music, exhibitions, arts and the countryside.

62 | essence | PROPERTY

A selection of the area’s finest houses from some of Surrey’s best estate agents, plus a beautiful Greek property from Barnes International.

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PHOTO COPYRIGHT: JON HAWKINS | SURREY HILLS PHOTOGRAPHY

APPEAL Disappearing Dawn Chorus A preparation for the 85th anniversary of Wild Birds Protection The Dawn Chorus is dwindling, and wild birds are rapidly declining in numbers; the planet may perhaps fall silent again. This was a concern for Eric Parker (1870–1955), pioneer conservationist whose work helped push through the Wild Birds Protection Act that came into force in May 1934, 85 years ago next spring. Parker lived and worked in Surrey, near Godalming. Parker campaigned vigorously for legislation against the indiscriminate gathering of wild birds’ eggs, alongside hunting and other destructive activity. He talks about the period that led to the passing of the Wild Birds act in 1934 as ‘that year of blessed memory’. David Lewiston Sharpe is a composer and has worked with the Royal Philharmonic. David has set verses by Eric Parker which give sad, soulful expression to the plight of song birds – his Song of the Nightingale. The plan is to present the new song cycle, sung by astounding mezzo soprano Phoebe Haines, in a programme with the Royal Philharmonic alongside works by Elgar, Delius, Butterworth and Respighi – all inspired by the natural world. The concert will aid the work of scientific research and practical activity to promote work towards avian conservation. I invite essence readers to get in touch –

please help to fund this concert and important conservation work.

essence INFO Birds on the Wire & the Waves Wild Birds Protection – 85th Anniversary Concert, Sunday, 12 May 2019, Cadogan Hall Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra Phoebe Haines (mezzo soprano) David Lewiston Sharpe (conductor) Programme: Lewiston Sharpe/Parker The Song of the Nightingale, Butterworth Banks of Green Willow, Elgar 3 Songs, Sea-Pictures, Chanson de matin & de nuit, Delius Summer Night on the River, On Hearing the First Cuckoo in Spring, Respighi The Birds Contact: davidlewistonsharpe@gmail.com/020 8362 9971

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PHOTO COPYRIGHT: DAVID RONALD HEAD | 123RF.COM

essence 96 COVER: JESSICA ELLERBY PHOTO COPYRIGHT: JOSEPH SINCLAIR, STYLIST: HOLLY OUNSTEAD HAIR AND MAKEUP: SAMANTHA COOPER

essence team

Editor: Andrew Guilor Contributing editor: Louise Alexander Publishing manager: Rebecca Peters Production manager: Linda Seward Designer: Ami Byrne Digital design: Jason Mayes telephone: 01932 988677 email: editor@essence-magazine.co.uk Sales director: Debbie Pell telephone: 07836 565699 or 01932 834907 email: debbie@essence-magazine.co.uk Commercial director: Jane Barnfield-Jukes telephone: 07795 206030 or 01932 834900 email: jane@essence-magazine.co.uk Contributors: Kevin Pilley, Andrew Peters, Euan Johns, Stephanie Brookes, Emanuela Alladio, PJ Aldred, Toby Spiers, Shirlee Posner, Linda Seward, James Picknell, Gillian Everall, Elif Mazi.

essence magazine

Maple Publishing Limited, the publishers, authors and printers cannot accept liability for errors or omissions. Any artwork will be at owner’s risk. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without the written permission of the copyright holder and publisher, application for which should be made in writing to the publisher. The opinions expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of the publisher. essence reaches key addresses in Cobham, Oxshott, Esher, Weybridge, Guildford and outlying areas. Properties in all the major private estates, including St George’s Hill, the Crown Estate and Wentworth Estate, receive the magazine 10 times per year. essence is also distributed to selected estate agents and is available at city businesses and all esa apartments throughout 17 locations in the south-east. Design and production www.domino4.co.uk

Wellness Actress Jessica Ellerby has a full and interesting life. Not only is she an actor, but she also writes and is a director. If all that wasn’t enough, she’s a qualified yoga instructor. In this issue of essence, Jessica explains how yoga helps her state of being and general wellness, countering the stringent demands of her career. Jessica has always shown a comic streak and will shortly hit our screens in the second series of Living The Dream on Sky One. In a fast-paced world, general wellbeing is a bit of a theme these days and car companies are doing their bit for the environment. None more so than Jaguar who has gone head to head with Tesla. Euan Johns looks at the electrifying Jaguar I-PACE which is all that could be wanted in a family car. Also in the magazine, Kevin Pilley explores the Route des Vins d’Alsace in France and discovers noël tourism in the run-up to the festive season. We’ve a feature on the thriving village of Claygate that shows a true community spirit. Emanuela of Alladio Sims Garden Design urges readers not to slavishly follow current trends and to give thought to a garden’s structure. Stephanie Brookes is off to the Circus in Covent Garden, whilst Shirlee Posner introduces readers to a small and perfectly formed vineyard a short stroll away from Guildford town centre. As always, this issue of essence has a mix of health (with details of wellness trends for 2019), legal and tax advice. All alongside the diary of events and places to visit, together with the pick of some of the region’s finest properties and an international beauty. The essence team

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PHOTO COPYRIGHT: JOSEPH SINCLAIR STYLIST: HOLLY OUNSTEAD HAIR AND MAKEUP: SAMANTHA COOPER

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Interview | JESSICA ELLERBY

LIVING THE

DREAM Actor, writer and director Jessica Ellerby talks to Andrew Peters about her past projects and future creative aspirations. Q Jessica, what made you want to become an actor? A It was never a specific ‘eureka’ moment or anything – if I’m honest, I think it’s just the way I’m wired. I love telling stories, entertaining people – happiest in those moments of ‘boredom’ where I get to daydream into an imaginary world or scenario. From a very young age I was always putting on little plays, dressing up my long suffering (extremely patient!) younger brother and roping him in as my ‘cast’ on a weekend morning to entertain my parents – cowboy, Geisha girl, ghost, rabbit to name but a few now family-famous characters! And if it wasn’t making a show, I was writing little stories, choreographing some dance, or sat cross-legged on the floor drawing – so I think I was always going to be a creative in some capacity: it’s just what makes me tick. Q You graduated from the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, a very famous institution, why did you decide to study acting there? A I just loved the feel of the place the minute I stepped foot into the building. It was humble, focused and void of pretentiousness. It was an intuitive decision. I had actually applied to do musical theatre at several prestigious schools in the UK and been accepted. But my gut for some reason told me it wasn’t quite right – so late in the day I started applying for straight acting courses. Because of application deadline dates (and a fee each time you apply!) I had to be selective. I didn’t know much about drama schools at all, but on reading Bristol’s prospectus I knew it sounded like somewhere I could see myself. Q Tell us a bit about the Noel Gallagher music video you were involved with. A I’d filmed a small part in a brilliant British indie film called Svengali

(written by and starring Jonny Owen). And it was directed by the lovely John Hardwick. We stayed in touch, I’d since filmed a short film with him, and then he called to ask if I’d like to play a part in Noel Gallagher’s new music video Ballad of the Mighty. It was playing a bit of a down and out which sounded fun – it’s always nice to break down the barriers of your perceived ‘casting’ as an actor. John is also one of the nicest people and I’d work with him again and again. And I’m a child of the 90s – Oasis were my music royalty so it was a no brainer! Noel was a sweetheart: as you’d expect, super down to earth. It was a freezing cold day in December and running barefoot in a vest in east London certainly had its challenges. But when you work with nice people and you’re all together, it makes it so much easier. Q Would you like to do more music-related projects? A Why not? I’m open to it for sure. Q Growing up in the Middle East (and later moving to London), did the climate and culture influence you to want to become a qualified yoga instructor? A Moving from a beach to a busy city was a big struggle for me. So the climate and the pace of London life led made me to search for something that kept me calm, warm and grounded. Yoga became my escapism – my walk on the beach, my swim in the sea, my gaze at the horizon. Yoga isn’t merely a physical practice, it’s a way of life, and it’s philosophies, daily routine and community have kept me sane. And I wanted to deepen my own understanding, but also pass that bit of magic (and I know it might sound silly, but it really IS magic!) on to other people. The acting profession can often be egocentric and I think it’s important to give back where you can. >>>

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PHOTO COPYRIGHT: JOSEPH SINCLAIR STYLIST: HOLLY OUNSTEAD HAIR AND MAKEUP: SAMANTHA COOPER

Profile: Jessica Ellerby Jessica Ellerby is best known for her regular role as ‘Jane’ in Netflix hit Lovesick opposite Johnny Flynn. She will next star in the second series of Sky One’s Florida comedy Living The Dream, from the makers of Cold Feet, alongside Leslie Sharp, Philip Glenister and Rosie Day. Jessica has also recently written, directed, produced and starred in her first short; a comedy titled The Hungry Games which is a female-led, satirical social observational comedy, focusing on the modern day obsessions and pressures surrounding women and image. The short premiered at the Women in Comedy festival in Boston and won the Honorable Mention at One-Reeler short film competition in LA. It most recently screened at Austin Comedy Short Film Festival this autumn. Her further credits include Universal’s Get Him To The Greek with Jonah Hill, Jonny Owen’s Svengali with Martin Freeman and Vicky McClure, BBC’s In The Club with Katherine Parkinson and Hermione Norris, Inside No. 9 and Endeavour for ITV. Her theatre highlights include Trevor Nunn’s A Chorus of Disapproval with Rob Brydon and Ashley Jensen at the Harold Pinter Theatre, Fanta Orange at Finborough Theatre, and Triptych at the Southwark Playhouse.

Q You’ve had a varied acting career, in theatre, television and film, which do you prefer? A They’re so different. Also, the grass is always greener – when I’m doing one I always crave the other. I love the camaraderie and community of theatre – creating a piece all together, using a pool of brilliant, creative brains and talent. I also enjoy rehearsals. You really get a chance to develop a character within a story properly: there is time to make mistakes, make bold choices and vibe off other people. Also a live audience...there’s nothing like that electricity! But then I love the intimacy of performance in television – it feels so real, like you’re in that little bubble. And I’ve also been very lucky to film in some nice places and that appeals to the wanderlust in me.

Q Does being a yoga instructor help cope with the many demands of the acting industry? A YES! Yes! And yes. How long have you got? Q You speak three languages, one of which is Arabic from your childhood, has that helped in some roles? A Wow, do I? This makes me sound super cultured, but is sadly not the case. I speak English well. I can order croissants in French (and even then, when I was in Paris last year, a waitress laughed so hard at my pronunciation I thought she might wet herself) and I can just about direct a taxi in Arabic. It was a legal requirement to learn Arabic up to GCSE level in my school, so once upon a time I could hold a conversation, but I’ve not lived there for 15 years so it’s not exactly fresh. I can, however, still read in Arabic (I just can’t tell you what it means!) So, in short, no. No roles for my mediocre language attempts.

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Q You’ve recently written, directed, starred in and produced a short film The Hungry Games. Can you tell us a little more about this and why you decided to write it? A Well, as an actor, I was feeling a bit frustrated with the stories and roles on offer – particularly as I slid out of the ‘ingénue’ bracket. I didn’t feel like life as a woman was being well represented on our screens. And I thought: “Well, if it’s not out there, then I’ll just make it myself.” I also wanted to take back some control over my development and growth as a creative – and if the opportunities don’t seem to be presenting themselves then sometimes you’ve got to produce them yourself. And as a human, I was dumbfounded by the stories my friends were telling me about their ‘diets’. This obsession with the physical form. With conforming to a very media-driven ‘social norm’. Essentially, shrinking ourselves. And also being so competitive with one another about it. Each tale was more ridiculous than the first and as well as seeing the psychological damage of it, I couldn’t help see the comedy. >>>

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Interview | JESSICA ELLERBY PHOTO COPYRIGHT: JOSEPH SINCLAIR STYLIST: HOLLY OUNSTEAD HAIR AND MAKEUP: SAMANTHA COOPER

I got a call from my agent saying that the team thought I was brilliant – “absolutely HILARIOUS”. They thought my ‘sexy’ was hilarious. Sure. Jessica Ellerby

Quick five Coffee or tea? Coffee, though actually I’m trying to give it up! Favourite current TV programme? Just one? Killing Eve, Wanderlust, and Iliza Shlesinger in Elder Millennial. I hardly ever laugh out loud at comedy, but this lady is FUNNY. Guilty pleasure? Sleeping in. LATE. Main inspiration? My family. Their massive hearts, adventurous spirits and ridiculous work ethics. Glass half full or half empty? Half full. Always.

Q Do you have any plans to write and direct more personal projects? A I have a few ideas washing around in my head and have started penning one new piece, though every time I sit down to write, the phone rings with an audition, or a job offer, and that puts it all on the back burner for a bit! But yes, I’d like to do more. I’m just not in any rush. Q Comedy seems to feature quite heavily in your career. You obviously have a great natural sense of humour. Was that integral to landing the part in the new series of Living The Dream? A It does, doesn’t it? I’m always surprised as I don’t think I’m very funny! I think it might be accidental comedy – I remember auditioning for a film once and the role was really sultry and sexy. I got a call from my agent saying that the team thought I was brilliant – “absolutely HILARIOUS”. They thought my ‘sexy’ was hilarious. Sure.

In terms of Living The Dream, it’s easier when the comedy is scripted. When it’s written down, I can see the arc of the joke, so you’re more guided to it. The sort of comedy I enjoy isn’t the straight up three jokes a page – it’s more real. A situation that’s funny rather than an out and out punch line. Maybe that’s it – finding the truth in it all. Q I’ve just read Homo Sapiens by Yuval Noel Harari and his sequels. You read this book some time ago – do you think it should be essential reading for all? A Excellent Instagram stalking! I did indeed! It’s a big, mind-blowing read and one I could probably do at least eight times to retain just a portion of the information packed in those pages. I haven’t read the sequels, but hear they’re equally good. For me, Sapiens was a brilliant, fascinating and educational read, so yes, I would certainly encourage others to partake! v Living The Dream is coming to Sky1 early in 2019.

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Moving gallery alights in Egham A new exhibition will highlight some significant international artists, showing together for the first time in the UK.

Right: Acci Baba Adam ver.alpha-001 Far right: Nikolay Koshelev - Blue Forest

arie Von Papen, known for staging exhibitions in unusual spaces, brings her renowned artist roster to the unconventional art space of a neo-classical mansion on the outskirts of London. MVP: London is the latest in a series of innovative art pop ups, including a former wharf in Copenhagen, an abandoned shipping warehouse in New York, and a former 1930’s office block in Berlin. The exhibition will consist of 80 new works ranging from sculptures, to large scale paintings to immersive installations. Artists include:

Ecuadorian painter Pablo Guarderas, whose works are in private and public collections worldwide, including the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. Japanese film and installation artist Acci Baba. Russian painter Nikolay Koshelev, nominee for the Dedalus Foundation, New York. French installation artist Brunhilde Groult who has had three solo shows in Berlin and uses traditional techniques such as carving, lacquer art, embroidery and silk printing. Russian painter Konstantin Sotnikov, winner of the Eduard Bargheer Foundation Award. German Sculptor Robert Elfgen. German painter Karl-Luis Vossbec. “People are always searching for a new experience. Whether it’s a wharf, a desert or a mansion, I believe you can stage an exhibition anywhere, and a new and unexpected location enables the work to be seen anew each time. Wherever you are, art has the ability to change the atmosphere.” Marie Von Papen

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Whereas MVP’s exhibitions normally take place in abandoned or repurposed urban spaces, Windsor Park Hall is a pristine, new build mansion house, positioned within landscaped grounds in Englefield Green, Surrey. Windsor Park Hall represents Marie Von Papen’s first exhibition in the UK. essence INFO

MVP was founded in 2012 in Berlin by Marie von Papen, conceived as a moving gallery concept by holding exhibitions of young international contemporary artists in the USA, Germany, Denmark, Portugal and France. From Friday 16 to Sunday 18 November 2018 and will be open to the public on Saturday 17 November from 12–6pm. Windsor Park Hall Wick Road Englefield Green Egham TW20 0HJ Nearest station Egham, accessed from London Waterloo.

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Make autumn

SING!

Emanuela of Alladio Sims Garden Landscape Design looks at the importance of planning a structure for a garden and not to slavishly follow the latest trends.

In this London garden, the central path provides the hard structural layer and large boulders anchor the space. Everything else is still bare, awaiting some much needed plant softness. IMAGE COURTESY OF ALLADIO SIMS GARDEN AND LANDSCAPE DESIGN LTD, RESIDENTIAL NORTH LONDON GARDEN, 2018

n recent years the naturalistic planting movement has moved the focus from trees and shrubs to perennials, leaving them to bask in the glory instead, with most of us seeking the fleeting and ephemeral pleasures of their short-lived flowers whilst following the latest garden trends. Yet it is precisely at this time of year that a garden deprived of its backbone of shrubs and trees will invariably disappoint by not being able to hold its own and provide the essential structure and colour changing boost needed during the drabbest of autumn and winter days. That’s exactly why when designing a garden one really has to focus on the all-important structural layer provided by the larger plants, so that come autumn and winter the garden will still have the all important backbone much needed to continue being attractive, even in the winter months. A few images from a garden we recently created in north London really illustrate this idea. To start with there was only a stepping stone path, winding its way in the middle of a pretty empty space. Then

Profile: Alladio Sims

Alladio Sims Garden Landscape Design Ltd was established in 2015 after Jon Sims and Emanuela Alladio collaborated on a Silver Gilt winning show garden at RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show. The two directors continue their collaborative approach throughout their practice with Jon’s background in interior architecture giving distinctive spaces and Emanuela’s passion for plants and photographic eye adding great texture and contrast. Jon and Emanuela in the show garden they created for the Istanbul Flower Festival in 2016

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Final touches and ‘filler’ plants will ensure the show produces something new and exciting throughout the seasons. IMAGE COURTESY OF ALLADIO SIMS GARDEN AND LANDSCAPE DESIGN LTD, RESIDENTIAL NORTH LONDON GARDEN, 2018

Garden design | ALLADIO SIMS Evergreen cushions are introduced, along with some deciduous trees. The space is still bare, but begins to feel like a garden. IMAGE COURTESY OF ALLADIO SIMS GARDEN AND LANDSCAPE DESIGN LTD, RESIDENTIAL NORTH LONDON GARDEN, 2018

came some large boulders to guide through the path. Next arrived some very large yew cushions, greening the path and softening the look. All of a sudden the garden started to have its own identity, and a strong backbone made of a happy mix of hard materials and evergreens providing softer but permanent shapes. As the project went on, more and more layers were added, some looser evergreen shrubs, some small deciduous trees, to create that much needed ‘middle layer’ even in the winter months when their branches are bare, so that when you walk through you feel the garden has a presence vertically and it’s not just made of dead or naked shapes on the ground.

Shrubs and small trees are perfect to create the middle ‘body’ in a garden, introducing interest at eye level. IMAGE COURTESY OF ALLADIO SIMS GARDEN AND LANDSCAPE DESIGN LTD, RESIDENTIAL NORTH LONDON GARDEN, 2018

At this time of year, the golden heads of grasses and autumn flowering shrubs add a bit of movement and a hit of colour, and catch the soft light beautifully. Their relaxed presence that mixes soft buttery tones and slender stems adds movement and transparency to the overall scheme, catching the first drops of dew and securing a surprisingly long lived appearance in the winter garden. Pennisetums and Miscanthus are invaluable specimen to introduce autumn drama, dotted around the garden and repeated at regular intervals to guide the eye around the space, lacing together the whole composition in a pleasing way. And finally to the most ephemeral of all layers – a good measure of cheerful bulbs for much needed spring interest and an abundance of flowering perennials that will delight the senses from spring till late summer. Overall autumn, being so subdued, can be a very demanding time of the year for a garden, one that can only truly be mastered if the balance of shapes, foliage textures and colours is right. Shrubs and trees are invaluable elements in this composition and they can really transform a garden in autumn, and make this season sing with drama. essence INFO

Alladio Sims Garden Landscape Design Limited Regional office: Lower Bourne (Farnham), Surrey Website: www.alladiosims.co.uk Email: Hello@alladiosims.co.uk

NOVEMBER 2018 | essence-magazine.co.uk 15

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Health | DEMENTIA

Dementia and deputyship Moving a relative or friend with dementia into a care home is an emotional and difficult decision. Is it the right time? Is the care home chosen the best one? These are also some important legal questions to consider.

asting Powers of Attorney (LPA) is where individuals appoint ‘attorneys’ to make decisions relating to finance, property, health or welfare on their behalf should they lose mental capacity through accident or illness (e.g. dementia). This is probably the best-known way of transferring the decision making process from an individual to the trusted help of family. An LPA can be a fantastic instrument when proper legal advice is given and it is drafted correctly. But what happens if an individual loses mental capacity and they don’t have an LPA in place? One option is a much lesser known method of appointing a ‘deputy’ under a Property and Finance Deputyship. This works in a similar way to an LPA as the deputy makes financial decisions on behalf of someone who has lost mental capacity. Both attorneys and deputies have similar roles and responsibilities, but a deputyship provides extra protection for the individual as the Office of the Public Guardian closely monitors deputy actions. Deputies must produce annual accounts which evidence, in detail, the financial transactions relating to the estate and the various actions that require to be taken. Individuals can apply to become someone’s deputy if they ‘lack mental capacity’. This means they can’t make a decision for themselves at the time it needs to be made. They may still be able to make decisions for themselves at certain times. A deputy is authorised by the Court of Protection to make decisions on their behalf. There are two types of deputy: an individual can apply for both or either one. a) Property and financial affairs deputy – undertaking to pay the person’s bills or organise their pension. b) Personal welfare deputy – undertaking to make decisions about medical treatment and how someone is looked after. Deputyship is a more difficult route to follow than an LPA and is somewhat after the event as the person involved has not made a decision to appoint, a court has and will therefore exercise more control of any process. Read Mundays’ solicitor Kerry Sawyer’s article in the April issue of essence or contact her on 01932 590500.

PHOTO COPYRIGHT: IAN ALLENDEN | 123RF.COM

Dementia is an umbrella term used to describe a range of progressive neurological disorders affecting the brain. Some people may have a combination of types of dementia. The four most common types of dementia are: Alzheimer’s Disease (most common) Vascular dementia Frontotemporal Dementia with Lewy bodies Symptoms can include: Memory problems Cognitive ability Communication Dementia can be seen as a combination of one or all of the above symptoms. It’s important that an accurate diagnosis is made as early as possible so that people can receive the appropriate advice, support and treatment.

PHOTO COPYRIGHT: IAN ALLENDEN | 123RF.COM

essence INFO

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NOVEMBER 2018 | essence-magazine.co.uk 19

Exuding opulence T

aking inspiration from the elegant organic forms found in oriental landscapes, this harmonious and opulent collection exudes modern luxury. Bridgman top quality feather cushions from only ÂŁ35 at Bridgman. essence INFO

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NOËL TOURISM

As British summer time ends, Kevin Pilley seeks out the Route des Vins d’Alsace, which leads in many forms to the celebration of Christmas.

he Route des Vins d’Alsace, on the far eastern fringe of France on the German border, winds for seventy-five miles across the lower slopes of the Vosges Mountains and through plains extending to the Rhine. It stretches from Marlenheim near Strasbourg through Colmar down to Thann, near the border with the ancient Franche-Comté. Along it travel wine lovers, gourmets and a new breed of cabbage, carp and sauerkraut connoisseurs…as well as Noël tourists. Sauerkraut Road

Alsace’s Sauerkraut Road is younger, but no less fragrant and colourful than the famous Alsatian wine route. It celebrates the fact that the region (so named for being lawless and beyond legal jurisdiction) produces twothirds of all sauerkraut (charcoute) made in France and that cabbage-shredding is an ancient popular pastime. Alsace produces a fifth of France’s white wine and fifty per cent of its beer. The Fried Carp Road was created in 1975 and takes visitors through the Sundgau region with its superb fish restaurants and fishing stretches. >>>

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Travel | ALSACE

Strasbourgâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ponts Couverts bridge towers and cathedral PHOTO COPYRIGHT: IURII BURIAK | 123RF.COM

NOVEMBER 2018 | essence-magazine.co.uk 23

Blue Christmas, Guebwiller

The picturesque region of Alsace

France’s wonderful garden

After paying respects to Strasbourg (the cross road) and its Gerberviertel tanners’ district, sandstone, high, late Gothic cathedral (Goethe’s “sublimely towering, wide-spreading tree of God”) with its astronomical clock and the city’s other eglises, its ‘hotels particulars’ (palaces), horse restaurants, ornate medieval Maison Kammerzell, Place Kléber, Prussian military architecture, the three-bridge, four tower medieval Ponts Couverts bridge over the River Ill, the wine route beckons. Especially at Christmas time. When much is to be mulled. There are seven types of wine available: Sylvaner, Riesling, Gewurtztraminer, Muscat d’Alsace, Tokay Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc or Klevner and the Pinot Noir rosé. Some have been made for over a thousand years in the area Louis IV called France’s “wonderful garden”. Following the wine road by coach or by designated hire car driver takes the visitor through small, relentlessly picturesque villages with cobbled streets, tinkling stone fountains, canals, half-timbered sixteenth and seventeenth century houses with oriel windows and, in spring, window box after window box of trailing geraniums. In most places, storks look down their noses from rooftop nests: they are used to armies passing through this area. Now armies of tourists do not worry them unduly. Wending your viti-culturist’s way through places like Bergheim (famous for its Nativity scene), Ribeauvillé and Kirchheim, the villages get quainter as they get more difficult to pronounce. Niedermorschwihr is a real tongue-twister after a couple of glasses and severe stomach cramp. But the wine road is to be travelled and some of ‘les plus beaux villages de France’ enjoyed with a green-stemmed goblet in hand and a tall, slope-shouldered AOC flute bottle or Rhin du vin nearby. Christmas markets

Colmar is the region’s wine capital and Alsace in a nutshell: Renaissance buildings, Gothic architecture, cobbled alleyways and not-quite-kitsch, verging on-the-cute half-timbered buildings. It even has its own Petite Venice (Place des Six-Montagnes-Noires) where market gardeners used to ply their trade on punts. For trivia fanatics, Colmar was the birthplace of F.A. Bartholdi, the man who built the Statue of Liberty in 1866. Colmar also claims to have the lowest rainfall in the whole of France. Size-wise, it’s quite manageable even for the reluctant stroller who will be pleased by the number of characterful ‘winstubs’ (taverns) and restaurants en route where it’s possible to try foie gras (an Alsatian invention), baeckeoffe (a meat and white wine stew), matelote (fish simmered in a wine and onion sauce), onion tart/tarte flambée (a kind of double >>>

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Delicious traditional baked goods on offer in Colmar PHOTO COPYRIGHT: COLMAR TOURISM C

CMY

Size-wise, it’s quite manageable even for the reluctant stroller who will be pleased by the number of characterful ‘winstubs’ (taverns) and restaurants en route.

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Colmar’s Christmas market PHOTO COPYRIGHT: COLMAR TOURISM

A wine cave in Bergheim PHOTO COPYRIGHT: DUMOLIN/COLMAR TOURISM

cream and onion pizza), Munster cheese and kougelhopf, a pastry dessert with the looks, but fortunately not the taste, of a top hat. There is also a toy museum. Colmar’s Christmas market (Christkindlesmarkt or Weihnachtsmärkte) is one of the most definitive of Europe’s increasing number of street markets which go back to the late Middle Ages. Dresden’s Striezelmarkt dates to 1434, although Bautzen’s is older. Frankfurt held its first in 1393. Munich’s was 1310. In Germany, Austria and Switzerland, Advent is often heralded by a ‘Christ child market’ held in the town square. Traditional foods include Zwetschgen-Männle (figures made of decorated dried plums), Kartoffelpuffer (potato pancakes), Schaumkuss (chocolate covered marshmallows), maroni (roasted chestnuts) and lots of gingerbread men. As well as plenty of fortifying mulled glühwein or vin du chaud. Most Christmas markets start around St. Catherine’s Day (26 November), ending on Epiphany (6 January). Dortmund and Cologne’s markets are the biggest and perhaps the most popular. Vienna’s is huge. Strasbourg has staged its Christmas market (Christkindelsmärik) since 1570 when it was part of the Holy Roman Empire. The seat of the European Parliament and capital of the Bas-Rhin department’s market boasts Europe’s largest Christmas tree (sapin de Noël). But the markets under Riquewihr’s ramparts, in the Place de la Réunion in Mulhouse, Colmar’s Place des Dominicains and Place de L’Ancienne and around the Coeur de l’Arsenal in Kaysersberg are more intimate, authentic and less commercialised. They feel more like local community events with their twinkling fairy lights, carousels, wreaths, window displays, illuminated nativity scenes and cribs (Bergheim has a trail of fifty), strolling minstrels, children singing Christmas carols, aproned locals selling local lace and delicacies like bredeles (star anise flavoured twists), pain d’epices loaves, hot fruit juice and brandy elixirs and spiced bierre de Noël. Rather than an exercise in Noël tourism, Alsace’s famed Christmas markets are a celebration of local handicrafts and gastronomy. As well as the festive spirit. Dreaming of a blue Christmas

Perhaps the most atmospheric is held in Guebwiller in the Haut-Rhin department, 60 miles from Basel. Its annual Christmas market celebrates a ‘Blue Christmas’. The town is decorated and lit in blue. Not in celebration of the effect of low winter temperatures, but the turquoise work of local nineteenth century Art Deco faience (tin-glazed artwork on pale earthenware) potter Joseph-Théodore Deck. North-east France is all very ‘gemütlich’. Cosy and homely, especially at this time of year. v

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Parc du Champ de Mars PHOTO COPYRIGHT: COLMAR TOURISM

essence INFO

Grape Escapes (www.grapeescapes.net) offers Alsace breaks all year round. Its Christmas Markets and Wine break is based at Strasbourg’s four star Cour du Corbeau hotel and includes two nights’ bed and breakfast accommodation, a private driver/guide to accompany guests on a tour of their preference – they can either opt to visit Colmar (more Christmas markets) and one winery, or go to two wineries. The package price, based on two people sharing a double room, starts from £525 (GBP) per person for mid-week travel. Supplements apply for weekend travel. www.easyjet.com flies to Basel-Mulhouse (Basel is 43 miles from Colmar which is an hour by train and car from Strasbourg).

Vintners | FINE WINE PARTNERS PHOTO COPYRIGHT: BOULE13 | 123RF.COM

Really fizzing

Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery – sparkling wines modelled on Champagne from around the world, says Toby Spiers.

he happy accident, the discovery of secondary fermentation giving wines effervescent, turned what was at the time the most northerly wine producing region in the world into the producer of some of the most loved wines in the world. The region is, of course, Champagne. Before this discovery, winemaking was marginal due to the cold climate, its viability as a successful region was due to its proximity to Paris rather than the quality of the wine. The addition of a few bubbles changed the region’s fortunes and extended the boundaries of where quality wine could be made. These boundaries are constantly being pushed, but why are some places producing excellent sparkling wines, and others not cutting the mustard when it comes to sparkling wines? Climate is a significant part of the story that defines the taste and profile of the wine but it is not the only component. The soil type and number of sunshine hours (as opposed to temperature), as well as vineyard management and winemaking techniques, are the other significant factors in determining what a wine will taste like. As well as nature’s bounty providing grapes that are ideal for Sparkling winemaking, the actions in the winery need to align in order to maximise the potential of the vineyards; producing the wine in using the Methode Champenoise or traditional method, as well as blending wines made from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from multiple sites and maintaining a style across every wine and vintage (and if a non-vintage wine is made ensuring that it tastes the same every year). Several places around the world share Champagne’s climate and soil types; Australia’s Tasmania, California’s Anderson Valley and Sussex in the UK and as a result wineries and winemakers have performed the sincerest form of flattery by producing wines using the same techniques and grape varieties to make excellent sparkling wines.

The drive to produce Sparling wines in new regions around the world, or add sparkling wines to the winery’s portfolio is due in part to Champagne houses expanding into new territories, as well as winemakers that love Champagne seeking out places that they can make quality sparkling wines using the mantra “the Champenoise have been doing it for hundreds of years, they know what they’re doing and how to make it work, so let’s do what they do”. A region such as Tasmania saw a boom in sparkling wine production in the 1980s when winemakers drew the parallel between Champagne and the vineyards they were working with, the cold climate and diverse soil types looked ideal but although this was a silver bullet towards producing fantastic sparkling wine, it wasn’t the silver bullet. It takes more than just having similar characteristics to Champagne and planting the same grape varieties; the best producers adopted a fastidious attention to detail and focus on producing quality wines at all cost. Practices such as fermenting and ageing every single vineyard separately, blending 100s of different wines together and only taking the best fruit have are what separate the best producers from the rest. There are a myriad of Sparkling wines from around the world that have come out top in competitions including their peers from Champagne, and it’s no accident that the likes of Nyetimber and the House of Arras (to name just two) have vineyards that share many of Champagne’s characteristics but it’s the wineries attention to detail that makes them stand out from the crowd. essence INFO

Fine Wine Partners Thomas Hardy House, 2 Heath Road Weybridge, Surrey KT13 8TB Website: www.accolade-wines.com Telephone: 01932 428600 ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

NOVEMBER 2018 | essence-magazine.co.uk 27

GAME CHANGING

PACE SETTER Jaguar has produced Europe’s first all-purpose electric car and it’s a dream to drive, says Euan Johns.

esla has just notched up ten years since its first car went on sale, a decade in which Jaguar has had time to sit back on its haunches and await the results. In the meantime, Jaguar has learnt from its American rival’s mistakes. The recent launch of the I-PACE is not just Jaguar’s, nor merely Britain’s, but Europe’s first large, premium electric family car. It’s been priced to compete with the Tesla S 75D. It does, but that’s where the comparison ends as the I-PACE really does out-pace the Tesla in the driver’s stakes. This is a car that’s really good to drive, it’s quite frankly a hoot; it’s easy, well, as easy as plug and play. >>>

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NOVEMBER 2018 | essence-magazine.co.uk 29

Go I-PACE

“It’s important we all take small steps to live a more sustainable life and think about the actions we can make to look after our planet. This is one of the reasons I’ve made the switch to driving Jaguar’s new all-electric I-PACE. It’s clean and safe, but also has the world class design and sports performance that suits my lifestyle.” Andy Murray

It’s looks aren’t bad either, stemming from the fact that the car is very well proportioned. The snubby nose brings the front wheels forward with it and the rear is relatively high and squared off. This sets the template, with detail added by the rear spoiler, vented bonnet and flush handles resulting in a beautiful form and a far cry from the botoxed monstrosities of some of its rivals. The car has also attracted some serious acclaim, something of which tennis ace Andy Murray was keen to take advantage. Twotime Wimbledon Champion, Murray fulfilled the promise he made during WWF’s World Earth Hour to ‘go electric’ and become one of the first Jaguar I-PACE customers on World Environment Day. The C-X75 supercar-inspired I-PACE performance SUV has received critical acclaim, being named a ‘game changer’ at the 2018 Autocar Awards and collecting the What Car? 2018 Reader Award, securing it the title of the most anticipated new car of 2018 before it was launched and The Sunday Times Car of the Year for 2018. Packed full of the latest innovations, the I-PACE is fully compatible with DC Rapid Chargers (100kW) as the technology is rolled out across the UK, enabling a 0-80 per cent charge in less than 40 minutes. Home charging with an AC wall box (7kW) will achieve the same state of charge in just over ten hours – ideal for overnight charging.

30 essence-magazine.co.uk | NOVEMBER 2018

The Go I-PACE app captures journey data to calculate potential cost savings, show how much battery would be used per trip and tell users how many charges they would need in a week if they were driving the I-PACE. As it builds a unique picture of a vehicle’s use, the app will even show how many journeys, if any, would have needed a stop to charge the EV’s advanced Lithium-ion battery. Journeys over 50 miles represent only two per cent of all UK trips. The I-PACE has a maximum range of 298 miles (WLTP) and could complete 98 per cent of these using just a fraction of a single charge. When opening the app, users can enter the real-world fuel economy of their existing vehicle to calculate the cost savings switching to the I-PACE would deliver. Once enough journeys have been logged, the app will estimate the range drivers can expect to achieve from a full charge. An interactive map allows users to search for the nearest charging points along a chosen route or within a local area.

Jaguar is also set to launch the I-PACE eTrophy featuring competing teams in souped-up versions of the I-PACE, making it the world’s first single-make championship for electric cars. One catch is the entry isn’t cheap: the car costs £200K plus there’s a £450K fee to enter as part of the ‘arrive and drive’ package. That’s going to be hard on the wallet, but really easy on the ears. The basic model’s price is £63,495 and you’ll think it’s worth a lot more driving it. The I-PACE is guaranteed to put a smile on a driver’s face and that’s not just down to the drive experience and comfort. It’s the realisation that it is a serious pace setter in the drive to go electric. v essence INFO www.jaguar.com

Unsung Heroines of Unsung Heroines of World War 1 of Unsung Heroines World War 1 World War 1 The fascinating story of the British women who braved the battlefields Eastern Europe The fascinating story of theofBritish women who braved the battlefields of Eastern Europe The fascinating story of the British women who braved the battlefields of Eastern Europe

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Vibrant VILLAGE LIFE With good communications and mixing the best of both old and new, Claygate has a large and diverse selection of independent shops, pubs and restaurants. In 2016 it was runner-up in the Great British High Street Competition.

laygate has always been a popular residential area. What now attracts residents and visitors alike are the 47 independent and family run shops, salons and cafes/restaurants and the incredible tally of five pubs. With pubs nationally on the decline that’s a notable feat, having five in such a small area means they must be doing something right. Claygate has history, not just the distant past but much more recent history has been made. Over the past five years it has become a bit of a honeypot, attracting visitors throughout Surrey to sample the unique shopping experience that is now offered. Two years ago the village entered The Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government’s Great British High Street Competition and perhaps harbouring modest expectations. Claygate was the runner-up – an incredible achievement representative of the hard work all the local businesses had put in over the recent years. It has earlier sampled fame in December 2014 when Sky News spent the day in The Parade in Claygate broadcasting about Small Business Saturday. Claygate is famous for its Christmas lights switch-on event on the first Saturday in December (this year’s date is Saturday 1 December), and past celebrities have included Cliff Richard, Ronnie Wood, Elaine Page and Mick Hucknall.

Claygate Dramatic Society: Two one-act plays Thursday 22–Saturday 24 November Claygate Christmas Lights Saturday 1 December, 4pm Claygate Carols on the Green Sunday 9 December, 4pm Claygate Choral Society: Handel’s Messiah Sunday 8 December Claygate also is host to its very own music festival every two years. The festival lasts for two weeks in March and this year was another great success with artists including Mica Paris, Caravan and Soulrunners headlining, 2020 can’t come soon enough. David Cameron’s Big Society initiative has been dismissed by some but in Claygate there has developed an old fashioned village atmosphere with a fantastic community spirit. This is borne out by the wealth of clubs and societies that exist and exemplified by the work carried out by Claygate Parish Council and Claygate Village Association. The precise origins of the village of Claygate aren’t known precisely but its existence was recorded in the Domesday Book around 1080 as ‘Claigate’. >>>

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Schools | OPEN DAYS

essence spotlight

CLAYGATE

NOVEMBER 2018 | essence-magazine.co.uk 33

Claygate Holy Trinity PHOTO COPYRIGHT: TOBY RUMMERY

Telegraph Hill

Things have moved on quite a bit with the village now being not only a very desirable place to live but also to shop and well just simply visit. It’s an oasis of calm in bustling Surrey. Benefiting from good road and rail communications, it still retains a quintessential English village atmosphere augmented but the many activities on offer. As its name partly implies, the topsoil rests upon the youngest beds of the London Clay after which the village is named, capped in places by sandier Bagshot Beds. The clay pits in the village have provided bricks for a large surrounding area including some of Hampton Court Palace. The earliest reference to brickmaking is in Tudor times and this, along with agriculture, was probably the major land use for unbroken centuries before modern times. In about 1822 the Claygate Pearmain apple was discovered by John Braddick, growing in a hedge. In 1840 the Holy Trinity church was built of stone in 14th-century style, enlarged in 1860 and restored in 1902. In 1822 a semaphore station opened on the northern boundary of Claygate. This was part of the Admiralty chain of stations between London and Portsmouth and was in continuous operation until 1847. The consecration of Holy Trinity Church in 1840 was followed a year later by the establishment of the parish of Claygate. The village then became popular as a place to build mansions, most of which have now gone. Agriculture and brickmaking continued to be the main source of employment along with domestic service. Claygate’s entry into the modern world can be linked precisely to the coming of its railway station on the new Guildford line in 1885. A new village, built half-a-mile from the old centre, was created around the station and goods yard. Housing development followed on an organised basis, initially as a result of activity by the Hon Fitzalan Foley, whose new estate became popular in the 20th century with London commuters. In 1903 the first Claygate Flower Show (it boasts to be the oldest in the UK) was held and remains a very popular annual event. This year the Claygate Flower and Village Show attracted 7,000 people. Next year’s event is on 13 July 2019 and promises to be another success and as happened this year, marquees will emerge on Claygate’s recreation ground filled with art, photography, crafts, food, plants, flowers, fruit and vegetables. Classic cars, a companion dog show, marching bands, gift stalls, children’s races, tug of war, fancy dress parade, fun fair, farmyard animals and arena events will all add to the fun. >>>

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Telegraph Hill is one of the highest spots in Claygate. Telegraph Hill, and the wood that has existed on its northern slope for many centuries, has had a variety of names. The oldest recorded name is Hengesteshill, or Stallion’s Hill, hengest being the Saxon word for stallion. Alternatively, it may have taken this name from a Saxon chieftain, Hengist, who with his brother, Horsa, is reputed to have led the Saxon invaders of south-east England in the middle of the 5th century. At 167 feet (51m) above sea level, Telegraph Hill provided the site for one of the Admiralty’s chain of semaphore stations which linked Whitehall to Portsmouth. The building, called Semaphore House, was completed in 1822 and operated until the electric telegraph took over in 1847. Until then, weather permitting, a message could be transmitted from the Admiralty at Whitehall to Portsmouth in a matter of minutes. In 1930, Esher Council bought Telegraph Hill for public recreation. Semaphore House subsequently passed into private ownership.

CAT & MOUSE BOUTIQUE

Cat & Mouse Boutique has traded in Claygate for nine years. Run by Gary and Mary, it sells good quality seasonal women’s clothes, jewellery, accessories, gifts and cards at excellent value prices. Cat & Mouse sell online at www.catandmouse.boutique too. Gary manages Claygate Shopping’s social media channels and is the PR officer for the Claygate Flower & Village Show.

TELEPHONE: 01372 463833

WWW.CATANDMOUSE.BOUTIQUE

The Game Larder The Game Larder has been Claygate’s butcher for decades, starting life as a game meat specialist and evolving into a modern day butchers. We maintain a seasonal-based product range including game and high quality UK sourced beef, lamb, pork and poultry. During the Christmas season we have a fantastic festive selection. Our delicatessen includes cheeses, cooked meats and pastry-based items.

Visit us:.

Claygate’s multi award-winning Brightwater Brewery Platform 3 offers speciality cask ales. This tiny pub – possibly the smallest in the UK – has featured in the CAMRA Good Beer Guide for the last three years is just the ticket for the commute end or a weekend cosy pint. Williams and Bunkell Fishmongers Fresh. Local. Sustainable. From boat to table in 24 hours, Williams and Bunkell is proud to provide a huge variety of ethically-sourced fresh fish and shellfish.

Visit us:. Williams and Bunkell 17a The Parade, Claygate Esher, Surrey KT10 0PD Telephone: 01372 469018

36 essence-magazine.co.uk | NOVEMBER 2018

the-game-larder.business.site

Claygate’s attraction as a commuter village gave rise to large areas of farmland and mansion sites being used for housing development in the first half of the 20th century, while in the 1960s new sites were provided when the brickworks closed. Claygate’s lack of main thoroughfares has been attributed to angle of the River Thames leading the A3 main road (from London) south-west instead through Esher (now instead between Claygate and Chessington) and historical conditions when through roads became impassable in wet weather because of the clay often close to the surface. Equally, mid-distance routes chose a line to avoid this land, before the advent of road surfacing. Before the arrival of the railway in 1885, Claygate’s shopping facilities were far smaller than today’s myriad of choices. It’s unlikely that Claygate boasted more than six shops prior to the 1880s. The Parade had yet to be built, and there were only three shops around The Green. Today these areas reflect a vibrant community thriving a in a world were digital and online are ace, king, queen and jack. We all need time to get away from our screens and reconnect with out past, take a bit of time out and spend it in an inviting, entertaining and peaceful place. Claygate fulfils all those requirements so why not take some time out and come and see for yourself. v essence INFO

surreyfishmonger.co.uk

The Game Larder 24 The Parade, Claygate, Esher KT10 0NU Telephone: 01372 462879

www.claygateparishcouncil.gov.uk www.claygatevillage.co.uk www.claygatemusicfestival.co.uk

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WINTER ROMANCE The inspiration for the DAKS autumn/winter collection is a romantic winter afternoon – palettes are rich in colour. Alongside the iconic House Check, a bespoke and innovative check has been designed exclusively for the season. DAKS historically work with iconic British Mills and AW18 is no exception, partnering with cloth manufacturer, Fox Brothers. Winter in the spirit of colour, the collections explore a multitude of vibrant and vivid hues such as green, burgundy, red and rust, with touches of ochre yellow. The AW18 collection is rooted in the brand’s British legacy, using key details to completely evoke that iconic English style. Details are key: fabric flowers are scattered on jacket lapels and delicate gold details adorn belts.

essence INFO

Website: www.daks.com

Beth jacket £625 Darcey trousers £275 Beatrice classic floral blouse £265

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Fashion | DAKS Veronica corduroy jacket Â£575

>>>

NOVEMBER 2018 | essence-magazine.co.uk 39

Jack jacket Â£650

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Tax | EVERFAIR

10 tips to cut your tax bill Gillian Everall of Everfair Tax provide essence readers with her advice for reducing a tax bill.

t is possible to legally reduce a tax bill by using rebates and allowances, but many are not widely utilised. At Everfair Tax we specialise in maximising all available avenues and here is a selection: Tax on savings interest The Personal Savings Allowance for basic rate taxpayers allows £1,000 of interest to be received from savings tax free. For higher rate taxpayers, the threshold is £500, in addition to another £20,000 in tax-free ISAs. Share dividend income The first £2,000 received

in share dividends is tax free. However, income over £2,000 incurs a 7.5% tax for basic rate taxpayers and 32.5% for higher rate taxpayers.

Marriage allowance £1,190 may be transferred

between partners if one is not paying income tax and fully using their personal allowance. This is worth £238 a year and the claim may also be backdated to the previous year. It is only applicable if one partner earns £11,850 to £46,350. Savings and assets may also be transferred to a partner to maximise the use of their personal tax allowance.

Claim tax back on charitable donations

A higher rate taxpayer may claim back additional tax paid on gift-aided charitable donations. Renting a room? If you rent or let a room, your income is tax free up to £7,500 (before costs are deducted) under the Rent a Room scheme.

Mileage allowance As a member of staff, if using

your vehicle for company purposes and are paid less than 45p per mile, you may claim back the difference. After the first 10,000 miles, you may then claim at 25p per mile.

Do you have a self-employed income? Before

self-employed income earnings are declared, all reasonable costs should be deducted first. And, if you work from home, you can also claim a proportion of the running costs.

Check your tax code is correct All PAYE

employees have a tax code that details the allowances and deductions used to calculate their tax bill. You should always ensure that this is correct.

Auction sites Income gained through buying and selling on auction sites does not need to be declared up to £1,000 as it comes under the trading allowance.

essence Info Gillian Everall is Managing Director and Head of Private Client Tax Services for Everfair Tax based in Weybridge. Everfair Tax specialises in UK, US and Expatriate Tax and provides a unique tax advisory and compliance service to help manage personal or international complexities and the changing of family or business circumstances. Telephone: 01932 320800 Email: gillian@everfairtax.co.uk Website: www.everfairtax.co.uk

Remember every bank account When you

complete your tax return, it is important to include every bank account and the interest earned from each.

If you would like more information on how to reduce your tax bill, please call our experienced team at Everfair Tax and we will be happy to assist.

NOVEMBER 2018 | essence-magazine.co.uk 41

As with all investments, your capital is at risk

Creating champion investment portfolios since 1969

We used to be such great neighbours... Most of us like to think that we would use our common sense and neighbourliness to find a swift, amicable resolution to any suggestion by our neighbour that the boundary fence is ‘not quite straight’ or ‘has been replaced a couple of inches to the wrong side’ by the fencing contractor. These are minor issues, right? In most cases, yes, but it is often not the incorrectly placed fence which sparks the dispute. There is often some other reason more important than the land in question.

t Mundays, we have handled and successfully resolved many boundary disputes involving all sorts of shapes and sizes of land. Our experience tells us that the classic triggers for causing boundary disputes are things like the extension that next door is planning which you really do not want built or the second house they are seeking to build in their large back garden, which may overlook your own. A neighbour’s proposed development sometimes causes the boundary position to be examined when it might otherwise not. It could be because the neighbour planning the works considers the fence is not in the right place and were it realigned, this would make their works easier or facilitate a larger development. If they were not planning works, they may not care. Sometimes, it is simply that a neighbour has, despite best efforts, failed to prevent their neighbour from obtaining planning permission for that (in their eyes) hideous extension and so they look for other options to create leverage in the hope of causing their neighbour to reconsider their plans. How can it be that we hear of boundary disputes rumbling on for months if not years? Is it really that difficult to locate the boundary of your land? Most land in this country is registered at HM Land Registry. This means that your land has a bespoke title number shown on a registered title; the registered title describes your property and tells you about most property rights which affect it. It will also have a registered plan showing your property outlined in red. Contrary to what many people think, the red line on the plan simply shows a general

44 essence-magazine.co.uk | NOVEMBER 2018

PHOTO COPYRIGHT: DAVID RONALD HEAD | 123RF.COM

boundary line; it does not identify the precise location of your boundary. It may, of course, be of some use in dealing with a boundary dispute, but it will be next to useless for a dispute over a few inches here or there. An exception to this is where the boundary has become a ‘determined boundary’ under section 60 of the Land Registration Act 2002. Here, the registered plan will show the precise location of the boundary. How do you determine where the fence should go in the absence of an agreement? It is beyond the scope of this article to provide a detailed answer to this question, but here is a short list of some of the key issues which are commonly considered at the start of a boundary dispute:

1 Every piece of land started life as part of a larger piece. The first step is to identify and then find the conveyance which first conveyed the piece of land you now own. That document will have described the land sold and, with a bit of luck, attached a sensible plan showing its dimensions. Sadly, this is not that common and you often find that older conveyances only loosely describe the land sold or attach poor quality or poorly drawn plans. Depending on how the land is described and the weight to be attached to the information on the plan, the aim is to ascertain from the conveyance where the original legal boundary to the land was intended to be. 2 Most property owners do not have the original deeds (or copies) for their property and unfortunately, but perhaps surprisingly, HM Land Registry does not retain all of the

Legal | MUNDAYS

deeds it is sent. However, some documents are available to download from HM Land Registry’s website and some might be held in paper files they store off site. At Mundays, we offer to undertake a thorough search of the available records at the commencement of any boundary dispute. We have, on occasions, located documents with HM Land Registry’s assistance which were once thought to be unavailable. 3 If the deeds cannot be found or do not help, what can you do? We would usually recommend, at the appropriate time, a number of enquiries be made, such as: a looking at the boundary features on the ground. After a bit of rooting around you

Top tips for boundary disputes if one can’t be avoided

PHOTO COPYRIGHT: STILLFX | 123RF.COM

Keep a clear record of the initial discussions with your neighbour and any key events. Take photographs of the boundary fence or other boundary features, particularly if you consider they are about to be removed or have been altered. Locate any deeds for the property you have in your possession. Seek legal advice at an early stage. Whilst it may be tempting to try to resolve the dispute on your own and conduct your own enquiries, it is possible that the steps you take or do not take might prejudice the merits of your case. Whilst boundary disputes can be complicated, drawn out matters, we always consider with our clients at an early stage the available options for seeking to bring about an amicable resolution with their neighbour.

might find an old fence post, a bit of derelict brick wall or perhaps a section of chainlinked fence caught up in some brambles. Items such as these could be crucial clues in seeking to resolve the dispute. This investigation must be carried out entirely from your own property unless you have your neighbour’s consent to access their land; b checking your purchase papers to see whether the seller said anything about the boundaries; c speaking to other neighbours who may have lived in the area longer than you or, better still, the previous owners of your property, if you have their contact details. They might know when a certain fence was erected and whether its position was agreed with your neighbour or their previous owners; and d instructing a boundary surveyor to obtain their advice in light of the evidence which has been obtained. We recommend that the surveyor is instructed by a solicitor to ensure that the instructions are appropriately prepared. Adverse possession? 4 Even if there is evidence to prove that the fence is in the wrong position, a neighbour might claim to have acquired the right to be the registered owner of the disputed land due to their having been in possession of the disputed land for the required number of years without the consent of the neighbour. This is known as the law of adverse possession. Most claims for adverse possession are commenced by an application being filed at HM Land Registry. Prior to the Land Registration Act 2002, a period of at least twelve years’ adverse possession of the disputed land was required in respect of claims concerning registered land. That is the period which still applies to claims concerning unregistered land. However, for registered land the required period is now ten years save that, if the claimant can show that they had accrued twelve years’ adverse possession prior to 13 October 2003 and their land was already registered at that date, they can still bring their claim under the old twelve year rule as well as the ten year rule. Surely the ten year rule is easier? Not always. Unlike the twelve year rule, proving

James Picknell is a Partner at Mundays, a member of the Property Litigation Association and is listed in Chambers & Partners 2018 as a leading individual of Real Estate Litigation. James has extensive experience advising on adverse possession and regularly advises private clients on disputes in the areas of restrictive covenants, rights of way, nuisance and boundaries. James also focuses on contentious property matters including advising on dilapidations, forfeiture, rent review, lease renewals, breach of covenant, rent arrears recovery, service charge disputes and possession actions. He is highly experienced in advising landlords and tenants on the exercise and consequences of break notices. James can be contacted on +44 (0)1932 590587 james.picknell@mundays.co.uk

ten years’ adverse possession is potentially just one of the hurdles which need to be overcome in a successful claim. A landowner who is served with a ten year rule application has the option both to challenge the alleged adverse possession and/or require the claimant to satisfy one of three available conditions. Claims can come unstuck at this stage. As can be seen from this short note, boundary disputes can be far from straightforward.

essence INFO

Mundays LLP Cedar House, 78 Portsmouth Road, Cobham KT11 1AN Telephone: 01932 590500 Website: www.mundays.co.uk The contents of this article are intended as guidance for readers. It can be no substitute for specific ad ice. onse uentl we cannot accept responsibility for this information, errors or matters affected b subse uent changes in the law, or the content of any website referred to in this update. © Mundays LLP 2018.

NOVEMBER 2018 | essence-magazine.co.uk 45

PHOTO COPYRIGHT: PEEKEEDEE1 | 123RF.COM

Food | CRATES LOCAL PRODUCE

At their best right now Crates Local Produce, located in Horsham’s historic centre, bursts with fresh, seasonal food offering taste, health and economic benefits.

PHOTO COPYRIGHT: BRENT HOFACKER | 123RF.COM

Leeks

The flavour of this vegetable gives it away as one of the Allium genus, along with onion and garlic. This milder tasting plant forms a long cylinder of leaves. Leeks are delicious sautéed, a great addition to any soup, stock or stew. Leeks go right back to ancient Egypt and the Romans with Nero consuming them as he believed they improved his voice. Wales adopted this humble green vegetable as a national emblem, with legends differing as to the reason behind this. The most appealing story has to be King Cadwaladr making his soldiers wear leeks on their helmets during a battle in a leek field against the Saxons.

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Braised honey and mustard rabbit

Rabbit

Once a staple food for our country, especially during the Second World War, many people claim to not like the taste or just the ‘thought’ of eating rabbit, yet it’s still enjoyed throughout much of southern Europe with Malta and Crete consuming the most per head. Rabbit is incredibly lean, especially wild rabbit, and many of today’s chefs are championing the meat once again. Farmed rabbit certainly yields more tender meat, but farming methods may not appeal to many consumers. Wild rabbit is far tastier, but avoid animals larger than one kilo unless cooking in a slow stew.

essence INFO

Crates Local Produce 24a Carfax, Horsham, West Sussex RH12 1EB Telephone: 01403 256435 Website: www.crateslocal.co.uk Follow on Twitter @crateslocal or Facebook page Crates Local

PHOTO COPYRIGHT: PEEKEEDEE1 | 123RF.COM

Slow cawl cennin (leek soup)

In season recipes Braised honey and mustard rabbit SERVES TWO

Ingredients: One whole skinned wild rabbit or at least four rabbit thighs 75g butter Five tablespoons white wine vinegar Three tablespoons Dijon mustard Two tablespoons raw or runny honey 500ml chicken stock 200ml double cream Four cloves garlic Two teaspoons paprika One tablespoon oregano Sprig fresh rosemary or one teaspoon dried Two bay leaves Method: Pre-heat o en to 200 gas mark 6. If using a whole rabbit, chop into more manageable pieces by taking off the legs and breaking through the backbone to divide. This is quite easy, but if buying from a butcher, ask them to do this for you. Season the meat with salt and pepper to taste and brown in melted butter in a large stoveproof casserole dish (Dutch oven or heavy pan) over a medium heat, turning to cover all sides. Put the browned meat to one side. Add the vinegar to the same pan and bring to the boil. Once reduced by at least half, add in all the other ingredients and bring to the boil once again. Return the browned meat to the saucepan with the liquid, bring to the boil, cover and move to the

oven (or transfer to a warmed casserole dish). Allow to cook for at least 90 minutes until the meat falls off the bone. Serve with potatoes, vegetables or even rice.

Slow cawl cennin (leek soup) SERVES FOUR

Ingredients: Four large leeks Three medium sized potatoes Two tablespoons oil, rapeseed or olive 250ml single cream 500ml vegetable stock One clove garlic Salt and pepper to taste Seasoning to include salt and pepper Crispy bacon, croutons, chives as required to garnish Method: Slice the leeks, peel and dice the potatoes and finel chop the garlic. eat the oil in a large at pan, add the leeks and potatoes with the garlic and cook for just a few minutes: long enough to brown. Transfer the mix to a slow cooker or, if not available, use a large casserole dish to go on the stove or in the oven. Add all of the stock and seasoning. Cover and cook on the low setting of the slow cooker for four to fi e hours, on a very low heat on the sto e or in the o en at 1 0 for around three hours. Once cooked through very slowly, purĂŠe (or blend) the soup to a lovely smooth consistency, add the cream and garnish as required.

NOVEMBER 2018 | essence-magazine.co.uk 47

Handpicked winery Shirlee Posner introduces readers to Pewley Down Vineyard – a winery in Surrey just a short walk away from Guildford town centre.

ff a suburban street in Guildford, take a right turn on the hill into a small, unmarked dirt track. A few hundred metres in and a set of white gates leads to a picture-perfect farmhouse. On arrival at Pewley Down Vineyard, I felt I’d travelled to a parallel universe. A gorgeous blue sky, autumn sunshine and the high slope behind the farmhouse resplendent with leafy vines made the setting memorable. It’s rare to find a winery so close to town. Pewley Down Vineyard is another addition to the growing band of English wine makers creating serious wines that compete well on the European circuit. I was excited to meet this very local winemaker and record his tale. Mark Hargreaves and his wife bought their property over twenty years ago. Both lawyers with an interest in wine, which at that stage was satisfied by wine tastings, researching wine regions and understanding how wine is made, they loved the potential their new home had with an acre of land nestled on the edge of Pewley Down. Whilst the house and garden are on a level area, it’s a slope behind the house which rises up to the Down on which their vineyard is located. In 2006, Mark decided to plant his own vines. He employed the help of wine consultant Hans Schleifer who advised on layout and varietals to plant. Mark chose Schönberger, Rondo, Bacchus PHOTO COPYRIGHT: MARK HARGREAVES

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and Pinot Noir grapes, which are planted in equal numbers on the plot. Each vine was planted by hand and should give 25 years of useful crops: they tend to tire after this point and produce smaller yields. Although grown on a hill, vines luckily don’t mind angles and this plus the chalk and flint under the soil is perfect for storing water. The vines bury their roots at a perfect depth meaning that even in the hot summer this year they did not need watering. The flint and chalk also provide minerals giving the grapes a taste unique to their location. The vineyard benefits the vines from its uninterrupted exposure to sunshine enhanced by the gentle south-facing slope. Abundant wildlife includes wild bees, wasps, butterflies, deer, foxes, badgers, squirrels plus an assortment of seasonal birds. Mark loves this aspect of his land and really enjoys the peaceful hours he spends pruning each January and into February. Most of the year the wildlife is a happy partner to the vines, but near to harvest time they can damage the fruit. To alleviate this in a natural way, the zone of the vines is gently wrapped in fleece to protect the grapes against any unwelcome predators. For the first few years after the vines were planted, Mark made his own wine at home for family and friends. Spending less time at his law firm gave him more energy to focus on his vineyard and in 2013 he engaged the Bolney Wine Estate to help him produce his first commercial wine. This was a sparkling rosé which was first made available locally in 2016 and has sold out. With larger production rates, Mark is now able to offer his wine to more retailers.

Mark Hargreaves

Artisan food | EAT SURREY

Blue potato blinis topped with crème fraîche, smoked salmon and chives When I serve a wine like Pewley Down for pre-dinner drinks, I always like to have something special to go with it. Crisps and other packaged snacks are banned in favour of something more complementary. I think that if you are going to serve a great wine, give it a suitably enticing partner. The base for the blinis can be made in advance and then just pan-fried quickly before assembling and serving. Perfect for the impending festive period too! Ingredients For the blinis 500g blue potatoes (use regular or orange sweet potatoes if these are not available), cooked and roughly mashed One large free-range egg 25g cornmeal or instant polenta (plain flour can also be used here) plus extra for shaping Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper Two green salad onions, finely chopped (optional) One to two dessertspoons of oil for frying For the topping One 250g tub of crème fraîche One pack of smoked salmon or gravadlax One lemon, halved Some finely chopped fresh chives Method Mix the mashed potatoes and stir in the remaining ingredients. Cover and chill until required. This is better made in advance as the moisture in the potatoes will bind with the cornmeal

and then they won’t fall apart when cooked. Use a teaspoon to portion up the blinis. Shape into small bite-size rounds by dipping them into cornmeal, rolling into a ball and pressing flat on a clean work surface or board. Chill until required. Heat half the oil in a large non-stick frying pan and add enough blinis to cover the pan. Cook for three to four minutes on each side until golden, then place on a plate with a sheet of paper towel to soak up any oil. Repeat until all are cooked. Two to three per person should be enough to serve with pre-dinner drinks. Place the blinis on a serving dish and spoon each with a small dollop of crème fraîche. Top each with a folded strip of salmon. Sprinkle with chives and a little squeeze of lemon and serve. I garnish mine with some very finely sliced cucumber and a sprinkle of black salt, or perhaps a grind of black pepper. Serve immediately.

The wine and sustainability are “our passion” Mark emphasised to me and because of the size of the vineyard he is able to manage the vines himself to his own high standard. He has two old tractors for transporting cuttings and grapes and everything else is done by hand. The wine is the priority and the harvest is timed each year to carefully capture the day when perfect balance of natural acidity and sugar levels in the grapes has developed. Mark describes himself as a “single vineyard” producer as he does not buy in or sell grapes to other producers. Pewley Down wines are made exclusively from grapes grown by this producer too, giving freedom to use the term ‘vintage’ on the label. Currently, Mark has two wines on offer which are made in rotation. Mark has worked with two local wineries, the Bolney Wine Estate in Sussex and, more recently, Denbies Wine Estate in Dorking. Immediately post-harvest, grapes are taken to the chosen professional winery where they produce either sparkling or still rosé. Mark describes his vintage English sparkling wine as having a: “Persistent mousse of fine bubbles and complex fruit flavours.” The sparkling is dry, fruity with a slightly acidic finish and I loved it. The rosé is dry and light with a plum-like tickle on the palate. Mark recommends this as: “Excellent as an aperitif that goes well with lobster and other meatier kinds of fish.” This summer, the harvest was the largest recorded at three and a half tonnes, plus the warm weather meant it took place earlier. Surprisingly, Pewley Down also achieved a high juice extraction rate, which after a long hot summer could have suggested otherwise! The first wine from this harvest will be launched in 2019. A large harvest means the vines will need a less hectic year going forward. To manage this, Mark has planned to prune the plants to leave a lower amount of buds, reducing the number of grapes forming. A good way, he says, to give the plant a chance to recover from a vigorous season. To try the wine from this small vineyard, visit the Pewley Down website for a list of stockists. Or to sample, it’s available by the glass from Inn at Home in Guildford’s Quarry Street. essence INFO

Pewley Down Vineyard Guildford, Surrey GU1 2HF Website: www.pewleydownvineyard.co.uk Shirlee Posner is a food writer and blogger at www.eatsurrey.co.uk and provides social media management, web copywriting and food photography.

NOVEMBER 2018 | essence-magazine.co.uk 49

MY MONTH IN FOOD Stephanie Brookes, BBC Radio London food expert, offers her pick of an eating establishment for this month, choosing something a little different, Circus London in Covent Garden.

PHOTO COPYRIGHT: DAVID P MACDONALD

at Circus in London’s Covent Garden. It’s a kaleidoscope of cabaret, dancing and theatre, with something new to entertain guests every night. Entering the venue, the long, imposing runway (made of quartz, no less) literally takes centre stage and is the focal point for the evening’s entertainment; a glamorous magician circles the room, performing card tricks to delighted guests as they sip on Champagne: it’s not the average Wednesday night

Lobster Tempura PHOTO COPYRIGHT: CIRCUS

Korean BBQ Baby Chicken PHOTO COPYRIGHT: CIRCUS

s the nights draw in and the hurtle towards the festive season inevitably approaches, a sudden change to more nocturnal dining experiences open up around the capital. Just a few of the recent invites to arrive in my inbox include late-night cocktail evenings, intimate supper clubs and cosy fireside dinners, but none are more enticing than an invite to a night at Circus! An evening of glittering cabaret is always an exciting prospect, especially on these cooler, autumnal evenings and a little escapism brightens up the mid-week no end. Food and entertainment have always worked well together: when it’s ‘done’ right, that is. I believe you either have to know beforehand what the evening will entail, or the entertainment has to be unobtrusive enough that it blends seamlessly into the evening’s feasting. There is no doubt, however, as to what to expect when making a reservation

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dinner crowd, that’s for sure. Arriving at our table, a cocktail menu instantly greets us and a tipple (or two) is a must to start the evening in style. I can recommend the sweet, refreshing Sakura, made with a mix of vodka, cherry liqueur, lychee juice and elderflower cordial. The Pan-Asian menu, devised by executive chef, Andrew Lassetter, is designed for sharing and no dish was more highly anticipated than the Lobster Tempura. In fact, this dish was the one I noticed more tables requesting than any other – always a good sign. The sweet lobster meat, encased by an evenly golden, crispy batter was promptly smothered in the accompanying truffle-rich aioli. However, the lemon ponzu was the favourite sauce of the two offered for

Food review | STEPHANIE BROOKES PHOTO COPYRIGHT: ALISTAIR VERYARD PHOTOGRAPHY

White Chocolate Mousse PHOTO COPYRIGHT: CIRCUS

its bright, zesty notes which perfectly complemented the lobster, while never overpowering its natural flavour. The tempura was presented in the lobster’s vibrant red shell filled to the brim with soft, sticky rice – great for dipping in the accompanying sauces. As we finished the dish, the lights gently dimmed as the first act took to the stage. It’s quite something to behold to be suddenly presented with a professional fire-breather before your very eyes. The performances last around five minutes in duration and before you know it the lights are up and service commences once again. The whole operation moves slickly as the runway is cleared and servers bring out drinks and the dishes. A main course of Korean BBQ Baby Chicken, bok choi, goma dressing and pickled ginger was a deliciously sticky, sweet and moreish entrée: the generous spicy marinade covered every part of the crispy chicken skin. If you prefer dishes on the less fiery side, the chicken also has a cooling addition courtesy of the creamy goma dressing which had a deliciously herbal kick thanks to the aromatic note of coriander. My suggestion would be to order a side portion of sticky rice so none of the sauces go to waste. I spent most of the time trying to work out the exact ingredients, as I always think I will somehow replicate the dish at home (I never do, of course). Just as the lights dimmed again, I had luckily

mastered the art of the surreptitious mouthful while clapping the latest act. When it came to the final instalment of the evening – dessert – it had its very own little show, as the server gently poured a molten sauce atop a perfectly crisp chocolate shell. The passion fruit sauce instantly melts the creamy white chocolate, revealing a soft mound of the lightest yuzu mousse and sticky, caramelised pineapple. Eat with abandon before it turns into passion fruit soup. Or simply slurp from the bowl, just as the lights start to dim – no one would even notice. You would be forgiven for thinking that the food would take second place to the night’s performances. It’s pleasantly surprising to find that the food is excellent, even though at times you feel a small table lamp wouldn’t be amiss. I think the restaurant could stand alone without the theatrics, yet its unabashed commitment to combining food with entertainment is all part of its charm. I can see how you could easily get swept away by all the fun of the Circus... essence INFO

Circus London 27–29 Endell Street, Covent Garden, London WC2H 9BA Websites: www.circus-london.co.uk; www.stephaniebrookes.com Telephone: 020 7420 9300 Email: info@circus-london.co.uk

NOVEMBER 2018 | essence-magazine.co.uk 51

Take the Majestic Wine fitting Here’s the latest ‘must have’ accessory for Weybridge wine lovers – a personalised wine fitting!

isit the new tasting barrel at Majestic Wine’s Church Street store and be guided by their team of wine experts to help you discover new wines and love every bottle you buy. How does it work? First decide if it’s white or red that’s your preference – perhaps both! Then taste the wines that are open on the barrel and discover the different styles that suit your palate. Armed with this information, seek out the specially designed colour coded cards and explore with confidence. So, if you’re a fan of ripe, bold wines the purple card is the one for you. These wines will include Malbec, Zinfandel, Portuguese reds and Appassimento. This range of fun, rich wines are unlikely to offend anyone – which makes them great to serve at a party or when hosting a dinner. They are soft and smooth and often taste of blueberries, figs or plums. They go great with sirloin steak and sausages. Serve at room temperature to enhance their taste and avoid drinking with creamy sauces or green veg, such as brocolli. You get the picture? Your own selected colour coded cards allow you to then browse at leisure in-store and confidently buy the wines guaranteed to tantalise your taste buds. Of course if you need any help, just call on one of the team!

You can mix and match your choice, enjoying a discount price when you buy six or more wines, and Majestic offer a free delivery service. The wine fitting barrel takes the mystique out of choosing the exact wines for you and your friends to enjoy. It’s great fun! If you would like to join Majestic for their next in-store tasting event – Winter Warmers – it’s on Friday 9 November from 6 to 8 pm. Call 01932 859030 to reserve your free places, or visit them at 66/68 Church Street, Weybridge and say hello. A fabulous new gin with a unique taste will be a guest on the night, available to sample and buy. The wonderful world of wine awaits you on your personal journey of discovery at Majestic. What are you waiting for?! essence INFO

Majestic Wine Weybridge 66–68 Church Street, Weybridge KT13 8DL Telephone: 01932 859 030 Website: www.majestic.co.uk/stores/weybridge ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

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Psychology, psychotherapy, psychiatry and counselling For adults, young adults, children and couples We can all have difficulties in everyday life and encounter problems that we simply find hard to cope with alone. You may feel worried, anxious, low, confused, isolated or may be experiencing difficulties in relationships. These feelings and thoughts may persist and become overwhelming. In these circumstances it is difficult to know which way to turn. At times like these it can be helpful to talk things over in confidence with an experienced counsellor, psychotherapist or psychologist who will enable you to explore your concerns in a safe, contained environment, to help you develop appropriate strategies and techniques to cope with your life difficulties in a more effective way. We offer clinics in Weybridge and East Molesey.

Take a step forward and contact the practice for a free telephone consultation:

Telephone: 0333 0096 321 www.thepractice.co.uk

THE LATEST WELLBEING TRENDS FOR 2019 We’ve got the big news in health and fitness for 2019 according to the experts at Healthista wellbeing website says Elif Mazi.

et ahead of the curve for 2019 with the latest wellbeing trends. We’ve got a brilliant insider report from Healthista, the UK’s leading online wellbeing magazine for women, who partnered with Pullman London St. Pancras Hotel, for their first wellbeing trends event early last month. In an exciting showcase of TedX-style talks at the Kings Cross hotel, many of Europe’s key wellbeing experts talked us through their exciting predictions for 2019. From brain boosting nutrition to spiritual healing here’s the highlights from some of the most exciting trends set to emerge in 2019.

Brain boosting nutrition

First up, Surrey psychotherapist Jane Barnfield-Jukes, who founded the smart nutrition company Eudaemon, talked us through the latest developments in brain boosting supplements designed to promote psychological and emotional wellbeing. Last year was the year of the smart drug revolution, with many consumers purchasing prescription ADHD medications Adderall and Ritalin. This came with a shocking dark side as rehab facilities, such as UK Addiction Treatment Centres, reported a staggering 22% rise in hospitalisations for prescription addictions. 2019 is set to herald the arrival of new, all-natural cognitive supplements that remove the stigma – and addictive nature – of mind-altering drugs. This new category of ‘natural nootropic’ functional drinks and supplements claim to address issues such as brain fog, poor memory, anxiety, lack of focus and even depression. Earlier this month, Eudaemon launched Tranquil Plus – a supplement that is said to make users feel calm and relaxed. It is made up of a high doses of vitamin B6, magnesium, 5HTP, valerian root and the adaptogenic herb rhodiola rosea which supports the body in its response to stress, which sound like a decent alternative to antidepressants. As brain-boosting drugs were heavily popular in 2018, our money is on nutritional brain boosting supplements as the more natural safe alternative. Brain hacking tech gets stylish

Wearable tech tracks your steps, workouts, sleep and messages, but it isn’t always so stylish. That’s why in 2019, companies are coming up with more chic and fashionable ways to track your health.

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Beautiful pieces of jewellery that are stylish in themselves, but also function as stress tracking devices, will have a moment in 2019. The Bellabeat Leaf is one of the first wearable pieces of smart jewellery aimed specifically at women and tracks sleep, stress, steps, calorie burn and the menstrual cycle. The brand’s new Chakra design also now contains new healing crystals, combing wellness with founder Urska Srsen’s art and design background. Wearable brand Oura also launched their new Oura Ring at the 2018 Somnex Sleep Show, with the item being described as the ‘the world’s most advanced wearable tech’. Oura’s technology claims to use 51 tracking measurements including body temperature and breathing rate to measure not only consumer activity and sleep scores but also ranks customers on a ‘readiness’ index. This means that the ring uses markers such as sleep quality, recovery levels, balance between sleep and rest and heart rate to measure how ready the consumer is for their day. 2019 will see even further evolution of the lifestyle technology trend, with Bellabeat set to launch the world’s first water bottle that keeps track of your water intake.

Fat fasting for weight loss

For anyone interested serious about getting health benefits and keeping their weight down Intermittent Fasting (IF) was one of the key diets of choices for 2018. But in 2019 we’ll see this trend taken to the next level with the arrival of fat fasting. The most popular forms of IF include fasting for 16 hours and having an eating window of eight hours, giving devotees between midday and 8pm to consume their meals in a 16:8 format, while others also prefer 10:14, starting at 10am and stopping at midday.

Spiritual skin

But the big problem with IF is it’s not that easy. It can make you ‘hangry’ or angry and tired as you crave energy. Fat fasting is designed to stave off hunger pangs during the fasting window, with companies like the new and pioneering Ancient & Brave offering formulas with fats that don’t spike blood sugar and taste amazing. Created by former Hollywood stunt double turned naturopath Annelie Whitfield who did stunts for the likes of Cate Blanchett and Nicole Kidman, Ancient & Brave features delicious drinks that contain organic high-powered cacao and coffee blends mixed with other superfoods such as baobab. The drinks are also spiced with cinnamon but do not contain any sweetener or additives – only a little Himalayan sea salt for taste. Consumers can blend a few scoops with organic butter and another element – Ancient & Brave’s medium-chain triglyceride oil – proven to help burn fat around the middle. Ridiculously tasty and capable of stopping hunger pangs, Whitfield attributes the success of the drink to the effect of the fats, which are satiating without spiking blood sugar and help consumers in not breaking their fast. This product ensures fasting and weight loss resolutions in 2019 will be success.

Google searches for “crystal healing” have shot up by 40 per cent in the last four years, driven by the spirituality trend. The growth of beauty, facials and treatments that focus on energy healing, rituals and crystals are set to make 2019 the year that the consumer’s skin gets its own chakra-balancing system. Reiki master, Sushma Sagar of The Calmery in London, explained how she now does Reiki energy facials at her Harley Street practice, with a huge following from London’s wellness warriors and celebrities. Other brands jumping on the trend include energetic healing at the Rosewood Mayakoba in Mexico where the Kuxtal Sensor Garden Journey takes guests through ‘four life phases’ based on an herb selected for its ‘energy recognition’ properties. The Miraval Resort also offers a range of energy-healing treatments, using reiki, healing prayer and shamanic traditions. There were many more products that were showcased in the event, like children’s gyms and technical running. Sound interesting? essence INFO

Healthista 85 Frampton Street, London NW8 8NQ Website: www.healthista.com Telephone: 020 3892 4970

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

NOVEMBER 2018 | essence-magazine.co.uk 55

Spotlight on... Don Carlos, Rose Theatre Kingston Kingston-upon-Thames

Tuesday 6 to Saturday 17 November As part of the Rose’s tenth anniversary season, this is a major new revival of Friedrich Schiller’s thrilling romantic drama starring the excellent Tom Burke (the lead in BBC One’s Strike). Written just two years before the French Revolution and set against the terrifying backdrop of the ruthless Spanish Inquisition, Burke plays Rodrigo, Marquis of Posa, a champion of the oppressed, who questions the monarch’s iron rule when Don Carlos’ father, King Philip II, marries the love of Carlos’ life in order to seal a peace deal. Full of Shakespearean comparisons, the play’s themes include justice, equality, freedom of expression, religious bigotry and state persecution – all just as relevant today as they were then.

Information: rosetheatrekingston.org

Theatre Richmond Theatre Richmond

Tickets: atgtickets.com/richmond

Sunday 4 November An audience with Simon Reeve

Renowned journalist recounts tales from his travels.

New Wimbledon Theatre Wimbledon Wimbledon

Tickets: atgtickets.com/wimbledon

Saturday 10 November Harry Hill: How To Be Funny – FOR KIDS!

New, family show from talented, zany comedian. Monday 19 to

Monday 5 to Saturday 10 November Rain Man

Saturday 24 November Dirty Dancing

Mathew Horne stars in this play based on the popular film.

New production of this classic story of Baby and Johnny.

Monday 12 to Saturday 17 November The Case of the Frightened Lady

Cranleigh Arts Centre

Thriller by Edgar Wallace.

Cranleigh Wimbledon

Monday 26 November to

Tickets: cranleighartscentre.org

Saturday 1 December The Messiah

Friday 30 November Steve Bugeja: Almost

Hugh Dennis and Lesley Garrett star in this Christmas comedy.

Entertaining comedian.

New Victoria Theatre

Dorking Wimbledon

Dorking Halls

Woking

Tickets: dorkinghalls.co.uk

Tickets: atgtickets.com/woking

Friday 9 November Geoff Norcott: Traditionalism

Wednesday 7 to Thursday 8 November Peppa Pig’s Adventure

A brand new live show.

Star of BBC’s The Mash Report.

Farnham Maltings

Tuesday 27 November to

Farnham

Saturday 1 December The Nutcracker

Tickets: farnhammaltings.com

Performed by the superb Northern Ballet.

56 essence-magazine.co.uk | NOVEMBER 2018

Tuesday 20 November To Hell in a Handbag

Funny take on Wilde characters.

Tom Burke as the Marquis of Posa, Don Carlos, Rose Theatre

essence | EVENTS

the/diary / /diary NOVEMBER 2018 | essence-magazine.co.uk 57

G Live

The Electric Theatre

Tickets: glive.co.uk

Tickets: electric.theatre

Tuesday 6 November Nigella Lawson

Sunday 25 November Santa’s Christmas Party, 1.30pm

Conversation with the chef.

The show where every child receives a present from Santa.

Guildford

Wednesday 14 November An evening with Bradley Wiggins

Britain’s most decorated Olympian on a UK tour.

Guildford Gag House The Star Inn, Guildford

Guildford

Yvonne Arnaud Theatre Guildford

Tickets: yvonne-arnaud.co.uk

Thursday 8 to

Tickets: gaghousecomedy.com

Saturday 10 November Murder for Two

Friday 16 November

High-energy musical whodunnit.

Professional live comedy.

Guildford Shakespeare Company Various locations Tickets: guildford-shakespeare-company.co.uk

To Saturday 3 November Alice in Wonderland

Multi-venue restaging marking the 150th anniversary of Lewis Carroll’s relationship with Guildford.

Thursday 15 to Saturday 17 November Salad Days

A much-loved, sunny musical. Monday 19 to Saturday 24 November Rebus: Long Shadows

Ian Rankin’s detective inspector John Rebus brought to the stage for the first time.

Molesey Musical Theatre

Music

Tickets: moleseymusicaltheatre.com

Boileroom

Vera Fletcher Hall, Thames Ditton Saturday 17 to Sunday 18 November 1918 & All That

Guildford

Musical entertainment based on music and shows from the era.

Throughout the year

Tickets: theboileroom.net

Rose Theatre Kingston

A community hub showcasing music, events and the arts. See website for gig details.

Tickets: rosetheatrekingston.org

Dorking Halls

Kingston-upon-Thames

Tuesday 6 to Saturday 17 November Don Carlos

See Spotlight on previous page. Saturday 24 November Harry Hill: How To Be Funny – FOR KIDS!

New, family show from national treasure and talented, zany comedian Harry Hill. Thursday 6 December to Sunday 6 January Hansel & Gretel

A festive new version of the Brothers Grimm tale with witch’s curse, magical beasts and fairy tale bandits.

58 essence-magazine.co.uk | NOVEMBER 2018

Nigella Lawson, G Live

Dorking Wimbledon Tickets: dorkinghalls.co.uk

Vivace Chorus, Concert for Peace, G Live

Friday 16 November The Real Thing

Feel the force in Dorking.

Epsom Playhouse Epsom Wimbledon

Tickets: epsomplayhouse.co.uk

Wednesday 14 November Northern Soul Live

Talcum time at this soul and Motown party with the Edwin Starr band, The Team, featuring Angelo Starr with guest singer Lorraine Silver.

Simon Reeve, Richmond Theatre

essence | EVENTS

Spotlight on... Beyond the Deepening Shadow: The Tower Remembers Tower of London Sunday 4 to Sunday 11 November, 5–9pm Following Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red, the poignant installation placed at the Tower of London in 2014, marking 100 years since the outbreak of World War I, this new light and sound display at the Tower marks the centenary of the end of the War. Free to view from Tower Hill and the Tower concourse, for eight nights up to and including Armistice Day 2018, Beyond the Deepening Shadow will begin with a procession led by Yeoman Warders – themselves all distinguished ser icemen and women who will ceremoniall light the first ame. he ower’s moat will then graduall fill with thousands of indi idual ames as an act of remembrance for the li es of the fallen. his isual spectacle will be accompanied by a sound installation exploring the shifting political alliances, friendshp, love and loss in war. In addition, there will be a new choral work with words from War Poet Mary Borden’s Sonnets to a Soldier. Members of the public are invited to return to the Tower of London to see the installation evolve each night.

Information: hrp.org.uk

Epworth Choir

Surrey Music

Guildford Cathedral Wimbledon

Monday 3 December Kate Rusby at Christmas

Tickets: epworthchoir.org

Traditional folk singer and band.

Tickets: christmasconcert.org.uk

Saturday 24 November

Tuesday 4 December Katie Melua & Gori Women’s Choir

Saturday 1 December A Perfect Christmas Night

Katie will be joined by Gori Women’s Choir, featured on her 2016 album In Winter.

Elmbridge Choir, Elmbridge Ladies Choir and guests perform timeless pop, rock and seasonal classics in this charity concert.

A Remembrance-themed concert to mark the centenary of the Armistice. The 200+ combined voices of Epworth Choir and Islington Choral Society will be joined by the Philharmonia Orchestra and a stellar line-up of vocal soloists. The concert will support SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity.

Glenn Tilbrook solo tour St. John’s Church, Farncombe Tickets: ents24.com

Friday 9 November

A solo acoustic show from the Squeeze front man.

G Live

Guildford Tickets: glive.co.uk

Tuesday 20 November Deacon Blue

Lead singer Ricky Ross and his band celebrate thirty years of Deacon Blue with this tour featuring classic hits.

Guildford Choral Guildford Cathedral

Tickets: guildfordchoral.org

Sunday 11 November Britten: War Requiem,

Christ Church, Woking

Vivace Chorus G Live, Guildford

Tickets: glive.co.uk

PHOTO COPYRIGHT: R. LEA-HAIR/HISTORIC ROYAL PALACES

Festivals and fairs Art for Christmas

Cranleigh Arts Centre Information: cranleighartscentre.org

Saturday 1 December, 10am–4pm

Presented by Surrey Artists’ Open Studio members, a chance to buy unique gifts.

Christmas Fair

Centenary Remembrance

Saturday 10 November Concert for Peace

The end of World War One is marked with a performance of this intense work, which combines poems by First World War poet Wilfred Owen with the traditional words of the Requiem Mass.

Marking 100 years since the end of the Great War with music and readings featuring Dame Penelope Keith, the Vivace Chorus and Friary Brass Band in aid of the Royal British Legion.

Information: farnhammaltings.com

Guildford Symphony Orchestra

Woking Symphony Orchestra

Festival of Fire

G Live, Guildford

Tickets: g-s-o.org.uk

Saturday 24 November Russian Masterpieces

A gala concert featuring works by Tchaikovsky, Rachmaninov and Shostakovich.

H.G. Wells Conference & Events Centre, Woking Tickets: wokingso.org.uk

Saturday 24 November Autumn concert

Featuring works by Brahms and Tchaikovsky.

Farnham Maltings Wednesday 28 to

Thursday 29 November

With over 150 stands showcasing handmade gifts, stocking fillers, crafts, vintage, food and drink.

The Children’s Trust, Tadworth Court Information: thechildrenstrust.org.uk

Saturday 17 November

Stalls, refreshments, music, retro games and the Trust’s sponsored Fire Walk, a chance to walk across hot coals – see website for details.

NOVEMBER 2018 | essence-magazine.co.uk 59

Cinemas Cranleigh Arts Centre 01483 278000 or cranleighartscentre.org Farnham Maltings 02152 745444 or farnhammaltings.com Odeon Esher 0871 2244007 or odeon.co.uk fanatic film times s

esher

Odeon Epsom 0871 2244007 or odeon.co.uk fanatic film times s

epsom

Odeon Guildford 0871 2244007 or odeon.co.uk fanatic film times s 2 guildford The Screen Walton 01 32 2 2 2 or screencinemas.co.uk The Ambassadors Cinema, Woking 0844 871 6743 or ambassadortickets.com/cinema

Exhibitions McAllister Thomas High Street, Godalming Information: mcallisterthomasfineart.co.uk

From Saturday 10 November All Weathers by David Atkins

Drawings and paintings by this renowned landscape painter.

Watts Gallery

Compton, Guildford Information: wattsgallery.org.uk

To Sunday 6 January In Print: Making Impressions

With contributions from a dozen of the foremost British printmakers. Tuesday 13 November to Sunday 17 March Christina Rossetti: Vision & Verse

West Street, Farnham

Explore the Victorian poet’s connection with visual art showcasing paintings, illustrations, works on paper and photography.

Information:

Saturday 24 to

farnhammaltings.com/museum

Sunday 25 November Christmas Weekend

Museum of Farnham

To Saturday 22 December Behind Closed Doors: 300 years of Willmer House

Celebrating the anniversary.

New Ashgate Gallery Farnham

Information: newashgate.org.uk

Saturday 10 November to Saturday 5 January Winter craft exhibition

Make Christmas crafts, buy artisan gifts, meet Father Christmas and enjoy festive music and carols.

National Trust

Glass, jewellery, sculpture, prints and paintings on show, with two shopping events to include mince pies and festive drinks on 10 November and 1 December.

National Trust properties offer perfect venues to explore at any time of the year. We list a few here, but visit nationaltrust.org.uk for more.

The Lightbox Gallery and Museum

Box Hill

Woking

Information: 01372 220644

Information: thelightbox.org.uk

Thursday 6 to Friday 7 December,

To Sunday 13 January Impressionism: The Art of Life

10am–3pm Crafts for Christmas

A rare combination of French Impressionist paintings and sculpture.

Meet at Box Hill’s Shepherd’s Hut to make natural festive decorations.

60 essence-magazine.co.uk | NOVEMBER 2018

Robin, Surrey Wildlife Trust PHOTO COPYRIGHT: NEIL ALDRIDGE/SWT

Red poppyfield with cornflowers by Becca Clegg, Art for Christmas, Cranleigh Arts Centre

Tadworth

Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink

essence | EVENTS

Claremont Landscape Garden near Esher

Information: 01372 467806

Tuesday 20 November, 11am–12.30pm Autumn colour walk

Join guide Hilary for a walk through Claremont this autumn.

Hindhead Commons Surrey Hills

Information: 01428 681051

Saturday 1 , 8 and Sunday 9 December Harvest your own Christmas tree

Out and about Bocketts Farm Park Fetcham

Information: bockettsfarm.co.uk

Thursday 22 November to Monday 24 December Visit Father Christmas

Meet Santa in his traditional haybarn workshop.

Cut your own perfect pine.

Brooklands Museum

Leith Hill Place

Tickets: brooklandsmuseum.com

near Dorking

Information: 01306 711685

Friday 30 November and Saturday 1 December, 10.30am–1pm Christmas wreath making

Create a festive wreath using greenery gathered from the local area. Book on 0344 249 1895.

Polesden Lacey

Great Bookham, near Dorking Information: 01372 452048

Weybridge

Sunday 18 November, 10am–4pm Military vehicles day

See over 80 vehicles from across the decades and representing the field of conflict around the world.

Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink hamptoncourtpalaceicerink.co.uk

To Friday 30 November Wellness Walk

Information: painshill.co.uk

An uplifting, two hour, self-led trail which guides walkers to awe-inspiring viewpoints.

Sunday 23 December Painshill festive illuminations with

Sunday 11, 18 and 25 November Meet a woodsman

Chat with Leo the woodsman about coppicing and how visitors can help conserve the Arboretum.

Tickets: rhs.org.uk/wisley

Information:

Wednesday 21 to

surreywildlifetrust.org/events

Sunday 25 November Christmas craft fair

Wednesday 21 November,

A special tour of the Museum as night falls. Advance tickets only.

From June 1915 to late 1916 Margaret Greville opened Polesden as a convalescent hospital for officers. To mark 100 years since the end of the Great War, Polesden Hospital offers a rare glimpse into the lives of people who lived and worked at Polesden during that time.

Information: 01483 208936

Surrey Wildlife Trust

Woking

To Thursday 29 November Polesden Hospital

Godalming

RHS Wisley

Wednesday 14 November, 6–9.30pm Torchlight tour

Hampton Court

Winkworth Arboretum

Military vehicles day, Brooklands Museum

Tickets:

Friday 23 November to Sunday 6 January

Skate on this open air ice rink, set against the stunning backdrop of King Henry VIII’s former home.

Painshill Park Cobham

Saturday 24 November to

brand new Santa’s Toy Factory

See the landscape garden transformed with twinkling, colourful lights and laser beams. Walk the magical, glowing winter trail and listen to a live band, visit food stalls and enjoy a marshmallow camp fire. Visit the new children’s experience, Santa’s Toy Factory, to see presents being made and receive a gift.

Various locations

10–11.30am Understanding Whitmoor

Find that unique Christmas gift from an array of traditional and contemporary crafts.

Explore this protected habitat, home to a wide variety of wildlife.

Wednesday 28 November to

Weybridge Christmas market and lantern parade

Sunday 23 December Santa stories and gingerbread

Weybridge

Visit Wisley for stories with Santa, decorating gingerbread and craft activities.

Information: allaboutweybridge.co.uk

Saturday 1 December, 1–6pm

Unique Christmas food and gift ideas with a lantern parade and Christmas tree lights switched on.

Sandown Park Racecourse Esher

Tickets:

The Hogs Back Road Race

sandown.thejockeyclub.co.uk

Sunday 11 November 188BET jump season opener

Loseley House, Guildford

Jump racing returns to Esher with an action-packed card and tickets, restaurant and private box packages all available.

Sunday 2 December, 9am start

Information: aat-events.com

An 11.4 kilometre road race around the Loseley Estate and over the Hogs Back held for 58 years.

Farmers’ markets Camberley Saturday 17 November, 10am–3pm Cranleigh E er Epsom Sunda

rida , .30 11am o ember and 2 ecember, .30am 1.30pm

Farnham Sunday 25 November, 10am–1.30pm Guildford Tuesday 6 November and 4 December, 10.30am–3.30pm Haslemere Sunday 4 November and 2 December, 10am–1.30pm Milford Sunday 18 November, 10am–1.30pm Ripley Saturda 10 o ember and

ecember, am 1pm

Walton-on-Thames Saturda 3 o ember and 1 ecember, .30am 2pm Woking hursda 1 o ember and 6 ecember, am 2pm

NOVEMBER 2018 | essence-magazine.co.uk 61

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Finding your next home... ri ate

fice

www.barnes-london.com

Knight Frank www.knightfrank.co.uk

Trenchard-Arlidge www.trenchardarlidge.co.uk

John D Wood www.johndwood.co.uk

Curchods www.curchods.com

Broadway and Parsons Green takes Grosvenor Billinghurst 17 minutes to Oxford Circus and just www.grosvenorb.co.uk half an hour to Canary Wharf. Heathrow Airport is 32 minutes away from nearby Hammersmith Underground. Winkworth Fulham has a vibrant mix of shops, www.winkworth.co.uk restaurants and bars, whilst Bishops Park and the river provide some peace and quiet. Nearby Ofsted â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;outstandingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; rated schools include Fulham Cross Girls School, London Oratory School as well as APW Lettings independent schools such as Fulham www.apwproperty.com Prep School.

For further information please contact Octagon on 020 8481 7500 or Strutt & Parker on 020 7731 7100. Waterfords www.waterfords.co.uk

Octagon 020 8481 7500 | OCTAGON.CO.UK www.octagon.co.uk

16/02/2018 17:22 62 essence-magazine.co.uk | NOVEMBER 2018

8 High Street, Cobham, Surrey, KT11 3DY Telephone: 01932 588288

essence

PROPERTY

Pound Cottage ÂŁ1,550,000

The Street, Guildford, Surrey A quintessential 17th century family house with later additions, set in beautiful landscaped gardens located in the heart of the village of West Clandon. This picturesque house belies its pretty cottage-style exterior combining period features such as exposed timbers and a large inglenook fireplace with well-proportioned rooms, good ceiling heights and imaginati e additions that complement and extend the living space to over 3600 sq ft. An excellent range of reception rooms including a family room, orangery-style dining room, sitting room and drawing room pro ide e ible famil space to suit a ariet of lifest les. The kitchen is a particular feature with extensive cabinetry, Miele appliances, an AGA, granite work surfaces and splashbacks. our fi e bedrooms and two bathrooms, one of which is an en suite complete the upstairs accommodation a double height s uare ba oods both the drawing room and master bedroom with an abundance of light. Within the beautifull landscaped gardens which e tend to o er half an acre and boast e pansi e lawns with man fine specimen trees and shrubs. Guildford 4.8 miles, Ripley 2.9 miles, East Horsley 4.6 miles, Central London 28.5 miles, Clandon Train Station 0.3 miles (from 48 minutes to London Waterloo), A3 (Southbound) 0.9 miles, M25 5.3 miles, Gatwick 23.4 miles, Heathrow 19.4 miles. (All distances and times are approximate).

NOVEMBER 2018 | essence-magazine.co.uk 63

8 High Street, Cobham, Surrey, KT11 3DY Telephone: 01932 588288

Boxwood ÂŁ1,250,000

Sheath Lane, Oxshott, Surrey This semi-detached property is located 0.4 miles from Oxshott village. A characterful period family house, built in 1902, that has kept many of its original features while being maintained to a high standard. The house has large, well proportioned rooms with high ceilings throughout and also offers scope for extension (STPP). The ground floor accommodation consists of a large drawing room with bay window, dining room and sitting room with doors to the garden. The kitchen has a pantry, garden access and space for a breakfast table. Upstairs there are four bedrooms, one with a walk-in wardrobe, the other three with fitted wardrobes. Many of the original working fireplaces have been kept. There is ample parking for at least three cars on the private driveway. The gardens back (100 ft) and front (40 ft) are well stocked with plants but still easy to maintain and

child-play friendly. The patio to the back of the house is shaded in summer by a grapevine. In the garden there is also a workshop and a fully functioning office, along with a greenhouse and potting shed. Sheath Lane is a quiet residential road on the edge of Oxshott Heath with the station (direct to Waterloo in 35 minutes) just seven minutes easy walk from the front door. Oxshott village is also a few minutesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; walk away, with shops, petrol station and pubs. Cobham, with more shops and restaurants is a 10 minute drive.

Michelin star homes in Maidenhead attract good taste An award-winning restaurant, cosy café or highly-regarded pub can make a home even more appealing to modern buyers. Within the highlysought after Berkshire countryside, the thriving town of Maidenhead is a magnet for foodies who appreciate great taste. The latest Good Food Guide 2019 and Michelin Guide 2019 has reaffirmed the status of the area’s two Michelin 3-star restaurants, The Fat Duck and The Waterside Inn. Approximately one mile away from both establishments, foodies will be well-served at Green Gates, Spitfire Bespoke Homes’ Michelin star-worthy development, in Maidenhead, Berkshire. The Berkshire village of Bray is home to Heston Blumenthal’s Fat Duck, which appeared 10th in the Good Food Guide 2019, whilst The Waterside Inn, the only establishment in the UK to have retained three Michelin stars for over 30 years, came in at 35th. Perfect for foodies looking to enjoy fine dining and fine living, Green Gates is a stunning collection of seven, four and five-bedroom detached and semi-detached properties, just minutes from both of these top restaurants, where just two homes remain. Richard Page, Sales and Marketing Director of Spitfire Bespoke Homes, comments: “Maidenhead is the perfect area for those looking to enjoy an excellent choice of restaurants on their doorstep and our Green Gates development is right in the heart of Berkshire’s well renowned food scene. There are now only two homes remaining, both with large bespoke kitchen islands and dining areas, providing the ideal space for food lovers to enjoy dining both in the comfort of their home and out.” Set within a private gated drive with a woodland backdrop, The Dimbleby is one of the final properties remaining at Green Gates. The impressive three-storey detached house boasts five double bedrooms, two with en-suite bathrooms. On the ground floor, the expansive kitchen/dining/ family room extends the whole length of the house, creating the perfect space for cooking, entertaining and socialising as a family. Bi-folding

doors open from this room onto the rear garden, maximising natural light and space. There is also a separate spacious living room with French doors, as well as a utility room and cloakroom. Upstairs, the large master suite incorporates a dressing room and en-suite bathroom. The second bedroom also boasts a dressing room and en-suite, while the remaining three bedrooms share the family bathroom on the first floor, and a shower room on the second floor. The homes at Green Gates are finished to an exceptionally high specification, with individually designed kitchens featuring Silestone quartz worktops, glass splashbacks and integrated Siemens appliances, and white contemporary sanitary ware by Villeroy and Boch with polished chrome fittings by Hansgrohe in the bathrooms. The Boulting is currently available for £1.195m, whilst The Dimbleby is available for £1.245m. For further information, please visit www.greengatesmaidenhead.co.uk, or call 01628 636550.

Image is the show apartment at Colborne Place

1, 2 AND 3 BEDROOM APARTMENTS FINISHED TO THE HIGHEST STANDARDS

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1, 2 & 3 BED APARTMENTS FROM £425,000

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A stylish block of 32 apartments with fully fitted kitchens and bathrooms. Just 800m from Woking station and the High Street.

A stylish block of 21 apartments, each with a balcony or terrace. Residents sun terrace and cycle store. Just 200m from New Malden station and the High Street.

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31 High Street, New Malden, Surrey KT3 4BY

01483 776 644

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EFFINGHAM

£870,000

In private cul-de-sac – walk of local shops and Howard of Effingham school. Three reception rooms. Kitchen/breakfast room plus utility. Master bedroom, dressing room, bathroom suite. Three further bedrooms and family bathroom. Double garage and garden. No onward chain. EPC: D.

SOLE AGENTS

OXSHOTT VILLAGE

01932 864242

£945,000

A character four bedroom family home with three reception rooms, extended kitchen and further scope to enlarge. Large, south-facing rear garden, double garage and good off-street parking. Situated in the centre of the village and within walking distance of the station. EPC rating: E.

SOLE AGENTS

01372 843833

OXSHOTT VILLAGE

£695,000

A well renovated, larger, Edwardian semi-detached house with period style – walk of shops, station and schools. Good hall. Sitting room. Dining room. Double aspect kitchen. Three bedrooms. Re-fitted bathroom. Paviour parking for three/four cars. 116ft south backing garden with extensive patio. EPC: E.

SOLE AGENTS

01932 864242

OXSHOTT – PRIVATE ESTATE

£1,395,000

Situated in Knott Park, a family home recently improved and well presented. Four double bedrooms, three receptions, kitchen/breakfast room and secret first floor den. Screened private rear garden with intriguing ‘facilities’, double garage, sauna and ample off street parking. Scope also to extend STPP. EPC: D.

SOLE AGENTS

01372 843833

Estate Agents in Cobham, Stoke D’Abernon and Oxshott for over 80 years

Copsem Lane Esher KT10 • £2,350,000 • EPC rating: D

This exquisite detached family home offers everything the modern family could require, located just half a mile from the vibrant high street. A substantial property in excess of 5,000 sq ft of immaculate accommodation, seven bedrooms, six bathrooms, four receptions rooms and a beautiful mature west-facing rear garden with swimming pool and patio. Claygate and Esher train stations are within close proximity. The area is renowned for outstanding state and private schooling.

Broomhill Court, Esher Close, Esher KT10 • £999,000 • EPC rating: B

Situated in an exclusive gated development in the heart of Esher is this luxurious second floor apartment, moments from the vibrant high street. This beautiful home offers lift access, two double bedrooms with en suite bathrooms, utility, kitchen and spacious lounge/dining room with views overlooking the communal gardens. Concierge service, indoor swimming pool/gym and two underground parking spaces.

ESHER 01372 462211 • WWW.JOHNDWOOD.CO.UK

Stonehill Road, Ottershaw KT16 • Freehold • £1,275,000 Situated in a semi-rural location on the Chobham/ ttershaw borders, this ve bedroom detached home is set within a secluded plot of approximately 0. acres, overlooking woodland to the rear often frequented by wild deer. The property has been extended and refurbished to a very high speci cation throughout by the current owners.

Windsor Road, Chobham GU24 8LE • Freehold • £1,000,000 Set within walking distance to Chobham Village, this Regency-style four bedroom detached property is offered to the market with no onward chain with potential to extend and refurbish throughout.

WATERFORDS CHOBHAM • 32 HIGH STREET, CHOBHAM, SURREY GU24 8AA • 01276 903300 • WATERFORDS.CO.UK

Seaview villa

BARNES International has announced that a seaview villa located in Porto Heli in Argolida, one of Greece’s most luxurious destinations located opposite the island of Spetses, has hit the market for an impressive €8 million.

orto Heli, on the eastern Peloponnese, also known as the ‘Greek Riviera’, is frequented by some of Greece’s most influential and renowned aristocratic families. The area known as the Saronic Gulf has a unique natural harbour, sheltered bays and pine-bordered private, sandy beaches making the region particularly popular for yacht owners. A couple of hours from Athens, Porto Heli has a private airport just south of the town and Spetses island can be reached within minutes by boat. With wonderful views of the sea and the Peloponnese coastline, the superb villa is rooted in the natural landscape, with an infinity pool, a large sun terrace, a shaded veranda with a cooking and dining area surrounded by a Mediterranean garden with olive and cypress trees. The 1,100 sq m/11,840 sq ft of living space with eight bedrooms, eight bathrooms and two large living areas spans over three floors. The guest house is set over two levels and comprises three bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms, a fully equipped kitchen and a large living and dining area with a fireplace.

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Greece’s Association of Certified Real Estate Experts state that the country’s housing market is showing signs of improvement responding to a recovering economy with real estate being sold off at a much quicker rate than in previous years. “Only a few kilometres from the Greek capital, Porto Heli is an affluent and exclusive destination as well as a place of outstanding natural beauty. This unique property is a substantially sized family home that offers unparalleled views of the Aegean Sea and the beautiful island of Spetses. The property has a number of standout features including the sun terrace and large verandas, and is designed to a high standard in keeping with the natural environment surrounding the house.” Chris Maclean, BARNES International property specialist essence INFO

BARNES manages the investment, enhancement and realisation of real estate and a selection of other asset classes, on behalf of the world’s most affluent individuals. Websites: www.barnes-international.com, www.barnes-privateoffice.com ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

A UNIQUE PERSPECTIVE ON BUYING, RENTING AND SELLING HOMES

THE HAVEN, KENNEL RIDE, ASCOT, SL5 £1,350,000

The Haven is a beautiful Edwardian home with a wealth of period features which captures your attention the moment you arrive. Entering through the characterful pale green wooden gate you are welcomed by the imposing entrance and reception hall which is a reception room in itself. The entrance hall provides access to all principle reception rooms including drawing room, TV/snug and family room. Beyond the family room you can enjoy the extremely light and spacious kitchen/dining room with its direct access via bi-fold doors to the garden. The property offers five wonderful bedrooms and three bathrooms. EPC: D.

LARCHWOOD, HEATHFIELD AVENUE, SUNNINGHILL, SL5 0AL GUIDE PRICE £3,400,000

Larchwood is an outstanding seven bedroom detached home built by Osborne Developments in 2011 and designed by the current owners who have together created a timeless classic to include tall Georgian windows, bespoke handmade staircase, a solid concrete structure and underfloor heating throughout. Larchwood is located in Heathfield Avenue, one of the best roads in Sunninghill with its easy access to the village offering an excellent array of shops and restaurants. Ascot and Sunningdale are also close by offering mainline stations to London Waterloo, Reading and Guildford. EPC: C.

SUNNINGDALE | 01344 291639 sunningdale@winkworth.co.uk

winkworth.co.uk/sunningdale

OFFICES IN LONDON, THE COUNTRY AND OVERSEAS SEE THINGS DIFFERENTLY

APW Lettings, Weybridge 134 Oatlands Drive • Oatlands Village • Weybridge • Surrey • KT13 9HJ t: 01932 857300 e: weybridge@apwproperty.com Office hours: Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm. Saturday 9am to 5pm

www.apwproperty.com Godolphin Road, Weybridge, KT13 £9,900 per month Available from 18 December 2018 UNFURNISHED Six bedrooms, five bathrooms and four reception rooms Gated, detached, executive home located in a private road on the outskirts of St Georges Hill, less than one mile from Weybridge station. Finished to an exceptional, high premier Octagon specification, modern, light with neutral decor, open plan downstairs, underfloor heating, landscaped rear garden, patio, double garage and driveway.

Ashley Park Avenue, Ashley Park, Walton On Thames, KT12 £5,500 per month Available from 14 November 2018 UNFURNISHED Five bedrooms, three bathrooms and five reception rooms Character, detached, five bedroom family home ideally located in this prestigious private estate with a mature and exceptionally large garden. Ashley Park is perfect for families being close to the town centre and within easy walking distance of mainline station. Four reception rooms plus stunning conservatory. Double garage and large driveway.

Merry Christmas Weybridge JOIN US IN BAKER STREET SATURDAY 1 DECEMBER, 1–6pm Artisan food and craft market for unique Christmas gifts Children’s lantern parade 4pm Christmas tree lights switch-on 4.45pm Choirs • mulled wine • mince pies • delicious hot food • Brooklands Radio

Organised by The Weybridge Town Business Group Follow us on Twitter @Weybridgegreen www.allaboutweybridge.co.uk/weybridge-town-business-group For further information please contact Gill Eastwood: gilleastwood@btinternet.com or Sharon Ferrari: sharon.ferrari@geminera.com WITH THANKS TO THE ROTARY CLUB OF WOKING

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